Not only A Father is a fantastic Charity anthology, with proceeds going to the Freedom K9 Project. The anthology contains nine short stories from nine talented authors. Each author brings their own style and adds their own flavour to the collection, making for interesting reading. The authors may all be different, but their styles and stories do complement one another, too. All the authors have used the same inspiration as the basis for their stories- which is ‘Fatherhood’: exploring all the different facets that make a father, and the different journeys toward fatherhood- whether it be single fathers, or stepfathers, or unexpected fatherhood, or taking on a fatherly role- we get to follow along as these wonderful stories unfold.
Room For Two More By: J.M Goodrich
Joe found himself a single father when his wife left soon after their daughter was born. It’s been just the two of them for many years now- and Katie is his whole world, he’s a very protective papa bear. He doesn’t have time for a relationship, let alone the possibility having his or Katie’s heart broken. But if he’s honest, he is a little lonely. What happens when a play-date introduces him to Angie- her daughter Gabby is Katie’s best friend. Will he open himself up to the possibility of love, or will he choose to remain closed-off? Does his heart have room for two more?
A sweet story, but I felt it could have used just a little more detail and description to really take it to the next level. It felt a little flat in places. I look forward to seeing what J.M Goodrich does next.
Ace, Queen, Joker By: Harmony Joy
When a troubled boy makes trouble for a property developer- will he see the boy is acting out in pain, or will he let the law take care of the matter. What about the boy’s beautiful mother? A fairly jaded property developer who has given up on the thought of happily-ever-after may have this belief tested.
This story was a little let down by punctuation and editing issues. I found it a little confusing in parts as dialogue and different characters points of view are all strung together. An interesting plot idea- but it fell a little short for me. I will explore other stories by Harmony Joy, to see what else she can do.
My Hot Interlude By: Tiffany Clark Kemp
This is a great little paranormal story with secrets, angst, changes, adjustment, romance, and self-discovery. Ms Clark Kemp is a new to me author, so I enjoyed exploring her work and getting a taste of what she can do.
Sai and his son Zen have been on their own since Zen’s mother left after discovering Sai’s secrets. They play thing close to their chests. But Ophelia enters the picture and suddenly Sai feels he may have found the ‘one’. But he has his secrets, and Zen’s erratic mood swings begin to cause tension. Ophelia can feel he’s keeping things from her and that wears on their relationship. Will his secrets come out? What will he choose to do? Is there a future for the 3 of them to be a family?
An original concept, and it read well- but I felt it ended rather abruptly. Is there more to come in the future?
Paternal Instinct By: C.M Lehsten
Carl Breese is a farmer and single father to five year old C.J. Things haven’t been easy, but they are finally reached a comfortable place between home, fatherhood and farm life. But their life is about to get interesting, in more ways than one, when a beautiful woman moves into the farm across the road. As they get to know one another, friendship is formed, and feelings develop. But Carl doesn’t want to risk being burned by love again.
Emily Charles inherited the farm from her beloved Aunt. It’s the perfect place to escape her violent relationship. But her past soon follows bringing danger to her and her unborn daughter. Will she be able to count on Carl to save the day? Will they both finally admit their feelings? Will they take a chance on love? Is this the start of something bigger?
Another great little story from Ms. Lehsten. I can always count on her to tug on my heartstrings and give me a story that captivates my attention. One of my favourites in the collection!
After the Rain By: E.S McMillan
Daryl Phillips lost the love of his life in a tragic situation, leaving him a heartbroken single father. He has no choice but to try and pick up the pieces- he has a daughter to take care of. What happens when hope enters their life? Will she bring some light into their life?
This is a great little story about finding the sunshine after the rain. It’s a second chances story, with a lovely supernatural touch. There is quite a bit of emotion in this touching story. I enjoyed this one a great deal.
Return to Cape Wysteria By: K. Ries
Cayden an his cute 5 year old daughter move back to his home town for a fresh start. He’s surprised to find his high school sweetheart is his new next door neighbour. Avery owns and runs the local dive and swim shop and definitely hasn’t forgotten the man who broke her heart all those years ago. But as they spend time together, an easy friendship forms. He begins to wonder what it would be like to rekindle what they once had. He can’t stop thinking about her. But will a misunderstanding cause an irreparable rift? Will a kiss change everything?
Yep, Ms. Ries has done it again- got me hook line and sinker!! OMG- such a great little story. Ariel was adorable- and Cupcake and Franklin were wonderful touches to the story. I can not wait to continue this story as soon as the next book releases! I am going to be all over it like white on rice!! 5 ‘give it to me now’ stars!
Daddy On Duty By: Kate Stacy
Drake and Hailee have been married for 5 years and have 3 wonderful children between them. Things haven’t been easy, especially lately- but the love is still strong. Drake decides to surprise his wife to a girls weekend away, while he stays home to look after the kids. Looking after 3 kids for a weekend is going to be a piece of cake- right? Hilarity and mayhem ensue making for a fun read.
I loved the funny banter, and the friendship between Drake, Jaxon and Holden. A quick, easy and fun read!
A Son’s Promise By: Judy Swinson
Jack was about to start his Freshman year of high school. He’d been looking forward to this day for a very long time. Life was about to get interesting, but little does he know that he would soon be tested, in more ways than one.
This is another emotional read from Ms. Swinson. A story of keeping promises, miracles, new beginnings, love, loss, choices, family, and more. This is a thought provoking story that tugged at my heart strings.
Because of Her By: Roux Wilder
Noah Freeman has his world turned upside down when a newborn baby girl enters his life. He finds himself on a very steep learning curve, and he’s doing his best to adjust to this unexpected situation. Floundering in the deep end of life, he’s thrown a lifeline by his best friend from high school. She’s happy to help ease the burden and he’s relieved to have some support. Will friendship turn to love?
A cute story that could have benefited from a little polishing. It was a little confusing at times as to who was speaking, as all the dialog ‘ran into each other without referencing who was speaking. I had to re-read some of the conversations to figure out who was saying what. This disrupted the flow and pulled me out of an otherwise great story.
A wonderful collection in aid of a very worthy cause!
Thank you to all the contributing authors!
“The Freedom K9 Project was founded by Lydia Wood to train service dogs to help survivors of trafficking and domestic violence overcome the struggles of PTSD. They provide freedom and a quality of life for women that have been subjected to the trauma of sexual slavery and domestic violence through service dogs that are trained to the highest caliber. The Freedom K9 Project works with the dogs and the survivor to create a team that helps them integrate into normal life, allowing them to heal. You can find out more here at http://www.freedomk9project.com.”
4 Stars
Not only A Father is a fantastic Charity anthology, with proceeds going to the Freedom K9 Project. The anthology contains nine short stories from nine talented authors. Each author brings their own style and adds their own flavour to the collection, making for interesting reading. The authors may all be different, but their styles and stories do complement one another, too. All the authors have used the same inspiration as the basis for their stories- which is ‘Fatherhood’: exploring all the different facets that make a father, and the different journeys toward fatherhood- whether it be single fathers, or stepfathers, or unexpected fatherhood, or taking on a fatherly role- we get to follow along as these wonderful stories unfold.
Room For Two More By: J.M Goodrich
Joe found himself a single father when his wife left soon after their daughter was born. It’s been just the two of them for many years now- and Katie is his whole world, he’s a very protective papa bear. He doesn’t have time for a relationship, let alone the possibility having his or Katie’s heart broken. But if he’s honest, he is a little lonely. What happens when a play-date introduces him to Angie- her daughter Gabby is Katie’s best friend. Will he open himself up to the possibility of love, or will he choose to remain closed-off? Does his heart have room for two more?
A sweet story, but I felt it could have used just a little more detail and description to really take it to the next level. It felt a little flat in places. I look forward to seeing what J.M Goodrich does next.
Ace, Queen, Joker By: Harmony Joy
When a troubled boy makes trouble for a property developer- will he see the boy is acting out in pain, or will he let the law take care of the matter. What about the boy’s beautiful mother? A fairly jaded property developer who has given up on the thought of happily-ever-after may have this belief tested.
This story was a little let down by punctuation and editing issues. I found it a little confusing in parts as dialogue and different characters points of view are all strung together. An interesting plot idea- but it fell a little short for me. I will explore other stories by Harmony Joy, to see what else she can do.
My Hot Interlude By: Tiffany Clark Kemp
This is a great little paranormal story with secrets, angst, changes, adjustment, romance, and self-discovery. Ms Clark Kemp is a new to me author, so I enjoyed exploring her work and getting a taste of what she can do.
Sai and his son Zen have been on their own since Zen’s mother left after discovering Sai’s secrets. They play thing close to their chests. But Ophelia enters the picture and suddenly Sai feels he may have found the ‘one’. But he has his secrets, and Zen’s erratic mood swings begin to cause tension. Ophelia can feel he’s keeping things from her and that wears on their relationship. Will his secrets come out? What will he choose to do? Is there a future for the 3 of them to be a family?
An original concept, and it read well- but I felt it ended rather abruptly. Is there more to come in the future?
Paternal Instinct By: C.M Lehsten
Carl Breese is a farmer and single father to five year old C.J. Things haven’t been easy, but they are finally reached a comfortable place between home, fatherhood and farm life. But their life is about to get interesting, in more ways than one, when a beautiful woman moves into the farm across the road. As they get to know one another, friendship is formed, and feelings develop. But Carl doesn’t want to risk being burned by love again.
Emily Charles inherited the farm from her beloved Aunt. It’s the perfect place to escape her violent relationship. But her past soon follows bringing danger to her and her unborn daughter. Will she be able to count on Carl to save the day? Will they both finally admit their feelings? Will they take a chance on love? Is this the start of something bigger?
Another great little story from Ms. Lehsten. I can always count on her to tug on my heartstrings and give me a story that captivates my attention. One of my favourites in the collection!
After the Rain By: E.S McMillan
Daryl Phillips lost the love of his life in a tragic situation, leaving him a heartbroken single father. He has no choice but to try and pick up the pieces- he has a daughter to take care of. What happens when hope enters their life? Will she bring some light into their life?
This is a great little story about finding the sunshine after the rain. It’s a second chances story, with a lovely supernatural touch. There is quite a bit of emotion in this touching story. I enjoyed this one a great deal.
Return to Cape Wysteria By: K. Ries
Cayden an his cute 5 year old daughter move back to his home town for a fresh start. He’s surprised to find his high school sweetheart is his new next door neighbour. Avery owns and runs the local dive and swim shop and definitely hasn’t forgotten the man who broke her heart all those years ago. But as they spend time together, an easy friendship forms. He begins to wonder what it would be like to rekindle what they once had. He can’t stop thinking about her. But will a misunderstanding cause an irreparable rift? Will a kiss change everything?
Yep, Ms. Ries has done it again- got me hook line and sinker!! OMG- such a great little story. Ariel was adorable- and Cupcake and Franklin were wonderful touches to the story. I can not wait to continue this story as soon as the next book releases! I am going to be all over it like white on rice!! 5 ‘give it to me now’ stars!
Daddy On Duty By: Kate Stacy
Drake and Hailee have been married for 5 years and have 3 wonderful children between them. Things haven’t been easy, especially lately- but the love is still strong. Drake decides to surprise his wife to a girls weekend away, while he stays home to look after the kids. Looking after 3 kids for a weekend is going to be a piece of cake- right? Hilarity and mayhem ensue making for a fun read.
I loved the funny banter, and the friendship between Drake, Jaxon and Holden. A quick, easy and fun read!
A Son’s Promise By: Judy Swinson
Jack was about to start his Freshman year of high school. He’d been looking forward to this day for a very long time. Life was about to get interesting, but little does he know that he would soon be tested, in more ways than one.
This is another emotional read from Ms. Swinson. A story of keeping promises, miracles, new beginnings, love, loss, choices, family, and more. This is a thought provoking story that tugged at my heart strings.
Because of Her By: Roux Wilder
Noah Freeman has his world turned upside down when a newborn baby girl enters his life. He finds himself on a very steep learning curve, and he’s doing his best to adjust to this unexpected situation. Floundering in the deep end of life, he’s thrown a lifeline by his best friend from high school. She’s happy to help ease the burden and he’s relieved to have some support. Will friendship turn to love?
A cute story that could have benefited from a little polishing. It was a little confusing at times as to who was speaking, as all the dialog ‘ran into each other without referencing who was speaking. I had to re-read some of the conversations to figure out who was saying what. This disrupted the flow and pulled me out of an otherwise great story.
A wonderful collection in aid of a very worthy cause!
Thank you to all the contributing authors!
“The Freedom K9 Project was founded by Lydia Wood to train service dogs to help survivors of trafficking and domestic violence overcome the struggles of PTSD. They provide freedom and a quality of life for women that have been subjected to the trauma of sexual slavery and domestic violence through service dogs that are trained to the highest caliber. The Freedom K9 Project works with the dogs and the survivor to create a team that helps them integrate into normal life, allowing them to heal. You can find out more here at http://www.freedomk9project.com.”