Review: The Single Daddy Club: Derrick, Book 1 by Donna Fasano
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 20, 2012
This review was originally posted on Big Al's Books and Pals review blog on December 19, 2012Three single dads band together to offer support for each other in raising their children single handedly, each being in this situation for very different reasons. They are proud of their single status and vow to be loving, nurturing parents. They also state that although female companionship would be nice, they will not marry solely for the sake of their children. Their motto is "Fatherhood forever!"When Naval officer Derrick Richmond was given custody of his godson, five-year old Timmy, he resigned his full-time status and joined the Naval Reserves so he could raise Timmy in a secure stable environment. Derrick enlists the help of Timmy's kindergarten teacher Anna when Timmy starts acting out at school.The story opens with Derrick being summoned for parent/teacher conference because of behavior problems Timmy is having at school. Derrick is very defensive and protective of Timmy and doesn't make the best first impression with Anna. He is overbearing and head strong, but realizes he needs help. Anna reluctantly agrees to help him with parenting lessons. She is a smart woman and is able to pinpoint some of the problems immediately after joining them on a Saturday outing. The chemistry between Derrick and Anna is immediate and she wastes no time putting up defenses to protect her heart. It is clear she has been hurt in the past and has resigned herself to an unrealistic fate. Luckily, Derrick is a smart sensitive man and has full intention of straightening her attitude out.I love the journeys this author takes us on in each of her stories. They are always realistic, heartwarming and a bit heart-wrenching. The prose draws you in quickly and you feel her character's pains, agonies, and joys thoroughly. The kindergarten room scenes were a lot of fun. The author has captured the kids and their dialogue perfectly. I found the last scene in the classroom a little hard to read, the tears in my eyes kept blurring the words, of course that wasn't even the end of the story. The ending was even better.**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **