REVIEW: More Than a Temporary Family by Marie Ferrarella

More Than a Temporary Family by Marie Ferrarella: Josie Whitaker leaves Florida and her failed marriage to go to Spring Forest, North Carolina. Her younger brother Grant and sister-in-law Rebekah are exhausted with caring for their six-month old twins, Lily and Lucas. Josie is happy to help. Besides caring for the babies, she is able to help at the nearby animal rescue shelter where Rebekah had previously been active.

As a thank you to Josie, Grant and Rebekah pay for Josie to have riding lessons at a nearby farm. Josie has never been on a horse before, but is up for the challenge. When she arrives for the first lesson, she encounter the owner who will be her instructor. Declan Holt comes off as very terse and gruff. One of the reasons for his attitude is having to deal with his niece Shannon who is now living with him and his older mother. Shannon used to stay with his parents when her mother, Declan’s sister, was dealing with her drug addiction and rehab. Now that his father has died, the main burden of Shannon’s welfare falls on Declan.

Once Josie learns of Declan’s dilemma, she offers to work with Shannon in exchange for more riding lessons. Josie has raised a daughter and understands “the terrible teens”. Declan is amazed in the change is Shannon’s attitude once she helps Josie with the animals at the shelter.

Josie is attracted to Declan but is afraid to get too attached. She is unsure of her future plans and she worries about the age difference since she is older than Declan.

This is the second novel I have read and reviewed recently that had a hero named Declan. Since that name is a favorite, I was immediately engaged and wanted to learn more about this Declan. Beneath his gruff exterior, he has a tender, loving heart. He is afraid he isn’t up to the task of taking care of a teen girl, but does love and worry about her.
Josie is a special woman. Not everyone would be willing to help with young twins after raising their own. She also is able to forge a special bond with Shannon who has had a rough childhood in so many ways. I loved how the animals, especially the puppies, brought out Shannon’s more loving side. Dogs and other pets can heal us as much as we can help them past fears and insecurity.

Although there is lots of romance, this book is also one that shows family can be many things and we can all learn valuable lessons from others.

I love cats and dogs so this story had a special appeal to me. Even the book cover was adorable. More Than a Temporary Family is the eighth in the Furever Yours and is a standalone. All of the books in the series are by various authors. I look forward to upcoming titles that are by authors who I have read and loved. I also look forward to new books by the talented Marie Ferrarella.

Book Info:

Publication: March 29, 2022 | Harlequin Special Edition | Furever Yours #8

Time to get back in the saddle?

A visit with family in Spring Forest, North Carolina, was just what Josie Whitaker needed to put her marriage behind her. Horseback riding lessons were an added bonus. But her instructor, Declan Hoyt, was somewhat distracted, dealing with his moody teenage niece. The divorced single mom knew just how to help and offered to teach Declan a thing or two about parenting—never expecting a romance to spark with the younger rancher! Dare Josie take the reins on this exciting new adventure?