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Crafted With Love Series
Book 1: Ember
Ember Monroe was betrayed a decade ago. And yet, when her
former best friend called for help, she was there. And then, her life was
changed forever. Sadly, she lost her friend forever but had Amanda’s two little
girls to raise as her own. Add to that her friends and her the business she
owned, Crafted with Love, life couldn’t get much better.
Quinn Abbott’s life changed so suddenly; he could hardly
believe it. After serving five years in prison, with more to go, one day, he
woke up to find he was a free man. They’d found the man who was guilty of the
crime he’d been charged for. He only had one thing in mind…getting to his
daughters. One, he hadn’t even met yet.
Garfield, Oklahoma, is a peaceful little town and Quinn
quickly felt at home…and at peace here. Quinn and Ember just needed to find
that peace with each other. Another remarkable story, secondary characters that
have me looking forward to their stories, and as always…have tissues handy.
Book 2: Holly
Holly Hoffman is part of Ember’s group of crafty ladies who
sell their creations in her store, Crafted with Love. But, unlike the other
members, including Holly’s sister, Sage, she’s not falling for the religious
stuff. After her childhood, it’s hard to accept hearing about a loving God.
Riley Soeurs, Mackenzie Cooper’s son, has been working out
of the state for a few years but is happy to be home again. Taking on a
position with a church to overlook the food bank is a start to one day being a
full-fledged pastor.
I loved this story. I don’t want to give too many details
because the uniqueness of it would be given away. Prayers for Holly are being
sent and answered in unique ways, and a part of her hated past has raised its
ugly head. And Riley, he’s immediately attracted to Holly, but the whole pastor
and unbeliever don’t jive.
Book 3: Maggie
Maggie Hart has worked very hard the last year and a half at getting her life together. She lost her kids to CPS and had to jump through all their hoops before she could get Max and Mariah back. She was almost there. And then the unthinkable happens.
Randy Caswell has become a foster parent, even though he’s single. Something in his past had pushed him to feel it was the right thing. During his time with his foster kids, he not only fell in love with them but their mother as well.
As the four of them are looking to a future together, twists and turns happen that could destroy everything. Finally, Randy and Maggie have to hand it all over to God and trust Him with their lives. Completely.
It was another heartwarming story, and for me—it was a must to have tissues close at hand.
Book 4: Lacy
Cole and Lacy Fields had what seemed like the perfect life.
But three years ago, everything changed. After a terrible accident, Lacy
struggles as she loses her faith. Loses herself.
Cole loves his wife so much, but he doesn’t know how he can
help her. She’s walked away from God and her friends. And him. And then
everything changes. Again.
Have your tissues nearby if you cry easily. I love these
stories, and they definitely pull at my heartstrings. Not everything comes out
smelling like roses, but with God…He always prevails.
Book 5: Sage
Sage Hoffman has secrets. Some that even her sister, Holly, doesn’t know. Secrets never stay buried, and Sage’s are coming to the surface quickly. Her life seemed to be heading to a beautiful future. And now, all seems lost.
Levi Tillis is the assistant pastor. He has secrets too. Some drive him to do what God is leading him to do. For instance, getting the funds to buy a mobile unit that can travel around Garfield and the surrounding towns and cater to pregnant women. If they can see the ultrasound of the baby’s heartbeat, most will not get the abortion. Only his plans are failing. As is his relationship with Sage.
Another heart-warming story from Garfield, Oklahoma. If you cry easily, tissue alert. I enjoy Sharon’s stories so much. They aren’t fluffy and comfortable…they are more of real-life issues.
Book 6: Piper
Piper Goodson and her husband, Evan, had been looking
forward to the birth of their baby girl, Oakleigh. But everything went wrong
when she was born. Suddenly, all the excitement Piper had was gone. She
couldn’t function. Didn’t want anything to do with their beautiful baby girl.
I never thought much about postpartum anxiety. I never had
or knew anyone who did. This story follows Piper through that. Thinking she was
going crazy and a bad mother. Yet, it has a flowing storyline. A worthy read.
I enjoy seeing the characters from the previous books and
that these women are Christians but still have everyday struggles that
challenge them.
Book 7: Ruthie
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First Street Church Romances Series
Cassidy Butler is unsure where her life is headed. She moved to Sweet Grove, Texas with her mom six months ago, but she's not sure that the small-town life is for her.
Aaron Dockery is a youth pastor for now but plans on going into the ministry. He'd like to find that perfect helpmate. Someone who can put up with his habits he picked up while growing up.
Cassidy and Aaron had both grown up in different environments. They both walked away from them with different attitudes. Attitudes that would keep them apart. This was a shorter story but really good. I found it easy to fall in love with Aaron and his special characteristics.
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The Ladies of Garfield Series
Smashwords
Callie Stillman is a nurse. She feels guilty over an incident that happened six months before...and even though she's a strong Christian...Callie struggles with moving past the tragedy. And now, God is calling her to stick her neck out to help someone else. She is saying no. Benton, her husband, is saying no and yet, she feels God continues to prod her forward.
This is the first book in this series and I really enjoyed it. There are several point of views besides Callie's and her husbands. I've read a few of the later books and they are excellent as well. Christian women have everyday struggles in their lives.
Terri Hayes is the only single woman among her three friends. She has been praying for a husband and family of her own, but at twenty-nine she's decided to move forward. She is going to be a foster mom. The first day she's called to help a child...everything starts to happen. Thankfully God can take bad things and turn them into good ones.
Steve Evans had really messed up in life. After leaving his family for his drug habit...he has since become a Christian and been reunited with his two daughters and a grandbaby to boot. His life is so full...but he finds that he may have room for more.
The secondary story in this book is about the parents of the child that Terri is fostering. Their struggles as they have to choose to make changes so they can get their child back.
Loved this story and the first book; Callie, where the reader first meets Steve and his children.
Book 3: Pam
Book 4: Samantha
Smashwords
Samantha Evans life is better than ever. She has so much to be thankful for, her dad, stepmom, siblings, her beautiful daughter, and her faith. And she believes with all her heart that her boyfriend will come to the Lord and they'll marry one day. One December morning changed everything when her past came knocking at her door.
Patrick Wheeler knew all about God and church and all that stuff. He just didn't quite believe as strongly as Sam. It frustrated him at times that she couldn't just accept him where he was at. He loves her and Bobbie, isn't that enough?
I loved this story. It had me giggling while tears rolled down my eyes. So often people really want God for a genie. Rub your Bible and and “poof” all is well. We just don't have a clue what His plans are for our lives. The characters in this story find that giving it all to God includes letting His will be done, giving it all to Him. Much easier said than done. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but for the background characters you may want to read the previous three books in the series; Callie, Terri, and Pam.
Book 5: Kate
Nicolas Ethan Black carried a load of guilt for over twenty years. Guilt that took him away from his family and God. He's back home now and he sees that maybe he can let go of the past and allow himself a future.
Kate Wheeler Archer has buried two husbands. She believes that is enough for one woman and is not looking for a relationship. But she does need a business partner to help her dream come true. And she'll keep telling herself that every time she's around her handsome business partner.
This series follows the lives of several women who go to the same church and have become close friends. Nicolas's mom is one of those ladies and would love to see her son and Kate together. A deep secret from the past could keep them apart though. A secondary story is happening at the same time. A real page turner that kept me up into the wee hours of the morning until the last page. Great series.
Book 6: Karla
Karla Black's life changed in a blink of an eye. A year later she was half the woman she had been. Physically, mentally, and spiritually. Just when a tiny glimpse of light lit her world, her daughter's world exploded. The pieces landing in Karla's life and pulling her back again.
Ian McAlister's wife had told him to love again after she passed away. A year later he found that he was lonely. A kitten helped some, but not like having someone to talk with. To go out to dinner with. And then he met Karla and saw a new path for his life...it wasn't a smooth and easy path though.
These stories are very real life and not always pretty. They have romance in them but also hurt, sadness, real life, and death. I've really enjoyed reading this series.
**Tissue alert
Book 7: Hannah's Angel
Join Callie, Terri, Pam, and Karla as a day at the mall to choose their Christmas angels and buy the gifts for them turns into so much more when one pesky paper angel won't stay on the tree.
The paper angel leads them into an adventure to help a young couple who truly need a Christmas miracle and these four Valley View women seem to be God's answer to their prayers.
A wonderful story with many unique characters—both good and bad. Sharon Srock writes stories that bring her characters to life, bring tears to the eyes, and are so often like real life where happily-ever-after doesn't always come easy.
Book 8: A Makeover Made in Heaven
Book 9: Iris
Dr.
Iris Evans has returned to Garfield, Oklahoma, after eight years of school to
become a veterinarian. God had blessed her in so many ways, and she was giving back.
God had put prison ministry on her heart, especially Chick Malone. A man with a
connection to her family. A redeemed man. She just had to find a way to tell
her family about him.
David
Morris came back home from the Marines, a bitter man. A man who'd lost his
faith. How could a God who loved him have allowed to let this happen to him?
So, he spent his days in his dark room. Not living. Until a stubborn
veterinarian came knocking.
Great
story. Tough issues. Might want to keep tissues handy if you cry easily. I love
these stories.
Book 10: Mac
Mackenzie Soeurs thought she had escaped her imprisoned life and had freedom. She was wrong. She may have left the religious cult she'd been in most of her life, but with her son acting up, and her mother unhappy with their new life—she was still bound.
Dane Cooper had to remind himself what happened when he rescued damsels in distress. Nothing good. Especially when the woman didn't share his faith. What he could do was pay forward the kindness shown him as a wild teen and help out Mac's son.
I really enjoyed this story. This author writes women who have real issues and the bumpy road they take to find romance. Many either have wandered away from God or learn to depend more on Him.
Book 11: Randy
Miranda “Randy” Franklin is looking forward to her wedding. Her life would be finally complete. Great friends, her faith, her job, and the most wonderful man ever.
Eli Page couldn't wait to marry Randy. He never expected for everything to change so close to their special day. His daughter took off and left her daughter with him. The race was on to find Celeste and get his world back in order before his wedding day.
I love these stories. I cry through most of them because they are written so well that they bring my emotions to the surface. Along with the fact that they often have so much of real-life intertwined within the pages. And as the women in these stories often have their faith tested...God doesn't always give the answers to their prayers...or ours...that we expect Him to give. Be sure to read book one; Mac, to enjoy this series even more.
**Tissue alert if you cry easily
Book 12: Charley
Charlene “Charley” Hubbard and her husband are both employed at Garfield PD. Years ago, working in another small town...one night of pulling someone over had changed life for Charley and Jason. Kinsley. Their adopted and only child.
Now, fifteen years later a phone call changes everything once again. Melissa, Charley's old college roommate and friend...and Kinsley's birth mom, enters back into their life with bad news. To top it off...they've never told Kinsley she's adopted. The little ball of snow on top of the mountain has just rolled down and become very large and is rolling right through their lives.
Charley struggles with issues of being the adoptive mother and trusting God that He knows what is happening and is in control. Control is something Charley really struggles with giving up to anyone... Wonderful story. Very emotional in good ways. Definitely a tissue alert.
Book 13: Jesse
Jessica “Jesse” Grey was about to start a new life. After a devastating marriage twelve years ago...she's finally going to get married again. To a loving, God-fearing, wonderful man. Amazing how one night can shake one's world.
Garrett Saxton was going to marry the woman he'd been praying for. It took a long time for God to bring Jesse to him, but now...all was right in his world. Until it wasn't. One false accusation can bring his world down around him.
It's easy to say we trust God and that we'll put our lives in His hands. Amazing when that time comes how we seem to want to do things ourselves. Sometimes without realizing it. The books in this series are so real. So emotional, because they are situations that are real life. I love Sharon Srock's books. And it's a good thing to keep tissues nearby.
Book 14: Syd
Sydney “Syd” Patterson loves living in Garfield. Loves her group of friends she meets with in the mornings. And now, a man she met, Jesse's father-in-law, has moved to town and she's looking forward to getting to know him better. Only...the guilt from the past rises up and starts to taunt her—to blur the past and the future until things are unclear.
Mason Saxton is ready to start a new chapter in his life. He'll be living near his son and out of the past. He loved his wife and cherishes the memories, but with moving he won't see her in everything he does. Everywhere he goes.
As new Christians, Sydney and Mason are both learning to turn to God and trust him. Especially Sydney. When suddenly everything seems to go wrong in her life, it's time for her to fully turn to God and trust Him. Easier said than done. As always, I need tissues handy as I read these wonderful fictional books that have so much of everyday “real” life in them.
Book 15: Alex
Alexandra “Alex” Conklin gets the shock of her life when on their Tuesday night family dinner their twin sons, Benjamin and Sean, lay out some papers that tell a hidden story from Alex and Hunter's past. And then, she sees how it can change her future.
Pastor Hunter Conklin always thought he was following God's desires in his ministry as Grace Community grew. He was kept busy with almost five hundred parishioners to watch over. The last thing he needed was his wife to become difficult.
As this couple needs to find their priorities and get them straight...knowing what God's will truly is in their life...time is ticking by. Alex can't turn to her friends, who are more like sisters, but God provides Dave and Lisa Sisko to stand in the gap. Another wonderful story...that may cause the tears to flow beyond the pages of the book. Loved this series and the characters in it.
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Mercie Series
Book One: For Mercie's Sake
Scottlyn Rich finds herself in a life-changing situation. Her dream of her future is shattered when she is raped and becomes pregnant. It further changes when she chooses to keep her unborn child...and is kicked out of her home. All seems hopeless to the young girl. But her love for her unborn daughter is stronger than anything life throws at her.
Diana Kensington has been in mourning for over a year now. Everything is just a daily strain on her. Forcing herself to rise each morning and go through the day. Repeating it once again the next day. Until a new student comes to her class. The God she has set aside is speaking to her. Will Diana listen and move forward or stay bundled in herself?
Definitely a tissue-handy-book. Even through the tears I enjoyed it so much. Isn't it like real life to get so caught up in ourselves and our own needs to miss those hurting right in front of us? I'm looking forward to the next book in this series to see where life will be taking Diana and Scottlyn.
Book Two: Begging for Mercie
Scottlyn Rich has settled into her new life. Living with Diana, raising Mercie and preparing for college. She loves her daughter so deeply and enjoys being a mom, even at her young age. She never expects the sudden twists and turns life takes to break into her peaceful life.
Penny Nelson's grief over the loss of her son has taken her to the edge of sanity. In her state of mind she needs to place the blame for his imprisonment and then death on someone and Scottlyn Rich fits the mold.
This story continues from book one, For Mercie's Sake. If you want to know the whole story, I suggest reading that book first. This is such an emotional story, I enjoyed it so much...even through the tears. A mother's heart is a fierce thing. They want to protect their children with all they have. And at times with grown children, it's easy to gloss over their wrongs.
Book Three: All About Mercie
Scottlyn Rich should be enjoying these last few months as time closes in on her wedding. Choosing a dress, making wedding plans, just enjoying her three-year-old daughter, Mercie. But something doesn't feel right. It's not long before she finds out what that nagging feeling is.
Grant Weber just wants to protect Scottlyn. It's awfully hard to do when she puts blinders on and only sees and hears what she wants. Thankfully his love is strong enough to do what needs to be done. Finding the truth.
Sharon Srock's books are not always nice and cozy. They have a lot of real life situations in them. They do end with the happily-ever-after but the road is not well paved. It's well worn with plenty of potholes. This is a novella but packed full.
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