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Finding Home #1
Finding Faith
alternate cover edition of ASIN B07K2RS4LZ
Like mother, like daughter? Mary sure hopes not.
Two decades ago, Mary's mom walked out. A few days later, her dad started drinking. He never stopped. Mary swore off alcohol. She also decided she'd never have kids, just in case she took after her parents.
A year ago, Mary's boyfriend dumped her because she didn't want to have any children.
Yesterday, for the first time in a year, Mary met someone. Someone hunky. Someone smart. Someone who made her goofy smile. Someone who sent a shiver up her spine.
Tomorrow she's going on a first date.
She won't find out he's a widower with two kids for at least two more days. Can she overcome her fear and find the faith to trust someone else. . .and herself?
Like mother, like daughter? Mary sure hopes not.
Two decades ago, Mary's mom walked out. A few days later, her dad started drinking. He never stopped. Mary swore off alcohol. She also decided she'd never have kids, just in case she took after her parents.
A year ago, Mary's boyfriend dumped her because she didn't want to have any children.
Yesterday, for the first time in a year, Mary met someone. Someone hunky. Someone smart. Someone who made her goofy smile. Someone who sent a shiver up her spine.
Tomorrow she's going on a first date.
She won't find out he's a widower with two kids for at least two more days. Can she overcome her fear and find the faith to trust someone else. . .and herself?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 495 reviews
July 21, 2023
Woman who has always said she doesn’t want to be a mother meets a single dad with two kids who changes her mind. I enjoyed the writing, but this story has got some problems.
1. She’s said she doesn’t want kids.
She loves her career and doesn’t want to give it up. She had a mom who chose her career over her and her sister and doesn’t want to be that kind of mom. She loves kids and sacrifices for her sister and her nephew. BUT SHE DOESN’T WANT TO BE A MOM. And yet, by the end of the book, she’s agreed to marry a man and be a mom to his children.
2. This hero is manipulative and persistent.
He sees her and pursues her until she gives in. And doesn’t listen when she says that she can’t date him because he has kids. He introduces her to his kids while saying “we don’t have to date… you can just hang out with us” but kisses her in front of his kids and holds her hand. She keeps on trying to set boundaries and he keeps blowing past them.
3. This is a single dad romance where the dad is supposedly amazing... but I have concerns.
He says they can keep it casual... but doesn't. He is constantly leaving his kids with a sitter so he can pursue the heroine. He brings his "casual" date around his kids way too often and way too early. I can see the author trying to make this guy look good... but it doesn't hold up. You would NEVER see a (good) single mom romance where she leaves her kids to date around.
4. The heroine is self-sacrificing and a doormat.
She's sacrificed her whole life for her sister so she's used to bending over backwards and letting people step all over her. In this book, we see her borrow $60k to help her sister and nephew out and never tell anyone, we see her take a job that she doesn't want to help her sister and nephew, we see her boss and boss-boss screw her over in that job offer by promising her a $100k bonus to take the job and then taking that bonus away, and we see the hero manipulate her into dating him and falling in love with his kids. And at no time, do we see the heroine standing up for herself in a meaningful way. She sets boundaries... and then lets people walk right past them.
She shouldn’t be worried that she will miss her kid’s games because of work. She should be worried that she won’t have a career once she has a husband and kids because they’ll be demanding and she won’t be able to say no. And NOTHING that happens in this book convinces me that the hero will protect her dreams. It looks like he “helps” because he cleans around her house, says nice things, and pays for some things she cares about. But even in the epilogue, he’s in her office during her busy season pressuring her to plan their wedding.
I was waiting throughout this book for there to be a healthy ending that grows the heroine and maybe the hero too… but nope. It had a happy ending but it was shallow. He’s wealthy and can buy her dreamhouse at the end… but she NEVER learns how to set a boundary that sticks, she’s now in a job she never wanted and will be a mother to children which she also never wanted, and there was no mention of how the hero alleviated any of her stress related to her sister/nephew. Or helped her find someone to run the charity she loves so much now that she has a job that won’t give her the time to run it herself. Like, he provides NO solutions for her life and just creates the problems that she’s been afraid of for the longest time.
5. I would also like to complain about how much money the heroine seems to be able to sacrifice to everyone and still have more to sacrifice. She's 30 years old. She owns a three-bedroom house. She has more than $60,000 in her retirement account. She also gave her entire savings to the charity that she runs last year so they could stay in business. And, she makes about $80-100k. Yes, this is a respectable amount but the amount she gives away does not make sense.
And my final complaint is that the hero is 40 years old. We learn this at the very end and it just makes me feel like him being older and manipulative and combined with her being younger puts her at a disadvantage.
Safety Deets
- No OW. Sort of. Except the hero is a widower and at one time in the book, he’s fighting with the heroine and says this absolute shit: “Do you have any idea what it feels like to have an epic love, to meet your perfect match and then to watch her die doing the one thing you both wanted, trying to grow your family?” Uh. What was that!? In that one sentence, he basically says his dead wife was his epic love and perfect match AND he says that growing his family is what he wants (AND HE KNOWS SHE DOESN’T WANT TO BE A MOM). And does he EVER apologize to the heroine for this absolutely AWFUL thing to say to her? Does he EVER tell her that SHE’s his perfect match or epic love (or ANYTHING that makes her at least be as important as his dead wife)? No. He does not. So, ya, this guy hasn’t dated around. The heroine is the first woman he brings around his children or friends. But, that sentence!? I could happily see him forever single for saying that.
- No OM. The heroine broke up with her boyfriend when he wanted children and she didn’t. She still works around him and sees him and has to interact, etc. but there’s no relationship or hint of one with him.
- Consent is dubious at best. There’s no sexy times… but a man who doesn’t listen to what the heroine wants and just keeps pushing until she changes her mind to what he wants? Not going to care about her consent in anything.
- No HEA (this ends with them engaged and planning their wedding). Maybe they won’t actually get married. And she can escape. But somehow, I doubt that. Sounds like the next story is about the woman who will be her wedding planner (even though she never plans weddings, the hero knows he can manipulate her into planning theirs). Is it weird that I kinda want to read the next book to see how she gets manipulated into going against everything she’s ever said?
And the hero gives the heroine a mom bag and slips a ring on her finger. He never asks her to marry him. He just tells her that he bought a house for them and give her these things and then asks "what's my answer?"
I even had to back up and re-read this section to see if he actually said "would you marry me?" And he doesn't. But she says "yes" anyway.
1. She’s said she doesn’t want kids.
She loves her career and doesn’t want to give it up. She had a mom who chose her career over her and her sister and doesn’t want to be that kind of mom. She loves kids and sacrifices for her sister and her nephew. BUT SHE DOESN’T WANT TO BE A MOM. And yet, by the end of the book, she’s agreed to marry a man and be a mom to his children.
2. This hero is manipulative and persistent.
He sees her and pursues her until she gives in. And doesn’t listen when she says that she can’t date him because he has kids. He introduces her to his kids while saying “we don’t have to date… you can just hang out with us” but kisses her in front of his kids and holds her hand. She keeps on trying to set boundaries and he keeps blowing past them.
3. This is a single dad romance where the dad is supposedly amazing... but I have concerns.
He says they can keep it casual... but doesn't. He is constantly leaving his kids with a sitter so he can pursue the heroine. He brings his "casual" date around his kids way too often and way too early. I can see the author trying to make this guy look good... but it doesn't hold up. You would NEVER see a (good) single mom romance where she leaves her kids to date around.
4. The heroine is self-sacrificing and a doormat.
She's sacrificed her whole life for her sister so she's used to bending over backwards and letting people step all over her. In this book, we see her borrow $60k to help her sister and nephew out and never tell anyone, we see her take a job that she doesn't want to help her sister and nephew, we see her boss and boss-boss screw her over in that job offer by promising her a $100k bonus to take the job and then taking that bonus away, and we see the hero manipulate her into dating him and falling in love with his kids. And at no time, do we see the heroine standing up for herself in a meaningful way. She sets boundaries... and then lets people walk right past them.
She shouldn’t be worried that she will miss her kid’s games because of work. She should be worried that she won’t have a career once she has a husband and kids because they’ll be demanding and she won’t be able to say no. And NOTHING that happens in this book convinces me that the hero will protect her dreams. It looks like he “helps” because he cleans around her house, says nice things, and pays for some things she cares about. But even in the epilogue, he’s in her office during her busy season pressuring her to plan their wedding.
I was waiting throughout this book for there to be a healthy ending that grows the heroine and maybe the hero too… but nope. It had a happy ending but it was shallow. He’s wealthy and can buy her dreamhouse at the end… but she NEVER learns how to set a boundary that sticks, she’s now in a job she never wanted and will be a mother to children which she also never wanted, and there was no mention of how the hero alleviated any of her stress related to her sister/nephew. Or helped her find someone to run the charity she loves so much now that she has a job that won’t give her the time to run it herself. Like, he provides NO solutions for her life and just creates the problems that she’s been afraid of for the longest time.
5. I would also like to complain about how much money the heroine seems to be able to sacrifice to everyone and still have more to sacrifice. She's 30 years old. She owns a three-bedroom house. She has more than $60,000 in her retirement account. She also gave her entire savings to the charity that she runs last year so they could stay in business. And, she makes about $80-100k. Yes, this is a respectable amount but the amount she gives away does not make sense.
And my final complaint is that the hero is 40 years old. We learn this at the very end and it just makes me feel like him being older and manipulative and combined with her being younger puts her at a disadvantage.
Safety Deets
- No OW. Sort of. Except the hero is a widower and at one time in the book, he’s fighting with the heroine and says this absolute shit: “Do you have any idea what it feels like to have an epic love, to meet your perfect match and then to watch her die doing the one thing you both wanted, trying to grow your family?” Uh. What was that!? In that one sentence, he basically says his dead wife was his epic love and perfect match AND he says that growing his family is what he wants (AND HE KNOWS SHE DOESN’T WANT TO BE A MOM). And does he EVER apologize to the heroine for this absolutely AWFUL thing to say to her? Does he EVER tell her that SHE’s his perfect match or epic love (or ANYTHING that makes her at least be as important as his dead wife)? No. He does not. So, ya, this guy hasn’t dated around. The heroine is the first woman he brings around his children or friends. But, that sentence!? I could happily see him forever single for saying that.
- No OM. The heroine broke up with her boyfriend when he wanted children and she didn’t. She still works around him and sees him and has to interact, etc. but there’s no relationship or hint of one with him.
- Consent is dubious at best. There’s no sexy times… but a man who doesn’t listen to what the heroine wants and just keeps pushing until she changes her mind to what he wants? Not going to care about her consent in anything.
- No HEA (this ends with them engaged and planning their wedding). Maybe they won’t actually get married. And she can escape. But somehow, I doubt that. Sounds like the next story is about the woman who will be her wedding planner (even though she never plans weddings, the hero knows he can manipulate her into planning theirs). Is it weird that I kinda want to read the next book to see how she gets manipulated into going against everything she’s ever said?
And the hero gives the heroine a mom bag and slips a ring on her finger. He never asks her to marry him. He just tells her that he bought a house for them and give her these things and then asks "what's my answer?"
I even had to back up and re-read this section to see if he actually said "would you marry me?" And he doesn't. But she says "yes" anyway.
December 18, 2018
After Mary's mom left her family to pursue a career-as a trucker!-Mary vowed she'd never repeat her parents' mistakes, even if it meant never having any children of her own. Her resolve destroyed her last relationship, but she's over it. She fills her time with work and volunteering. Mary runs an enormous Christmas charity called Sub-for-Santa.
Her life lacks nothing, or so she thinks, until a strikingly handsome master electrician named Luke doggedly pursues her, convincing her to hazard a first date.
Contemporary romance isn't my usual genre. I usually like my romances to be of the historic variety, but after reading Bridget E. Baker's YA trilogy Sins of Our Ancestors, I liked her writing style quite a lot, so I decided to give this one a try. It also helped that it's a Christmas romance that immediately reminded me of a Hallmark Christmas movie when I read the description.
Overall I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I think it even tops the YA trilogy. Maybe it's because this is about adults, and I've recently been leaning toward adult reads over YA ones. Whatever the reason I found this a nice cozy Christmas read with characters that were very likeable. I did have a hard time relating to Mary's love for preparing taxes (Ick! Definitely not my thing.) But I loved her devotion to her friends and family and her love of giving to children in need.
My one complaint would be that things were tied up just a little bit too neatly for me. There was one thing that Luke was able to do concerning a house that I thought was a little too much, but that's a small thing compared to how entertaining this was. There is going to be a sequel and I will definitely read it. I'm guessing it's going to be more of a companion book, and I'm already betting I know who it will feature. I guess I'll find out.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Her life lacks nothing, or so she thinks, until a strikingly handsome master electrician named Luke doggedly pursues her, convincing her to hazard a first date.
Contemporary romance isn't my usual genre. I usually like my romances to be of the historic variety, but after reading Bridget E. Baker's YA trilogy Sins of Our Ancestors, I liked her writing style quite a lot, so I decided to give this one a try. It also helped that it's a Christmas romance that immediately reminded me of a Hallmark Christmas movie when I read the description.
Overall I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I think it even tops the YA trilogy. Maybe it's because this is about adults, and I've recently been leaning toward adult reads over YA ones. Whatever the reason I found this a nice cozy Christmas read with characters that were very likeable. I did have a hard time relating to Mary's love for preparing taxes (Ick! Definitely not my thing.) But I loved her devotion to her friends and family and her love of giving to children in need.
My one complaint would be that things were tied up just a little bit too neatly for me. There was one thing that Luke was able to do concerning a house that I thought was a little too much, but that's a small thing compared to how entertaining this was. There is going to be a sequel and I will definitely read it. I'm guessing it's going to be more of a companion book, and I'm already betting I know who it will feature. I guess I'll find out.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
July 5, 2021
I enjoyed the writing and the characters, though the children began to grate on me after a while and ended up sounded way too precocious. It was on the whole a fairly predictable romance story. With billionaires. And accountancy.
It does however, have one 'wtf' moment, and for the life of me I don't know why no-one pointed this out to the author:
This book has the title 'Finding Faith' (Forget the idea that it's inspirational - it isn't)
But if you are reading a book with that title, and you come across a character in the book called FAITH (!) it's like being hit across the face with a wet haddock – I actually had to check that this wasn't lesbian romance (not that I have any problem with that genre - its just not what I was expecting!!)
I don't know why Faith needed finding, or if she was ever lost. I got totally confused at that point in the story and I kept waiting for Faith to make a reappearance and to have some major impact in the story.
It does however, have one 'wtf' moment, and for the life of me I don't know why no-one pointed this out to the author:
This book has the title 'Finding Faith' (Forget the idea that it's inspirational - it isn't)
But if you are reading a book with that title, and you come across a character in the book called FAITH (!) it's like being hit across the face with a wet haddock – I actually had to check that this wasn't lesbian romance (not that I have any problem with that genre - its just not what I was expecting!!)
I don't know why Faith needed finding, or if she was ever lost. I got totally confused at that point in the story and I kept waiting for Faith to make a reappearance and to have some major impact in the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2019
3.5 Stars.
Overall a good book. Mary POV. I really like the story and loved Luke. I didn't really like Mary. Let me rephrase, I didn't really connect with her character. Mary had her reason for why she didn't want kids or why she felt like she was just like her mom but a reader DOES NOT have to be reminded of that in every paragraph. I felt like we were reminded that in every way possible and it took away from a wonderful story.
With that said, Luke and his kids were the bomb.com. They made the story and with out them this story would have been .... wouldn't have been a story at all.
At the end, there a few chapters for the next book. I am intrigue; will possible give it a try.
Overall a good book. Mary POV. I really like the story and loved Luke. I didn't really like Mary. Let me rephrase, I didn't really connect with her character. Mary had her reason for why she didn't want kids or why she felt like she was just like her mom but a reader DOES NOT have to be reminded of that in every paragraph. I felt like we were reminded that in every way possible and it took away from a wonderful story.
With that said, Luke and his kids were the bomb.com. They made the story and with out them this story would have been .... wouldn't have been a story at all.
At the end, there a few chapters for the next book. I am intrigue; will possible give it a try.
March 4, 2023
Mary is an idiot. I did not relate to the main character at all. Someone who doesn’t want to be a mom because her mom was terrible and left her for a job she loved and Mary loves her job so she thinks she can’t be a mom, but she runs a charity that is all about giving to children at Christmas. Then comes Luke who’s handsome and kind, but has 2 kids so she shuts him down (actually she shuts him down before even knowing that). She turns him down so many times that I don’t understand how Luke can even like her. He’s persistent, she’s a dummy. He moves super fast too which in the real world seems a bit too presumptuous.
Being reminded of why she doesn’t want kids every chapter was tiring. And his daughter Amy in no way shape or form could actually have conversations like how the author made her. I hate when authors make kids more mature than they actually can be at those young ages.
Being reminded of why she doesn’t want kids every chapter was tiring. And his daughter Amy in no way shape or form could actually have conversations like how the author made her. I hate when authors make kids more mature than they actually can be at those young ages.
June 5, 2019
Romance, clean; Series but stand alone read
This was a heartfelt and honest read. Mary's life has been constant taking care of others after her mother abandoned them and her father turned to alcohol. She held her family life together for her sister and herself, and is still picking up the pieces of it all. Meeting Luke and running into him again leads to interactions and relationship that she is always second guessing with her baggage from the past.
Great characters, cute children, and the drama of Mary's life, job, and volunteer work, along with Luke's past hurts and pains while he is trying to hold onto his family and leave behind his past hurts made for a fun, heartfelt, honest romantic read. This is definitely a fun series.
This was a heartfelt and honest read. Mary's life has been constant taking care of others after her mother abandoned them and her father turned to alcohol. She held her family life together for her sister and herself, and is still picking up the pieces of it all. Meeting Luke and running into him again leads to interactions and relationship that she is always second guessing with her baggage from the past.
Great characters, cute children, and the drama of Mary's life, job, and volunteer work, along with Luke's past hurts and pains while he is trying to hold onto his family and leave behind his past hurts made for a fun, heartfelt, honest romantic read. This is definitely a fun series.
Want to Read
March 24, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/24/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Mary vowed never to have children, and Luke has two.
He’s a billionaire, but lives in a travel trailer.
Are they doomed from the start?
Mary’s own mother was so awful that she vowed never to have any children of her own. That resolve destroyed Mary's last relationship, but she doubles down on what she does best: taxes and charity work. Since Mary inexplicably enjoys interpreting the inner workings of the tax code, she’s content with her life.
Mary doesn’t need a boyfriend.
Which is why, when a strikingly handsome electrician doggedly pursues her, she refuses to go out with him. But Luke doesn’t give up easily, and Mary surprises herself by agreeing to a first date. He puts a snap and crackle in her step that she's never had before. Mary giggles over texts like a teenager and counts the minutes until she gets to see him next.
Until an issue with her charity sends Mary to the front door of a travel-trailer... and hunky Luke answers her knock. Mary's excitement fizzles when Luke’s adorable children peek out from behind his legs. Luke's a widower, and Mary won’t go out with him now that she knows. After all, with her family tree, she has no hope of being a decent mother. And Amy and Chase deserve the best.
Only, Luke won’t let her walk away. He’s only working in Atlanta for a few more weeks, and he wants to spend them all with her. Can Mary find the faith in herself to enjoy the time they have? Or will her wounded heart send her running too soon?
Blurb:
Mary vowed never to have children, and Luke has two.
He’s a billionaire, but lives in a travel trailer.
Are they doomed from the start?
Mary’s own mother was so awful that she vowed never to have any children of her own. That resolve destroyed Mary's last relationship, but she doubles down on what she does best: taxes and charity work. Since Mary inexplicably enjoys interpreting the inner workings of the tax code, she’s content with her life.
Mary doesn’t need a boyfriend.
Which is why, when a strikingly handsome electrician doggedly pursues her, she refuses to go out with him. But Luke doesn’t give up easily, and Mary surprises herself by agreeing to a first date. He puts a snap and crackle in her step that she's never had before. Mary giggles over texts like a teenager and counts the minutes until she gets to see him next.
Until an issue with her charity sends Mary to the front door of a travel-trailer... and hunky Luke answers her knock. Mary's excitement fizzles when Luke’s adorable children peek out from behind his legs. Luke's a widower, and Mary won’t go out with him now that she knows. After all, with her family tree, she has no hope of being a decent mother. And Amy and Chase deserve the best.
Only, Luke won’t let her walk away. He’s only working in Atlanta for a few more weeks, and he wants to spend them all with her. Can Mary find the faith in herself to enjoy the time they have? Or will her wounded heart send her running too soon?
February 25, 2019
This was the last of my Christmas romance reading binge for the year. I'd heard pretty good things about this book, so perhaps my disappointment is due to high expectations. I found a number of grammatical errors, and if I'm not into the story, those really distract me. I didn't buy into the premise that the hero, as a widowed dad of two who moves a lot for his job and lives in a camper, would be pursuing a casual romance with no future, constantly hiring a sitter for his kids, and risking his kids getting attached to someone. And I almost equally did not buy the reasons the heroine had for not wanting to date someone with kids. There were some heart-warming and humorous things that happened in the story, but overall it just didn't ring true for me.
December 30, 2019
Finding Faith is by a new to me author. This is a super cute chic lit/romcom with fun banter between the heroine and hero. This is a clean read with no foul language. It put a smile on my face while reading it.
I really enjoyed it and I'm going straight into the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed it and I'm going straight into the next book in the series.
July 19, 2020
This was just like a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. This was not the season for it but it still was too cute. Probably a bit forgettable too...
I received a free Audible copy of this book from the author.
I received a free Audible copy of this book from the author.
November 17, 2024
4.5⭐️
This was the 9th book I tried during a book slump that seemed forever lasting but I got through it and loved it!
The MMC is beyond perfection in my book. I couldn’t have made anything about him better! I also appreciated how the kids in the book were portrayed. So realistic and that’s not common in books. Huge kudos to the author for that!
Minor things bothered me that kept my rating from the the perfect 5. But all in all, a very sweet Christmas read.
Highly recommend!
This was the 9th book I tried during a book slump that seemed forever lasting but I got through it and loved it!
The MMC is beyond perfection in my book. I couldn’t have made anything about him better! I also appreciated how the kids in the book were portrayed. So realistic and that’s not common in books. Huge kudos to the author for that!
Minor things bothered me that kept my rating from the the perfect 5. But all in all, a very sweet Christmas read.
Highly recommend!
December 5, 2018
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
After Mary's mom left her family to pursue a career-as a trucker!-Mary vowed she'd never repeat her parents' mistakes, even if it meant never having any children of her own. Her resolve destroyed her last relationship, but she's over it. She fills her time with work and volunteering. Mary runs an enormous Christmas charity called Sub-for-Santa.
Her life lacks nothing, or so she thinks, until a strikingly handsome master electrician named Luke doggedly pursues her, convincing her to hazard a first date. Luke puts a snap and crackle in her step that she's never had before. Mary giggles over texts like a teenager and counts the minutes until she will see him next.
But when an issue with her charity sends her to the front door of a trailer and Luke answers her knock, Mary's shocked. His adorable children peek out from behind his legs. Will Mary's well-laid plans short like old-school twinkle lights, or can she unwrap herself from this holiday tangle in time to appreciate the best Christmas she's ever had?
MY TAKE
I loved Luke right away, and his kids are fun with a lot of personality. Mary really has issues from her childhood and refuses to be a mother because she says she won't be placed in a situation where she has to choose her career that she loves over her family--she's sure she'll be terrible just like her own mother and won't do that do kids.
Her character arc is enjoyable as she falls for Luke and his kids. The kids are adorable, especially Amy who decides she's going to stay with Mary when Luke moves on to his next job because Amy is tired of living in a house with wheels.
I enjoyed that Luke didn't live like an almost-billionaire. That didn't even show up until the end of the book. And what a lovely ending it was.
After Mary's mom left her family to pursue a career-as a trucker!-Mary vowed she'd never repeat her parents' mistakes, even if it meant never having any children of her own. Her resolve destroyed her last relationship, but she's over it. She fills her time with work and volunteering. Mary runs an enormous Christmas charity called Sub-for-Santa.
Her life lacks nothing, or so she thinks, until a strikingly handsome master electrician named Luke doggedly pursues her, convincing her to hazard a first date. Luke puts a snap and crackle in her step that she's never had before. Mary giggles over texts like a teenager and counts the minutes until she will see him next.
But when an issue with her charity sends her to the front door of a trailer and Luke answers her knock, Mary's shocked. His adorable children peek out from behind his legs. Will Mary's well-laid plans short like old-school twinkle lights, or can she unwrap herself from this holiday tangle in time to appreciate the best Christmas she's ever had?
MY TAKE
I loved Luke right away, and his kids are fun with a lot of personality. Mary really has issues from her childhood and refuses to be a mother because she says she won't be placed in a situation where she has to choose her career that she loves over her family--she's sure she'll be terrible just like her own mother and won't do that do kids.
Her character arc is enjoyable as she falls for Luke and his kids. The kids are adorable, especially Amy who decides she's going to stay with Mary when Luke moves on to his next job because Amy is tired of living in a house with wheels.
I enjoyed that Luke didn't live like an almost-billionaire. That didn't even show up until the end of the book. And what a lovely ending it was.
December 17, 2018
I held on til the 15% point
That was all I could give it. It just went on and on and on. First about a Santa charity...we learned in DETAIL just about all there was to know about that.
We met our h, and I believe, our H. And the ex.
But mostly, we have learned all about accounting.
You’re thinking, “Well that doesn’t sound very interesting”. You would be right. It is not. There has been absolutely not one thing til this point, that has caught my interest, nor has made me want to continue on with this how-to accounting guide. I am deleting it, and moving on.
It’s possible it’s a great romance - eventually - but it didn’t get there quick enough for me, and unfortunately, it is not a book I could recommend.
That was all I could give it. It just went on and on and on. First about a Santa charity...we learned in DETAIL just about all there was to know about that.
We met our h, and I believe, our H. And the ex.
But mostly, we have learned all about accounting.
You’re thinking, “Well that doesn’t sound very interesting”. You would be right. It is not. There has been absolutely not one thing til this point, that has caught my interest, nor has made me want to continue on with this how-to accounting guide. I am deleting it, and moving on.
It’s possible it’s a great romance - eventually - but it didn’t get there quick enough for me, and unfortunately, it is not a book I could recommend.
April 23, 2025
One of the things I like about Bridget E. Baker's books, at least the few I've read so far, is she isn't afraid to tackle topics that others avoid... things that might make us uncomfortable and certainly should make us think.
Mary had a horrible childhood. Her mother chose a career over kids. I think it is important to note that at no point did this read as Baker staying you cannot have both a career and kids. This is simple what Mary's mom decided. As a result of her Mom leaving, her dad checks out of their lives and into a bottle. Mary decides, based on her Mom's actions, that you cannot be a "good" mom and have a career. And Mary makes that clear up front when she enters into a relationship with her boyfriend, who does want kids. After 2 years, he leaves her.
Mary has decided to focus on her career and not a relationship and then she meets Luke. What she doesn't know is that he is a widower and has 2 children. Once she finds out she is upfront with him about it, but they decided to enjoy time together because he and his kids are only in her town temporarily. They will be moving on in a few weeks. And he's not looking for a new wife. He wants to guard his heart from loss.
What neither one of them admits is how strong their attraction to each other is and even when they try to dial things back, it amps up.
Luke realizes they are in love and works to convince Mary that they need to pursue this relationship and that they can over come the obstacles along the way. He wants her to realize that she can be a good mom and still have her career. He never once manipulates her or indicates that she would have to give up her career to be his kid's mom. And Mary really loves kids as indicated by all she does with by volunteering for the sub for Santa program, as well as the sacrifices she makes for her nephew. It truly isn't that she doesn't want kids, she just wrongly believes that she cannot have them and a career and she is choosing the career because she fears she will be like her mom and resent any kids she might have.
There were times this was a painful read. I wanted Mary to see her worth and value.. to see that she was not her mother and that she could have all that she wanted in life. And I hurt for Luke and his kids, who loved Mary and just wanted a chance with her.
One of the reviews I read and some of the comments, indicated that Luke pushed Mary.. and I guess he did but not to force her to be his, but for her to see herself in the right light.. not in the lens of her Mother's actions.
I loved watching Mary work through how she say herself and life and come to realize that she was not her Mother and did not have to follow in her footsteps.
Well done!
Mary had a horrible childhood. Her mother chose a career over kids. I think it is important to note that at no point did this read as Baker staying you cannot have both a career and kids. This is simple what Mary's mom decided. As a result of her Mom leaving, her dad checks out of their lives and into a bottle. Mary decides, based on her Mom's actions, that you cannot be a "good" mom and have a career. And Mary makes that clear up front when she enters into a relationship with her boyfriend, who does want kids. After 2 years, he leaves her.
Mary has decided to focus on her career and not a relationship and then she meets Luke. What she doesn't know is that he is a widower and has 2 children. Once she finds out she is upfront with him about it, but they decided to enjoy time together because he and his kids are only in her town temporarily. They will be moving on in a few weeks. And he's not looking for a new wife. He wants to guard his heart from loss.
What neither one of them admits is how strong their attraction to each other is and even when they try to dial things back, it amps up.
Luke realizes they are in love and works to convince Mary that they need to pursue this relationship and that they can over come the obstacles along the way. He wants her to realize that she can be a good mom and still have her career. He never once manipulates her or indicates that she would have to give up her career to be his kid's mom. And Mary really loves kids as indicated by all she does with by volunteering for the sub for Santa program, as well as the sacrifices she makes for her nephew. It truly isn't that she doesn't want kids, she just wrongly believes that she cannot have them and a career and she is choosing the career because she fears she will be like her mom and resent any kids she might have.
There were times this was a painful read. I wanted Mary to see her worth and value.. to see that she was not her mother and that she could have all that she wanted in life. And I hurt for Luke and his kids, who loved Mary and just wanted a chance with her.
One of the reviews I read and some of the comments, indicated that Luke pushed Mary.. and I guess he did but not to force her to be his, but for her to see herself in the right light.. not in the lens of her Mother's actions.
I loved watching Mary work through how she say herself and life and come to realize that she was not her Mother and did not have to follow in her footsteps.
Well done!
January 23, 2022
Mary is a successful accountant who, in her spare time, runs the United Way's Sub for Santa program in the Atlanta area. A year ago, her boyfriend ended their relationship because she didn't want to have children and he did. Actually, it isn't that she doesn't want to have children; it is that she doesn't think she will be good at it and she doesn't want to harm a child if she doesn't have the time to dedicate to raising them. She adamantly refuses to date anyone who either has children or wants children. Then she meets Luke by chance.
Luke's wife died four years earlier tragically and he is raising his two children alone. She doesn't learn that he has children until after they have gone out on their first date. When she finds out, she continually tries to break things off before they really get started but it's like they are magnetically connected. She begins to change her way of thinking when she realizes she isn't like her Mom or her Dad. She has a giving heard and is always doing things for others. But is she too late? Will Luke still want her after she has hurt him?
I listened to the audio version of this story, and I loved the narration and the way the story unfolded. There are many secondary characters that add depth to the story and I hope that Trudy's story is part of this series, also. I would like her and Paisley to find a happy ending, also.
Luke's wife died four years earlier tragically and he is raising his two children alone. She doesn't learn that he has children until after they have gone out on their first date. When she finds out, she continually tries to break things off before they really get started but it's like they are magnetically connected. She begins to change her way of thinking when she realizes she isn't like her Mom or her Dad. She has a giving heard and is always doing things for others. But is she too late? Will Luke still want her after she has hurt him?
I listened to the audio version of this story, and I loved the narration and the way the story unfolded. There are many secondary characters that add depth to the story and I hope that Trudy's story is part of this series, also. I would like her and Paisley to find a happy ending, also.
December 30, 2019
So I don't usually read or like romance novels, but I actually really liked this one! Honestly, while I do enjoy a love/relationship angle in a book, I never would have imagined I would give any "romance" more than a two or perhaps three star rating (3 is a solid "I really liked it and would recommend it"), so giving it 4 stars says this one noticeably exceeded my expectations. I reserve 5 stars for the select few best books I've EVER read. So why did I give a romance 4 stars? Mainly because there is "more" - more plot, more character development; hard to put my finger on but it just felt more real. If you are looking for something different from your usual fare, or something a little sentimental with a happy ending, give this one a try! The author keeps it clean without sacrificing interest (thank you, Bridget!). I enjoyed the characters and found myself genuinely rooting for Faith to work out her issues and figure out how to move forward with her life in a positive way. I also greatly enjoyed that there is a little bit of mystery involved; some of it the reader is "in" on, some not, and it keeps you second guessing your assumptions.
November 30, 2021
I gotta say, I had some doubts about this book so I put it off for quite some time, but then I didn’t have anything to read two days ago, and let’s just say, I haven’t been able to put it down.
The story is a bit cliche, but let’s all be honest, that’s what we’re here for, and the main character sometimes drives me crazy with her extreme obsession of not wanting to turn out like her parents (like I get it, they were horrible parents, but shouldn’t she just try being better than them instead?), but the author did a good job with her character development, especially in that regard.
I absolutely love the children, like Amy is one of the cutest children out there, and how one cannot like her is beyond me and Chase is so damn cute that I just want to squish his cheeks.
The relationship between Mary and Luke is so honest and cute and they like each other so much that everyone else also sees it and I’m honestly just happy to have found this book.
Am now gonna see if I can get my hand on the other books in this series.
Truly recommend this book. ^^
The story is a bit cliche, but let’s all be honest, that’s what we’re here for, and the main character sometimes drives me crazy with her extreme obsession of not wanting to turn out like her parents (like I get it, they were horrible parents, but shouldn’t she just try being better than them instead?), but the author did a good job with her character development, especially in that regard.
I absolutely love the children, like Amy is one of the cutest children out there, and how one cannot like her is beyond me and Chase is so damn cute that I just want to squish his cheeks.
The relationship between Mary and Luke is so honest and cute and they like each other so much that everyone else also sees it and I’m honestly just happy to have found this book.
Am now gonna see if I can get my hand on the other books in this series.
Truly recommend this book. ^^
February 1, 2026
Really liked the book and the characters. The only thing that kept throwing me off is the authors lack of knowing how young children speak. The 3,4 and 5 year old spoke like adults, not like toddlers. You could get away with having the 5 yr old just be exceptional and bright and well spoken with her age but having the 3 year old have full adult like sentences at 3 was getting irritating. No way all 3 children in the book are just gifted vocabularies and abilities to hold wordy conversations the way they were written. It felt off. Other than that flaw, I enjoyed the book and story line.
May 27, 2019
❤❄🍪
I really enjoyed getting to know about Mary and Luke. I feel like Mary helped in ways that he needed and vice versa! They were both there for one another! It was sweet to see how she got along with Amy and Chase. 😊 I love how it all ended up for them! 😊💛🐕
I really enjoyed getting to know about Mary and Luke. I feel like Mary helped in ways that he needed and vice versa! They were both there for one another! It was sweet to see how she got along with Amy and Chase. 😊 I love how it all ended up for them! 😊💛🐕
January 3, 2024
Fun Christmas story but with some angst. Her backstory prevents her from trusting, and she serves so many people... She meets one of her sub for Santa's and it's the same guy who asked her for a date. Clean romance, lots of fun moments. Good resolution.
October 23, 2022
Good story but very misleading title.
September 23, 2026
Started ok, but I felt it lacked something.
November 10, 2020
This was a really enjoyable book. I had no problem identifying with the characters. I highly suggest if you need a pretty light hearted read.
March 29, 2021
The series started with one of the best couples ever. He is absolutely the dream man and she represents a real woman, from the real world, with real fears. They are absolutely meant to be. I loved how the story was written, how talented the author is in describing how a passion grows without the need for explicit sexual scenes. the narrators was brilliant. i love her voice and she was able to switch between characters very easily and effortlessly. i have received a free copy of this audiobook and i am leaving an honest review in exchange.
December 16, 2024
My first book by this author and won’t be the last, such a cute feel good story, now to start with the first one in the series Finding Grace
December 18, 2022
"If you're always wishing you had something better, you'll never be happy with the present.”
November 4, 2018
This was a super cute Christmas read. A clean contemporary romance, grab a cup of cocoa and get yourself in the Christmas spirit!
February 11, 2019
☺☺☺☺
A really good read, with good pacing and believable and engaging characters. You want to see Luke and Mary work through their issues and succeed. And you'll want to see more of this series.
A really good read, with good pacing and believable and engaging characters. You want to see Luke and Mary work through their issues and succeed. And you'll want to see more of this series.
February 11, 2019
Wonderful Sweeet romance. Fun read.
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