To Gain A Mommy & To Gain A Valentine

Title: To Gain A Mommy & To Gain a Valentine

Series: Gaining Love #1 & 2

Author: Tanya Eavenson

Publisher: All Roads Publishing

Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance, Novella

Source: Kindle Own

My Review:

To Gain a Mommy is the first book I have read by Tanya Eavenson. It is also the first in the Gaining Love series.

 With this being a novella, it's really hard to say much without giving any spoilers. There is so much packed into the story that the ending is rushed, and it needed a few more details to make it more believable. The story is told from three different perspectives. You have Hope, Carl, and Carl's daughter, Mary. There is a bit of a love triangle (sort of), and that makes the story harder for me to enjoy as well. 

Overall, a quick story, with a strong theme of reconciliation, adorable kiddos, and a lab (boy's best friend, LOL). 

★★★/5

To Gain A Valentine is Patrick's story. Patrick is Hope's boyfriend in the first book, so I recommend reading them in order, for a greater understanding of his character.
However, it's not completely necessary as a year has passed since the first book, and his relationship with Hope.

This story is shorter than the first, and I hate to say it, but completely predictable. Patrick takes care of his sister's pets while she is on vacation, and reconnects with Amabelle. Again, there is so much packed into the story, that it is rushed and feels like insta-love, instead of a reconnection.

★★★/5

Synopsis (Goodreads): 

They had a plan, but will it work?

Thirteen years ago, pediatrician Hope Michaels was the fool-hearted girl who came home from college to learn the man she loved was engaged to her twin. But now to move on with her life and accept a proposal of marriage, she must confront the one man who holds the key to the wounds of her past.

Fire Captain Carl McGuire can put out any flame, except for the one Hope sparks within him. As she stirs up his life and heart, Carl knows some things never change. Even a past he'd rather keep hidden.

When a new neighbor moves in across the street who would be a perfect fit for their family, Mary and Brody form a plan to bring their dad and Hope together. But how will it work if Hope keeps pushing him away?  

Synopsis for To Gain A Valentine: 

Pediatrician Patrick Reynolds works wonders with sick children, yet when it comes to pets, he's clueless. But caring for his sister's menagerie while she's on vacation is the perfect answer to working through a broken engagement. Hoping to escape the memories, he returns to his hometown, the last place he'd expect to find love.

Life as a single mom is never easy, but pet shop owner Amabelle Durand has found contentment. When an old friend returns to care for his sister's pets, he enlists her assistance to keep the animals alive. But when Amabelle's young daughter falls ill, she finds herself attracted to more than the handsome pediatrician's medical skills.

As Valentine's Day approaches, will Patrick and Amabelle miss out on the love they've always desired? Or will their love take flight under the stars on this very special night?