Christine Nolfi

I really loved this story and Nova's character. This was a really heartfelt novel about two children caught up in the foster system and how confusing this situation can be for them. Nova has just landed a huge landscaping job that could put her company in the forefront for other jobs, and give her more of a name. But just as this job is supposed to kick off, she gets a very desperate call from her good friend and a case worker, there is an emergency and two smaller children need a place to stay. Nova is torn, she usually only takes in teenagers and she really needs to focus on this job, this is what will cement her future, but she knows she cannot say no. With the help of her mother and Imani she prepares all that is needed and takes in Bella and Henry, it should not be a long stay and this will be just temporary. But this case is unlike others before and Nova is in deeper than she wanted to get with these two kids, but when the truth about their father and fear for her and their lives is front and center, Nova has to decide what she wants her future to look like and what she must do to protect these kids. This was a very fast read and I was rooting for Nova the whole time. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.… (más)

MEMORABLE FAMLIY DRAMA

Award-winning and best-selling author Christine Nolfi is releasing another thought-provoking, well-written novel that will leave you pondering the story long after you have read the final word. Nolfi knows how to create believable characters because they live everyday lives. She inserts them into realistic situations and lets readers see whether they react or respond to the trials she plots for them to face.

In A Heart Like Home, Nolfi takes on the subject of foster parenting and foster children. Fostering is a subject that can be difficult to discuss because readers know of success stories and also know of some severe failures as well. Nolfi handles this subject beautifully by having her main character, Nova, in foster care herself before she was successfully adopted. When Nova decides to foster, she has a much different perspective on how to handle the two foster children in her care. As Nova delves into the children’s family life, they discover what a nightmare they have lived through. She decides to do her part to make these two children’s lives as stable as possible by showing them love, patience, understanding, grace, encouragement, and discipline, all you find in a real family. Nova wants the children to feel secure despite all the things that have gone on and are continuing to go on. Nolfi also adds a major mystery twist to her plot that adds a deeper dimension to her story and guarantees to keep your attention to the very end!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.… (más)

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Happy Pub Day!

Children learn what they live and Henry and Bella are not getting the education any child deserves. Abusive father who only cares about and for himself. A caring neighbor who does the right thing. A loving foster parent who knows the system too well. Can this lead to a happy ending?

I’ve been reading Christine Nolfi’s books for a while and have seen her writing evolve. This look into the foster and adoption system will restore your faith in people. Nolfi shows how a bad situation can be turned around with the right amount of love, patience and discipline, which isn’t always the case. Characters are engaging, and seem to come to life, but are too closely tied together, making things a little too convenient. Henry is a tough nut to crack, growing up much too soon with no positive role model. Bella is all things girly, so needing love. Some situations are heartbreaking and disturbing, but are more implied than written. They will definitely tug at your heartstrings and bring a few tears to your eyes. This book brings closure that so many adoptees seek. As an adoptive aunt, I’ve seen the system work to the benefit of both the child and adoptive parents. It was nice to see a positive spin on this story. This is a story that Nolfi was born to write. Sometimes you just need a book that makes you feel, but there are also many moments that will make you smile.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.… (más)

Nova Doubeck isn't a typical foster parent. She's single and in her late twenties. She also has a relatively new and growing landscaping business. Although Nova has several years of experience being an emergency foster parent, she prefers teenagers to younger children simply because she relates better to teens. All that changes with one phone call from her good friend and social worker, Imani Weiss. Without any other options, Nova accepts the care of the young siblings, Henry and Bella Croy. Their mother is deceased and their father is irresponsible and unreliable. Bella and Nova seem to bond quickly, but Henry is aloof and a bit standoffish. Nova's primary concern is providing a safe, caring, and nurturing environment for Henry and Bella. The longer these kids stay with her, the more attached she becomes. Bella's relationship with Nova reawakens dormant feelings and seems to unlock an undiscovered secret to Nova's past. The big question seems to be can Nova protect these children from their father and is she prepared for the journey to permanent foster parent to Henry and Nova?

Christine Nolfi is one of my must-read authors. I've read (and re-read) all of her books and was greatly looking forward to reading A HEART LIKE HOME. Ms. Nolfi did not disappoint with this heart-wrenching yet hopeful story filled with friendship, family, and romance. I especially appreciated the developing relationship between Nova, Henry, and Bella. Ms. Nolfi does a fantastic job of spotlighting the "secrets" each character is keeping and revealing how those secrets are intertwined. If you're looking for a story that will tug at your heartstrings but end on an uplifting note, I strongly encourage you to grab a copy of A HEART LIKE HOME to read. I'm looking forward to re-reading this one and will definitely be grabbing a print copy for my 89-y.o. book diva mother.… (más)