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And Baby Makes Three #1
A Christmas Blessing
From the author of Feels Like Family, a Netflix Book Club Pick!Return to the heart of the Adams Dynasty with this fan-favorite Christmas tale from New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods… Widowed Jessie Adams was about to give birth, and she needed help—fast! Unfortunately, the closest ranch in her small Texas town belonged to her late husband's brother, Luke, who didn't know a thing about delivering babies. And though this charismatic rancher was her only hope, he was the last person Jessie wanted to be stranded with in her time of need.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 1995
279 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
556 books4,530 followersWith two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 26, 2020
Jessica Adams lost her husband last year, but not before she became pregnant and now she's in labor. Afraid she'll never make it to her in-laws, she stops at her brother-in-law's ranch. Not that Luke was expecting her, but he has no choice to be end up helping her give birth to her daughter.
The big problem here is not the home birth, which goes swimmingly, but rather the conflict both of these characters feel about their predicament: trapped by a snowstorm over Christmas. Jessie has always been attracted to Luke and Luke feels guilty that he fell in love with Jessie before she ended up marrying his brother. And his death only compounds the guilt each of them feel.
When his father finally rescues Jessie and brings her and the baby back to his mansion, it doesn't take long before questions arise in the rest of the family re: what's going on between the two of them. Were it not for the unlikeliness of a woman barely days from giving birth being up and around so quickly, I would have given this tale five stars, but how she reacts to Luke had some unreality about it.
The big problem here is not the home birth, which goes swimmingly, but rather the conflict both of these characters feel about their predicament: trapped by a snowstorm over Christmas. Jessie has always been attracted to Luke and Luke feels guilty that he fell in love with Jessie before she ended up marrying his brother. And his death only compounds the guilt each of them feel.
When his father finally rescues Jessie and brings her and the baby back to his mansion, it doesn't take long before questions arise in the rest of the family re: what's going on between the two of them. Were it not for the unlikeliness of a woman barely days from giving birth being up and around so quickly, I would have given this tale five stars, but how she reacts to Luke had some unreality about it.
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March 31, 2023Not rating because I didn’t read enough of this to rate it fairly. I’ve never read this author before so I’ll try another book to see if this was just not my cup of tea or if I’ll just avoid this writer.
Personally, (maybe I’m sensitive) this romance was too uncomfortable for me. The male romantic lead is in love and lust with his sister in law and she was also attracted to him. Does this happen IRL? I suppose it can but it felt taboo (incestuous). The hero, wracked with guilt because of an accident that killed his brother, can’t be around his brother’s widow. Ok. That makes sense. His guilt in thinking he killed his brother was nonsensical but yes, if you have feelings for your brothers wife, distance yourself.
This story doesn’t have what I call a back story…it focuses on the couple and without anything else going on, I’m not going to read it because too much focus is on the day to day, particularly if there’s no fun dialogue…and there wasn’t. I was also bothered that the brother hadn’t been dead long before this romance blossomed. And there was all this angsty forbidden love I just stopped reading.
Personally, (maybe I’m sensitive) this romance was too uncomfortable for me. The male romantic lead is in love and lust with his sister in law and she was also attracted to him. Does this happen IRL? I suppose it can but it felt taboo (incestuous). The hero, wracked with guilt because of an accident that killed his brother, can’t be around his brother’s widow. Ok. That makes sense. His guilt in thinking he killed his brother was nonsensical but yes, if you have feelings for your brothers wife, distance yourself.
This story doesn’t have what I call a back story…it focuses on the couple and without anything else going on, I’m not going to read it because too much focus is on the day to day, particularly if there’s no fun dialogue…and there wasn’t. I was also bothered that the brother hadn’t been dead long before this romance blossomed. And there was all this angsty forbidden love I just stopped reading.
December 18, 2022
I would give this book 3 1/2 stars. It was a predictable love story, kind of like a Hallmark movie. It is a quick easy read but I wouldn’t put it at the top of my holiday list.
November 19, 2022
Meh. Considered stopping and returning numerous times. I even looked up the chirpbooks return policy. I wonder what a "significant portion" would be? They totally should have put a percentage with that. Isn't that kinda up for debate? Kept listening cause i thought it would get better. Unlikable unrealistic characters. The reason they can't be together is sooooo stupid (imo) and the author repeats it over and over again because if you repeat something that makes it true right? Omg talk about toxic family. Do yourself a favor and skip this one. No way in heck would i have kept listening had i not bought the book and the return policy seemed so dubious. Not a fan of the narrator either, however she is tolerable at 1.3x.
January 4, 2015
This read was a total disappointment. I just couldn't enjoy it because it was so insipid, generic, unoriginal and unrealistic. And above all; what little content it had, it was repeated over and over.
In a nutshell: widowed Jessie Adams is about to give birth on her way to visit her (former) in-laws. She needs assistance and a safe warm place. Unfortunately, the closest ranch in the part of Texas where she is stranded, belongs to her late husband's brother, Luke, who doesn't know a thing about delivering babies. And though this brooding rancher is her only hope, he is somehow the last person Jessie wants to see in her time of need.
I will tell you this: this book blurb may sound promising, but the story is so boring, it really isn't worth the read.
Let this be a reminder to myself that books by writer Sherryl Woods are on my “don’t purchase” list.
If I could give a "zero" rating for truly bad, I'd give it.
In a nutshell: widowed Jessie Adams is about to give birth on her way to visit her (former) in-laws. She needs assistance and a safe warm place. Unfortunately, the closest ranch in the part of Texas where she is stranded, belongs to her late husband's brother, Luke, who doesn't know a thing about delivering babies. And though this brooding rancher is her only hope, he is somehow the last person Jessie wants to see in her time of need.
I will tell you this: this book blurb may sound promising, but the story is so boring, it really isn't worth the read.
Let this be a reminder to myself that books by writer Sherryl Woods are on my “don’t purchase” list.
If I could give a "zero" rating for truly bad, I'd give it.
November 27, 2011
This starts one of the best love stories ever, but the best feel good knock down family story ever. It will make you laugh & cry and sometimes at the same time. This too is a must read series but it may be hard to find but worth every moment.
November 21, 2024
Strong ‘ick’ factor for me.
December 21, 2025
From the first paragraph the story told how Luke Adams family was controlling. Luke Adams, who felt like his father had no respect for him, had managed to walk away from the Adams estate to make it on his own without his father's bossing. At this time in his, he is full of grief over his brother Eric's death. Luke blues himself and assumes his whole family is happy to not have to have his presence at their Christmas gathering. Eric's widow, Jesse also broke away after her husband's death even though she holds family in high esteem. She is pregnant, but not due for a few weeks yet. As she is driving, a snow storm is getting worse. She is driving very slowly. When she realizes the back ache she's been dealing with is actually labor - it's too soon. As she drives, the country roads are deserted. She comes to realize she has to find shelter, and hopefully a hospital, but she seems to be in a rather large deserted area. As her labor increases significantly she gets desperate for shelter and help. She realizes that Luke Adam's home is only five miles away. Luke has sent his housekeeper away and has begun his drinking to drown his misery and guilt when pounding comes at his door. Upon opening it, he is stunned to see his sister-in-law standing - no, now, she's collapsing. She announces she's having her baby - NOW. Luke has no choice other than to help her have his brother's baby. The bother who would be here if Luke hadn't sent him out on that tractor that he knew Eric couldn't handle. Unknown to Jesse, Luke has mourned for the two years of her marriage that Eric got her - not him. This was a sort of good love story. The author included the intimate details of what Luke was feeling as he assisted Jesse to deliver little Angel. Later in the story when they both admit to having strong feelings for each other and both realizing it's too soon, Luke's bossy, overbearing father will not hesitate to tell them what to do about this problem. His mother will assume that she will be totally shamed among her socialite "friends." As Jesse pushes Luke to show his feeling to her, the author writes the intimate imaginings that are driving Luke crazy. . Jesse was a sassy, strong woman who never hesitated to stand her ground with her in-laws but the author also has her cooking, walking through thigh deep snow, even though she just had a baby days ago. Unrealistic in my mind. I would rather not have read all the reactions of Luke's body to Jesse and how she, likewise reacted to his touch. This is not my type of reading. It was ironic that Jesse did, from time to time, talk about God bringing them together and helping them through the death of her husband while, at the same time both were contemplating a sexual encounter soon.
January 5, 2020
A Christmas Blessing is by Sherryl Woods. This novel it fun to read and has lots of excitement and romance. It is a cute Christmas story.
Luke Adams lived on his ranch in a small Texas town. He had chosen to create his own ranch rather than take on part of his Father’s ranch. His youngest brother Cody took on that ranch. Luke had also chosen to live apart from his family because he had fallen in love with his brother Erik’s wife and Erik and Jessie were living on his Father’s ranch. However, Erik had been working on a tractor and it had rolled and Erik was killed leaving Jessie alone. Luke blamed himself for Erik being on the tractor and believed the rest of the family blamed him too. Therefore, he isolated himself from his family.
Jessie had moved back to her old home after Erik’s death; but kept in touch with her in-laws. They had invited her to White Pines for Christmas and she had accepted. Instead of taking her Father-in-law’s offer of flying her there, she chose to drive in spite of being in the late stages of pregnancy with Erik’s child. The drive to White Pines was made more difficult by a snowstorm blowing in unexpectedly. She found herself slowing down. Suddenly, she began having contractions and was in between towns in Texas. When she realized she was near Luke’s ranch, she headed there knowing that she could get help from Consuela, Luke’s housekeeper.
Luke had sent Consuela home to see her family and was alone on his ranch. He had decided to spend his Christmas drinking to forget the past. Luckily, he had gotten angry and had thrown the bottle in the fire so wasn’t passed out drunk, although he definitely wasn’t cold sober. Both he and Jessie were unpleasantly surprised when she showed up and Consuela was not there. However, babies don’t’ wait until the perfect time to arrive, so Luke had to deliver Jessie’s child. Then, Jessie had to stay there until the storm ended and the roads were cleared. She and Luke had time to realize they both had been harboring feelings for the other. The situation was fraught with problems- his family and Luke’s belief that he was at fault for Erik’s death. What were they going to do?
Luke Adams lived on his ranch in a small Texas town. He had chosen to create his own ranch rather than take on part of his Father’s ranch. His youngest brother Cody took on that ranch. Luke had also chosen to live apart from his family because he had fallen in love with his brother Erik’s wife and Erik and Jessie were living on his Father’s ranch. However, Erik had been working on a tractor and it had rolled and Erik was killed leaving Jessie alone. Luke blamed himself for Erik being on the tractor and believed the rest of the family blamed him too. Therefore, he isolated himself from his family.
Jessie had moved back to her old home after Erik’s death; but kept in touch with her in-laws. They had invited her to White Pines for Christmas and she had accepted. Instead of taking her Father-in-law’s offer of flying her there, she chose to drive in spite of being in the late stages of pregnancy with Erik’s child. The drive to White Pines was made more difficult by a snowstorm blowing in unexpectedly. She found herself slowing down. Suddenly, she began having contractions and was in between towns in Texas. When she realized she was near Luke’s ranch, she headed there knowing that she could get help from Consuela, Luke’s housekeeper.
Luke had sent Consuela home to see her family and was alone on his ranch. He had decided to spend his Christmas drinking to forget the past. Luckily, he had gotten angry and had thrown the bottle in the fire so wasn’t passed out drunk, although he definitely wasn’t cold sober. Both he and Jessie were unpleasantly surprised when she showed up and Consuela was not there. However, babies don’t’ wait until the perfect time to arrive, so Luke had to deliver Jessie’s child. Then, Jessie had to stay there until the storm ended and the roads were cleared. She and Luke had time to realize they both had been harboring feelings for the other. The situation was fraught with problems- his family and Luke’s belief that he was at fault for Erik’s death. What were they going to do?
March 3, 2020
Jessie Adams is returning to Texas to spend the Christmas holidays with her late husband's family. The one thing she was not counting on was going into early labor. There is no way she will be able to continue driving and make it to her in-laws. Her only option is to go to her brother-in-law's ranch because it's closer.
Luke Adams is drowning his sorrows in a bottle of whiskey and is in no mood for company. The last person he expects to see is his sister-in-law at his front door. He is really in for a shock when learns that she is in labor and needs his help to deliver her baby. He will sober up real fast!
Both Luke and Jessie have been running from their feelings. When they finally get the courage to admit what they feel for each other they will have to face family reactions.
Luke Adams is drowning his sorrows in a bottle of whiskey and is in no mood for company. The last person he expects to see is his sister-in-law at his front door. He is really in for a shock when learns that she is in labor and needs his help to deliver her baby. He will sober up real fast!
Both Luke and Jessie have been running from their feelings. When they finally get the courage to admit what they feel for each other they will have to face family reactions.
December 26, 2022
Jessie Adams is on her way to her in-laws when her labor begins. She needs help but the only home nearby is that of her brother-in-law Luke. But, she has to stop or risk having the baby by herself. Luke is home by himself when she shows up on his doorstep and there is no denying that Jessie needs his help.
Jessie's husband died accidently less than a year earlier. Luke blames himself for the death. Jessie knows it was an accident but she feels that Luke forced her husband to be in the wrong place at the wrong time so ultimately she feels that Luke is somewhat at fault. Luke's entire family seems to feel the same way.
Jessie needs Luke's help. There is no doubt about that but can she make his family take him back into the fold? Most of all can she help Luke forgive himself?
Jessie's husband died accidently less than a year earlier. Luke blames himself for the death. Jessie knows it was an accident but she feels that Luke forced her husband to be in the wrong place at the wrong time so ultimately she feels that Luke is somewhat at fault. Luke's entire family seems to feel the same way.
Jessie needs Luke's help. There is no doubt about that but can she make his family take him back into the fold? Most of all can she help Luke forgive himself?
December 22, 2022
I thought this was cute for a book that’s over 15 years old. It didn’t reach too high and there was no staggering dramatic moments but it was captivating. I know I’m super picky with female leads in F\M romance but that’s just the way it is. I felt the female was levelheaded but had these wacky moments of dippiness but not enough to make me angry at her. He was your standard standup, honest, dependable, macho man who puts to much pressure on himself.
It was an enjoyable read snuggled up on a snowy/rainy day.
It was an enjoyable read snuggled up on a snowy/rainy day.
January 9, 2025
Although this was written in the 90s, it very much stands the test of time as a heartfelt, sweet second chance story. The reference to VHS tapes made me giggle!
Sherry lbs books are always warm and caring with family at its core. Her writing can be fierce, yet tender. In this book, Jessie, a widow, whose only choice was to stop at her brother in law's ranch when she suddenly goes into labor, and Luke, whose only option is to help deliver the baby. Old feelings surface, heartbreak is validated, and family power struggles are written beautifully. It truly is A Christmas Blessing!
Sherry lbs books are always warm and caring with family at its core. Her writing can be fierce, yet tender. In this book, Jessie, a widow, whose only choice was to stop at her brother in law's ranch when she suddenly goes into labor, and Luke, whose only option is to help deliver the baby. Old feelings surface, heartbreak is validated, and family power struggles are written beautifully. It truly is A Christmas Blessing!
January 27, 2023
This book was about Jessie and Eric. Jessie was pregnant with Eric’s baby and he was killed in a farm accident. His brother Luke felt he was to blame for the accident but Jessie did not blame him. Jessie was driving durning blizzard and the only place to pull over was Luke’s ranch house. Jessie was in labor and Luke ended up delivering her baby. She named her baby Angela, because I she was born close to Christmas. Jessie and Luke realized they had loved each other for a long time.
January 24, 2024
Jessie was heading to White Pines when she goes into labor! She is far from there but close to her dead husbands brother Luke's place. She gets there just in time! Luckily Luke is there and helps bring Angela into the world.
These two have a history! Luke feels guilty because of his brothers accident and that he has had feelings for Jessie for a long time.
When bring together what will happen. Will Luke get over his hurt and open his eyes.
This was a well written awesome story.
These two have a history! Luke feels guilty because of his brothers accident and that he has had feelings for Jessie for a long time.
When bring together what will happen. Will Luke get over his hurt and open his eyes.
This was a well written awesome story.
May 5, 2020
A Christmas Blessing (And Baby Makes Three Book 1)
Wonderful story of love and heartbreak. Like fought to do the right thing. Jessie knew how she felt and knew it would be a battle. Reading about love set aside for all the right reason and finding that not always the right reason is wrong.
Wonderful story of love and heartbreak. Like fought to do the right thing. Jessie knew how she felt and knew it would be a battle. Reading about love set aside for all the right reason and finding that not always the right reason is wrong.
December 5, 2021
✔ Baby
✔ Birth Scene
✔Tabooo Romance (nah more like forbidden)
✔ Happy Ending
It was such a wonderful Christmas story. If you get infuriated by certain parents easily this story may give you a clenched fist while reading. I know I did.
But the best part is when you swoon and repeat, out loud, I love this book so kuch to everyone.
✔ Birth Scene
✔Tabooo Romance (nah more like forbidden)
✔ Happy Ending
It was such a wonderful Christmas story. If you get infuriated by certain parents easily this story may give you a clenched fist while reading. I know I did.
But the best part is when you swoon and repeat, out loud, I love this book so kuch to everyone.
December 7, 2022
i think i had a credit or whatnot to get it for free. love the cover. enjoy Christmas reads any ole season. i love them so so so much!! 17 books ...i guess that means in the series "And Baby Makes Three" that is a lot of reads to check out. out December 15, 2014. contemporary women's fiction. holiday romance. women's romance fiction. fun times. check it out.
December 21, 2022
A grumpy/sunshine romance about a pregnant widow who falls in love with her husbands brother, but keeps her distance, then ends up having to deliver her baby in a blizzard at his ranch over Christmas! Talk about a blessing—these two are meant to be, but guilt and family dynamics are real. Very well done (although I don’t recommend the narrated version).
October 21, 2019
Good plot but Woods uses too many paragraphs to explain over and over the feelings, thoughts and situations. Most of us get it the first time; sure all of them get the story by the second time but she still keeps reminding the reader of what is going on.
December 16, 2022
Audiobook. Jessie is headed for her in laws where she plans to spend Christmas. She goes i to labor months early and drives to her brother in law’s ranch instead. Luke delivers the baby….and store goes on.
January 6, 2024
It was good, but I didn't realize its the first of a trilogy, so the story in this book is just the beginning of a love story with a big opinionated family in opposition. I would need to read the second to decide how much I really like the story.
December 8, 2018
good book
October 1, 2019
A crazy family, but a nice story. Luke and Jessie.
December 2, 2019
A Christmas story of tangled family relationships.
January 20, 2020
Part of combo.
January 26, 2020
I'm into Sherryl Woods currently, and she's still relevant for feel good romance stories.
February 2, 2020
Great story
A very interesting story, at times a bit long in the tooth. In the end, to understand all the nuances in the family, that was necessary though.
A very interesting story, at times a bit long in the tooth. In the end, to understand all the nuances in the family, that was necessary though.
April 15, 2020
A Christmas Blessing
Loved this story. Sherryl Woods writing is excellent. Love all her stories. I love this story series and am anxious to read the rest
Loved this story. Sherryl Woods writing is excellent. Love all her stories. I love this story series and am anxious to read the rest
September 20, 2020
Great book
Really good book would recommend this and others book by this Arthur. Easy read and friendly really enjoyed. Different from some of the others read before
Really good book would recommend this and others book by this Arthur. Easy read and friendly really enjoyed. Different from some of the others read before
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews