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Love is Patient
Love Is Patient by Carolyne Aarsen released on Mar 25, 2004 is available now for purchase.
251 pages
First published April 1, 2004
1 person is currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Carolyne Aarsen
213 books726 followersEven with over 1.5 million copies of my books in print, I still feel like I haven’t written the perfect story. From my office in the woods of Northern Alberta, I’ll keep trying. Inspired by spectacular sunrises, breathtaking Northern Lights and long walks through wooded trails, the stories keep coming. To find out more about my life and my writing, check out my website at www.carolyneaarsen.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 9, 2013
Although this is a Christian romance book, the religion in it is not preachy, dramatic, or overdone. One of the better Christian books I've read, however it still had a few inconsistencies that took me out of the story.
In the beginning of the book, Lisa applied for a job as secretary for Matheson Telecom. She didn't like the job she previously had because her boss kept hitting on her even though he was married. But then Dylan asked in her interview if the job would interfere with a boyfriend. The book is set in Canada, and I don't know Canada's laws. But in the US, that question itself would be illegal. If Lisa had already been harassed by a previous boss then this question should have sent up warning flags. Then soon after she gets the job, she agrees to be Dylan's fake girlfriend for a while. Again, most women who have had problems with sexual harassment will do everything possible to avoid it in the future. What I'm saying is that Lisa's behavior is not consistent with her background story, and it really bugged me.
Towards the end of the book, Lisa and Dylan have a fight, and Dylan walks out. Lisa thinks to herself that she knows he just needs time to cool off because she knows what he's like when he gets angry by now. Except that we readers have never been shown even a single ounce of anger from him in the book, and we know that Lisa has known Dylan for less than one month. So how can she (or we) know this? This was only glaring inconsistency.
In the beginning of the book, Lisa applied for a job as secretary for Matheson Telecom. She didn't like the job she previously had because her boss kept hitting on her even though he was married. But then Dylan asked in her interview if the job would interfere with a boyfriend. The book is set in Canada, and I don't know Canada's laws. But in the US, that question itself would be illegal. If Lisa had already been harassed by a previous boss then this question should have sent up warning flags. Then soon after she gets the job, she agrees to be Dylan's fake girlfriend for a while. Again, most women who have had problems with sexual harassment will do everything possible to avoid it in the future. What I'm saying is that Lisa's behavior is not consistent with her background story, and it really bugged me.
Towards the end of the book, Lisa and Dylan have a fight, and Dylan walks out. Lisa thinks to herself that she knows he just needs time to cool off because she knows what he's like when he gets angry by now. Except that we readers have never been shown even a single ounce of anger from him in the book, and we know that Lisa has known Dylan for less than one month. So how can she (or we) know this? This was only glaring inconsistency.
September 25, 2012
I love it. It was hard to read through the deceit of the various family members, but it also made the book exciting and made me want to finish it. How was it all going to end?!? I enjoyed it very much.
December 15, 2010
It is full of happy endings and sorrow.
October 28, 2020
A friend sent me this book after she'd read it. I like that it does have a bit more about being Christian than some books in the Love Inspired line do. Dylan's parents seem to be regular church attenders and take time to have daily devotions. There are passages from and lessons from the Bible within the story. I liked that Lisa wants to protect her stepbrother. I liked the closeness of most of the Matheson family.
Unfortunately my dislikes and problems with the story probably number more than the things I liked:
1) What skills (other than being a secretary) does Lisa have that make her think she can uncover her stepbrother's innocence? Is she also an accountant or does she have training in accounting? Or is Gabe the one telling her what to look for? Why not just hire a forensic accountant to go through the business' books? Why is her first thought to be deceitful in getting a job with the company so she can snoop?
2) Why doesn't Gabe tell anyone he's been falsely accused? He tells Lisa but he doesn't go over Dara's head to Ted or Alex to tell them. It could be because he thinks the family will close ranks and protect each other (but we're not told this). Why doesn't he tell the police or the FBI or the IRS? Is he so afraid of law enforcement after his one earlier problem with the law? But he could phone in an anonymous tip to someone--IRS maybe?
3) I don't approve of Lisa's deceit in why she wanted a job with Matheson's firm. (PS--plots where one character feels the need to be deceitful in why they want a job somewhere seem to be one of the often-used plots on rotation for Love Inspired books.)
4) I hadn't thought of it until another reviewer pointed it out, but Lisa's actions don't match her backstory. We're told that Lisa wants to leave her current employment due to harrassment from her boss (sexual harrassment?) Yet she's quick to volunteer to pretend to be her new boss' girlfriend--just so she can get to Vancouver to see Gabe and hopefully get into the company's computers. Why be willing to jump out of the frying pan only to jump into the fire?
5) It's just a little convenient that the one Sunday they all go to church there's a sermon that touches Lisa and convicts Dylan. Can it happen? Yes. Does it happen as often as fiction wants us to believe? Probably not.
Unfortunately my dislikes and problems with the story probably number more than the things I liked:
1) What skills (other than being a secretary) does Lisa have that make her think she can uncover her stepbrother's innocence? Is she also an accountant or does she have training in accounting? Or is Gabe the one telling her what to look for? Why not just hire a forensic accountant to go through the business' books? Why is her first thought to be deceitful in getting a job with the company so she can snoop?
2) Why doesn't Gabe tell anyone he's been falsely accused? He tells Lisa but he doesn't go over Dara's head to Ted or Alex to tell them. It could be because he thinks the family will close ranks and protect each other (but we're not told this). Why doesn't he tell the police or the FBI or the IRS? Is he so afraid of law enforcement after his one earlier problem with the law? But he could phone in an anonymous tip to someone--IRS maybe?
3) I don't approve of Lisa's deceit in why she wanted a job with Matheson's firm. (PS--plots where one character feels the need to be deceitful in why they want a job somewhere seem to be one of the often-used plots on rotation for Love Inspired books.)
4) I hadn't thought of it until another reviewer pointed it out, but Lisa's actions don't match her backstory. We're told that Lisa wants to leave her current employment due to harrassment from her boss (sexual harrassment?) Yet she's quick to volunteer to pretend to be her new boss' girlfriend--just so she can get to Vancouver to see Gabe and hopefully get into the company's computers. Why be willing to jump out of the frying pan only to jump into the fire?
5) It's just a little convenient that the one Sunday they all go to church there's a sermon that touches Lisa and convicts Dylan. Can it happen? Yes. Does it happen as often as fiction wants us to believe? Probably not.
July 3, 2023
Loved Lisa and Dylan's story. Lisa took a job to help find proof her brother was not stealing money from his work place. Problems started when she started liking the family that owned the company. Dylan and his Father hadn't talked since his older brother was given the company position promised to Dylan. Now, money was missing and his sister-in-law was blaming an accountant, hired for the company. Dylan's Father ask him to come check the books before and Innocent man was found guilty. That accountant was Lisa's brother, but she didn't tell her new boss. I loved how these two became friends, then began caring for each other, when Dylan ask her to go with him to his family's home to attend a wedding and an Anniversary party as his girlfriend. While getting to know his family, Lisa found her way back to her faith and then was able to help Dylan start seeing how precious his family was. If you like clean, heartfelt stories with second chances, you will enjoy "Love is Patient". I highly recommend. I stayed up way to late reading this book and when I only had a couple more chapters to read I put it down, because I didn't want it to end. It's that good. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
June 19, 2023
A great story about Liza and Dylan who meet in Toronto. Liza’s parents died in a car accident and she was left with her brother. Dylan was looking for a partner to go to family wedding, as his sisters were great trying to match make. Liza had got a job at Dylan’s work as his secretary so he asked her to pretend to be his girlfriend.
In the meantime Liza was trying to work out how to clear her brother’s loss of job with firm because he supposedly stole some money.
Dylan was not happy when his younger brother was given responsibility to run family business with his wife Dana.
Interesting times with Liza having to cover up what she was trying to do, and Dylan trying to help his Dad. Then going to church after wedding and discovering that God did love them - love the way this was woven into story, with input from Alex and Stephanie Dylan’s parents.
Love the way Christian values are shown in this story.
In the meantime Liza was trying to work out how to clear her brother’s loss of job with firm because he supposedly stole some money.
Dylan was not happy when his younger brother was given responsibility to run family business with his wife Dana.
Interesting times with Liza having to cover up what she was trying to do, and Dylan trying to help his Dad. Then going to church after wedding and discovering that God did love them - love the way this was woven into story, with input from Alex and Stephanie Dylan’s parents.
Love the way Christian values are shown in this story.
Read
June 21, 2025her mom married her step brothers dad, they were both killed in a accident and both kids went to foster homes
her brother got fired from his accounting job, they said he embezzled, but he says he didnt. she quit her job to get a job there to prove hes innocent so he can get another job
he keeps pressuring her but she hasnt found anything yet
the boss invited her to be his pretend girlfriend at his parents house for his sisters wedding and his parents anniversary party. his parents are really nice to her and she went to church with the family
he doesnt get along with his dad or his brother
and wants to quit the family company
she loves his family and falls in love with the boss. he loves her too
but he catches her with her brother and she confesses to trying to clear her brother
it was the sister in law who framed her brother
all was forgiven for everyone
they got married
her brother got fired from his accounting job, they said he embezzled, but he says he didnt. she quit her job to get a job there to prove hes innocent so he can get another job
he keeps pressuring her but she hasnt found anything yet
the boss invited her to be his pretend girlfriend at his parents house for his sisters wedding and his parents anniversary party. his parents are really nice to her and she went to church with the family
he doesnt get along with his dad or his brother
and wants to quit the family company
she loves his family and falls in love with the boss. he loves her too
but he catches her with her brother and she confesses to trying to clear her brother
it was the sister in law who framed her brother
all was forgiven for everyone
they got married
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2024
Pretty good book!
May 13, 2008
Love Is Patient
Carolyne Aarsen
Inspirational Romance
244 pages
copyright: 2004
isbn: 0-373-87258-5
In love with her boss.
If Dylan Matheson knew the real reason she had become his secretary, Lisa Sterling suspected his gray eyes would turn to Arctic ice. Always protective of her stepbrother, she now needed to get inside Dylan's company to clear her sibling's name. Lisa thought their relationship would be strictly business. Until she accompanied Dylan to a family wedding . . .
The Mathesons' closeness and absolute trust in God drew Lisa like a blazing fire on a cold winter's night. A tower of strength, Dylan was a man she could love unfailingly. But as their attraction blossomed, she feared her secret would jeopardize everything. Unless God made Dylan see that love is all things, including forgiveness . . .
Carolyne Aarsen
Inspirational Romance
244 pages
copyright: 2004
isbn: 0-373-87258-5
In love with her boss.
If Dylan Matheson knew the real reason she had become his secretary, Lisa Sterling suspected his gray eyes would turn to Arctic ice. Always protective of her stepbrother, she now needed to get inside Dylan's company to clear her sibling's name. Lisa thought their relationship would be strictly business. Until she accompanied Dylan to a family wedding . . .
The Mathesons' closeness and absolute trust in God drew Lisa like a blazing fire on a cold winter's night. A tower of strength, Dylan was a man she could love unfailingly. But as their attraction blossomed, she feared her secret would jeopardize everything. Unless God made Dylan see that love is all things, including forgiveness . . .
Read
July 23, 2011plot if dylan matheson knew the real reason she had become his secretary lisa sterling suspected his gray eyes would turn to artic ice always protective of her stepbrother she now needed to get inside dylan's company to clear her sibling's name lisa thought their relation ship would be strictly buisness untill she accompanied dylan to a family wedding the matthesons' closeness and absolute trust in god drew lisa like a blazing fire on a cold winter's night a tower of strength dylan was a man she could love unfailingly but as their attraction blossomed she feared her secret would jeopardize everything inless god made dylan see that love is all things including forgiveness
August 24, 2022
I enjoyed this but found it odd that the main character Lisa would allow herself to be in unsafe places with her boss Dylan. She complained about her previous boss coming onto her, but then sleeps at her new boss's parents' house even letting him into her bedroom and sailing alone with him. All situations where she could easily have been taken advantage of.
I also didn't see the need for deceit. Dylan could have told his family that he and Lisa were friends, as well as her being his secretary. I'm sure his matchmaking family would have assumed more. I don't lie and I never understand how other people can purposefully do it. Who does that?
I also didn't see the need for deceit. Dylan could have told his family that he and Lisa were friends, as well as her being his secretary. I'm sure his matchmaking family would have assumed more. I don't lie and I never understand how other people can purposefully do it. Who does that?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2013
This book was a good read, although the plot was a bit unbelievable at times. The best parts of the story centered on the love found in the Matheson family, as well as Lisa's dedication to her brother.
One of the lessons I have taken from this book is that struggles - both internal and external - affect all people regardless of status, background, or family.
One of the lessons I have taken from this book is that struggles - both internal and external - affect all people regardless of status, background, or family.
May 4, 2013
Lisa Sterling got a job working for Dylan as her boss under false pretenses. She deceived him but they both deceived his family. It wasn't supposed to happen but they fell in love with each other.
Will all the lies be forgiven? Love sure proved to be patient in this book.
Lisa and Dylan were really "made" for each other.
This was a great read.
Will all the lies be forgiven? Love sure proved to be patient in this book.
Lisa and Dylan were really "made" for each other.
This was a great read.
January 4, 2014
Lisa and Dylan start off with lies and end up with forgiveness. Lisa is trying to clear her brother, Gabe's, name when she applies for a job at Dylan's father's company. Dylan needs a date for his sister's wedding and parent's anniversary party.
May 27, 2022
Inspirational romance. Lisa akes the job of Dylan Matheson's secretary to find eveidence to clear her stepbrother's name. Gabe has been accused of embezzling funds from the Mathesons' family business.
May 28, 2009
Somewhat suspenseful novel, but not the best romance.
January 13, 2010
I am just not interested in this plot.
June 28, 2010
Decent story, but not memorable. I visited Vancouver last year, so I enjoyed recognizing some places. I did want to shake the brother several times - quit whining!
August 5, 2011
I love this book - for some reason. I've read it at least 3 times. I think I like the way the heroine supports her brother, no matter what and despite her own wants.
February 16, 2013
This book really showed how Trust and Faith go hand in hand. Second chances are a must to enforce the Trust issue and you need the Faith to see it through.
April 5, 2013
I thought this book was wonderful.
January 9, 2014
A sister tried to find out why her brother was unjustly fired and ends up falling in love with her new boss.
May 5, 2014
Good story line about love and forgiveness.
December 6, 2017
Onvan : Love is Patient - Nevisande : Carolyne Aarsen - ISBN : 373872585 - ISBN13 : 9780373872589 - Dar 251 Safhe - Saal e Chap : 2004
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews