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Ties That Bind #1
Charisse
Charisse Wellman’s husband has been gone a year, and she’s about to lose the only home her son, V.J., has ever known. She’s quit law school but the money just isn’t there. Her only option is to work as a law clerk for her ex-friend, Gideon Tabor. The only problem: Gideon is the judge who let her husband’s killer go free, and Gideon doesn’t know the connection.
Gideon Tabor can’t believe that the woman interviewing for the job is the girl he loved in high school. Charisse is hesitant about accepting his job offer, and when she does, Gideon makes every attempt to apologize for his relationship-ending blunder in high school. Charisse accepts his apology, but she keeps him at a distance. When Gideon learns that Charisse’s anger actually stems from his release of the man who ran down her husband, he tries to explain, but Charisse doesn’t want Gideon’s excuses or the love he has to offer. She wants her husband’s killer to pay.
Gideon Tabor can’t believe that the woman interviewing for the job is the girl he loved in high school. Charisse is hesitant about accepting his job offer, and when she does, Gideon makes every attempt to apologize for his relationship-ending blunder in high school. Charisse accepts his apology, but she keeps him at a distance. When Gideon learns that Charisse’s anger actually stems from his release of the man who ran down her husband, he tries to explain, but Charisse doesn’t want Gideon’s excuses or the love he has to offer. She wants her husband’s killer to pay.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2013
9 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Fay Lamb
23 books146 followersFay Lamb is the only daughter of a rebel genius father and a hard-working, tow-the-line mom. She is not only a fifth-generation Floridian, she has lived her life in Titusville, where her grandmother was born in 1899.
Since an early age, storytelling has been Fay’s greatest desire. She seeks to create memorable characters that touch her readers’ hearts. She says of her writing, “If I can’t laugh or cry at the words written on the pages of my manuscript, the story is not ready for the reader.” Fay writes in various genres, including romance, romantic suspense, and contemporary fiction.
Since an early age, storytelling has been Fay’s greatest desire. She seeks to create memorable characters that touch her readers’ hearts. She says of her writing, “If I can’t laugh or cry at the words written on the pages of my manuscript, the story is not ready for the reader.” Fay writes in various genres, including romance, romantic suspense, and contemporary fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 11, 2013
I love Fay Lamb's books. She has mastered the art of inspirational romance, and Charisse is no exception.
Charisse Wellman is a widow who must meet one goal: to provide for her son V.J. She needs a job in the worst way, and in desperation she puts an application in to the Nineth Judicial Circuit. The boy she'd had a crush on in High School was a judge there. He was also the judge who set loose the owner of the hit-and-run car that killed her husband.
Worse, this job would be clerking for Gideon Tabor. He might not recognise her, though. Last time he'd seen her, she'd weighed a lot more, and she left her glasses off for the interview. No good. He did. Now what?
On the other hand, Gideon is delighted to have Charisse on his staff. Not only is she the best qualified applicant, but she's as beautiful as ever, and maybe this would be the chance he'd missed in high school to prove himself to her and win her love.
Charisse would refuse the job, but the electric bill is due. And if she doesn't make the house payment...
Charisse Wellman is a widow who must meet one goal: to provide for her son V.J. She needs a job in the worst way, and in desperation she puts an application in to the Nineth Judicial Circuit. The boy she'd had a crush on in High School was a judge there. He was also the judge who set loose the owner of the hit-and-run car that killed her husband.
Worse, this job would be clerking for Gideon Tabor. He might not recognise her, though. Last time he'd seen her, she'd weighed a lot more, and she left her glasses off for the interview. No good. He did. Now what?
On the other hand, Gideon is delighted to have Charisse on his staff. Not only is she the best qualified applicant, but she's as beautiful as ever, and maybe this would be the chance he'd missed in high school to prove himself to her and win her love.
Charisse would refuse the job, but the electric bill is due. And if she doesn't make the house payment...
July 13, 2021
My thoughts: this is a slow romance between two former friends that had some animosity between them. I thought it first it was womens fiction, but it's Southern fiction, romance, but there is zero sexual tension between the characters. You can tell the author put a lot of thought into the names of the characters. They all mean something and I think you'll figure it out. If you like slow quiet romance, you will love this book. The second chance at love. I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
February 3, 2014
I most often review murder mysteries, thrillers, police procedurals, and if I’m up against a wall a romantic suspense. That’s tongue in cheek, but you get it. So why am I reviewing CHARISSE, a romance novel? Well, because there’s plenty of mystery in this story, the kinds of mysteries and dilemmas life throws at individuals. And, it’s well written.
Main characters Charisse Wellman and Judge Gideon Tabor are both hiding something. Add to the mix a jealous harridan in stilettos named Delilah, who lives up to her name and you’ve got one interesting story.
Charisse carries pain, insecurity, and disappointment from her high school days, when she was quite overweight. Now as a widow who has just lost her beloved husband, she’s trying to raise her young son. It becomes apparent she must give up her dream of law school and go to work to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. She finds herself interviewing with Gideon Tabor, a local criminal court judge, with whom she had an unpleasant run-in many years ago. But does he remember her? Whatever the case, that incident from long ago, disheartening as it was, is not the only bone she has to pick with him . . . not by a long shot.
