Book where the main character takes in a child that isn’t theirs

[Ellise]

Basically what the title says. I remember reading a book about an ex-soldier protecting his recently orphaned nephew from some bad guys who wanted to kill the kid for being a witness or something like that. I can't recall the title and the book itself wasn't that well written but I loved the trope so I'm looking for something similar.

Bonus points if the adult somehow ends up being a parent figure for the child, and bonus bonus if the child initially hates/doesn't like the adult.

Preferably something with action, but not necessary. The more emotional the better though.

Thanks in advance.

[Julia]

Slightly similar to what you describe is the Belgariad fantasy pentalogy, starting with Pawn of Prophecy. Polgara the Sorceress is immortal, and her mortal sister, Beldaran, was once queen. It is essential that Beldaran's heirs be protected, because eventually one heir will defeat the evil god, Torak. And so for hundreds of years, Polgara has helped raise her nephews/great-great-great nephews, and when Garion, the boy of prophecy, is orphaned, she is his sole guardian. They have a bittersweet relationship, and another interesting aspect is both of their relationships with Polgara's father, Belgarath the Sorcerer.
The links are for the two companion novels to the series. I just finished all of them, and I loved them! Although they follow a classic fantasy story arc, you will find the most emotion in Polgara the Sorceress.

[Ellise]

Bump

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Please note you can bump your thread every 30 days, because the group is so large.

[Rosa]

Gossamer
Black Alice
The Day of the Triffids

[Rachel]

The Catalpa Tree

Saint Maybe

[Zara]

The Promise of Jenny Jones
by Maggie Osborne.

[Ann]

Link to Z-a-r-a's suggestion: The Promise of Jenny Jones by Maggie Osborne.

[Ann]

Twenty Wishes and Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber

Smooth Talking Stranger (contemporary) and Marrying Winterborne (historical) by Lisa Kleypas

The Bride by Julie Garwood

[Elizabeth]

Do you have a particular genre in mind? Have you read The Light Between Oceans? The whole premise is a childless couple taking someone else’s baby. In this story, though, they don’t have a legal right to the child, and although they’re loving, their motives are tinged with selfishness.

EDIT: Sorry, I seem to be having issues making the link!

[Rainbowheart]

The Bean Trees

[Rosa]

Ruby Holler

[Nora]

Nothing to See Here

The Snow Child

One for the Murphys

[CraftyChara]

Not Her Daughter
Chosen

[CraftyChara]

Will You Love Me?: Lucy's Story: The Heartbreaking True Story of My Adopted Daughter and Her Desperate Search for a Loving Home
Breakfast with Scot
The Laments
The Shop on Blossom Street
Magyk
LaRose
Little Star
Mary Slessor: Forward into Calabar
Life Is Short (No Pun Intended): Love, Laughter, and Learning to Enjoy Every Moment
Seams Unlikely: The Inspiring True Life Story of Nancy Zieman
Forever Lily: An Unexpected Mother's Journey to Adoption in China
Another Faust

[CraftyChara]

Dustbin Baby
When I Found You
Born to Endless Night
A Mother's Goodbye
The War That Saved My Life
The Family Nobody Wanted
Twenty Wishes
Instant Mom
Many Waters
Forever Family
Don't Call Me Marda
Far from the Tree
Peas and Carrots
Little Fires Everywhere
They Never Came Back

[Keyera]

If you are willing to read some (clean) manga, I know of some that perfectly describe what you are asking for. They are all really sweet and heartwarming.

My Girl by Yumeka, Sumomo: while it is his kid, he didn't know about her before, until the girl shows up after her mother died (https://myanimelist.net/manga/6164/My...)

Shounen Maid by Ototachibana: A boy's mother dies, and so is taken in by his rich uncle. (https://myanimelist.net/manga/17257/S...)

School Babysitters by Tokeino, Hari: A boy who is really close to and good at taking care of his baby brother suddenly finds himself an orphan and is taken in by a woman whose son was taken in the same plane crash that took the MC's parents. (https://myanimelist.net/manga/16922/G...)

Bunny Drop by Unita, Yumi: An illegitimate young girl's father dies, and with her mother unknown, the family has to decide to has to keep her until one man, with no family, and no idea of the responsibility that he is about to force upon himself, decides to take her in. WARNING - do NOT read past chapter 25, unless you want the whole style of story and meaning to change to something completely disappointing and surprising. Believe me. (https://myanimelist.net/manga/3468/Us...)

Barakamon by Yoshino, Satsuki: While he does not take her in, a young artist befriends a little girl on an island he moves to. (I have yet to finish this one) (https://myanimelist.net/manga/17051/B...)

Poco's Udon World by Shinomaru, Nodoka: (I haven't finished this one, either) A young man find's himself the heir of a run-down udon (noodle) restraunt after both his parents die. There he finds a little boy who turns out to be a shape-shifter. The man decides to take the poor boy in and care for him. (https://myanimelist.net/manga/88142/U...)

I know that with many people, the word manga automatically turns people away, but trust me when I say these probably aren't the types you have heard of. They are all very sweet stories and well worth the read. But, in the end, it is your choice.

[CraftyChara]

Keyera wrote: "If you are willing to read some (clean) manga, I know of some that perfectly describe what you are asking for. They are all really sweet and heartwarming.

My Girl by Yumeka, Sumomo: while it is hi..."

Could you please PM what happens in Bunny Drop.

[Scott]

Little Star
Mind of Winter

Young readers:

Meet the Austins

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

The History of Henry Esmond

[SamSpayedPI]

Silas Marner

[Ergative]

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

[Sharlene]

Cowboy Boots fCowboy Boots for Christmas: Cowboy Not Included

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

The Door

[Rainbowheart]

Mothers and Other Liars

[Rainbowheart]

Found

[Rainbowheart]

All I Love and Know

[Rainbowheart]

Swimming for Beginners

[Karen]

All the Children are Home