What makes a family?

One of my favorite themes in romance is the concept of family and what that word really means to us. I ascribe to the idea that family is both born and made. You see that theme in romance quite a bit, especially in the gay subgenre. I am lucky to have some wonderful siblings and a terrific mom, but my dad was a drug addict who died young. I never really found a replacement, but that doesn't mean I don't get the idea of "making" a family. And I don't mean just popping kids out. :)

We adopted our oldest daughter when she was a teenager, and it was because of her that we brought two Korean exchange students into our home. They lived with us for three years and are both very much our sons, though they have wonderful family back in South Korea. We've had other teens and not-so-teens live with us as part of our family for short and long stretches of time. My sibs and I have adopted other adults into our family as well. My husband and I are considering foster parenting or adopting older children once the final teen finishes college and moves out. Not sure if it'll work with all the grandkids on the way, but my mom always taught us that love given away grows. We agree!

In my book, Moon Craving, the concept of family is an important theme. Just like my own daughters, the heroine Abigail is closer to her sister Emily than anyone else, despite the fact they share no parental genes. She finds a place where she belongs amdist Talorc's clan, when the best she thinks she can hope for is to somehow be reunited with her stepsister.
What are your thoughts: what is your favorite family concept from a book? Is your personal family born, or made, or both?

Hugs and happy reading,
Lucy Monroe

Moon Craving will be this Thursday's giveaway in my 52 Week's of Romance contest.