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A Plan for Everything
This book was originally published by Anaiah Press under the same title in January of 2020. Only minor changes have been made to the second edition.
Connie’s Coffee and Cones is thriving, and owner Connie Spencer is right on track to realize her dream of expanding into a catering business. She believes she owes her success to her remarkable ability to plan. In fact, she has a plan for everything. At least, she thought she did—until Michael Cole appears in Worthville.
Michael has an agenda of his own—and a competing business—that threatens to derail everything Connie hopes for professionally. And if that isn’t enough, Michael carries a secret that could cause a backlash for both of them. So, why does she find herself attracted to him? When an accident on a rain-slicked highway leaves Michael temporarily incapacitated, Connie is presented with a dilemma she never saw coming—helping the man she’s falling for or moving ahead with her meticulous plans.
As life spirals out of her control and Connie faces losing everything, she questions whether her plans are enough. But if hers aren’t, whose are? As she searches for the answer, she learns she must come to terms with her deepest hurt in order to embrace a higher plan for her future.
Connie’s Coffee and Cones is thriving, and owner Connie Spencer is right on track to realize her dream of expanding into a catering business. She believes she owes her success to her remarkable ability to plan. In fact, she has a plan for everything. At least, she thought she did—until Michael Cole appears in Worthville.
Michael has an agenda of his own—and a competing business—that threatens to derail everything Connie hopes for professionally. And if that isn’t enough, Michael carries a secret that could cause a backlash for both of them. So, why does she find herself attracted to him? When an accident on a rain-slicked highway leaves Michael temporarily incapacitated, Connie is presented with a dilemma she never saw coming—helping the man she’s falling for or moving ahead with her meticulous plans.
As life spirals out of her control and Connie faces losing everything, she questions whether her plans are enough. But if hers aren’t, whose are? As she searches for the answer, she learns she must come to terms with her deepest hurt in order to embrace a higher plan for her future.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2025
4 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Varnado
12 books6 followersSouthern writer, Beverly Varnado is a novelist, screenwriter, and blogger who writes to give readers hope in the redemptive purposes of God.
Her most recent book is a middle grade historical, In Search of the Painted Bunting which was a #1 release on Amazon and a #1 bestseller on Amazon.
Her work has been a finalist for the prestigious Kairos Prize in Screenwriting, a finalist in screenwriting at the Gideon Media Arts Conference, and a semifinalist in Operation First Novel. She has had a screenplay under option.
She lives in Georgia with her husband, Jerry, and their chocolate Aussiedor who is outnumbered by several cats. Jerry and Beverly have three children and two grandchildren.
Her most recent book is a middle grade historical, In Search of the Painted Bunting which was a #1 release on Amazon and a #1 bestseller on Amazon.
Her work has been a finalist for the prestigious Kairos Prize in Screenwriting, a finalist in screenwriting at the Gideon Media Arts Conference, and a semifinalist in Operation First Novel. She has had a screenplay under option.
She lives in Georgia with her husband, Jerry, and their chocolate Aussiedor who is outnumbered by several cats. Jerry and Beverly have three children and two grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 12, 2020
Connie keeps her life sorted and scheduled with a meticulous agenda, including her plans to expand her coffee and ice cream shop into a catering business. But when a stranger comes to town to open a competing business, it could spell professional disaster for Connie in A Plan for Everything by author Beverly Varnado.
The vibrant blue and blend of the businesslike and small-town feel of the book cover drew me to this ChristFic novel I found categorized as a romance, but I wouldn't call it that. In a romance novel, the romantic relationship is the story, while everything else is secondary. If the story could still be strong without the romantic element, or the major conflict/challenge of the plot could still work out if the main characters were just friends, it's not really a romance.
Because Connie's career and her fixated dependency on planning everything are the crux of the plot, I'd call this women's fiction.
While the read didn't give me the best sense of romantic chemistry, the small-town vibe, the friendships, and the power of "doing unto others" make quite an impact. The emotional development is a little thin and rushed at times, and the story could have used more subtlety—"showing" instead of "telling" as much—but the serious turns in the plot are compelling.
Other fans of contemporary stories of faith in practical life should enjoy this novel.
_____
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
The vibrant blue and blend of the businesslike and small-town feel of the book cover drew me to this ChristFic novel I found categorized as a romance, but I wouldn't call it that. In a romance novel, the romantic relationship is the story, while everything else is secondary. If the story could still be strong without the romantic element, or the major conflict/challenge of the plot could still work out if the main characters were just friends, it's not really a romance.
Because Connie's career and her fixated dependency on planning everything are the crux of the plot, I'd call this women's fiction.
While the read didn't give me the best sense of romantic chemistry, the small-town vibe, the friendships, and the power of "doing unto others" make quite an impact. The emotional development is a little thin and rushed at times, and the story could have used more subtlety—"showing" instead of "telling" as much—but the serious turns in the plot are compelling.
Other fans of contemporary stories of faith in practical life should enjoy this novel.
_____
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
January 23, 2020
3.5 Stars
Connie Sanders loves Worthville, her business, and her neighbors. She’s the first to step in and lend a helping hand, no matter how crammed it makes her schedule.
A Plan for Everything is the first book written by Beverly Varnado that I’ve read. While there were a couple instances I wondered if I’d missed something with two of the supporting characters (turns out, I did), this book stands well on its own overall. The small town atmosphere, the friendships, and the budding romance welcomed me in with open arms and a wide grinned welcome from these characters.
Anyone who has difficulty telling others no or who holds tightly to control should pick up this book As Connie learns, letting go is not only good for our bodies and souls, it allows others the opportunity to give and to shine in their strengths.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Connie Sanders loves Worthville, her business, and her neighbors. She’s the first to step in and lend a helping hand, no matter how crammed it makes her schedule.
A Plan for Everything is the first book written by Beverly Varnado that I’ve read. While there were a couple instances I wondered if I’d missed something with two of the supporting characters (turns out, I did), this book stands well on its own overall. The small town atmosphere, the friendships, and the budding romance welcomed me in with open arms and a wide grinned welcome from these characters.
Anyone who has difficulty telling others no or who holds tightly to control should pick up this book As Connie learns, letting go is not only good for our bodies and souls, it allows others the opportunity to give and to shine in their strengths.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 22, 2020
Small-town life comes alive in this easy read. Varnado uses vivid word pictures and vibrant characters (hmm, I seem to have a penchant for alliteration -- must have picked that up from the book!) to create an endearing novel in A Plan for Everything. References to You've Got Mail always win points in my book, too!
Christianity is weaved throughout A Plan for Everything; characters exemplify Christ as they extend hospitality and truly show what it means to be His hands and feet. I I especially related to Connie and her planner; though I've gone mostly digital, list-making and "a plan" are truly my thing. (I'm sure any family reading this is laughing knowingly!) Suffice to say, I found myself convicted and challenged alongside the main character, Connie.
While I felt the descriptions a tad wordy at times, leaving little inferred and more told. I still was excited to keep reading and find out what happens. Varnado could easily write stories for some of the side characters, and I hope she does in future!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Christianity is weaved throughout A Plan for Everything; characters exemplify Christ as they extend hospitality and truly show what it means to be His hands and feet. I I especially related to Connie and her planner; though I've gone mostly digital, list-making and "a plan" are truly my thing. (I'm sure any family reading this is laughing knowingly!) Suffice to say, I found myself convicted and challenged alongside the main character, Connie.
While I felt the descriptions a tad wordy at times, leaving little inferred and more told. I still was excited to keep reading and find out what happens. Varnado could easily write stories for some of the side characters, and I hope she does in future!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
March 15, 2020
A totally great read
When I began to read A Plan For Everything, I was looking for a relaxing, enjoyable story. However, Beverly Varnado’s book is so much more than that. The story is filled with great characters who live in a small town who truly care about one another. Anyone looking for an escape book with gentle sprinkles of faith throughout will enjoy this book and look for more by this author. I highly recommend this for a wonderful, well spent respite.
When I began to read A Plan For Everything, I was looking for a relaxing, enjoyable story. However, Beverly Varnado’s book is so much more than that. The story is filled with great characters who live in a small town who truly care about one another. Anyone looking for an escape book with gentle sprinkles of faith throughout will enjoy this book and look for more by this author. I highly recommend this for a wonderful, well spent respite.
May 11, 2020
A good read and important life lesson
The author has written a compelling novel which is most enjoyable to read and includes great wisdom for anyone seeking to live a fuller, more satisfying life. I heartily recommend it. Further, it would be a good choice for a book club to read and discuss.
The author has written a compelling novel which is most enjoyable to read and includes great wisdom for anyone seeking to live a fuller, more satisfying life. I heartily recommend it. Further, it would be a good choice for a book club to read and discuss.
May 11, 2020
Loved this book!
I read this book because I had read other books by Beverly Varnado. It's a feel good book about people, a new business adventure, empathy and love. Enjoyed it very much.
I read this book because I had read other books by Beverly Varnado. It's a feel good book about people, a new business adventure, empathy and love. Enjoyed it very much.
February 16, 2021
God’s plan and not our own
Connie learned a big lesson. Planning is good, but sometimes we need to lose our planners for awhile and take up God’s. This is very good!
Connie learned a big lesson. Planning is good, but sometimes we need to lose our planners for awhile and take up God’s. This is very good!
November 11, 2020
This book tells the story of ice cream shop owner Connie and the new to town Michael, who plans to open a fro-yo shop across the street. Initially Connie feels threatened by Michael's business plans, but through a series of events ends up offering to lend him a hand as he launches his shop. Along the way, they both discover new things about themselves and, of course, fall in love.
It took me a few chapters to get into this book, but once the paced picked up I enjoyed getting to know Connie and Michael. Connie's story of learning how to give up control and allow others to help her is one many of us can relate to. I also liked the colorful cast of characters and the general small town feel of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
It took me a few chapters to get into this book, but once the paced picked up I enjoyed getting to know Connie and Michael. Connie's story of learning how to give up control and allow others to help her is one many of us can relate to. I also liked the colorful cast of characters and the general small town feel of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews