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When You Believe
Award-winning author Deborah Bedford pens a compelling novel about a woman's devastating secret that -- if true -- will shatter lives and hearts. . .
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2003
5 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Bedford
32 books36 followersaka Debbi Bedford
Deborah Bedford was born on 1958 in Texas, USA and earned her degree in journalism and marketing from Texas A&M University. Immediately after graduation, she accepted editorship of Evergreen Today, a weekly newspaper based in the small mountain town of Evergreen, Colorado. While serving as editor there, she worked 70 or 80 hours each week, writing stories and cut-lines, sports and features, chasing fire trucks and checking police reports, taking pictures, editing, laying out pages, opaquing the negatives, stacking papers into vending machines and taking out the quarters.
It was long before she began to dream of returning to her first love, fiction writing. For her birthday in the summer of 1984, her husband, Jack, bought her a copy of the 1984 Writers' Market, and she began to meticulously send letters to every publisher listed in the book. Rejection letters flowed back by the handfuls. She has a large folder where, for posterity's sake, she has kept these to this day. She has also kept the letter from Harlequin Books she received, which invited her to submit a complete manuscript but warned her that Harlequin did not want books about cowboys, airline pilots, guest ranches or Texans. Deborah laughs now when she tells the story. Her manuscript was the story of "a woman who marries an airline pilot in Texas. Then, when he dies in a plane crash, she runs away to a guest ranch and falls in love with a cowboy." When she showed her husband, Jack, the letter, he said, "Honey, you've managed to write a manuscript that has everything in it they don't want." Harlequin bought the manuscript five short weeks after she submitted it. At that time, her editor told her, "This book isn't a romance, but we're going to publish it, anyway."
When Debbi Bedford's first book, Touch the Sky, was released by the Harlequin Superromance line, its sales topped every Harlequin record for a first-time author. It earned rave reviews and a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice award. During the next seven years, she published six more books for the Harlequin Superromance series and a historical novel, Blessing, before signing a contract with HarperCollins Publishers. This paved the way for her to move on to write mass-market mainstream women's fiction, where her work garnered numerous awards and appeared on the USA TODAY bestseller list. The word she uses to describe her career is "beguiling." Whenever she wrote words about Jesus or God in her stories, those spiritual overtones were never touched, edited or omitted. But, along with those words, she admits that she was writing steamy scenes. "I wanted all the reward that the world would give me," she says. "I wanted all the fame, and all the status. But I realized that I was giving away lentils in the Lord's battlefield. That's when I became convicted. The time had come for a change."
What surprises Deborah the most, she says, is the freedom she now finds in writing for her Heavenly Father. "It feels like gloriously falling forward and wondrously coming home, all at the same time," she says. The Story Jar (March 2001) written with Angela Elwell Hunt and Robin Lee Hatcher and including pieces from Left Behind author Jerry B. Jenkins, Francine Rivers, Debbie Macomber and Lori Copeland, marked Deborah Bedford's writing debut for the inspirational market. It held a spot on the CBA Bestseller list for three consecutive months. While still shopping for the right publisher for her novel-length fiction, she had the opportunity to stand up at the Jackson Hole Writers' Conference, read an excerpt from The Story Jar, and explain to conference attendees about the call she felt to leave mass-market fiction and follow the Lord. In the audience that evening was Jamie Raab, publisher of Warner Books. The rest, as everyone says, felt like stars moving into place.
When You Believe w
Deborah Bedford was born on 1958 in Texas, USA and earned her degree in journalism and marketing from Texas A&M University. Immediately after graduation, she accepted editorship of Evergreen Today, a weekly newspaper based in the small mountain town of Evergreen, Colorado. While serving as editor there, she worked 70 or 80 hours each week, writing stories and cut-lines, sports and features, chasing fire trucks and checking police reports, taking pictures, editing, laying out pages, opaquing the negatives, stacking papers into vending machines and taking out the quarters.
It was long before she began to dream of returning to her first love, fiction writing. For her birthday in the summer of 1984, her husband, Jack, bought her a copy of the 1984 Writers' Market, and she began to meticulously send letters to every publisher listed in the book. Rejection letters flowed back by the handfuls. She has a large folder where, for posterity's sake, she has kept these to this day. She has also kept the letter from Harlequin Books she received, which invited her to submit a complete manuscript but warned her that Harlequin did not want books about cowboys, airline pilots, guest ranches or Texans. Deborah laughs now when she tells the story. Her manuscript was the story of "a woman who marries an airline pilot in Texas. Then, when he dies in a plane crash, she runs away to a guest ranch and falls in love with a cowboy." When she showed her husband, Jack, the letter, he said, "Honey, you've managed to write a manuscript that has everything in it they don't want." Harlequin bought the manuscript five short weeks after she submitted it. At that time, her editor told her, "This book isn't a romance, but we're going to publish it, anyway."
When Debbi Bedford's first book, Touch the Sky, was released by the Harlequin Superromance line, its sales topped every Harlequin record for a first-time author. It earned rave reviews and a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice award. During the next seven years, she published six more books for the Harlequin Superromance series and a historical novel, Blessing, before signing a contract with HarperCollins Publishers. This paved the way for her to move on to write mass-market mainstream women's fiction, where her work garnered numerous awards and appeared on the USA TODAY bestseller list. The word she uses to describe her career is "beguiling." Whenever she wrote words about Jesus or God in her stories, those spiritual overtones were never touched, edited or omitted. But, along with those words, she admits that she was writing steamy scenes. "I wanted all the reward that the world would give me," she says. "I wanted all the fame, and all the status. But I realized that I was giving away lentils in the Lord's battlefield. That's when I became convicted. The time had come for a change."
What surprises Deborah the most, she says, is the freedom she now finds in writing for her Heavenly Father. "It feels like gloriously falling forward and wondrously coming home, all at the same time," she says. The Story Jar (March 2001) written with Angela Elwell Hunt and Robin Lee Hatcher and including pieces from Left Behind author Jerry B. Jenkins, Francine Rivers, Debbie Macomber and Lori Copeland, marked Deborah Bedford's writing debut for the inspirational market. It held a spot on the CBA Bestseller list for three consecutive months. While still shopping for the right publisher for her novel-length fiction, she had the opportunity to stand up at the Jackson Hole Writers' Conference, read an excerpt from The Story Jar, and explain to conference attendees about the call she felt to leave mass-market fiction and follow the Lord. In the audience that evening was Jamie Raab, publisher of Warner Books. The rest, as everyone says, felt like stars moving into place.
When You Believe w
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 13, 2016
A very complex story concerning sexual abuse; trusting one you love, and past hurts. Very good twisted story, and LOVE her conversations with God. Loved the main character. Deborah Bedford is such a talented storyteller.
December 20, 2013
An excellent story! I read this book a few years ago, rated it when I joined Goodreads and went back to read it again a couple of weeks ago. It was every bit as engaging reading it the second time around.
I enjoyed the story and embraced the way the author handled the delicate situation Lydia, a teacher, had found herself in. It couldn't have been easy to have her student pointing fingers at her boyfriend (Charlie - a fellow teacher) accusing him of molesting her. She was put in a delicate position, indeed - not wanting to turn her back on a student, to call her a liar or ignore what had been shared - yet unable to comprehend that her boyfriend would behave in such a way.
A gripping story, all too real in its portrayal of how quickly lives can spiral out of control because of a few words spoken by another.
I enjoyed the story and embraced the way the author handled the delicate situation Lydia, a teacher, had found herself in. It couldn't have been easy to have her student pointing fingers at her boyfriend (Charlie - a fellow teacher) accusing him of molesting her. She was put in a delicate position, indeed - not wanting to turn her back on a student, to call her a liar or ignore what had been shared - yet unable to comprehend that her boyfriend would behave in such a way.
A gripping story, all too real in its portrayal of how quickly lives can spiral out of control because of a few words spoken by another.
June 12, 2013
Deborah Bedford does a great job describing a story that it sure to have happened to many people. This book is one for those who can connect to what is happening but also for those who have never been through such an experience before. As an outsider looking in, I was greatly pleased with the ability for individuals to call on God during times of trouble and to easily forgive one another because of God's grace. I hope that many others will be as touched and truly grateful to Deborah Bedford for writing When You Believe.
September 20, 2010
I found this to be an inspiring read although it is a fictional story. One of the characters in the book is falsely accused of something that is a horribly devastating thing. Bradford does a great job with how she keeps the reader's interest going with the ongoing quetion of what is going to happen with Mr. Stains,the high school woodshop teacher? At the sametime, there is a great message in this book of how one's faith can be tested to a great extent.
July 13, 2016
I didn't like this book at all. It just was kind of flat in the telling of the story. To be honest, I read the end when I got about 1/4 of the book read and kind of skipped around the rest of the book. I couldn't stand the heroine. She was engaged to this guy and had absolutely no confidence in him at all. Frankly, I thought the book sucked!
November 3, 2022
Did he or didn't he? If he didn't, who did? A powerful story that should be shared and discussed by young girls and their mother's or other caregivers in the absence of a mother about the importance of telling of sexual abuse to a trusted source with truth and honesty rather than falsehoods.
This is a story of a young girl who accuses her male teacher of abuse and the female counselor she reaches out to tell her story that is complicated by the fact that the counselor and the teacher are romantically involved. What should the counselor do? What must she do? What are the potential repercussions to her decisions? How does her faith pull her through? Will truth prevail?
This is only my second book to read by this author, the first being "A Rose by the Door" which I adored. Definitely want to read more.
This is a story of a young girl who accuses her male teacher of abuse and the female counselor she reaches out to tell her story that is complicated by the fact that the counselor and the teacher are romantically involved. What should the counselor do? What must she do? What are the potential repercussions to her decisions? How does her faith pull her through? Will truth prevail?
This is only my second book to read by this author, the first being "A Rose by the Door" which I adored. Definitely want to read more.
January 6, 2023
I just couldn’t get into this book but I stayed with it
January 14, 2024
Heartbreaking poignant and sad, tale about trying to get the truth so people will listen but going about it in the only way you feel you're able. Has triggers
January 13, 2025
deals well with a touchy subject that many would prefer to ingore
August 19, 2016
Lydia Porter loves everything about teaching at Shadrach High School. She enjoys working with children and loves being able to shape their young minds in her position as the School-to-Careers Counselor. Lyddie especially loves everything about Charlie Stains - the school's very popular wood-working teacher.
As a matter of fact, Lydia truly believes that God answered her lonely prayers when big-hearted Charlie came into her life. And although she hasn't told a soul about it, Charlie has even given her an engagement ring. Lyddie may have waited for a very long time to find her happiness, but she is definitely looking forward to a delightful future with Charlie Stains.
However, she has recently become very concerned about one of her students - a bright, pretty, and popular sophomore by the name of Shelby Tatum. Shelby has always been a good student, but lately she seems to be deeply troubled by something. She has become less outgoing and her grades have begun to slip ever so slightly.
Convinced that the girl's problems go beyond just the typical teenage angst, Lyddie eventually confronts her - only to have Shelby make an unimaginable...and utterly devastating allegation. The distraught girl says that an adult - a teacher at the school - has been sexually abusing her, and that she's terrified of what he will do if Shelby tells anyone. While her story seems horrendously plausible, Lyddie is astonished to learn the name of Shelby's alleged abuser - Charlie Stains.
Suddenly Lydia is faced with the hardest decision of her life. Now she must, by law, report the teenager's charges - regardless of her own personal feelings. What happens next will ultimately challenge everything Lyddie holds so dear to her heart: her love; her resolve to discover the truth; and her belief in the power of faith to comfort, redeem, and heal.
This is actually the second book that I have read by this author and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was quite an intriguing story for me, and I definitely wanted to see how it would develop. While I believe that this would be classified as an inspirational romance - as well as contemporary fiction - I really appreciated that the romantic elements were treated so respectfully. I would give this book a definite A!
As a matter of fact, Lydia truly believes that God answered her lonely prayers when big-hearted Charlie came into her life. And although she hasn't told a soul about it, Charlie has even given her an engagement ring. Lyddie may have waited for a very long time to find her happiness, but she is definitely looking forward to a delightful future with Charlie Stains.
However, she has recently become very concerned about one of her students - a bright, pretty, and popular sophomore by the name of Shelby Tatum. Shelby has always been a good student, but lately she seems to be deeply troubled by something. She has become less outgoing and her grades have begun to slip ever so slightly.
Convinced that the girl's problems go beyond just the typical teenage angst, Lyddie eventually confronts her - only to have Shelby make an unimaginable...and utterly devastating allegation. The distraught girl says that an adult - a teacher at the school - has been sexually abusing her, and that she's terrified of what he will do if Shelby tells anyone. While her story seems horrendously plausible, Lyddie is astonished to learn the name of Shelby's alleged abuser - Charlie Stains.
Suddenly Lydia is faced with the hardest decision of her life. Now she must, by law, report the teenager's charges - regardless of her own personal feelings. What happens next will ultimately challenge everything Lyddie holds so dear to her heart: her love; her resolve to discover the truth; and her belief in the power of faith to comfort, redeem, and heal.
This is actually the second book that I have read by this author and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was quite an intriguing story for me, and I definitely wanted to see how it would develop. While I believe that this would be classified as an inspirational romance - as well as contemporary fiction - I really appreciated that the romantic elements were treated so respectfully. I would give this book a definite A!
June 20, 2019
High school counselor Lydia Porter is pleased when one of her favorite students, sophomore Shelby Tatum, drops by her office one afternoon. But Shelby has a tale to tell that turns Lydia's world upside-down. She has been sexually abused, and accuses the wood shop teacher, Charlie Stains.
Lydia knows that she must report the accusation. What makes it so difficult is that Lydia and Charlie are secretly engaged. They kept their relationship quiet because of working at the same school. Now, Lydia is caught between the man she loves and her abused student. Though Charlie denies the charges, no one is sure what to believe. Will the truth prevail? Will Lydia discover God's plan in this devastating mess?
I didn't want to like When You Believe at first, being unenthusiastic about stories of people who have to defend themselves against false accusations. But below the surface, this story is about knowing and trusting God. Lydia is so happy to have finally found love, and when Shelby points the finger at Charlie, Lydia's faith in God and everything she believes in is shaken.
The author states that many incidents in this book are based on fact. Though the issue of sexual abuse of a child is a difficult one to read about, Deborah Bedford handles the complex subject in a sensitive way that brings hope. If you've been traveling through a trial in your life, When You Believe will help you find God's hand, even when it seems absent.
Lydia knows that she must report the accusation. What makes it so difficult is that Lydia and Charlie are secretly engaged. They kept their relationship quiet because of working at the same school. Now, Lydia is caught between the man she loves and her abused student. Though Charlie denies the charges, no one is sure what to believe. Will the truth prevail? Will Lydia discover God's plan in this devastating mess?
I didn't want to like When You Believe at first, being unenthusiastic about stories of people who have to defend themselves against false accusations. But below the surface, this story is about knowing and trusting God. Lydia is so happy to have finally found love, and when Shelby points the finger at Charlie, Lydia's faith in God and everything she believes in is shaken.
The author states that many incidents in this book are based on fact. Though the issue of sexual abuse of a child is a difficult one to read about, Deborah Bedford handles the complex subject in a sensitive way that brings hope. If you've been traveling through a trial in your life, When You Believe will help you find God's hand, even when it seems absent.
April 3, 2011
This was a treadmill book and I got through 290 pages in two nights, and at least partly as a result of that, got my star at Weight Watchers for losing 20 pounds. It was an interesting fast-moving story though I found the part about Lyddie's relationship with the student in question to be somewhat unrealistic. It is a Christian novel and deals with themes of trust, love, forgiveness and especially, the presence of God. Grade: B
August 29, 2011
Started it, but got too depressed to finish it. It's too close to real life. Sometimes this author's "over-descriptiveness" makes it a little hard to read her work. She's constantly throwing in little paragraphs describing something else and it has nothing to do with what is going on. This disjointedness makes it hard to follow the point. But I'm not giving up. I'm going to read another book by her before I "write" her off completely. (Pardon the pun:)
July 8, 2013
When a school counselor has a student inform her that a teacher has molested her, and the that teacher is also her fiancee, she is faced with an ethical versus romantic dilemma. A really quick read that dealt well with a situation that could actually be reality...so who does she believe? An interesting ending.
September 6, 2016
This author was new to me, but I will be looking for more books from her. She takes a taboo subject - sexual molestation - and provides a thoughtful and faith-filled look at it. I thought she did a wonderful job describing the trials the main character faced and how her faith helped her deal with the matter.
Currently reading
October 28, 2009So far interesting...a highschool counselor is about to marry a teacher when she finds out one of her favorite students accuses the teacher of sexually abusing her, she has to figure out if the accusation is really true before commiting to this man.
July 13, 2014
I thought it was a great book. I didn't want to put it down, it kept me guessing. There were a couple of times that it lost me but I was soon able to recover. I thought I had it figured out along the way and it surprised me. Good read
March 15, 2008
This is an amazingly compelling book for anyone who's dealt with, or cares about the issue of childhood sexual abuse. It ripped my heart out, but gave a sample of healing too. Well written.
March 18, 2014
I had really high hopes for this story after having read The Penny, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but this one took too long to go on a predictable course. Enough said.
September 1, 2015
Good book dealing with a tough subject. I just found the book hard to follow at the beginning.
March 12, 2016
The writing was good, but I didn't care for the subject matter. Maybe I need to read back covers of books more carefully before I open them up.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews