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Not Like The Other Girls
"Not Like the Other Girls" is a touching and emotional novel that takes readers on a journey through the life of Kathleen Johnson. Raised by her loving grandparents on a Southern farm, Kathleen's life is filled with faith, love, and determination. Drawn to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps of helping people, she decides on a nursing career. There, she meets and falls in love with the perfect guy, Matthew Hollings, and soon finds herself walking the aisle and making a lifetime commitment to loving him. But when she discovers his dark secret, she is forced to return to her grandparents' farm to figure things out and decide what to do.
To her surprise, she encounters a farm hand from her past, whom she must forgive in order to move forward. As her faith wavers and she finds herself in unknown territory, she must make a choice to trust without faltering or sink below the waves of fear.
Heartbreak and secrets are at the center of this captivating novel, but ultimately it is a story of redemption and how God seeks out the brokenhearted to call His Own. "Not Like the Other Girls" reminds readers that though we may be a product of our past, our future is a fresh, clean slate waiting to be written.
To her surprise, she encounters a farm hand from her past, whom she must forgive in order to move forward. As her faith wavers and she finds herself in unknown territory, she must make a choice to trust without faltering or sink below the waves of fear.
Heartbreak and secrets are at the center of this captivating novel, but ultimately it is a story of redemption and how God seeks out the brokenhearted to call His Own. "Not Like the Other Girls" reminds readers that though we may be a product of our past, our future is a fresh, clean slate waiting to be written.
- GenresEbooksContemporary
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2023
148 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 21, 2025
Excellent book and an easy 5 shiny stars rating from me!! ✨✨✨✨✨
I absolutely loved reading this one! I couldn't put it down. I've read several of this authors books and all were fantastic! In fact, I will be reading one of her books next!
This is a story about Kathleen and follows her family and friends through highschool, college, marriages and new beginnings. Kathleens' parents were killed in a car crash when she was a baby and she was raised by her grandparents, Gran and Bumps, in a devout Christian home in a small southern town. She attended church 💒 every Sunday and always does the right thing.
She falls in love with Matthew, the " perfect guy" and they get married. Please remember that " love is blind" and " if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is!" She discovered his dark secrets and must go back to her grandparents farm to figure out what to do next with her life.
If you are looking for a clean read and faith filled , uplifting story, read this book 📖!!! I very highly recommend it!!!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫💫
I absolutely loved reading this one! I couldn't put it down. I've read several of this authors books and all were fantastic! In fact, I will be reading one of her books next!
This is a story about Kathleen and follows her family and friends through highschool, college, marriages and new beginnings. Kathleens' parents were killed in a car crash when she was a baby and she was raised by her grandparents, Gran and Bumps, in a devout Christian home in a small southern town. She attended church 💒 every Sunday and always does the right thing.
She falls in love with Matthew, the " perfect guy" and they get married. Please remember that " love is blind" and " if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is!" She discovered his dark secrets and must go back to her grandparents farm to figure out what to do next with her life.
If you are looking for a clean read and faith filled , uplifting story, read this book 📖!!! I very highly recommend it!!!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫💫
June 28, 2023
Considering my childhood: I came from a family of devout church goers and grew up in a rural southern city, the backdrop visuals painted in this story took me back to a time and place of much happiness and comfort- especially in the warmth, support, and encouragement displayed in Kathleen’s grandparents. I didn’t want to put this book down as it served as a touchstone to my grandparents (RIP) in a very specific setting. also our main character attempts to pursue a career in nursing (I come from a family of nurses) and I was certainly rooting for her and her success. As the story progresses, Kathleen grapples with her current life which she puts on hold for what she perceives to be the perfect love, AND juggles getting reacquainted with a face that has resurfaced from the past… as well concerns with her family and potential for a future. I don’t know what more to say without giving away the struggles and triumphs and all things in between falling into place. I came away from this story with hope and a good feeling in my heart. (This was an ARC Read.)
April 23, 2025
Enjoyed this read.
March 28, 2023
Looks are often deceiving.
Kathleen and Deacon are from the same town. They’ve never gotten along because he always seemed so mean. They went to same same college but after Christmas one year, he didn’t return. Kathleen’s grandparents always seem to take Deacon’s side and keep inviting him to various events.
She starts dating Matthew, but for some reason Gran doesn’t warm up to him. When they marry after she she gets her RN, things get complicated and strange.
*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Kathleen and Deacon are from the same town. They’ve never gotten along because he always seemed so mean. They went to same same college but after Christmas one year, he didn’t return. Kathleen’s grandparents always seem to take Deacon’s side and keep inviting him to various events.
She starts dating Matthew, but for some reason Gran doesn’t warm up to him. When they marry after she she gets her RN, things get complicated and strange.
*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
May 31, 2023
This is a fantastic book! It's very eye opening. Sometimes, things aren't really as they seem. Kathleen learns the hard way that she might have made some bad choices in her life. She endures much heartache due to those choices. The characters are relatable and genuine. This book touches on some hard subjects - lying and adultery. I liked the faith aspect that is prevalent throughout the book. I like the thought that hope is available and forgiveness can be had. A definite must read!
I was provided a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was provided a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 24, 2023
Kathleen is a college student who wants to get her nursing career and help people like her grandparents. Growing up on a farm in the south Kathleen was raised by her grandparents. When she meets the perfect guy at school and falls in love hard. After marriage Kathleen begins to loose herself and things come to a head , home is where she belongs and when an enemy from her past , well who she thought was and enemy , comes back into her life maybe she can find herself again.
Kathleen is one of the sweetest characters ever, kindhearted, willing to help anyone out. Until the day Mathew walked into her life and her life changed and honestly not for the better . You see her loose herself in a love that really can't be called love. We see her fall and become the brunt of what her husband is doing. When do you fight back and take back your life and when do you finally let go of the past is the center of her turmoil and come out the other end stronger and wiser. Mathew is one of those characters that well is way too good to be true . He comes in like a tornado taking everything with him. He is good looking and well has the personality of a great guy. But like every thing looks can be deceiving and words have double meaning . There are times bad things come wrapped in good looking packages. Grans and grandpa are the sweetest people ever but they know more then they let on when it comes to the young couple. The character I really did like was Deacon, this poor boy is brooding and sometimes comes off as a gruff bully, but there is more to Deacon then he lets on. There is a lot of hurt in him and his heart. When push comes to shove he is the guy you want in your corner .
This book is one of those books that is sweet but also very poignant story line. The characters are very well written and complex. You will love Kathleen and her grandparents and want to wrap them up and hold them tight. I honestly couldn't put this book down I was cheering for Kathleen the whole time and I never trusted Mathew at all. The author had a way of sucking you in with the great characters and a timely topic. There is a fall and redemption and a chance at new love in this book . If you want a sweet book that will have you reading into the night check it out .
Kathleen is one of the sweetest characters ever, kindhearted, willing to help anyone out. Until the day Mathew walked into her life and her life changed and honestly not for the better . You see her loose herself in a love that really can't be called love. We see her fall and become the brunt of what her husband is doing. When do you fight back and take back your life and when do you finally let go of the past is the center of her turmoil and come out the other end stronger and wiser. Mathew is one of those characters that well is way too good to be true . He comes in like a tornado taking everything with him. He is good looking and well has the personality of a great guy. But like every thing looks can be deceiving and words have double meaning . There are times bad things come wrapped in good looking packages. Grans and grandpa are the sweetest people ever but they know more then they let on when it comes to the young couple. The character I really did like was Deacon, this poor boy is brooding and sometimes comes off as a gruff bully, but there is more to Deacon then he lets on. There is a lot of hurt in him and his heart. When push comes to shove he is the guy you want in your corner .
This book is one of those books that is sweet but also very poignant story line. The characters are very well written and complex. You will love Kathleen and her grandparents and want to wrap them up and hold them tight. I honestly couldn't put this book down I was cheering for Kathleen the whole time and I never trusted Mathew at all. The author had a way of sucking you in with the great characters and a timely topic. There is a fall and redemption and a chance at new love in this book . If you want a sweet book that will have you reading into the night check it out .
June 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. We had a great story, some romance, some suspense and wondering what the fallout would be in the end. I liked the characters and the setting and of course the grandparents. I really felt for Kathleen when Matthew kept getting opportunities which meant moving to bigger cities and taking Kathleen further away from her grandparents. I have to say I wasn’t sure if Kathleen had it in her to confront the situation but not only did, she do that but she apologized for the way she treated someone when she was in school and took charge of her life. When Matthew showed up back in her hometown, I was very concerned about what would happen and while it wasn’t the best situation, Deacon showed up and helped Kathleen out of a bad spot. In the end Matthew and his parents got what they deserved, and Kathleen got what she deserved and more and so did Deacon. I was so happy when I learned how things had turned around for him. One of my favorite lines in this book is, ‘People can put on a pretty face when everyone is looking. What matters is how they act when they don’t have an audience.’ This is so very true for this story. It also made me think of what happens in the dark always comes to light, very fitting for this story as well. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’ll definitely be looking at her book list for other stories to read as well.
May 20, 2025
Sweet, if perhaps naive, Kathleen, Christian college girl, raised by her grandparents, falls in love and gets married to Matthew, the nicest guy in high school. The part about their married life is pretty slow until Kathleen finds out that Matthew lied about finishing seminary school, is only a pastor for the money, and is cheating on her with her cousin. Kathleen goes back home to her grandparents, and falls in love with the meanest guy in high school.
It was pretty well written except for several editing issues.
A very frequent phrase: “He/she/I cut his/her/my eyes at him/her/me.”
Poor morals, even in the ‘good girl’ such as mentions of losing virginity and kissing as part of dating.
“While we kissed every time we had a chance, it had never gone any further. As much as I wanted to wait until we were married, I didn’t know if we would be able to wait. … We started out as friends and it just led to something deeper. … it’s not like he’s even asked me to marry him.”
So WHY is she kissing him? A kiss is not a handshake. A kiss is not a friendly hug. Kissing is for married people! If you wouldn’t do an activity with a third party after you are married, don’t do it before you are married!!
Rose bushes should not be trimmed back while they are blooming.
Contains: Premarital kissing, kissing before the divorce is final, abuse, mentions underage sex.
It was pretty well written except for several editing issues.
A very frequent phrase: “He/she/I cut his/her/my eyes at him/her/me.”
Poor morals, even in the ‘good girl’ such as mentions of losing virginity and kissing as part of dating.
“While we kissed every time we had a chance, it had never gone any further. As much as I wanted to wait until we were married, I didn’t know if we would be able to wait. … We started out as friends and it just led to something deeper. … it’s not like he’s even asked me to marry him.”
So WHY is she kissing him? A kiss is not a handshake. A kiss is not a friendly hug. Kissing is for married people! If you wouldn’t do an activity with a third party after you are married, don’t do it before you are married!!
Rose bushes should not be trimmed back while they are blooming.
Contains: Premarital kissing, kissing before the divorce is final, abuse, mentions underage sex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2023
This is a new author to me. Her writing is clearly Christian-themed and full of good lessons to apply to your life.
Kathleen was raised by her grandparents after the death of her parents. When she is ready for college, she decides to pursue a nursing career.
She meets Matthew Hollings, a kind, generous man, or so he seems. After several years of marriage, she discovers all is not as it seems and returns to her grandparents home. She comes face-to-face with a man she knew in school. Deacon has had a hard life but has always been willing to help her grandparents. Kathleen only remembers him as being a bully and unkind person but she begins to see a different side of Deacon and, it seems, she may have misjudged him when they were younger.
This is a sweet, clean romance with a happy ending and a reminder that you can't always judge a book by its cover, or a person by initial impressions.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Kathleen was raised by her grandparents after the death of her parents. When she is ready for college, she decides to pursue a nursing career.
She meets Matthew Hollings, a kind, generous man, or so he seems. After several years of marriage, she discovers all is not as it seems and returns to her grandparents home. She comes face-to-face with a man she knew in school. Deacon has had a hard life but has always been willing to help her grandparents. Kathleen only remembers him as being a bully and unkind person but she begins to see a different side of Deacon and, it seems, she may have misjudged him when they were younger.
This is a sweet, clean romance with a happy ending and a reminder that you can't always judge a book by its cover, or a person by initial impressions.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
October 8, 2025
Small town romance
Sadly some churches and Christians fail miserably, disappoint God, and end up just like everyone else in the world, totally self centred and disregarding God or falling away from Him.
Kathleen has a pure heart and only wants to serve her Lord. She isn’t like the other girls, who like to party. Even her own cousin, who is nothing like Kathleen, has gone her own way.
After all the ups and downs that Kathleen deals with after college, she ends up back where it all started.
Her small town romance turns sour.
This is a heart wrenching story, with engaging dialogue and believable characters.
It’s always refreshing to read a story showing the faith of the characters and how they grow in their faith.
The story helped me remember that God always gives us freedom to choose, and through it all, through our choices, whether poor or good ones, He’s always there waiting for us to lean on Him and trust Him with our future.
Recommended reading.
Sadly some churches and Christians fail miserably, disappoint God, and end up just like everyone else in the world, totally self centred and disregarding God or falling away from Him.
Kathleen has a pure heart and only wants to serve her Lord. She isn’t like the other girls, who like to party. Even her own cousin, who is nothing like Kathleen, has gone her own way.
After all the ups and downs that Kathleen deals with after college, she ends up back where it all started.
Her small town romance turns sour.
This is a heart wrenching story, with engaging dialogue and believable characters.
It’s always refreshing to read a story showing the faith of the characters and how they grow in their faith.
The story helped me remember that God always gives us freedom to choose, and through it all, through our choices, whether poor or good ones, He’s always there waiting for us to lean on Him and trust Him with our future.
Recommended reading.
May 30, 2023
Not Like The Other Girls by Jodi Allen Brice is a compelling read of how one can get caught up I another’s lies. Kathleen Johnson had been raised in a Christian home by loving grandparents after the death of her parents. The story begins with her as she attends college. With her faith, hope and determination to live for the Lord, it is surprising as she makes decisions that she later regrets.
Does God’s love or family’s love change over time? No, it most certainly does not. Kathleen comes to terms with the truth, finding the courage to speak and do what is the right thing. God honors that and more. A beautiful story of when things in life are shattered and seem beyond repair that the Lord can give restoration.
4.5 Stars
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Does God’s love or family’s love change over time? No, it most certainly does not. Kathleen comes to terms with the truth, finding the courage to speak and do what is the right thing. God honors that and more. A beautiful story of when things in life are shattered and seem beyond repair that the Lord can give restoration.
4.5 Stars
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 25, 2025
New-to-me author, Jodi Allen Brice, has written an unpredictable, emotional novel about a young woman who tries her best to be obedient to God, but suffers undeserved betrayal from those she loves most. Ms. Brice addresses the age old question—why do bad things happen to good people?—however, our heroine discovers the God she's trusted in since childhood never leaves her nor forsakes her in her darkest hour. A fast-paced, intriguing story of secrets and deception that drew me right in . . . although I felt the romance was way too rushed at the conclusion for certain reasons. I don't want to give away any spoilers.
Warning: A commonly used curse word was thrown in at the conclusion which I don't care for in my Christian fiction. So unfortunately I knocked off a star and I hated doing that.
Warning: A commonly used curse word was thrown in at the conclusion which I don't care for in my Christian fiction. So unfortunately I knocked off a star and I hated doing that.
June 9, 2023
While this author is known to me from other series, this is my first time reading an Contemporary Christian Romance by her. While this is not my typical genre to read, it was well written and did not disappoint. When Kathleen's parent die she goes to live with her grandparents and tries to live a life based on faith and family. As with life, sometimes we are blinded to who people are until it is too late. While her faith may have been tested at times, Kathleen's story mirrors real life struggles and over coming things meant to break us. I throughly enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait for more.
May 24, 2023
Oh my where to start? I literally fell into this book head first and came up for air I feel like one time. Yes it's that good.
This book was a free review copy that doesn't effect my opinion of it in the least
The story of Kathleen and Matthew, seems picture perfect with the bad boy thrown in, enter Deacon. This book is centered around wholesome clean family values and church life. If you want to see how they all fit together you definitely need to read this book!!
I hate giving spoilers so none of those.
This book was a free review copy that doesn't effect my opinion of it in the least
The story of Kathleen and Matthew, seems picture perfect with the bad boy thrown in, enter Deacon. This book is centered around wholesome clean family values and church life. If you want to see how they all fit together you definitely need to read this book!!
I hate giving spoilers so none of those.
May 29, 2023
Not Like The Other Girls by Jodi Allen Brice.
Simply... brilliant🙂 my words can not do this book the justice it deserves.
I have read several of Jodi's books and although I loved all of those, I believe this has topped them all.
Not Like The Other Girls is written extremely well, with strong characters in Mathew and Kathleen. The storyline was strong and believable and had you rooting for Kathleen.
I highly recommended this book to all, purchase the book, and I can confirm that you will not be disappointed.
Simply... brilliant🙂 my words can not do this book the justice it deserves.
I have read several of Jodi's books and although I loved all of those, I believe this has topped them all.
Not Like The Other Girls is written extremely well, with strong characters in Mathew and Kathleen. The storyline was strong and believable and had you rooting for Kathleen.
I highly recommended this book to all, purchase the book, and I can confirm that you will not be disappointed.
June 5, 2023
I have never read anything by Jodi Allen Brice before, OMG this was fantastic. If I could give this 100 stars I would!! Kathleen was raised by her grandparents, who lived on a farm; and attended church regularly. Kathleen is attending college to great her nursing degree; to help others. She falls in love with Matthew, and they marry. As we know looks can be deceiving; and all is not always as it seems. Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Jodi Allen Brice!!
June 25, 2025
started well then relied on stereotypes
I really like this book until 1/3 of the way through when it became almost hyperbole. The author wrote stereotype
after stereotype and provided little depth to any of the situations that happened. The only thing genuine in the book is the relationship between Kathleen and her grandparents. Nearly every other character outside of those three is a caricature of a character type. Very disappointing bc it could have been much more than it was.
I really like this book until 1/3 of the way through when it became almost hyperbole. The author wrote stereotype
after stereotype and provided little depth to any of the situations that happened. The only thing genuine in the book is the relationship between Kathleen and her grandparents. Nearly every other character outside of those three is a caricature of a character type. Very disappointing bc it could have been much more than it was.
May 30, 2023
Kathleen is a college student in a nursing program.
Matthew is Kathleen’s Husband.
Deacon and Kathleen are acquaintance in the same town.
This is a story about Kathleen and her making life’s decisions, but hits some road blocks but eventually all is well.
Sometimes we have to really look at our life and see that we all need help
to get through life.
This book has realty, heartache but wonderfully written.
Matthew is Kathleen’s Husband.
Deacon and Kathleen are acquaintance in the same town.
This is a story about Kathleen and her making life’s decisions, but hits some road blocks but eventually all is well.
Sometimes we have to really look at our life and see that we all need help
to get through life.
This book has realty, heartache but wonderfully written.
June 9, 2023
This is a great story touching on judging others, faith, and strength to overcome life challenges. Look beyond the face value of someone. You never know what struggles they are going through or why they lash out or react the way they do.
Unfortunately for Kathleen, all isn’t as it seems, and her life takes a turn in a direction she never would have thought possible. I love the family dynamic. This story is filled with healing and love and a lot of heart.
Unfortunately for Kathleen, all isn’t as it seems, and her life takes a turn in a direction she never would have thought possible. I love the family dynamic. This story is filled with healing and love and a lot of heart.
June 8, 2025
So good!!
This book was so good. I read it in 24 hours. The chapters were short and sweet. I felt like I was watching a movie in my head. It has a lot more suspense than I thought which kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed this book WAY more than I thought I would. By chapter 2, I knew I was in for a good time. I couldn't put it down. I had never heard of Jodi Allen Brice before but now she's going to be an auto buy author for me.
This book was so good. I read it in 24 hours. The chapters were short and sweet. I felt like I was watching a movie in my head. It has a lot more suspense than I thought which kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed this book WAY more than I thought I would. By chapter 2, I knew I was in for a good time. I couldn't put it down. I had never heard of Jodi Allen Brice before but now she's going to be an auto buy author for me.
April 3, 2023
I won this book from the author. It is not one of my normal genres. I believe it is considered Christian Fiction. It is however, a lovely story about a young woman making decisions in her live. Sometimes taking longer than she should to make these decisions, but then making them absolutely. Most of the characters were very likeable and I enjoyed reading about them and their journey.
May 29, 2023
This is a well written book with strong characters centering on the life of Kathleen and her faith in God. The author brings an emotional story and moves it fluidly with her perfectly painted scenes. I enjoyed reading her story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
May 31, 2023
My first contemporary Christian read and it was great. It’s about Kathleen who was raised by her grandparents after her parents are killed. She tries to live her life in faith and has to make some big decisions regarding her life. I really liked the way the characters were fleshed out and the storyline was engaging.
June 14, 2023
This book resonates with realism, poignancy, and endurance. Kathleen has been raised by loving grandparents after her parents death. She endeavours to live her life as a follower of Christianity. Nonetheless she does make missteps that impact her life. She shows growth and resiliency as she finds her way while embracing her faith.
August 18, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised while reading this novel. It captured my attention from the very beginning. The story at times seemed too real, but it was an magnificent book to read. This book is an emotional kind of story, but also is a real page-turner that will keep you reading on until the very end. This being said I truly enjoyed reading it!
March 20, 2025
Tension building
A well written story that shows what can happen when no one speaks up to warn when "going off track", and never seem to pray and seek God's guidance on things. Loved the grandparents. They were precious.
It is not a story you read to "feel good". It has good lessons in it though. The ending is good.
A well written story that shows what can happen when no one speaks up to warn when "going off track", and never seem to pray and seek God's guidance on things. Loved the grandparents. They were precious.
It is not a story you read to "feel good". It has good lessons in it though. The ending is good.
May 22, 2023
This book really delivers the message about a wolf in sheep's clothing. Love the story about trying to be faithful to your spouse while not sure of your happy. Sometimes you have to do what makes you happy not everyone else and just go home. Maybe every thing you need can be found at home.
May 27, 2023
My first Jodi Allen Brice book & it did NOT disappoint. I loved it. It tells the story of Kathleen & follows her through life with her grandparents & love. This book kept me interested & I did not want to put it down. Great read!
June 5, 2023
A really great book it is one that caught my attention and I didn't want to put it down once I started. This book is very emotional and is very well written.
I was gifted an ARC for an honest review.
I was gifted an ARC for an honest review.
June 8, 2023
This was so good! I loved the characters! This is about making mistakes, forgiveness, heartfelt moments, surprising situations, and misunderstandings. This definitely shares the love for God in this book. Very very good!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews