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Burdened: A Christian Romance
Gabby Singleton has built her life around loving others—fiercely, selflessly, and at times, recklessly. As a devoted social worker and mighty woman of faith, she’s the first to show up for her community... and the last to ask for help. But when one of her teens, Julian, ends up hurt and behind bars, her path keeps crossing with Saint Johnson—the guarded basketball coach with a sharp mind, a compassionate heart, and a past that’s made him wary of everything church represents.
Raised in a prominent religious family, Saint knows the doctrines by heart—but what he’s seen behind the scenes has left him hollow. He’s watched his parents turn good deeds into performances, giving only when there’s applause, serving only when it benefits their image. To him, the church is just another stage. But Gabby? She’s the real thing. And the more he watches her quietly pour herself into others—without asking for praise—the more his walls begin to shift.
As they walk alongside Julian through his darkest moments, a bond begins to form—unexpected, tender, and full of questions. But can two burdened hearts learn to lean on each other, even as they carry the weight of those they serve? Or will fear and past wounds keep them from discovering a love that heals?
Inspired by Matthew 22:39—"Love thy neighbor as thyself"—Burdened is a heartwarming story of integrity, redemption, and the kind of love that makes room for grace.
Raised in a prominent religious family, Saint knows the doctrines by heart—but what he’s seen behind the scenes has left him hollow. He’s watched his parents turn good deeds into performances, giving only when there’s applause, serving only when it benefits their image. To him, the church is just another stage. But Gabby? She’s the real thing. And the more he watches her quietly pour herself into others—without asking for praise—the more his walls begin to shift.
As they walk alongside Julian through his darkest moments, a bond begins to form—unexpected, tender, and full of questions. But can two burdened hearts learn to lean on each other, even as they carry the weight of those they serve? Or will fear and past wounds keep them from discovering a love that heals?
Inspired by Matthew 22:39—"Love thy neighbor as thyself"—Burdened is a heartwarming story of integrity, redemption, and the kind of love that makes room for grace.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2025
39 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 17, 2025
Greater
It’s been confirmed by an Authority much greater than my Author Ms. Arceneaux writing is phenomenal & I’m prepared to read her available books before the Summer 2025’s end & the balance of her catalogue in its entirety before the years’ end‼️That’s a promise, reward & blessing for myself. Meanwhile, another beautiful cover art as the previous books “Barren” & “Broken” were equally spectacular🤩‼️Thereafter Ms. Arceneaux, WOW again 🥹😍…faith’s dynamic duo prayer & love prevails‼️“Burdened: A Christian Romance (Grateful Hearts series - Book 3)” is/was a beautifully written story of community, service, sacrificial devotion, perseverance, friendship & love. Yet our tests & trials come to build character, strengthen our resolve, encourage & or be encouraged by prayer & obedience in service to the needy/disenfranchised/discarded like both Gabby & Saint’s personal story’s. Nevertheless, this journey of blessings, trials & tribulations of life will usher us into a greater purpose: communion with our Creator, pray about everything & allow even our disappointments, brokenness, burdens to humble us but more so to praise the Lord (“He dwells in the midst of our praise 🙌🏾‼️). …You you need encouragement, I highly recommend this series 😍‼️ Meanwhile, 1 Corinthians 13: "Three things will last forever — faith, hope & love — & the greatest of these is love." 💐🥰 ..Well done Ms. Arceneaux, well done again👏🏽👏🏾👏🏿‼️Thank you for sharing your ministry & creativity on these literary platform. Our obedience is greater than sacrifice‼️
It’s been confirmed by an Authority much greater than my Author Ms. Arceneaux writing is phenomenal & I’m prepared to read her available books before the Summer 2025’s end & the balance of her catalogue in its entirety before the years’ end‼️That’s a promise, reward & blessing for myself. Meanwhile, another beautiful cover art as the previous books “Barren” & “Broken” were equally spectacular🤩‼️Thereafter Ms. Arceneaux, WOW again 🥹😍…faith’s dynamic duo prayer & love prevails‼️“Burdened: A Christian Romance (Grateful Hearts series - Book 3)” is/was a beautifully written story of community, service, sacrificial devotion, perseverance, friendship & love. Yet our tests & trials come to build character, strengthen our resolve, encourage & or be encouraged by prayer & obedience in service to the needy/disenfranchised/discarded like both Gabby & Saint’s personal story’s. Nevertheless, this journey of blessings, trials & tribulations of life will usher us into a greater purpose: communion with our Creator, pray about everything & allow even our disappointments, brokenness, burdens to humble us but more so to praise the Lord (“He dwells in the midst of our praise 🙌🏾‼️). …You you need encouragement, I highly recommend this series 😍‼️ Meanwhile, 1 Corinthians 13: "Three things will last forever — faith, hope & love — & the greatest of these is love." 💐🥰 ..Well done Ms. Arceneaux, well done again👏🏽👏🏾👏🏿‼️Thank you for sharing your ministry & creativity on these literary platform. Our obedience is greater than sacrifice‼️
October 23, 2025
God Always Works it Out!
Ok. Let me wipe my tears. Faith (the author) & Faith in God works it out for our good.... I knew where the story was going (don't we always when we deeply, unyielding Trust God?). Yet, I can never get enough of stories that shows His amazing grace & love for His children. Gabby had to look within herself. Why was it easy to pray & believe for others? Not for herself. We've all been there. Even today, finishing this book is making me get up, go into my home office and DO what God has put before me. Same as Gabby when her pastor completed the sermon which lit a fire within her. And Saint! Oh yeah! God placed Him where he would be used. 5 Stars for you, Faith Arceneaux. Abundant Blessings, 💜 🙏🏾
Ok. Let me wipe my tears. Faith (the author) & Faith in God works it out for our good.... I knew where the story was going (don't we always when we deeply, unyielding Trust God?). Yet, I can never get enough of stories that shows His amazing grace & love for His children. Gabby had to look within herself. Why was it easy to pray & believe for others? Not for herself. We've all been there. Even today, finishing this book is making me get up, go into my home office and DO what God has put before me. Same as Gabby when her pastor completed the sermon which lit a fire within her. And Saint! Oh yeah! God placed Him where he would be used. 5 Stars for you, Faith Arceneaux. Abundant Blessings, 💜 🙏🏾
August 3, 2025
Always on time
Gabby and Saint road to a HEA was filled with hiccups but faith and God had another plan for them
The lessons in this book include holding onto your faith, trusting God’s plan for you, allowing others to help and pray for you, you don’t have to do it alone.
Saint and Gabby had to learn those lessons. Especially Gabby who always put everyone ahead of herself.
Overall this was an amazing book with visits from Nia and Phoebe
I highly recommended
Gabby and Saint road to a HEA was filled with hiccups but faith and God had another plan for them
The lessons in this book include holding onto your faith, trusting God’s plan for you, allowing others to help and pray for you, you don’t have to do it alone.
Saint and Gabby had to learn those lessons. Especially Gabby who always put everyone ahead of herself.
Overall this was an amazing book with visits from Nia and Phoebe
I highly recommended
November 7, 2025
I enjoyed this story, it was well written. The prayers of the righteous availth much. Gabby's faith and prayers kept her from losing hope in being a social worker with a overflowing case load, and in the wake of losing hours on her job. She help others see the power of God, and realized she needed others to pray for her.
November 15, 2025
Trusting God
While reading this story I could relate and sympathize with the characters.. The story reveals how to trust and believe in God during times of adversity. The love that is shown unconditionally in this story is worth sharing with others. I highly recommend this book to all readers.
While reading this story I could relate and sympathize with the characters.. The story reveals how to trust and believe in God during times of adversity. The love that is shown unconditionally in this story is worth sharing with others. I highly recommend this book to all readers.
July 18, 2025
another great read
Truly enjoyed this last installment by this author. Loved how Gabby got a love of her own and realized that it’s ok to ask and receive help from others. Saint was a good guy and I wish his family appreciated him more. This book ended too soon!
Truly enjoyed this last installment by this author. Loved how Gabby got a love of her own and realized that it’s ok to ask and receive help from others. Saint was a good guy and I wish his family appreciated him more. This book ended too soon!
August 3, 2025
5/5! Book three of the Grateful Hearts series did not disappoint at all! I couldn’t put the book down! I loved everything about it and I left the book encouraged to keep praying for others but also for myself as Gabby does. Another great book by Faith Arceneaux!
November 15, 2025
Review
I liked the book. It was a good read. I liked Saint and Gabby. She had faith in God and stood on her faith. Saint stayed true to his belief as well. I liked Gabbys circle of friends and her compassion to help others. I would recommend this book for others to read.
I liked the book. It was a good read. I liked Saint and Gabby. She had faith in God and stood on her faith. Saint stayed true to his belief as well. I liked Gabbys circle of friends and her compassion to help others. I would recommend this book for others to read.
July 23, 2025
Answered Prayers
Gabby’s story reminds us that even God’s strongest soldiers will have moments of doubt and need someone to lift them up. So glad she was able to find her Saint.
Gabby’s story reminds us that even God’s strongest soldiers will have moments of doubt and need someone to lift them up. So glad she was able to find her Saint.
July 27, 2025
Cute story
Loved the story and the power of faith. The story was relatable and a true representation of what many Social Workers and nonprofit agencies face on a daily basis.
Loved the story and the power of faith. The story was relatable and a true representation of what many Social Workers and nonprofit agencies face on a daily basis.
August 29, 2025
Awesome
This series was so encouraging and defi
nitely made me increase my prayers life. I loved each book.Thank you so much
This series was so encouraging and defi
nitely made me increase my prayers life. I loved each book.Thank you so much
September 1, 2025
God NEVER fails!!
Keep you ears and eyes tune into God. He keeps his promises as this book describes!
The scriptures are throughout the book.
Keep you ears and eyes tune into God. He keeps his promises as this book describes!
The scriptures are throughout the book.
October 3, 2025
5 stars!
Great book! I couldn’t put it down. This book shows that if we trust in God he is faithful. I enjoyed this book.
Great book! I couldn’t put it down. This book shows that if we trust in God he is faithful. I enjoyed this book.
November 7, 2025
Enjoyed it
I love how prayer was evident no matter the circumstances being faced. It's challenged me to pray in and out of seasons without ceasing.
Overall, a great series
I love how prayer was evident no matter the circumstances being faced. It's challenged me to pray in and out of seasons without ceasing.
Overall, a great series
November 15, 2025
A great story
I really enjoyed this book. First book read by this author. Plan to read more. It grabbed me for spiritual and a great love story built off God's timing.
I really enjoyed this book. First book read by this author. Plan to read more. It grabbed me for spiritual and a great love story built off God's timing.
December 22, 2025
ok
I enjoyed the book. It wasn’t my favorite in the series. But i always love the nuggets that are given in each book.
I enjoyed the book. It wasn’t my favorite in the series. But i always love the nuggets that are given in each book.
December 23, 2025
Just what I was need of
A well written book that brought you into the life of its characters. Also a beautiful reminder that God hears and answers our prayers.
A well written book that brought you into the life of its characters. Also a beautiful reminder that God hears and answers our prayers.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews