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Now and Forever #3
Blind Love
Can a handsome, charming, womanizing professor win the heart of a blind ballerina? Love comes to the university as Peter Caldwell, dashing Art History professor and accomplished pianist meets Lara Stewart, ballerina. Peter can’t seduce with her with his devastating good looks because Lara can’t see. Obsessed with the one woman he can’t have, Peter has to learn how to love.
Sam Caldwell joins Peter, Mac, Callie and his grandchildren. Witty and attractive, Sam isn’t looking for a woman but finds love isn’t only for the young but the young at heart as well.
Sam Caldwell joins Peter, Mac, Callie and his grandchildren. Witty and attractive, Sam isn’t looking for a woman but finds love isn’t only for the young but the young at heart as well.
- GenresRomance
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2012
4 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Jean C. Joachim
108 books588 followersI've been making up stories for as long as I can remember. When other kids wanted to be doctors, teachers or firemen, I wanted to be a writer.
As soon as I could read, I began devouring books. I'd read anything I could get my hands on, but Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" and Nancy Drew mysteries were early favorites.
In school, term papers were my favorite homework. While others bemoaned the amount of work involved, I jumped in, burying myself in research and writing the document with care.
Still fiction was my first love. After college and a degree in English, I fell into the world of advertising. After many years in corporate America, I went my own way. Working and raising two kids took all my energy and creativity. But when the youngest went off to school, all the stories ideas in my head came to life. Mac Caldwell and Callie Richards landed in my head and refused to leave. So I told their story. What started as one book has become six. Now I greet my characters every morning at six and jump back into their story, enjoying every minute. I'm blessed to be able to work at something I love. More than 70 books later, I'm still up at the crack of dawn, crafting the tales of the people who live in my head while nursing a cup of tea and a few pieces of black licorice.
As soon as I could read, I began devouring books. I'd read anything I could get my hands on, but Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" and Nancy Drew mysteries were early favorites.
In school, term papers were my favorite homework. While others bemoaned the amount of work involved, I jumped in, burying myself in research and writing the document with care.
Still fiction was my first love. After college and a degree in English, I fell into the world of advertising. After many years in corporate America, I went my own way. Working and raising two kids took all my energy and creativity. But when the youngest went off to school, all the stories ideas in my head came to life. Mac Caldwell and Callie Richards landed in my head and refused to leave. So I told their story. What started as one book has become six. Now I greet my characters every morning at six and jump back into their story, enjoying every minute. I'm blessed to be able to work at something I love. More than 70 books later, I'm still up at the crack of dawn, crafting the tales of the people who live in my head while nursing a cup of tea and a few pieces of black licorice.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 24, 2012
Now and Forever 3: Blind Love is the continuing story of the Caldwell family. It starts with Sam and Peter Caldwell, father and son, returning to Willow Falls after several years of teaching in South Africa. Having lost her parents at an early age, Callie Caldwell is particularly sensitive to wanting and needing family and is thrilled to be meeting her father and brother in laws for the first time. The family reunion is the kick-off. From there the story spirals out to include relationships between Peter and Lara, Sam and Pat, Marcia and Jakub, Denna and Rex, and a host of others.
The tale has touches of the sweet goodness of the Camden family of Seventh Heaven and drama like in Pine Valley of All My Children as well as a splattering of mystery and investigative flourishes of a cop show. There are a fair number of main characters and a good number of supporting cast characters that makes it a little difficult to have much of an investment in any of them. Their storylines run parallel, converge and transect in a disruptive manner.
Furthermore, the characters tend to be lacking in dimension; they seem to respond to every situation with a yes or no, right or wrong, black or white, all or nothing manner. But, life is full of shades of gray and maybes. This lack of character depth creates a story that’s a little washed out, like the difference between regular television and high definition television. Some of the relationships and characters need to be developed.
That being said, the Caldwell’s are a warm and interesting family. I want to see how they mature in every sense of the word. For existing Jean Joachim fans, they’ll be happy with this adventure, as they are already familiar with and invested in the Caldwell family and the small college town of Willow Falls.
For those new to Jean Joachim, I suggest you start at the beginning with Now and Forever 1: A Love Story. It’s the foundation for the characters in Now and Forever 3: Blind Love. Starting at the beginning will help new fans get to know and commit to the characters in the Now and Forever series.
Reviewed by:
Sallie Lundy-Frommer
Author of Yesterday's Daughter
The tale has touches of the sweet goodness of the Camden family of Seventh Heaven and drama like in Pine Valley of All My Children as well as a splattering of mystery and investigative flourishes of a cop show. There are a fair number of main characters and a good number of supporting cast characters that makes it a little difficult to have much of an investment in any of them. Their storylines run parallel, converge and transect in a disruptive manner.
Furthermore, the characters tend to be lacking in dimension; they seem to respond to every situation with a yes or no, right or wrong, black or white, all or nothing manner. But, life is full of shades of gray and maybes. This lack of character depth creates a story that’s a little washed out, like the difference between regular television and high definition television. Some of the relationships and characters need to be developed.
That being said, the Caldwell’s are a warm and interesting family. I want to see how they mature in every sense of the word. For existing Jean Joachim fans, they’ll be happy with this adventure, as they are already familiar with and invested in the Caldwell family and the small college town of Willow Falls.
For those new to Jean Joachim, I suggest you start at the beginning with Now and Forever 1: A Love Story. It’s the foundation for the characters in Now and Forever 3: Blind Love. Starting at the beginning will help new fans get to know and commit to the characters in the Now and Forever series.
Reviewed by:
Sallie Lundy-Frommer
Author of Yesterday's Daughter
September 29, 2019
My review originally posted on Romancing-the-Book.com click is below:
This book totally took me by surprise. It was a quick read – I couldn’t put it down – but it drew on a lot of emotions. There was laughter, tears, love, romance, mystery, intrigue, fear, sadness, happiness, family and friends. There was somewhat of a dark overtone since there was blackmailing involved, along with a strip club, murders and other crimes too.
There were several happily ever afters and nice closure to the suspense storyline as well as the book overall. The characters seemed real they were so well developed and you could feel their emotions throughout. There were many different story lines – several for secondary characters – but the story flowed smoothly from one to the other and they were concluded to my satisfaction.
I have not read books 1 and 2 in this series and there’s also a book 4. I do plan to read them in order to find out more about the characters I met in Blind Love but I don’t feel that I was lost not having read them since there was enough background information. If this is the quality of this author’s writing I will be adding her other series to my TBR pile as well.
Favorite Quote: Peter drove home from Bianca’s house in a daze. All this time she was his gold standard, his ideal, the one he compared all women against…others who always came up wanting. But today, Bianca’s image crumbled like stale bread.
He had never known her. He loved an image, an illusion. Peter was devastated…
This book totally took me by surprise. It was a quick read – I couldn’t put it down – but it drew on a lot of emotions. There was laughter, tears, love, romance, mystery, intrigue, fear, sadness, happiness, family and friends. There was somewhat of a dark overtone since there was blackmailing involved, along with a strip club, murders and other crimes too.
There were several happily ever afters and nice closure to the suspense storyline as well as the book overall. The characters seemed real they were so well developed and you could feel their emotions throughout. There were many different story lines – several for secondary characters – but the story flowed smoothly from one to the other and they were concluded to my satisfaction.
I have not read books 1 and 2 in this series and there’s also a book 4. I do plan to read them in order to find out more about the characters I met in Blind Love but I don’t feel that I was lost not having read them since there was enough background information. If this is the quality of this author’s writing I will be adding her other series to my TBR pile as well.
Favorite Quote: Peter drove home from Bianca’s house in a daze. All this time she was his gold standard, his ideal, the one he compared all women against…others who always came up wanting. But today, Bianca’s image crumbled like stale bread.
He had never known her. He loved an image, an illusion. Peter was devastated…
February 16, 2014
Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This book totally took me by surprise. It was a quick read – I couldn’t put it down – but it drew on a lot of emotions. There was laughter, tears, love, romance, mystery, intrigue, fear, sadness, happiness, family and friends. There was somewhat of a dark overtone since there was blackmailing involved, along with a strip club, murders and other crimes too.
There were several happily ever afters and nice closure to the suspense storyline as well as the book overall. The characters seemed real they were so well developed and you could feel their emotions throughout. There were many different story lines – several for secondary characters – but the story flowed smoothly from one to the other and they were concluded to my satisfaction.
I have not read books 1 and 2 in this series and there’s also a book 4. I do plan to read them in order to find out more about the characters I met in Blind Love but I don’t feel that I was lost not having read them since there was enough background information. If this is the quality of this author’s writing I will be adding her other series to my TBR pile as well.
Favorite Quote: Peter drove home from Bianca’s house in a daze. All this time she was his gold standard, his ideal, the one he compared all women against…others who always came up wanting. But today, Bianca’s image crumbled like stale bread.
He had never known her. He loved an image, an illusion. Peter was devastated…
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This book totally took me by surprise. It was a quick read – I couldn’t put it down – but it drew on a lot of emotions. There was laughter, tears, love, romance, mystery, intrigue, fear, sadness, happiness, family and friends. There was somewhat of a dark overtone since there was blackmailing involved, along with a strip club, murders and other crimes too.
There were several happily ever afters and nice closure to the suspense storyline as well as the book overall. The characters seemed real they were so well developed and you could feel their emotions throughout. There were many different story lines – several for secondary characters – but the story flowed smoothly from one to the other and they were concluded to my satisfaction.
I have not read books 1 and 2 in this series and there’s also a book 4. I do plan to read them in order to find out more about the characters I met in Blind Love but I don’t feel that I was lost not having read them since there was enough background information. If this is the quality of this author’s writing I will be adding her other series to my TBR pile as well.
Favorite Quote: Peter drove home from Bianca’s house in a daze. All this time she was his gold standard, his ideal, the one he compared all women against…others who always came up wanting. But today, Bianca’s image crumbled like stale bread.
He had never known her. He loved an image, an illusion. Peter was devastated…
May 30, 2012
After reading the first two in this series I was really looking forward to getting my hands on this one, and it didn't disappoint.
Peter and Sam Caldwell have finally returned to the states after being in South Africa for so long. Family is reuinted, friendships are formed and unexpected love interests have the potential to become permanent but can the charming and sexy young Peter Caldwell persuade the lovely blind ballerina that he's given up his womanizing ways to be devoted to her, or will his past catch up to him?
And, can Sam really find love again at his age when the woman he's opened up to pushes him away when her adult son is concerned she's moved on, replacing his dead father?
Jean Jochim amazes me again with yet another well written emotional love story, of not only one, but three love stories combined. I'd hate to give too many details to spoil it for you, but you'll also meet lovely couple Marcia and Jakob. Marcia is trying to cope with taking care of her dying husband and it's Jakob that helps her pick up the pieces to get her life back on track, and fullfill one of her life long dreams... want to know what? Read it and find out. *winks*
This story is action packed with suspensful plot twists throughout. Unconditional love, great family bonds, new beginnings and happiness aside, there is also blackmail, strippers, and a murderer that lurks in the background...
Get your copy today!
Peter and Sam Caldwell have finally returned to the states after being in South Africa for so long. Family is reuinted, friendships are formed and unexpected love interests have the potential to become permanent but can the charming and sexy young Peter Caldwell persuade the lovely blind ballerina that he's given up his womanizing ways to be devoted to her, or will his past catch up to him?
And, can Sam really find love again at his age when the woman he's opened up to pushes him away when her adult son is concerned she's moved on, replacing his dead father?
Jean Jochim amazes me again with yet another well written emotional love story, of not only one, but three love stories combined. I'd hate to give too many details to spoil it for you, but you'll also meet lovely couple Marcia and Jakob. Marcia is trying to cope with taking care of her dying husband and it's Jakob that helps her pick up the pieces to get her life back on track, and fullfill one of her life long dreams... want to know what? Read it and find out. *winks*
This story is action packed with suspensful plot twists throughout. Unconditional love, great family bonds, new beginnings and happiness aside, there is also blackmail, strippers, and a murderer that lurks in the background...
Get your copy today!
January 3, 2013
Have you ever read Lowry Pei novels ?? They take your breath away ,the moment you begin and your breathing gets back to normal hours after finishing the book. They give you so much to ponder upon and a whole new insight to our lives.
Best part of this novel is that it shows all types of people- attackers to blackmailers , widows to sluts . It captures what would people do for sex- wait for their right one to be ready , help their women to be strong while others would resort to ways like raping , forcing their students to have sex with them or fail their class. True love is shown between all ages and nationality- Sam and Patsy , Peter and Lara and Mac and his wife .I love the way how it all fits together in the end.
Just one suggestion(to author ) : In beginning and middle where novel alternates between various viewpoints of character -label them as which character starts from where .While reading I thought my copy of novel had some missing pages or something as it changed from one protagonist to another at very fast pace.
Best part of this novel is that it shows all types of people- attackers to blackmailers , widows to sluts . It captures what would people do for sex- wait for their right one to be ready , help their women to be strong while others would resort to ways like raping , forcing their students to have sex with them or fail their class. True love is shown between all ages and nationality- Sam and Patsy , Peter and Lara and Mac and his wife .I love the way how it all fits together in the end.
Just one suggestion(to author ) : In beginning and middle where novel alternates between various viewpoints of character -label them as which character starts from where .While reading I thought my copy of novel had some missing pages or something as it changed from one protagonist to another at very fast pace.
February 3, 2013
The huge family created by this series is heartwarming. Loved the different stories interrelated that warm your heart, make you laugh, make you cry and make you wonder if the bad guys will succeed. But good always triumphs over evil, doesn't it? Great book!!!
March 15, 2019
Peter is sweet. A little full of himself, but sweet nonetheless. Lara has survived a traumatic experience and the music Peter plays is one of the few things that can make it past her defences. There is a lot of story here, and a lot of individual story lines within the book, giving it a bit of a daytime drama feel. There is a wide cast list, including all our favorites from the series. So if you haven’t read the previous books, do that first. There were times that I found it a bit difficult to keep track of what was going on, or why it was important, and a couple of the story lines didn’t feel like they tied in to the main body of the book until the very last minute. But like those daytime dramas, I’m going to keep tuning back in because I don’t want to miss anything.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
June 20, 2021
Now and Forever 3: Blind Love was an awesome read. The fascinating multi-plotted narrative was filled with romance, intrigue, and suspense. Furthermore, the imagery and other vivid details the author used helped to create a romantic and hopeful yet suspenseful tone. The numerous dynamic characters helped to bring the various plots to fruition. I wasn't disappointed and thoroughly enjoyed reading the novel.
June 23, 2012
Review of Now and Forever 3: Blind Love
Now and Forever 3: Blind Love is a Contemporary Romance with lots of twists! It tells the story of members of the Caldwell family of Willow Falls. Willow Falls, sounds like a nice, quiet town that would be full of romance and love, right? It is. But, there is so much more! Intrigue, murder, blackmail, and lies abound in this small college town in New York along with strong family ties and love.
Come along for the ride with Mac, Callie, Peter and Sam as they try to find love, keep love and fight for what is right. Along the way, meet others who are looking for love, too. Lara, Jakub, Marcia, and Pat. But...who will cause problems for all of them? What evil lurks that will threaten their happiness? Will love conquer all? Will justice prevail?
Jean has woven a lovely story of love and romance along with elements of intrigue that keep the reader interested and on the edge of their seat, always wanting more! Lovers of Contemporary Romance will find something to love in this book, and more. Mystery lovers can also find something to enjoy here, as Jean has blended mystery and crime into this very enjoyable story. I look forward to more of this series and plan to go read the others as well!
5 of 5 stars!
Now and Forever 3: Blind Love is a Contemporary Romance with lots of twists! It tells the story of members of the Caldwell family of Willow Falls. Willow Falls, sounds like a nice, quiet town that would be full of romance and love, right? It is. But, there is so much more! Intrigue, murder, blackmail, and lies abound in this small college town in New York along with strong family ties and love.
Come along for the ride with Mac, Callie, Peter and Sam as they try to find love, keep love and fight for what is right. Along the way, meet others who are looking for love, too. Lara, Jakub, Marcia, and Pat. But...who will cause problems for all of them? What evil lurks that will threaten their happiness? Will love conquer all? Will justice prevail?
Jean has woven a lovely story of love and romance along with elements of intrigue that keep the reader interested and on the edge of their seat, always wanting more! Lovers of Contemporary Romance will find something to love in this book, and more. Mystery lovers can also find something to enjoy here, as Jean has blended mystery and crime into this very enjoyable story. I look forward to more of this series and plan to go read the others as well!
5 of 5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews