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Hearts of the South #2
His Ordinary Life
Reunited by their teenage son’s possible involvement in a murder…old passions and new needs are destined to explode.
Book Two of the Hearts of the South series.
Del Calvert has spent his life in quiet desperation, trying to meet everyone’s expectations and feeling like he never quite measured up. From his teens, Barb was everything he wanted and needed, but knowing he wasn’t enough for her drove him out of the marriage.
Barbara Calvert is afraid to need anyone—especially the soon-to-be ex-husband she still loves. She’s reluctant to fall under his seductive spell of love and security once more.
But when their son’s secrets threaten his life, everything changes. Del must help his son as unseen and threatening forces move ever closer, putting the entire family at risk. And along the way, he hopes to convince Barbara to give him one more chance to win back the wonderful, ordinary life he didn’t appreciate until it was gone.
Book Two of the Hearts of the South series.
Del Calvert has spent his life in quiet desperation, trying to meet everyone’s expectations and feeling like he never quite measured up. From his teens, Barb was everything he wanted and needed, but knowing he wasn’t enough for her drove him out of the marriage.
Barbara Calvert is afraid to need anyone—especially the soon-to-be ex-husband she still loves. She’s reluctant to fall under his seductive spell of love and security once more.
But when their son’s secrets threaten his life, everything changes. Del must help his son as unseen and threatening forces move ever closer, putting the entire family at risk. And along the way, he hopes to convince Barbara to give him one more chance to win back the wonderful, ordinary life he didn’t appreciate until it was gone.
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First published January 1, 2007
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About the author
Linda Winfree
26 books84 followersHow does a high school English teacher end up plotting murders? She uses her experiences as a cop’s wife to become a writer of romantic suspense! Linda Winfree lives in a quintessential small Georgia town with her husband and two children. By day, she teaches American Literature, advises the student government and coaches the drama team; by night she pens sultry books full of murder and mayhem.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 13, 2013
4.5 stars!
I am loving this series! I can't believe it took me this long to start reading it.
His Ordinary Life is Linda Winfree's second book from her Heart of the South series. This book is the story about Del and Barbara Calvert. They married right out of high school after Barbara got pregnant. They're together for 16 years until one day Del Calvert took a job in Atlanta and walked out of his family. Or so it seemed. But after his 16-year old son got implicated in a murder case, he decided to come back and be with his family.
This is the book's starting off point, and then it takes you on a heart-wrenching journey of love and betrayal, loyalty, trust and all things in between. I fell in love with each and every character of the story. I felt their pain, their anger, their love, confusion. Barbara and Del had to come to terms with how much they have changed throughout the years and how they have taken for granted some of things in their lives.
At first, I didn't like Del because the story was told in such a way that he abandoned his family. I was ready to blame him for the break down of his marriage. But as the book progresses, you get to see his side of the story and you realize, hey, Barbara is to blame too. It was fantastically written plus there's a mystery in there too with a 15-year old girl being murdered and their son being a suspect in that murder. The story flowed easily with both Barbara and Del's POVs as well as Tick Calvert, Del's brother who was the investigator of his nephew's case.
Despite the bleak tone of the story, we do get an HEA, and what a beautiful ending it was. So real and so poignant. I love stories like these, where the MCs are married to each other and are working through some issues in their lives. Loved it. Will definitely recommend it to readers who like to read crime/suspense with a healthy dose of romance.
I am loving this series! I can't believe it took me this long to start reading it.
His Ordinary Life is Linda Winfree's second book from her Heart of the South series. This book is the story about Del and Barbara Calvert. They married right out of high school after Barbara got pregnant. They're together for 16 years until one day Del Calvert took a job in Atlanta and walked out of his family. Or so it seemed. But after his 16-year old son got implicated in a murder case, he decided to come back and be with his family.
This is the book's starting off point, and then it takes you on a heart-wrenching journey of love and betrayal, loyalty, trust and all things in between. I fell in love with each and every character of the story. I felt their pain, their anger, their love, confusion. Barbara and Del had to come to terms with how much they have changed throughout the years and how they have taken for granted some of things in their lives.
