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Hawkins Brothers #2
A Family to Keep
He was just supposed to be a sperm donor…
Desperate to save her daughter’s life, Dr. Amelia Young will do whatever it takes, including show up on the doorstep of the sperm donor who made Jordan’s life possible in the first place.
Chef Finn Hawkins is taken aback by the woman in his kitchen, asking for a donation of genetic material like a cup of sugar. Anonymously donating as a college student was impulsive. Crazy. But how can he refuse to help save the life of the thirteen-year-old daughter he's never met?
Jordan Young has ideas of her own and fate’s got plans for all of them. When Jordan runs off to meet her father, Amelia’s trip to retrieve her takes an unexpected twist.
They’re not supposed to be a family. But Finn finds himself longing for exactly that.
Can he keep this unexpected family, forged in a desperate attempt to save Joran’s life?
Or will the pressure drive them apart?
A Family to Keep is a contemporary family drama romance set near Lake Erie, featuring the Hawkins Family. Though part of a series, it’s a stand-alone story. Grab your copy today!
With close to a half million copies of her books sold worldwide, award-winning author Susan Gable is known for her ability to weave realistic characters and powerful emotions, to make readers both laugh and cry.
Desperate to save her daughter’s life, Dr. Amelia Young will do whatever it takes, including show up on the doorstep of the sperm donor who made Jordan’s life possible in the first place.
Chef Finn Hawkins is taken aback by the woman in his kitchen, asking for a donation of genetic material like a cup of sugar. Anonymously donating as a college student was impulsive. Crazy. But how can he refuse to help save the life of the thirteen-year-old daughter he's never met?
Jordan Young has ideas of her own and fate’s got plans for all of them. When Jordan runs off to meet her father, Amelia’s trip to retrieve her takes an unexpected twist.
They’re not supposed to be a family. But Finn finds himself longing for exactly that.
Can he keep this unexpected family, forged in a desperate attempt to save Joran’s life?
Or will the pressure drive them apart?
A Family to Keep is a contemporary family drama romance set near Lake Erie, featuring the Hawkins Family. Though part of a series, it’s a stand-alone story. Grab your copy today!
With close to a half million copies of her books sold worldwide, award-winning author Susan Gable is known for her ability to weave realistic characters and powerful emotions, to make readers both laugh and cry.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
579 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Susan Gable
21 books82 followersBooks have always been my constant companions, all the way back to when I was reading Gus, The Friendly Ghost from the Weekly Reader Book Club. I grew up in a house of readers, and my mom bought me books like other parents bought their kids candy. I did well in school, finishing my work quickly - so I could read. I never went anywhere without a book. It was no surprise that in high school, I was voted Class Bookworm - and scored the Valedictorian slot. (Yes, I was slightly geeky. But only slightly. Never mind what my high school classmates say. )
In elementary school, I loved writing stories and keeping a journal. In high school, I wrote lots of poetry filled with the usual teen-age angst. I wrote the lyrics to my brand-new high school's alma mater. But did I ever consider a career as a writer back then? No, not at all.
I went to college and became an elementary teacher, spending ten years passing on my love for books and reading to children. I adored being a teacher. I will admit, the year I was pregnant with my son, I actually started a novel for young adults, and I outlined a concept for some children's series books. But, those things fell by the wayside.
Then I moved from New Jersey, the state where I'd been born and raised and worked for all those years. After a one year stint in West Virginia, I landed in Erie, Pennsylvania. I absolutely love Erie - though I love it most in June, July, and August. But I discovered that getting a teacher's certificate in PA is....well, not easy, to say the least. I taught in a private school here the first year, then I homeschooled my son for a year. At the end of that year, I needed SOMETHING to restore my sanity (let me just say that I admire those who can homeschool successfully - for me, I wanted to trade my son, whom I love very much, in for 25 kids that belonged to other people) - and I turned to writing fiction.
I started by dabbling in fanfiction, and wrote like a woman possessed. (After all, I did hear voices in my head. ) I learned a lot about the craft of writing from other fanfiction writers. Over and over again, romances surfaced in my fanfiction stories.
Then, in Dec. 1999, I decided that I was going to go for it. I made it my New Year's Resolution to learn all I could about writing romance, and to do it. I had a five-year goal - I wanted to sell a novel by the time I turned 40 - five years from then. I did reserve the right to modify that goal in the future. I signed up for an on-line writing romance class, joined Romance Writers of America and Pennwriters, and started writing my first romance novel.
Which had some serious failings. ;-) But I finished it. A whole novel. And sent off a query letter and received the rite-of-passage, a form rejection. I retitled the book, reworked it toward another publisher, sent off another query, received another rejection. Hey, no one ever said it was going to be easy.
Meanwhile, I'd started another book, and while the characters were a lot of fun, I wasn't totally sure where the story was going.
Somehow, the basic premise for The Baby Plan was born while I was playing with GMC's (Goal, Motivation, & Conflicts) for that other book. Then, Harley sprang to life, and that was it. The other book had to be abandoned, because Harley insisted I write her story. She wouldn't let me rest.
In February of 2002, I got THE CALL from Harlequin Superromance ®, saying they wanted to buy The Baby Plan. I did my best to act dignified on the phone, then yelled like a banshee when I hung up. To say I was thrilled is the understatement of the century.
I've now gone Indie with my books, and I'm loving being in complete control over the decisions I make with my books. I hope you enjoy them.
In elementary school, I loved writing stories and keeping a journal. In high school, I wrote lots of poetry filled with the usual teen-age angst. I wrote the lyrics to my brand-new high school's alma mater. But did I ever consider a career as a writer back then? No, not at all.
I went to college and became an elementary teacher, spending ten years passing on my love for books and reading to children. I adored being a teacher. I will admit, the year I was pregnant with my son, I actually started a novel for young adults, and I outlined a concept for some children's series books. But, those things fell by the wayside.
Then I moved from New Jersey, the state where I'd been born and raised and worked for all those years. After a one year stint in West Virginia, I landed in Erie, Pennsylvania. I absolutely love Erie - though I love it most in June, July, and August. But I discovered that getting a teacher's certificate in PA is....well, not easy, to say the least. I taught in a private school here the first year, then I homeschooled my son for a year. At the end of that year, I needed SOMETHING to restore my sanity (let me just say that I admire those who can homeschool successfully - for me, I wanted to trade my son, whom I love very much, in for 25 kids that belonged to other people) - and I turned to writing fiction.
I started by dabbling in fanfiction, and wrote like a woman possessed. (After all, I did hear voices in my head. ) I learned a lot about the craft of writing from other fanfiction writers. Over and over again, romances surfaced in my fanfiction stories.
Then, in Dec. 1999, I decided that I was going to go for it. I made it my New Year's Resolution to learn all I could about writing romance, and to do it. I had a five-year goal - I wanted to sell a novel by the time I turned 40 - five years from then. I did reserve the right to modify that goal in the future. I signed up for an on-line writing romance class, joined Romance Writers of America and Pennwriters, and started writing my first romance novel.
Which had some serious failings. ;-) But I finished it. A whole novel. And sent off a query letter and received the rite-of-passage, a form rejection. I retitled the book, reworked it toward another publisher, sent off another query, received another rejection. Hey, no one ever said it was going to be easy.
Meanwhile, I'd started another book, and while the characters were a lot of fun, I wasn't totally sure where the story was going.
Somehow, the basic premise for The Baby Plan was born while I was playing with GMC's (Goal, Motivation, & Conflicts) for that other book. Then, Harley sprang to life, and that was it. The other book had to be abandoned, because Harley insisted I write her story. She wouldn't let me rest.
In February of 2002, I got THE CALL from Harlequin Superromance ®, saying they wanted to buy The Baby Plan. I did my best to act dignified on the phone, then yelled like a banshee when I hung up. To say I was thrilled is the understatement of the century.
I've now gone Indie with my books, and I'm loving being in complete control over the decisions I make with my books. I hope you enjoy them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
February 21, 2019
My 3 stars goes to cancer survivors, rare disease survivors!
I really liked the plot, it was fresh and unique. But I didn't like anything in MCs. Nothing good...
The hero looked like he had a split personalities: one good and sweet man and the second one - cruel, rude, asshole.
The heroine on first pages looked like great man-hater. I liked her for it! but then... Puuuujhhh... Everything went shitty.
Safe, no cheating, no OP scenes....
Triggers: rare disease, cancer, difficult pregnancy....
I really liked the plot, it was fresh and unique. But I didn't like anything in MCs. Nothing good...
The hero looked like he had a split personalities: one good and sweet man and the second one - cruel, rude, asshole.
The heroine on first pages looked like great man-hater. I liked her for it! but then... Puuuujhhh... Everything went shitty.
Safe, no cheating, no OP scenes....
Triggers: rare disease, cancer, difficult pregnancy....
August 6, 2019
I was not happy with this book. I loved the premise but the heroine was judgmental as can be without having all the facts. She was hateful, selfish, entitled, jealous and totally unlikable until the final few pages. Everything had to be exactly as she said. She was hateful and had a sharp tongue and was positive since she was hurt badly once before that it would happen with every man she met.
I felt sorry for the hero who was with someone who kind of had an evil flare to her. She only thought about what she wanted not what was best for her children and their donor father. Thar woman was on my last and final nerve all the way through the book.
Of course this wasn't a typical father. He had been a sperm donor thirteen years ago and the h is the one who got his sperm. When her child ends up terminally ill and can only be saved by a siblings cordblood she snoops and finds out who the man is and goes to his home (with a specimen cup in hand-not kidding you) practically begging him to father another child. With the second child there were no legal papers signed so if he had to he could sue for visitation but she was determined he would never have anything to do with the children. She simply wouldn't allow.
He sure deserved better than her.
I'm sorry but I can't recommend this.
I felt sorry for the hero who was with someone who kind of had an evil flare to her. She only thought about what she wanted not what was best for her children and their donor father. Thar woman was on my last and final nerve all the way through the book.
Of course this wasn't a typical father. He had been a sperm donor thirteen years ago and the h is the one who got his sperm. When her child ends up terminally ill and can only be saved by a siblings cordblood she snoops and finds out who the man is and goes to his home (with a specimen cup in hand-not kidding you) practically begging him to father another child. With the second child there were no legal papers signed so if he had to he could sue for visitation but she was determined he would never have anything to do with the children. She simply wouldn't allow.
He sure deserved better than her.
I'm sorry but I can't recommend this.
January 9, 2012
When I started reading this book I realized it was the second in the series about Hawkin brothers and I will be going back to read the first and the last but I enjoyed this book.
The hero Finn was really good if a bit unsure about how good he was for a relationship or even fatherhood, he has just returned home to start a restaurant when he is shocked by a visitor at his door who wants his sperm donation, the thing is as a young man he donated years ago and now the mother of his child needs it again to save her child, Amelia the heroine refuses to tell him her surname or anything about her child, and somehow the clinical exercise almost turns into something more.
Somehow months later, his daughter Jordan lands on his doorstep after tricking her six months pregnant mother, the heroine lands all angry ready to take her daughter back and instead finds her pregnancy in danger and on bed rest near Finn.
Now, I liked how the hero got through his doubts and embraced the new roles in his life, yes he had had two failed marriages but now he was ready to be a father and husband.
But the heroine was a problem, she was stubborn and sometimes even hurtful, yes she had been tricked horribly by a con man but she took too long to come around.
I loved the Hawkin family and Jordan.
The hero Finn was really good if a bit unsure about how good he was for a relationship or even fatherhood, he has just returned home to start a restaurant when he is shocked by a visitor at his door who wants his sperm donation, the thing is as a young man he donated years ago and now the mother of his child needs it again to save her child, Amelia the heroine refuses to tell him her surname or anything about her child, and somehow the clinical exercise almost turns into something more.
Somehow months later, his daughter Jordan lands on his doorstep after tricking her six months pregnant mother, the heroine lands all angry ready to take her daughter back and instead finds her pregnancy in danger and on bed rest near Finn.
Now, I liked how the hero got through his doubts and embraced the new roles in his life, yes he had had two failed marriages but now he was ready to be a father and husband.
But the heroine was a problem, she was stubborn and sometimes even hurtful, yes she had been tricked horribly by a con man but she took too long to come around.
I loved the Hawkin family and Jordan.
August 22, 2012
4 1/2 Stars ~ After two disastrous marriages, Finn accepted that he was meant to be "Uncle Finn" and that his restaurant would be his life. That was until Amelia came knocking on his door. The last thing Amelia wants is for the sperm donor of her daughter to be in her life. But Jordan requires a bone marrow transplant and her best chances are from an identical match that only a sibling can make. With great relief, Finn agrees to help the child he's never known. Amelia's adamant that Finn remain out of their lives, and even refuses to give her surname and to identify the sex of her child. All she needs from Finn is another sperm donation. When 13 year old Jordan sneaks out and makes the plane trip to Erie to meet her Dad, everyone's lives are turned upside down. Amelia now six months pregnant, makes the long drive to pick her up, only to have a scare with an almost premature delivery. Ordered on strict bed rest, Amelia is trapped in Finn's house for the duration.
This is another emotionally gripping story from Ms. Gable. Amelia makes great sacrifices for her daughter Jordan, she's a strong and very independent woman. Finn's always felt like a failure when it comes to relationships, but coming face to face with his daughter and now a very pregnant, Amelia, he starts to wonder if he could have a family of his own. Finn's one of those adorable heroes you can't help falling for. I've come to expect an emotionally satisfying read from Ms. Gable, and this one does not disappoint. It was wonderful to catch up with the Hawkins family and I'm looking forward to reading love 'em and leave 'em, Hayden's story next.
This is another emotionally gripping story from Ms. Gable. Amelia makes great sacrifices for her daughter Jordan, she's a strong and very independent woman. Finn's always felt like a failure when it comes to relationships, but coming face to face with his daughter and now a very pregnant, Amelia, he starts to wonder if he could have a family of his own. Finn's one of those adorable heroes you can't help falling for. I've come to expect an emotionally satisfying read from Ms. Gable, and this one does not disappoint. It was wonderful to catch up with the Hawkins family and I'm looking forward to reading love 'em and leave 'em, Hayden's story next.
April 10, 2017
A beautiful story of how a sick child brings together two parents that have never met, since her father was a donor at a fertility clinic. When his daughter needs a bone marrow transplant and her mother needs to have a sibling for her, she asks for another donation. Now six months pregnant the daughter sneaks off to meet her Dad. When her Mom comes after her a complication in the pregnancy makes her dependent on the person she never intended to know, the father of her children. A story of second chances at love and learning to lean on another person. I received a free copy with no obligation.
August 6, 2019
The Characters were pretty decent, although Amelia tended to get on my nerves every now and again and Finn was quite the hottie (although I found it hard to believe/hard to understand why he even donated sperm in the first place??). My biggest complaint about the book was that it was sickenly sweet like reading a sappy hallmark card or drinking sour lemonade.
July 10, 2017
A Family To Keep: Hawkins Family Book 2 is by Susan Gable. This is an extension of the Hawkins family story. Of twelve children in the Hawkins family, only one is now married. Once a Hawkins falls in love, S/he falls hard and quick.
Dr. Amelia Love is in North East, Pennsylvania for one reason and one reason only. She needs a second sperm donation from Finn Hawkins. Thirteen years ago, he gave a sperm donation to American Fidelity Labs in New York City. He had quickly regretted doing so; but at the same time, he knew there were many people who were hurting because they couldn’t have children except through adoption. Dr. Love needed a second baby to provide good blood cells for a transfusion for her daughter, Jordan, who had aplastic anemia and needed blood morrow. Needless to say, after two marriages which failed, Finn wasn’t very happy to learn he was a father and was to be a father again. However, he gives her the sperm and Amelia leaves with the idea that she will not have to see him again.
However, her daughter Jordan decreed otherwise. She wanted to get to know her father so she ran away to Finn’s. Amelia followed only to be bedridden in Finn’s house. What is a girl to do?
Dr. Amelia Love is in North East, Pennsylvania for one reason and one reason only. She needs a second sperm donation from Finn Hawkins. Thirteen years ago, he gave a sperm donation to American Fidelity Labs in New York City. He had quickly regretted doing so; but at the same time, he knew there were many people who were hurting because they couldn’t have children except through adoption. Dr. Love needed a second baby to provide good blood cells for a transfusion for her daughter, Jordan, who had aplastic anemia and needed blood morrow. Needless to say, after two marriages which failed, Finn wasn’t very happy to learn he was a father and was to be a father again. However, he gives her the sperm and Amelia leaves with the idea that she will not have to see him again.
However, her daughter Jordan decreed otherwise. She wanted to get to know her father so she ran away to Finn’s. Amelia followed only to be bedridden in Finn’s house. What is a girl to do?
December 2, 2010
Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
Dr. Amelia Young has her life all mapped out and it doesn't include a husband. She has a beautiful daughter, Jordan, conceived via artificial insemination and that's all Amelia needs. Until Jordan is diagnosed with a deadly disease and the only way to save her is a bone marrow transplant from a family member that matches... or cord blood from a sibling. Amelia never thought she'd need a man for anything apparently The Family Plan is not what she thought it was.
Chef Finn Hawkins made anonymous donations in college to a sperm bank, never expecting to ever hear another thing about it. When an unknown woman shows up on his doorstep demanding another donation to save a child... his child, Finn's world is turned upside down. Then when later on, his daughter shows up at his home, Finn finds his heart filling up. With two failed marriages behind him, the last thing Finn wants is another wife but Amelia and Jordan make him start to question The Family Plan he has designed for himself.
Susan Gable has written yet another heartwarming novel sure to keep her readers engrossed to the final page, all emotions engaged. I admit, when I first read the synopsis of The Family Plan, all I could think about was My Sister's Keeper and I was a little nervous, even knowing Susan Gable has never written a story that didn't leave me with a smile on my face. In spite of the surficial similarities between the two books, they are nothing alike.
I adored the Hawkins family when I first met them in A Kid to the Rescue, and I was absolutely thrilled to visit them once more. Finn was a favorite of mine and I couldn't wait to read his story. Finn and Amelia, with their daughter Jordan, and Chip on the way (there's a great story behind Chip's name. Trust me, you'll laugh a little.) make such a lovely family, however reluctantly they may have begun. Finn and Amelia are perfect for each other, however much they may resist their mutual attraction.
Susan glosses over some of the medical details regarding Jordan's health and necessary medical procedures to keep the story from getting too deep and serious, giving us enough information to understand the severity of Jordan's condition. We also learn a little bit more about Ian Hawkins, the deceased member of the Hawkins family, and how the parallels between his health before he died and Jordan's life affect loved ones.
The seriousness of The Family Plan is lightened with humorous moments, and many of the little things that make life wonderful, from Jordan's first kiss (a very sweet and romantic scene) to the family videos she loves to make, to a particular action that becomes the trademark of this new family.
It is impossible to read a novel by Susan Gable and not be moved through the entire emotional spectrum. The Family Plan is a perfect example of what makes me love her books. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I shouted. I challenge you to not fall in love with this particular branch of the Hawkins family tree.
© Kelley A. Hartsell, June 2010. All rights reserved.
Dr. Amelia Young has her life all mapped out and it doesn't include a husband. She has a beautiful daughter, Jordan, conceived via artificial insemination and that's all Amelia needs. Until Jordan is diagnosed with a deadly disease and the only way to save her is a bone marrow transplant from a family member that matches... or cord blood from a sibling. Amelia never thought she'd need a man for anything apparently The Family Plan is not what she thought it was.
Chef Finn Hawkins made anonymous donations in college to a sperm bank, never expecting to ever hear another thing about it. When an unknown woman shows up on his doorstep demanding another donation to save a child... his child, Finn's world is turned upside down. Then when later on, his daughter shows up at his home, Finn finds his heart filling up. With two failed marriages behind him, the last thing Finn wants is another wife but Amelia and Jordan make him start to question The Family Plan he has designed for himself.
Susan Gable has written yet another heartwarming novel sure to keep her readers engrossed to the final page, all emotions engaged. I admit, when I first read the synopsis of The Family Plan, all I could think about was My Sister's Keeper and I was a little nervous, even knowing Susan Gable has never written a story that didn't leave me with a smile on my face. In spite of the surficial similarities between the two books, they are nothing alike.
I adored the Hawkins family when I first met them in A Kid to the Rescue, and I was absolutely thrilled to visit them once more. Finn was a favorite of mine and I couldn't wait to read his story. Finn and Amelia, with their daughter Jordan, and Chip on the way (there's a great story behind Chip's name. Trust me, you'll laugh a little.) make such a lovely family, however reluctantly they may have begun. Finn and Amelia are perfect for each other, however much they may resist their mutual attraction.
Susan glosses over some of the medical details regarding Jordan's health and necessary medical procedures to keep the story from getting too deep and serious, giving us enough information to understand the severity of Jordan's condition. We also learn a little bit more about Ian Hawkins, the deceased member of the Hawkins family, and how the parallels between his health before he died and Jordan's life affect loved ones.
The seriousness of The Family Plan is lightened with humorous moments, and many of the little things that make life wonderful, from Jordan's first kiss (a very sweet and romantic scene) to the family videos she loves to make, to a particular action that becomes the trademark of this new family.
It is impossible to read a novel by Susan Gable and not be moved through the entire emotional spectrum. The Family Plan is a perfect example of what makes me love her books. I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I shouted. I challenge you to not fall in love with this particular branch of the Hawkins family tree.
© Kelley A. Hartsell, June 2010. All rights reserved.
March 17, 2019
Like a hallmark channel sugary sweet movie, this very clean romance dragged. I liked the hero and I like that it was focused on a child with health issues. I didn’t like Amelia who was a bit of a manhater and very judgmental...actually so much so that she made poor decisions that made her life and that of her daughter more difficult. She even refuses her daughter contact with Finn after they develop a father-daughter bond. She’s clearly hurting Jordan and then boom moves her away from her dad and his large supportive family as a FU to Finn and to prove she’s independent. I was thinking...she didn’t deserve her this kid who was crying wanting to see her dad and her dad’s family. I am usually behind the heroine but not when her arbitrary decisions so obviously hurt her child.
August 26, 2010
I have to say, this is the first time I’ve seen this particular plotline. A lot of the Harlequins seem to latch onto a plot (secret babies, cowboys, marriages of convenience) and work them to death so finding a fresh plot is something to celebrate.
That said, I would’ve liked to see the romance take longer to develop. The heroine is dealing with the illness of someone she loves so jumping in bed with the one person who could complicate an already bad situation should have been untaken with more thought. But hey, that’s just me I guess.
Even with this minor issue, The Family Plan combines a unique plot with strong characters to create a satisfying read. ~ Ana, www.ireadromance.com
That said, I would’ve liked to see the romance take longer to develop. The heroine is dealing with the illness of someone she loves so jumping in bed with the one person who could complicate an already bad situation should have been untaken with more thought. But hey, that’s just me I guess.
Even with this minor issue, The Family Plan combines a unique plot with strong characters to create a satisfying read. ~ Ana, www.ireadromance.com
July 28, 2017
I was very excited to read this book since the liked the first book in the series so much. And I started off really enjoying it till the last few Chapters.
Amelia just made me so mad pushing Finn away. And than when a big moment happens and Amelia wants Finn with her he goes and gets to drunk and doesn't make it to be by her side. It just didn't fit the person Finn was throughout the book. Finn wouldn't have left the Hospital even if Amelia didn't want him there at first.
This is just my opinion. Read it Nd judge for yourself
Amelia just made me so mad pushing Finn away. And than when a big moment happens and Amelia wants Finn with her he goes and gets to drunk and doesn't make it to be by her side. It just didn't fit the person Finn was throughout the book. Finn wouldn't have left the Hospital even if Amelia didn't want him there at first.
This is just my opinion. Read it Nd judge for yourself
February 4, 2020
I really like Finn and the rest of his family but I didn’t care for Amelia. I thought she was way too bitchy!
October 20, 2018
Finn has two failed marriages behind him and has no intention of being involved in a permanent relationship again, let alone being a father. However that changes, first when he meets (and is attracted to) Amelia the mother of his child, and then when his daughter (against the wishes of her mother) comes to find him. Amelia had so much to cope with, a past that would have shattered a weaker woman and a seriously ill daughter (I've never come across aplastic anemia) and then a pregnancy where she has an incompetent cervix. It was adorable how Finn came up with ways to make Amelia feel less isolated and trapped but I'm not surprised that it took awhile for it to sink in that Finn was not 'a toad in Prince's clothing'. The characters are all well written and immensely likeable, particularly the Hawkins family - Michael and Lydia Hawkins and their 12 grown up children. Whilst one in a series, this book can be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
September 12, 2020
Cute story
I don't know if this book was intended to be a comedy, but I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamics of a large family. My husband has 7 siblings, we have 7 children, and the chaos, the love, the noise, it's just so fun to read about other families with that. I laughed several times. The author also nailed the struggles of a pregnant older mom with a teenager and the demands of nursing with so many demands on her time.
Characters were adequately developed. They both have valid reasons for distrust and hesitation, and both experience growth. The plot has no artificial surprises. I was sad to not get more setting; I live in the Rockies and would've loved to learn more about Pennsylvania's culture and geography.
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Would I read more of the series: yes
Cliffhanger: no
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS
Sex: a few mild scenes
Language: F words, Lord's name in vain, S words
Violence: none
FAVORITE QUOTE(S)
Some days you just had to say “what the hell” and go with it. Mistakes were easier to live with than regrets.
CRITIQUE (spoilers)
Point of view switching without a visual cue is jarring.
I don't know if this book was intended to be a comedy, but I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamics of a large family. My husband has 7 siblings, we have 7 children, and the chaos, the love, the noise, it's just so fun to read about other families with that. I laughed several times. The author also nailed the struggles of a pregnant older mom with a teenager and the demands of nursing with so many demands on her time.
Characters were adequately developed. They both have valid reasons for distrust and hesitation, and both experience growth. The plot has no artificial surprises. I was sad to not get more setting; I live in the Rockies and would've loved to learn more about Pennsylvania's culture and geography.
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Would I read more of the series: yes
Cliffhanger: no
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS
Sex: a few mild scenes
Language: F words, Lord's name in vain, S words
Violence: none
FAVORITE QUOTE(S)
Some days you just had to say “what the hell” and go with it. Mistakes were easier to live with than regrets.
CRITIQUE (spoilers)
Point of view switching without a visual cue is jarring.
April 4, 2019
Book two of the Hawkins brothers series. It would seem that Ms Gable prefers her h to be rather annoying. In book one, A Hero to Keep, Shannon was annoying. In A Family to Keep, Amelia becomes more than annoying. I’m sure her circumstances would make anyone jaded, but she takes it to another level. Finn, the H, is more than understanding. He isn’t a pushover, but he certainly excuses most of her behaviors. When he finally does stop taking it I cheered him on.
A Family to Keep stretches the believable with what Amelia is willing to do for her child, but not out of the realm of possibility or reality. I can see it happening. It probably happens more often than we know. The story reads well, flows smoothly, and held my interest throughout the entire book. The characters were engaging, especially the members of the Hawkins family. Jordan will steal your heart. Uncle Hayden is definitely a favorite, too.
October 18, 2017
It’s hard to rate a book when the first book in the series was so good that you gave it 5 stars? You still give it 5 stars because, in my opinion, the first book was worth more than 5 stars.
Susan Gable has written another beautiful story which touched my heart and made me feel so many things. I was able to touch base with characters I had already grown to love, but I was also able to fall in love with another Hawkins brother. And then there were two new characters - Amelia whom I wanted to shake and Jordan whom I wanted to hug.
I’ve already downloaded the new book in the series, A Promise to Keep, because I can’t get enough of the Hawkins family.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
Susan Gable has written another beautiful story which touched my heart and made me feel so many things. I was able to touch base with characters I had already grown to love, but I was also able to fall in love with another Hawkins brother. And then there were two new characters - Amelia whom I wanted to shake and Jordan whom I wanted to hug.
I’ve already downloaded the new book in the series, A Promise to Keep, because I can’t get enough of the Hawkins family.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
November 13, 2020
A Family to Keep
This was a different story line than I normally read. Amelia had come to find Fin. To help her daughter. He has never met either but his actions years earlier left him a father. The story was interesting that she didn't want him involved with her child. But needed him to help her get pregnant again so to help her daughter out. He then has a battle of emotional scars she has on commitment to overcome. Can she trust that he will be there for Jordan? They both have issues to clear on accepting the that their relationship will hold up more than months.
This was a different story line than I normally read. Amelia had come to find Fin. To help her daughter. He has never met either but his actions years earlier left him a father. The story was interesting that she didn't want him involved with her child. But needed him to help her get pregnant again so to help her daughter out. He then has a battle of emotional scars she has on commitment to overcome. Can she trust that he will be there for Jordan? They both have issues to clear on accepting the that their relationship will hold up more than months.
November 14, 2022
I'm so glad i took a chance on this book and it didn't disappoint me. Although i did hope for Finn to become the bigger person sooner, I think the HEA was satisfying to read enough.
This book really took me by surprise. It's the first of Susan Gable that I've read, and for me, the fact that this book made me cry is a testament enough of how good and full of potential its writing was. Soo yeah! So glad i found this book when I did! Definitely one of my best reads this year! Thank you Susan Gable 💗
This book really took me by surprise. It's the first of Susan Gable that I've read, and for me, the fact that this book made me cry is a testament enough of how good and full of potential its writing was. Soo yeah! So glad i found this book when I did! Definitely one of my best reads this year! Thank you Susan Gable 💗
September 11, 2017
Interesting how the past influences the future.
Very intense information about bone marrow transplants and the side effects. While a stressful part of the story, this information does not detract from the story. In fact, they enhance the story along with the support provided by the Hawkins family. As with the first book of these series, the plot is fresh and different -- very interesting read.
Very intense information about bone marrow transplants and the side effects. While a stressful part of the story, this information does not detract from the story. In fact, they enhance the story along with the support provided by the Hawkins family. As with the first book of these series, the plot is fresh and different -- very interesting read.
June 5, 2019
Loved this book. The main character Amelia was getting on my nerves with her all independent crap and how she was so scared of marriage and all that mess but after finding out her past, I guess it was kind of made sense. Regardless, I really enjoyed the book and while I was reading it I realized that the author only wrote 3 in this series which makes me sad because I am really enjoying this family series.
May 13, 2021
Really good story
I loved these two characters, Finn and Amelia. Both with their individual imperfections, working hard to be good people. It's an interesting plot, having a child using a sperm donor and then needing that same donor again to help save the child. I'm not sure how I feel about A media's attitude in the beginning. How do you handle parental issues in this instance - an intriguing debate for sure!
I loved these two characters, Finn and Amelia. Both with their individual imperfections, working hard to be good people. It's an interesting plot, having a child using a sperm donor and then needing that same donor again to help save the child. I'm not sure how I feel about A media's attitude in the beginning. How do you handle parental issues in this instance - an intriguing debate for sure!
September 11, 2018
While maybe qualifying as a beach read, I enjoyed book one enough to download the whole series. It’s a sweet, feel-good story, written well enough not to piss me off, and the characters are really likeable, even if possibly too perfect. It’s not a life changing social commentary but it’s a fun read. I really liked the whole series.
April 1, 2020
What a good story. Amelia had a daughter who needs a bone marrow transplant but there are no matches. So she seeks out the man who donate his DNA to a sperm bank to have another child to save her daughter but she doesn’t want anything else from Finn. But Finn has falling for her and wants more. He wants his family.
September 13, 2020
LOVE FINN and HATE AMELIA
I love Finn his family and Jordan. I absolutely hate Amelia she’s selfish, immature, irrational, irritating and petty and I didn’t care for any of it including her attitude. I’m sorry Finn, Jordan and the Reston his family had to put up with her, if not for them the book would have gotten 1 star.
I love Finn his family and Jordan. I absolutely hate Amelia she’s selfish, immature, irrational, irritating and petty and I didn’t care for any of it including her attitude. I’m sorry Finn, Jordan and the Reston his family had to put up with her, if not for them the book would have gotten 1 star.
May 27, 2024
Awesome novel
It was a different plot than the normal plot in romance novels. It was written very well. Kept my attention so I didn't put down my kindle until I got to the end. It is nice it is a stand alone hea. But it helps to read book one in the series first. I can't wait to read the novels about Finn's sisters.
It was a different plot than the normal plot in romance novels. It was written very well. Kept my attention so I didn't put down my kindle until I got to the end. It is nice it is a stand alone hea. But it helps to read book one in the series first. I can't wait to read the novels about Finn's sisters.
June 2, 2024
Complicated
Finn is convinced that he's not going to have a family and relationship like his parents. Amelia was forever changed by a Scheming husband. This is a unique story that's very complicated and heart breaking. Lovely characters and story. Susan knows how to draw you in and keep you invested.
Finn is convinced that he's not going to have a family and relationship like his parents. Amelia was forever changed by a Scheming husband. This is a unique story that's very complicated and heart breaking. Lovely characters and story. Susan knows how to draw you in and keep you invested.
June 17, 2024
The book keeps you guessing
Until the last two pages the author keeps you turning pages with this, the second in the sequence of the Hawkins Family! Very interesting and has topics that cover a multitude of different issues as Finn attempts to win his lady! Another great book by Susan Gable. Looking forward to reading more of her books!
Until the last two pages the author keeps you turning pages with this, the second in the sequence of the Hawkins Family! Very interesting and has topics that cover a multitude of different issues as Finn attempts to win his lady! Another great book by Susan Gable. Looking forward to reading more of her books!
February 4, 2018
My Musings
Oh, my, whY a heart stopping story from the first page to the last. I loved Jordan. She really stole my heart. I can't wait to read the next one in this series. Happy ☺reading 📚!
Oh, my, whY a heart stopping story from the first page to the last. I loved Jordan. She really stole my heart. I can't wait to read the next one in this series. Happy ☺reading 📚!
June 13, 2018
Although I love all the characters in this story and the wonderful Hawkins family dynamics shine through the basic plot was quite improbable. I found myself having to "get past" the way in which the two lead characters come together.
March 1, 2019
Moving
Such a lovely moving story! The characters are all so real and relatable. The Hawkins family are plentiful with so much love to share. Amelia, who is so independent and skittish, finally learns that two are stronger than one.
Such a lovely moving story! The characters are all so real and relatable. The Hawkins family are plentiful with so much love to share. Amelia, who is so independent and skittish, finally learns that two are stronger than one.
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