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Always and Only
Caleb Daniels returns home to Texas after his wife has an affair and asks him for a divorce. When he temporarily goes to work for an ex-fraternity brother, he' s assigned to share an office with Aurora Prentiss. There' s only one Rory and Caleb were high school sweethearts, but to please her father, Rory ended her relationship with Caleb soon after graduation.
Aurora Prentiss never stopped loving Caleb, but has always felt a filial respect to her father that makes her bend to his will. When Caleb returns, Rory thinks this may be her chance to make things right with him. The only problem? She's engaged to a man chosen by her father.
Will Caleb be able to forgive the woman who broke his heart years ago? And if he does, will Rory be willing to risk her relationship with her father, cancel the wedding to the fiancé she doesn't love, and finally make a life with the only man she' s always loved?
Aurora Prentiss never stopped loving Caleb, but has always felt a filial respect to her father that makes her bend to his will. When Caleb returns, Rory thinks this may be her chance to make things right with him. The only problem? She's engaged to a man chosen by her father.
Will Caleb be able to forgive the woman who broke his heart years ago? And if he does, will Rory be willing to risk her relationship with her father, cancel the wedding to the fiancé she doesn't love, and finally make a life with the only man she' s always loved?
- GenresChristian
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2025
3 people want to read
About the author
Carol James
17 books104 followersStreams in the Wasteland, Redemptive Romance by Carol James:
Carol is an author of inspirational fiction. She lives in Lilburn, Georgia, a small town outside of Atlanta, with her husband, Jim, and a perky Jack Russell "Terrorist," Zoe.
Having always loved intriguing stories with happy endings, she was moved to begin writing to encourage others as she'd been encouraged by the works of other authors of inspirational fiction.
Retired from her "real" job, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, traveling with friends, volunteering at a nearby school, and serving in the production department at her church.
She is also a soccer fan extraordinaire and keeps her DVR busy recording Atlanta United and English Premier League games.
And, most days in the late hours of the night or the wee hours of the morning, she can be found bringing her newest novel to life.
Follow her on social media:
www.carol-james.com
Facebook.com/CarolJamesAuthor
https://www.instagram.com/caroljamesa...
https://twitter.com/CarolJamesAuth
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carol...
Visit her website at: www.carol-james.com Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free short story.
Carol is an author of inspirational fiction. She lives in Lilburn, Georgia, a small town outside of Atlanta, with her husband, Jim, and a perky Jack Russell "Terrorist," Zoe.
Having always loved intriguing stories with happy endings, she was moved to begin writing to encourage others as she'd been encouraged by the works of other authors of inspirational fiction.
Retired from her "real" job, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, traveling with friends, volunteering at a nearby school, and serving in the production department at her church.
She is also a soccer fan extraordinaire and keeps her DVR busy recording Atlanta United and English Premier League games.
And, most days in the late hours of the night or the wee hours of the morning, she can be found bringing her newest novel to life.
Follow her on social media:
www.carol-james.com
Facebook.com/CarolJamesAuthor
https://www.instagram.com/caroljamesa...
https://twitter.com/CarolJamesAuth
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carol...
Visit her website at: www.carol-james.com Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free short story.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 17, 2025
Aurora Prentiss is having pre-wedding jitters. She will soon be married to Burton, a man her father hand-picked for her. However, her future mother-in-law is choosing the wedding invitations, the flowers, and even the furnishing for her house. Burton is a wealthy businessman and Aurora loves him but when her former high school sweetheart turns up working at her office, newly divorced, Aurora begins to seriously question everyone else’s plans for her life. She knows that once she’s married, her father will be happy and her fiancé and his family will be happy. But what about her?
Her long ago love, Caleb, is a perfect gentleman even when they must travel out of town together to a sales conference. Aurora broke his heart in high school, and now his wife has betrayed him, though he admits some of the problems with his wife were his fault. Then Aurora’s father offers him a job, which involves going to another country.
There’s so much going on in this story! I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what would happen next. Faith and trust in God are woven in gently as Aurora and Caleb question God’s will. I loved this story.
Her long ago love, Caleb, is a perfect gentleman even when they must travel out of town together to a sales conference. Aurora broke his heart in high school, and now his wife has betrayed him, though he admits some of the problems with his wife were his fault. Then Aurora’s father offers him a job, which involves going to another country.
There’s so much going on in this story! I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what would happen next. Faith and trust in God are woven in gently as Aurora and Caleb question God’s will. I loved this story.
April 12, 2025
Carol James just gets better and better! I was given an ARC edition of this book in exchange for an honest review. I wish I could give it six stars!
Rory thinks her life is perfect with a great job and her engagement to Burton. Then Caleb returns from the mission field broken from a failed marriage. They dated in high school and old feelings are coming back for both of them, but Caleb would not cross the line and do to Burton what his wife did to him.
Because there were red flags in the relationship between Rory and Burton, she broke the engagement.
This story is about second chances between imperfect people. Their faith allowed them to see that they were always and only for each other.
Rory thinks her life is perfect with a great job and her engagement to Burton. Then Caleb returns from the mission field broken from a failed marriage. They dated in high school and old feelings are coming back for both of them, but Caleb would not cross the line and do to Burton what his wife did to him.
Because there were red flags in the relationship between Rory and Burton, she broke the engagement.
This story is about second chances between imperfect people. Their faith allowed them to see that they were always and only for each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2025
Aurora “Rory” Prentiss is ready to take on life. With a good job and a handsome fiancé who shares her Christian faith, life has never looked better. The fiancé comes from money and is making more, but that never mattered to Rory.
Just to her businessman father.
Caleb Daniels is depending on the Lord to heal him of a broken heart. Why, then, has God steered him to the place of his first heartbreak?
But the God both young adults serve has a sense of humor.
Rory hasn’t seen Caleb since her father made them break up on the eve of their high school graduation. Caleb Daniels wasn’t good enough for “his little girl,” the successful businessman proclaimed. Rory goes on to college, career and the wealthy, influential Burton Cransford.
Caleb goes on to college, the mission field and a failed marriage. He’s struggling to put the pieces back together when he takes a temporary job with an old college friend, a Christian business owner who also happens to employ Rory.
The old attraction surfaces right away, but the young people deny it. Rory is promised to someone, someone whom she loves, if not madly, well enough. If Burton doesn’t always “get” her, so what? She tells herself no marriage is perfect.
Caleb is still sifting through the ashes of his own marriage, to a woman named Emily who left him because he didn’t know how to be married. He doesn’t need the temptation of his first love.
They try to establish boundaries. A trade show trip to romantic San Antonio almost undoes the line they’ve drawn, in some constantly shifting sand. As they keep coming in contact with each other, Rory tries to persuade herself that it’s too late and that Burton is God’s will for her life. But she is riddled with guilt that she let Caleb go the first time.
From the book:
While lying voices in her mind proclaimed her failures, buried deep in her heart lay the truth. She was a beloved child of God. Her mistakes could be—would be—redeemed. But each day was a battle to overcome the thoughts that plagued her, to escape the pain of her past mistakes. And live in truth’s light.
But one haunting mistake seemed beyond redemption. In wanting to please Dad, to have him love her as much as he loved Sophie, she’d done the thing she would always regret. She’d obeyed him and broken up with Caleb. And nothing could put that right.
The battle is Mine.
XXX
The battle is God’s, but the struggle is real, and Rory and Caleb have to do their part.
From the book:
As she drew away, his gaze found hers and reached deep into her heart. Longing filled the empty spaces in her soul. Places the desire for only one man should fill. Oh, she could so easily love him again…if things were different.
Caleb has his chance with other women, including an attractive trade show worker and a woman planted by Jack. But he resists. He knows he has only one chance to get it right this time. And Caleb clings to the God of the Ages as he fears making another mistake.
From the book:
The words he’d spoken to Aurora a couple of nights ago resounded deep within his heart. God had a purpose in all this. And even though Caleb might not know what it was, the purpose still existed. His job was to trust that when and if the timing was right, the answer would be revealed. And if he never figured it out, he needed to trust the One who knew all things. Who loved him. Who wanted only what was best for him.
Rory puts up with Burton’s controlling nature, and the plans of his impossible mother. When Burton buys her a house, she’s initially pleased, but dismayed when she realizes that Beverly Cransford has already planned the décor. It’s one more red flag for Rory, as she finds her personality being stripped by her potential family.
All her life Rory had done what was expected of her. She’d sacrificed personal desires to please others. Not hurting someone’s feelings had always taken precedence over her own wishes and preferences, because she could handle her own disappointments better than the pain of disappointing or hurting others. But today, she’d been robbed.
The house takeover is a reflection of her whole life, and the reason she lost Caleb.
Rory’s father is still pulling puppet strings, though in a kinder, gentler way. He offers Caleb a job with an impressive salary and top-of-the-line perks. Is he trying to buy Caleb off again, or to make up for his mistake years ago? It’s hard to tell. Caleb takes the position on a trial basis and finds his first business trip is to Ecuador, where he failed at ministry and marriage. He’s dicey about what he’ll find there, but Ecuador is a place of healing and reconciliation for him.
From the book:
A sense of gratitude swelled from deep inside him. Had he never met Emily, he might never have known his Father. And even though they’d made a disaster of what had been their marriage, God could redeem their mistakes. He would take them and use them for His glory and the good of others. Nothing—no success or failure given to the Father—would be wasted in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Rory sees more and more issues with Burton. The honeymoon is over, except that it hasn’t started yet. She wrestles with what to do about her upcoming marriage, fielding a host of useless advice from friends and family. Only God has the answer.
What will He tell her?
There’s a lot to like here, beginning with the young protagonists. Rory is refreshingly down-to-earth and unspoiled, despite her privileged upbringing. She isn’t interested in the trappings of this world, but lives simply and creatively. Caleb is a goodhearted young man who’s working his way back from personal and professional disaster. He is likeable, and the banter between the couple shows their chemistry.
About that chemistry…Readers will find themselves rooting for Caleb to prevail with Rory. James makes it clear that they belong together, even while they’re falling all over themselves to deny it.
“Always and Only” doesn’t have villains. Even Rory’s father, Jack Prentiss, doesn’t manipulate people for evil reasons, but because he thinks he knows what’s best for them. This makes him a dimensional character rather than a cardboard villain, and a dimensional character who admits his faults. Even Burton, the jilted fiancé, isn’t necessarily a “bad” person. He’s just bad for Rory. Secondary characters such as Sophie, Rory’s ebullient younger sister, are well-drawn.
Rory and Caleb are also developed, dimensional characters who struggle with what God wants for them. They’re mature Christians but they have flaws, so the struggles are believable.
Both hero and heroine have to work through those flaws and struggles, before they can be good enough for each other. But they do it. James doesn’t shy away from their spiritual struggles. This is not a Hallmark romance, it’s a redemptive romance.
The book is set in James’s fictional Crescent Bluff, the Texas town of her previous books, and the story blooms with local color, like a field of bluebonnets. James is also good at not-so-local color when her characters travel to San Antonio, Ecuador and – spoiler alert – Hawaii. She captures the unique feel of each place.
Carol James is at her best here, and “Always and Only” is a perfect spring read.
https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index...
Just to her businessman father.
Caleb Daniels is depending on the Lord to heal him of a broken heart. Why, then, has God steered him to the place of his first heartbreak?
But the God both young adults serve has a sense of humor.
Rory hasn’t seen Caleb since her father made them break up on the eve of their high school graduation. Caleb Daniels wasn’t good enough for “his little girl,” the successful businessman proclaimed. Rory goes on to college, career and the wealthy, influential Burton Cransford.
Caleb goes on to college, the mission field and a failed marriage. He’s struggling to put the pieces back together when he takes a temporary job with an old college friend, a Christian business owner who also happens to employ Rory.
The old attraction surfaces right away, but the young people deny it. Rory is promised to someone, someone whom she loves, if not madly, well enough. If Burton doesn’t always “get” her, so what? She tells herself no marriage is perfect.
Caleb is still sifting through the ashes of his own marriage, to a woman named Emily who left him because he didn’t know how to be married. He doesn’t need the temptation of his first love.
They try to establish boundaries. A trade show trip to romantic San Antonio almost undoes the line they’ve drawn, in some constantly shifting sand. As they keep coming in contact with each other, Rory tries to persuade herself that it’s too late and that Burton is God’s will for her life. But she is riddled with guilt that she let Caleb go the first time.
From the book:
While lying voices in her mind proclaimed her failures, buried deep in her heart lay the truth. She was a beloved child of God. Her mistakes could be—would be—redeemed. But each day was a battle to overcome the thoughts that plagued her, to escape the pain of her past mistakes. And live in truth’s light.
But one haunting mistake seemed beyond redemption. In wanting to please Dad, to have him love her as much as he loved Sophie, she’d done the thing she would always regret. She’d obeyed him and broken up with Caleb. And nothing could put that right.
The battle is Mine.
XXX
The battle is God’s, but the struggle is real, and Rory and Caleb have to do their part.
From the book:
As she drew away, his gaze found hers and reached deep into her heart. Longing filled the empty spaces in her soul. Places the desire for only one man should fill. Oh, she could so easily love him again…if things were different.
Caleb has his chance with other women, including an attractive trade show worker and a woman planted by Jack. But he resists. He knows he has only one chance to get it right this time. And Caleb clings to the God of the Ages as he fears making another mistake.
From the book:
The words he’d spoken to Aurora a couple of nights ago resounded deep within his heart. God had a purpose in all this. And even though Caleb might not know what it was, the purpose still existed. His job was to trust that when and if the timing was right, the answer would be revealed. And if he never figured it out, he needed to trust the One who knew all things. Who loved him. Who wanted only what was best for him.
Rory puts up with Burton’s controlling nature, and the plans of his impossible mother. When Burton buys her a house, she’s initially pleased, but dismayed when she realizes that Beverly Cransford has already planned the décor. It’s one more red flag for Rory, as she finds her personality being stripped by her potential family.
All her life Rory had done what was expected of her. She’d sacrificed personal desires to please others. Not hurting someone’s feelings had always taken precedence over her own wishes and preferences, because she could handle her own disappointments better than the pain of disappointing or hurting others. But today, she’d been robbed.
The house takeover is a reflection of her whole life, and the reason she lost Caleb.
Rory’s father is still pulling puppet strings, though in a kinder, gentler way. He offers Caleb a job with an impressive salary and top-of-the-line perks. Is he trying to buy Caleb off again, or to make up for his mistake years ago? It’s hard to tell. Caleb takes the position on a trial basis and finds his first business trip is to Ecuador, where he failed at ministry and marriage. He’s dicey about what he’ll find there, but Ecuador is a place of healing and reconciliation for him.
From the book:
A sense of gratitude swelled from deep inside him. Had he never met Emily, he might never have known his Father. And even though they’d made a disaster of what had been their marriage, God could redeem their mistakes. He would take them and use them for His glory and the good of others. Nothing—no success or failure given to the Father—would be wasted in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Rory sees more and more issues with Burton. The honeymoon is over, except that it hasn’t started yet. She wrestles with what to do about her upcoming marriage, fielding a host of useless advice from friends and family. Only God has the answer.
What will He tell her?
There’s a lot to like here, beginning with the young protagonists. Rory is refreshingly down-to-earth and unspoiled, despite her privileged upbringing. She isn’t interested in the trappings of this world, but lives simply and creatively. Caleb is a goodhearted young man who’s working his way back from personal and professional disaster. He is likeable, and the banter between the couple shows their chemistry.
About that chemistry…Readers will find themselves rooting for Caleb to prevail with Rory. James makes it clear that they belong together, even while they’re falling all over themselves to deny it.
“Always and Only” doesn’t have villains. Even Rory’s father, Jack Prentiss, doesn’t manipulate people for evil reasons, but because he thinks he knows what’s best for them. This makes him a dimensional character rather than a cardboard villain, and a dimensional character who admits his faults. Even Burton, the jilted fiancé, isn’t necessarily a “bad” person. He’s just bad for Rory. Secondary characters such as Sophie, Rory’s ebullient younger sister, are well-drawn.
Rory and Caleb are also developed, dimensional characters who struggle with what God wants for them. They’re mature Christians but they have flaws, so the struggles are believable.
Both hero and heroine have to work through those flaws and struggles, before they can be good enough for each other. But they do it. James doesn’t shy away from their spiritual struggles. This is not a Hallmark romance, it’s a redemptive romance.
The book is set in James’s fictional Crescent Bluff, the Texas town of her previous books, and the story blooms with local color, like a field of bluebonnets. James is also good at not-so-local color when her characters travel to San Antonio, Ecuador and – spoiler alert – Hawaii. She captures the unique feel of each place.
Carol James is at her best here, and “Always and Only” is a perfect spring read.
https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index...
April 9, 2025
Carol James has done it again! The story was so engaging I had to keep reading, even when I told myself I would only read "one more chapter." I love how Carol James crafts her characters, creating such a deep, relatable connection.
What I loved most about Always and Only was how the characters weren’t perfect—they felt like real people with real struggles, which made them so much easier to relate to. Rory was trying to live according to what she felt was God's plan for her life. That struggle between desire, faith, and real-world challenges was portrayed so well. Rory tried to balance what she felt was God's will with her desire to please her earthly father, without thinking about what she wanted. And Caleb may have made some mistakes in his previous relationship, but he’s absolutely the kind of guy who deserves a second chance.
Another highlight was the way the book dealt with the subtle red flags about Rory's fiance. It was done in such a natural, believable way, without over-dramatizing the situation. Those little moments of doubt were woven into the story. It wasn't about big, obvious drama; instead, it was the quiet, nagging feeling of something not being quite right.
As always, Carol James has written a beautifully crafted story with compelling characters that I could really connect with. I appreciated how everything felt genuine and heartfelt. If you enjoy stories with a journey toward growth and faith, this one is absolutely worth staying up late for.
What I loved most about Always and Only was how the characters weren’t perfect—they felt like real people with real struggles, which made them so much easier to relate to. Rory was trying to live according to what she felt was God's plan for her life. That struggle between desire, faith, and real-world challenges was portrayed so well. Rory tried to balance what she felt was God's will with her desire to please her earthly father, without thinking about what she wanted. And Caleb may have made some mistakes in his previous relationship, but he’s absolutely the kind of guy who deserves a second chance.
Another highlight was the way the book dealt with the subtle red flags about Rory's fiance. It was done in such a natural, believable way, without over-dramatizing the situation. Those little moments of doubt were woven into the story. It wasn't about big, obvious drama; instead, it was the quiet, nagging feeling of something not being quite right.
As always, Carol James has written a beautifully crafted story with compelling characters that I could really connect with. I appreciated how everything felt genuine and heartfelt. If you enjoy stories with a journey toward growth and faith, this one is absolutely worth staying up late for.
March 17, 2025
Aurora Prentiss is in a good place in life (mostly). She has work she enjoys and is engaged to marry the wealthy businessman her father has hand-picked for her. She loves Burton (sort of) and though there are some red flags, she is confident they can build a good life together. Then Caleb Daniels returns to Texas from the mission field, bruised and broken from a recent divorce. Caleb and Rory dated in high school but bending to her father's will, Rory dumped him after graduation. The problem is, she never stopped loving him.
This was a lovely story of faith triumphing over doubts and fears. I loved Caleb and Rory's romance and could easily sympathize with their separate dilemmas. The faith element was beautifully woven in with the themes of love and forgiveness shining through on every page. Carol James has once again created living, breathing characters you can't help but love and a romance that will steal her readers' hearts! Highly recommended!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a lovely story of faith triumphing over doubts and fears. I loved Caleb and Rory's romance and could easily sympathize with their separate dilemmas. The faith element was beautifully woven in with the themes of love and forgiveness shining through on every page. Carol James has once again created living, breathing characters you can't help but love and a romance that will steal her readers' hearts! Highly recommended!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2025
Always and Only is the kind of story that quietly unravels the layers of love, regret, and second chances in a way that feels deeply personal. I didn’t expect to be so moved, but Caleb and Rory’s story got under my skin in the best way. Their history is full of ache, of paths not taken, of words left unsaid, and watching them slowly navigate old wounds with maturity and vulnerability was incredibly rewarding.
What stood out to me most was how emotionally honest the characters were, even when it hurt. Caleb’s quiet strength, Rory’s inner conflict between duty and desire, it all felt so true to life. This isn't just a romance about rekindled love; it’s a story about breaking free from expectations, reclaiming your voice, and daring to choose what sets your heart on fire.
The writing is heartfelt without being heavy-handed, and the emotional beats land with real weight. It reminded me that sometimes love doesn’t come wrapped in perfect timing, but when it returns, it’s worth fighting for.
What stood out to me most was how emotionally honest the characters were, even when it hurt. Caleb’s quiet strength, Rory’s inner conflict between duty and desire, it all felt so true to life. This isn't just a romance about rekindled love; it’s a story about breaking free from expectations, reclaiming your voice, and daring to choose what sets your heart on fire.
The writing is heartfelt without being heavy-handed, and the emotional beats land with real weight. It reminded me that sometimes love doesn’t come wrapped in perfect timing, but when it returns, it’s worth fighting for.
April 12, 2025
Warning: Reading a Carol James book at bedtime will almost certainly result in loss of sleep! But seriously, I’m always so drawn into her relatable, multi-layered characters, the spiritual thread woven throughout the story, and of course, the unparalleled romance.
One guarantee with a Carol James story is a happily-ever-after ending. In this case, there were many obstacles to overcome. The prize seemed so unattainable, and every time a glimpse came into sight, whap! Another roadblock. This is what kept me reading late into the night.
The idea of two people experiencing always and only is rare in today’s world, and it reminded me that this kind of enduring love is possible when God is woven into every aspect of a marriage. Carol James herself has been married for over fifty years, so she has some experience with this, and it shows. Always and Only is a beautiful and highly satisfying read.
One guarantee with a Carol James story is a happily-ever-after ending. In this case, there were many obstacles to overcome. The prize seemed so unattainable, and every time a glimpse came into sight, whap! Another roadblock. This is what kept me reading late into the night.
The idea of two people experiencing always and only is rare in today’s world, and it reminded me that this kind of enduring love is possible when God is woven into every aspect of a marriage. Carol James herself has been married for over fifty years, so she has some experience with this, and it shows. Always and Only is a beautiful and highly satisfying read.
April 4, 2025
The characters that Carol James creates travel into your heart and become best friends. James has done it again with Caleb and Aurora.
Is Aurora making a mistake marrying a man she likes but does not love? When her first love arrives back in town, divorced, and struggling, should she walk away or help a friend?
Caleb tries to discover where God wants him to go and do. The last thing Caleb expects is to be working with Aurora. He thought Aurora was "The One" until she broke his heart years ago.
The unexpected surprise of Caleb's arrival has Aurora rethinking her engagement. James takes you on a journey of a rekindling of love that should have been, and may be, in the future.
Another realistic, heartfelt romance that you don't want to miss.
I received an advance copy of this story, but the opinion is my own.
Is Aurora making a mistake marrying a man she likes but does not love? When her first love arrives back in town, divorced, and struggling, should she walk away or help a friend?
Caleb tries to discover where God wants him to go and do. The last thing Caleb expects is to be working with Aurora. He thought Aurora was "The One" until she broke his heart years ago.
The unexpected surprise of Caleb's arrival has Aurora rethinking her engagement. James takes you on a journey of a rekindling of love that should have been, and may be, in the future.
Another realistic, heartfelt romance that you don't want to miss.
I received an advance copy of this story, but the opinion is my own.
April 8, 2025
Aurora and Caleb were high school sweethearts. To please her father, Aurora ended her relationship with Caleb soon after graduation. Carol James uses vignettes to draw the reader deeper into the lives of Aurora and Caleb. In one, Caleb faces a mirror and removes the last of his beard, symbolizing the loss of his first marriage.
Aurora faces a bridal store mirror, unsure if her fiance' (not Caleb) will approve of her wedding dress. Worse still, Aurora's future mother-in-law tries to commandeer every aspect of Aurora's life. Will this be Aurora's happily ever after?
Always and Only explores God's faithfulness, even when we can't clearly see His path. I highly recommend this novel. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
Aurora faces a bridal store mirror, unsure if her fiance' (not Caleb) will approve of her wedding dress. Worse still, Aurora's future mother-in-law tries to commandeer every aspect of Aurora's life. Will this be Aurora's happily ever after?
Always and Only explores God's faithfulness, even when we can't clearly see His path. I highly recommend this novel. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
March 18, 2025
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Recently divorced, Caleb Daniels returns to Texas and takes a temporary job with his friend’s company. His office mate is his former girlfriend, Aurora Prentiss who is now engaged. As they work together they both realize they still love each other, but he won’t interfere with her engagement and Rory thinks she must follow through on her promise. When Caleb takes a job with Rory’s father’s company, he is tested. This is a beautiful second chance story of faith, trust, love and forgiveness.
April 11, 2025
Everyone wishes for a happily ever after, and who doesn't want a second chance. Always and Only is a funny, engaging story that I couldn't put down. The story draws you in on page one and refuses to let go until the end. As the tension grows so did my involvement in wanting to know how it was going to end. Carol James established real to life characters, and built a story around them with a masters touch. I did get an early copy to read but it was my choice to write a review. I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to read well written story.
May 8, 2025
Another winner from Ms James. This story had me hooked from the first page. It also had me screaming at the characters and wanting to slap several of them many a time, which is a sign of how good the book actually is. Rory’s marriage plans are going full steam ahead, until her ex shows up. Only he’s recovering from a break up of his own. There are many twists and turns but it’s a story you don’t want to miss.
May 1, 2025
Always and Only is a beautifully written story. Characterization is excellent. The author dug, deep into their emotions, making Aurora and Caleb come alive. It is a lovely blend of faith based but flawed characters. This is a five star read. Don’t miss this one.
April 4, 2025
This is a story of true love. Caleb and Aurora were high school sweethearts, but her father intervened and sent Aurora off to college. After a number of years, they find themselves working together for the same company. Rory is now engaged to another man. Will true love succeed or will Rory settle for less? This story is beautifully written. The characters are so lifelike. I loved the whole book. It's a real keeper.
I received an ARC of this book. I was not required to leave a review. The ideas expressed are my honest and unbiased opinions.
I received an ARC of this book. I was not required to leave a review. The ideas expressed are my honest and unbiased opinions.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews