Good Faith

Stewart Realty #8

by Liz Crowe

Strong personalities—volatile marriages—stressful careers—conflicting goals—difficult children.

Contemporary challenges facing close-knit families form the crucible that forges a new generation.

Brandis, Gabriel, Blair and Lillian emerge from the entanglement of their parents’ longstanding emotional connections, but one’s star will burn brighter – and hotter – than the others.

With a personality that consumes everyone and everything in its path, Brandis Gordon struggles to maintain control as he ricochets between wild success and miserable failure. His life proves how even the strongest relationships can be strangled by the ties that bind.

Brandis and Gabe Frietag are as close as any brothers, bound by both loyalty and fierce rivalry. The strength of their ultimate alliance is tested time and again by Brandis’ choices.

Companions from birth, Blair Frietag and Lillian Robinson share loner tendencies, but come to rely on each other through adolescence. As they mature, both are forced to confront their feelings for the men they knew as boys.

Somewhere between the tangle of good memories and bad, independence and addiction, optimism and despair, the intertwined destinies of the new generation finally collide, leaving some stronger, others broken, but none unscathed.

As a chronicle of three families navigating the minefields of teen years into the turbulence of young adulthood, Good Faith holds up a literary mirror to contemporary life with joys and temptations unflinchingly reflected. Its fresh, real-life voice portrays the sheer volatility of human nature, complete with the hopes, dreams, and unexpected setbacks of marriage, parenthood and “coming of age.”

Genres: Ebooks

522 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2013

About the author

Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville living in South Carolina. She's spent her time as a three-continent expat trailing spouse, mom of three, real estate agent, brewery owner and bar manager, and is currently a digital marketing and fundraising consultant, in addition to being an award-winning author.

The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.

Her favorite things to do when she’s not scrolling social media for cute animal videos is walk her dogs, cuddle her cats, and watch her favorite sports teams while scrolling social media for cute animal videos.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Faith
by Liz Crowe

Good Faith is a journey from beginning to end. It’s the story of three families and the choices that everyone makes. It’s not a romance but a contemporary/literary fiction. The characters are flawed and human with needs, desires, and weaknesses. Those shortcomings stare you in the face and make you contemplate your own life. Each character is a combination of good choices and bad choices. It’s how they choose to live their lives in spite of all their mistakes that makes this story powerful.

Liz Crowe has written a story I could relate to on a gut level and submerse myself into. The emotional journeys which each person takes deeply resonated with me. I didn’t want to stop reading or put the book down. Even a few days after reading it, I’m still thinking about it and pondering the story’s complexities. There’s so much to absorb as characters come full circle and life alters each and every one of them.

As a parent of four young adults, I could identify most with the adult characters, Jack, Sara, Rob, Lila, Craig, and Suzanne. They were me at one time in my life. Also I could relate to the challenges of parenting the teenage years that they faced. We hope as parents that our children won’t make the same mistakes we did, even if we tell them not to, but sometimes our children have to learn it on their own. Other people really connect with the younger generation and their struggles. I love that no two people have the same experience with this book. Each reader has their own encounter and comes away with different opinions and feelings.

Fans of the Stewart Realty series will certainly want to read this book as it completes the series but you don’t have to have read any of the other stories to love this book. Good Faith is a stand-alone novel that will delight fans of Alice Munro’s life complexities stories.

[RCA · Rating 5 out of 5]

06/07/2021 Re-read of revised version of this book.

DISCLAIMER, I am in no way affiliated with publishing. Just a Midwest gal who loves to read, with 30 something kids, trying to hold her marriage together while taking care of aging parents and working full time. If your young this book will show you the road you will travel, if your older it will show you are not alone and life is far from perfect no matter what your situation.

In the Stewart Realty Series, friends, colleagues and acquaintances, love, laugh, cry and form bonds that last a lifetime. Good Faith brings the story full circle as the children are moving into adulthood with aging parents. I have always loved the Jack Gordon family and the Rob Frietag family from the day I met them.

Book 8 Good Faith (revised 06/2021) made me laugh, gasp and sob like a baby. As the parent’s age and life changes, the children are forced to go into the world and begin migrating to adulthood and all its trials and tribulations. The parents in turn must migrate their own life changes while allowing their children to become adults and find their own way the best way they know how. And do they ever make mistakes. This book is like no other I have read in the past. It’s poignant, stressful, emotional and gritty, it’s real life at its best and absolute worst. With life and love comes no guarantee’s and in the end we do the best we can with what we got and the circle of life continues.

This was a five star read for me and I would encourage you to buy this book and plan a weekend around reading it completely. I need book 9, like now! I'm Rooting for you Brandis!

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It was my privilege to read an ARC of Liz Crowe's 8th and final book in the Stewart Realty Series, Good Faith. Friends, colleagues and acquaintances, love, laugh, cry and form bonds that last a lifetime. This final book made me laugh, gasp and sob like a baby. As the parent’s age and life changes, the children are forced to go into the world and begin migrating to adulthood and all its trials and tribulations. The parents in turn must migrate their own life changes while allowing their children to find their own way the best way they know how. This book is like no other I have read in the past. It’s poignant, stressful, emotional and gritty, it’s real life at its best and absolute worst. With life and love comes no guarantee’s and in the end we do the best we can with what we got and the circle of life continues.

FYI, I am in no way affiliated with publishing. Just a middle aged, Midwest gal who loves to read, with 20 something kids, trying to hold her marriage together while taking care of aging parents and working full time. If your young this book will show you the road you will travel, if your older it will show you are not alone and life is far from perfect no matter what your situation.

This was a five star read for me and I would encourage you to buy this book on 11/14/13 and plan a weekend around reading it completely.

