The Ladies' Man (Sons and Daughters) [Mass Market Paperback]

Please ignore the first review, for I find the book to be a great read. If you have read other books by Lorraine Heath, then you know that this is a worthwhile book. I haven't been disappointed yet in reading her books, old or new. Each reader has their own tastes in what they like and dislike in a book. I bought this book despite the negative review received for this book; and I am glad I purchased it, for now I have this book to add to my Lorraine Heath collection =o)

This is a heartfelt story about a man who has to challenge himself to overcome his weakness and a woman who gets her dream of being a schoolteacher unfulfilled. Even though, Meredith has a hard time trying to dislike Lee, his smiles and his caring personality wins her heart. Lee overcame his weakness of school by teaching the kids a different approach of learning. Although Meredith is strict with how a teacher should teach and lectures Lee to follow the guidebook, she becomes less strict and sees the value of learning differently rather than one way. From the first time they met, Lee has been drawn to Meredith. They help each other deal with their weaknesses, and grow closer together. Not only do they fall in love with each other, but fell in love with an orphan boy who also had problems with learning as Lee has. Meredeth has grown all her life as an orphan and knows how Jimmy feels: to belong to someone who loves them. Lee showed Jimmy and Meredith about the value of love, family, and belonging.

A uniquelly written story to touch your heart. You can see the characters are passionate, funny, and compassionate. This is not a heady passionate romance book, but it has its own unique depth. Not only do you feel for the story, but you feel for the characters. It shows different perspectives viewed from 3 characters rather than having a book focus on one perspective.

If you are contemplating on buying this book, I would say get it, you dont' see these types of books often. If you haven't read books written by Lorraine Heath, read them all,they are all great. However, like I said before, each person has their own taste in reading material. But chances are if you like one book by Lorraine Heath, You'll like her other books gauranteed.

The reason I bought this book is that it's great to see the beginning of an author's work in her books, and from the start, Lorraine Heath writes from the heart and touches the heart of her readers by the stories written as I see in this book. This is one of her books when she first wrote in her book career. What can I say, it's well done. Now I have to get the other series from Sons and Daughters to see how the other characters do in their labor when they turn 20!

Sugar-glazed, this story of love is not reality; instead it is the first in a series written by different authors about the Daltry family. The eldest son, Hercules aka 'Lee' is a sweet big lunk or is he? Thought by himself to be stupid because he has always had a difficult time reading he doesn't appear to be the swiftest in the world. Though he is good-looking his character is flawed. He had a hard time in school and lost some self-esteem. His teachers treated him badly and he feels overwhelmed when he is around those who are educated.

Why is this important? Because on his 20th birthday he is given a 'labor' by his grandmother. He will become a school 'marm' for one year. As they begin their twentieth year each Daltry child is given something to do to become a better person. They cannot share the 'whys' of this without others until they've learned their lesson by, hopefully, their 21st birthday. If they succeed their grandmother will give them a gift. Does it sound a little confusing? Don't let it be.

Meredith Lewis, the school teacher who was hired by the town meets Lee shortly before he turns twenty. Neither she or Lee knows he is about to take her job. Red-haired and blind as a bat Lee finds her adorable. She looks like an owl with her thick glasses and, hey, aren't owls suppose to be smart?

Raised as an orphan and finding out she has lost her first place of employment her shell is hard to break. Lee feels terrible that he can't share his 'secret' but he isn't intimidated by Meredith and shows her sweet bits of love that are tucked throughout the story.

This is a yarn: a story with incredible happenings. Taking place in the late 1800's in Texas would a family like the Daltrys exist? I doubt it. Meredith was hard to like sometimes but I had to remember her upbringing and current situation. And wouldn't we all like a little bit of Lee's character in our significant other? The romance is light and somewhat goofy but you'll find a smile on your face when you least expect it. Don't expect any depth and you won't be disappointed. This romance is what it is, take it for the way it was written.

Other 'Sons and Daughters' books in the series:

2: The Wallflower by Linda Francis Lee
3: The Matchmaker by Debra S. Cowan
4: The Flirt by Rachelle Nelson
5: The Tomboy by Mary Lou Rich
6: The Perfect Gentleman by Elaine Crawford

He dares to be a fool, and that is the first step in the direction of wisdom. -James Huneker

Tired? Depressed? Aggravated with the world? Take a break and read this book!

Grab it quick because, according to author Lorraine Heath's website, this book is out-of-print!

Another reviewer commented that she thought the first chapters introduced too many characters. Perhaps this is because THE LADIES' MAN is the beginning of a series of "Sons and Daughters."

The rest of the books/authors have been added at the end of this review. I've had the devil of a time finding any of the other tomes in the library.

This book has a great deal of laugh-out-loud humor! The story is a bit simplistic but I enjoyed it immensely.

The main conflict was: Hercules (yup, you're going to learn a bit of mythology. It is totally fun!) overcoming Meredith Lewis' anger over losing her job to him -- as the schoolmarm of a small town.

Why Hercules has to teach school for a year is the linch-pin upon which this tale spins.

As a retired teacher, I was in awe of Hercules' understanding of a child's pain when he/she struggles to learn. This book should be required reading for every beginning teacher!

This is a beautifully written story with lots of pathos, humor and "learnin' goin' on!"

1) THE LADIES' MAN - by Lorraine Heath
2) THE WALLFLOWER - by Linda Francis Lee
3) THE MATCHMAKER - by Debra S Cowan
4) THE FLIRT - by Rachelle Nelson
5) THE TOMBOY- by Mary Lou Rich
6) THE PERFECT GENTLEMAN - by Elaine Crawford