Caroline's Child

this was a wonderful book!! One of a very special series, it was a great one-day read. I would suggest this book to any one of my friends. Or any of her books. such a great author!

Unfortunately, I haven't read the first two books, and while this story certainly can stand alone, there were many interesting secondary characters carried over from the previous novels. It would have been infinitely more enjoyable to experience if I had read the series in sequence. (1. Lonesome Cowboy, 2. Texas Two-Step, 3. Caroline's Child, 4. Dr. Texas, 5. Nell's cowboy and 6. Lone Star Baby). Caroline has an adorable daughter named Maggie, whose paternity has been a well-guarded secret over the 5 years since her birth. Instead of petty gossip or outcasting as one might expect, this warm-hearted community has embraced Caroline and Maggie, becoming quite protective of them. Grady, a rough around the edges rancher, realizes that his feelings for them has moved swiftly from platonic friendship to love. However, he must win the heart of the child, who prefers his fun-loving but highly irresponsible brother, in order for the relationship between him and Caroline to succeed. Debbie Macomber is a master at making a community come alive. The reader is drawn directly into the town and becomes totally immersed in the setting, and personally involved with the characters as though these are old friends. I love the attention to detail, the characterizations, the interactions and friendships.

By the time you read Caroline's child, you are completely familiar with this community and it's many members. No characters from the first books in the series are dropped so it's like visiting family members and hearing the latest news about their lives. Debbie Macomber is a prolific writer that never looses any power in her ability to tell a good, solid story and get you involved in the life of her characters. Debbie Macomber has been one of my favorite writers for a long time. Her sense of humor is well evident in this book and the other books in the series. It seems silly to sit in your chair and while you read you find yourself laughing, crying, sighing at the romance, or smiling with joy along with the characters but you do....not only in Caroline's Child but in the entire series. Brava!