One Perfect Day: A Mother and Son's Story of Adoption and Reunion

Description

The moment Diane Burke, an author and mother of two grown sons, received an unexpected certified letter in the mail, she had no idea her life would be shaken to its core. Memories of a past she had buried more than forty years ago suddenly resurfaced and she wasn't prepared to deal with them. Steve Orlandi, happily married, father of two and step-father of three, was living the typical middle class American life. But since the age of eight, when he discovered he was adopted, he had led that life dealing with inner questions about his self-identity and genetic history. Always on his mind was one simple, yet complicated and loaded question: Who am I? In One Perfect Day, Diane shares with readers how she came to the heartbreaking conclusion to give her baby up for adoption and how this decision has affected her life sense. Through Steve's invaluable perspective, readers will also experience the lengths he traveled to discover his mother's identity and reach out to her, not knowing whether she'd want to meet with him after nearly four decades of separation. It all comes together on one perfect day. This book asks and answers the questions: What defines family? What does it mean to forgive? And is it worth the time, energy, and emotional cost to love a stranger?

Diane Burke is an author who has published five novels with Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time at the beach with her three grown sons, five grandsons, and three step-grandchildren. She resides in Ormond Beach, Florida.

"From the moment One Perfect Day opens, the reader is taken on a roller coaster of emotions ranging from anguish to ecstasy. With prose as heartbreaking as the true story it tells, this book offers inspiration, insight, and, most of all, hope on every page. Brilliantly written and beautifully real, One Perfect Day is one perfect read for anyone intrigued by the pain and joy of a parent-child reunion, no matter what the circumstances. I highly, heartily recommend this book!" Roxanne St. Claire, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author "One Perfect Day is a poignant, moving book that touched me to the core. This redemptive family story of a son and mother lost then found to one another deeply stirred my heart. Despite the times my tears surpassed its word count, the hope within the words balmed my spirit and left me thankful for the honor of having read it. The authors deftly portrayed sensitive family and relational issues with transparency yet tender grace. Highly recommended." Cheryl Wyatt, author of the Wings of Refuge series "Diane Burke pens a painfully honest, courageous, and complex book that had me smiling with joy at the end." Debra Clopton, award-winning author of the Mule Hollows series "One Perfect Day is a compelling story of adoption told through the oft-overlooked eyes of a woman forced to give up her first-born child. Diane Burke bares her soul in this heart-wrenching journey of love, painful mistakes, forgiveness and joyous reunions. A powerful story, beautifully told." Leigh Duncan, author of Rancher's Son and Second Chance Family "One Perfect Day takes its reader on an emotional journey that won't easily be forgotten. At times it stirs heartbreak but even in the pain there is profound beauty and relentless hope. In the end, the reader is left with evidence to support the powerful truth that love finds its missing pieces despite time, distance, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. A mother and son separated, a mother and son reunited on one perfect day. I loved it." Tamara Sharp, Women's Ministry Leader, Crossroads Calvary Chapel "In One Perfect Day, Burke delivers a heartfelt and intimate view of her journey of love and loss. She carries the reader on a roller coaster ride leading to a transcending conclusion which fills the reader with a deep sense of faith, love, and the enduring bonds of family." Judy Stamper, licensed mental health counselor "One Perfect Day is an amazing story of loss, faith, and forgiveness. Your heart will break for Diane and Steve and also rejoice at their reunion. A wonderful and hopeful story that shows us the power of a mother's love and of God's perfect plan for all things." Caroline A. Godin, author of Her Christmas Prince "Burke's depiction of her challenging journey reveals her extraordinary capacity for forgiveness and trust." Publishers Weekly "From the moment One Perfect Day opens, the reader is taken on a roller coaster of emotions ranging from anguish to ecstasy. With prose as heartbreaking as the true story it tells, this book offers inspiration, insight, and, most of all, hope on every page. Brilliantly written and beautifully real, One Perfect Day is one perfect read for anyone intrigued by the pain and joy of a parent-child reunion, no matter what the circumstances. I highly, heartily recommend this book!" Roxanne St. Claire, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author "One Perfect Day is a poignant, moving book that touched me to the core. This redemptive family story of a son and mother lost then found to one another deeply stirred my heart. Despite the times my tears surpassed its word count, the hope within the words balmed my spirit and left me thankful for the honor of having read it. The authors deftly portrayed sensitive family and relational issues with transparency yet tender grace. Highly recommended." Cheryl Wyatt, author of the Wings of Refuge series "Diane Burke pens a painfully honest, courageous, and complex book that had me smiling with joy at the end." Debra Clopton, award-winning author of the Mule Hollows series "One Perfect Day is a compelling story of adoption told through the oft-overlooked eyes of a woman forced to give up her first-born child. Diane Burke bares her soul in this heart-wrenching journey of love, painful mistakes, forgiveness and joyous reunions. A powerful story, beautifully told." Leigh Duncan, author of Rancher's Son and Second Chance Family "One Perfect Day takes its reader on an emotional journey that won't easily be forgotten. At times it stirs heartbreak but even in the pain there is profound beauty and relentless hope. In the end, the reader is left with evidence to support the powerful truth that love finds its missing pieces despite time, distance, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. A mother and son separated, a mother and son reunited on one perfect day. I loved it." Tamara Sharp, Women's Ministry Leader, Crossroads Calvary Chapel "In One Perfect Day, Burke delivers a heartfelt and intimate view of her journey of love and loss. She carries the reader on a roller coaster ride leading to a transcending conclusion which fills the reader with a deep sense of faith, love, and the enduring bonds of family." Judy Stamper, licensed mental health counselor "One Perfect Day is an amazing story of loss, faith, and forgiveness. Your heart will break for Diane and Steve and also rejoice at their reunion. A wonderful and hopeful story that shows us the power of a mother's love and of God's perfect plan for all things." Caroline A. Godin, author of Her Christmas Prince "Burke's depiction of her challenging journey reveals her extraordinary capacity for forgiveness and trust." Publishers Weekly