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The Real Thing
Sometimes you have to don a pair of cowgirl boots...
Manda Marshall is ready to leave heartache behind when she marries Keith Black, a champion saddle bronc cowboy and man of her dreams. But going from the serenity of small town Tennessee to the exhilaration of the rodeo, nothing can prepare her for being a cowboy's wife. Becoming the new stepmom to Keith's little boy and teenaged daughter has Manda relying on her deep sense of longing for a family and budding love for her stepchildren to strengthen their bond.
Manda's desire of being a rodeo cowboy's wife begins to take second place as she works to reinvent a life for herself and new family, but when mysterious phone calls from Keith's missing ex-wife dredge up the past, Manda finds her marriage and family in an unusual and heart wrenching dilemma. The life she had worked so hard to build is suddenly redefined and her commitment to her husband and family is tested.
What Manda discovers has the power to heal or break her family in this emotional tale of cowboys, rodeo queens, and what it really means to ride beside a cowboy and his family, no matter the risk.
Manda Marshall is ready to leave heartache behind when she marries Keith Black, a champion saddle bronc cowboy and man of her dreams. But going from the serenity of small town Tennessee to the exhilaration of the rodeo, nothing can prepare her for being a cowboy's wife. Becoming the new stepmom to Keith's little boy and teenaged daughter has Manda relying on her deep sense of longing for a family and budding love for her stepchildren to strengthen their bond.
Manda's desire of being a rodeo cowboy's wife begins to take second place as she works to reinvent a life for herself and new family, but when mysterious phone calls from Keith's missing ex-wife dredge up the past, Manda finds her marriage and family in an unusual and heart wrenching dilemma. The life she had worked so hard to build is suddenly redefined and her commitment to her husband and family is tested.
What Manda discovers has the power to heal or break her family in this emotional tale of cowboys, rodeo queens, and what it really means to ride beside a cowboy and his family, no matter the risk.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
332 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2016
11 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
About the author
Tina Ann Forkner
6 books157 followersTina Ann Forkner is an adjunct writing instructor and school librarian. Her novel WAKING UP JOY was a HOLT Medallion finalist from Virginia Romance Writers. She is also the author of RUBY AMONG US, ROSE HOUSE, THE REAL THING, and NASHVILLE BY HEART.
“Filled with warmth and vividly drawn characters, and laced with intrigue, it captured my imagination and tugged at my heartstrings. I am a fan of author Tina Forkner, and she does not disappoint with Rose House. More, please.” -Eileen Goudge, New York Times bestelling Author of Garden of Lies
“Tina Forkner is an insightful, engaging storyteller. If you’re a fan of Jodi Picoult, you won’t be disappointed.” ~ Susan Meissner Author of A Fall of Marigolds
“Book clubs will be hooked!” -Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling Author of The Wedding Veil
“With layers of secrets and regrets set among the lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley, this intergenerational tale will capture the hearts of readers who enjoy escaping to a setting that’s as sweeping as the story itself.”
– Julie Cantrell, New York Times bestselling Author of Perennials
"Tina Ann Forkner has given us a wise and tender story full of the kind of transcendence our daily lives need so desperately right now. —Kimberly Brock, bestselling author of The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare
"Slip this one into your beach bag!”— Sonja Yoerg, Washington Post bestselling author of True Places and The Family Ship
Visit Tina at www.tinaannforkner.com
“Filled with warmth and vividly drawn characters, and laced with intrigue, it captured my imagination and tugged at my heartstrings. I am a fan of author Tina Forkner, and she does not disappoint with Rose House. More, please.” -Eileen Goudge, New York Times bestelling Author of Garden of Lies
“Tina Forkner is an insightful, engaging storyteller. If you’re a fan of Jodi Picoult, you won’t be disappointed.” ~ Susan Meissner Author of A Fall of Marigolds
“Book clubs will be hooked!” -Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling Author of The Wedding Veil
“With layers of secrets and regrets set among the lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley, this intergenerational tale will capture the hearts of readers who enjoy escaping to a setting that’s as sweeping as the story itself.”
– Julie Cantrell, New York Times bestselling Author of Perennials
"Tina Ann Forkner has given us a wise and tender story full of the kind of transcendence our daily lives need so desperately right now. —Kimberly Brock, bestselling author of The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare
"Slip this one into your beach bag!”— Sonja Yoerg, Washington Post bestselling author of True Places and The Family Ship
Visit Tina at www.tinaannforkner.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 4, 2018
Heartwarming Tale
I loved this novel by Tina Forkner. It goes to the heart of who these characters are, and through their trials and tribulations, they stay true to themselves and one another. Family bonds are formed and tested as the members of this blended families learn to embrace old truths and new realities. “Cowgirls don’t cry” is a catchphrase of this book but the same won’t apply to readers who’ll be reaching for their hankies.
I loved this novel by Tina Forkner. It goes to the heart of who these characters are, and through their trials and tribulations, they stay true to themselves and one another. Family bonds are formed and tested as the members of this blended families learn to embrace old truths and new realities. “Cowgirls don’t cry” is a catchphrase of this book but the same won’t apply to readers who’ll be reaching for their hankies.
February 26, 2016
Brimming with genuine honesty The Real Thing takes a deep look into the trials and tribulations of second marriages and blended families. Forkner’s characters are refreshingly sincere and heartbreakingly perseverant as they confront a series of challenges that test their resolve and redefine the meaning of family. If you enjoy books about family drama, you'll want read this one.
March 11, 2016
Amanda is about to start her life with a family of her own something she has always dreamed of. As she gets ready to walk down the isle she wonders if the fact she's wearing something from her past wedding and her soon to be step daughter will stop this dream before it begins. Once she is safely married and the honeymoon is over she's back home ready to start this new life, however when she finds some secrets are not always best hidden and her step daughter has it set in her head to make sure she knows her place Amanda starts to wonder if she will ever be able to out live the shadow of her husbands ex wife or will it all be just to much?
This book is from the point of view of only Amanda, so at some points it seems rushed and to much is going on, and other times just seems to flow and not rushed at all. The storyline does draw you in and you find yourself turning the pages just to find out whats going to happen. Towards the end it seem to drag out as if they needed the book just a little bit longer. Over all this story was ok, and may be better for the right person.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher, but this review consists of my honest opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher.
This book is from the point of view of only Amanda, so at some points it seems rushed and to much is going on, and other times just seems to flow and not rushed at all. The storyline does draw you in and you find yourself turning the pages just to find out whats going to happen. Towards the end it seem to drag out as if they needed the book just a little bit longer. Over all this story was ok, and may be better for the right person.
Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher, but this review consists of my honest opinions, not influenced in any way by the author or publisher.
July 2, 2016
The Real Thing is a poignant, bittersweet, loving book about families, even when families don't look like other families. When Manda Marshall marries Keith Black, champion rodeo cowboy, she also becomes stepmom to Peyton and Stevie, Keith's children from his first marriage to Violet. As Manda tries to shake off her own past and embrace her future with Keith and her stepchildren, she uncovers a startling discovery that upends her marriage and her future. Manda and Keith's story is told with much warmth, humor, and the understanding that what constitutes a family for some, might not be exactly like everyone else's family, but with lots of love, a family can become stronger and closer than ever. Moms are often the heart of a family, and in this wonderful story, there are all sorts of moms; moms who make mistakes, moms who leave, but most of all, moms who love their children. A truly beautiful story.
January 1, 2023
The Real Thing was not what I expected. I enjoyed reading it because the plot is different from anything else that I've read. It tells the journey of Manda Marshall, who is getting married for the second time. After divorcing her cheating ex, she marries Keith Black, champion saddle bronc rider, and becomes step-mom to his two children. Luckily she has the support of her twin sister and father to help her navigate her way. The Black family's future happiness is tested and you can't help but root for a happily ever after. This is a well written and entertaining book.
February 7, 2025
I loved this book!! It took me awhile to get into it, but the development of characters is so worth it! I love when a work of fiction not only entertains but also educates! This jewel of a book does both!
December 18, 2017
I won this book through Goodreads. Really enjoyed. Heart and sweet. Very likable characters.Loved it
October 31, 2018
Easy read, funny at times. Touched on lots of subject, mental illness. It was O.K. but I would just go to library and not buy it.
November 24, 2016
This was a wonderful story of how a blended family finds love. I enjoyed this book very much.
April 28, 2016
Ms. Forkner is a new to me author and I was intrigued by the blurb for this book. I’ve been in a bit of a reading rut and the promise of ex-wife angst in a new marriage, along with stepchildren to boot, lured me right in. But this, sadly, was sooo not the story I expected.
Keith Black is a sexy cowboy who has made a name for himself in the rodeo circuit. He has two children, Peyton and Stevie. He’s had to pick up the pieces and hold his little family together after his wife up and leaves out of the blue one day, serving him with divorce papers soon afterward. Her leaving made no sense. Keith and Violet had the usual marital problems but they were deeply in love. The way she left surprised not only Keith, but also their friends and family and caused people to form their own conclusions. He has neither seen nor heard of her since the divorce papers were signed and has found the strength to move on.
Manda, too, has been married before and is now divorced. Manda doesn’t consider herself a cowgirl, but she’s head over heels for her cowboy. She’s struggling with finding her place in Keith’s life and his home. There are remnants and memories of Keith’s ex-wife Violet everywhere. Slowly, she’s tried to erase her fingerprint from the home, but it’s been difficult. She needs to tread lightly because Peyton, Keith’s daughter, is old enough to see what is going on and while she and Manda get along okay, it’s very upsetting to Peyton to see her mother’s touch in the home disappear completely.
The one thing that they absolutely cannot get rid of is a purple cell phone that Peyton has, a phone she is never without because she believes with all her heart that her mother will one day call her. And she does call one day, out of the blue, much like her disappearance. Of course the call comes from a blocked number, but Violet tells Peyton that she’s coming to see her. This puts everyone except Peyton in panic mode.
I have very mixed feelings about this book. Firstly, it in no way felt like a romance to me in spite of the fact that there was some focus on a married couple. We start off with the wedding, but the honeymoon happens completely off page and then Keith is off to a rodeo leaving Manda with the kids. Manda and her twin sister Marta run a store called The Southern Pair; an antique/gift store that also does manicures and pedicures. As I read on getting to know Manda, her sister, their dad and the kids I kept asking myself, where the hell is Manda’s new husband, Keith?
I couldn’t really warm up to Manda at first. It seemed that after a failed marriage, she’d met a great guy who she loved and who loved her. She loved her stepchildren as well and even with the teen angst that her pre-teen step daughter was bringing every chance she got, you got the feeling that it was going to be okay. She grumbles to her sister about her husband and wishes he would retire from the rodeo, but since there is little interaction between Manda and Keith, I found her to be just a complainer. Then, in a predictable turn of events, Marta suggests to Manda that she drive out and surprise her husband, offering to care for her niece and nephew.
What follows is the “meat” of the story in that certain things come to light and answer all the questions of what exactly happened to Violet. And it’s not at all what I expected even though I had a feeling at what was to come when Manda meets a woman at the rodeo when she goes to surprise Keith. I really cannot explain further without letting the cat out of the bag.
For me, this story dealt more with how a family deals with an unexpected event and how they sacrifice and compromise and come together to work through whatever issues present themselves. In this, the author succeeds in showing us that love truly can conquer all and though I didn’t care for Manda initially, I saw her in a different light as her generosity in simply accepting the hand she was dealt and accepting what couldn’t be changed because it was the right thing to do for her husband and their children.
But there were things that just didn’t sit right with me. And again, I really can’t go into it without spoiling. For a romance, this story lacked intimacy in every way and I’m not just saying that because there is absolutely no sex. I didn’t feel the connection between Manda and Keith even though they said and did all the right things at the right time. They were just too apart from each other in the beginning which made their supposed closeness hard to accept once they had to rely on each other later in the book.
Keith Black is a sexy cowboy who has made a name for himself in the rodeo circuit. He has two children, Peyton and Stevie. He’s had to pick up the pieces and hold his little family together after his wife up and leaves out of the blue one day, serving him with divorce papers soon afterward. Her leaving made no sense. Keith and Violet had the usual marital problems but they were deeply in love. The way she left surprised not only Keith, but also their friends and family and caused people to form their own conclusions. He has neither seen nor heard of her since the divorce papers were signed and has found the strength to move on.
Manda, too, has been married before and is now divorced. Manda doesn’t consider herself a cowgirl, but she’s head over heels for her cowboy. She’s struggling with finding her place in Keith’s life and his home. There are remnants and memories of Keith’s ex-wife Violet everywhere. Slowly, she’s tried to erase her fingerprint from the home, but it’s been difficult. She needs to tread lightly because Peyton, Keith’s daughter, is old enough to see what is going on and while she and Manda get along okay, it’s very upsetting to Peyton to see her mother’s touch in the home disappear completely.
The one thing that they absolutely cannot get rid of is a purple cell phone that Peyton has, a phone she is never without because she believes with all her heart that her mother will one day call her. And she does call one day, out of the blue, much like her disappearance. Of course the call comes from a blocked number, but Violet tells Peyton that she’s coming to see her. This puts everyone except Peyton in panic mode.
I have very mixed feelings about this book. Firstly, it in no way felt like a romance to me in spite of the fact that there was some focus on a married couple. We start off with the wedding, but the honeymoon happens completely off page and then Keith is off to a rodeo leaving Manda with the kids. Manda and her twin sister Marta run a store called The Southern Pair; an antique/gift store that also does manicures and pedicures. As I read on getting to know Manda, her sister, their dad and the kids I kept asking myself, where the hell is Manda’s new husband, Keith?
I couldn’t really warm up to Manda at first. It seemed that after a failed marriage, she’d met a great guy who she loved and who loved her. She loved her stepchildren as well and even with the teen angst that her pre-teen step daughter was bringing every chance she got, you got the feeling that it was going to be okay. She grumbles to her sister about her husband and wishes he would retire from the rodeo, but since there is little interaction between Manda and Keith, I found her to be just a complainer. Then, in a predictable turn of events, Marta suggests to Manda that she drive out and surprise her husband, offering to care for her niece and nephew.
What follows is the “meat” of the story in that certain things come to light and answer all the questions of what exactly happened to Violet. And it’s not at all what I expected even though I had a feeling at what was to come when Manda meets a woman at the rodeo when she goes to surprise Keith. I really cannot explain further without letting the cat out of the bag.
For me, this story dealt more with how a family deals with an unexpected event and how they sacrifice and compromise and come together to work through whatever issues present themselves. In this, the author succeeds in showing us that love truly can conquer all and though I didn’t care for Manda initially, I saw her in a different light as her generosity in simply accepting the hand she was dealt and accepting what couldn’t be changed because it was the right thing to do for her husband and their children.
But there were things that just didn’t sit right with me. And again, I really can’t go into it without spoiling. For a romance, this story lacked intimacy in every way and I’m not just saying that because there is absolutely no sex. I didn’t feel the connection between Manda and Keith even though they said and did all the right things at the right time. They were just too apart from each other in the beginning which made their supposed closeness hard to accept once they had to rely on each other later in the book.
April 12, 2016
The Real Thing, Tina Ann Forkner
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: women’s Fiction
This book turned out to be a very different read from what I expected, still good but a complete surprise! I thought this would be a fun, rodeo themed how the new wife fits in to the family read, with the ex wife being some beautiful, jealous b itch type, popping up to cause problem's. I do love those characters ;-) they provide so much fun! Well, the ex does pop up but she’s nothing like I expected and the issues her presence causes are totally different.
I love Manda, though at first she does come off as the teeniest bit spoiled daughter self obsessed. Just saying – she’s not really like that though, her past marriage and problems have really knocked her confidence. Keith's son is very young and happy to have her around, but Peyton, the 14 going on 24 year old daughter (aren’t they all at that age?) really isn’t happy about dad’s new wife.
Then there’s Keith, handsome, charming rodeo star, and all the issues that come with that. He’s their dad, her husband but on the circuit it feels like he’s everyone’s property....He’s a great guy though, devoted to his family and adores Manda and her sister and dad. They’ve become one big family, with lots of friends they all know from the town they’ve grown up in and the rodeo world.
Manda’s trying hard to fit in, difficult when she’s scared to ride, and Peyton makes it clear that she’s Not a substitute for her mum, that she wants Violet's things left alone. Poor Manda, I understood her desire to stamp her own mark on their home, but of course Peyton wants her mum’s things left alone. She’s convinced her mum, who disappeared without trace except to forward divorce papers, will return, so when she gets a call on her phone from her she’s ecstatic. Just when they’re beginning to create a new life, when things are going so well then its all turned around.
Its a book that shows how issues affect everyone, how that we all make mistakes, that trying to do the right thing can cause so much pain. I liked that Keith was such a wonderful husband to Manda, and a great dad to the kids, but he’d learned too from his past mistakes, he’d done things he regretted. I liked how Manda had to learn to trust him, to not jump to conclusions because of how her ex was, I loved seeing how Peyton grew, and how they became a family finally, working through all the issues and difficulties to move forward. They were all in a really difficult position, one that’s faced by so many families in one way or another. There a section where someone says “Think about it. Most families don’t fit that conventional bill, whether it’s Grandpa living in the guest room or a single mom working double shifts while Grandma babysits...” and it echoes what I’m always thinking and saying – there is no such thing as “Normal” – whether that's in families or individuals. Everyone has problems, the perfect life we read about is just a story, in real life we all have things to work past, problems to deal with.
It turned out to be a very different read from what I’d expected, but a very moving and emotional one. Who would know what to do? Which route to choose? And who’s to say which way is best when any decision, any choice can have the potential cause terrible problems. Thankfully, here they all come through but its at times a hard journey.
.
Stars: Four, a really interesting and moving read. How many families face a problem similar to this and what would I have done?
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers for review purposes
.
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: women’s Fiction
This book turned out to be a very different read from what I expected, still good but a complete surprise! I thought this would be a fun, rodeo themed how the new wife fits in to the family read, with the ex wife being some beautiful, jealous b itch type, popping up to cause problem's. I do love those characters ;-) they provide so much fun! Well, the ex does pop up but she’s nothing like I expected and the issues her presence causes are totally different.
I love Manda, though at first she does come off as the teeniest bit spoiled daughter self obsessed. Just saying – she’s not really like that though, her past marriage and problems have really knocked her confidence. Keith's son is very young and happy to have her around, but Peyton, the 14 going on 24 year old daughter (aren’t they all at that age?) really isn’t happy about dad’s new wife.
Then there’s Keith, handsome, charming rodeo star, and all the issues that come with that. He’s their dad, her husband but on the circuit it feels like he’s everyone’s property....He’s a great guy though, devoted to his family and adores Manda and her sister and dad. They’ve become one big family, with lots of friends they all know from the town they’ve grown up in and the rodeo world.
Manda’s trying hard to fit in, difficult when she’s scared to ride, and Peyton makes it clear that she’s Not a substitute for her mum, that she wants Violet's things left alone. Poor Manda, I understood her desire to stamp her own mark on their home, but of course Peyton wants her mum’s things left alone. She’s convinced her mum, who disappeared without trace except to forward divorce papers, will return, so when she gets a call on her phone from her she’s ecstatic. Just when they’re beginning to create a new life, when things are going so well then its all turned around.
Its a book that shows how issues affect everyone, how that we all make mistakes, that trying to do the right thing can cause so much pain. I liked that Keith was such a wonderful husband to Manda, and a great dad to the kids, but he’d learned too from his past mistakes, he’d done things he regretted. I liked how Manda had to learn to trust him, to not jump to conclusions because of how her ex was, I loved seeing how Peyton grew, and how they became a family finally, working through all the issues and difficulties to move forward. They were all in a really difficult position, one that’s faced by so many families in one way or another. There a section where someone says “Think about it. Most families don’t fit that conventional bill, whether it’s Grandpa living in the guest room or a single mom working double shifts while Grandma babysits...” and it echoes what I’m always thinking and saying – there is no such thing as “Normal” – whether that's in families or individuals. Everyone has problems, the perfect life we read about is just a story, in real life we all have things to work past, problems to deal with.
It turned out to be a very different read from what I’d expected, but a very moving and emotional one. Who would know what to do? Which route to choose? And who’s to say which way is best when any decision, any choice can have the potential cause terrible problems. Thankfully, here they all come through but its at times a hard journey.
.
Stars: Four, a really interesting and moving read. How many families face a problem similar to this and what would I have done?
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers for review purposes
.
February 14, 2016
When you live your life under a hazy film of loss you see things differently. That is what seems to be going on with each of these characters.
They lose a child, a cheating ex-husband, disappearing ex-wife, grief over a lost mother and wife. All this hurt changes how you view the world not to mention how you react to it.
Manda Marshall, 31, was married before and had a lying cheating husband. She is at her lowest finding out she may not be able to have any more children after her last pregnancy in which she had a daughter, Sarah who only took a few breaths before she was gone, all the others never made it to full term. She finds out that her ex had been cheating on her with a 19 year old that was thinner and can have children.
Now however she is marrying Keith Black, 37, bronc rider. A man who is also divorced with two children. He has custody of the kids because his wife just walked away one day. At first they thought she was missing. Until the day he was served with divorce papers. His boy, Stephen, is 5 years old and his daughter, Peyton, is 14 years old. She is the one who seems to be have the hardest time adjusting to the whole situation. Especially, now that her father is getting married to Manda.
Keith being with the rodeo and a cowboy was given a lot of leeway when it came to not discussing things with his family or wife. Not to mention all the years he had his parents to care for his children. A lot of the time Manda was discussing things with her twin sister Marta. When Manda starts to catch him in some lies she lets him off way too easy but this author sure keeps this issue interesting to the storyline.
Each piece to the puzzle as to who the mystery woman is that Manda meets at Keith’s event 2 hours from home is like a domino effect. Once you line up the facts it starts to roll. This woman Judy becomes someone everyone feels they want to know but no one knows why.
Manda feels that way too yet there is also a fear she feels too when she looks into her eyes. She sees the look her mother had often of despair. You see she had-schizophrenia which ended with her taking her own life. Not the main bonding moment she wanted with Peyton. Their mom’s leaving them.
See if they can find a way to stay close and open up to one another. See what dirty little secret Keith is keeping from Manda. I really loved all the stuff going on in this family. It kept it moving and very interesting and heart moving. I give this 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at:
www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
They lose a child, a cheating ex-husband, disappearing ex-wife, grief over a lost mother and wife. All this hurt changes how you view the world not to mention how you react to it.
Manda Marshall, 31, was married before and had a lying cheating husband. She is at her lowest finding out she may not be able to have any more children after her last pregnancy in which she had a daughter, Sarah who only took a few breaths before she was gone, all the others never made it to full term. She finds out that her ex had been cheating on her with a 19 year old that was thinner and can have children.
Now however she is marrying Keith Black, 37, bronc rider. A man who is also divorced with two children. He has custody of the kids because his wife just walked away one day. At first they thought she was missing. Until the day he was served with divorce papers. His boy, Stephen, is 5 years old and his daughter, Peyton, is 14 years old. She is the one who seems to be have the hardest time adjusting to the whole situation. Especially, now that her father is getting married to Manda.
Keith being with the rodeo and a cowboy was given a lot of leeway when it came to not discussing things with his family or wife. Not to mention all the years he had his parents to care for his children. A lot of the time Manda was discussing things with her twin sister Marta. When Manda starts to catch him in some lies she lets him off way too easy but this author sure keeps this issue interesting to the storyline.
Each piece to the puzzle as to who the mystery woman is that Manda meets at Keith’s event 2 hours from home is like a domino effect. Once you line up the facts it starts to roll. This woman Judy becomes someone everyone feels they want to know but no one knows why.
Manda feels that way too yet there is also a fear she feels too when she looks into her eyes. She sees the look her mother had often of despair. You see she had-schizophrenia which ended with her taking her own life. Not the main bonding moment she wanted with Peyton. Their mom’s leaving them.
See if they can find a way to stay close and open up to one another. See what dirty little secret Keith is keeping from Manda. I really loved all the stuff going on in this family. It kept it moving and very interesting and heart moving. I give this 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at:
www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
April 7, 2016
4.5 stars.
The Real Thing by Tina Ann Forkner r is a poignant and heartwarming novel that offers a realistic portrayal of married life after the “I dos”. Not everything is sunshine and roses for newlyweds Manda Marshall and her husband Keith Black but love prevails as they face each of their challenges together.
Manda is very much in love with her bronc riding husband but she hates being apart while he is on the road. Her fourteen year old stepdaughter Peyton is resentful of her new stepmom and their relationship is fraught with tension. Manda is also a little insecure since she really does not fit into the rodeo world and after learning unexpected news about Keith, she wonders if she really knows the man she married. She is also a little jealous of the beautiful young rodeo queens that surround him day in and day out and after a couple of troubling incidents, Manda finds herself struggling with lingering trust issues from her previous marriage (which ended in divorce).
Keith is the epitome of the strong, silent type and he has not talked much about his first marriage. His wife Violet abruptly abandoned her family, filed for divorce and then completely vanished. Not long after he marries Manda, he learns the truth about why Violet left and he tries to handle this newfound information on his own which causes tension and distrust in his new marriage. Even after Manda discovers what he has been hiding, Keith is still less than forthcoming about his ex-wife and his previous marriage. A shocking discovery about Keith late in the story brings back some of Manda’s insecurities and his reluctance to revisit old wounds becomes a source of friction in their marriage.
Once all of the secrets are finally out in the open, the entire family becomes much closer. Peyton’s resentment toward Manda slowly fades and their relationship is much less contentious. Unexpected news brings everyone a great deal of joy, but their happiness is tempered with uncertainty. Keith and Manda become closer after she makes peace with the time he is away from home and they begin to work as a team when faced when trouble arises.
The Real Thing by Tina Ann Forkner is charming novel with a wonderful cast of characters and a captivating storyline. This fascinating and true to life depiction of marriage and blended families also tackles some difficult topics with a great deal of sensitivity. The characters’ growth is phenomenal and highly gratifying. I highly recommend this wonderful novel to anyone who enjoys contemporary women’s fiction.
The Real Thing by Tina Ann Forkner r is a poignant and heartwarming novel that offers a realistic portrayal of married life after the “I dos”. Not everything is sunshine and roses for newlyweds Manda Marshall and her husband Keith Black but love prevails as they face each of their challenges together.
Manda is very much in love with her bronc riding husband but she hates being apart while he is on the road. Her fourteen year old stepdaughter Peyton is resentful of her new stepmom and their relationship is fraught with tension. Manda is also a little insecure since she really does not fit into the rodeo world and after learning unexpected news about Keith, she wonders if she really knows the man she married. She is also a little jealous of the beautiful young rodeo queens that surround him day in and day out and after a couple of troubling incidents, Manda finds herself struggling with lingering trust issues from her previous marriage (which ended in divorce).
Keith is the epitome of the strong, silent type and he has not talked much about his first marriage. His wife Violet abruptly abandoned her family, filed for divorce and then completely vanished. Not long after he marries Manda, he learns the truth about why Violet left and he tries to handle this newfound information on his own which causes tension and distrust in his new marriage. Even after Manda discovers what he has been hiding, Keith is still less than forthcoming about his ex-wife and his previous marriage. A shocking discovery about Keith late in the story brings back some of Manda’s insecurities and his reluctance to revisit old wounds becomes a source of friction in their marriage.
Once all of the secrets are finally out in the open, the entire family becomes much closer. Peyton’s resentment toward Manda slowly fades and their relationship is much less contentious. Unexpected news brings everyone a great deal of joy, but their happiness is tempered with uncertainty. Keith and Manda become closer after she makes peace with the time he is away from home and they begin to work as a team when faced when trouble arises.
The Real Thing by Tina Ann Forkner is charming novel with a wonderful cast of characters and a captivating storyline. This fascinating and true to life depiction of marriage and blended families also tackles some difficult topics with a great deal of sensitivity. The characters’ growth is phenomenal and highly gratifying. I highly recommend this wonderful novel to anyone who enjoys contemporary women’s fiction.
April 13, 2016
THE REAL THING by TINA ANN FORKNER
Sometimes you have to don a pair of cowgirl boots…
Manda Marshall is ready to leave heartache behind when she marries Keith Black, a champion saddle bronc cowboy and man of her dreams. But going from the serenity of small town Tennessee to the exhilaration of the rodeo, nothing can prepare her for being a cowboy’s wife. Becoming the new stepmom to Keith’s little boy and teenaged daughter has Manda relying on her deep sense of longing for a family and budding love for her stepchildren to strengthen their bond.
Manda’s desire of being a rodeo cowboy’s wife begins to take second place as she works to reinvent a life for herself and new family, but when mysterious phone calls from Keith’s missing ex-wife dredge up the past, Manda finds her marriage and family in an unusual and heart wrenching dilemma. The life she had worked so hard to build is suddenly redefined and her commitment to her husband and family is tested.
What Manda discovers has the power to heal or break her family in this emotional tale of cowboys, rodeo queens, and what it really means to ride beside a cowboy and his family, no matter the risk.
this is Manda and Keith's story.
Keith Black is a champion saddle bronc cowboy with 2 children Peyton and Stevie.
Manda Marshall is ready to leave heartache behind when she marries Keith Black, a champion saddle bronc cowboy and man of her dreams.
Keith wife Violet abruptly abandoned her family, filed for divorce and then completely vanished.
this story is about second marriages and blended families and secrets.
THE REAL THING by TINA ANN FORKNER is a wonderful well written book.
THE REAL THING by TINA ANN FORKNER is a 4 stars stars book.
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Tina Ann's Books with Tule:
Waking Up Joy
Stand Alone Titles
The Real Thing
Stand Alone Titles
Sometimes you have to don a pair of cowgirl boots…
Manda Marshall is ready to leave heartache behind when she marries Keith Black, a champion saddle bronc cowboy and man of her dreams. But going from the serenity of small town Tennessee to the exhilaration of the rodeo, nothing can prepare her for being a cowboy’s wife. Becoming the new stepmom to Keith’s little boy and teenaged daughter has Manda relying on her deep sense of longing for a family and budding love for her stepchildren to strengthen their bond.
Manda’s desire of being a rodeo cowboy’s wife begins to take second place as she works to reinvent a life for herself and new family, but when mysterious phone calls from Keith’s missing ex-wife dredge up the past, Manda finds her marriage and family in an unusual and heart wrenching dilemma. The life she had worked so hard to build is suddenly redefined and her commitment to her husband and family is tested.
What Manda discovers has the power to heal or break her family in this emotional tale of cowboys, rodeo queens, and what it really means to ride beside a cowboy and his family, no matter the risk.
this is Manda and Keith's story.
Keith Black is a champion saddle bronc cowboy with 2 children Peyton and Stevie.
Manda Marshall is ready to leave heartache behind when she marries Keith Black, a champion saddle bronc cowboy and man of her dreams.
Keith wife Violet abruptly abandoned her family, filed for divorce and then completely vanished.
this story is about second marriages and blended families and secrets.
THE REAL THING by TINA ANN FORKNER is a wonderful well written book.
THE REAL THING by TINA ANN FORKNER is a 4 stars stars book.
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Tina Ann's Books with Tule:
Waking Up Joy
Stand Alone Titles
The Real Thing
Stand Alone Titles
April 7, 2016
A brilliant tale about the ups and downs of life and finding happiness in a second marriage.
When Manda Marshall married three time world champion rodeo star Keith Black, she knew she had some trials ahead of her. She would be raising Keith’s children who were slow to warm up to the idea of a new mother. They would be living in the same house that Keith shared with his ex-wife who no one knew where she was. It was like she just vanished into thin air. Would Keith’s ex ever try to come back home or see him again? And then there are the rodeo queens…..
Manda and Keith are enjoying life as newlyweds when Keith finds out the truth about his ex-wife Violet. That is when everything changes. Violet is in a nursing home with early onset Alzheimer’s. Manda is forced to live with the knowledge that even though Keith loves her, he also still cares very much about Violet and wants to be there for her.
As beautiful as life can be, it can also be confusing, heartbreaking and very messy. Manda struggles with an unplanned pregnancy and worries if she will lose the child like she did in the past. She juggles working with her sister at the shop they own together, helping Keith’s daughter get ready for her prom, running the household and taking trips with Keith to the rodeo or to visit Violet. Then a bomb is dropped on her by one of Keith’s oldest friends. Keith has a secret that he has been keeping from Manda.
This story is one that is easy to get hooked on. It is well written and thought out. You can tell the author did all the research to make it as real as possible. The characters are flawed and they come with baggage much like people in the real world do. But it’s how they work through everything that would tear most couples apart and how they never lose their faith in love.
When Manda Marshall married three time world champion rodeo star Keith Black, she knew she had some trials ahead of her. She would be raising Keith’s children who were slow to warm up to the idea of a new mother. They would be living in the same house that Keith shared with his ex-wife who no one knew where she was. It was like she just vanished into thin air. Would Keith’s ex ever try to come back home or see him again? And then there are the rodeo queens…..
Manda and Keith are enjoying life as newlyweds when Keith finds out the truth about his ex-wife Violet. That is when everything changes. Violet is in a nursing home with early onset Alzheimer’s. Manda is forced to live with the knowledge that even though Keith loves her, he also still cares very much about Violet and wants to be there for her.
As beautiful as life can be, it can also be confusing, heartbreaking and very messy. Manda struggles with an unplanned pregnancy and worries if she will lose the child like she did in the past. She juggles working with her sister at the shop they own together, helping Keith’s daughter get ready for her prom, running the household and taking trips with Keith to the rodeo or to visit Violet. Then a bomb is dropped on her by one of Keith’s oldest friends. Keith has a secret that he has been keeping from Manda.
This story is one that is easy to get hooked on. It is well written and thought out. You can tell the author did all the research to make it as real as possible. The characters are flawed and they come with baggage much like people in the real world do. But it’s how they work through everything that would tear most couples apart and how they never lose their faith in love.
September 29, 2016
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
At first it’s easy to believe that The Real Thing is going to be another lighthearted cowboy-rodeo romance. And to be fair, in some ways it is that – and so much more. This story is indeed the real thing – a tale of second chances, second marriages, step-children and a famous rodeo cowboy who isn’t in the picture as much as Manda or we might want. It’s a slice of life experience on how a second wife creates her own stamp on an already established family – one where the teenage daughter is convinced that her mother will one day return for her.
There will be teenage angst, love tested, and a family rearranged in order to face what life has tossed their way. When Keith’s first wife, Violet, disappeared without warning or a trace except to send divorce papers – we, the readers are left with a certain impression of the missing Violet. Be careful what you think because reality is often so very far from our imaginings.
This is not a lighthearted romance. It is the story of a family that is shifting to accept and deal with momentous facts and changes… and struggling to remain intact with the love strong. You will get caught up emotionally and perhaps, wonder what you would do if life presented this challenge to you.
I would highly recommend this heart-wrenching and thought providing story to absolutely any reader. It’s more than romance, it is the real thing for so many families – and it will change how you look at those around you.
*I received an e-ARC of The Real Thing from the publisher, Tule Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
At first it’s easy to believe that The Real Thing is going to be another lighthearted cowboy-rodeo romance. And to be fair, in some ways it is that – and so much more. This story is indeed the real thing – a tale of second chances, second marriages, step-children and a famous rodeo cowboy who isn’t in the picture as much as Manda or we might want. It’s a slice of life experience on how a second wife creates her own stamp on an already established family – one where the teenage daughter is convinced that her mother will one day return for her.
There will be teenage angst, love tested, and a family rearranged in order to face what life has tossed their way. When Keith’s first wife, Violet, disappeared without warning or a trace except to send divorce papers – we, the readers are left with a certain impression of the missing Violet. Be careful what you think because reality is often so very far from our imaginings.
This is not a lighthearted romance. It is the story of a family that is shifting to accept and deal with momentous facts and changes… and struggling to remain intact with the love strong. You will get caught up emotionally and perhaps, wonder what you would do if life presented this challenge to you.
I would highly recommend this heart-wrenching and thought providing story to absolutely any reader. It’s more than romance, it is the real thing for so many families – and it will change how you look at those around you.
*I received an e-ARC of The Real Thing from the publisher, Tule Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
February 1, 2016
A realistic read from Tina Ann Forkner, this is the journey of Manda and Keith. Manda has been hurt in the past by her ex who cheated on her and she takes another plunge of faith, marriage and love with Keith. Keith was also hurt by his wife who left him abruptly and sent him divorce papers without any explanation. Manda and Keith love each other and Manda though a but insecure understands her husband loves her but is stunned to learn he hurt (I don't want to giveaway the story here!) his spouse and that was a possible trigger for her disappearance. Can she trust her husband not to do the same thing her ex did? Also, Keith's wife comes back and is a sweet person. What prompted her disappearance? Can Manda handle her return? What about her newfound family?
We see Manda maturing and trusting herself and her husband in this journey ... Keith's change of heart after he realized he hurt his wife ... and how they handle issues (Manda and Keith) along with Keith's kids as a family is what the book is about.
It was emotional and realistic - life is not a bed of roses ... sometimes things happen whether you intended for it or not ... but how and what one learns from them and how they redeem themselves is more important.
Though there are triggers in this book for some and I felt the book was a little longer in a few instances .. I was able to relate to the characters and felt for them. A real and unexpected twist on the first wife front there by Tina.
**Was kindly provided an ARC by Net Galley.
We see Manda maturing and trusting herself and her husband in this journey ... Keith's change of heart after he realized he hurt his wife ... and how they handle issues (Manda and Keith) along with Keith's kids as a family is what the book is about.
It was emotional and realistic - life is not a bed of roses ... sometimes things happen whether you intended for it or not ... but how and what one learns from them and how they redeem themselves is more important.
Though there are triggers in this book for some and I felt the book was a little longer in a few instances .. I was able to relate to the characters and felt for them. A real and unexpected twist on the first wife front there by Tina.
**Was kindly provided an ARC by Net Galley.
June 20, 2016
Having read and reviewed Waking Up Joy, also by Tina Ann Forkner, I was looking forward to her latest novel, delving deep into the world of cowboys and rodeos, and the women who are the support system to that lifestyle. There is so much that goes into it, not only from a relationship perspective, but also from a celebrity perspective. In many circles, Keith Black is famous. Being the wife of a well-known saddle bronc cowboy isn’t always easy, especially when Manda is dealing with baggage from her own past.
What starts out as an adjustment period for Manda, quickly turns into much more than she could have ever bargained for, when the missing ex-wife suddenly becomes the forefront of the family circle, a circle Manda has been working hard at solidifying. I felt as though the circumstances surrounding the break-up between Keith and his first wife was shocking, something I’d have never imagined. Definitely outside the box, but believable and relatable.
The Real Thing is a beautifully written story about unconventional families, and how important they are, even if they don’t make sense to the outside world. Having been in a situation where my own familial status wasn’t the norm or the ideal, I could completely understand where Manda’s heart lies, doing all she can to support her husband and the family she’s always wanted. Sometimes, it’s in the most unusual of circumstances where you’ll discover who you really are, and the strengths you never knew you possessed.
(Reviewed for Chick Lit Central)
What starts out as an adjustment period for Manda, quickly turns into much more than she could have ever bargained for, when the missing ex-wife suddenly becomes the forefront of the family circle, a circle Manda has been working hard at solidifying. I felt as though the circumstances surrounding the break-up between Keith and his first wife was shocking, something I’d have never imagined. Definitely outside the box, but believable and relatable.
The Real Thing is a beautifully written story about unconventional families, and how important they are, even if they don’t make sense to the outside world. Having been in a situation where my own familial status wasn’t the norm or the ideal, I could completely understand where Manda’s heart lies, doing all she can to support her husband and the family she’s always wanted. Sometimes, it’s in the most unusual of circumstances where you’ll discover who you really are, and the strengths you never knew you possessed.
(Reviewed for Chick Lit Central)
January 29, 2016
This is one of those times when I am glad that I did not judge a book by it's cover.
Manda Marshall has not had the best experience with married life, but now she has come out of a divorce and a emotionally painful time in her life and has found herself a real life cowboy!
Marrying a rodeo cowboy at that. Marrying a divorced father of two, one of which is a teenage girl who resents her coming into their home and changing the dynamic.
As she tries to juggle being a new wife and step-mother is enough to deal with one would think, but then the mysterious Ex begins calling her daughter and things get complicated. What does this woman want now? Why now?
What Manda accidentally finds out will either make or break them as a family.
This is not just another cowboy romance book. This is a story of how families deal with the unexpected, with mental illness, with Alzheimer"s disease and blending families.
It is a very human story about everyday people and how we can rise above the pettiness of life and learn to forgive and to give. How things are rarely as they appear on the surface.
I was very moved by this story told so well by Tina Ann Forkner.
Manda Marshall has not had the best experience with married life, but now she has come out of a divorce and a emotionally painful time in her life and has found herself a real life cowboy!
Marrying a rodeo cowboy at that. Marrying a divorced father of two, one of which is a teenage girl who resents her coming into their home and changing the dynamic.
As she tries to juggle being a new wife and step-mother is enough to deal with one would think, but then the mysterious Ex begins calling her daughter and things get complicated. What does this woman want now? Why now?
What Manda accidentally finds out will either make or break them as a family.
This is not just another cowboy romance book. This is a story of how families deal with the unexpected, with mental illness, with Alzheimer"s disease and blending families.
It is a very human story about everyday people and how we can rise above the pettiness of life and learn to forgive and to give. How things are rarely as they appear on the surface.
I was very moved by this story told so well by Tina Ann Forkner.
February 14, 2016
This book is a stand alone. I received this arc from netgalley for an honest review.
Keith Black , a handsome famous champion bronc rider with 2 children and a new wife Manda. This is supposed to be the happiest time in their lives, and it is, except for a dark cloud of history named Violet. Violet is Keiths ex-wife whom just one day picked up and left. No reason, no goodbye to him or their children, just divorce papers sent by mail a few weeks later.
Manda is in love with Keith and sooo in love with his children , Peyton and Stevie. Peyton was a few years old when Violet disappeared so she has memories that prevent her from getting to close to Manda. Peyton does not want a replacement.
Keith loves his new wife, but what happens when Violet suddenly calls and reappears turns everything he thought he knew upside down.
I didn't like the story at all. I thought it was boring. All the women in this story acted like preteen children. Manda had no confidence at all in herself or her marriage. This story was mostly about Violet and what happened to her. There was no chemistry at all between any of the characters.
I would not recommend this book.
Keith Black , a handsome famous champion bronc rider with 2 children and a new wife Manda. This is supposed to be the happiest time in their lives, and it is, except for a dark cloud of history named Violet. Violet is Keiths ex-wife whom just one day picked up and left. No reason, no goodbye to him or their children, just divorce papers sent by mail a few weeks later.
Manda is in love with Keith and sooo in love with his children , Peyton and Stevie. Peyton was a few years old when Violet disappeared so she has memories that prevent her from getting to close to Manda. Peyton does not want a replacement.
Keith loves his new wife, but what happens when Violet suddenly calls and reappears turns everything he thought he knew upside down.
I didn't like the story at all. I thought it was boring. All the women in this story acted like preteen children. Manda had no confidence at all in herself or her marriage. This story was mostly about Violet and what happened to her. There was no chemistry at all between any of the characters.
I would not recommend this book.
April 7, 2016
The Real Thing by Tina Ann Forkner is a drama filled story of a couple, Keith and Amanda, trying to make a second marriage work. There are children to consider and include into this new family unit. It is a messy look at the real life struggles.
The fact that Keith is a famous champion bronc rider adds to the drama of this story as well as give it a cowboy element. If this is not difficult enough, people, some misguided, some intentional are doing their dead level best to sabotage their efforts. A happily ever after is not a given when you first start reading this book. Honestly, I liked that about this story; in my own experience dating was easy the hard part started after the “I Do’s”.
There are secrets and misconceptions but still deep love. I wish Amanda had been stronger in her confidence in her abilities and her marriage, but honestly I’m not sure I would have reacted differently. Definitely a book that keeps you reading to see what else will happen or be revealed.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
April 7, 2016
Tina is a new author for me. Her story is a "Real Thing". I'll say it now that you had better grab tissues. This is a Western story. Her story line is one you wouldn't expect to find to read. Major Spoiler. Keith is a Bronc rider at rodeos. He has Peyton, a teenage girl and Stevie, her 5year old brother. Their mother ran away and gave up her family in the divorce. Spoiler. Manda is marrying Keith as she has been divorced awhile from a cheater. There is another major spoiler here. I couldn't put this book down. I loved this story. Be prepared as this is a heartbreaker. Tina gave us the best people for this book. I would recommend this for anyone to read. Get ready for many more spoilers. You should grab this book to read. Don't let it get away. Enjoy reading this story! I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.
November 25, 2018
The author has a voice and style that are unique and take a little getting used to. Once you do, you will get drawn into the story. This is not a romance, it starts with Manda and Keith's wedding. Manda is marrying not only Keith, but his two children. Manda is excited about being a step-mother Keith's young son and teen daughter, but her new stepdaughter is still hoping her mother will come back.
This is a story about love, marriage, and family, and making the family work in the way that works for all the members.
I loved the character development, especially the way Manda grew. She was forced to assess her marriage and what is important.
This was not a romance, but it is full of strong emotion and love. This story will surprise you and it stuck with me for quite a while after reading it.
**I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for a honest opinion.
This is a story about love, marriage, and family, and making the family work in the way that works for all the members.
I loved the character development, especially the way Manda grew. She was forced to assess her marriage and what is important.
This was not a romance, but it is full of strong emotion and love. This story will surprise you and it stuck with me for quite a while after reading it.
**I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for a honest opinion.
April 9, 2016
The Real Thing" by Tina Ann Forkner is a heartwarming story of two people that get a chance for happiness in a second marriage.
Manda's first husband cheated on her, but she is now ready to move on and marry Keith Black. Keith is a champion saddle bronc cowboy. He has two children that he has been raising alone since his wife just up and left him.
This is an emotional story of real hurts and healing. The author did a great job of getting your attention and keeping it. This story is more about real life struggles. I still enjoyed the story even though I like more of an escape from real life struggles in stories I read. I loved how the author tied everything together.
I received a copy of this book from Tule Publishing for an honest review.
Manda's first husband cheated on her, but she is now ready to move on and marry Keith Black. Keith is a champion saddle bronc cowboy. He has two children that he has been raising alone since his wife just up and left him.
This is an emotional story of real hurts and healing. The author did a great job of getting your attention and keeping it. This story is more about real life struggles. I still enjoyed the story even though I like more of an escape from real life struggles in stories I read. I loved how the author tied everything together.
I received a copy of this book from Tule Publishing for an honest review.
June 9, 2016
This book has to be the sweetest book, filled with love, that I have read in a long time. I previously read Waking Up Joy by Ms. Forkner and loved it, also. Yet, I must say both are very different books.
When I was reading The Real Thing I ached for both Manda and Peyton. I wanted them to have the closeness from their mothers. You'll have to read the book to see why such relationships evade them.
Thank you, Ms. Forkner, for writing a beautiful story for the cowgirls in each of us.
I should mention I won a copy of the paperback version of this book in a contest from Southern Writer's Magazine. The opinions in my honest review are mine and mine alone. :)
When I was reading The Real Thing I ached for both Manda and Peyton. I wanted them to have the closeness from their mothers. You'll have to read the book to see why such relationships evade them.
Thank you, Ms. Forkner, for writing a beautiful story for the cowgirls in each of us.
I should mention I won a copy of the paperback version of this book in a contest from Southern Writer's Magazine. The opinions in my honest review are mine and mine alone. :)
May 23, 2016
Beautiful story of starting over: new marriage, step-parenting, new home, unexpected changes, Alzheimer's disease, etc... When Manda married Keith, she wanted to exorcise the past, but as someone whose business has a lot of vintage, she learns not everything should be vanquished. A surprise phone call and meeting a stranger turns their lives upside down, but as they learn the truth, they learn to redefine the family dynamics and a whole new family is born. Love, trust, honesty, and even the unexpected blessing of a baby will bring Manda and Keith closer as a couple. Manda's journey is a wonderfully written story. And most importantly, Manda realizes everything she is is "the real thing."
April 6, 2016
Wish I could give this one four and a half stars. This one is pure country from almost smelling the ripe apples on the air at the fruit farm to the excitement on the air at the rodeo grounds the authors words take you there.
Somehow the author took a tragic disease and built a heart warming and very interesting story around the one woman and her familys heart breaking way of dealing with the problems of the disease and how thier everyday life is altered.
I was given an ARC in return for my honest review.
Somehow the author took a tragic disease and built a heart warming and very interesting story around the one woman and her familys heart breaking way of dealing with the problems of the disease and how thier everyday life is altered.
I was given an ARC in return for my honest review.
April 6, 2016
An intriguing and realistic look at second marriages and blended families and dealing with the pain and hurt of the past while trying to build a future. Manda loves her new husband Keith with her whole heart but she struggles with the trials of a teenage step-daughter and the constant memory of the wife and mother that abruptly left them. When secrets start to come to life, how Manda handles the knowledge could make or break this new family unit.
Definitely a book I enjoyed and recommend.
Definitely a book I enjoyed and recommend.
April 17, 2016
The Real Thing is a book that will stay on my shelf to re-read again and again. Each character is skillfully portrayed with an honestly that will bring tears to your eyes, strum on your heart strings, or drive you crazy wanting to jump into the book and make things right. The topic of Alzheimer’s disease is tastefully handled, giving insight into the havoc it can bring to families. Through it all, the voice of Amanda will make you laugh and cry.
May 2, 2016
The Real Thing by Tina Ann Forkner....This story is very real life with blended family, second marriages and issues making it work. The characters Manda and Keith are very well written and relatable. Tina does a great job making this book believable and it hits all the emotion buttons. I would highly recommend this book to my friends and family. I received a complimentary book from publisher for an honest review.
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