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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Whatever It Takes" by Leigh Fleming.]

Darla Heartwood is the realtor with heart. The 33-year-old has a successful career, beautiful home and she is up for the Citizen of the Year award. She has worked hard to put her soiled past behind her. On the night of her birthday, she receives an anonymous phone call asking if she gave birth to a daughter 18 years ago.

Pregnant under horrible circumstances at only 15, Darla gave her baby girl up for adoption. Now her secret is being uncovered, and her birth daughter wants to meet her. Darla must make a decision. Will she continue running from the past or meet the child that she has worked so hard to forget?

Single father, Jason, is at his wit's end trying to find out the reason for his adoptive daughter's mysterious illness. His daughter, Meghan, is hopeful that if she meets her biological mother, it may shed some light on her illness.

Whatever It Takes by Leigh Fleming is a novel where the characters take center stage. The author has created a beautiful story with complex, but relatable characters. I particularly enjoyed the relationship that blossomed between Jason and Darla. They met unconventionally and had the odds stacked against them from the get-go. They are both forced to face life-altering challenges. Darla must open her closet to reveal the skeletons from her dark past and Jason must grapple with the feelings of uncertainty regarding his daughter's health.

I admired the strength and tenacity that Meghan's character exuded. She was determined to meet her biological mother even though she had given her up all those years ago. She was brave and didn't fear the possibility of rejection.

I felt the most connected to Darla's character as the author flawlessly described the war brewing within her. Facing her daughter meant coming clean about her unsavory past, but ignoring the situation meant maintaining her squeaky clean image. It was apparent that the more she tried to bury the truth, the more it held her captive.

This emotionally charged book was a pleasure to read, and I give it a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. It appears to be professionally edited, and I found no errors. While this book is categorized as romance, readers shouldn't be fooled because it is so much more than that.

The novel is about family, friendship, and resilience. I would recommend Whatever It Takes to readers who enjoy reading books that focus on self-discovery and finding the strength to overcome adversity. This book would be perfect for parents who have gone through the adoption process, and for readers that have grown up without their biological parents. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a light read, as this book covers some heavy topics that will pull on your heart-strings. This book is not suitable for young readers as it contains mature language and some explicit sex scenes.

Whatever It Takes was a pleasure to read!

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Whatever It Takes
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Although Fleming's Whatever it Takes covers some heavy topics, as you said, I really like the concept of this book's plot. It is poignant and realistic. I appreciate how the author focuses on the characters drawing on their emotional strength and facing their pasts instead of running away from them. I think that sends a good message. Great review!

Rachel Lea wrote: ↑14 May 2019, 07:19 Although Fleming's Whatever it Takes covers some heavy topics, as you said, I really like the concept of this book's plot. It is poignant and realistic. I appreciate how the author focuses on the characters drawing on their emotional strength and facing their pasts instead of running away from them. I think that sends a good message. Great review!

Thank you! I agree. While facing one's past can be painful, sometimes it is imperative if we want to evolve as a person.

Sounds like an engaging read about old mysteries and past that suddenly come alive I love family secrets centered books, and professional editing is a big plus. Thank you for an excellent review!

Ellylion wrote: ↑14 May 2019, 08:09 Sounds like an engaging read about old mysteries and past that suddenly come alive I love family secrets centered books, and professional editing is a big plus. Thank you for an excellent review!

Me too! Those are my favorite type of book. Thanks for your comment!

I don't really read romance books like this, but I admire the author for putting in there a plot about Darla giving up a child for adoption. A lot of people face that, and I'm sure it makes the book more realistic. I think I'll skip this one, but thanks for the review.

kandscreeley wrote: ↑14 May 2019, 09:02 I don't really read romance books like this, but I admire the author for putting in there a plot about Darla giving up a child for adoption. A lot of people face that, and I'm sure it makes the book more realistic. I think I'll skip this one, but thanks for the review.

Thank you

I know from personal experience that genetics cannot be blamed for every medical condition. Why does Meghan think it is genetic? Why does she think meeting her biological mother might shed light on her illness? If these questions are not addressed in the story, I think reading this would just anger me!
The love story I am kind of on the fence about.

I love this type of character-driven book, and the plot sounds engaging. Thanks for the excellent review.

amjohnson13mommy wrote: ↑14 May 2019, 10:47 I know from personal experience that genetics cannot be blamed for every medical condition. Why does Meghan think it is genetic? Why does she think meeting her biological mother might shed light on her illness? If these questions are not addressed in the story, I think reading this would just anger me!
The love story I am kind of on the fence about.

Good questions that are all addressed in the book!!

Cecilia_L wrote: ↑14 May 2019, 12:25 I love this type of character-driven book, and the plot sounds engaging. Thanks for the excellent review.

Me too. Thank you!

Thank you for telling me my questions are addressed. Maybe I will check it out.

amjohnson13mommy wrote: ↑14 May 2019, 13:50 Thank you for telling me my questions are addressed. Maybe I will check it out.

I highly recommend!

Alright, I will add it to my bookshelves. Thank for your responses.

I liked the mystery of this story..Great review