A Little Piece of Heaven

Faith #2

by Staci Stallings

Jeremy Stratton thought he had it all figured out—great apartment, live-in fiancée, soon-to-be degree, and favored son status in a well-heeled family. But when it all came crashing down, he nearly drove his friends away as well. Starting over now, his life is about to change in ways he never could have foreseen and would never have chosen on his own. Can Jeremy find “A Little Piece of Heaven” he never even knew existed?

Emily Vasquez has found one thing to hold onto in the swirls of life—God, and she has no desire to let Him go in pursuit of some guy. But when Jeremy keeps coming around despite his on-again, off-again aversion to all things Christian, Emily finds it’s not so easy to shut her feelings off as she thought it would be. Even worse, falling for him would mean never getting the chance to set things right back home. Choices, mistakes and consequences battle it out as the two of them search for A Little Piece of Heaven.

A New Adult Contemporary Christian Romance Novel, A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN, asks the question what if everything you’ve learned in life turns out to mean something you never expected? These two friends must battle old demons, new life issues, and each other to realize that love can be found in some very unexpected places. Set in a college, A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN picks up where the new adult romance A WORK IN PROGRESS left off, taking you through twists and turns in a heart-stopping ride that ultimately leads right where these two were always meant to be.

*~* EXCERPT *~*

“Oh, man! Tell me we’re almost there.” At the threshold Emily resorted to turning around and pushing the box with her back.

“Over here by the wall,” Jeremy said, guiding it the final ten feet. “And. We’re. There.”

The moment he stopped, she gave up and slid all the way down the box to the floor. “Hallelujah! Oh, man. I should have asked for hazard pay.”

“What’re you doing sitting around?” Rebecca asked as she breezed in the door with a box the size two pairs of shoes would fit into. She walked over to the counter in the kitchen and set it down with a clank.

“You’re kidding, right?” Emily was exhausted. She put her hand to her head to get it to stop swimming from the over-exertion. The thought of the fifteen other boxes of stuff not to mention some of the furniture still sitting back in the other apartment threatened to dissolve the last of her will. “You told me this wasn’t going to be hard.”

Rebecca shrugged. “It’s moving. It’s always hard.” With that she breezed back out.

“Come on.” Jeremy reached down for her hand and pulled her to her feet. “I promise, I’ll give you the light one this time.”

“Oh that you would be so kind.” Emily reached down and pulled her purple jersey shirt over her jeans where it had come up. The high ponytail on her head swung in time with her feet as she followed him down the hall. “How in the world can two bachelors have so much stuff? I thought bachelors like ate off of paper plates and slept on the couch.”

Jeremy glanced at her with a look of horror at the very suggestion. “I’m a bachelor. I’m not poor.”

“Oh,” she said, taking the statement to mean poor was like being a leper. Instinctively her arms twisted around her. “Well, I for one wish you were a little poorer.”

The gaze he trained on her held complete derision, but she smiled at him teasingly. “Not so much stuff to move that way.”

“Ah.

Genres: Romance, Christian, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Christian Romance, Fiction, Amazon

389 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2011

About the author

A stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including:

Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/

Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...

Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/

Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the first book in the series, Jeremy was simply a jerk. He had the looks, the money, the future- what he didn't have is joy in his life- or the knowledge of even what it could be about. As Emily hangs with out with Rebecca and Eric, Jeremy notices her but also notices that her thoughts and ways are not like his. As he gets to know her he senses the hurt that she is hiding. What I loved most about this book was how Emily brought Jeremy to God, NOT by preaching to him- in fact, knowing it makes him push away from her, she AVOIDS any "God-talk", but instead by letting God's light shine through her. Jeremy sees her peace and her joy and becomes curious. I think wooing someone to God is our highest goal. I love how the books works around and through each of the main characters life and weaves God into it without being overbearing. The characters- even the Christian characters are flawed- everyone has issues to work through. This book gives so much more than a story. It is written so that you can feel what the characters are feeling and easily follow how they got to where they were and how they change through the book. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review. I was honestly sad to get to the last page!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! Love the characters Emily and Jeremy in this one and how God showed Himself in both of their lives. Highly suggest picking this one up!

I also posted a more detailed review on Amazon.

[Norma · Rating 2 out of 5]

College kids, blushing embarrassed young adults

Not what I was expecting. I couldn't get past the immature, sophomoric behavior. I was looking for a mature adult Christian novel.

[Carol Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!

I like the ideas that were shared in this book. Denominations don't have to divide us. As long as we all believe in God the Father God the son and God the holy Ghost and have a personal relationship with him, we can be one. I also like that she shared that it is better for God to put the pieces of our puzzle of life together rather than us doing it by ourselves and getting it all wrong. I like the fact that God answers prayer and he is responsible for miracles. I like seeing that God is the one who changes people and not us. Our purpose in life is to love god, love others, and love ourselves. God loves us just as he created us with all our imperfections and he knows what our potential can be. I love that this story was not just about romance but about personal growth, accepting yourself as you are and believing that God has a purpose for your life.

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as Christian books go this was one of the better ones I have read. At times it felt a little too preachy but most of the time I really enjoyed it and the characters were relatable. Although Emily is a saint for putting up with Jeremy sometimes since he was raised to be a bit of a brat. But he turns around in the end and is a good guy. I really liked the issues with Brock. He rapes Emily when they’re in high school and then illegally hunts on his dad’s property and neighboring properties. Jeremy gets Brock to confess and Brock gets in big trouble although I wish I knew exactly what happened to him. Overall a good book but not one I would recommend to all my friends.

[Marsha L. Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their little piece

Emily, a college student in Boston far from her Co!or a do mountain home meets big city, big headed, big money grad student Jeremy. God needs to work in both of their lives so they can see that little piece of heaven. Twists,turns and too many arms across the middle but they work it out.

[florence songs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Relatable

Just when you thin( it cannot get better, you realize this is just the tip of the iceberg. The Faith series is not only clean and
wholesome romance, it encourages real Christian living. Characters' experiences are so relatable they could be your best friends. A real book club material for young adults.

[Geraldine Rubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully

Written story. This author brought our Saviors promise to life. I enjoyed how well the characters were developed. The authors style of writing was refreshing. Looking forward to reading the bed next book.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian romance

I love how reflective these books make you on your relationship with God. I love the subtle reminders in this book of God’s love despite your past. I loved the emphasis on the importance of recognizing God’s love for you each and every day.

[Shuvai · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little peace of heaven

I really loved this book a little peace of heaven, how in her quiet nature Emily witnessed Jesus till those around her were drawn to him
Emily and Jeremiah's story is so encouraging and uplifting

[Pam Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

After reading the first book in this series, I couldn’t wait to read the second. This did not disappoint! Staci Stallings has a wonderful way of incorporating a Christian message while making it a pleasure to read!

[Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7

Maybe a bit too long, just that

[Kay Fief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, exciting, heartfelt and mystery wow what a book The author really loves GOD I love it

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story!

[Deena Harvey]

I love Stacy Stallings’ books.

[Jan Hoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

Stack Stallings has an unique way of getting you enthralled in her books. This book inspires me to be more...more loving, trusting, prayful. Thank God for her gift!

[Deb Shank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Good read. Like these books. Full of faith, how we all struggle with faith, and God's love and exception. We all have doubt. Never feel good enough.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, sweet Christian story. I loved watching the various characters grow and change. I was totally rooting for Jeremy to find God and to see him and Emily get together.

[Lorelei Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Great story and characters. Message of God's love is strong thru out the book, series actually. Enjoyable storyline of young college kids.

[Ronald Pulsfort · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only read a few chapters and stopped. Not for me. Seemed to be a book about college age kids

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story it has great characters. This book is a clean Christian Romance. There is lots of talk of the Holy Spirit.

[Marsha Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piece of Heaven

I liked this book. It shows with God in charge we can do anything. We can heal our hurts. We can stand up for what we want and not what others want.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Little Piece of Heaven, by Staci Stallings, is a very real glimpse into the lives and struggles of college students battling grades, relationships, parents, and maintaining their relationship with God. It begins in one of the most refreshing starts of a novel as I have ever read: by simply dropping you in the middle of a conversation between the main character, Emily Vasquez, and her friend Holly. Stallings expertly applies the “Show, don't Tell” rule throughout the entire story, as were are given very relatable conversations and point of views that do not simply state a fact, but work it effortlessly into the dialogue. Stallings paints scenes so clearly it's almost as if the reader is an invisible companion among the main characters, following their conversations and movements without stilted transitions or explanations.

My only criticism actually corresponds with my initial praise: while we are shown rather than told the relationships and events of the stories, certain key aspects of characters (such as appearance and major plot details) are vaguely suggested but not provided fully until several chapters in. One example of this is that I was unsure what the main character, Emily, even looked like until chapter seven. I don't need pages and pages of “sparkling sapphire eyes with flecks of gold and silver in them that burned the luminous mysteries of the moon” or anything, but I imagined her as an average dark-haired white girl until it was made evident her ethnicity was distinctly Native American.

Synopsis:
A Little Piece of Heaven follows the point of view of both Emily Vasquez, a shy, lower middle-class young woman pursuing her degree in wildlife management, and Jeremy Stratton, a proud, success-oriented son of a wealthy financial lawyer. They meet through mutual friends, Rebecca and Eric, and sparks almost immediately fly. Emily finds herself drawn towards Jeremy, and Jeremy becomes captivated by Emily's beauty and shy yet spirited personality.

The two couldn't be more opposite for each other, and even though this becomes apparent after two failed dates, it's clear that neither want just friendship. The biggest wedge between Emily and Jeremy is that Emily is a devoted Christian, volunteering in her church's youth group and attending Mass every Sunday; Jeremy has only dreams of scaling the social ladder in a buzzing city with a designer lifestyle.

As their friendship knits to a more confusing, undefined area of more-than-friends, less-than-a-couple, things seemed to work smoothly until Jeremy's behavior at a stylish party leaves Emily reliving a part of her past that she had tried to keep suppressed for years. They almost sever all connection after the ensuing fight that sends them both spiraling downwards without each other.

It isn't until a hopeful phone call from Jeremy over Spring break prompts Emily to invite him to her family's ranch in Remlin, Colorado. They grow close again through his visit, and Emily finally trusts him with a dark secret from her past, prompting him to on a mission he would never have even considered before meeting Emily. I won't spoil the final chapters, but it is a story of redemption, love, forgiveness, and letting the pieces of your life fit the way God made them, not forcing them to make a picture that isn't there.

I would recommend A Little Piece of Heaven to any romantic, any lover of books, anyone struggling with pride, insecurity, pain, or doubt. Stallings truly winds life into words through her writing and captures her readers' hearts.

[Cayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeremy first struck me as a jerk--a spoiled egotistical jerk who has nothing better to do than to criticize everything and everyone. You think he's just mimicking the way he was raised. But that's only one factor. He's also in a world of pain. Divorced parents and no sense of purpose or belonging. Just a kid that's on display on a public shelf when you need him and left alone when you don't need him. It's really sad!

Emily is the best thing that ever happened to him, but it takes a good chunk of time for him to fully realize that. But what he doesn't understand is how Emily can have so much faith in God where he has little to none. He also can't figure out why Emily can be herself one minute and a complete stranger the next.

Their coming together is full of challenges, both have obstacles that need to be overcome. But Staci Stallings ties everything together well enough. It's good. It's clean. And you'll like the ending.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beauty of the mountains, versus the fast pace of the big city. Jeremy doesn't realize what he's missing until he actually experiences both. I know plenty of people who are amazed at something so simple as how many stars are in the sky when they get away from the big city and see them for themselves. It was interesting in this book that two people who thought they were so different from each other were actually so much alike. Both Jeremy and Emily let things from their past shape who they are, until they realize that they are in control of their lives and what they will be. And both were so nervous around each other because they thought there was no way the other could possibly ever like them.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful book. It captured my attention from the very beginning. I loved how the story continually flowed and I didn't want to put it down. I really liked Emily and Jeremy and how their relationship began and grew. There were trials but they never gave up. I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to read the third book in this series A Light in the Darkness. I love the author, Staci Stallings writing style. I will read all of her books and know that I won't be disappointed.

[Penny Benoit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It had a good story line and the characters were well developed. But the structure of the writing (the sentence structure, the choice of wording, etc.) needed work. I found that I was editing it in my mind as I was reading it. Then again, I am a grammar perfectionist and that is something I often do as I read. Putting that aside, I do enjoy Staci's books.

[Latisha Fay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read. God can surely change the heart and perspective. Staci Stallings has yet to disappoint. I'm always a sucker for Christian romance.

[Bibliophile]

A Little Piece of Heaven

A Little Piece of Heaven

I didn't think I would like Jeremy after the first book in this series but as usual with this author, no one is beyond redemption and she tells his tale supremely well.