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Men of Mulhany Crossing #2
The Child Between Them
Reclusive widower Marshall Harris has tried to ignore the always smiling Holly Berrigan for six long months, even though she has a way of getting his attention. But he has no intention of replacing the wife he'd loved and lost. Until everything changes—after one incredible night in her bed, Holly is having his baby! Now Marshall is facing fatherhood and a second chance at love. But only if he has the courage to take it. Holly has been in love with the seriously sexy saddle-maker since the moment they met. But she’s no fool. His heart belongs to another woman and she can’t compete with a ghost. But now there’s a baby on the way…and that changes everything!
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2018
26 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Helen Lacey
164 books148 followersAbout Helen
Helen Lacey grew up reading Black Beauty, Anne of Green Gables and Little House on The Prairie. These childhood classics inspired her to write her first book when she was seven years old, a story about a girl and her horse. Although, it wasn’t until the age of eleven when she read her first Mills & Boon, that she knew wanted to write romances. Her parents’ love of travel meant she saw much of the world in those early years and she feels fortunate to have had a diverse and interesting education over several continents.
She continued to write into her teens and twenties with the dream of one day being a published author. A few years and careers later, including motel operator, florist, strapper, dog washer, and retail manager, she got the call from Harlequin Special Edition. She loves writing about tortured heroes, both cowboys and CEO’s, and heroines who finally get the love of the man of their dreams.
From Welsh parents and a large family, she lives on the east coast of Australia in a small seaside town at the southern most point of The Great Barrier Reef, with her wonderfully supportive husband, many horses, two cats and three spoiled dogs.
Helen Lacey grew up reading Black Beauty, Anne of Green Gables and Little House on The Prairie. These childhood classics inspired her to write her first book when she was seven years old, a story about a girl and her horse. Although, it wasn’t until the age of eleven when she read her first Mills & Boon, that she knew wanted to write romances. Her parents’ love of travel meant she saw much of the world in those early years and she feels fortunate to have had a diverse and interesting education over several continents.
She continued to write into her teens and twenties with the dream of one day being a published author. A few years and careers later, including motel operator, florist, strapper, dog washer, and retail manager, she got the call from Harlequin Special Edition. She loves writing about tortured heroes, both cowboys and CEO’s, and heroines who finally get the love of the man of their dreams.
From Welsh parents and a large family, she lives on the east coast of Australia in a small seaside town at the southern most point of The Great Barrier Reef, with her wonderfully supportive husband, many horses, two cats and three spoiled dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 7, 2018
2 stars is being very generous but it was written better than books I’ve rated 1 star.
Having said that, I obviously read something different to the 4 and 5 star reviewers. The hero pretty much spends 98% of the book telling the heroine he will NEVER love her and the heroine knowing this but agreeing to marry him anyway because everyone around her tells her she should. It doesn’t matter if the man you marry doesn’t love you. As long as you love him then it’s all good. Even his declaration at the end was lame and lacked any sincerity. And by diminishing the love he had for his first wife the way he did made me think this guy is an absolute loser and she was better off just co-parenting with him and finding a REAL man who loved her just as much as she loved him.
🤦🏻♀️
Having said that, I obviously read something different to the 4 and 5 star reviewers. The hero pretty much spends 98% of the book telling the heroine he will NEVER love her and the heroine knowing this but agreeing to marry him anyway because everyone around her tells her she should. It doesn’t matter if the man you marry doesn’t love you. As long as you love him then it’s all good. Even his declaration at the end was lame and lacked any sincerity. And by diminishing the love he had for his first wife the way he did made me think this guy is an absolute loser and she was better off just co-parenting with him and finding a REAL man who loved her just as much as she loved him.
🤦🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2022
I devoured this story in one sitting. It didn't have as much angsty goodness that these types of stories usually have, but I did enjoy the bit of angst involved in this one anyhow. Good stuff!!
November 16, 2023
I read this last week, it’s a solid/easy read with a spirited h paired with a grieving widow and a surprise pregnancy from a ONS. It was alright, I do love this dynamic BUT it didn’t deliver the angsty goodness punch to the gut I was looking for.
The book opens several weeks after the ONS with Holly tracking Marshall down to tell him about the bun in the oven. I didn’t read the first book, but we are told that Marshall is still grieving the loss of his wife (Lynette) and that the couple both felt a spark upon seeing each other. I believe Holly says she loved him at first sight. Marshall feels the pull but is working through loss and guilt.
I struggled with the first several chapters because I just couldn’t get on board with Holly’s hostility towards Marshall. I get that she loves him, but she knows he’s still working through things … AND they had a ONS. A ONS is a hookup, not a date, not a promise for more, not a commitment… it’s two grown people mutually choosing to enjoy a night together. No shame, but I don’t think it was fair for her to be FURIOUS that he didn’t follow up. IT WAS A ONS.
I LOVE that authors are empowering these h’s to enjoy themselves… but HATE when they turn them into these needy, bitter beings that don’t understand what a hookup is. I was getting Favorite Mistake vibes. I’m probably being picky; it just annoys me. If you need to build drama, create a miscommunication, have him have second thoughts, take the time to build a conflict rather than having the h be a Bitter Betty … because (to me) it felt immature that she acted BETRAYED when a dude she’s never even really spoken to didn’t follow up after a ONS… and like she was beating up on the guy because he wanted to be friends and support the baby instead of declaring his love. What an asshole!! LOL Now, I’m not saying that she had to put up with Marshall’s hesitancy to commit… just that she couldn’t dictate how he felt or how he grieved… free will and all that.
She did warm on me, but I still wasn’t feeling any real emotional feels. Marshall is never cruel, and Holly is never heartbroken, so it all fell flat.
Bottom Line- Ok but not great. I could never connect to the situation, Holly felt more concerned with Marshall loving her than what was best for the baby. It’s on KU, but I won’t be continuing the series. I do feel like the author ended up making her the #1 gal, but she did it by discounting his first marriage which felt a smidge lazy… but I am glad our h came out on top.
The book opens several weeks after the ONS with Holly tracking Marshall down to tell him about the bun in the oven. I didn’t read the first book, but we are told that Marshall is still grieving the loss of his wife (Lynette) and that the couple both felt a spark upon seeing each other. I believe Holly says she loved him at first sight. Marshall feels the pull but is working through loss and guilt.
I struggled with the first several chapters because I just couldn’t get on board with Holly’s hostility towards Marshall. I get that she loves him, but she knows he’s still working through things … AND they had a ONS. A ONS is a hookup, not a date, not a promise for more, not a commitment… it’s two grown people mutually choosing to enjoy a night together. No shame, but I don’t think it was fair for her to be FURIOUS that he didn’t follow up. IT WAS A ONS.
I LOVE that authors are empowering these h’s to enjoy themselves… but HATE when they turn them into these needy, bitter beings that don’t understand what a hookup is. I was getting Favorite Mistake vibes. I’m probably being picky; it just annoys me. If you need to build drama, create a miscommunication, have him have second thoughts, take the time to build a conflict rather than having the h be a Bitter Betty … because (to me) it felt immature that she acted BETRAYED when a dude she’s never even really spoken to didn’t follow up after a ONS… and like she was beating up on the guy because he wanted to be friends and support the baby instead of declaring his love. What an asshole!! LOL Now, I’m not saying that she had to put up with Marshall’s hesitancy to commit… just that she couldn’t dictate how he felt or how he grieved… free will and all that.
She did warm on me, but I still wasn’t feeling any real emotional feels. Marshall is never cruel, and Holly is never heartbroken, so it all fell flat.
Bottom Line- Ok but not great. I could never connect to the situation, Holly felt more concerned with Marshall loving her than what was best for the baby. It’s on KU, but I won’t be continuing the series. I do feel like the author ended up making her the #1 gal, but she did it by discounting his first marriage which felt a smidge lazy… but I am glad our h came out on top.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2021
I weird and I love dead wife and hero in love with OW tropes. Although this book didn’t have buckets of angst like some NA books, it still delivered. The H got his head out of his ass pretty quickly. I liked that the h wasn’t a doormat and that she had some spunk. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2018
This is a story that is moving and emotional as Marshall Harris finds love again with someone he is drawn to from their first meeting, Holly Berrigan is a woman who has a few issues that have been with her for a long time, can she overcome them to find true love and happiness? If you enjoy a story that will pull at your heart-strings then this is a story for you.
Holly has moved from the city and her father and brothers to the small country town of Mulhany Crossing, she is working as a Vet assistant when she meets saddle maker Marshall Harris and the attraction is instant and a very sensual one night stand leaves Holly pregnant, but will she be able to convince Marshall that she can look after herself and the baby on her own or will she be able to make him see that there can be love again.
Marshall lost his wife eighteen months ago and he is not looking for love again but when he meets his best friend’s new assistant that pull is sudden and sensual and he does something that he has never done before had a one night stand and he knows he treated Holly badly and is totally shocked when she comes to see him six weeks later telling him he is going to be a father. He is determined to do the right thing by Holly but will he fall in love with her in doing so?
The emotions were flying of the pages in this one Marshall had only ever known the love of his wife they had married young but when he met Holly there were sparks and feelings that he had not known before she pushed him made him think and feel and Holly she had guilt issues caused by her father and yes she knew she loved Marshall but marrying someone who didn’t love back would that would be a recipe for disaster considering the love he still had for his lost wife. So when the penny drops and love shines through I was sighing very happily, this is one that I very much recommend.
Holly has moved from the city and her father and brothers to the small country town of Mulhany Crossing, she is working as a Vet assistant when she meets saddle maker Marshall Harris and the attraction is instant and a very sensual one night stand leaves Holly pregnant, but will she be able to convince Marshall that she can look after herself and the baby on her own or will she be able to make him see that there can be love again.
Marshall lost his wife eighteen months ago and he is not looking for love again but when he meets his best friend’s new assistant that pull is sudden and sensual and he does something that he has never done before had a one night stand and he knows he treated Holly badly and is totally shocked when she comes to see him six weeks later telling him he is going to be a father. He is determined to do the right thing by Holly but will he fall in love with her in doing so?
The emotions were flying of the pages in this one Marshall had only ever known the love of his wife they had married young but when he met Holly there were sparks and feelings that he had not known before she pushed him made him think and feel and Holly she had guilt issues caused by her father and yes she knew she loved Marshall but marrying someone who didn’t love back would that would be a recipe for disaster considering the love he still had for his lost wife. So when the penny drops and love shines through I was sighing very happily, this is one that I very much recommend.
November 27, 2022
The couple: Marshall and Holly
Romance trope: one-night stand
Series: Men of Mulhany Crossing
Length: 242 pages
Plot: Marshall is a widow; his wife has been gone for about 18 months and he will never replace her. They were childhood sweethearts and he intends to mourn her, alone, for the rest of his life. But Holly was a temptation and he gave in one night, a night that resulted in Holly getting pregnant. Marshall doesn't react well, and if he wants to do the right thing and marry her, he'll have to convince her it's a good idea. But can he do that when his heart isn't into it?
Commentary: Well Marshall can just get on that horse and ride right on out of here. Holly was at a disadvantage here because everyone else in town knew about Marshall and his wife and how he was going to mourn for the rest of his life, but she was a fairly new transplant and didn't know the history of the couple as high school sweethearts with a perfect marriage. Marshall was a jerk, too, for reminding her of those things every other sentence. And for such a feisty person, I expected more from Holly than to roll over and say yes - although, on the other hand, love can be a funny and crippling thing.
I wish that Holly had stuck to her guns and said, nope, you can love me or not, but I'm going to have this baby without you marrying me out of pity.
And then that ending! The lead-up: Marshall was apparently mad all along because he thought that if Holly had been around when his wife was alive, he would have fallen in love with her and cheated on his wife and his wife would have let him go because she loved him and he would have betrayed her and disappointed her. This jackass imagined all of that, and that was why he was so prickly to Holly all along, all because of his little daydream of speculative fiction. I loved when his friend gave him heck over it.
And then to decide that he loved Holly more than anything, more than his dead wife, after all the heartache he gave her. He decided that Halloy was actually the love of his life and he would marry her. No thank you.
Previous book in the series: The Cattleman's Proposal
Next book in the series: Her One And Only
Romance trope: one-night stand
Series: Men of Mulhany Crossing
Length: 242 pages
Plot: Marshall is a widow; his wife has been gone for about 18 months and he will never replace her. They were childhood sweethearts and he intends to mourn her, alone, for the rest of his life. But Holly was a temptation and he gave in one night, a night that resulted in Holly getting pregnant. Marshall doesn't react well, and if he wants to do the right thing and marry her, he'll have to convince her it's a good idea. But can he do that when his heart isn't into it?
Commentary: Well Marshall can just get on that horse and ride right on out of here. Holly was at a disadvantage here because everyone else in town knew about Marshall and his wife and how he was going to mourn for the rest of his life, but she was a fairly new transplant and didn't know the history of the couple as high school sweethearts with a perfect marriage. Marshall was a jerk, too, for reminding her of those things every other sentence. And for such a feisty person, I expected more from Holly than to roll over and say yes - although, on the other hand, love can be a funny and crippling thing.
I wish that Holly had stuck to her guns and said, nope, you can love me or not, but I'm going to have this baby without you marrying me out of pity.
He let out a long breath and stared at her. “Would you rather I lied to you about how I feel?” She couldn’t help the shrill laugh that escaped her throat. “Not at all. But the next time you think about proposing, Harris, it might be a good idea to take off your wedding ring!”
And then that ending! The lead-up: Marshall was apparently mad all along because he thought that if Holly had been around when his wife was alive, he would have fallen in love with her and cheated on his wife and his wife would have let him go because she loved him and he would have betrayed her and disappointed her. This jackass imagined all of that, and that was why he was so prickly to Holly all along, all because of his little daydream of speculative fiction. I loved when his friend gave him heck over it.
Levi let out a long breath and shook his head. “Man, you are so messed up. You didn’t cheat on Lynette, and frankly, I don’t believe for a minute that you would have. You’re too honorable. Too straight-laced to cheat. Besides, that red-headed spit-fire doesn’t seem the kind of women [sic] to get involved with a married man.” “You can’t know that,” Marshall said raggedly.
And then to decide that he loved Holly more than anything, more than his dead wife, after all the heartache he gave her. He decided that Halloy was actually the love of his life and he would marry her. No thank you.
Previous book in the series: The Cattleman's Proposal
Next book in the series: Her One And Only
May 10, 2018
2.5* .This ticks a lot of the boxes I look for when I want to indulge in mega angst, and this did serve up some angst, particularly in the first half but then it seemed to lose its way. The problem reader needs to believe in the transition from a man still desperately in love with his deceased wife to being in love with the heroine. It didn't quite hang together for me and it wasn't convincing, especially as we are to believe the h is the ultimate love. The h didn't take let the H get away with any douchy behavior but she really didn't help herself when she succumbed to him at his every touch. For someone who didn't want to be in a marriage without love her turnaround on the topic made me roll my eyes.
June 30, 2018
Such a good book. I didn’t realize this is the 4th book in the series, I’m looking forward to reading the other books in this series. This book can be read as a stand-alone book.
June 2, 2022
This story had so much potential. From the very beginning you get a sense of community. You want to know the story surrounding the side characters. The writing is really good and draws you in. From the beginning I felt this was going to be a great book. Then the FMC opens her mouth. She is the one of the worst characters I have had the displeasure of reading about. She is immature, self centered and down right mean.
Spoiler......
A one night stand with a man who was married for 15 plus years, widowed for 18 month and still wears his wedding ring leads to an accidental pregnancy. The MMC never set up the expectation that it was anything other than a one night stand but our FMC has the nerve to act as if she has been betrayed. They had no relationship beforehand other than seeing each other around the town and one encounter at the vets office. She knew his story because it is a small town. After a night a the bar he goes home with her. They use a condom but both know it malfunctions. When she corners him and lets him know she is pregnant she is mean, tells him he doesn't need to be involved and in her heads is upset because he will not marry her. In her mind she is already in love and nothing he does from that point on is acceptable. One moment she is nonchalant about everything saying he doesn't need to be involved the next she is putting his hand on her belly (at 6 weeks) demand that he owes her. She holds it against him that he still mourns his wife but rebuffs every attempt he has at getting to know her. He tells her multiple times they should work on being friends for the sake of their own unborn child but she tosses her hair puts her nose in the air and walks away. That is literally a line in the book.
It really felt like the book was written by two different people. You fall in love with everyone except the FMC.
Spoiler......
A one night stand with a man who was married for 15 plus years, widowed for 18 month and still wears his wedding ring leads to an accidental pregnancy. The MMC never set up the expectation that it was anything other than a one night stand but our FMC has the nerve to act as if she has been betrayed. They had no relationship beforehand other than seeing each other around the town and one encounter at the vets office. She knew his story because it is a small town. After a night a the bar he goes home with her. They use a condom but both know it malfunctions. When she corners him and lets him know she is pregnant she is mean, tells him he doesn't need to be involved and in her heads is upset because he will not marry her. In her mind she is already in love and nothing he does from that point on is acceptable. One moment she is nonchalant about everything saying he doesn't need to be involved the next she is putting his hand on her belly (at 6 weeks) demand that he owes her. She holds it against him that he still mourns his wife but rebuffs every attempt he has at getting to know her. He tells her multiple times they should work on being friends for the sake of their own unborn child but she tosses her hair puts her nose in the air and walks away. That is literally a line in the book.
It really felt like the book was written by two different people. You fall in love with everyone except the FMC.
May 18, 2018
THE CHILD BETWEEN THEM by Helen Lacey
This is part of the Men of Mulhany Crossing series and watch for the next book soon, Her One and Only.
Marshall Harris lost his wife and had tried so hard to ignore Holly Berrigan but it did not work out that way. He felt that he could not ever get involved as he could not protect his wife and so he did not ever want to risk that again. Marshall handiwork on saddles was well known all throughout the area and more. He was living in town as he just did not feel comfortable living out at the farm where he had lived with his wife. He still missed his wife Lynette and it had been eighteen months.
Holly Berrigan was working as a veterinary assistant for Marshall’s friend, Sam and both him and Marshall’s other friend Nate were all for a connection between him and Holly.
Holly had also left her family as they were into real estate business and her family was not pleased that she was not taking her place in that family business.
There is a rodeo dance and Marshall cannot avoid Holly any longer. They have a hook up and even though they use protection they both soon face the fact that they will be parents.
Love Helen Lacey books and this one did again not disappoint me. Enjoy the book.
This is part of the Men of Mulhany Crossing series and watch for the next book soon, Her One and Only.
Marshall Harris lost his wife and had tried so hard to ignore Holly Berrigan but it did not work out that way. He felt that he could not ever get involved as he could not protect his wife and so he did not ever want to risk that again. Marshall handiwork on saddles was well known all throughout the area and more. He was living in town as he just did not feel comfortable living out at the farm where he had lived with his wife. He still missed his wife Lynette and it had been eighteen months.
Holly Berrigan was working as a veterinary assistant for Marshall’s friend, Sam and both him and Marshall’s other friend Nate were all for a connection between him and Holly.
Holly had also left her family as they were into real estate business and her family was not pleased that she was not taking her place in that family business.
There is a rodeo dance and Marshall cannot avoid Holly any longer. They have a hook up and even though they use protection they both soon face the fact that they will be parents.
Love Helen Lacey books and this one did again not disappoint me. Enjoy the book.
May 6, 2018
When Marshall Harris lost his wife Lynette he pretty much lost the desire to move on. All he lives for is making his exclusive saddles and hanging with friends. Until he met Holly one night. Holly is only staying in Mulhaney crossing for a while and trying to decide if she wants to go home and be part of her families real estate business. Decision may be made for her. Marshall Harris who hasn't had contact with her in the weeks since their one night together is the father of her baby. From this point on you will find yourself immersed in this town its occupants and the fantastic chemistry between Marshall and Holly, which both skirt around. What a fantastic story and you will be anxiously awaiting as i am for the next book. Can be read alone but you won't want to after you follow these two on the long road to their happily ever after. Loved it which is not surprising Ms. Lacey always writes such heart warming stories.
May 31, 2018
Author Helen Lacey is one of my favorite authors. Her new book "The Child Between Them (Men of Mulhany Crossing #2)" was a wonderful read. I've been waiting for this story between Marshal Harris and Holly Berrigan since Helen's first book in the series "The Cattleman's Proposal." It was a quick, easy flowing read. From the title, the reader can figure out what the book is about, but there is so much story between these two that you'll enjoy their story.
May 26, 2020
Survivor's remorse and Life
It was well written with sincerity and thoughtfulness. Loss is so hard sometimes to get beyond. When the person you lose is a spouse, it's like losing part of yourself. I would recommend this book to someone that could relate to this overwhelming emotional issue of healing, acceptance, and learning that it is okay to live the rest of your own life . However that may play out.
It was well written with sincerity and thoughtfulness. Loss is so hard sometimes to get beyond. When the person you lose is a spouse, it's like losing part of yourself. I would recommend this book to someone that could relate to this overwhelming emotional issue of healing, acceptance, and learning that it is okay to live the rest of your own life . However that may play out.
November 6, 2022
3.25 ⭐️
I liked the conflict of the hero and the unrequited love that existed for a bit.
Maybe I felt that everything was rushed in the end and suddenly all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, meaning, all the great tension just came to a stop.
I enjoy this raw novels and for a moment, this story gave me that feeling so I enjoyed it
I liked the conflict of the hero and the unrequited love that existed for a bit.
Maybe I felt that everything was rushed in the end and suddenly all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, meaning, all the great tension just came to a stop.
I enjoy this raw novels and for a moment, this story gave me that feeling so I enjoyed it
March 16, 2020
Marshall lost his wife after several years and has an instant connection to Holly. Holly feels the same connection, but Marshall fights it believing he is being unfaithful to his late wife. I love this book more every time I read it.
May 3, 2018
I really liked the storyline and writing style. The H tended to get on my nerves at times with his thoughts, but overall a good book and I’d like to read more in this series. I gave it 3.5 stars.
Read
April 16, 2022DNF@25%.
I usually enjoy these types of stories and this book isn’t bad I’m just not connecting with either main character.
I usually enjoy these types of stories and this book isn’t bad I’m just not connecting with either main character.
June 8, 2025
divos
October 15, 2025
2.75⭐️’s
“𝓗𝓸𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓑𝓮𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓪𝓷 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓲𝓷 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓭. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓵.”
𝚃𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚜:
💛Age Gap
💛Small-town
💛 Surprise Pregnancy
𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌶️
𝙷𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚒𝚕𝚢 𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝙰𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛: Yes
“𝓗𝓸𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓑𝓮𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓪𝓷 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓲𝓷 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓭. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓵.”
𝚃𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚜:
💛Age Gap
💛Small-town
💛 Surprise Pregnancy
𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌶️
𝙷𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚒𝚕𝚢 𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝙰𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛: Yes
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