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Parting Gifts
Marrying Maddie, a woman who works in a brothel in order to survive, widower Charles Lawson hopes to provide his three children with a loving mother until his terminal illness causes him to arrange a match between Maddie and his brother. Original.
276 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1994
59 people are currently reading
1150 people want to read
About the author
Lorraine Heath
79books4,310followersAlso writes Young Adult under Rachel Hawthorne, Jade Parker, and with her son as J.A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."�
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.� She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including �USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."�
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.� She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including �USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
September 6, 2012
4 stars
My goodness, what an emotional book! This story definitely played havoc with my emotions. I went from feeling happy to sad to frustrated to giddy. Occasionally it brought tears to my eyes.
The characters were wonderfully develop and extremely endearing, the plot well fleshed out and captivating. My only qualm about this book is that the three main characters refused to communicate with each other regarding some very important issues and other, less important issues that caused unneeded emotional pain. It just made no sense to me. That said, I still loved so much about this very emotional and endearing book.
My goodness, what an emotional book! This story definitely played havoc with my emotions. I went from feeling happy to sad to frustrated to giddy. Occasionally it brought tears to my eyes.
The characters were wonderfully develop and extremely endearing, the plot well fleshed out and captivating. My only qualm about this book is that the three main characters refused to communicate with each other regarding some very important issues and other, less important issues that caused unneeded emotional pain. It just made no sense to me. That said, I still loved so much about this very emotional and endearing book.
February 8, 2011
I've wanted to read Parting Gifts for some time, but didn't want to pay the out of print price. Thank goodness Heath's once out of print historicals are now being re-released on Kindle because I finally got my chance!
This book was amazing.
Heath is known for her ability to tug at heart strings and write some profound tear-jerkers, and Parting Gifts is certainly "one of those".
A widower, Charles Lawson rescues Maddie from a brothel where she is about to surrender her body to the highest bidder. He outbids everyone and offers to marry her in exchange for her help with running his inn and raising his children. She readily accepts. She expects to be Charles's wife and mother to his children, but she doesn't count on developing feelings for Charles's older brother Jesse.
I didn't know how to feel about a book with 2 heroes. I usually would be put off by this plot line, but the characters are written with such skill and transparency that I was captivated. This book has a bit of everything. Romance, suspense, and angst. I grew to care about all the characters in this book, and I felt "invested" in the outcome of this book. The ending was so touching and sweet that I will remember this book forever. Highly recommended.
If you love this book...I'd also recommend
This book was amazing.
Heath is known for her ability to tug at heart strings and write some profound tear-jerkers, and Parting Gifts is certainly "one of those".
A widower, Charles Lawson rescues Maddie from a brothel where she is about to surrender her body to the highest bidder. He outbids everyone and offers to marry her in exchange for her help with running his inn and raising his children. She readily accepts. She expects to be Charles's wife and mother to his children, but she doesn't count on developing feelings for Charles's older brother Jesse.
I didn't know how to feel about a book with 2 heroes. I usually would be put off by this plot line, but the characters are written with such skill and transparency that I was captivated. This book has a bit of everything. Romance, suspense, and angst. I grew to care about all the characters in this book, and I felt "invested" in the outcome of this book. The ending was so touching and sweet that I will remember this book forever. Highly recommended.
If you love this book...I'd also recommend
April 3, 2018
Oh, what a wonderful, tearjerker!!! I was sobbing at the end like a baby!!!
A wonderful, romantic, tender old fashion romance!
Much, much, much better than some more later I've read recently!
Recommended to everyone who likes romance!
A wonderful, romantic, tender old fashion romance!
Much, much, much better than some more later I've read recently!
Recommended to everyone who likes romance!
July 12, 2012
What to say about this one - it was sweet, it was nice, it was sweet, um, it was sweet?
If I had to use one word, I would use tepid. Nice heroine, nicer husband-in-name-only who stays alive too long, nice Hero, great kids, everyone is just so freaking NICE!
Angsty? Not really.
Sad? Kind of.
Wasted potential for a major tear-jerker? Yup.
Steamy? Nuh-uh.
It read to me like a watered-down version of . Boy, there was some angst. A much better read, btw, if you're looking for brothers, babies and death.
3 stars.
If I had to use one word, I would use tepid. Nice heroine, nicer husband-in-name-only who stays alive too long, nice Hero, great kids, everyone is just so freaking NICE!
Angsty? Not really.
Sad? Kind of.
Wasted potential for a major tear-jerker? Yup.
Steamy? Nuh-uh.
It read to me like a watered-down version of . Boy, there was some angst. A much better read, btw, if you're looking for brothers, babies and death.
3 stars.
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
November 16, 2011
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Really, didn’t know where to put Charles in this book. Second hero? I don’t know. He played such a huge role in the whole book yet we knew he’s dying somewhere in the middle of it. Jesse, I really loved him, just too perfect of a guy. There was only one statement about Maddie Charles made that I didn’t like, otherwise he was a near perfect, too good a man as well. And the kids, GOD! They were so so ADORABLE. writes children so well, this book proved it once again.
Maddie was just too hungry and helpless on a cold night when she decides to sell herself to a brothel. Charles, a widower, was there for some companionship when Maddie’s virginity was put to sale. Charles couldn’t stand it and ‘bought� Maddie’s virginity. He makes the madam believe that he wants her for a whole night and takes her to his hotel. There, he gives her food and asks various questions. Something about him, Maddie knew, was so very different from the men she knew all her life. He has a pair of kind eyes and a jolly disposition, yet there is an aura of sadness around him. When Charles proposed her to marry and tells her about his deceased wife and the love they shared, Maddie was instantly relieved, yet intrigued too. Charles tells her he’s impotent from a stable accident, so the marriage would be in name only. All he wants her to be a mother to his three young children. Maddie had nowhere else to go or no one turn to and this seemed like a heaven sent opportunity, so she agrees, albeit Charles’s words on never loving her or his inability to make her his ‘wife� in true sense. Later in the story, a lot of the times Charles talked about how much he loved his Alice and memories about their marriage to Maddie. I found the whole situation rather awkward TBH.
Anyway, they marry and return home. Charles runs an inn for the stage coach passengers. All his family live there too, including his older brother Jesse. Jesse works for him, day and night. He used to be a Texas Ranger but gave up his job after finding Charles. Finding? It seems like, when they were young and orphaned, Charles, Jesse and their only younger sister Cassie was given to separate foster families. It was a painful memory, I felt sad knowing how the 12 yrs old Jesse had to be tied down to the wagon because he didn’t want to leave an 8 yrs old Charles and even younger Cassie. 20 yrs later, Jesse finds Charles out but wasn’t successful about Cassie, which still pains him. After Charles’s wife Alice died giving birth to Taylor, the youngest of Charles’s children, Jesse settled down with him and helping him ever since. When Charles returns from Fort Worth with a wife instead of his cattle, a dream their father planted into him on an early age, Jesse is furious. Most of the money spent in the brothel was his life’s saving from the job. Jesse decides there’s something fishy about the whole thing and is instantly suspicious of Maddie. But, he’s attracted to her as well. Maddie’s feelings for him are the same. She thinks he’s rude and so on, but on their first meeting, while Jesse was helping her from the coach, all she can see was the pelt of his chest hair :p and oops, she’s blushing! Their attraction is instant.
Then Maddie meets Charles’s kids; 8 yrs old Aaron, 5 yrs old Hannah and 2 yrs old Taylor. Aaron doesn’t welcome her but two younger ones do on the spot and, melt my heart in the process. I loved the way Jesse cleared his throat really loud to gain attention. Maddie took the children in her arms and her heart and starts caring for them. In the meantime, Jesse learns from Charles the truth about his marriage and behaves like an a$$ with Maddie. She’s scared. She’s also apprehensive of Jesse being a former Ranger because it seems like, she has a dark past. I was really interested and did manage to catch my attention with it. For a longtime in the book, I couldn’t guess anything about Maddie’s past. Soon, the more they get to know each-other, Jesse starts liking Maddie and so does she. Aaron, who spent a lot of his time growing up under Jesse’s influence, adores him, so with a little nod from Jesse, Aaron also accepts Maddie. She also made some efforts by helping Aaron plant flowers in his mother’s grave close to the inn. Hannah and Taylor were too young and they were already calling Maddie ‘ma�.
Just after they married, Charles had one of his spells and he fell asleep like a drunkard. This led Maddie to think she might me married to one. But, Charles promised he’ll try never to imbibe again. Afterwards, from Jesse and Charles’s conversations and one serious spell of his illness, it’s apparent that Charles is very sick and doctors can’t find any solution. He has really bad headaches and then faints. The spells are coming back more often now. Charles might not live. Jesse works hard because of that, leaving Charles to spend more time with his kids. Jesse doesn’t even think of marrying and moving away, he loves this family so very much. Not surprising to me. But there was one statement by Charles took me by surprise. They had a fight over Maddie for God’s sake, just because Jesse called her a whore and berated Charles for spending his hard won money on her. I didn’t think this is how Charles looked at Maddie anyway. So, when the brothers, again talk about her and Jesse understands that Charles said nothing to her about his illness, Jesse asked him about Maddie’s feelings. Let me quote Charles’s answer:
Charles had looked at him as though he was an idiot. "She's a whore for Christ's sake, Jesse. Surely, you don't think I should treat her like she has feelings?"
Huh??? But I guess, his opinions of her soon changed just like Jesse’s.
Anyway, later on it seems like Jesse and Maddie forms a sort of relationship; it can be called ‘friendship� but it’s very much apparent that it’s more than just friendship. I had a hard time terming their relationship, really. If I talk about it literally, it’d sound like adultery but if you read the book, you’ll see there are subtle things in it that don’t really make it as one. I’m still not sure how to put it but I, who CAN’T stand cheating in a book or RL, have reservations calling it an adulterous relationship. It was good that they depended on each-other and Charles had no objections too.
By now, Jesse knows well that Maddie isn’t the sort he thought she was; that she wants to make Charles and the kids happy. So, despite his longing for her (and her good cooking :p) he helps her do things ie: choosing a bath salt to make her smell delicious. Oh, this was sad; that Jesse would go insane thinking how Charles is holding ‘heaven� in his arms each night, while he himself is lonely. I really appreciated that Jesse didn’t find a whore to take off the edge (I’ve read books with heroes doing such stuff, made me gag). But the truth was, of course, Charles only held Maddie through the night. Sometimes he’d fall asleep before Maddie was in bed. I understood, knowing about his situation. But, Jesse knew nothing of it. And, Maddie stayed true to Charles. As the story progressed, a kiss or two happened between Maddie and Jesse, with one scene almost at the end, where they don’t make love but holds each-other, albeit naked and wanting. I understood why Jesse said, "I want tonight, Maddie.". Their situation was so bleak; even I was thinking where are all these leading to? How do one react in a situation like this?
But, I’ll come to that point soon. Jesse gets badly hurt in an accident cause by a childish prank and Jesse’s own stupidity. He showed Aaron where his gun is, which Aaron, stole from his trunk and was trying to play ‘the Ranger�. Maddie took care of him, which showed that she had good knowledge in medical stuff as well as handling blood. A scared Aaron turns to Maddie, calling her ‘ma� for the first time. Jesse gets well soon. Then he and Charles learn that Maddie had been talking to a man from Aaron. Maddie was angry thinking Jesse sent Aaron to spy on her. Maybe Jesse did. It was said throughout the story that Jesse always “thinks things to death�. Charles even made fun of it once or twice. Maddie says nothing to Jesse, despite of his assurances. And, while they were in town, Maddie sees some wanted pictures and pales visibly. Jesse becomes more suspicious (the ranger in him) that despite her being nice and all, she might be hiding something. By then, with some clues, I had some guesses about Maddie’s past, too.
Another bunch of guests arrive; one of them, a man named Paul Somner, introduces himself to Maddie as a detective. Maddie becomes really scared. Jesse threatens Somner not to try anything that might hurt Maddie. Somner tells him he’s found what he came here for and that Jesse and the family will soon get a ‘surprise�. In the meantime, the family has some good times together in the inn and in the town. They adopt a puppy (actually Aaron does) and names it Ranger (again, Aaron, that boy just worships his Uncle Jesse). In a dancing party, thrown by a man in the town, Charles fells sick again and faints. Maddie is really angry about it. But Jesse later tells her the truth. Maddie is in denial but accepts that Charles might not have much time left. Soon Maddie finds out that Jesse does ALL the work for the inn and now knows why. He tells her about their financial problems because of more people using trains and less traveling by stage coaches. Jesse decides he’d take up as a bounty hunter, no matter how much he detests the job. He’ll take up some good ones and return soon with the money to buy cattle.
While Jesse was in Austin, the man Maddie has been talking to returns. It’s revealed that Maddie’s dad was a coach robber, which is how he and her brother died, in a shootout with the Rangers. When she’d get angry, Jesse always detected a slight British accent in Maddie’s speech, which she tried hard to hide. Now, it’s also known that her father was the famous Highwayman because of the way he robbed the coach, in a very English style. That man, Silas with another surviving member of the gang kidnaps Maddie because she lied about the last stash of money they robbed. Charles tries to help but he was gaged and bound. And, soon he loses consciousness as another of his spells hit him. Oh, the poor guy. But fortunately Jesse returns soon, learning the same things about Maddie. He’s the one who tracks them down and rescues Maddie. He takes them to Austin, hands over the criminals and brings Maddie back home. It’s before they get home is where Jesse asks that ‘one night� from her and tells her he loves her. Maddie never replies, which I though was pretty sad but liked her more for keeping her marriage vows. When they come back home, Jesse tells them he doesn’t have to go back because the reward money was more than enough for them to buy cattle.
In the later part of the book, Somner comes back, with him his wife. Oh my, I wasn’t really expecting this but it’s Cassie, their long lost sister! Somner did deliver some surprise to them! Cassie and Somner stay with them for a while. Charles grew very ill and everyone knew it’ll be anytime. Meantime, they have some good times with the family and Cassie, Somner. The cattle arrive soon. Then, one day, Charles decides that he’d like to fly kite; the whole family takes part in it, making the kite and so on. It was very apparent, how sick Charles was and how the family worked together to make his last days happy. I cried for the most of these last few chapters, knowing we’d have to say goodbye to him. Maddie, who now knew she really cares for Charles but its Jesse to whom her heart belongs to. I liked one thing; Jesse was still drawing baths for Maddie at night, thinking it’d make Charles happy while he spend the entire time by the side of a nearby creek so that he doesn’t have to think about... oh, well I think you get the picture. It was really really heart breaking, this situation.
The day they fly kites is the day Charles passes away. But, before that he tells Jesse the truth of their marriage. He’s buried alongside his beloved wife. In the end, his letter to Cassie explains a lot of things and how he loved leaving some ‘parting gifts� for the people he loved and cherished. He mentioned he’d love to see Maddie and Jesse get married ASAP and not mourn for him too long. He always wanted Maddie to care for his children and if possible, a little for Jesse. But, by the time he passed away, he knew he’d more than succeeded. Charles was never impotent, as Jesse tells Maddie later on but he wanted Maddie to have her first time with a man she loves, so he lied. I loved the last chapter, really did. Love scenes were sweet and a baby girl afterwards... Ah, 4 stars. Very emotional read with very lovable characters in it.
Really, didn’t know where to put Charles in this book. Second hero? I don’t know. He played such a huge role in the whole book yet we knew he’s dying somewhere in the middle of it. Jesse, I really loved him, just too perfect of a guy. There was only one statement about Maddie Charles made that I didn’t like, otherwise he was a near perfect, too good a man as well. And the kids, GOD! They were so so ADORABLE. writes children so well, this book proved it once again.
Maddie was just too hungry and helpless on a cold night when she decides to sell herself to a brothel. Charles, a widower, was there for some companionship when Maddie’s virginity was put to sale. Charles couldn’t stand it and ‘bought� Maddie’s virginity. He makes the madam believe that he wants her for a whole night and takes her to his hotel. There, he gives her food and asks various questions. Something about him, Maddie knew, was so very different from the men she knew all her life. He has a pair of kind eyes and a jolly disposition, yet there is an aura of sadness around him. When Charles proposed her to marry and tells her about his deceased wife and the love they shared, Maddie was instantly relieved, yet intrigued too. Charles tells her he’s impotent from a stable accident, so the marriage would be in name only. All he wants her to be a mother to his three young children. Maddie had nowhere else to go or no one turn to and this seemed like a heaven sent opportunity, so she agrees, albeit Charles’s words on never loving her or his inability to make her his ‘wife� in true sense. Later in the story, a lot of the times Charles talked about how much he loved his Alice and memories about their marriage to Maddie. I found the whole situation rather awkward TBH.
Anyway, they marry and return home. Charles runs an inn for the stage coach passengers. All his family live there too, including his older brother Jesse. Jesse works for him, day and night. He used to be a Texas Ranger but gave up his job after finding Charles. Finding? It seems like, when they were young and orphaned, Charles, Jesse and their only younger sister Cassie was given to separate foster families. It was a painful memory, I felt sad knowing how the 12 yrs old Jesse had to be tied down to the wagon because he didn’t want to leave an 8 yrs old Charles and even younger Cassie. 20 yrs later, Jesse finds Charles out but wasn’t successful about Cassie, which still pains him. After Charles’s wife Alice died giving birth to Taylor, the youngest of Charles’s children, Jesse settled down with him and helping him ever since. When Charles returns from Fort Worth with a wife instead of his cattle, a dream their father planted into him on an early age, Jesse is furious. Most of the money spent in the brothel was his life’s saving from the job. Jesse decides there’s something fishy about the whole thing and is instantly suspicious of Maddie. But, he’s attracted to her as well. Maddie’s feelings for him are the same. She thinks he’s rude and so on, but on their first meeting, while Jesse was helping her from the coach, all she can see was the pelt of his chest hair :p and oops, she’s blushing! Their attraction is instant.
Then Maddie meets Charles’s kids; 8 yrs old Aaron, 5 yrs old Hannah and 2 yrs old Taylor. Aaron doesn’t welcome her but two younger ones do on the spot and, melt my heart in the process. I loved the way Jesse cleared his throat really loud to gain attention. Maddie took the children in her arms and her heart and starts caring for them. In the meantime, Jesse learns from Charles the truth about his marriage and behaves like an a$$ with Maddie. She’s scared. She’s also apprehensive of Jesse being a former Ranger because it seems like, she has a dark past. I was really interested and did manage to catch my attention with it. For a longtime in the book, I couldn’t guess anything about Maddie’s past. Soon, the more they get to know each-other, Jesse starts liking Maddie and so does she. Aaron, who spent a lot of his time growing up under Jesse’s influence, adores him, so with a little nod from Jesse, Aaron also accepts Maddie. She also made some efforts by helping Aaron plant flowers in his mother’s grave close to the inn. Hannah and Taylor were too young and they were already calling Maddie ‘ma�.
Just after they married, Charles had one of his spells and he fell asleep like a drunkard. This led Maddie to think she might me married to one. But, Charles promised he’ll try never to imbibe again. Afterwards, from Jesse and Charles’s conversations and one serious spell of his illness, it’s apparent that Charles is very sick and doctors can’t find any solution. He has really bad headaches and then faints. The spells are coming back more often now. Charles might not live. Jesse works hard because of that, leaving Charles to spend more time with his kids. Jesse doesn’t even think of marrying and moving away, he loves this family so very much. Not surprising to me. But there was one statement by Charles took me by surprise. They had a fight over Maddie for God’s sake, just because Jesse called her a whore and berated Charles for spending his hard won money on her. I didn’t think this is how Charles looked at Maddie anyway. So, when the brothers, again talk about her and Jesse understands that Charles said nothing to her about his illness, Jesse asked him about Maddie’s feelings. Let me quote Charles’s answer:
Charles had looked at him as though he was an idiot. "She's a whore for Christ's sake, Jesse. Surely, you don't think I should treat her like she has feelings?"
Huh??? But I guess, his opinions of her soon changed just like Jesse’s.
Anyway, later on it seems like Jesse and Maddie forms a sort of relationship; it can be called ‘friendship� but it’s very much apparent that it’s more than just friendship. I had a hard time terming their relationship, really. If I talk about it literally, it’d sound like adultery but if you read the book, you’ll see there are subtle things in it that don’t really make it as one. I’m still not sure how to put it but I, who CAN’T stand cheating in a book or RL, have reservations calling it an adulterous relationship. It was good that they depended on each-other and Charles had no objections too.
By now, Jesse knows well that Maddie isn’t the sort he thought she was; that she wants to make Charles and the kids happy. So, despite his longing for her (and her good cooking :p) he helps her do things ie: choosing a bath salt to make her smell delicious. Oh, this was sad; that Jesse would go insane thinking how Charles is holding ‘heaven� in his arms each night, while he himself is lonely. I really appreciated that Jesse didn’t find a whore to take off the edge (I’ve read books with heroes doing such stuff, made me gag). But the truth was, of course, Charles only held Maddie through the night. Sometimes he’d fall asleep before Maddie was in bed. I understood, knowing about his situation. But, Jesse knew nothing of it. And, Maddie stayed true to Charles. As the story progressed, a kiss or two happened between Maddie and Jesse, with one scene almost at the end, where they don’t make love but holds each-other, albeit naked and wanting. I understood why Jesse said, "I want tonight, Maddie.". Their situation was so bleak; even I was thinking where are all these leading to? How do one react in a situation like this?
But, I’ll come to that point soon. Jesse gets badly hurt in an accident cause by a childish prank and Jesse’s own stupidity. He showed Aaron where his gun is, which Aaron, stole from his trunk and was trying to play ‘the Ranger�. Maddie took care of him, which showed that she had good knowledge in medical stuff as well as handling blood. A scared Aaron turns to Maddie, calling her ‘ma� for the first time. Jesse gets well soon. Then he and Charles learn that Maddie had been talking to a man from Aaron. Maddie was angry thinking Jesse sent Aaron to spy on her. Maybe Jesse did. It was said throughout the story that Jesse always “thinks things to death�. Charles even made fun of it once or twice. Maddie says nothing to Jesse, despite of his assurances. And, while they were in town, Maddie sees some wanted pictures and pales visibly. Jesse becomes more suspicious (the ranger in him) that despite her being nice and all, she might be hiding something. By then, with some clues, I had some guesses about Maddie’s past, too.
Another bunch of guests arrive; one of them, a man named Paul Somner, introduces himself to Maddie as a detective. Maddie becomes really scared. Jesse threatens Somner not to try anything that might hurt Maddie. Somner tells him he’s found what he came here for and that Jesse and the family will soon get a ‘surprise�. In the meantime, the family has some good times together in the inn and in the town. They adopt a puppy (actually Aaron does) and names it Ranger (again, Aaron, that boy just worships his Uncle Jesse). In a dancing party, thrown by a man in the town, Charles fells sick again and faints. Maddie is really angry about it. But Jesse later tells her the truth. Maddie is in denial but accepts that Charles might not have much time left. Soon Maddie finds out that Jesse does ALL the work for the inn and now knows why. He tells her about their financial problems because of more people using trains and less traveling by stage coaches. Jesse decides he’d take up as a bounty hunter, no matter how much he detests the job. He’ll take up some good ones and return soon with the money to buy cattle.
While Jesse was in Austin, the man Maddie has been talking to returns. It’s revealed that Maddie’s dad was a coach robber, which is how he and her brother died, in a shootout with the Rangers. When she’d get angry, Jesse always detected a slight British accent in Maddie’s speech, which she tried hard to hide. Now, it’s also known that her father was the famous Highwayman because of the way he robbed the coach, in a very English style. That man, Silas with another surviving member of the gang kidnaps Maddie because she lied about the last stash of money they robbed. Charles tries to help but he was gaged and bound. And, soon he loses consciousness as another of his spells hit him. Oh, the poor guy. But fortunately Jesse returns soon, learning the same things about Maddie. He’s the one who tracks them down and rescues Maddie. He takes them to Austin, hands over the criminals and brings Maddie back home. It’s before they get home is where Jesse asks that ‘one night� from her and tells her he loves her. Maddie never replies, which I though was pretty sad but liked her more for keeping her marriage vows. When they come back home, Jesse tells them he doesn’t have to go back because the reward money was more than enough for them to buy cattle.
In the later part of the book, Somner comes back, with him his wife. Oh my, I wasn’t really expecting this but it’s Cassie, their long lost sister! Somner did deliver some surprise to them! Cassie and Somner stay with them for a while. Charles grew very ill and everyone knew it’ll be anytime. Meantime, they have some good times with the family and Cassie, Somner. The cattle arrive soon. Then, one day, Charles decides that he’d like to fly kite; the whole family takes part in it, making the kite and so on. It was very apparent, how sick Charles was and how the family worked together to make his last days happy. I cried for the most of these last few chapters, knowing we’d have to say goodbye to him. Maddie, who now knew she really cares for Charles but its Jesse to whom her heart belongs to. I liked one thing; Jesse was still drawing baths for Maddie at night, thinking it’d make Charles happy while he spend the entire time by the side of a nearby creek so that he doesn’t have to think about... oh, well I think you get the picture. It was really really heart breaking, this situation.
The day they fly kites is the day Charles passes away. But, before that he tells Jesse the truth of their marriage. He’s buried alongside his beloved wife. In the end, his letter to Cassie explains a lot of things and how he loved leaving some ‘parting gifts� for the people he loved and cherished. He mentioned he’d love to see Maddie and Jesse get married ASAP and not mourn for him too long. He always wanted Maddie to care for his children and if possible, a little for Jesse. But, by the time he passed away, he knew he’d more than succeeded. Charles was never impotent, as Jesse tells Maddie later on but he wanted Maddie to have her first time with a man she loves, so he lied. I loved the last chapter, really did. Love scenes were sweet and a baby girl afterwards... Ah, 4 stars. Very emotional read with very lovable characters in it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2018
Sweet and Sad read! The cover is totally cheesy! But I did enjoy it.
Some aspects of the storyline folks might not like. But, it worked for me
I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them so will be checking out more.
Some aspects of the storyline folks might not like. But, it worked for me
I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them so will be checking out more.
June 11, 2022
If you also enjoyed Waking Up with the Duke my Lorraine Heath, then try out this earlier western historical she published in 1994! Filled with new starts, angst, a bit of forbidden wanting, family, and so much heart.
Texas, 1881, whatever it takes to survive. The story opens with Maddie Sherwood trading away the clothes off her back in exchange for food. With barely anything else to give, Maddie finds herself in a brothel auctioning off her virginity when widower, Charles Lawson, steps in and rescues her from having to offer up her body to the highest bidder. After outbidding everyone else, Charles gives Maddie a proposition…marry him and he will only want her companionship, to help at his stagecoach inn, and be a loving mother to his three children. When they arrive at his home, she meets the children and Charles� brother Jesse. Jesse was a Texas Ranger but a year ago he quit to come and live with the family. As soon as Jesse and Maddie meet sparks fly. Things are complicated and relationships are not always as they seem, as they come to realize more than 1 person in this family is harboring a secret.
Jesse can’t believe when he learns Charles spent the money he sent him with to buy cattle to instead buy Maddie. He doesn’t think the children were missing much by not having a mother around and is outraged his brother spent money on Maddie at a brothel. He assumes the worst about her character and definitely comes across self-righteous and judges her harshly in the beginning. Which leads to him not treating her well and saying since most of the money was his, he should own a piece of her too. But after a talk with Charles and noticing all the little moments and joy Maddie brings to life there and with the children, he comes to appreciate her and realize he judged too soon and too harshly.
This was a really beautiful story. I liked seeing Maddie fit into the family so well and her relationship with the children. As readers we know early on (it’s even in the synopsis), that Charles is terminally ill but Maddie doesn’t learn until later into the story. There is definitely some angst and forbidden-ness to this story as Maddie is married (albeit in a platonic situation) to Charles but starts falling for his brother Jesse. This isn’t a black and white, clear cut situation but if any sort of cheating isn’t your thing, I wouldn’t recommend this book. I personally do not mind reading about it so the kissing and emotional love they start to develop didn’t bother me because of the type of situation they were all entangled in. Another lovely and sweet western historical romance from my fav author, Lorraine Heath!
Texas, 1881, whatever it takes to survive. The story opens with Maddie Sherwood trading away the clothes off her back in exchange for food. With barely anything else to give, Maddie finds herself in a brothel auctioning off her virginity when widower, Charles Lawson, steps in and rescues her from having to offer up her body to the highest bidder. After outbidding everyone else, Charles gives Maddie a proposition…marry him and he will only want her companionship, to help at his stagecoach inn, and be a loving mother to his three children. When they arrive at his home, she meets the children and Charles� brother Jesse. Jesse was a Texas Ranger but a year ago he quit to come and live with the family. As soon as Jesse and Maddie meet sparks fly. Things are complicated and relationships are not always as they seem, as they come to realize more than 1 person in this family is harboring a secret.
Jesse can’t believe when he learns Charles spent the money he sent him with to buy cattle to instead buy Maddie. He doesn’t think the children were missing much by not having a mother around and is outraged his brother spent money on Maddie at a brothel. He assumes the worst about her character and definitely comes across self-righteous and judges her harshly in the beginning. Which leads to him not treating her well and saying since most of the money was his, he should own a piece of her too. But after a talk with Charles and noticing all the little moments and joy Maddie brings to life there and with the children, he comes to appreciate her and realize he judged too soon and too harshly.
This was a really beautiful story. I liked seeing Maddie fit into the family so well and her relationship with the children. As readers we know early on (it’s even in the synopsis), that Charles is terminally ill but Maddie doesn’t learn until later into the story. There is definitely some angst and forbidden-ness to this story as Maddie is married (albeit in a platonic situation) to Charles but starts falling for his brother Jesse. This isn’t a black and white, clear cut situation but if any sort of cheating isn’t your thing, I wouldn’t recommend this book. I personally do not mind reading about it so the kissing and emotional love they start to develop didn’t bother me because of the type of situation they were all entangled in. Another lovely and sweet western historical romance from my fav author, Lorraine Heath!
February 24, 2023
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
Parting Gifts is a story that just really struck close to the heart for me on this. This book was also a random pick. I so DIDNT plan on reading this one, but you know what, it ended up being such a wonderful experience in being able to pick this one up. It was also a story I just found through the Hoopla catalog and was a treasure. I am not sure why, but I haven’t read much of the standalones in her backlist and as a plus they are all westerns, or American set historicals and we definitely need more of those. I was so intrigued by this story, but I knew from the first page of reading this one that I would be immediately hooked into it. And yeah Lorraine Heath definitely wrote a treasure in this one. Now fair warning that this one will not work for everyone. It does have a original plot, but it has aspects to it that won’t be for everyone.
Summary
When Maddie ends up where her only chance for survival is working in a brothel, she knows that she has no choice in it. But as she is on the auction block for her viriginity, she and everyone else is shocked when widower Charles Lawson, bids on her for a $1000. But what she doesn’t expect is for Charles to offer her marriage and a life and home. She knows that she has little choice but also realizes the kindness that is being offered to her. Charles brings her to his home, introduces her to his children and she begins to form a bond. Then we have third protagonist, which is Jesse, who is the brother to Charles. Jesse has always been a protector and looked out for Charles. He knows that Charles is sick, and is shocked and angry that Charles spent his money on a wife instead of cattle which has been his dream of running a cattle ranch. Even though Jesse and Maddie clash with each other, Jesse tries to be understanding as he knows his brother is dying and will not last very last. But there is a chemistry that slowly builds between Jesse and Maddie, and even though Maddie is married to his brother, there is more happening between them and a destiny that awaits them.
What I Loved
Parting Gifts was a book that really tore me up inside! Now I first want to cover the very apparent issue that may keep some of you from reading this book: cheating. There is some slight cheating. But technically they only kiss a couple of times while Maddie is still married to Charles. Also keep in mind that there is more to WHY Charles marries Maddie in the first place. There isn’t really a romantic love between Charles and Maddie. In their relationship, its strong but its more of a friendship between siblings than what it would be between a husband and wife. Charles has never lost his love for his late wife, who was his soulmate. So while this is a very complex romance, I do think it was highly well nuanced and had such powerful development of the relationships involved here. It does deliver on the emotional overtones, so you definitely will want a box of tissues for this. Another aspect to the story that I thoroughly enjoyed was seeing the kids in this one. I just loved the way in which they connect with Maddie, you can just tell they need that feminine influence on them. It was just beautiful seeing how Maddie made such a powerful impact on the story. There was an aspect to the plot that was�.interesting. I wasn’t a big fan of seeing the side plot with Maddie’s background, it just was different as there is no sign of it all from her in the beginning so it was just there suddenly and you are like what lol But I still enjoyed it and honestly I truly loved it because of how well the author delivered the emotion and the heart of the story.
Overall View
Parting Gifts is a powerful impactful story that will resonate deeply with the reader. Its a story of finding one’s self, embrace the good parts of life and learning to accept life’s gifts!
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building:5
Cover: 4
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5
Steam: 3
Heart & Feels: 5
Ending: 5
Trigger Warnings:
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
Parting Gifts is a story that just really struck close to the heart for me on this. This book was also a random pick. I so DIDNT plan on reading this one, but you know what, it ended up being such a wonderful experience in being able to pick this one up. It was also a story I just found through the Hoopla catalog and was a treasure. I am not sure why, but I haven’t read much of the standalones in her backlist and as a plus they are all westerns, or American set historicals and we definitely need more of those. I was so intrigued by this story, but I knew from the first page of reading this one that I would be immediately hooked into it. And yeah Lorraine Heath definitely wrote a treasure in this one. Now fair warning that this one will not work for everyone. It does have a original plot, but it has aspects to it that won’t be for everyone.
Summary
When Maddie ends up where her only chance for survival is working in a brothel, she knows that she has no choice in it. But as she is on the auction block for her viriginity, she and everyone else is shocked when widower Charles Lawson, bids on her for a $1000. But what she doesn’t expect is for Charles to offer her marriage and a life and home. She knows that she has little choice but also realizes the kindness that is being offered to her. Charles brings her to his home, introduces her to his children and she begins to form a bond. Then we have third protagonist, which is Jesse, who is the brother to Charles. Jesse has always been a protector and looked out for Charles. He knows that Charles is sick, and is shocked and angry that Charles spent his money on a wife instead of cattle which has been his dream of running a cattle ranch. Even though Jesse and Maddie clash with each other, Jesse tries to be understanding as he knows his brother is dying and will not last very last. But there is a chemistry that slowly builds between Jesse and Maddie, and even though Maddie is married to his brother, there is more happening between them and a destiny that awaits them.
What I Loved
Parting Gifts was a book that really tore me up inside! Now I first want to cover the very apparent issue that may keep some of you from reading this book: cheating. There is some slight cheating. But technically they only kiss a couple of times while Maddie is still married to Charles. Also keep in mind that there is more to WHY Charles marries Maddie in the first place. There isn’t really a romantic love between Charles and Maddie. In their relationship, its strong but its more of a friendship between siblings than what it would be between a husband and wife. Charles has never lost his love for his late wife, who was his soulmate. So while this is a very complex romance, I do think it was highly well nuanced and had such powerful development of the relationships involved here. It does deliver on the emotional overtones, so you definitely will want a box of tissues for this. Another aspect to the story that I thoroughly enjoyed was seeing the kids in this one. I just loved the way in which they connect with Maddie, you can just tell they need that feminine influence on them. It was just beautiful seeing how Maddie made such a powerful impact on the story. There was an aspect to the plot that was�.interesting. I wasn’t a big fan of seeing the side plot with Maddie’s background, it just was different as there is no sign of it all from her in the beginning so it was just there suddenly and you are like what lol But I still enjoyed it and honestly I truly loved it because of how well the author delivered the emotion and the heart of the story.
Overall View
Parting Gifts is a powerful impactful story that will resonate deeply with the reader. Its a story of finding one’s self, embrace the good parts of life and learning to accept life’s gifts!
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 5
World Building:5
Cover: 4
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5
Steam: 3
Heart & Feels: 5
Ending: 5
Trigger Warnings:
February 7, 2017
Didn't enjoy it quite as well on the reread but I'm going to let my original rating stand.
Originally read in September 2012
Really enjoyed this angsty historical. And it was really angsty. Well written and moving. Great characterization. Not a lot of historical details, but since it was mostly the story of relationships it worked well without those details. There were a few word choices that irked me but not enough to drop my rating.
Originally read in September 2012
Really enjoyed this angsty historical. And it was really angsty. Well written and moving. Great characterization. Not a lot of historical details, but since it was mostly the story of relationships it worked well without those details. There were a few word choices that irked me but not enough to drop my rating.
June 28, 2017
This was an average read for me. I debated between 2 stars (ok) and 3 stars which is (liked it). Even though, it's closer to "okay", than "liked it", I finally decided on 3 stars. Clearly, I'm in the minority on this rating given all the other 4 and 5 star ratings. The plot line had promise and the book started out strong, but my issues with the book stemmed primarily with plot execution.
1) The story just got bogged down and oftentimes dragged. I felt issues and problems were overplayed to the point I was actually bored and annoyed.
2) The topic of "coveting" thy brother's wife is racy even for a Western where the wild, wild, west allows for unconventional attitudes and actions. But, the handling of the topic was poorly executed and unrealistic. If you want a book that tackles this problem and has an edge with some teeth, I suggest , by LaVyrle Spencer or by Penelope Williamson.
Just my 2 cents.
1) The story just got bogged down and oftentimes dragged. I felt issues and problems were overplayed to the point I was actually bored and annoyed.
2) The topic of "coveting" thy brother's wife is racy even for a Western where the wild, wild, west allows for unconventional attitudes and actions. But, the handling of the topic was poorly executed and unrealistic. If you want a book that tackles this problem and has an edge with some teeth, I suggest , by LaVyrle Spencer or by Penelope Williamson.
Just my 2 cents.
April 9, 2013
"Good. My children so enjoy gifts. It is my hope, Maddie, that you shall be the finest one I ever give them."
When i'm looking for something to get me out of a reading funk or maybe just a good Western, I always turn to Lorraine Heath. This is a stand alone book but this may be one of my favorites.
In Parting Gifts we meet Maddie, a girl who's come to the end of her struggle and has nothing else but her body to sell in order to eat and survive. She finds herself at Bevs standing on a table selling her innocence to the highest bidder. In that moment, fate steps in and hands her Charles Lawson, a man who pays an incredible amount of money for Maddie. What Charles has in store for Maddie is not what she thinks and what a gift he gives her...
What I loved about this story is the overwhelming feeling of family. Charles, Jessie and all the lawson children love each other so deeply and the loss of Annie, Charles wife has hit them all so hard. When Maddie steps off the stage coach into her new life, and it surprises both her and Jessie. This physical attraction is something they cannot over look but the love and commitment they have for Charles out weighs this attraction.
Whiskey. Her eyes reminded Jesse of a glass of good whiskey, the kind that went down smooth and warmed a man's insides. The kind of whiskey a man enjoyed getting drunk on. And standing there, lifting her down from the stagecoach, he'd found himself getting drunk.
It's really hard to talk about this book without spoilers, but ultimately Parting Gifts proves that family, love and commitment are all the really matter in the end. That life takes us on a journey in order to lead us to those we didn't even know we were looking for. Heath writes all these emotions and a insite into running an Inn with such amazing detail. You cannot help but fall for these characters and if you're like me you'll find tears in your eyes when you figure out what gift, Charles has for Maddie.
