5 Star
Love was given to all, except herself... Kit Brennan has always been the most grounded of her sisters. A Catholic school English teacher for seventeen years and a constant giver, her decisions have been sound—just not very satisfying. Her fortieth birthday is right around the corner, causing Kit to consider some wilder notions, like skipping right past the love and marriage to raising a child all by herself . . . A girls’ weekend away is just the reprieve Kit needs from school, Mr. Wrongs, and life-changing decisions. It’s there that she meets a man who’s dangerous; a man who challenges who she thought she was, or rather should be. Kit wants to indulge herself this once, but with one of her students in crisis and the weight of her family’s burdens weighing heavy on her heart, Kit isn’t sure if now is the time to let her own desires take flight...
Lydia - 5 Star
The Good Daughter was my first Jane Porter novel, and I have no idea why I waited so long to pick one up! I didn’t realize this was a part of a series so it stood well on its own. The Good Woman was first and this September The Good Wife will be released; one novel for each of the Brennan sisters. Even with tackling several heavy issues – a mother dying with cancer, a sister struggling with infertility, a student that has serious home-life issues – at no point does The Good Daughter ever become overwhelming. The romantic aspect intertwined perfectly within the story, complementing the other plot-lines but never took away from the other issues or crowded them. All in all, there was a lot going on in this book, but it was masterfully done as I never became confused or weary of the story.
Kit is immensely likeable. She’s kind, caring, and loving. She doesn’t put herself first and is sometimes too concerned what others – particularly her family – thinks. I related to her on many levels, being the same age and childless would top that list. Her love of books was also up there. I loved that she’s a teacher! The Good Daughter is the second book I’ve read in the last month to feature a woman with a teaching career and I loved the insight into this sorely neglected profession, one that is so incredibly important.
I adored the love interest, Jude. Their interaction, their chemistry and fire, and all the angst it causes good girl, Kit, was fabulous. Even though I figured out the twist, I still enjoyed the ride and frequently found myself grinning during their interactions. Who doesn’t love a bad boy? Especially a bad boy that turns out to have such a kind heart? And Michael as a love interest – whoa. Intense. I’ll go no further, but thought Porter portrayed his character impeccably.
Reading the family interactions was like watching an episode of Brothers and Sisters or Parenthood, both of which I love. They all have issues, both personally and sometimes with each other, but it is obvious how much they care and respect one another, how they’ll always be there in seconds when someone needs it, and how devastated they are with their mother’s illness.
This novel kept me riveted and I highly recommend! I can’t wait to read the others in the series!
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