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The Unexpected Choice
Joey McCrary needs a wife and someone to help him raise his daughter after he made some poor choices in college. Stacey has always been his friend, and even though she’s a sweet girl, nothing can compare to the feelings he has for his ex.
Joey realizes that he and Stacey can benefit one another. Joey can provide Stacey with all she’s ever a family. But can Stacey teach him a few things along the way, too?
Joey realizes that he and Stacey can benefit one another. Joey can provide Stacey with all she’s ever a family. But can Stacey teach him a few things along the way, too?
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2012
3 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Taylor
10 books34 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Stephanie Taylor is a mommy of three by day but moonlights as a writer/editor and business owner by night. She lives in Huntsville, Alabama with her husband.
Stephanie Taylor is a mommy of three by day but moonlights as a writer/editor and business owner by night. She lives in Huntsville, Alabama with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
dnf
May 10, 2016Sorry, choppy high schoolish writing and I suspect it is going to be too "inspirational" for me. She was quoting her bible on the second page.
July 2, 2013
Every once in awhile you are lucky enough to read a book that sticks with you long after you've read it. This is one of those books for me. Joey and Stacey have known each other their entire lives and been friends for years. Joey is back from college and Stacey's grandfather passes away soon after. Due to some mistakes Joey made in college he needs to get married in order to gain custody of his daughter who is to be born soon. His daughter's mother is in jail due to some bad choices she made herself. Joey knows that Stacey would be a great wife and perhaps with time she could learn to love him and he could learn to love her.
The part that stuck with me is when Joey's mother gives Stacey advice about making a choice to love her husband each and every day. I know at some point I have thought about love being a choice but I had never heard it put the way that she explained it. I'm not exaggerating at all when I say that it made me reflect on each and every relationship I have and the choice I make in each one to love that person day in and day out.
This is a wonderful book and I think anyone who reads it will love it as much as I do.
The part that stuck with me is when Joey's mother gives Stacey advice about making a choice to love her husband each and every day. I know at some point I have thought about love being a choice but I had never heard it put the way that she explained it. I'm not exaggerating at all when I say that it made me reflect on each and every relationship I have and the choice I make in each one to love that person day in and day out.
This is a wonderful book and I think anyone who reads it will love it as much as I do.
December 30, 2014
Stacey is a young woman that is left caring for her dying grandfather, who happens to be the only parent she has. Joey is the boy next door, who is everything she is not,-popular, handsome and experienced. In spite of the fact they had been friends for much of their lives, they never explored each other, until Joey offers her "The Unexpected Choice."
This is an uplifting tale about good choices and bad ones, and how to survive both. Joey and Stacy make a compelling argument to the benefits of friendship and integrity within the relationship, before deciding on marriage.
I found that I liked both of the main characters and although I found Joey's motivations somewhat sneaky in the beginning,--he did tell her the truth from start to finish.
A sweet read!
This is an uplifting tale about good choices and bad ones, and how to survive both. Joey and Stacy make a compelling argument to the benefits of friendship and integrity within the relationship, before deciding on marriage.
I found that I liked both of the main characters and although I found Joey's motivations somewhat sneaky in the beginning,--he did tell her the truth from start to finish.
A sweet read!
January 2, 2013
Every now and then you need a sweet and heartwarming story...and this is it! I was invested in both the characters from beginning to end. I couldn't wait for the end to see how things were going to end up for Joey and Stacy.
The hero of this story, Joey, has a lot of growth. A few times during the book I wanted to give him a good talking to and ask him if he knew what he was doing. But in the end, he saw the light. And I was so happy.
When you finish this story, you'll walk away with your mind full of thoughts The author puts a lot of things into perspective, especially with marriage.
If your looking for a read that will leave you feeling satisfied. Check this one out.
The hero of this story, Joey, has a lot of growth. A few times during the book I wanted to give him a good talking to and ask him if he knew what he was doing. But in the end, he saw the light. And I was so happy.
When you finish this story, you'll walk away with your mind full of thoughts The author puts a lot of things into perspective, especially with marriage.
If your looking for a read that will leave you feeling satisfied. Check this one out.
April 7, 2013
Cool romance that I really liked. Flawed characters that I grew to love. At first the boy bugged me. He was so selfish and worldly. The girl was so naive and hopelessly in love with him; she had bad self-esteem, and thinks he’s her only chance to get married and have a family. But his marriage offer is for only a marriage of convenience so she can raise his lover’s child. Anyway, I was sucked into this one like a whirlpool. Great character growth and development, and wonderful theme about how love is a choice, not a feeling. I would definitely read more by this author.
August 16, 2014
“The Unexpected Choice” is a contemporary story about a young couple trying to make it against the odds as they work together to do the right thing against the backdrop of today’s morals.
Full review in February 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Full review in February 2013 issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 1, 2020
Finally! A sweet romance book that unashamedly has the word sexy in it not a few times AND a lot of juicy detail of their wedding night and the same for their newlywed life. That's the biggest takeaway of this whole book. Up until I read this, I don't think I had never read anything like that before.
January 7, 2023
YA?
Storyline, although refreshingly free of graphic sex, was pretty thin. Some potentially strong themes that weren’t well developed. I would read her work again, though.
Storyline, although refreshingly free of graphic sex, was pretty thin. Some potentially strong themes that weren’t well developed. I would read her work again, though.
November 19, 2015
Now that was a take on love that I have never considered. Could it be true that love isn't some type of whirlwind passion and "catch a grenade for you" kind of deal? But more a choice and a steadfast resolve to just be there for someone else? To be dependable and committed at every turn...a choice? Wow, this book has me doing some serious thinking.
I have to say, I loved it all. The raw sad parts of brutal honesty were my favourite, yes it was so sad to read that a man wants to marry you for convenience, not love or so. But he was trying to do what's right for his baby, it was a really fine line to walk but the author did a splendid job. Stacy was so adorable. Yes she was a Bible toting kind of girl, but I mean; why is that a bad thing? I found it adorable that she resisted the man of her dreams because of her beliefs and because she wasn't as delusional as some might believe. She was self sacrificing and amazing to agree to do what she did.
The dynamic of Cameron and Joey was one that was difficult, all the passion and feelings they shared resulted in a beautiful baby. The marriage was founded between Stacy and him was one of mutual respect and friendship. Honestly, the way the author wrote about the marriage was so true in many ways. I could see myself in Stacy in some instances (with how she felt towards her husband and how he felt towards her) it was a very real portrayal in my view.
Yes, I have been married for twelve years so far, had someone asked me the question of whether my husband and I would be still in the throws of passion for each other, I would have shouted a yes from the roof tops. The fact is yes we love each other dearly, but most days aren't a passion ridden episode of the young and the restless...but rather a contented day of two best friends sharing our lives together. We are happy and in love in the most comfortable way and this book captures that truth for most married couples (save some of their problems). But generally, I LOVED this book.
Excellent job!
I have to say, I loved it all. The raw sad parts of brutal honesty were my favourite, yes it was so sad to read that a man wants to marry you for convenience, not love or so. But he was trying to do what's right for his baby, it was a really fine line to walk but the author did a splendid job. Stacy was so adorable. Yes she was a Bible toting kind of girl, but I mean; why is that a bad thing? I found it adorable that she resisted the man of her dreams because of her beliefs and because she wasn't as delusional as some might believe. She was self sacrificing and amazing to agree to do what she did.
The dynamic of Cameron and Joey was one that was difficult, all the passion and feelings they shared resulted in a beautiful baby. The marriage was founded between Stacy and him was one of mutual respect and friendship. Honestly, the way the author wrote about the marriage was so true in many ways. I could see myself in Stacy in some instances (with how she felt towards her husband and how he felt towards her) it was a very real portrayal in my view.
Yes, I have been married for twelve years so far, had someone asked me the question of whether my husband and I would be still in the throws of passion for each other, I would have shouted a yes from the roof tops. The fact is yes we love each other dearly, but most days aren't a passion ridden episode of the young and the restless...but rather a contented day of two best friends sharing our lives together. We are happy and in love in the most comfortable way and this book captures that truth for most married couples (save some of their problems). But generally, I LOVED this book.
Excellent job!
January 11, 2013
This is such a load of.... total waste of time..at page 61 my eyes have been rolling around so much I was afraid they where gonna get stuck at the back of my head..
flat and boring characters..the blurb sounds good but thats it...did I say BOOOORING!
NO chemistry at all and not even a good storyline or likeable characters to still make it manageable
seriously don't read this
I looked at the author page and I wish I had read it before I got my hands on this book..for this line alone Stephanie Taylor is a mommy of three would have tipped me of . MOMMY who in their right mind uses that tirm on an official site? Say it at home to your very small child by all means but that is not a word to be used by grown-up if it's not used to/against a toddler...
I read a book where the main character used it ALL the time mommy and daddy and even used it in a business meeting ..
flat and boring characters..the blurb sounds good but thats it...did I say BOOOORING!
NO chemistry at all and not even a good storyline or likeable characters to still make it manageable
seriously don't read this
I looked at the author page and I wish I had read it before I got my hands on this book..for this line alone Stephanie Taylor is a mommy of three would have tipped me of . MOMMY who in their right mind uses that tirm on an official site? Say it at home to your very small child by all means but that is not a word to be used by grown-up if it's not used to/against a toddler...
I read a book where the main character used it ALL the time mommy and daddy and even used it in a business meeting ..
January 11, 2013
It took me a few days to process this one. I enjoyed reading it, but there were certain things that really upset me while reading it. Mainly, Stacey didn't stand up for herself until almost the end of the book, which made me very upset. She did a very unselfish thing by helping Joey out with his circumstances. Stacey reminded me of myself and I didn't like that.
Joey supported her during her grandfather's illness and death, then agreed to marry Stacey so he could get his unborn child from the mother who was in jail. Joey made a lot of stupid mistakes, but I understood he *thought* he was doing what was best for his family. That is where he made his biggest mistakes by not talking with Stacey about what was happening.
Overall, I thought this was a really good story that demonstrates how blended families, ex-girlfriends, baby momma's (daddy's) and a lack of communication can do more harm to a relationship that you realize.
Joey supported her during her grandfather's illness and death, then agreed to marry Stacey so he could get his unborn child from the mother who was in jail. Joey made a lot of stupid mistakes, but I understood he *thought* he was doing what was best for his family. That is where he made his biggest mistakes by not talking with Stacey about what was happening.
Overall, I thought this was a really good story that demonstrates how blended families, ex-girlfriends, baby momma's (daddy's) and a lack of communication can do more harm to a relationship that you realize.
February 8, 2013
Caring for her dying Grandfather, Stacey Ingram is preparing for the inevitable, being alone. When her childhood friend and neighbor Joey McCrary shows up on her doorstep, she doesn’t have the strength to deal with him not realizing Joey is on his own mission not just to give her a shoulder to lean on.
Joey has managed to make every possible mistake he could in college. Now about to be a father, it is time for him to take responsibility and the first thing he needs is a wife. He knows in his heart that Stacey would be a wonderful mother to his daughter, she would be loyal and be by his side no matter what. His biggest hurdle though is Stacey wants to marry for love and Joey can’t give her that, but when Stacey agrees and follows her heart Joey has to ask himself what he truly wants.
http://singletitles.com/?p=8353
Joey has managed to make every possible mistake he could in college. Now about to be a father, it is time for him to take responsibility and the first thing he needs is a wife. He knows in his heart that Stacey would be a wonderful mother to his daughter, she would be loyal and be by his side no matter what. His biggest hurdle though is Stacey wants to marry for love and Joey can’t give her that, but when Stacey agrees and follows her heart Joey has to ask himself what he truly wants.
http://singletitles.com/?p=8353
March 1, 2013
When I read the blurb about this book I didn't sense it was an inspirational. I don't normally read them, but I am so glad I read this one. It was beautiful and didn't shove religion down your throat, but showed how this couple used their relationship with God to build up their love for each other. They have been through alot and the hero keeps dropping crap on the heroine, but in the end he FINALLY gets it.
April 11, 2013
Stacy dropped out of high school to care for her dying Grandfather. When Joey her childhood friend and neighbor shows up she doesn't have the strength to deal with him. She doesn't realize Joey is on his own mission other than giving her a shoulder to lean on. He needs a wife for his daughter. His only problem is Stacy wants to marry for love and Joey can't give her that. But Stacy decides to follow her heart and Joey has to ask himself what does he really want? A great romantic read
April 11, 2013
I liked it. Surprisingly steamy for a book with a Christian message. It got a tad preachy, but not too much. I'm not sure I completely buy all the messages the book was trying to sell, but overall, the love story was interesting and compelling. And at some points, the angst and drama was so juicy and irresistible. I think I'd like reading another book by this author.
June 20, 2014
Joey and Stacey have always been friends, but when Joey comes home from college he needs Stacey's help.
Stacey has problems of her own and just wants to be left alone even though she finds herself falling for him.
Trouble is Joey is still in love with his ex-girlfriend.
I really enjoyed this book by Stephanie Taylor. A well written page turner. I couldn't put it down until I got to the end.
Stacey has problems of her own and just wants to be left alone even though she finds herself falling for him.
Trouble is Joey is still in love with his ex-girlfriend.
I really enjoyed this book by Stephanie Taylor. A well written page turner. I couldn't put it down until I got to the end.
May 27, 2013
It was sweet. A little stilted at the beginning, but the farther in you read, the more the characters came alive. I liked the premise, I liked the story & I liked e characters. It was sweet, cute & still had some harsh realities in it. Not terrible, not wonderful- it was a good, quick read.
January 11, 2013
Good moral or thought, but I felt it could've had a better storyline.
August 8, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I laughed, I cried and I sighed.
My review - http://www.morethanareview.com/review...
My review - http://www.morethanareview.com/review...
May 7, 2013
I really loved this book and it has a great message in it. It gave me a warm and happy feeling.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews