A Time to Surrender

Safe Harbor #3

by Sally John, Gary Smalley

With her Marine husband serving overseas, will Jenna trust God's plans for their marriage--or find comfort in another's arms?

Jenna Beaumont Mason had her marriage all planned out. But what she didn't plan was her husband, Kevin, unexpectedly reenlisting in the U.S. Marines--without her knowledge. When Kevin is assigned to serve in Iraq, Jenna struggles with loneliness and resentment at his lengthy absence. This is not the life she wanted.

With the support of other military wives and much prayer, Jenna tries to accept this new reality in her marriage. But when a caring, handsome--and very available--man offers Jenna the comfort she longs for, she struggles to stay faithful to far-away Kevin.

Things grow even more complicated for Jenna and her parents when a mysterious young woman named Skylar shows up at their home, the Hacienda Hideaway. When Skylar's past finally catches up with her, she puts the Beaumonts at risk not only of broken hearts, but of something even more dangerous.

As the Beaumonts grow in their love for God and each other, they learn that sometimes the best way to reconcile relationships is by surrendering control.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Inspirational

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2009

About the author

Sally John is the best-selling author of twenty novels, including the Side Roads series, the Safe Harbor series (coauthored with Gary Smalley), The Other Way Home series, The Beach House series, and In a Heartbeat series. A three-time finalist for the Christy Award, Sally writes contemporary stories that offer hope to readers in their own relational and faith journeys. She enjoys teaching writing workshops and spending time with her husband, adult children, and grandchildren. An Illinois native, Sally and her husband, Tim, live in southern California. Visit her Web site at www.sally-john.com.

Reviews

[Linnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book dealing with issues so many people face. It gives a great glimpse into the life of military families for those of us who have never experienced the military life. Sally did a great job portraying the struggle. I do wish she would have spent a little more time on the steps beyond repentance and reconciliation. The book fell a little flat in that regard. We never really got a chance to get to know the heroine's husband, Kevin, and it left me feeling more attached to the would be lover, Cade, than Kevin. Not a good thing! I should know enough about Kevin to love him and want to root for their marraige for more reasons that because it's the right thing to do. It kind of left me struggling with the relationship rather than feel like things have turned around and the marriage is saved and secure. Other than that, it was a great book. I couldn't put it down!

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family life centers around the grandparents' ranch in California. Each one, grandparents included, come in and out of the story, each with their own challenges. Included in the story is Skylar, who shows up at the ranch from nowhere. This is a sort of "This Is Us" story. They are a loving, supportive family, but each one has a personal struggle. I think I liked the story because it is real. There were no larger-than-life characters, just real people.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an inspiring end to this series. My heart hurt so much for many of the characters. I was challenged along with them as they experienced mercy, grace, and forgiveness! I was able to read a physical copy of this book via Inter-library loan through my local library. It did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, but the ending left me wanting another book in the series!

[Emily Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series. Each book focused on a different character from the same family, so it was very easy to follow. There were also some great insights into human nature and relationships.

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't read the first two books in this series, so I don't know if that would have made a difference.

I found it overly sappy and preachy, with mostly unlikable characters.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite book in the series. I was able to relate to the characters highlighted in this book much more than I had in the previous ones.

Nice conclusion to the Safe Harbor series, but still a bit unrealistic. I say this because it felt like things wrapped up a bit too easily after the difficult struggles.

[Alora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different from what I expected. The previous book was about a very dysfunctional, 'unsafe' marriage. I thought this would be another story about a destructive relationship but it was a continuation of the family from the first novel. It took awhile to get into the story but once I did, I truly enjoyed it. Loved how the faith of Indio, the matriarch of the family, influenced everyone. Problems were resolved because of prayer and a relationship with Jesus. Love that!

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lived the life of a career military family, I identified with a lot of what the main character lived through but at times I wanted to smack her. You grow up fast when your husband is deployed, or, let me say, you can grow up fast. It was a good family story and I enjoyed it as I do most of Sally's books.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story line. A well-written Christian book set in San Diego area about family relationships and the emotional aftereffect of various difficulties. A good depiction of the emotions experienced by the wife of a military man off to war (Iraq). The B&B type retreat, built on the site of the family home after a fire leveled it, is the center around which the story develops.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this series. I will be trying some more by these authors. I really like the Christian writing and find that they actually remind me to ask God for help. It's nice to have a modern day story that still brings religion in without going over the top. Recommend for anyone that wants a feel good book that relates to real life.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pulled into the story right away and when Skylar came to visit I was intrigued how she was going to fit into the story. God guided them throughout the story and I enjoyed my time with the Beaumonts. Life was real, life had temptations, and God guided them throughout.

[Elaine]

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[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meaningful book--husband is deployed and wife has to learn how to cope home alone. A mysterious woman shows up. I really connected with the characters in this story.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another story about the Beaumont family and all their trials and tribulations. I enjoyed it. I wish I belonged to such a family!

[Amanda Determan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series.

[Lynn Cutting · Rating 3 out of 5]

good one..need to find the fourth and final book.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It deals with everyday issues and about how having faith in God will help to heal ones life. Also it talks about the bond of a family.

[Cws]

YA-Joh

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series.

[Vicki Lanzendorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the third book as much as the first two. Will miss this family!