Michael's Family
by Kathryn Shay

Rated 3.5
ISBN#0-373-70727-4 Copyright 2/97
Reviewed 3/31/98 by Pam

(Category - Harlquin Superromance)

This series romance by Kathryn Shay was very touching. Adoption is something that has never been a part of my life in any way, but I could feel the emotions of these characters and they worked through their feelings for one another.

Michael Rayburn was given up for adoption. Luke and his wife were there to take the infant in. It was a dream of their's to be parents and they were so happy to finally have the baby they always wanted.

Meredith Hunter was young and pregnant. Knowing the best thing for the baby was two parents, Meredith gave her infant son up for adoption. It was a very difficult thing for her to do, but she did it none-the-less.

Michael is about to turn sixteen. His mother passed away several years earlier and he has suddenly expressed an interest in meeting his natural mother. He tells this to his father who isn't very excited about the idea, but decides that it's Michael's choice and he'll help him get through it. After all, if Michael doesn't like her, he doesn't have to continue with the relationship.

Luke does the searching to find Meredith. She is surprised that Michael wishes to meet her. She can't believe that after all these years she will get to meet her son. Luke is very reserved about the whole thing. He doesn't want Michael to be hurt, nor does he want to lose him. Meredith is fearful of losing her son again after getting to know him at last. The emotions bouncing around were very deep, very strong, and definitely real. Meredith's pain of her past is present in her new relationship with her son and, of course eventually, his father. She doesn't want them to know what happened to her. There are some things that Michael must never find out.

Take the adventure. Michael is a super kid. The humor he brings out with his school project regarding sex statistics is sure to make you laugh.