Francis Ray

Attracted to this book because the author has previously been on the NYT best selling lists, and the description of a successful doctor, abused by his adoptive parents, who reconnects with his family in surprising ways. I was not expecting your typical romance. Had I known, I probably would not have sought out this book. Even so, it was a generally engaging tale. Some of the plot twists were hackneyed and the 'deus ex machina' ending felt contrived to me. I finished in a few hours, found it show more an easy read and would recommend to those who do enjoy romance novels. show less

Borrowing characters from a previous novel, I Know Who Holds Tomorrow, Ray uses general contractor Zachary and his wife, Madison Holman, the adoptive parents of Manda, as the launching pad for this latest series, A Family Affair. In this first book, WHEN MORNING COMES, readers meet Dr. Cade Mathis. Cade is an accomplished neurosurgeon, determined to shake off the dust of his abusive childhood. He can’t understand why his mother never wanted him, and he has no idea who his father might be. show more Doesn’t matter, as he’s become the success he is in spite of them both.

Hospital patient advocate Sabrina Thomas transferred from her prior position after her outspokenness and loyal concern for her patients made her working environment untenuable. Her background is completely different than Cade’s, and yet not as different as he may think. Sabrina and Cade must work together on a hospital project, and she determines to find the humanity beneath the cold, unfeeling surface of Dr. Mathis.

This explosive story begins deceptively, as an ordinary—although no story in the hands of Francis Ray could ever be called “ordinary”—romance. But as the story unfolds, Ray drops a bomb or two into her plot that elevates the story to another level. Expecting to enjoy the story, I went from gently turning pages to whipping them to get from one to the next as quickly as possible.

What I enjoy about Ray’s romances is that she makes readers feel her characters’ angst. Her writing is savvy, as are her characters, as she recounts her romantic tales in smart, sensuous terms, giving readers enough to get them hot and bothered by the taut action as much as by the gratifying romance.

An added bonus is the additional story of Kara Simmons, Sabrina’s neighbor and also a hospital employee, who struggles with honoring a commitment to her dying father to care for her overbearing mother. She finds respite in her art, something she has kept to herself, that is, until she meets Tristan Landers. Two satisfying romances for the price of one is always a good buy. WHEN MORNING COMES is a highly recommended read. show less

Dianna Harrington is the spokesmodel for her family's fashion empire started by her grandfather. She wears the best clothes, goes to the best parties and is exposed to all the right people. So, you would think that her life is happy and fulfilled, but it isn't. Dianna has had a very lonely childhood and life. Her parents cared more about themselves, the limelight and maintaining that lifestyle than being loving doting parents. Dianna's relationships and self esteem have taken a beating show more because of this.

Alex Stuart is the brother of Dianna's BFF who she's had a secret crush on forever. She trust Alex and he's been a comfort and beacon of strength for her when needed. Many situations occur where Dianna needs and relies on Alex's support. During these situations they grow very close, challenging Diana to be strong and tenacious to finally stand up for herself to get the love and attention she desires and deserves.

I enjoyed this story and the love that continued to grow between Alex and Dianna. This story again shows the saying that "everything that glitters isn't gold". One can have everything and still have nothing. It was hard to read how low Dianna's parents were willing to go to save themselves. How many times could they throw their own daughter under the bus? Read this story, you'll enjoy it. show less

Unfortunately, I found the relationships in this book very soap opera-y and rushed. I didn't like that there was very little time allowed for development of the relationship between both Tristan and Kara and Cade and Sabrina. As a result, the characters felt flat and unrealistic to me. The plot was melodramatic, and the writing, while not the worst I've ever read, was fairly poor, with some annoying repeated phrases. I won't be reading another book by this author.