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Carrigans of the Circle C #3
Close to Her Heart
Dani Carrigan has always relied on logic when making important life decisions, but when she discovers she’s pregnant - and that there’s a chance her baby may be born “not perfect”— logic lets her down.
It would help if the baby’s father would pop the question, but widowed father Adrian seems more interested in protecting his six-year-old daughter than committing to his new relationship with Dani.
The last time she felt this alone and scared was when she was 16 and her mother died, leaving Dani to raise her younger sisters with precious little help from her distant and disapproving rancher father. She felt so inadequate then, but is she any more prepared to be a mother now?
Support comes from an unlikely source. Dani always saw her next-door neighbour and friend, divorce attorney Elliot Gilmore, as a charming, handsome, playboy-type. But with each challenge she faces, from pregnancy, to delivery and beyond—Elliot reveals himself a better man than she ever guessed.
Is it possible that Elliot hasn’t been playing the field—but waiting for her?
It would help if the baby’s father would pop the question, but widowed father Adrian seems more interested in protecting his six-year-old daughter than committing to his new relationship with Dani.
The last time she felt this alone and scared was when she was 16 and her mother died, leaving Dani to raise her younger sisters with precious little help from her distant and disapproving rancher father. She felt so inadequate then, but is she any more prepared to be a mother now?
Support comes from an unlikely source. Dani always saw her next-door neighbour and friend, divorce attorney Elliot Gilmore, as a charming, handsome, playboy-type. But with each challenge she faces, from pregnancy, to delivery and beyond—Elliot reveals himself a better man than she ever guessed.
Is it possible that Elliot hasn’t been playing the field—but waiting for her?
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2014
1266 people are currently reading
807 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Carmichael
106 books834 followersUSA Today bestselling author C. J. Carmichael has written over 50 novels, including two mystery series, as well as romance and women’s fiction. Three of her novels have been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, including A Bramble House Christmas. A film version of A Bramble House Christmas premiered as a Hallmark Mystery movie in 2017.
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
September 25, 2014
I can't even begin to say how much I disliked this book. Heroine allowed herself to be someone's dirty secret for six months and she was just fine with that. Ends up pregnant and the boyfriend wanted no part in it because again...she was his dirty little secret. She let him treat her like that and had no issues with it. He ignored her for weeks and when he finally took her out to dinner one night, she couldn't wait to jump into bed with him again....knowing he couldn't care less that she was having his baby. Weeks later she finds out that while she was his dirty little secret and carrying his baby, he had "fallen in love" with his daughter's nanny and dropped heroine completely.
Hero was her next door neighbor who kept telling her she deserved to be treated better and he was always there for her. To be honest, even though this was a romance book, I wanted the hero to actually just run away from the drama the heroine found herself in and go find someone else who had a brain in her head.
Hero was her next door neighbor who kept telling her she deserved to be treated better and he was always there for her. To be honest, even though this was a romance book, I wanted the hero to actually just run away from the drama the heroine found herself in and go find someone else who had a brain in her head.
May 30, 2015
This is the first book I've read by C.J Carmichael and on the whole it was a sweet enjoyable friends-to-lovers story, but it wasn't without its flaws.
When Dani Carmichael is told the baby she's carrying could be born with a disability, she shoulders this alone. The father is a selfish man basically using her, so her support comes in the form of her friends. But, I have to say I did find some of Dani's actions a touch immature for someone of her academic standing and age. Predominantly the fact she doesn't tell her family and this kind of gave it the feeling of a dirty secret. Let's remember this family are from Marietta, Montana; I have got to know this place rather well and these people generally have huge hearts and are close.
But on the whole Dani was very likeable. Elliot was a true friend and their growing closer throughout was what held this story together for me and brought some lovely touching moments. He has a good heart, he's level headed, supportive and they have a natural chemistry; all elements that make for a good romantic read.
This is book three in the Carringtons of the Circle C series. I haven't read any of her sister's stories, I don't feel I have missed anything vital through not doing so, and would say this can easily be read as a standalone.
When Dani Carmichael is told the baby she's carrying could be born with a disability, she shoulders this alone. The father is a selfish man basically using her, so her support comes in the form of her friends. But, I have to say I did find some of Dani's actions a touch immature for someone of her academic standing and age. Predominantly the fact she doesn't tell her family and this kind of gave it the feeling of a dirty secret. Let's remember this family are from Marietta, Montana; I have got to know this place rather well and these people generally have huge hearts and are close.
But on the whole Dani was very likeable. Elliot was a true friend and their growing closer throughout was what held this story together for me and brought some lovely touching moments. He has a good heart, he's level headed, supportive and they have a natural chemistry; all elements that make for a good romantic read.
This is book three in the Carringtons of the Circle C series. I haven't read any of her sister's stories, I don't feel I have missed anything vital through not doing so, and would say this can easily be read as a standalone.
October 1, 2019
Unbelievable!
Contains Spoilers.
The premise of this book didn't even make sense and showed the heroine has no common sense. Dani, a scientist with a PhD in psychology was having an affair with Adrian, who was the head of the the department where she worked - her boss. She had unprotected sex with him once. He said he didn't pull out because it felt so good. Dani, the scientist, did nothing to prevent the pregnancy. Her pregnancy showed the baby had markers for Downs Syndrome and she didn't have more genetic testing. Even if she was opposed to abortion, there were other reasons to know in advance if the baby had Downs Syndrome. Her relationship with Adrian bordered on emotional abuse. She never went to his house or met his six year old daughter. It appears that she would do anything to continue a relation with him, even ignoring all signs that he was a jerk who cared nothing for her.
She never told her family, consisting of a father and three sisters, about her pregnancy. Apparently she was close to her sisters for she spoke with them often by phone. She had two best friends, Eliot who was secretly in love with her and, Miriam, who was no true friend and wanted Eliot.
The writing style left much to be desired and the grammatical and spelling errors were numerous which caused book to be difficult to read. The book was free, however I recommend that you save your time and pass on this one. As a romance, it did have the required HEA.
Contains Spoilers.
The premise of this book didn't even make sense and showed the heroine has no common sense. Dani, a scientist with a PhD in psychology was having an affair with Adrian, who was the head of the the department where she worked - her boss. She had unprotected sex with him once. He said he didn't pull out because it felt so good. Dani, the scientist, did nothing to prevent the pregnancy. Her pregnancy showed the baby had markers for Downs Syndrome and she didn't have more genetic testing. Even if she was opposed to abortion, there were other reasons to know in advance if the baby had Downs Syndrome. Her relationship with Adrian bordered on emotional abuse. She never went to his house or met his six year old daughter. It appears that she would do anything to continue a relation with him, even ignoring all signs that he was a jerk who cared nothing for her.
She never told her family, consisting of a father and three sisters, about her pregnancy. Apparently she was close to her sisters for she spoke with them often by phone. She had two best friends, Eliot who was secretly in love with her and, Miriam, who was no true friend and wanted Eliot.
The writing style left much to be desired and the grammatical and spelling errors were numerous which caused book to be difficult to read. The book was free, however I recommend that you save your time and pass on this one. As a romance, it did have the required HEA.
August 29, 2015
Gah. Dani was tedious. You know how you hear about people that are so smart they have absolutely no common sense? That's Dani Carrigan. She allowed herself to be someone's dirty little secret for six months. Her friends tried to tell her what was going on. She was full of excuses for the POS loser who happens to be her boss. Yeah, that one. She knew what was going on in her mind, she totally let her heart rule.
You can read this in an afternoon and I'm glad I didn't have to devote any more time than that. It was OK. As the book went on the typos and dropped words became more frequent. It was like the author was rushing through to finish before her thoughts left her and it wasn't proofed well. Again, OK for an afternoon read.
You can read this in an afternoon and I'm glad I didn't have to devote any more time than that. It was OK. As the book went on the typos and dropped words became more frequent. It was like the author was rushing through to finish before her thoughts left her and it wasn't proofed well. Again, OK for an afternoon read.
September 13, 2015
I just didn't understand why Dani would allow a man to treat her in a such disrespectful way.
September 30, 2019
Dani Carrigan finds herself pregnant, the father wants nothing to do with it, and the baby has Down Syndrome markers which Dani basically ignores. She also doesn't tell her family though her sisters seem loving. Her best friends find out (about the baby, not the possible DS): the nice guy Eliot tries to help and the woman is merely the cardboard evil vehicle to make Dani jealous so she finally decides Eliot might be a better alternative.
This book had so many possibilities that were totally unused by the author. Dani is mostly unlikeable. She drifts through her life, making no decisions though important stuff is happening. Eliot is a nice guy but felt like a default, someone Dani goes to because she can't have the admittedly despicable father of her baby. The story ends up being trite with stereotypical characters. Definitely not for me.
This book had so many possibilities that were totally unused by the author. Dani is mostly unlikeable. She drifts through her life, making no decisions though important stuff is happening. Eliot is a nice guy but felt like a default, someone Dani goes to because she can't have the admittedly despicable father of her baby. The story ends up being trite with stereotypical characters. Definitely not for me.
April 7, 2025
Close to Her Heart by CJ Carmichael (2014)
Carrigans of the Circle C #3
5h 19m narrated by Emily Cauldwell, 238 pages
Genre: Western Romance (not this book but the series)
Featuring: Seattle, Washington; Secret Workplace Affair, Unexpected Pregnancy Trope, College Professors, Down Syndrome, Monthly Chapters, Single Father, Sisters, Widower, Divorce Lawyer, Montana, Neighbors Trope, Close Proximity, Friends-to-Lovers Trope, University of Washington, Characters From Previous Books, Child Development Study, Sex - Low Details, Blended, Baby, MS
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "School's Out" by Alice Cooper
Books and Authors mentioned: A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, Fifty Shades of Grey Series by E. L. James, Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½👩🏫🤰🤱
My thoughts: Instead of 3 books in 10 hours, it's 4. I will never put off reading expiring titles again. I'm starting to think all 4 of these sisters are pushovers like their mom. This story was inconsistently set during and after the events of the previous book, especially since it started in October and ended shortly after Christmas, but this book starts in April so it could only be after the previous book, but they tried to make it simultaneous off and on. The story seemed very rushed, and the thing with the sister made little sense. I didn't see her reasoning. Then, not even her niece who is in her class visited her. It seemed like the author forgot about her family at one point.
Recommend to others: Maybe; it was a decent story.
Carrigans of the Circle C
1. Promise Me, Cowboy (2013)
2. Good Together (2014)
3. Close to Her Heart (2014)
4. Snowbound in Montana (2014)
5. A Cowgirl's Christmas (2014)
6. A Bramble House Christmas (2015)
7. Carrigan Christmas Reunion (2019)
Carrigans of the Circle C #3
5h 19m narrated by Emily Cauldwell, 238 pages
Genre: Western Romance (not this book but the series)
Featuring: Seattle, Washington; Secret Workplace Affair, Unexpected Pregnancy Trope, College Professors, Down Syndrome, Monthly Chapters, Single Father, Sisters, Widower, Divorce Lawyer, Montana, Neighbors Trope, Close Proximity, Friends-to-Lovers Trope, University of Washington, Characters From Previous Books, Child Development Study, Sex - Low Details, Blended, Baby, MS
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "School's Out" by Alice Cooper
Books and Authors mentioned: A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, Fifty Shades of Grey Series by E. L. James, Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½👩🏫🤰🤱
My thoughts: Instead of 3 books in 10 hours, it's 4. I will never put off reading expiring titles again. I'm starting to think all 4 of these sisters are pushovers like their mom. This story was inconsistently set during and after the events of the previous book, especially since it started in October and ended shortly after Christmas, but this book starts in April so it could only be after the previous book, but they tried to make it simultaneous off and on. The story seemed very rushed, and the thing with the sister made little sense. I didn't see her reasoning. Then, not even her niece who is in her class visited her. It seemed like the author forgot about her family at one point.
Recommend to others: Maybe; it was a decent story.
Carrigans of the Circle C
1. Promise Me, Cowboy (2013)
2. Good Together (2014)
3. Close to Her Heart (2014)
4. Snowbound in Montana (2014)
5. A Cowgirl's Christmas (2014)
6. A Bramble House Christmas (2015)
7. Carrigan Christmas Reunion (2019)
September 24, 2014
Autry‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
3 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Dani, a scientist at heart has been delivered news she never thought she would hear, her baby may not be perfect. With heavy thoughts and decisions weighing on her, Dani hopes for a proposal from the father.
Adrian, widowed father of a six-year-old daughter, is less than thrilled about the pregnancy news. He starts to throw out alternative options for the baby. He needs to protect his six-year-old before he can worry about another child.
The pregnancy was not planned, and after her meeting with Adrian, Dani is considering her options. Giving her some time to think and Adrian some time to wrap his head around it, Dani finally breaks and tells a close friend about the pregnancy. Eliot has been friends and neighbors with Dani for years and is unsure of his feelings towards Dani and this pregnancy. Then enters Miriam, also a friend and neighbor to Dani and Eliot, and she brings drama to a whole different level. Starting to feel life’s stress the three set off on a vacation where the floodgates open. Miriam dramatically changes the game; forces the cards and makes the pivotal mistake between friends. With emotions strung out, Dani and Eliot revisit their feelings for each other. While all of these changes are going on, Adrian is off do whatever it is that he does….in secret. Once Adrian realizes the secret Dani’s been hiding from him, he is outraged and unaware of Eliot’s position in the room and in Dani’s life. In that moment her heart has picked the champion, the one who will win out over all and accept her and her new life along with all the challenges and rewards.
Close to her Heart is the third installment to C.J. Carmichaels, Carrigans of Circle C series. Each book holds a challenge for each one of the daughters, most of them involving some type of forgiveness and the ability to move forward. So far this is the only one that I could label somewhat predictable. It still had me guessing and dropping my jaw in awe of some characters; but the feeling from the beginning has it leading towards a more predictable story line of friends to lovers. Is it so predictable it’s cliché? No. Does it add another layer to the family dynamic? Yes. Am I happy I read it? Yes. Would I recommend, Close to Her Heart? Yes. It has implied romance and yearning but actual lovemaking scenes are not involved in this novel it’s more of a journey about love, acceptance and celebrating all children, no matter what..
3 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Dani, a scientist at heart has been delivered news she never thought she would hear, her baby may not be perfect. With heavy thoughts and decisions weighing on her, Dani hopes for a proposal from the father.
Adrian, widowed father of a six-year-old daughter, is less than thrilled about the pregnancy news. He starts to throw out alternative options for the baby. He needs to protect his six-year-old before he can worry about another child.
The pregnancy was not planned, and after her meeting with Adrian, Dani is considering her options. Giving her some time to think and Adrian some time to wrap his head around it, Dani finally breaks and tells a close friend about the pregnancy. Eliot has been friends and neighbors with Dani for years and is unsure of his feelings towards Dani and this pregnancy. Then enters Miriam, also a friend and neighbor to Dani and Eliot, and she brings drama to a whole different level. Starting to feel life’s stress the three set off on a vacation where the floodgates open. Miriam dramatically changes the game; forces the cards and makes the pivotal mistake between friends. With emotions strung out, Dani and Eliot revisit their feelings for each other. While all of these changes are going on, Adrian is off do whatever it is that he does….in secret. Once Adrian realizes the secret Dani’s been hiding from him, he is outraged and unaware of Eliot’s position in the room and in Dani’s life. In that moment her heart has picked the champion, the one who will win out over all and accept her and her new life along with all the challenges and rewards.
Close to her Heart is the third installment to C.J. Carmichaels, Carrigans of Circle C series. Each book holds a challenge for each one of the daughters, most of them involving some type of forgiveness and the ability to move forward. So far this is the only one that I could label somewhat predictable. It still had me guessing and dropping my jaw in awe of some characters; but the feeling from the beginning has it leading towards a more predictable story line of friends to lovers. Is it so predictable it’s cliché? No. Does it add another layer to the family dynamic? Yes. Am I happy I read it? Yes. Would I recommend, Close to Her Heart? Yes. It has implied romance and yearning but actual lovemaking scenes are not involved in this novel it’s more of a journey about love, acceptance and celebrating all children, no matter what..
April 13, 2017
Review written: May 7, 2015
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☼☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
Close to Her Heart is a sweet friends-to-lovers book. I liked it for the most part, but there were a couple things about it that just really stuck out to me as jarring.
Dani is super smart, a professor, and she seems to have an incredible social life. Her significant other Adrian is at the same university, a widower with a daughter. Though they've been together for a while, it remains primarily a sexual relationship apart from their regular lives. When Dani gets pregnant, it's a problem.
Dani spends a lot of time with her two best friends, Elliot and Miriam. Elliott is a lawyer and Miriam seems to just be supported by her parents' money. Dani is very close to both of them until she gets pregnant, when Miriam seems to distance herself and Elliot seems to come to the forefront.
Slowly, Elliot and Dani's relationship grows and when the dust settles, their friendship has deepened into love. It's a slow process marred by some ugly scenes but it is real and honest.
The overall story suffers from a lack of detail, though. Dani rarely spends time in the lab or teaching. We see more of Elliott at work than Dani. Adrian as a character is mostly one dimensional, and a bad one dimension at that. A user, he seems only interested in what's in it for him, at all levels. Miriam is even worse. Friends all this time, she turns into a bitch when Dani gets pregnant.
Dani's struggles to deal emotionally with everything coming her way are the most realistic emotions here. Plus, there is the baby in all this.
Overall, I liked this book, but it could have been better.
This review is ©May 2015 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☼☼☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
Close to Her Heart is a sweet friends-to-lovers book. I liked it for the most part, but there were a couple things about it that just really stuck out to me as jarring.
Dani is super smart, a professor, and she seems to have an incredible social life. Her significant other Adrian is at the same university, a widower with a daughter. Though they've been together for a while, it remains primarily a sexual relationship apart from their regular lives. When Dani gets pregnant, it's a problem.
Dani spends a lot of time with her two best friends, Elliot and Miriam. Elliott is a lawyer and Miriam seems to just be supported by her parents' money. Dani is very close to both of them until she gets pregnant, when Miriam seems to distance herself and Elliot seems to come to the forefront.
Slowly, Elliot and Dani's relationship grows and when the dust settles, their friendship has deepened into love. It's a slow process marred by some ugly scenes but it is real and honest.
The overall story suffers from a lack of detail, though. Dani rarely spends time in the lab or teaching. We see more of Elliott at work than Dani. Adrian as a character is mostly one dimensional, and a bad one dimension at that. A user, he seems only interested in what's in it for him, at all levels. Miriam is even worse. Friends all this time, she turns into a bitch when Dani gets pregnant.
Dani's struggles to deal emotionally with everything coming her way are the most realistic emotions here. Plus, there is the baby in all this.
Overall, I liked this book, but it could have been better.
This review is ©May 2015 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
September 11, 2014
I was given a copy on netgalley for an honest review
To be completely honest I couldn't finish this book. I really tried to read this book but it just couldn't keep my interest and I found myself wondering why I was even bothering. The plot of the book is that a dani finds out she is pregnant with her boyfriends child but she doesn't tell him right away. She waits till she is 16weeks along to tell him and he wants no part of it and the relationship ends. And then she finds out somewhere along the line that her friend and neighbor Eliot has a thing for her.
Now here is the major problem I had that I couldn't get passed. Before she tells her boyfriend about the baby she is told that the baby could possibly have Down syndrome and she just sits and worries. Never once thinking that she should get tested or anything that someone in that situation would do.
I would not recommend this book to anyone.
To be completely honest I couldn't finish this book. I really tried to read this book but it just couldn't keep my interest and I found myself wondering why I was even bothering. The plot of the book is that a dani finds out she is pregnant with her boyfriends child but she doesn't tell him right away. She waits till she is 16weeks along to tell him and he wants no part of it and the relationship ends. And then she finds out somewhere along the line that her friend and neighbor Eliot has a thing for her.
Now here is the major problem I had that I couldn't get passed. Before she tells her boyfriend about the baby she is told that the baby could possibly have Down syndrome and she just sits and worries. Never once thinking that she should get tested or anything that someone in that situation would do.
I would not recommend this book to anyone.
November 25, 2016
Another Debbie Downer book in the Circle C Ranch saga. 90% of this book is again, a break-up story. The biggest shortcoming in this book is watching the smartest of the 4 sisters making one ridiculous decision after another. So unbelievable. So disappointing.
Skip this one, too.
Skip this one, too.
September 22, 2014
4.5 Stars
This story grabbed me from the beginning. It is not the typical romance story. Dani Carrigan is the academic of the Carrigan family. She has been having an affair with her widowed department head, Adrian Carlson at the University of Washington, where she works. She finds out that she is pregnant and keeps it a secret for four months. She also is told at that time that the baby has markers for Down’s syndrome. I was somewhat surprised that Dani never took that diagnosis further at the time, and have tests done. I guess she had decided that she was going to keep the baby regardless, so it didn’t matter to her. When she told Adrian about the pregnancy, he was less than thrilled, and hinted that she might consider “taking care of it.” Not the reaction she was hoping for. She didn’t even tell him about the possible complications.
Dani’s best friend and next door neighbor, Eliot Gilmore is a divorce attorney. He is charming, sexy and an assumed playboy. Actually, Dani doesn’t really know much about his personal life. He proves to be a very supportive part of her life when he finds out about her situation, and Adrian’s attitude about it. He is there for Dani every step of the way. Has he had feelings for her all along, and she hadn’t noticed?
CLOSE TO HER HEART was a welcome change to the romance themes I have read. It was poignant and thought-provoking. I felt for Dani. Her situation and inner turmoil were heart-wrenching. Thank goodness she had Eliot to support her. Everyone should have an Eliot in their lives.
Emotional resonance balances intense drama in this powerful story that feels completely real. It is an emotionally satisfying novel about the definition of family and friendship. In this sweet, sometimes funny and often touching story, the characters are beautifully depicted. C.J. Carmichael brings home a winner with CLOSE TO HER HEART. I encourage you read it.
*An advance reading copy was generously provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This story grabbed me from the beginning. It is not the typical romance story. Dani Carrigan is the academic of the Carrigan family. She has been having an affair with her widowed department head, Adrian Carlson at the University of Washington, where she works. She finds out that she is pregnant and keeps it a secret for four months. She also is told at that time that the baby has markers for Down’s syndrome. I was somewhat surprised that Dani never took that diagnosis further at the time, and have tests done. I guess she had decided that she was going to keep the baby regardless, so it didn’t matter to her. When she told Adrian about the pregnancy, he was less than thrilled, and hinted that she might consider “taking care of it.” Not the reaction she was hoping for. She didn’t even tell him about the possible complications.
Dani’s best friend and next door neighbor, Eliot Gilmore is a divorce attorney. He is charming, sexy and an assumed playboy. Actually, Dani doesn’t really know much about his personal life. He proves to be a very supportive part of her life when he finds out about her situation, and Adrian’s attitude about it. He is there for Dani every step of the way. Has he had feelings for her all along, and she hadn’t noticed?
CLOSE TO HER HEART was a welcome change to the romance themes I have read. It was poignant and thought-provoking. I felt for Dani. Her situation and inner turmoil were heart-wrenching. Thank goodness she had Eliot to support her. Everyone should have an Eliot in their lives.
Emotional resonance balances intense drama in this powerful story that feels completely real. It is an emotionally satisfying novel about the definition of family and friendship. In this sweet, sometimes funny and often touching story, the characters are beautifully depicted. C.J. Carmichael brings home a winner with CLOSE TO HER HEART. I encourage you read it.
*An advance reading copy was generously provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2024
Talk about intense. This one had me in its grips from the very beginning. Being a first time older mom my husband and I were faced with making the decision of whether to have amniocentesis or not. Being we had been married 21 ½ years it was not like we’re going to return a defected child of God, that he gave us as a gift. So for us, we opted not to have for fear I could lose our child. She is a health 13 year old crazy like her mama.
So, to be Dani Carrigan, 34, PhD in Psychology, who was having or choosing, to make all these decisions alone was beyond me. Fear can make you do a lot of things, even to the smartest of us. Then, the mother instincts to protect this tiny being you haven’t even met yet is immense. She did not get pregnant alone that was aided by her boss and fellow professor Adrian Carlson. Who you could tell was playing her from the very beginning. It was all about him, he was self-centered and he read her like a book, knowing she was needy. So, when she tells him his reaction shouldn’t surprise me but in some ways it still did.
She had her friends Miriam and Eliot were there for her since they knew that Adrian was such a tool. They could tell he was playing the, “I’m a poor widowed single father torn and need a little love and understanding.” Then Adrian shows his true colors. See what happens and how his decisions shake up their happy trio.
You see there is a love triangle going on but with which characters? You will have to read and find out. Because Dani finds out that Eliot Gilmore from next door has more opinions for her about Adrian than she would like to hear and his not kind about it and why is that? I give this story 5 stars. Provided by Net Galley.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
So, to be Dani Carrigan, 34, PhD in Psychology, who was having or choosing, to make all these decisions alone was beyond me. Fear can make you do a lot of things, even to the smartest of us. Then, the mother instincts to protect this tiny being you haven’t even met yet is immense. She did not get pregnant alone that was aided by her boss and fellow professor Adrian Carlson. Who you could tell was playing her from the very beginning. It was all about him, he was self-centered and he read her like a book, knowing she was needy. So, when she tells him his reaction shouldn’t surprise me but in some ways it still did.
She had her friends Miriam and Eliot were there for her since they knew that Adrian was such a tool. They could tell he was playing the, “I’m a poor widowed single father torn and need a little love and understanding.” Then Adrian shows his true colors. See what happens and how his decisions shake up their happy trio.
You see there is a love triangle going on but with which characters? You will have to read and find out. Because Dani finds out that Eliot Gilmore from next door has more opinions for her about Adrian than she would like to hear and his not kind about it and why is that? I give this story 5 stars. Provided by Net Galley.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
September 2, 2014
Close To Her Heart
C. J. Carmichael
This story was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review by Net Galley.
Dani Carrigan has a PhD in physchology and finds herself in a relationship with her department head. This is proving to be more of a one sided affair as he keeps her at a distance in order to protect his six year old daughter. When Dani finds herself pregnant she hopes that he will change his mind and step up to the plate. Instead she finds herself more alone than ever. When the ultrasound predicts that there may be Down Syndrome involved she experiences denial. Her perfect world is no longer. The support system of Adrian that she is counting on does not come to pass. Instead she finds herself leaning on her neighbours Eliot and Miriam to help her through the pregnancy, together they shop for maternity clothes, furniture and spend Friday nights drinking fancy non-alcoholic drinks.
I though the author did a great job of portraying the inner struggles that she was experiencing. I loved how she finds strength in both her friends and of course within herself. The struggles that she goes through deciding whether to have further testing, who to tell and how much to tell people was certainly heart breaking. No woman wants to go through a pregnancy alone never mind one in which the outcome is uncertain.
After reading mainly romance stories I found this a great “feel good” story. I loved how strong she was, I appreciated what a jerk Adrain turned out to be and it really touched my heart when her friends stepped up to the plate and becaome her main support systems.
I would rate this story a 5/5
C. J. Carmichael
This story was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review by Net Galley.
Dani Carrigan has a PhD in physchology and finds herself in a relationship with her department head. This is proving to be more of a one sided affair as he keeps her at a distance in order to protect his six year old daughter. When Dani finds herself pregnant she hopes that he will change his mind and step up to the plate. Instead she finds herself more alone than ever. When the ultrasound predicts that there may be Down Syndrome involved she experiences denial. Her perfect world is no longer. The support system of Adrian that she is counting on does not come to pass. Instead she finds herself leaning on her neighbours Eliot and Miriam to help her through the pregnancy, together they shop for maternity clothes, furniture and spend Friday nights drinking fancy non-alcoholic drinks.
I though the author did a great job of portraying the inner struggles that she was experiencing. I loved how she finds strength in both her friends and of course within herself. The struggles that she goes through deciding whether to have further testing, who to tell and how much to tell people was certainly heart breaking. No woman wants to go through a pregnancy alone never mind one in which the outcome is uncertain.
After reading mainly romance stories I found this a great “feel good” story. I loved how strong she was, I appreciated what a jerk Adrain turned out to be and it really touched my heart when her friends stepped up to the plate and becaome her main support systems.
I would rate this story a 5/5
May 24, 2020
Straight Forward Romance with A Tiny Twist
I’ve had this book ages and was only reminded about it by an advert so dug it out to give it a read.
Dani is a researcher at the University of Washington, researching childcare practices and loves her job with a passion. She also loves that she is far away from her Montana ranch beginnings. She has a nice boyfriend, who also happens to be her boss and she is happy with her life, though she wishes she got to see more of her boyfriend but understands that he is a widower with a young daughter, so his time is precious.
She has two good friends who live in her building, Miriam and Elliot. They get together at least once a week for drinks and board games and chat.
Everything is going well until Dani gets pregnant and then everything starts to unravel, and she starts to turn inwards rather than reaching out for help.
This is an unsurprising romance and goes in a predictable direction, but I liked the characters a lot. They were well thought out and their personalities solidly built. I also liked the way the author handled one of the main problems for Dani. It was handled with compassion and in a matter of fact way.
However, the story was a little plodding and I’ve found that books that don’t have lots of speech in them bore me a little. I think it comes from a background in theatre. I have no problem with lengthy paragraphs of internal debate or descriptions of the world, but I like the characters to talk to each other and to learn about each other and this book didn’t have very much of that.
All in all, an enjoyable book, but I didn’t enjoy it enough to read any more from the series.
I’ve had this book ages and was only reminded about it by an advert so dug it out to give it a read.
Dani is a researcher at the University of Washington, researching childcare practices and loves her job with a passion. She also loves that she is far away from her Montana ranch beginnings. She has a nice boyfriend, who also happens to be her boss and she is happy with her life, though she wishes she got to see more of her boyfriend but understands that he is a widower with a young daughter, so his time is precious.
She has two good friends who live in her building, Miriam and Elliot. They get together at least once a week for drinks and board games and chat.
Everything is going well until Dani gets pregnant and then everything starts to unravel, and she starts to turn inwards rather than reaching out for help.
This is an unsurprising romance and goes in a predictable direction, but I liked the characters a lot. They were well thought out and their personalities solidly built. I also liked the way the author handled one of the main problems for Dani. It was handled with compassion and in a matter of fact way.
However, the story was a little plodding and I’ve found that books that don’t have lots of speech in them bore me a little. I think it comes from a background in theatre. I have no problem with lengthy paragraphs of internal debate or descriptions of the world, but I like the characters to talk to each other and to learn about each other and this book didn’t have very much of that.
All in all, an enjoyable book, but I didn’t enjoy it enough to read any more from the series.
October 17, 2019
This is a hard one to rate. It was a freebie, and I had no idea what it was about when I picked it up. It’s written in a style I don’t enjoy—simple, declarative, telling—but the style is appropriate for the genre. (I assume this is a series/category romance similar to Harlequin Heartwarming—a genre I don’t usually read.)
Once I realized what the book was about, I thought it would be an immediate nope for me. But I was compelled to finish the read. I think the author handled challenging subjects well. Plot: professor discovers she’s unexpectedly pregnant. Then learns her baby will likely have Down syndrome. She faces a hard choice and does so differently than I did in a similar position almost 17 years ago. While I immediately pursued testing, research, doctor interviews, and preparation, this main character takes a very different but also believable approach. Well done.
As a romance, it’s an odd read. The two main characters feel zero attraction to one another until the midpoint of the novel. One of them is caught up in someone else until nearly the end. I’m glad I read this one but won’t seek out the rest of the series, as it’s not my cup of tea.
Mild critiques: non-tenured professors make a LOT of money in this fantasy world. And everyone (male and female, young and younger) sounds like a middle-aged woman.
Once I realized what the book was about, I thought it would be an immediate nope for me. But I was compelled to finish the read. I think the author handled challenging subjects well. Plot: professor discovers she’s unexpectedly pregnant. Then learns her baby will likely have Down syndrome. She faces a hard choice and does so differently than I did in a similar position almost 17 years ago. While I immediately pursued testing, research, doctor interviews, and preparation, this main character takes a very different but also believable approach. Well done.
As a romance, it’s an odd read. The two main characters feel zero attraction to one another until the midpoint of the novel. One of them is caught up in someone else until nearly the end. I’m glad I read this one but won’t seek out the rest of the series, as it’s not my cup of tea.
Mild critiques: non-tenured professors make a LOT of money in this fantasy world. And everyone (male and female, young and younger) sounds like a middle-aged woman.
September 29, 2019
You'd think I like it, but no.
Why is it that so many baby romances have the baby daddy who is an asshole supreme, so that she can get together with the "real" person she is supposed to be with when they step up and be what she needs in a time of crisis.
The book does itself no favours by having the perspective of the male to-be love interest. He in angry that Dani is with the asshole guy. He is realising that he wants her. And now she is pregnant. And it's all rage-y. To his credit he does calm down later. But those initial moments soured me against him completely. He is supposed to be the good guy alternative to the bad guy and he turned out to be a Nice Guy
I'm also not pleased how the author handled the Down Syndrome aspects of the story.
Nor am I pleased how the mom just stuck her head in the sand over every single issue: that she was pregnant and didn't tell anyone for four months, and only then when she was forced to. That her baby may have Down Syndrome. That she may like her next door neighbor. That she was a mistress to a guy that she thought she could change. That that guy was a fucking asshole.
Just.. all of this book made me annoyed or angry. I have got to stop reading free books from Book Bub.
Why is it that so many baby romances have the baby daddy who is an asshole supreme, so that she can get together with the "real" person she is supposed to be with when they step up and be what she needs in a time of crisis.
The book does itself no favours by having the perspective of the male to-be love interest. He in angry that Dani is with the asshole guy. He is realising that he wants her. And now she is pregnant. And it's all rage-y. To his credit he does calm down later. But those initial moments soured me against him completely. He is supposed to be the good guy alternative to the bad guy and he turned out to be a Nice Guy
I'm also not pleased how the author handled the Down Syndrome aspects of the story.
Nor am I pleased how the mom just stuck her head in the sand over every single issue: that she was pregnant and didn't tell anyone for four months, and only then when she was forced to. That her baby may have Down Syndrome. That she may like her next door neighbor. That she was a mistress to a guy that she thought she could change. That that guy was a fucking asshole.
Just.. all of this book made me annoyed or angry. I have got to stop reading free books from Book Bub.
December 28, 2019
This was a cute, yet frustrating romance that had potential to go deeper but didn't. Dani is a juvenile psychology professor and is dating widower Adrian--and now she's pregnant. It's immediately obvious that their relationship isn't great and that Adrian doesn't really care about her, while Dani keeps naively hoping for more, even after he strongly hints that she should get an abortion and shows no intention of introducing Dani to his young daughter. Thankfully Dani finally realizes Adrian is a jerk and slowly starts to fall for her friend and neighbour, divorce attorney Eliot.
Eliot was the highlight of this book. He was nice and genuinely cared for Dani as a friend before he started to fall for her, and in his career he makes a genuine effort to do what's best for his clients.
Where I was really disappointed was in the book's treatment of Downs Syndrome. Dani finds out immediately that there's a chance her baby may have Downs, yet she makes no effort to find out more or talk to any specialists. With Dani's reluctance and fear, there's little real exploration of how children with Downs develop or what parents face, and the whole thing ends up being a plot device rather than a thoughtful representation.
Eliot was the highlight of this book. He was nice and genuinely cared for Dani as a friend before he started to fall for her, and in his career he makes a genuine effort to do what's best for his clients.
Where I was really disappointed was in the book's treatment of Downs Syndrome. Dani finds out immediately that there's a chance her baby may have Downs, yet she makes no effort to find out more or talk to any specialists. With Dani's reluctance and fear, there's little real exploration of how children with Downs develop or what parents face, and the whole thing ends up being a plot device rather than a thoughtful representation.
September 23, 2014
Close To Her Heart is a sweet story. Dani Carrigan is a psychologist living and working in Seattle. She's been in love with Austin almost since her first day on the job and, unbeknownst to others at the university where they both work, they've been having an affair. Dani is pregnant after one night of unprotected sex and while hoping for the picket fence, she's having trouble telling Austin about the baby. Meanwhile there's Elliot, Dani's best friend, who lives next door to her and is there for her from the start. As Dani's pregnancy progresses and Austin's interest in Dani wanes, Elliot discovers his feelings for her are stronger than just those of friendship but the path to true love is not smoothe. I got quite irritated with Dani at times and definitely wanted to whack her over the head on occasion. This slightly detracted from my enjoyment of the book but I think it is a good book overall and well worth reading.
November 7, 2019
**Copy Provided by Netgalley and Tule Publishing for an honest review**
This book was a lot more positive than the last book and although Dani is a smart person, it is very easy to make mistakes like hers.
Dani gets pregnant after being with a colleague for six months, but is treated more like a dirty secret.Even though she initially wanted more from Aiden, her actually treats her very badly, but she is a strong woman and has the support of one on her two friends, Eliot.
Eliot is a successful lawyer and helps people back together if he can, he has a heart of gold and while helping Dani where he can, actually finds that he more than likes her as a friend. He is always there when Dani needs him and supports her when she does not realise that she needs help.
Its a sweet read, but again the ending and the pair getting together as a couple at the end just seems really rushed and incomplete.
This book was a lot more positive than the last book and although Dani is a smart person, it is very easy to make mistakes like hers.
Dani gets pregnant after being with a colleague for six months, but is treated more like a dirty secret.Even though she initially wanted more from Aiden, her actually treats her very badly, but she is a strong woman and has the support of one on her two friends, Eliot.
Eliot is a successful lawyer and helps people back together if he can, he has a heart of gold and while helping Dani where he can, actually finds that he more than likes her as a friend. He is always there when Dani needs him and supports her when she does not realise that she needs help.
Its a sweet read, but again the ending and the pair getting together as a couple at the end just seems really rushed and incomplete.
December 10, 2019
Close to Her Heart can be enjoyed as a stand-alone book.
Dani Carrington has been having a dirty secret affair with her boss, Adrian, for six months. She has a PhD in psychology and Adrian is the head of her department. When she finds out she is pregnant, he wants nothing to do with a baby or for their affair to become public knowledge. Knowing all that, she still sleeps with him one more time before they break up for good so he can be with his daughter's nanny.
In the meantime, Dani learns that the baby has a likelihood of having Downs Syndrome. She is struggling with what all these changes in her life mean for her and gets the understanding ear of her neighbor and friend, Elliot. He has cared for Dani for a while and supports her through her choices. Their romance is a nice slow build. While I liked the hero, the heroine was immature and hard to like for her age and education.
Dani Carrington has been having a dirty secret affair with her boss, Adrian, for six months. She has a PhD in psychology and Adrian is the head of her department. When she finds out she is pregnant, he wants nothing to do with a baby or for their affair to become public knowledge. Knowing all that, she still sleeps with him one more time before they break up for good so he can be with his daughter's nanny.
In the meantime, Dani learns that the baby has a likelihood of having Downs Syndrome. She is struggling with what all these changes in her life mean for her and gets the understanding ear of her neighbor and friend, Elliot. He has cared for Dani for a while and supports her through her choices. Their romance is a nice slow build. While I liked the hero, the heroine was immature and hard to like for her age and education.
October 3, 2016
Good storyline BUT.......
I chose this rating because I love the story as told about a ranching family and I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys western romance. The thing that bothers me a lot is the fact that the author needs a much better proofreader. Nothing is worse than having inconsistencies throughout the book, such as Adrian on one page became Aidan. There is a difference. There were grammatical errors too. I'm intolerant of spelling errors. I would suggest a better editor and proofreader. Very interesting storyline, however. How about writing more about these sisters and expounding on their lives as their relationships grow with their significant other? Especially on how little Beverly, the Downs baby grows up.
I chose this rating because I love the story as told about a ranching family and I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys western romance. The thing that bothers me a lot is the fact that the author needs a much better proofreader. Nothing is worse than having inconsistencies throughout the book, such as Adrian on one page became Aidan. There is a difference. There were grammatical errors too. I'm intolerant of spelling errors. I would suggest a better editor and proofreader. Very interesting storyline, however. How about writing more about these sisters and expounding on their lives as their relationships grow with their significant other? Especially on how little Beverly, the Downs baby grows up.
September 4, 2014
*ARC through NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
I know that I am in the minority when it comes to this book in that I didn't love it. It read more like a womans journey to self acceptance and acceptance of a less than ideal situation than a romance. Eliot felt more like an afterthought than a main character - staying in the background and in a supporting role more than a main character. This is, front and center, a book about Dani - the ebb and flow of a broken relationship, a difficult reality and the start of a new love journey. Did not feel that palpable attraction/connection I expect from a romance.
I know that I am in the minority when it comes to this book in that I didn't love it. It read more like a womans journey to self acceptance and acceptance of a less than ideal situation than a romance. Eliot felt more like an afterthought than a main character - staying in the background and in a supporting role more than a main character. This is, front and center, a book about Dani - the ebb and flow of a broken relationship, a difficult reality and the start of a new love journey. Did not feel that palpable attraction/connection I expect from a romance.
September 8, 2014
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
An unplanned pregnancy with a colleague shows Dani that the relationship wasn't as serious as she thought it was. Devastated that Adrian wants nothing to do with the child she is carrying, as well as the ultrasound showing something might be wrong with her baby, Dani goes through her pregnancy alone. Her friend & neighbor Eliot offers as much help and support that she will allow. Aside from one niece, Dani hides her pregnancy from her family as well. Once the baby is born and she stays locked up in her home, Eliot steps in and shows her that love and happiness wasn't so far away after all.
An unplanned pregnancy with a colleague shows Dani that the relationship wasn't as serious as she thought it was. Devastated that Adrian wants nothing to do with the child she is carrying, as well as the ultrasound showing something might be wrong with her baby, Dani goes through her pregnancy alone. Her friend & neighbor Eliot offers as much help and support that she will allow. Aside from one niece, Dani hides her pregnancy from her family as well. Once the baby is born and she stays locked up in her home, Eliot steps in and shows her that love and happiness wasn't so far away after all.
September 18, 2014
This is a amazing story in the Carrigan sisters series! This story follows Dani Carrigan, professor in Seattle and as of 16 weeks ago pregnant with her secret boyfriends baby. It begins as a roller coaster. Will the father stay around and choose to be a part of the babies life? Will an irregular ultrasound result in her baby having Downs Syndrome? Will she be able to raise him/her on her own? Does her best friend Eliot have stronger feelings for her than friendship?
CJ Carmichael has hot it out of the park! Her Carrigan's of Circle C stories are amazing and I can't wait to read and catch up on Callan!
CJ Carmichael has hot it out of the park! Her Carrigan's of Circle C stories are amazing and I can't wait to read and catch up on Callan!
September 22, 2014
What an amazing story of Dani Carrington, unwed mother finds out that there she might have a baby with birth defects when she is sixteen weeks pregnant. The father of the baby is on again/off again with the relationship. Her wonderful neighbor Eliot, steps in with the help of her pregnancy. I must admit I did get a little upset with Dani in certain circumstances in the book, but it all ended up well. Loved, Eliot on how he did not give up on Dani and the baby. You never know where you will find love and least expect it.
This is part of Carrington of Circle C series, but can be read as a stand alone. I love this series!!!
This is part of Carrington of Circle C series, but can be read as a stand alone. I love this series!!!
July 12, 2020
Dani Carrigan lives a wonderful life in Seattle, far from the ranch she grew up on in Marietta. She never was a cowgirl destined to stay there, much as she loves her three sisters. With a great career, getting pregnant was not in the stars but it happened anyway. Learning that her child has Down's Syndrome and that the baby's father does not want the baby nor her for long term, causes Dani to hide her pregnancy from her family and to go it alone.
She does have her best friend, Eliot to offer understanding and care. Close to her Heart is a journey through Dani's pregnancy as she grows to love her unborn child and come to terms with the absent father and find strength in herself.
She does have her best friend, Eliot to offer understanding and care. Close to her Heart is a journey through Dani's pregnancy as she grows to love her unborn child and come to terms with the absent father and find strength in herself.
September 23, 2014
A copy was provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
I really wanted to like Close to Her Hear more. I think the potential for an emotional, touching story was there with Dani and the news that her baby might be born with downs. But instead, Dani, a well educated woman, barried her head in the sand the whole pregnancy. She put blinders on toevery faucst of her life: her pregnancy, her family and her romantic situations. I really had a hard time feeling connected to Dani. Elliot on the other hand was “that guy” that I wish I could find for myself.
I really wanted to like Close to Her Hear more. I think the potential for an emotional, touching story was there with Dani and the news that her baby might be born with downs. But instead, Dani, a well educated woman, barried her head in the sand the whole pregnancy. She put blinders on toevery faucst of her life: her pregnancy, her family and her romantic situations. I really had a hard time feeling connected to Dani. Elliot on the other hand was “that guy” that I wish I could find for myself.
September 11, 2014
Dani, living alone in Seattle, finds herself pregnant and the father of the baby is not too happy. She decides to go through with this pregnancy on her own with only the support of her two best friends.
What a great story this was! Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Well written with great characters and a fast paced story. The heroine was a little annoying to me on a personal level but overall a very enjoyable read. I recommend this one.
What a great story this was! Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Well written with great characters and a fast paced story. The heroine was a little annoying to me on a personal level but overall a very enjoyable read. I recommend this one.
September 20, 2014
Being a Mom, this book held a soft spot for me. I thought it was beautifully written and not only succeeded in telling Dani's story but it also gave you some more of Marietta. Dani meets Mr. Right who turns out to be Mr. Wrong but leaves her with the best gift ever. As she struggles to deal with the pregnancy she has her two neighbors and friends Miriam and Eliot. Or at least she did at one point.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
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