She can’t escape the mistakes of her past…
Callie Stillman has done everything she can to bury the memories of a tiny, baby-sized coffin. She lives life one day at a time, basking in the love of a good man and doting on her grandchildren. Until she crosses paths with a little girl who is obviously in trouble—but tries to hide it.
They can’t trust anyone…
Iris and Samantha Evans are living on borrowed time. Deserted, orphaned, betrayed, and deceived, they need rescuing in the worst way.
He’s praying for a miracle…
Steve Evans had his life changed by God. A reformed drug addict, he’s searching for the family he abandoned ten years ago…
When Callie can no longer ignore the signs that Iris needs help, her interference sends four people on a collision course that will force her to face the past she’d rather forget.
my point of view:
I was absolutely blown away by this book! That says a lot coming from me, especially when it is the first time I am reading a new to me author! It’s just that I read so many books all the time, that when something really stands out, well, I like to make sure I let everyone know (hence the blog, lol).
One of the things I really enjoyed is that the this story is more of a “women’s fiction” that romance. It is about a married woman who is a mother, grandmother, full time employee who happens to have an awesome group of female friends that support and help her through everyday life. I mean, every now and then it is great to get in a wonderful story that isn’t all about the romance struggle, right?
That and the fact that I could so identify with Callie (having just turned 54 myself this year)! But honestly, Callie is such a beautiful spirit, and I just adored her. She has a wonderful husband and family, a great church family and a healthy relationship with God. Watching her have to struggle with misplaced guilt and a burden she feels is laid upon her now was so touching to me. How many times do we want to say, no, I just can’t do this …..too…..please give it to someone else to handle? Then enter Iris, a new friend if Callie’s grand daughter….Samantha is an amazing teen trying her best to keep her family together, and Iris is a little girl with too many adult worries on her little shoulders.
I seriously did not want this story to end, I felt as though Callie became a friend….luckily Sharon Srock has written several stories in this series, and I can keep getting my fill <grins>! The characters are all so well written, they truly feel like real people, and Sam and Iris are just precious.
About Sharon Srock
Sharon is so kind to have Callie as free to all on Amazon, but she is ALSO doing a giveaway of book two in the series – Terri! Simply comment on this post and tell us what you like best about reading a story not sole based on romance!
She’s always longed for more…
Running a thriving daycare keeps Terri Hayes busy. Add a new foster daughter to the mix and Terri shouldn’t have time to want more—but she does. At twenty-nine, her biological clock is ticking away. When a busted pipe floods her home, she finds temporary sanctuary in a basement apartment—one that just happens to be owned by her long-time crush, single dad Steve Evans.
Is he ready to date again?
Steve is widower, a father of two teenaged girls, and a successful writer. His life is full, but he wouldn’t mind exploring a romance with Terri. But when lines of communication get crossed, the budding relationship grounds to a halt.
Two matchmakers to the rescue…
Iris and Samantha Evans want a stepmother and have set their sights on Terri. Their matchmaking includes equal parts prayer and deception. Will their scheming result in the wedding of their dreams, or will the harsh confrontation between Steve and the parents of Terri’s foster child be an obstacle they can’t overcome?
Paula, thanks so much for inviting me to your blog. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed Callie and I’m looking forward to visiting with your readers.
Thank you for writing such a lovely series and the giveaway!!
Usually there is more depth to the story if it is not solely based on the romance. Thanks for the giveaway!
Good point, Lori! Thank you for sharing!
Lori, thanks for visiting!
It is nice to read a story that has really life struggles and see how they are able to handle them with the encouragement and support of friends and strength from God. Being older myself than Callie, I will be 65 soon, it is nice to read a story not just about young love and romance but how it can be as we get oldet.
Hi, Lorel! I believe you will love this story! Make sure you get your free copy! Thank you so much for visiting with us today!
Lorel, I was 54 when I wrote the story, but Callie’s friend Karla has her own story and she’s in her 60s.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Thank you for stopping by!
Vicki, thanks for dropping in.
Vicki, good luck!
I absolutely LOVE books by Christian authors. They are feel good stories that have faith a big part of the story. They deal with real issues.
A new author for me and would love to read your books.
Aww, I am so glad you found this post then! You can’t go wrong with a free book to try out a new author!
Nancy, I hope you enjoy the story.
I have the book, I just have to find the time to read it!! Thank you, again, Paula, for your great review!! I’m also gonna say, you’re younger than I am!! Not by a whole lot, though!! Lol!!
I hear you, Trudy! my TBR is vast as well….but I am so glad I took the time to read this, wish I had done it sooner! Hey, once you round that 50 hump, it’s all relative, lol!!
Very true!! However, I keep changing my definition of “old”, too!! Since Mom is 95, I’ve decided that’s not really that horribly “old”, either!! Unlike when we thought 30 was ancient!!! Lol!! As long as I can still wear jeans, I’m good!!
LOL, I hear you!! Bless your mom, that is fantastic!
Trudy, Go forth and READ!!! LOL
Paula, thank you for the review. There is definitely more to the romance and I’m always looking for a deeper meaning and emotions 🙂 I like when it’s REAL – real people, real struggles, real faith, real God 🙂
Hi, Natalya! I agree with 100% so glad I found this story!
Natalya, I don’t mind some romance, most of my books have some, but sometimes you have to move beyond that to get to the real story.
I think it’s wonderful to read stories where the the goal isn’t to get the girl or get the guy. Romance books can be fun to read but to have the focus be on relationships that don’t involve infatuation are amazing too. I personally prefer non-romance. The characters become my friends. 😊😂
Crystal, I love characters who become friends. I love spending lots of time with them in a series.
Totally agree with you! Grab this free book, Crystal, you will enjoy it!
A good story needs to be realistic (unless it is a fantasy type), yet have a happy resolution, and most importantly — it needs what I call “soul.” The best way I can describe that is the main character is a close family member or friend sharing their story with you. 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Joanna! I love how you described this!
Joanna, I hope readers find that sort of “soul” in my stories.
Thank you for your review. Wow, I love stories that are not all based on romance. There seems to be able to put in more of what goes on in our lives, making the story have more depth and width. I would love to read this story.
Thank you, Lori! Callie is free to all on Amazing, just click on the link to get your copy! I believe you will enjoy it!