Title: The Outside Child by Tiffany L. Warren
Publisher: Dafina
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
All of Chenille Abrams’ dreams came true the day she married NFL star Brayden Carpenter. He’s the down-to-earth, loving, and protective man she never thought she’d find. And with her own successful career, Chenille plans to be more than just a famous athlete’s wife. She’s determined to balance work, marriage, and motherhood, as the couple awaits their first
child . . .
Until their son is born with a crippling heart ailment. Until a devastated Brayden starts putting his career above everything else. And when tragedy strikes, Chenille struggles to find a reason to go on—as Brayden takes comfort from anywhere but home . . .
Little by little, Chenille picks up the pieces as she and Brayden try to make their marriage work once more. But when he fathers a baby that the mother can’t keep, will this be the final blow? Or can they find a way past betrayal into unexpected hope—to at last have a future worth
everything?
Review:
The Outside Child by Tiffany L. Warren is a captivating novel about a marriage that is tested by always being in the public eye and later, a tragic loss that pulls the couple apart instead of bringing them closer.
Chenille Abrams is not looking for love when she meets popular football player Brayden Carpenter. In fact, she has no idea who he is and when she finds out, she is skeptical about his intentions. However, Brayden quickly proves he is looking for more than a one night stand with a groupie and Chenille is willing to give their relationship a chance. Their unexpected romance flourishes despite the demands of their careers and living in separate states and Chenille is shocked when Brayden proposes to her. Although they manage to traverse the normal ups and downs of married life, how will their marriage fare after suffering a devastating loss?
Chenille is a fiercely independent, successful businesswoman who does not trust easily following the end of her previous relationship. She is instantly attracted to Brayden but under the circumstances in which they meet, she is leery he is not looking for anything serious. She is soon convinced he is sincere in wanting a long term relationship but Chenille wants a low-key life out of the limelight.
Brayden absolutely loves his career and unlike his teammates, he does not indulge in casual sex with the numerous groupies vying for his attention. He is drawn to and completely appreciates Chenille’s strong personality but he does not always respect her career aspirations. Brayden is also occasionally annoyed by her lack of interest in the public side of his career.
Despite these issues, their courtship and marriage are mostly trouble free and quite happy. But after their son is born with a serious medical condition, Chenille is frustrated and angry when Brayden makes major decisions without any input from her. In the aftermath of tragedy, their once rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of grief and anger.
The Outside Child is an engrossing novel that is quite moving. The characters are wonderfully developed and likable but some of their reactions and decisions are frustrating. The storyline is engaging and Brayden and Chenille’s romance moves at a realistic pace. A gentle undercurrent of faith adds depth and substance to the characters and their relationship. An absolutely marvelous novel that old and fans of Tiffany L. Warren are sure to enjoy.