At first, I didn't like Del because the story was told in such a way that he abandoned his family. I was ready to blame him for the break down of his marriage. But as the book progresses, you get to see his side of the story and you realize, hey, Barbara is to blame too. It was fantastically written plus there's a mystery in there too with a 15-year old girl being murdered and their son being a suspect in that murder. The story flowed easily with both Barbara and Del's POVs as well as Tick Calvert, Del's brother who was the investigator of his nephew's case.
Despite the bleak tone of the story, we do get an HEA, and what a beautiful ending it was. So real and so poignant. I love stories like these, where the MCs are married to each other and are working through some issues in their lives. Loved it. Will definitely recommend it to readers who like to read crime/suspense with a healthy dose of romance.
May 28, 2017
Originally read in 2013, re-read in 2016 in anticipation of new books in the series being released this year. (so excited!!!)
I enjoyed this even more the second time around. This book had less of a suspense aspect to it and instead dove into the failed marriage of Del and Barb. Lack of communication seemed to be at the root of what went wrong for them.
I really enjoyed Del and Barb’s story. Trouble with their teenage son brings Del back to town and once he’s back, he works really hard to put things back together. It was a very emotional read!!
I enjoyed this even more the second time around. This book had less of a suspense aspect to it and instead dove into the failed marriage of Del and Barb. Lack of communication seemed to be at the root of what went wrong for them.
I really enjoyed Del and Barb’s story. Trouble with their teenage son brings Del back to town and once he’s back, he works really hard to put things back together. It was a very emotional read!!
November 19, 2015
His Ordinary Life is the second book in the Hearts of the South series, and a pretty good installment. It's a second-chance romance which delves deeply into the importance of, and what it means to be, a family.
After almost 20 years of marriage, Del and Barbara Calvert are calling it quits. Their divorce is nearly finalized and it appears to each of them that the other is getting exactly what they want – the chance to move on and make the kind of life they’ve always wanted for themselves. It seems to be a done deal, until their teenage son finds himself in trouble and dad moves back home to see what he can do to help, and decides he’s also going to fight to save his marriage.
For me, reading is a form of escapism, and I like my stories to be happy. But with this type of book there’s usually just too much angst and too many hurt feelings for them to be a 'comfort read.' So I find that I’m not normally a big fan of troubled marriage stories, especially if there’s been infidelity. Fortunately, that isn’t the case with this book and the author handled the storyline fairly and respectfully, showing both sides of the coin when it came to their marital problems. Don't get me wrong, there was definitely some heartbreak - the very nature of the story demands it - but it wasn't over the top angst.
Since this is a romance, and we know there's going to be a happily ever after I'm not giving away much when I say that I'm a big believer in accepting responsibility for your actions, so it was nice to see both parties admitting to their role in the marital discord. I'm just tossing that out there because if you're like me, this might be of concern to you.
I also appreciated the way Ms. Winfree addressed the troubled teenager part of the story. It felt honest and believable, and the way the parents struggle to understand their son and not just chalk it up to “those teen years” was well done.
Despite being published by Samhain, this is not an erotic read. There are some pretty steamy sex scenes between Del and Barbara, but nothing more than you’d find in any other contemporary romance. I’m only mentioning that for those who might be leery of erotic books, and have hesitated to read this series based on the publishing company. So far, in books one and two, while the sex scenes are definitely steamy, they’re not what I consider erotic.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Hold On to Me.
March 20, 2020
3.5 stars
Nice marriage in trouble and second chance story. Low angst considering the topic. Tension/suspense is centered around the couple's teenage son. They also have twin daughters. Separation occurs from life interfering in communication and personal fulfillment. No cheating as they both love each other and just lost the ability to connect.
Nice marriage in trouble and second chance story. Low angst considering the topic. Tension/suspense is centered around the couple's teenage son. They also have twin daughters. Separation occurs from life interfering in communication and personal fulfillment. No cheating as they both love each other and just lost the ability to connect.
February 4, 2011
The second book in Linda Winfree's Hearts of the South series. Not a huge fan of the troubled marriage plot-line but I liked this one. Del and his wife, Barb, are in the process of getting a divorce when their son starts having some behavior problems. Del comes back to help out and finds his son in more trouble than he can handle. Del and Barb try to work out their problems while trying to uncover the truth from their son.
One of those books that really surprised me. I ended up loving it much more than I expected to.
One of those books that really surprised me. I ended up loving it much more than I expected to.
