by Theresa Rizzo
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
He Belongs to Me is a love story . . . a tale of betrayal and deception and of a young mother's determination to recover what belongs to her. Forced to leave her baby and tricked into relinquishing her parental rights, four years later Catherine Boyd is back and she'll do anything to regain custody of her son--even reconcile with the husband falsely accused of killing their son's twin. All in the name of love for a little boy, generations of pain and tragedy are exposed in a courtroom drama
He Belongs to Me by Theresa Rizzo is classified as a contemporary romance but it is much more. Think Jodi Picoult or Kristin Hannah. The story has fleshed out characters and a heart-wrenching custody battle with unthinkable betrayals. He Belongs to Me will pull at your heartstrings and keep you engaged. Mini-review: Well researched with suspense, drama and fleshed out characters.
Caffeinated Summary:
Catherine and Thomas Boyd married young, suffered an unthinkable tragedy and separated. Catherine’s domineering parents convince her to give them “temporary custody” of her son while she gets her degree. Upon graduation Catherine is excited to finally be reunited with her son. Only her parents won’t relinquish him which forces Catherine to reunite with her estranged husband. Together they must fight to regain their son.
Caffeinated Opinions:
Characters: When I first started reading I honestly was afraid I wouldn’t be able to identify with Catherine or Thomas. As a mother, I could not fathom being separated from my child. This is where a lot of credit goes to the author. She made me understand where the characters were coming from. I rooted for them, admired their growth and wanted them to have their happily ever after. Drew, the child, caught in the middle of all this was sweet and his emotions just undid me. Catherine’s parents *shivers* were scary, powerful, controlling, cold and calculating. Yeah, I wanted to run them down with my HHR. I found myself getting angry and wanting to slap Catherine’s mother. Secondary characters added to the tale, moved the plot and helped us better understand characters.
Plot: He Belongs to Me offers a second chance romance, betrayal, family secrets and courtroom drama that had me flipping the pages. Rizzo did an excellent job of portraying both the characters and the court room battle. My heart was torn open for the child as the tension unfolded. The author realistically portrayed the characters exposing their flaws, hopes, fears and feelings. It was easy to pick sides, and I must admit I was on edge during the court case. I truly appreciated how well researched the story was and the natural ease in which it was told. From conversations to the courtroom, everything felt genuine. The plot was well paced and unpredictable with twist I honestly never saw coming.
Caffeinated Verdict:
He Belongs to Me was a captivating tale with fleshed out characters and an unpredictable plot that kept me engaged. Fans of chick-lit novels and family drama will enjoy this tale. Rizzo has a wonderful writing style and adds details and depth to her stories, making her an author whose work I would read again.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Dani
I totally agree with your thoughts on this book! Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
This was well done, and I am delighted to hear you liked it too Dani 🙂
Tyler H Jolley
Sounds like an interesting chic-lit read. Kimba, your newly designed website looks AWESOME!
kimbacaffeinate
It was pretty awesome Tyler and so glad you like design. 🙂
Michelle
Great review! Unpredictable plots will definitely keep me interested throughout the whole reading journey. Thanks for sharing your review!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Michelle, I really enjoyed the courtroom drama in this one.
Lily B
sounds like a wonderful yet a very emotional read, awesome review. Will be adding it to my list.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Lily, this was a good read and you really get wrapped up in the character’s lives.
Trish
First off blog looks fantastic, I just love it. The colours, the graphics, the layout – it’s just so striking.
Back to the book, like you I was sure I would have no sympathy at all for the main characters and was all ready to hate them. But I just couldn’t, I really understood how it all happened and I loved how they stood as a couple and fought back.
And
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Trish Ashley was wonderful to work with 🙂 I agree the author made me connect!
anna
Ooh I’ve got this one on my watch list. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it. I was a bit worried about the storyline and if it was one I’d be able to handle.
kimbacaffeinate
No worries, the author does an excellent job of making you understand each character and the plot. Thanks Anna 🙂
Andrea
Oh yeah, I’m thinking I would definitely enjoy this! I’m curious about what happens with Catherine and Thomas when they work together.
Thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
This was good I hope you decide to pick it up Andrea 🙂
Faye
First of all, I really, really, really love your new blog design, Kimba. I love it so much ;___; I’m kinda jealous because I want something like this too lols >.>
In any case, thanks for this lovely review. I always look forward to 4 and 5 ratings from you because that means they really are good! Adding this to my TBR 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Faye, I am walking on clouds right now. He Belongs to Me was a page turner, and thanks for the vote of confidence 🙂
Michelle
This sounds really good, and even though I’m not really into books that revolve around this sort of family drama (too painful) this does sound like one I would enjoy. Great review!
I’m loving the new look by the way!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Michelle, this was well done and I got swept up in the goings on. I am so glad you like my new digs 🙂
Kay
I really enjoyed this book as well! I am a big fan of family drama books. Have you read the author’s second book? It’s also very unique and enjoyable. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I have not Kay, but I am excited to here it was good too 🙂 Thanks!
Angela Adams
Added to my TBR list. Thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Angela 🙂 enjoy!
Sharon - Obsession with Books
This sounds like a wonderful, believable & heartbreaking story! You have me curious.
A fabulous review Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Sharon, I enjoyed this one 🙂
Amir
First off, great new look Kimba! I love the colors and everything just looks so good together! 🙂
This looks like a hard read for me…I get so sad when parents turn out to be horrible people but I do enjoy second chance romances and this looks like their reconciliation is constructed in the plot well! Great review, as always!
kimbacaffeinate
They had issues but I think they loved their daughter and grandson. Oh and thank you Amir I love the new digs 🙂
Megan
I can’t imagine how difficult a custody battle like that would be. Just terrible!
Dre
I’ve never read anything from “Theresa Rizzo”, but I think I want to try it out. I wonder what it’ll feel like for me during the court battle. I reckon my heart will feel like it was poked by sticks! Lovely review, and BRILLIANT NEW THEME!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Dre and thank you so much Ashley @ Creative Whim/Nose Graze custom designed it for me and she was a dream to work with 🙂
Michele-A Belle's Tales
Kimba, the blog looks great! Love it! I’m very intrigued by this book, and I’ll definitely be adding it to the list. I’ve only read one other story where a mother is separated from her child, and I struggled with it; but it sounds as if the author handles this beautifully. Thanks so much for putting this on my radar!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Michele, I am loving the new digs. He Belongs to Me was very well done, and I loved the court room drama.
Christy
Woohoo … You got your new design up! It looks so good!
Anyway, this sounds good. The grandparents seem like a piece of …. work. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
LOL I did, and I still cannot believe you are the only person I told. This was really good Christy 🙂
Debbie Haupt
HI Kimba, first the new look is FAB!!
I LOVE Kristin Hannah and this is going on my aching TBR pile
Thanks Pal 😉 there’s nothing better to me than a second chance romance and when you said secrets you had me hook line and sinker.
Thanks
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Debbie, it just happened today and I am rather excited. This was an wonderful read 🙂
Heidi
I love a sweet feel good chick lit book every now and then, but this one seems like it is a bit more on the dramatic side, still I would be willing to give it a go! Liking the new look and it loaded so much faster today!
kimbacaffeinate
It was really well done and not overly dramatic if you know what I mean. Thanks Ashley @ Creative Whim built it for me and I am rather excited.
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I find it hard to sympathize with parents who would separate from their child too. it’s not something I can easily understand, but you’re right that it shows the author’s skill that you were able to make sense of their actions.
I’m glad this was such a pleasant surprise for you. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Maja. I hope you are doing well 🙂
Candace
Oh I love the new look!!!! It’s perfect!
This book sounds good! I have to admit I was very distracted because I was looking around though. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Candace, I feel like a kid in a candy store 🙂
aurian
Lovely review Kimba, but this is way too much real life drama for me to handle. Glad you enjoyed it so much though.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Aurian 🙂 Happy Thursday!
Jenny
Glad your initial fears about this one proved to be unfounded Kim! Love it when that happens. This is another new-to me author, so I’ll have to go check her out. I can always count on you to bring me new and exciting books Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I did and thanks Jenny..you know me I like to mix it up and ya all reap the rewards 🙂 LOL
brandileigh2003
The second chance romance does sound like something I would enjoy, and it is wonderful she could write the characters where you could relate even if you went in thinking you couldn’t
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Brandi this was well done, and I like second chance romances and growth too 🙂
Theresa
Hi Brandi,
I’m so very pleased that Kim ended up being able to related to Catherine and Thomas. It was a challenge–I’ll admit–however, who hasn’t made some big mistakes in her life? Who hasn’t been taken advantage of? Who hasn’t ever had her heart broken? Who hasn’t misunderstood something?
It’s an incredibly LUCKY or insulated person, who hasn’t been touched by heartbreak in one form or another. Life and relationships ARE hard and people are foolish at one time or another, but we can straighten things out and overcome and be happy again.
Humans have a remarkably resilient spirit that is so admirable!
kindlemom1
I see I have another great book to add to my ever growing TBR pile and it looks like with this read I will need chocolate? Sounds good to me. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Well any excuse for chocolate is a good one Ali!
theresa
Hi Kindle mom, Chocolate is never a bad idea when reading! Thanks for stopping by.
Jenea
I am right there with ya, I can not imagine being away from my children, so this definitely sounds like it could be an emotional read. But it sounds like it was done so well. I am glad that you enjoyed it.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jenea, I liked that she made me understand her characters.
Theresa
Hi Kim,
thanks for the lovely review! I’m so glad you enjoyed Catherine and Thomas’s story. It was really tricky to write, but I love a good challenge.
I read an article about a young couple who lost an infant and the dad was accused of shaking her to death, but an autopsy showed the child had a medical condition and died from something else.
My heart went out to that young couple. How do you survive something like that? That would stress even the strongest of loves. I don’t know what happened to them, but I could build my own story and give this couple a happy ending.
My books might make you cry and pull at your heartstrings, but I promise a happy ending. Must be the optimist in me, but I need that HEA. Thanks again.
kimbacaffeinate
I love a good HEA or at least the promise of one.
Mary
I always feel for the child in circumstances like this. Hard enough that she gave up her kid temporarily but that her parents wouldn’t give the child back to her. Wow.
kimbacaffeinate
Her parents..the thinks they did in the name of “love” and “best interest” *shivers*
Theresa
Hi Mary,
Yeah the grandparents here were arrogant to say the least, however, being a parent of 4 myself, I find it hard to sit back and watch my kid make a mistake.
Most parents I know think they know best. Heck, they even named a show after it in the . . . 60s??? Father Knows Best.
I struggle all the time to let my kids fail in small ways, because this is where the real growth occurs.
As long as they know we’re there to help and love them . . . it’s really about trust–trusting that you brought them up right. Catherine’s parents just couldn’t trust her–well, that was a part of it anyway.
Katherine
This sounds really good but I’m not sure I can handle this subject. I’ll keep the author in mind for future reads though!
kimbacaffeinate
I hear you Katherine. I think what made it easier for me, was that all parties involved cared about child. I also appreciated that the author didn’t add unnecessary drama.
Theresa
And the Happily Ever After. Life is hard and sometimes we (especially in our youth) make it harder on ourselves than it needs to be, but we all can triumph and be happy.
We can fix things, mend out broken hearts and be happy again. That’s one of the things I hope readers take away from my stories.
Nick
This sounds like such a powerful story. I can’t imagine the grief that the main character must have gone through and her parents sound truly horrible.
I like second chance romances, so I might look more into this. Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Nick, I really enjoyed it.
chelsea
Definitely checking this one out!
kimbacaffeinate
That is awesome Chelsea, and now I need to know about your crazy week. I’ll stop by with truffles in case ya need some:)
Karolina
I have a legal internship this summer where I will be following around a judge dealing with custody cases. I’ll probably read this book around that time. I just hope to still be able to function afterwards!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo yes this would be an interest read during your internship. Congrats by the way!
Karolina
Thank you! 🙂
Theresa
Hi Karolina,
What a great sounding internship! Enjoy!
Yeah, I did a ton of research and had an attorney read over some scenes multiple times. I did take a little very minor artistic license, but it added to the drama and my legal advisor recommended I leave it.
I found the legality of the court case heartbreaking and intrusive for everybody–but especially the child.
Good thing kids are tough. And there are worse things than having parents & grandparents fighting over providing you a good home.
Could be nobody wants the child. THAT really breaks my heart!
Karolina
You are most definitely right! I just hope not to encounter any such cases this summer. I don’t think I could take it. I am way too emotional for that.
Jessica
This sounds really good (so I added it 😉 ). I’m thinking I’ll get to the Sullivans first, but this is definitely on the list now too.
kimbacaffeinate
I love that you add books to your wishlist and pile as quickly as I do. My piles are huge but I have discovered some real gems 🙂
Jeann
Sounds like a really realistic contemporary read that was written convincingly. Lovely review as always, Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly Jeann, thanks 🙂
Silvia
This is a new author for me and your review got me interested. It sounds like an intense story and I truly love when a plot is unpredictable. I’ll check it out, thanks Kimberly!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Silvia, it has more depth then I expected and was easy to consume
Theresa
Hi Silvia,
I too enjoy an unpredictible plot. Have a great day!
blodeuedd
I have never read Picoult or Hannah so dunno how they are
kimbacaffeinate
They are wonderful Linda, and tend to be realistic and require chocolate.
Theresa
Hi Linda, Jodi Picoult writes about controversial contemporary issues–They made a movie of her book, My Sister’s Keeper. Kristin Hannah writes emotional family & girlfriend stories. They’re great reads –especially for book clubs! Thanks for stopping by!