Entrepreneur, Simone Edwards, did what any intelligent woman with a ticking biological clock would she asked her longtime boyfriend to marry her. Devastated when he turns her down, and fed up with dead-end relationships, Simone swears off men … and takes a vow of celibacy. How hard could it be? She soon learns it’s harder than she thinks when the most irresistible man in the world, Tim Hollister, shows up at her job. She hasn’t seen him in over ten years, and quickly realizes he is a temptation she doesn’t want to resist. But isn’t there some rule about dating your friend? Simone must decide if a romance with Tim is worth risking their friendship, and her reclaimed virginity. Betrayed by his supermodel ex-girlfriend, who happens to be the mother of his child, Tim Hollister has placed a padlock on his heart. But when Simone, an old high school friend falls back into his life, he soon forgets his promise to stay clear of beautiful women. Simone was always like a sister to him, but he discovers that his feelings for her aren’t very brotherly. He’s captivated by the woman she’s become and wants to take their friendship to the next level - despite her resistance. Tim can’t avoid their new-found passion, and sets out to prove he’s the man for her. Women's fiction with romantic elements. New book cover - summer 2014
USA Today bestselling author Sharon C. Cooper loves anything involving romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies, or real life. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, as well as romantic comedy. She enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and family game night. Her stories have won numerous awards, including The Rochelle Alers Best Series award for her Atlanta’s Finest Series (2022) and The Beverly Jenkins Author of the Year award (2021). When she isn’t writing, Sharon loves hanging out with her amazing husband, doing volunteer work, or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, or to sign up to be notified of her latest releases, visit www.sharoncooper.net
I loved this 22 chapter novel. It was so sweet and romantic, and I got lost in the story–the fantasy of it all. Who wouldn’t want an old friend to fall in love with them after reuniting? The author has a wonderful gift of painting a full picture with beautiful imagery, without it being purple prose or sounding corny. Besides the romance, I definitely enjoyed the drama of it all. It was so realistic the struggles the characters went through.
* Simone and Tim’s interactions sparked my interest the second they bumped into each other at the airport. That brief encounter meant something special, confusing them because they hadn’t kept in touch after high school. And, when he helps her with her business, the way she tries to avoid him was funny. He wasn’t having any of that lol.
The point-of-view switched from Simone to Tim’s perspective (my favorite types of books to read). It helped the readers pinpoint the exact moment they fell for each other while the other was kept in the dark. Like readers are in on the little secret. The characters were Christians, so they were respectful and kind, yet not boring. My favorite characters were Simone, Tim, and Dallas. Dallas was a trip but in a fun way.
While embarking Simone’s life journey, I could relate. It sort of felt like I was reading about my life magnified by ten-thousand. She wore ponytails, plain jane in school, got one tattoo, had rocky relationship with her mom. Poor Simone. Her mother was crazy, rude, and any other negative trait imaginable. Their conflict was interesting and realistic–I could see why Simone was fighting her faith on forgiving her. Her mom truly tried her patience and love.
I loved the conflict and tension; of course, there has to be unlikeable characters. No one wants to read a happy story about happy people who only do happy things. Kenny (Tim’s brother) was extremely jealous of Tim. Talk about someone needing therapy. I like how the story introduced him briefly at the beginning setting up that he’d be an important secondary character to look out for. Then, there was Andrea, the mother of Tim’s little girl (so adorable!). Andrea was a spoiled, model-celebrity, but came around at the end.
My favorite line was “She screamed at the mess that resembled her personal life–a shattered dream.” This was after Simone was devastated that Glen turned down her marriage proposal at the Bahamas. It’s interesting that things happen for a reason. If that wouldn’t have happened, she wouldn’t have met Tim at the airport.
I liked that the main characters were minorities, who were positive role models. The ending was suspenseful; it kept me on the edge of my seat. I could definitely picture this book as a movie. I could see Gabrielle Union as Simone and Morris Chestnut as Tim. I’ll find any excuse to have him on the big screen.
The journey to forever is never easy. Simone and Tim had family problems and past hurts to overcome to be the couple they needed to be. Simone with the support of her friends Dallas and Jessica, with her renewed faith in God allowed her to truly forgive and move forward. Tim with his zest for life, still needed to deal with past betrayal and accept that Simone was the person for him. A rollercoaster of a relationship it is the faith that keeps them and sustain their relationship.
This was a very nice love story. The kind I remember reading when I was younger. It's all about the love two people have for one another in spite of their past and present difficulties. I really like stories like this.
4.5 Stars-Entrepreneur, Simone Edwards, did what any intelligent woman with a ticking biological clock would do: she asked her longtime boyfriend to marry her. Devastated when he turns her down, and fed up with dead-end relationships, Simone swears off men … and takes a vow of celibacy. How hard could it be? She soon learns it’s harder than she thinks when the most irresistible man in the world, Tim Hollister, shows up at her job. She hasn’t seen him in over ten years, and quickly realizes he is a temptation she doesn’t want to resist. But isn’t there some rule about dating your friend? Simone must decide if a romance with Tim is worth risking their friendship, and her reclaimed virginity. Betrayed by his supermodel ex-girlfriend, who happens to be the mother of his child, Tim Hollister has placed a padlock on his heart. But when Simone, an old high school friend falls back into his life, he soon forgets his promise to stay clear of beautiful women. Simone was always like a sister to him, but he discovers that his feelings for her aren’t very brotherly. He’s captivated by the woman she’s become and wants to take their friendship to the next level - despite her resistance. Tim can’t avoid their new-found passion, and sets out to prove he’s the man for her. This is a sweet romance.
I enjoyed reading this book and I was thoroughly entertained. I recommend this book and the author. The romance, sweetness, forgiveness and all themes in this work. I could see in my minds eye the story unfolding like a good movie. I have another favorite author, I guess I have to extend my reading shelf, kindle
I love this story of Tim and Simmone. Their love for one another and their family and friends was simply amazing. I couldn't put this book down. What a wonderful book.
A wonderful journey of God, faith, hurt, love and pain. Simone and Tim trudge forward and formed a bond that they felt nothing or no one could break. They put their faith in God to see them through. Truly a wonderful story!
Tim and Simone gave us everything fun suspense romance and family drama..Simone and her mother as well as Tim and his brother Kenny made life difficult but love 💘for each other gave them happy ever after.
This is my first time reading this author's work. The storyline was good, but there wasn't really any romance. Maybe you like that type of reading, but for me, it's a no go.
Something New starts with a woman's daring failure of a marriage proposal to the wrong man. It also starts with a man's glaring failure of a marriage and the beautiful life that resulted from it. Simone proposes to her boyfriend her turns her down so she swears off men to be a born-again virgin. Tim deals with baby-mama drama from the ex- who slept with his shady brother. It appears that Simone and Tim hooked back up at just the right time. Both of them needed a good friend. But it turns out that neither of them can prevent that friendship from blossoming into something else.
I enjoyed the novel. As always, Sharon tells the story well, incorporating the drama that is often experienced in real live families, so the book is relatable. There's that tension that Sharon is good for weaving that will have you wondering will the hero and heroine get together? No spoiler alert, but I wondered from the way things were transpiring with a certain shifty character, if the novel was going to end badly. But in true Sharon C. Cooper fashion, it ends with a good happily ever after that warms your heart.
Mother was a switch until the end. Which took away from story. Again characters were not well defined. Loved Adrianna. Should have detailed the relation mashup of Tyler and Dallas. Even if they have on book.