Everyone says Sarah Quinn runs from the pain of her past, but that’s not really true. She runs because her miles on the trails give her peace in a way little else does - not to mention, it offsets some of the baked goods she samples at her job in the town bakery.
Micah Cain, the town’s dedicated physician, has had feelings for his best friend for as long as he can remember. Too bad she’s sworn off even considering marriage due to her abusive father and mother’s string of boyfriends after the man went to prison.
When Sarah enters a trail race to push herself to her limits, her training is shadowed by mysterious threatening notes that begin to appear all over the place. She’s good at avoiding things that scare her, but Micah has no such skill. Running the race with her might just be the only way he can keep her safe, but will even that be enough?
In this small-town story of faith, courage, and a love that defies the echoes of the past, Micah and Sarah discover that sometimes, life is a race they must run together, even when the path is treacherous and the past threatens to overtake them.
Readers met Micah and Sarah in book one of the Reindeer Pass Christmas series - Memories and Mistletoe. This book can be read as a standalone.
Can you believe I am giving a contemporary romance FIVE STARS??? I am becoming a huge fan of Malory Ford and I do believe she is officially an author that is an "automatic" read for me.
This book is set in Reindeer Pass - the first book in the series is Memories and Mistletoe and was how I got hooked on YouTube audiobooks. It was also a book that convinced me to try some more contemporary fiction because I loved it so much. And now the town and the characters have continued in this sweet Christian romance!
First of all, I was so pleased to see old beloved characters. I love Hannah and Jayce and I would have been very upset if they had not at least made an appearance in this book. They were there. I was so relieved.
Next, the main characters!! *contented sigh* Ford has a great way of creating characters that are unique, a little exaggerated, and complex all at the same time. It is truly amazing. And the way they interact with people and work through their own internal issues is always so wonderfully done.
Sarah is literally running from her past...kind of. Her need to be moving and pushing herself to the max is actually a great coping mechanism. Many people would choose a different way to dull or deal with past pain. And Micah!! Can we have more men in this world like Jayce and Micah? For reals. Micah was such a great friend to Sarah, especially when she needed it the most. His understanding that he needed to be with her while she processed her pain was just beautiful. And Sarah was not too stubborn to eventually allow Micah to help her and look out for her. Such great balance in the characters.
And, finally, the little old ladies in this book were JUST THE SWEETEST! This small town that Ford has created is my new favorite place and I want to live there.
I highly recommend this book to Christian and clean romance readers (there is faith content but it's never preachy), for a cozy read or even for older teen girls looking for more clean romance. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions about the book are my own.
I don’t even remember where I picked this book up but it was on my kindle and I decided to try it. I had low expectations as I’m a picky romance reader, but I really enjoyed this! I loved the characters. Sarah was sweet and even though she had some issues, they didn’t become huge problems and she admitted she needed to change things. And Micah was so sweet and kind and willing to do all he could to help Sarah. Loved all the side characters. The mystery wasn’t overly dramatic. No kidnapping or near death experiences for which I was grateful. And yes, I did guess correctly on who was behind everything. The Christian aspects were well done and I appreciated the fact that it wasn’t stuck in as an afterthought but a real part of the story. There was only a little kissing and it was very tastefully done. Now I want to read more about this town and the characters.
It was satisfying to watch Sarah finally realize that Micah was all she ever needed and to see Micah take that first step. An endearing story of two friends that mean so much more to each other. Micah is so protective and Sarah can be his balance when he gets all worked up. There is suspense, heartbreak, forgiveness, laughter, and growing faith all within the pages.
I enjoyed the story very much, as I do all of the Author’s books. Clean stories filled with faith in the Lord; salvation clearly presented. Definitely a story to be re-visited; I’m eager for the next installment. I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
This was my first book by Malory Ford and I really enjoyed it!
It was fun getting to know Sarah and Micah, to watch their growth, and see Sarah realize that Micah was the man for her. His care and love for her was heartwarming. I loved the fun and serious times that they had, it made them more realistic.
Both Micah and Sarah had a firm hold on their faith, though Sarah did have some growing that she needed to do, and events orchestrating that growth played out nicely.
One of my favorite parts was when Micah’s eyes were described, “eyes the color of chocolate ganache” 🤭
I can’t wait to get to know more friends from Reindeer Pass, Malory built up the side characters in a way that made you want to know their stories as well.
I’m so excited to have stumbled upon this (new to me) author! Her writing is excellent, the characters so well-developed and relatable, the mystery kept me guessing and didn’t take over the romance, the faith elements were beautifully woven throughout, and … the story is just captivating! Sarah has a tragic past but is more than just a survivor, she has come through as a beautiful, strong woman. Micah, what can I say, he’s the perfect best friend and man who has loved Sarah for years. I enjoyed not only their relationship but also their whole friendship circle. Cannot wait to now read some of the other’s stories!
Oh what a delightful story! From a childhood of abuse to a home of love and safety with Nana, Sarah had learned to put each bad memory in separate boxes in her mind, deciding she could then pretend none of it had happened. But her best friend, Micah, could see right through her, knowing there was much more to her than met the eye. Would he ever be able to break through the walls around her heart to let her know his feelings went far beyond friendship? As he became her safe haven when danger threatened, maybe it would be the breakthrough he hoped for. But what was God’s plan in all of this?
There All Along sounds like such a moving blend of small, town charm, faith, and emotional depth. Sarah’s struggle with her past feels so real, and I love how running becomes both her escape and her strength. Micah’s quiet, steadfast love for her makes him the kind of character you can’t help but root for. The mix of romance, suspense with the threatening notes, and the theme of finding healing through love and courage makes this story feel both heartwarming and gripping. Definitely a book that promises hope, resilience, and a love worth fighting for.
Sarah and Micah have been friends forever. Only Sarah doesn't see that Micah has been in love with her for almost as long. He spends time with her and helps when needed. He knows all about her past, he thinks, but does not know what Vance, her last boyfriend did to her. He steps up to be around her to protect her. It is a sweet read and glad that Sarah finally accepts him as more than a friend. When you finish the book, you can agree to hear from the author and receive the Epilogue!
What a great book! A mixture of a long time friendship, small town and a mystery. Can Micah protect Sarah from whomever is threatening her while she protects herself from trusting any man. A town filled with true, dedicated friends who support each other through everything. Will Micah finally win the heart of the only woman he has loved for years?
In this book you will read about danger, and friends who finally take their next step. Micah and Sarah are two amazing people who have been friends forever. When Sarah’s life is in danger Micah finally accepts his feelings for her. You won’t be able to stop reading this wonderful book.
Malory Ford is a new author for me but I can tell already that she will become a favorite. This book is well written and covers many reality situations. A thread of faith runs throughout the story and reminds one of God’s grace and mercy. I recommend this book.
Scared to ruin their friendship, Micah and Sarah both try to hide their attraction to each other, until Sarah has the courage to confront Micah. A little bit of suspense and a dose of Godly wisdom makes this a good read.
Great story of a very patient man and a sweet young lady coming to grips with her lack of self esteem coming from a difficult childhood. Enjoy this little mountain town.
What a wonderful work of Christian fiction. It's a very touching story so I'm going to read the next book. I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
Micah and Sarah the best of friends but will they take the chance on a forever kind of love? Loved them together and my heart hurt for both of them. The suspense was so good and kept me guessing until the end. I love best friends to forever stories. A really sweet ending. Great start to the series and I hope the author writes really fast.