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Layla Johnson had a picture perfect a career as an educator, a beautiful daughter, a son on the way, and a loving husband. Only Layla didn’t count on the effect the burgeoning war on drugs would have on her family and her world. And on one rainy night, everything that she worked to attain is destroyed. Now, she’s on her own, with two young children, a mounting pile of debt…and the past knocking at her door.Lincoln Wilson broke the one thing he treasured most. Instead of spending the rest of his life doting on his beautiful wife and children, he’s alone, haunted by his many mistakes. Determined to make amends, Lincoln works to put the pieces of his life back together again. And although it’s an uphill battle, he is up for the challenge. The last step in Lincoln’s program is to prove to his wife that he can be the man she needs. When he shows up on her doorstep ready to reclaim his life, will Layla let him in?

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2018

54 people are currently reading
61 people want to read

About the author

Elle Wright

55 books412 followers
Born and raised in Southeast Michigan near Ann Arbor, Elle learned the importance of reading from her mother. It was also her mother who, later on in her life, gave Elle her first romance novel: Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. From that moment on, Elle became a fan of Ms. Jenkins for life and a lover of all things romance. An old journal she wrote back in college became her first book (which she still wants to publish one day).

Elle is hard at work on her next novel.

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5 stars
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23 (27%)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
634 reviews
January 23, 2019
Layla Johnson had a picture-perfect life: a career as an (educator), a beautiful daughter, a son on the way, and a loving husband. Only Layla didn’t count on the effect the burgeoning war on drugs would have on her family and her world. And on one rainy night, everything that she worked to attain is destroyed, she and her mother-in-law get her husband out of a drug den after he stole the money she had for maternity leave and she declares it’s her last act as his wife. Now, she’s on her own, with two young children, a mounting pile of debt…and the past knocking at her door. Lincoln Wilson broke the one thing he treasured most. Instead of spending the rest of his life doting on his beautiful wife and children, he’s alone in a crack house, haunted by his many mistakes. Determined to make amends, Lincoln goes to rehab and works to put the pieces of his life back together again. And although it’s an uphill battle, he is up for the challenge. The last step in Lincoln’s program is to prove to his wife that he can be the man she needs. When he shows up on her doorstep ready to reclaim his life, will Layla let him in?

hard because you keep wondering if you can trust him, will he go back?
Profile Image for Kimberley Yarbrough .
94 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2018
Forgiveness

This was a good read. The book had all elements of what a family and love ones experience when tragedy strikes the home. In this case it was substance abuse. Layla had to find forgiveness and trust again with a Lincoln after he had broken the promises he made on their wedding day. Lincoln had to learn to forgive himself and develop new coping mechanism. But with time , patience, understanding, forgiveness, and removing negative influences Layla and Lincoln were able to find their peace and happiness together. Enjoy reading the power of #black love#family#dedication#commitment#movingforward. There is nothing like it.
Profile Image for ShayBooks.
806 reviews17 followers
September 11, 2018
Layla is a teacher with a daughter and child on the way is facing a very difficult decision about her future when she has to go pull her husband Lincoln out of a drug house, the man who promised her the world but ends up taking her whole world.

Made to hold you was a story of trust. forgivenesses, addiction, hatred and love. This is part of the decades journey of African American Love this story was set in the 1980’s when crack was becoming a epidemic. Drugs has ruined so many people’s lives even till this day families are dealing with loved ones fighting this addiction.
132 reviews
June 2, 2024
Love And Forgiveness

Linc and Layla went through so much because of Linc’s addiction. Layla’s trust in Link was shattered. He had hit rock bottom hard and fast. She ended up divorcing him. They never stopped loving each other. Linc went to rehab and got clean. He wanted to rebuild his life with his wife and children. Once he regained Layla’s trust, they were able to work things out. This was a beautiful story about forgiveness, love and trust. Thank you Mrs. Wright for this awesome story!! ❤️🔥
Profile Image for Malaika.
870 reviews4 followers
September 13, 2018
Enduring Love

I love Elle Wright’s novels because she always weaves a story of redemption and unconditional love. Set to the backdrop of the drug epidemic of the 1980s, this novel follows the downs and then ups of Layla and Lincoln. Although Lincoln is the offending party who toppled the relationship, he is not just seeking forgiveness from Layla. He also has to learn to forgive himself. The love he sought to redeem was not just fromhis woman but also from himself.
770 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2020
Loving through the pain.

Linc and Layla relationship was like so many families during the 80's. Many households couldn't weather the storm because they didn't know how to cope. Layla was very strong and I enjoyed reading about her. Linc's determination and willpower to overcome his addiction and win back his family was fantastic. Knowing what is priority and forsaking all others.
Great job Elle!
Profile Image for Brenda  Larnell.
442 reviews26 followers
September 2, 2018
Made To Hold You is a great addition to the Decades Series. This story was so relatable. I know families who were affected by the influx of drugs in the 80’s. Elle Wright’s protagonists, Lincoln and Layla, are riveting as they go through the throes of battling the devastating effects of what a drug addiction can do to a family. Kudos to the author! This is a compelling and captivating story.
Profile Image for Toni.
710 reviews
October 1, 2018
A Page turner

This book brought back so many memories of the 80's, my baby girl was born in 1982, we built a house and celebrated our 10th anniversary. Drugs were prevalent and tore many families apart. Layla and Linc were able tocwork through it, after time apart. Linc (with his Mom's encouragement ) and rehabilitation became a stroner man, not all make it through.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
492 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2020
80's baby!

This book was true to the 80's. Whew this book sparked up nostalgia; pressed jeans, block parties, chill times, but that crack epidemic blew thru and changed a whole lot of families. This book illustrated some of what those families suffered through, bringing with it all types of emotion with a very welcome ending. Well done!
208 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2023
Made To Hold You

This love story was about Layla Johnson and Lincoln Wilson. They have known each other since childhood. This were even married before Lincoln allowed his addictions to tear down their relationship. Once he completed rehabilitation his mission was to rebuild his relationship with wife and children which he surpassed which led back to happily ever after.
Profile Image for Kelly .
406 reviews10 followers
September 1, 2018
Touching

This could have been several of my family members, friends. So many are still affected by drugs and so few of them sobered up.

I was rooting for Linc like he was my man! This was a beautifully written story that gave me all the feels.
Profile Image for Kathy.
301 reviews
September 24, 2018
Good story. I really enjoyed Lic and Layla’s story. They loved each other enough that they could make another go of their life. Not sure if I could’ve forgiven him but it worked for them and their family.




#cilla’sbookmaniacs
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,354 reviews38 followers
October 13, 2018
This is the 2nd book I read by Elle Wright. I liked this book's storyline. I liked Layla's character. I felt sorry for Layla. I was proud of Layla. I liked Linc's character. I felt sorry for Linc. I was proud of Linc. I liked the ending.
1,029 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2019
Second time around

This story was good and I could truly relate. Linc was a good man who let himself get caught up but his love for his family brought him back. This is when you see who is important in your life, who really cares about you.
Profile Image for reneeNaDaCherry.
2,445 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2021
Detroit natives Linc and Layla experience first hand the downfall of crack cocaine on a 👪. Reading this 📖 shows Linc grew up partying with his bro/friends where drinks and drugs were considered normal. Layla did not. What a surprising ending.

4/26/2021.
Profile Image for AK Taylor.
10 reviews
October 6, 2024
Quick read.. pretty good

Not the best storyline to me, the way they got back together so quick... but I guess it could happen. I like that she chose to walk away when she did for the sake of herself and the kids. Had she not left him he wouldn't have never gotten clean.
Profile Image for Ang.
135 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2018
Nice story

I enjoyed the realism of this story. A very difficult subject and situation. Very nicely written. I recommend reading this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer Copeland.
1,733 reviews44 followers
January 2, 2019
Great Book

I enjoyed reading Made To Hold You! I loved how the couple got their second chance at love. I loved how Linc redeemed himself. Such a heartwarming book!
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,963 reviews13 followers
April 25, 2019
Second chances!

Layla took a chance on Linc. He got it together and now they can have forever. A story of healing and restoration! A great read!
Profile Image for Whit.
3,670 reviews52 followers
December 6, 2025
Wow! this really hit home.

Layla Johnson, teacher, wife, mother of two. Forced to watch her husband allow drugs and alcohol destroy their dreams and their family. Really painful story.

Does Linc deserve a second chance?


FYI: Story continues in TEN CHRISTMAS SHOTS: BAES OF CHRISTMAS
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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