Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Ashton Grumfeld is a photojournalist who has spent a lot of years embedded with the troops in Afghanistan, only coming home to visit his sister Amy and her family for a few days at Christmas every year. When Amy and her husband are killed in a freak boat accident, the guardianship of their four children falls to him.

Darren Swanson has been nanny to the Grumfeld’s children since just before nine year old Diana, the eldest, was born. When their parents die, he’s left on his own with four kids until their uncle can make it out of Afghanistan and get home. It takes almost two weeks before that happens, two weeks of having to deal with newly orphaned children all the while wondering what’s going to happen when Ashton finally arrives on the scene. 

Will Ashton and Darren be able to make a new family as they figure out how they fit together in the children’s lives, and each other’s? Find out in Family Portrait.

Book Review

While the Mannies Incorporated agency at the center of this series does not play a role in this story about a longtime manny facing major change in his life, the delightful charm that is a hallmark of all the books so far is definitely present. Both main characters face major change in their lives due to the parents of four children dying in an accident, and the drama focuses entirely on dealing with the kids’ an both men’s loss. Building their relationship, as well as figuring out their new normal, is at the center of everything. As sad as some of it is, the ending is very happy and left me feeling relieved about the new family’s future.

Ash is a photojournalist who doesn’t scare easily - it’s sort of in the job description for someone who has been imbedded with various troops in different warzones for many years. But the idea of having to raise his sister’s four kids has him pretty much shaking in his boots. He never questions his responsibility though, and he stays true to doing the best he can for them despite his own issues with nightmares caused by his experiences, and his initial lack of understanding about the details of taking care of four children under nine.

Darren, who goes by Dee, is a dedicated manny and has been with the same family since just before the birth of their oldest daughter, who is now nine years old. He loves the children as if they were his own and fears nothing more than being kicked out now that his employers are dead and the kids’ uncle is going to take over. His wariness is understandable and leads to much angst while the “new guy” comes in and finds his footing. Darren is a fierce protector of the children and they always come first for him.

Ash and Darren are attracted to each other from the start, but both are careful to avoid potential issues by becoming involved in more than a professional capacity. Their resistance doesn’t take too long to crumble, but they still move slowly and carefully. It resulted in great anticipation and made the final resolution all the sweeter.

If you like stories where pain and hurt turn into budding love and result in a new family, if you want to find out how two very different men can bond over a common challenge, and if you’re looking for a sweet read about four cute kids finding love and acceptance as they deal with the tragedy of losing their parents, then you will probably like this novel.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the author for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 171 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	22-January-2019
Price	$4.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Family-Portrait-Mannies-Incorporated-Novel-ebook/dp/B07MKBYCJ8