He kissed her then as he'd never kissed her before: with the unequivocal knowledge that he could give to her all he had to give, ask of her all that she wanted to share. They were no longer thieves, stealing glances, craving touches, harboring forbidden feelings.
February 1, 2013
The book for the reader who longs to ugly-cry. This is a very emotional book. Even things that you know are going to happen destroy your composure when they do. It's a rough one.
I won't go into the story line. These early books of Heath's have some clunkyness, but it's minor. She's a great writer of historical romance and I love her books that take place in Texas. She's got a great feel for the old fashioned cowboy life.
Keep the tissues close. Make sure you don't have to be anywhere for a while so the blotchy redness and the runny nose will clear up before anyone sees you, and have at it. I liked it very much, although it and another early Heath book have prompted me to create a new shelf for myself called "tragedy porn".
I won't go into the story line. These early books of Heath's have some clunkyness, but it's minor. She's a great writer of historical romance and I love her books that take place in Texas. She's got a great feel for the old fashioned cowboy life.
Keep the tissues close. Make sure you don't have to be anywhere for a while so the blotchy redness and the runny nose will clear up before anyone sees you, and have at it. I liked it very much, although it and another early Heath book have prompted me to create a new shelf for myself called "tragedy porn".
October 6, 2020
Lorraine Heath también mete la pata y para mí este libro es un claro ejemplo, se nota muchísimo que es de los primeros que escribió. Buena base pero mal desarrollo.
May 13, 2011
I don't know what happened with this book; I usually love stories where the heroine is in love with her fiance's/husband's brother, so it wasn't the subject that put me off. I also love Heath, especially her older books, so it wasn't the writing. And yet, it took me over 2 weeks to finish this book.
Maddie is saved from working in a brother by Charles Lawson. He makes a huge bid for her virginity and then askes her to become his wife, but mostly, a mother to his children. Maddie, out of any options for survival, accepts, especially as Charles seems such a decent and gentle man. But it's when she meets her brother-in-law that she realises what she gave up. Because from the moment they meet, there's a deep attraction between them that neither can deny.
This book SHOULD have worked for me: emotional conflict, forbidden passion, tension and heartache galor. But instead, it fell flat. Maddie was a bit flat: she was a perfect mother to her new family, an excellent cook and a caring "wife" to Charles. She also was feisty, but that came out more like child's spite than true spirit IMHO, considering that she actually had no reason to be feisty or angry against Jesse's accusasions. And, what really made me mad, is that she kept her secrets for way too long. After Jesse had reassured a dozen times that he would protect her always, showed her that he cared deeply, she still kept her mouth shut even knowing the danger she was bringing to the loving family by doing so. I couldn't forgive her this. Jesse was also too perfect to be true: he loved his brother, his nieces and nephews, cared for Maddie, strove to protect for all of them, was cunning and clever and honorable and handsome to boot. He was so perfect in fact, that in the end he didn't have any distinguishing feature amongst the sea of romance heroes. Plus, he and Maddie felt an instant attraction from the moment their eyes met that turned to love very soon when they discovered how perfect they both were *yawn*. Maddie's secret didn't add the requested drama as it was more or less obvious from early on, and even turned out not to be as bad as she believed it.
Poor Charles -whose relationship to Maddie was platonic from start till finish- standing in the middle of the loving couple, was too good to hold a grudge against and his only sin was that he lived too long:(
So, if you want a story filled with perfect people, sweet children that always do what they're told and a bit of drama thrown on top for good measure, this might work for you, the same way a Nora Roberts' book does; you've seen it before but it's so well written and engaging that you enjoy it nontheless. I however, have come to expect something much 'stronger' and emotionally packed from Lorraine Heath and so, even if the book's worth 3 stars, can't give it more than 2.
Maddie is saved from working in a brother by Charles Lawson. He makes a huge bid for her virginity and then askes her to become his wife, but mostly, a mother to his children. Maddie, out of any options for survival, accepts, especially as Charles seems such a decent and gentle man. But it's when she meets her brother-in-law that she realises what she gave up. Because from the moment they meet, there's a deep attraction between them that neither can deny.
This book SHOULD have worked for me: emotional conflict, forbidden passion, tension and heartache galor. But instead, it fell flat. Maddie was a bit flat: she was a perfect mother to her new family, an excellent cook and a caring "wife" to Charles. She also was feisty, but that came out more like child's spite than true spirit IMHO, considering that she actually had no reason to be feisty or angry against Jesse's accusasions. And, what really made me mad, is that she kept her secrets for way too long. After Jesse had reassured a dozen times that he would protect her always, showed her that he cared deeply, she still kept her mouth shut even knowing the danger she was bringing to the loving family by doing so. I couldn't forgive her this. Jesse was also too perfect to be true: he loved his brother, his nieces and nephews, cared for Maddie, strove to protect for all of them, was cunning and clever and honorable and handsome to boot. He was so perfect in fact, that in the end he didn't have any distinguishing feature amongst the sea of romance heroes. Plus, he and Maddie felt an instant attraction from the moment their eyes met that turned to love very soon when they discovered how perfect they both were *yawn*. Maddie's secret didn't add the requested drama as it was more or less obvious from early on, and even turned out not to be as bad as she believed it.
Poor Charles -whose relationship to Maddie was platonic from start till finish- standing in the middle of the loving couple, was too good to hold a grudge against and his only sin was that he lived too long:(
So, if you want a story filled with perfect people, sweet children that always do what they're told and a bit of drama thrown on top for good measure, this might work for you, the same way a Nora Roberts' book does; you've seen it before but it's so well written and engaging that you enjoy it nontheless. I however, have come to expect something much 'stronger' and emotionally packed from Lorraine Heath and so, even if the book's worth 3 stars, can't give it more than 2.
July 2, 2012
Charles and Jesse Lawson are brothers who are as different as night and day except for their love of family. Lorraine Heath takes this theme and pulls, bends and twists it.
While you read the story keep in mind the title, PARTING GIFTS. Charles is dying when he meets Maddie. Someone with a secret, she is at the end of her ropes. She is ready to sell herself so she can eat and have a place to live. Charles buys her time for the night but ends up with an unusual proposition. He wants to marry her so his children have a mother. What he doesn't tell her is he is dying. He tells her he can't have relations because of an accident but he wants her comfort in his home and bed. She agrees.
Soon Maddie meets Charles' brother, Jesse, four years his senior. While Charles is open and loving, Jesse is dark and moody. Charles doesn't tell Jesse about her circumstances. So many secrets......but it draws you in.
So why three stars, you ask? Because of those very secrets. Maddie is not aware that Charles is dying but Jesse is. Charles has been nothing but good to her and, you know, Jesse loves him yet Maddie and Jesse kiss and it is not chaste. Now remember, Jesse doesn't know that Charles and Maddie are not having sex.
OK, so big deal, but their feelings become stronger. All the while Charles is still alive and kicking. So I guess what I am saying is, is this cheating and is it OK? If it doesn't bother you then go for it. This element was a stumbling block for me but then I am probably older than most readers.
There is a secondary story about the search for their sister that makes you want completion for this family. I finished the book with the awareness that Jesse and Maddie would finally be together. And Charles would finally be with his wife, the only woman he loved.
While you read the story keep in mind the title, PARTING GIFTS. Charles is dying when he meets Maddie. Someone with a secret, she is at the end of her ropes. She is ready to sell herself so she can eat and have a place to live. Charles buys her time for the night but ends up with an unusual proposition. He wants to marry her so his children have a mother. What he doesn't tell her is he is dying. He tells her he can't have relations because of an accident but he wants her comfort in his home and bed. She agrees.
Soon Maddie meets Charles' brother, Jesse, four years his senior. While Charles is open and loving, Jesse is dark and moody. Charles doesn't tell Jesse about her circumstances. So many secrets......but it draws you in.
So why three stars, you ask? Because of those very secrets. Maddie is not aware that Charles is dying but Jesse is. Charles has been nothing but good to her and, you know, Jesse loves him yet Maddie and Jesse kiss and it is not chaste. Now remember, Jesse doesn't know that Charles and Maddie are not having sex.
OK, so big deal, but their feelings become stronger. All the while Charles is still alive and kicking. So I guess what I am saying is, is this cheating and is it OK? If it doesn't bother you then go for it. This element was a stumbling block for me but then I am probably older than most readers.
There is a secondary story about the search for their sister that makes you want completion for this family. I finished the book with the awareness that Jesse and Maddie would finally be together. And Charles would finally be with his wife, the only woman he loved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2016
***4 1/2 stars***
February 4, 2022
So I must admit, I was debating whether or not to give this book a 3 or a 4 star rating. Parting Gifts was a quick and interesting read... however, it was kinda different - as there was a hero (Jesse), a secondary hero (Charles), and a heroine (Maddie).
The thing is, the secondary hero and heroine are married, and throughout the book, Jesse (who also happens to be Charles's brother) and Maddie, continually explore their feelings for each other... and well, I am not all that familiar with these types of romances.
In any case, there is a scene, on page 245, between Charles and his son that had me bawling my eyes out, and well, that kinda cinched the 4 star rating.
The thing is, the secondary hero and heroine are married, and throughout the book, Jesse (who also happens to be Charles's brother) and Maddie, continually explore their feelings for each other... and well, I am not all that familiar with these types of romances.
In any case, there is a scene, on page 245, between Charles and his son that had me bawling my eyes out, and well, that kinda cinched the 4 star rating.
June 1, 2013
Many people like this book and I read it w high hopes but it didn't take me long to realize this was going to be one of those books that I just didn't feel the way most seem to have felt. In fact it took me a couple if weeks to finish. We don't learn much about our heroine, who marries a man that saved her from her own desperation in order to be a mother to his kids. They have a friendly but platonic relationship from the start. There is an attraction between her and her new bother in law, and trepidation on her part bc he is an ex Texas Ranger. The why of this is obscure and only hinted at until out of the blue Heath info dumps to the reader, tho there's no revelation between characters. That's when I took a break. When I came back to the book and continued the story I kind of felt like Heath took a break too and returned with the characters further emotionally involved than circumstances and the first half justified, bc the next thing I knew the Hh were both secretly in love. Also I wasn't super thrilled with the few sensual encounters the couple had (no consumation, but she was married to his brother nonetheless). Really in the end we were all just waiting for Heath to kill off Charles, and for me the possibility of romance couldn't overcome these shortfalls. I wouldn't recommend this one.
August 17, 2014
OMG! This was the first book I had read by the author and all I can say to anyone is READ THE BOOK! If this woman can write like this book in her other books, she has just acquired a life long fan!! I loved, loved, loved this book so much!! I spent the better part of the book boo-hooing my eyes out because it was so sad and sweet and sentimental. I loved the characters: Maddie with her ferociousness and sweetness, Charles and his kindness and ready smiles, Jesse and his protectiveness and passion, the 3 babies Charles had, Aaron, Hannah, and Taylor were great too. They were such a beautiful little family, even despite the tension between Maddie and Jesse. Just read the book and I bet you'll love it like I did....and shoot then we all can want a fella just like that stubborn, headstrong, and sexy Jesse! I won't even spill anything about the storyline, just READ THE BOOK, you will not regret it (of course unless you don't like beautifully written time piece romances set in the country) in which case you might want to avoid it **wink**!!
August 7, 2012
Can you love and hate a book at the same time?
I loved this book, but I snot-sobbed cried through the last third...OMG talk about digging a knife into my heart and twisting!! Totally not the type of book I usually read, but I couldn't help myself and it was sooo soooooo good, but sooo soooooo sad! I knew this going in and read it anyway...glutton for punishment!
I cried ugly tears and bawled my eyes out...yay me for torturing myself!!
It really is a beautiful story though *sigh*
I loved this book, but I snot-sobbed cried through the last third...OMG talk about digging a knife into my heart and twisting!! Totally not the type of book I usually read, but I couldn't help myself and it was sooo soooooo good, but sooo soooooo sad! I knew this going in and read it anyway...glutton for punishment!
I cried ugly tears and bawled my eyes out...yay me for torturing myself!!
It really is a beautiful story though *sigh*
April 25, 2010
Ahh this one actually made me cry, which in and of itself earns a mention, as that is a rare reaction for me indeed.
I don't want to give to much away, but readers should be aware that this novel involves a major character's (fairly tragic) death, and some second-base adultery.
Even so, it's a sweet story, with the plot-device being tastefully handled, and a very touching HEA.
Solid 4 Stars
I don't want to give to much away, but readers should be aware that this novel involves a major character's (fairly tragic) death, and some second-base adultery.
Even so, it's a sweet story, with the plot-device being tastefully handled, and a very touching HEA.
Solid 4 Stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2016
Maddie Sherwood falls on hard times. Her family is gone and she is desperate so she goes to a brothel to survive. There her services are purchased by Charles Lawson who has a proposition for her. Marry him and help raise his children.
A tear jerker. Recommended only to those who want to cry.
A tear jerker. Recommended only to those who want to cry.
August 7, 2017
This was one of the best western books I read !! Really had me crying at the end!
June 23, 2019
Cried my eyes out, but what a sweet romance. Bean you were right. :-)
Read
August 27, 2019Drifted off, picked another book and forgot about this one. Dnf at 50%.
August 16, 2021
Years after I first read this book, I did a reread and fell deeply in love with it all over again. It's tender, it's sweet, it's emotional and it's everything I love in a romance. If you haven't read it and I'm guessing many of you haven't, if you get a chance, read this book. It's one of Lorraine Heaths books at the beginning of her writing career, I'm not sure, maybe even her first. She's a Very Talented Writer from the very beginning. It's hard to believe I first read this book way back in 1994 and not hard to believe that it's stayed with me every since.
~*~*~*~*~*
I read this book way back when it first came out in 1994 and I've never forgotten it. I have an overwhelming urge to read it again but it's packed away in one of over 36 boxes of books and I don't read print books anymore. It's kind of pricy on Kindle but the urge for a reread keeps growing to the point that I think I will bite that bullet.
Charles is dying and will be leaving behind three children. He's not afraid of dying as he knows beyond a shadow of doubt that he will see his deceased and deeply loved wife in heaven. But he does want to make sure his children will be looked after.
To that end he rescues and marries a young woman he meets in a brothel. Maddie has been driven there due to desperate circumstances and she really is a kind and loving young woman. Charles senses this about her so he marries her to rescue her and she will become the mother to his children.
But when he returns home his older brother Jesse is livid and he despises Maddie, judging her for her past. But what makes things even worse is that he also desires her. But she's married to his brother whom he loves very much and doesn't want to betray.
See, even 37 years later (if I did the math right. It never was my best subject) I still have memories of this book as if it was only read a year or so ago. I still remember the ache in my throat as the tears ran down my cheeks. I remember what a good choice made in choosing Maddie to mother his children. I still remember the struggle Maddie had as she was attracted to Jessie and how strong and understanding she was in light of his scorn and anger and then later his mixed feelings. I remember how much Jessie loved his brother and nieces and nephew, though I confess I don't remember if they were boys or girls.
So this review is either years and years late; they didn’t have ŷ back when I first read it, or it's early, written before I do the reread. A book that has stayed with me for so long and remembered so clearly is one I say you simply must read.
~*~*~*~*~*
I read this book way back when it first came out in 1994 and I've never forgotten it. I have an overwhelming urge to read it again but it's packed away in one of over 36 boxes of books and I don't read print books anymore. It's kind of pricy on Kindle but the urge for a reread keeps growing to the point that I think I will bite that bullet.
Charles is dying and will be leaving behind three children. He's not afraid of dying as he knows beyond a shadow of doubt that he will see his deceased and deeply loved wife in heaven. But he does want to make sure his children will be looked after.
To that end he rescues and marries a young woman he meets in a brothel. Maddie has been driven there due to desperate circumstances and she really is a kind and loving young woman. Charles senses this about her so he marries her to rescue her and she will become the mother to his children.
But when he returns home his older brother Jesse is livid and he despises Maddie, judging her for her past. But what makes things even worse is that he also desires her. But she's married to his brother whom he loves very much and doesn't want to betray.
See, even 37 years later (if I did the math right. It never was my best subject) I still have memories of this book as if it was only read a year or so ago. I still remember the ache in my throat as the tears ran down my cheeks. I remember what a good choice made in choosing Maddie to mother his children. I still remember the struggle Maddie had as she was attracted to Jessie and how strong and understanding she was in light of his scorn and anger and then later his mixed feelings. I remember how much Jessie loved his brother and nieces and nephew, though I confess I don't remember if they were boys or girls.
So this review is either years and years late; they didn’t have ŷ back when I first read it, or it's early, written before I do the reread. A book that has stayed with me for so long and remembered so clearly is one I say you simply must read.
May 13, 2011
I loved this book! If I could give it more than 5* I would. This one is one of my favorite all time reads and the best one that I've read this year. I didn't want to put it down and the only time I did was when I knew poeple would be at my door soon and I was at a very sad part, I could feel my throat closing and knew that the tears would be flowing freely at any minute. Not the way I would like to answer the door.lol I did tell my family after dinner to just ingnore me for awhile because I was going to be a blubbering mess.lol
Maddie (h) has lost everything she had, not that she ever had much. All alone in the world and having traded the last of her possesions, her coat for a potato and her shoes for some stale bread and moldy cheese, she has nothing left so she went to Bev's parlor house to sell herself.
Charles (H#1) is in town to buy cattle for his brother Jesse (H#2). He lost the love of his life, his wife, two years ago during childbirth an decided to go to Bev's to find someone to help him forget for a little while. When he arrives he finds out that Bev has a new girl and her virginity is up for auction. When he sees Maddie sitting on that table staring at a crack in the wall knowing that she would rather be anywere else, he feels bad for her and knows that he cant' just leave her there.
Jesse is an ex Texas Ranger and after finding his long lost little brother he decides to settle down and help him rais his three children. When he comes home with a wife instead of his cattle he's a little pissed to say the least but he forgives Charlse quickly because he knows he doesn't have long to live. He doesn't trust Maddie, he knows that she's hidding something but the more time he spends with her the more he comes to care for her. And any happieness that she can bring to Charles more than makes up for the money Charles spent to buy her.
The love that this family feels for each other is so wonderfull and even though there are two H's no lines are ever crossed. I love how Lorraine Heath wrote the children too, usually authors don't pull that off too well. To me they usually make the children act or talk older than they are, not so in this one they were adorable. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Maddie (h) has lost everything she had, not that she ever had much. All alone in the world and having traded the last of her possesions, her coat for a potato and her shoes for some stale bread and moldy cheese, she has nothing left so she went to Bev's parlor house to sell herself.
Charles (H#1) is in town to buy cattle for his brother Jesse (H#2). He lost the love of his life, his wife, two years ago during childbirth an decided to go to Bev's to find someone to help him forget for a little while. When he arrives he finds out that Bev has a new girl and her virginity is up for auction. When he sees Maddie sitting on that table staring at a crack in the wall knowing that she would rather be anywere else, he feels bad for her and knows that he cant' just leave her there.
Jesse is an ex Texas Ranger and after finding his long lost little brother he decides to settle down and help him rais his three children. When he comes home with a wife instead of his cattle he's a little pissed to say the least but he forgives Charlse quickly because he knows he doesn't have long to live. He doesn't trust Maddie, he knows that she's hidding something but the more time he spends with her the more he comes to care for her. And any happieness that she can bring to Charles more than makes up for the money Charles spent to buy her.
The love that this family feels for each other is so wonderfull and even though there are two H's no lines are ever crossed. I love how Lorraine Heath wrote the children too, usually authors don't pull that off too well. To me they usually make the children act or talk older than they are, not so in this one they were adorable. I can't wait to read more from this author.
February 28, 2016
Precious gifts which are full of unconditional and undying love.
Lives precious moments are gifts to be cherished. This is the message behind this book. We are humans yet we behave like we are immortals and invincible. But we aren't we end up living with regrets or complaining what we don't have instead we should live in the now. I know its hard but these small pleasures we have now should be appreciated.
I cried and laugh, one thing I found unique in this book was the regret a individual felt for the crimes they did. Its strange when I hear or read on media about someone doing a crime. Like murder, stealing etc the first thought that comes to mind is:
How can they do this ?
Or
Do they not feel ashamed or regret what have done & feel like they need to atone for their mistake. In this book a certain someone wont say who had these feelings . But its sad that I found it strange what has the world come to.
Anyway these scene made my heart cry.
“I want tonight, Maddie.�
He twisted his body away from the fire until his attention was focused entirely on her.
”Tell me you don’t love me, and I’ll sleep on the other side of the fire. Otherwise, I intend to take tonight.�
That ^^^ scene reminded me of the song Just for now by Imogen heath.
How Charles dies the whole day was so heart warming what he said to Maddie. Before hr died.
"Maddie, I want you to know that if a man is allowed to take his memories with him, heaven will be that much sweeter for the gifts you’ve given me.�
There was love in this book and so many gifts that are priceless and everlasting.
Lives precious moments are gifts to be cherished. This is the message behind this book. We are humans yet we behave like we are immortals and invincible. But we aren't we end up living with regrets or complaining what we don't have instead we should live in the now. I know its hard but these small pleasures we have now should be appreciated.
I cried and laugh, one thing I found unique in this book was the regret a individual felt for the crimes they did. Its strange when I hear or read on media about someone doing a crime. Like murder, stealing etc the first thought that comes to mind is:
How can they do this ?
Or
Do they not feel ashamed or regret what have done & feel like they need to atone for their mistake. In this book a certain someone wont say who had these feelings . But its sad that I found it strange what has the world come to.
Anyway these scene made my heart cry.
“I want tonight, Maddie.�
He twisted his body away from the fire until his attention was focused entirely on her.
”Tell me you don’t love me, and I’ll sleep on the other side of the fire. Otherwise, I intend to take tonight.�
That ^^^ scene reminded me of the song Just for now by Imogen heath.
How Charles dies the whole day was so heart warming what he said to Maddie. Before hr died.
"Maddie, I want you to know that if a man is allowed to take his memories with him, heaven will be that much sweeter for the gifts you’ve given me.�
There was love in this book and so many gifts that are priceless and everlasting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2024
09/20/2024: first reread and I'm keeping my 4 star rating :)
11/29/2017: I've said it before and I'll say it again: Lorraine Heath writes the best damn westerns in existence! Sometimes they're on the sappy side (like this one) but I just don't care. Her heroes are so delicious but the hero and heroine's family really stole the show. I love children in books and Lorraine Heath is amazing at writing family dynamics. Charles's children were adorable and I liked how they instantly accepted Maddie as their mother figure. Even Aaron, the oldest, was great. He was understandably skeptical of her since he is old enough to have memories of his mother, and I got choked up the first time he called Maddie 'Ma.' I even loved Charles's character even though he was in the way of Maddie and Jesse being together. It was just soooooo good 😊
11/29/2017: I've said it before and I'll say it again: Lorraine Heath writes the best damn westerns in existence! Sometimes they're on the sappy side (like this one) but I just don't care. Her heroes are so delicious but the hero and heroine's family really stole the show. I love children in books and Lorraine Heath is amazing at writing family dynamics. Charles's children were adorable and I liked how they instantly accepted Maddie as their mother figure. Even Aaron, the oldest, was great. He was understandably skeptical of her since he is old enough to have memories of his mother, and I got choked up the first time he called Maddie 'Ma.' I even loved Charles's character even though he was in the way of Maddie and Jesse being together. It was just soooooo good 😊
August 8, 2012
A very emotional story from the very start. He chose her as his wife (really he bought her at a bordello, brrrrrrrr!) because he's a widow with little children and a brother needing of someone and he's ill and will die in little time.
We have all the emotional factors we can count here:
orphaned little children
a girl forced to sell herself in order to survive
a brother in love with his brother's wife
as I said very emotional!
We have all the emotional factors we can count here:
orphaned little children
a girl forced to sell herself in order to survive
a brother in love with his brother's wife
as I said very emotional!
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