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The Baby Bond
Firefighter Nic Carano relishes his bachelor lifestyle. Then he loses his heart to a rescued baby. And when he meets the infant's lovely aunt--suddenly a mother--Nic starts considering love, marriage...and a baby carriage.Yet Cassidy Willis isn't convinced. Nic's been a lifesaver with all that he has done, along with his big-hearted family and fellow firefighters, to help the new mom. But after all she's been through, could she really be happy with someone whose life is always in danger? Now it's up to Nic to show Cassidy that his bond with her and the baby is forever.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
4 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Linda Goodnight
223 books522 followersNY Times and USA Bestseller, Linda Goodnight writes novels of faith and family that point to hope through Christ. Her emotional stories have won the RITA , the Carol, the Reviewer’s Choice, and numerous other industry awards. Her two great passions are faith in Jesus and her large extended family. (And pie. she loves pie.)
Readers may connect with Linda through her website at www.lindagoodnight.com or on Facebook.
Readers may connect with Linda through her website at www.lindagoodnight.com or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 31, 2024
Very good read.
January 8, 2013
When Cassie's sister dies in a fire she drops everything to adopt her young nephew. She hadn't realized the fire fighter who had saved him - Nic Carrano or as he was known in college Notorious Nic- was part of the package. But Nic finds himself drawn to the struggling little family and before he knows it both Cassie and baby Alex have taken over his heart. But will they want him as much as he wants them?
My big complaint is that this book seemed to imply that working didn't work when you have a baby. Not a very forgiving message for the many women who don't have a choice. Otherwise this was an incredbily light, sweet read.
My big complaint is that this book seemed to imply that working didn't work when you have a baby. Not a very forgiving message for the many women who don't have a choice. Otherwise this was an incredbily light, sweet read.
January 4, 2011
This book was good until the last couple chapters. This book followed the pattern I have observed of resolving the conflict keeping the to characters apart by having a tragedy that Goodnight has used in some of her other books. This really disappointed me because the characters had already had enough tragedies happen within the book. The last few chapters ruined the book for me.
July 26, 2011
Super Cute. I always love a story when children are involved. Probably because I'm a teacher. :) I loved, loved how their relationship with God played a big part in every decision they made. Beautiful. But I have to admit I would have liked to hear more about their intimate relationship. I like that part in romances...so I felt a little cheated.
August 6, 2009
Happy ending, good quick read
November 1, 2015
Firefighter "Notorious Nic" saves Cassidy's nephew Alex from the fire that kills his parents. She really shouldn't fall for him.
December 30, 2016
The book got a little repetitive. However, Nic is absolutely hilarious which kept me reading.
May 31, 2025
In Linda Goodnight's "The Baby Bond," readers are treated to a deeply moving and sensitively crafted romance that shines through its exceptional character development and poignant exploration of human vulnerability. Goodnight masterfully builds her characters, providing them with rich, believable backstories that inform their present actions and emotional responses. This intricate layering allows for an authentic understanding of their struggles and strengths, making their journey towards connection all the more compelling.
The relationship that blossoms between the protagonists is a testament to the beauty of slow-burn romance. Their love for each other is built on a foundation of mutual respect and understanding, evolving gradually and organically. Goodnight avoids rushed declarations, instead allowing their affection to deepen through shared experiences and quiet moments of revelation. This measured pace feels incredibly genuine, making their eventual bond feel earned and deeply satisfying.
One of the novel's most commendable aspects is its honest and unflinching portrayal of fire phobia. Goodnight delves into the debilitating impact of this fear with remarkable sensitivity and accuracy, offering insights into its psychological grip without ever resorting to sensationalism. The protagonist's struggle with fire phobia is handled with immense empathy, highlighting the long-lasting effects of trauma and the courage it takes to confront deeply ingrained fears.
While "The Baby Bond" delivers a heartwarming and hopeful conclusion, one minor quibble could be the unresolved nature of the cancer situation. Although the story ends on a powerful note of hope, a more definitive conclusion regarding this particular subplot might have provided a greater sense of closure for some readers. Nevertheless, the choice to emphasize hope over a definitive outcome aligns with the novel's overarching theme of resilience and the enduring power of love in the face of uncertainty.
Overall, "The Baby Bond" is a touching and memorable read. Linda Goodnight’s skillful storytelling, combined with her profound understanding of human emotions, makes this novel a truly enriching experience. It's a story that resonates long after the final page, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of love and understanding.
The relationship that blossoms between the protagonists is a testament to the beauty of slow-burn romance. Their love for each other is built on a foundation of mutual respect and understanding, evolving gradually and organically. Goodnight avoids rushed declarations, instead allowing their affection to deepen through shared experiences and quiet moments of revelation. This measured pace feels incredibly genuine, making their eventual bond feel earned and deeply satisfying.
One of the novel's most commendable aspects is its honest and unflinching portrayal of fire phobia. Goodnight delves into the debilitating impact of this fear with remarkable sensitivity and accuracy, offering insights into its psychological grip without ever resorting to sensationalism. The protagonist's struggle with fire phobia is handled with immense empathy, highlighting the long-lasting effects of trauma and the courage it takes to confront deeply ingrained fears.
While "The Baby Bond" delivers a heartwarming and hopeful conclusion, one minor quibble could be the unresolved nature of the cancer situation. Although the story ends on a powerful note of hope, a more definitive conclusion regarding this particular subplot might have provided a greater sense of closure for some readers. Nevertheless, the choice to emphasize hope over a definitive outcome aligns with the novel's overarching theme of resilience and the enduring power of love in the face of uncertainty.
Overall, "The Baby Bond" is a touching and memorable read. Linda Goodnight’s skillful storytelling, combined with her profound understanding of human emotions, makes this novel a truly enriching experience. It's a story that resonates long after the final page, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of love and understanding.
May 7, 2022
I. Loved. This. Book.
The story of a playboy firefighter who rescues a baby (and his dead parents) from a fire, and falls in love with the 'little dude'. He meets the aunt - who knows him from his college days, making his way thru the girls in her sorority - and has a tough job, winning her over. But with the help of his firefighter buddies and ENORMOUS Italian family, he finds love... and a new relationship with the Lord.
Cassidy is a missionaries' daughter whose parents were killed in an earthquake in the Phillipines (she spent two days buried alive, stories above their dead bodies. Now her sister/BIL died in a fire, leaving her alone in the world save a baby boy... and the smarmy firefighter who seems to have attached himself to the infant.
The story is well written, the dialogue adorable, the characters (vast & sundry) amazing.
HOWEVER... I take issue with the spirituality in it. Goodnight says that "God didn't kill her family. The Lord came to give life, not take it away." This is ABSOLUTELY CONTRADICTORY to scripture - Job 1:21 says that 'the Lord giveth life, and the Lord taketh life away'. PERIOD. God *DID* kill her family. For a reason, obviously, but it DID happen, does happen. And to blatantly contradict scripture to alter the Creator is just wrong.
I also hated the proposal at the end (who screams when a man goes down on one knee? A sorority brainless wonder, maybe, but that was NEVER Cassidy, and it was offensively out of character, the whole sobbing into his shoulder thing over a ring. GAH. She was supposed to be different from the idiot girls, and at the end, she morphs into one... and I wasn't okay with it. Debating ripping the epilogue out. Would make the book a four-and-three-quarters star. :)
The story of a playboy firefighter who rescues a baby (and his dead parents) from a fire, and falls in love with the 'little dude'. He meets the aunt - who knows him from his college days, making his way thru the girls in her sorority - and has a tough job, winning her over. But with the help of his firefighter buddies and ENORMOUS Italian family, he finds love... and a new relationship with the Lord.
Cassidy is a missionaries' daughter whose parents were killed in an earthquake in the Phillipines (she spent two days buried alive, stories above their dead bodies. Now her sister/BIL died in a fire, leaving her alone in the world save a baby boy... and the smarmy firefighter who seems to have attached himself to the infant.
The story is well written, the dialogue adorable, the characters (vast & sundry) amazing.
HOWEVER... I take issue with the spirituality in it. Goodnight says that "God didn't kill her family. The Lord came to give life, not take it away." This is ABSOLUTELY CONTRADICTORY to scripture - Job 1:21 says that 'the Lord giveth life, and the Lord taketh life away'. PERIOD. God *DID* kill her family. For a reason, obviously, but it DID happen, does happen. And to blatantly contradict scripture to alter the Creator is just wrong.
I also hated the proposal at the end (who screams when a man goes down on one knee? A sorority brainless wonder, maybe, but that was NEVER Cassidy, and it was offensively out of character, the whole sobbing into his shoulder thing over a ring. GAH. She was supposed to be different from the idiot girls, and at the end, she morphs into one... and I wasn't okay with it. Debating ripping the epilogue out. Would make the book a four-and-three-quarters star. :)
April 8, 2022
Firefighter Nic Carano rescues a baby and loses his heart to the little fellow. Then he meets the infant's aunt. Nic tries to help her get used to her new role as mother to her nephew and in the process begins to have feelings for Cassidy. But Cassidy is not convinced. She is terrified of fire and afraid of losing someone else she loves. Yes she realizes she has fallen in love with Nic. What now? Can she move beyond her fears or will she break off contact with Nic?
March 26, 2023
Loved this book! Such a heartwarming story of charming Nic and poor Cassidy who just lost her sister and brother in law in a fire and is taking care of her nephew. It’s a lot to take in for her and Nic is trying to charm his way into her life but she doesn’t like firefighters. I loved the banter between Nic and Cassidy in this book and would definitely recommend.
May 31, 2017
This book's story line was okay but sad. I liked Nic's character. I thought Nic was brave for what he does. I liked Cassidy's character. I liked what Cassidy did. My heart broke for Cassidy. I liked the ending.
November 14, 2018
It may not sound masculine to say this was a cute story, but it was. It had great and likable characters, especially Nic, a great plot, and a great message about fear and trusting God. I really enjoyed it
May 2, 2022
This book just felt like a copy and paste of A Very Special Delivery. It was also so predictable there wasn't anything keeping you in the book to keep reading, even though it was a romance it was a very plain boring romance.
December 5, 2022
A very cute story about love and faith. I love the characters because they are so real. I also like the character development between the characters.
December 7, 2023
Great story
A love story. Happy sometimes crying as I was reading it. Teachable in what losses God loves us through. Very practical living. Thank you for writing this book.
A love story. Happy sometimes crying as I was reading it. Teachable in what losses God loves us through. Very practical living. Thank you for writing this book.
October 9, 2013
This book surprised me in the best way possible - I loved everything, the characters, the storyline, everything and the faith aspect being a prevalent part of this really surprised me as well but I love how she worked that in there and I am always happy to read good quality contemporary Christian literature and this is a really good example of that. Loved it, couldn't give it anything less than the five star rating.
November 12, 2014
Cassidy Willis inherits an infant due to a fire that killed her sister and husband. Nic Carano is the firefighter who rescued the infant Alex and decides to be an ever present commodity in their lives. Due to a couple of circumstances in her life Cassidy does not want to be close to Nic due to his profession. Love a story where God speaks to you where you are and you are able to overcome. Good story.
November 9, 2010
A usual feel good always perfect predictable ending. Thats why we read these right?
March 8, 2012
Very good book, but can also frustrate you
August 2, 2017
Loved it I love stories with men in Uniform coming to the rescue of babies,animals and Women
December 28, 2014
I loved it
Read
November 3, 2014I was really Caught up in the story!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews