She was always his best friend’s girl… But then their whole lives changed Widow Cadence Grigg is slowly putting her life back together–and raising her infant son. By her side is her late husband’s best friend, Zach Cardenas, who can’t help his burgeoning feelings for Cadie and her baby boy. Though determined not to fall in love again, Cadie might find that Cupid has other plans for her … plans for her happily-ever-after…
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An emotional and angst-filled story of grief, love, and friendship. It is a tribute to new beginnings and second chances as the protagonist learn to trust again, to embrace life with all its chances and possibilities.
This story was not an easy, light read for me. It is a heartfelt journey to the depth of losing the foundation of your life in more ways than meets the eye. Cadence Grigg was a challenge for me to understand. I liked her, I wanted all the best for her, and for her adorable son. I understood that she had gone through severe trauma, and because of that, she was a true survivor and heroine on her merits alone. The secrets that she held in her heart, the troubled marriage that ended in a cruel and unexpected way, the single motherhood – she had had it tough, her soul was raw, her heart broken. What I didn’t understand about her was her inability to communicate. With pretty much everyone, but especially with her best friend, Zach.
Zach Cardenas, absolutely delightfully kind, considerate, generous soul, who would do anything for her and her son, was supposed to be her rock, her support, her best friend. Yet, with all these things building up and churning in her mind and soul, and the new attraction towards him budding in her heart, and she hides, turns away, and cuts him out instead of communicating and trying to find an adult way to reason and work with the issues, to grow together, even as just friends. But no, she creates all this – what for me – seemed like unnecessary drama. And then she does something that is a big no-no in my eyes and goes on a date with another man after confessing her attraction towards Zach. I think there was enough third-person drama with the husband who had passed and all the issues with him, to bring yet another person into the circle.
With the angst and growing pains, for me, this felt a good fit for the Young Adult genre. I think a lot of people who enjoy that variety of books, who do not normally read category romance novels, would love this one. The first book in the series, From Exes To Expecting greatly compliments this book, yet A Father for Her Child can easily to be read as a standalone story.
Deep felt emotions, struggling to accept what life is offering for her after all the sorrow it threw at her way, trying to find her independence, and accepting help to balance her life in the midst of well-meaning family and friends, Cadence Grigg is in the fight for her life and future happiness in a raw, real, and engaging tale.
~ Four Spoons
3.75 stars
“A Father for Her Child” by Laurel Greer is part of the ‘Sutter Creek, Montana’ series and features widowed Cadence (Cadie) Grigg, her young son Ben, and her late husband’s best friend, Zach Cardenas. The adults are tied together by friendship, their love of Ben, and their mutual unacknowledged attraction. Mired in the past, they have to get past their emotional burdens and deal with Zach’s injuries before they can figure out their future together.
This contemporary romance connects with the book “From Exes to Expecting” and it was lovely to revisit the folks who were spotlighted in that book and get a glimpse of how their lives are going. The main couple in this story are tied together by tragedy and by their feelings of guilt but they are also connected by their years of friendship and their devotion to the young toddler, Ben. I love the emotionalism that is beautifully portrayed even as the reasons each is consumed by guilt are gradually revealed. The devotion Zach has for Cadence and Ben is heartwarming and the angst caused by the ethical concerns that arise when the relationship starts evolving is understandable although frustrating. A surprise revelation that occurs while they’re viewing outtakes was a bit awkward for me as I didn’t understand why that would have been recorded, let alone aired for the grieving widow, but I understand that it was needed for the story to progress.
I think this is a touching story about second chances and the importance of forgiveness, both of oneself and of others. There is a great combination of family time and growing passion and I thought the relationship evolution was believable. I enjoyed seeing the tenderness and affection that is displayed both between the central characters and the extended family and I finished with a warm fuzzy feeling and a sense of satisfaction. What else could a romantic ask for?
a Swoony Ski Romance with a Dash of Steam
While I don’t read much Harlequin, I find a good mountain town ski romance pretty irresistible (go figure). And I always enjoy Laurel Greer’s books. The second in her Sutter Creek, Montana series, this is a swoony friends-to-lovers story with a dash of steam.
Zach, an injured ski-patroller, is a man who’s easy to fall in love with (trust me, I did). He’s genuine and caring, with a solid moral compass, and he loves kids. Cadie, a physical therapist and single mom, is working to prove her strength and independence after losing her husband — who happened to be Zach’s best friend — in an avalanche the previous year.
When that means convincing Zach to become her client, sparks fly. I was definitely rooting for them to make it work by mid-book, but the figurative ghost of her deceased husband gets in the way.
If you’re looking for a page-turning romantic read look no further. You’ll glide right through to the end. It’s available in print now, and for preorder on Kindle. Grab your copy here.
If you enjoy it, be sure to check out Ms. Greer’s first book in the series, From Exes to Expecting.