Peaceful, Indiana, 1900, Turn of the Century Love Story

Wanted: A Family
Janet Dean
Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Harlequin; Love Inspired Historical
288 edition (March 1, 2011)
Now available for the Kindle

Emotional Story of Love, Redemption, Second Chances, and Social History

“Wanted: A Family” continues a theme of social responsibility that occurs in Janet Dean’s other historical romances: "Courting Miss Adelaide",   "Courting the Doctor's Daughter" and "The Substitute Bride" .  

It’s 1900 and the world is changing.

The hero, Jacob Smith, spent time in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He was betrayed by his best friend and the woman he loved. While innocent, Jacob still feels contaminated by his prison stay. He’s an orphan brought up in a series of sterile and unfeeling orphanages. As such, Jacob is a truly alienated loner with major trust issues.

The heroine, Callie Mitchell, married a happy-go-lucky, lazy man who died while she was in the early stages of pregnancy.

Callie lives in an unsafe dilapidated Victorian house that needs major repairs which she has no money to pay for. Callie also plans on bringing in unwed mothers to her large home. Many of these will not be able to contribute to their expenses. Callie really needs a miracle.

Jacob happens to be a carpenter who is in town to follow a lead on finding out his mother’s identity.

He trades working on the home for room and board. There is very strong, immediate, chemistry between Jacob and Carrie but both have strong trust issues that act to keep them apart. The story is full of emotion and there is never a dull moment.

The narrative features Janet Dean’s crystal clear prose. All the characters are very well drawn and sympathetic. The ending is sure to warm your heart.

“Wanted: A Family” is a powerful story, inspired with love and a joy to read.

Highly Recommended!