What do you think?
Rate this book
Raspberry Ridge #4
Around the Next Bend
Mertie Jardine came home because of her parents’ death, but she has secrets of her own. On a dark night, long ago, she gave away something precious, and the only person who knows lives in Raspberry Ridge. She can’t stay long or the public life she’s built for herself as a Christian speaker and conference leader could come crashing down.
Garnet Irving remembers that dark night well.
He remembers the scared, hurting girl even better. She’s somewhere under the cool and collected exterior of the woman who’s back in town and he’d like to find her. He never stopped wishing she could be his. Of course that’s impossible now, but he wouldn’t mind reconnecting and finding out what’s around the next bend for them.
Garnet Irving remembers that dark night well.
He remembers the scared, hurting girl even better. She’s somewhere under the cool and collected exterior of the woman who’s back in town and he’d like to find her. He never stopped wishing she could be his. Of course that’s impossible now, but he wouldn’t mind reconnecting and finding out what’s around the next bend for them.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2024
581 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
July 15, 2024
I’ve read and enjoyed nearly every book Jessie has written. I enjoyed this one also. There were some things in this one, however, that made it clear the characters were from a different denomination than I’m familiar with. I’ll mention those at the end who may be in the same boat that I am. Overall I really loved the premise of this story. The characters were not perfect and admitted such, yet they had a true desire to be better and looked to God, through repentance and forgiveness for His help in changing. I enjoyed seeing the growth of Mertie’s character as she went from career-focused to recognizing God’s nudging her toward family. The themes of serving one’s family and trusting God were good themes that we all need constant reminders of in this life. This was definitely an enjoyable sweet and gentle read.
Theology & practice:
The whole way they went about getting a pastor is very foreign to my experience and seems ripe for abuse and false teachers. I come from a tradition where pastors learn Biblical Greek & Hebrew and spend years studying theology and working under a mentor pastor before going out on their own. To have someone working in one field suddenly decided to be a pastor and get the post based on two sermons seems risky and easy for false teachers to slip in. However, perhaps there are other safeguards in these character’s denomination that did not come through in the book. The differences were vast enough that it took me out of the story a bit as I tried to figure out what was going on as nothing was really explained and this was just how they do it. I also am not so sure about a woman Christian speaker being able to be in-line with scripture. Women are not to be pastors, this is clear and the characters in Jessie’s book agree with this. However, in many respects, a Christian speaker is still preaching. Unless the audience is entirely women, another woman should not be teaching in such a fashion. But again, this is a situation in a fiction book and I can set that aside to just enjoy the story. Another oddity to me was Garnet believing a man shouldn’t be a pastor if he isn’t married. The passage in 1 Timothy was limiting men to one wife, not saying they must be married (the apostle Paul himself was never married). The context was Roman occupied areas during a polygamous time. Plus, it also mentioned the pastor must manage his children well. Does this mean a man can’t be a pastor unless he has children in the home to manage? Anyhow, though it struck me as odd, I was able to accept that this is what the character believed and still enjoy the story. These were just things that gave me pause. Until very recently I hadn’t been finding anything in Jessie’s books that gave me pause so this was surprising.
After adjusting to the premise, which again is foreign to my experience, the story was very enjoyable and this particular pastoral candidate seemed to know his stuff well. I particularly enjoyed chapter 20 and Garnet’s discussion with Miles. My pastor *just* covered this in Bible Study last Sunday and seems to be in 100% agreement with Garnet in this chapter. Though this wasn’t the focus of this story and more of a bit of a side story, I think it is so important that we remember what Garnet said to Miles, how each spouse has a set of instructions from God that they are to fulfill regardless of how the other spouse is doing with their instructions.
Theology & practice:
The whole way they went about getting a pastor is very foreign to my experience and seems ripe for abuse and false teachers. I come from a tradition where pastors learn Biblical Greek & Hebrew and spend years studying theology and working under a mentor pastor before going out on their own. To have someone working in one field suddenly decided to be a pastor and get the post based on two sermons seems risky and easy for false teachers to slip in. However, perhaps there are other safeguards in these character’s denomination that did not come through in the book. The differences were vast enough that it took me out of the story a bit as I tried to figure out what was going on as nothing was really explained and this was just how they do it. I also am not so sure about a woman Christian speaker being able to be in-line with scripture. Women are not to be pastors, this is clear and the characters in Jessie’s book agree with this. However, in many respects, a Christian speaker is still preaching. Unless the audience is entirely women, another woman should not be teaching in such a fashion. But again, this is a situation in a fiction book and I can set that aside to just enjoy the story. Another oddity to me was Garnet believing a man shouldn’t be a pastor if he isn’t married. The passage in 1 Timothy was limiting men to one wife, not saying they must be married (the apostle Paul himself was never married). The context was Roman occupied areas during a polygamous time. Plus, it also mentioned the pastor must manage his children well. Does this mean a man can’t be a pastor unless he has children in the home to manage? Anyhow, though it struck me as odd, I was able to accept that this is what the character believed and still enjoy the story. These were just things that gave me pause. Until very recently I hadn’t been finding anything in Jessie’s books that gave me pause so this was surprising.
