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Saving Madeline
As a public defender, Caitlin McLoughlin dreams of someday locking the bad guys in prison instead of defending them. But prosecuting jobs are scarce, and Caitlin’s future seems bleak. When her current client is about to walk away from a brutal crime, she risks her career to make sure he doesn’t hurt anyone else. Yet what if her choice means sacrificing her career and the means care for her mentally disabled sister?
Then Caitlin meets Parker Hathaway, charged with kidnapping four-year-old Madeline. Just another criminal, another job, Caitlin thinks.
But Parker tells a far different story. Can Caitlin believe him, as her heart urges? Is she willing to put everything on the line to defend her client—a man who claims to be protecting the child he loves? Or is her trust better placed in the handsome deputy district attorney with his undefeated record in court? Caitlin’s pursuit of the truth swiftly thrusts her into a maze of unanswered questions and unexpected heartache.
Meanwhile, time is running out for Madeline. If Caitlin doesn't find the proof she is looking for soon, there may not be a future for any of them.
Then Caitlin meets Parker Hathaway, charged with kidnapping four-year-old Madeline. Just another criminal, another job, Caitlin thinks.
But Parker tells a far different story. Can Caitlin believe him, as her heart urges? Is she willing to put everything on the line to defend her client—a man who claims to be protecting the child he loves? Or is her trust better placed in the handsome deputy district attorney with his undefeated record in court? Caitlin’s pursuit of the truth swiftly thrusts her into a maze of unanswered questions and unexpected heartache.
Meanwhile, time is running out for Madeline. If Caitlin doesn't find the proof she is looking for soon, there may not be a future for any of them.
321 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2009
9 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Ann Nunes
56 books360 followersRachel Ann Nunes (pronounced noon-esh) learned to read when she was four and by seventh grade knew she was going to be an author. Now as a stay-at-home mother of seven, it isn't easy to find time to write, but she will trade washing dishes or weeding the garden for an hour at the computer any day! Her only rule about writing is to never eat chocolate at the computer. "Since I love chocolate and writing," she jokes, "my family might never see me again."
Rachel has over sixty published books, including the popular Ariana series and the award-winning picture book Daughter of a King. She enjoys hiking, swimming, spending time with her family, reading, and visiting far off places.
For more information or to join her e-mailing list, visit http://www.RachelAnnNunes.com.
Rachel has over sixty published books, including the popular Ariana series and the award-winning picture book Daughter of a King. She enjoys hiking, swimming, spending time with her family, reading, and visiting far off places.
For more information or to join her e-mailing list, visit http://www.RachelAnnNunes.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
July 10, 2023
I was immediately pulled into the awful dilemma faced by both Caitlin McLoughlin (a public defender) and her client, Parker Hathaway, who is arrested for kidnapping his own daughter (Madeline).
Without giving away the plot, the question becomes, why would he do that?
Inspired by true events, Nunes’ fictional storyline pulls the reader into the complex world of the law and its ethics as four adults play protective tug-of-war over Madeline.
It’s a triple threat—filled with plenty of suspense, romance, and drama—that dares to make readers question their own ethics and ask what we would do in similar circumstances.
Without giving away the plot, the question becomes, why would he do that?
Inspired by true events, Nunes’ fictional storyline pulls the reader into the complex world of the law and its ethics as four adults play protective tug-of-war over Madeline.
It’s a triple threat—filled with plenty of suspense, romance, and drama—that dares to make readers question their own ethics and ask what we would do in similar circumstances.
October 11, 2009
When I first heard of this book, I visited the author’s Web site and learned that the idea for her story came from the sad case of “an infant in Utah who was found dead after ingesting methamphetamines she had found in a plastic bag on the floor of her home.” What made this tragic circumstance even more notable and horrific is that weeks earlier her father had kidnapped the child, crossing state borders in hopes of protecting his little girl from her mother’s substance abuse.
Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to read this book. We meet Caitlin McLoughlin, a public defender sick of her job defending criminals, and dreaming of a different life for her and her mentally challenged sister, Amy, who is left in her care after the death of their parents. Then Parker Hathaway walks into their lives, charged with kidnapping his four-year-old daughter, Madeline. Is he just another criminal or a man truly claiming to protect the child he loves?
