Welcome to my #TuesdayTea review of Jill Weatherholt’s newest Shenandoah Valley romance, A Mother for His Twins, a September release by Love Inspired Books. This story of forgiveness and acceptance touched my emotions in deep ways. I’m serving chocolate cake with coconut frosting, one of the hero’s specialties. Help yourself to the peppermint tea or a cup of coffee to enjoy while you read about the story. At the end of this post, I share some thoughts about why I personally feel this particular story is important to read.
THE BLURB
First-grade teacher Joy Kelliher has two new students–twin boys who belong to her high school sweetheart. If teaching Nick Capello’s sons wasn’t difficult enough, the widower’s also her neighbor…and competing for the principal job she wants. Now with little matchmakers drawing Joy and Nick together, can they overcome a painful past to build the family Joy’s always wanted?
MY REVIEW ON GOODREADS
A Mother for His Twins by Jill Weatherholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A heart-tugging second chance romance!
Second chance romances are always fun….former sweethearts reconnecting after life has taken the couple in different directions. Author Jill Weatherholt’s newest book, A Mother for His Twins, touched my emotions on so many levels.
Teacher Joy Kelliher must confront a trauma from her past when her high school boyfriend returns to town with his two young sons. Widower Nick Capello is returning to his hometown to provide a new beginning for his twin boys. He is surprised to find his high school sweetheart has remained in Whispering Slopes and is applying for the same principal job he wants.
I enjoyed the characters in this story, especially the darling little twins who have such different personalities. The romance, with such a self-sacrificing hero trying to learn from his mistakes, is tender as the former sweethearts must work through the issues keeping them apart. The emotional pain Joy carries is difficult to admit, but she works hard to overcome her past. The last line of the story is one of the best I’ve read, followed by a perfect epilogue. I loved A Mother for His Twins!
Favorite quote: “You can’t change the past, but moving forward, you can do things differently.”
*I was given a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m delighted to offer my honest opinion.
ABOUT JILL WEATHERHOLT
Weekdays, Jill Weatherholt works for the City of Charlotte. On the weekend, she writes contemporary stories about love, faith and forgiveness. Raised in the suburbs of Washington, DC, she now resides in North Carolina. She holds a degree in psychology from George Mason University and a paralegal studies certification from Duke University. She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Jill loves connecting with readers.
Jill is also an author in the new collection, Autumn Hearts, five stories of romance during the fall season. Please visit Jill’s website at www.JillWeatherholt.com to order any of her books. “Writing Stories of Love, Faith and Happy Endings While Enjoying the Journey.” I like her Facebook page which includes inspiring hummingbird photos. I also suggest signing up for her email newsletter!
THANK YOU FOR JOINING ME FOR TEA AND CHOCOLATE CAKE. I hope you enjoyed this review and a moment of virtual refreshment. If you want to read more thoughts on why A Mother for His Twins especially touches my heart, continuing reading. One of the reasons storytellers are important is their ability to give readers glimpses into different life situations. This allows us to appreciate and empathize with the emotions of others. I thank Jill for writing such a story. There are spoilers ahead, so come back AFTER you read the book if you don’t want any further details about this story and how it connects to my personal experience. Isn’t trusting Him with answered prayers… and unanswered prayers…. a deep walk of faith?
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ~~1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)
When you read A Mother for His Twins, you will note my fun surprise on page 62. *smile* Thank you, Jill Weatherholt!
With prayers and blessings always,
Sherida
*Your thoughts are appreciated. I apologize for delays in moderating and posting comments.
CAUTION: SOME SPOILERS AHEAD!
My thoughts on the value of storytelling……
This is a difficult post to write, but it is important to thank authors for writing about difficult topics. Reading helps us understand and have empathy for others who have faced challenges different from our own experience. Jill Weatherholt’s book, A Mother for His Twins, touched a subject dear to my heart…infertility.
After graduating from the same Connecticut high school, my boyfriend and I both headed to Colorado colleges, our chosen universities several miles from each other. Our relationship continued to develop despite the distance between our schools. We tried to arrange Saturday dates as often as we could coordinate our plans. At the end of one special date, the guy I’d fallen for in high school began to propose to me….making sweet declarations of love and saying he wanted me to be the mother of his children. He was stunned when I burst into tears, crying uncontrollably. As my confused boyfriend tried to console me, I explained…between sobs….a doctor had recently told me I had a medical condition making it difficult to conceive a baby. I might not ever be able to have his children. Now that he knew my problem, would he reject me? Stop loving me? After calming me down, my hero said he wanted me to be his wife, no matter what our future held. After I graduated from college with a degree in elementary education, we said our vows in my grandparents’ little Kansas church.
Our married life was full. My husband received his diploma, then did some Army training as a 2nd Lieutenant in Washington. We moved to Chicago, then Guam for a few weeks, then New Mexico, then back to Colorado for his graduate school. Finally we settled down, bought our first home in a tiny mountain town, and I was happily teaching young children. But despite years of infertility tests and treatments, we didn’t have a baby. My desire to have a child consumed my thoughts and emotions. The testing was expensive, painful at times, and extremely frustrating. The medications caused wild emotional turmoil.
Anguish. What was wrong with me that I couldn’t be a normal woman?
Despair. How could something I wanted with all my heart be impossible for me?
Envy. Why were other women so easily able to become pregnant….seeming to take their motherhood for granted?
Anger. How could some women discard a precious life?
Doubt. Why didn’t God answer our prayers?
Eleven years had passed after our wedding day. We began to look into other options to become parents, but at that time, adoption was a difficult process with a long waitlist. Resigned that our life would be without children, we accepted we could be happy as a childless couple. We’d focus on our rewarding careers, but a piece of our hearts would miss the babies we’d never have.
Miracles do happen! Finally I got the news I was pregnant! We were ecstatic to find we going to have the child we had prayed so long for!
Because of complications which threatened the baby, I took a leave of absence from my kindergarten teaching job so I could have complete bed rest for the next five months. We prayed for the safe arrival of our child. Finally our son was delivered by C-section….a healthy baby boy!
Two years later, I was pregnant again…with twins. However, an ultrasound showed one baby didn’t have a heartbeat. The doctor cautioned I might not be able to carry the remaining baby long enough for him to survive. We prayed. And miracles really do happen! With another emergency C-section, our second son arrived, full-term.…healthy and strong.
However, not all prayers are answered the way we’d like them to be. For the third time, I found I was pregnant. This time God had a different plan. That unexpected child joined the sibling in heaven. I’ll have two babies to rock and cuddle when I get there someday.
Through everything, we are forever grateful for our two miracles who are now outstanding men. Additionally, we now have three precious grandsweeties!
Why did my husband and I receive these miracles when other couples struggle and never become parents? I don’t have answers. God loves us all equally, so why we have children and others don’t is a mystery only He knows. Since I’ve walked awhile in the infertility path, I have empathy for women who don’t become pregnant, but I can’t truly know the feeling of loss they have.
Thank you, Jill, for writing a book I hope will help others understand the consuming emotions of the highly personal and difficult situation some women face when trying to become mothers. May we always support one another with love and compassion.
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another…. ~~ 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (KJV)
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Sherida Stewart 
Thank you for your lovely review, Sherida. As you know, I was truly moved when you reached out to me to share your experience. Your story was exactly what I love, a happy ending! ❤
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I’m so glad you liked my review. As I read A Mother for His Twins, I had a deep connection to the story. Your words touch on so many of my emotions. The characters definitely felt real. I know others are blessed by your talented writing! Thank you!
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A lovely review and touching story Sherida. Jill has the ability to write exactly what her readers need. I’m glad the book was meaningful. Jill is a terrific person and a talented storyteller.
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Thank you for your comment, John. I agree completely with your thoughts about Jill and her writing abilities. I’m so thankful to have found her books. As we know, God brings special people into our lives for His purpose. Thank you for stopping by!
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I loved your review, Sherida. I really appreciate your heartfelt words. xo
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Thank you so much for stopping over, John. I agree, Sherida’s review was very touching. I appreciate your sweet comment.
