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Faith over fear. Single mother Candace Clark has a phobia that could keep her from participating in her daughter’s school parent program. The aftermath of pedestrian injuries still haunts her.
Candace prays to be an overcomer as she accepts being a crossing guard. God is on duty as she braves traffic with her stop sign and safety vest.
That puts her in the path of handsome firefighter Royce Kavanaugh as he is responding to a house fire. He’s captivated but has issues of his own.

Phobias are no match for God’s healing power and a second chance at love.
An inspirational wholesome love story with a satisfying happily ever after.

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2013

33 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Pat Simmons

96 books364 followers
Pat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author of forty-plus titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth who is passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She is a five-time recipient of the RSJ Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance: Still Guilty, Crowning Glory, The Confession, Christmas Dinner, and Queen’s Surrender (To A Higher Calling). Pat’s first inspirational women’s fiction, Lean On Me, with Sourcebooks, was the February/March Together We Read Digital Book Club pick for the national library system. Here for You and Stand by Me are also part of the Family is Forever series. Her holiday indie release, Christmas Dinner, and traditionally published, Here for You were featured in Woman’s World, a national magazine. Here for You was also listed in the “7 Great Reads That Help to Keep the Faith” by Sisters From AARP. She contributed an article, “I’m Listening,” in the Chicken Soup for the Soul: I’m Speaking Now (2021). Pat is the recipient of the 2022 Leslie Esdaile “Trailblazer” Award given by Building Relationships Around Books Readers’ Choice for her work in the Christian fiction genre.

As a Christian, Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country. Pat has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter. Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and has worked in radio, television, and print media for more than twenty years. She oversaw the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions for fourteen years. Visit her at www.patsimmons.net.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Nadine Keels.
Author 46 books244 followers
May 2, 2023
Candace has to work around her phobia of crossing streets to serve as crossing guard at her daughter's school, and it's this very thing that puts Candace in the path of Royce: a firefighter who's determined never to date a single mother again.

They've both got some rethinking to do in Stopping Traffic by author Pat Simmons. I wasn't sure where this novella would take me beyond Candace's struggle with streets, and I was glad to see the story open up into much more.

Personally, I'm not much moved by muscly men in fiction just because they're muscly, but Royce is a hero who's about his business and isn't playing any games. Two thumbs up. Likewise, Candace's serious, "lioness" side coming through to protect her child is what I appreciated most about her character--that and one of her funny reactions to flying peppermints. The faith theme here includes a lot in the way of church sermons and Bible-verse quoting by the characters and such; some ChristFic readers like that, some find it overbearing in a story, but I expected it of this author.

Overall, I found this romance to be thoroughly enjoyable and would recommend it to other Christian Fiction fans who like quick reads with substance.
Profile Image for Jackie Roberts.
231 reviews8 followers
January 2, 2014
Stopping Traffic by Pat Simmons was inspiring and uplifting. A real lesson in humility and having faith in God. A great second chance at love Christian romance that is appropriate for all ages. Author is a true woman of God. A great read.
7,766 reviews50 followers
March 13, 2018
She was late to apply for a voluntary job at her daughters school. What was left a crossing guard position five days a week, her daughter thought it was great, she would be like a cop. Memories of her husband killed while crossing a street. Royce a firefighter, catches the sight of her, and when called to a bicycle incident, where she is working, he sees her again. God has plans when two people should meet. A nice enjoyable love story.
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,216 reviews6 followers
August 19, 2021
Heartwarming!

This compelling and captivating story is really inspiring. This is my first time reading the author's work. It is a pleasure to read another author that has a heart for Jesus Christ. The writer had a wonderful story to tell and her writing, grammar and bible scripture almost perfect. The theme throughout was praying and seeking God's will. I am anticipating buying other books in this series. I have a few other books that I am going to enjoy.
Profile Image for BetweentheCoversLiterary .
1,511 reviews32 followers
January 11, 2022
This book was a great read. It’s not often that you come across Christian fiction that’s beautifully written. And this author definitely understood the assignment. I’m eager to finish the series. My first read from this author and not my last. If you just looking for a great clean romance I recommend this author. Book 2 up next
Profile Image for Tricia Jones.
32 reviews
April 5, 2019
Awesome read!

I love how Candace allowed God to move in her life. The relationships between she and her best friend Solae as well as Royce and his brother make it an even better read.
12 reviews
February 14, 2020
Thank you

This brings back faith in good and clean books, and holding on to our faith in GOD. Wonderful men and women of God trusting in Him and receiving God's blessed benefits.....thank you😊
33 reviews
February 24, 2021
Touched my heart again.

Thank you again for the love you have for our Savior Jesus Christ. Your writings are straight from the heart of Love. I'm still crying, love is real when you wait on God.
Profile Image for Phyllis.
1,288 reviews35 followers
May 27, 2017
I had a hard time finishing this book. Though the story was a "clean" romance, Royce was always thinking about the Candice's appearance and she of his. It was enough that it annoyed me throughout the book.
Profile Image for Martha.
1,945 reviews63 followers
August 26, 2019
Cute, fun light story. It is a bit heavier on the romance than I liked, but moved swiftly and was enjoyable.
17 reviews
December 13, 2020
Great read

I so enjoyed reading about Candace experiencing love again. Her daughter Lindsay was so adorable. It’s nice to read about the love black Christians men have to give!
36 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2021
Wow

This love story will keep you reading for more. It is a true testament of how God works out everything for our GOOD! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Margaret Ervin.
22 reviews
January 25, 2025
it’s a HOT love with a Fireman

I could feel The love between the couples as I read the book. It was awesome how they found love again.
Profile Image for KBeautiful1.
690 reviews66 followers
December 1, 2015
This book was a complete and wonderful surprise. A true gem!

This is a Christian romance about Candace Clark a widow and single parent of a daughter name Lindsay. Her husband died by being struck by a car (even though he had the right of way). Candace was pregnant so her daughter never got to meet her father. At her daughter's new school, parents are asked to volunteer when they have some time. Candace gets stuck being a crossing guard, her biggest fears of cars and crossing the street are surely at testing of her faith and belief in God.

Royce Kavanaugh is a Firefighter whom before was a real's lady's man but after one fire where children were killed, he made a vow and gave his life to Jesus Christ and he has been praying for God to bless him with a wife. His friends try to hook him up with a woman he politely declines and stands firm on God choosing his wife for him. And then he sees her in passing on the way to answering a fire alarm. On his way back he can't get her out of his mind, so he makes it his business to back to the school to see if he can see her.

Two people who have been divinely brought together by God. It will take some convincing on Candace's part but she will not get away because God has already told Royce that she was to be his wife and little Lindsay is going to be his daughter. So although Candace's tries to put up her walls they won't stop the Lord from taking them down and presenting his daughter with His son, a Godly Husband and Godly Father.

I can't say it enough, this is a wonderful story and I absolutely loved it. Also Royce's brother Hershel is a Fire Captain and single dad to two young boys and he happens to be in love with Candace best friend Solae. They have their own story which is called "A Baby for Christmas (Love at the Crossroads Book 2)" which I can't wait to read. If you are looking for wonderful Christian romances then I implore you to read this author. This is my first time reading a book by Pat Simmons and I can tell you it won't be my last.

Well Until My Next Review Ciao Bellas!

150 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2018
I loved this book. Candace lost her husband due to a freak accident. Feeling she was unlucky at love had vowed to raise her daughter alone. Thank God for her friend Solace,who was always there for her and sharing some Godly advise. In walked two beautifully saved and handsome brothers that swept both women off their feet. God opened Candace's heart and taught her to love again, and Solace that she was lovable in spite her circumstances, Herschel that there are good God loving women and provided Royce with the love he didn't know he was missing. I like how the couples loved the children that were also part of each one's equation.
Profile Image for K. Chase.
Author 23 books151 followers
September 27, 2015
Certified clean.

A quick, pleasant read that is heavy on Christian references. If you're not bent on charismatic/pentecostal references, then the speaking in tongues might throw you. I'm not going to lie, I did laugh at the anointing oil bit, but hey, it's biblical. There was an instance or two when backstory explanation was thrown in that slowed the narrative flow. The first reference to Chris Tucker was incorrectly stated as Chris Rock, but it was corrected later in the story. One scene made me tear up, it was so touching. Overall, it was an enjoyable read that I'd recommend.
70 reviews7 followers
October 14, 2016
This was a cute story but I think the romance moved a little too quick and I was not completely comfortable with how Royce showed interest in Candace initially. I would have liked to have seen this story develop slower and elaborate more on the first husband and the impact of her subsequent phobia from his death. It felt like that aspect was dropped almost immediately. I might read more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
89 reviews
August 5, 2015
Traffic stops!

This book is truly inspiring and I really enjoyed reading it. The characters trusted God to see them through all situations that can their way. If your faith is shaken or falling,God is there to pick you up. So read this book and renew your faith that prayer still work!
49 reviews
August 25, 2015
I absolutely loved this book, it was very refreshing to read a book that was written by an African American Christian Author. The story depicted strength hope trust and faith. I highly recommend this book as an wholesome book even a child could read.
Profile Image for C.
383 reviews11 followers
February 27, 2014
A beautiful religious book, really enjoy it
Profile Image for Nikkie.
232 reviews
July 11, 2015
Loved it!. So inspirational and uplifting and really encouraged me to face my fears head-on.
1 review
August 23, 2015
Captivating

Great Christian romance. Couldn't put the book down. Just long enough, it made you want to read every book in the series.



Profile Image for Dana.
229 reviews3 followers
September 25, 2015
Faith in God changes everything. Awesome love story!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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