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After the Storm #5
A Family for Thanksgiving
After a devastating tornado ripped through High Plains, a two-year-old was found wandering all alone. Foster mother Nicki Appleton took in the little girl, her heart bursting with love and prayers. Now the storm's aftermath has brought home the man Nicki once expected to marry, and Clay Logan claims to be a changed cowboy. But with her energy focused on a child she may not be able to keep, is there room for another kind of love in Nicki's heart this Thanksgiving?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2009
35 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Davids
142 books404 followersI was born and raised in Northcentral Kansas. I'm a farmer's daughter, but I now make my home in the city of Wichita. I'm an RN. Neonatal nursing has been the main focus of my career. What can I say? I love babies. I was invited to the highschool graduation of a baby I took care of. Talk about making me feel old!
In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.
I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.
In June of 2011 I became a widow after my husband of 36 years and 11 months died from multiple brain tumors. It was a very sad time, but thanks to the three f's, my faith, my family and my friends, life is moving forward. I have four brothers, one daughter and two grandchildren who all work at making me feel loved.
I'm the author of more than 30 books and I'm currently writing a series called The Brides of Amish Country for Love Inspired.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 6, 2019
Pleasant inspirational romance set in a Kansas town after a devastating storm.
October 17, 2015
I love everything by Patricia Davids, and this was no exception. This is the first book in the "After the Storm" series that I read. Now I'll read them all, although they are written by a variety of authors.
Patricia Davids creates such warm, human characters. I felt for Bo, the prodigal brother who returns after seven years to try to make amends with his family. I identified with Nikki, the young foster mother who grew too attached to the two-year-old in her care and then had to learn to say goodbye. This is a great book, and a good series!
Patricia Davids creates such warm, human characters. I felt for Bo, the prodigal brother who returns after seven years to try to make amends with his family. I identified with Nikki, the young foster mother who grew too attached to the two-year-old in her care and then had to learn to say goodbye. This is a great book, and a good series!
December 2, 2009
Patricia's story from the After The Storm series focus' on Clay Logan and Nikki Appleton, two high school sweethearts torn apart by a long ago misunderstanding. They are brought together by a terrible storm that devastates the town of High Plains.
Clay returns to find Nikki with her foster daughter Kasey, who he doesn't know is her foster daughter. He longs to rekindle his romance with her, but he has a lot of demons to face and Nikki has to deal with the reality that though she wants to adopt Kasey, a little girl found wandering alone after the tornado, she may not be able to, especially when Clay unearths a car containing the body of Kasey's mom.
Patricia's story reminds us of the importance of love and family. This was a wonderful story and each character truly had some lovely blessings to be thankful for that year.
I hope the final book in the series brings some closure for some of the other characters in the series, especially the little boy Clay's sister is trying to adopt.
I read this book simply because it was a holiday story, and now I want to go back and find the other books from this series so I can become better acquainted with all the characters.
Clay returns to find Nikki with her foster daughter Kasey, who he doesn't know is her foster daughter. He longs to rekindle his romance with her, but he has a lot of demons to face and Nikki has to deal with the reality that though she wants to adopt Kasey, a little girl found wandering alone after the tornado, she may not be able to, especially when Clay unearths a car containing the body of Kasey's mom.
Patricia's story reminds us of the importance of love and family. This was a wonderful story and each character truly had some lovely blessings to be thankful for that year.
I hope the final book in the series brings some closure for some of the other characters in the series, especially the little boy Clay's sister is trying to adopt.
I read this book simply because it was a holiday story, and now I want to go back and find the other books from this series so I can become better acquainted with all the characters.
November 27, 2010
The fifth book in the After the Storm series.
Clay Logan left High Plains, Kansas seven years ago and never returned. He blamed himself for the death of his parents and after his brother told him he always hurt everyone he left, with no goodbyes.
Nicki Appleton had spent a wonderful prom night with Clay Logan and then the next day he was gone. She received one postcard with one sentence in seven years. Now she had Kasey in her life though. The young toddler who was found wandering after the tornado was in her car as a foster child. The longer she had Kasey the more she wanted her there always.
Wonderful story.
Clay Logan left High Plains, Kansas seven years ago and never returned. He blamed himself for the death of his parents and after his brother told him he always hurt everyone he left, with no goodbyes.
