Customer Reviews

FATHER TO BE

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Marilyn Pappano has a way of making each story she writes hurt tugging, riveting, and absorbing. Although I found the romance between Kelsey and JD taking a backseat in favor of the relationship between JD and Caleb, I still had a hard time putting this book down. JD is an intense hero hunted by his unlucky past. At some point, I found the animosity between him and Caleb irritating. The last chapter is similarly patterned after the last chapter of "Season for Miracles." Nevertheless, it is touching and endearing. I got cornered by a lot of tear-jerking moments but my heart cried a bit though for the sad plight of the children s lost father. It is marvelous to take a glimpse of Ross and Maggie again. Of course, it is a pleasure to meet again the other characters portrayed in both previous books. And again, Holly is a sweet revelation. She is witty and funny as usual, an off-beat character I would love to read more about. Im glad to know that MPs next story will be about her. Its really high time for this character to have her own story unfold. I will be waiting for it to hit the stands soon.

If you like having your heart broken just a little over characters in a book and then watching them overcome everything life has thrown them and triumph (which I adore) this is a book for you. JD is gorgeous and admired by all in his little town and tormented deep inside. But he's a survivor. So's the heartbreaking 12-year-old Caleb, determined to take care of his siblings. It has one of the most satisfying endings I've read in a long time.

Instant fatherhood might be a better title for this book - as J.D. becomes the overnight foster father for four abandoned children. This story is the heart of the book -- as J.D. has progresses in his relationships with the children in fits and starts. Sometimes the fits were a bit much -- particularly in the case of Caleb who went from a simpathetic to simply annoying character (but then again, he's an adolescent and it is probably true to life.)

The romance with Kelsey takes a back seat in this book. It also didn't ring quite true for me.

Bottom line -- this book is a good read for the fans of "small towns can heal whatever is ailing you" plot lines. I enjoyed it enough that I'll probably track down the two previous books in the Bethlehem series(as soon as I figure out the titles).

The story is sweet and well written. I do not usually recommend books, but this one is definitely above average.

This book is depressing and boring. It centers on the relationship between J.D. and the children, and the romance takes a back seat. Also, the great angst that the hero is hiding turns out to be stupid.

In Bethlehem, New York, Caleb Brown, a twelve-year old child, is caught shoplifting cans of vegetables in a local grocery store. Apparently, his parents abandoned Caleb and his three younger siblings. Initially, psychiatrist J.D. Grayson refuses to be a foster parent to the four Browns, but to his own shock J.D. agrees .

J.D. quickly analyzes the situation and knows he is failing with the kids. Social worker Kelsey Malone investigates the arrangement to see how it is working. Soon J.D. finds himself falling in love with the totally business oriented Kelsey and his four obstinate wards. However, love is the one feeling he does not trust as he knows the full cost of that volatile emotion.

Marilyn Pappano is highly regarded for her warm relationship romances. Her latest tale FATHER TO BE is a delightful tale that will enhance the author,s reputation. The story line centers on the interrelationships between the characters. The lead protagonists and the four children are fully developed so that their actions and reactions feel genuine. Fans of contemporary romances with a miraculous twist will relish Ms. Pappano,s wonderful story.

Harriet Klausner