Book Review: Family by Design

Author: Heather Justesen

Author's Website: www.heatherjustesen.com

Genre: Romance/Women's Fiction

About the book:

Before he could think better of it, he blurted out, “I understand your concerns. I’m going to speak to my commander about getting an early discharge. My girlfriend, Rena, and I have talked about getting married. There just hasn’t been any rush.”  As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wondered what he was thinking. Yes, they had discussed marriage, but not to each other! He and Rena had never even dated. Tucker’s on his way to the biggest challenge of his life. Rena already has it all—except a family of her own. But neither one expected their friendship would take such a dramatic turn.


When Tucker becomes the guardian of his newly orphaned niece and nephew, he knows he can’t handle them alone, not when he might be shipped out with the Marines at any moment. Desperate, he turns to Rena for a major favor. His marriage proposal would give her everything she wants, but can she learn to live without the romance she’s always dreamed of? As time, prayer, and a life-changing kiss work a little magic in her heart, Rena wonders if someone up there has a plan for her that’s better than anything she could’ve come up with on her own. And though it seems crazy at first, this could become her chance for a marriage that will last for eternity.

My Review:

Family by Design is not your traditional love story where boy and girl meet, fall in love, and then get married.  It's a topsy-turvy love story that had me cheering for Tucker and Rena from the very beginning.  The fact that, at a very personal cost, they wanted to provide a home for Tucker's recently orphaned niece and nephew give you a glimpse into their characters.  I loved watching their relationship grow and develop and couldn't help cheering them on, hoping that it would all turn out well in the end.  Heather does a superb job at portraying the feelings of her characters.  More than once Rena's emotions felt all too personal.


I highly recommend all of Heather Justesen's books, but Family by Design is my favorite.  It's an unusual love story full of unexpected events and tender scenes.  To learn more about Heather and her other books please visit her website and blog.  Family by Design is available on Amazon and at other retailers.

Special Offer:

Also, as a special promotion for anyone who buys a book before January 31, you can get a free ebook for her companion novella, "Shear Luck."  Once you buy a copy of her book go here to get your free copy.