Book Review - Family by Design

Family by Design
by Heather Justesen


Genre: LDS Romance
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (January 8, 2012)
Pages: 256
Purchase on Amazon

Cover Blurb

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 Thoughts:
I loved this book! No big surprise. This isn't the first book by Heather Justesen that I've loved and I'm sure it won't be the last. The thing that made this book touch my heart was the military aspect of it. It brought a lot of emotions to the surface because my dad was in the army and served two tours in Viet Nam. I remember what my mother went through every day, not knowing if he was dead or alive, so the feelings Rena went through in this story were portrayed realistically in my opinion.


I also loved the Tucker, although I wanted to smack him a couple of times for not telling her he loved her before he did. Man, Rena went through a lot waiting for this guy to speak his mind. But she hung in there to the end and, even though they went through more than any couple should have to endure, it was all worth it. 


I want to thank Heather for keeping me up nights. I had a hard time finding little snippets of time during the day to read this book, but it was always on my mind. I have it on my Kindle, so would carry it everywhere, but still struggled with finding a quiet moment to read it. More than once, I woke in the middle of the night and reached for my iPhone to read on the little screen until my eyes wouldn't stay open any longer. 


I highly recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a great LDS romance to keep them up all night. Oh, and bring a box of tissues. You'll need them.

BONUS:
Check out this companion novela. I can't wait to read it.

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.

PLUS:

Heather’s holding a host of giveaways on her blog throughout the next few weeks, so head on over to HER BLOG and sign up to win. You'll also find a list of other reviews you can read.  


Enjoy!