Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 4/23/2019 + 2617 more book reviews

Good second chance story. Josh and Briana had married in a whirlwind of love and passion. But Josh's globetrotting lifestyle as a photographer didn't mesh well with Briana's deep-seated roots on her family's farm, and they divorced nearly as quickly. But one blessing came from their marriage - their daughter, Nealie. In spite of their divorce, Josh and Briana maintained close ties. When Nealie was diagnosed with a dangerous illness, her only chance of survival was a controversial treatment. The only thing Briana can do is reach Josh and ask him to come home and help her conceive the sibling needed to save Nealie's life.

I love that this is a story where the parents have maintained a good relationship, rather than the antagonistic one portrayed in so many other books. Both Josh and Briana refrain from badmouthing each other and support each other instead. Josh was shocked by Briana's request and the method by which it would happen. He had some serious reservations, but he would do anything to save Nealie's life. This also put Josh and Briana in each other's company for an extended time.

I liked Josh. Nealie means the world to him, and he didn't hesitate to drop everything and come when Briana called. He was a terrific dad, and it showed in the love that Nealie had for him. I think that Josh matured a lot from when he and Briana first married, but it was still difficult to deal with her family's attitude toward him. He had a few less than stellar moments, but most of the time it was understandable. I had a harder time with Briana. She is a good mother to Nealie, and pure mama bear when it came to doing whatever necessary to save her. But her inability to see her father for the controlling and selfish SOB that he was drove me nuts. She did redeem herself by the end, thank goodness.

I liked the rekindling of the relationship between Josh and Briana. It was evident from the start that they still had feelings for each other. Unfortunately, they also still had the same challenges that tore them apart. They are also older and more mature, and possibly better equipped to handle those challenges. Once Josh committed to helping Briana, he was all in. I liked his support of Briana as they went through all the necessary medical procedures. The time spent together increased the sparks between them and gave a boost to the feelings that had never died. I loved seeing them grow closer, but that same closeness also created problems. Briana's father did everything he could to keep them apart and was aided and abetted by the aunt of a rival for Briana's love. I ached for Josh, who couldn't seem to catch a break. Fortunately, Briana finally began to see her father for what he was and grew enough backbone to stand up to him. I ached for Briana too, because she was afraid to risk her heart again. She knew the kinds of danger Josh faced and was terrified of loving and losing him. I liked Josh's persistence and patience in getting past her walls. But it took a photography assignment gone bad to open both their eyes to the mistakes of the past and the hopes of the future. I really liked the ending.

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