After adjusting to the premise, which again is foreign to my experience, the story was very enjoyable and this particular pastoral candidate seemed to know his stuff well. I particularly enjoyed chapter 20 and Garnet’s discussion with Miles. My pastor *just* covered this in Bible Study last Sunday and seems to be in 100% agreement with Garnet in this chapter. Though this wasn’t the focus of this story and more of a bit of a side story, I think it is so important that we remember what Garnet said to Miles, how each spouse has a set of instructions from God that they are to fulfill regardless of how the other spouse is doing with their instructions.
August 20, 2024
Another fabulous Jesse Gussman book where real life comes face-to-face with biblical principles. And this one delivers the Word in some very controversial areas but this author is so good in what she does that she can hit the mark but do it and never offend the person. Garnet Irving and his fourteen year old daughter, Daphne, have returned to Raspberry Ridge so that he might interview for Pastor of the local church while also helping his mother while she tends to his father who has recently had a stroke. There are some interesting circumstances on why Garnet has a daughter and yet he has no wife. Mertie Jardine has finally arrived back in Raspberry Ridge to help her sister Amara prepare their parent’s home for sale. Mertie a prominent national Christian author and speaker was delayed getting to the small town because of her speaking engagements. She also wants to spend the least amount of time possible in Raspberry Ridge because she’s afraid that the secret she’s hidden for fifteen years may come to light and ruin everything she’s worked so hard for, yet she knows that there are only a few people who know her secret and they are no longer in town including her best friend growing up Garnet Irving, the one she could always depend on but now must avoid by all means. Her sister Amara invites her to a neighborhood Bible Study, and of course, being the leading Christian speaker she is, she’s compelled to go even though she would rather keep busy getting the house ready for sale but Amara tells her the new Pastor-elect will be leading it so Mertie is curious to meet him and hear him speak. Yes, you’ve guessed it, Mertie is about to come face-to-face with the one person she has spent the last fourteen years trying to avoid.
This down-to-earth book of biblical wisdom touches on the often discussed subjects of what are the specific biblical requirements for a Pastor, how to discern what God wants us to do, is asking God why? correct, when should we forgive, how is God’s timing and one’s faith linked, dying to self to serve others, and what are the duties of a husband and a wife according to God. These are just some I caught as I enjoyed the love story and the birthing of a family that was unfolding between the pages too. I have never read a Jesses Gussman book and not come away changed or deep in thought over something that was brought out in her book.
I received a free Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book but was given no monetary compensation. I read for the enjoyment and voluntarily review so that others may know what to expect and authors may be helped by critique and encouragement.
This down-to-earth book of biblical wisdom touches on the often discussed subjects of what are the specific biblical requirements for a Pastor, how to discern what God wants us to do, is asking God why? correct, when should we forgive, how is God’s timing and one’s faith linked, dying to self to serve others, and what are the duties of a husband and a wife according to God. These are just some I caught as I enjoyed the love story and the birthing of a family that was unfolding between the pages too. I have never read a Jesses Gussman book and not come away changed or deep in thought over something that was brought out in her book.
I received a free Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book but was given no monetary compensation. I read for the enjoyment and voluntarily review so that others may know what to expect and authors may be helped by critique and encouragement.
September 22, 2024
"Around the Next Bend" is a unique and sweet story. Mertie, now a public Christian speaker and author, got pregnant while in college. One night soon after, she gave the baby girl to her best friend Garnet and asked that he see that the baby is placed in a good home. Fast forward 14 years, and we find out that Garnet kept Mertie's daughter, Dabney, and has adopted her and been raising her as a single father, sacrificing his life and time for both his daughter and his best friend.
Garnet returns to his hometown to help his aging parents and to apply for the position as a pastor in the local church. Mertie has returned to the same hometown to fix up her deceased parent's house with her sisters in order to sell it.
When she runs into Garnet and Dabney, she's shocked to find out he never gave away her baby. What to do? She can't reveal her past--what would people say if they found out her secret? "Christians were notoriously unforgiving and judgmental." When Mertie is given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to elevate her name and ministry, she has a tough choice to make. Will she let spiritual pride and unforgiveness get in the way?
Meanwhile, Garnet has vowed to become a pastor ONLY if he's married. Mertie didn't want Garnet to have a wife. Not unless it was her. Yet she wasn't interested in getting married. Life-changing choices need to be made that will affect the entire Raspberry Ridge community.
I loved Garnet's patient and wise insight to all in need. The life challenges Ms. Gussman portrayed for Christians as well as others and the insightful conversations of many of the characters in the story was heartwarming.
Profound Jessie blurb as stated by Garnet: [Some Christians are like. . .] "People who said that they believed in Jesus but. . .never turned from their sins, never asked for forgiveness, who just kind of picked up Jesus like a person might pick up a suitcase as they were walking along with their life, never changing."
"Around the Next Bend" is my favorite book in the series so far, and I highly recommend this clean romantic story. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
Garnet returns to his hometown to help his aging parents and to apply for the position as a pastor in the local church. Mertie has returned to the same hometown to fix up her deceased parent's house with her sisters in order to sell it.
When she runs into Garnet and Dabney, she's shocked to find out he never gave away her baby. What to do? She can't reveal her past--what would people say if they found out her secret? "Christians were notoriously unforgiving and judgmental." When Mertie is given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to elevate her name and ministry, she has a tough choice to make. Will she let spiritual pride and unforgiveness get in the way?
