Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite

In Name Only by Jennifer Peel is the second book in her Pine Falls series. Dani Kramer has made many mistakes growing up in foster care, but her biggest error was marrying the man she has loved for years, Brock Holland. After escaping torture in the Middle East, Brock comes home with one thing in mind; to marry Dani. Finding out she is pregnant, Brock wants to protect her and give the child a name, but neither could foresee the complications of the political cloud hanging over their heads. Dani’s physical health is just as draining as Brock’s mental state as they try to piece together a relationship that started as a lie. Can they work through their problems or will their advisor add another couple he controls?

 Why is it the books that make you cry become your favorites? In Name Only is emotional as Jennifer Peel adds drama and turmoil we can all relate to. The stress of pregnancy and marriage is hard, but this book takes it to the next level. Peel inserts a mysterious puppeteer to the plot, adding suspense as to who really is pulling the strings in their marriage. I love how the author conveys the heartbreak the characters experience to the point where you feel their pain. This well-written novel has well-rounded characters and plenty of twists that add to the mystique of the plot. I found myself eager to return to it whenever I had to stop reading. I am anxiously awaiting the next book; Silent Partner.