Books & Spoons Review for A MOTHER TO MAKE A FAMILY by Emily Forbes

17/3/2017

A fresh start in the outback…

When Dr. Mitch Reynolds lost his wife, he blamed himself and turned his back on medicine. He keeps his three children close but the world at a distance. But then Rose Anderson walks into his life…

Teacher Rose always dreamed of falling in love, but after an illness left her scarred, her dreams feel further away than ever.

Yet helping Mitch's little family become whole again gives her the chance to belong and the prospect of being loved…just as she is.

A Mother to Make a Family is a lovely story about second chances with life and love, giving a picture of the Australian outback in a way that I hadn't quite thought about it before.
I liked the Australian slang and words even though figuring out some words took a little imagination. The life at the outback was fascinating and awe-inspiring, it definitely takes a strong person to manage a life and living there. And that the characters were, even if themselves doubted it at times.
Rose Anderson had had meningitis with terrible and unfortunate complications that she would suffer from the rest of her life, something she would always have to take into consideration. She hadn't adjusted to the amputation of her toes even though the extra kidney was no problem to her. It was her vain side that made her hide the truth about her foot, feeling inadequate because of the balance problems and ugly foot.
Mitch Reynolds was a widow and a father for three. His life was hectic, his days long with taking care of the station. Mitch needed help with the children and since everything else felt through, he accepted Rose's idea of her coming to take care of the children. Mitch wasn't my favorite hero, I just never connected with him or understood him and his reasons, he truly was emotionally withdrawn like Rose said he was, even I felt that.
The attraction between Rose and Mitch was believable at the beginning, but then it seemed like Mitch was just accepting it because it was convenient and made his life easier - until it didn't. And that had consequences.
I enjoyed the first part of the story, the introduction of the characters and the way they got to know each other. But the way Mitch avoided emotional connections, even with his children, and responsibility, even with his children, the story, or Mitch, got to be a challenge to me. Maybe I had too high expectations of him as the hero of the tale, maybe his sorrow from losing his wife and unborn daughter was deeper than I understood.
The magnificent Australian outback as the home base of the story took my breath away. The adorable and lovable Reynolds kids and the life on the rugged land captured my mind. The new chances with life and love Rose and Mitch were cherishing made me smile. A well written, solid tale of sweet love and charming family.
~ Three Spoons