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Edge of Forever / A Natural Father

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Edge Of Forever

River Glen was at the edge of nowhere--a tiny, sleepy town nestled on the shores of the Potomac. It was perfect for Dana Brantley, who, after a rocky couple of years, was looking for a peaceful place to start over. But the townspeople had other ideas for the new librarian. They thought she was perfect for their most eligible bachelor, Nick Verone. So did Nick's ten-year-old son, Tony. And so did Nick, himself. He was intrigued by the mysterious Dana, and determined to find a way through her reserve. But what he discovers is a wounded and fragile soul. It will take more than his usual charm to convince her that in River Glen--and with him--she has found the edge of forever

Natural Father

Pregnant, single and expanding her business--Lucy Basso's hands are definitely full. As it that's not enough, Dominic Bianco is showing more than a little interest in her. And when Dom isn't fazed by her impending motherhood, she begins to think that perhaps he's a natural father

512 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 29, 2012

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About the author

Sherryl Woods

557 books4,623 followers
With two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.

"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."

The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.

Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.

A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.

Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.

In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.

When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.

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5 stars
83 (25%)
4 stars
101 (31%)
3 stars
103 (32%)
2 stars
28 (8%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for steph .
1,442 reviews97 followers
September 10, 2012
Ok, so. This book is really hard for me to review seeing on how I HATED Edge of Forever and absolutely adored A Natural Father. So in order to be fair, I'm reviewing each book separately and combining their reviews for the rating I'm giving this book as a whole.

:-:

Edge of Forever by Sherryl Woods

1 star

This book was the worst. Honestly, parts of it made me sick to my stomach and the only reason I kept reading it was I was hoping it would get better. But it didn't. AT ALL. The premise of this book was that a big city girl (Dana) moved to a tiny town to escape her past. But the first week after she is there, she meets the town's favorite single man, Nick and her simple, quiet wish to exist in this town is shattered once Nick and his ten year old son Toby sets their sights on her.

My main problem with the book is Nick and the way he is portrayed. About a quarter of the way into the book is it revealed that Dana was in an abusive relationship. So she is (naturally) weary of men. Any man really. And I get that Nick is a hunk and the hero and all that but the way he went after Dana from day one really upset me. From the first day he meets her he doesn't take no for an answer. He offers to clean her rain gutters even though she clearly doesn't want him to and doesn't take no for an answer -instead he wears her down until she says yes. He invites himself into her house, into her kitchen to make himself a pot of coffee (THIS STRANGE MAN WHO SHE JUST MET) even going into her refrigerater and all to get the cream. Even when he knows he is making her uncomfortable by being there, he still continues to stay. When Nick asks Dana out on a date to play Bingo at the local school and Dana (after saying yes), spends the whole night before lying wide awake because she is absolutely terrified of going on the "date" (her ex husband really did a number on her), tries to call and cancel on Nick, Nick uses his ten year old son as leverage to make her feel enough guilt about cancelling that she doesn't cancel and ends up going with them. Really nice guy huh? Later on in the book when Nick's son tells his dad he saw Dana crying after reading a letter, Nick stalks her mail for three days before finding the letter (and when I say stalk the mail I mean he brings her lunch every day with the purpose of flipping through her mail before she sees it so he can figure out what made her so upset because she won't tell him) and when he finds the letter, he reads it even after Dana asked him not to.

I think if this wasn't a book about a abused woman, I'd be a lot more lenient towards it. But because it is and because the heroine stated herself that her ex was very protective and possessive man when they first met, having Nick share those same qualities, even if he is reflected in a more positive light (because you know, he is the hero and he LOVES HER and would NEVER HURT HER) really upset me and soured this whole book for me. I'd read other books that involve abused heroines and some are good and some are bad but this is the other one that really left a sour taste in my mouth. I'm sorry but when Dana started listing the qualities that her husband had when they first met, I kept thinking that Nick had like 60% of those same qualities and I wanted to shake this girl and tell her "what are you thinking hooking up with the same guy as husband #1?) I couldn't even get exited at their HEA ending, because I kept wanting to tell Dana to ran as far as she could away from this man and this town. Not a happy read. As a fan of Sherryl Woods, I'm very disappointed in this book.

:-:

Natural Father by Sarah Mayberry

4 star

This bonus book, in contrast to the first book, was a utter delight and reading it made buying this book for 50cents from my local library totally worth it. Dominic Bianco and Lucy Basso have known each other their whole life, having grown up in the same close knit Italian community. Dom has always had a thing for Lucy ever since they were teens and wore a short blue skirt to church but they were always in relationships with other people so Dom never got a chance to act on his feelings for her. Enter present day. Dom is newly divorced and Lucy is newly single -only pregnant with her ex boyfriend's baby who wants nothing to do with her or the unborn child and everything to do with Belinda the Nimble Yoga Instructor.

Over the period of her pregnancy, Dom and Lucy become friends and then business partners and then more. I really loved this book. I loved Sarah Mayberry's writing (this is my second book by her) and I love the way all the secondary characters are portrayed -from Dominic's staunch Italian father to Lucy's sister Rosie. I loved how in this book both sides are shown about impending motherhood between Lucy loving her unborn child and knowing she could raise her daughter on her own to her sister Rosie being married to the love of her life for the past eight years and knowing he wants to start a family with her but she's absolutely terrified of becoming a mom and the way the author deals with both sides of the same coin really impressed me. Add was really well done as well and Lucy's reaction to his confession was honestly my favorite part of the book:



Perfect book. Night and difference from the first one. If you get this book, read this bonus novel and not to the first one. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Profile Image for Debbie Sue.
240 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2020
Wow this book is really hard to read. In a normal situation Nick would probably be a good guy but in this one with an abuse victim sorry but he is Not. basically he is doing the same thing to this poor girl that her deceased ex did. She doesnt want a relationship with him he insists she doesnt want to go to bingo or go dancing do it anyway. He is not as violent Yet but he is Still imposing his wishes over hers. Unfortunately this is a pretty common theme with Sherryl woods girl has a problem guy will fix her whether she wants him to or not.
I wont recommend it and I wont read it again in fact i am not even going to donate it just recycle it with other paper items
Profile Image for Lin Stepp.
Author 36 books274 followers
January 23, 2018
Main character Dana Brantley is escaping a past marriage in which she was abused by her husband. The details of this are gradually revealed through the book ... in the small town where she's escaped to start over as a librarian. The idea of her finding a new beginning and new love is sweet ... but the plot is really slow. And her reluctance to get involved with another man who is only kind and thoughtful to her begins to feel a little over-the-top of believable after a while.
Neither of the books in this two-author book engaged me fully or felt believable.
Profile Image for nidah05 (SleepDreamWrite).
4,970 reviews
October 15, 2019
The first story I wanted to read because well the main character is a librarian and of course its a romance. Plus the cover is nice. Giving that story a 3. It was good but there were moments where I wasn't sure about it. Otherwise I did like the three main characters. Kind of wish the story was a bit longer.

The second story giving that a 3.5 and I think I like this one a little better. The romance was good plus the two characters were interesting. Also wished this one was a bit longer. The two stories were good though.
Profile Image for Nanna.
1,338 reviews6 followers
September 16, 2018
Good book, both stories are wonderful, a good lazy fall day read.

Both of these author's are new to me, this is the 3rd book I have read and already looking for another.
Get your copy, a cup of coffee and get started.
Your going to love both for different reasons.
9 reviews
August 9, 2019
I loved this book. Sherryl Woods is a favorite author of mine that never disappoints her readers.
This book had a few twists that you did not see coming a very enjoyable read. Very hard to put down like most of her books.

The bomus book was also enjoyable.
47 reviews1 follower
Read
May 20, 2020
Another great love story by Sherryl Woods.
213 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2020
Typical Harlequin romance but perfect for sitting outside in the sun -and shade all afternoon.
Profile Image for Katrina Alexander.
Author 3 books115 followers
October 18, 2021
I liked how Sherryl Woods was willing to address the aftereffects of surviving an abusive relationship and the impact it might have on future relationships.
Profile Image for Lori Howe.
297 reviews12 followers
July 14, 2012
Sherryl Woods hooks me in every time. It was she, Robyn Carr and Debbie Macomber who convinced me reading "real life" stories was as enjoyable as anything I'd ever picked up.

Edge of Forever does show it's age in only the fact that these days most people don't wait to talk to someone... they tend to use their cell to call or text. And I think people are much, much more understanding now about abused spouses and would be less likely to ostracize someone because of it. It's stories like this that I'm sure helped bring problems to light that many would rather not touch on.. (Same with Carr & Macomber books.)

Because I've enjoyed Sherryl Woods, I wondered if I'd like Sarah Mayberry stories, but this is the 2nd one I've read of hers and was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this one as much or more. It was also enjoyable to read a story from Down Under. Either it was adjusted to American language or slang is becoming more universal than I realized. How fun to sit here in sweltering July heat and read about cold August...!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Barb.
1,203 reviews
August 15, 2016
River Glen was at the edge of nowhere—a tiny, sleepy town nestled on the shores of the Potomac. It was perfect for Dana Brantley, who, after a rocky couple of years, was looking for a peaceful place to start over.
But the townspeople had other ideas for the new librarian. They thought she was perfect for their most eligible bachelor, Nick Verone. So did Nick's ten-year-old son, Tony. And so did Nick, himself. He was intrigued by the mysterious Dana, and determined to find a way through her reserve. But what he discovers is a wounded and fragile soul. It will take more than his usual charm to convince her that in River Glen—and with him—she has found the edge of forever.
Such a sad sad story until the end. Dana has gone thru what alot of women don't understand, and may never understand, unless 'you've been there'. Love how strong she becomes, and how she takes over her life..... finally. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,433 reviews19 followers
July 11, 2012
Two stories in one book:
"Home Sweet Home"
This was a really good story with an underlying message the carried a lot of romance, laughter, tears, suspense, & mystery. Between Dana & Nick the two love interest with Nick's sweet boy who brings them together.
"A Natural Father"
I really enjoyed this stayed for just the Italian family alone. but I enjoyed all the battering that goes on between each of the different characters Lucy (main character) & her sister Rose. Rose & her husband. "The Dom" (Lucy's love interest) & Lucy. The main characters with their parents. They are just to funny, tender, & sometime just so sad. All of it works in order to make life easier on Lucy who has found herself a unwed, Catholic, & Italian woman. just hearing all those words tougher just make me laugh. A must read.
1,383 reviews22 followers
June 3, 2012
Dana Brantley was not looking for romance or any attachments when she escaped to River Glen. She was seeking a quiet life as the town's new librarian. However, Nick Verone and his ten-year old son had other ideas once they met and began to know Dana. This is a typical Woods romance. Boy meets girl and sparks fly. Obstacles abound and some of them rather daunting, but things always work out for the best. I have enjoyed her novels and enjoyed this one also. However, it was totally predicatble and an easy, fast read. Chick lit can be that way. If you like the author, you will like this book. The add-on book, by Sarah Mayberry, contained in the same volume is also typical chick lit and a lot like those of Ms. Woods.
Profile Image for BoondocksGlam.
65 reviews
June 7, 2025
Three stars is the average I'll give this book for the two very different stories by very different authors. I agree with some of the other reviewers, the first story, Edge of Forever was pretty predictable and while it could have been written with more depth and definitely more elaboration and development on certain elements of the storyline, it was a a quick easy read and fit the bill for the distraction of a few hours I was looking for.
The second story, A Natural Father was the better of the two. For the length of the story I thought there was decent character development and it just flowed better. This one held my interest better than the first but also, a nice easy read for a few hours distraction.
Profile Image for Gail.
1,554 reviews
June 15, 2012
There are 2 different stories in this book..one by Sheryl Woods Edge of Forever which is a hearfelt love story which I already commented on. The other was by Sarah Mayberry A Natural Father which was the first book I have ever read by this author. It was a beautiful love story between Lucy who is pregnant with another man's baby who left her and Dom who has loved Lucy since they were kids. It shows the ups and dopwns of how they get together.
979 reviews13 followers
January 18, 2013
The first book by Sherryl Woods was a predictable love story but was pretty good. Dealt with spousal abuse and the affects it has. Drug some. The second book A Natural Father by Sarah Mayberrywas another predictable love story that dealt with betrayal and trust. Liked the close sister relationship. Liked the conflict between the two people and between the sister and her husband. Both stories could be true stories.
Profile Image for Kshydog.
1,038 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2013
The first story started off as the usual romance novel. The message about abuse that was mentioned at the very end of the story could have made this a better more exciting reading had it played a bigger part in the story.

In the second story I could not believe that Dominic was that obsessed with a pregnant woman without mentioning why his first marriage failed. I felt sorry for the brother-in-law wanting children with a wife who could not talk about her issues.
Profile Image for Dee Gurganus.
337 reviews5 followers
August 4, 2015
I am not much of a pure romance reader, but these two stories were good. In both cases, the female characters have both faced a tragedy that left them with a lot of emotional baggage. But the male characters have also just faced an emotional tragedy, the difference is that the men are ready and willing to move on. Their pursuit of their female counterparts to show them they are ready to move on is what gives the story some interest.
343 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2015
Edge of Forever - Dana has moved to a small town to escape from her past. She becomes the new librarian and tries to start over with a new happy life. Nice romantic story.

Second story in this book:
A Natural Father by Sarah Mayberry
Lucy is single and pregnant. The father of the baby has left to be with another woman. Lucy has a new business to deal with and conern of raising a child alone. Mr wonderful is there for support. Another nice love story
Profile Image for Jenn C Reads.
1,993 reviews50 followers
September 10, 2012
It was cute, but I wanted more development of the relationship between them. It didn't seem natural and when Nick shows up in the beginning, it felt like I was thrown in in the middle. It also didn't seem to have an ending, it just kind of faded out. Best part of the book? Tony. There needed to be more of him (and Betsy). I want to read another of Woods' books to see if they are all like this.
Profile Image for Lea.
2,995 reviews61 followers
Did Not Finish
January 2, 2015
I'm DNF'ing this because it's obvious the heroine was in a horribly abusive relationship and the "hero" is not taking no for an answer because he knows best. No means no, even if it's a date or coming in for ice cream. And using your kid to guilt someone into doing something is really crappy.
No thanks. Moving on...
Profile Image for Sandy Forman-Johnson.
543 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2012
This book was a double feature.Sherryl Woods is Sherryl Woods, nothing much changes with her to the point of stories being predictable.
A Natural Father was very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Krista .
351 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2012
Edge of Forever was great. I loved the bonus book- A Natural Father as well. It wasn't just another romance. I think I found a new author!
Profile Image for Teresa Colby.
99 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2012
loved both of the stories but then agin i havent found any of Sherryl Woods books to be not fantastic!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews