This conventional love story is beautiful. So many obstacles to overcome yet at the end love was waiting for these two beautiful people.

This book. Wow. It had some feels in it big time. I cried...a couple of times. 

Single mom Felicity is trying to make her family's new dynamic work and is on the right track when BOOM! Something horrible happens.
How she deals with the circumstances and the damage control she has to do was so great to see, even when she can't do it on her own. The 'family' coming together despite all the trials was wonderful and I enjoyed this story a lot.

Looking forward to reading more.

This is going to sound like I didn’t enjoy the book, which is not true, so make sure you read everything before you make up your mind 🙂 And I will say that this book is getting A LOT of 5 star reviews on Goodreads so this may be just an issue with my expectations vs what the author intended to deliver.

I went into Accidentally Family thinking I was getting a romance between Felicity and Graham. And I did, to a certain extent, but it is also about their miscellaneous family members and all of the troubles that everyone is experiencing. We get a decent amount of time with Felicity and Graham as they reconnect, with Graham’s issues with his daughter (although that isn’t totally resolved by book’s end), and with Felicity’s family dealing with the new baby.

However, a good portion was also spent with Felicty’s sister and Felicity’s daughter, Honor. Both of them are handling upheaval in their lives and potential romances. I’m somewhat used to these ensemble women’s fiction type stories but usually we get a resolution if a lot of time was spent on the character. And that’s not what happens here. It’s like Summers is setting up books for both of them and spending a pretty decent number of pages doing it. I didn’t mind but it left things open ended for both of them and somewhat short-changed Felicity & Graham. Their romance was almost an afterthought to the development of all the different characters. I think if it had all been wrapped up by the last page I might not have felt a little cheated.

The characters are well-developed, though, with complicated family issues that they handle in the best way they can. It’s sweet, emotional, and complex. I like them all and can’t wait to see where things are going for them next … I just wish I’d started it with a different mindset.

A very sweet love story and a great romantic story. Loved this one!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

I have mixed feelings about this book if I'm honest.
Felicity has had a hard life. After a nasty divorce, Felicity is left to raise their two children alone. That is until they get a call to come straight to the hospital after Felicity's ex was in a terrible accident. On his death bed, Matt asks Felicity to take care of Jake, his other son.

I loved the emotions this book brought up within me. I really fell for the characters and I wanted to explore their storylines more. It was a real emotional rollercoaster. The support and friendships were amazing. I loved how the author tackled difficult subjects with empathy but also reality. 

If I am completely honest, I was a little lost at times. There was a lot going on. From Felicity and her new life, to Graham and his struggles with his daughter and then his feelings towards Felicity. Also on top of that, we had Honor, Felicity's daughter, and her struggles. If that's not enough, we will throw in Charity, Felicity's sister, and her dramas. See a lot of different storylines all happening at once. As I said previously, I loved their storylines however I think they would have been more beneficial if they were in a broken up into separate books. There was also a lot of characters that I will admit at times I had to think who was who again.

Overall this book gave me real Sarah Morgan vibes. Would I read it again? Probably not but in saying that I am happy I read it.

This was my first book by this author, but it will not be the last. I loved the family dynamic. Felicity has been knocked down when her husband left her for another woman, but she comes through the experience with her two teenage children stronger than ever. However, when her ex-husband and his partner were killed, Felicity takes on the care of the baby they left behind. Not only do we meet Felicity, but also, her sister who has her own issues and her husband’s former best friend who wants to become more than a friend if their families can merge.

Wow. All you have to do is start reading and you're immediately thrust into family drama on high alert. And it's got those small town vibes and I am here for it! Doesn't take long to be fully invested and here I am anxiously awaiting how it will all play out.

Accidentally family starts off with a bang... we have Felicity, divorced mom of 2, rushing to the hospital because her ex-husband was in a car accident. Matt had remarried and has a new baby, except they were all in the car with him. His new wife passed right away. Being a doctor himself he knew he was next. So he made Felicity promise to take care of his baby boy.
Felicity's kids, Nick and Honor, harbor deep resentments toward their dad. Imagine that on top of an already challenging situation... Add in a hot widowed doctor and his troubled daughter (old close family friends who've long since drifted), Felicity's pregnant sister (who just found out her baby daddy had a wife btw) and some teenage drama and u got yourself one hell of a ride.
Thank you @entangled_publishing, I can't put this one down

What a emotional rollercoaster! Felicity’s husband left her for a younger woman. Then they both die in a car accident leaving their son Jack alone! Felicity has her mind set on raising Jack, after all it’s the right thing to do. Graham is a former Colleague and friend of Felicity’s ex husband. After the accident the families reconnect. Felicity and Graham have a lot going on with raising teenagers with a lot of emotional baggage. 
Can they help each other help their children? This was a well written book.

Accidentally Family by Sasha Summers
Book #1: Pecan Valley Series
Source: Netgally, Entangled: Amara, and Purchase
Rating: 4/5 stars

There are some people in this world who are just genuinely good humans!  Despite the ups and the downs – especially the downs – they have encountered in their lives, they remain good.  Felicity is absolutely one of those people and despite the absolute storm the universe has thrown her way, she has remained a remarkably good, kind, and caring person.  

Felicity thought her life was perfect.  Beautiful home, low-maintenance twins, and a husband who not only provided for, but adored his family.  Nothing is perfect and, sadly, Felicity and her twins find that out the hard way.  When Felicity’s husband leaves her for another woman and another life, she must find a way to make a life for herself and her children beyond what they have all known.  Navigating a divorce is hard enough but navigating a divorce and having to explain to your children why their dad no longer engages with them is even harder and far more heart-breaking.  

As always, the Universe isn’t quite finished with Felicity and her children and this time, the Universe has a whopper of a surprise in store for them.  In the blink of an eye, their family life changes dramatically and in ways none of them ever could have imagined.  In the blink of an eye, Felicity goes from having teenage twins to having twins and their infant half-sibling.  Yeah, the Universe really did save up for this one and it has the craziest of consequences. To help bear the burden, Felicity reconnects with an old friend, Graham.  Like Felicity, Graham has his own hands full raising a hellraising and thoroughly depressed teenager and working full-time as a doctor. 

The connection between Felicity and Graham is long standing and based in friendship.  As the two help one another with their respective family issues, the connection becomes even stronger and grows into something far more than either was looking for.  Between their own feelings and navigating what is best for their kids, Felicity and Graham have a load of obstacles before them but are both more than willing to put in the work.  As they discover sometimes the storm sent by the Universe is a huge blessing in disguise more than a disaster meant to destroy their happiness. 

The Bottom Line: I honestly wasn’t sure how all the madness and crazy in this book was going to come together, but somehow it did.  The things thrown at Felicity and Graham and their kids are just incredible and the average human would likely buckle under the pressure.  Felicity is just a phenomenally good human and she rolls with the punches in order to what is best for all involved.  Though Graham is a bit less calm, cool, and collected, he is a steady presence that bolsters Felicity and her twins.  In reverse, Felicity helps Graham with his troubled daughter and helps her understand that despite her loss, there are those who love her and will do their best to always be there for her.  In all, this is such a wonderful story of love and friendship, of hardship and overcoming obstacles, and the power of friendship.

This was a super sweet small town romance. I really liked that the main character was an older woman not one of those right out of HS kind of girls. (not that i don't like those occasionally) However Ive been craving a romance with more mature characters. This hit that spot. Although this book seemed more like women's fiction than a romance. It focused more on the every day of their lives and dealing with issues as parents separately versus focusing on their relationship. Although as a parent I can also understand why it was that way. This was my first Sasha Summers book and I will definitely keep an eye out for her books in the future. :)

This was such a beautiful story about hope, family, second chances, and new beginnings. Once this book took hold of me, it never let go. I was hooked from the first page, gave up going to bed at a normal hour just so I could read "one more page".

The setting felt well developed, the characters flawed and believable. The storyline was perfectly paced and enjoyable to read. There was no unnecessary drama, only heartbreaking moments that had me grabbing for my box of Kleenex. This was exactly what I needed and I hope others feel the same way.

HJ Recommends

Accidentally Family by Sasha Summers finds Felicity put into a difficult situation. On his deathbed after an accident that took the life of his wife, her ex-husband asks Felicity to take in his toddler. Her daughter, who is leaving for college at the end of the summer, takes it in stride. Her teenage son, who harbors a lot of anger towards his father, doesn’t take it so well. While trying to balance the new addition to the family, her ex’s former friend, Graham, steps in to help her out. He is dealing with his own teenager, Diana, who has emotional problems and blames him for the death of her mother. The pair work together to try to heal not only their children, but each other.

Felicity doesn’t really want to raise Jack, but, without any other option, she puts the needs of the toddler before herself. At one point Nick objects to her having a relationship, so she backs away from Graham. I thought, in that instance, she should have put her foot down. She has a big heart and puts everyone before herself, but she deserved happiness, too.

Nick has a lot of anger towards his father, and they don’t get to resolve it before his death. It’s something Nick carries around with him, and while I sometimes didn’t agree with his actions, I couldn’t help but feel for him. The first real interaction between him and Jack is both sweet and heartbreaking.

Graham is dealing with a lot with Diana, and I admired his determination to do what was best for her, even if it meant going against her psychiatrist’s recommendations. He was trying to do what was right but she constantly lashes out at him. Both are hurting because they don’t know how to really communicate with one another, and it takes Felicity to really start healing the pair.

There are also a couple of side stories in this book. One involves Honor and Owen, a boy determined to date Honor if only for a couple of weeks before she leaves for school and he leaves for boot camp. I thought they were a good couple and I liked how he easily immersed himself into the family in such a short period of time. Another side story involves Felicity’s sister, Charity, who returns to town pregnant, and her ex-boyfriend in high school, Braden. It seems like there may be a potential romance brewing there, and I’m interested to see what happens with them.

Accidentally Family is about family, second chances, and healing. It’s a heartfelt, emotional story that tugs on the heartstrings and will have you rooting for all involved to find the happiness they deserve. Well-written with realistic characters and situations, it’s a book not to be missed.

A charming, slightly angsty story about a tragic loss and how a family deals with the aftermath.  I loved that there are several plot lines and the author did a great job in working them all together seamlessly.  I also loved that it’s not just a romance but a story about how a family deals with a loss, keeps together in spite of tempers and teenage angst, and how a couple who haven’t had contact for some time find each other and find comfort and a support that leads them to love.

Filly’s husband Matt left her for another woman.  In his immense infatuation with this floozy, he left his wife of many years, abandoned his two children, broke up his medical office with his best friend, and moved away to the city to live with this woman.  They then had a baby boy and meanwhile, he neglected the children he had with Filly.  

When this book starts, there’s a horrible accident, Filly is left with her husband’s baby to raise and then has to deal with the turmoil the aftermath of his loss caused.  She has been a superb mom and her children have a strong base, but it still rocks them and they go through a rocky phase.  It takes all Filly’s strength to withstand the loss, the heartbreak of her children, absorb her new responsibility and deal with the small town gossip mill.  then the town’s biddies start to match make and it gets interesting!

Graham Murphy has also gone through his own tragedy. He lost his wife to cancer, and for a while he lost his way and neglected his teenage daughter.  She went off the rails and now he’s trying to make amends with no success.  Diana is a hot mess and she’s not helping her father deal with their loss.  When she meets up with Filly and her children again, she latches on to Filly, finding in her the love she lost when her mother died.  

 There is a rocky road, full of obstacles, but there’s a lot of love, a lot of good intentions, and a group of good kids who had their hissy fits but rally around to help their parents.  There are secondary plot lines regarding Honor, Filly’s oldest, and a boy named Owen; another plot line with Filly’s sister Charity, who eats like there’s no tomorrow and guards a little secret .  There’s the sheriff in town who seems to be sweet on Charity and I hope there’s a future story there.  

The book is about redemption, acceptance, overcoming life’s trials, family togetherness, and being generous in your love.  It felt a little sad but good when I finished the book.  It reminded me of the saying that when God closes a door, he opens a window.  And there were a few doors opened in this one!

Enjoyed reading the book about loss, drama, forgiveness and second chances.  Felicity ex husband is dying and make a request she struggles with because outcome would affect so many people.  Graham is a widower dealing with his loss and a daughter who challenges him.  Felicity is the calm, the rock for everyone. Graham and Felicity struggles with their attraction to each other throughout the book.  I love how the other characters get to tell their stories.  I'm looking forward to their stories in upcoming books.  Engaging read from the beginning to the end. Recommended read.

4.5 STARS

Felicity was supposed to celebrate her daughter's graduation party, when she gets a disturbing call and has to rush to the hospital. As a turn of events, she gets to have to care for her ex- husband's toddler. The ex husband who abbandoned her and their kids to marry another woman, younger than her and make a son with her. Things are hard, since he hadn't the best relationship with his children, so to accept the current situation is definitely not an easy thing for Felicity and her kids.

Enter Graham in the picture. An old friend of Felicity and her ex husband. A doctor who lost his wife many years ago and gets to raise his teen daughter who's very troubled and makes his life rather difficult. Things get complicated when he comes close to her once again.

I really enjoyed this book! It was very heartfelt, it warmed my heart and I felt close to these families, in a way I didn't expect. I wanted to help them heal, I wanted to smash some heads and I just wanted the best for them. I enjoyed some of the funny scenes, I teared up in others and I generally enjoyed this second chance romance, even though it's one of my least favorite tropes. This one won me and I definitely recommend it! Now I need to read the next books in this series, because I'm seriously invested in these characters and I need their stories!

Old friends find new love in the midst of familial upheaval. Felicity Buchanan’s husband left her and their two teenage kids to start a new family. When he and his new wife die in a car crash, they leave custody of their one-year-old son to his 18-year-old daughter. Refusing to let their children’s lives be disrupted, Felicity steps in to raise the boy. Meanwhile, Graham Murphy, formerly a close family friend, reaches the end of his rope with his rebellious teen daughter who has been lashing out since her mother’s death. Now Graham and Felicity turn to each other for support.

The book has four points of view. There really wasn't much internal conflict over the romance that keep Felicity and Graham apart, it's their children. While I routed for them at first, the fact that their romance was kept separate for so long by their children, but then the children got over super fast, let me down as a reader. I found the sister's story to be the most fulfilling. She had internal conflict and some external conflict. I would have loved her to have her own story.

I also did enjoy the POV of the daughter, but that felt more YA and I wasn't sure why it was such a big part of the book. Overall, the book was a quick read and was enjoyable. It did deliver on the feel good promise to the reader. It reads more like Women's Fiction rather than romance.

This was such a heartfelt story, Family drama, love, happiness and hardships bring it all together into one great story. This is a must read book .I enjoyed it so much. It drew me in from the beginning with ups and downs and a great storyline with wonderful characters. I read it in one afternoon as I didn't want to put it down. 
 I was  a ARC from NetGalley and its publisher for my honest review. Thank you Sasha for a wonderful story.

Just like people, life is messy and complicated which is why Accidental Family is such a relatable read!  It’s a story of family and friendship, love, loss, betrayal and new beginnings.   Whilst at times heartbreaking, this title is also full of hope and quite heartbreaking.

Accidental Family is Graham and Felicity’s story, yet it feels like the prologue for several side characters as well.  This title is told from multiple points of view.

Graham and Felicity’s story will have you feeling a gamut of emotions, with laughter, tears, sadness and hope.

This was my first time reading Sasha Summers work, but it will not be my last, I was captivated and intrigued by the inhabitants of Pecan Valley and cannot wait for more of their stories.  For anyone who enjoys Robyn Carr, this title has a similar feel, that I highly recommend.

Love, loss and family are at the heart of Sasha Summers’ first book in her Pecan Valley series, introducing us the Otto-Buchanan family where life is about to get a little messy for single-mum, Felicity. 

“ ...we could be a decent family. Messed up, for sure, but isn’t every family?” 

Told in the third person POV, Summers weaves together the story of several characters and whilst there were a couple of moments where the story hit a bit of a lull for me, overall she does an amazing job of keeping the flow as we move from one character to another, setting up future storylines whilst dealing with teenage angst, first loves, second chances and new beginnings. 

“I know what I want. More than anything. You.” 

I usually don’t like comparing authors, but for me this definitely had a feel of Sarah Morgan’s more recent offerings and based on the fact she’s a favourite I don’t think that’s an unreasonable comparison to make. So if you’re a fan of hers or simply small town romances centralised around strong women facing the day-to-day challenges of life and love, then Accidentally Family is one I recommend.

Fans of Robyn Carr and RaeAnne Thayne are going to love Sasha Summers’ poignant, tender and captivating new novel, Accidentally Family. A brilliantly written tale of second chances and new beginnings, Accidentally Family is the perfect book to curl up with on a warm summer afternoon.

The bottom had fallen out of Felicity’s world when her husband had announced that he was leaving her and walked out on their marriage and their two teenage children, Nick and Honor. Felicity had thought that she was going to be spending the rest of her life with the man she had sworn to love forever – until he had left her for a younger real estate agent who looked like she had just stepped off a catwalk. Felicity had tried her hardest to rebuild her life and not to be bitter or resentful – which wasn’t always easy. But with Honor graduating high school, it looks like the family have something to celebrate until they receive a phone call that changes all of their lives forever. With her ex and his new wife having died during a tragic accident, Felicity finds herself grieving not just the man she spent nearly two decades with, but the life that is now lost to her forever. With her kids off to college, Felicity never imagined she would be looking after a baby again – but with nobody to look after the orphaned half-brother of her two children, she suddenly finds herself with a baby boy to look after. Luckily, she has her extended family and her best friend, Graham to help her out during this trying and difficult time.

Widowed Graham has his own problems to contend with. Having to juggle a busy medical career with raising his teenage daughter Diana single-handedly, Graham feels as if he is constantly chasing his own tail. Since his wife’s death, his relationship with his daughter has been strained to say the least, but his teenage daughter needs him and he will always be there for her, regardless of how many times she slams the door in his face. Graham can never forget the kindness Felicity had shown him and Diana in their hour of need and now that she has her hands full with a new baby, he is determined to be there for her and to be a shoulder to cry on and a willing hand whenever a crib needs building or a diaper changed. As the two begin to spend more and more time together, the love and respect they’ve always had for one another solidifies. Dare Felicity and Graham take a leap of faith and a chance into the unknown and try to see where this relationship takes them? Or will they let their insecurities and fears cost them this unexpected chance at happiness?

Sasha Summers will steal your heart with Accidentally Family, a tender, witty and compelling tale of hope and healing that is full of warmth and heart. Accidentally Family tugs at the heartstrings and will keep you turning the pages as you fall in love with Felicity and Graham and their journey to a happy ever after.

Dramatic, uplifting, witty and emotional, Accidentally Family is my first Sasha Summers book, but it certainly won’t be my last!