A Forever Family

A Forever Family by Mary J. Forbes Silhouette Special Edition # 1625 - July 2004 The last thing that Shanna wants when she takes the job working the dairy farm, is to get emotionally involved with her boss, Michael and his orphaned niece, Jenni. She's been through her own losses and attachment to these two will only be devastating esp. when her job is only for a few months. Michael's had more than his share of losses. First his parents when he was ten, and now his twin sister and her husband, leaving 6 year old Jenni in his care. The only thing he wants is to distance himself and Jenni from this blasted farm and start fresh. And never is he going to give his heart, he can't bear any more loss. But Shanna brings a smile to little Jenni and the sparks of attraction can't be denied. While Shanna can't help giving her heart, she realizes that for Michael their affair will only be temporary. Once the farm is sold, he's off to the city with Jenni and without her. This is the story of two battered and abandoned hearts coming together to find healing. Shanna has spirit and an inner strength that comes from her ability to move on and accept her loss. Michael hides from his true emotions and fails to see that selling the farm is only his way of running away; that no matter where he and Jenni live, he has to face his fears. Jenni is delightful and of course, a catalyst in bringing Shanna and Michael together. I thoroughly enjoyed this read! Ms. Forbes has a very pleasing voice that brought her characters and their story to life. I will definitely be keeping my eye open for more from Ms. Forbes!

A most excellently written story - excellent plot - ruined by too much PMS. They have this affair or is it that she becomes his mistress? Dr. Michael Rowan has just lost his twin sister and is now responsible for Leigh's little six year old daughter. He does not know how to show love to a child. Shanna McKay's mother walked out on her and her little brother when he was a year old. Shanna is now 31 and seeking a job on the Rowan farm milking ninety some Holsteins. A job she is more than qualified for. At the Rowan farm is Leigh's quarter stallion, who is a danger to have around. Michael has done nothing to get rid of the stallion - he has put the farm up for sale. His grandmother is not happy with him. He intends to move his niece to Seattle, away from the dangers of a farm. His grandparents farm was the love of Leigh's life, not his. Or so he thinks. The attraction between him and Shanna blooms and she finally gives into an affair even though Michael warns her that he does not intend to marry or have children. Little Jenni is a lifesaver to the story amid all the adult angst with her fears and conversations with her doll, Octavia and the cat, Silly. There is a wonderful bonding between her and Shanna and at least her PMS brings about some results. Recommended if you don't mind being emotionally torn up and a bit impatient for these wounded characters.