Hill Country, Texas – Present Day

Texas Ranger Jeremiah Tucker answers a distress call of “officer down” to find two police officers shot and two adults in the mobile home killed and surrounded by filth and drug paraphernalia. The worst of it is finding a little boy sitting in a corner eating dog food. The child, Brady, is starving, with a serious diaper rash and a filthy diaper.

As a baby, Tuck had been abandoned and adopted by wonderful parents, the Tuckers. They also raised their grand-nephew, Eli, who is like a brother to Tuck, and is also a Texas Ranger. Tuck inherited his mom and dad’s house and his dream is to take in foster children as they did. He has given up hope of finding a woman who will go along with his plan.

Eli is happily married to Caroline, and they have a small child. Caroline’s sister, Grace, is head of a law firm. Tuck never liked Grace -- she is too uptight and perfect for him -- but there is an unwanted attraction he feels toward her. Always trying to please her father, Caroline has almost given up hope of ever being good enough. She has known Tuck for four years and has always been attracted to him, but she always seems to do or say the wrong thing while she is in his vicinity. Realizing that Brady desperately needs someone to love and care for him, Tuck decides to adopt him. He is furious when he discovers that Grace is representing a young couple who also want to adopt Brady.

What a wonderful story! And what a wonderful hero! Tuck loves children and is a big brother to several who really need him. He is good-hearted, loving, and what is more...a man who actually loves to dance! As much as he loves Brady, he wants what is best for the little boy and is willing to do what it takes. Grace is able to finally step back from trying to please her father to become her own woman and finds that she likes herself (so does Tuck), and Tuck is tested when an old secret is revealed. Readers will revisit many characters from previous books in Linda Warren’s series on the McCain family.

ADOPTED SON is an uplifting family story as well as a sweet, charming romance, and readers can expect to squeeze out a tear or two with this touching tale. It is a story that will capture your heart -- a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Marilyn Heyman