A Father for Her Boys by Danielle Grandinetti

 

Book description:

A family scarred by tragedy… will find hope in an unlikely gardener

A summer escape to the quaint little town of River Cove is just what auntie turned mum Sofia Russo — and her troubled, energetic nephews — needs. It’s a chance to heal from grief and her broken foot. But a surprising friendship with compassionate gardener Nathaniel Turner shows Sofia just how much she’s been missing…and how much she stands to lose when summer ends. 

My review: 
 This is not this author's first book, but it is her first book with Love Inspired. It sounded really good, so I jumped at the chance to review it. And am glad I did. It was a very enjoyable read.

  Grandinetti came up with some great and very likable characters - and one not-so-likable character - for the story. 
Sofia is doing her best to raise two very rambunctious nephews.
Nathaniel is trying to honor his fiancée he lost to cancer by restoring her favorite area in town, fought tooth and nail by Mrs Reynolds.
And then there is Tucker and Rowen, orphans stuck with their aunt. I don't think the author gave their ages, but they are young boys, and Rowen is older.

  I love books with kids and families...just adds something to the book, and those two rascals definitely added to the book.

 This is not a simple romance novel. Sofia is battling feelings of failure - the reason they are taking a break in town far away is because her nephews got caught shoplifting.

Nathaniel is fighting feelings of failure as he faces opposition to his project, and feelings of guilt as he falls for another woman.

And Mrs Reynolds is proof that there is a story behind everyone's behavior. Even hers. 

  Nathaniel is a gardener/landscaper, and the author weaves some truths throughout the story comparing God working in our lives to gardening, and even gardening compared to raising kids. 

This is not simply a romance novel. There are truths and lessons throughout the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and definitely recommend it. Grandinetti hit it out of the park with her first Love Inspired novel. And I think her first contemporary novel.

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions in this review are my own.

About the author:

Danielle Grandinetti is an inspirational romance author, writing both historical and contemporary romance. She is a 2023 Finalist in the FHLCW Reader’s Choice Award. Danielle is fueled by tea and books, and the occasional nature walk. She now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with her husband and their two young sons. Find her online at daniellegrandinetti.com.

Check out her other books: