Family Matters

DiCarlo Brides, Book 4

By: Heather Tullis

Narrated by: Valerie Gilbert

Rosemary Keogh considers herself pretty adaptable - she dealt with her father's death-bed edict that she moved across the country to work at his latest hotel with five half-sisters, (most of whom she hadn't known existed) hadn't she? She settled into the routine, even grew to like most of them, but when tragedy leaves her birth daughter parentless - and she is named as the guardian - her world spins again.

Trying to raise a nine-year-old who shares her spunk and determination isn't always an easy thing. When Rosemary starts having mysterious 'accidents,' though, her worries shift from being a bad mother to leaving her daughter an orphan yet again.

Adding to the confusion, Harrison Forest, head of the resort's human resources department, decides it's time to shift their relationship from semi-adversarial to something a whole lot more interesting. Can they get past the roadblocks she's been throwing in their way to make things work? More importantly, will she survive that long?

©2013 Heather Justesen (P)2013 Heather Justesen

Rosemary's story

If you could sum up Family Matters in three words, what would they be?

Fresh new beginnings

What does Valerie Gilbert bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think Valerie did a fantastic job bringing the story to life, the fact that she's narrated the entire series is a definite plus you're used to her voice and the magic that she brings to the story.

Any additional comments?

this series does need to be read in order for better understanding, each book focuses on a sister unveiling their life. I enjoyed Rosemary's story and was so grateful that she portrayed the same character throughout. I think the author did a great job unveiling her back story since we didn't know much about her. the story line had some action to it, not your typical romance. the only issue I had was Rosemary's eating disorder. I listen to this book on audible, the narrator did a fantastic job bringing the story to life.

Good story and good narration

Rosemary has struggled with the move and getting to know the half sisters she hadn’t known existed. Preferring to keep her past to herself she suddenly finds herself the guardian of her 9 year old biological daughter and with that the challenges build. Add in that Harrison has decided that it is time to move their relationship forward and she has a lot to juggle.

I am enjoying the narration of this series by Valerie Gilbert. Her voice is easy to listen to and I enjoy the different voices she brings to the various characters.

A second chance in life

Every story in this series talks about once out of six half-sisters that have to live and work together. Every story tells us more about one of them. To spice these stories up, there are always a villain or two who make a life of everybody difficult until he/she is caught. It makes it more exciting to follow the story when you try to figure out who is the bad person is.

In this story, besides villain who threatens Rosemary and her daughter's safety, she has to have other worries. She gets a second chance in life to raise her child, but the big question is she going not to be a very good parent? Her mom is horrible, and she afraid to be similar to her. Rosemary just does not realize that she is a much better person than her mom is.

The narrator was great. She had made all characters unique and gave each of them their own distinct personality. If was very entertaining to listen.

loved this one

this book might be my favorite in the series. the conflicts were awesome. Cleo is so adorable! she really made this book fabulous! I think the narration was top notch! I would recommend this book to anyone! enjoy!

Not what I expected

I was really excited for Rosemary and Harrison's story. I loved them through the series so this should have been a slam dunk. It just seemed to be lacking in the fun banter they have had through the other books. There was a but of it but they seemed more watered down. I like a bit a sassy banter in a relationship.

Rosemary was very different than I expected. I liked her, she just seems more from from the outside looking in, I guess. Harrison is a great match for her, I just wish they were truer to their initial impressions. I thought they had a fun dynamic. I would have loved seeing the quips turn more playful rather than going away.

This is a mixed narrative with a bonus POV. You get the two leads as well as young Cleo. It really gives for a fuller picture and brings you inside their insecurities. There are a lot of insecurities! Thankfully they work things out pretty well in the end. The side plot wasn't what I expected, but it added a touch of drama.

This is a sweet romance, meaning closed bedroom door. Plenty of kissing and they do sleep together, but no details. Not sure the Christian Romance readers will be okay with the premarital sex. It is fairly clean though and rather fluffy.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Valerie Gilbert, who gives happy ears. I love her upbeat energy and the sass she gives Rosemary. She does a great job with the guys and kids, not trying to go too far. Her pace is swift and the none of her voice is very appealing. I am loving her in this contempo series.

On to the next sister, what new surprises await us?

Disclosure – I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts opinions and ratings are my own. I was under no obligation to post a review or give positive feedback.

*** I hope this review was useful to you and helped your decision to read or not read this book. I love reading and sharing my opinions with other readers. I listen at double speed; all my impressions of the narration are from that setting. Thanks for taking the time to read my review! You can see more audiobook reviews on my blog Eargasms Audiobook Reviews ***

A fantastic continuation

Book 4 is fantastic. Love how each story takes a sister and tells her struggles or happy family story.
This one involves Hero is Harrison Heroine is Rosemary. This story will break your heat in dispear with heartache but having you listening till the end
Rosemary gets a shock when she gets her birth daughter back once she finds out she’s Cleo’s guardian . Rosemary gave her daughter away to a couple.
Rosemary sees her daughter Cleo after nine years . Things are starting to get serious with little accidents that are happening. Rosemary is afraid that Cleo will be left alone again parentheses. Things start to get worse . Harrison is willing to help. After a while Rosemary is wondering maybe Cleo is the one that is the villain is after . Harrison is willing to help,a Rosemary find the villain, then his love fore Rosemary can be shown .
Will Harrison and Rosemary find out who is after them Grab it and find out

Valerie did great work on this. She has done it all for this series . Her voice range is great . Strong and clear.