Once Upon A Family

Janie and her son Stuart had been on their own ever since the death of Janie’s husband the year before, when Sam and his granddaughter Cami came into their lives. To Janie, they were just friends the last two years and when Sam’s daughter was killed in an auto accident, Janie knew she had to go out to California to help him deal with Darla’s death and Cami in ICU. When Sam tells her that he lied to the judge and said they were engaged during the custody hearing, Janie can’t believe it. But she knew she’d help him to keep Cami away from his ex-wife. It was suppose to be a pretend engagement, but when Janie was on the stand and being questioned by the judge, she said they were headed to Nevada to get married after the proceeding was over. After the ceremony and the judge had given them custody of Cami, Janie had to keep telling herself that Sam has only married her to keep Cami. She just wishes her heart would listen, then maybe when they get divorced she won’t hurt as much. Then something terrible happens and Janie knows this is the end and she isn’t ready for it. Will Janie and Sam be able to come together forever or will Janie’s prediction come true and they divorce?

Ms. Hanawa has written a heartwarming story of how two friends come together to try to save a little girl who has lost her mother. The author’s attention to detail makes the book flow so well that each scene is special. The dynamics between all the characters is solid and very believable. If you’ve never read a book by Ms. Hanawa, then you’re missing out on a great storyteller.

Reviewed by: Donna