Ready-Made Family tells the story of Amelia North, a single mom who is desperately trying to build a life for her and her daughter, Reece. The story opens in a mall parking lot in Refuge, Illinois. Amelia passes out in the summer heat and wrecks her car. Reece goes in search of help.

Ben Dillinger, a pararescue jumper, steps in and saves Amelia from a situation that has turned critical. Something about the young mother and daughter has captured his compassion and concern, and he vows to do all he can to help them find refuge and a home.

I loved this story so much, that I took the time to do an in-depth analysis. Here are the things I appreciated about this book:

Real People

One of my pet peeves about many stories today is blonde-haired, blue-eyed heroes and heroines that embody physical perfection. Not so in this story--hurray! Amelia has a problem with one of her eyes. Ben is of Asian descent. I love that the two main characters in this story are everyday people like the rest of us!

Well-Researched

The author has done her homework. The medical, pararescue and military facts make this story believable. Woven throughout the story, these little snippets of detail create a realism that engages the reader and pulls them into the story world.

Character Voice

Each character in this story has their own voice. Reece speaks like a child (and has some really humorous lines in the story). Ben and his pararescue friends talk like men, often leaving out personal pronouns.

Town Name

I enjoyed the fact that Amelia was seeking refuge, and found it in Refuge, Illinois. Just one more thing to engage the reader!

Fresh Writing

I read a lot. I really get tired of the same old language. But Cheryl Wyatt does a great job of making her writing fresh. One example: "stomach was bungee-jumping." Who hasn't experienced that?!

Emotionally Satisfying

The true test of any story is if it is compelling and satisfying. Ready-Made Family by Cheryl Wyatt was both!!

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