Adoption Books

This is a beautiful story of a family adopting a baby from Vietnam.
As a parent of a little girl adopted from Vietnam, I found this story incrediable. I have never read a children's book that brought tears to my eyes. This one did. We are also raising our daughter Jewish, so this book is particularly poignant.

This touchingly illustrated book normalizes the adoption path toward building a Jewish family. The author describes the process of adding a Vietnamese-born child to a Jewish family. The text resonnates with its simplicity. Even though it is filled with warm emotions, it is never corny and respects the diversity that it added to a family in a multi-cultural adoption as an addition of greater wealth of identities. This book would appeal to children as young as 3 and up to about 8.

Hear an interview with Rebecca's Journey Home author Brynn Olenberg Sugarman on The Book of Life podcast's September 2007 episode "Seeing Through New Eyes," at www.bookoflifepodcast.com! Brynn talks about the book's creation, and the inspiration for adopting her own daughter, Rachel.

Mrs. Stein is eager to adopt a new baby girl to add to her family, consisting of herself and Mr. Stein, along with Jacob (age 8), and Gabe (age 4). As she tells her family," There were so many babies and children in the world whose parents had loved them, but could not take care of them". The story follows familiar territory- over a period of a year, Mrs. Stein gets ready for the big day; she needs to fill out documents, answer questions, and attend meetings until she is finally told there is a baby waiting for her in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, she patiently waits for permission to take the baby home and spends her time shopping and emailing her family who can't wait to meet baby Rebecca. Back in the United States, the focus is on Rebecca's Judaism; on Shabbat, a special blessing is made for her. When she is almost one; Rebecca is taken to the mikvah and given the Hebrew name, Rivka Shoshanah. As her mother proudly states, " She is now Vietnamese, American, and Jewish!".
This endearing picture book perfectly captures the growing trend of international adoption among the American Jewish community. Warm, stylized pastel double-spread illustrations complement the text and make this a great book for sharing aloud. The author, a mom with an adopted Vietnamese baby, draws on her own experiences, to realistically portray the excitement and joy of having a new family member. For all families, this title would be especially useful in a Jewish preschool or temple library.
Ages 4-8.
Reviewed by Debby Gold

A picture book portraying a Jewish-American family adopting a child from overseas is long overdue and Rebecca's Journey Home handles the subject with sensitivity and warmth. The beautifully written text explains how the Stein family, with two biological children, wish to build their family and share their home with one of the many children in the world "whose parents had loved them but could not take care of them." Each Shabbat since the beginning of their adoption process the family blesses their two boys and includes a blessing for their new daughter in Vietnam. They explain to their sons that while their new sister Rebecca will always be Vietnamese, she will also be American and Jewish. The story ends with Rebecca's trip to the mikveh where she receives her Hebrew name. This book will especially appeal to families with adopted children and libraries who wish to celebrate the diversity of the Jewish community.

What's unique about this book, and I haven't seen anything like it in all the other books about first mothers, is the reliance on her inner spirit, astrology, and magical means to guide this mother back to her child. This mother is very aware of her spirit connections and listens to them as she searches, and successfully reunites.

This was a very inspirational book for me. One cannot help but gain a certain amount of strength simply reading about this Mother's determined search. I was able to work through some of my own life issues and gain greater clarity about being a Mother and an understanding of the relationship I have with my own children. It is so much more than simply a story about a woman searching for her daughter.

In reading this book, I felt myself reliving my own experience with a maternity home and the loss of a child to adoption. No one can understand the experience unless having lived it. The path towards healing and spirtual connection is the author's own, but I could feel myself taking the journey with her. My experience has been the same and different as well, yet the arrival is so similar. Through past writings of this author, I have been able to gain new insights and feel healings come to me. As a birthmother myself, I truly appreciate the author putting her experience, traumas and healing out there for all to read and absorb. As a mother who has also raised a child to adulthood, I can feel her joy in the children she was able to keep and nuture. I look forward to more insightful writings from this author.

This book is way more than a book about adoption. Any of us who came of age in the 60s, or who have ever felt alienated, felt deep conflict with our parents while still loving them, or who have searched far and wide for a meaningful spiritual path will love this book. I have no kids, but I would guess any parent who has ever worried about a child's whereabouts will relate to Hughes' description of her search for the daughter she gave up as a young unmarried woman. The search itself is a real "page turner" reading at times like a mystery. I loved this book and will be buying it for others.

It is most satisfying to read a memoir that is multi-dimentional, has an unselfish purpose and teaches something about spiritual truths. Ann Hughes has not only eloquently written of her feelings as an unwed mother who has to release her child to the adoption process of the '60's, but addresses the issues of the process itself. Especially interesting are the spiritual methods she used in her search, which should leave the reader wanting to know more...the mark of a most provocative work.

This book's conversational style drew me in from the first sentence. The author really "got" the stifling atmosphere of the 1950's and what it was like to be a teenager then. I found I really cared about Bunny as I accompanied her on her self-discovery journey. Along the way, I learned much I never knew about adoption, especially in reference to the Native American community, as I enjoyed a story well told by Mary Anderson Parks.

I was personally drawn to this story as an adoptee-and once I'd read the first chapter I tore thru the book.
Ms Anderson Parks goes deeply into the heart and mind of a young native american adoptee with such honestly and strength that you feel (or at least I did) that you are living this girls life-which the experience that I always want from a good book. To be sucked in to a new world and emotionally changed-which is what this book did for me.

This is an intriguing book about a young girl adopted in the early 1950s at a time when children from Native American backgrounds were adopted by white families.
It gives a fascinating window into a world that many of us have no knowledge of - how it might feel to not know one's lineage. It is Bunny's struggle to find her roots and also an identity that makes sense for her. I felt a strong connection with this story and the author is writing from a real understanding of these sort of situations. I enjoyed reading the book right through to the end and was not disappointed in the ending - It left me with a desire to know more about this new chapter of her life that comes into focus only in the last few pages. Highly recommended

This is a heartrending story about an adopted girl who tries to find her lost identity in an era when society withheld information about birth parents. Set in beat era San Francisco, it is also a sexual and intellectual coming of age novel that follows dark-skinned "Bunny"--the protagonist's name given her by her Caucasian adoptive parents--from childhood to young adulthood. Bunny's conventional parents have little empathy with their adopted daughter's quest to know her past. Mary Parks employs a voice perfectly suited to her characters and the times, which is often politically incorrect yet accurate. Bunny's close relationship with her artist girlfriend, Cork, portrays the social friction between upper and lower middle class milieus and contemporary issues of female sexuality and pregnancy, and their consequences for women. Parks creates great dramatic tension surrounding Bunny's struggles with the adoption agency that withholds the documents containing the secrets to Bunny's past, and also by the use of the protagonist's repressed memory that gradually surfaces. Where a less courageous character might have given up, and despite a deep-set insecurity, Bunny has the desire and tenacity to persist in her efforts to unlock her past.

This story will be a compelling ride not only for Native Americans who were adopted, but for all children and parents who have struggled with the complex emotions and problems of adoption.

I enjoyed this book immensely because it carved out a whole new world for me to see - the world of adoption and its effects on children,teenagers, and parents. The colorful setting of San Francisco in the 1950s and the social issues of the time are a wonderful backdrop to the relationship problems of regular, everyday families where one child of a different race has been adopted. The chararacters are genuine, well and deeply crafted, and the details of daily life make vivid and sensory pictures. It's a real page-turner with twists and turns to keep things interesting. I think everyone can relate to its issues of identity in a very personal and profound way. This story stays with you and gives you warm feelings inside...

I first read this story in a Reader's Digest Condensed Books when I was 11. The story has stayed with me all these years, and I often think of the family created through her courage.

Although I always thought I would adopt when I married, I'm choosing adoption now as a single woman. I know it isn't going to be easy, but I'm ready to be a mom.

This story doesn't sugar-coat the difficulties and struggles of adoption. I'm proud to join a select group of people who are loving and raising beautiful children.

I picked up a copy of this book in the summer of 2004. I am a college student currently in China working with children. The book was left on the shelf by a lady who lived here before. I read the whole thing and went back and read parts of it again. I was very encouraged to read the ups and downs of Marjorie's adoption. Someday, when I am married, I plan on coming back to China to adopt a child. Even though this book shows a single woman's quest for children, I want to wait until I have support from a husband. Though, I applaud her determination. I encourage anyone who is even interested in adoption, single or married, to read this book. It shows two very different girls raised on one very loving home. I would love to hear how Leh Heh and Holly are doing now. All in all, a very inspiring story.

I loved this book and have read it again and again as the years have passed. Marjorie Margolis-Mezvinsky adopted Le-Heh and it was a fairly smooth transition, but when she adopted a second daughter, Holly, things were a little more traumatic. If you can imagine, or have ever tried to imagine, adopting children from another country this is a must read. Or if you're just interested in the subject. Ms. Margolis is an amazing woman and with the help of family and friends really managed to overcome a lot to get these girls, help them to adjust to live in the USA and eventually become a happy family. I would love to hear how they've faired growing up. If you want to experience that happiness, sadness and ups and downs of interracial adoption READ THIS BOOK!

I very much enjoyed reading this book in the 70's. I am about the same age as the girls' were/ would be. I grew up in a community where International adoptions, particularly of Amerasian children, was common. This book helped me to understand the background of these kids. I would love to know how they are doing now. Does anyone have any information on Lee Heh or Holly or their now more famous mother?

I first read "They Came To Stay" as a college student in the late 1970s. This wonderful story of a single woman who adopted two Asian children made me decide that some day I would do the same. Seventeen years later, I traveled to China as a single woman and brought home a beautiful baby girl. I lost my copy of this book, and wish it was still in print - I would love to find out what happened to Lee Heh and Holly, who would now be grown women.

This book was very touching. I was adopted into a wonderful family 34 years ago and enjoy reading stories about other people's adoption journey.

I read this book in about two days. Karen did a beautiful job portraying the emotions of the people in this book. Well done!

I would recommend this book for anyone who is thinking of adoption in anyway. 5 Stars!

There are twelve stories within these 156 pages, each one telling about the miracle of adoption. It's Kingsbury at her best, especially when she tells her own true story of how she and her husband, with a family of three, came to adopt their three sons from Haiti. This book would make an excellent gift for any family opening up their home to an adoptee. Get out the tissues; this one's a tearjerker.

If you need a pick me up, if you need encouragement, if you need to laugh, if you need to cry, if you need affirmation that you are doing or did the right thing by adopting - this book is for you! Absolutely inspirational - a must for that long road to adopting!

This book truly provides encouragement to those who find their lives touched by adoption or who are deciding whether to take that step in their lives. The only flaw, from my perspective, would be that the stories heavily focused on adoptions through a lawyer and not through an agency. That said, I appreciated that the stories were varied in their perspective - some were from the adoptive family, the birth family, the social worker, adoptee. In addition, there were a variety of different reasons and situations for seeking adoption. Finally the stories involved adoptions that were domestic and international, as well as of varying ages. The biggest blessing was, however, the encouragement it gave. There are not many people who can truly understand the feelings adoption brings out except for those who have experienced it. That being said, those who have experienced it are able to encourage others in their waiting on God like no one else can. If you need encouragement in the waiting, help in discerning whether adoption is for you, or just want to understand the emotions of this amazing process, this book is for you.

Beautiful stories about God's hand in adoptions!! Very encouraging to read while you're in the adoption process. :)

In this wonderful volume, BJ Lifton conquers the ghost territory known only to members of the adoption triad--adopted children, birth parents and adoptive parents.

That is to say, each member of the triad traverses the adoption journey haunted, as it were, by spirits of "would have's" "could have's" and "should have's"---those beings they imagine they could have had, or been--- if only their birth parents had raised them, if only they had not forsaken their birth children, if only they could have born biological children themselves.

At the time this book was first published, in 1973, this topic was still quite taboo. Adoptive children were supposed to be grateful for the new lives they had been given and never to look back, just as birth parents were supposed to give their children to those better suited to raise them than they, and as adoptive parents were to raise their new children and never reflect on the ones they might have had, if only....

But for all three members of the triad, and especially for the children, the ghost beings---who they might have been, and who their birth parents might have been---are powerful psychological forces with which, even today, the educational, medical and psychological communities are all too unfamiliar.

People assume that adoptive children (barring illnesses of any kind) will develop in the same ways as all other children, but as BJ Lifton shows us from her own upbringing, this is far from true. Such children carry other beings with them, secret selves, and secret birth parents, who live in their imaginations, and whom they need to discover and meet in order to develop a complete sense of self.

Herein, Lifton offers readers the very daring, candid observations she made concerning her own journey through self-discovery, the process of determining what it means to be adopted, and what it means to each and every adopted child to discover the biological roots from which they hail.

This book is superbly written, and should be required reading not only for adoptive parents, but for all members of the educational, psychological, social services and medical communities who ever come in contact with adopted children. Reading it was truly enlightening.

--Alyssa A. Lappen

The author's written several books on the psychology of the adopted, but here provides her own autobiographical experience, telling of a life where adoptees were still kept in the dark about their identification. As an adult she not only identified with orphans left behind by American soldiers in Japan and Vietnam; she embarked on her own journey to discover the forbidden knowledge of her own adoptive parents and her roots. TWICE BORN: MEMORIES OF AN ADOPTED DAUGHTER traces her journey and feelings.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

One thing's for sure: BJ Lifton can write. And she understands adoption intimately. This book really tells it like it is, from relinquishment to long after the reunion. As a birthmother, I found "Twice Born" an extremely valuable look into the mind of the adopted person.

Twice Born is a wonderful and thought-provoking account of one adoptee's journey. I related on so many levels that it prompted me to write my own story.

Happiness is truly found in healing.

Kasey Hamner, Author of "Whose Child?:An Adoptee's Healing Journey from Relinquishment through Reunion and Beyond"

This is a truly moving book with poignant descriptions of Lifton's suffering as a child. She was adopted at age 2-1/2, told of her adoption at age 7 and warned by her harsh and controlling adoptive mother never to tell anyone, especially her father, that she knew the secret. Lifton grew up with the poisonous idea that an adopted child is the product of an "evil deed that hangs over most adoptions." The little girl was told that her natural parents were dead, which was a lie. It is easy to see how the adult author of Twice Born came to the view that a person is "fragmented" as long as she lacks a link with biological kin, that an adoptee is forced out of the natural flow of generational continuity, as others know it, and feels as if having been forced out of nature itself. Seen in these terms, adoptees become impotent creatures who have been denied free will. I am very moved by the story but want to say that this is the voice of one adoptee whose experience we should take careful note of but at the same time refrain from universalizing. Not all adoptees are raised by such harsh and emotionally vacant parents and also never had adopted friends with whom to discuss things. I am an adoptive mother of a daughter whom we adopted at age 4 days and who grew up into a contented, strong-willed and self-reliant young lady. Of course, we told her of her adoption, but she was not interested in searching for her natural parents. Unlike Lifton who as a toddler had experienced separation, loss, grief, mourning...going from mother to Infant's Home to Foster Home to Adoptive Home, our daughter and the other adoptees in our neighborhood were spared such miseries. Luckily, our birthmother looked for us and today we have a wonderful relationship with her and her family. Our daughter, however, does not feel she changed since meeting her birthmother, or that she became "whole" as if she had been fragmented before. Several of her neighborhood adoptee friends are also not interested in searching and consider themselves well-adjusted adults and parents. I wonder whether Lifton would have become a happy adoptee if she had been raised by loving and honest adoptive parents. Unhappily, when she found her natural mother and the link with biological kin was made, she discovered that now she "had two mothers instead of one, but since both had disappointed me, I had none." Yes, the bitter search for one's roots may take one to an empty place. It seems that the impulse of the adoptee to find the original mother, an urge traceable through the ages, exists as a force independent of the desired object, and continues even when the object has been found. Gisela Gasper Fitzgerald, author of ADOPTION: An Open, Semi-Open or Closed Practice?

This book is wonderful at explaining the adoption process from a small child's perspective. My two boys smiled the whole way through it! Even though we are adopting a little girl from Russia and the book is about China, they could still relate to it. I think it helps them realize what we are doing, and what we are feeling, is normal and happens to other people too. It explains the process very well, in language they could understand. It also touches very sensitively the possible reasons why the little girl was an orphan. Overall, I found it very realistic and informative, with a touch of humor.

We read every adoption story we can get our hands on. This is a neat one. Our adopted chinese daughter enjoyed it.

Review by Sherry North, Author, Because You Are My Baby

Waiting for May is an extremely well written look at the process of international adoption, from the point of view of a young boy who is getting a baby sister from China. I bought the book for my 4-year-old son, because we're in the process of adopting a child from Kazakhstan. Despite the difference in countries, so much of the process is the same.

The book discusses the social worker who comes for a home visit when the parents first apply to adopt, the mountains of paperwork, and the long wait to be matched with a child. It shows how the photo of the baby sister arrives on the computer, and just like my son, the main character gets shots for traveling to another country. Finally, the family travels to meet the little girl. The book doesn't shy away from the fact that she cries and cries before warming up to her new brother.

What I like best about the book is the brother's positive attitude. He is not fretting but instead is focused on how great it will be to have a sister. The illustration of the two hugging on the final page is just lovely.

This book is just wonderful. It is a great preparation for any child who is waiting for a sibling to be adopted. It is a heart-warming story that talks about the adoption process, the waiting, and the emotions that go along with it, from a child's perspective. I love that the little boy can't wait to go to China and get his sister- many other books I have found on this topic show the waiting sibling with a jealous attitude towards the adoption. Jealousy is an important emotion to address, but many kids ARE very excited about adopting a sibling. This book is uplifting, sweet, and really gives a waiting sibling an idea of what to expect throughout the process of adoption. I highly recommend it!

My husband and I are in the process of completing paper work to get on a list to adopt a child from China. I happened upon this book at a bookstore and loved it immediately. We have already read it to our almost-3-year-old biological child to help explain the process of filling out paperwork and then waiting to hear about our new child. It has been a good way to introduce the topic of adoption. Our daughter asks for it often and has requested that we name our new child "May." :-) The pictures and story are simple enough to interest a very young child but have enough depth to interest a child in the early elementary grades (or even older).

I highly recommend this book to anyone waiting to adopt a child internationally (especially from China).

We loved this book & are looking for the next two in the series. Are they out yet?

I was moved by the tender feelings of this family struggling with adapting to so many challanges. I was educated in many ways and wanted to keep turning pages to see how Josh met his everyday problems. I felt the love and sharing that developed with this family. I want to share this knowledge with others who need help with their own struggles. I couldn't put the book down and eagerly await the next contributions. Kudos to Josh and his Mom's. Love can make the difference between walking tall and faultering for the rest of your life. Thanks for the insight.

My boys (ages 10 and 7) read 9 Lives: I Will Survive as a family "read aloud" and loved it! With tremendous tenderness, Jan Crossen tells the (fictionalized) story of Joshua, his gentle spirit and his resilience. This is a lovely way to educate children about the foster care system and the diversity of families. We can hardly wait for the next title in the trilogy to be released!!!

This book is an easy read for all ages and I believe that ALL ages will benefit from enjoying this story. I became so enchanted with Josh, his "challenges" and his spirit, that I couldn't wait to turn the next page. I know that I learned a few lessons myself from reading this one!

Some of us spend our years trying to make better lives for our own children. However, there are a few "ordinary" people, who don't stop there. Rather, these very special "ordinary" people open their families to children in crisis, children they have never met.
Amazingly, people like author Nancy DiGirolamo, require no more notice than an unexpected phone call, to make life better for some anonymous, needy young soul. That call may come at any time of day or night, perhaps on Christmas or Thanksgiving. Sometimes that call may be on behalf of an abandoned toddler or perhaps an entire family of pre-teens and adolescents who through circumstances beyond their control find themselves without a home.
This book is filled with such amazing stories. It opens to the reader
real chapters in real lives, stories of caring and sacrifice that ring true because they are true. The author's loving account of the many visitors welcomed by her family is an inspirational journey well worth the ride. There truly are some extraordinary "ordinary" people in our world, and this book demonstrates we are better for them.

In reading this book I found that I was inspired! It amazes me that someone is so caring and loving - but willing to let go when necessary - It must have been a hard thing to do - I will sontinue to reccommend this book to anyone that I know who needs to bee relifted!

I AM ONLY DONE WITH 13 CHAPTERS AND I ALREADY LOVE THIS BOOK. THE BOOK IS VERY EASY TO READ AND EASY TO FALLOW, IT'S FUNNY AND SAD THE SAME TIME. THERE HAS BEEN FEW TIMES THAT I HAD A HARD TIME TO PUT THE BOOK DOWN, B/C I HAD TO GO TO WORK!! I HAVE CRIED AND I HAVE LAUGHED WHILE READING IT.. IT'S GREAT TO SEE THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE LIKE NANCY DIGIROLAMO!! I DEFFINITALY ADMIRE HER AND I HOPE ONE DAY I COULD BE AS PATIENT AND AS HELPFUL TO OTHERS AS SHE HAS BEEN!! I ACTUALLY KNOW IN PERSON ONE OF THE CHILDREN MENTIONED IN THE BOOK AND IT HAS BEEN VERY INTERESTING TO FINDOUT HOW HE WAS WHEN HE WAS A LITTLE KID!! IT DEFFINETLY EXPLAINS ALOT :).... I WILL WRITE ANOTHER REVIEW WHEN I AM DONE WITH THE BOOK, BUT NOW I HAVE TO GET TO IT.. I DEFFINATLY CAN'T WAIT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JIMMY!!!!

This book is a easy read, can't put down, don't want it to end kind of book.The writer tells a very sad story with much humor. This book reminds you that there are still good people doing good things in the world.

Texas Ranger Jeremiah `Tuck' Tucker has lived a life knowing the love
of wonderful parents and the uncertainty of not knowing where he came
from. He has decided he will only adopt children in need and not have
any of his own.

Grace Whitten has spent her life making her father happy. After
becoming a lawyer and head of the family law firm to make him happy,
she realizes something. It is not enough. She needs more. If only she
could figure out what she wants/needs.

One day, Tuck finds Brady, a neglected two-year-old boy. When he
decides to adopt him and finds out that Grace is representing a couple
that also want custody, their relationship goes to a new level.

Adopted Son tugs at the heartstrings. It looks at the subject of how
vulnerable children can be and the lengths that are needed to bring
said children to a safer place. Both Tuck and Grace develop and grow
wonderfully during the story. The one thing I did not like about
Adopted Son was that Ms. Warren specifies how Tuck does not want
children of his own. And at the end of the book, he does a 180 without
giving any new information, which was very inconsistent.


Barb
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

After answering a call asking for backup, Texas Ranger Jeremiah "Tuck" Tucker discovers an abandoned child at the crime scene. Little Brady has been neglected - and it turns out is he had no living family. Tuck is determined to give the two-year-old boy a home, and starts the process of adoption.

He's furious when he learns Grace Whitten, a lawyer and family friend, is representing a couple who also want Brady. She and Tuck have never gotten along, and now she's questioning his abilities as a parent. But once he finds out Grace's true intentions for the child, he feigns to see beyond the lawyer, to the woman. And to the potential wife and mother...

I have been having a hard time putting my feelings about this book into words. I really enjoyed the book. I found it very heartwarming. But I don't want to just stay that. Whenever I read one of Linda's books, the characters and circumstances feel very real to me that I can see the events of the book really happen. A woman seeking her meddling father's approval and support has neglected her personal life for her career. A man's desire to continue the work of his adopted parents and his connection with a little boy that he wants to give love and security. Their struggle to make sure the child is put into the perfect home. The novel is a perfect end to a great series.

The "street" date for Adopted Son is Sept 11. Put this great book on your wish list for this month, even if you haven't read the rest of the series.

In Austin, Texas Ranger Jeremiah 'Tuck' Tucker finds the abandoned two year old at a crime scene. The evidence is overwhelming that the infant has been neglected and Tuck's heart reaches out to the little boy, who has no family or home. Tuck decides to adopt Brady.

However, attorney Grace Whitten represents another couple who want to raise the child. Tuck is irate as she is his half-sister-in-law's sister and so should be on his side. Grace who has been half in love with Tuck since she met him at her sister's wedding, drops out of the case because of personal interests. Her action opens up Tuck's mind to the sensitive caring woman who wants what is best for Brady.

Although the abandoned baby as a matchmaker has been used as a theme a zillion times, Linda Warren refreshes it with the legal battle over guardianship. Tuck and Grace are likable characters who each in their own way want what's best for Brady. Brady's history is horrifying as his addicted mom Nicole Harper neglects him, his grandmother is dying from cancer, and his biological father is dead. Fans will want the best too for the little guy while also seeking out the story of Tuck's half-brother Eli and Grace's sister Caroline (see FORGOTTEN SON).

Harriet Klausner

Jeremiah `Tuck' Tucker finds a toddler at the scene of a murder/suicide and finds himself touched by the young child's problems when no family members want to care for him. When he tries to adopt Brady, the young boy, he learns how hard it is for a single man to be granted custody of a non-relative, but continues the battle to make this little boy his first child.

Grace Whitten has become part of Tuck's extended family when his foster brother married her sister. Although these two are far from close, Tuck finds himself in a custody battle for Brady where she is legal counsel for the other party involved and it smarts that she does not think he is the best guardian. Grace just knows her friend from college longs for a child, and has her heart set on this little boy, when she finds out Tuck is involved, she must make a hard decision.

ADOPTED SON is a novel filled not only with romance but emotion. The emotions run from joy to heartbreaking sadness, from humor to horror and hits all the highs and lows in between. Linda Warren draws readers in from the first scene where Brady is alone and eating dog food to survive. Tuck's story will bring tears to reader's eyes when he tells the story of how he came to be the man he is today. Later tears of joy streamed down this reader's face when Tuck and Grace become the family they long to be.

Tuck is the man all mothers want their sons to become. There is not a character flaw that could ruin this man; his only downfall was the need to salvage his pride with Grace. When she finds herself in his sights as a potential enemy lust overtakes them both, and they find they need more than what either can handle alone. As the story heats up, Grace takes over her own life and tells her father just what she wants to do in life, instead of being Daddy's `son' and gives the story a dimension that makes this one of the best Harlequin Romance novels written, in this reviewers opinion.

ADOPTED SON was part of this month's Cowboy Country miniseries, and although it is a given that all cowboy hero's are hot, I highly recommend finding out for yourself just how hot this hero is, this novel is an emotional sensuous read that will leave you wanting your very own cowboy to make your dreams come true!

Review Courtesy of LoveRomancesandmore