Publication Date: November 6th 2011
ASIN: B0063Y2OCE
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author links: Website Goodreads Twitter
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Blurb: 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.My Thoughts: As a special educator and a mother of children with special needs, I was drawn to this book quickly! I foud that the author created a very accurate depiction of how parents and the community deal with special children. It is not always a pretty picture, and she shared that with the reader, along with the great, loving, respectful side as well. I so wish I had not finished The Forgotten Child!! I was so engrossed, and so involved, that I hated that it ended! This is such a wonderful book! I have now read two books by Lorhainne Eckhart, and I have not been disappointed either time.
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?
The Forgotten Child is a book that tugs at your heart, bot for the love of the children, and for the romance between Emily and Brad. Not only is the story-line itself very powerful, but the way it is written is as well - very masterful!!! Eckhart has a way of drawing you in. She just knows how to provide the reader with the visual and emotional details necessary to nab you.
I had so much respect for Emily. She is such a wonderful woman - my respect only grew as the novel progressed. She is a caring mother - protective of her daughter Katy, loving person - able to care for the special needs child of her employer, and strong woman - growing throughout the whole novel. Brad was a great character as well. I could empathize with his acceptance of his child's diagnosis, as well as the rest of his turmoil. He is a great father, to be raising his child alone. I don't know many men who could or would deal well in his situation. The relationship between Emily and Brad was wonderful to read. It was not rushed into as a reader of romances would expect. Eckhart created a beautiful romance story with its ups and downs, and a super ending.
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone! I figure it is one that I will pick up and read again some day - and I usually do not like to re-read books. However, this one deserves to be re-read several times!
About the Author: Lorhainne Eckhart began her writing career in 2008, when she published her first novel, The Captain’s Lady, a Contemporary Military Romance.
Lorhainne Eckhart is a member of the RWA, Sisters in Crime and Victoria RWA. She makes her home on beautiful Vancouver Island, and lives in the country with her three children. The mother of a special needs child. And one of her greatest gifts was having to learn, organization, structure, and how to stay focused on what’s really important in life. She lives by simple rules, the same she teaches her children. Stay honest, be impeccable with your word, never take advantage of anyone, and treat everyone with respect. She’s an advocate for children with special needs. Passionate about preserving our environment, wildlife, and protecting what natural resources we have left, so there will be a future for our children.
Lorhainne loves her garden, nature and all animals. When she isn’t being a busy Mom, working on, and promoting her next novel, you’ll find her horseback riding on the trails, working in the garden, or outside enjoying nature.
Lorhainne is an avid reader and writer. She writes romantic suspense, but enjoys reading novels from all genres.
Her latest novel, The Choice, Book One of Walk the Right Road Series, is a romantic, mystical suspense. And probes an issue most women have fallen victim to at one time in their life. The masterful predator who preys on vulnerable women, and clouds the invisible barrier between right and wrong. What would you do for someone you love?