Meanwhile, Garnet has vowed to become a pastor ONLY if he's married. Mertie didn't want Garnet to have a wife. Not unless it was her. Yet she wasn't interested in getting married. Life-changing choices need to be made that will affect the entire Raspberry Ridge community.
I loved Garnet's patient and wise insight to all in need. The life challenges Ms. Gussman portrayed for Christians as well as others and the insightful conversations of many of the characters in the story was heartwarming.
Profound Jessie blurb as stated by Garnet: [Some Christians are like. . .] "People who said that they believed in Jesus but. . .never turned from their sins, never asked for forgiveness, who just kind of picked up Jesus like a person might pick up a suitcase as they were walking along with their life, never changing."
"Around the Next Bend" is my favorite book in the series so far, and I highly recommend this clean romantic story. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
July 26, 2024
Reading Jessie’s books always gives me thoughts to ponder, inspiration and joy. This book is no exception to that. Mertie made choices years ago that have had many ripple effects. One choice led to an unexpected consequence, regrets and secrets that still haunt Mertie. God has guided her back to her home town of Raspberry Ridge where she is reunited not only with her sisters and memories of the past, but also a trusted childhood friend and the one person she never expected to see again.
As a Christian author and motivational speaker, Mertie is well aware of the importance of following God’s tenets and teachings. She, like so many others, has in the past, failed to follow where God had tried to lead to her, and has made a choices that went against Christian principles. Those choices brought her sorrow, regret and shame. She has kept her secret for fifteen years, and it has led her to distance herself from those she loves. Now, God is leading her back to a familiar place, back to a family that loves her, a man who has been waiting for her and a daughter who has been looking for her. Mertie has choices to make, as God gave us all free will, that concern her career, her family, those who want to be her family and her soul. God is there to guide her path, as is her trusted friend and the man she could never forget.
Garnet has been a steadfast supporter and friend to Mertie since they were children. He has kept her secret, nurtured and loved the secret child she entrusted to him and found his own path to serve God and guide others to him. He followed God’s guidance back to his home town, to his parents who needed his help and Mertie, the woman who has always had a place in his heart. He is not here to expose Mertie’s secret, nor is here to force is way into her life or to make choices she doesn’t want. Garnet is waiting and hoping for Mertie to choose a life with him and the daughter he has raised as his own.
I highly recommend this sweet, inspirational romance.
As a Christian author and motivational speaker, Mertie is well aware of the importance of following God’s tenets and teachings. She, like so many others, has in the past, failed to follow where God had tried to lead to her, and has made a choices that went against Christian principles. Those choices brought her sorrow, regret and shame. She has kept her secret for fifteen years, and it has led her to distance herself from those she loves. Now, God is leading her back to a familiar place, back to a family that loves her, a man who has been waiting for her and a daughter who has been looking for her. Mertie has choices to make, as God gave us all free will, that concern her career, her family, those who want to be her family and her soul. God is there to guide her path, as is her trusted friend and the man she could never forget.
Garnet has been a steadfast supporter and friend to Mertie since they were children. He has kept her secret, nurtured and loved the secret child she entrusted to him and found his own path to serve God and guide others to him. He followed God’s guidance back to his home town, to his parents who needed his help and Mertie, the woman who has always had a place in his heart. He is not here to expose Mertie’s secret, nor is here to force is way into her life or to make choices she doesn’t want. Garnet is waiting and hoping for Mertie to choose a life with him and the daughter he has raised as his own.
I highly recommend this sweet, inspirational romance.
July 20, 2024
Jessie’s latest book in the Raspberry Ridge series tackles the subject of hidden sin. The story centers around Mertie, a famous Christian speaker and writer who has come back to Raspberry Ridge to help clean out the house of her late parents. Mertie has secrets that she doesn’t want uncovered about her teen years and a daughter she gave up for adoption. Garnet, as God would have it, has been asked to be the new preacher in town and he knows Mertie’s secret but has kept it and raised her daughter all these years. When they all come face to face at a Bible study, Mertie is terrified of her secret coming out.
I loved this story for so many reasons. First, I love the way Jessie brings her characters to life. We all have stuff in our past that we would prefer not to display for all to see. And sadly, in Christian communities many people are afraid of talking about their real human problems for fear others would judge them. Years ago, I was in a Bible study where for the first few weeks everyone talked about how fabulous their marriages, kids, finances, etc. were. At the time my kids and finances were wildly out of control, and fearing judgement I never said anything. Until one day, the study leader broke into tears and admitted her son had been arrested for a drug crime. Her admission opened up the door to everyone finally admitting that they too, had struggles. From that moment on the study became a powerful group that prayed and cared for each other.
Jessie’s story reminded me of that. Being Christian, even the best Christian doesn’t mean life doesn’t happen. That people don’t make mistakes. Keeping it hidden can cause even greater problems as Mertie discovers in this story. This entire series has looked at how people can grow and change and find forgiveness and redemption no matter what has happened in the past.
I loved this story for so many reasons. First, I love the way Jessie brings her characters to life. We all have stuff in our past that we would prefer not to display for all to see. And sadly, in Christian communities many people are afraid of talking about their real human problems for fear others would judge them. Years ago, I was in a Bible study where for the first few weeks everyone talked about how fabulous their marriages, kids, finances, etc. were. At the time my kids and finances were wildly out of control, and fearing judgement I never said anything. Until one day, the study leader broke into tears and admitted her son had been arrested for a drug crime. Her admission opened up the door to everyone finally admitting that they too, had struggles. From that moment on the study became a powerful group that prayed and cared for each other.
Jessie’s story reminded me of that. Being Christian, even the best Christian doesn’t mean life doesn’t happen. That people don’t make mistakes. Keeping it hidden can cause even greater problems as Mertie discovers in this story. This entire series has looked at how people can grow and change and find forgiveness and redemption no matter what has happened in the past.
July 27, 2024
Such an intense book with so many challenging spiritual lessons to learn. The main characters are dealing with the decisions to surrender to the Lord's will in the paths for your life.
Mertie Jardine left Raspberry Ridge when her parents moved away in her early teens. She had been best friends with Garnet Irving from a young child. They were complete opposites but she trusted his wisdom. While in college a situation led her to come to Garnet for help entrusting a secret with him. She never saw him after that night she came back to her home town. Now she has come back after the death of her parents to help get the house ready to sell. She is the oldest of three sisters and is hoping that spending these few weeks with them will restore a closeness to their relationship.
Mertie is an up and coming Christian conference speaker as well as an author of Christian books. Her reputation must stay spotless so she panics when she realizes that Garnet is also back in Raspberry Ridge. The secret he holds could destroy her reputation and the invitation she has just received to join a ministry that would reach millions.
Garnet Irving gave up his job at the Lord's leading and is back in Raspberry Ridge to guest speak for two weeks. Then the small congregation will make a decision if they want him to be their pastor. Garnet is happy to be back because his parents also need his help with his father recovering from a stroke. He had no idea that Mertie would be back in town and he knows that the secret they are keeping must be discussed. Can he help her to see that revealing the truth is the decision the Lord is trying to show her?
Can the close friendship they had in their younger years give them a foundation for a deeper relationship?
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Mertie Jardine left Raspberry Ridge when her parents moved away in her early teens. She had been best friends with Garnet Irving from a young child. They were complete opposites but she trusted his wisdom. While in college a situation led her to come to Garnet for help entrusting a secret with him. She never saw him after that night she came back to her home town. Now she has come back after the death of her parents to help get the house ready to sell. She is the oldest of three sisters and is hoping that spending these few weeks with them will restore a closeness to their relationship.
Mertie is an up and coming Christian conference speaker as well as an author of Christian books. Her reputation must stay spotless so she panics when she realizes that Garnet is also back in Raspberry Ridge. The secret he holds could destroy her reputation and the invitation she has just received to join a ministry that would reach millions.
Garnet Irving gave up his job at the Lord's leading and is back in Raspberry Ridge to guest speak for two weeks. Then the small congregation will make a decision if they want him to be their pastor. Garnet is happy to be back because his parents also need his help with his father recovering from a stroke. He had no idea that Mertie would be back in town and he knows that the secret they are keeping must be discussed. Can he help her to see that revealing the truth is the decision the Lord is trying to show her?
Can the close friendship they had in their younger years give them a foundation for a deeper relationship?
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
July 26, 2024
Mertie Jardine is a rising star as a nationally-known Christian author and speaker but she harbors a terrible secret that could ruin her squeaky clean public image and she is desperate to keep it hidden so she can continue to serve God. This story involves Mertie’s struggle with the past as she returns home to Raspberry Ridge to help prepare her parents’ home for sale. While there she unexpectedly runs into her former best friend, Garnet, who is one of only two people who knows her secret. Wow! There was so much to unpack with this story. We’ve all been horrified at some point in real life when a Christian leader’s sins are made public; it seems that they are expected to live perfect lives and they face extreme condemnation and shaming when it is discovered they have sinned. 1 Timothy 3:1-10 teaches that those with leadership authority and teachers must be held to a higher standard because they are setting an example for others and their lives need to support their message but when a repentant Christian leader fails, would it be easier for them to be restored if others responded with genuine sorrow and grace as they are held accountable? It’s a lot to think about. And secondly, I couldn’t help but ask myself, in Mertie’s case, who was she really serving by hiding her secret and perpetuating the myth that she was a paragon of virtue—God or herself? As usual Jessie Gussman has presented a lot for her readers to ponder. And she has also written a heartwarming romance story—all in one book. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy and this voluntary review contain my honest opinions.
July 20, 2024
Ms. Gussman shows us in this book that God uses all things to work out HIs plan for our lives. He needed Garnet to be in Raspberry Ridge. While we don't know if Garnet has taken any theology classes, we do know he has felt God calling him into the ministry so when his father has a stroke he comes home. Raspberry Ridge just happens to need a pastor. God has taken care of Garnet.
God needed Mertie to face her past and what better place than her childhood hometown of Raspberry Ridge where her past is at. Where she will come face to face with her and with Garnet.
With both Mertie and Garnet being Christian speakers/pastors, they are called to help other, but can they help themselves find peace?
With all the different denominations we have today each have different ways of acquiring a pastor. Some takes months. Some don't get a say in the pastor you get because you get who the board sends you. Some churches if the son is on staff they step into their father's role as senior pastor. This is a small country church where they are going to make sure the pastor is preaching God's word and teaching it. I believe that's why they had him lead Bible study also and step in for other things. I do remember reading that Mertie's sister was going to wait for Garnet to be ordained for her to get married, so he is working on his final stuff. I did once attend a church that had a pastor who had his degree but had not been ordained. Best Bible teaching/preaching church I ever attended.
God needed Mertie to face her past and what better place than her childhood hometown of Raspberry Ridge where her past is at. Where she will come face to face with her and with Garnet.
With both Mertie and Garnet being Christian speakers/pastors, they are called to help other, but can they help themselves find peace?
With all the different denominations we have today each have different ways of acquiring a pastor. Some takes months. Some don't get a say in the pastor you get because you get who the board sends you. Some churches if the son is on staff they step into their father's role as senior pastor. This is a small country church where they are going to make sure the pastor is preaching God's word and teaching it. I believe that's why they had him lead Bible study also and step in for other things. I do remember reading that Mertie's sister was going to wait for Garnet to be ordained for her to get married, so he is working on his final stuff. I did once attend a church that had a pastor who had his degree but had not been ordained. Best Bible teaching/preaching church I ever attended.
July 12, 2024
Around the Next Bend is Book four of Jessie Gussman's Raspberry Ridge series. This book could be read as a stand alone, but like most of Jessie's books it shares snippets of the characters lives from previous books, so I recommend starting on book 1 if you plan on reading the whole series.
Now, about the book it starts out a little mysterious with a secret that Mertie is keeping, that has her wanting to high tail it our of Raspberry Ridge as quickly as possible. Mertie is a well respected Christian speaker and author and the secret that she is keeping (which I will let you read to find out, so I don't give to much away) could literally wreck her whole life/career. Yet, only as the Lord can He happens to bring her secret full circle while she is there to help clean out her parents house. If you've read the previous books you know that her parents died in an automobile accident; so she feels duty bound to be there to help her sisters. As the story develops it is a little touch and go, if Garret and Mertie will be able to work things out. Garret was Mertie's childhood best friend, and is basically the only other person that knows Mertie's secret. Garret shows great compassion, love, and patience, waiting to see how the Lord will work. Let's just say you defiantly don't want to miss this sweet story of love and redemption. This is truly an inspirational book with true biblical principles, that may not always be popular, but are still true!
Now, about the book it starts out a little mysterious with a secret that Mertie is keeping, that has her wanting to high tail it our of Raspberry Ridge as quickly as possible. Mertie is a well respected Christian speaker and author and the secret that she is keeping (which I will let you read to find out, so I don't give to much away) could literally wreck her whole life/career. Yet, only as the Lord can He happens to bring her secret full circle while she is there to help clean out her parents house. If you've read the previous books you know that her parents died in an automobile accident; so she feels duty bound to be there to help her sisters. As the story develops it is a little touch and go, if Garret and Mertie will be able to work things out. Garret was Mertie's childhood best friend, and is basically the only other person that knows Mertie's secret. Garret shows great compassion, love, and patience, waiting to see how the Lord will work. Let's just say you defiantly don't want to miss this sweet story of love and redemption. This is truly an inspirational book with true biblical principles, that may not always be popular, but are still true!
July 28, 2024
Mertie has been trying to hide her one big mistake for years, chiefly by avoiding Raspberry Ridge and the one man who knows the secret that could bring down her career. But when her parents die and she and her sisters need to prepare their house for sale, she's forced to return - and face consequences she's long ignored. When the only woman he's ever loved returns to town at the same time he's looking to become the church pastor, Garnet can't help wondering whether God has orchestrated everything to bring them together somehow. But can they look past their wants and plans to see God's plans for them?
A delightful and inspiring read, with characters I really cared about, some very thought-provoking comments, and more of the town I've come to love. I particularly liked the way the story speaks highly unpopular Bible truths in a matter-of-fact, non-aggressive but in no way apologetic way. It's inspiring and a great reminder that our behaviour should be shaped by God's rules, not society's norms - however much easier the latter is. And while the message is there, it never feels preachy. I loved the ending and am really looking forward to more of the series.
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.
A delightful and inspiring read, with characters I really cared about, some very thought-provoking comments, and more of the town I've come to love. I particularly liked the way the story speaks highly unpopular Bible truths in a matter-of-fact, non-aggressive but in no way apologetic way. It's inspiring and a great reminder that our behaviour should be shaped by God's rules, not society's norms - however much easier the latter is. And while the message is there, it never feels preachy. I loved the ending and am really looking forward to more of the series.
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.
July 28, 2024
Mertie Jardine is in Raspberry Ridge to help her sisters get her deceased parents home ready to sell. Garnet Irving is in Raspberry Ridge applying for the pastor position at the small local church. Mertie and Garnet were best childhood friends until Mertie's family moved to Chicago. They had seen each other only once since then until now. That one visit plays a huge role in this story.
This is an inspirational story that reflects strong biblical principles, and even though some of the principles are unpopular they are still God's law as spelled out in the Bible.
It was especially interesting to me when Garnet was talking about the duties and responsibilities of husbands and wives, and the differences, again as spelled out in the Bible.
I appreciate the way Jessie Gussman breaks down the different Biblical principles and explains them in story form.
Around the Next Bend is Book #4 of the Raspberry Ridge series. It is a clean, inspirational, Christian story with a happy-ever-after ending. I highly recommend it!
I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of Jessie Gussman, the author. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.
This is an inspirational story that reflects strong biblical principles, and even though some of the principles are unpopular they are still God's law as spelled out in the Bible.
It was especially interesting to me when Garnet was talking about the duties and responsibilities of husbands and wives, and the differences, again as spelled out in the Bible.
I appreciate the way Jessie Gussman breaks down the different Biblical principles and explains them in story form.
Around the Next Bend is Book #4 of the Raspberry Ridge series. It is a clean, inspirational, Christian story with a happy-ever-after ending. I highly recommend it!
I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of Jessie Gussman, the author. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.
July 25, 2024
Mertie Jardine returns home to Raspberry Ridge to help her sisters clean out and prepare their family home to sell. Garnet Irving returns home with his daughter, Dabney, to help his parents after his dad has a stroke. To make the move more appealing, Raspberry Ridge is looking for a new Pastor and Garnet hopes that person will be him. Mertie and Garnet grew up together and were best friends until Mertie’s family moved to Chicago. Mertie returned one night after they graduated from high school and entrusted Garnet with a huge secret and now that they are both in Raspberry Ridge at the same time, they must come to terms with her secret and their past. Will Mertie give up her lucrative job offer to stay in Raspberry Ridge? More importantly, will Garnet get Mertie to agree to be his wife and Dabney’s mother?
Readers are treated to a special appearance by Becky from the Strawberry Sands series. I hope that we see more of her in future books!
Readers are treated to a special appearance by Becky from the Strawberry Sands series. I hope that we see more of her in future books!
July 29, 2024
Around the Next Bend ~ Raspberry Ridge #4 by Jessie Gussman
Yet another brilliant clean Christian story addition to this brilliant series from Jessie.
I'm a huge fan of Jessie's and have loved each book I have read. Around the Next Bend, this is the best to date, in my view.
The characters are wonderful, Mertie and Garnet were friends from a young age, only to part when they need to attend college.
Garnet was left with a very special package 14 years ago, and could not carry out Mertie's wishes back then.
Now they have reunited, will they find their HEA?
Around the Next Bend has been written extremely well, and I fell in love with the characters from the start and couldn't put the book down.
I highly recommend this book to all.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Original,Page-turner, Realistic, Raspberry Ridge,and Wonderful characters
Yet another brilliant clean Christian story addition to this brilliant series from Jessie.
I'm a huge fan of Jessie's and have loved each book I have read. Around the Next Bend, this is the best to date, in my view.
The characters are wonderful, Mertie and Garnet were friends from a young age, only to part when they need to attend college.
Garnet was left with a very special package 14 years ago, and could not carry out Mertie's wishes back then.
Now they have reunited, will they find their HEA?
Around the Next Bend has been written extremely well, and I fell in love with the characters from the start and couldn't put the book down.
I highly recommend this book to all.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Happily Ever After, Inspirational, Original,Page-turner, Realistic, Raspberry Ridge,and Wonderful characters
July 12, 2024
A charming story with so many important lessons. Mertie was the finest friend Garnet had ever known for years. Mertie had something she didn't want almost anyone to know about. Garnet helped and shielded her personal space. He was utterly devoted to his daughter Dabney, who admired her father but also yearned for a mother and siblings. After his father suffered a stroke, Garnet went back to Raspberry Ridge to help his mother care for him. A job as the new pastor of a little church in Raspberry Ridge is another goal he is seeking. Mertie heads to Raspberry Ridge to help her sisters clean up the estate that was left to them when their parents died. Garnet and Mertie meet again at a Bible study and now her secret is getting harder to keep. Another amazing job by Jessie Gussman. I highly recommend this book. “I received ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.”
July 16, 2024
This is a sweet and clean Christian romance. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Garnet has come back to Raspberry Ridge with his daughter and try to become the pastor. He runs into Mertie, who was his best friend from childhood. Mertie is in town to help clean out her parent’s house with her sisters to get it ready to sell. Mertie has become a Christian author and speaker. However, she has secrets and Garnet knows those secrets. Can they figure out a compromise? Will the secret keep them apart or bring them together?
Great book with good characters and a good read. As usual, I really enjoy these books. Jessie is a great writer. Great Christian values show in the stories. A great theme in this book is that Christians are not perfect and we all sin and make mistakes.
I received and ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
Garnet has come back to Raspberry Ridge with his daughter and try to become the pastor. He runs into Mertie, who was his best friend from childhood. Mertie is in town to help clean out her parent’s house with her sisters to get it ready to sell. Mertie has become a Christian author and speaker. However, she has secrets and Garnet knows those secrets. Can they figure out a compromise? Will the secret keep them apart or bring them together?
Great book with good characters and a good read. As usual, I really enjoy these books. Jessie is a great writer. Great Christian values show in the stories. A great theme in this book is that Christians are not perfect and we all sin and make mistakes.
I received and ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
July 24, 2024
Mertie and Garnet's story is an interesting one - 4.5 stars.
Did I like this book? - why yes I really really did.
especially Garnet's character - his Godly wisdom from a young age is inspiring. Mertie however was a confusing character, her motivations were particularly selfish, and yet she has moments with deep Godly insight which conflicted. There is definite change in her character through the story which makes her a more understandable character, the Lord is definitely working in her and that is a wonderful story arc to follow. This confusion however did take me out the story a smidge and hence the 4.5 stars only.
As always with Mrs Gussman, this is a clean novel. A sweet romance between the MC. And many thought provoking ideas to mull over long after you have finished the book.
Did I like this book? - why yes I really really did.
especially Garnet's character - his Godly wisdom from a young age is inspiring. Mertie however was a confusing character, her motivations were particularly selfish, and yet she has moments with deep Godly insight which conflicted. There is definite change in her character through the story which makes her a more understandable character, the Lord is definitely working in her and that is a wonderful story arc to follow. This confusion however did take me out the story a smidge and hence the 4.5 stars only.
As always with Mrs Gussman, this is a clean novel. A sweet romance between the MC. And many thought provoking ideas to mull over long after you have finished the book.
July 26, 2024
I really loved Garnet, how he lived his convictions even when it cost him. I loved his relationship with his daughter, his honesty, and the biblical truths he shared - not just in his sermons but in his life. Mertie has put her career before everything else - even though it is in Christian ministry, she is always striving for more, to be more, to impact more people. She has buried her past mistakes but when she has to face them, and when people start to wonder, Garnet is her strength and she finally realises that success is more than numbers and money and reputation, it is obedience to God, to do his will, and that peace only comes from following the path God has set. I enjoyed seeing people from earlier books and how well the couples/families are going. I received an ARC but this review is my own.
July 27, 2024
'Around the Next Bend' was moving. The amazing plot was filled with a young minister coming to Raspberry Ridge to head the ministry, needing a wife, having a past with one of the townspeople, foreshadowing a relationship between the protagonists, Garnet and Mertie, intimating at then revealing Mertie's dark secret, spirituality, an interesting blast from the past, receiving an offer that was hard to refuse, recounting a difficult weakness and an incident, making selfish decisions, touting homeschooling, making introductions, preaching to the congregation, relaxing at the beach, an epiphany, redemption, and love.
Additionally, Garnet and Mertie were soul mates. If Mertie hadn't been selfish earlier on, we wouldn't have seen her grow into the character she became. Overall, I liked the heartfelt narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
Additionally, Garnet and Mertie were soul mates. If Mertie hadn't been selfish earlier on, we wouldn't have seen her grow into the character she became. Overall, I liked the heartfelt narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
July 27, 2024
Mertie has spend years hiding a secret she never thought would come to light. But our past always has a way of catching up to us and we have to decide how we are going to deal with it.
Because of Mertie's decision all those years ago it had a major impact on Garnet's life also.
When these two are unexpectedly reunited back in Raspberry Ridge secrets come out and feelings are revealed.
It was interesting seeing how these two handle a tough situation at a young age and then later as responsible adults. We have all been guilty of judging someone's decisions without ever being in their situation, and this is something we should try not to do
As always this book gives you a lot to think about with living your life according to the bible.
I voluntarily read an arc in return for a honest opinion.
Because of Mertie's decision all those years ago it had a major impact on Garnet's life also.
When these two are unexpectedly reunited back in Raspberry Ridge secrets come out and feelings are revealed.
It was interesting seeing how these two handle a tough situation at a young age and then later as responsible adults. We have all been guilty of judging someone's decisions without ever being in their situation, and this is something we should try not to do
As always this book gives you a lot to think about with living your life according to the bible.
I voluntarily read an arc in return for a honest opinion.
September 8, 2024
This is the 4th book in the Raspberry Ridge Sweet Beach series. I don’t know how Jessie Gussman can keep you wanting more on this series. This is Mertie’s story of the three Jardine sisters. Mertie is a Christian public speaker and has a terrible secret she has kept for several years. When Mertie shows up to help get her deceased parents house ready to sale she comes into contact with her long time friend Garnet. Garnet and Mertie grew up together and were inseparable during their childhood. Garnet had just came back home to help with his father. Garnet was trying to become the local pastor and he was raising his fourteen year daughter Daphne. Garnet and Mertie started seeing each other often but Mertie came to a conclusion that Garnet had not carried out her earlier wishes.
I received this ARC from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received this ARC from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 10, 2024
All I know and can testify to is that God is using this vessel, Jessie Gussman, to reach souls for Him, because she is a willing vessel and an author with a God-given talent! Her books never cease to amaze me and make me want to read the next one, asap! This book is sooo wonderful about a young girl who has to make a very difficult decision and the best friend who she turned to for that help. Oh, my goodness, you are going to 💞💞love💞💞 this sweet, beautiful novel of God’s divine mercy and intervention in some people’s lives because they actually pray and listen to His voice and obey Him! Another one to add to my “favorites“! 🙏♥️🙏💖🙏💙🙏💞🙏
I am on the arc team, and this review is my own opinion.
I am on the arc team, and this review is my own opinion.
July 26, 2024
Wow! Fantastic story. Mertie is a Christian speaker and writer. She is in Raspberry Ridge to ready her deceased parents’ house for sale. She is reunited with her childhood best friend who is also her daughter’s father. Garnet is a single dad who is canidating for the position of pastor of the small church in Raspberry Ridge, his hometown.
This story brings tears, laughter, and deep thoughts. Underlying the humor is a serious story of God’s grace and sovereignty. Trust God to bring about His perfect will in your life – if you obey him and seek Him first.
I loved seeing a glimpse of Becky from the Strawberry Sands series. I look forward to reading her story someday.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
This story brings tears, laughter, and deep thoughts. Underlying the humor is a serious story of God’s grace and sovereignty. Trust God to bring about His perfect will in your life – if you obey him and seek Him first.
I loved seeing a glimpse of Becky from the Strawberry Sands series. I look forward to reading her story someday.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
July 10, 2024
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Mertie Jardine, Christian author and speaker, came home to Raspberry Ridge to help her sisters clean out their parent’s house to sell it. While there she sees the prospective new pastor, Garnet Irving and his daughter. She and Garnet were best friends growing up, and had lost touch. She never expected to see the child again. He’s never stopped loving her. She has to choose between being a mother and working with another famous Christian author. I touching story about mistakes, forgiveness, and moving forward in God’s grace.
July 16, 2024
This is Book 4 in the Raspberry Ridge series, and I am enjoying these stories so much. Like the previous three, the storyline is somewhat different than the typical romance tropes. It's not friends to lovers, it's not a second chance romance, it's not a secret baby. This story has a bit of all three with a twist. And like all Jessie's books, Around the Next Bend includes deep discussions about faith and duty, understanding God's call on your life, personal responsibility and what it truly means to love others. This book is clean, sweet and true to Scripture. Reading this will both lift your spirits and make you think.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
July 22, 2024
In this book, Jessie Gussman shows us how God can make good things happen, even when we really mess up. Mertie, a famous Christian speaker, goes home to Raspberry Ridge to help get her parents house ready for sale. She runs into an old friend, Garnet, who is a single dad in the running for pastor of the local church. There are lots of decisions that need to be made. Can the two of them work on them together? Ms Gussman does an incredible job of bringing out how God can work even in those who think they can't be fixes. The book is really great.
I did receive an ARC from the author, but this review is my own opinion.
I did receive an ARC from the author, but this review is my own opinion.
July 23, 2024
Mertie has a deep dark secret that could ruin her ministry, or so she thinks. Garnet is one of the only people who knows her secret, and he's kept it all these years. I love how Mertie thinks her ministry is the most important thing, and then God shows her another thing that's most important. I also love how Garnet is so non-judgmental and is willing to stand by Mertie no matter what she decides. I love the idea of forgiveness and redemption throughout this book. I love how Mertie is a go-getter and is willing to do anything for anyone. And Garnet is the same way. I love how they work together. All in all a great read!
July 26, 2024
I am an ARC team member. Two friends who lost touch with each other. Mertie has a one night stand only to find herself expecting. She turns to her best friend Garnet, to find someone to adopt her daughter. Fast forward about 14 years. Mertie and her sisters have come back home to settle their parents home and put it up for sale. Garnet and his daughter moved where he can become the pastor at the local church that has been closed for a while. Garnet also has come back home to help his mama take care of his daddy. He’s had a stroke. Very clean, a dairy refreshing story and so easy to read I highly recommend this book.
July 29, 2024
Such a great book. Olive comes back home after leaving for a short amount of time. She left behind her friend Doyle. She comes back after having an illness and walking into the small church not realizing they were having a meeting to hire the pastor. Her friend Doyle was hurt at first when he saw her with a baby. He finally forgives her and begins to help her and her baby. He falls in love with the baby and realizes he still loves Olive. Jessie makes all her stories come to life and each character is so amazing. You have outdone yourself again. I would recommend reading this book and series. You will not be disappointed. Read this one in two days. Couldn’t put it down.
August 6, 2024
I had very mixed feelings about this story at the beginning. I really did not like the main character Mertie. She seemed very self centered and snobby, just trying to cover her up her past mistake and gain fame as an evangelical speaker & writer.
As the story progressed and she really started following The Lord I could not only see a change in her, but the story became more enjoyable. I really liked how Garnet was so caring with his daughter and parents. As always Jessie brings up some difficult subjects and works through them with scripture. There are some great lessons to be learned in this book as well.
I always enjoy Jay’s narrative!
As the story progressed and she really started following The Lord I could not only see a change in her, but the story became more enjoyable. I really liked how Garnet was so caring with his daughter and parents. As always Jessie brings up some difficult subjects and works through them with scripture. There are some great lessons to be learned in this book as well.
I always enjoy Jay’s narrative!
September 6, 2024
True friends will always stand by you
When we are young our hearts are open and unbiased that’s the best time to create lifelong friendships. Problems happen when you grow up a bit start listening to the crowd around you. That’s what happens to Mertie. After giving her best friend her child she turned to mission work. She devoted herself to the teachings of the Bible. When she returned home there he was with her child. Did the Lord call her home? I love how Jessie weaves in the lessons from the Bible that are not often taught. She has truly been given the gift to help people with her stories. I would recommend this one to all that believe in redemption.
When we are young our hearts are open and unbiased that’s the best time to create lifelong friendships. Problems happen when you grow up a bit start listening to the crowd around you. That’s what happens to Mertie. After giving her best friend her child she turned to mission work. She devoted herself to the teachings of the Bible. When she returned home there he was with her child. Did the Lord call her home? I love how Jessie weaves in the lessons from the Bible that are not often taught. She has truly been given the gift to help people with her stories. I would recommend this one to all that believe in redemption.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews