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Courage #3
For Real
Blaine Donovan has a secret, but so far his plan to keep the rest of the world in the dark about who he really is and what’s really going on in his life has worked. If he can just finish school before the demons catch up with him, he knows he can make life make sense once again. However, when he runs into Melody Todd, a semi-friend he had thought was long-gone, life takes a turn Blaine wasn’t at all expecting. Still hurting from watching her best friend marry someone else, Melody Todd has given up on dating, guys, and herself. In fact, when Blaine shows back up in her life, she does what she always does with the eligible guys who look her way—she sets him up with someone else. But Blaine soon proves to be much different than he at first seems. Too many things are not adding up the way they are supposed to, and the more Melody digs, the more she sees that the Blaine she knows is not the real Blaine at all... “For Real will show you how you can lay those things that are preventing you from loving Jesus at the foot of the Cross. It will inspire you and give you hope." —Amazon Reviewer, Myrna Brorman FOR REAL is a remarkable Contemporary Christian Romance Novel. It delves into and behind the masks we all wear, coaxing “real” from the internal and external secrets we all tend to hold about ourselves. Confronting such issues as body image, money, prestige, and power, the lessons this Christian fiction book presents are relevant for women and men alike. Many Christian romance novels seek to present God’s truth in an engaging, inspiring love story. FOR REAL does this so deeply and faithfully that it will surely become a centerpiece in your collection of inspirational books. *~* Excerpt *~* A step down outside and Blaine turned to her. At that moment there was no denying the soul-wrenching misery in his eyes. “Thanks, Mel.” Her heart broke for him, for them. They were words she’d wanted him to say, but not like this, not with him walking down her sidewalk away from her. “You’re welcome.” For one second he paused, and then he turned and strode away with Dylan a half step ahead of him. Halfway down the sidewalk, he replaced his sunglasses, and she felt the distance growing between them. At the car when he looked back up at her, it was the old Blaine, cool, calculating, and in control. As much as she didn’t want it to, what she felt most was acceptance of how utterly impossible it was for them to ever be together. Even if he got his life on solid ground again, it was a sure bet he would find some svelte honey in slinky clothes and heels up to her neck. Melody closed the door and wished reality didn’t have to hurt so much.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2012
About the author
Staci Stallings
72 books582 followersA stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including:
Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...
Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/
Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings
Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...
Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/
Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 8, 2017
I found the writing to be a little amateur, but the story was good. It was a good reminder that you can't judge what is going on with people from what you see on the surface, there is usually much more going on than we realize. I also really liked the comparison of "love, the noun" and "love, the verb" (I'm going to have to work that into my next talk at church 😜) I hadn't thought about it like that before, but I think we should all strive to "love like the verb." Overall a good story!
December 22, 2014
There I was just enjoying the heck out of this story when those dreaded words came up. "Epilogue." What? NO! It can't be over yet.
Staci Stalling has done it again. She's taken a handful of characters that we can easily associate with and shown us some of their flaws and hidden insecurities. She does a masterful job of describing how people tend to lie and/or manipulate the truth so others will be impressed. And then they have to cover the lies with other lies and pretty soon it gets easier and easier to tell more lies. They play a lot of games in life trying to impress, gain attention or make others jealous.
"As he went, person by person through those in his life, he saw their desperate attempts to hide the hurt and fear with... what? Everything. Clothes. Shoes. Money. Cars. Education. Position. Status. And down the other spectrum drugs, alcohol, anger, violence, selfishness. As he thought about it, he realized that it was the same disease just with different symptoms."
In this story we have Blaine who is a really nice guy, but insecure about who and what he is because his father pulled a fast one on the family 10 years earlier. Yes, for 10 years he's had these issues. We briefly met Blaine in book 2 of the Courage Series, "White Knight", when he worked with Eve. Wanting to impress Eve he borrows a top of the line sports car from his buddy to go on a group date with Eve and everyone thinks he's a spoiled rich guy. What a stretch from the truth. He's really an incredibly nice guy who is trying to get an education, hold down a job, take care of his little brother and mother, and do it all while keeping everyone from seeing who he really is and what his life really looks like. Blaine met Melody on that group date and when she got sick he drove her home, which involved her losing her lunch all over his borrowed car. Not the ideal situation for starting a relationship.
Now in For Real they meet up a few months later and things progress to the point where they can have a relationship. But he's already established the lie of being a rich guy and they have to learn how to be REAL with each other, thus, the title of this novel.
"It was a long moment before she continued. "For what it's worth, I think the nice guy fits you much better, but I think you're scared to be him."
"Why would I be scared of that?"
"I don't know. Why would you?"
Pain tore through him so deep it felt like it ripped the middle of him apart. "Because being a jerk is so much easier.""
Ms. Stallings does a fine job of describing life of college coeds and bringing back all the memories of my own college days. Too many nights of staying up late studying, working, trying to balance it all out with a bit of a social life. I enjoyed watching the resolving of conflict between old relationships and bringing them to the point of being able to have meaningful relationships as friends who went on to play a major role in each others lives. As Melody figured out her own life and that things aren't always as they seem, she is able to see that other people also hide behind their insecurities but when you can get past them, your perceived enemies can actually become your best friends.
The story was full of emotion and conflict and I was cheering them on to figure out that they weren't the only ones with misconceived notions.There were a LOT of issues brought up in this book but they were handled in such a way that it didn't overwhelm the senses. They just sort of followed a natural chain of events. This issue leads to the next which leads to the next which... As a reader we can see what the characters can't, that it's just in their head, so it's kind of comical and keeps the story light enough to enjoy.
"What he wouldn't give to be able to just be as honest with her as she was with him."
This line from For Real, by Staci Stallings sums it up in a nutshell for me.
Update: I just read this book again for the third time. This has got to be my most favorite series ever!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE
Staci Stalling has done it again. She's taken a handful of characters that we can easily associate with and shown us some of their flaws and hidden insecurities. She does a masterful job of describing how people tend to lie and/or manipulate the truth so others will be impressed. And then they have to cover the lies with other lies and pretty soon it gets easier and easier to tell more lies. They play a lot of games in life trying to impress, gain attention or make others jealous.
"As he went, person by person through those in his life, he saw their desperate attempts to hide the hurt and fear with... what? Everything. Clothes. Shoes. Money. Cars. Education. Position. Status. And down the other spectrum drugs, alcohol, anger, violence, selfishness. As he thought about it, he realized that it was the same disease just with different symptoms."
In this story we have Blaine who is a really nice guy, but insecure about who and what he is because his father pulled a fast one on the family 10 years earlier. Yes, for 10 years he's had these issues. We briefly met Blaine in book 2 of the Courage Series, "White Knight", when he worked with Eve. Wanting to impress Eve he borrows a top of the line sports car from his buddy to go on a group date with Eve and everyone thinks he's a spoiled rich guy. What a stretch from the truth. He's really an incredibly nice guy who is trying to get an education, hold down a job, take care of his little brother and mother, and do it all while keeping everyone from seeing who he really is and what his life really looks like. Blaine met Melody on that group date and when she got sick he drove her home, which involved her losing her lunch all over his borrowed car. Not the ideal situation for starting a relationship.
Now in For Real they meet up a few months later and things progress to the point where they can have a relationship. But he's already established the lie of being a rich guy and they have to learn how to be REAL with each other, thus, the title of this novel.
"It was a long moment before she continued. "For what it's worth, I think the nice guy fits you much better, but I think you're scared to be him."
"Why would I be scared of that?"
"I don't know. Why would you?"
Pain tore through him so deep it felt like it ripped the middle of him apart. "Because being a jerk is so much easier.""
Ms. Stallings does a fine job of describing life of college coeds and bringing back all the memories of my own college days. Too many nights of staying up late studying, working, trying to balance it all out with a bit of a social life. I enjoyed watching the resolving of conflict between old relationships and bringing them to the point of being able to have meaningful relationships as friends who went on to play a major role in each others lives. As Melody figured out her own life and that things aren't always as they seem, she is able to see that other people also hide behind their insecurities but when you can get past them, your perceived enemies can actually become your best friends.
The story was full of emotion and conflict and I was cheering them on to figure out that they weren't the only ones with misconceived notions.There were a LOT of issues brought up in this book but they were handled in such a way that it didn't overwhelm the senses. They just sort of followed a natural chain of events. This issue leads to the next which leads to the next which... As a reader we can see what the characters can't, that it's just in their head, so it's kind of comical and keeps the story light enough to enjoy.
"What he wouldn't give to be able to just be as honest with her as she was with him."
This line from For Real, by Staci Stallings sums it up in a nutshell for me.
Update: I just read this book again for the third time. This has got to be my most favorite series ever!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE
May 29, 2017
Wow. I see a lot of myself in both Melody and Blaine. I've struggled with the "if I just looked different people would like me" demons and prefer to do things myself rather than asking for help. I've also had someone I considered a friend and hoped would become more fall in love with and marry someone else. I started out thinking if they would only talk to each other, they could clear up this confusion, and, unlike most books, Melody and Blaine actually do talk honestly to each other.
The sermon passages were a bit long, though they did point out important truths. The author didn't really wrap up what happened with Blaine's career ambitions (he was getting an associate's in architectural design, but we never find out if he got a job in it--nor do we find out if Melody pursued her idea to become a teacher's assistant (or perhaps a daycare operator).)
The sermon passages were a bit long, though they did point out important truths. The author didn't really wrap up what happened with Blaine's career ambitions (he was getting an associate's in architectural design, but we never find out if he got a job in it--nor do we find out if Melody pursued her idea to become a teacher's assistant (or perhaps a daycare operator).)
February 10, 2022
For Real deals with real life circumstances
The two main characters in this book didn't like who they were. The girl thought she wasn't acceptable because she was too fat and the boy didn't think he would be accepted because he was too poor so he pretended to be rich. Thanks to the help of several sermonettes and friends they both were able to change their views. I also struggle with self-acceptance and these sermonettes also helped me. I also liked the author's viewpoint that marriage takes teamwork and doing what is best for the team is the most important concept that both must have.
The two main characters in this book didn't like who they were. The girl thought she wasn't acceptable because she was too fat and the boy didn't think he would be accepted because he was too poor so he pretended to be rich. Thanks to the help of several sermonettes and friends they both were able to change their views. I also struggle with self-acceptance and these sermonettes also helped me. I also liked the author's viewpoint that marriage takes teamwork and doing what is best for the team is the most important concept that both must have.
May 31, 2017
Thought provoking
All the books I have read of Staci Stallings are wonderful. This series is that and more! I loved that the main characters dealt with very real life issues of insecurities due to weight and living in a horrible neighborhood with a drug addict mother. They found their way through some very hard times with the help of each other, some amazing friends, and inviting God into their lives.
All the books I have read of Staci Stallings are wonderful. This series is that and more! I loved that the main characters dealt with very real life issues of insecurities due to weight and living in a horrible neighborhood with a drug addict mother. They found their way through some very hard times with the help of each other, some amazing friends, and inviting God into their lives.
June 1, 2017
Entertainment with benefits!
Here you get a story that hits home for most all of us, addressing what's important in life that makes it worth living, the insecurities we have and the images we try to project, the awesome feelings of living honestly and knowing you're loved in spite of your weaknesses, and what it's like to love in community with other Christians, giving and taking as people take care of each other even before one might "deserve" their care.
Here you get a story that hits home for most all of us, addressing what's important in life that makes it worth living, the insecurities we have and the images we try to project, the awesome feelings of living honestly and knowing you're loved in spite of your weaknesses, and what it's like to love in community with other Christians, giving and taking as people take care of each other even before one might "deserve" their care.
December 19, 2017
Tissues Ready
Blaine seems like the rich has it all together guy, but he carries a big secret. Melody was in love with her friend A.J. but never felt like she was good enough. Blaine's mom has a lot of issues after her divorce an d he trying to work & finish he associate degree so he can take care of his little brother. Heartbreak, starting over & finding love it a wonderful combination with this series.
Blaine seems like the rich has it all together guy, but he carries a big secret. Melody was in love with her friend A.J. but never felt like she was good enough. Blaine's mom has a lot of issues after her divorce an d he trying to work & finish he associate degree so he can take care of his little brother. Heartbreak, starting over & finding love it a wonderful combination with this series.
May 9, 2022
Tender dislike
This book allows you to see into the inner process of becoming a man and woman in love or more the process of coming to the point where they might be able to start falling in love. Add to this the God sized hole they were trying to fill with everything but God made for interesting reading! Loved it, good read!
This book allows you to see into the inner process of becoming a man and woman in love or more the process of coming to the point where they might be able to start falling in love. Add to this the God sized hole they were trying to fill with everything but God made for interesting reading! Loved it, good read!
September 28, 2018
Worth the tissues!
The journey is everything in this Christian romance. The characters are brutal in their honest depiction, the situation his you in the sole plexus and I can’t believe it took me this long to find the series!
The journey is everything in this Christian romance. The characters are brutal in their honest depiction, the situation his you in the sole plexus and I can’t believe it took me this long to find the series!
December 29, 2018
Love The verb
It was amazing to follow Blaine and Melody through their trials and triumphs. Their journey to find each other and LOVE the VERB. Being totally honest with each other and friends brought them to know God.
It was amazing to follow Blaine and Melody through their trials and triumphs. Their journey to find each other and LOVE the VERB. Being totally honest with each other and friends brought them to know God.
February 4, 2019
I thought this book, which touched on two big topics, drug abuse and eating disorders, was well written and I really liked how the characters struggled throughout the book.
It also showed characters from previous books, and how they grew in their faith.
It also showed characters from previous books, and how they grew in their faith.
October 16, 2019
For Real A Contemporary Christian Romance Novel( The Courage Seriex
This is the third book in this series and it is a good story about love and happiness of two people that were real with each other
This is the third book in this series and it is a good story about love and happiness of two people that were real with each other
February 27, 2022
Good read
The book was delivered in such a way that you didn’t feel that God was being forced on you. It had truth and meaning that we as christians need to ask ourselves are we doing this. Would recommend to family and friends.
The book was delivered in such a way that you didn’t feel that God was being forced on you. It had truth and meaning that we as christians need to ask ourselves are we doing this. Would recommend to family and friends.
December 19, 2024
Loved this story
These books just get better and better. I love how each story is linked and Blaine and Melody were so different but this story really brought them together. Definitely worth the read.
These books just get better and better. I love how each story is linked and Blaine and Melody were so different but this story really brought them together. Definitely worth the read.
June 17, 2017
I totally did not expect to love this book as much as I did. I couldn't put it down!
June 5, 2017
I liked the story. The writing wasn't fantastic but I liked the storyline. Good, clean read.
June 9, 2017
Enoyed the series. Found these to be fun and easy reading.
August 24, 2017
I LOVED this book! This book was my favorite out of the three. I couldn't put it down!! It was a very good book! I didn't want it to end!! I've read it probably three times already! 😂
October 29, 2017
All three books in this series are good but this is my favorite!
September 19, 2018
WOW!!!!!!
A super intense story. But very real. I really enjoyed that Blaine and Melody came to know and realize the love of Jesus for themselves.
A super intense story. But very real. I really enjoyed that Blaine and Melody came to know and realize the love of Jesus for themselves.
February 8, 2022
Let the truth out
This was a good contemporary romance that built from telling lies to the gospel truth. Story awhile to get there but was Well worth the read.
This was a good contemporary romance that built from telling lies to the gospel truth. Story awhile to get there but was Well worth the read.
April 25, 2022
Awesome story
I loved the way they became a better couple and friend by attending Church and letting God in their lives.
I loved the way they became a better couple and friend by attending Church and letting God in their lives.
March 30, 2023
A pleasant story, with some great passages - but spoiled by the errors in syntax and grammar! The author should use a proof-reader (or fire the one being used!).
October 24, 2023
Sucker for love
This one was different yet in many ways the same. Love concurred all in the end. This one had me worried about there even being a happily ever after.
This one was different yet in many ways the same. Love concurred all in the end. This one had me worried about there even being a happily ever after.
February 27, 2022
A very touching, sometimes heartbreaking, story of 2 young people lost amidst situations in their lives they think they can never rise above. One with a bad home life that makes him think he has to pretend to be someone else and deceive people to be accepted, and the other with a bad self image that results in an eating disorder and reluctance to think anyone could find her acceptable as more than a friend. Through a weird chain of circumstances and with God’s intervention once they allow Him in, they discover how wonder life can be when you are the real you.
August 25, 2015
Loved it
I have waited a long time to read about Blaine and Mel....I read book 1 and 2 in this series and somehow could never get my hands on this one. I'm so glad I finally got to read it! Blaine and Melody come from opposite sides of the track yet have so much in common, the same insecurities, trust issues and no faith. They discover together that they are treasured and have value, the way God made them. And in turn find they are worthy to be loved by each other just as they are. The story deals with different kinds of addictions, materialism, and more. Although AJ and Eve's story is still my favorite of the series (those characters are very present in this book) this one was very heartwarming. Great read!!!
I have waited a long time to read about Blaine and Mel....I read book 1 and 2 in this series and somehow could never get my hands on this one. I'm so glad I finally got to read it! Blaine and Melody come from opposite sides of the track yet have so much in common, the same insecurities, trust issues and no faith. They discover together that they are treasured and have value, the way God made them. And in turn find they are worthy to be loved by each other just as they are. The story deals with different kinds of addictions, materialism, and more. Although AJ and Eve's story is still my favorite of the series (those characters are very present in this book) this one was very heartwarming. Great read!!!
December 7, 2012
No! It can't be the end! I want more of Lisa and Jeff (book one), A.J. and Eve (book two) and now Blaine and Melody (For Real). Although Jeff and Lisa (book one) were my favorite characters, For Real may be my favorite of the three book series. I absolute loved that each book was a continuation of the characters lives from prior books, with the focus being on a different "couple." I felt like I was right there. Part of their world. Part of their life. I really hard a hard time putting this book down. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
January 29, 2014
This book brought real people together that each have "something to hide". I love that this book doesn't rush the development of the characters but gives you time to see how they got to the place that they are. We all fight inner demons that we try to hide from the world. Anyone can completely relate to one of the characters in this book. It brings you to the point of laying down the problem at the cross with some well-timed sermons and events. Don't miss this one! Although this book is part of a series, it does well as a stand alone book.
February 12, 2015
Great book
The only thing I can really criticize about this book is they made Dylan 10 years old but acted and treated him like a six year old. Having eight kids, by 10 mine were a lot more mature. I thought the church sermons were very good. It addressed drug addiction, problems with weight loss, the gift of friendship and how much it matters in your life. I hated saying good by to all of the characters in the series. I will definitely read more books by this author.
The only thing I can really criticize about this book is they made Dylan 10 years old but acted and treated him like a six year old. Having eight kids, by 10 mine were a lot more mature. I thought the church sermons were very good. It addressed drug addiction, problems with weight loss, the gift of friendship and how much it matters in your life. I hated saying good by to all of the characters in the series. I will definitely read more books by this author.
January 18, 2016
for real is good
Blaine has a secret that h wants no one to know. Melody(Mel) has problems with her best friend An , his wife Eve, And guys in general. She believes she isn't pretty enough for anyone. Blaine and Mel keep running into each other and come to rely on each other. This is a great final book in a wonderful heartfelt emonital series.
Blaine has a secret that h wants no one to know. Melody(Mel) has problems with her best friend An , his wife Eve, And guys in general. She believes she isn't pretty enough for anyone. Blaine and Mel keep running into each other and come to rely on each other. This is a great final book in a wonderful heartfelt emonital series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews