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To Begin Again
Birmingham, Alabama, fifteen year old Celeste Stanton’s life revolves around the strict religious upbringing of her aunt Ruby Stanton who has raised her since birth after her mother’s death. Her world consists of church and more church. But when the pastor’s son, Jordon Jackson, confesses his love for her, they become more than just friends. Her first sexual encounter, changes her life forever. Shelby is born. Becoming a mother at 17 would bring challenges not once but twice; Claudia is born eighteen months later; causing her to grow up faster than she could blink, but where there’s a will, there’s a way and she manages to survive with the support of her family, and best friend Joy. She experiences heartbreak, love and tragedy and learns that life is a constant; it never stays the same. To Begin Again is the story of life's lessons;it's a story of the sheer will to persevere in spite of what obstacles may be in your way. It's a story of learning that what we have been taught, no matter how much we felt we were being lectured and hovered over, it was for our good and it was all because of love. Celeste will find out all of those lessons and more.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2012
6 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Christine Pauls
12 books37 followersChristine Pauls, an author of Contemporary Women's Fiction and Romantic Suspense is a native of Delaware, born and raised
in the city of Wilmington.
She penned her first novel in 2012. The mother of two and grandmother of three is an accountant by day in the banking industry.
You can find her books on Amazon and Barnes, Noble websites, her hometown's public library, and independent bookstores.
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Sociatap @authorcp
Her website is: www.christinepauls.com
in the city of Wilmington.
She penned her first novel in 2012. The mother of two and grandmother of three is an accountant by day in the banking industry.
You can find her books on Amazon and Barnes, Noble websites, her hometown's public library, and independent bookstores.
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Sociatap @authorcp
Her website is: www.christinepauls.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 30, 2014
To Begin Again is a novel that truly lives up to its title. This story is set in Birmingham Alabama and centers on the life of young Celeste. She is raised by her strict Aunt Ruby and is only allowed to enjoy church, church and more church. When Celeste sets her sights on the Pastor Jackson’s son Jordon, one bad decision sends her life into a downward spiral. Nevertheless, she manages to pick up the pieces and move on until the next tragedy occurs that is. Year after year, Celeste tries to press into the next phase of her life but she continues to face adversity. How she handles each situation determines her ability to begin again.
The pace of this novel was interesting to say the least. The first half read at a pace that was of a calm and moderately-moving nature, all the while holding my attention. I felt as if I was sitting on a porch swinging in the summer breeze and the story was rocking me back and forth. The second half took off and it was filled with drama that I wasn’t expecting. It made me say, “Ok Christine let’s go!” The main character was well-developed and I could feel her pain as she endured her trials and learned some of life’s hardest lessons. I read this book in only a few hours and I enjoyed it. I give it Four Stars!
August 3, 2015
A WHIRLWIND STORY!
TO BEGIN AGAIN by Christine Pauls is a wonderful tale that feels so much like a real life story. The characters are believable and the series of events is amazing. Never a dull moment. My emotions were all over the place and I laughed, cried and even felt fear at times. Ms Pauls has written a story of strength, loyalty, survival and strong faith.
The close-knit family came together with each and every crisis and were able to help one another with their love and commitment. I enjoyed the closeness of the family members and the willingness to be there for each other.
The plot was tight, leaving no dead spots throughout the book. No loose ends that left me hanging and a sound definitive ending. Ms Pauls knows what she's doing! She's a natural story-teller! Although there were a few minor editing issues, nothing was taken away from this entertaining read and everyone that enjoys a good, exciting story of family and friends should pick up a copy.
Bravo Christine Pauls! I enjoyed every minute of your amazing story. I look forward to reading your next masterpiece. Good job!
TO BEGIN AGAIN by Christine Pauls is a wonderful tale that feels so much like a real life story. The characters are believable and the series of events is amazing. Never a dull moment. My emotions were all over the place and I laughed, cried and even felt fear at times. Ms Pauls has written a story of strength, loyalty, survival and strong faith.
The close-knit family came together with each and every crisis and were able to help one another with their love and commitment. I enjoyed the closeness of the family members and the willingness to be there for each other.
The plot was tight, leaving no dead spots throughout the book. No loose ends that left me hanging and a sound definitive ending. Ms Pauls knows what she's doing! She's a natural story-teller! Although there were a few minor editing issues, nothing was taken away from this entertaining read and everyone that enjoys a good, exciting story of family and friends should pick up a copy.
Bravo Christine Pauls! I enjoyed every minute of your amazing story. I look forward to reading your next masterpiece. Good job!
November 17, 2015
Emotional rollercoaster
This book was an emotional rollercoaster of a ride. It chronicles Celeste life from her teenage years when she became a mother into adulthood. She had a few traumatic experiences but persevered. My thoughts while reading was " how much more can she endure?".
This story is a testament to the power of family, friendship and faith and the ability of the human spirit to bounce back and thrive.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster of a ride. It chronicles Celeste life from her teenage years when she became a mother into adulthood. She had a few traumatic experiences but persevered. My thoughts while reading was " how much more can she endure?".
This story is a testament to the power of family, friendship and faith and the ability of the human spirit to bounce back and thrive.
April 8, 2020
Team Celeste!
I rooted for Celeste from the beginning to the end of this story. Her journey, struggles, and triumph through perseverance was astounding. I enjoyed watching her character grow and develop. I loved Aunt Ruby. She loved Celeste and cared for her with everything she had. She was stern, loving, and the best thing that could've happened to Celeste.
The second half of the story took me on a whirlwind. Just when it seemed that Celeste had found her happy with love, a job promotion, and her new place, life knocked the wind out of her again and again. She had different kind of problems, but yet, she came through with the love and support of family and friends.
This is my third read by Christine Pauls, and she never disappoints.
I rooted for Celeste from the beginning to the end of this story. Her journey, struggles, and triumph through perseverance was astounding. I enjoyed watching her character grow and develop. I loved Aunt Ruby. She loved Celeste and cared for her with everything she had. She was stern, loving, and the best thing that could've happened to Celeste.
The second half of the story took me on a whirlwind. Just when it seemed that Celeste had found her happy with love, a job promotion, and her new place, life knocked the wind out of her again and again. She had different kind of problems, but yet, she came through with the love and support of family and friends.
This is my third read by Christine Pauls, and she never disappoints.
June 13, 2020
Celeste Stanton was raised by her strict aunt. She fell in love with Jordon Jackson and had sex with him and got pregnant with a little girl at the age of 17. At first Jordan was happy about the baby, then it fizzled. She had to set her plans to the side while Jordan went to college. They grew apart, but then she started to see him again and got pregnant a second time with another daughter. She and Jordan broke up. Time moved on Celeste grew up and was solely responsible for her daughters. She falls in love again with Keith a lawyer with a gambling problems (she didn’t know about the gambling). Celeste ends up getting raped by an acquaintance of Jordans’. She goes through trauma from the rape and unstable Keith but in the end she conquers all. This book was really good and I highly recommend it.
July 25, 2021
Excellent Story!!
I absolutely loved this book! I’m late to the party, but I’m here and I’m so happy!! This is actually the first book I’ve read by Christine, but it definitely will not be the last. I already have another book in my Kindle by her!
This was a story on family, extended family, love, loss, and some other elements including life and faith!! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it! Kudos, Christine!! 💜
I absolutely loved this book! I’m late to the party, but I’m here and I’m so happy!! This is actually the first book I’ve read by Christine, but it definitely will not be the last. I already have another book in my Kindle by her!
This was a story on family, extended family, love, loss, and some other elements including life and faith!! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it! Kudos, Christine!! 💜
June 20, 2017
I Can Do All Things.......!
It takes courage to evaluate your life and want to correct that which needs correcting and improving on what is still not your best. As a first book this author did a remarkable job sharing with the world her life from child to woman. Thank you, I look forward to your next read.
It takes courage to evaluate your life and want to correct that which needs correcting and improving on what is still not your best. As a first book this author did a remarkable job sharing with the world her life from child to woman. Thank you, I look forward to your next read.
September 6, 2017
Relationships
This was a pretty good book. The story line did go left in some areas but it did help explain somethings. The ages references didn't always match up in some places. I think that part of the novel needs to be corrected.
This was a pretty good book. The story line did go left in some areas but it did help explain somethings. The ages references didn't always match up in some places. I think that part of the novel needs to be corrected.
March 29, 2020
Very good read!
I enjoyed this book immensely. The family and friends support was awesome. But mostly I love how God made "everything for good".
I enjoyed this book immensely. The family and friends support was awesome. But mostly I love how God made "everything for good".
January 22, 2015
Headline: Second Chances
Sometimes our mistakes are what make our fate. Without them, what would shape our lives? Like Carrie on Sex in the City said; if we never veered off course, we wouldn't be who we are or something like that. What I’m trying to say is that mistakes are just a mis-take an opportunity to do it over with God’s grace.
We cannot have beginnings without endings; how exciting to begin again. Pauls story which reads very much like a memoir and a coming of age story could very well be my story or yours. Celeste Stanton’s journey is one filled with ups, downs and many twist. Just when you think you know what Celeste, Jordan or Aunt Ruby will do next you might want to think again.
Celeste journey from her teen’s years to adulthood will break the readers’ heart, but also have you wanting to hit her in the head to the white meat. I loved this story and I especially enjoyed the theme of second chances from our Sovereign God.
It’s nearly a perfect story, and unimaginable that it was the only published work by Pauls, an outstanding debut.
5 bookmarks
Missy
Sometimes our mistakes are what make our fate. Without them, what would shape our lives? Like Carrie on Sex in the City said; if we never veered off course, we wouldn't be who we are or something like that. What I’m trying to say is that mistakes are just a mis-take an opportunity to do it over with God’s grace.
We cannot have beginnings without endings; how exciting to begin again. Pauls story which reads very much like a memoir and a coming of age story could very well be my story or yours. Celeste Stanton’s journey is one filled with ups, downs and many twist. Just when you think you know what Celeste, Jordan or Aunt Ruby will do next you might want to think again.
Celeste journey from her teen’s years to adulthood will break the readers’ heart, but also have you wanting to hit her in the head to the white meat. I loved this story and I especially enjoyed the theme of second chances from our Sovereign God.
It’s nearly a perfect story, and unimaginable that it was the only published work by Pauls, an outstanding debut.
5 bookmarks
Missy
December 12, 2014
This book was a sweet surprise; it took me back to spending my summers in Virginia, sitting on my Grandma's screened-in porch, drinking lemonade and reading on her bench swing. I absolutely got lost in the book while I was reading, and was completely absorbed. I fell in love with the characters, especially Celeste, and could relate to her.
The book is easy to follow, well written, and the characters totally believeable. Author Pauls lets the characters tell their story, without them overpowering the book. It had the right blend of sweet, tension, and gave me that "ahhhhh" feeling when I finished reading it. It made me feel like I had spent time with a good friend, having a great conversation.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great book, and an enjoyable read. I take my hat off to Christine Pauls, for a job well done!
The book is easy to follow, well written, and the characters totally believeable. Author Pauls lets the characters tell their story, without them overpowering the book. It had the right blend of sweet, tension, and gave me that "ahhhhh" feeling when I finished reading it. It made me feel like I had spent time with a good friend, having a great conversation.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great book, and an enjoyable read. I take my hat off to Christine Pauls, for a job well done!
December 27, 2015
This was my introduction to Christine Pauls as a writer and I was quite impressed. To Begin Again is the story of Celeste who had an experience that many young women can relate to. She fell for the "okie doke" and was naive like many young girls in thinking she could not get pregnant the first time that she had sex. SURPRISE!!!
Celeste was doing her best to manage as a teen mom in spite of the many obstacles that were in her path. Pauls did an excellent job at tapping into the many emotions that come along with moving into adulthood. There were a few grammatical/spelling errors, but they did not distract from the story. To Begin Again is a story of redemption, forgiveness and perseverance. Pauls is fairly unknown in the literary world, but I truly think I stumbled across a gem with this book and I'm excited to see her develop and share more of her work.
Celeste was doing her best to manage as a teen mom in spite of the many obstacles that were in her path. Pauls did an excellent job at tapping into the many emotions that come along with moving into adulthood. There were a few grammatical/spelling errors, but they did not distract from the story. To Begin Again is a story of redemption, forgiveness and perseverance. Pauls is fairly unknown in the literary world, but I truly think I stumbled across a gem with this book and I'm excited to see her develop and share more of her work.
December 13, 2015
This my first read by the author and it will not be my last. I really enjoyed this story of a teenaged mother and her struggles with motherhood, life decisions and finding love. Celeste and Jordan are childhood sweethearts make an adult decision that has some real adult consequences, but it is Celeste who has to make the most sacrifices as is usually the case with teen mothers. Jordan's parents especially his mother also enable Jordan to eventually forego his responsibilities. Celeste has a wonderful and supportive family despite the mistakes she's made. My only complaint is that although we find out what happens with the other characters we don't really find out what happens with Jordan so I assume Jordan and Celeste finally got their stuff together and got together as a family.
February 12, 2015
Good book! Celeste is a young teenage that lived with her aunt, due to the death of her mom during labor. Celeste was an honor roll student, but was in love with Jordon. Celeste becomes pregnant and gives birth to a little girl. Jordon was able to go away to college and leave Celeste behind to raise their daughter. Jordon becomes involved in his daughter’s life and try to maintain a relationship with Celeste in the process. Celeste becomes pregnant again, and Jordon was very upset. Celeste moves on with her life and focus on her daughters. Celeste had trials and tribulations, but was able to get through them. One never knows what life has in store…..
October 13, 2014
I enjoyed the story,but...
I enjoyed the story,but the ending was rushed. There were also some problems with the editing, names and events that occurred and timing. I think that it has a good theme, but more time taken in writing would have made it a 5* read.
I enjoyed the story,but the ending was rushed. There were also some problems with the editing, names and events that occurred and timing. I think that it has a good theme, but more time taken in writing would have made it a 5* read.
December 27, 2014
Good Book
I enjoyed the book. It was a good story. I was proud of the woman that she turned out to be. The only thing I wish the author would have did was updated us on what happen between Jordan and the main character.
I enjoyed the book. It was a good story. I was proud of the woman that she turned out to be. The only thing I wish the author would have did was updated us on what happen between Jordan and the main character.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews