Sally Curtis is all about numbers, details, and the crisp pages of accounting ledgers at the inn. She isn’t interested in messy human interactions or anything that doesn’t compute in a spreadsheet.
But when Peter Wilcock, the farmer with a contagious laugh, requires her skills, she's thrust into a world where calculations meet chaos.
Peter, always ready with a joke, encourages Sally to look beyond the confines of spreadsheets, encouraging her to walk out of the office and help with the daily operations of the farm.
As days pass and unexpected tasks arise, could there be a blooming romance amidst the hay and harvests, challenging Sally's steadfast views on love and life?
Another lovely novel by Jessie Gussman. I love how Jessie tackles subjects like loyalty to a friend in a way that convicts us all. In her story about Sally and her best friend Norma Jean, Sally is faced with being honorable in her friendship vs. getting what she wants and even needs.
Norma Jean who is a pretty, but spoiled young woman has set her sights on Peter who is not interested in her and is in fact, interested in Sally. Sally refuses to get in the way of Norma Jean’s single-minded pursuit of Peter because she feels loyalty to her friend. And even though Norma Jean is spiteful and mean, Sally, because of her faith, believes she needs to be kind and loving even to those who are not kind and loving back.
Poor Peter is left with having to deal with the aggressive Norma Jean and hopes somehow, he can spend more time with Sally. In the meantime, he is amazed that Sally manages to find happiness regardless of her circumstances. As the story progresses we watch Sally be patient and kind in the face of difficult situations. Her faith that God will work this out is solid. The story leaves me thinking deeply about my faith, my patience, and my forgiveness of those who hurt me. And while, yes, this is a novel and not real life, it is exactly the kind of story that illustrates how we should try to behave. This is the strength of Jessie’s writing. She presents us with a set of circumstances that are challenging and then gently shows us how to navigate those situations biblically. This final book in the Strawberry Sands series is a lovely look at how to live in a Godly way and find happiness in the things that matter in life.
I enjoyed this book in the Strawberry Sands Beach Series, as I have enjoyed all the others. Ms. Gussman's writing draws a picture of a quiet beach tourist town where everyone knows each other. And cares about each other. In the storytelling, the reader is also drawn in to care about each resident of Strawberry Sands. Such a delight! Sally and Norma Jean are best friends who've known each other since kindergarten. Norma Jean has had a difficult childhood and seemingly acts like she's entitled to her own wants and ways, disregarding the concerns for others. Sally is a beautiful Christian friend who is kind and considerate, even when she doesn't feel like it. She allows Norma Jean to have her way, even if it means losing out on a job (and needed income) or a boyfriend. When Norma Jean sets her eyes on Peter, she's determined to get him to not only notice her but to romance her. Unfortunately, Peter doesn't feel the same way and is turned off by Norma Jean's manipulations to get his attention. As a matter of fact, he has growing feelings for Sally, if only they could get closer without Norma Jean's interference. And then one day a serious accident occurs due to Norman Jean's poor decision, and Peter becomes incapacitated. He asks Sally to take care of him and nurse him back to health. As the two grow closer together, will Norma Jean step in between once again, or will they have their HEA? A delightful clean romance that I highly recommend! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
Jessie has once again given her readers a story of faith, relationships and finding love. Sally’s faith in God and his guidance is very much a part of her relationship with her friend. When her friend acts unkindly, selfishly or in anger, Sally does not react in anger or withdraw her friendship. She forgives her friend’s actions, knowing she is not perfect and neither is her friend. It is her loyalty to her friend and her faith in God that draws Peter’s attention to her.
When a thoughtless action causes Peter to be injured, it is Sally who steps in to nurse him back to health. This is the turning point in their relationship from acquaintances to friends and then something more. The accident is also turning point for her friend whose interest is guided from Peter to another, as she learns that there are consequences to her actions. Understandably upset about the accident and the injuries he sustained because of someone’s misdeeds, it is Sally who helps to remind him of the importance of forgiveness and mercy. These characters learn that they must choose to be happy, to love each other and to have faith in God and follow his guidance. This book offers many words of wisdom for readers to take to heart and put into action.
I was given a copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review,
Sally is attracted to Peter, but her friend Norma Jean wants him for herself, so she feels she has to step back, even when Peter tries to get to know her better. But when one of Norma Jean's attempts has far more far-reaching effects than she ever dreamed, all three will be forced to examine the bounds of love and friendship, and to decide for themselves where they will find happiness.
Another enjoyable read in the series, this one with some interesting and thought-provoking conversations about friendship and forgiveness. It was interesting seeing Sally again after she made a not-great impression in an earlier book - she seemed much more sensible in here, which was good. I enjoyed seeing Sally and Peter end up together despite difficulties, and also appreciated the chance to see more of some characters from previous books. Lena's story still felt unfinished, so I'm hoping to hear more about that in future, but otherwise I'm excited to see where the author will head 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.
What a true and good friend Sally Curtis is to her childhood friend Norma Jean. Norma Jean had a hard childhood and the Curtis family was there for her, so Sally understands when Norma Jean comes across as pushy. When Norma Jean sets her eyes Peter Slessing and is determined they he will be hers, Sally steps aside even though she has feelings for Peter too. Sally is so giving to her friend that she even refuses a job working for Peter when Norma Jean determines to take the job.
Peter Slessing, is a nice guy who loves to be humorous and he is not very involved in the community. He has a farm that is outside of town and when he decides to hire a bookkeeper to help organize his accounts, his brother suggests one that works for him at the Inn. When Sally shows up for the job, Peter is really excited because he is interested in her. Then Norma Jean barges in demanding to be given the job and sadly Sally backs out even though she is the one he wants to hire.
Will Norma Jean always interfere in a relationship between Sally and Peter? What will happen when she goes too far in trying to capture Peter's attention causing him a serious accident?
There are many spiritual lessons in this book that involve going the extra for someone that is very difficult.
I really enjoyed this series and getting to know the people that live in Strawberry Sands Beach.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
“That’s the way my life is supposed to be. Just calm acceptance from God of whatever He wants to give me.”
This book went through so much: how the Bible basically tells us to let others take advantage of us (not a new concept at all, seriously, think about Jesus’ words and actions), about being peaceable and forgiving no matter what, about letting go because God has it all under control even if His will for you is a life of pain, and multiple people and perspectives. I felt like I was getting so much more than just one love story here. As always, Gussman’s books both challenge and edify my faith. However, in recent months as physical health issues become more prominent and medical answers and help are few and far between, her books bring me comfort. They confirm my faith and trust in our Healing God who holds us through it all and brings about His work for His glory.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Sally has always shown the type of person she is by her conduct and the way she speaks and treats others. Norma Jean has been a cast-off, most all of her life. Neither of her parents wanted her and treated her the sane way they felt, as though she were gum on thier shoe. Sally befriended her in kindergarten as they became like sisters as they grew up. Sally most always gave in to what Norma Jean wanted including boyfriends, until Peter came along and her feelings could not be turned off. Norma caused damage she will never be able to correct and will have to live with the consequences thecrest of her life. When two people are in close proximity for eight weeks 24-7 they will either end up hating one another or falling in Love. You will just have to read to find out what happened between Sally, n Frank,n Becky, n Rodney. Strawberry Sands n Blueberry Beach are the places to find love and Great Food.
We want to be happy but how do we achieve it? Finding happiness seems to be everyone’s goal. But there seems to be many ways to try to achieve it. Which way really works? Sally works as an accountant and tries to find happiness by choosing to look for good and helping others. Her friend, Norma Jean, tries manipulating others and forcing her will upon them. When Sally and Norma Jean both are attracted to the same man, Peter, who only cares for one of them problems begin. Things get progressively worse until a plan that goes wrong results in a horrible accident with Peter having a severely broken leg and needing health care to mend. But will even that be enough to straighten out the mess that was made? Please note this book is a Christian themed novel and has doctrinal discussion. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
Sally is so loyal to her friend that she gives up a possible job with Peter (who she was starting to have feelings for) that she truly needed and was what she was good at. Peter didn't want to hire her friend, but did. Because of her friend, Peter gets trampled by a bull, and Sally ends up taking care of him. Peter and Sally's relationship develops while they talk and interact during his recovery.
This book is written in a way that made me think about my relationships, especially my relationship with God. I love that Jessie Gussman weaves integrity, loyalty, trust, good Bible teachings and God loving people into her books. Each is thought provoking and the people are people of good character. This is true throughout the entire Strawberry Sands series, this being the last book in the series.
Sally Curtis is not comfortable around people but she loves numbers. It’s what makes her a good accountant but she could use more work to help with the bills. When an opportunity for a temporary job comes up Sally is eager to accept.
Peter Wilcock, is an excellent farmer but not so good at the business side of running the farm. When someone suggests that he needs an accountant, he readily agrees but he is not prepared for the person he actually hires.
This clean, Christian romance gave me a lot to think about even as I was enjoying the story. Sally and Peter both learned a lot about themselves and each other. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Peter was charged by a bull because someone didn't close the gate... or was it intentional? He received serious injuries that will affect him the rest of his life.
Since he is unable to take care of himself, Sally agrees to stay with him until he gets his cast off.
Peter and Sally spend time discussing God's will... choosing forgiveness and happiness. Life is about accepting what God has given us, and being happy for both the good and the bad.
This is a clean, inspiring Christian story with at least one Happily-Ever-After. Read There I Find Happiness yourself and see what you think.
I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel, at the request of the author, but this review is my honest opinion given voluntarily.
In a good way. Again, Ms Gussman has written a heartwarming story with primarily four characters trying to surrender to the Lord and helping each other along the way. As the characters converse, they work through how they want to interact with others in biblical ways. Gently challenging each other, their growth was heartwarming to see and watching how God worked things out was inspiring. They didn’t try to take care of everything themselves but were content to wait on God and accept what He allowed to happen in their lives gratefully. Except perhaps one person…
Received an ARC and this is my honest, unsolicited review.
This is such a fantastic end to a wonderful series in Strawberry Sands! I absolutely loved Sally and Peter’s story. Sally was such a true and faithful friend to Norma Jean who wasn’t all the best to her, but Sally never gave up. Peter is such a strong wonderful man that likes Sally, but Norma Jean keeps getting in the way, I have to admit she frustrated me. This story had some conversations that made me laugh, strong friendships, loving neighbors and just a warm feeling. I love how Jessie can always bring out so many good lessons and things to think about in her books. A book you don’t want to miss reading, so wonderful and heart felt.
Jessie Gussman has hit another home run, combining Christian principles and romance in a thought provoking but very entertaining story.
Sally has a best friend who, frankly, is hard to love. Yet, Sally continues to be kind and to love her. Peter has his leg broken and has a concussion which will have future consequences yet finds it in his heart to accept God’s will is being done and to forgive. The story of how they get there is very much fun to read.
This is part of the Strawberry sands series, yet can be read as a stand alone. I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
Sally is an accountant at the inn. She has always liked Peter, but her best friend Norma Jean thinks she is in love with him, so Sally tries to stay out of the way. When Peter offers Sally a part-time job with him, Norma Jean takes over and takes the job. When Norma Jean’s attempts at getting Peter’s attention cause serious problems, Peter’s attention becomes focused on Sally.
Good conversations about what Jesus would expect us to do.
This book is very enjoyable with lots of humor and spiritual principles.
I received a free advance copy of this book. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
There I Find Happiness is a story of how Sally uses her Bible teachings and put it to use in her everyday life. Sally has always let Norma Jean get her way in life. When Peter wants to dance with Sally, Norma Jean publicly breaks them up and tells him to dance with her but he leaves. When Sally arrives at the office where she is sent for an accounting job, she finds it is Peter's farm. Just as he gives her the job, Norma Jean pulls up and runs up to the door and tells Peter she is there for the job. Sally tells him to let Norma Jean have it. But will Norma Jean's antics cause Peter undo harm? Will Sally and Peter ever get together?
Sally is an accountant and an introvert. Her fulltime job is winding down and she's looking for something part time. Peter needs a bookkeeper at his ranch. When she goes out to interview, her friend, Norma Jean sweeps in and says she wants to job. Sally backs off because she knows that Norma Jean likes Peter. Peter likes Sally and isn't happy, but Norma Jean does a good job.
This is a great book on friendship. Norma Jean got on my nerves, but Sally was so patient with her. She knew about Norma Jean's childhood and all she had been through. Sometimes we need to see beyond a person's actions to understand what they are going through.
Finally, Sally and Peter's story. Peter really liked Sally, but every time he tried to get to know her better, Norma Jean her best friend, would pop up. Sally really liked Peter, but her best friend called dibs. So, now she must wait for Norma Jean to decide Peter's not for her. I so wanted to shake Sally when she let Norma Jean have the accounting job Sally really needed. Sometimes letting mean people have their way, just helps them stay mean and uncaring. If you like clean stories, you will enjoy 'There I Find Happiness'. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
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 just finished reading Jessie Gussman’s most recent addition to the Strawberry Sands series entitled “There I Find Happiness”. All I can say is WOW. The insight and Christian principles really made me think about how I should be living my life. The main characters, Sally and Peter, were attracted to each other but were prevented from developing a relationship by Sally’s friend Norma Jean. Unfortunately Peter is seriously injured in a farming accident and Sally has agreed to nurse him until he’s back to normal. Will their relationship ever move forward?
Norma Jean is obsessed with Peter and will do anything to get his attention. Peter is interested in getting to know Sally better, which she wouldn't mind either. But, as Norma Jean's best friend, she won't allow that to happen.
Would another man ever catch Norma Jean's eye? It doesn't seem so, until she's working at Peter's farm doing his accounting. She met Miles, the man who owns the farm next to Peter's. Would it turn into mutual attraction between them? Maybe Sally and Peter will have the chance to be together.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
'There I Find Happiness' was sweet. The heartfelt plot was filled with unexpected love interests, a one-sided friendship, a near-death experience, spirituality, a much-needed confession, and love. Sally and Peter, the protagonists, worked hard to achieve their HEA despite a certain friend. Whereas I would have dropped the friendship with Norma Jean like a hot potato, Ms. Gussman took the high road and put the friendship in God's hands. Overall, I liked the touching narrative. I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Sally always puts her friend Norma jean first, so when she finds she has a crush on Peter, she ignores it because Norma Jean has her eye on him. She even turns down a job she needs working for Peter so Norma Jean can have it. Peter is not interested in Norma Jean and stays away from her as much as possible. When he has a run in with a bull and breaks his leg, he asks Sally to help him. A great story about love, putting others first and living God’s way.
Wow, there are so many Godly principles in this story. Sally does her best to live her life as Jesus would have her. Peter is an interesting character that realizes his need to accept God’s will. This amazing book takes you through many deep thoughts that are very powerful. Very inspirational story, like all the books by Jessie Gussman, that help my spiritual journey. I can’t wait for Norma Jean and Miles’ story. And what will Lana decide. Not to mention Rodney and Becky. I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I am so glad Sally has turned her life around and found her story. She is so patient and kind with her friend, Norma Jean. Norma Jean has her eye on Peter but Peter only has eyes for Sally. Will Sally be able to keep her heart guarded when she ends up needing to nurse Peter after a serious injury?
It is sad to be leaving Strawberry Sands but maybe we will be able to revisit some of these characters in a new series. Will there be a Raspberry Ridge series in the future?
There I Find Happiness ~Strawberry Sands Beach #10 by Jessie Gussman Jessie has done it again with another fabulous story to add to the wonderful Strawberry Sands Beach series. There I Fnd Happiness is a great book, which kept my interest the whole time. I Strongly suggest reading this book, Jessie's writing is brilliant, and she draws you into the story with her characters’ emotions and keeps you turning the pages until the end.
Reasons I enjoyed this book: Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
This is the last book in this series and I have enjoyed reading every one of them. Sally and Peter are two people on the surface do not look compatible but as life’s circumstances bring them together you see how they complement one another. Intermingled in this story is a meaningful life lesson on the benefits of putting others first. I like the way Jessie takes a biblical principal and brings it to life through the interaction of her characters. Happiness is a choice and not an easy one in some of life’s circumstances. R. Fody Jan 4, 2024
Sally Curtis just can’t stand up to her best friend, Norma Jean. However, some things just happen for a reason. Other things, Norma Jean helps along! When it comes to Peter Slessing, Norma Jean has ruled him off limits to Sally. Peter only has eyes and feelings for Sally. After an unfortunate accident, Sally is able to help Peter. After several weeks together and many Bible lessons for both, they are able to confess their love for each other. Even Norma Jean has one last surprise up her sleeve.
Sally and Peter have eyes for each other but also have an obstacle by the name of Norma Jean. Norma Jean wants Peter so Sally steps back out of the way. When Norma Jean tries to get Peter's attention he ends up getting hurt. Sally volunteers to take care of him and this gives them the chance to get to know each other and talk about their faith and what it means to them. It was hard watching Sally let herself be pushed around but it nice to see her finally get what she deserved in the end. Her faith led her to where she needed to be at the right time.