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A seemingly Norman Rockwell-like family is at the center of Spencer's (Family Blessings) latest novel, and, as usual, Spencer reveals the hard truths that lie beneath the bright exterior. On the first day of school, high-school principal Tom Gardner thinks his biggest problem is finding the shipment of textbooks for his wife Claire's English class; but the most difficult ordeal of his life is about to begin. Tom's real troubles start when he meets a new student, Kent Arens, who turns out to be smart, well-mannered, a star athlete-and the illegitimate son Tom never knew he had, conceived during a one-night stand 18 years ago, just before Tom married Claire. Tom swings between fear that Claire will find out about Kent and pride in his newfound son, but when the boy, unaware of his lineage, starts courting Tom's 16-year-old daughter, Chelsea, Tom is forced to reveal his secret. Claire, bitter and angry, asks Tom to move out of their home. Robby, their son, resents his new brother and takes out his anger on Kent on the football field. Chelsea, meanwhile, starts running with the wrong crowd. But while Tom and Claire grow farther apart, the three siblings decide to become friends. Together, they reunite Tom and Claire, restoring family harmony.

Principal Tom Gardner comes face-to-face with a past indiscretion when a new student transfers to his school. As the Gardners careen toward disaster, they test the foundation of trust and respect that their family was built on.. and learn that love leaves no choice but forgiveness.

I read this many years ago, and was very disappointed. I really like this author's historical romances, esp. Hummingbird. But I find her contemporaries were just too preachy, too goody-goody.
Others loved it.

This is one of LaVyrle Spencer's better books...and that's saying something, because all of them are good! This one delves into the explosive emotion of a family torn apart by one indiscretion almost two decades before. She details the fallout without pulling punches, and shows what it is really like when a family dynamic shifts as suddenly as an earthquake. HIGHLY recommended reading!

No surprises here. Nice Family Story.

A fictional story written about one mans past and how he came face to face with the fact he has a son, from a one night stand before his wedding. This book has trials and troubles and the gift of forgiveness.
Another great book from Lavyrle Spencer.