In truth, I expected this book to be a courtroom drama. It turned out to be more of a romance story. I like romance stories, but I really craved the suspenseful, battle-of-the-wits, keep-em-guessing-til-the-end kind of story. It’s perhaps for this reason that I was frustrated with Caitlin when she easily lost her head for her client the minute she set eyes on him, encouraged no less by her detective-cop friend to pursue a relationship when they both had no proof Parker was telling the truth about his ex-wife’s drug situation. Sometimes, I felt they acted like a couple of schoolgirls and not professionals bound to respect the ethical issue of romantic involvement with one’s client. I had nothing against the fact that Caitlin was attracted to her client, because this added emotional conflict to an already emotionally charged situation, but I wanted the tension between them to be more palpable because of their situation, to really build up until the very end. Their romance was too predictable.
However, once I got past this, I enjoyed the book. The ending was satisfying. And the secondary characters added much to this book. Madeline and Amy especially gave a sense of how vulnerable the young-minded are, and how responsible a parent or caregiver must be to protect them. Most of all, this story opened my eyes to the reality of many of today’s children. The author succeeded in creating a story that makes a parent stop to think if they are inadvertently doing anything that could jeopardize their children’s safety.
The author dedicates this book to the many young children in the world who don’t have anyone to fight for them, hoping this book could be their voice. That alone gets a big thumbs up from me.
Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to read this book. We meet Caitlin McLoughlin, a public defender sick of her job defending criminals, and dreaming of a different life for her and her mentally challenged sister, Amy, who is left in her care after the death of their parents. Then Parker Hathaway walks into their lives, charged with kidnapping his four-year-old daughter, Madeline. Is he just another criminal or a man truly claiming to protect the child he loves?
In truth, I expected this book to be a courtroom drama. It turned out to be more of a romance story. I like romance stories, but I really craved the suspenseful, battle-of-the-wits, keep-em-guessing-til-the-end kind of story. It’s perhaps for this reason that I was frustrated with Caitlin when she easily lost her head for her client the minute she set eyes on him, encouraged no less by her detective-cop friend to pursue a relationship when they both had no proof Parker was telling the truth about his ex-wife’s drug situation. Sometimes, I felt they acted like a couple of schoolgirls and not professionals bound to respect the ethical issue of romantic involvement with one’s client. I had nothing against the fact that Caitlin was attracted to her client, because this added emotional conflict to an already emotionally charged situation, but I wanted the tension between them to be more palpable because of their situation, to really build up until the very end. Their romance was too predictable.
However, once I got past this, I enjoyed the book. The ending was satisfying. And the secondary characters added much to this book. Madeline and Amy especially gave a sense of how vulnerable the young-minded are, and how responsible a parent or caregiver must be to protect them. Most of all, this story opened my eyes to the reality of many of today’s children. The author succeeded in creating a story that makes a parent stop to think if they are inadvertently doing anything that could jeopardize their children’s safety.
The author dedicates this book to the many young children in the world who don’t have anyone to fight for them, hoping this book could be their voice. That alone gets a big thumbs up from me.
September 21, 2009
Inspired by real life stories, this novel tore my heart apart. One moment I found myself aching for Madeline and Parker, the next rooting for Parker to kiss Caitlin. I was afraid the romance in the story would seem false when interwoven with such a serious subject, but it felt very real.
Ms. Nunes delves into the critical issues of drug abuse, protecting precious children, and how sometimes our legal system can injure the innocent. It is obvious the author knows her subject well and feels passionately about it. This is a book that I will not soon forget. I would highly recommend it.
Ms. Nunes delves into the critical issues of drug abuse, protecting precious children, and how sometimes our legal system can injure the innocent. It is obvious the author knows her subject well and feels passionately about it. This is a book that I will not soon forget. I would highly recommend it.
March 24, 2015
I like that the author wrote this story in part to highlight the dangers to children in houses where illegal drugs are used and/or made; it's an important issue. I just wish she'd done a little more research about the legal profession. Her main character violates privilege, ex party communication, and ethics so many times over that she certainly would have been disbarred. For example, dating clients is a big no-no. You can't even date opposing counsel without disclosing it to the judge and getting written consent from both represented parties.
March 19, 2013
Saving Madeline
By: Trichelle Brimhall
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury: I find the book “Saving Madeline” by Rachel Ann Nunes to be excellent at making the reader Excited, but sometimes gets edgy at times, however, there were areas in which the book was not quite as good when the characters would make you really frustrated and nervous a lot. The main problem in the book is making sure that Parker Hathaway’s daughter, Madeline, is safe.
I think the setting is okay how it is, however, It would maybe have been better in a really run down area, but it’s okay how it is. Madeline and her mom Dakota lived in a pretty run down house, but it wasn’t too bad. The main audience for this book would probably be any range from teens to adults of any age really.
“She stirred as Parker rose to his feet folding her tightly against his chest…” “He stopped and settled Madeline on the seat next to him.” Says page 21-22 of the book. We know that Parker was kidnapping his own daughter in the middle of the night which is really weird if you think about it. Parker wanted his daughter with him and not her mother, and wanted to run away with her. The audience is really lost in this part of the book because they don’t know the reason for him kidnapping his daughter.
“…When I went to pickup my daughter last week, I saw a plastic bag of drugs sitting in plain view on the television set.” Explains Parker to the detective who was asking him questions. You usually don’t and you also shouldn’t use drugs in front of little kids, let alone leave them out in plain sight where they can reach them and accidentally take them. I think Parker was just trying to get his daughter from danger when she was with her mom at her house.
“When he arrived Friday night, Madeline was waiting for him in the front room of the house.” Says page 51. Parker had taken Madeline to Manti and was renting a house for her to hide in five miles away from his apartment. You usually don’t have to jog five miles to see your daughter every day. It goes to show that Parker was a dedicated father who wants to protect and keep his little girls safe.
“We’ll need to take you and the truck to Salt Lake; you’ll be in lineup tonight. It might take a few hours, or longer. says page 83. People normally feel guilty inside when they go in for questioning, but Parker felt like he had done the right thing for taking his daughter. It was good that they had found him, but he was worried about his little girl back at the house with the sitter who had to leave in a little while.
“He threw a tiny rock at the window. A face appeared in the window. Soon she was in his arms and he was folding her under his coat.” says page 57. You would think that once he had met an amazing woman who was helping him defend himself for taking his daughter, you would think he wouldn’t take Madeline again. Parker was taking his daughter once again and this time leaving the state. It shows he will do anything to keep his daughter from danger and is very worried when she is with her mom.
“…he doesn’t look fine.” In fact he was pale and barely breathing. “Last night he drank some of the water, the water for the meth.” They had finally found out and proved that Dakota, Madeline and Reece’s mother was a druggy and doing bad things in front of her children. As a rule, you don’t take your kid to a meth house in the first place. Because of Dakota doing drugs and being a poor, bad mother, her son died because of the lack of care and because he drank the meth water.
“Parker Hathaway, are you proposing?” “I’m doing more than proposing. I’m offering you my whole life, Caity. I love you. I’m miserable without you.” Caitlin was his legal defender for this whole case and they had fallen in love with each other. Parker ends up getting and saving Madeline and also Caitlin and her Down syndrome sister Amy.
As you can see from the evidence presented above, this book is about not letting fear stop you from doing the right thing and keeping people safe, It is also about trusting the people around you to help you because they care about you. If Parker hadn’t stepped in when he did, who knows what could have happened to his little girl Madeline. You never know what the outcome is going to be.
By: Trichelle Brimhall
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury: I find the book “Saving Madeline” by Rachel Ann Nunes to be excellent at making the reader Excited, but sometimes gets edgy at times, however, there were areas in which the book was not quite as good when the characters would make you really frustrated and nervous a lot. The main problem in the book is making sure that Parker Hathaway’s daughter, Madeline, is safe.
I think the setting is okay how it is, however, It would maybe have been better in a really run down area, but it’s okay how it is. Madeline and her mom Dakota lived in a pretty run down house, but it wasn’t too bad. The main audience for this book would probably be any range from teens to adults of any age really.
“She stirred as Parker rose to his feet folding her tightly against his chest…” “He stopped and settled Madeline on the seat next to him.” Says page 21-22 of the book. We know that Parker was kidnapping his own daughter in the middle of the night which is really weird if you think about it. Parker wanted his daughter with him and not her mother, and wanted to run away with her. The audience is really lost in this part of the book because they don’t know the reason for him kidnapping his daughter.
“…When I went to pickup my daughter last week, I saw a plastic bag of drugs sitting in plain view on the television set.” Explains Parker to the detective who was asking him questions. You usually don’t and you also shouldn’t use drugs in front of little kids, let alone leave them out in plain sight where they can reach them and accidentally take them. I think Parker was just trying to get his daughter from danger when she was with her mom at her house.
“When he arrived Friday night, Madeline was waiting for him in the front room of the house.” Says page 51. Parker had taken Madeline to Manti and was renting a house for her to hide in five miles away from his apartment. You usually don’t have to jog five miles to see your daughter every day. It goes to show that Parker was a dedicated father who wants to protect and keep his little girls safe.
“We’ll need to take you and the truck to Salt Lake; you’ll be in lineup tonight. It might take a few hours, or longer. says page 83. People normally feel guilty inside when they go in for questioning, but Parker felt like he had done the right thing for taking his daughter. It was good that they had found him, but he was worried about his little girl back at the house with the sitter who had to leave in a little while.
“He threw a tiny rock at the window. A face appeared in the window. Soon she was in his arms and he was folding her under his coat.” says page 57. You would think that once he had met an amazing woman who was helping him defend himself for taking his daughter, you would think he wouldn’t take Madeline again. Parker was taking his daughter once again and this time leaving the state. It shows he will do anything to keep his daughter from danger and is very worried when she is with her mom.
“…he doesn’t look fine.” In fact he was pale and barely breathing. “Last night he drank some of the water, the water for the meth.” They had finally found out and proved that Dakota, Madeline and Reece’s mother was a druggy and doing bad things in front of her children. As a rule, you don’t take your kid to a meth house in the first place. Because of Dakota doing drugs and being a poor, bad mother, her son died because of the lack of care and because he drank the meth water.
“Parker Hathaway, are you proposing?” “I’m doing more than proposing. I’m offering you my whole life, Caity. I love you. I’m miserable without you.” Caitlin was his legal defender for this whole case and they had fallen in love with each other. Parker ends up getting and saving Madeline and also Caitlin and her Down syndrome sister Amy.
As you can see from the evidence presented above, this book is about not letting fear stop you from doing the right thing and keeping people safe, It is also about trusting the people around you to help you because they care about you. If Parker hadn’t stepped in when he did, who knows what could have happened to his little girl Madeline. You never know what the outcome is going to be.
May 6, 2010
Saving Madeline is a thought-provoking must-read that satisfies on every level. Inspired by true events, Nunes’ fictional storyline pulls the reader into the complex world of the law and its ethics as four adults play protective tug-of-war over a child named Madeline.
The book opens with two diverse but equally captivating story lines. Exhausted and disillusioned public defender, Caitlin McLoughlin of Salt Lake City, Utah, is repulsed by the thought that her guilty, violent client will walk away from an attempted murder charge because of a lack of evidence—evidence she possesses but which she is legally obligated to withhold under attorney-client privilege. A few miles south, in a seedy section of Salt Lake City, laborer Parker Hathaway kidnaps a sleeping child—his daughter, Madeline—and hides her two hours away from the mother he claims is methamphetamine-addicted and endangering his child.
The devastated mother reports the child as missing, denying Parker’s accusations, and the police rush in to rescue Madeline. Caitlin is called in to represent Parker, merging the story lines and the ethical dilemmas of these two principals. But who is telling the truth, and who has Madeline’s best interest at heart? The mother? The father? The police? The law? And what circumstances, if any, warrant circumventing the law to achieve justice?
These are among the moral and ethical dilemmas Nunes raises in Saving Madeline, made ever more powerful through her complex character development and deft handling of the principals’ points-of-view. Caitlin and Parker are multi-faceted, written with an insightful blend of tenderness and grit. Battered by chance and by choice, we feel the thinness of their hope and we are immediately invested and biting our nails.
Saving Madeline is a smart, fast-paced read with multiple possibilities that kept this reader guessing the next move, only to be pleasantly surprised by Nunes’ unanticipated plot twists, and the consequent need to turn just one more page. It’s a triple threat—filled with plenty of suspense, romance, and drama—that dares to make you question your own ethics and ask yourself what you would do in similar circumstances.
The subterfuge Parker employs to hide Madeline and himself from the law is alluded to, though it would have been fascinating to witness the depths this father descended in his self-appointed quest to protect his child. Regardless, you will cheer, and likely cry when the truth is revealed, the toll is detailed, and Madeline’s true protector is vindicated.
Rachel Ann Nunes maintains the tension to the very last page-turn, and when the fictional drama ends, the education begins. Nunes includes some of the information that led her to write this gritty story, as well as discussion questions and educational links for further study, making Saving Madeline not only an outstanding read that entertains, but one that enlightens as well.
Saving Madeline, published by Shadow Mountain Publishers, is available on Amazon, at Deseret Bookstores, and at the stores listed in the following link: http://www.ranunes.com/whereToBuy.php.
The book opens with two diverse but equally captivating story lines. Exhausted and disillusioned public defender, Caitlin McLoughlin of Salt Lake City, Utah, is repulsed by the thought that her guilty, violent client will walk away from an attempted murder charge because of a lack of evidence—evidence she possesses but which she is legally obligated to withhold under attorney-client privilege. A few miles south, in a seedy section of Salt Lake City, laborer Parker Hathaway kidnaps a sleeping child—his daughter, Madeline—and hides her two hours away from the mother he claims is methamphetamine-addicted and endangering his child.
The devastated mother reports the child as missing, denying Parker’s accusations, and the police rush in to rescue Madeline. Caitlin is called in to represent Parker, merging the story lines and the ethical dilemmas of these two principals. But who is telling the truth, and who has Madeline’s best interest at heart? The mother? The father? The police? The law? And what circumstances, if any, warrant circumventing the law to achieve justice?
These are among the moral and ethical dilemmas Nunes raises in Saving Madeline, made ever more powerful through her complex character development and deft handling of the principals’ points-of-view. Caitlin and Parker are multi-faceted, written with an insightful blend of tenderness and grit. Battered by chance and by choice, we feel the thinness of their hope and we are immediately invested and biting our nails.
Saving Madeline is a smart, fast-paced read with multiple possibilities that kept this reader guessing the next move, only to be pleasantly surprised by Nunes’ unanticipated plot twists, and the consequent need to turn just one more page. It’s a triple threat—filled with plenty of suspense, romance, and drama—that dares to make you question your own ethics and ask yourself what you would do in similar circumstances.
The subterfuge Parker employs to hide Madeline and himself from the law is alluded to, though it would have been fascinating to witness the depths this father descended in his self-appointed quest to protect his child. Regardless, you will cheer, and likely cry when the truth is revealed, the toll is detailed, and Madeline’s true protector is vindicated.
Rachel Ann Nunes maintains the tension to the very last page-turn, and when the fictional drama ends, the education begins. Nunes includes some of the information that led her to write this gritty story, as well as discussion questions and educational links for further study, making Saving Madeline not only an outstanding read that entertains, but one that enlightens as well.
Saving Madeline, published by Shadow Mountain Publishers, is available on Amazon, at Deseret Bookstores, and at the stores listed in the following link: http://www.ranunes.com/whereToBuy.php.
September 16, 2009
Saving Madeline, best-selling author Rachel Ann Nunes's latest romantic suspense novel, takes us into the world of Caitlin McLoughlin, a hard-working and dedicated defense attorney who grapples with daily challenges and conflicts in her professional life while keeping a firm and protective grip on her private life. Devoted to the needs of her beloved sister, who will always require a caretaker, and to her work, Caitlin hardly has a moment for a personal life, much less a serious relationsip. Yet she longs to have it all: her career, marriage, and eventually a family of her own.
Enter Parker Hathaway, Caitlin's new client, whose love and concern for his young daughter dictate his actions in all matters of her well-being. Caitlin struggles to honor and uphold her sworn duties as an officer of the court as she also marshals all her personal and professional tools in an attempt to control the risks her client will take to protect his daughter Madeline. Yet Parker is unpredictable and always one step ahead of her.
Caitlin soon finds herself in a quandary as she becomes increasingly attracted to her client: can she deal with the consequences of her deepening feelings for Parker? Would she be willing to put her career on the line in order to consider a future with him? Will she even consider breaking the law to be with this conflicted, passionate man, whose unquestioned loyalty for his loved ones puts him at odds with the duties and principles of her profession, about which Caitlin is just as passionate? The title of this book could easily be Saving Caitlin, as she struggles with her conscience, her loyalties and her ethics, as well as her growing feelings for Parker, which she cannot deny.
Saving Madeline also serves as a sober reminder that society's innocents, those who have the least power among us, are often those who are most in need of a voice, especially when they are the helpless victims of parental drug abuse. Dedicated and compassionate professionals like the fictional Caitlin McLoughlin and her real-life counterparts continue to be vigilant on their behalf, but protecting these children is a responsibility no one in our society can shirk.
-reviewed by Janet Jensen
Saving Madeline, a novel
by Rachel Ann Nunes
Shadow Mountain, 2009
321 pages
$17.95
Available at Deseret Book, Seagull Book, and amazon.com
Book also contains a discussion guide
September 18, 2009
I recently had the privilege of reading Rachel Ann Nunes’ exceptional new novel, "Saving Madeline," and have to say if anyone’s looking for a romance that’s both compelling and thought-provoking, this is it.
I was immediately pulled into the awful dilemma faced by both Caitlin McLoughlin (a public defender) and her client, Parker Hathaway, who is arrested for kidnapping his own daughter (Madeline) to save her from his ex-wife, who is apparently addicted to drugs. As the story unfolds, Madeline’s life is in ever-increasing danger.
Rachel Ann Nunes has excelled herself with this book – her twenty-ninth published novel – and I give it ten out of ten, plus some. Raising public awareness to the huge problems facing children of drug-taking parents is vital if things are ever going to change for the better.
Hats off to Rachel for making a difference. Here’s part of what she says at the end of the book:
States seem to be losing the battle against methamphetamine addiction. Child welfare, law enforcement, substance abuse, and treatment systems are overloaded. Some estimate that over 8.3 million children in the United States live with a parent who has a substance abuse issue. Nearly 2 million child abuse cases each year are investigated, and a half million of those have enough evidence to act on. Some 200,000 children are removed from their homes each year.
But what about the cases that aren’t proven? What about the children who fall through the cracks, but are still at risk? To what lengths might a non-custodial parent be compelled to go in order to protect a child from danger?
To quote from the Deseret Book website, “Saving Madeline is the story of a man determined to protect a child he loves, and the woman who dared to trust him.”
It would be great to see Saving Madeline in stores across the world. It will touch readers’ hearts no matter where they live, of that I’m sure.
October 22, 2009
Amazing story that hold some truth of real situation. Parker had a real dilemma in balancing his need to protect his daughter over his duty to obey the law...his need to protect his daughter won out...he tries to kidnap her from her drug abusing mother only to have his plans ruined and find that he is in trouble with the law and madeline is back with her mother. The public defender, Caitlyn McLoughlin is assigned to him. She is getting sick of only being assigned to the real criminals that she doesn't want to get off, but Parker is different or so she feels in her gut as well does her detective friend Sally. After only knowing Parker a week, Caitlyn has found any leads to validate Parker's story of drug problems, but this only makes Parker more nervous for Madeline's safety. He has grown feelings for Caitlyn which he thinks she recipicates, but he has to flee again with Madeline. Caitlyn is devistated that she was trusted enough, but plans to go to him in Chicago with her sister to find out when two tickets appear for her and her mentally challenged sister. Before they leave, the break comes in the case, the meth house is found but evidence is lost. When the cops go to confront Dakota, she is evasive until they find her other child who is sick from drinking a water glass contaminated with meth chemicals. He doesn't make it, but his death prooves that Parker was justified in taking Madeline and gets him exonerated of the kidnapping charges. Caitlyn delivers the news which brings a sobering mood, but Parker's proposal brightens the mood. Their future as a family is just starting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2009
Saving Madeline by Rachel Ann Nunes
It's been awhile since I've read a Rachel Ann Nunes book, but this offering is a heart-wrenching story about a young Defense Attorney, Caitlyn McLaughlin, a fiery red haired, blue eyed Irish woman wanting to send the bad guys to prison that she defends. With the case she's working on, she gets to send her client to prison for a long time, but she's not sure she did it ethically or not. When she gets to defend Parker Hathaway, a decent guy who has kidnapped his daughter Madeline, she wants to help him and will risk her career to do so. Parker is sure his ex wife Dakota, who's on drugs, is causing health problems and poses a danger for Madeline and her baby brother, Reese. Sally, Caitlyn's best friend and a detective on the police force, is certain that Dakota is involved with drugs and helps Caitlyn to get the evidence to save bo9th Madeline, Reese and Parker. With having to shoulder responsibility for her mentaly disabled sister Amy, who loves both Parker and Madeline, it's a race to find the truth and rescue them all. This book would make a great Hallmark film.
Forever Friends Rating 5 Stars by Teri
Until Next Time, See You Around The Book Nook.
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Pub. Date: September 09, 2009
ISBN-13: 9781606410493
320pp
It's been awhile since I've read a Rachel Ann Nunes book, but this offering is a heart-wrenching story about a young Defense Attorney, Caitlyn McLaughlin, a fiery red haired, blue eyed Irish woman wanting to send the bad guys to prison that she defends. With the case she's working on, she gets to send her client to prison for a long time, but she's not sure she did it ethically or not. When she gets to defend Parker Hathaway, a decent guy who has kidnapped his daughter Madeline, she wants to help him and will risk her career to do so. Parker is sure his ex wife Dakota, who's on drugs, is causing health problems and poses a danger for Madeline and her baby brother, Reese. Sally, Caitlyn's best friend and a detective on the police force, is certain that Dakota is involved with drugs and helps Caitlyn to get the evidence to save bo9th Madeline, Reese and Parker. With having to shoulder responsibility for her mentaly disabled sister Amy, who loves both Parker and Madeline, it's a race to find the truth and rescue them all. This book would make a great Hallmark film.
Forever Friends Rating 5 Stars by Teri
Until Next Time, See You Around The Book Nook.
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Pub. Date: September 09, 2009
ISBN-13: 9781606410493
320pp
October 25, 2009
Caitlin McLoughlin is a talented public defender, assigned to cases where she finds herself defending the bad guy over and over. But in her position, she doesn’t mind when she loses a case—because that means the criminals go to prison where they belong.
But then a four year old is abducted from her home and when the police find the kidnapper, it’s the girl’s father, Parker Hathaway. When Caitlin is assigned as his public defender, she is eager to wrap up the case, until she discovers Parker’s motivations.
Saving Madeline has an intriguing plot that follows Caitlin McLoughlin through the twists and turns of the legal system, explaining why some criminals get let off and some don’t, and how the prosecutors and defenders are held to the specifics of procedure.
As Caitlin’s professional life collides with her private life, she uncovers those who are worth having in her life and those who aren’t. She also wrestles with giving love a second chance. She makes every effort to keep her personal feelings out of her current case with Parker, but it proves to be difficult as time is running out for both Parker, and his daughter, Madeline.
An enjoyable, unexpected journey of ethics and love with a dynamic plot that will keep you guessing! I consider Saving Madeline as one of my favorite Nunes book. Readers will be pleased with this new novel and Nunes' fresh endeavor.
October 11, 2009
This is a wonderful book by Rachel Ann Nunes. I think that this is her best story she has ever told! That saying,I have really liked the other books she has written, but I read "Saving Madeline" in less than 24 hours. If I hadn't been forced to go to sleep,(yes, I did have to teach the next day) it would have been finished even sooner. That is a sign of a good book, in my reviewer's world!
Madeline will capture your heart and you will be praying for a happy ending for her. This story shows the heart break of divorce and how the children are so often stuck in the middle of a custody battle.
The characters are real and the story is believable. Your heart is pulled into the story from the start of the book. I highly recommend this book to any reader who is looking for a book that is good from the beginning to the end. Be prepared for a good cry near the end of the book.
This book should definitely be one of the finalists for a Whitney Award next year. So in conclusion I say...well done Rachel!
Madeline will capture your heart and you will be praying for a happy ending for her. This story shows the heart break of divorce and how the children are so often stuck in the middle of a custody battle.
The characters are real and the story is believable. Your heart is pulled into the story from the start of the book. I highly recommend this book to any reader who is looking for a book that is good from the beginning to the end. Be prepared for a good cry near the end of the book.
This book should definitely be one of the finalists for a Whitney Award next year. So in conclusion I say...well done Rachel!
October 4, 2009
I was quite surprised by "Saving Madeline." Written by an LDS author, it was a very clean romance and a heart-wrenching-touching story of a serious modern issue, but was written in a way that was more on the touching side, then the wrenching side. Caitlin is an attorney and was appointed to represent a man, Parker, for kidnapping his own daughter. He did it to save his daughter from his ex-wife, who is a druggie. He is very concerned for her safety and the system just isn't working fast enough for him. Unfortunately, these kinds of stories happen every day in our world and it's usually the children who suffer. I loved it! My only complaint is that the story just kind of ended. I would have liked an epilogue or something to really finish it off for me.
September 21, 2009
This was a really good and intriguing book. It was different then anything else I'd ever read. It wasn't a mystery, because throughout the whole book you knew the guy was innocent, but they couldn't prove it. While this book tended to repeat itself, and drag on just a tad I felt myself hooked. I read it in just a few days, and was curious to see what happened with little Madeline(you just fall in love with the cute little girl.) There were some loose ends that didn't get tied up (i.e. what happened to Parker's mom). But I felt as though it gave great insight as to what legal defenders do, I had no idea. Overall, good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2025
I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to read this book before being published, and I have to say, I truly loved this book! My big hang-up with LDS fiction is that it all follows the same formula, but this one is not the same. Yes, there is some romance, but the main focus of the book is the title character and her father's desire to save her from the drug culture her mother has her in.
I put a full review on my blogspot, tcharmy.blogspot.com, and apparently it's linked to one of Rachel Ann Nunes' contests (by leaving a comment you're entered to win a copy of the book, if I am understanding it right).
I put a full review on my blogspot, tcharmy.blogspot.com, and apparently it's linked to one of Rachel Ann Nunes' contests (by leaving a comment you're entered to win a copy of the book, if I am understanding it right).
January 15, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. Easy reading. A sad reminder of how Meth can destroy a life in so many ways. The author was inspired by the story of a father, here in Salt Lake City, who kidnapped his baby from it's mother. The mother was a Meth user. The father and baby were found and the baby was returned back to the mother. The baby was dead in a week. The baby got a hold of some drugs out of plastic bag in the house.
February 27, 2010
I was told to read this book. I was surprised by this book, it was good. It was nice that Rachel Ann Nunes, put a lot of adversity in the book, and that the characters didn't have a cheesy feel to them. One thing that did slightly irritated me was that the same arguing doubt with Parker and Caitlin; will she/he love/have me? That went around in circles way too much for me. But everything else was good, I liked it.
March 12, 2010
I was torn on my feelings for this book. It's about a father who is desperate to remove is daughter from his ex-wife's care because of her drug use, so he kidnaps her.
I kept wondering if things would have turned out ok if he'd just called the police initially instead of kidnapping her. That wouldn't have been as much of a story, but both kids could have been ok and he wouldn't have had to break the law a few times.
I kept wondering if things would have turned out ok if he'd just called the police initially instead of kidnapping her. That wouldn't have been as much of a story, but both kids could have been ok and he wouldn't have had to break the law a few times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2010
As a hard nosed defense attorney, Caitlin McLoughlin meets the dregs of society on a daily basis, until Parker Hathaway, a father accused of kidnapping his own daughter to save her from a drug abusing mother and his ex. In order to defend Parker, Caitlin has to overcome her mistrust and try to keep Parker from running again. She must also confront her growing feelings for Parker, and her suspicions run deep.
November 25, 2010
This book is about a female lawyer, Caitlyn, who is tired of defending the bad guys and then letting them go free. Then along comes a man, Parker, who may actually be innocent. He had kidnapped his own daughter because he felt that was the only way to keep her safe from her druggie mom. It was really good. There was some romance, some drama and it was a great story. It's sad to know that this story was based on a true story, though in real life it wasn't a happy ending.
February 15, 2011
This book is freakin' awesome I loved it is really great if you are into romance like stuff. It's bout this little girl who gets kiddnapped by her father because he doesn't think that the mother is taking very good care of her. He gets caught and arrested and his lawyer is really used to getting clients that are guilty so she doesn't think thatbhe will be any better. So eventuallynthey fall in lobe and it is really just an awesome book I really like all of Rachel ann nunes' books.
November 26, 2013
This book was a quick read and had an interesting plot. The only flaw was that Parker seemed to smart to do so many dumb things. Although, calling the police in the first place and getting custody of Madeline would have made for a pretty boring story. I did like the way the author introduced the three different love interests, and of course I was cheering for the construction worker the whole time.
October 17, 2010
Rachel Nunes is my favorite LDS author. I like how she writes books with LDS values but it's not preachy. This was a very well-written, interesting story that addresses a father gaining custody, caring for an adult special-needs sister, child neglect due to drug use by parents and, of course, romance. Enjoyable read-
October 19, 2009
I love the risks Rachel Ann Nunes takes with her characters. There was a spot in the story was I was expepcting for the story to get wrapped up all nice and tidy, but she thru a huge twist to the story. That's one of the things I love about Rachel Ann Nunes books. They have depth and don't take the easy way out of situations.
October 20, 2009
I really enjoyed this story about a father who removed his daughter from an unsafe environment illegally to protect her. Obviously, the story came to a satisfactory conclusion while prompting an awareness of the ramifications arising from unfit parents who have custody of their children, and also parents who "steal" their children . . . with romance thrown in for good measure.
February 12, 2010
I liked this book. There was a lot of intrigue and frustration when the characters did something I thought was stupid. I did think that they got off pretty easy. In the real world, I think there would have been different consequences for their actions. However, in spite of that, I liked the book.
February 19, 2010
This book is about a father who is trying to save his daughter, although by unconvential and illegal means. It's also about his relationship with his lawyer and what's appropriate and what's not. I would have rated it higher, but I just didn't like the message sent that it's okay to do whatever you want even if it's not right, legal, moral, etc.
April 11, 2010
I bought this book to read at my 3 hour glucose test and I had to know how it ended so I stayed up till midnight last night reading until I finished. I really enjoyed the book. It was an easy read and I really liked the story line. What is great about this book is that it has many possible endings so you have to keep reading to find out what truly happens.
May 13, 2010
This book really causes you to think about our justice system and if it helps innocent children/people or not. I couldn't really get made at either the lawyer or the Dad because they were always acting in the best interest of the child. I probably would have done the same thing. This one is a good read.
December 4, 2009
This was an interesting look at kidnapping from the perspective of the father/kidnapper. The story was engaging and entertaining, but the love story got a little too rediculous for me at some points. That said, it was still worth reading.
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