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The Trouble With Joe
Samantha doesn't know how to fight the demons that have come between her and her husband, Joe. But she does know how to fight for something she wants--a child. Corey Haskins is an unwanted seven-year-old girl who just might be the miracle Sam's marriage needs. But the trouble is Joe. Can he accept that he'll never be the man he's expected to be?
248 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1994
56 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
About the author
Emilie Richards
188 books945 followersI'm the author of seventy-something novels, including romance, women's fiction and mystery. When We Were Sisters debuted in June 2016, a stand alone novel about two foster sisters traveling back into their past together. I loved writing it and love the cover my publisher chose.
I'm also excited about my recent series, Goddesses Anonymous, which started with One Mountain Away and was followed by Somewhere Between Luck and Trust. The third book in the series, A River Too Wide, came out in July 2014. The Color of Light debuted in August 2015. Will there be more? We'll see.
I'm also putting up my newly edited romance backlist and love re-reading and updating them a bit.
Last year my husband and I moved from Virginia, to Osprey, Florida, the state where both of us were raised, met, and married. In the summer we live in Chautauqua, New York. I'm a quilter, knitter, kayaker, and the mother of four children, whom I regard as my greatest creative endeavors. And now there are four wonderful grandchildren to spoil.
Visit me at my web site, emilierichards.com, and my blog, www.emilierichards.com/blog. You can also find me at Twitter and on my Facebook reader page.
I'm also excited about my recent series, Goddesses Anonymous, which started with One Mountain Away and was followed by Somewhere Between Luck and Trust. The third book in the series, A River Too Wide, came out in July 2014. The Color of Light debuted in August 2015. Will there be more? We'll see.
I'm also putting up my newly edited romance backlist and love re-reading and updating them a bit.
Last year my husband and I moved from Virginia, to Osprey, Florida, the state where both of us were raised, met, and married. In the summer we live in Chautauqua, New York. I'm a quilter, knitter, kayaker, and the mother of four children, whom I regard as my greatest creative endeavors. And now there are four wonderful grandchildren to spoil.
Visit me at my web site, emilierichards.com, and my blog, www.emilierichards.com/blog. You can also find me at Twitter and on my Facebook reader page.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 17, 2012
4.5 stars
I really loved this book, it was pretty good. When the book opens we see the hero Joe trying to work himself to death and we see his wife Sam and despite the love between them, there seems to be some distance. Joe tries to bury himself in work while Sam tries to talk to him about the thing that has haunted him for six months & has turned him into a silent man.
Six months ago Joe learnt that he was the reason that he and Sam couldn't conceive and it was too much for him to handle, because kids were something he always wanted, he grew up in a large family and learning that he couldn't made him angry, feel like less of a man.
In the book we see Joe & Sam falling in love as well, when Joe meets Sam at her twenty-first birthday dinner, with her wealthy & cold parents. We also see them get married few months later when Sam goes against her family to marry him and see them through the happy times, both working as teachers and happy even when they don't have much money.
We also see little Corey come into their lives. Corey whose mother hates her and doesn't treat her well and who adores Sam and is wary of Joe & somehow we these two healing and Joe accepting what fate has dealt him & being happy.
I loved seeing the deep love and affection between Joe and Sam and even the confusion of Corey.
I really loved this book, it was pretty good. When the book opens we see the hero Joe trying to work himself to death and we see his wife Sam and despite the love between them, there seems to be some distance. Joe tries to bury himself in work while Sam tries to talk to him about the thing that has haunted him for six months & has turned him into a silent man.
Six months ago Joe learnt that he was the reason that he and Sam couldn't conceive and it was too much for him to handle, because kids were something he always wanted, he grew up in a large family and learning that he couldn't made him angry, feel like less of a man.
In the book we see Joe & Sam falling in love as well, when Joe meets Sam at her twenty-first birthday dinner, with her wealthy & cold parents. We also see them get married few months later when Sam goes against her family to marry him and see them through the happy times, both working as teachers and happy even when they don't have much money.
We also see little Corey come into their lives. Corey whose mother hates her and doesn't treat her well and who adores Sam and is wary of Joe & somehow we these two healing and Joe accepting what fate has dealt him & being happy.
I loved seeing the deep love and affection between Joe and Sam and even the confusion of Corey.
March 28, 2012
Wonderful emotional read,liked the way story progressed and Joe-Sam managed to solve the issues and were able to become a family.Adored Corey,she went through so much at such a tender age and was finally happy she also got her happiness her family.
Good read
Recommend it.
Good read
Recommend it.
November 17, 2022
I've had this book on my TBR for over 10 years. Having finally read it, I am glad I didn't give up searching for a copy. It was a deeply emotional story more focused on the story of the main couple becoming (accidental) foster parents than on the romance itself. It included the child's POV too. I can't remember who recommended the book to me - I am grateful to them for a sad but ultimately hopeful and gentle read.
July 27, 2014
Excellent! I'm speechless - the way Richards handled the matter - Excellent! Her communication of Joe's and Corey's thoughts and feelings - Excellent! Took a week to read this because I had a lot of pressing matters but I'm glad I did. Excellent!
March 14, 2017
Found this book on my Kindle. Been there awhile. Read it all today. Excellent book about a couple who met, fell in love, everything ideal and perfect til a problem arose in their marriage and he did not know how to handle it. Was a real page turner and I did not put it down all day. Wonderful love story. Loved it. Highly recommend it if you like love stories.
May 31, 2014
This a a good book. A little bit of a heart tugging but very enjoyable. The extra story was definitely a bonus as well. Two good read in one great book. I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
September 7, 2019
Classic Emilie Richards!
June 21, 2021
very sweet lovestory. quick read
December 21, 2024
This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. It made cry a lot.
December 25, 2014
This book contains two stories by two different authors. I read The Trouble With Joe by Emilie Richards. It is the story of Samantha and Joe Giovanelli. Both are teachers who love children. Recently they found out they could not have children due to a problem with Joe. Joe has not taken the news well and is punishing everyone around him. A child that Sam taught in first grade is placed in their care. This is the story of how they became a family. It was an easy read.
I did not read the other story.
I did not read the other story.
November 17, 2014
Emilie Richards never disappoints. I'm not sure I've read much of her shorter work before, but this one is as well-written as her longer pieces. Exactly the sort of tale I need when recovering.
February 24, 2016
B. contemporary fiction
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews