When the shock of finding herself pregnant wears off Lanie Falconetti is thrilled with the prospect of motherhood. Her relationship with John O’Reilly might not be a love fest, but it’s certainly everything she wants. Even with John’s lack of interest Lanie knows he’ll be just as thrilled as her once their son arrives. But John’s got secrets; secrets that could destroy any future Lanie might be planning. When one of those secrets returns Lanie’s life is not only turned upside down but everything she believed proves to be a lie.
How can John choose between the woman he loves and the mother of his child? Can he stop a madman before he steals John’s chance to find out what mattered most?

When I picked up What Mattered Most I was planning to read the first two chapters only. Never going to happen. I couldn’t put it down. Linda Winfree has struck gold. From the madman that tears their world apart, to the new life that grips the ragged edges and pulls them together, What Mattered Most isn’t just heart stirring; it’s gut wrenching. At first I thought John and Lanie had just your everyday dramas to deal with; stressful, time consuming jobs, a new baby on the way, but there’s so much more going on under the surface—John’s secrets, Lanie’s issues with her own past and a madman determined to make John pay. With every page you’re drawn deeper and deeper into the souls of these two very scarred people. Both have trust issues, both have different views on the new life they’ve made. Lanie is excited and thrilled and John’s disinterest causes friction that she’s not about to voice. But when life and death hang in the balance and John must decide between the woman he’s loved from afar for years and the one carrying his unborn child he’s forced to look at himself more carefully, and only when it’s too late does he realize what he’s done. Or more importantly, what he hasn’t. With his protective instincts propelling him, he’s made a complete mess of everything and the fact that he blames himself for not protecting Lanie and their son or Beth has him believing he deserves to lose them all. What Mattered Most is one of the most emotionally engaging books I’ve ever read. From the sorrow of death to the joy of new life Ms. Winfree touches every part of your soul with her tale. This book is a keeper and Ms. Winfree is an author to watch. Do yourself a favor, pick up a copy of What Mattered Most today; and while you’re there grab anything else with Linda Winfree’s name on it; I know I’m going to.

Reviewed by: Rachel C.