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A Mother's Heart #2
Once a Wife
At seventeen, Sarah Colby had been scared and desperate.
Her marriage to Reece Colby was faltering. They were nearly destitute and their infant son, Drew, needed on-going medical care they couldn’t afford. Sarah felt her world crumpling around her. Then her mother-in-law, Elizabeth, offered Sarah a solution. Elizabeth would make certain Drew got the medical attention he needed if Sarah would walk away from her husband and son. Believing she had no other option, Sarah accepted Elizabeth’s offer—though leaving them was the hardest thing she’d ever done.
Now, twelve years later, Sarah's still questions that decision. So when she learns that Drew's in trouble, she knows it's time to break her agreement with Elizabeth. Drew needs the mother he’s never known and Sarah needs to help her son. But how can she face Reece after deserting him? And what will happen when he finds out about Lyssa, the daughter he doesn't know he has?
Her marriage to Reece Colby was faltering. They were nearly destitute and their infant son, Drew, needed on-going medical care they couldn’t afford. Sarah felt her world crumpling around her. Then her mother-in-law, Elizabeth, offered Sarah a solution. Elizabeth would make certain Drew got the medical attention he needed if Sarah would walk away from her husband and son. Believing she had no other option, Sarah accepted Elizabeth’s offer—though leaving them was the hardest thing she’d ever done.
Now, twelve years later, Sarah's still questions that decision. So when she learns that Drew's in trouble, she knows it's time to break her agreement with Elizabeth. Drew needs the mother he’s never known and Sarah needs to help her son. But how can she face Reece after deserting him? And what will happen when he finds out about Lyssa, the daughter he doesn't know he has?
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1996
1566 people are currently reading
1046 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Keelyn
14 books59 followersThis author is also published under Patricia Lewin.
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September 22, 2024Two of the worst parents ever. Not one adult made a good decision regarding the children. Who cares about the romance/
Mary Sue Martyr takes money to leave her baby with diabetes with evil MIL. Um, if evil MIL has money to pay you off she has money to help pay for medical services. Apologies to other readers that I allowed reality to interfere.
If you want a four hanky read where a mother leaves for the baby's own good, I suggest...The Spaniard's Marriage Bargain.
Mary Sue Martyr takes money to leave her baby with diabetes with evil MIL. Um, if evil MIL has money to pay you off she has money to help pay for medical services. Apologies to other readers that I allowed reality to interfere.
If you want a four hanky read where a mother leaves for the baby's own good, I suggest...The Spaniard's Marriage Bargain.
February 7, 2017
Sarah and Reece were married and had a child at a very young age. Drew, their child, is sick with diabetes from birth and needs medical care, which they cannot afford. Reece's mother offers Sarah a great sum of money to leave Reece and Drew in return for Drew getting medical care. Sarah feels as if she has no choice and takes the deal without telling Reece that she is pregnant with their second child.
Fast forward twelve years. Drew is in trouble at school and is failing sixth grade. He won't move onto seventh grade unless he goes to summer school. Well, he gets thrown out of summer school for misbehaving and now has no way of moving onto the next grade without a tutor.
Meanwhile, Sarah has been kept abreast of what's been going on with Drew from periodic, secret letters from Millie, the live-in cook. She decides to go see if there is something she can do to help Drew. Luckily, she is a teacher now and she has the means to help him.
Reece is not okay with Sarah showing up but realizes she is the answer to Drew's school problem. He agrees to let her tutor Drew under the condition that she does not tell him that she is his mother. Reece and Elizabeth (Reece's mother) have already told Drew that his mother is dead. Sarah agrees. She doesn't like the fact that she can't tell him who she really is but she is desperate to reach out to him and get to know him, even if it is under the guise of being just a tutor.
It isn't long before Reece and Sarah discover that they still have feelings for each other. But Reece is engaged and Sarah hasn't told him that he has another child.
This book is a rock n' roller. There is so much emotion between all of the characters, including Sarah's grandmother, Tuwa. The whole story blends together like a fine dinner. Each character has something going on that affects other characters and putting them together was masterfully done.
The characters, including the kids, are strong and well-developed. As I mentioned, there is a ton of emotion poured into the pages and situations arise that made me wonder if I'd been able to keep a handle on it as Sarah did. The plot never wavers and the ending was wonderful.
This is the second installment of the "Mother's Heart" series but is a stand-alone novel.
This book was an easy, easy five stars. I absolutely loved it and am anxious to read the next in the series.
Fast forward twelve years. Drew is in trouble at school and is failing sixth grade. He won't move onto seventh grade unless he goes to summer school. Well, he gets thrown out of summer school for misbehaving and now has no way of moving onto the next grade without a tutor.
Meanwhile, Sarah has been kept abreast of what's been going on with Drew from periodic, secret letters from Millie, the live-in cook. She decides to go see if there is something she can do to help Drew. Luckily, she is a teacher now and she has the means to help him.
Reece is not okay with Sarah showing up but realizes she is the answer to Drew's school problem. He agrees to let her tutor Drew under the condition that she does not tell him that she is his mother. Reece and Elizabeth (Reece's mother) have already told Drew that his mother is dead. Sarah agrees. She doesn't like the fact that she can't tell him who she really is but she is desperate to reach out to him and get to know him, even if it is under the guise of being just a tutor.
It isn't long before Reece and Sarah discover that they still have feelings for each other. But Reece is engaged and Sarah hasn't told him that he has another child.
This book is a rock n' roller. There is so much emotion between all of the characters, including Sarah's grandmother, Tuwa. The whole story blends together like a fine dinner. Each character has something going on that affects other characters and putting them together was masterfully done.
The characters, including the kids, are strong and well-developed. As I mentioned, there is a ton of emotion poured into the pages and situations arise that made me wonder if I'd been able to keep a handle on it as Sarah did. The plot never wavers and the ending was wonderful.
This is the second installment of the "Mother's Heart" series but is a stand-alone novel.
This book was an easy, easy five stars. I absolutely loved it and am anxious to read the next in the series.
June 17, 2016
3.5 stars
For the most part, I liked this one. I thought both of them made really stupid decisions and both needed a smack (or three) upside the head, but it was a decent read :)
For the most part, I liked this one. I thought both of them made really stupid decisions and both needed a smack (or three) upside the head, but it was a decent read :)
May 18, 2019
Compared to Keeping Katie, this was a disappointment. If you are going to base a whole storyline on people lying to each other, you need to come up with valid reasons for those lies, and I thought most of them were not justified. The only lie I could understand the reason behind was keeping Lyssa a secret - Sarah was justified in thinking she would lose her daughter if Reese and his mother knew about her. The rest of the lies and withholding of information were just dumb. Seriously, someone just slap those two around and send them away from each other. They don't deserve to be together.
I wanted to like this book and the two characters in it, but I don't think the author really had a full book worth of story about them, so she just kept stringing out what little she had. It didn't work for me.
I wanted to like this book and the two characters in it, but I don't think the author really had a full book worth of story about them, so she just kept stringing out what little she had. It didn't work for me.
August 25, 2016
Grab the tissues! You're going to need them for this one!
This is a story of young love, heartbreak, and second chances. Sarah was 17 when she married Reece and 18 when she gave birth to their son. Drew was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes and needed medical care they couldn't afford. Reece's wealthy family had cut him off for marrying young and marrying someone of mixed ethnicity whom they felt was beneath him. Reece's mother came to Sarah one day and payed her off saying that she would take care of Drew and ensure he got the care he needed if Sarah would leave her son. It was the hardest decision Sarah would ever have to make but she chose to leave thinking she really had no choice as she had to do what was best for her son. The story picks up 11 years later when Sarah hears that her son is having problems in school and with his health.
This is one of the most well written books I have read in quite some time. The author makes you feel everything the characters are going through. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll empathize, and you'll feel the love throughout this book. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.
I was given this book from ebook discovery in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story of young love, heartbreak, and second chances. Sarah was 17 when she married Reece and 18 when she gave birth to their son. Drew was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes and needed medical care they couldn't afford. Reece's wealthy family had cut him off for marrying young and marrying someone of mixed ethnicity whom they felt was beneath him. Reece's mother came to Sarah one day and payed her off saying that she would take care of Drew and ensure he got the care he needed if Sarah would leave her son. It was the hardest decision Sarah would ever have to make but she chose to leave thinking she really had no choice as she had to do what was best for her son. The story picks up 11 years later when Sarah hears that her son is having problems in school and with his health.
This is one of the most well written books I have read in quite some time. The author makes you feel everything the characters are going through. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll empathize, and you'll feel the love throughout this book. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.
I was given this book from ebook discovery in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2017
Glad I took the chance
It was a great book. I loved the h and she made the book great. The kids were cute too. The H was problematic for me. I never knew what he was going to do. Again the author pointed out her celibacy for the 12 years pining for him but never clarified his. I demand equality!!! Lol. I would have liked to see that he pined for her too but at least we didn't have to hear about OW. That's. but I still gave it five stars and would definitely read more of this author's.
It was a great book. I loved the h and she made the book great. The kids were cute too. The H was problematic for me. I never knew what he was going to do. Again the author pointed out her celibacy for the 12 years pining for him but never clarified his. I demand equality!!! Lol. I would have liked to see that he pined for her too but at least we didn't have to hear about OW. That's. but I still gave it five stars and would definitely read more of this author's.
December 30, 2016
Super quick read, the two main characters could have saved themselves a world of trouble if they hadn't been so stupid and secretive and proud and I am still a bit uncomfortable with the word they used when referring to Native Americas (the heroine was half Native American)
January 4, 2017
When she left her husband and child she didn't know if she would return to them latter or not. Eleven years later after hearing that her son was having difficulties. After much thought she returned to her ex's home. As she returns she finds that she has trouble letting the child know that he is her son. But she has another secret that she stills need to confess to her ex. Things could turn out alright if they could admit their mistakes. It is a good book.
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February 15, 2022
The writing style is so dated. It felt like I was reading a book from the 1800s. The blurb sounded more interesting than the actual book. It was dragged out and both of them made silly decisions and kept too many secrets. I didn’t like Reece, he was rigid and acted like a jerk most of the time even before Sarah arrived. It also wasn’t believable that they were still in love after all that happened.
Some things bothered me such as the description of Sarah’s heritage, she’s part Native American. Also, the part where Reece sees a picture of Lyssa and he’s thinking of what she’ll look like when she’s older was weird. Reece’s mother also didn’t really face any real consequences for her actions.
Some things bothered me such as the description of Sarah’s heritage, she’s part Native American. Also, the part where Reece sees a picture of Lyssa and he’s thinking of what she’ll look like when she’s older was weird. Reece’s mother also didn’t really face any real consequences for her actions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2024
Great book
I truly enjoyed this book. The book brought you right in from the first page till the last. It is a story about Listerine, lost trust even in unexpected people. It is also about a forgiveness.
It was just an all around wonderful book. You began to feel like you really know these people, you can feel their hurt and share in their joy.
Thanks so much to the author for giving this gift to the readers. I feel truly blessed just by reading it.
I truly enjoyed this book. The book brought you right in from the first page till the last. It is a story about Listerine, lost trust even in unexpected people. It is also about a forgiveness.
It was just an all around wonderful book. You began to feel like you really know these people, you can feel their hurt and share in their joy.
Thanks so much to the author for giving this gift to the readers. I feel truly blessed just by reading it.
January 7, 2017
Once A Wife is a compelling story about dealing with the consequences of choices made when you are young, and moving forward when learning the things you believed aren’t exactly what they seemed.
Sarah and Reece were young and in love. At 18, they decided to get married when Sarah became pregnant. As can be expected, life was not easy for them - Reece’s wealthy parents didn’t approve of Sarah and cut him off financially, forcing him away from the ranch he loved and into a job he didn’t like. And then their infant son, Drew, becomes ill with type one diabetes, a lifelong illness that will require expensive medicine. When Reece’s mother offers Sarah a way to provide for her son’s care, she reluctantly takes it, even though it broke her heart to walk away.
Twelve years down the road, Drew and Reece are living parallel lives. Drew desperately wants his dad’s attention, but Reece is just doing what he can to get by. Even his engagement to his fiancee is for practical purposes and not for love. Sarah is doing her best to make a life as a teacher and single mom to daughter Lyssa, who she was pregnant with when she left Reece. Regret is her constant companion, but she takes comfort in knowing that Drew’s medical needs are being met.
When Sarah receives a letter from the housekeeper of Reece’s ranch telling her that her son is struggling, she decides it’s finally time to face the music and return to the ranch. Of course, Reece is not happy to see her after 12 years. But things with his son are strained and he grudgingly agrees to let Sarah help. As they spend the summer together at the ranch, they deal with lingering emotional pain, but also attraction that apparently never died.
Finally, FINALLY, I found a story that actually deals, in a fairly realistic way, with the fallout of making a difficult choice. Sarah and Reece argue, they remember their happier times together, but then pull back while dealing with their past. When Reece learns that maybe Sarah’s abandonment isn’t as cut and dried as he’s always believed, he’s ready to forgive and move on with her. But then he’s hit with the realization of her other betrayal - never telling him about his daughter - and now he chooses to walk away, again without getting the full story.
As per usual, if the characters had actually had a conversation, things could have been cleared up. However, that doesn’t make for a very interesting book! But when characters have realistic reactions and deal with situations and conflict in a reasonable way, it makes for a story that I enjoy reading. I like how the big secret - that Reece’s mother orchestrated Sarah’s departure - was revealed fairly early in the story. It added another reason for Reece to be conflicted about his feelings for Sarah. I also like how there was conflict with the fiancee, but it wasn’t over-the-top drama (again, realistic reactions!).
Patricia Keelyn did a good job of showing how the choices you make when you are younger can continue to haunt you, even when made with the best of intentions. No situation is ever one-sided, and understanding and forgiveness - for others AND for yourself - are necessary in order to move on and live a happy, fulfilling life.
Ms. Keelyn is a very capable writer. This story had enough layers to keep the story interesting, but wasn’t bogged down by excessive angst. The pacing was good, as was the dialog. If my “To-read” list wasn’t already so long I’d definitely look into reading the other two books in this series.
Sarah and Reece were young and in love. At 18, they decided to get married when Sarah became pregnant. As can be expected, life was not easy for them - Reece’s wealthy parents didn’t approve of Sarah and cut him off financially, forcing him away from the ranch he loved and into a job he didn’t like. And then their infant son, Drew, becomes ill with type one diabetes, a lifelong illness that will require expensive medicine. When Reece’s mother offers Sarah a way to provide for her son’s care, she reluctantly takes it, even though it broke her heart to walk away.
Twelve years down the road, Drew and Reece are living parallel lives. Drew desperately wants his dad’s attention, but Reece is just doing what he can to get by. Even his engagement to his fiancee is for practical purposes and not for love. Sarah is doing her best to make a life as a teacher and single mom to daughter Lyssa, who she was pregnant with when she left Reece. Regret is her constant companion, but she takes comfort in knowing that Drew’s medical needs are being met.
When Sarah receives a letter from the housekeeper of Reece’s ranch telling her that her son is struggling, she decides it’s finally time to face the music and return to the ranch. Of course, Reece is not happy to see her after 12 years. But things with his son are strained and he grudgingly agrees to let Sarah help. As they spend the summer together at the ranch, they deal with lingering emotional pain, but also attraction that apparently never died.
Finally, FINALLY, I found a story that actually deals, in a fairly realistic way, with the fallout of making a difficult choice. Sarah and Reece argue, they remember their happier times together, but then pull back while dealing with their past. When Reece learns that maybe Sarah’s abandonment isn’t as cut and dried as he’s always believed, he’s ready to forgive and move on with her. But then he’s hit with the realization of her other betrayal - never telling him about his daughter - and now he chooses to walk away, again without getting the full story.
As per usual, if the characters had actually had a conversation, things could have been cleared up. However, that doesn’t make for a very interesting book! But when characters have realistic reactions and deal with situations and conflict in a reasonable way, it makes for a story that I enjoy reading. I like how the big secret - that Reece’s mother orchestrated Sarah’s departure - was revealed fairly early in the story. It added another reason for Reece to be conflicted about his feelings for Sarah. I also like how there was conflict with the fiancee, but it wasn’t over-the-top drama (again, realistic reactions!).
Patricia Keelyn did a good job of showing how the choices you make when you are younger can continue to haunt you, even when made with the best of intentions. No situation is ever one-sided, and understanding and forgiveness - for others AND for yourself - are necessary in order to move on and live a happy, fulfilling life.
Ms. Keelyn is a very capable writer. This story had enough layers to keep the story interesting, but wasn’t bogged down by excessive angst. The pacing was good, as was the dialog. If my “To-read” list wasn’t already so long I’d definitely look into reading the other two books in this series.
August 17, 2016
When you’re young, over your head, and cornered into a situation could the only way out be to leave your infant son and husband? Maybe, maybe not but Sarah’s mother-in-law has presented her with an option. Leave them and they will be taken care of, her infant son will receive the lifetime medical care he will need and be taken care of. That option and the knowledge that she is pregnant with a 2nd child, she knows there is no way for her and Reece to make ends meet. Sarah does the one thing she thinks she has to do. She leaves.
Now eleven years later, her son is in trouble and needs her. Can she return? Can she become Drew’s mom? And will Reece let her? What will Reece do when he finds out she has hidden his other child from him? Can either of them find it in their hearts to forgive themselves much less each other to make a home for their children?
The story is a little on the slow side but it’s still a fabulous story. Sarah’s got a great back story with her Native American heritage and her grandmother. This wise women has great things to say. Her and Millie were probably my favorite character’s because they spoke their minds and were very observant to their surroundings.
Now eleven years later, her son is in trouble and needs her. Can she return? Can she become Drew’s mom? And will Reece let her? What will Reece do when he finds out she has hidden his other child from him? Can either of them find it in their hearts to forgive themselves much less each other to make a home for their children?
The story is a little on the slow side but it’s still a fabulous story. Sarah’s got a great back story with her Native American heritage and her grandmother. This wise women has great things to say. Her and Millie were probably my favorite character’s because they spoke their minds and were very observant to their surroundings.
July 7, 2023
This book has a bit of a dated feel but it was written in 2015 so maybe it’s b/c it’s set in Wyoming and the author wanted the characters and their lives removed from modern society a bit? A lot of it just felt like it was written a long time ago plus set in another era.
I’ll get right to it, the main reason I didn’t really like this book is b/c I disliked the heroine, Sarah. By all measures she is the primary guilty party here and yet she has an attitude and has the nerve to be rude to the hero, Reece when they reunite. He has every fight to detest her. Yet he can’t hold onto his anger as well as she can hold onto her attitude. She left him with a sick infant and told him there was someone else and she didn’t want to be poor with a sick baby. She left him and stole his second child from him for 11 years!! Regardless of her true motives She should have groveled her face off and we never got that. She ruined both her kids’ lives and stole a family from all of them. She should have been eaten with guilt every minute of every day and I just didn’t feel her pain and remorse like I wanted to. Reece was more likable but he should have made her work a lot harder to work her way back into their lives. So giving this 2 stars, it was just OK for me.
I’ll get right to it, the main reason I didn’t really like this book is b/c I disliked the heroine, Sarah. By all measures she is the primary guilty party here and yet she has an attitude and has the nerve to be rude to the hero, Reece when they reunite. He has every fight to detest her. Yet he can’t hold onto his anger as well as she can hold onto her attitude. She left him with a sick infant and told him there was someone else and she didn’t want to be poor with a sick baby. She left him and stole his second child from him for 11 years!! Regardless of her true motives She should have groveled her face off and we never got that. She ruined both her kids’ lives and stole a family from all of them. She should have been eaten with guilt every minute of every day and I just didn’t feel her pain and remorse like I wanted to. Reece was more likable but he should have made her work a lot harder to work her way back into their lives. So giving this 2 stars, it was just OK for me.
February 25, 2021
This is a very riveting story. Young lovers are always prone to interference from their parents/family and peers. Reece and Sarahs' case is compounded because their son, Drew is sick and they have little or no money for his medical bills. Meanwhile Reece has been disinherited by his dad for daring to marry his pregnant girlfriend who also happens to be half White, and half American Indian. Enter Reece's conniving mother who offer Sarah money to leave Reece and she will make sure Drew is taking care of.
Well, you know how well that works. This is the story of how this couple worked their way back together and reconnected Drew, his sister, Lyssa, (who Reece did not even knows existed). It is a good story. I love it. The only drawback for me was how long it took Sarah to let Reece know about Lyssa, and Reece also not telling Drew Sarah was his mother. That was dumb.
Well, you know how well that works. This is the story of how this couple worked their way back together and reconnected Drew, his sister, Lyssa, (who Reece did not even knows existed). It is a good story. I love it. The only drawback for me was how long it took Sarah to let Reece know about Lyssa, and Reece also not telling Drew Sarah was his mother. That was dumb.
September 26, 2018
This book is a perfect example of why I as a man like Romance stories. It isn't just about the love of a man and a woman; but includes the love of a parent towards a child and vise versa and how strong that can be. Also the love for a parent or grandparent. It also includes how important animals can be to our lives. I loved this story between Reece Colby and Sarah Colby. The two children Drew and Lyssa are so much a part of this story as well as the two Grandmothers, Elizabeth and Tuwa. Elizabeth was kind of the culprit that caused the rift that took place in this family; but Tuwa always encouraged Sarah to be truthful and to seek forgiveness. Tuwa was a source of strength that Sarah needed to deal with the situation she found herself in with her husband and children.
I have found Patricia Keelyn to be an exceptional author and I am now reading the next book in this series.
I have found Patricia Keelyn to be an exceptional author and I am now reading the next book in this series.
January 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I could feel all the emotions, and really connected with both the heroine, and hero of the story.
Sarah, and Reece was 18 and in love. they married when Sarah found out she was pregnant. Her son needed medical care they couldn't afford. Her mother in law, paid her to leave her son. it was the hardest thing she could ever do. she knew if he left, he would have the care he needed.
years later she gets a letter from the cook saying her son was getting into trouble. she came to the ranch. she was not allowed to tell him who she really was. mother and son connected that summer while she taught him. he was behind in school, and reece hired her to tutor Drew.
great book, with powerful emotions.
Sarah, and Reece was 18 and in love. they married when Sarah found out she was pregnant. Her son needed medical care they couldn't afford. Her mother in law, paid her to leave her son. it was the hardest thing she could ever do. she knew if he left, he would have the care he needed.
years later she gets a letter from the cook saying her son was getting into trouble. she came to the ranch. she was not allowed to tell him who she really was. mother and son connected that summer while she taught him. he was behind in school, and reece hired her to tutor Drew.
great book, with powerful emotions.
May 15, 2019
This book has been on my to-be-read list for quite some time and I'm overwhelmed by how much this achingly beautiful story moved me! Patricia Keelyn has captured the strong love that binds a teenage wife and mother to her infant son and her financially struggling teenage husband. The sacrifice this young mother and wife makes when faced with impossible choices, and the repercussions of those choices faced by all concerned in the years following her decision, is what kept me riveted to every page of this endearing story. I will feel the emotional impact of Once A Wife for a very long time and will no doubt revisit Sarah and Reece's story again and again.
June 10, 2022
Wonderful fun read.
There are to many wonderful points of love and tragedy in the book to give a detailed review. Love and secrets, fear and keeping promises could destroy Sarah's heart. But she will sacrifice all to be with her lost son. But could Reese overcome his fears to allow Sarah to be with her son.... then there was the unknown daughter that Sarah feared losing to Reese!
There are to many wonderful points of love and tragedy in the book to give a detailed review. Love and secrets, fear and keeping promises could destroy Sarah's heart. But she will sacrifice all to be with her lost son. But could Reese overcome his fears to allow Sarah to be with her son.... then there was the unknown daughter that Sarah feared losing to Reese!
August 7, 2016
I received this book from EBook Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
This is an emotional and sweet read. Sarah makes the hardest decision in her life regarding Reece her husband, and her baby son. But now she is back!
A well written story and I loved the characters. Look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
This is an emotional and sweet read. Sarah makes the hardest decision in her life regarding Reece her husband, and her baby son. But now she is back!
A well written story and I loved the characters. Look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
March 25, 2019
Sarah and Reese married too young, struggling financially with a baby diagnosed an expensive disease. Sarah is propositioned by Reese's mother to leave her baby and husband and they will be taken care of and never struggle. She loves them too much to stay.
January 8, 2017
I liked it .... Reece and Sarah weren't perfect and made heaps of mistakes and silly ones at that but it was still an enjoyable read
April 22, 2022
I hate how the author keeps referring to type 1 diabetes like it is the end of the world. He's okay but his illness. As a type 1 diabetic I am very unimpressed.
August 20, 2024
Rollercoaster of emotions.
Ok so I have to get this off my chest. 1st. I hate how the grandmother was left out of being at fault. I dont believe for a sec that it had anything to do with them being to young. I think it had to do with her being part Indian. Why else who she push her husband to disown their own son. And 2nd why didn't he tell the truth to his son that it was his fault that his mother didn't tell the truth about being his mother instead of her getting all the hate. Yes she made a choice but she WAS VERY YOUNG and they grandmother took advantage of that. 3rd I dont like 3rd person POVs it sounds weird. Like a narration to a movie.
Now fkr the good stuff. I loved the story. My heart actually broke for Sarah. Even tho she left her son she had a right to be his mother He didn't have a right to get upset about not telling him about the daughter if he wasn't allowing her the same curiosity in my opinion but still I loved the relationship she forged with her son and the one she had with her daughter. Clearly shebwas better parent for both of them as Drew didn't give any time to his own son and had him for 11 years. Even tho hebwas ruff with Sarah I knew he still loved her you could feel it between them. It's like those once in a lifetime loves. I really loved her grandmother such a wise old women. She always knew what was best. Overall it was a great story about loosing love and finding it again and building that family once again. I think anyone who reads this will love it. The writing was amazing even in 3rd POV. This is the 1st I've read of this author and I will definitely read another of these books.
Ok so I have to get this off my chest. 1st. I hate how the grandmother was left out of being at fault. I dont believe for a sec that it had anything to do with them being to young. I think it had to do with her being part Indian. Why else who she push her husband to disown their own son. And 2nd why didn't he tell the truth to his son that it was his fault that his mother didn't tell the truth about being his mother instead of her getting all the hate. Yes she made a choice but she WAS VERY YOUNG and they grandmother took advantage of that. 3rd I dont like 3rd person POVs it sounds weird. Like a narration to a movie.
Now fkr the good stuff. I loved the story. My heart actually broke for Sarah. Even tho she left her son she had a right to be his mother He didn't have a right to get upset about not telling him about the daughter if he wasn't allowing her the same curiosity in my opinion but still I loved the relationship she forged with her son and the one she had with her daughter. Clearly shebwas better parent for both of them as Drew didn't give any time to his own son and had him for 11 years. Even tho hebwas ruff with Sarah I knew he still loved her you could feel it between them. It's like those once in a lifetime loves. I really loved her grandmother such a wise old women. She always knew what was best. Overall it was a great story about loosing love and finding it again and building that family once again. I think anyone who reads this will love it. The writing was amazing even in 3rd POV. This is the 1st I've read of this author and I will definitely read another of these books.
October 24, 2025
Most Important Reasons
A teenage couple were married with a son who was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. The husband was disowned by his family, and the wife only had a grandmother who lives in a Reservation many miles away. Situation was difficult, as there seemed to be no way to pay for necessities and special childcare. The paternal mother and father were soon entrusted with the care of the infant and son, since the young bride announced that she intended to leave them. She was pregnant when she left and she stayed with her grandmother.
There was a contact who let the woman know about her son from time to time, so when she got word (11years after she left) that he was neglecting himself she drove to town to help. The 'reunion' was rough because the now former husband didn't agree with her attempt to visit her son, and would not let her reveal her identity to him.
The split had allowed both of them to return to school and make a living for themselves, and she became a high school teacher while he returned from college to run the family's ranch.
The former wife had her daughter, her grandmother helped raise her on the Reservation. She feared revealing the daughter's existence to her former husband, and wished to retain her right to keep her. The omissions of info kept hurting the family that had already been torn apart. Their persistence in making sure the children were well brought wellness into their relationship anew.
A teenage couple were married with a son who was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. The husband was disowned by his family, and the wife only had a grandmother who lives in a Reservation many miles away. Situation was difficult, as there seemed to be no way to pay for necessities and special childcare. The paternal mother and father were soon entrusted with the care of the infant and son, since the young bride announced that she intended to leave them. She was pregnant when she left and she stayed with her grandmother.
There was a contact who let the woman know about her son from time to time, so when she got word (11years after she left) that he was neglecting himself she drove to town to help. The 'reunion' was rough because the now former husband didn't agree with her attempt to visit her son, and would not let her reveal her identity to him.
The split had allowed both of them to return to school and make a living for themselves, and she became a high school teacher while he returned from college to run the family's ranch.
The former wife had her daughter, her grandmother helped raise her on the Reservation. She feared revealing the daughter's existence to her former husband, and wished to retain her right to keep her. The omissions of info kept hurting the family that had already been torn apart. Their persistence in making sure the children were well brought wellness into their relationship anew.
August 2, 2017
3.5, but I'll bump to 4 because Reece and Sarah had to suffer his mother. =P Reece and Sarah married way too early. He was eighteen, she was seventeen. They were from opposite sides of the track. When Reece first brought Sarah home and introduced her as his wife, he was disowned and kicked out of the house. Reece did the best he could, but it wasn't enough to provide the medical treatment their son, Drew needed. That's when Elizabeth, the aforementioned mother, offer Sarah a deal she couldn't refuse.
Did Sarah make the right choice? Fast forward eleven years and find out. This one is a quick and touching read. There will be times when you want to slap someone (different someones at different times) upside the head. There will be other times when you're melting. There'll be a few times you'll be laughing. There were a few times I thought Sarah was more than whiny, but overall, this is an engaging story.
Did Sarah make the right choice? Fast forward eleven years and find out. This one is a quick and touching read. There will be times when you want to slap someone (different someones at different times) upside the head. There will be other times when you're melting. There'll be a few times you'll be laughing. There were a few times I thought Sarah was more than whiny, but overall, this is an engaging story.
May 20, 2019
It was hard for me to understand marrying at 17 and having a baby at 18, but I do recall how clueless I was at that age LOL. Yes, decisions made then can affect the entire trajectory of your life. Such was the case for Sarah and Reece, and the story that ensues 12 years later will pull on your heartstrings and make you wonder how much the characters (Sarah in particular) can endure… and how love can endure.
I did get a little tired of Sarah always blaming herself for everything that happened, but it did build up to a major realization for her. Luckily Reece was a lot more mature and able to view things from other points of view (even if he had to get through his own pain first). I felt that there should have been more repercussions to Reece’s mother for essentially bribing Sarah to leave and not telling Reece. However, the storyline kind of had all it could handle with the couple and the two children involved. All very well done, I would recommend!
I did get a little tired of Sarah always blaming herself for everything that happened, but it did build up to a major realization for her. Luckily Reece was a lot more mature and able to view things from other points of view (even if he had to get through his own pain first). I felt that there should have been more repercussions to Reece’s mother for essentially bribing Sarah to leave and not telling Reece. However, the storyline kind of had all it could handle with the couple and the two children involved. All very well done, I would recommend!
May 17, 2019
Good book. Emotions well and truely stirred.
Could have been a higher score but couldn't get past the blame all going on h's shoulders. The children needed to know that it was the grandmothers influence that created the outcome. I would never forgive my mother for abandoning me for money. Knowing that she did it as a sacrifice, no matter her delusional/immature reasoning, but knowing it was because she truly believed they'd be better off without me? I would not forgive her without that knowledge. Knowing she did it because st the time she thought it was the best for his life and her child. Completely different.
That the gran got off Scott free. NOT Happy. Bad. It was the grams fault. comeuppance was needed.
Could have been a higher score but couldn't get past the blame all going on h's shoulders. The children needed to know that it was the grandmothers influence that created the outcome. I would never forgive my mother for abandoning me for money. Knowing that she did it as a sacrifice, no matter her delusional/immature reasoning, but knowing it was because she truly believed they'd be better off without me? I would not forgive her without that knowledge. Knowing she did it because st the time she thought it was the best for his life and her child. Completely different.
That the gran got off Scott free. NOT Happy. Bad. It was the grams fault. comeuppance was needed.
May 29, 2019
At 17, half breed Sarah falls in love with rich boy Reece Colby and they marry when she becomes pregnant. When their son Drew, a diabetic, is about 10 months old, Sarah is approached by her disapproving mother-in-law and offered unlimited care for her son and money to finish college if she'll disappear. Secretly pregnant with her daughter Lyssa, and not knowing what else to do, she leaves Reece. Twelve years later, a successful school teacher and single mom, she hears that Drew is struggling and she re-enters Drew and Reece's lives as Drew's summer tutor. Successful at reaching Drew, she's drawn back into their lives and rediscovers her love for Reece, but when the secret of Lyssa is revealed, it causes major problems that they finally overcome for the HEA.
March 21, 2023
A nice enough read for a relaxing afternoon.
I didn't like that the heroine took all the blame for their problems. It took three people to end their marriage.
It also really annoyed me that when the truth came out Drew wanted nothing to do with his mother for lying to him. Why didn't his father tell him that he refused to allow her to tell him the truth?
I was also dumbfounded when Reece asked Lyssa to come back to the ranch with them and told her he wanted her to live with them. She's known him for less than a week! Sarah was right not to tell him about Lyssa - he straight away tried to take her away, along with Drew as well. And then he magnanimously tells Sarah she can visit her children whenever she likes! At this point in the story he was a complete a*hole!
I didn't like that the heroine took all the blame for their problems. It took three people to end their marriage.
It also really annoyed me that when the truth came out Drew wanted nothing to do with his mother for lying to him. Why didn't his father tell him that he refused to allow her to tell him the truth?
I was also dumbfounded when Reece asked Lyssa to come back to the ranch with them and told her he wanted her to live with them. She's known him for less than a week! Sarah was right not to tell him about Lyssa - he straight away tried to take her away, along with Drew as well. And then he magnanimously tells Sarah she can visit her children whenever she likes! At this point in the story he was a complete a*hole!
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