The Good Father by Diane Chamberlain

"But what about....." I saw Savannah give a little nod in my direction.
"collateral damage, " Roy said a hushed voice, but I didn't miss it.
~~~Page 304

Title: The Good Father
Author: Diane Chamberlain
ISBN:9780778313465
Publisher: Mira/2012
Pages: 368

Travis Brown, at 23 has a 4 year old daughter Bella. He took a decision to raise her all by himself and does it very well. There may be shortage of cash flow but there is no compromise on love. He adores his little girl. Then tragedy strikes. His house gets burnt, his mother dies in the fire while saving Bella and They are left homeless as He loses his construction job too.

Then there is Erin, who has lost her 3 year old daughter and is grieving for her. We also see Robin, Bella's mother, who had a heart problem when Bella was born.

When Travis's job is lost, he comes to Raleigh as he has a good offer. But that is some short of criminal activity and he is not keen to take it. When he finds himself in dire straits, he has no option. He takes it knowing, he might lose Bella forever. He meets Erin a coffee shop and leaves Bella with her without informing Erin.

The Good Father touches us. We see that Travis might lack money but Bella does not lack anything. She is well brought up child. Travis's love for her shines through the entire novel, even when he takes a bad decision.....

Erin heals in the presence of Bella. She falls in love with this little girl and comes n term with her own grief. And Robin. She has had a heart transplant, is hale and hearty now, is engaged to rich and well known person. Yet she thinks of Travis and the girl she gave birth to. She knows what she has been missing.

Told in voices of Travis, Robin and Erin, the story impacts us, hits our guts and we all fall in love with the little girl Bella, not to forget the main three characters. Travis is indeed the good father.  Although the ending was predictable, I loved the book.