Nicki Appleton had spent a wonderful prom night with Clay Logan and then the next day he was gone. She received one postcard with one sentence in seven years. Now she had Kasey in her life though. The young toddler who was found wandering after the tornado was in her car as a foster child. The longer she had Kasey the more she wanted her there always.
Wonderful story.
January 8, 2021
This was better than most of the Love Inspired books I've read. It was the 'same ole same ole' until about the middle but the author found herself and took off and developed the characters all their own and the storylines etc. It has one main storyline but within that main storyline there is about three smaller ones and they all tie together very nicely! The end leaves you open on one of those storylines for the next book; but the other storylines are fulfilled and leaves you with a comforting feeling just in time for Thanksgiving
November 1, 2013
It was an overall nice story. Much of it was very good and focused on the importance of family and service.
There were many editing errors that were distracting to the story.
Something seemed to be missing for me, an emotional connection or something. I did not like the way in which it ended either. Kind of a cliffhanger.
There were many editing errors that were distracting to the story.
Something seemed to be missing for me, an emotional connection or something. I did not like the way in which it ended either. Kind of a cliffhanger.
September 10, 2010
4th book of the series
November 6, 2012
I don't read very many Christian Romances but I really enjoyed this one. I look forward to reading others in this series! The characters are very likable.
November 24, 2022
I liked this installment of the 'After the Storm' series (though, word to the wise . . . it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger).
I think the way Clay's uncertainty about God's plan for him, and his desire to make amends with his family, even when Jesse wasn't very receptive, were written well. I could see his uncertainty and sorrow . . . his desire to be better. I also appreciated that he was willing to just be Nicki's friend if that was all she wanted from him.
I also liked Nicki. Though we saw her in the background of previous books in the series, I never really felt like I got a good 'read' on her until this story. I appreciated that she was trying to love little Kasey, and do what was best for her, while also knowing that her time with Kasey could quickly be over if her family was found. I do wish we'd seen a bit more of her learning to trust in God, though.
As noted above, this book ends on a cliffhangery note, and I look forward to the final story from High Plains.
I think the way Clay's uncertainty about God's plan for him, and his desire to make amends with his family, even when Jesse wasn't very receptive, were written well. I could see his uncertainty and sorrow . . . his desire to be better. I also appreciated that he was willing to just be Nicki's friend if that was all she wanted from him.
I also liked Nicki. Though we saw her in the background of previous books in the series, I never really felt like I got a good 'read' on her until this story. I appreciated that she was trying to love little Kasey, and do what was best for her, while also knowing that her time with Kasey could quickly be over if her family was found. I do wish we'd seen a bit more of her learning to trust in God, though.
As noted above, this book ends on a cliffhangery note, and I look forward to the final story from High Plains.
February 1, 2024
Razoável, um pouco lento o desenvolvimento e poucas cenas apaixonadas. Diversos personagens reconstruindo um cidade que passou por uma tempestade devastadora. Retorno de alguém do passado, em meios ao caos que reina. Desencontros, mágoas e desejos que suas vidas voltem ao normal e assim comemorarem o Dia de ação de Graças. Nicki e Clay seus acertos de conta depois de uma longa ausência. Reconciliações em tempos de reconstrução da vida e do amor.
October 20, 2013
A delightful story that is quick and easy to read. As a former foster parent myself, I appreciated the way the author seemed to understand and portray the various sides of fostering children. The characters were very likeable and real. I enjoyed Nicki and Clay, but my favorite was the little girl, Kasey. She was absolutely endearing, and made an adorable addition to the story. I recommend this one to those who enjoy a sweet, romantic, Christian book.
July 29, 2017
I Read this on the kindle
This is part of a series this being book 6 of the series
It is a good read about long lost love families & community love that the children was also featured the end left it open so it I hope follows up in the next book
Each of these books in the series are by different authors
This is part of a series this being book 6 of the series
It is a good read about long lost love families & community love that the children was also featured the end left it open so it I hope follows up in the next book
Each of these books in the series are by different authors
Read
April 13, 2013A sweet story that made me want to read more. Her characters made me chuckle out loud and the suspenseful story line had me antsy to turn the page and find out what came next. I also appreciated the clear application of faith to her writing, and the references seemed uncontrived and applicable.
September 26, 2013
Good romance, fairly short, quick read. Seems to be part of a series called After the Storm.
A pretty straight forward romance with some angst thrown in. I liked it and am going to try to find the other books in the series.
A pretty straight forward romance with some angst thrown in. I liked it and am going to try to find the other books in the series.
December 20, 2010
Light read,tornado devastates town and women fosters little girl. This book and many editing mistakes.
April 10, 2011
LOVED IT!...I just wanted to hug and squeeze baby Kasey.LOVED how she called Clay 'Orsey Man'...The little girl on the cover (Baby Kasey)...Too FRICKIN ADORABLE!!!
November 26, 2011
I really enjoyed this book.It was hard to put it down.The foster care system was portayed as a very loving caring agency.
January 3, 2012
Good light reading (romance). Part of the After the Storm series.
June 19, 2013
This book was fun to read.
November 30, 2024
A heart-warming read.
November 26, 2015
I thought this was a very shallow read.
November 15, 2011
Another good read. I loved the plot and the characters.
November 3, 2018
The plot was so similar to Annie Jones' "Marrying Minister Right" that I felt I'd already read this one. A large tornado destroyed a town, drawing back people who had left it to help others rebuild, and rekindling old high school romances.
I was surprised to see that not only had Love Inspired published such twin stories but that they were from the same series! "After the Storm." Each book had a different author. I wondered why someone would want to read the same story so close in succession. I would probably have rated this book higher if I hadn't already read something so similar, so it isn't Patricia Davids' fault.
Another way in which the books were similar is that the characters didn't really talk to each other, or talk through their problems at first. At least they were better than "Marrying Minister Right" 's Heather in finally talking, though.
Since I didn't notice or expect the books came from the same series, it took me awhile to realize that the Michael character was the same character, the minister. I still liked what he said, though.
Clay whined about not being trusted or forgiven, without realizing that he would have to learn to earn that trust over the long haul. Eventually, he got the picture and stepped into the role of being a faithful support to his brother and others.
I wished that Thanksgiving could have been more of the plot, though. That was part of the reason that I chose to read it. I love the homey feel of Thanksgiving and gratitude, the feeling of having such beautiful gifts from God. But these characters seldom thought of gratitude at all. Admittedly, although they hadn't lost much due to the storm, they were helping others who had, and that was a hard situation for them all. They focused more on their problems than gratitude, like I can do whenever I don't guard myself against it. Worse, they didn't seem to recognize that God was the giver of such gifts.
Since I'd already read something so similar, the story dragged for me until SPOILER ... Kasey's family was found.
Favorite quote:
"It's not our mistakes that define us, Clay, it's what we do about them."
I was surprised to see that not only had Love Inspired published such twin stories but that they were from the same series! "After the Storm." Each book had a different author. I wondered why someone would want to read the same story so close in succession. I would probably have rated this book higher if I hadn't already read something so similar, so it isn't Patricia Davids' fault.
Another way in which the books were similar is that the characters didn't really talk to each other, or talk through their problems at first. At least they were better than "Marrying Minister Right" 's Heather in finally talking, though.
Since I didn't notice or expect the books came from the same series, it took me awhile to realize that the Michael character was the same character, the minister. I still liked what he said, though.
Clay whined about not being trusted or forgiven, without realizing that he would have to learn to earn that trust over the long haul. Eventually, he got the picture and stepped into the role of being a faithful support to his brother and others.
I wished that Thanksgiving could have been more of the plot, though. That was part of the reason that I chose to read it. I love the homey feel of Thanksgiving and gratitude, the feeling of having such beautiful gifts from God. But these characters seldom thought of gratitude at all. Admittedly, although they hadn't lost much due to the storm, they were helping others who had, and that was a hard situation for them all. They focused more on their problems than gratitude, like I can do whenever I don't guard myself against it. Worse, they didn't seem to recognize that God was the giver of such gifts.
Since I'd already read something so similar, the story dragged for me until SPOILER ... Kasey's family was found.
Favorite quote:
"It's not our mistakes that define us, Clay, it's what we do about them."
December 29, 2018
3.5 stars--The theme of family plays a big role in this book. Clay comes back to his family (brother Jesse and sister Maya). That part of the story reminds me a bit of the Biblical story of the Prodigal Son. Maya, Greg, Layla, and Tommy are trying to form a family through Maya's and Greg's marriage and through adopting Tommy. Nicki is forging a family with Kacey, whom she hopes to adopt. And, in a way, the whole town is one big family, helping each other out after the storm.
This book in the series focuses mainly on Clay and Nicki, though we do get some glimpses into the other characters in the series as well. Clay and Nicki dated during high school, but after a confrontation with his brother, Clay left town, and Nicki, behind. It seems they've both retained feelings for each other, but those feelings are now tempered with distrust--not helped by Nicki's mother's views on Clay.
We do get to see Jesse's fourth nanny briefly in this series--she seems to be a youngster who's a bit overwhelmed by having 3 babies to take care of on her own and who is a bit self-centered in that her own date is more important than the babies she's been entrusted to take care of. Yes, she does leave them with their uncle (whom she does not know) but she doesn't even make sure he knows how to take care of babies before taking off. I can see why Jesse wasn't keen on giving her a second chance to do the right thing--his girls are just babies and I can understand why he feels he has to trust the person he's leaving them with. We have mention of the fifth nanny but (spoiler alert!) no idea what happens with her that she'll be gone by book 6 of the series.
Avery's blushes around Jesse may also be explained in book 6.
This book in the series focuses mainly on Clay and Nicki, though we do get some glimpses into the other characters in the series as well. Clay and Nicki dated during high school, but after a confrontation with his brother, Clay left town, and Nicki, behind. It seems they've both retained feelings for each other, but those feelings are now tempered with distrust--not helped by Nicki's mother's views on Clay.
We do get to see Jesse's fourth nanny briefly in this series--she seems to be a youngster who's a bit overwhelmed by having 3 babies to take care of on her own and who is a bit self-centered in that her own date is more important than the babies she's been entrusted to take care of. Yes, she does leave them with their uncle (whom she does not know) but she doesn't even make sure he knows how to take care of babies before taking off. I can see why Jesse wasn't keen on giving her a second chance to do the right thing--his girls are just babies and I can understand why he feels he has to trust the person he's leaving them with. We have mention of the fifth nanny but (spoiler alert!) no idea what happens with her that she'll be gone by book 6 of the series.
Avery's blushes around Jesse may also be explained in book 6.
December 19, 2018
This was a very good book combining a quiet town working together, a light romantic interest, some issues involving children, and all the various stories all worked together beautifully … right until the very end of the book, when, I suppose in preparation for the next book, it absolutely left me hanging. I appreciate the thought of a series, but I didn't care for this cliff-hanger in an otherwise delightful book.
November 18, 2022
The story begins with you feeling like you are in a tornado! After the tornado a two year old is found wondering around. Nicki decides to foster the little girl until family can be located. Clay hears about the tornado devasting his home town and he returns to help wherever he can. Leaving as a angry teenager and returning as a man who now believes in God helps Clay see things in a different light. Except for Nicki...he sees her as he did as a teenager in love and now as a man in love.
June 13, 2018
This is the 1st book I read by Patricia Davids. I loved ❤ this book's storyline. I loved ❤ the Christian theme in this story. I loved ❤ Nicki's character. I loved ❤ Clay's character. I loved ❤ Kasey, she's adorable. I loved ❤ the scenes with Nicki, Clay, & Kasey. I loved ❤ the ending. Awesome job Ms. Davids.
November 4, 2021
This was such a charming book. It was emotional and heart-warming. The H and h were both very realistic and well developed characters who I enjoyed watching come together. My only real complaint is that it was a bit rushed at the end and I wish we had spent a bit more time on Thanksgiving day itself with the characters.
November 25, 2022
This one was just ok for me The characters were easy to get to know and i enjoyed the family ties. I didn't like the end because it leaves me hanging on what happens to someone. I was happy that Nicki and Clay restored their high school romance and ended up together. Maybe the next one in this series will let me know what happened to Tommy.
July 6, 2023
Another wonderful story in this terrific series! I love Clay's persistence to stay and prove he has changed. I love Nicki's heart to believe him and give him that second chance. There are loose ends as this part of this story concludes... just as has been the case in the other books of the series. I am looking forward to the final installment, but also sad to leave this town and these folks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews