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Strawberry Sands Beach Sweet Romance #4
There I Find Joy
Luke Landry will avoid the matchmaking Miss Heather at all costs. Miss Heather will do anything to get her granddaughter hitched, and Luke seems to be her favorite target. If Kristen were such a catch, she wouldn't need her gram to find a husband for her. Every time Luke runs into her, sparks fly, and one or both of them leave angry. Why can't Miss Heather see Kristen and he would never be any good together?Kristen Shower knows people avoid her because of her gram. But family is family and blood is blood and despite her flaws, Kristen loves her gram. And she doesn't appreciate Luke Landry's negative attitude toward the one person in the world who loves her and wants the best for her. So she avoids Luke at all costs, until they are tapped to provide a family for two little foster girls.After working together to make a home with Luke, Kristen realizes that maybe joy could be found where one leasts expects it - right in front of her.
155 pages, ebook
Published September 29, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
September 23, 2026
Another enjoyable light read from the strawberry sands series which I learned that you can find joy in the most unexpected places.
September 10, 2023
A Bible verse, one that she hadn’t thought of in a long time, popped through her mind. “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” His lips curved up a little, and his eyes moved to hers. “Exactly.”
This sums up the book for me. The focus is that joy and happiness are not the same thing. Joy is way more important. Luke and Kristin avoided discussion of an incident that happened years ago that resulted in mistrust. Once they got past that their eyes were opened to possibilities. Lots of wisdom packed into just 20 chapters. Another hit in the Strawberry Sands series..
Reviewed from ARC
This sums up the book for me. The focus is that joy and happiness are not the same thing. Joy is way more important. Luke and Kristin avoided discussion of an incident that happened years ago that resulted in mistrust. Once they got past that their eyes were opened to possibilities. Lots of wisdom packed into just 20 chapters. Another hit in the Strawberry Sands series..
Reviewed from ARC
September 30, 2023
The joy of the Lord is my strength.
Kirstin and Luke's love story is magnificent. They have known each other all their lives. They had an incident regarding a sailboat in middle school. Luke has a loving mother and many brothers and sisters. Luke works with the horses on his family's ranch. Kirstin is an only child whose parents died and she was raised by her aunt and then her grandma. Her grandma now lives with her and 3 other elderly ladies. We meet Becky in the other books in this series. She is an orphan and has a little sister, Rita. She wants a mom and a dad for her and RIta. She chooses Luke and Kirstin. When Luke's mom tells Luke Becky's choice, she suggests they get married so they can be foster parents to the girls and then adopt them. Kirstin and Luke hardly speak to each other. Luke tells her what his mom said and they decide that they can have a marriage of convenience for the girls. When Luke picks Rita up at her foster parents home, the living conditions are terrible and he does not want her to go back there. Her best friend is a dog, who is living in terrible conditions too. Luke buys the dog from Mr. Clifford. As they spend time together, they realize that they do like each other and after their kiss, they realize they are in love. So, the wedding in the last chapter is not the beginning of a "Marriage of Convenience '' but a "Real Marriage". WIth Luke's mom's help, they are able to become foster parents to Becky and Rita.
She had a point with Becky. He needed to give back. Anytime God asked for something from him, he should give it willingly. After all God had given him so very much.
Maybe He gives us what He does, so we can give it away and He can give us more.
Kristin said: I'm wondering now if maybe what seemed like a sacrifice, was actually just God getting rid of things in my life so He could give me something even better.
Luke said: I think that's the way the Lord often works. He just wants to see if we're willing to give up some things we think we need in order for Him to bless us.
I think kissing you definitely beats watching the sunrise.
I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride
I love you, Luke whispered. I love you too.Luke told Kristin: Thank you for being willing to walk with me. Share your life with me. I--I think I'll look back on this day as the best day of my life.
Kristin said: I can't believe I'm married to the best man in the entire world.
Whatever they were facing, God was with them, and that was really all they needed to find joy in their hearts.
Jessie has written another fantastic story about working on a ranch, taking care of 4 elderly women, being an orphan, wanting to take care of a sister, and of course, falling in love. I recommend this book and all of Jessie's books to everyone. I received this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Kirstin and Luke's love story is magnificent. They have known each other all their lives. They had an incident regarding a sailboat in middle school. Luke has a loving mother and many brothers and sisters. Luke works with the horses on his family's ranch. Kirstin is an only child whose parents died and she was raised by her aunt and then her grandma. Her grandma now lives with her and 3 other elderly ladies. We meet Becky in the other books in this series. She is an orphan and has a little sister, Rita. She wants a mom and a dad for her and RIta. She chooses Luke and Kirstin. When Luke's mom tells Luke Becky's choice, she suggests they get married so they can be foster parents to the girls and then adopt them. Kirstin and Luke hardly speak to each other. Luke tells her what his mom said and they decide that they can have a marriage of convenience for the girls. When Luke picks Rita up at her foster parents home, the living conditions are terrible and he does not want her to go back there. Her best friend is a dog, who is living in terrible conditions too. Luke buys the dog from Mr. Clifford. As they spend time together, they realize that they do like each other and after their kiss, they realize they are in love. So, the wedding in the last chapter is not the beginning of a "Marriage of Convenience '' but a "Real Marriage". WIth Luke's mom's help, they are able to become foster parents to Becky and Rita.
She had a point with Becky. He needed to give back. Anytime God asked for something from him, he should give it willingly. After all God had given him so very much.
Maybe He gives us what He does, so we can give it away and He can give us more.
Kristin said: I'm wondering now if maybe what seemed like a sacrifice, was actually just God getting rid of things in my life so He could give me something even better.
Luke said: I think that's the way the Lord often works. He just wants to see if we're willing to give up some things we think we need in order for Him to bless us.
I think kissing you definitely beats watching the sunrise.
I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride
I love you, Luke whispered. I love you too.Luke told Kristin: Thank you for being willing to walk with me. Share your life with me. I--I think I'll look back on this day as the best day of my life.
Kristin said: I can't believe I'm married to the best man in the entire world.
Whatever they were facing, God was with them, and that was really all they needed to find joy in their hearts.
Jessie has written another fantastic story about working on a ranch, taking care of 4 elderly women, being an orphan, wanting to take care of a sister, and of course, falling in love. I recommend this book and all of Jessie's books to everyone. I received this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
October 1, 2023
Sometimes will fail to notice what or who has been right in front of us all along. In this book, Kristin and Luke didn’t fail to notice each other, rather they actively avoided each other while failing to acknowledge their attraction and feelings for each other. While others could see that they would make a good couple, both of them held on to resentment and hurt feelings from an incident that occurred in their youth. Both are near thirty now, and have gained maturity, confidence and skills along with the responsibilities that come with adulthood. A strong nudge has been given to both of them to do more than mend fences. With the well-being of one young girl and perhaps her younger sister at stake, Luke and Kristin are being guided by God and concerned observers to take more than a step toward each other. Both girls are in need of a good home, hopefully together instead of apart, and have indicated that would like to be with Luke and Kristen. The best solution for the girls is to raise them as a couple in one household, but that would necessitate a marriage between them. Both must search their hearts, work to resolve the issues from the past and trust in God’s guidance. This story is one of faith, dealing with the past and moving forward, and building a family not of blood, but of the heart nonetheless. It is inspiring, entertaining and beautifully written.
I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
October 10, 2023
Enjoyed Luke and Kristin's story. Poor Luke couldn't even go out that Miss Heather didn't radar on him. And he ran in the opposite direction whenever he saw her first. Miss Heather was desperate to find a husband for her grand-daughter Kristin. Kristin had just given up all hope of having a family of her own and decided to love her life as caregiver to her grandmaw and Miss Heathers friends that came to live with them. That was the plan, seeing as every available Bachelor was running in the opposite direction because of her grandmother. Then the little homeless Becky stole everyone's heart at Strawberry Sands. Everyone in town was taking turns keeping Becky, because she wanted to be near her little sister Rita, who was in a foster home at Strawberry Sands. After spending time with Kristin and the little ladies and then spending time with Luke, Becky told Lukes Mom she wanted Kristen and Luke to be her parents. From that revelation, these two adults decided to come together for Becky and her Sister. It was such a sweet story. One that made you wish could happen for real life. I so enjoyed and stayed up late to finish the book. If you like clean feel good stories, you can't go wrong with 'There I Find Joy'. Highly recommend. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
September 23, 2023
Luke has avoided Kristen ever since a memorable day years earlier, but the entrance of her matchmaking grandmother on the scene has turned his avoidance almost into an art. But when Becky decides that not only does she want Luke to be her new dad, but she wants Kristen as her new mum, Luke realises that something needs to change. Should they consider a marriage to provide two young girls with a good home, or is it a crazy idea? And if they do, can they turn it into a real marriage, or will it only ever be convenience?
This was a bit shorter than previous books and I would really have liked to see a bit more of Luke and Kirsten, but nevertheless, it's an enjoyable and satisfying read. I loved some of the conversations the pair had once they finally started really talking - very inspiring and a great reminder of what our attitudes should be but aren't always. I also appreciated that life with Becky and Rita (what little we see of it) wasn't always simple and easy, because it felt realistic. All in all, another enjoyable visit to Strawberry Sands and I look forward to seeing whose story is next!
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
This was a bit shorter than previous books and I would really have liked to see a bit more of Luke and Kirsten, but nevertheless, it's an enjoyable and satisfying read. I loved some of the conversations the pair had once they finally started really talking - very inspiring and a great reminder of what our attitudes should be but aren't always. I also appreciated that life with Becky and Rita (what little we see of it) wasn't always simple and easy, because it felt realistic. All in all, another enjoyable visit to Strawberry Sands and I look forward to seeing whose story is next!
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
September 29, 2023
It was a sail-boating mishap years ago that set them at odd against one another. Since then whenever they are around each other all they do is argue. Everyone around Luke Landry and Kristen Shower knows they are perfect for one another if they could just get over their unfortunate past. It will take the need of a homeless teenager, Becky who ran away from the foster care system to be near her younger sister to bring these two together.
When Luke and Kristen are chosen by Becky to be her foster parents, they will need to set aside their past and his fear of her matchmaking grandmother Miss Heather. Working together to give Becky a stable home will require them getting married. As they both determine to make a sacrifice of their choices and future, they will discover joy in family, (including all of the senior ladies living in Kristen's huge house) and they may just find love along the way.
This was another great story in this series. I love the weaving of spiritual insights into each story. All of these stories can be read a as stand alone although characters and situations are mentioned from story to story.
I received a copy of this book from the author an this is m y honest unbiased review.
When Luke and Kristen are chosen by Becky to be her foster parents, they will need to set aside their past and his fear of her matchmaking grandmother Miss Heather. Working together to give Becky a stable home will require them getting married. As they both determine to make a sacrifice of their choices and future, they will discover joy in family, (including all of the senior ladies living in Kristen's huge house) and they may just find love along the way.
This was another great story in this series. I love the weaving of spiritual insights into each story. All of these stories can be read a as stand alone although characters and situations are mentioned from story to story.
I received a copy of this book from the author an this is m y honest unbiased review.
September 18, 2023
What would you sacrifice to make life better for two girls?
This story puts that question first and foremost. What is the chance for happiness and a better life for two young girls worth to you? What would you be willing to give or give up? Those are the questions Luke and Kristin must face head on. Becky and her little sister Rita have been put in the foster care system. When they are sent to different homes Becky runs away living on the street so that she can stay in touch with Rita. Now Becky has been found and ask who she would like to live with. Her response is Luke and Kristin, the problem is they aren’t married and aren’t even sure they like each other enough to be friends. If they marry, they would be able to adopt both girls and give them a much better life. But can they make a marriage work? Can the do what they girls require? Can they build a relationship that will last in a short time? So many questions with truly life altering answers. A very thought provoking read. Please note this book is a Christian themed novel and has doctrinal discussion. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
This story puts that question first and foremost. What is the chance for happiness and a better life for two young girls worth to you? What would you be willing to give or give up? Those are the questions Luke and Kristin must face head on. Becky and her little sister Rita have been put in the foster care system. When they are sent to different homes Becky runs away living on the street so that she can stay in touch with Rita. Now Becky has been found and ask who she would like to live with. Her response is Luke and Kristin, the problem is they aren’t married and aren’t even sure they like each other enough to be friends. If they marry, they would be able to adopt both girls and give them a much better life. But can they make a marriage work? Can the do what they girls require? Can they build a relationship that will last in a short time? So many questions with truly life altering answers. A very thought provoking read. Please note this book is a Christian themed novel and has doctrinal discussion. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
September 12, 2023
Jessie Gussman delivers another delightful novel There I Find Joy, in her Strawberry Sands series. Luke and Kristin find themselves drawn together when the runaway, preteen Becky decides she wants them as parents for her and her sister who is stuck in a miserable foster care situation. Despite the unusual circumstances, and despite their years of dislike of each other because of a long-ago misunderstanding, they both see God’s hand in the situation and come to accept the idea.
As in many of her novels, Jessie uses the story to illustrate what sacrificial love especially in the context of marriage looks like. It is impossible to read her books without looking inward at my own relationships and feeling God convicting me of behaviors I could change. Although the story has a happy ending, I hope she will visit the little family and the issues involving the kids more in future novels.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
As in many of her novels, Jessie uses the story to illustrate what sacrificial love especially in the context of marriage looks like. It is impossible to read her books without looking inward at my own relationships and feeling God convicting me of behaviors I could change. Although the story has a happy ending, I hope she will visit the little family and the issues involving the kids more in future novels.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
September 12, 2023
There I Find Joy by Jessie Gussman is another inspiring tale of two people who choose to serve Christ rather than themselves, and end up….well, I can’t tell you that, can I? I don’t want to spoil the ending!
Luke and Kristin have had an adversarial relationship for years, until a lovable orphan chooses them to be her parents. Only in Strawberry Sands can this unlikely choice turn four elderly outspoken women, 2 unloved orphans, a mangy dog with fleas, and two frenamies into family!
This often humorous, often inspiring, and always entertaining book is Gussman at her best. She definitely gives romance a different twist and I love reading romance books that lift my thoughts to Heaven rather than draw them down to the gutter.
I recommend this book to anyone from teens to the elderly for a wholesome read in the Christian romance genre.
Luke and Kristin have had an adversarial relationship for years, until a lovable orphan chooses them to be her parents. Only in Strawberry Sands can this unlikely choice turn four elderly outspoken women, 2 unloved orphans, a mangy dog with fleas, and two frenamies into family!
This often humorous, often inspiring, and always entertaining book is Gussman at her best. She definitely gives romance a different twist and I love reading romance books that lift my thoughts to Heaven rather than draw them down to the gutter.
I recommend this book to anyone from teens to the elderly for a wholesome read in the Christian romance genre.
September 13, 2023
Kristin Shower and Luke Landry have been adversaries since junior high. A simple dare left them stranded in the middle of Lake Michigan and they blamed each other for the outcome. Now that the town orphan, Becky, has picked Kristin and Luke to be her parents, they must come together and get over their past to see what has always been right in front of them: joy, love and friendship! Kristin and Luke must work together to become foster parents to Becky and her younger sister, Rita, who is currently in a not-so-great foster situation. Luke even saves Rita’s dog, Bruno, from the unsafe conditions, but that brings more problems for Luke and Kristin. Good thing they realize that this isn’t going to be easy, but with God’s help and keeping their eyes on Him, they can get through all of the problems.
September 20, 2023
Another sweet story in the Strawberry Sands Beach series by Jessie Gussman. Kristin is my hero in this book! She's caring for FOUR elderly (but spunky!) ladies - her grandmother and three friends. Luke, her middle school crush/nemesis, informs Kristin that Becky, a pre-teen run-away, has chosen them to be her parents. Luke's mom suggested Luke and Kristin consider getting married to expedite Becky's adoption. Luke then tells Kristin he thinks he might be willing to marry her so Becky will have a home. NOT the best marriage proposal! Kristin has to decide if she can find it in herself to add to her already full household a husband who's "willing" to marry her, and two needy little girls. This touching story delivers wonderful inspirational truths regarding self-sacrifice, seeking God's will as opposed to our own, and the joy that it brings. I loved it!
September 9, 2024
I know that I said the third book in this series was my favorite, but I reserve the right to more than one favorite! There I Find Joy is my favorite too. Luke and Kristin (Kristen) are completely adorable together. The enemies to friends to married trope was just perfect for them. I love how they came together to help someone! They were willing to make a commitment to each other for another's well-being even before they realized they loved each other. That shows a level of character most of us would really struggle with. I love the elderly ladies who live with Kristin. They bring humor to the story. As with the other books in this series, there's a very strong message of Christian faith that challenges me with each book. I definitely think you should read this but not without having read the first 3.
September 11, 2023
I simply love these stories which are inter linked in Strawberry Sands. Luke has finally met his match in Kristin. They find a bit of sunlight where they both begin to see what is to like in the other. I was so thrilled with their accepting of one another and also apologizing about their own part in the sailboat accident some years back. It looks as if two orphaned girls will find their true home as the family dynamic takes shape. What a challenge with 4 senior adult women, a couple in the earlier years and two children who have not had a place to call home for too many years. You will really enjoy this tale. You probably want to get out somewhere and take a ride on a horse. It sound just beautiful.
September 30, 2023
Luke and Kristen have been enemies since Jr. High. Kristen’s grandmother has been trying to push them together for many years, driving Luke into avoidance mode. The crowning blow comes when Becky, the town orphan, chooses them to be her adoptive parents. In order to adopt Becky, they must be married. When they decide to put their youthful animosity behind them, they discover they actually like each other. Since Becky’s younger sister is in a bad foster care situation, they decide to try to adopt both girls after they marry. Can this marriage of convenience become something more?
Terrific spiritual principles such as trusting God, Christian parenting, and seeking His will.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Terrific spiritual principles such as trusting God, Christian parenting, and seeking His will.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
October 19, 2023
This is such a sweet story about how two people could set aside their differences to do what they believe God wants them to do. Luke and Kristen had been enemies since they were teenager. They both are good people but they can't seem to see the good in each other. Until one young, homeless girl needs their help. By seeking to know God's will, they are able to resolve their misunderstandings and forge a relationship that may be just what both of them need and want.
Jessie Gussman writes sweet, clean, romantic stories that are based on Christian beliefs and real people's lives. This book is part of her Strawberry Sands Beach Romance series.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Jessie Gussman writes sweet, clean, romantic stories that are based on Christian beliefs and real people's lives. This book is part of her Strawberry Sands Beach Romance series.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
March 2, 2025
This is a moving, inspirational and heartwarming story. A sweet, clean romance between two people who have known each other most of their lives but were never close. Both of them are unaware that the other person has feelings for them. Kristin's grandmother has been trying to pushing them together for a good while. Although she means well, the way she went about it just made Luke want to run the other way. I like how they are brought together by a little girl who wants a family. Both Kristin and Luke have a deep faith and grow closer as they try to help two little girls. Some parts of the story had me laughing while other parts were kind of sad thinking of how bad things are for some foster children. Very nice ending.
September 14, 2023
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Kristin and Luke Landry have been at odds for years, but Becky, the little girl who ran away from foster care to be near her sister wants them as her parents. Once the talk their problems out, they decide to marry and as they work together, they find they really do like each other and always have. This book provides an interesting look at a relationship suggested by others, and how they seek God to determine their next steps, and how they will treat each other and the people around them. I definitely recommend reading this book and the whole series.
September 14, 2023
Kristin and Luke both had stubborn streaks and both were afraid to admit how scared they both were. When they came together because of Becky and Rita, everything was cleared up from their past and both realized how much they cared for each other. Extending themselves and showing true love for each other but mostly for the girls made everything work out and touched everyone's hearts. One of the kindest book Jessie has written making ourselves stop and think how we can extend ourselves in love. Excellent Read. Many questions yet to be answered which makes it difficult to wait for the next story.
September 23, 2023
Most men around Strawberry Sands avoid Kristin. Her grandmother is very aggressive at her matchmaking. Luke likes Kristin, but he avoids her because her grandmother. When Becky - the runaway foster girl - states that she wants a two parent home, she picks Luke and Kristin. They are both shocked, but start to talk about a marriage of convenience. Becky wants to be able to her her sister out of foster care and have a family.
Very sweet book. I loved how Luke and Kristin worked together to get Becky and her sister out of a bad situation and also deal with Kristin's grandmother and meddling friends. Fun book!
Very sweet book. I loved how Luke and Kristin worked together to get Becky and her sister out of a bad situation and also deal with Kristin's grandmother and meddling friends. Fun book!
September 24, 2023
Enemies make the best friends!
A tender story of two who thought they were enemies but, deep inside, they really liked each other. Luke and Kristin grew up together and let one bad experience sour their friendship for several years. Little Becky and her sister Rita need a good home and the girls chose Luke and Kristin for their parents. In trying to do the right thing in God’s eyes, they discover that they are made for each other and care deeply for each other.
I enjoyed the story and hope the next book finishes up their story. I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions.
A tender story of two who thought they were enemies but, deep inside, they really liked each other. Luke and Kristin grew up together and let one bad experience sour their friendship for several years. Little Becky and her sister Rita need a good home and the girls chose Luke and Kristin for their parents. In trying to do the right thing in God’s eyes, they discover that they are made for each other and care deeply for each other.
I enjoyed the story and hope the next book finishes up their story. I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions.
September 26, 2023
Kristin and Luke were best friends until they were stranded in the middle of a lake years ago. They put the blame on one another. Luke was scared to even speak to Kristin because her grandmother Miss Heather was constantly trying to set them up. But when the town orphan Becky needed to keep her sister Rita and her together they needed to be adopted. Luke had decided he needed to get on Miss Heather’s side so he asked her out.
When Becky chooses Luke and Kristin to be her adoptive parents things begin to change! Another inspirational from Jessie Gussman.
I received this ARC from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When Becky chooses Luke and Kristin to be her adoptive parents things begin to change! Another inspirational from Jessie Gussman.
I received this ARC from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2023
Wonderful, heartwarming story by Jessie Gussman.
Luke and Kristin have known each other forever but seem to rub each other the wrong way. Her grandmother, Miss Heather, keeps trying to get them together. Becky is a young girl who’s run away from her foster home because she wants to be close to her sister. For some reason she decided that Luke and Kristin should adopt her and her little sister.
The only logical thing is for them to get married, but can they make that commitment since they both believe marriage is forever.
*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Luke and Kristin have known each other forever but seem to rub each other the wrong way. Her grandmother, Miss Heather, keeps trying to get them together. Becky is a young girl who’s run away from her foster home because she wants to be close to her sister. For some reason she decided that Luke and Kristin should adopt her and her little sister.
The only logical thing is for them to get married, but can they make that commitment since they both believe marriage is forever.
*I received this book as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
October 2, 2023
'There I Find Joy' was touching. Its incredible plot focused on finding a mom and dad for Becky, a young girl in the foster care system as well as her younger sister Rita who was in an abyssmal foster care situation. With the professed love of God, a mom's persistence, several busybodies, a little levity, reconciliation with a childhood foe from a sailboating incident, and making sacrifices, could Luke and Kristin be the mom and dad for Becky? Could they love each other and the girls, too? And what about Bruno? Overall I liked the good-feeling narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
October 14, 2023
I loved this enemies to lovers romance between Kristen and Luke in Strawberry Sands. Luke tried to avoid Kristen because her grandmother kept trying to get them together. When Luke found out that Becky, an orphan, wanted Luke and Kristen to be the parents for her and her sister, Rita, who is in a foster home that only wants her for the money they receive, he and Kristen decide to get married. I highly recommend this heartwarming clean Christian romance with lovable characters. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review. I listened to the audiobook besides reading the ebook which enhances the experience.
December 24, 2025
Jessie's books are edifying. I would say they are also light reads, but she does tackle difficult topics. Bad things happen to the characters or because of their choices, but there is redemption, grace, and forgiveness. She weaves in truths about how we should leave as Christians, which serve as reminders as I listen along.
I've listened to her books on YouTube, "Say With Jay." He's a great narrator, even for the women's voices. It's the type of book that you can listen to while doing something else. Any can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting the series in order as several connect characters and places.
I've listened to her books on YouTube, "Say With Jay." He's a great narrator, even for the women's voices. It's the type of book that you can listen to while doing something else. Any can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting the series in order as several connect characters and places.
September 11, 2023
This is my review of a book that I received from the author.
Jessie has written another amazing story set in Strawberry Sands, this one is about Luke and Heather and a mishap that occurred when they were younger. How God can open their eyes to finding joy after years of mistrust. I am just amazed at how Jessie can add so much scripture to a story without coming across as being “preachy”. I believe that is why I enjoy her books so much. The characters are always so down to earth and trying hard to follow wherever God leads them.
Jessie has written another amazing story set in Strawberry Sands, this one is about Luke and Heather and a mishap that occurred when they were younger. How God can open their eyes to finding joy after years of mistrust. I am just amazed at how Jessie can add so much scripture to a story without coming across as being “preachy”. I believe that is why I enjoy her books so much. The characters are always so down to earth and trying hard to follow wherever God leads them.
September 11, 2023
Sometimes life throws us challenge and we need to face them with faith and strength. That’s what happen to Luke and Kristin, since they’ve been avoiding each other since High School, but are now facing the most important decision of their lives. Put apart their differences and build a family together in order to give a hope for Becky and her sister Rita. Will they be able to face the challenge and have also their happily ever after? Faith, character, commitment and so much more in another of wonderful Jessie Gussman’s stories.
September 12, 2023
Another beautiful, heart warming and thought provoking addition to the Strawberry Sands series. Luke and Kristin’s story really made me think about what it truly means to live life to serve God and bring him Glory.
Luke and Kristen have known each other for many years and due to an event in their past always seem to disagree when together. When a foster child decides she wants them as parents , they both feel that this is what God is leading them to do and it makes them stop and realize maybe they actually like each other more than they dislike each other.
Luke and Kristen have known each other for many years and due to an event in their past always seem to disagree when together. When a foster child decides she wants them as parents , they both feel that this is what God is leading them to do and it makes them stop and realize maybe they actually like each other more than they dislike each other.
September 13, 2023
Jessie Gussman has a way of telling a story that makes you take a long look at the main characters and strive to be more like them. In the earlier books in this series, we are given a glimpse of Kristen and her loving kindness to her gram, gram's friends, and to the other citizens of Strawberry Sands. We are also introduced to Luke who avoids Kristen at all costs. When both of them are willing to follow God's prompting, put aside their personal agendas, and truly sacrifice for the good of two little girls, is it possible they get a HEA as well? This story will truly touch your heartstrings!
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