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Susan Gable
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A Hero to Keep (Hawkins Family Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Susan Gable (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 7,421 ratings

Sometimes you have to fight for what - for who - you love.


Shannon Vanderhoff’s childhood taught her early on that nothing was hers to keep, not clothes, or toys, or even people. So she lives, loves, and lets go. She’s not looking for a hero.


But with custody of her traumatized six-year-old nephew on the line, she needs help. Charming Greg Hawkins, a comic book artist and art therapist insists he can coax Ryan into speaking again, enabling the boy to reveal what he saw the night of his mother’s death at his father’s hands. And though Shannon’s skeptical of Greg’s methods, there’s no denying that he brings light and color to their lives.


Greg, one of twelve siblings, knows anything worth having is worth fighting for. If anyone can prepare Shannon for the upcoming battle, it’s Greg and his family.


But will she fight to keep him, too?


A Hero to Keep is a contemporary family drama romance set near Lake Erie, featuring the Hawkins Family. Grab your copy today!


With over a half million copies of her books sold worldwide, award-winning author Susan Gable is known for her ability to weave realistic characters and powerful emotions, to make readers both laugh and cry.


"Emotionally charged scenes and a terrific plot make this novel a must-read. Gable's writing is clever, and the emotions she portrays are exceptionally realistic." - 4.5 Stars, Top Pick Alexandra Kay - Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine



WARNING!

This is NOT a "Christian" romance. It contains realistic characters who swear. There are on-screen love scenes as found in many women's fiction/romance novels.

***This book was originally published under the title A Kid to the Rescue.***
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Hawkins Family
  2. Print length
    228 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    January 16, 2017
  6. File size
    607 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. Breathe in, take what life hands you; hold it, accept it; breathe out, let it go.
    Highlighted by 146 Kindle readers
  2. Breathe in, take what life hands you; hold it, accept it; breathe out, let it go.
    Highlighted by 76 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Susan Gable loves books, whether shes reading or writing. Reviewers and readers alike often cite her ability to convey strong emotion in her books, to make them both laugh and cry. Her books have been Golden Heart and Rita Award finalists, been recognized by Romantic Times nominations for Best Superromance of the Year, and shes won numerous awards, including the National Readers Choice Award. She lives in Erie, PA, a frequent setting in her books. Over a half-million copies of her books have been sold worldwide.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01MT56TTB
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Infinite Daydreams
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 16, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 607 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 228 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0996799225
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Hawkins Family
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 7,421 ratings

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Susan Gable

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
7,421 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book well-written and easy to read, with a powerful and realistic storyline that brings tears to readers' eyes. The book features wonderful characters and a strong family bond, with one customer noting how the author conveys the closeness of the Hawkins family. Customers appreciate the therapy information, particularly about art therapy, and the book includes intriguing twists and humor that make readers laugh and cry.

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StorylineReadabilityHeartwarming storyCharacter developmentFamily aspectHumorInformationSuspense level
325 customers mention "Storyline"317 positive8 negative

Customers appreciate the storyline of the book, describing it as powerful and realistic, with one customer noting it will stick with readers.

"...It was a story I could not put down and was up late in the night finishing it. Shannon has not had an easy life from early childhood...." Read more

"...It is very good and can easily be read in one short sitting...." Read more

"Omg, this was such an amazing book for me! My first connection with the book is that is it is based out of my area here in Ohio...." Read more

"...What an unusual and refreshing setting for a suspense romance! A well written and heartbreaking love story that will stay with me for quite some time." Read more

177 customers mention "Readability"170 positive7 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read, keeping them engaged throughout.

"...looking for a story with a little bit of everything that is an outstanding read I hope you pick this up and give it a try." Read more

"...Most of my heroes are writers. No apologies. Recommended reading. <3" Read more

"...It is also used to help with cancer treatment. The book is very realistic and the characters could walk off the pages and live among us...." Read more

"...It was compelling and so enjoyable to see the story unfold at that point...." Read more

115 customers mention "Heartwarming story"105 positive10 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming and sincere, with one customer noting how it makes you think about life.

"What a wonderful and clever plot that grabs your attention holding you and twisting your heart all at the same time...." Read more

"...I will say that this book was one of the most emotional reads I experience in a long time...." Read more

"...a beautiful thing watching characters show such simple affection and compassion as someone struggles with trusting in the power of love...." Read more

"...I experienced a so many feelings while reading it. The characters were amazing. I loved Ryan and I wanted to give him a huge hug...." Read more

108 customers mention "Character development"102 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, finding them wonderful and delightful, with one customer noting that they don't fall in love instantly.

"...These characters are strong they just needed to be shown how to pull within their selves to find the strength they already had...." Read more

"...People aren't ever perfect. Realistic characters reflect that, flaws showing up as master strokes of the writer's art...." Read more

"...The book is very realistic and the characters could walk off the pages and live among us...." Read more

"...Shannon, Greg and Ryan (the six year old) made for outstanding main characters. I enjoyed every minute of it...." Read more

59 customers mention "Family aspect"59 positive0 negative

Customers love the family aspect of the book, describing it as one of the best family stories they've read, with a strong bond among the characters.

"It was a hot but really sweet romance with family emphasis , BIG FAMILY which I never had but always wondered what it would be like...." Read more

"...I loved reading about the Hawkins family as well, and the growing relationship between Shannon and her nephew, Ryan, whom she grew to love, was..." Read more

"This is an amazing book about family. I honesty don't get what people are talking about all rating this book 1 star...." Read more

"Liked the big family concept. They're all close and loving. That's his side. Then comes her side. Not much to like...." Read more

57 customers mention "Humor"57 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, finding it both laugh-out-loud funny and emotionally moving, with one customer noting how the fun elements are woven throughout the narrative.

"...There was some laughter, fun AND tears. The tears come from some of the serious challenges that both Shannon and Ryan are facing...." Read more

"...This book had me laughing, crying and smiling a lot. My heart broke for the little boy. And for Shannon for that matter...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book. The characters were relatable and funny. I read this book in a day. Highly recommend!" Read more

"This story had it all, teats, smiles, laughter and heart break...." Read more

42 customers mention "Information"42 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative, particularly about art therapy and life lessons, with one customer noting its success in bridging emotional gaps.

"...I was instantly pulled in and effected by all these children battling cancer and how through art it gave them the power and faith they needed to..." Read more

"...She was skeptical of Greg’s art therapy. But it seemed to work with other traumatized kids so she let him try with her nephew...." Read more

"...A Hero to Keep, is very informative about the success of psychologists who use this type of treatment for kids!..." Read more

"This was a good drama / romance. I really liked the artwork as therapy and the cancer support line...." Read more

21 customers mention "Suspense level"21 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's suspense level, appreciating its intriguing twists and surprises.

"...What an unusual and refreshing setting for a suspense romance! A well written and heartbreaking love story that will stay with me for quite some time." Read more

"One of the BEST books I've ever read. Great story, unexpected, and beautifully written. Amazing characters, angsty and passionate...." Read more

"...The story is filled with suspenseful emotion and surprises...." Read more

"...Sparks fly! I could hardly put this book down. It has up and downs and twists and includes Greg's huge family. Try this book!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Cyn
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a wonderful read that really rearch my heart
    Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What a wonderful and clever plot that grabs your attention holding you and twisting your heart all at the same time. It was a story I could not put down and was up late in the night finishing it. Shannon has not had an easy life from early childhood. She doesn’t hold anything dear or let anyone get close because in her eyes she won’t have them for long. Everything comes but it must leave at some point better not hold it dear. This is a character you can really relate to she is down to earth just a normal person trying to get by.

    When it comes to her nephew she has a hard time dealing since she has never had anyone to teach her what a relation or family really means. Add to that he watched his mother be murdered and hasn’t talked since, she doesn’t know him and has only seen him a few times, that is enough to make anyone throw their hands up. Even in the best of times Shannon would have had trouble dealing, reaching out and helping. With all that he has gone through she really doesn’t have a clue how to even begin but she is determine to give it her all and give her nephew a better life. Greg and his family reach out to bring this family closer together giving them meaning and teaching them through his art how to start over and become a family.

    What a wonderful story about pain, suffering and having the patients to learn to love and give of one’s self. These characters are strong they just needed to be shown how to pull within their selves to find the strength they already had. Humor is something I strongly believe in, no matter what it can get you through those trying times and make the happier ones happier. Ms. Gable does this with her stories making the tough times not seem so bad. She had me laughing out loud in no time at all. At other times I really needed a tissue. This is a very well rounded, well blend story that reaches into your heart grabbing it and giving it a squeeze. I found this book to be well written, realistic and very believable which really adds to the enjoyment of the read. This is the first of her books I have read and can’t wait to get my hands on more of her work. If you are looking for a story with a little bit of everything that is an outstanding read I hope you pick this up and give it a try.
    47 people found this helpful
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  • She hunts the ridgetops.
    4.0 out of 5 stars This is an above-average story.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    There are novels that illuminate dark corners of the human experience; this is one of them.

    People aren't ever perfect. Realistic characters reflect that, flaws showing up as master strokes of the writer's art. We're creatures of both nature and nurture, too often unable to escape the bindings of scars both visible and invisible.

    It's good to see someone unafraid to tell that kind of truth. Superheroes are that strong.

    Most of my heroes are writers. No apologies.

    Recommended reading. <3
    3 people found this helpful
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  • CINDY F.
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a fantastic book!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Wow! I didn't know what to think when I first got this book as a freebie off of BookBub, sometimes these freebies are really bad, sometimes they are just mediocre, but once in a great while you hit the jackpot, just like I did with this book. This may have been my first experience with this author, but it won't be my last, and you can take that to the bank!!!

    I won't go into full details of this book, so many have already done that and probably better than I could have. I will say that this book was one of the most emotional reads I experience in a long time. I cried so many times, but I also jump for joy with each hurdle they were able to overcome, too.

    I admired Greg right from the start for helping these poor children overcome their fears, and helped make them want to fight for their lives. There are many people out in this world who do what he does, and I know it can't be easy on them when watching them struggle, or when they occassionaly end up losing one of them.

    Then there is Shannon. My heart just broke in two for her, so many different times throughout this story. She was already struggling with her life, but the situations she was thrown into suddenly would have anyones head spinning out of control. And just when she felt she had her feet place firmly on the ground, the rug got pulled out from underneath of her, once again.

    And last but not the least is little 6 yr. old Ryan. The things this small child saw, and the things he had to go through to overcome his fear....is something NO CHILD in this world should ever have to go through. I just wanted to reach out and hold him tightly, until all of his pain went away.

    This author made me dig deep into a few deep-ceded emotions I never knew had even existed. I was completely rung out by the time I finished this book, but in a good way. You'd never know that this was a feel-good story by the way I described these people and the trails they had to endure, but it absolutely was exactly that. I just purchased book #2 and can't wait to get into that one, as well. If it half as good as this one was, this author will have just found herself a new fan!
    17 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars ... before downloading the book that it had so many good reviews, i was in a hurry
    Reviewed in India on May 25, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I hadn't noticed before downloading the book that it had so many good reviews, i was in a hurry. But after finishing it I wanted to write one right away. That explains how the book got so many stars. The most difficult part is developing a child's character, you have done it with quite an ease must have actually come from observing children around. It was a good, entertaining read.
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  • li cran
    5.0 out of 5 stars Heavy story, treated nicely
    Reviewed in Italy on May 7, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    With children cancer patients, a child who has seen his father murder his mother, and an aunt who doesn't believe in being able to "keep" those she loves, a comic book designer using his artistic talent for psychological therapy finds himself in deep waters.
    Well written with just a hint of the angst from all this, and the sure flow of love to keep it all together, the writer puts a lot into a tiny world.
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  • Gabi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Einfach Klasse
    Reviewed in Germany on June 20, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Ich habe die Geschichte gelesen und war fasziniert von der Arttherapie und den viele n unerwartet Ende Wendungen. Es kam keinerlei Langeweile auf und ich kaufe mir Sicherheit das 2. Buch der Serie.
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  • Paco
    5.0 out of 5 stars Touched my heart!!
    Reviewed in Spain on August 28, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What a great heartwarming story! I wish there were so much more stories like this one. This story really touched my heart!
    This book was one of the most emotional reads, a total page-turner.
    I'd like to read more books from this series or another books from this author. It was my first but will not be the last one for sure.
    I liked everything: the author's writing style, main characters and second characters, the plot...
    I wish the heroine were more interested in hero, she looked like she had one foot away from this relationship. The whole book she was pushing this great guy away. But looking at her childhood, what can i say? I understand her totally. But when she must look after her nephew i loved the way she was trying to make his life better. Although she did not have any ideas about good family, about solid family relationships.
    The hero, ... sigh. The hero was just such a great, strong, patient guy. He’s got this heart of gold, i would say he was book boy-friend material, LOL.
    This hero is totally a hero to keep! LOL
    He just had so much patience! This girl really every single day was about to turn and run from him. But any way he was patient with her. He is just so nice, clever, yummy guy.
    There was some disturbing ex-girlfriend actions. She was a bit but stalkerish. She did not accept “NO” from our her. Girl, get some brain, please!
    There was not cheating in this book.
    AnnaK
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  • ➳ Raj
    5.0 out of 5 stars One Click!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 9, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book blew me away with its writing and the deep connection I felt towards the characters. I can’t believe I nearly passed this freebie by! (It's still free on Amazon at the time of posting my review 09.06.17) It’s a hard choice to one click freebie books but once this popped up again after purchasing another ebook I just went for it, and I’m so glad that I did because it hit my favourite book list of 2017.

    Shannon is used to being alone and having her loved ones taken from her, but when she is left in charge of her six-year-old nephew Ryan who won’t speak she fights to protect him and do whatever she can to keep her sister’s legacy in her life. Shannon tries to adapt to the new responsibilities and has a lot to learn and also to give. Not knowing where else to turn for help despite her hesitation and being sceptical on art therapy helping her nephew to find his voice, she turns to comic book artist and art therapist Greg Hawkins as a last resort.

    Greg stole my heart within the first few pages of reading this book, he was so loving and patient. When Shannon and Ryan came on the scene I became so attached to my kindle I could not put this book down, and even when I was forced to take a break my kindle kept calling me back! I absolutely adored Ryan, he was fragile, strong, cute, cheeky, affectionate and funny as hell after visiting his grandparents. I enjoyed seeing his relationship develop with Shannon and my heart felt drowned in happiness as a beautiful mother and child bond unfolded.

    Shannon and Greg are evenly matched and I fell in love with them both. Shannon is self-reliant, has no idea how to raise a child, she doesn’t allow anyone to get close to her, but Greg is an amazing sweet, sexy, possessive and protective guy whose life has been surrounded by siblings and family, and so he includes Shannon and Ryan to feel that same love and protection he grew up in.

    I was so engaged to this story which had my heart aching in places as sadness, grief and despair took over but it also melted my heart with its comical lines that had me laughing, smiling, feeling giddy, with a little angst thrown in, drama, sexual tension, hotness, some twists, and the special bond Greg had with his siblings and especially Ryan. Hero to Keep is a beautifully written book on overcoming loss, building and repairing relationships, taking chances, it’s about family having your back, faith, hope, fighting for what you want, new beginnings, stolen kisses, love and about an adorable little boy called Ryan.
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