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Unexpected Finish
Where do you turn when the past comes to call?
Cara Alexander wants to live life on her terms, but her paltry attempts at adulting have left her world a mess.
Those around her think if she returned to the faith of her childhood and let God be in control, all would be well.
She's not convinced.
God proved Himself untrustworthy during the most tragic event of her life. Why would she believe His empty promises and supposed plans now? She’s just fine on her own.
Except she's not.
Her struggles with self-defeating behavior, bad choices, and debilitating fear bring consequences beyond her control. Will she ever catch a break?
Apparently not.
Things go from bad to worse when someone from her past forces Cara into a fight for survival. She’s about to lose hope.
Will God be faithful, extend grace despite her rebellion, and save her from herself?
Cara Alexander wants to live life on her terms, but her paltry attempts at adulting have left her world a mess.
Those around her think if she returned to the faith of her childhood and let God be in control, all would be well.
She's not convinced.
God proved Himself untrustworthy during the most tragic event of her life. Why would she believe His empty promises and supposed plans now? She’s just fine on her own.
Except she's not.
Her struggles with self-defeating behavior, bad choices, and debilitating fear bring consequences beyond her control. Will she ever catch a break?
Apparently not.
Things go from bad to worse when someone from her past forces Cara into a fight for survival. She’s about to lose hope.
Will God be faithful, extend grace despite her rebellion, and save her from herself?
229 pages, Paperback
Published October 29, 2024
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Russell
3 books290 followersKimberly Russell recently transplanted to Indiana from Michigan and lives with Toby the Shih Tzu, who allows her to be his roommate.
Retired for several years, Kim’s day job was that of civil servant in the Michigan Department of Corrections at the local prison complex. She served as Warden’s Secretary under two female wardens in a three-prison complex of medium security inmates.
The highlight of Kimberly’s career was the role of Program Coordinator for the first inmate-dog training program in the MDOC. Since its inception in 2003, thousands of rescued greyhounds and “pound puppies” have been through the program, and it has expanded to many other facilities in the Michigan system.
Kim began writing in 2009 after she joined an on-line writing community called FaithWriters and regularly participated in their weekly writing challenge. High-ranking finishes led to publication in the 2015 & 2017 FaithWriters anthologies.
Branching out to became a columnist for a local entertainment publication called Frank Talk was a challenge. The published allowed Kim to be a guest contributor in their “Critter Corner” but was hesitant to add a fictional component. After a trial run of The Adventures of Miranda DailyLife, Kim authored the column for over a year and enjoyed an enthusiastic readership.
Kim has also been published in Dog Life Magazine and has three full- length manuscripts from participation in the National Novel Writing Month challenge held in November each year (writing a 50,000 word novel in 30 days.)
Self-publishing her first book, Journey to ChiYah in 2022, she began the Persistent Hope Series with Photo Finish in 2023, followed by her most current release, Unexpected Finish in November, 2024.
When not hanging out in her favorite place on earth—the She Shed— and creating literary magic, Kim is a pickleball fiend, playing several times a week. She also loves to read, enjoys a somewhat mediocre golf game, and is a tech geek.
Retired for several years, Kim’s day job was that of civil servant in the Michigan Department of Corrections at the local prison complex. She served as Warden’s Secretary under two female wardens in a three-prison complex of medium security inmates.
The highlight of Kimberly’s career was the role of Program Coordinator for the first inmate-dog training program in the MDOC. Since its inception in 2003, thousands of rescued greyhounds and “pound puppies” have been through the program, and it has expanded to many other facilities in the Michigan system.
Kim began writing in 2009 after she joined an on-line writing community called FaithWriters and regularly participated in their weekly writing challenge. High-ranking finishes led to publication in the 2015 & 2017 FaithWriters anthologies.
Branching out to became a columnist for a local entertainment publication called Frank Talk was a challenge. The published allowed Kim to be a guest contributor in their “Critter Corner” but was hesitant to add a fictional component. After a trial run of The Adventures of Miranda DailyLife, Kim authored the column for over a year and enjoyed an enthusiastic readership.
Kim has also been published in Dog Life Magazine and has three full- length manuscripts from participation in the National Novel Writing Month challenge held in November each year (writing a 50,000 word novel in 30 days.)
Self-publishing her first book, Journey to ChiYah in 2022, she began the Persistent Hope Series with Photo Finish in 2023, followed by her most current release, Unexpected Finish in November, 2024.
When not hanging out in her favorite place on earth—the She Shed— and creating literary magic, Kim is a pickleball fiend, playing several times a week. She also loves to read, enjoys a somewhat mediocre golf game, and is a tech geek.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 10, 2024
Unexpected Finish by Kim Russell
Unexpected Finish takes up Cara Alexander’s story where we left off in Photo Finish. Cara is now wheelchair bound due to the knife accident caused by Jake Cunningham when she was fifteen. She’s now 26 years old and working as a counselor, helping disabled folks find jobs. Jake has been in prison for 10 years and is getting out on parole. He immediately starts planning his reunion with Cara and contacts her, throwing her life into a tailspin as he manipulates her; yet she refuses to lean on God and thinks she can take care of herself.
Russell brilliantly shows us the mind of the criminal abuser and the victim who thinks all is their fault, while showing us the futility of both.
It takes desperation, or the Gift Of Desperation (GOD) to show Cara she needs His help and we see how God helps her and rescues her. God is always there and we can trust Him.
I am glad to have had the chance to read this complimentary copy as an advance reader and share my own opinion. A positive review was not required. This story taught me more about people in these situations and how difficult it is to get out safely.
Unexpected Finish takes up Cara Alexander’s story where we left off in Photo Finish. Cara is now wheelchair bound due to the knife accident caused by Jake Cunningham when she was fifteen. She’s now 26 years old and working as a counselor, helping disabled folks find jobs. Jake has been in prison for 10 years and is getting out on parole. He immediately starts planning his reunion with Cara and contacts her, throwing her life into a tailspin as he manipulates her; yet she refuses to lean on God and thinks she can take care of herself.
Russell brilliantly shows us the mind of the criminal abuser and the victim who thinks all is their fault, while showing us the futility of both.
It takes desperation, or the Gift Of Desperation (GOD) to show Cara she needs His help and we see how God helps her and rescues her. God is always there and we can trust Him.
I am glad to have had the chance to read this complimentary copy as an advance reader and share my own opinion. A positive review was not required. This story taught me more about people in these situations and how difficult it is to get out safely.
October 30, 2024
In this captivating narrative, Cara Alexander (main character) explores universal themes of love, loss, self-discovery and faith through a richly developed plot.l The writing style is both engaging and evocative, pulling you into the world created between the pages.
The pacing is generally steady, allowing for moments of tension and reflection that will keep you invested. The overall journey is rewarding and thought-provoking. The author’s ability to weave complex emotions into relatable and current scenarios makes this book resonate deeply.
Overall, Unexpected Finish is a compelling read that invites introspection and connection, leaving readers eager for more from this talented storyteller.
November 3, 2024
I loved reading this book! It was such a great addition to the Photo Finish. The plot sucked you in and demanded that you finish reading it in one sitting. I loved getting to see the older version of each character and falling in love with who they grew up to be, even if there life is a bit of a mess. Once again Ms. Russell tells the story of redemption and how God sustains us through the messiness of life. Unexpected Finish was just that, and unexpected finish to a great story. I pray this this would not be that last book in the series, though!
November 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this sequel to Photo Finish! The characters are authentic and interesting and there is a good thread of suspense throughout that leads to a very satisfying ending. What more could you ask for?
November 13, 2024
A heartwarming story about life and its difficulties Cara definitely needs a bit of faith in herself to better her life. A not to be missed story.
January 1, 2025
Kim Russell tells awesome stories. She gets right to the heart of her characters and makes us care deeply about them to the end and beyond. I can’t wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews