Family by Design

Author: Heather Justesen

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: 2012

Softcover: 245 pages

IBSN: 978-1-59955-920-9

FTC FYI: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Back cover:  “Before he could think better of it, he blurted out, “I understand your concerns. I’m going to speak to my commander about getting an early discharge. My girlfriend, Rena, and I have talked about getting married. There just hasn’t been any rush.”  As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wondered what he was thinking. Yes, they had discussed marriage, but not to each other! He and Rena had never even dated.

Tucker’s on his way to the biggest challenge of his life. Rena already has it all—except a family of her own. But neither one expected their friendship would take such a dramatic turn.

When Tucker becomes the guardian of his newly orphaned niece and nephew, he knows he can’t handle them alone, not when he might be shipped out with the Marines at any moment. Desperate, he turns to Rena for a major favor. His marriage proposal would give her everything she wants, but can she learn to live without the romance she’s always dreamed of?

As time, prayer, and a life-changing kiss work a little magic in her heart, Rena wonders if someone up there has a plan for her that’s better than anything she could’ve come up with on her own. And though it seems crazy at first, this could become her chance for a marriage that will last for eternity.”

My Review

Rena and Tucker have been friends for 10 years. They both have had their own broken heart stories and have relied on each other many times in the past. When Tucker approaches Rena with a proposal, she is stunned. Sure, they’ve talked about marriage to other people, but Rena never thought the day would come. Tucker needs her help. Rena’s decision will affect the rest of her life.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters are so well written and the story flows with a great amount of feeling and heart.  Each character is important, and I appreciated the author’s eye for detail.  Rena takes on a huge responsibility. After her decision is made, however, she never looks back.  She always has a prayer in her heart.  Even with that, there doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges.  When she is making decisions for Derek and McKensie, she thinks of their mom Haylie, and what she would do. I liked that. The author has a great way of showing real life. The children went through a terrible thing and were not immediately cured by the marriage. Derek especially needs help, and I thought it was handled in a great way.

The book is about family and design. Rena is a very talented designer, and I enjoyed being there with her. Another thing I enjoyed was the glimpses of Tucker serving his country, and the thoughts going through his mind while he was away from his new family. There is also another surprise that I thought was really clever and sweet.

4 out of 5 stars. I knew I was going to love this book when there are mentions of Harry Potter and my favorite line from Empire Strikes Back.  I want to thank Heather for asking me to be a part of her blog tour. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

Also, as a special promotion for anyone who buys a book before February 5th, you can get a free ebook for her companion novella, “Shear Luck.” Once you buy a copy of her book go here (link) to get your free copy. http://www.heatherjustesen.com/shear-luck

As if that weren’t enough, Heather’s holding a host of giveaways on her blog throughout the next few weeks, see the rules at the bottom of this post to enter.

Here’s the blurb for Shear Luck:

Chelsea Robison has never forgotten the older boy next door whom she crushed on as a teen, so when she runs into him at the restaurant he’s preparing to open, it’s a delightful shock. And learning he’s available again is more than a little tantalizing.

Vaughn Krenshaw had never seen his neighbor as more than a nice kid—but Chelsea had definitely grown up in the decade since they saw each other last. He’s attracted to the feisty red head, but still struggles over his wife’s death the previous year. And then there’s his five-year-old daughter, Molly, who really liked Chelsea—until she realized the woman was dating her dad.

As Chelsea starts to wonder if their love for each other will be enough to make things work, a specter from Vaughn’s past rises, making her question whether she really knew him at all.

Here’s the links to the other review from the tour.  This is the last day to enter the contest!

Monday, Jan. 16 Danyelle Ferguson

Tuesday, Jan. 17 Kim Job

Wednesday, Jan. 18 Nichole Giles

Thursday, Jan. 19 Liz Adair

Friday, Jan. 20 Susan Dayley

Saturday, Jan. 21 Keith Fisher

Monday, Jan. 23 Robbin Peterson

Tuesday, Jan. 24 Julie Bellon

Wednesday, Jan. 25 Cindy Hogan

Thursday, Jan. 26 Rebecca Talley

Friday, Jan. 27 Kathleen Brebes

Saturday, Jan. 28 Debbie Davis

Monday, Jan. 30 Maria Hoaglund

Tuesday, Jan. 31 Tristi Pinkston

Wednesday, Feb. 1 Joann Arnold

Thursday, Feb. 2 Christine Bryant

Friday, Feb. 3 Rebecca Blevins

Saturday, Feb. 4 Mindy Holt

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