August 4, 2016
Rating: B-
Second chance romances are not easy to pull off. The author must show why the couple broke up in the first place and why they should get back together. Sometimes the reason(s) for the breakup is the annoying "big misunderstanding" that could have been easily fixed if they had just talked. Unfortunately that was the case here. The good news is that it didn't completely overshadow my enjoyment of the romance.
Del is pulled back to his hometown and his family when his teenage son starts getting into trouble. His soon-to-be ex-wife isn't sure how she feels about Del sticking around longer than a weekend. Del's not exactly sure either. He wants his family back but doesn't know how to fix the rift between him and his wife. He doesn't think she wants him anymore but he's willing to try to make things right. Del really was a good guy but he so desperately needed to ask questions rather than assuming he knew what his wife was thinking.
Barbara doesn't want to rely on Del but when her sixteen year old son sneaks out of the house in the middle of the night, she doesn't feel like she has a choice. When Del decides to stay a few nights, Barbara has mixed feelings about having him back in the house. Barbara still has strong feelings for Del, she still loves him but his leaving hurt her and she's not sure if she's ready to take a chance at being hurt again. Barbara may have said the wrong thing to Del and given him the wrong impression but he's the one that walked out. I liked that Barbara doesn't sit around and feel sorry for herself but instead focuses on her kids and her work.
Del and Barbara are not the only ones who have problems to work through. Their three kids are affected by the separation and Del moving back in, if only temporarily. Winfree does well showing how the kids' react differently to their parents rocky relationship. These kids mean the world to their parents and the fact that they are being hurt by what their parents are doing is obvious and really has a profound affect on Del and Barbara. I liked that Winfree doesn't sugar coat the kids' reactions but makes them a very real part of these young characters.
This does take place in a small town and as such has that small town "everyone knows everyone else" feel to it. Which I liked. It also had a close family feeling with Del's brother and sister trying to help Del and Barbara however they could. Del's brother Tick is an interesting character who has this feeling of sadness surrounding him. I'm looking forward to reading his story.
There is a suspense sub-plot connecting Del and Barb's son with a murder. It wasn't a strong part of the book, more of a reason to bring the family together. I did like the overall story but found the misunderstanding between Del and Barbara annoyingly juvenile. It was good to see both take responsibility for their problems, if they'd only done it sooner and then could focus on their children.
The secondary characters who populate the small Georgia town will bring me back for more from Ms. Winfree.
Second chance romances are not easy to pull off. The author must show why the couple broke up in the first place and why they should get back together. Sometimes the reason(s) for the breakup is the annoying "big misunderstanding" that could have been easily fixed if they had just talked. Unfortunately that was the case here. The good news is that it didn't completely overshadow my enjoyment of the romance.
Del is pulled back to his hometown and his family when his teenage son starts getting into trouble. His soon-to-be ex-wife isn't sure how she feels about Del sticking around longer than a weekend. Del's not exactly sure either. He wants his family back but doesn't know how to fix the rift between him and his wife. He doesn't think she wants him anymore but he's willing to try to make things right. Del really was a good guy but he so desperately needed to ask questions rather than assuming he knew what his wife was thinking.
Barbara doesn't want to rely on Del but when her sixteen year old son sneaks out of the house in the middle of the night, she doesn't feel like she has a choice. When Del decides to stay a few nights, Barbara has mixed feelings about having him back in the house. Barbara still has strong feelings for Del, she still loves him but his leaving hurt her and she's not sure if she's ready to take a chance at being hurt again. Barbara may have said the wrong thing to Del and given him the wrong impression but he's the one that walked out. I liked that Barbara doesn't sit around and feel sorry for herself but instead focuses on her kids and her work.
Del and Barbara are not the only ones who have problems to work through. Their three kids are affected by the separation and Del moving back in, if only temporarily. Winfree does well showing how the kids' react differently to their parents rocky relationship. These kids mean the world to their parents and the fact that they are being hurt by what their parents are doing is obvious and really has a profound affect on Del and Barbara. I liked that Winfree doesn't sugar coat the kids' reactions but makes them a very real part of these young characters.
This does take place in a small town and as such has that small town "everyone knows everyone else" feel to it. Which I liked. It also had a close family feeling with Del's brother and sister trying to help Del and Barbara however they could. Del's brother Tick is an interesting character who has this feeling of sadness surrounding him. I'm looking forward to reading his story.
There is a suspense sub-plot connecting Del and Barb's son with a murder. It wasn't a strong part of the book, more of a reason to bring the family together. I did like the overall story but found the misunderstanding between Del and Barbara annoyingly juvenile. It was good to see both take responsibility for their problems, if they'd only done it sooner and then could focus on their children.
The secondary characters who populate the small Georgia town will bring me back for more from Ms. Winfree.
February 1, 2015
I really wanted to like this.
I'm a fan of romantic suspense, I love reading about reuniting couples .. so this seemed to be right up my alley.
1st, I loved the H, Del. He was great, a straightforward guy who puts it all on the line in hopes of winning his wife back and once again having his family. I liked the setup, how they drifted apart, the side characters, the suspense plot.. So, why only 2 stars? The h.
She bugged me!
I couldnt connect with her. When I was supposed to be sympathizing I found myself annoyed or frustrated. She just felt... Selfish. Her actions and reactions (even after she recognizes she's been selfish) felt too self centered for me to sympathize with. Also, and maybe worst of all .. I didn't think she loved the H as much as he loved her. Pretty much the whole book he pursues her, begging her to give him a chance, being totally honest with his feelings, wanting to talk it out. While she spends the book on the run, either pushing him away, denying her feelings or being generally wishy-washy. I wanted her to want him just as desperately as he obviously did her, and sadly it never happened.
So, I'm going to move on to book 3 and hope for a better h :)
I'm a fan of romantic suspense, I love reading about reuniting couples .. so this seemed to be right up my alley.
1st, I loved the H, Del. He was great, a straightforward guy who puts it all on the line in hopes of winning his wife back and once again having his family. I liked the setup, how they drifted apart, the side characters, the suspense plot.. So, why only 2 stars? The h.
She bugged me!
I couldnt connect with her. When I was supposed to be sympathizing I found myself annoyed or frustrated. She just felt... Selfish. Her actions and reactions (even after she recognizes she's been selfish) felt too self centered for me to sympathize with. Also, and maybe worst of all .. I didn't think she loved the H as much as he loved her. Pretty much the whole book he pursues her, begging her to give him a chance, being totally honest with his feelings, wanting to talk it out. While she spends the book on the run, either pushing him away, denying her feelings or being generally wishy-washy. I wanted her to want him just as desperately as he obviously did her, and sadly it never happened.
So, I'm going to move on to book 3 and hope for a better h :)
April 13, 2015
*4.25* I'm really, really liking this author. She manages to incorporate a very good secondary plot in the main one which is Del and Barbara finding their way back together. At first I thought Del was being selfish for leaving his family, but then it is later revealed that Barbara may be also at fault. And then, I thought for a couple having three children they certainly were immature to give up on their marriage so quickly. But then more layers were revealed including their backstory and then you do understand how these two may have drifted apart and failed to communicate. When their son becomes a murder suspect in their small town, Del and Barbara also find their second chance to make things right in their marriage. Del was more persistent, Barbara was hesitant which was understandable.
The story hits you with the angst, then a mystery that makes you try to solve along with little clues. It's not action-packed but gets your mind working and your emotions going as the couple try to work out their marriage. Then a revelation that will make you think ... I didn't see that coming. I'm beginning to catch on to this writer's mind and I'm really, really looking forward to read more books from her.
The story hits you with the angst, then a mystery that makes you try to solve along with little clues. It's not action-packed but gets your mind working and your emotions going as the couple try to work out their marriage. Then a revelation that will make you think ... I didn't see that coming. I'm beginning to catch on to this writer's mind and I'm really, really looking forward to read more books from her.
October 27, 2016
I read this before but still good
Good story about a marriage in peril that turns out well. Very favorite trope of mine next to secret baby and really liked this one . It also has a mystery running through it and a surprise villian.
Couple gets married in teens and somehow slip apart. I really didn't understand why they split up. She blamed him, he blamed he. They both thought that the other one didn't want to be married. He moved away and then their teenage son acts up and they are thrown back together. And all misunderstandings are cleared up and the mystery is solved. HEA yay
I loved the H and really loved his actions and thoughts but the h was not my favorite. She was kind of negative or selfish . I'm not sure why I feel that but she just put me off. I think he loved her way more than she did him. Still I was glad to see them reconciled and a happy family again! Want to read Tick's story next. That's his brother and I found him fascinating.
Good story about a marriage in peril that turns out well. Very favorite trope of mine next to secret baby and really liked this one . It also has a mystery running through it and a surprise villian.
Couple gets married in teens and somehow slip apart. I really didn't understand why they split up. She blamed him, he blamed he. They both thought that the other one didn't want to be married. He moved away and then their teenage son acts up and they are thrown back together. And all misunderstandings are cleared up and the mystery is solved. HEA yay
I loved the H and really loved his actions and thoughts but the h was not my favorite. She was kind of negative or selfish . I'm not sure why I feel that but she just put me off. I think he loved her way more than she did him. Still I was glad to see them reconciled and a happy family again! Want to read Tick's story next. That's his brother and I found him fascinating.
August 17, 2010
Reread in 2010. I love the marriage in trouble trope. Winfree treats it with respect and has both characters accept responsibility and grow and learn. Something about her characters' emotions speaks to me. I always feel kicked in the gut when I read one of her books. Here, Del and Barbara aren't perfect. Tgey each come across as selfish occasionally as well as giving and loving and troubled and in love an all the other things that happen when two people love each other but are committed to working itout. Their kids are also portrayed realistically in their actions and emotions. I liked that even while having difficulties as a couple, they never played the kids to their own advantage. They presented a united front and did what was best for the kids.
I loved this even more rhe second time around.
I loved this even more rhe second time around.
June 15, 2019
A must read 💓💓💓💓💓
No Cheating
Not even emotional cheating...
It's about midlife crisis or how parents separation affects teenage children...
Parents has so much to loose ,it's better they think talk go for counseling before taking any step casually...
Del loved Barbara his wife dearly ,they have been married 16 years ,three beautiful teenage kids lovely home...
Somehow Del had that impression that Barbara is harboring a regret marrying him,on the pretext of the job he walked away from his wife...
He was really a good person a g8 father,he secrifised so much for Barbara ,to fulfill her dreams ...he thought with this distance between them his wife would ask him to come back...He thought !!!he never shared his fears with her...
Debert and Barbara had a teenage love,Del and with pregnant Barbara when he was not even 18 years,his father disapproved Barbara s pregnancy, Barb s Aunt asked her to give up the baby for adoption..
Barbara was brilliant in academics ,she was really unsecure and scared, that time Del a teen himself took the charge of the situation,he loved Barbara and promised her to look after her and baby,he was just out of school,he married, started a family,worked tirelessly with the insurance company to make a home provide for his family..
He had a beautiful family,three children a lovely home,he worked extra hours to provide college education for Barbara without any loan..
Set with children while she finished her degree, Barbara started working with school..he fulfilled app her dreams,proven all the people of town and his family that he and Barbara won't be able to work out..
🤗😍He was a very loving husband a g8 father..
Barbara left her all faith and trust in him,she was totally and wholly dependent on him,Del was her ⛅ 🌒 and 🌟...
When when day he suddenly walked out on her..
She left😶it's a nightmare of every middle aged woman when her husband walked out on her, leaving her with children for a younger woman with no strings...
Barbara was just shocked, humiliated...
*****Barbara stood strong ,she promised herself never to depend on anyone,she took full responsibility of her three children also, instead of begging😥she let her husband, love of her life a clear Go
When one during three months separation her daughter Anna was crying out of pain, after ear surgery, she wanted to talk to her father at late , Barbara called Del at his city apartment and her shuffling and voice of female... that time she realized that her husband moved on..
She went to the lawyer and get Divorce paper drawn..
Here I appreciate Barbara for being dignified..
Not like "The Torn up Marriage"by Caroline Roberts where h Kat drawn her sorrows in alcohol and unable to look after her small daughters...I wish other heroin s also have same dignity and courge😇
Her action s put her husband on back foot..
Somehow her teenage son took it hardly, even the daughter s they didn't understand why their father abandoned them..
Though Barbara tried to tell them,that their father love them,but it was not enough...
Mean while Del's brother Tick helped her,his mother stood by her...
When one day her teen rebellious Son found missing at night,Del's deputy brother informed him...
Here Del realized how much he had lots,becoz of a whim..
His actions hurt his children beyond repair ,he almost lost his son...he missed his Ordinary life..
Now he started working on winning the trust and love of his children and his Wife...the only woman he ever loved...his three months separation caused havoc on his families trust and security...
A beautiful story 💓💓💓💓💓💓
No Cheating
Not even emotional cheating...
It's about midlife crisis or how parents separation affects teenage children...
Parents has so much to loose ,it's better they think talk go for counseling before taking any step casually...
Del loved Barbara his wife dearly ,they have been married 16 years ,three beautiful teenage kids lovely home...
Somehow Del had that impression that Barbara is harboring a regret marrying him,on the pretext of the job he walked away from his wife...
He was really a good person a g8 father,he secrifised so much for Barbara ,to fulfill her dreams ...he thought with this distance between them his wife would ask him to come back...He thought !!!he never shared his fears with her...
Debert and Barbara had a teenage love,Del and with pregnant Barbara when he was not even 18 years,his father disapproved Barbara s pregnancy, Barb s Aunt asked her to give up the baby for adoption..
Barbara was brilliant in academics ,she was really unsecure and scared, that time Del a teen himself took the charge of the situation,he loved Barbara and promised her to look after her and baby,he was just out of school,he married, started a family,worked tirelessly with the insurance company to make a home provide for his family..
He had a beautiful family,three children a lovely home,he worked extra hours to provide college education for Barbara without any loan..
Set with children while she finished her degree, Barbara started working with school..he fulfilled app her dreams,proven all the people of town and his family that he and Barbara won't be able to work out..
🤗😍He was a very loving husband a g8 father..
Barbara left her all faith and trust in him,she was totally and wholly dependent on him,Del was her ⛅ 🌒 and 🌟...
When when day he suddenly walked out on her..
She left😶it's a nightmare of every middle aged woman when her husband walked out on her, leaving her with children for a younger woman with no strings...
Barbara was just shocked, humiliated...
*****Barbara stood strong ,she promised herself never to depend on anyone,she took full responsibility of her three children also, instead of begging😥she let her husband, love of her life a clear Go
When one during three months separation her daughter Anna was crying out of pain, after ear surgery, she wanted to talk to her father at late , Barbara called Del at his city apartment and her shuffling and voice of female... that time she realized that her husband moved on..
She went to the lawyer and get Divorce paper drawn..
Here I appreciate Barbara for being dignified..
Not like "The Torn up Marriage"by Caroline Roberts where h Kat drawn her sorrows in alcohol and unable to look after her small daughters...I wish other heroin s also have same dignity and courge😇
Her action s put her husband on back foot..
Somehow her teenage son took it hardly, even the daughter s they didn't understand why their father abandoned them..
Though Barbara tried to tell them,that their father love them,but it was not enough...
Mean while Del's brother Tick helped her,his mother stood by her...
When one day her teen rebellious Son found missing at night,Del's deputy brother informed him...
Here Del realized how much he had lots,becoz of a whim..
His actions hurt his children beyond repair ,he almost lost his son...he missed his Ordinary life..
Now he started working on winning the trust and love of his children and his Wife...the only woman he ever loved...his three months separation caused havoc on his families trust and security...
A beautiful story 💓💓💓💓💓💓
August 5, 2022
I know lot of people like this book. And I recall liking it when I read it for the first time, ages ago. But after reading it again I honestly can't tell what I liked about it. Matter of opinion of course and everyone is free to agree ir disagree.
Maybe I'm feeling a bit petty but I really don't like the characters. Neither the hero nor the heroine.
With the heroine, the list of her faults ia short. How can anyone after something like 15 years still blame their husband for getting them pregnant? Or blame them for ruining their plans or whatever? You are an adult and if you were unhappy then change your life! Blaming someone else for how your life turned up is idiotic. Adults need to take responsibility for their actions and non-actions. It is beyond childish to blame someone else!
Also how self-centered and selfish can a person be? Wow.
And our hero then.. he was also a crappy person in my opinion.
I mean he is a dad so uninvolved in his son's life that he doesn't remember his shoe size. His to be ex-wife is surprised when he cooks! And he himself notes that his interactions with the kids has been superficial and he's shocked that his children are not happy about him leaving them. I mean surprise, I guess?
But wait his lackluster parenting isn't even the cause of the divorse. The reason is that he wanted to uproot three kids because he wanted to switch jobs.
And when that fails, he leaves on his lonesome. So long kids! Daddy is off to work somewhere else, not like parents have any obligations to their children! And hey kids, you get to see dad sometimes. And its not like he was that involved before either so there's not much to miss.
The guy is then shocked when after this the woman goes to see a lawyer.
And his lovely sister then. I mean yes there's loyalty to your siblings but seriously? You're saying that the dude sacrificed everything for his family? He worked! Like most adults do! You giving credit just for that?
And how about guilting our heroine for being a stay at home mom?
Praising him for making more money to cover her schooling (which sounds a lot less noble when you consider the fact that she hadn't been able to make any kind of career while raising their kids so she couldn't really get a good job at this point). Or praising him for arranging his schedule so he was home with the kids while she went to school..
Like she had done with three kids? Stayed with them while he worked? Wasn't he just praised for working while she looked after the children so she could stay home? Hey now he got to stay home, all thanks to his wife!
Though of course we hear that he only arranged his schedule while she was at school - so presumably she continued to look after the kids when he was working and she was home.
There's also the fact that the heroine was basically a single mom after he left. Taking care of (ofc now older) kids while working. What exactly was he doing meanwhile?
And how was that being a good dad or a husband? Neither of them would be winning any prizes in my opinion.
Maybe I'm feeling a bit petty but I really don't like the characters. Neither the hero nor the heroine.
With the heroine, the list of her faults ia short. How can anyone after something like 15 years still blame their husband for getting them pregnant? Or blame them for ruining their plans or whatever? You are an adult and if you were unhappy then change your life! Blaming someone else for how your life turned up is idiotic. Adults need to take responsibility for their actions and non-actions. It is beyond childish to blame someone else!
Also how self-centered and selfish can a person be? Wow.
And our hero then.. he was also a crappy person in my opinion.
I mean he is a dad so uninvolved in his son's life that he doesn't remember his shoe size. His to be ex-wife is surprised when he cooks! And he himself notes that his interactions with the kids has been superficial and he's shocked that his children are not happy about him leaving them. I mean surprise, I guess?
But wait his lackluster parenting isn't even the cause of the divorse. The reason is that he wanted to uproot three kids because he wanted to switch jobs.
And when that fails, he leaves on his lonesome. So long kids! Daddy is off to work somewhere else, not like parents have any obligations to their children! And hey kids, you get to see dad sometimes. And its not like he was that involved before either so there's not much to miss.
The guy is then shocked when after this the woman goes to see a lawyer.
And his lovely sister then. I mean yes there's loyalty to your siblings but seriously? You're saying that the dude sacrificed everything for his family? He worked! Like most adults do! You giving credit just for that?
And how about guilting our heroine for being a stay at home mom?
Praising him for making more money to cover her schooling (which sounds a lot less noble when you consider the fact that she hadn't been able to make any kind of career while raising their kids so she couldn't really get a good job at this point). Or praising him for arranging his schedule so he was home with the kids while she went to school..
Like she had done with three kids? Stayed with them while he worked? Wasn't he just praised for working while she looked after the children so she could stay home? Hey now he got to stay home, all thanks to his wife!
Though of course we hear that he only arranged his schedule while she was at school - so presumably she continued to look after the kids when he was working and she was home.
There's also the fact that the heroine was basically a single mom after he left. Taking care of (ofc now older) kids while working. What exactly was he doing meanwhile?
And how was that being a good dad or a husband? Neither of them would be winning any prizes in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 17, 2024Old books
February 28, 2017
A good story. Enjoyable read!
May 17, 2010
I love nothing better than series books and Linda's Hearts of the South series are a must have.
April 3, 2011
Liked this one even more than the first in the series.
June 12, 2011
2.75 stars
February 4, 2012
It was disappointing after reading the first of the series, Truth and Consequences, which I enjoyed. The dialog was so repetitive that had to do a lot of skimming.
November 2, 2013
2nd chance at love.
May 16, 2011
Great story. I loved Barbara and Del's relationship. I'm off to read the next one.
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