I liked this book. I cried at the death of the son which happens on the first page and occupies about half of the book. The relationship between the older woman and the younger man was good but sometimes I get tired of the woman always being so upset about falling in love with a younger man. I married a younger man (granted just 7 years not 15 but even books with a 5 to 7 years difference make a big deal out of it) and it just didn't matter to either of us. The romance was good and well written. I generally prefer that any crying I do be over the troubles in the love aspect of a novel and not over a death. Thank goodness the son was grown. I don't think I'd have read it if he had been a little boy. ( )

Lavyrle Spencer has been my favorite author since 1988. I've read 22 of her novels, several of them more than once. This title...Family Blessings...has been read by me three times. In my 57 year career as a book junkie, Ive only read one novel three times...this is the one. Spencer's novels are superbly crafted and thoroughly enjoyable. Her plots grab me. Her characters grab me. When I pick up one of her books, I put the rest of my life on hold. She will engage your heart, and your thoughts, and not let go. I've only two more of her books to read; she retired many years ago, so there won't be any more, sad to say. Ms Spencer, I must say, "thank you." You are first class. I miss you. ( )

Great descriptive writing,

This is the 2nd book I've read by this author and have enjoyed them both. Though she is billed as a 'romance' author, she is really a 'relationship' author, because her character definitely develop relationships. This author does a great job with character development, and with descriptions of people and places.

I did feel the book dragged at one point, shortly after the relationship became physical. I guess the point was to let us know how passionate they were for each other, but truly, I got the message early on, and all the extra did nothing to further the story. The book probably could have been shortened by about 50 pages.

I know some had a problem with the 'mother of best friend' thing, but really, I think they had a problem with the 'age' thing. Once you are a mature adult, friends come in all ages, so those people need to ask themselves...if Chris had been 45 and Greg's best friend, woud the 'mother of best friend' thing still come into play.

Anyway, I really DID enjoy this book and will read more by this author. I recommend her to anyone who wants to take there time 'savoring' the descriptive writing.

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Nice story showing love can come at all ages, and how we each handle grieve and family ( )

Christopher Lalleck was very vivid in this. I could just see him in his policeman's uniform doing his duty and squeezing in time to romance his late buddy's widowed mother. Most of the story was on Lee's family and the closeness that Christopher tries hard to maintain. I've read this story many times. A feelgood page turner. ( )