The carefree days of summer bring an unexpected turn in Michelle Baron's life when her former student (and the birth mother of their adopted son) returns to Sandy Cove. What is Amber Gamble seeking? How will it affect Michelle and her family? And will patriarch Grandpa Phil, facing a heart wrenching challenge himself, be able to help them lean on God for answers as they await what lies Around the Bend? Welcome back to Sandy Cove where hearts and lives intertwine in the dance of life. Rosemary Hines has once again skillfully woven a tale of God's unending grace and His power to transform lives. Our beloved Sandy Cove characters are back, some facing their greatest challenges and others experiencing newfound and unexpected joy as they all learn the importance of living life to the fullest. A captivating story! Nancy Tumbas, English professor at Golden West College
Rosemary Hines writes contemporary, suspenseful fiction from a Christian worldview. Her characters and their struggles and triumphs reflect life in our 21st century culture in America. Boldly tackling tough subjects such as suicide, abortion, and the ever-increasing efforts of secular society to silence the faith of many, she is known for her sensitive approach and strong messages of hope and redemption. Rosemary taught writing at a secondary level for fifteen years. Her books have been reviewed and recommended at Christian conferences across the United States. Active in her church as a Sunday school teacher and a women's Bible study leader, she and her husband have also served as missionaries in Ukraine, delivering humanitarian relief to orphanages and hospitals. They reside in Southern California where they enjoy spending time with their grown children and grandchildren. For more information about Rosemary and her books, visit: http://www.newswire.net/newsroom/pr/7... www.rosemaryhines.com https://www.facebook.com/RosemaryHine...
Nobody really knows what is “around the bend.” This story is straight up Christian fiction! None of the characters in this episode of the Sandy Cove series anticipated life to happen the way it did. But it did and they had to deal with it. At critical points when faith could have taken a hard hit I appreciated how God brought the comfort or the insight needed to help a character make the hurdle.
I loved the gentle treatment that the author gave to the challenges of aging and end of life issues and how the various characters struggled with feelings, faith and loss. She does not back off from a straight forward grappling with tough topics…like aging, like premature death, like the messy issues that can arise in adoption.
This would be excellent reading material for a troubled teen. It gives an unvarnished picture of what can happen. It very gently recommends that if you don’t like the natural consequences, then you may want to change your direction…the message is not harsh, but it is there! I think a teen who has already gone down that path and found life hard that the story presents a good alternative.
I felt like the characters were believable—they are people I have lived life with. Hines did an excellent job in developing her characters. Having taught school myself, I know I would have enjoyed Michelle, the main character. I never felt like life would not happen that way.
Technically, I felt the writing was flawless. If there were errors I didn’t notice them because the story line was so gripping…or I had tears in my eyes! Caution! Read with tissues!
I would recommend this book to readers in general who love Christian fiction. Specifically, I would recommend it to anyone dealing with the issues mentioned. It is just an excellent treatment of the topics. However, there are questions unanswered. So what happens with the professor and Sheila? Does Amber get her degree...and where does she end up? What about Grandma Joan? Need another in the series!! 5 stars!
I must say that I am definitely a fan of Rosemary Hines!! I have loved each and every one of her books that I have read. ALL are five star books, as far as I am concerned. This is a fourth book in this author's Sandy Cove series and hopefully not the last!!
"The carefree days of summer bring an unexpected turn in Michelle Baron’s life when her former student (and the birth mother of their adopted son) returns to Sandy Cove. What is Amber Gamble seeking? How will it affect Michelle and her family? And will patriarch Grandpa Phil, facing a heart wrenching challenge himself, be able to help them lean on God for answers as they await what lies Around the Bend? Welcome back to Sandy Cove ~ where hearts and lives intertwine in the dance of life. "
The title fits the story perfectly, as no one ever does truly knows what is "around the bend"! We have all experienced this feeling in our lives and Rosemary deals with it realistically in her characters' situations. None of these characters ever anticipated that they would encounter life to happen the way it plays out. But they dealt with it to the best of their ability, in a pure, Christian manner. Each and every one of them, had experiences, they didn't expect, but through trial and error dealt with all with faith and trust. God managed to supply the comfort that they needed to continue in life trusting Him to meet their needs. I loved the way God used others to help them through the tough times . We all need to use this as an example for our own lives.
Aging and end of life issues were addressed in a sensitive manner. The various characters struggled with their feelings and had different degrees of battle with feelings and faith. The author is to be complimented on her understanding and compassion exemplified in her story of aging, premature death, as well as the challenges in an adoption situation. The characters were presented so realistically, that I must admit , I shed some tears along the way. Grandpa Phil was a favorite character, who I so wanted to meet in person. An ideal grandparent who truly lived his life for The Lord and helped others along in their struggles in his quiet , relaxed manner.
The plot was well developed, in fact, so well, that the book kept me in a world of my own . The everyday tasks were left unfinished and ignored, until I read the last page. The many twists and turns kept me guessing and emotionally involved throughout the story. Although not classed as a mystery, I was on the edge of my seat, with my heart pounding . I just had to know what would happen next!!
Definitely a five star book!! I would highly recommend it to all Christian fiction lovers!!
This ebook was supplied by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I have just finished reading Around the Bend, Book 4 in the Sandy Cove series by Rosemary Hines. As with the first three books, I have dark circles under my eyes because I refused to stop reading at a decent hour each night.
The book pulls us in to what God is doing in the lives of Michelle Baron, her family, her former student Amber Gamble, and Michelle's antagonistic former professor. We are shown how God is faithful to each person through both the joys and the challenges of life.
The author writes with great authenticity, so that the reader sees that the Christian life is not a fairy tale or panacea. God's truth and love is presented in a very natural way through the words and actions of the believers as they share their faith with others.
Once again I finished the book wanting more. Please tell us, what's next for my 'friends' in the Sandy Cove series?
This book will be released later this month. The first three in the series are available for Kindle now.
“Around the Bend”, the 4th in the Sandy Cove series, by Rosemary Hines is my hands down favorite! So loved it! This is a powerful, memorable story with God's heart and wisdom. Every page held my attention and interest; realistic contemporary fiction with some suspense, drama, romance and humor. The author writes from a Christian perspective without being forced, sugar-coated or preachy.
Rosemary presents real, difficult and sensitive answers to heart wrenching challenges of adoption and aging parents. It is about the bigger picture in life, savoring the moment, and finishing well. Rosemary’s superb writing brought life to the characters, so you loved them as dear friends. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book! I was sorry to come to the end, but look forward to “A Sandy Cove Christmas Novella” in the future.
Well done! Quality writing! I highly recommend this book (and series)!
Around the Bend Sandy Cove Series Book 4 By: Rosemary Hines
I loved this book by Rosemary Hines! You do not need to read the other books in the series to keep up with what is going on. This book can be read as a stand alone, or you can read the other books to get the earlier stories of the characters. If you have read the other books, you are not bogged down with details that you already know. The cover for the book is a great choice!
Michelle Baron’s adopted son Caleb is reunited with his birth mother. How will that affect his relationship with the woman who has been raising him for six years? Grandpa Phil receives some bad news. How will he deal with it? Can the rest of the family see God at work in his life? Michelle’s mom Shelia moves back to Sandy Cove after her husband dies. Can she move forward in her life as it is now?
Rosemary Hines does an excellent job in this story dealing with Alzheimer’s, growing older, and giving up a life of independence. Each one learns that change is hard and it takes God to recover from your past mistakes. Caleb’s birth mother Amber must come to terms with giving Caleb up, but can she do that now that she’s older and more able to care for him on her own? Can Joan learn how to move forward without her husband?
God offers His love, grace, and forgiveness, but we must accept it, which is hard to do at times. How do you forgive someone for driving when they knew they shouldn’t and they kill someone? How can you have peace when God calls a loved one home? How can you make up for the mistakes you’ve made in the past and move forward with the future God wants you to have? All this and more is brought to light in this book. Pick up this book today for an insightful, encouraging read into God’s love for us and how He brings all things to good. Can’t wait to read more by this author!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Once again, I followed Sandy Cove’s Michelle Baron, as she struggled to know what to do as the birth mother of her adopted son comes back into the picture… her own mother beginning to date… and her grandfather being diagnosed with a terminal illness.
The title is such a perfect one – no one can know what they will be facing “around the bend” and Rosemary handles everything with aplomb and respect.
The books in the Sandy Cove series are so well-written, they can be read by nearly all age groups – I am nearing retirement age and I can identify easily with the characters, but I would feel comfortable recommending the series to a young adult (YA) believing that they would have no trouble identifying with the characters and storyline.
Rosemary shows how her characters rely on God for the spiritual guidance they need, but she doesn’t make them religious fanatics; their relationship with God simply carries them through each day… and each burden they bear.
Great job, Rosemary! Once again, you surpass my expectations!
I look forward to reading the next sequel – From the Heart (a Sandy Cove Christmas novella).
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
All of our lives have bends, twists and turns, but we never truly know what is coming next. Around the Bend is exactly the same! You just don't know what you are fixing to read. You find yourself holding your breath to see what is going to happen next.
The first book leads you into the lives of Michelle and her family. It weaves intricate details about Michelle and her family. Each book weaves you more into the family so that you feel you are one of the family. In Around the Bend one of Michelle's former students finds herself on Michelle's doorstep. Michelle's mother is making changes in her life and her grandpa, Phil is facing challenges of his own.
Through this family's faith, calm manners and overcoming obstacles, I found that it deepened my faith! I also found myself crying with them, laughing with them and just entranced in their family!
Around the Bend is just as amazing as the first book, Through the Tears! Once again Rosemary Hines takes you on a journey with this family like no other! Weaving the story of the families life and their faith in a way that only she can do! I highly recommend this book (and the entire series)! Even through the journeys you follow there is a calm like no other. I think this book (and series) deserves more than five stars!
Around the Bend is the fourth book in the Sandy Cove Series. I have enjoyed the three previous books immensely, and have recommended them over and over. However, this fourth book was by far Rosemary’s best work yet! She has a way of taking internal emotions and feelings and putting them into words that far surpasses most writers. The depth of emotion in her words, totally encompasses you, drawing you into the story and into the very lives of her characters. Rosemary has very gently and compassionately touched on the subjects of aging parents, health related decisions, adoption, consequences of our choices, death, and finishing well in this race called life. She has touched some of the deepest places of my heart with her words. I feel as though I have lived life right alongside these characters, experiencing growth both spiritually and as a person through their struggles and experiences. This series has been such a joy to read, and I hope to see the lives of many more of its characters revealed to us in future books! Thank you, Rosemary, for another great read!
¬Wonderful book but tissues are needed This is a story about normal, regular people with things that happen to us all. I can relate to the wonderful people of Sandy Cove the good, the bad and the happy and sad. Rosemary Hines knows how to write such down to earth Christian stories that really gets to the heart of the characters that you feel you are sitting in the room with them and this book is just the same.
The story revolves around several members of the Michelle Baron’s family from her former student’s return, to her mother’s budding new romance with a young man, to her grandfather’s dealing with a disease that maybe even God doesn’t heal the way we would like him to. Though out the story, she weaves a little bit of the importance of God and his salvation which is so enlightening to read. But tissues are need when you get to the real meat of the story on a couple of occasions, real life isn’t always happy a carefree. I’ve enjoyed other Rosemary Hines books and this one certainly was a good one as well.
This book has been a balm to my tired soul. I have spent this calendar year reading only work related material. When I received "AROUND THE BEND", I was super excited. All the books in the Sandy Cove Series have captured my attention and caused me to take time from the demands of life and visit Sandy Cove to catch up on each of the characters. In my professional life, and in my personal life, I have the pleasure of working with and loving individuals with dementia, AROUND THE BEND especially caught my attention. Grandpa Phil's love for his seniors with Alzheimer's touched my heart. I think he is "my kind of person". I recommend this book as a wonderful escape from whatever is going on in life. It helps bring important Biblical truths to the forefront of one's thinking, but it does so in a way that is soft, gentle, and inspiring. As always, Rosemary Hines' writing is amazing. By the way, did you read the teaser for the next book in the series? I can't wait!
A sweet story set around the lives of a family I would love to spend time with. Although I consider this a light read, I don't mean that as "fluff". There is a spiritual depth to the story's main plot line and throughout all the subplots that add wonderful meaning and truth to this faith-based series. I especially enjoy inter-generational stories and this one has wonderful, rich characters of all ages, whom you'll relate to and come to love. This is my second trip to Sandy Cove and was just as fun as my first. Each book is great as a stand-alone story, but putting them in a series has allowed the author to explore all the characters in greater detail. Anyone who loves good, solid characters who struggle with real-life issues, a little romance, and a book that conveys a loving reverence for scripture and the Gospel will especially enjoy this latest book in the Sandy Cove series.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book in return for a review. These are my honest thoughts.
Is a very good book . And I like it how the family that stated in Out Of the Dreams went clear through Around The Bend and this book I like how Michelle and Steve are a great couple in this book.and they keep you on your toes. And Amber come back in this book also she was one of Michelle students in school. And also love how Grandpa Phil was also a center in this book. And you half to read all 4 to find out Amber and Michelle are connected.And find out what a nice person Michelle is..But when you read it be prepared to cry. It brought tears to my eyes . And i love how all 4 books had someone that believed in God in them . hopping there be another book in the Sandy Cove serial I hate to see it end.I like to see if Amber find someone to Love and also would love to see if Michelle mom does with her life in Sandy Cove
I am so glad to finally read Around the Bend ( book four in Sandy Cove Series). This has been my favorite books series in along time. This book had the same effect on me as the previous 3 once I got started I didnt want to put it down. This is a Christian fiction book with the story revolving around the main character Michelle Barron and her family. It can relate to many life experiences that we all face and we never know what is next to come in our lives. We see how God is faithful to everyone through the joy and challenges in their lives. I really have enjoyed reading this book as well as the 3 others, in the end it leaves me wanting to read more to see what is next for the Barron family. What wonderful story of Gods love and faithfulness to those who trust and surrender to Him.
This ebook was supplied by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Though this book could stand alone, it is a continuation of the Sandy Cove series. The book deals with several sensitive subjects and gives a perspective revealing a godly, loving response. Around the Bend touched me with dealing with issues that we all can relate to because they are issues that touch each of our lives. This book is a comfortable, wonderful read that will bring life lessons straight to your heart and you will carry this book with you as you face these struggles. In the characters in this book, you will see people from your own life- people going through the same struggles. This is a book where the characters are believable and have human frailties, it shows God's love and mercy though each of them. Can't wait for more!
I just finished reading Around the Bend and really loved it. The characters, well, I fall in love with them a little more each time I read the next book in the series. Amber is back and she seems to be wanting Caleb back. The story mentions how much he looks like her brother, almost as if something has happened to her brother, but nothing more is mentioned about him. And grandpa Phil has cancer?!? Ugh! No just no! That part of the story had me in tears. All in all this was a great read but would like to know if something happened to Amber's brother. Hopefully we find him well in the next book! And as for Amber...she may say she has forgiven the man who killed her boyfriend in the accident, but my gut is saying there is more up with her than she is letting on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow. There are so many issues written about in this wonderful book. It is not that often that a book speaks to my heart the way this one did. All of the books in this series have been great. This one just spoke to me in so many ways but in a very enjoyable way. Laughter and tears plenty. The characters all feel like family. You could read this book by itself but after you do, you will want to go back and find every book by Rosemary Hines and look forward to the next book she writes. http://www.amazon.com/Around-Bend-San... (ebook) and http://www.amazon.com/Around-Bend-San... (print book).
Nicholas Sparks has nothing on this author. Continuing from book 3 Amber wants to meet her son. There are some conflicts with feelings about this, but prayers and understanding lead to a happy outcome. In the background is passing of a very loved Grandfather. He was the kindest understanding person you could have. A pastor for some 50 years, never flustered and had the answers to all. The words of wisdom and God's understanding and help made this a wonderful Christian story. You will need a box of tissues.
Rosemary decided to give us action and suspense immediately in this book of the series. I saw Michelle handle the crises in life as a mature Christian with the advise and council of her grandfather, the preacher. Michelle is able to see the fruit of her labor as a Christian showing the love of Christ to all who come in contact with her. Many can relate to her dealing with challenges of aging parents and grandparents as they face life's transitions. This is one of the best of the Sandy Cove series.
This book has me in hysterics thinking about my own grandpa and what a good man he was. I felt pain thinking about him and not being able to say goodbye. I am a Jewish woman, I do not follow scripture, I do not think Jesus was G-d's son however, this book, this series has captured my heart. The words of love, compassion and forgiveness has comforted me and my feelings toward death. I am secure in my faith, I love my religion, I've never been drawn to books based on Jesus but theses books make my heart smile.
What a delight it has been to return to Sandy Cove and get acquainted again with Michelle and Steve and their extended family. This book is the fourth book in the Sandy Cove series and could be read as a stand alone book, but is a much richer read if you've followed Michelle and Steve through the other three books. Warning...have tissues handy as you read - it is emotional in parts, but a truly rich story of faith.
Around the Bend you need to have a tissue nearby. This book is packed full of powerful,emotional, and important issues infused with God. Throughout the book whatever issue comes up, God is held first.
This is once again for Rosemary Hines 5/5 stars book.
Enjoyed -- but wished someone would have warned me about my needing kleenexes for the last section of the book..... This could be a stand-alone book. You would not necessarily need to read the first three books in the series.
Loved this book! Great Christian fiction. Recommend reading the whole series. This books makes you want to live in this town and be friends with the family!
This story was beautifully written. The characters seems so real to me. as the story progressed,i had many different emotions going on. This story was so rivetting, i did not want to put it down,even at 4 am I was still enjoying the story and knew i had to get some sleep. I did not read stories 1 to 3,but that did not matter. It takes place in Sandy Cove and it goes through many different scenarios. from adopting a boy of a teen age girl and the girl on becoming an adult wants to see Caleb.The boyfriend,Chad gives in and takes her. The sad part is Chad never gets to see what becomes of it because of a fatal accident. Caleb learns of the truth who his birth mother is and Steve and Michelle(the adopted parents) are having issues with fear of losing Caleb to Amber. Michelle's Dad passed away and her Mom decides to move closer to her daughter. This is where Michelle and Sheila(Mom) meet Michelle's anthropology professor from college. Mom and Rick hit it off and Michelle is rather concerned about it. Grandpa Phil and Grandma Joan come to visit. Grandpa is a retiring Pastor who works for an Altzeimer Home giving prayers and help when needed.Grandpa is great in circumstances that others can not handle( or so they think). He talks to Amber as well as to Rick (anthropology professor) and leads them to the Lord. Grandpa was not feeling well and they decided to go home to the doctor to find out what is happening. Turns out Grandpa has pancreatic cancer stage 3. Joan and Phil work things out and decide what the next move will be. Grandpa is weak and decides they should go to Sandy Cove to see the family and let them know what is happening and their decisions. This story brought me to tears more than once and brought me to think of my life and how much i love my husband and children. It was warm,loving and caring,full of depth and understanding. It brought a warm message of forgiveness and love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a wonderful story about a large extended family that had a wonderful relationship with God and each other. It was a four generation book which made it extra special. The great grandfather was a minister and helped everyone with their problems. Then there was the grandmother, the daughter and her family, with one little boy being adopted. This book told of the friendship between the mother and the birth mother. A very good book. One I enjoyed reading. I have just one question for the author. "What did Phil leave for his wife in the outbuilding?" I thought maybe after he died, she would go out to see, but she didn't, so that was never answered. I even went back and reread those chapters to see if maybe I had someway missed that answer. Rosemary Hines is a good author. I will certainly read more books by her.
As I was reading this story I relived the memories of my beloved husband’s illness and passing to be with Yeshua Jesus. The way Steve and Michelle trusted God I’m so many scenarios spoke quietly and softly to me. Grandpa Phil’s character reminds me to live each day to the fullest. May the Lord touch your heart as you read this beautifully written story of life as it sometimes really presents itself to us. Rosemary, you never cease to amaze me with your vivid word pictures!!