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Borrowed Time
Third in the Kindle Top-25 bestselling FATED LOVES collection from USA-Today bestselling author Edie Claire.
You can't run away from your past. But in some cases, it's worth a try.
Sarah Landers’ parents were killed in a plane crash when she was seventeen; her only sister committed suicide days after. Now, nearly a decade later, Sarah assures everyone that she is perfectly fine. Never mind her quiet aloofness, her intensity at work, her seeming neglect of any social life. Only Sarah knows the whole story. Only she is aware of the dark memories that plague her with guilt -- of the fear of discovery that paralyzes her soul.
When an enigmatic illness forces the normally self-sufficient Sarah to depend on someone, namely the charming do-gooder of a neighbor, Adam, whom she has been trying desperately to avoid -- her carefully built cocoon begins to crumble. Her family’s home in Alabama, left vacant since the tragedy, still holds the grim evidence of her nightmares and is slated for imminent demolition. With the horror of her past swiftly catching up to her, Sarah’s malady begins to look less like a catastrophe and more like her only way out.
But the (rather irreverent) reverend Adam Carmassi refuses to let Sarah go. Not when she is the first woman who has ever truly touched his heart, and not when he is so certain he can help her. With the end of Sarah's life looming in more ways than one, Adam wages a desperate campaign to convince her that no matter what tortured secrets she insists on hiding, her life is worth living -- and their chance of a future together, however slim, is a dream worth fighting for.
Praise for the Fated Loves
LONG TIME COMING
“A remarkably well blended romance and mystery, with fascinating shades of the paranormal. The way each layer of Joy's discovery of her forgotten past is revealed is deftly done and exceptionally suspenseful. The relationship between Joy and her parents is heartwarming. This one will have you hooked from the first page.” December 2003 Top Pick -- Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine
“An abundance of charm… Joy’s perky first-person narration carries readers along to a warm, gratifying conclusion.” -- Publisher’s Weekly
“Emotionally gripping, suspenseful and superb… I was held in wonderment over much of this story and realized early on to expect the unexpected. This is a story of trust, love, friendship and healing. Ms. Claire is an author I hope to see more of in the future. If Long Time Coming is any indication of her writing talent, I will be first in line at the bookstores to get more of her work. This is a positively splendid tale from start to finish and is highly recommended.” Reviewer’s Choice Award -- Road to Romance
“Two words. ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! Edie Claire has written a wonderful novel about friendship, love, guilt and death… Utterly riveting.” 10/10 -- Contemporary Romance Writers
MEANT TO BE
“A marvelous story that skillfully interweaves romance with the mystery... Claire makes each element of this terrific tale count.” June 2004 Top Pick -- Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine
“One of the best books I have read this year... An element of suspense runs through the pages, and the endearing tale builds to a crescendo of excitement and thrill while warming the heart. Meant To Be is a powerful story of love, healing, discovery and truth... Ms.
You can't run away from your past. But in some cases, it's worth a try.
Sarah Landers’ parents were killed in a plane crash when she was seventeen; her only sister committed suicide days after. Now, nearly a decade later, Sarah assures everyone that she is perfectly fine. Never mind her quiet aloofness, her intensity at work, her seeming neglect of any social life. Only Sarah knows the whole story. Only she is aware of the dark memories that plague her with guilt -- of the fear of discovery that paralyzes her soul.
When an enigmatic illness forces the normally self-sufficient Sarah to depend on someone, namely the charming do-gooder of a neighbor, Adam, whom she has been trying desperately to avoid -- her carefully built cocoon begins to crumble. Her family’s home in Alabama, left vacant since the tragedy, still holds the grim evidence of her nightmares and is slated for imminent demolition. With the horror of her past swiftly catching up to her, Sarah’s malady begins to look less like a catastrophe and more like her only way out.
But the (rather irreverent) reverend Adam Carmassi refuses to let Sarah go. Not when she is the first woman who has ever truly touched his heart, and not when he is so certain he can help her. With the end of Sarah's life looming in more ways than one, Adam wages a desperate campaign to convince her that no matter what tortured secrets she insists on hiding, her life is worth living -- and their chance of a future together, however slim, is a dream worth fighting for.
Praise for the Fated Loves
LONG TIME COMING
“A remarkably well blended romance and mystery, with fascinating shades of the paranormal. The way each layer of Joy's discovery of her forgotten past is revealed is deftly done and exceptionally suspenseful. The relationship between Joy and her parents is heartwarming. This one will have you hooked from the first page.” December 2003 Top Pick -- Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine
“An abundance of charm… Joy’s perky first-person narration carries readers along to a warm, gratifying conclusion.” -- Publisher’s Weekly
“Emotionally gripping, suspenseful and superb… I was held in wonderment over much of this story and realized early on to expect the unexpected. This is a story of trust, love, friendship and healing. Ms. Claire is an author I hope to see more of in the future. If Long Time Coming is any indication of her writing talent, I will be first in line at the bookstores to get more of her work. This is a positively splendid tale from start to finish and is highly recommended.” Reviewer’s Choice Award -- Road to Romance
“Two words. ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! Edie Claire has written a wonderful novel about friendship, love, guilt and death… Utterly riveting.” 10/10 -- Contemporary Romance Writers
MEANT TO BE
“A marvelous story that skillfully interweaves romance with the mystery... Claire makes each element of this terrific tale count.” June 2004 Top Pick -- Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine
“One of the best books I have read this year... An element of suspense runs through the pages, and the endearing tale builds to a crescendo of excitement and thrill while warming the heart. Meant To Be is a powerful story of love, healing, discovery and truth... Ms.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2011
112 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Edie Claire
41 books277 followersNo matter the genre, USA-Today bestselling novelist and playwright Edie Claire strives to infuse all her writing with both warmth and humor. Her family-friendly Leigh Koslow cozy mystery series, a favorite of animal lovers that was originally published in 1999, was reborn in 2012 to become a Kindle Top-10 bestseller. Her romantic novels range from women’s fiction with romantic elements to a blend of romance and mystery, beginning with her traditionally published contemporaries, the award-winning Long Time Coming and Meant To Be, and continuing with her USA-Today bestselling Pacific Horizons series, whose characters follow the migration of the humpback whales to some of the most gorgeous locations on earth. In any Edie Claire work, the reader may be assured that while intrigue may beckon and tensions rise, love and happiness will always triumph in the end!
Edie has worked as a veterinarian, a childbirth educator, and a scientific/technical writer. A mother of three, she lives in Pennsylvania and aspires to become a snowbird.
Edie has worked as a veterinarian, a childbirth educator, and a scientific/technical writer. A mother of three, she lives in Pennsylvania and aspires to become a snowbird.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 18, 2019
This book was a solid three star read for me until about 3/4 of the way through when I became annoyed with the heroine. She was ridiculous and irritating.
I had a huge problem with the ending. The epilogue wrapped up a complicated legal mess in a couple of sentences.
I was disappointed
I had a huge problem with the ending. The epilogue wrapped up a complicated legal mess in a couple of sentences.
I was disappointed
August 17, 2013
An intense story that will keep you guessing till the end. For that reason, it deserves five stars.
April 6, 2019
I loved the characters, the setting, the intensity of the story and the way good kept creeping in to Sarah's life. Edie Claire's storytelling draws me in by making her characters knowable. I have read each book in this series and could not put them down.
April 9, 2019
Although this was a great story, I wasn't as fond of it as the previous two. It took me awhile to figure out what could possibly be what Sarah was hiding. I liked how her relationship with Adam developed and how all her problems became resolved. Good story and lovely characters.
October 13, 2021
I have enjoyed many of Edie Claire's books. This one just seemed slow to get to the story & drawn out. Also the timeline of the story was unbelievable. I get for the story that things needed to be condensed but it was unrealistic. Still a decent book, just not one of her best.
January 16, 2024
Excellent story line
I would recommend this book to everyone. The plot had surprising twists and turns keeping the reader in suspense. The characters were very believable. I did not want to stop reading until I finished the book.
I would recommend this book to everyone. The plot had surprising twists and turns keeping the reader in suspense. The characters were very believable. I did not want to stop reading until I finished the book.
August 10, 2017
A very convoluted story with a happy ending. A little slow to in the occasional spot but overall a page turner.
August 12, 2017
Gripping
Couldn't put the book down. A brilliant read can't wait to start the next one. Thank you x
On to the next one.
Couldn't put the book down. A brilliant read can't wait to start the next one. Thank you x
On to the next one.
November 27, 2019
I found this book really quite boring and never looked forward to reading it. Too much damsel in distress, must push everyone away drivel. No thanks.
August 26, 2020
Great series
Ms Claire can weave a tale. Invent real characters. So very enjoyable. I read fast. But with her books I slow down and savor every word.
Ms Claire can weave a tale. Invent real characters. So very enjoyable. I read fast. But with her books I slow down and savor every word.
January 27, 2022
Love Wins
I'm so glad that Sarah was able to find herself in a new home where she found herself able to face friends like Adam and Rose.
I'm so glad that Sarah was able to find herself in a new home where she found herself able to face friends like Adam and Rose.
July 31, 2024
Great Love Story
Good read. Slow at first but a great ending. God has a way for all of us. Another great love story by Edie Claire.
Good read. Slow at first but a great ending. God has a way for all of us. Another great love story by Edie Claire.
October 11, 2016
Sarah has been living in agony, ever since her parents were killed in a plane crash and her sister committed suicide. She seldom returns to her home state because she has also been keeping a horrible secret, one that keeps her secluded from the world. But now the county has used eminent domain to take her family's property and the construction is sure to uncover her secret. Moving to a new neighborhood seemed safe until a health issue forced her to lean on a neighbor for help. Now he's too close and has started asking questions. Her lies will only take her so far.
July 16, 2020
LOVE IS.....
This book is about two people convinced they've done something totally despicable. They're both lonely, ashamed and afraid to let anyone know about their secret. But then, they call in love. Love is inexplicable! They weren't looking for it but it found them. This book is a wonderfully written book that grabbed me from the beginning. I can't wait to read more of Ms. Claire's books. Read it....you'll thank me!
This book is about two people convinced they've done something totally despicable. They're both lonely, ashamed and afraid to let anyone know about their secret. But then, they call in love. Love is inexplicable! They weren't looking for it but it found them. This book is a wonderfully written book that grabbed me from the beginning. I can't wait to read more of Ms. Claire's books. Read it....you'll thank me!
June 29, 2021
This book started off well but seemed to drag on too much that I nearly put it down as it got boring it went on to the middle of the last chapter before the full story came out & the author tried to put too much in the last half of the last chapter, can’t say it was as good as the first two books & for this I have given only a 2 stars
July 22, 2018
I like Edie Claire's books - you can be certain that there will be a gradually unfolding mystery, a sensitive exploration of a romantic relationship, and a decent amount of humour along the way. The main characters here are fully realised and I finished it at a sitting.
June 19, 2015
A fast read through enjoy
A new librarian in town wants to remain anonymous but the Methodist minister next door with secrets of his own about being widdowed won't allow it. They embark on an interesting story about friendship and trust which holds suspense until the last page!
A new librarian in town wants to remain anonymous but the Methodist minister next door with secrets of his own about being widdowed won't allow it. They embark on an interesting story about friendship and trust which holds suspense until the last page!
August 22, 2016
Good read
This romance was well written and a good page turner. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because the heroine was a little over the top in not sharing her secret. It became frustrating. Otherwise, great story.
This romance was well written and a good page turner. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because the heroine was a little over the top in not sharing her secret. It became frustrating. Otherwise, great story.
November 2, 2013
Really like Edie Claires books!
October 24, 2014
Sweet chick-flick kind of read.
Love a happy ending :-)
Love a happy ending :-)
January 27, 2015
Enjoyed thoroughly
April 18, 2014
True love knows no bounds, and embraces even one’s darkest past.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews