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When You Least Expect It
From the celebrated author of Good Luck and Mommy Tracked, a funny and touching novel about the call to motherhood, the complexities of adoption, and the promise and peril of parenthood
India and Jeremy Halloway are happily married, have creative careers, and live in a remodeled bohemian cottage in a historic West Palm Beach neighborhood. The only thing missing from their charmed life is the baby they both desperately want. After two years of failed fertility treatments, they are cash-strapped and no closer to parenthood. That’s when they decide it’s time to look into adoption.
Lainey Walker’s unexpected pregnancy threatens to derail her dream of moving to Los Angeles and becoming a reality-TV star. She also finds herself homeless and alone when her unsupportive gym-rat boyfriend kicks her out of their apartment.
When the Halloways and Lainey are matched up through an adoption agency, India proposes an unorthodox solution that just might solve all their problems. But as these three are about to discover, a baby changes everything.
India and Jeremy Halloway are happily married, have creative careers, and live in a remodeled bohemian cottage in a historic West Palm Beach neighborhood. The only thing missing from their charmed life is the baby they both desperately want. After two years of failed fertility treatments, they are cash-strapped and no closer to parenthood. That’s when they decide it’s time to look into adoption.
Lainey Walker’s unexpected pregnancy threatens to derail her dream of moving to Los Angeles and becoming a reality-TV star. She also finds herself homeless and alone when her unsupportive gym-rat boyfriend kicks her out of their apartment.
When the Halloways and Lainey are matched up through an adoption agency, India proposes an unorthodox solution that just might solve all their problems. But as these three are about to discover, a baby changes everything.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
4 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Whitney Gaskell
13 books185 followersGrowing up, Whitney Gaskell always wanted to become a writer. Then for some unknown reason, she went to law school. TABLE FOR SEVEN is Whitney's eighth book. She also writes the Young Adult GEEK HIGH series under the name Piper Banks.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 1, 2015
I have had this book on my "to read" shelf for five years. I know, that's a ridiculously long time to have a book on the shelf waiting to be read.
The thing is that the cover is just not eye catching. When you hear "Don't judge a book by its cover" you think please, if the author approves a cover like that the book can't be good. Well, this book is one that the cover does not define the story. Whitney Gaskell is not a well known author. I stumbled across her while I was filing other books n my store years ago. Since then I have read her first seven books and have loved them all.
When You Least Expect It is a story about a couple who wants a child so bad they have spent everything they have to try to get pregnant. After every attempt has failed they meet a young girl who finds herself pregnant and not wanting to keep the baby. They all three form a relationship and set up all the legal guidelines foe adoption. Once the baby is born a whole series of events take place that will keep you guessing.
The thing is that the cover is just not eye catching. When you hear "Don't judge a book by its cover" you think please, if the author approves a cover like that the book can't be good. Well, this book is one that the cover does not define the story. Whitney Gaskell is not a well known author. I stumbled across her while I was filing other books n my store years ago. Since then I have read her first seven books and have loved them all.
When You Least Expect It is a story about a couple who wants a child so bad they have spent everything they have to try to get pregnant. After every attempt has failed they meet a young girl who finds herself pregnant and not wanting to keep the baby. They all three form a relationship and set up all the legal guidelines foe adoption. Once the baby is born a whole series of events take place that will keep you guessing.
September 13, 2010
Young professionals India and Jeremy are struggling with infertility. After several IVF and other infertility treatments, they have finally given up their hopes of having their own natural-born child. They begin to consider adoption as a viable alternative.
Enter Lainey, a shallow, selfish, and damaged 20-year-old who is the daughter of an alcoholic mom and runaway father. She gets pregnant by her dumb jock boyfriend and decides to give her baby up for adoption so she can land a fortune to fund her trip to Los Angeles (to star in a reality show).
Being a generous, magnanimous soul, India invites Lainey to move into their guest house because Lainey doesn't have a place to live. (Her boyfriend has kicked her out.) This awkward, unconventional arrangement inevitably has its hiccups, but India and Lainey form a tenuous friendship of sorts.
My favorite scene was when Jeremy's clueless, insensitive brother and his wife--who are pregnant--come for dinner. Stacey (and Jeremy's mother) represent all the completely self-obsessed pregnant women I have ever known. She not only blathers on about being pregnant, but she also constantly pokes digs at the fact that India could not possibly understand what it is to be pregnant and makes insensitive comments such as "I wish I could pay someone else to be pregnant for me." And it gave me great satisfaction when they got their comeuppance!
Gaskell sensitively portrayed the desperation of infertility and the hopelessness of being young, single, and pregnant, combined with the great difficulty of giving up a child for adoption. She treats each of her characters with great respect and gives them depth and character. I enjoyed this book.
Enter Lainey, a shallow, selfish, and damaged 20-year-old who is the daughter of an alcoholic mom and runaway father. She gets pregnant by her dumb jock boyfriend and decides to give her baby up for adoption so she can land a fortune to fund her trip to Los Angeles (to star in a reality show).
Being a generous, magnanimous soul, India invites Lainey to move into their guest house because Lainey doesn't have a place to live. (Her boyfriend has kicked her out.) This awkward, unconventional arrangement inevitably has its hiccups, but India and Lainey form a tenuous friendship of sorts.
My favorite scene was when Jeremy's clueless, insensitive brother and his wife--who are pregnant--come for dinner. Stacey (and Jeremy's mother) represent all the completely self-obsessed pregnant women I have ever known. She not only blathers on about being pregnant, but she also constantly pokes digs at the fact that India could not possibly understand what it is to be pregnant and makes insensitive comments such as "I wish I could pay someone else to be pregnant for me." And it gave me great satisfaction when they got their comeuppance!
Gaskell sensitively portrayed the desperation of infertility and the hopelessness of being young, single, and pregnant, combined with the great difficulty of giving up a child for adoption. She treats each of her characters with great respect and gives them depth and character. I enjoyed this book.
June 13, 2018
This book was AMAZING! It has plot twists and a bit of sadness. This is one of my favorite books and I highly recommend it.
September 5, 2018
Not my favourite book by this author. It was well-written but the plot was so predictable that I actually skipped the middle section of the book.
January 25, 2021
DNF. This book was just boring, boring, couple lets a stranger live in their house, boring, and didn't bother reading. Would not recommend it.
January 26, 2015
I picked this book up on a whim from a Quick Picks display at my library (meaning you can only take it out for 7 days.) That was ok because I was looking for a quick, light read.
When You Least Expect It is about an infertile couple who want very much to be parents but are having a great deal of trouble conceiving despite all of today’s medical and technological assistance. The wannabe mother India and her husband Jeremy decide it’s time to explore adoption options instead. They are matched up with a young woman named Lainey who is pretty early on in her pregnancy. Everyone meets and thinks it’s a good fit so Lainey agrees to give up baby for adoption. The three of them began sharing the journey of bringing the baby full-term.
I quite liked the locale of the story set in a remodelled cottage in West Palm Beach. The descriptions of the weather, beaches life casual lifestyle quite appealed to me and I thought it added an extra dimension and pleasant touch to the book.
I was not a big fan of Lainey. Yes she’d had a lot of difficulty in her life and I thought the author did a good job of developing her character. At times she seemed young, vulnerable and likeable and my heart went out to her. Most times however she seemed selfish and very much taking advantage of the situation. I’m not sure what India and Jeremy were thinking when they asked Lainey to come to live with them or when India kept buying clothes and other items for Lainey. I did get the sense much of it was due to India’s wanting a baby so much and wanting the baby to be born as healthy and happy as possible. Lainey’s boyfriend was portrayed as someone easy to dislike. Thrown into the mix were some marital issues that India and Jeremy were sorting out. My sense was that India is sometimes too kind and accepting and not willing to stand up for herself. Overall, Whitney Gaskell created and described a good ensemble cast of characters facing the joys and problems of every day living.
It turns out that the closer to term the baby became, not surprisingly, the more anxious and invested everyone became. The story certainly opens up one’s eyes to surrogacy - the pitfalls and the right and wrong ways to do things. Similarly, I felt the angst and longing of couples who want children but aren’t able to conceive one of their own and got a sense of the pressure this could put on a relationship.
This book was a quick and easy read which was just what I was looking for when I picked it up. I can’t say that it was a fun read but it did engage me. I learned a bit about infertility and surrogacy and the author achieved getting me to connect and empathize with the characters. When You Least Expect It is not a deep or sophisticated read and definitely falls into the genre of Chick Lit. It’s 3 stars for an average Chick Lit book.
When You Least Expect It is about an infertile couple who want very much to be parents but are having a great deal of trouble conceiving despite all of today’s medical and technological assistance. The wannabe mother India and her husband Jeremy decide it’s time to explore adoption options instead. They are matched up with a young woman named Lainey who is pretty early on in her pregnancy. Everyone meets and thinks it’s a good fit so Lainey agrees to give up baby for adoption. The three of them began sharing the journey of bringing the baby full-term.
I quite liked the locale of the story set in a remodelled cottage in West Palm Beach. The descriptions of the weather, beaches life casual lifestyle quite appealed to me and I thought it added an extra dimension and pleasant touch to the book.
I was not a big fan of Lainey. Yes she’d had a lot of difficulty in her life and I thought the author did a good job of developing her character. At times she seemed young, vulnerable and likeable and my heart went out to her. Most times however she seemed selfish and very much taking advantage of the situation. I’m not sure what India and Jeremy were thinking when they asked Lainey to come to live with them or when India kept buying clothes and other items for Lainey. I did get the sense much of it was due to India’s wanting a baby so much and wanting the baby to be born as healthy and happy as possible. Lainey’s boyfriend was portrayed as someone easy to dislike. Thrown into the mix were some marital issues that India and Jeremy were sorting out. My sense was that India is sometimes too kind and accepting and not willing to stand up for herself. Overall, Whitney Gaskell created and described a good ensemble cast of characters facing the joys and problems of every day living.
It turns out that the closer to term the baby became, not surprisingly, the more anxious and invested everyone became. The story certainly opens up one’s eyes to surrogacy - the pitfalls and the right and wrong ways to do things. Similarly, I felt the angst and longing of couples who want children but aren’t able to conceive one of their own and got a sense of the pressure this could put on a relationship.
This book was a quick and easy read which was just what I was looking for when I picked it up. I can’t say that it was a fun read but it did engage me. I learned a bit about infertility and surrogacy and the author achieved getting me to connect and empathize with the characters. When You Least Expect It is not a deep or sophisticated read and definitely falls into the genre of Chick Lit. It’s 3 stars for an average Chick Lit book.
October 9, 2010
WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT started out lukewarm and never really heated up. The premise, an infertile couple finds a down-on-her-luck pregnant woman and takes her in with the intention of adopting her baby, is one that should provide a treasure trove of issues to deal with. Instead, however, the conflict presented here was easily resolved.
What detracted most from the story, for me, was the cast of characters. From India to Jeremy to Lainey to Jeremy’s brother and sister-in-law, I found them all one-dimensional and unbelievable. I couldn’t understand why Lainey would be so willing to give her baby up for adoption, though I realize it’s a choice women make daily. I don’t judge her for her choice—I just didn’t understand why she made that choice. I also found Jeremy’s brother and sister-in-law to be beyond annoying, though I suspect they were deliberately crafted that way. I never warmed up to any of the characters, and as a result, I didn’t really care about the outcome.
Had this been written by a lesser author, I might have been willing to give the story more of a pass, but Gaskell’s previous books have all been homeruns, while I feel like this one was just phoned in. WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT was a real disappointment and much less than I have come to expect from Whitney Gaskell.
Originally posted on romancereaderatheart.com
What detracted most from the story, for me, was the cast of characters. From India to Jeremy to Lainey to Jeremy’s brother and sister-in-law, I found them all one-dimensional and unbelievable. I couldn’t understand why Lainey would be so willing to give her baby up for adoption, though I realize it’s a choice women make daily. I don’t judge her for her choice—I just didn’t understand why she made that choice. I also found Jeremy’s brother and sister-in-law to be beyond annoying, though I suspect they were deliberately crafted that way. I never warmed up to any of the characters, and as a result, I didn’t really care about the outcome.
Had this been written by a lesser author, I might have been willing to give the story more of a pass, but Gaskell’s previous books have all been homeruns, while I feel like this one was just phoned in. WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT was a real disappointment and much less than I have come to expect from Whitney Gaskell.
Originally posted on romancereaderatheart.com
November 8, 2017
I have had this book on my "to read" shelf for five years. I know, that's a ridiculously long time to have a book on the shelf waiting to be read.
The thing is that the cover is just not eye catching. When you hear "Don't judge a book by its cover" you think please, if the author approves a cover like that the book can't be good. Well, this book is one that the cover does not define the story. Whitney Gaskell is not a well known author. I stumbled across her while I was filing other books n my store years ago. Since then I have read her first seven books and have loved them all.
When You Least Expect It is a story about a couple who wants a child so bad they have spent everything they have to try to get pregnant. After every attempt has failed they meet a young girl who finds herself pregnant and not wanting to keep the baby. They all three form a relationship and set up all the legal guidelines foe adoption. Once the baby is born a whole series of events take place that will keep you guessing.
The thing is that the cover is just not eye catching. When you hear "Don't judge a book by its cover" you think please, if the author approves a cover like that the book can't be good. Well, this book is one that the cover does not define the story. Whitney Gaskell is not a well known author. I stumbled across her while I was filing other books n my store years ago. Since then I have read her first seven books and have loved them all.
When You Least Expect It is a story about a couple who wants a child so bad they have spent everything they have to try to get pregnant. After every attempt has failed they meet a young girl who finds herself pregnant and not wanting to keep the baby. They all three form a relationship and set up all the legal guidelines foe adoption. Once the baby is born a whole series of events take place that will keep you guessing.
November 2, 2010
From the outside looking in, India and Jeremy appear to have it all. Jeremy gave up the corporate world to pursue his dream of becoming a science fiction writer. India is self-employed as a photographer. They have a good, solid marriage and are completely head-over-heels in love with each other. The one thing…one person that would make their lives complete is a baby.
Lainey is headed to L.A. She has big dreams of becoming a reality TV star. Her plans are set in motion and money has been saved. There’s just one problem: she’s pregnant. This is SO not part of her plan. Especially because Trav is the father. He certainly isn’t “daddy material”. To Lainey, her pregnancy is just a minor setback. She can give up the baby for adoption and still pursue her dream of moving to L.A.
When Lainey meets Jeremy and India, things immediately are awkward followed by complicated. As Lainey’s baby bump grows, her relationship with the couple takes an interesting turn.
Lainey is headed to L.A. She has big dreams of becoming a reality TV star. Her plans are set in motion and money has been saved. There’s just one problem: she’s pregnant. This is SO not part of her plan. Especially because Trav is the father. He certainly isn’t “daddy material”. To Lainey, her pregnancy is just a minor setback. She can give up the baby for adoption and still pursue her dream of moving to L.A.
When Lainey meets Jeremy and India, things immediately are awkward followed by complicated. As Lainey’s baby bump grows, her relationship with the couple takes an interesting turn.
August 27, 2010
Whitney Gaskell does it again! I could eat every one of her books up with a spoon. Engaging, endearing, funny, and fabulous...this book really delivered it all. I have yet to be disappointed by anything she's written.
Highly recommend checking out her blog, too. Sheer hilarity!
Highly recommend checking out her blog, too. Sheer hilarity!
September 9, 2010
http://charlotteswebofbooks.blogspot....
I really enjoyed When You Least Expect It. Infertility can be a very heavy subject matter, yet Whitney Gaskell wrote about it in a manner that was respectful, yet honest, in a way that is engrossing and absorbing for the reader. Well done, Ms Gaskell.
I really enjoyed When You Least Expect It. Infertility can be a very heavy subject matter, yet Whitney Gaskell wrote about it in a manner that was respectful, yet honest, in a way that is engrossing and absorbing for the reader. Well done, Ms Gaskell.
June 7, 2013
I didn't think I would like this book because I really didn't have an interest in a married couple and their experience with adoption and the birth mother, but I really enjoyed it. Gaskell's writing made the story relatable even though I shouldn't have been able to relate to any of the characters. It flowed naturally and quickly. I would definitely like to read more of her books.
October 3, 2010
Love, love, loved this book!
I loved the characters, they are so real. It's not your typical, light chick lit. Bit of a more serious storyline and I loved it. I loved that I really wasn't able to tell how the end of the story was going to play out.
I loved the characters, they are so real. It's not your typical, light chick lit. Bit of a more serious storyline and I loved it. I loved that I really wasn't able to tell how the end of the story was going to play out.
September 29, 2010
Great book, easy read. I've got to say I was a bit surprised here. I always like Whitney Gaskell's books and this one was no different - EXCEPT - I really thought it was going to be predictable from the minute I opened the book - I was wrong.
Great job! I totally recommend!
Great job! I totally recommend!
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November 5, 2010What can I say about this book? I laughed, I cried and thoroughly enjoyed it. Told from the viewpoints of India and Jeremy (married couple who've decided to adopt) and Lainey (single pregnant woman) and the various gifts they give each other while having a baby.
March 31, 2011
I truly enjoyed this book. It struck me in a very personal way, and I wish I could write more about it, but I will just say that I absolutely loved it. It took me 4 hours to read and read it in one sitting, and will certainly read it again.
December 16, 2011
This book follows alternating points of view of a husband and a wife going through difficulty starting a family and a young pregnant girl. I enjoyed it very much. I always like this author, but it was especially compelling as my friends just yesterday adopted a baby girl.
March 25, 2013
I'm a long time fan of Whitney Gaskell and was excited to see this new book come out. I love how it shows both sides of adoption (both the biological and adopting mother) and how they interact with each other. I thought it was well-written and and had well formed characters.
October 19, 2010
fun, easy, fast read about couple looking to adopt
October 18, 2011
I felt like the book never really got going and the characters didn't develop as they much as they should have.
January 16, 2012
I would give this three and a half stars. I liked the subject and characters but it was predictable. I enjoyed it
October 21, 2012
Tear jerker for moms. Good story. Well written. I really like this author.
November 2, 2012
Quick easy read. I enjoyed it!
May 2, 2013
Great read.
September 16, 2013
Far fetched and unrealistic at times regarding how adoptions really work -- but it was a good read. I will look into other books that this author wrote.
January 18, 2018
Looking forward to reading more books from this author. The story takes place in Florida.
July 29, 2016
About not able to have babies and adopting, the birth mother deciding last minute not to.
July 22, 2010
Another great read from Whitney Gaskell. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews