Destiny's Second Chance

by Kate Vale

Bella Campbell, a frightened pregnant teen, is forced to give up her newborn daughter. Twenty-plus years later, that adopted child gets the surprise of her life when her birth mother, now a librarian in Evergreen, Washington, contacts her.

Destiny’s adoptive mother is distrustful and tries to discourage a reunion, suspecting Bella has ulterior motives. Despite her mother’s misgivings, Destiny accepts Bella’s invitation to visit her so that each can get to know each other. While Bella learns the joys of motherhood, Destiny begins working in a local bookstore with Bella’s friend, Henry, whose nephew, Gavin Cambridge, is temporarily overseeing the store. He doesn’t believe the struggling bookstore is worth saving and, frankly, is more interested in pursuing Bella. But she has a history of failed love affairs and is especially wary of a long-distance relationship.

Gavin is all about business. Bella is all heart, and not about to give herself away easily—especially to a man whose lifestyle almost guarantees she’ll have to give up her home, her friends, and her beloved job at the Evergreen Library.

What can Gavin do to change Bella’s mind?

Genres: Romance

307 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2014

About the author

My mother said I wrote my first book when I was five--after I carefully copied the words in one of my favorite stories. A favorite children's book I still have is a first edition, signed by the author, of MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE, perhaps one reason I included reference to it in my indie-novel, PACKAGE DEAL.

Counting my current work as a novelist, I think I've experienced at least five different careers, the first four providing lots of grist for the mill of what my characters do or would like to do. One example? Olivia Brown in GRANDDAD'S HOUSE is a realtor. I was one, too! And realtors show up again in CHOICES and in a new book not yet ready for publication.

I hope you enjoy my stories. I love to hear from readers.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through the Goodreads giveaways.

This book is one of those rare pieces that leave your heart smiling. Right off the bat, when you learn about Bella's daughter that she was basically forced into giving up for adoption as a young teen, you can sympathize with her. You can feel her emotions, and she comes to life as if she were one of your close friends or family members. That is how all the characters in this book felt. They felt personal. I salute the author for a job well done in such an area that can be difficult to achieve in writing.

Love. Let's talk about love. It could be found everywhere in this book. It wasn't just your basic cut and dry romance novel either. It was so much more than that. You have two characters who are hesitant to fall in love because of past experiences, but find out that they can't deny what is meant to be. You have family love. Destiny, you find, is loved by her adoptive parents tremendously. Her adoptive mother loves her so much, that she is fearful of losing her to her birth mother. Then you have Bella, who still has a mountain of love for Destiny, and she finally has a second chance to be a maternal figure in her life.

This story is one that breeds hope, resiliency, and an appreciation for others. As an author, Kate Vale has a unique style and voice. An author that can create such personal characters is one I admire, and is also an author that I will look up to and read more from in the future.

[Star]

Teen-aged Bella was forced to give up her newborn daughter to an adoptive couple. Bella has grown up, made a life for herself, and is now a librarian in Evergreen, Washington. When she receives a letter from the adoptive father of her child, Bella’s both nervous and anxious to contact her daughter, Destiny, but she does take the first steps. I can’t imagine having to give away a child and DESTINY’S SECOND CHANCE treats this subject with delicacy and finesse. DESTINY’S SECOND CHANCE is emotionally hard-hitting with realistic characters who truly touch your soul. DESTINY’S SECOND CHANCE is an inspiring and touching novel about new beginnings.

[Michelle Stagg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved Bella. She is a strong woman and she knows what shes doing. I would say that this is my favorite book of 2018 so far. I recommend it!

[Ronna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book free from the author. This is my honest review.

What happens when a piece of your heart is somewhere else? As a sixteen
year old, Bella was awkward and unpopular, but bright enough to be tutoring
football players at her school. When one of them convinced her that he
loved her, the resulting sex created Destiny. Bella loved her coming baby
though her parents refused to help her with anything but finding an adoptive
family for her precious unborn daughter.

Seeking a form of open-adoption, where Bella could get pictures and send
letters twice every year, Bella settled on the Harrises. Giving up her baby
broke her heart, and beautiful Destiny took parts of it with her on her
third day of life. When Mrs. Harris decided to stop sending letters when
Destiny was five and the family moved away, Bella was heartsick, wondering
if Destiny was still alive and well.

Push forward to Destiny's twenty-first birthday, when Mr. Harris wrote to
Bella with Destiny's contact information. Will these two hearts, who were
missing something, be able to love fully again, or will trust issues that
have developed from the past build a wedge between everyone involved? Can a
child have too many people who love them? When does the child become old
enough and responsible enough to make her own life decisions?

Kate Vale has taken a number of serious issues revolving around adoptions,
and created a beautifully written and creative love story. And I haven't
even said anything about the hunky Gavin. Nor the elderly bookstore owner,
Henry. Not even mentioned is this story's intriguing connection to book
stores and libraries. This is a winsome and enthralling romance, where four
generations of broken hearts melt to create resplendent meaningful lives
full of love in all of its many forms.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Isabella aka Bella Campbell was sixteen years old, she fell pregnant and didn't tell her family till she was five months along. At sixteen, she was given one option - to give up her baby for adoption or to be kicked out of home. At three days old, Bella gave her baby Destiny over to an older couple "The Harris's". The adoption was to be a semi-open adoption where they could send letters and in return Bella would recieve photos but that stopped when Destiny turned five and Bella's letters were sent back with a return to sender. Not a day has gone by that Bella hasn't thought of her daughter and now twenty one years later, Bella now a librarian at Evergreen Library has recieved a letter from her Daughter's adopted Dad giving her permission to contact Destiny. Bella does and soon a relationship evolves with Bella and Destiny, though it seems Mrs. Harris isn't very happy about it and still sees Bella as the girl who gave up her baby and got pregnant as a teen. Is life giving both Destiny and Bella a second chance at getting to know one another ? What I loved about this book was that Bella and Destiny had lots in common and that Bella didn't want to tear the Harris's away but she did want to get to know her daughter. Also it seems that this might be Bella's second chance as well at a family with not only her daughter coming back but Henry's grandson Gavin seems to be interested in Bella and wants to take things a little further in the relationship status. For a lovely family saga and a book where second chances are all around us and it shows readers that sometimes in life - second chances are what we need to be happy as things don't always go right the first time around.

[Caitlin Hicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought DESTINY'S SECOND CHANCE at the Chanticleer Writer's Conference where the book had been awarded the Chatelaine Award, lst in category in the Chanticleer Writing Competition. I was interested in the main character's journey - a young woman who had been forced to give up her child to adoption when she was 16. Bella, the birth mother, years later has an opportunity to meet her daughter, Destiny. Bella's thinking demonstrates that she's been through the regret and pain that being a young mother separated from her baby would have gone through -- but she comes out the other side stronger for the experience. Although her family pressured her at the time of the adoption and was not supportive, Bella does not blame anyone; her regret focuses on starting anew positively with her daughter and the chance for a friendship. At times I felt that Bella was so mature and reasoned about the adoption that she ought to be a model for other mothers with more ambivalent struggles. I've known women who have given up their babies, and many adoptive parents. It's a rich ground of human experience. There are other threads in this novel, and it was quite enjoyable to read and finish.

[Lorraine Dusky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I come to this book as a woman who relinquished a daughter for adoption, and it was refreshing to read a story about a woman who has risen above the sad teenager she was when she relinquished a child to adoption, and goes on to have a full, rich life. At the same time she is going about her life and finding a new love, she also wrestles with the emotions and fears of reuniting with her 21-year-old daughter. We also learn a bit about the complications and problems of adoptee's reunion with her natural mother, and the fears of the adoptive mother, through the point of view of the young woman.

While the book is titled for the relinquished individual, it is just as much a story about the mother who is portrayed sensitively by an author, Kate Vale, whose own mother was relinquished and later adopted. Destiny's Second Chance would be an excellent book for young women in reading groups, and the author includes helpful questions at the back to encourage discussion.

[Yuan Jur · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well told tale with good characters and some twists to boot. Not too serious and and easy page turner for those liking a good romance.

[Kristi Metcalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a honest review.

What if life destiny gave you a second chance to get to know someone?
That is what this story is all about, a second chance at love but not in the way you're thinking.
Isabella, Bella, Campbell small town librarian who loves kids and her friends dearly.
When she was a teenager, she was forced into a decision she didn't want to make, to give up her child. She is given a chance to get to know her daughter as a adult.
Destiny, knew she was adopted and now that she's a adult she has had contact with her birth mother and she's nervous and excited to get to know her. Destiny and her mom are at odds, a relationship that is typical of any mother-daughter.
Vanessa is Destiny's mom and though this story is about Bella, her story is just as strong.
Vale does a wonderful job at bringing the emotions of three different women into this story. Bella, meeting a new man and meeting her daughter for the first time. Both or a new love, even though Bella has loved her child all these years, she gets to know her and love the real her.
Vanessa, scared that her daughter will no longer love her, but chose her birth mother over her. She holds onto Destiny tighter than any child wants.
And Destiny, loves her mom but is clashing with her over everything. Grows to love Bella, but has to learn understand her mom's feelings too.
This is a very emotional tugging story, anyone who reads this will not be able to walk away without feeling something.
As a mother, I could not imagine having to make such a choice. No matter the age carrying a person inside you for 9 months changes you and having to put your child up for adoption, whether it's for the best or not, doesn't stop you from loving them or wondering about their life.
Vale has done a great job at showing these three women growing in their own right and becoming a family.

[Elizabeth Guss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I opened Destiny’s Second Chance with confidence because I’d already read other works by Kate Vale, but I was enchanted by how very much I was pulled immediately into an engaging story of adoption, resilience, reconciliation, and making a future rich with promise.
Pregnant as a teen, Bella placed her newborn child Destiny for adoption largely due to the harsh insistence of her father and then, with determination, created a life. Never, did she forget the daughter who was loved and raised by other parents. A letter twenty-one years later opened a door to bring birth mother and child together. As the story unfolds, a group of interesting, colorful characters come together in much the way that life usually does.
Memory, contemporary moments, an eye to the future all interconnect as Bella, Destiny, Gavin, and many more people help shape a new story of how love unfolds. Fear and uncertainty give way to the confidence and acceptance that true love offers us all.
With the story set mostly in Washington State, Vale’s description of life here captured the spirit of the northwest. Woven through it all are the many threads of regret and ‘lately realized’ insights about how actions have long-term repercussions. As her characters discovered about themselves and others, Vale gave me insight into how people come to terms with significant sadness, betrayal, and loss. Finding and making peace with reality was often the stepping off point for them to find courage to accept the adventure of life.
Destiny’s Second Chance showcases how many second chances come in life. Mothers, daughters, friends, colleagues, and more faced changed circumstances that presented opportunities to create a new future. All in all, ‘twas a very satisfying read.

[Pamela Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

When sixteen year old Bella gave up her baby, Destiny, for adoption her agreement with the adoptive parents was to send pictures and letters yearly to Bella, but after 5 years the letters stopped. Bella is now in her 30’s and she still wonders about what happened to Destiny. When Destiny’s adoptive father contacts Bella the mystery to why they stopped writing to her becomes clear. She wants to contact Destiny and she hopes she will be able to see her. At the same time, Bella who is a librarian is trying to help out a local bookstore owned by a grandfatherly man named Henry. Henry is in poor health, and his handsome nephew Gavin thinks the store is too much for him and he wants to close it because it is also losing money. Bella needs to convince Gavin to keep the store, but Gavin is a complication she doesn’t need right now. She feels stretched between her job, her need to see her daughter and her friendship with Henry.

I read this book because my mom was adopted, and I wanted to understand her feelings and those of her birth mom, whom she never found; and the feelings of her adoptive mother, my grandmother. Kate Vale touched on all those feelings, and I got the impression that my grandmother may have been more like Destiny’s adoptive mother. So for me personally this novel held some eye opening revelations. As I finished reading Destiny’s Second Chance I kept thinking it was really Bella’s second chance. I enjoyed reading it so I’m giving it 4 stars. My only caution to readers is that there is some sexual content.

[Christyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book from the author, this in no way impacts my following review.

Destiny's Second Chance was kind of hard to read sometimes - not because it was badly written but because it is poignant and both heartbreaking and heartwarming featuring a rather complex topic. From a teenage pregnancy to being pretty much forced to adopt her baby out by her harsh and totally unsupportive parents, Bella has been through the grinder - but she builds a life for herself. And she gets her second chance to reunite with the daughter she was forced to let go.

There are a lot of emotional ups and downs in this story and Ms. Vale handles them extremely well. Ms. Vale routinely manages to write the human aspect of her stories superbly and it shows. As the story unfolded you could feel the way the characters felt - the fear, elation, distrust, regret, sadness, acceptance and love in all it's forms. None of the characters were perfect or without problems, they were all human and dealt with their situations as best they could. This was Bella and her daughter, Destiny's story but there is also Destiny's adoptive parents - the Harris' who I think were also important to mention. And for you romance lovers there is plenty of that between Bella and Gavin (which I am pleased to say did not overwhelm Bella and Destiny's story). It's an emotional ride, but well worth it.

At it's core this story really is about second chances in life, love and family. And who doesn't love a second chance story?

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mother who gave up her child at birth longs for a lost relationship, but finds herself combining love for child with love for a new man in her life when she receives Destiny's contact information. Meanwhile the mother who loved Destiny from birth to adulthood is afraid to lose a relationship that's already floundering on the rocks of adulthood. Combining regular romance with serious questions of love, life and belonging, Destiny’s Second Chance invites readers into the world of this adult adopted child, the mother who gave birth to her, and the mother who loved her from birth to adulthood.

Destiny, the daughter in this triangle, might not be the only one getting a second chance as the novel progresses. The three flawed women at the center of the story all need to forgive themselves and others before they progress. And author Kate Vale makes the process compelling and believable as readers follow mother Bella’s first steps in reaching out and learning to trust again.

Bella’s romance is pleasing, enticing, and believable in this tale. The characters feel real, in their lives and their problems with life. And the story has an enjoyable depth, family drama combined with romance, combined with some serious snippets of good motherly advice. It’s an enjoyable mix.

Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.

[Myra Espino · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ARC~

One of the best books I've read this year!!!From the start up to the last, I was hooked on this book!The story and the characters are great! The story is about a woman who gave up her daughter for her to have a life she can't give despite her not want to give her away and the daughter who will learn on what she truly wants in life. The characters, Bella, Destiny and Gavin are amazing. They are easy to relate with and like. Bella, a woman who wants to meet the daughter she gave away years ago. But as the years go by, she became an independent woman with a kind heart and an understanding person. Destiny, a woman who became somewhat rebellious but an amazing woman who is sweet and wants to make a life on her own and be independent. Gavin, a man who I want to punch when I first met him in the story but as the story goes, I fell in love with him. He has a bad experience in a relationship that made him swore off having another one, a mistake. But when he met Bella, things changed. As the story goes, these characters will have an amazing and interesting adventure in their life that will make you cry, fall in love and laugh. Ms. Kate nailed it!!!! I'm looking forward to reading more of her books in the future!

[Kasey Potzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Vale deftly creates a heartwarming story about another real life issue – adoption, and a reunion of a birthmother and her daughter twenty years later. Bella has grown up far beyond the young woman who struggled with the decision to give up her child and is delighted at now getting to know her daughter as a young adult. Bella carefully navigates the sometimes rough waters with Destiny’s mother who is distrustful of Bella’s motives. Fortunately Nolan Harris, Destiny’s father is much more encouraging of this budding relationship between Destiny and her birth mother.
Gavin Cambridge’s first trip to Evergreen was purely obligatory as Henry’s nephew, but what he finds there in beautiful Bella helps him take on the project of sorting out his uncle’s bookstore while reconsidering his career across the state. When Destiny finally does come to visit Bella she fits beautifully into Bella’s world and friendships and the beloved Henry’s bookstore as if her presence in the same place as her birthmother was truly meant to be. Then there’s the tear-inducing ending and how Bella and Gavin resolve their relationship.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella receives a letter that changes the course of her life -- the adoptive father of her child, given up when she was just sixteen, as given her permission to get in contact with Destiny now that she is 21. The last time Bella had heard anything from the Harris', Destiny was five....there were supposed to be regular letters and pictures, but silence for 16 years.

This is another of Kate Vale's solid and intriguing romance stories with excellent character development and a plot that many adoptive parents, those who have given babies up for adoption, or those who have been adopted -- will resonate with.

The tensions that wind through the book -- Destiny's relationship with her adoptive mother -- Bella's relationship with her own mother -- and of course the pain that Vanessa feels when Destiny says she wants a relationship with Bella -- are well written.

Of course -- there is the romance angle as well.....why is Bella so afraid of a relationship? Read it and find out!

Though I'm not a huge fan of romance novels, I have thoroughly enjoyed the ones written by Kate Vale. The story lines are complex and intriguing.

[Cassie Hess-dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella got pregnant as a teenager and was forced by her parents to put her baby up for adoption. Twenty one years later she is contacted by the father and told now that Destiny is of age, Bella may contact her. So Bella sends a letter. The two share phone calls, emails, texts and decide to meet. The two end up staying together for a little bit of time, where Destiny gets to know her birth mother, realizes what she wants to do as a career and she can finally understand her adoptive mother and fix their failing relationship. Bella has many friends but can't seem to find the right man to spend her life with. While getting to know her daughter, a man comes into her life. Is Gavin really a guy she should get to know? Do long distance relationships work out? Is there a possibility he would move to Washington? Will she give him a chance or has her heart been damaged for good?
I absolutely fell in love with this story. I immediately connected with the characters and didn't want to put the book down until I knew how it ended.

[Midnight Attic Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pregnant at sixteen, Bella had been forced into putting her baby up for adoption by disapproving parents, then out of the blue nearly twenty years later, she receives a letter from the adoptive father granting permission for her to contact her (now adult) biological child directly. This is such a complex topic, but I thought it was handled very well. All the characters involved (biological mother, child, adoptive parents) had mixed feelings about the renewed contact between Bella and her child Destiny, but the way in which they expressed them really exemplified just how complex the characters were, each having good and bad traits, but doing the best they could with the situations they were given. This story of reunion between mother and child played out alongside the romance between Bella and Gavin (the nephew of an elderly friend). Great story that really keeps you invested in the characters! This story was previously published as Bella's Destiny.

Note: This book was provided to me by the author for an honest review.

[Lynn Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege to win Destiny’s Second Chance by Kate Vale through Goodreads recently. This author is truly refreshing and I have enjoyed reading this book. From the beginning of this book the characters draw you into their world and you feel as if you truly know them on a personal level.
Bella is a young lady whose parents make her give her baby girl up for adoption. The adoptive parents keep Bella informed for a short period of time then decide to no longer continue the relationship. As years go by Bella is constantly wondering about her girl they named Destiny. Till one day when she gets a call saying she can communicate with Destiny who is now twenty one.
The decisions one makes are never black and white but filled with a mixture of emotions. As you read this book you will feel everything from satisfaction she made the right choice to despair as the year’s show the turmoil the decision has caused.
Wow! What a great book! A must read for anybody who enjoys fictional stories about family relationships.

[Theresa]

Destiny's Second Chance

I've read several of Kate Vale's books and this one was no different, I loved them all!

This the story of young girl named Bella who becomes pregnant and her parent's do not allow her to keep the baby. The anguish that she goes through is very disheartening, and I'm so amazed that so many young girls go through this misery. In Bella's case though, she puts a clause in the adoption that she be allowed to contact her child when she comes of age.
Bella named her little girl Destiny and when she is finally given permission to contact her she finds her adoptive parents had not changed it. This story renewed my faith that a child can find happiness an all situations; the one she was taken from and the new family she was about to join.
Such a wonderful story, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Karie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life is all about second chances, giving them and taking them as well. Isabella had made (driven to either works here) the difficult decision to give her baby up for adoption when she was younger. She wasn't married and who wouldn't want a better life for their child. I have to say in my personal opinion, it's a very selfless thing to do, as I can't imagine carrying my kids, and not having them be a part of my life. That's just my personal thoughts. Destiny has sought out contact with her birth mother after she turned 21. A second chance to know a mother who loved her but didn't keep her. This was an emotional read for sure, but in a good way. I hadn't had the pleasure of reading Ms. Vale before, but she is someone I would recommend to others to read. 4/5 cross posting to My Reading Reality

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Destiny’s Second Chance’ offers up a good story line. I suppose it might be categorized as a relatively easy read romance but there is more to it. The author, Kate Vale, deftly weaves in the complex emotional issue of ‘teenage pregnancy and adoption’ and, years later, subsequent ‘birth mother’ discoveries. Thematically speaking ‘Destiny’s Second Chance’ does not delve into profound universal deficits but as noted previously it is not without intellectual intrigue. I quite enjoyed reading the novel. Ms. Vale has an ability to deliver excellent, believable dialogue and her use of this writing technique greatly contributes to the books overall strength. One becomes quite interested in the main characters. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending ‘Destiny’s Second Chance’ for your reading consideration.

[Marisa Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book with a happy ending, this is it. A woman who was pregnant at sixteen had to give up her daughter. She seeks to build a relationship with the daughter when she is able to contact the child when the child turns the age of twenty-one. Book does touch on several important topics - teen pregnancy, adoption, biological versus adoptive parents and mother-daughter relationships.

[Kathy Church · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the story of Destiny's Second Chance so heartwarming. I have relatives and friends who have adopted children and wonder how their future will play out. The characters are so real in this book, I was laughing and crying along with them. Not only does the book portray the story of Bella having to give her child up for adoption it also has a beautiful love store intertwined.

[Linda Gwiazdowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful story,really enjoyed the characters and their stories,we all need a second chance sometime,beautifully written

[Lisa-Scarlett Cruji · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully plotted and executed tale about family, the choices that we make, forgiveness, and, most of all, love.

[Heather Westing · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story illustrates loss and reunion, pain and joy, in a setting understood by too many young women today. Wonderfully written with complex, realistic characters, it both enlightens and inspires.

[Bennett Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful and moving story of one woman's struggle to deal with the tough choices in life. Lots to think about - recommended for book clubs!

[Ben Langdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Vale's book is not my usual type of book, but I was browsing independent writers and thought I'd give it a try. But, yeah, seriously - I'm not the target audience. That aside, this is really well written and a very grounded romance story. Actually, labelling it 'romance' is not doing it justice. There is certainly a strong romantic drive in the story but it's probably more about the story of regret and of re-establishing lost links between a mother and a daughter.

The characters take central stage here, although the descriptions of cities and the workplaces were well written (I'm a former bookshop manager, so I enjoyed the focus on that). Bella comes across as a down to earth heroine. She's established in her life, has a few relationship issues just behind her when the story begins, but is otherwise a pretty together type of girl. When she receives a message from the adoptive father of her daughter though, things become simultaneously hopeful and anxious - Bella has the chance to connect with the daughter she had to give up, but she's worried about the impact it might have on her and on her daughter, Destiny.

I really enjoyed the shifting storylines. Bella's story is powerful and steals the show, but it's nicely balanced with the stories of other characters, particularly Destiny who has her own life. The issue of adoption (particularly teenage adoption) is handled well, and although I'm not an expert it came across as very genuine from all sides: birth mother, child, adoptive parents.

I would recommend this for readers who enjoy character pieces. You'll really like Bella and although there's heartache along the way, 'Destiny's Second Chance' is ultimately hopeful and well worth the read.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that I loved the side characters too. Kate Vale has a great way of quickly establishing characters, particularly her female characters. Great stuff. :)

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading Kate Vale's stories. They are completely out of my wheel house but give my mind a fresh new look at the world. I enjoy her writing and really get into each story. This one really tugged at my heart being a teen mom once myself. I would definitely recommend reading this book!