14 April 2012

An Unexpected Blessing

MERRILLEE WHREN

Dori Morales has been caring for her infant nephew, Jacob, since her sister and her husband were killed in a tragic accident. Dori was very close to her sister, and Tyler had been loved by everyone in her family.

Tyler had been estranged from his father and his half brother for many years. Unbeknownst to Dori, he had recently contacted his brother in an attempt at reconciliation, and had named Chase as the executor of his will. Chase wants to be involved in Jacob's life, and while Dori resents his suddenly being around when he didn't even come to Tyler and Marisa's funeral, she is forced to work with him as he begins going through the estate papers and financial records. In the meantime, Tyler's father, Warren Chase, who disapproved of his son's marriage to Marisa, wants custody of his grandson and threatens to challenge Dori's plan to adopt the child.

Dori is a likeable character, a young woman suddenly thrust into the role of full time single mother. She is still grieving for Marisa and Tyler. She is living in their home with Jacob, but she never goes into the master bedroom and doesn't want to get rid of any of their personal belongings.

Chase is also grieving for his brother and the years they lost with each other. As the illegitimate son of Warren, who never even gave Chase his last name, he's spent most of his life trying to gain his father's love and approval. He never wanted to be estranged from Tyler, but when Tyler insisted he choose between him or their father, Chase resented his brother for forcing that decision on him, and chose his father. He has no desire to take Jacob away from Dori, he just wants to be allowed to be a part of his nephew's life. And when Warren announces his plan to fight for custody, Chase realizes a marriage to Dori and joining her in her adoption plan would be the best route to take for Jacob. Once the adoption is finalized, the marriage can be annulled, but he can still be Jacob's father.

The overall theme of this Love Inspired romance is forgiveness and letting go of the past. It's a struggle that Dori, Chase, and even Warren must all deal with. I'd never heard of this author before, and while I didn't love this enough to seek out her other books, it was a solid, enjoyable story, with a few tear inducing scenes.

(I purchased this book at a library book sale.)

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