Member Reviews

It is the night of Felicity's daughter's high school graduation and they get a sudden call when her ex-husband is involved in a tragic car accident. Felicity speeds to the hospital with her two teens, Honor and Nick. Although her divorce was difficult, quite naturally Felicity wants her children to be their with their father. With her ex being critically injured from the accident he makes a very difficult request to Felicity - for her to look after his toddler son, Jack.

Meanwhile, her best friend Graham, a doctor on scene at the hospital, is there for her. His rebellious daughter Diana is also at the hospital at the time because Graham wants to keep an eye on her.

These are all of the characters in this wonderful book - Felicity, Honor, Nick, Graham, Diana and Jack...

I don't know how Sasha Summers did it with this book, but each and every character played remarkable roles in this book. Those six characters that I just listed will come together as a family. No, that is not a spoiler. I wouldn't do that to any reader of this review. The genre is romance, which pretty much guarantees a happy ending. What I will do is to tell you that the Ms. Summers crafted a very emotional story about two families becoming one. The journey is indeed troubled, but proves to be very much worth it.

I'd like mention something about the parents in this story - Felicity and her relationship with her kids, and Graham's relationship with Diana. They were exceptional parents, even though there was so much angst involved with the teenagers. I also loved that the author did not shy away from some of the problems that the teens were facing during the transitions occurring in this book. Then there is baby Jack... You just have to read the book to see how this all played out.

Accidentally Family is a touching story with remarkable characters and delicate situations that kept me so invested while reading this book that I could not put it down. Kudos to Ms. Summers for creating such a warm story, one that will have an impact me for a long time to come.

Many thanks to Entangled; Amara and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

This was a beautiful, quick and easy read about family, surviving tragedy, and love. I particularly liked the fact that Felicity and Graham are older characters, which I'd forgotten about between requesting the book and reading it. The pacing is solid, the characters and dialogue are all believable, and I admit I did get teary-eyed on occasion. This story was moving on so many levels.

I saw a lot of myself in Felicity. She loves her children so much, and has to be strong for them always, even putting on a brave face when her world is crumbling around her. It's hard to know what she saw in her ex, but that's true of real life people, too. I liked the way she and her kids were tight, like the Three Musketeers. They supported each other through the good and bad stuff, and their struggles (particularly Nick's) were very believable and authentic.

I had a harder time connecting with Graham because of the distance between him and his daughter. I think it'd been about four years since his wife's passing, and I couldn't wrap my head around who badly their relationship had deteriorated. Logically I could sympathize with his situation, and the way he lost himself in his grief briefly. And perhaps some of it had to do with men in general handling emotions and relationships so differently than women, but that kind of emotional disconnect between parents and children is so far removed from my own relationship with my son that it's almost incomprehensible.

The friendship between Felicity and Graham was amazing! The way they were immediately there to support each other, in spite of the dissolution of their friendship prior to the beginning of the book, was fantastic. True friendship is like that. The friendship Felicity had with her sister was great, too. And that between Honor and her brother Nick. The support and love of family was strong in this story.

The issues I had with the story were little things. If Owen was in love with Honor for so many years, where did she get the idea that he was a player? I would have liked for her misconception (if that's truly what it was) to have been addressed. Also, the video from the nanny cam served to show Felicity's ex in a new light, but I'm not convinced the accident was truly random. Despite the revelation and then belief that things were well for the new family, the car didn't swerve into oncoming traffic for no reason. (I suspect a fight of some sort, but we may never know the truth.)

I hope this is the start of a series because there is more to the story of Felicity's sister, Charity, and the good sheriff. And I want to know more about Honor and Owen! (The epilogue was not set far enough in the future for my liking.) And I want to see more healing for Graham's daughter. And ... and ... and ...

Needless to say, Pecan Valley has captured my heart. This was my first read by this author, and I'm lucky because now I get to go back and read her previous books while waiting for her next new story. (Which really needs to be about Charity, pretty please.)

Was this review helpful?

Accidentally Family a good love story but a definitely a different one that all worked out wonderfully in the end.

Was this review helpful?

I need more!! The characters were so intriguing, fully fleshed out. I loved the many POVs. It was done so seamlessly that they just fit. The family dynamic of the Otto-Buchanans was so inviting, the troubles they went through so realistic.

And the sweet romances, my heart!! It feels full. There are 2 side romances that I just need more of very soon!

Heres hoping there's more coming from Pecan Valley!

Was this review helpful?

It had been years since I read anything from Sasha Summers then after reading Jace and getting reacquainted with Sasha I jumped at the opportunity to read Accidentally Family.

From the first page I was hooked. Felicity is a kind, strong woman whom got hurt by her ex-husband, but that didn't stop her from loving her kids and being a good mom. What starts as one shining moment turns into tragedy leaving Felicity to pick up the pieces.

Her ex asks her the most unthinkable request but Felicity is all heart and honors it.

Graham was Matt, her ex's best friend and business partner. While he's still dealing with the aftermath of the death of his wife and trying to repair his relationship with his daughter, he ends up wading in to help Felicity and her kids.

Sure the plot was predictable but it didn't matter because it was done in such a beautiful way. The main story evolved around Graham and Felicity but we also got the story of Honor, Nick, Charity, Owen, Diana and Jack. Each character was portrayed very well and you felt all their joys and tribulations. I know this is a standalone but I hope it blossoms into more because I would love to see what happens with the other characters like Charity and Braden or Honor and Owen. That way we'd a also get more from Graham and Felicity.

There were so many layers with this story. It had so much heart and dealt with the complexities of family. Blended families are never easy but it's especially hard when there has been so many hurt feelings involved. This story did such a great way on showing those issues and how they were able to find a way to move on and see the future instead of holding onto those past hurts.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Accidentally Family by Sasha Summers is exactly what I look for in a family based romance. Sasha Summers provides us with a wonderful cast of characters. Felicity is a divorced mother of two teenagers, Honor and Nick. All three are struggling with the death of Felicity's ex-husband. Felicity is the quintessential mom, making the best out of a horrible situation. Honor is a new graduate and the peacemaker of the family. Nick is sixteen and has never gotten over his father's leaving his family behind for another woman. We also meet Graham, former partner of Felicity's ex-husband, and an old family friend. He does his best to support Felicity and her children during this difficult time. He has his own struggles however with his teenage daughter, Diana, who has never really gotten over the death of her mother to cancer. Finally we meet Charity, Felicity's younger sister. I love Charity. She's a wild free spirit who is dealing with her own issues but is there 100% to support Felicity and her family.

I loved how the story is told from multiple points of view. The multiple perspectives provide a depth to the story that allows the reader to really understand what is going on in any given situation. Ms. Summers delves into some difficult topics and being able to understand the emotions everyone is feeling really brought the story to life.

Overall I think this book would be a great choice for people who love classic romances. It would also be great for those who enjoy character driven books. If you are a person who isn't fond of family based romances, I would skip this one.

Was this review helpful?

Accidentally Family is my first introduction to Sasha Summers, and what a wonderful introduction it was. As this was an enjoyable, touching, and sweet story. That evoked plenty of warm feelings, a few tears, and some feel good moments. And it was wonderfully well written, and plotted and I certainly felt Ms Summers was writing from the heart.

Would happily recommend.

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is my first book from Sasha Summers but not my last. This was an incredibly powerful story of loss and family. The characters are well developed and believable. Quick, easy read. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy! đź“š

Was this review helpful?

Accidentally Family is a touching women’s fiction novel with a strong, slow-burn romantic thread as well as some teenaged heart throbs. Felicity’s husband left her for another woman and now has a child by that woman and has “forgotten” his parental duties to his earlier children. Felicity is rather too good to be true—almost saintly—as she rises to the challenges of raising her teenaged son and daughter while suppressing her own emotions. As she struggled with her loss of identity as Matt’s wife, she gets word that there has been an accident, and her ex- and the ex’s never-married-girlfriend are killed and their toddler seriously injured. In his will, Matt asks that Felicity be his son’s guardian. Graham, a local obstetrician and former friend of the family, is dealing with a wayward daughter and the loss of his wife to cancer. These two families, devastated by loss and betrayal, must learn to cope. The book is told in multiple points-of-view, and Summers deftly weaves between the male and female voices. All the main players have a satisfying character arc.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book that I have read by the author, Sasha Summers! I loved this book! I had a hard time putting it down because I wanted to see what would happen!

Felicity & her kids have been thru a lot lately. Her husband left them & married a younger woman who he had a baby with. He basically deserted their two kids which has left them somewhat bitter towards him. Then the unexpected happens and he is killed in a car wreck along with his young wife. His baby, however, survives the wreck but there is no one from his new wife's family left to help care for him.

At the same time, Graham, who along with his wife were great friends with Felicity and her husband (at the time) has the issue of his wife dying and a teenager who tries to take that out on him and basically blames him for losing her mom.

I won't say more but I love the plot and storyline of this book and I don't think I have ever read one quite like it. I had to keep reading & finish it as soon I sat down. Great book! I can't wait to read more by this author.

Thanks to the publisherm Entangled: Amara, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. This is my unbiased and honest opinion of this book!!

Was this review helpful?

I have never read a Sasha Summers book before today. I have to say, I was totally living this story from start to finish, and not expecting some of the twists and turns that were intricately developed. The characters were well thought out and engaging. I am going to search for more books from this author. Thanks for allowing me to pre-read this book before it hit the market!

Was this review helpful?

A heartwarming and emotional story of a family coming together against all odds. Felicity Buchanan continues to do the best for her two children after her husband left her for a younger woman. It seems as he has left their children behind as well. On the night of their daughter’s high school graduation, there is an accident that will affect all their lives. Dr. Graham Murphy has been a family friend for years, but he has not been close to Felicity and her children since the death of his wife. He is dealing with his teenage daughter who has turned away from him, not accepting the death of her mother. After the accident, will these two separate families be able to unite to support each other? Once I started to read this book, it was next to impossible to stop. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

Was this review helpful?

Oh my gosh, I just enjoyed this book. It made me feel all kinds of emotions. I was feeling angry for Felicity because of her ex husband with all what he put her through. And then I even felt for her kids.
Then I love how the author makes you feel sad and love at the same time. I got so teary-eyed reading this wonderful book.
And when we meet Graham, we find he is going through hell as well with his daughter and losing his wife a few years before.
So when Graham is there at the hospital with his daughter to give any updates on Felicity's ex husband and his girlfriend and their son,their is a connection between Felicity and Graham again. From being old friends when his wife was alive and she was with her husband.
Then when Felicity sees that Graham is having trouble with his daughter and that she will need help going through everything with her unexpected life. She believes they can help each other out.
But when sparks start to fly and feelings start happening can they both move past their loss and be there for each other with kids and love.
I wish this was a series, I'd keep reading to see how everything turns out later in the future.

Was this review helpful?

From the very start of Accidentally Family your heart strings are tugged. I loved this book. The emotions and love shared in this book just get you where it counts. You feel for Felicity and her children. I love how strong Felicity comes when facing taking in her ex husbands toddler. You feel for Nick and Honor and the changes they are facing from left behind to finding first love. Felicity's sister Charity is spirited and exactly what Felicity needs when things get a heavy. You will swoon for Graham. The slow burn between Graham and Felicity is amazing as they rekindle their friendship. Adding in Graham's troubled daughter Diana into the mix Felicity is just wonderful with her. I love how they all come together and lift each other up and step in when needed. This book will hold your heart all the way through. The love, the humor, the tragedy and those teen angst moments just fill the pages and suck you in. I couldn't put this one down. As my first book by Sasha Summers I am looking forward to one clicking more of her work.

Was this review helpful?

Accidentally Family is the first book by this author that I have read. I found this book to be a wonderful story that shows just how different families can be, and how sometimes family isn't just about blood relations. Family can be what you make it to be. Felicity is pretty much the bond that brings everyone else together and Graham and his daughter help to make it complete. I would love to see some of the other characters in the story get their own books. That would be a series worth reading.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely stunning family-focused romance!

Make sure you have plenty of tissues on hand for this slice of heartbreaking family life packaged inside a swoony, life-affirming romance. The setting is a charming small town in Texas, with all the assorted community assets in full splendor. In addition to the breathtaking love story between Felicity and Graham, we also get to know several other couples-in-the-making. Each of these side stories is delightful and, I hope, a prelude to future stories from this author.

The writing here is simply sublime. When Nick and Jack finally met, the way that little boy reacted to seeing his brother just melted my heart! I cried real tears and had to stop reading to absorb it all. The authenticity of the teenagers is pure genius, and the budding romance between Honor and Owen was so powerful, even in its infancy. The author gave us third-person omniscient POVs from all the main characters, resulting in a deep realism and emotional sincerity that is rarely seen. Understanding the teenagers from both their and their parents' viewpoints was absolutely brilliant.

Reading this felt like I was walking through the family tragedy and triumph together with these people. It’s a rare book that can make fictional characters come alive so well. This is literary perfection, a romance with a family drama that fills every longing of the heart. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Holy swoon!! This is sexy small town romance at its finest. I loved the characters in this book. The story was written exceptionally well. Great story that kept the pages turning and hours of reading pleasure. An entertaining story that you will love. If you love a romance story that has humour, sexy and sweet moments, banter and two wonderful characters that are just meant for each other, then you want to read this book. Happy reading everyone!!

Was this review helpful?

Accidentally Family by Sasha Summers, published by Entangled Publishing LLC is a wonderful read. Accidentally Family is a full length, stand-alone and tells the stories of two families, their loves, their heart breaks, their mournings and their healings and finding love again.
There are Felicity and her teenage kids, Graham and his daughter and not the main characters but they had me in knots Felicity ex's new family.
Accidentally family is a story that stays with me. I read the book some time ago, but I can't get it out of my head, it stubbornly stays with me. It's an excellent written story, complex, fast paced, emotional and had me teary eyed more than one time. My heart was hurting for the maincharacters, all of them.
I recommend the book.

Was this review helpful?

I want to live in Pecan Valley!

Felicity Otto-Buchanan thought Matt Buchanan, her ex-husband had missed their daughter’s graduation like he had missed so many of their kids activities but finding out about the car accident was more than she wanted to deal with but when he died along with his new girlfriend that he left her for leaving her to raise their little boy. Dr. Graham Murphy had let his friendship with Felicity’s family go by the wayside after his wife died and he was left to raise their daughter but raising an angry teenage girl was beyond his capabilities.

Graham and Felicity decide to help each other out figure out how to deal with their families and everything with raising kids and they figure out that they aren’t to old to fall in love again even when some of their family doesn’t agree.

I loved Accidentally Family because it is makes it is the perfect friends-to-lovers romance and it leads to more stories about all the people that live in Pecan Valley. I hope the first book is about Charity and Braden!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Accidentally Family is an entertaining and well written romance. Great plot and endearing characters. Romance readers will enjoy this book. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?