When I think of literary fiction, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and can satisfies just about every reader's heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day.

I always a good holiday book. This was a nice and heartfelt book. Would recommend to others. I have not read Monroe previously but have added her to my list.

This book was ok to me. It was a quick, easy read. Only took a couple hours. If you are looking for a quick read, this book is for you.

I connected immediately to the story of Rosemary as she is undergoing a surgery that I recently had. The medical issue she encounters sets she and her husband Eugene on a path the will ultimately bring them the family they are desperately wanting. The pace of the story moves quickly and some readers may think it culminates abruptly. Set around the holidays it focuses on what is truly important and that makes your heart rejoice. Thank you #NetGalley for the advance copy to review. All opinions are my own.

This story was an okay read but I found it a little unrealistic for a book. Unfortunately, adoption is a complicated and long process and I just couldn't get past the process . Rosemary and Eugene have always wanted a family and it never happened. When Rosemary needs help recovering from surgery Eugene calls his childhood nanny. This brings his Nanny's grandchildren into their life. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Christmas novels are supposed to be sweet and heartwarming and in this The Gift of Family does not dissapoint. When his wife needs help at home after surgery, Eugene thinks of the housekeeper who helped raise him, and even though he has not heard from her in years, he is able to track her down. It just so happens she was just laid off and is looking for a job. As noted above, she quickly becomes more than a servant and what do you think happens at the end.

I tend to get distracted from stories by details that don't ring true and in this case, while I am no medical expert, the medical details did not ring true at all--though I just did a quick Google search and at least one thing I thought was inaccurate could have happened.

In short, this is a quick easy read that will leave you smiling but you can pretty much guess from the blurb above how the story will end, and the road to get there isn't very twisted.

Thanks to the publisher for making a review copy avialable via NetGalley. Grade: B-

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Kensington and Dafina books for my copy of The Gift of Family by Mary Monroe. It published September 29, 2020.
What a sweet little book! This book may not be long, but it has so much heart! This is the quintessential Christmas book in my opinion. There's heartbreak, death of a dream, helping others, finding family, forgiveness, and more! If you want to read a heartwarming book with no cussing, violence (although some is referenced), or sex, look no further!
TW: Miscarriage and infertility

A sweet, clean book that lives up to its title of “The Gift of Family”. I immediately was drawn to the main characters of Rosemary, Eugene, and Ethel. I enjoyed reading a book in which the main characters were wonderful, caring people. All three had faced disappointment and heartache, but came together at just the right time to make a difference in the life of three teenagers. This is a shorter story, but it’s theme of compassion and caring went straight to my heart. I would love to read a follow-up book with these same characters. This was my first book to read by Mary Monroe, but I’ll now be reading more of her books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Gift of Family was like stepping into the lives of people I know well, a comfortable, believable story that caught my attention early on and quickly captured my heart as the story of good, relatable people came to life. (I don’t get mushy often during reviews, but I really enjoyed how this family and extended family were portrayed and slowly but surely came together as a whole unit.)

Now, I’m not going to say that everything within The Gift of Family is roses and sunshine – it’s not. There are the sadness and pain of being childless when desperately wanting children and having to move on from that pain. There are unexpected medical issues that have to be dealt with even when life says you cannot take the time for them… but must. There are also people devoted to everyone but oneself and burning the candle at both ends to make ends meet and keep a family together.

I’m a caregiver to a much-loved member of my own family. I’ve been the one needing care when I fought against it tooth and nail although eventually, I had to admit that I’m not always capable or able to “do everything” myself. So, yeah, I “got” the situations portrayed in this story – and the pain, confusion, self-doubt, and eventual joy that also is apparent as an extended, perhaps even new family is formed. And that is what you’ll find within the pages of The Gift of Family. Certainly not perfect – but right for each other, and isn’t that what we all want in our lives?

Mary Monroe is a new-to-me author, and I will definitely be looking for more of her work. If you love a story that touches your heart, gives you a few giggles and tears along the way, shows you how love works miracles even in the strangest of situations – then this is a book you’ll want this Christmas season, think of it as a gift to yourself, you deserve it.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Kensington Books via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

From the outside, Eugene and Rosemary Johnson appear to have it all...successful careers, nice house and cars. But the one thing that they are missing is children, and that appears to be a struggle. When they were hit with life-altering news, they had no idea that it would end up being a blessing in disguise.

Moral of the story: He may not give you what you want, but He will always provide what you need...if you just believe.

This is my first holiday read of the year, and also the first by the author. I love her writing style and will definitely add more of her work to my TBR.

I highly recommend this novella.

Great read by a new author for me. The plot is well written and enticing to the reader. The author writes in a way that makes the reader feel like part of The story.

On the Outside, looking in, The Johnson's Eugene and Rosemary seem to have the perfect life. A great home and careers, they seem to have everything, except the one thing they desperately want, A child. Rosemary needs surgery, and they agree to have Eugene's old caregiver, Ethel Perkins, who is also caring for her three great grand children. More trouble comes forward and at the end, decisions have to be made.

This was such a heartwarming and feel good Christmas story. I loved how the author weaved the story. Although it's a short story, it was very enjoyable and a very good read. The story will take you through all kinds of emotions. Loved this story.

This is a heartwarming Christmas read full of emotion and love of family! The characters are lovable and the reader feels a connection with them. I love how Rosemary and Eugene turned a tragedy in their lives into something meaningful and wonderful. They give one family stability and in return that family makes their dreams come true. This story is filled with true Christmas spirit and will leave you feeling uplifted and hopeful! It also reminds you what a gift it is to have a family to love. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys reading an inspirational Christmas story. It would be a wonderful addition to a Christmas story collection!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This book was an amazing read. It is a feel-good reading experience. Mary Monroe books always captivates the reader and takes them on a reading adventure that has them craving more. You will want to know what happens next and how it was handled. I could not put this story down even when one of the characters received some bad news and had to act accordingly, even though I was hesitate to read more, I had to know how Mary would handle it. I definitely recommend this read and I can’t wait for more reading material from her.

Rosemary and Eugene Johnson are the perfect couple. Eugene is a successful entertainment attorney and Rosemary owns a nail salon. They are happily married, but the one thing they long for in their marriage has never come to be. Out of the blue Rosemary receives a call from her doctor telling her she needs to have surgery. They are both devastated. Eugene wants someone to stay with Rosemary while she is recooperating, They begin the interview process and find that none of the candidates are quite up for what the job entails.. Eugene remembers the woman who took care of he and his brother when they were younger, and wondered if she might be willing to stay with Rosemary. Could she be the right person for the job and could their meeting again after all these years somehow help Eugene and Rosemary fulfill their lifelong dream of what is missing in their marriage? Mary Monroe writes a very heartfelt story that tugs at your heartstrings from the beginning.

Mary Monroe never disappoints. I featured this book as book of the day on all of my social media platforms and included it in a roundup of new releases on my blog, Black Fiction Addiction.

This was a very simple, yet good book. Rosemary is a 40ish wife and business owner who is yearning for children. When a life-threatening surgery looms she has to come to grips with the thought that she will never have children of her own. She and her husband are very blessed financially so they consider adoption. Meanwhile, God has other plans for them. As Rosemary recuperates from her surgery, other possibilities open up that may change their lives completely. A very heartwarming story that shows that you never know where those silver linings may come from.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.

Christmas is supposed to be a joyous time for those celebrating, and yet everything seems to be going wrong for Rosemary. Unexpected surgery. A long recuperation. A business to run. As a driven woman, she’s unaccustomed to slowing down, and these early sections where author Mary Monroe explores her trauma are painful to read. However, this serves as a reminder that sometimes everyone needs a little help and it can come in the most unexpected forms.

This is where Monroe is able to really work her bookish charm. In the middle of so much confusion and pain, she’s able to weave in a heartwarming story of family. As soon as Ethel, full of fire and spirit, is introduced into her life, Rosemary not only gets a caregiver, but access to the kind of family she’s always wanted. It’s lovely reading as these two groups—the Johnson along with Ethel and her grandchildren—becomes acclimated to each other, slowly filling the needs that each of them have.

But not everything is all bows and candy canes. Ethel’s grandchildren are sweet without ever becoming overly saccharine, though they’re working through their own problems. As well, Ethel herself struggles under the burden of caring for everyone around her. Monroe doesn’t shy away from the complications of life and, while there’s a tidiness to her plotting, everything evolves into a natural conclusion.

Ultimately, The Gift of Family is a light, cozy read—a perfect addition to Monroe’s impressive library.

A cute holiday story about forgiveness, family , and redemption. After a devastating medical diagnosis, Rosemary learns a hysterectomy is required. She and her husband Eugene are heartbroken. In-home care is required during her recuperation and Eugene 's childhood nanny is available.

This provides them with solutions to their situation, and with much love and compassion a family is in their future. Two families come together for healing and a second chance.

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

I automatically request and read a Mary Monroe, but some I enjoy more than others. It was great to read about an older couple and about an issue that faces so many of us women as we dance toward middle age. As a woman who recently had a lifesaving surgery in my mid-40s, I nodded along with the main character of this book while she recuperated. This novel was very simply written,, which is so much the reason that I like Monroe's latest series. That doesn't doesn't take away from the story or the satisfying ending. If you'd like an easy read to carry you into holiday reading season, this book would be a good start.