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When Jesus Leads: A Sequel to When Jesus Calls
Join Mary on an inspirational journey of romance, hope, forgiveness, and, most importantly, faith. Will Mary's unwavering faith be enough to follow God's will for her life?
When Jesus Leads is a sequel to When Jesus Calls—Mary's life as a young woman whose life does not turn out as planned. The betrayal in her marriage leaves her bitter, heartbroken, and angry. Focusing on forgetting the pain of her past, Mary pours herself into her work as a sales and marketing director of a charming resort called the Inn and becomes an award-winning author. Her job becomes her identity.
Mary's life takes a remarkable turn when she meets Michael, an author. After he decides to leave town and not return, Mary becomes a single mom. Mary attempts to try to find a balance in her life, enjoying her career at the Inn and writing. She then meets Jimmy, who has a past that she is uncomfortable with, and as God calls her to love him, her world feels uncertain. "Is this God's will for my life?" she asks herself.
Surprisingly, Michael comes back into her life, leaving her feeling vulnerable about her and her daughter's future.
As she grapples to understand her relationship with Jimmy, doubt and fear surround her.
When Jesus Leads is a story about undeniable faith and a journey toward romance, forgiveness, love, and learning to trust God above all else. Jesus reminds her of His word in John 11:40: "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the Glory of God?"
When Jesus Leads is a sequel to When Jesus Calls—Mary's life as a young woman whose life does not turn out as planned. The betrayal in her marriage leaves her bitter, heartbroken, and angry. Focusing on forgetting the pain of her past, Mary pours herself into her work as a sales and marketing director of a charming resort called the Inn and becomes an award-winning author. Her job becomes her identity.
Mary's life takes a remarkable turn when she meets Michael, an author. After he decides to leave town and not return, Mary becomes a single mom. Mary attempts to try to find a balance in her life, enjoying her career at the Inn and writing. She then meets Jimmy, who has a past that she is uncomfortable with, and as God calls her to love him, her world feels uncertain. "Is this God's will for my life?" she asks herself.
Surprisingly, Michael comes back into her life, leaving her feeling vulnerable about her and her daughter's future.
As she grapples to understand her relationship with Jimmy, doubt and fear surround her.
When Jesus Leads is a story about undeniable faith and a journey toward romance, forgiveness, love, and learning to trust God above all else. Jesus reminds her of His word in John 11:40: "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the Glory of God?"
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2025
5 people want to read
About the author
Martha Gayle
2 books12 followersHi, Martha Gayle here. It's nice to meet you! I spent many years in the corporate world, striving for perfection and wealth while desiring to follow Jesus. I was later called to become a stay-at-home wife and homeschool mom. This decision was difficult, but walking in complete Faith and the Grace and strength of Jesus, I chose God’s will for my life. Once my daughter left home to attend college, God provided me with another career to enjoy. After much time studying and obtaining the necessary licenses, I became the owner of an insurance agency. After years of enjoying my career, God called me to sell my business and write When Jesus Calls.
I am honored to announce that When Jesus Calles received a gold five-star award from the Literary Global Book Awards, making me an award-winning author.
Since When Jesus Calls was published, I have been writing the sequel, When Jesus Leads. I am excited to announce that it is complete and will be available soon!
My prayer is that God uses my writings and our story to inspire, provide hope in a broken world, and change hearts for His glory, transforming lives and renewing faith.
Martha currently lives in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with her husband and two dogs.
May you be blessed with God's peace and love! ❤
John 11:40 - Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
Always Believe and Never Give-up!
Martha Gayle
I am honored to announce that When Jesus Calles received a gold five-star award from the Literary Global Book Awards, making me an award-winning author.
Since When Jesus Calls was published, I have been writing the sequel, When Jesus Leads. I am excited to announce that it is complete and will be available soon!
My prayer is that God uses my writings and our story to inspire, provide hope in a broken world, and change hearts for His glory, transforming lives and renewing faith.
Martha currently lives in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with her husband and two dogs.
May you be blessed with God's peace and love! ❤
John 11:40 - Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
Always Believe and Never Give-up!
Martha Gayle
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 1, 2025
A Wonderful Sequel
In When Jesus Leads: A Sequel to When Jesus Calls, Martha Gayle continues to offer her life as an open book. In my review of Marth’s first book, When Jesus Calls, I wrote, “I wonder how much of Mary’s story is actually borrowed from Martha’s life.” I now know that both books are based on Martha’s life. This knowledge gave me a deeper appreciation of the author’s work.
I appreciated the relatability and honesty of Mary’s story, but was inspired by how she tied it all back to Jesus, how He's been faithful to her, walking with her each step of her journey. The book is encouraging and well-written. It often reads like a devotional because the narrative is filled with Scripture references and prayers. Moreover, the story changes your perspective on forgiveness, and you will appreciate its powerful testimony.
I’d recommend When Jesus Leads: A Sequel to When Jesus Calls to anyone looking for personal growth, especially women. Your faith will grow as you gain insights on biblical forgiveness, healing, and true love from this author.
In When Jesus Leads: A Sequel to When Jesus Calls, Martha Gayle continues to offer her life as an open book. In my review of Marth’s first book, When Jesus Calls, I wrote, “I wonder how much of Mary’s story is actually borrowed from Martha’s life.” I now know that both books are based on Martha’s life. This knowledge gave me a deeper appreciation of the author’s work.
I appreciated the relatability and honesty of Mary’s story, but was inspired by how she tied it all back to Jesus, how He's been faithful to her, walking with her each step of her journey. The book is encouraging and well-written. It often reads like a devotional because the narrative is filled with Scripture references and prayers. Moreover, the story changes your perspective on forgiveness, and you will appreciate its powerful testimony.
I’d recommend When Jesus Leads: A Sequel to When Jesus Calls to anyone looking for personal growth, especially women. Your faith will grow as you gain insights on biblical forgiveness, healing, and true love from this author.
March 6, 2025
Martha Gayle’s When Jesus Leads is a heartfelt and faith-driven novel that follows the journey of Mary, a woman navigating love, trust, and obedience to God in the face of uncertainty. The story unfolds with Mary grappling with her emotions, questioning her choices, and ultimately surrendering her path to divine guidance. At the heart of the novel is her complicated relationship with Jimmy, a man with a troubled past, and her struggle to reconcile her feelings with what she believes God is asking of her. Alongside Mary’s personal journey, the book explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and unwavering faith, all tied together with a strong sense of community and heartfelt relationships.
I was drawn into Mary’s story from the start. There’s something deeply relatable about her hesitation, the internal tug-of-war between fear and faith. One of my favorite moments was when she sat in her office, staring at the storm outside, realizing that life’s storms can be just as unpredictable. The writing makes these moments come alive, and I found myself feeling her anxiety, her longing for clarity, and her quiet strength. The book does a great job of showing that following Jesus doesn’t always mean an easy road, it’s often full of doubt, tough choices, and sacrifices.
What I appreciated most was the authenticity of Mary’s struggle with Jimmy. When Mary wrestles with the question of whether Jimmy is the right person for her and Elizabeth, it feels real. She’s not just swept up in romance, she’s cautious, protective of her daughter, and determined to listen for God’s direction. The moment when she reads Jimmy’s parents' letter declining to come to his birthday party was gut-wrenching, it showed just how deep the wounds of addiction can go. And yet, Mary’s choice to love him anyway, in whatever way God calls her to, is a powerful testament to grace.
Then there’s the curveball: Michael, Elizabeth’s biological father, suddenly reappears after years of absence. The box he sends, filled with a letter and an unexpected child support check, adds another layer of emotional complexity. Her emotions are raw and justified—how does someone just walk back in after nearly a decade? Yet, instead of focusing solely on bitterness, the book gently steers toward the power of forgiveness. It doesn’t force an easy answer, which I respected. Instead, it lets Mary sit with the weight of her choices, showing how forgiveness is a process, not an instant reaction.
When Jesus Leads is a touching and emotionally rich novel that will resonate deeply with readers who appreciate faith-centered stories about love, second chances, and trusting God’s plan. If you enjoy books with strong moral themes, uplifting messages, and characters who feel like real people struggling with real faith, this one is for you.
I was drawn into Mary’s story from the start. There’s something deeply relatable about her hesitation, the internal tug-of-war between fear and faith. One of my favorite moments was when she sat in her office, staring at the storm outside, realizing that life’s storms can be just as unpredictable. The writing makes these moments come alive, and I found myself feeling her anxiety, her longing for clarity, and her quiet strength. The book does a great job of showing that following Jesus doesn’t always mean an easy road, it’s often full of doubt, tough choices, and sacrifices.
What I appreciated most was the authenticity of Mary’s struggle with Jimmy. When Mary wrestles with the question of whether Jimmy is the right person for her and Elizabeth, it feels real. She’s not just swept up in romance, she’s cautious, protective of her daughter, and determined to listen for God’s direction. The moment when she reads Jimmy’s parents' letter declining to come to his birthday party was gut-wrenching, it showed just how deep the wounds of addiction can go. And yet, Mary’s choice to love him anyway, in whatever way God calls her to, is a powerful testament to grace.
Then there’s the curveball: Michael, Elizabeth’s biological father, suddenly reappears after years of absence. The box he sends, filled with a letter and an unexpected child support check, adds another layer of emotional complexity. Her emotions are raw and justified—how does someone just walk back in after nearly a decade? Yet, instead of focusing solely on bitterness, the book gently steers toward the power of forgiveness. It doesn’t force an easy answer, which I respected. Instead, it lets Mary sit with the weight of her choices, showing how forgiveness is a process, not an instant reaction.
When Jesus Leads is a touching and emotionally rich novel that will resonate deeply with readers who appreciate faith-centered stories about love, second chances, and trusting God’s plan. If you enjoy books with strong moral themes, uplifting messages, and characters who feel like real people struggling with real faith, this one is for you.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews