Randy

Sisters by Design #2

by Sharon Srock

Her soft side is buried deep…

After surviving a traumatic childhood, Miranda Franklin grew up tough, fast, and convinced of her inability to ever nurture a child. Eli Page is the only man to earn Randy’s trust. For him, she will face her worst fear—spend a day caring for his granddaughter. When the unthinkable happens, Randy realizes she’s the same as her mother was—a monster.

How can he choose…?

Widower Eli Page devoted the last fifteen years of his life to raising his daughter Celeste. Now it’s time for his happiness. His future. But six weeks before his wedding to Randy, Celeste skips town, leaving her one-year-old daughter for Eli to raise. Randy wants no part in raising a child—but how can she expect him to turn away his own granddaughter?

Will their happily-ever-after fall apart?

With their wedding day looming, can Eli track down his runaway daughter? Can Randy discover the truth about herself? Will Randy and Eli find a different future than what they expected—a better one?

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2023

About the author

Small-town Oklahoma and the friendships they produce are embedded in Sharon Srock’s heart. After spending her first fifteen years on the move, living in fourteen homes and attending thirteen schools, she landed in a tiny central Oklahoma community and made it her own. As someone who’s been blessed to be a part of the same hometown church for more than five decades, Sharon writes stories of hope built from her own unique perspective—stories that demonstrate a sisterhood formed not by blood but by heart, where ordinary women are able to do extraordinary things thanks to the friends who surround them and the faith that pulls them through. Sharon still lives in the middle of nowhere, Oklahoma, with her husband and three very large dogs. When she isn’t writing, she loves to read, cook, and travel. One of these days, she’s going to figure out how to do all three at the same time.

Sign up for Sharon's newsletter
Visit Sharon’s website: www.sharonsrock.com..
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SharonSrock/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

Please visit her AMAZON page to find current info on her books: http://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Srock/e/...

Reviews

[Anne Rightler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Descent from delight to despair in one fell swoop!
Randy is the second book in a new inspirational romance series, Sisters by Design, by Sharon Srock. Miranda is just weeks away from marriage to the man of her dreams...a man she never thought she would be loved by or even meet for that matter. But she never bargained for the role of motherhood that is unexpectedly being imposed on her. How can one be a mother when one has never known a mother's love? How could Randy give what she had never gotten? Eli is desperate to save the relationship but he has no clue how...he is flying blind. Could they face her fears together and change the future? What was Randy hiding from him and from her faithful friends, women who are Christianity in action and holding her up in prayer and other tangible ways of support? Women who remind her that she can not let the past define her future. Srock's characters are strong, likable, and believable, people you would like to have as your own friends. The story moves quickly as the author adds a twist or two to the plot and weaves in strong Christian values to bring readers a heartwarming and inspirational read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. A review was not required and the opinions are my own.

[Bhriv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randy, written by Sharon Srock, is book two in Sisters by Design series.
I thoroughly enjoy the series that Srock has introduced us to, but the Sisters by Design Series seems to be heartwarming because they touch on subjects that we all have touch our lives either within our own families or in families of our friends.
Randy is faced with a situation that brings to light her past trauma as a child. Although she thought she dealt with it long ago she wonders if she'll ever find happiness. Eli...what a sweet guy! He's dealt with life with his only child for the last 15 yrs since his wife died when their daughter was only five. Now he's excited to get to enjoy life as a middle-aged man and hopefully looking forward to it with Randy...then life happens.
Prov 16:9 "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps."
I was given an ARC by the author. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randy is another delightful read by Sharon Srock and book 2 from the Sisters By Design series. I enjoyed Randy's story. She must deal with her past to move forward in life, which causes some problems for her and her love, Eli. Sharon Srock knows how to write true to life stories and Randy is no exception. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the third installment of the series.
5 stars 
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion

[Kim Ledford · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the writing, and adored the first book. The faith and prayer is awesome. But, the shaming of adoption by several characters is a real problem for me. I am 28 and know I never want children, and I don't believe God would force me into raising a child. I have higher hopes for the next book and plan to continue the series.

[Sharon Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randy: Sisters by Design Book 2
By: Sharon Srock

Sharon has brought us a storyline we all can relate to…facing our fears. Do you struggle with facing your fears? I do constantly. Miranda’s story begins when she’s six weeks shy of getting married to the love of her life, her soul mate, Eli. The issue is that Eli has a granddaughter that may become his full time responsibility. That’s where fear comes in for Miranda. Can she face the fear that has haunted for her years, ever since she was a little girl? The fear of not being able to take care of a child. Her life was all set, marrying Eli and having a career, children was not in the equation. Randy is put to the test and left with Eli’s granddaughter by herself as Eli goes across country in search of his daughter. How can she do this? She simply cannot keep this child, she will hurt her. Randy’s fear of all the awful things her own mother had done to her when she was a little girl all came back to the surface. Haunting her, scaring her, making her feel like she cannot care for this child. Faced with this, Randy decides to stand tall, stand firm and put the past in the past and try her hardest to be the best ever. Full of emotion, full of what love looks like, Sharon has created this storyline with so much passion and care that you will stay on the edge of your seat wanting more! Join me June 15 for this spectacular read!
I was given an advanced copy to read in exchange for my own honest review.

[Marcia Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Srock is a new author to me. So happy that a Facebook group introduced me to her! She was looking for some advanced copy readers within this FB group and I am so glad that she chose me to be one of them! Srock is now on my list of must reads.

“Randy” is the second book in a series called “Sisters by Design.” If you haven’t read the first one, “Mac,” I highly recommend that you do; however, you do not need to in order to fully enjoy this one. Although the same characters appear in both, the focus of each is on different individuals within a group of friends (I’m looking forward to getting to know another member of this group of friends in the next book!).

With just six weeks left before their wedding, life throws Randy and her fiancé Eli a major curve ball in the form Astor, Eli’s one year old granddaughter who has been abandoned by his daughter Celeste. Randy never wanted to be a mother herself, and now she must either accept the possibility that this is a role she will be filling or face life without Eli. The real question is: can she even overcome her own fears enough to share the secrets of her past that lead her to her views of parenthood with those that she loves the most?

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sisters By Design Series brings together five woman who become closer than some sisters are. They support, love, encourage, and pray for one another.

Miranda, aka Randy, has waited her whole life to meet Mr. Right. She never felt that she would find him until Eli Page came along. For him, she is willing to face her worst fear. However, after spending the day taking care of his precious granddaughter, Randy realizes she either must overcome her past or loose her future. Will she be able to come clean to all of the people who love her? Or will her past keep her locked there?

After losing his wife, Eli devoted his life to taking care of his daughter. He is ready to face his future. Six weeks before his wedding day, his daughter disappears but leaves her one year old daughter for him to raise. While trying to find his daughter, Eli does not understand why his future bride becomes so spooked. Will he loose his future before it begins? How did his daughter become so selfish?

I received an ARC copy from the author. My review is strictly mine. I look forward to future books in this series.

[Chris Unwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) of this book by the author so let me just say that up front. I don't have to say nice things I can say whatever I want but as you can see from my rating I really enjoyed the book.
This is the story of Randy a middle age woman who had found Eli, the man of her dreams. They were just a few short weeks away from getting married when her fiancé's daughter runs away and leaves behind her one year old daughter, Astor. Not only does she leave behind Astor but runs off with an older man leaving Eli to worry even more. This isn't a spoiler as this happens at the beginning of the book however Randy is not prepared for being a mother, grandmother or whatever this would entail if the daughter doesn't come back.
Will Randy's unhappy childhood haunt her again leaving her insecure? Will Eli's daughter come back for her child? There are so many questions that need to be answered that only with faith and determination will Randy find the courage to follow the path she knows is right.

Release Date: June 15. 2017

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randy by Sharon Srock
Sisters by Design Series Book Two
Miranda “Randy” Franklin is looking forward to her wedding. Her life would be finally complete. Great friends, her faith, her job, and the most wonderful man ever.

Eli Page couldn't wait to marry Randy. He never expected for everything to change so close to their special day. His daughter took off and left her daughter with him. The race was on to find Celeste and get his world back in order before his wedding day.

I love these stories. I cry through most of them because they are written so well that they bring my emotions to the surface. Along with the fact that they often have so much of real-life intertwined within the pages. And as the women in these stories often have their faith tested...God doesn't always give the answers to their prayers...or ours...that we expect Him to give. Be sure to read book one; Mac, to enjoy this series even more.
**Tissue alert if you cry easily
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Teresa Nasson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by Sharon Srock, Randy is the second book in the Sisters by Design series.

Randy is the happiest woman in the world. She has a fruitful job as a bank manager, an amazing group of ladies she calls her best friends and is soon to be married to her knight in shining armour. Life couldn't get any better.

But a little surprise enters her life which threatens her happiness. She struggles with memories from her past while battling her new situation.

Sharon Srock has beautifully written this story which touches on overcoming past hurt, forgiveness and the beauty of love. Love between soul mates, friends and between parents and their children.

Since reading Mac, the first book in the Sisters by Design series, I was overjoyed to be given the opportunity to follow through with the rest of the series. I am in awe of the great friendships that exist between these ladies. I cant wait to dive into the lives of the rest of the group as I read about the other ladies in the Sisters by Design series.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author's books, and this one was no exception. She writes stories about women facing real issues, and this one is another one that had me pulled in from the first pages and I didn't want to put it down after I had started it. This story follows soon to be married Randy as she is faced with a situation that brings up all of the hurtful things that happened to her as a child and leaves her wanting to walk away. It is a beautiful and inspirational story showing how God can bring healing for things in the past and give the peace and confidence needed to face the future. It is also a wonderful picture of the encouragement and support Christian friends can be during the hard times in our lives. I was given an advance copy of this book, and a favorable review was not required. The opinions expressed are my own, and this is another one from this author that I definitely recommend.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randy has all the appearances of success. Despite the abuse of her childhood, she has made a good life. She has furthered her education. She has a genuine & strong relationship with Christ. She has attained a successful & responsible position in her chosen profession. She has a network of supportive friends who will go to any length to help & encourage. She is engaged to a wonderful man & they deeply love each other. She has sincerely forgiven he mother...BUT she has never healed.

Only weeks before their wedding, lift has thrown them a MAJOR curve. It looks as if they might have to be parents to Eli's granddaughter. Sharon Srock walks us through this process with capable finesse. We feel the emotion & turmoil. When the broken & crushed Randy hits the bottom, we can feel her pain & terror. But she doesn't stay there forever.

Well written & emotionally realistic story that keeps the pages turning.

[Diana Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so loving this series. Randy is book 2 in the series Sisters by Design. Wonderful following each character to the next book in the series. The characters are very developed. Story of love and forgiveness. Randy is living in the pass she just can't let go of what her mom did to her growing up. Even after her mom has asked for forgiveness Randy can but she can't forget it! Engaged to Eli and she loves so much wedding in two weeks and Eli's daughter leaves her baby with him. Randy who doesn't think she can ever care for a child because of her past doesn't know if she can go through with marrying Eli. Can Randy give it all over to God and have faith things will be ok? Can Eli have a change of heart with his daughter? Great series!! Wonderfully written by Sharon.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

The truth will set you free! Thirty-eight year old Randy is an excellent protagonist who has never shared her abusive childhood with anyone! Randy has never married because she is afraid she will follow her mother's example and men she has dated all want children. Randy's fiance, Eli, is a widower who has already raised a child. The situation changes when Randy's daughter disappears leaving her one year old daughter with PaPa. Your heart will break for Randy, Eli and the baby as they face the changes in their lives and Eli wonders why Randy won't agree to raise the baby. Sharon Srock has written a tear jerker with this book! I recommend Randy to anyone who likes to read. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. this is my honest opinion.

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one down, but I don't think I'll ever catch up with the author on this series or any other. I read this book in one night (Stayed up to finish it last night after my Men's Christmas Fellowship). Anyway, I was discussing the plot and how Sharon Srock (my wife is also Sharon) shows that the back story is often driving today's story. This is more than once where the author shows a "good Christian" derailed by a past experience (specifically abuse in both cases). I also liked the group working together to help somebody through things and also bringing someone else to Christ in the process.

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished Randy by Sharon Srock and, as usual, enjoyed this book immensely. Srock has an easy-to-read writing style that makes her books enjoyable. She has a gift for creating interesting characters and developing relationships between them. The characters live a lifestyle that incorporates Christian values and I enjoy how they practice their faith.
This book shows how Randy deals with the secrets of her past. Her friends, fiancé, and even a baby all help to lead her in the right direction. The book left me with a sense of joy and I am so glad that I read it. I can’t wait to read future books by this author.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Srock paints a vivid picture as she tells the story of a young woman, recovering from a traumatic childhood, faced with a life changing decision on the eve of her wedding.
The inspiration I took from this book is first, if you feel ganged up on, read Psalms 27.
Second, we need to realize that God has a plan and direction for our lives but he leaves us to make our own decisions.
Third, he lets us hit bottom so we know that he was there all the time.
This book is recommended for anyone that loves strong inspirational, Christian fiction.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randi is the second in the Sisters by Design series by Sharon Srock. I literally couldn’t put this book down. It grabbed me from the get go and even though I read it months ago, I’m still thinking about Randi and Eli. The author does a great job developing the characters. I love that this book picks up where Mac left off… we still get to be in the lives of the other women in Valley View, including to an extent the ones from the Women of Valley View series. Great read, spiritual truths without preaching and amazing characters. Can’t wait for the next in the series.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Randy

Randy and Eli is supposed to get married soon but it may or may not happen. Eli daughter leaves Astor his granddaughter with him for good. Randy has a lot to deal with from her childhood and not sure if she could be a mother. I really loved Eli and how he tried so hard for Astor. Will Randy be able to work out her problems, read and see. Also really loved the friendships. I received an advanced copy of the book. definitely recommend it.

[John Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great clean read. It shows that, even as Christians, we have doubts about ourselves and what our plans are in comparison to what God's plans are for us.
Randy is having trouble believing what is in store for her, after all, she has worked hard on her plan. She is like most of the people I know, they don't like to have there plans changed without their okay. It shows a good representation of the struggle of fighting for what we have planned.

[Shala Self Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful series. I can’t stop reading it. This book was just as good as the first book in the series. They can also be read separately without the reader being lost because she didn’t read the first one. I love the way this author writes. She makes you love the characters so much that you can’t wait to see what happens next. I haven’t read a book in awhile that I just couldn’t put down and this one is that book. It makes you laugh and cry. A must read for everyone.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randy is a amazing woman. The childhood she had was truly horrible. When she meets Eli she didn’t plan on falling in love. Watching Randy get closer to Astor is wonderful. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. This book deserves a higher rating than a five star review

[Helen Tawney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

Really enjoyed this story. I started it and kept reading until I was finished. The story of Randy is so relatable. A single person falling in love with someone with a child. The encouragement she gets from her friends is something that we all should be lucky enough to have. They were truly a blessing to her during a difficult time. I can hardly wait to read the next story.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, although there were a few things that I wished I could have seen done differently in the story, it was not my story. Randy was traumatized and had buried her trauma until suddenly in the story, she is forced to confront it.
I liked how the author dealt with that for the most part, and the hardships brought about by an unexpected child. A shorter story, I liked the story with older women friends and dealing with real issues.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, and watching Randy try to work through—or hide—her trauma from her childhood. She knew she couldn't be a mother, and that meant she couldn't marry Eli—or did it? It seemed an insurmountable hurdle, at least. I appreciated the story as a whole; what I didn't appreciate was that physical attraction was so strong between Randy and Eli. Even though they didn't go so far as to become intimate before marriage, it felt like lust to me.

[Carole Sellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisters by Design: Randy

A beautiful story of overcoming trauma and becoming the person you were meant to be. A must read. Also a reminder that everyone is different. We need to accept people for what they are and not force our agenda on them.

If you see a child you feel might be a victim if abuse, try to investigate and get help. If you were the victim if childhood abuse, Don't lock it inside. Talk about it, and get emotional support and help.

[Carrie Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book by Sharon Srock. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. The characters are all so real. The author has such a gift for making you feel like you are part of their lives. I was encouraged by Randy's story of overcoming a difficult past. Can't wait for the next book.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does a painful upbringing mean you can't have a good future??? This book deals with the fear of having children because of how one was raised. Well written and shows how the healing power of God and godly friends can answer the question. Highly recommend!

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author. The opinions expressed are my own.

[donna long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing from past memories

Randy is engaged to t ::) e lo bcc e of her life but so mhm any :) bad memories from growing up with her alcohol induced abusive mothershe hD resolved she would not be mother material but through her fiancees daughter dropping his grand daughter in his l app and disappearing she learns with God's help she can be the mother the child needs.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that shows one can do a lot more then one thinks,if one lets go of fear Showing also the test of faith and their love, will it be enough. With an infant to raise and a daughter needs to be found is not an easy picture to step into. Good story and good narration. Given audio for my voluntary review