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Beside the Rolling Waves
Becky is reunited with Rodney and they work to move past the secrets that are keeping them apart and build a life together in Raspberry Ridge.
Books in the Raspberry Ridge On the Sandy BeachUnder the Rising MoonDown the Dirt RoadAround the Next BendInto the Golden DawnBeyond the Setting SunBeside the Rolling Waves
Books in the Raspberry Ridge On the Sandy BeachUnder the Rising MoonDown the Dirt RoadAround the Next BendInto the Golden DawnBeyond the Setting SunBeside the Rolling Waves
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
May 26, 2025
Just a beautiful story, Beside the Rolling Waves was to read. It is finally Rodney and Becky's story. After five years, they are brought back together, due to a tragedy. Can they recapture what used to be and have a happy ever after. Beautifully written by Jessie Gussman and another great narration by Jay Dyess.
May 24, 2025
I wanted to love this as much as everyone else seems too. I just didn't appreciate some things in the book, especially when Becky says, “Doesn’t it make you sad? I mean how misguided and pathetic she must be.”
It just didn't seem very Christ-like of Becky to say that about Stella. She could have said "misguided and lost" but she called Stella pathetic. She forgave Rodney way too fast and they got married way too fast.The way he said he knew she would always be loyal really rubbed me the wrong way too. It honestly seemed more like a friendship between the two main characters than a 'in love' type relationship. He wouldn't sleep with Becky as his wife in a biblical way after they got married (the excuse being that they had to take care of the twins), yet he barely knew the Stella woman and slept with her 3 times? Super weird dynamic to me personally. The best part was them adopting Theo.
It just didn't seem very Christ-like of Becky to say that about Stella. She could have said "misguided and lost" but she called Stella pathetic. She forgave Rodney way too fast and they got married way too fast.The way he said he knew she would always be loyal really rubbed me the wrong way too. It honestly seemed more like a friendship between the two main characters than a 'in love' type relationship. He wouldn't sleep with Becky as his wife in a biblical way after they got married (the excuse being that they had to take care of the twins), yet he barely knew the Stella woman and slept with her 3 times? Super weird dynamic to me personally. The best part was them adopting Theo.
June 5, 2025
I have been WAITING for Becky and Rodney's story, and it DID NOT disappoint! Becky and Rodney's story began when she was a runaway foster child and he was a lonely son of rich, but unavailable, parents. I wanted them "together," but she was too young for it to be right or legal, so we had to wait.
Several years and a lot of life has passed as Beside the Rolling Waves begins. Becky is working hard trying to eke out a MEAGRE existence with her Clydesdale horses in Raspberry Ridge. It's winter and she hardly has any money for heat, water, or food (other than beans and rice). She works a lot and thinks of Rodney a lot. Those thoughts are always followed with questions and hurt feelings. Why did he ghost her? Was she unworthy of love?
Rodney is working hard to become the man he wants to be so that he can walk back into Beckpet's life, impress her with his billionaire status, and ask her to marry him. It has taken him longer than he thought it would; 5 years ago he made some risky business moves and lost everything. Now, he figures he has 2 more years of hard work until he reaches his goal and can win Becky over. He knows it's been a long time, but he KNOWS that Becky loves him, is loyal, and will take him back.
The complication to their story happens when Rita, Becky's younger sister, calls Becky and tells her that she is pregnant, with twins, and needs Becky to take care of them because she also has cancer. Oh, and she wants her to take care of them with Rodney. Becky has already promised Rita that she will do whatever she asks, so she can't go back on her word, but how will she ever be able to do what she is asking? Rodney hurt her. He was the one person who she had always been able to count on, and he ditched her. Now she felt unloved and unworthy and alone and angry.
This story had my heart from well before this book began. Becky and Rodney's story isn't perfect, not by a long shot. I wondered how on earth they would find each other after all that Rodney had done. The answer largely boils down to a couple of godly mentors in his life, her desire to please God, and Rita's health crisis.
There were several parts of the story when I was only holding the tears at bay because I was reading in public, so beware and be prepared! Jessie, you've done it again!
Several years and a lot of life has passed as Beside the Rolling Waves begins. Becky is working hard trying to eke out a MEAGRE existence with her Clydesdale horses in Raspberry Ridge. It's winter and she hardly has any money for heat, water, or food (other than beans and rice). She works a lot and thinks of Rodney a lot. Those thoughts are always followed with questions and hurt feelings. Why did he ghost her? Was she unworthy of love?
Rodney is working hard to become the man he wants to be so that he can walk back into Beckpet's life, impress her with his billionaire status, and ask her to marry him. It has taken him longer than he thought it would; 5 years ago he made some risky business moves and lost everything. Now, he figures he has 2 more years of hard work until he reaches his goal and can win Becky over. He knows it's been a long time, but he KNOWS that Becky loves him, is loyal, and will take him back.
The complication to their story happens when Rita, Becky's younger sister, calls Becky and tells her that she is pregnant, with twins, and needs Becky to take care of them because she also has cancer. Oh, and she wants her to take care of them with Rodney. Becky has already promised Rita that she will do whatever she asks, so she can't go back on her word, but how will she ever be able to do what she is asking? Rodney hurt her. He was the one person who she had always been able to count on, and he ditched her. Now she felt unloved and unworthy and alone and angry.
This story had my heart from well before this book began. Becky and Rodney's story isn't perfect, not by a long shot. I wondered how on earth they would find each other after all that Rodney had done. The answer largely boils down to a couple of godly mentors in his life, her desire to please God, and Rita's health crisis.
There were several parts of the story when I was only holding the tears at bay because I was reading in public, so beware and be prepared! Jessie, you've done it again!
May 19, 2025
Besides the Rolling Waves is a homecoming for Rodney and Becky. Rodney had left Raspberry Ridge several years ago to go into his own business in Chicago after Ford Hansen had taught him how to make money in business. Rodney had planned on making himself a billionaire before coming back to get Becky. But after making some wrong choices he lost all his money and was left homeless. He moved in with a woman he knew and crashed on her couch for two or three months. He found out that she had a steady stream of men coming and going. And when she didn’t she tempted Rodney. He was young and let his guard down. He decided even a cheap rat infested apartment in the worst section of town would be better. He started working on a new business but at this point he had cut all communication with Becky off. For the next five years he works and has millions but he was not a billionaire yet. After Rita, Becky’s sister calls him and asks him to help Becky raise her twins she was going to have on Friday she made him promise to live as parents and raise them together. He promises he will after she tells him the reason was she had cancer.
Becky had been hurt that Rodney had been gone from Raspberry Ridge so long and five years ago stopped calling or writing letters. And all her letters he had sent back. She loved Rodney and when Rita called her and told her about the babies she was going to make a plan of Rodney taking one and she would take one but Rita knew what she was planning and made her promise her to raise them together as a normal family. So Becky promised. While they are at the hospital Rodney explains some of what had went on in the last few years. She is trying to show God’s love for him by telling him she forgave him. He was so helpful and told her he had never stopped loving her. But when he has to tell her the other surprise he needs to tell her she might take the babies and leave him.
Becky had been hurt that Rodney had been gone from Raspberry Ridge so long and five years ago stopped calling or writing letters. And all her letters he had sent back. She loved Rodney and when Rita called her and told her about the babies she was going to make a plan of Rodney taking one and she would take one but Rita knew what she was planning and made her promise her to raise them together as a normal family. So Becky promised. While they are at the hospital Rodney explains some of what had went on in the last few years. She is trying to show God’s love for him by telling him she forgave him. He was so helpful and told her he had never stopped loving her. But when he has to tell her the other surprise he needs to tell her she might take the babies and leave him.
May 27, 2025
I am so happy to finally read Rodney and Becky's story. It has been a really long time in coming. He had stepped in to help her years before when she ran away from the foster care system to be nearer to her sister. Becky had been just ten years old and she had no place to live or food to eat. Rodney helped her get settled into a new family that eventually also took in her sister Rita.
Becky and Rodney had kept close for years and she was in love with him. She believed him when he said they would have a life together, that is until five years before. He suddenly stopped taking her calls and returned her letters and she hadn't heard from him again. She felt like he was ashamed of her with his new life in business.
When Rita calls her to let her know she is expecting twins and that she has received a cancer diagnosis. Becky is brokenhearted by the news and then angered when she finds out that Rita has asked Rodney to co-parent with her.
When Rodney had to claim bankruptcy five years before and start all over to pay off his debtors and rebuild his finances, he didn't want Becky to know. He loved her and wanted her to see him as a capable man able to take care of her. He never expected it to take so many years to get to his goal and When Rita called him to ask him to help take care of her babies, he immediately agreed because he would do anything for her due to his love of Becky.
Rodney will soon discover that he will have to work to gain Becky's trust again. He still wants to marry her but she is very cold towards him and is not willing to hear his reasons for ghosting her.
This story shows a lot of sacrifice by Rodney and Becky to take on the care of the newborn babies. Both of their lives will drastically change but can they put the past behind them as they take on the future?
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review
Becky and Rodney had kept close for years and she was in love with him. She believed him when he said they would have a life together, that is until five years before. He suddenly stopped taking her calls and returned her letters and she hadn't heard from him again. She felt like he was ashamed of her with his new life in business.
When Rita calls her to let her know she is expecting twins and that she has received a cancer diagnosis. Becky is brokenhearted by the news and then angered when she finds out that Rita has asked Rodney to co-parent with her.
When Rodney had to claim bankruptcy five years before and start all over to pay off his debtors and rebuild his finances, he didn't want Becky to know. He loved her and wanted her to see him as a capable man able to take care of her. He never expected it to take so many years to get to his goal and When Rita called him to ask him to help take care of her babies, he immediately agreed because he would do anything for her due to his love of Becky.
Rodney will soon discover that he will have to work to gain Becky's trust again. He still wants to marry her but she is very cold towards him and is not willing to hear his reasons for ghosting her.
This story shows a lot of sacrifice by Rodney and Becky to take on the care of the newborn babies. Both of their lives will drastically change but can they put the past behind them as they take on the future?
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review
May 14, 2025
This is Becky and Rodney's story, although we've seen them grow up in other books in this series). I'm glad they finally got their own book. They've each grown up with hardships - Becky and her little sister, Rita, grew up in foster care (not in the best situations), and when Becky leaves her foster parents she meets Rodney when she breaks into his house for food. He's a lot older than she is, and he sort of cares for her. He experiences his own tragedy when he finds out his father is cheating and his father kills his mother and dies by suicide. The town really rallies around these young people. One couple adopts Becky and Rita. Other's take Rodney in and give him jobs. But Becky keeps him on the straight and narrow when he's so low and could have gone down the wrong path. They are in love, but with her being so young, he goes away to make his fortune.
I love where this book picks up. Rita asks Becky and Rodney to raise her as yet unborn twins. Becky hates Rodney because he didn't keep his promises to her 5 years ago. She's down on her luck, and does anything she can to keep her promise to her sister. Rodney also arranges his life to be able to keep his promise to Rita.
This book is about redemption - about Rodney proving to Becky that she can trust him. I love how they each keep their word - especially when it's hard. I love how upstanding each of them is - even with the mistakes in their past. I love this story of reconciliation, hard work, forgiveness and grace. Jessie Gussman is an excellent writer, and I never wanted this book to end.
I love where this book picks up. Rita asks Becky and Rodney to raise her as yet unborn twins. Becky hates Rodney because he didn't keep his promises to her 5 years ago. She's down on her luck, and does anything she can to keep her promise to her sister. Rodney also arranges his life to be able to keep his promise to Rita.
This book is about redemption - about Rodney proving to Becky that she can trust him. I love how they each keep their word - especially when it's hard. I love how upstanding each of them is - even with the mistakes in their past. I love this story of reconciliation, hard work, forgiveness and grace. Jessie Gussman is an excellent writer, and I never wanted this book to end.
May 23, 2025
Becky's life isn't easy, but it suddenly gets a whole lot harder when her sister rings to tell her that she's just about to have twins, and will need Becky to look after them, since she has cancer. Oh, and Rita wants her to work with the man who deserted her to bring them up. She hasn't spoken to Rodney in years, since he suddenly and without explanation started returning her letters and blocked her number - and she has no desire to change that. But she'll do anything for Rita, even that. Rodney made decisions years ago that changed the course of his life, and seeing Becky again has driven home just how badly he messed up. Can they bring beauty out of ashes as they work together to care for Rita's babies?
These two have clearly belonged together for a long time, so it was wonderful to see them finally making things work. With the past between them, there are naturally some great messages about forgiveness, but also thought-provoking comments about pride. I loved watching them gradually working their way back together, however idiotic Rodney has been in the past. He's delightfully ready to do what he can to help and support her, which I really appreciated (and yes, it's not one-sided either - she just mostly needs more support at the moment). Now I'm curious as to what Raspberry Ridge will bring us 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.
These two have clearly belonged together for a long time, so it was wonderful to see them finally making things work. With the past between them, there are naturally some great messages about forgiveness, but also thought-provoking comments about pride. I loved watching them gradually working their way back together, however idiotic Rodney has been in the past. He's delightfully ready to do what he can to help and support her, which I really appreciated (and yes, it's not one-sided either - she just mostly needs more support at the moment). Now I'm curious as to what Raspberry Ridge will bring us 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.
October 19, 2025
My notes
Becky owns 4 Clydesdales. This is her dream, but she literally has no money. No heat in her appt above the stables. Barely any food
Younger sister Rita calls. She has cancer (knew she was going in for a test) and pregnant with twins (did not know). Having a c-section and wants Becky to take care of babies because she doesn’t think she will live.
Rita also asked Rodney to help. Rodney (R2) is the love of her life who left her without a word 5 years ago.
Rodney’s first POV is he always planned to come back for her but wanted to be successful first. She was so devoted he knew she wouldn’t be with anyone else. Hmmm He made a risky business decision resulting in bankruptcy. He was ashamed and that’s why he ghosted her.
Safety:
OMD - she’s friends with a guy. Thought that could be more, but realized she didn’t really care that much. They never kissed or anything.
OWD - 28% in a friend tells Rodney a girl named Stella has a kid and plans to get money out of R. When he was at his lowest years ago he stayed at her appt and “made a mistake” I am so disappointed. I know this happens and no judgement. But I read Christian/ clean romance to cleanse my pallet and get away from that. I wanted him to wait for Becky since he “loves her so much. “ If I wanted to read that nonsense I’d read my mafia romance. :)
Stella and the baby became a whole story line. No thanks. Skimmed after that.
Becky owns 4 Clydesdales. This is her dream, but she literally has no money. No heat in her appt above the stables. Barely any food
Younger sister Rita calls. She has cancer (knew she was going in for a test) and pregnant with twins (did not know). Having a c-section and wants Becky to take care of babies because she doesn’t think she will live.
Rita also asked Rodney to help. Rodney (R2) is the love of her life who left her without a word 5 years ago.
Rodney’s first POV is he always planned to come back for her but wanted to be successful first. She was so devoted he knew she wouldn’t be with anyone else. Hmmm He made a risky business decision resulting in bankruptcy. He was ashamed and that’s why he ghosted her.
Safety:
OMD - she’s friends with a guy. Thought that could be more, but realized she didn’t really care that much. They never kissed or anything.
OWD - 28% in a friend tells Rodney a girl named Stella has a kid and plans to get money out of R. When he was at his lowest years ago he stayed at her appt and “made a mistake” I am so disappointed. I know this happens and no judgement. But I read Christian/ clean romance to cleanse my pallet and get away from that. I wanted him to wait for Becky since he “loves her so much. “ If I wanted to read that nonsense I’d read my mafia romance. :)
Stella and the baby became a whole story line. No thanks. Skimmed after that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2025
Great book really enjoyed reading it. Really enjoyed the characters and their christen beliefs. They get lost but in the end they find their way back to God and each other. The H has cut himself off from the h due to mistakes he made that resulted in his loosing the fortune he made. He felt he couldn’t return until he made it back. The h is devastated by what the H did and is struggling financially and is living in horrible conditions as she spends most of what she makes on keeping her four horses. When they each get a call from her younger sister telling them that she needs their help to care for the twins she is having while she is treated for cancer they both say yes without hesitating. They both change their lives to be able to give full time to the care of the twins. The H sells his business and the h sells her horses. The H loves the h and knows he must tell her the truth of his past and earn her forgiveness. The h knows that she must forgive the H regardless of why he did what he did. In the end they learn how to care for the twins and work together to do it. They even adopt a little boy who the H says needs them. They truly find their HEA in the love they have for each other and the children. I received this book free from the author as a member of her ARC team. Recommend this book to everyone and hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did. Enjoy!
May 18, 2025
Wow,wow, wow! We met Becky and Rodney back in Strawberry Sands where they were characters who helped to drive the story of Luke and Kristen. Back then he took care of her in a teenage-boy way, and she held him accountable for choices he made, challenging him to do better. Since then there have been mentions of Becky, moving to Raspberry Ridge, showing that she was feeling abandoned by Rodney, and hinting that she is not doing well. Now they finally get their story. They were so good together, despite their age differences and difficult circumstances. How did things go so wrong both personally and between them? This becomes a forced proximity story, but so much more than that. It's about showing grace, being humble and honest, acknowledging failure, accepting others as they are, choosing what's best for someone else rather than yourself, and learning to trust.
There's lots of twists to the story, and it left me wanting more details. I read an early version, and there may be an epilogue, or a follow up in another book. This book really pulled at my heart strings, and I highly recommend it. It is a standalone, but you will enjoy it even more if you have read the Strawberry Sands book There I Find Joy, first.
There's lots of twists to the story, and it left me wanting more details. I read an early version, and there may be an epilogue, or a follow up in another book. This book really pulled at my heart strings, and I highly recommend it. It is a standalone, but you will enjoy it even more if you have read the Strawberry Sands book There I Find Joy, first.
June 15, 2025
Becky came upon the pages of Jessie Gussman’s previous books as a homeless orphan, leaving unsuitable foster homes while her sister was in a much better one at the time. Becky wanted to have her sister with her but first she had to survive being on her own and that was when she was befriended by Rodney Blackstone and as the books progressed so did Becky and Rodney’s relationship. But unfortunately Rodney felt he had to make something of himself before he could be more to Becky so he set off on his own and then his plans didn’t go as he had hoped and for five long years he cut himself off from the one person in the world he truly loved and who had truly loved him. Now Becky’s sister has asked them both to come together and do one monumental thing for her. Is this his chance to make everything right again or is it too late?
A remarkable story of realizing our plans are not ours but that it is God who controls it all and that forgiveness is not necessarily for the one being forgiven but brings a peace to the one giving it. Have some tissues ready when reading this clean heartbreaking second chance story.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A remarkable story of realizing our plans are not ours but that it is God who controls it all and that forgiveness is not necessarily for the one being forgiven but brings a peace to the one giving it. Have some tissues ready when reading this clean heartbreaking second chance story.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 24, 2025
Becky and Rodney’s story is one of unexpected reunion, loss and blessings. It is also a story of forgiveness, letting go of the past and renewed faith. Rodney and Becky have known each other since they were youngsters when he provided the then homeless Becky with a safe refuge and friendship. They made it through tough times together with the support of good people in Raspberry Ridge. They made promises to each other, including staying in touch, before he left to pursue an education and career opportunities. Unfortunately, circumstances unknown to Becky led Rodney to make decisions that took him on a different path, a path that led him to cut off communication with Becky and abandon their tentative plans for a future together.
Now, her sister’s dire circumstances bring them back together to provide a stable home for two children who may soon lose their mother. Reconnection is hard, as is acceptance, forgiveness, and learning to trust again. Becky and Rodney find their way through by leaning on God, their faith and each other. Their story touched my heart, made me smile and inspired me.
I wholeheartedly recommend this excellent book.
Now, her sister’s dire circumstances bring them back together to provide a stable home for two children who may soon lose their mother. Reconnection is hard, as is acceptance, forgiveness, and learning to trust again. Becky and Rodney find their way through by leaning on God, their faith and each other. Their story touched my heart, made me smile and inspired me.
I wholeheartedly recommend this excellent book.
May 20, 2025
Becky and Rodney were great friends but he was too old for her, so he left to make his fortune and kept in touch for several years. Then he just stopped contacting her, his phone was disconnected and her letters were returned.
Becky has four gorgeous horses but it's taking all her effort to afford to feed them, she's not eating enough or putting her heating on.
Her sister calls her, she's pregnant with twins, having an imminent c section and has cancer. Poor Becky, how will she cope? Then she says, and I want you and Rodney to look after them!
Becky is amazed her sister knows how to contact him and isn't sure how she's going to cope with dealing with him. What explanation will he give for ignoring her?
Becky and Rodney have a lot to work out between them. He needs to come clean about why he ignored her and his financial situation. He realises that he made a huge mistake and hopes that he can somehow get back to how they were. He's never stopped loving her and hopes that she still has feelings for him.
A great emotional read from Jessie, get your hanky for the first part!
Becky has four gorgeous horses but it's taking all her effort to afford to feed them, she's not eating enough or putting her heating on.
Her sister calls her, she's pregnant with twins, having an imminent c section and has cancer. Poor Becky, how will she cope? Then she says, and I want you and Rodney to look after them!
Becky is amazed her sister knows how to contact him and isn't sure how she's going to cope with dealing with him. What explanation will he give for ignoring her?
Becky and Rodney have a lot to work out between them. He needs to come clean about why he ignored her and his financial situation. He realises that he made a huge mistake and hopes that he can somehow get back to how they were. He's never stopped loving her and hopes that she still has feelings for him.
A great emotional read from Jessie, get your hanky for the first part!
May 23, 2025
Beside the Rolling Waves is one of those books that linger long after the last page is turned; the characters and the story continue in your thoughts, whispering in your heart. Jessie Gussman brings to life characters whose choices, struggles, and victories resonate and reflect real life. I was so excited to finally read Becky and Rodney's story! Oh my! This was one of the most refreshing and inspiring books I have read! Becky had me looking deep inside myself, checking my heart and motives! She reflects Jesus in ways that I want for myself! I could relate to themes of chasing something good only to lose sight of what is best and of making choices that put you in a position you never thought you would find yourself! I deeply appreciate how Becky and Rodney's story is filled with the grace and redemption that Jesus is so generous in pouring over us! Beside the Rolling Waves is a book you don't want to miss!
May 23, 2025
Beside the Rolling Waves, ~ Raspberry Ridge #7 by Jessie Gussman.
Jessie Gussman has once again crafted a brilliant and heartfelt story that truly tugs at the heartstrings.
Beside the Rolling Waves explores themes of second chances and the pain of loss with sensitivity and emotional depth. The characters are exceptionally well-developed—real, relatable, and easy to fall in love with.
Jessie's storytelling draws you in from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The plot is both touching and uplifting, making for a compelling read that’s hard to put down.
This book is beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and filled with warmth. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys stories about love, healing, and the strength of the human spirit.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read
Entertaining
Happily Ever After
Inspirational
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Wonderful characters
Jessie Gussman has once again crafted a brilliant and heartfelt story that truly tugs at the heartstrings.
Beside the Rolling Waves explores themes of second chances and the pain of loss with sensitivity and emotional depth. The characters are exceptionally well-developed—real, relatable, and easy to fall in love with.
Jessie's storytelling draws you in from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The plot is both touching and uplifting, making for a compelling read that’s hard to put down.
This book is beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and filled with warmth. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys stories about love, healing, and the strength of the human spirit.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read
Entertaining
Happily Ever After
Inspirational
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Wonderful characters
May 26, 2025
The two main characters in this book, Becky and Rodney, were memorable characters who were introduced to readers in the earlier Strawberry Sands series when they were children. Readers have caught bits of their heartbreaking stories woven into other books and now finally the threads of their stories have intertwined once again in their adulthood. Both have suffered more than their share of hard knocks in life and it is wonderful to see them get their HEA at last. But before that happens, you guessed it—more struggle. I loved the resilience and perseverance shown by both characters who understandably had some hard edges due to their pasts that God needed to smooth out. But faith, love, and forgiveness made a way and the book left me feeling very uplifted and satisfied. This book can be read as a standalone. Highly recommend! I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 27, 2025
Rodney and Becky met as kids when he helped her out of a sad situation and now he returns to town after years away to help her again in a bad situation.
It's understandable that Becky has some hard feelings for Rodney after not hearing from him for years, but now more is at stake then just their feelings. Rodney has a lot of explaining to do and Becky has to decide if she wants to forgive him and move on or let hurt stay between them.
I've enjoying seeing Rodney and Becky grow up throughout the other books and was glad to see them both still strong in the Lord and realize that happiness isn't about the money or things but about your faith and the people in your life.
Loved seeing how they came together when they needed to even when they were thrown into a tough and unexpected family situation.
Wonderful characters and another wonderful story that teaches us along the way.
I voluntarily read an arc and this is my honest opinion.
It's understandable that Becky has some hard feelings for Rodney after not hearing from him for years, but now more is at stake then just their feelings. Rodney has a lot of explaining to do and Becky has to decide if she wants to forgive him and move on or let hurt stay between them.
I've enjoying seeing Rodney and Becky grow up throughout the other books and was glad to see them both still strong in the Lord and realize that happiness isn't about the money or things but about your faith and the people in your life.
Loved seeing how they came together when they needed to even when they were thrown into a tough and unexpected family situation.
Wonderful characters and another wonderful story that teaches us along the way.
I voluntarily read an arc and this is my honest opinion.
June 17, 2025
A Christian rescue
Horse owner, Becky, is struggling to survive both physically and financially when a shocking call from her sister, Rita, and an unwelcome visit from her long-estranged friend, Rodney, results in a radical change in her lifestyle.
A gentle story, which includes heartbreak and joy, the ethics of life well-lived, coupled with the pros and cons of wealth vs poverty, this book describes how Becky and Rodney face the challenges of their past and the prospects of their unexpectedly shared future.
I would have preferred Rodney to demonstrate more strength of character during certain aspects of the book. I think (although I am not familiar with legal matters) that, in the interests of the story, Ms Gussman has also used some creative freedom in the adoptive parenting process Becky and Rodney underwent. I am sharing my honest opinion of a review copy I received from the author.
Horse owner, Becky, is struggling to survive both physically and financially when a shocking call from her sister, Rita, and an unwelcome visit from her long-estranged friend, Rodney, results in a radical change in her lifestyle.
A gentle story, which includes heartbreak and joy, the ethics of life well-lived, coupled with the pros and cons of wealth vs poverty, this book describes how Becky and Rodney face the challenges of their past and the prospects of their unexpectedly shared future.
I would have preferred Rodney to demonstrate more strength of character during certain aspects of the book. I think (although I am not familiar with legal matters) that, in the interests of the story, Ms Gussman has also used some creative freedom in the adoptive parenting process Becky and Rodney underwent. I am sharing my honest opinion of a review copy I received from the author.
May 13, 2025
I had waited for Becky's story for a LONG time! AND....it was worth the wait! Becky has lots going on trying to keep herself and her four Clydesdale horses afloat when her sister called her. BIG news there! Her sister also called Rodney - Becky's longtime (but missing for 5 years) love - with the same request. Suffice it to say, there are lots of twists and turns along the way to their happily ever after ending! As I said, I had been looking forward to this book and it definitely did not disappoint! Jessie has a way to bring her characters to life for me. I cried and laughed out loud while reading this book. Very inspirational and helps show that bad things can be the start of something good - even though we don't think so. I received this book as an ARC member and am writing this review completely on my own! I just loved the book, and I think you will too!
June 11, 2025
Becky and Rodney's story. Becky was a runaway from the foster system. Rodney discovered her and made sure she had food, etc. Becky just wanted to make sure her younger sister was o.k. It is now years later. Rodney has gone off to establish himself and Becky is barely surviving taking care of her horses and her riding business. Rodney had ghosted Becky 5 years before. He lost his money in a risky investment and had to declare bankruptcy. He couldn't face Becky even though she never cared about money. When Becky's sister calls and says she is pregnant and has cancer, Becky drops everything to go to her sister. Rita wants Becky and Rodney to raise her twins. Becky doesn't want anything to do with Rodney. Rodney knows he made a mistake and is looking to prove himself to her again. So good!
May 15, 2025
I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for Becky to grow up and for her and Rodney to have their own book. These stories never what I expect but they are always what I need. Becky and Rodney met when they were kids and there is an age gap between them. Rodney left for a while and about 5 years ago communication was totally cut off. As we enter this story, Becky has been hurt and angry ever since. She’s barely making ends meet when her sister calls and asks her to promise to help out with her kids. And then, she finds out that Rita has asked the exact same thing as Rodney. As Rodney and Becky are forced to spend time together, and learn how to take care of the new babies, they are forced to share life and secrets with each other. This book is full of forgiveness, grace, babies, and more. It was a read that got through very quickly. It wasn’t what I ever expected for these two, but it was a good read.
Trigger Warning: Cancer
I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Trigger Warning: Cancer
I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 16, 2025
We are back at Raspberry Ridge and Becky Rivers lives above her stable. She gives carriage rides but unfortunately she isn’t making enough to live on once she buys horse feed. She is living very sparsely including not much to eat, very little heat or showers. She gets a call from her sister Rita that she is about to give birth to twins and also has cancer. Rita had contacted Becky’s old boyfriend Rodney that had basically ghosted her five years previously. Needless to say he broke Becky’s heart. Rita wanted Rodney and Becky to raise the twins if she passed away. Becky didn’t want any part of being around Rodney but she also knew she wanted the twins to have a good life. Both Becky and Rodney gave up a lot to get to where they were now.
August 4, 2025
Wow newly married with 3 kids
This was an emotional tale. Becky’s sister gets in touch because she is pregnant and dying from an aggressive cancer. She also contacts Rodney and asks them to take her children. They agree but thinking positive doesn’t overcome the death sentence Rita gave herself. Rodney and Becky start to reconcile but the fun isn’t over yet. His youthful indiscretion supposedly results in a child. The exfriend agrees to give him her child in exchange for a generous settlement. Do the meet, agree, and sign over the rights for a dark skinned child that couldn’t possible be Rodney. They still adopt him and he settles in, of course Rodney bought Becky’s Clydesdales back and all three children love the horses.
This was an emotional tale. Becky’s sister gets in touch because she is pregnant and dying from an aggressive cancer. She also contacts Rodney and asks them to take her children. They agree but thinking positive doesn’t overcome the death sentence Rita gave herself. Rodney and Becky start to reconcile but the fun isn’t over yet. His youthful indiscretion supposedly results in a child. The exfriend agrees to give him her child in exchange for a generous settlement. Do the meet, agree, and sign over the rights for a dark skinned child that couldn’t possible be Rodney. They still adopt him and he settles in, of course Rodney bought Becky’s Clydesdales back and all three children love the horses.
April 29, 2025
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
O.K. Wow. We've waited a long time for this couple to finally start their HEA. We met them as kids back in Strawberry Sands Beach. Rodney looked after Becky as best as he could, although she was probably little better at looking out for herself.
Her personality doesn't change much into adulthood. She is still stubborn and independent, loves her sister, and trusts Rodney.
Rodney lost himself for a while but has made a comeback. Just in time to be called back to Becky's side.
I loved the story, although I hate that their finally getting together would be brought about by such a painful situation.
O.K. Wow. We've waited a long time for this couple to finally start their HEA. We met them as kids back in Strawberry Sands Beach. Rodney looked after Becky as best as he could, although she was probably little better at looking out for herself.
Her personality doesn't change much into adulthood. She is still stubborn and independent, loves her sister, and trusts Rodney.
Rodney lost himself for a while but has made a comeback. Just in time to be called back to Becky's side.
I loved the story, although I hate that their finally getting together would be brought about by such a painful situation.
May 15, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book of forgiveness and second chances. Rodney and Becky loved each other, but when Rodney suffered some major setbacks in life, he disappeared for 5 years leaving Becky heartbroken with no idea what had happened. Now Rodney is back, but they are faced with raising newborn twins together when Becky's sister dies and leaves them as the twin's legal guardians. To make things even more complicated, Rodney is being sued for paternity by a women he knew briefly 5 years before. I love how the author subtly weaves faith into the story.
I received an ARC of this book, but the thoughts and rating are my own.
I received an ARC of this book, but the thoughts and rating are my own.
May 18, 2025
Becky sister Rita just told her that she was pregnant with twins. She was going to have a C-section on Friday and she had cancer. The doctors wanted her to abort the babies but Rita said no. Rita also called Rodney, he ghosted Becky five years before. Becky was not a happy person when Rodney came into the picture. Rita wanted Rodney and Becky to take care of the twins, Marley and Kevin. In case something should happen Becky and Rodney would be the adopted parents of the twins. This is an excellent clean Good book. I do highly recommend any book that Jessie Gussman writes. I really enjoy her books.
May 21, 2025
This is a clean Christian romance. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Becky is barely surviving financially when she gets a call from her sister. Her sister is pregnant but has cancer. She wants her to help with the babies. However, the caveat is she needs to it with Rodney, who Becky hasn’t spoken to in years. Becky is mad at him for abandoning her. Can they work together to help take care of the babies? Is there still a spark there?
This is the long awaited story of Becky and Rodney, if you’ve read the other books. There are a lot of dynamics in this book. But they do work together.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
Becky is barely surviving financially when she gets a call from her sister. Her sister is pregnant but has cancer. She wants her to help with the babies. However, the caveat is she needs to it with Rodney, who Becky hasn’t spoken to in years. Becky is mad at him for abandoning her. Can they work together to help take care of the babies? Is there still a spark there?
This is the long awaited story of Becky and Rodney, if you’ve read the other books. There are a lot of dynamics in this book. But they do work together.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
May 24, 2025
We have waited a long time to see Becky and Rodney get their HEA. Neither one had an ideal childhood. They had spent a lot of time together until Rodney leaves to care for Ford Hanson's business in South America. Five years ago Rodney reached a very low point and ceased all communication with Becky. Now Becky learns that her sister Rita is expecting twins and will need Becky and Rodney to care for them as she has cancer and her prognosis is not good. This is a book about faith, forgiveness, redemption and love. You need to read it to see how Ms. Gussman brings everything to a very satisfying conclusion! I could not put it down!
October 27, 2025
At last the book about Rodney and Becky. Becky is starving but she has her horses. She hasn't heard from Rodney in five years. Her sister calls and tells her that she's having twins on Friday and that she wants her and Rodney to co-parent them until she can take over. Becky isn't thrilled but she promised her sister.
Becky sells her horses once she needs a way to the hospital and a new car. Once she gets there Rita tells her that she hs cancer and that she may not make it out of the hospital. Becky is devastated but more worried about Rodney and her working together.
Rodney is still in love with Becky but she's mad at him and may never get over it.
Becky sells her horses once she needs a way to the hospital and a new car. Once she gets there Rita tells her that she hs cancer and that she may not make it out of the hospital. Becky is devastated but more worried about Rodney and her working together.
Rodney is still in love with Becky but she's mad at him and may never get over it.
April 29, 2025
what a story! a real 'tug on your heart' tale. To start off with, it reminded me of Job. You think things are tough, but wait-there's more! I greatly admired Becky's sister and the choices she made and why. Both Becky and Rodney are caring people with great integrity. Ok some flaws there, but what person hasn't? I enjoyed every deep, emotive moment of the whole story. Would have liked to hear more about how life "played out" for them all. Still, a truly heart-warming story. Definitely recommend it.
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