Of course, she aces the interview and begins clerking for Judge Tabor. Just as she’s hoping she can put the past behind her and settle into some kind of normal work routine, Judge Delilah James begins playing office politics. Using underhanded tactics, this vixen in judicial robes, turns what could’ve been a pleasant working experience into a nightmare where Charisse is in fear of losing the job she so desperately needs.
On top of this Charisse is battling deep resentment toward the hit-and-run driver who killed her husband and the judicial system that allowed him to get away with it. No matter how much she prays, she can’t get over the bitterness she harbors.
I immediately warmed to V.J., Charisse’s young son. He is the sweetest child, and at times, the pain of the loss of his father is palpable. However, if there is a flaw in this novel, in my opinion, it would be that this darling little boy is just a tad too perfect at times. However, I have a penchant for obviously flawed characters. Other readers might not agree on this point.
There are Christian themes running throughout the entire story. As the characters develop and grow emotionally they attain greater spiritual maturity as well. This is a read I could recommend to any fifteen-year-old, as well as anyone’s great-grandmother. Although romance novels are most often read by women, this is a story I believe many a man would enjoy.
Main characters Charisse Wellman and Judge Gideon Tabor are both hiding something. Add to the mix a jealous harridan in stilettos named Delilah, who lives up to her name and you’ve got one interesting story.
Charisse carries pain, insecurity, and disappointment from her high school days, when she was quite overweight. Now as a widow who has just lost her beloved husband, she’s trying to raise her young son. It becomes apparent she must give up her dream of law school and go to work to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. She finds herself interviewing with Gideon Tabor, a local criminal court judge, with whom she had an unpleasant run-in many years ago. But does he remember her? Whatever the case, that incident from long ago, disheartening as it was, is not the only bone she has to pick with him . . . not by a long shot.
Of course, she aces the interview and begins clerking for Judge Tabor. Just as she’s hoping she can put the past behind her and settle into some kind of normal work routine, Judge Delilah James begins playing office politics. Using underhanded tactics, this vixen in judicial robes, turns what could’ve been a pleasant working experience into a nightmare where Charisse is in fear of losing the job she so desperately needs.
On top of this Charisse is battling deep resentment toward the hit-and-run driver who killed her husband and the judicial system that allowed him to get away with it. No matter how much she prays, she can’t get over the bitterness she harbors.
I immediately warmed to V.J., Charisse’s young son. He is the sweetest child, and at times, the pain of the loss of his father is palpable. However, if there is a flaw in this novel, in my opinion, it would be that this darling little boy is just a tad too perfect at times. However, I have a penchant for obviously flawed characters. Other readers might not agree on this point.
There are Christian themes running throughout the entire story. As the characters develop and grow emotionally they attain greater spiritual maturity as well. This is a read I could recommend to any fifteen-year-old, as well as anyone’s great-grandmother. Although romance novels are most often read by women, this is a story I believe many a man would enjoy.
November 21, 2017
I started reading Fay Lamb’s books in The Tie that Binds series, and was unable to put them down!! I read Charisse, and immediately went to Libby, then Hope.
Charisse is recently widowed and trying to stay above water not only for her sake but also for her young son, Vance, Jr. (V. J.) Her only hope is to go to work as the clerk for Judge Gideon Tabor, the man that releases the monster who killed her husband.
I ran the gamut of emotions reading Charisse’s story. I could understand her anger and feelings of wanting to avenge her husband’s death by remaining cold and distant toward Gideon, even though she had a crush on him in high school. I could also understand how his kindness could throw her off and make her vulnerable. I fell in love with her son, V. J., and wished I could take on his pain. I alternated between righteous indignation and cheering for Gideon. I also wanted to shake some sense into another judge, Delilah James, more than a few times!
Fay Lamb has a real, rare gift for placing you right smack in the middle of the action and making you feel as if you, too, are one of the key players.
Her portrayal of the Christian faith displayed by the characters in the book is authentic and uplifting. It is written in a natural, relatable way, woven expertly and seamlessly throughout, giving us a feeling of optimism and promise.
I honestly would love to have Charisse and V. J. as neighbors and friends. I’m also very excited that there are two more stories!! I am dreading the end of the series, as I love the characters.
Fay Lamb’s story Charisse is well-written, relatable and endearing.
I received Charisse from the author. However, I was under no obligation to write a review.
Charisse is recently widowed and trying to stay above water not only for her sake but also for her young son, Vance, Jr. (V. J.) Her only hope is to go to work as the clerk for Judge Gideon Tabor, the man that releases the monster who killed her husband.
I ran the gamut of emotions reading Charisse’s story. I could understand her anger and feelings of wanting to avenge her husband’s death by remaining cold and distant toward Gideon, even though she had a crush on him in high school. I could also understand how his kindness could throw her off and make her vulnerable. I fell in love with her son, V. J., and wished I could take on his pain. I alternated between righteous indignation and cheering for Gideon. I also wanted to shake some sense into another judge, Delilah James, more than a few times!
Fay Lamb has a real, rare gift for placing you right smack in the middle of the action and making you feel as if you, too, are one of the key players.
Her portrayal of the Christian faith displayed by the characters in the book is authentic and uplifting. It is written in a natural, relatable way, woven expertly and seamlessly throughout, giving us a feeling of optimism and promise.
I honestly would love to have Charisse and V. J. as neighbors and friends. I’m also very excited that there are two more stories!! I am dreading the end of the series, as I love the characters.
Fay Lamb’s story Charisse is well-written, relatable and endearing.
I received Charisse from the author. However, I was under no obligation to write a review.
August 2, 2013
Awesome story with great characters. Spiritual lessons abound in this book of love, loss, hope and forgiveness. Readers (particularly women) immediately connect with Charisse and her adorable son, V.J. (Vance,Jr.)Wellman. As she struggles to maintain her home and provide for her son, she finds herself in a most peculiar circumstance: remain unemployed and risk being homeless and hungry or accept a position with a person for whom she's harbored bitterness and anger for some time.
Gideon Tabor never married. His heart belonged to the girl he'd loved in high school. Trouble was he'd never told her. Their friendship had ended on a sour note. Then, unbeknownst to him, he'd made a legal decision, as a judge in criminal court, that deepened her wound.
Judge Delilah James, tactless and self-assertive, wants Gideon Tabor as her own. Gideon wanted no personal relationship with Delilah and had every right to banish her from his life. But he didn't, consequently inviting trouble into his plans to reconnect with the love of his life. Why did he continue to tolerate her shenanigans?
Will Gideon connect with this mysterious person at the high school reunion, or will Delilah sabotage his plans?
Gideon Tabor never married. His heart belonged to the girl he'd loved in high school. Trouble was he'd never told her. Their friendship had ended on a sour note. Then, unbeknownst to him, he'd made a legal decision, as a judge in criminal court, that deepened her wound.
Judge Delilah James, tactless and self-assertive, wants Gideon Tabor as her own. Gideon wanted no personal relationship with Delilah and had every right to banish her from his life. But he didn't, consequently inviting trouble into his plans to reconnect with the love of his life. Why did he continue to tolerate her shenanigans?
Will Gideon connect with this mysterious person at the high school reunion, or will Delilah sabotage his plans?
February 12, 2020
I particularly enjoyed this book about a young widow and her 7-year-old son. It opens the reader’s eyes to the emotions and trials of a woman and her child, who are struggling in life to adjust to a new normal. I can’t even imagine how hard that would be, but Charisse is doing it all with grace and depending on God for her strength, even when she is only hanging on by a thread. I think this book shows women how we might choose to act, when/if we come into a similar type of situation, especially in forgiving others who might have harmed us either intentionally or unintentionally. I love the characters. This book is almost a 5, but I thought a couple of things were a little off—one was Gideon’s secret plan and the other had to do with the antagonist. If you like women’s fiction with more than a touch of romance, I think you will enjoy reading Charisse.
December 4, 2014
I love this book. Charisse and young V.J. come to vivid life through the author’s skilled writing. From the first paragraphs I cared about her predicament and her son’s stark grief. When Judge Gideon Tabor is introduced, it’s easy to picture the football quarterback turned successful lawyer. More handsome than any guy has a right to be, with the bonus of a soft side. The relationship between Charisse, VJ and Gideon tugs at the heart as they struggle through present and past disappointments and dreams. Misunderstandings become huge barriers, as they can in real life. But faith also plays an important role in this story, and that brings hope.
With its well-written, heart-warming message of forgiveness and second chances, Charisse readily earns five stars. Highly recommended.
With its well-written, heart-warming message of forgiveness and second chances, Charisse readily earns five stars. Highly recommended.
September 1, 2015
My thanks go the Fay Lamb and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for my copy of Charise that I won.
Charisse is a young wife faced with some hard choices after the death of her husband. She takes a job as a legal clerk after being forced to drop out of law school. She needs to work to support her son and provide a home. She takes a job with her ex-boyfriend from high school. He is also the judge that let her husband's killer go free on a technical issue with his trial.
I enjoyed Charisse and hope you will too. I am not telling the ending, you will just have to read it to find out how the story ends with Charisse and the judge.
Charisse is a young wife faced with some hard choices after the death of her husband. She takes a job as a legal clerk after being forced to drop out of law school. She needs to work to support her son and provide a home. She takes a job with her ex-boyfriend from high school. He is also the judge that let her husband's killer go free on a technical issue with his trial.
I enjoyed Charisse and hope you will too. I am not telling the ending, you will just have to read it to find out how the story ends with Charisse and the judge.
February 1, 2014
A wonderful read. Of course I immediately wanted to protect Charisse and her little son. I also wanted to slap Delilah. Could've slapped Judge Tabor once or twice too.
This is a story of overcoming hardship through love. Well written, indeed.
This is a story of overcoming hardship through love. Well written, indeed.
March 14, 2016
The characters in this book engaged me to such an extent that I finished it in less than 24 hours. I'm sorry to have no more to read. I will miss them.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews