Kindle Edition Amazon www.dianemarquette.com www.cambridgebooks.us www.mysterylovescompany.com Category:  Women Publisher: Cambridge Books/WriteWords, Inc. ISBN-10:  1594313830 Pages: 284 Copyright: May 2007 ISBN-13: 97815943138317 When thirty-year-old Helen Pratt marries Adam Montgomery, his teenaged daughter Missy makes Helen's role as her new stepmother a very difficult one. Helen and Adam desire to start a family of their own, but it's young Missy who becomes pregnant. Having not become a mother herself, Helen must now prepare for her role as step-grandmother unaware of the enormous impact the little boy will have on her life. ALMOST MINE is a story of how an unanswered prayer became a blessing.  It introduces readers to thirty-year-old journalist Helen Pratt, who has just met her future husband, architect Adam Montgomery.  Helen is more concerned that Adam is thirteen years older than the fact that he has a spoiled eighteen-year-old daughter, Missy, living with him.   Helen attempts to build a relationship with Missy while developing a deeper one with Adam.  After their marriage, Helen and Adam attempt to start a family of their own.  While living at college, Missy becomes pregnant and returns home when her boyfriend abandons her.  After the birth of Missy’s son, Joey, Helen must face her feelings for the baby now living in her home.   Helen reluctantly assumes her new role as step-grandmother, but surprisingly falls in love with the little boy.  Joey is two years old when his mother dies.  Helen knows then that this was the reason she never conceived a child of her own – Joey was the child she was meant to raise, and she feels in her heart that this little boy is "ALMOST MINE."   Excerpt Almost Mine A Novel by Diane Marquette Chapter One: Adam Meeting Adam Montgomery changed my life. I was covering the school board meeting for the newspaper when Matt Marshall introduced us. “Helen, I’d like you to meet someone,” he said, directing me to the back of the auditorium. An attractive man standing near the refreshment table was watching me, and as we approached, he set his coffee mug down. “Adam Montgomery,” he said, extending his hand. “So this is the famous Helen Pratt. I read that humorous piece you wrote on the school lunch program. Very clever. Did it get results?” he asked, still holding my hand. “Eventually,” I said. His eyes were taking me in, his smile warn and sincere. “Do you have an interest in the school board meetings?” I asked. “Do you have children?” I said, as I slipped my hand from his. “One daughter, and she’ll be graduating from high school this spring,” he said. “And you?” “I graduated a long time ago,” I said, laughing. “What I meant was, do you have any children?” Adam asked, smiling. “Not only does she not have any children, she doesn’t have a husband,” Matt said. “Helen is married to the Charles County Record, Adam. She’s the best reporter they’ve got. And I should know, being an English teacher.” “Since your daughter’s about to graduate, I find it curious you’re here for this meeting about the proposed bus routes for next year” I said, filling a Styrofoam cup with coffee. “Actually, I have no interest whatsoever in bus routes,” Adam answered. “I just needed a diversion tonight. I work out of my home, and my daughter is visiting a friend, and I felt I needed a little interaction with some other people.” “Adam’s an architect,” Matt explained. “He’s designed some of the biggest and showiest buildings in town. You should do an article on him for the paper.” “Maybe I will,” I said, sipping my coffee. “How does that sound to you, Adam?” I asked. “It would be one way of being sure I’d see you again,” he said. My life, which was already very good at that point, would become supremely blessed in a most unimaginable way. I am still awed by the significance of that chance meeting with Adam that Tuesday evening. GRATUTUDE JOURNAL Tuesday: Five things I am grateful for today: 1.) my raise (better than nothing) 2.) my health 3.) Mayberry reruns 4.) tomato soup 5.) school Board meetings

Almost Mine
"A novelist to watch. Marquette demonstrates a very good ear for dialogue and professional writing skills. Her gifts shine with unmistakable talent."


Anne Stinson, The Star Democrat.



Almost Mine
"A book that satisfies the soul. Almost Mine is a tender story of unexpected love. First time novelist Diane Marquette's depiction of stepfamily dynamics is spot on. I loved the heroine's Gratitude Journal which was simultaneously comic and poignant. A compelling read."

Annie Rogers, award-winning author of A Dream Across Time and A Circle of Dreams



Almost Mine
"In Almost Mine author Diane Marquette brings the reader along on an eventful journey that begins with a woman's longing for motherhood. Likeable characters and a believable plot make for an engaging reading experience."

Ann Hennessey, author of Becoming Ann: A Baltimore Childhood