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A wonderful review for Jill’s latest book (it’s on my kindle) Thanks for your heartfelt personal share as well.
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Thank you, Bette. You will enjoy A Mother For His Twins as the characters are well-developed….and the twins are adorable! Thank you for visiting.
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Thank you so much for stopping by to read Sherida’s beautiful review and testimony, Bette. ❤
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This is such a wonderful review, and a very moving personal story, Sherida. Thank you for sharing so openly and honesty.
I agree that Jill is an amazing person, and a talented storyteller!
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Thank you, Donna. As I read Jill’s book, i was amazed at the emotions she wrote about, so close to feelings I had. I wanted to share my experiences. I’m thankful for your comment.
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Hi Donna! Thank you so much for stopping by to read Sherida’s beautiful review and her own personal story. Her email to me sharing her personal experience was so moving and it helped me with my own self-doubts when it comes to writing. I appreciate your friendship and support over the years, Donna! ❤
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Lovely review with the extra personal touch, Sherida.
Jill does get to the heart of the matter in her stories.
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Yes, Jill does write lovely, heart-touching stories. Thank you for stopping by for tea, Laura!
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Thanks so much for stopping by to read Sherida’s beautiful review and her personal story.
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What a beautiful review. I love how the book touched you in such a personal way! It’s on my TBR list–I can’t wait.
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Thank you, Kate! I appreciate author, such as Jill, who write books which touch our lives. You will enjoy A Mother for His Twins.
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This is absolutely lovely!:The review and the tea and cake! As I write this, a cup of coffee sits to the right of my computer. This post inspired me to brew some tea and sit outside in a few minutes – watch the ducks fly in, and meditate.
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I’m so pleased you liked the post, Marian, and it inspired you to take a bit of reflecting time while enjoying your view…and some tea. Sounds beautiful!
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Wonderful discussion of this book. I loved it. Can’t wait for Jill’s next.
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Thanks, Jacqui! I’m also looking forward to Jill’s next Love Inspired book. I’m anxious to read her Autumn Hearts story which is next up on my Kindle. So glad you joined us for #TuesdayTea!
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Hi Kate! I appreciate you stopping over to read Sherida’s beautiful review.
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Hi Marian! I know, isn’t this post just wonderful. Sherida does a beautiful job presenting her book reviews. That cake looks delish! Thanks for popping over.
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Hi Jacqui! I always love Sherida’s reviews. I’m so happy you enjoyed A Mother for His Twins. Thank you for the lovely review, too. I’m glad you liked the “belly scratch!” Thanks for stopping over.
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What a lovely review, Sherida! I am so looking forward to reading Jill’s book!
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Thank you, Clare! You will enjoy this special story. I’m glad you joined us for tea!
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I like how you set up the initial photo, Sherida. It set the mood for sitting down to read this book. Right away, your words “second chance” makes me feel good. We all deserve a second chance. Emotional pain plus joy in the same sentence made me think.
I downloaded this book on my ereader and I look forward to reading it soon on a break. I don’t mind spoiler alerts
I love how you took care and chose your words writing this review. Right from the beginning, your genuine emotions were palpable.
I couldn’t really read all the words to the end of this story, because my eyes were blurry with tears. Thank you for sharing a story close to your heart, Sherida. Thank you, Jill, for sharing Sherida with us xx
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Oh, Erica! Your comment touches my heart. I was uncertain about sharing my personal connection to Jill’s story, but your words convince me it was the right time to offer my testimony. You will be blessed by A Mother for His Twins. Thank you for visiting my Tuesday Tea celebration!
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I’m sorry to be a day late in stopping by, but wanted to say that Jill’s book sounds wonderful! And that cover is heart-melting.
Sherida, thank you for sharing your heart with us. What a blessing that you were able to have two miracle babies (and will see the others in Heaven one day). After seeing what my daughter went through with her infertility, my heart is burdened for any woman who struggles with that. Thankfully my daughter has also been blessed with a sweet miracle baby!
Thank you for posting such a sweet blog post (including yummy cake!) and featuring Jill’s book. 🙂
Hugs, Patti Jo
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Good morning, Patti Jo! As I wrote this post, I thought of your daughter and her precious miracle. Isn’t the cover adorable? I appreciate your visit to Tuesday Tea!
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What a lovely comment, Erica. I’m so happy you stopped over to read Sherida’s wonderful review and her own personal experience with infertility. I was moved when I read it, too. xo
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It’s wonderful when a book touches your heart and confirms you life story. Such a great post you wrote here. Thanks for telling your story.
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Thank you, Ally! It was amazing to read Jill’s words….like she knew what emotions I’d felt. Yes, when an author can do that, they are truly talented. Thank you for joining us for tea and cake.
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What a beautiful, heartfelt post. So glad Jill sent me over here. First, I read her latest book (I read ALL of Jill’s books) and enjoyed every word and reviewed it with five stars on Goodreads and Amazon. Jill’s writing is easy-to-read and yet contains complex problems with real-life characters. I, also, loved that same line you noted: “You can’t change the past, but moving forward, you can do things differently.”
Lastly, your openness about your infertility is moving and I’m sure helpful for many others to read. My mom told me the story over and over again (once I was a teenager). She and my father married in 1945 as soon as he returned for fighting in WWII. They planned on a large family – at least five (!). But she could not get pregnant, and after many tests, my mom was told she could never have a child. After seven years they decided to adopt. The day they were supposed to sign papers to begin the adoption process, my mom was so sick she went to the doctor. She wasn’t sick – she was pregnant with me. 18 months later she had my brother, and then her body stopped producing babies. God works in mysterious ways – we never know why or how, but we should know it’s the way it’s to be.
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Hi, Pamela. What a special story of your mom’s experience! Thank you for sharing this. I so agree with your thought: “We never know why of how, but we should know it’s the way it’s to be.” Absolutely! After I put aside my worry and fear, I can look back and see God’s perfect timing….sometimes easier after than during the situation, but I “should know” to trust Him. Thank you for stopping by for tea!
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Hi Sherida,
What a lovely review of Jill’s book…I now can’t wait to read it!
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Thank you, Nancy! I hope you enjoy Jill’s romantic story of second chances. I love all her books! So glad you stopped by.
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Hi Patti Jo! Don’t worry, I’m sure Sherida saved a piece of cake for you. Thank you for your kind words about my book. Harlequin does such a great job with their covers. They captured Jordan and Tyler perfectly. I’m so sorry to hear your daughter struggled with infertility issues. Thank you for stopping over to read Sherida’s heartfelt post. I’m so happy she shared her story with us.
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Hi A-Bean! I appreciate you stopping over to read Sherida’s beautiful post. I’m happy she shared her story with us.
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Hi Pam! I’m so happy you popped over today. Thank you for your sweet comment about my book. I really appreciate your lovely review, too. Wow! I love that you shared your mother’s story here, Pam. I didn’t know that about your family. Talk about a happy ending…which you know I love! I’m glad you were able to read Sherida’s beautiful testimony.
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Hi Nancy! Thanks so much for stopping by. I’m happy you enjoyed Sherida’s beautiful and heartfelt post.
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This was such a touching story it brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing this lovely story Sherida, and that’s a great review!
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Jina, I’m touched to know you appreciated my story. Thank you so much for your comment and for visiting us for tea and the review!
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I am very much looking forward to reading A Mother for His Twins. Keep on writing these stories, Jill! I am moved by your story, Sherida. It’s so important to be respectful of others’ family situations. Very often, couples are privately struggling with infertility or they have other reasons for not having children – you just don’t know about them. Great post!
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Barbara, the private feelings of couples is important to mention. One just doesn’t know the situations others are living through. We’re each different. Doesn’t Jill write the most moving books? I enjoy everything she writes. Thank you for joining us!
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Hi Sherida. I can scarcely imagine how thrilled you must have been to have a child after all those years of trying. My mother always said God works in mysterious ways and I’ve never had cause to doubt that. She would dearly have loved to have more children, but miscarriage followed miscarriage. I’m happy for you and you’ve written Jill a wonderful review.
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Johanna, God does indeed work in mysterious way. We are fortunate to know He loves us and has the perfect plan for our lives, even when the plan isn’t what we wanted. Your mother’s strength and faith are admirable after so many disappointments. Thanks for stopping by for tea and commenting on my review of Jill’s book!
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Hi Jina! Thanks so much for stopping by. I’m happy Sherida’s story touched you the way it did me.
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Hi Barbara! I appreciate you popping over to read Sherida’s lovely review of my book, but more importantly to read her testimony.
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Your mother was so right, Jo! Thank you so much for stopping over to meet lovely, Sherida.
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A beautiful review of Jill’s latest book, Sherida. And, thank you for sharing your personal story, with a lovely, happy ending. Having an author touch you on so many levels is one of the greatest compliments and proof of their skill! 🙂
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Yes, Liesbet, when an author touches our hearts, we know it’s a great book! I appreciate the emotions Jill is able to convey with her words. Thank you for visiting!
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Hi Liesbet! I’m so happy you stopped by to meet Sherida and to read her personal story. Thanks so much. Safe travels to you and Mark!
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What a lovely review of Jill’s book, Sherida, and thank you so much for sharing your personal story and how the book dealt with the difficult emotions that so many women (and men) face. It sounds like a beautiful read.
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Thank you for your comment, Diana. You are right that some men also face this challenge emotionally. I’m glad you enjoyed the review….and there are a few slices of cake available, so help yourself while I pour you a cup of tea.
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Jill’s novel sounds interesting and tugs the heart strings. Sherida, thank you for sharing your story and sorry about the two babies that have preceded you but am happy about the two that are with us. One can never understand how some people’s prayers and hopes are fulfilled while others’ are not.
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Zambian Lady, thank you so much for your kind thoughts. Trusting God’s answers require courage at times. I’m so glad you stopped by for tea and a review. I hope you get a chance to read Jill’s touching story.
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Hi Diana! It’s great to see you here. Thanks so much for stopping over to read Sherida’s lovely review and her personal story.
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What a nice surprise seeing you here, ZL. I appreciate you stopping over to meet Sherida and read her beautiful review and her experience with infertility. I was honored that she shared her story with me.
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What a beautiful post! So happy that you featured Jill’s book and had the courage to tell your story.
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Thank you, Linda! Featuring Jill’s book was an honor for me. As you read, her words deeply touched my heart. I’m so pleased you stopped by for #TuesdayTea.
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Hi Linda! I agree, Sherida’s post was beautiful and doesn’t the cake look yummy? I’m happy you stopped over to read her personal story.
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I can’t wait to read it! I have loved Jill’s other books.
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Hi, Luanne! Yes, if you’ve read Jill’s other books, you will certainly love this story…so touching. Thank you for visiting us!
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Aw…thank you, Luanne! I appreciate you stopping over to read Sherida’s personal story.
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I enjoyed your review of Jill’s book and how it related to you. Thank you for sharing your personal story.
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Thank you for stopping by my blog, Roslyn. I’m so glad you enjoyed the review and my personal thoughts. We still have some cake and tea here for you. Hope you get a chance to read A Mother for His Twins.
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Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks for your comment, Chocoviv. I’m sure you’d enjoy a big slice of the CHOCOLATE cake!
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Sherida, first a beautiful review of Jill’s book and this is one I look forward to reading soon. It is on my Kindle! I’ve loved her other books!
This must have been an especially emotional read for you and you could relate more than most to the story. A mixture of happy and sad endings.
Lovely to meet you here on blogging. xx
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Hello Annika! So fun to have you stop by my blog. As you know, I enjoyed your interesting answers to Jill’s would-you-rather questions. I hope you enjoy Jill’s newest book. Yes, it was an emotional story for me. I appreciate her writing about the feelings of those who face infertility issues. Thank you again for your comment. It’s lovely to meet you!
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