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Safe Harbor Medical #1
The Would-Be Mommy
Babies, babies, everywhere! But can she keep hers? When journalist Ian Martin stirs up trouble with his news story about a hospital welcoming abandoned babies, the roguish reporter accidentally ignites a firestorm around public relations director Jennifer Serra. Now she faces losing her heart to a baby she can’t keep, and losing her job because of a scandalous secret. After surviving a tragedy years earlier, Jennifer has made a new life for herself. Then Ian’s report implies that young moms who can’t keep their babies can find the perfect families for them at Safe Harbor Medical Center. One young teen insists on surrendering her newborn to Jennifer, who falls instantly in love. Despite his strong attraction to this vulnerable woman, Ian’s globe-hopping ambitions will soon carry him far from Jennifer's small town in California. But when the glare of publicity raises painful accusations that threaten everything she cares about, he must choose between his dreams and his heart. Called a “brilliantly moving story” by Cataromance.com, The Would-Be Mommy is the first book in USA Today bestselling author Jacqueline Diamond’s award-winning Safe Harbor Medical romance series.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
131 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Diamond
249 books173 followersUSA Today bestselling author Jacqueline Diamond has more than 100 novels to her name! A former Associated Press reporter and TV columnist, Jackie is best known for her Safe Harbor Medical romances and mysteries, as well as her traditional Regency romances.
Her newest exciting venture is the Forgotten Village Magical Mystery series, beginning with A Cat's Garden of Secrets. Other recent works include the Sisters, Lovers & Second Chances series, featuring couples over age 50.
Jackie has been honored with a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. She and her husband, who have two grown sons, live in Southern California. You can learn more about her books at www.jacquelinediamond.net or at JacquelineDiamondAuthor on Facebook.
Her newest exciting venture is the Forgotten Village Magical Mystery series, beginning with A Cat's Garden of Secrets. Other recent works include the Sisters, Lovers & Second Chances series, featuring couples over age 50.
Jackie has been honored with a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. She and her husband, who have two grown sons, live in Southern California. You can learn more about her books at www.jacquelinediamond.net or at JacquelineDiamondAuthor on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 15, 2014
Oh Boy!
I was not expecting this and I mean this in a very very good way.
In my personal experience, most stories following a plot like this tend to be fluff. Dont get me wrong, some of those stories could possibly melt stone hearts but this. . . . WOW!
Its 03:52am so my apologies, this review might not be all that.
Regardless, this book, their story, My God! This was some real deep shit. (excuse me) I don't have any real criticism regarding the book except that, as serious as this was, a comic relief would have been welcomed. But that is solely my opinion.
I loved little Rosaline and I knew exactly how Jenn felt. You can never tell but the next thing you know, the little devils are your life and that level of attachment, if broken, has a real crippling effect.
What i loved most was the underlying message of redemption, forgiveness and especially closure. Which can be achieved through the smallest of things, the immeasurable moments and forgotten words.
This book had so much depth to it, that i believe, everyone should read it, for if nothing else, than to get a perspective of other peoples circumstances. So maybe, just maybe, the future of our race isn't so bleak.
I was not expecting this and I mean this in a very very good way.
In my personal experience, most stories following a plot like this tend to be fluff. Dont get me wrong, some of those stories could possibly melt stone hearts but this. . . . WOW!
Its 03:52am so my apologies, this review might not be all that.
Regardless, this book, their story, My God! This was some real deep shit. (excuse me) I don't have any real criticism regarding the book except that, as serious as this was, a comic relief would have been welcomed. But that is solely my opinion.
I loved little Rosaline and I knew exactly how Jenn felt. You can never tell but the next thing you know, the little devils are your life and that level of attachment, if broken, has a real crippling effect.
What i loved most was the underlying message of redemption, forgiveness and especially closure. Which can be achieved through the smallest of things, the immeasurable moments and forgotten words.
This book had so much depth to it, that i believe, everyone should read it, for if nothing else, than to get a perspective of other peoples circumstances. So maybe, just maybe, the future of our race isn't so bleak.
March 2, 2014
Jennifer is the PR director for Safe harbor Medical which is a hospital that’s just finished renovations to make it the leading baby hospital. While Jennifer’s goal is to make sure the press conference goes off without a hitch but her plan for perfect goes up in the air with a young mother shows up wanting to leave her baby with Jennifer to raise her. Waiting in the wings to get the story is Ian a reporter who’s been all over the world. While Jennifer is hesitant to take the baby the young mother is determined it has to be her and after agreeing she knows this little girl will change her life.
As Jennifer falls in love with little Rosalie she knows that she must keep her daughter safe being reminded of the child she lost. She also begins to fall in love with Ian after spending some time but it’s not meant to happen since he’s going to head off to New York for his new assignment. As a secret from her past threatens her future Jennifer will risk it all to save the little girl she loves.
I love Jennifer she’s an honest good person with a good heart who I couldn't help connection with. I wasn't sure how I felt about Ian but as the story progressed I liked him more and more. The story has a interesting selection of characters that I’m hoping may appear in future books from this series.
The Would-Be Mommy is exactly why I love Harlequin novels so much. I was turned on to Harlequins a
s a young teenager a long time ago by my grandmothers. The book has characters you can connect with I couldn’t help feeling Jennifer’s emotional feelings as everything happened. I even felt bad for the McCoy’s like Jennifer did. I love that the book has everything it needs to tell an enchanting story. I really enjoyed the story it was hard to put down. I actually finished the book in just a few short hours. This is my first book by this author but I know already I’m hoping to read more from Safe Haven. A novel worth reading, I may even read it again when I get the baby bug and have a craving for happy ever after.
As Jennifer falls in love with little Rosalie she knows that she must keep her daughter safe being reminded of the child she lost. She also begins to fall in love with Ian after spending some time but it’s not meant to happen since he’s going to head off to New York for his new assignment. As a secret from her past threatens her future Jennifer will risk it all to save the little girl she loves.
I love Jennifer she’s an honest good person with a good heart who I couldn't help connection with. I wasn't sure how I felt about Ian but as the story progressed I liked him more and more. The story has a interesting selection of characters that I’m hoping may appear in future books from this series.
The Would-Be Mommy is exactly why I love Harlequin novels so much. I was turned on to Harlequins a
s a young teenager a long time ago by my grandmothers. The book has characters you can connect with I couldn’t help feeling Jennifer’s emotional feelings as everything happened. I even felt bad for the McCoy’s like Jennifer did. I love that the book has everything it needs to tell an enchanting story. I really enjoyed the story it was hard to put down. I actually finished the book in just a few short hours. This is my first book by this author but I know already I’m hoping to read more from Safe Haven. A novel worth reading, I may even read it again when I get the baby bug and have a craving for happy ever after.
February 7, 2018
Thank You to the Author for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I started reading this book in the mood for a short and sweet romance, and that’s exactly what I got! It was the kind of book that sucked you in straight away and you immediately wanted to find out more. I think one of the main reasons for this was the likability of the characters, I found them easy to like and to rally behind from the beginning. Jennifer especially as she was more often then not just trying to make the best out of every situation.
In regards to the story itself it was a lot more in-depth then I had initially thought it would be, as I mentioned above I went into this expecting a short but sweet romance story with a few obstacles in the way before they got their happily ever after, however the book provided more than a few surprises along the way with a far more in depth character development and background than I was expecting which I really enjoyed. It also provided at credible twist to the story which really brought everything together while still being something I hadn’t expected.
Something else which I hadn’t been expecting was the way it managed to bring up a lot of important issues throughout the novel, motherhood and providing the best life for babies I think was the core issue, however it also puts an interesting light on the influence of not only social media but how news articles and so on can effect public opinion. In regards to the romance part of the story their is a bit of instalove but not to the extent of head of heels first meeting but instead I felt it worked really well within the story. The only thing I would of liked to of seen more of was some more story and development of other characters, however as this is part of a series (#17 so far!) I’m guessing they may have a story of their own! Definitely a series I want to check out more of and a great Beach and Wine kinda read.
I started reading this book in the mood for a short and sweet romance, and that’s exactly what I got! It was the kind of book that sucked you in straight away and you immediately wanted to find out more. I think one of the main reasons for this was the likability of the characters, I found them easy to like and to rally behind from the beginning. Jennifer especially as she was more often then not just trying to make the best out of every situation.
In regards to the story itself it was a lot more in-depth then I had initially thought it would be, as I mentioned above I went into this expecting a short but sweet romance story with a few obstacles in the way before they got their happily ever after, however the book provided more than a few surprises along the way with a far more in depth character development and background than I was expecting which I really enjoyed. It also provided at credible twist to the story which really brought everything together while still being something I hadn’t expected.
Something else which I hadn’t been expecting was the way it managed to bring up a lot of important issues throughout the novel, motherhood and providing the best life for babies I think was the core issue, however it also puts an interesting light on the influence of not only social media but how news articles and so on can effect public opinion. In regards to the romance part of the story their is a bit of instalove but not to the extent of head of heels first meeting but instead I felt it worked really well within the story. The only thing I would of liked to of seen more of was some more story and development of other characters, however as this is part of a series (#17 so far!) I’m guessing they may have a story of their own! Definitely a series I want to check out more of and a great Beach and Wine kinda read.
September 22, 2014
Much bigger on story than I was expecting. Very calming and well written.
April 15, 2020
The Would-Be Mommy is simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting.
Jennifer is an excellent PR director for Safe Harbor Medical. Now that the renovations are finished, it's known as the leading baby hospital. Jennifer thought the press conference went smoothly until young mothers began showing up to drop off their babies! Then one, in particular, wanted Jennifer to take her baby to raise. Ian has had an exciting career, working all over the world as a reporter. He thought covering the hospital story would be boring but once the babies started being dropped off, he knows there is a good story there.
Jennifer quickly falls in love with baby Rosalie. Nothing is more important than keeping her safe, especially after losing her baby years ago. As she spends more time with Ian, she starts falling for him too. But she knows he won't be around long. What she doesn't know is that Ian is falling for her and the baby, too. When a secret Jennifer has hidden for years, comes out, will she lose Rosalie and Ian?
Jennifer is a good person, always trying to help others and make the best of everything. It was wonderful to see her get a baby to love. Ian is a bit of a jerk at first but as the story progressed and he started thinking about more than just his career, I liked him more.
I enjoy medical romance, especially when there is drama, so I was happy I won this novel. If you like medical romance, I recommend this book.
Jennifer is an excellent PR director for Safe Harbor Medical. Now that the renovations are finished, it's known as the leading baby hospital. Jennifer thought the press conference went smoothly until young mothers began showing up to drop off their babies! Then one, in particular, wanted Jennifer to take her baby to raise. Ian has had an exciting career, working all over the world as a reporter. He thought covering the hospital story would be boring but once the babies started being dropped off, he knows there is a good story there.
Jennifer quickly falls in love with baby Rosalie. Nothing is more important than keeping her safe, especially after losing her baby years ago. As she spends more time with Ian, she starts falling for him too. But she knows he won't be around long. What she doesn't know is that Ian is falling for her and the baby, too. When a secret Jennifer has hidden for years, comes out, will she lose Rosalie and Ian?
Jennifer is a good person, always trying to help others and make the best of everything. It was wonderful to see her get a baby to love. Ian is a bit of a jerk at first but as the story progressed and he started thinking about more than just his career, I liked him more.
I enjoy medical romance, especially when there is drama, so I was happy I won this novel. If you like medical romance, I recommend this book.
October 25, 2019
The Would-Be Mommy is a contemporary romance by Jacqueline Diamond. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this book because the title is...just a tad corny. I should have had more faith in this author, I have read other books by her and enjoyed them. This book didn't disappoint. Ian is a reporter assigned to do some human interest bits. Jennifer is the PR director of Safe Harbor Medical and ends up becoming a weekend mom when someone turns their baby over at the hospital, insisting the Jennifer takes her. Ian and Jennifer's story is packed with drama, humor, spice and just a touch of suspense. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from Jacqueline Diamond in the future. The Would-Be Mommy is book 1 of the Safe Harbor Medical Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I read a print copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read a print copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 20, 2017
"Every Child Deserves A Loving Parent"
Ian Martin has stirred up trouble with a news story he wrote about hospitals welcoming abandoned babies. He's got a firestorm around the public relations director of the local hospital, Jennifer Serra. She's lost her heart to a baby being delivered to the hospital. The teen mother will surrender her newborn only to Jennifer. How can she refuse? Here's her chance to a new episode of life, and perhaps it may include Ian Martin. You may shed a few tears while reading this story, but there is true love to be found here. A very well written story of life's lessons.
Ian Martin has stirred up trouble with a news story he wrote about hospitals welcoming abandoned babies. He's got a firestorm around the public relations director of the local hospital, Jennifer Serra. She's lost her heart to a baby being delivered to the hospital. The teen mother will surrender her newborn only to Jennifer. How can she refuse? Here's her chance to a new episode of life, and perhaps it may include Ian Martin. You may shed a few tears while reading this story, but there is true love to be found here. A very well written story of life's lessons.
January 17, 2022
The Would-be Mommy (Safe Harbor Medical Romances Book 1)
Ian is a reporter who has traveled the world reporting on all kinds of stories. Jennifer is in charge of Communications for Safe Harbor Medical. They meet when Jennifer is asked to take care of a bay dropped off at the hospital. The mother Sunny insists that Jennifer take her daughter and raise her as her own. Ian becomes involved and the story goes global. Jennifer has hidden secrets and didn't want to become a media sensation.
Ian is a reporter who has traveled the world reporting on all kinds of stories. Jennifer is in charge of Communications for Safe Harbor Medical. They meet when Jennifer is asked to take care of a bay dropped off at the hospital. The mother Sunny insists that Jennifer take her daughter and raise her as her own. Ian becomes involved and the story goes global. Jennifer has hidden secrets and didn't want to become a media sensation.
April 13, 2021
Wonderfully heart warming
Jacqueline Diamond is a writer with a heart filled with love that is portrayed on every page of here books. I have only begun reading her work, with the Downhome Doctor series. I am now on the Safe Harbor series and can't wait to complete this series and move on to the next.
Jacqueline Diamond is a writer with a heart filled with love that is portrayed on every page of here books. I have only begun reading her work, with the Downhome Doctor series. I am now on the Safe Harbor series and can't wait to complete this series and move on to the next.
June 8, 2022
2.5 stars.
The writing is not bad but everything happen instantly.
As the PR person, she trusting the man way too fast, in a day (forgetting he is a reporter that keen to get a story, salacious preferably, on her hospital).
Also the whole story doesn't capture my interest whereas the formulaic total stranger man and woman finding a baby then raise that baby together usually fun to read.
The writing is not bad but everything happen instantly.
As the PR person, she trusting the man way too fast, in a day (forgetting he is a reporter that keen to get a story, salacious preferably, on her hospital).
Also the whole story doesn't capture my interest whereas the formulaic total stranger man and woman finding a baby then raise that baby together usually fun to read.
June 22, 2017
This was a great story that I just couldn't stop reading. I loved the storyline and the characters. The secret that could destroy Jennifer's dream was well kept and then beautifully played out. I couldn't help but love Ian, his thoughts, and his reaction to those thoughts were just beautiful.
June 20, 2021
Journalist Ian Martin stirs up trouble with his news story about a hospital welcoming abandoned babies and ignites a firestorm around public relations director Jennifer Serra.
I thought this to be a good read. I love children, as fostering many children.
I thought this to be a good read. I love children, as fostering many children.
February 26, 2022
Surrendered Baby
Jennifer lost her baby when she was a teen in an accident. Ian uncovered everything and as a reporter, exposed it to all. She wasn't sure how she'd survive after he left to cover another story somewhere else.
Jennifer lost her baby when she was a teen in an accident. Ian uncovered everything and as a reporter, exposed it to all. She wasn't sure how she'd survive after he left to cover another story somewhere else.
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October 11, 2022Would Be Mommy
Too much explicit sex, trying on the shoe before buying. I avoided reading those sections. Otherwise a story of two independent people who have to come to common understanding for a relationship to proceed.
Too much explicit sex, trying on the shoe before buying. I avoided reading those sections. Otherwise a story of two independent people who have to come to common understanding for a relationship to proceed.
September 3, 2017
Delightful watching the various characters' maturation in a short period of time, including the baby. Interesting back stories for the main individuals. Serious side stories. Engaging romance.
February 6, 2022
This is a quick read. The story is well written and the characters are interesting. It has a happily ever after ending and shows that time and the truth can heal tragic events from the past.
February 22, 2022
enjoyable quick read
I liked the main characters. They seemed realistic with their past influencing their life, desires for their futures. I enjoyed it very much!
I liked the main characters. They seemed realistic with their past influencing their life, desires for their futures. I enjoyed it very much!
December 2, 2025
This was a good short read. Got a feeling for the characters, but story was strangely shallow. Clean read.
February 1, 2026
nice plot, but so unrealistic
cute though
cute though
April 23, 2012
This book was sweet and I was so emotionally connected to the book that at times I couldn't help but cry. I was terribly delighted from the book and more importantly the ending. It was quite a beautiful book to read.
April 30, 2016
7.6/10
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews