Donna Michaels - Thanks For Giving Page

Forced to pick up her boss’ estranged son from the airport, in on a two week leave for Thanksgiving, Sarah Wells must face Sgt. Daniel Hollenbeck, her ex-lover and man whose command her brother died under in the Middle East three years ago. Determined to reconcile father and son, Sarah’s first attempt fails, leading to a heated embrace that resurrects old hurts. Why did Daniel choose war over her? Wasn’t she important enough to keep him home?

Plagued by dreams of his dead friend, Daniel Hollenbeck comes home, hoping to reconcile with his father, never expecting to see Sarah again. It soon becomes clear that his feelings for her have never died. Neither has the pain of her abandonment. Why hadn’t Sarah loved him enough to support him in his call to duty? Pressures mount, hearts open and heal in time for turkey with a generous helping of thanks, and a side of giving.

“Excuse me? Are you here for a soldier?” A perfectly made-up brunette shoved a microphone in their faces.

“I’ll let you take this,” Sarah told Marcy before stepping around the mass of cameras to continue towards the arrival lounge. She knew that was cowardly, but Marcy had a legitimate soldier and a legitimate homecoming to share with the media. She didn’t.

Drawing in a breath, she walked around the outskirts of the small crowd gathered in the waiting area and leaned against the wall near a fake tree. Children clutching homemade welcome home signs laughed and ran around a row of blue plastic seats. Wives, sisters, mothers, brothers and fathers all gathered to see their loved ones for the first time in seven months. Sarah’s chest tightened. Memories of the sign she’d held for Tommy on his first leave flashed through her mind. Swallowing, she shook her head, and the images faded. The pain remained.

Here they come!” someone yelled, and the cheering crowd rushed forward.

Sarah moved away from the wall as the passengers began to waltz in. First, several civilians and a few businessmen and then one soldier after another came into view. Her heart stopped. Distorted images of Tommy’s lumbering frame intertwined with the soldiers. Her chest tightened further. Every time she tried to focus on the present, the past would barge in.

A few deep breaths helped clear her head. She fought through the illusions of her dead brother in time to see Daniel before he spotted her. Sarah blinked, her panic momentarily forgotten as her gaze took in the man she once loved.

He’d changed.

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Diana~ http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.asp?ReviewId=1032
Rating: 4.5/5 Reviewer Top Pick

I really enjoyed this heartwarming story. The characters all seemed to be dealing with their own demons and what they all didn’t realize was this was the ideal time for them to lean on each other and not alienate each other. I found myself feeling bad for each character realizing that they were all missing out on one of the greatest gifts they could ever offer each other. That gift being forgiveness. This is a definite keeper in my library.

"Thanks for Giving" tugs on your heartstrings and makes you yearn for more!

Home for the holidays, Sergeant Daniel Hollenbeck is a tortured soldier, hailed as a hero by all but those closest to him. Sarah Wells is determined to make sure Daniel, her ex-boyfriend, doesn't invade her heart as she tries to form a peace treaty between Daniel and his father. Too bad for Sarah, her defenses starts crumbling with just one look at his fine form in uniform!

Debut author Donna Michaels writes a poignant story about sacrifices and redemption. Get a hankie ready when you read this touching story. Ms. Michaels's sensitive portrayal of the everyday sacrifices made by the men and women of the armed forces and their families made me very grateful for all they have given. "Thanks for Giving" is so apt!

by Anne Lum

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This was such a heartwarming story of love and sacrifice. From the first page on, Daniel and Sara's story tugged at my heartstrings and wouldn't let them go. I loved every minute of my time with these characters and was so pleased to see them get their happily ever after.

I can't wait to see what Ms. Michaels has in store for us next.

by Jana Hill

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I have just finished reading this release, and I wanted to urge you if you have not read this story, to please do so.

It is a terrific story, one that will in places bring tears to your eyes. It is well written and an enjoyable read. You can just feel the conflict between the hero, heroine and his father. It is a wonderful story for a first time out, and so reflects our everyday thoughts. It helps put so much into perspective. Donna, has done a terrific job with this story, and I look forward to reading more from her.

by Cryna Palmiere