Emily's Daughter

Eighteen years ago Emily Cooper and Jackson Talbert met and fell in love. They made love, but on their last evening together they recycled a used condom. Emily became pregnant, but failed in her efforts to inform Jackson of her condition. Though he promised forever, he never called her after that last night. Instead, Jackson struggled with his mother dying, which left the teenage Emily in the untenable situation of having to give up her baby for adoption. Almost two decades later, Emily, who is now a doctor, sees Jackson, who visits her hospital to exhibit a new software program. Though their old feelings surface immediately, Emily has never recovered from the betrayal of eighteen years ago. With that baggage and her secret, a relationship between them seems remote. Though written within the confines of category boundaries, EMILY'S DAUGHTER is an engaging tale that grabs the reader's heart. The flaws and demons both lead protagonists carry make Emily and Jackson authentic and very human. The story line grips the empathetic audience who will want this couple to regain the happiness they lost. Linda Warren provides readers with a tearjerker that never lets up on the angst until the ending.Harriet Klausner

Eighteen years ago Emily Cooper and Jackson Talbert connected in a way that was profound. At twenty-one, he was struggling with his family regarding entering the family business. At seventeen, she was struggling with the embarrassment of her mother's recently announced pregnancy. Together they found mystery and magic beneath the moon, loving one another deeply and passionately. Their last night together, they ran out of condoms, reusing one in an effort to be responsible. It wasn't enough.When Emily learned of her pregnancy, she repeatedly tried to contact Jackson. All his promises of phone calls and return visits disappeared in the light of day, leaving her alone to cope. She didn't know his mother was terminally ill, and as she struggled to cope with birth, he was learning about death. Lost in his grief, Jackson never knew that Emily was trying to reach him.Emily's mother reacted strongly to her teen daughter's pregnancy. Harsh words and judgment pushed Emily into a decision she would regret for the rest of her life. She gave her daughter up for adoption. She never told anyone of those days, and the wounds are still fresh. Even fresher when she's working as a doctor and Jackson unexpectedly arrives at the hospital to demonstrate his new software. As all the old feelings come rushing back, Emily's secret holds the power to destroy their relationship yet again. Or provide the healing they both need.Author Linda Warren creates a poignant tale of family, forgiveness, and redemption in EMILY'S DAUGHTER. While the plot might be a bit predictable, the play of family dynamics and the resolution of the past result in poignant, memorable read. Emily Cooper is flawed, admirable, beautiful heroine as is Jackson Talbert an equally flawed, worthy, memorable hero. These are characters that believable, that readers can identify with, and that remain in the heart and imagination long after the last page is turned. Highly recommended.