TITLE: Truly A Miracle
SERIES: The Innkeeper Series
AUTHOR: Derrick Knight
COVER ARTIST: Reese Dante
LENGTH: 251 Pages
RELEASE DATE: October 25, 2016
BLURB: Dustin Hurst and Nathaniel Schmitt were happy when Nathaniel’s sister Natalie agreed to be their surrogate. Both men were elated finding out that she was pregnant with twins. Their dreams of becoming parents finally coming true, until one day, Natalie goes into preterm labor.
Diana and Niles
Hurst-Schmitt enter the world over two months premature. Immediately they’re
transported to a nearby children’s hospital where doctors soon discover both
twins have life threatening complications requiring surgical intervention.
During their children’s
hospitalization, Dustin and Nathaniel grow fond of the many talented healthcare
professionals working to heal their newborns, including the attractive
dietitian Matt Bachmeier. They think it’s
only a matter of time before their babies are well enough to come home.
Unfortunately, fate has other plans for the tiny infants resulting in Dustin
and Nathaniel unexpectedly embarking on a terrifying journey witnessing their
children fighting for their lives.
As their medical crisis continues to unfold, Dustin and Nathaniel pray for a miracle their family so desperately needs.
“I don’t have a baker
for tomorrow morning.” Nathaniel reached inside his coat pocket for his
cellphone. “I’m going to ask Mama if she
could help.”
Dustin glanced at
Nathaniel.
“It’s 1:30 in the
morning. I’m sure Marie is asleep.”
Nathaniel shook his
head, his trembling hands making it difficult for him to punch the speed dial
button.
“Who else can I ask?”
Nathaniel put the receiver to his ear.
“My other staff is just part-time assistants, not trained
professionals. They couldn’t decipher
the recipes or handle the volume of pastries needed for the morning rush. Mama is the only person who could step into
Natalie’s shoes without any problems.” After several rings, his mother
answered. “Mama, it’s Nathaniel.”
Nathaniel fidgeted. “I’m sorry for calling so late, but I have a dilemma.
Natalie was admitted to the hospital earlier and gave birth to the twins. Don’t worry, she’s fine, but they were transferred
to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Oakhill.
Dustin and I are heading there now.” Nathaniel felt a sharp pain in his
stomach. His hands were shaking. “Mama, I’m sorry I woke you up, but I’m in
such a predicament. You’re the first
person I—”
“Breathe,
Nathaniel. Everything is going to be
fine.” Marie sounded so clear and coherent, not at all sleepy. Nathaniel
wondered if his mama had been up waiting for his call. She continued. “Ray called Papa and me after he got her to
the Emergency Room. I thought you might
be calling me asking for my help. Don’t
worry, I’ll take care of the bakery. Remember, I taught Natalie Marie
everything she knows. I come from a long line of accomplished bakers. When I go
in tomorrow, customers and staff will think it’s just another routine morning
at Aunt Millie’s Bakery, I promise.”
Nathaniel sighed,
collapsing back in his seat. “Thank you, Mama. You’ve really helped me out of a
horrible predicament.”
“This is what mothers
do for their children.” She paused. “I’d
do anything for you. Just like I would
for any of your brothers and sisters.
You kids are my greatest contributions to this world.” Then her tone
changed to one containing a hint of humor. “I’m going to let you go. After all, I’ve got to get up in a couple
hours to get to my new job. And don’t
worry, Mama Schmitt is coming out of retirement.”
Nathaniel laughed,
surprising himself.
“Thank you, Mama.
You’re the best!”
“No problem. Tell Dustin to drive carefully. I don’t want to visit your whole family in
the hospital.”
Nathaniel chuckled.
“Papa and my prayers
are with all of you. I love you,
son. Take care.” Then Marie ended their
call.
Nathaniel turned to
Dustin.
“Please hurry. Our babies need us.”
“I’m already driving ten miles over the speed limit.” Dustin placed one hand on Nathaniel’s thigh. “We want to get to the hospital in one piece.
I just want to start out by saying this is book two on the Innkeeper Series by Derrick Knight. When given this ARC I was told it was a standalone but I have to say I disagree. After reading it I truly believe this needs to be read after book one. There were times I felt disconnected to characters that I think I should have felt connected with. I'm fairly certain book one really dealt with all these characters. So I encourage you read these in order.
Truly a Miracle focuses on Nathaniel and Dustin. They are one couple in a group of couples. I'm guess were introduced in book one. Nathaniel and Dustin are awaiting the arrival of their twin babies that Nathaniel's twin sister is carrying.
Nathaniel has OCD and that in itself is a hurdle and a half. Add the fact his sister goes into premature labor and OH BOY! He tends to think more on the negative side which is very common in those who are OCD.
These twins don't come into the world easy and they have many struggles. Dustin and Nathaniel are awesome parents and work through a lot of issues. And with Matt's help the help their babies thrive.
This book was about so many things but what I took away from it was strength, unity, and family. There's so much love in this book. You get it from all sides and that was fabulous.
Derrick Knight was born in Janesville, Wisconsin. Growing up, he always dreamed of becoming a writer. His grandmother got him hooked on reading mystery novels. It was in December 2011 that he purchased his first M/M romance novel. Instantly, he became hooked on the genre. After reading his first gay romance novel, he knew what type of books he wanted to write.
Derrick earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics from University of Wisconsin- Stout, and a Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration from University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. He has worked in the healthcare field as a dietitian for over twenty-three years. For the past nineteen years, he has functioned as a neonatal nutritionist for a large Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Central Illinois. Currently, he lives in Peoria, Illinois.