[Brenda Wright · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read the whole Stewart series. And I loved them thru Escalation Clause. I love Jack and Sara and the journey they traveled. They had a rough and sexy start but once they finally realized their true love, it was an amazing story. I also loved the whole "family" that grew from them. When Blake died, it truly broke my heart and I didn't know if I could recover from it. I was an emotional mess. When Mutual Release came out, I bought it right away. I was excited to read it. I could not get through it. It was very hard for me to get into it. It didn't seem to be in the same writing style as the rest of the series. "something" changed and I can't really put my finger on what exactly. I did read the epilogue at some friend's insistance. I was glad that I did. It made me excited to read Good Faith. So FINALLY Good Faith comes out. and I am sadly sadly disappointed. OK - SPOILERS -- how in the you know what, can you kill off the two main characters that we fell in love with back in Floor Time.....that has just ruined me. I understand that real life happens, but honestly... I know that Sara was Jack's true love.... I am actually glad that this is the last of the series now.

I totally agree with the other review that I really should have just stopped at Escalation Clause. At least it would have ended on a happy note for me.

[Simply Just Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was truly humbled when I was given an ARC of this book. I could not put it down. Thank you so much Liz Crowe for this great honor. What to say about this amazing completion to a series that has blown me away. I can only say that this book was phenomenal. If you have never experienced a Liz Crowe book then as a reader you are missing out. Although we get the continuing story about Jack Gordon and the Stewart Realty family this book is definitely not a romance. This is ultimately the story of addiction and the trials and tribulations of a family's ability to cope. This is a hard core look into tough love. It is a powerful ride that will have you laughing, cussing, loving, and crying.

This is the story of Brandis Gordon, son of Jack Gordon, and his addiction. Brandis has everything in life the looks, wealth, popularity and an addiction. His addiction causes turmoil with his entire family. His parents are at odds over how to help. His addiction has affected everyone who has touched his life. At what price will he have to pay before he can overcome this powerful demon? So I know your asking what about Jack and Sara and the Stewart Realty gang. This book is totally about them. It is about them as parents and raising their children. We get plenty of that steamy chemistry of Jack and Sara. In the end it is about their legacies becoming adults and life coming full circle.

As a fanatic Liz Crowe fan, I expected to feel every emotion that these characters face and she did not disappoint. Liz's ability to make me feel as if I'm living the story is amazing. She has put together a very real look into what many family's with loved ones,as addicts go through everyday. Some of the scenes in this story were so spot on as to what happens it made me feel like I was reliving some of my own memories. I loved that Liz managed to incorporate every single character that she has ever written in the Stewart series into this book. I went back and couldn't find not a single person that she left out. This book will floor you at times but isn't that why most of us read. I can honestly say that I now have a new favorite book in the series. For me this book, was the perfect conclusion to some amazing characters.

[Lacey Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What an excellent book. After reading the whole series, I was excited to read this one. I enjoyed fast forwarding to when the kids are all growing up and seeing the dynamics of real life. That's what this book is--real life. After years of marriage, it shows how the couples have struggled like every other couple out there. And it shows us how they all found their ways back to each other. We also get to watch as the kids find their ways into the world.

My two favorite characters in this story were not Jack and Sara (shocker!) buy Brandis and Blair. I loved any scene that involved these two. For me, they were the story. I'm curious if Ms. Crowe will do anything with them again in the future.

The ending of this story is somewhat shocking and left me with my mouth open. But I think it was the right ending. It was real life, and that's what Liz Crowe writes.

If you've read the series, you're going to enjoy this. It's always nice to reconnect with favorite characters. And if you're picking up just this story, I think it will read fine as a stand alone as well.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite possibly the best book Liz has written. I was fortunate to get the ARC and loved it! What makes this book so good? It is emotional and gritty, passionate and intense. Although the Stewart Realty series has come to an end, the end was worthy. Although I was tempted to echo others' reviews of plot, characters, etc. I will not do that. I simply skip to my recommendation...the book is a must read. Trust me.

My husband always knows when I get the latest Liz Crowe book because I literally do nothing but read, all day. A truly wonderful read and her best to date!

[Denise - Shh Mom's Reading® · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Faith (Stewart Realty #8)
by Liz Crowe
4 stars

Good Faith tells the story of the children of a close knit group of friends, a group of friends who have their stories told in the Stewart Realty series.
A series I read and love so for me this book was not stand alone.

Good Faith is a long book that takes place over a number of years crafting what is truly a painful and powerful portrayal of addiction and the devastating effect it has on the addict and those around them.
This makes for some gut-wrenching scenes one that will have the reader likely shaking their head at this disease that destroys so much as it overtakes someone.
The voice of addiction was heard loud and clear in this book; the use of actions and events and dialogue truly spoke to how addiction effects all those close to the addict or as seen early on the book all those who can see the train wreck coming and have no idea how to stop it or if they even can.
This for me was the best part of the book; I truly real look at addiction.

This book will also have you asking, What is cheating?
It is physical or emotional; which hurts more and how do you move forward?

As this couples move forward, raise children, build careers and deal with heartache and triumph do they turn to their spouse for comfort or someone one new… and what do you do when you or your spouse seeks comfort elsewhere?
Because this book deals with so many families Ms Crowe was able to ask all of this in one book.

I am not going to share the story line or even go into who is who because honestly there are so many characters in this book it would make the review too long.
I will say that as I try to put my thoughts into a review I am not sure the book can truly be read stand alone.
These characters lives as so intertwined and there are so many characters for a new readers to be feel vested with. As part of the series prior readers of the series will know all these characters and will truly feel vested in their lives, their actions and their emotions.
Series readers be warned you may not be happy with all the outcomes (and for me personally the actions of one character felt truly out of character for the man a had come to adore and thought I understood as a character).

This book works to show the lives of so many intertwined lives, that eb and flow as life moves forward. Much of this was really well done, though at times the descriptions to put a new reader on the same page as a series reader were cumbersome.

This is the kind of book that when you step away from it will have to thinking about it and likely hoping you can return to it soon to see what happens next.
It was interesting to see the authors idea as to how these people I have some to love nature and develop, often times departing from how I would have thought they would behave.
It times I was unsure I believed the characters I knew at the end of Escalation Clause would behave this way but Ms Crowe put some years between that book and this book so maybe…

The prior books in this series have so much dialogue, it was one of the things I loved most about this series and Ms Crowe's writing style.
Sadly, this was lacking in Good Faith, there were a lot of descriptions and explanations; explaining backstory and who people were and sometimes even the character dynamics.
Writing a book 8 as a stand alone can be tough, needing to explain for those new to this cast, for me it caused the read to lack some of that I have always loved about this author's writing; heavy dialogue.

This book was so very different from the prior books in the series as I said prior I missed the dialogue I had come to count on from this series. When the dialogue was there is was really well done as Ms Crowe has a wonderful ability to create character banter between her characters.

Also, the prior books in this series did an amazing job weaving descriptive and passionate sex into a wonderful story timeline something that is rare and I adore (prior books contained some my favorite sex scenes), this book dialed back the readers view of the sex so for me it changed the tone of the series.

Changing two elements (the amount of dialogue and the view of sex) for me changed the voice of the series.

So, I struggled with how to rate this book, do I rate it as a book as part of the series, or do I rate just this book because for me these when it comes to this book those are two different things.

In the end to I decided to rate the book for the book, so I am giving it 4 stars.

I do want to add I often early read book so errors don't tend to bother me but when I pay for a book I expect it to have no typos sadly that was not the case in Good Faith.

[Three Chicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have previously read and loved Liz Crowe's Stewart Realty series, I think that's due to my fascination with Jack Gordon and Sara Thornton. The chase, the rejection, the dance and most of all-the explosive chemistry sustained me through the longest journey I think I have encountered in a love story. They now have three kids; Katie, Brandis and Bethany. Good Faith is centered around Brandis Gordon.

When the story first begins, Katie is studying for med school, Brandis is the ultimate bad boy getting into just about everything and every girl he can. He is gorgeous, athletically gifted and savvy. Bethany is a few years younger and hasn't kicked up too much dust to this point.


There is a great deal of intermixing from the life long friendships developed in this series. Rob and Lila Freitag have two children, Gabe and Blair. Evan and Julie Adams have twin girls June and Claire. Suzanne and Craig Robinson have Lillian Grace, and Maureen and Rafe Inez have their son little Blake, her older children are married with families of their own. Of course we can see some pairing with this clan. Blair has been in love with Brandis probably since birth and Gabe and Lilian have some similar feelings developing.

As the year progress, there are many changes. Brandis in spite of his manwhore ways, has deep feelings for Blair. Unfortunately, he has an equal love for alcohol, sex and drugs. His years of extra coaching for football pay off and he gets a scholarship to the University of Michigan as the starting quarterback. He is lonely, misses Gabe, who decided to go to a different college and Blair who helped him stay centered from his demons. As hard as he tries, the demons win.

"I'm not blind. I just choose to believe him when he tells me he's clean. You might consider that too. It would go a long way toward him trusting you. Jesus, you'd think you were gonna make him pee in a cup every day just to prove it."


Brandis breaks Blair's heart and spirit many times over. Sometimes when you have everything you really have nothing that counts. Brandis is in over his head and spirals out of control. To witness the dysfunction in the Gordon house is painful. This family has never been the Cleavers but this is a whole new level even for them. Despite their every effort, Brandis is in a deep, dark place and his problem has devastating ramifications for those who love him most.


The sound of his wife's name, caressed slowly by the voice of another man made Jack's teeth ache. He shut his eyes, took his hand off the door and started to back away. He deserved this.


There is a level of depth to this novel, that I have seen previously in Essence of Time. Crowe is never afraid to "go there"-� to do the things other authors would never do to characters. These sacred cows that readers have come to know and love are not off limits to her. There are infidelities, and betrayals and indiscretions. Some of which totally shocked me, somehow as a reader I became too comfortable with these characters, assuming they would avoid temptations that mere mortals wouldn't.


"Why are you so angry?" Rob asked, his voice soft. "I'm not angry. I just hate you."


About 65% in, my heart cracked wide open and started hemorrhaging. I found myself sobbing out loud and telling myself this could not be happening. But it did, and in spite of that I kept reading. Watching this latest generation of characters, fall and stumble and stand again brings this series full circle. Brandis is 30 at the end of this story and he and his siblings and his friends are scarred and wiser and so much more likable than at the outset of their journey.


Crowe has done a magnificent job with this book. She gutted me, but somehow the pieces of the puzzle all fit and life continues and goes on. I am a weary traveler on that journey, it was bittersweet, but I am the better for having taken the road less travelled.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been about 36 hours since I finished Good Faith, the 8th and final installment of Liz Crowe’s Stewart Realty series, and I am still reeling from shock. As I write this review, my hands are literally shaking so bad that I can hardly type because I am so angry, bewildered, hurt and in utter disbelief.

Good Faith is a stunning and shocking read that I felt offered up some of Liz’s best writing. She has an amazing ability to weave a story that evokes such strong emotions from the characters, and reader. The stories contained within the pages of Good Faith are raw, real, honest, agonizing and scary beautiful. Every single word, every action, each betrayal, every triumph and all the heartbreaks, delivered such a powerful story. I can always count on Ms. Crowe to deliver a book that captures an extremely visceral response from me. As the reader, I feel every single word, every action, each betrayal, every triumph and all the heartbreaks, as if they were my very own.

Good Faith is about the intertwining stories of the Gordon, Freitag and Robinson clans; only this time from the children’s perspectives. They become the main focus, while their parents take a backseat and become secondary. I loved watching each child grow, mature, making mistakes, learning from those mistakes, forging valuable friendships and falling in love. I really appreciated the honest and realistic approach to their day to day drama. Brandis, Gabe, Blair and Lillian were very strong characters that I couldn’t help but fall in love with.

The journey of the Stewart Realty series is one that I have immensely enjoyed. From the very first book, Floor Time, to this one, the ride has been fantastic! It introduced me to Jack Gordon, one of my all time favorite book characters and offered up one of the best series rides that I’ve ever taken.

For me the task of reviewing and rating Good Faith has been one of the hardest things that I’ve ever faced as a reviewer. After finishing I was, and still am, extremely angry at the outcome. For me, that anger along with shock, disbelief, overwhelming grief and pain helps overshadow any positive feelings that I had. I am heartbroken and devastated - I can’t understand or accept, why this book, and series, ended on such a negative.

I can unequivocally say that I am disappointed in Good Faith. It has always been my goal to give you my honest thoughts and feelings, both good and bad. While I may not have liked Good Faith, it doesn’t negate the fact that from the shocking ending, to the abrupt genre change to General Fiction, Ms. Crowe delivered a well written and emotionally charged story.

If you are looking for a powerful story about love, loss, addiction and redemption then Good Faith is that book. While it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the entire series to grasp the full impact of the outcome. Just know that you will need a truckload of tissues for the extremely painful ending.

ARC provided by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Drue DePompei-Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and reviewed (except Floor Time, I read that one before I started reviewing) the entire series; in fact, this series was my first journey into book reviewing. To say I absolutely adore this series is an understatement.

“Liz’s books are definitely an emotional roller coaster ride. Her tag line “Romance for Real Life” is very accurate and says it all about her books. She puts real life emotions, doubts, confidences, etc. into her stories and the outcome is not always “Love Conquers All” just like in real life love does not conquer all.” From my Review of Sweet Equity -


Good Faith, as everyone knows, by now is the conclusion of the series and centers around the next generation of Gordon’s, Frietag’s, Robinson’s and so on. Good Faith also takes us through the later stages of the lives of all our favorite characters, highlighting how they are dealing with the past, present and future.

“So far the Stewart Realty Series is absolutely outfreakingstanding. I’ve said it before how much I love a book that wretches your emotions right out of you. Book 3, Closing Costs definitely accomplished that, at one point it had me yelling “YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME””
From my Review of Closing Costs

Going through Brandis and Blair’s relationship highs and lows was just as maddening, heartbreaking, and charming as it was going through it with Sara and Jack.


“And then the unimaginable happens. Let me just say that after reading so many of Ms. Crowe’s books I should have saw this coming and I didn't and it knocked me for a loop. The last 2 chapters and the Epilogue literally were so intense it swelled my emotions like it was all happening tome. I finished Essence of Time and just sat there stunned and amazed.”
From my Review of Essence of Time -


- See Full Review at: http://druesrandomchatter.blogspot.co...

[Annabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am numb after reading this book. I am so invested in the characters in this book that its stupid. being a recent mum of a wiley little boy I'm somewhat scared by the prospect of him becoming a man child. liz weaved a story that seemed so true and what happens in real life with a touch of fiction for good measure. I thought it would be an overload of too many povs but it really wasn't. I was truly and utterly heartbroken and cried like a baby but this stuff happens in real life and liz depicted it perfectly. a lot of the tales were close to my own heart it was hard going sometimes. I think it's up there for best book series for me and I know all good things must come to an end but there will never be enough Jack Gordon for me! six stars

[Midwest Galley Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this review and others at MIDWEST GALLEY GIRL.

http://midwestgalleygirl.com/2013/11/...





I get swoony over certain books. The ones that never leave you. The ones you're quite sure are as indelible as tattoos.

GOOD FAITH is currently on that short list.

I've already professed my love for Liz Crowe's Stewart Realty series. GOOD FAITH is the finale for the series, but is a standalone in so many ways. One can start with GOOD FAITH. One can end with GOOD FAITH. At the end of the day, you'll get to experience GOOD FAITH. It'll be enough.

Great reasons to read GOOD FAITH include, but are not limited to if:

You can handle characters that are not necessarily likeable, but are absolutely worth your emotional energy.
You don't need to be told how to feel about characters every minute of the story.
You don't need a formulaic approach to enjoy a book.
You're not expecting a romance.
You are expecting an epic, generational drama.
You love a layered, intense, satisfying story that pays off 1000-fold.
Your definition of Happily Ever After (HEA) is broad and has room for questions.

I won't spoil a thing for you. This book begs to be experienced because you WILL feel ALL THE FEELS. Just know you need to carve out some time and let it have its way with you. Get your highlighter function ready, e-reader owners. To know this story is to revisit the parts that spoke to you the first time, as they may speak to you differently in the future.

Jack and Sara Gordon haven't ever had an easy or perfect relationship. Over the years, they've loved each other in a myriad of ways. They've built a local real estate empire. They've tested each other over and over, always passing muster. They're raising three very different children. GOOD FAITH's main character (if there is one in what would be considered a true ensemble premium cable series cast) is the oldest Gordon offspring, Brandis. His exploits drive most of the the major plot lines in GOOD FAITH and they're, quite frankly, hard as hell to take sometimes. He's the kid you simultaneously want to hug and smack, but never want to give up on. The golden boy with a dark side. The one who embodies talent on one hand and throws it away with the other.

Rob and Lila Frietag have weathered a crushing death, a cross-country marriage, fame, small business ownership, and bouts of infidelity. They are raising a brood of their own in tandem with the Gordons. Gabe, their son through some truly unique circumstances, is Brandis' best friend and greatest rival.  His sister Blair will grow from Brandis' childhood friend into a relationship with Brandis that leaves scorched earth in all directions and burns right through the heart of these families.

Jack's sister, Maureen, is married to professional soccer coach, Rafe. They're raising their son, Blake. Dr. Craig and Suzanne Robinson are raising their daughter, Lillian Grace. They all add to the extended family chronicled in GOOD FAITH. This is a crew that was cobbled together through time, circumstance, and sex. They have withstood the tests of time. While nobody is living a perfect life, their lives are perfectly entwined.

All that makes life sweet and bitter is sandwiched into GOOD FAITH. Everything from birth and death and marriage and first love and infidelity and sexual identity and addiction and enabling and fulfilled dreams and dreams left abandoned. To planting expectations only to reap disappointments. To know that home is where your heart is rings particularly true in Ann Arbor, MI.

It's all here. The tragedy and comedy and richness of these imperfect lives lived by all-too-human characters will leave you both sated and dealing with a simultaneous book hangover the size of Lake Michigan.

This isn't a fantasy. In no place does it jump the shark or become ridiculous. It's reality buffeted by stunning dialogue and story lines that bend around each other so fluidly that you sort of float along from one to another as you keep reading.

Occasionally you may need to put the book in Time Out. From time to time you'll yell at the characters, convinced if you could just talk some sense into them that all would be well. You'll root for them. You'll fall in love with them. You'll wag your finger at them. It's real...and real is messy. Messy and amazing.

Don't walk away for too long. This book is relationship fiction and the relationships are everything, including your relationship with the story. It's not junk and it's not easily digested. It pays off like you won't even believe right down to the last word. The last chapter begs to be read and reread so you can bask in the glow of this story's conclusion one more time.

It's a HEA for me. It's far from a typical HEA, but it's there. It's atypical and deeply satisfying. However, I promise you, it's there. You'll thank me when you're done.

5 stars

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars

So sadly we have come to the conclusion of Liz Crowe's Stewart Realty Series... This is my all time favourite series and I highly anticipated the release of Good Faith and the final instalment from my friends in Ann Arbour, Michigan.

I struggle at this point to add a further overview to the brilliant synopsis that the author has given this book. We are back with Jack Gordon and Sara, together with their tight-knitted and lifelong friends Rob and Lila Frietag as well as Craig and Suzanne Robinson. Life has moved on for these friends and as with all things in life everyone of these relationships has had there fair share of happiness as well as trials and tribulations. Jack is running for senator, which Sara is struggling with. Rob, now a successful TV chef spends a lot of time based in L.A, leaving Lila to question whether they even have a marriage anymore and Suzanne is finding it hard to cope with the demands that Craig's job, as head of A&E at the local hospital has on his time with her. However, this book very much focuses on the next generation... and in particular Brandis Gordon, Gabe and Blair Frietag and Lillian Robinson. This is a coming of age story, a story of love, loyalty, betrayal, addiction and ultimately forgiveness. It questions how lifelong friendships and family relationships can remain intact when 1 person is destined to destroy them all.

So, yes you have our old friends back, and there characters are stronger than ever... But for me the highlight was reading about their children.

Brandis Gordon - where to start?? I loved Brandis, he is a complex character that people will struggle not to empathise with. He has many issues which I believe relate to his father. Brought up in a loving environment, he struggles to find his place outside the shadows of the formidable Jack Gordon. He falls in love at a young age with his best friend Gabe's younger sister. Much to the horror of their families, Brandis and Blair's love runs deep and she truly is his anchor. What happens though when he is no longer able to see her enough to stop the demons and his tendency to self destruct overtake him?? Blair is a strong young woman. Steadfast in her loyalty to Brandis, she rebels against her friends and family and is determined to prove their critics wrong. She supports Brandis wholeheartedly and always stands by him throughout, even when his life seems to be spiralling out of control... But when his decisions ultimately ruin her in the most life altering way, can the love they share really be enough??

Gabe is a loyal friend and loving son and brother. Excelling at Soccer, he has always been the sensible one. His understanding and loyalty are pushed to there limits by both Brandis and Blair and when his parents sit him down and make a shocking revelation, it makes him start to question who he is and where his life is going. Throughout all of this Lillian is there to offer him comfort, support and his someone to rely on. Lillian has had a lifelong crush on Gabe and is willing to be his friend whilst Gabe discovers who he is.. Will her patience pay off and will their love blossom into more??

This is truly an epic story.. the intricate story takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and you will seriously struggle to get off. Liz's writing style means you live the emotions you read. You will question the characters decisions' and you will fight alongside them for the HEA's they deserve. You will laugh, smile and be tied up in knots with the angst this story delivers. It takes a lot for me to shed a tear; Let me tell you, Liz Crowe books have that ability. Be warned though; you won't shed a tear, you will cry buckets.

If you have read Liz's books, you will know she writes romance for real life. Her books are not about hearts and flowers, more about how life throws curve balls in your pursuit of happiness. Liz has made some hard decisions in the direction she has taken with both the storyline and individual characters in this book and I commend her for it. Not everyone will like those decisions, but it takes a brave author to take the road less travelled and she has done this with Good Faith.

You can read this as a standalone and you will LOVE it!! however, if you are reading this as the 8th and final book in the Stewart Realty series it will blow you away!! This is real life romance at it's finest!! (I highly recommend you read all 8 books... the impact this book then has is truly EPIC!!)

So as I complete this review with a heavy heart, having said goodbye to my old friends Jack, Sarah, Rob, Lila, Suzanne and Craig.. I hold out hope that we will indeed get to meet up with Gabe and Lillian again in Liz's Black Jack Gentleman series (soccer based spin off series) and that Liz will find it in her heart to create a book for Brandis and Blair; so we can assure ourselves that there pursuit of happiness is indeed a fruitful one.

[Chris Ledbetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bow reverently to Liz Crowe’s talent.
This story defies definition and categorization. There’s a splash of YA, a couple of long pours of adult romance, and a strong base of NA to round out this Greek tragedy of a story. It’s definitely poured over the rocks, but overall, it goes down smooth. At its core, I’d say it is contemporary, literary fiction. Period. And a damn good job of it.

It’s gritty, sometimes grungy, and gripping. Powerful.

This is the 8th book in the Stewart Realty series, of which I had the distinct honor to BETA read an early version of an early book in the series. You can read the synopsis, so I won’t bore you with that. What I will say is that, for a self-proclaimed impatient reader coupled with a lonnng book and some parts that meandered for me (see: impatient reader), this is only the second book that has brought me to tears.

In my own oddball way of relating books to movies (instead of other books), Good Faith is like “Love Actually” meets “The Family Stone,” both of which I LOVE! It’s the multiple story lines aspect blended superbly with a strong family theme and potentially hard to discuss topics… which Crowe NAILS!

The Stewart Realty series has been all about the adults whom inhabit and rule this wonderful Michigan-based world Crowe has created like an award-winning architect. But, this Good Faith story follows more of the children of those earlier unions, without leaving the parents and their shenanigans far behind. There’s a very nice stirring of the adult and youth universes.

For the children, it’s a very simple coming of age type of story with lots of twists and turns, highs and lows. There’s hardly an aspect of life that Crowe doesn’t explore with the precision of a surgeon, the delicate handling of an art curator, and the curious eye of a documentary film director.

Love. Hate. Loss. Friendship. Betrayal. Sex. Addiction. Rehabilitation. Redemption. Death. Rebirth.

The characters are so well crafted, each with their own flaws and weaknesses that make you root for them despite their shortcomings. THAT is the mark of a skilled story crafter.

If you like an emotionally gripping, smartly crafted, contemporary literary adult/ NA story with enough steamy sex to have leave you panting… read this. Now.

[Audrey Carlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve followed the Stewart Realty series through books 1-7 Good Faith is a must read. It gives a much desired ending to the lives of Jack, Sara, Rob, Lila, Suzanne, Craig, Julie, Evan, Maureen and Rafe, but mostly it sees the reader through the interconnected lives of all their children.

Start to finish the book is hard to put down. When you’ve read the stories of the adults, you find that you’re completely invested in the lives of their children. You want, no need to know where life takes them.

A huge portion of the novel is dedicated to the journey of Brandis (Jack and Sara’s son) and really delves deep into how a boy who has everything can throw it away over and over due to alcohol, drugs, and sex. It tells all in gut-wrenching technicolor about his wins and falls and how all the people that love him are affected by it, mostly Blair (Lila and Rob’s daughter) who has loved Brandis her whole life. You find yourself rooting for this super young couple as they go through one hell after another toward the far reaching goal of a happily ever after.

The other child heavily featured is Gabe (Lila and Blake’s son) and his journey to find himself academically and sexually. He spends some time away from everything he loves to venture into his bisexual side and figure out what he wants or rather who. Of course young Lillian (Suzanne and Craig’s daughter) has been and always will be the love of his life but in typical Liz fashion, they need to go through life to figure this out … and life is messy.

I’m not going to give anything away about how the culmination of all the adults stories and the children’s stories level out in the end but I will say that this is the second book by Liz Crowe in this series that made me ugly cry … for HOURS! As I write this review I’m tearing up. What happens with a particular couple hurts my heart but again, in the end it was as it should be.

I just want to say thank you to Liz Crowe for writing something that gave me every emotion possible. Love, hate, excitement, anger, joy, grief, laughter and extreme sadness. I’ve never read a book or a series that could have such a profound effect on my emotions. It’s a rare and not one I will soon forget, if ever.

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another one of those books where I don't think my review could ever do the book itself justice. It was that flipping good. Liz Crowe have us a little bit of everything with this book, leaving me an emotional mess when I finally got to the last page.

Good Faith is a journey through the lives of the couples that we've met through the Stewart Realty series. We get a glimpse into their lives as couples, but more importantly we follow their children from their pre-teens through to adult their adult years.

Brandis Gordon, Gabriel and Blair Frietag and Lillian Grace Anderson are grow up together. Fight together and learn the true value of friendship and love. Their circle isn't an easy one to follow, but Liz Crowe does a fabulous job of portraying the peaks and valleys of relationships. The four has some incredible highs and lows, but it seemed they were always there for each other, even when they didn't like one another.

I enjoyed all the characters, but Brandis was one that I still think about. Brandis was a character that ran you through the gamut of emotions. But even when he was bad and you wanted to shake him, he'd say or do something and I'd be ready to forgive him. I could sympathize with Blair with the way she always took him back, because I knew I would. Brandis was very complex and had issues, but he was a good person who needed to get a wake up call to straighten out. The one he got was harsh and terribly heartbreaking, but it was what he needed in the end.

This is definitely a book I highly recommend you pick up (You don't need to have read the Stewart Realty series). Liz Crowe created something very special with this story and it is one, despite being a mess when it was over, that I will definitely be re-reading again.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book a few days ago & I'm still not sure if I can write a review that will do this book justice. I think I cried the last 1/4 of the book.

I believe that this book is by far one of the best books that I have read in quite some time. Liz hit this one out of the park. It is an emotional roller coaster & will leave you asking "Why Liz & how could you do that Liz?" This book follows the Gordons, Robinsons & Freitags, but is truly the story of Brandis Gordon, the only son of Jack & Sara, and is seen through the eyes of their children. While Brandis has everything that a young man his age could ever want, he is dealing with his addictions to drugs, booze, sex. You see Jack & Sara struggling & at are odds with how to help their only son. The one constant in his life is Blair, the daughther of Rob & Lila, who has been in love with Brandis for as long as she can remember.

In the end, this truly is a "coming of age" story. With parents getting older, children becoming the wonderful & successful adults that all parents hope they will become. It's about living life to it's fullest & surrounding yourself with those you love the most.

Some will be disappointed in how this series has ended. While I was heartbroken at first, it truly is a fitting end to this brilliant series!

While this can be read as a stand alone book, I would highly suggest that you start at the beginning of the Stewart Realty series. It will give a better understanding of Jack, Sara, Rob, Lila, Evan & Julie.

Thank you Liz!!

[Cori Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not going to go into what this book is about b/c I think the synopsis of the book lays out all the details and does it better than I could. I fell in love with Liz's writing from the moment I started Floor Time (book #1). I quickly fell in love with Sara, the strong, independent woman I dream of being, and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen. I stopped reading the series at book 3 b/c I felt like Sara and Jack's story was wrapped up perfectly for me. I read other books Liz had written and was keeping up with her other projects. So when I read Sara was coming back in Escalation Clause I had to get back to these books. I sped through the next few books and anxiously awaited this final book. Although I am not happy with a particular turn the author took, I still feel like this book was a fantastic end to this series. Liz writes characters that feel so incredibly real to me and make me feel like I know them and care for them like they are my own family. You just want the best for them and want them to succeed and all live happily ever after. But as often in life, and Liz's books are certainly as dramatic as life can be at times, shit happens! Heart break happens!!! Although I am very much in mourning with the end of this series, this book was amazing and I feel at peace with the ending she has given these characters. I will forever be a Liz Crowe fan and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

[Haven Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been privileged enough to have read all of The Stewart Realty Series and can say with all honesty that this series was a fantastic read. It has all the elements a reader would expect in a well written work of fiction. It made me laugh, cry, and send chills up my spine throughout the series. In the authors final book in this series (although I did mention to her that I would love to see the series continue) entitled Good Faith, all of these emotions come into play. The life of the original characters continues with the next generation coming of age. As with every book Liz has written in this series, it depicts real life and believable events with a modern day family. In Good Faith the original characters have gotten older now and are dealing with all the issues a regular family faces with their teenage children. The end of this story will bring tears to the readers eyes. I struggled to get through the reading of it. My heart was broken because I have been in such situations and it brought back the hurt and pain I faced as a result. Finally, at the very end, a smile returns to the face of the reader as we all know true love never dies. I can't say enough good about this book and the entire series. If you are a lover of true to life fictional reads, this series is definitely for you.
Good Faith (Stewart Realty Book 8

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the entire Stewart Realty series and I have to say Good Faith was just as heartwrenching as Essence of Time. More so in fact.

Liz has come full force with this novel about our beloved Jack and Sara and the close knit friendships they have made throughout the years with The Frietag's, Robinson's, and Adams. They all have children. They have grown up together. Katie, Brandis and Bethany Gordon. Lillian Robinson, with Gabe and Blair Frietag. The novel surrounds these offspring and the trials and tribulations of life as a teen, love, trust, first times, loss and addiction. And into adulthood and the hard decisions that life brings them.

I can't express how hard it was to read this last book in the series. Be prepared to HAVE TO take breaks, take a moment to get yourself prepared for what is to come. To laugh, be angry with a certain volitile son, be shocked, and cry your eyes out! Liz takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions in this EPIC final addition to the Stewart Realty series. This is a must read for anyone wanting to read close to real life as possible.

[Nicole Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh WOW! Liz sure likes to get into our head and leave us saying, wait... what the.. WHAT? I've been a fan of Liz's books and writing for a long time, but honestly I don't think I saw this coming. I don't want to say too much - because the surprises and shocks are something you want to feel first hand - But, I will say that this book is extremely well written and offers us an account of REAL PEOPLE. Let me say that again, REAL PEOPLE. This is not your cookie cutter story that we've read from various authors where just the names and places have been changed. To add to that, this book might not leave you feeling all girlie with visions of chocolate and roses, but it will certainly keep you enthralled and entertain you up until the very end. There's only one complaint I have with this book, the whole "8th and FINAL book" nonsense. Umm... yeah I don't think so Liz. I'm pretty sure you need to write another one. Just sayin'!

Well done, Liz... very well done!!!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, although this is meant as a stand-alone book, I think it's better to read the whole series in order and finishing with Good Faith.

If you are expecting a nice, romantic, happily-ever-after, you won't get that with this book. What you will get is an amazing emotional journey of love and life and happiness and turmoil. The characters are all so real that I feel I know them personally. I laughed and cried along with them. I cursed the author and wanted to hug her alternately throughout the book.

Liz wrote from a real-life perspective, and it's obvious she took the time to research anything she didn't have personal experience with (not that I could tell the difference). The entire book is very realistic and it was enjoyable to see the kids grow up.

I'm very satisfied with how the series ended (although would love to see it continue with the next generation!).

[Kerry Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz Crowe has done it again another book that I couldn't put down at lost sleep over I have enjoyed all of the Stewart reality series each book having its own agenda but I loved the way Good Faith equally represented all characters...not really happy it's over I feel there could be more but that's probably because I've just finished reading got book hangover!!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've learned that when reading books written by Liz Crowe, it's pretty much a prerequisite to have a box of tissues and a stress relief ball on hand. GOOD FAITH, book 8 of the Stewart Realty series, will take you on an extreme rollercoaster ride of emotions, culminating in a jaw-dropping finale that will take your breath away.

Growing up with parents who defined the very meaning of drama, this story follows the children of Jack and Sara Gordon, Rob and Lila Frietag, and Craig and Suzanne Robinson (as well as additional adult characters from other books in the series), the main characters in the previous installments of the Stewart Realty series.

Brandis Gordon is trouble with a capital "T" and everyone knows it. Brandis has a way about him that makes it impossible to ignore him...or stay away from him. In his vortex of self-destruction, Brandis destroys everything in his path, unable to control his vices and addictions regardless of the consequences. Even though Blair Frietag, the sister of his best friend Gabriel, centers him and makes him feel whole, he can't help but succumb to the horrors of his mind, putting her in danger time and time again.

Gabe struggles between being there for his best friend and protecting his sister at all costs. A deep and lifelong friendship between the two of them is tested as Brandis spirals toward ultimate destruction. Gabe has his own demons as well--unsure of his sexuality yet desperate to be with Lillian Robinson, the fire-haired beauty he's known since childhood. As these three families struggle with long-time friendships being tested, infidelity, addiction, pregnancy, happiness, utter desolation, temptation, dreams, love, lust and family, GOOD FAITH portrays a story of realistic, complicated individuals who are sometimes just trying to survive.

So, as a rabid fan of Ms. Crowe and her groundbreaking "Romance for Real Life" genre of books, I have devoured every novel in the Stewart Realty series with a voracious appetite. I have put my stomach through turmoil as I wait to see what drama this amazing author can think up next. Ms. Crowe didn't disappoint in GOOD FAITH. Reading about what the children of these individuals go through as they make their way toward adulthood was both disturbing and ingenious. I couldn't have predicted the depth of emotion that I would go through reading both the kids' path as well as the adults that I strangely consider friends. The minefields that each and every character goes through throughout the series but especially in GOOD FAITH makes me glad the series ended when it did. I don't think I could take much more!

It took me a while to read this book and write this review for a few reasons. I put off starting GOOD FAITH because I knew from reading excerpts and reviews that it wasn't going to be a lighthearted, easy read to get through. The complex story line and disturbing activities of almost every main character were both realistic and raw, touching me deeply. You can't help but relate, particularly to Brandis' character, since we all know a young adult who gets in over his head one way or another and has a hard time getting out. It could happen to any of us, and that's what makes the "Romance for Real Life" genre something unexpected and poignant. Additionally, the challenges that the adults face in their own relationships will ring frighteningly close to home for many readers as well, so don't think this book is all about the kids. There's still sex and fighting and infidelity and broken hearts and redemption for many of the characters...the trick is trying to decide your true feelings on what happens.

Discussing the plot of GOOD FAITH with any depth would only be cheating other readers out of the full experience of this novel, so I will say that this book is unlike any other Liz Crowe book out there right now. It's significantly darker, more disturbing and more thought-provoking than anything she's written to date, and I've read almost all of her work. I personally recommend this entire series to my friends and family, and I will also recommend it to you readers, for you will not find another author out there who affects you so profoundly...for better or worse. A lot of reviewers out there hated the way GOOD FAITH ends, and while certainly it was unexpected (and slightly traumatizing), I cannot imagine a more fitting end to this series.

Ms. Crowe, you have created something so unique and gut-wrenching that even a week after finishing this book, I still can't get the cast of characters out of my mind. Absolutely brilliant work.

[Judith Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Faith by Liz Crowe

I loved and hated this book. But for the same reason. The author takes the reader through an emotional roller-coaster, where one remembers that first crush, that first love, the joy, butterflies in the stomached when we see the inject of our infatuation. The soaring of our hearts when we find out our love is not just one-sided.. The anguish and despair when we fight or something comes in between us.
The heaviness of heart when we feel we have to learn on how to survive without that first love and move on from your first love.
On the other hand, while we are not married. Nor have children,(my case),we feel the connection between all the spouses depicted in story. We feel the pain of parents trying to create a better future for their family, we also feel the frustration and disappointment when this don't come out as planned. We as readers, get to enjoy the easy friendship and comadearie that is only achieved through years of being friends, and going through the growing pains of growing as parents, spouses and in some cases professionally.

We suffer with the characters through the feelings of lose, frustration and disappointment. At one point the author had me crying so hard their was a snot-fest, that those around me thought I had finally crossed the line into full blown crazy especially when I told them it was because of a character in a book.

This book is a work through feelings that leave you depleted of emotions, But in a good way. That is why I loved and hated the book.

Thank you Ms.Crow for letting me review your book, and for writing such an amazing book.

[Tipsy Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Liz Crowe’s series, you are taken on a journey. This journey is not unicorns and flowers and rainbows with pots of gold at the end. No, it’s like the most wicked, thrilling, death-defying roller coaster ride of your life! The author of the series states, “I write books I like to read.” Well, I like to read her’s too only they should come with a warning! Something like, “You will get sucked in and you lose spans of time from your life.” Why? Because like a Lay’s potato chip, it’s impossible to just read one. I gobble up these novels and then spend a good long time afterward hung over from them.

Good Faith (Book 8) is about the children of all the other couples noted in books 1-7.

Read Full Review

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very difficult to read at times; the raw emotion just wrings everything out of the reader. All in all, excellent, well thought out story! I actually teared up over the death of two characters, and over the torn emotions of another. Excellent end to this wonderful series.

[Jen Lewis]

Holy moly I want this book really badly but I don't want the series to end :0(

[Jamie Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmmm...

Wow. This book was very hard to take in a lot of spots. Lots of ugly crying. The urge to lock myself in a room to continue reading to see what would happen next and see who would end up together and who wouldn't was constant. It was tough getting other things done I tell ya! About half way/three quarters of the way through i really wondered if it was worth reading because it was making me pretty miserable. Like any good book I continued on to finish the series with the characters that I had come to love.

The Gordon's...both Sara and Jack. For me these were the mail characters to the entire eight book series. Everything that happens in this book is just hard to take. I wondered if what ultimately happens would happen a few times but was really hopeful that wasn't the case. Add in all kids and their turmoils and I just wanted to go over there and grab them all and just hug them and tell them I was there!

Brandis. Holy smoke. What a character. Well done Liz Crowe. I don't think I've ever run into a character with as many layers as Brandis Gordon. I also don't remember ever having as many emotions at the same time as I did with him. I found myself cheering him on, smacking my forehead wincing, hoping beyond hope, laughing at, grimacing at...sometimes simultaneously. But how can you not love him? Everybody struggles with something. There isn't a person alive that wouldn't relate to this character somehow. And the bond that he and Blair share...is it toxic or is it THE Ultimate?

Add in all of the other awesome characters and that is where I've found myself, at the end of the series. And yes. It was worth finishing.

[RCA]

DISCLAIMER, I am in no way affiliated with publishing. Just a Midwest gal who loves to read, with 30 something kids, trying to hold her marriage together while taking care of aging parents and working full time. If your young this book will show you the road you will travel, if your older it will show you are not alone and life is far from perfect no matter what your situation.

In the Stewart Realty Series, friends, colleagues and acquaintances, love, laugh, cry and form bonds that last a lifetime. Good Faith brings the story full circle as the children are moving into adulthood with aging parents. I have always loved Jack Gordon family and the Rob Frietag family from the day I met them.

Book 8 Good Faith (revised 06/2021) made me laugh, gasp and sob like a baby. As the parent’s age and life changes, the children are forced to go into the world and begin migrating to adulthood and all its trials and tribulations. The parents in turn must migrate their own life changes while allowing their children to become adults and find their own way the best way they know how. And do they ever make mistakes. This book is like no other I have read in the past. It’s poignant, stressful, emotional and gritty, it’s real life at its best and absolute worst. With life and love comes no guarantee’s and in the end we do the best we can with what we got and the circle of life continues.


This was a five star read for me and I would encourage you to buy this book and plan a weekend around reading it completely. I need book 9, like now!