From acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe comes the captivating and heartfelt tale of a couple who has everything—except the dream they long for most. But this Christmas, a reunion with someone from the past could gift them a once-in-a-lifetime last chance . . . Successful, secure, and still very much in love, middle-aged couple Eugene and Rosemary Johnson have never given up … much in love, middle-aged couple Eugene and Rosemary Johnson have never given up on one special wish—to be parents. And while Christmas always brings happiness and a whirlwind of holiday fun, their hopes for children of their own seem further away than ever. Especially this year, when Rosemary must have emergency surgery and home help to recuperate. Wanting to lift his wife’s spirits, Eugene suddenly has an inspiration from back in the
day . . .
Faithful and sensible, Ethel Perkins raised Eugene and his brother. Unforeseen tragedy has left the sixty-something widow struggling with little money and two jobs to keep her great-grandchildren off the streets. She’s glad to help Rosemary back on her feet. But she can only stay until Rosemary is well enough to resume her normal routine. For Ethel, survival means keeping to her grueling schedule, being there for everyone but herself, and, as always, handling her troubles all on her own . . .
As Ethel’s problems go from bad to much worse, Rosemary and Eugene find themselves helping her more and more—and growing close to her lively youngsters. Soon, there’s only one way both families can salvage the season: by celebrating it together. But will their temporary family work into the
future . . . and possibly make a lifetime of happiness?
more
Romans 8:28!
What a heartwarming, encouraging and uplifting story. The author captivates my mind with anything that she writes. The story ends my Christmas season reading on a positive note. The family came together and completely helped each other.
From “Remembrance’ to ” Family of Lies” and everything in between, the author is one of my all-time favorites.
The Gift of Family was like stepping into the lives of people I know well, a comfortable, believable story that caught my attention early on and quickly captured my heart as the story of good, relatable people came to life. (I don’t get mushy often during reviews, but I really enjoyed how this family and extended family were portrayed and slowly but surely came together as a whole unit.)
Now, I’m not going to say that everything within The Gift of Family is roses and sunshine – it’s not. There are the sadness and pain of being childless when desperately wanting children and having to move on from that pain. There are unexpected medical issues that have to be dealt with even when life says you cannot take the time for them… but must. There are also people devoted to everyone but oneself and burning the candle at both ends to make ends meet and keep a family together.
I’m a caregiver to a much-loved member of my own family. I’ve been the one needing care when I fought against it tooth and nail although eventually, I had to admit that I’m not always capable or able to “do everything” myself. So, yeah, I “got” the situations portrayed in this story – and the pain, confusion, self-doubt, and eventual joy that also is apparent as an extended, perhaps even new family is formed. And that is what you’ll find within the pages of The Gift of Family. Certainly not perfect – but right for each other, and isn’t that what we all want in our lives?
Mary Monroe is a new-to-me author, and I will definitely be looking for more of her work. If you love a story that touches your heart, gives you a few giggles and tears along the way, shows you how love works miracles even in the strangest of situations – then this is a book you’ll want this Christmas season, think of it as a gift to yourself, you deserve it.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Kensington Books via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
This was a very simple, yet good book. Rosemary is a 40ish wife and business owner who is yearning for children. When a life-threatening surgery looms she has to come to grips with the thought that she will never have children of her own. She and her husband are very blessed financially so they consider adoption. Meanwhile, God has other plans for them. As Rosemary recuperates from her surgery, other possibilities open up that may change their lives completely. A very heartwarming story that shows that you never know where those silver linings may come from.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.
Loved reading this one. A warm hearted read with a serious storyline. Rosemary and Eugene truly love each other and have a wonderful life together except they never had any children like they wanted. While enlisting help to care for his wife after surgery from the lady that raised him and his brother they find themselves in the position to help her and also to live out their dream of children at least for the holiday season . Made me cry in parts as you felt the emotion in the book. Well worth the read.
I adored this beautiful story of family, friendship, belief, and love!
It is what this world needs now!
Ethel has a family, and in order to maintain her brood, she works two jobs.
Now… She is no youngster, but she does her job and does it well!
Ethel had once cared for a family many years ago in the past, and their fondness for this woman did not go unnoticed.
Eugene was a young boy when he knew Ethel, but when his wife, Rosemary needs major surgery and assistance for two months, he finds her to help with the supervision of his wife.
What is also found, is so much more than anyone can believe.
It is the gift that will keep on giving!
This is the perfect book to read anytime! Loved it!
I received an ARC for an honest review from NetGalley. The Gift of Family was an interesting book because life is not always easy. Eugene and Rosemary always wanted to be parents and they were foster parents two different times to teenagers. Each time as the teenager became adults they got in contact with their original family and Eugene and Rosemary stopped hearing from them.
When Rosemary was told by her doctor she would need a complete hysterectomy, they thought there dream of being parents had come to an end. When trying to find someone to care for Rosemary after her surgery wasn’t working out, Eugene thought about Ethyl, who took care of him and his brother when they were growing up. Rosemary started searching and found her. She agreed to come and take care of Rosemary. It was nice seeing Rosemary and Ethyl connect and get to know each other. We met Ethyl’s family and how they all connected with Eugene and Rosemary.
With all that is going on today, this book is a good book to read. It is about coming together, accepting differences, and understanding people who are different than we are and welcoming them. Eugene and Rosemary were welcomed into Ethyl’s home and church and Ethyl and her family were welcomed into Eugene and Rosemary home and church.
Life goes on and in this book, we see how life goes on for Eugene and Rosemary. At the end are questions to discuss or think about. The questions were different than I was expecting but I did enjoy thinking about each one and answering them. I do highly recommend this book.