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A Love That Remains
All Thandaza ever wanted was to build a better life — for herself and her beloved grandmother. To escape the confines of her small village and put her hard-earned qualifications to use. But despite her relentless efforts, opportunities are scarce, and the future she’s dreamed of feels increasingly out of reach.
In a quiet moment of desperation, Thandaza whispers a prayer for a miracle… and it arrives in the form of Steven — kind, patient, and unexpectedly tender. He offers her the kind of love she never thought she deserved.
As her heart begins to open, Thandaza finds herself torn between two worlds: the independent future she once envisioned and the new path that love is calling her toward. With the wisdom and strength passed down from her Granny, she must navigate the delicate balance of ambition, sacrifice, and faith.
Together, Thandaza and Steven learn how to build something lasting — healing from unspoken traumas, leaning into faith, and discovering how powerful honest communication can be. Through every test, their bond deepens — proving that sometimes, the love that remains is the one worth holding onto.
In a quiet moment of desperation, Thandaza whispers a prayer for a miracle… and it arrives in the form of Steven — kind, patient, and unexpectedly tender. He offers her the kind of love she never thought she deserved.
As her heart begins to open, Thandaza finds herself torn between two worlds: the independent future she once envisioned and the new path that love is calling her toward. With the wisdom and strength passed down from her Granny, she must navigate the delicate balance of ambition, sacrifice, and faith.
Together, Thandaza and Steven learn how to build something lasting — healing from unspoken traumas, leaning into faith, and discovering how powerful honest communication can be. Through every test, their bond deepens — proving that sometimes, the love that remains is the one worth holding onto.
272 pages, Paperback
Published August 10, 2025
2 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 27, 2025
When an author gives you a love story where the woman doesn't suffer or go through painful experiences before getting married. Thandaza was loved right from the get-go by Steven. She wasn't looking for love, just a girl in the city looking for a job but love found her. Thandanza asked God for a miracle, and God gave her Steven, a man whose love language is taking care of her, providing for her. Two months into the relationship, Steven proposes, and even though his friends do not think it's a good idea to propose so soon, he stands his ground. This relationship forces Steven to confront his past. He has to go home to the safe family that ousted him when he was 14 tears old, so they can represent him during the lobola negotiations. Fast forward after their honeymoon Steven is met with an accident that leaves him wheelchair bound for a very long time. In this time, he tries to push Thandaza away, but she's a woman who's there for better or for worse.
This book is about finding love in unexpected places, healing, and having someone hold your hand when you think you're better off alone. The Bible quotes fit in perfectly with the book and showed us what kind of woman Thandaza is, a prayer woman.
This book is about finding love in unexpected places, healing, and having someone hold your hand when you think you're better off alone. The Bible quotes fit in perfectly with the book and showed us what kind of woman Thandaza is, a prayer woman.
September 11, 2025
I just finished reading this book.... Let me just say If you're like me and you love love hunny you need to read this book so simple so straight forward. Steven knew what he wanted.. Ohhh my gosh This book is so amazing. Okay the books is about Thandaza and Steven, it's a love story, All Thandaza wanted was a better life for her and her dearest granny things were not going well in the city, she went out just to breath at the bus stop while chilling there she prayed for a maricle the boom there he was Steven her miracle.. The man who loved her and changed her life.. I love the fact that Steven went through difficult times and that really showed his friends that our girl was not there for money she was all in..
July 12, 2025
If you’re in the mood for a chilled, feel-good romance, this is the story for you.
Together, Thandaza and Steven learn how to build something lasting - healing from unspoken traumas, leaning into faith, and discovering how powerful honest communication can be. Through every test, their bond deepens — proving that sometimes, the love that remains is the one worth holding onto.
Together, Thandaza and Steven learn how to build something lasting - healing from unspoken traumas, leaning into faith, and discovering how powerful honest communication can be. Through every test, their bond deepens — proving that sometimes, the love that remains is the one worth holding onto.
August 28, 2025
Wow wow wow👌👌👌👌
From Today I will searching for my Steven through prayer 🤣🤣🤣
It’s true that our plans are not God ‘s plan , all Thandeka wanted was to be independent women and take care of her grandmother but God said Nop I will make u a housewife . Steven wanted a housewife so he can be a provider and protected and God said I will give u a housewife but she will be your caregiver, provider and someone that will hold you through the most difficult storm of life. I felt their love mixed with fear and later went through the grieving process with Steven ( in a minute I was angry, frustrated and feeling loved at once)I really felt he pain but Thanks to our Prayer women that held it until the end even when it was tiring. It was at this point that I felt that indeed she is remaining by he side because of love( summer 😜😜) AND THEY OVERCAME THE ☔️
Lesson learnt
1. God will give you what u need not want you want
2. It doesn’t have to make sense to other but you
3. communicate and know when to compromise and when not
From Today I will searching for my Steven through prayer 🤣🤣🤣
It’s true that our plans are not God ‘s plan , all Thandeka wanted was to be independent women and take care of her grandmother but God said Nop I will make u a housewife . Steven wanted a housewife so he can be a provider and protected and God said I will give u a housewife but she will be your caregiver, provider and someone that will hold you through the most difficult storm of life. I felt their love mixed with fear and later went through the grieving process with Steven ( in a minute I was angry, frustrated and feeling loved at once)I really felt he pain but Thanks to our Prayer women that held it until the end even when it was tiring. It was at this point that I felt that indeed she is remaining by he side because of love( summer 😜😜) AND THEY OVERCAME THE ☔️
Lesson learnt
1. God will give you what u need not want you want
2. It doesn’t have to make sense to other but you
3. communicate and know when to compromise and when not
October 16, 2025
Khanime ndinibalisele!!!
You grew up living with your grandmother, and when the time came, she gave you her last few cents and told you to go to the city to make something of yourself. Against your better judgement, you took the money and hightailed it to the city in hopes of finding a job — but the city isn’t as welcoming as you imagined.
You’ve only been there for about a month, and already you’re running out of money and, honestly, losing hope. You don’t know how or where you’re going to survive, and your grandmother and neighbour are counting on you to make it. That’s a whole lot of pressure, if you ask me.
Thandaza is sitting at a bus stop, lost in her thoughts, slowly losing hope, when a car randomly stops in front of her. Out steps a clean, handsome man who offers to take her out. Naturally, she’s sceptical — like any normal person meeting a stranger in the city — but something about this man’s eyes makes her trust him. That, and the fact that her stomach decides to rumble right then and there, so she ends up agreeing to grab a bite with him.
He calls her every day, and they start seeing each other almost daily. Being with him makes the pressure of job hunting a little easier to bear. Still sceptical, she prays to God to show her who this man really is before she falls too deep. And what do you know — right after that prayer, he calls. So, of course, she takes that as a sign that he’s the one.
Steven is picture-perfect on paper. He’s everything a woman could possibly want — heck, I wanted him too with how perfect he seemed. But somewhere along the way, I started seeing the red flags Thandaza was too smitten to notice. Who could blame her though? It was her first relationship ever.
Steven love-bombed Thandaza with sweet gestures and words that could melt anyone’s heart. She told him she wasn’t ready to lose her virginity, and he promised he’d wait decades for her. Decades! But a day or two later, this man is already down on one knee, proposing marriage. Make it make sense.
While Thandaza was sweet, innocent, and honest about not being ready for motherhood, Steven refused to compromise on not having kids — all because of his own demons — yet expected her to give up her dreams and play housewife? Excuse me? I’m sorry, but Steven was a walking red flag. From his past to his behaviour with Thandaza, I kept waiting for him to slip up or reveal his true colours. And when that accident happened, testing their relationship, I lowkey said, “Yup, this is it.” And in true male fashion, he did not disappoint.
His inability to walk felt like a true reflection of who he is as a person, in my opinion.
Nevertheless, the book was a lovely read. I’m not really into slow burns, which is probably why it took me a while to finish, but it was such a good, fluffy read overall.
You grew up living with your grandmother, and when the time came, she gave you her last few cents and told you to go to the city to make something of yourself. Against your better judgement, you took the money and hightailed it to the city in hopes of finding a job — but the city isn’t as welcoming as you imagined.
You’ve only been there for about a month, and already you’re running out of money and, honestly, losing hope. You don’t know how or where you’re going to survive, and your grandmother and neighbour are counting on you to make it. That’s a whole lot of pressure, if you ask me.
Thandaza is sitting at a bus stop, lost in her thoughts, slowly losing hope, when a car randomly stops in front of her. Out steps a clean, handsome man who offers to take her out. Naturally, she’s sceptical — like any normal person meeting a stranger in the city — but something about this man’s eyes makes her trust him. That, and the fact that her stomach decides to rumble right then and there, so she ends up agreeing to grab a bite with him.
He calls her every day, and they start seeing each other almost daily. Being with him makes the pressure of job hunting a little easier to bear. Still sceptical, she prays to God to show her who this man really is before she falls too deep. And what do you know — right after that prayer, he calls. So, of course, she takes that as a sign that he’s the one.
Steven is picture-perfect on paper. He’s everything a woman could possibly want — heck, I wanted him too with how perfect he seemed. But somewhere along the way, I started seeing the red flags Thandaza was too smitten to notice. Who could blame her though? It was her first relationship ever.
Steven love-bombed Thandaza with sweet gestures and words that could melt anyone’s heart. She told him she wasn’t ready to lose her virginity, and he promised he’d wait decades for her. Decades! But a day or two later, this man is already down on one knee, proposing marriage. Make it make sense.
While Thandaza was sweet, innocent, and honest about not being ready for motherhood, Steven refused to compromise on not having kids — all because of his own demons — yet expected her to give up her dreams and play housewife? Excuse me? I’m sorry, but Steven was a walking red flag. From his past to his behaviour with Thandaza, I kept waiting for him to slip up or reveal his true colours. And when that accident happened, testing their relationship, I lowkey said, “Yup, this is it.” And in true male fashion, he did not disappoint.
His inability to walk felt like a true reflection of who he is as a person, in my opinion.
Nevertheless, the book was a lovely read. I’m not really into slow burns, which is probably why it took me a while to finish, but it was such a good, fluffy read overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
I'm a little late with my review... but here it is!
Thandaza and Steven completely stole my heart in the softest, most meaningful way. This was my first read from Catherine Phiri, and wow… what a beautiful introduction to her work. She writes with so much heart you can practically feel it on every page.
This story is gentle, faith-filled, and full of emotional truth. Thandaza’s determination to create a better life for herself and her grandmother is so inspiring. She carries so much hope, so much grit, and watching her navigate that tug between independence and surrender felt real and deeply relatable. And then Steven enters her life with this quiet, steady tenderness that feels like an answered prayer she never expected.
Their love grows in such an authentic, grounded way. They’re healing old wounds, learning to communicate honestly, and figuring out how to build a partnership rooted in faith, trust, and patience. It’s emotional without being heavy, comforting without being predictable, and full of those small, meaningful moments that stay with you long after you’re done.
What really got me was the reminder at the center of the story: sometimes the life you planned for yourself isn’t the one meant for you… and that’s not a loss, it’s a blessing. Thandaza thought independence was her only path. Steven thought love had already passed him by. But God stitched their lives together so beautifully that both ended up receiving more than they ever dared hope for.
I felt everything while reading this. The fear, the faith, the heartbreak, the healing, the softness. And through it all, their love remains steady. Strong. Worthy. Chosen.
Thandaza and Steven completely stole my heart in the softest, most meaningful way. This was my first read from Catherine Phiri, and wow… what a beautiful introduction to her work. She writes with so much heart you can practically feel it on every page.
This story is gentle, faith-filled, and full of emotional truth. Thandaza’s determination to create a better life for herself and her grandmother is so inspiring. She carries so much hope, so much grit, and watching her navigate that tug between independence and surrender felt real and deeply relatable. And then Steven enters her life with this quiet, steady tenderness that feels like an answered prayer she never expected.
Their love grows in such an authentic, grounded way. They’re healing old wounds, learning to communicate honestly, and figuring out how to build a partnership rooted in faith, trust, and patience. It’s emotional without being heavy, comforting without being predictable, and full of those small, meaningful moments that stay with you long after you’re done.
What really got me was the reminder at the center of the story: sometimes the life you planned for yourself isn’t the one meant for you… and that’s not a loss, it’s a blessing. Thandaza thought independence was her only path. Steven thought love had already passed him by. But God stitched their lives together so beautifully that both ended up receiving more than they ever dared hope for.
I felt everything while reading this. The fear, the faith, the heartbreak, the healing, the softness. And through it all, their love remains steady. Strong. Worthy. Chosen.
September 14, 2025
A love that remains indeed! Such a beautiful read. I loved everything about our couple, from how Thandaza stood firm in her faith and values to how Steven still believed that true love exists even after everything he went through. This book was everything blissful and I so wish I could read more about my new found favorite couple. If you ever needed a reminder that despite everything that has gone wrong in your life, you still deserve to have good things happening to and for you, this is it. This book right here teaches us that we are worth it.
July 13, 2025
ARCH READER
The story alternates between the budding romance of Thandaza and Steven culminating to the tragic event that alters their lives permanently.
It was an incredibly lovely book, simple to read, with no unnecessary drama or twists; just a depiction of true and authentic love. If you are looking for something beautiful and soothing to the soul, this is the book for you.
I enjoyed each chapter. Catt, you did it again. Thank you for serving yet another masterpiece.
The story alternates between the budding romance of Thandaza and Steven culminating to the tragic event that alters their lives permanently.
It was an incredibly lovely book, simple to read, with no unnecessary drama or twists; just a depiction of true and authentic love. If you are looking for something beautiful and soothing to the soul, this is the book for you.
I enjoyed each chapter. Catt, you did it again. Thank you for serving yet another masterpiece.
September 5, 2025
Oohhhh my ....am not a fan of smooth books but i enjoyed this one ...The couple was so perfect i kept hoping for disappointment until i accepted am the toxic one 😂😂🤣🤣🤣....Steven was so amazing, a man a girl can wish for ..and Thandaza's patience was out of this world...
Even though it opened some old wounds when it comes Steve's parents....i was relating a lot
Anywho...it was a good read indeed....
Even though it opened some old wounds when it comes Steve's parents....i was relating a lot
Anywho...it was a good read indeed....
July 12, 2025
ARCH READER
The simplest type of love that we overlook because we think that drama is what real love should look like. This book deals with what we need to maintain a relationship.
I related so much with the Thandaza because the choice she had to make between what she wanted and what life was giving her is what we all go through on a daily
The simplest type of love that we overlook because we think that drama is what real love should look like. This book deals with what we need to maintain a relationship.
I related so much with the Thandaza because the choice she had to make between what she wanted and what life was giving her is what we all go through on a daily
July 15, 2025
A captivating story line of two young people who have been through a lot in life brought together by fate to prove that peaceful and healthy relationships exist in a world where toxic relationships are a norm and equate to real love.
September 17, 2025
Absolutely loved Thandaza and Steven's relationship. Loved that she was a woman of faith and loved how she was there for him during the hard times too. Loved the character development as well. Overall a great book, well written and a great option of you're in a reading slump 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2025
A very simple read with great themes Sometimes love doesn't have to be complicated.
August 14, 2025
I loved how the Steven character was written. It shows that men are human too and that they also go through stuff like any other person.
Great read
6 stars ⭐
Great read
6 stars ⭐
August 29, 2025
Loved this books very much. The themes were potrayed beautifully. Loved Thandaza and Steven's relationship. They had a love that remains
September 14, 2025
Steven and Thandaza were a dream. Lovely story. I loved that Thandaza was rooted in faith
September 14, 2025
Indeed they have a love that remains
September 14, 2025
Great read...
6 star
6 star
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews