The Forgotten Child--Lorhainne Echkart

Publication Date: November 5, 2011

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: N/A

List Price: $8.99

Sensuality Rating: PG-13

Star Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis:  

He wasn’t looking to love again. But what he got was a woman who shook his lonely bitter world upside down, and touched him in a way no other woman could.


Emily Nelson, a courageous young mother, ends a loveless bitter marriage and strikes out on her own. She answers an ad as a cook and live in caregiver to a three-year-old boy on a local ranch. Ranch owner Brad Friessen hires and moves in Emily and her daughter. But Emily soon discovers something’s seriously wrong with his boy. And the reclusive difficult man that hired her, can’t see the behavior and how delayed his son is. So Emily researches, until she stumbles across what she suspects is the soft signs of autism. Now she must tell him. Give him hope, and help him come to terms with this neurological disorder—to take the necessary steps to get his child the help he needs.


As their lives become intertwined, it’s unavoidable the attraction—the connection that sparks between them. And just as they’re getting close, Brad's estranged wife Crystal returns after abandoning them two years earlier. In amongst the shock and confusion there’s one disturbing fact Brad can’t shake. How does she know so much of his personal business, the inner working of the ranch and Emily's relationship with his son?


Crystal must’ve had a plan as she somehow gains the upper hand, driving a wedge in the emotional bond forged between Brad, Emily and the children. The primary focus for care and therapy of three-year-old Trevor is diverted. The lengths Crystal will go—the lies—the greed, just to keep what’s hers are nothing short of cold and calculating. Emily’s forced out of the house. Brad fights to save his boy—to protect what’s his. And struggles over his greatest sacrifice—Emily, and the haunting question—has he ultimately lost her forever?

My Opinion:

         I started the book very intrigued,wondering if it'll rate a "eh,okay" or an "OMG, this is amazing." I am happy to tell you guys it rated the later. It was a wonderfully inspiring read, something that is unusual for a romance novel. Many times I was moved to tears (in a good way). The Forgotten Child is an inspiration to all parents struggling with children whom are autistic. There are to messages of this novel; "Don't give up" the first, and "Don't give in."

 The Good

•  The novel started out in a way that draws readers in. I know, I talk about this a lot, but I feel it is very important for a work of fiction to start in a way that is attractive to the reader, so they'll want to read it all the way through.
• Story line is an instant attraction. From the first chapter, I was instantly in love with book, hoping, waiting for the happily-ever-after (after all, it's a romance).
• The protagonists make mistakes. We all want a read that is easy to get into, but also effortless when it comes to imagining the characters as real people. We want it too be easy to imagine ourselves as them, so of course they can't seem too perfect, too unreal.

 The Bad

•  The characters can be awkward. In some parts, I felt the characters dialogue was not as smooth as it should be. I don't if it was purposely that way, that's just my opinion. 
• Feelings moved a little quickly. At one point, Brad is in lust, ready to have sex, but not make love, then all the sudden, is falling in love, feelings running high. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think it's realistic, but anyways.

The book was fantastic! It was a pleasure to read, and I'm sure I'll be reading it over again when I have some free time.

Recommendations??

          Anyone who likes a good contemporary romance, with an inspirational feel would love it. Actually, I would say any women's fiction reader would enjoy The Forgotten Child.