The Precious One. Finished 4-25-15, rating 4.5/5, fiction,
In all her life, Eustacia “Taisy” Cleary has given her heart to only three men: her first love, Ben Ransom; her twin brother, Marcus; and Wilson Cleary — professor, inventor, philanderer, self-made millionaire, brilliant man, breathtaking jerk: her father.
Seventeen years ago, Wilson ditched his first family for Caroline, a beautiful young sculptor. In all that time, Taisy’s family has seen Wilson, Caroline, and their daughter Willow only once.
Why then, is Wilson calling Taisy now, inviting her for an extended visit, encouraging her to meet her pretty sister — a teenager who views her with jealousy, mistrust, and grudging admiration? Why, now, does Wilson want Taisy to help him write his memoir?
from Goodreads
I really identified with Taisy, a woman in her 30’s who lost her only love and never really had the love of her father. I think it’s easier to think that a parent doesn’t care about you by just telling yourself that they are a jerk, but what happens when another kid comes along and proves that your parent could love. But it just didn’t happen with you. Poor Taisy wanted the love of her father and never received it and has spent more than a decade always secretly hoping there might be a chance to reconnect. When that time comes, we really get to see what an ass Wilson is. I’m sorry I can’t come up with a nicer word, but he was something else.
At first I was a little disappointed when we cut to Willow’s story. The Precious One had been raised pretty much single-handedly by her father and she had some very interesting and lofty ideas. But, as she started working through being a teenager without her father’s influence my heart softened. What makes a family? Willow is about to find out.
I loved Marisa’s first book, Love Walked In, and I knew within five minutes that I would most likely love this one too. Her writing engages me, it feels like a comfort read but with lightness and fun. The story and the writing felt fresh and while there were serious storylines it never felt heavy. Loved it.
I received this from the publisher courtesy of She Reads.
Stacy's Books 
This is on my tbr list and your review makes me want to move it to the top of the list.
Such a good review! I have a book by this author on my shelf, still unread from a long while ago. I think I will need to give her a try since many bloggers find her an enjoyable author. I don’t have Love Walked In, but I will now be on the lookout for it at the library. Thanks, Stacy!
This is an author I have been wanting to read for ages. I have a copy of Loved Walked In on my shelf to read. I’ve had it forever–don’t know why I haven’t yet! This one sounds good too.
It’s on my list. Thanks for the thoughtful review!
I’m hearing good things about this book. I read an earlier one by this author – Belong To Me – that I loved. My daughter read Love Walked In and loved it. I bet this one would work well for both of us.
A book club friend read this and said it started out slow for her but she ended up loving it.
My daughter thought Love Walked In was great and has been recommending the author ever since. This sounds good, too!
I didn’t like it as much as Love Walked In, but it’s pretty hard to top that one in my view!
I loved her first two novels and thought her third was only okay, so I’m really excited to get to this one!!
I’m glad you loved this. I am currently reading it. Thanks for your review.