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Forever, Texas #18

A Baby for Christmas

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He's fighting for them 

When Amy Donavan married the town playboy and left Forever, Texas, Connor McCullough wished her well—no matter how much it hurt. He got past it, but never really over it. Now the one that got away is back and needs his help…in more ways than one! 

Recently divorced and fleeing her abusive ex-husband, Amy needs a safe place to hide and someone she can trust. And she's not alone. Her fussy six-month-old son needs sanctuary, too…and Connor is determined to protect them both. It's not his family, but it's the family—and the woman—he's always wanted. So when Amy's jealous ex tracks her down, hell-bent on reclaiming his "property," Connor's ready to fight this time…

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2017

57 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

Marie Ferrarella

1,227 books277 followers
Marie Rydzynski-Ferrarella
aka Marie Charles, Marie Michael, Marie Nicole, Marie Ferrarella

Marie Rydzynski was born on March 28 in West Germany to Polish parents. She moved to America at the age of four. For an entire year, Marie and her family explored the eastern half of the country before finally settling in New York.

Marie swears she was born writing, "which must have made the delivery especially hard for my mother." From an early age, Marie's parents would find her watching television or tucked away in some private place, writing at a furious pace. "Initially, I began writing myself into my favourite shows. I was a detective on '77 Sunset Strip,' the missing Cartwright sibling they never talked about on 'Bonanza' and the 'Girl from U.N.C.L.E.' before there was a 'Girl from U.N.C.L.E.,' not to mention an active participant in the serialized stories of 'The Mickey Mouse Club.'" Marie began to write her first romance novel when she was 11 years old, although she claims that, at the time, she didn't even realize it was a romance! She scribbled off and on, while dreaming of a career as an actress.

Marie was only 14 when she first laid eyes on the man she would marry, truly her first love, Charles Ferrarella. During her days at Queens College, New York, acting started to lose its glamour as Marie spent more and more time writing. After receiving her English degree, specialising in Shakespearean comedy, Marie and her family moved to Southern California, where she still resides today.

After an interminable seven weeks apart, Charles decided he couldn't live without her and came out to California to marry his childhood sweetheart. Ever practical, Marie was married in a wash-and-wear wedding dress that she sewed herself, appliqués and all. "'Be prepared' has always been my motto,"the author jokes. This motto has been stretched considerably by her two children, Nikky and Jessi, "but basically, it still applies," she says.

In November of 1981, she sold her first novel for Harlequin. Marie, who now has written over 150 novels, has one goal: to entertain, to make people laugh and feel good. "That's what makes me happy," she confesses. "That, and a really good romantic evening with my husband." She's keeping her fingers crossed that her reader's enjoy reading her books as much as she enjoyed writing them.

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5 stars
45 (56%)
4 stars
18 (22%)
3 stars
13 (16%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
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3 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Susan.
4,806 reviews126 followers
February 4, 2018
Very good second chance story. Connor is the last of the unmarried McCulloughs. He has watched his brothers and sister find love and start their own families. He's happy for them, but sometimes the loneliness gets to him. It's one of those evenings until a knock on the door brings a blast from his past. On the other side is Amy, the girl that he loved and lost, desperately in need of his help.

Amy had left town five years earlier, eloping with the town playboy. But the marriage didn't turn out the way she hoped, leaving her vulnerable to Clay's abuse. With nowhere else to go, Amy heads for Forever and the man who had been her best friend, hoping to find sanctuary for herself and her son.

I loved Connor. He could have told Amy that she was on her own, but he is not that kind of guy. His protective instincts kick in as soon as he sees her at the door, looking exhausted and scared. He's also quite the baby whisperer, as he soothes little Jamie at the same time he looks after Amy.

I liked Amy, too. She owned up to her mistake of marrying Clay in the first place. I liked that she got out when she realized how toxic the relationship would be for the baby. She does have some self-esteem issues, thanks to her treatment by Clay.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Connor was honest with himself from the start. He was still in love with Amy and he was going to do his best to make sure that he didn't lose her a second time. I liked how sensitive he was to her nervousness about going into town, and that he eased her into it after she'd been at the ranch for a while. Amy realizes pretty quickly that she'd been an idiot not to see Connor as more than a friend before she'd taken up with Clay. Now her feelings for him are growing stronger, but she doesn't want to risk messing up their friendship by asking for more. At the same time, Connor tries to be patient because he doesn't want to take advantage of Amy while she's vulnerable. I loved how the two of them, plus little Jamie, quickly felt like a real family. I was on edge as the book went on, waiting for Clay to show up and make trouble. I enjoyed the confrontation at the end, especially seeing Amy stand up to him with the support of a good part of the town. I loved the ending and seeing all the McCulloughs happy at last.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters. Connor's brothers and sisters were all there for him as he made Amy and Jamie part of his life. I especially enjoyed the teasing he got from his brothers as they watched him fall for both Amy and Jamie. I also loved the housekeeper, Rita. She was such a pushover for the baby while at the same time being a force to be reckoned with in keeping Connor in line. I liked the way she pushed him and Amy together. As always, Miss Joan was one of my favorites. I loved the way that she pulled Amy right back into being part of the town.
Profile Image for Jo-Anne.
1,756 reviews38 followers
January 17, 2019
Every one of the main characters touched my heart in a different way. From Conner, who let the woman he loved get away, to Amy, who was too embarrassed to admit she had made a mistake, and finally to Jamie, the sweet baby who didn't even know he didn't have a completely loving home.

This was a sweet second-chance romance set at Christmas time. When Amy left her abusive husband, she ran to her old friend, Conner. Even though she hadn't seen him in years she hoped he would help her now. Of course he did. Conner had always loved Amy but never said anything to her about his feelings. Now that she's back, he's more than happy to jump right in and help her. He felt like his wish had been answered when he found her at his door.

While this is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. A good small town Christmas read.
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,405 reviews6 followers
December 22, 2017
A Baby for Christmas is a delightful little tale that is sure to warm you heart and put you in the mood for the holidays! This was my introduction to this author and I have to say that her well crafted tale lifted my spirits and scored some serious points with me, I mean what is not to love about a handsome cowboy coming to the rescue of a women in need! It was an engaging read with just the right amounts of emotion and toe curling romance. Highly recommend this one, it's sure to give you the feels!!
108 reviews
December 14, 2017
Enjoyed

I enjoyed this whole series. Kids are what make the world bearable. Kids can make your worst day great. So happy all the McCullough's found ready made families and that all are so close
Profile Image for Veda.
346 reviews3 followers
December 18, 2017
Love returning to the town of Forever. Some things never change, everyone knows everything, almost before it happens. Connor gets a second chance with Amy. Even having a baby doesn't matter to Connor. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Profile Image for Mary.
209 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2018
A little gem

Sometimes I just like to deviate from reading murder mysteries to reading a feelgood book and this was one. Connor and Amy's story was very endearing.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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