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Waiting in Hope's Bluff: Russell & Jessica's Story
Jessica Kincaid has been keeping a secret from her friends. A big one. After watching so many of her friends find their people, how can she expect to find someone for herself if she can’t even tell her friends the truth? It’s not like she can just trust anyone. And she’s not going to think about the fact that the one person who makes her feel like she doesn’t have to constantly watch over her shoulder would never see her that way. Besides, she’s got enough on her plate just trying to stay alive.
Russell Stallworth wants to smack his friend, Joseph, in the back of the head. Ever since he suggested that Russell might be interested in their friend, Jessica, he hasn’t been able to get the idea out of his head. Now he can’t help but notice Jessica. But Russell knows that it can’t go anywhere, because his life is too complicated. Not even his feelings for her can change that. Even though he wishes they could.
After wrestling with his thoughts (and a surprising conversation with his mom), Russell has to decide if he’s willing to take the risk. Before he gets the chance, someone tries to silence Jessica, so he takes measures to make sure she’s protected. Her safety has to come first. His solution is an unconventional idea, for sure, but will it allow for an option of a relationship with her? What’s the worst that could happen? Oh, right. She could be killed, and his job could be compromised.
But what can they do? Do they take the risk to see if they can be together? Can they trust the path God has them on? When the whole truth comes out, can they trust each other enough to have a future?
Russell Stallworth wants to smack his friend, Joseph, in the back of the head. Ever since he suggested that Russell might be interested in their friend, Jessica, he hasn’t been able to get the idea out of his head. Now he can’t help but notice Jessica. But Russell knows that it can’t go anywhere, because his life is too complicated. Not even his feelings for her can change that. Even though he wishes they could.
After wrestling with his thoughts (and a surprising conversation with his mom), Russell has to decide if he’s willing to take the risk. Before he gets the chance, someone tries to silence Jessica, so he takes measures to make sure she’s protected. Her safety has to come first. His solution is an unconventional idea, for sure, but will it allow for an option of a relationship with her? What’s the worst that could happen? Oh, right. She could be killed, and his job could be compromised.
But what can they do? Do they take the risk to see if they can be together? Can they trust the path God has them on? When the whole truth comes out, can they trust each other enough to have a future?
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 18, 2025
I loved Jessica and Russell’s story. The suspense in the beginning drew me in and I liked getting little snippets of what was going on and feeling the anticipation for what was going to happen. Once again Melanie Allen has written a beautiful story with Christian values, friendships, and relationships standing as the building blocks. Lastly, I like how the epilogue sets us up for the next book in the series. I can’t wait to read the next story set in Hope’s Bluff!
April 13, 2026
Russell and Jessicas story had me intrigued from the ending of the previous book in this series (Finding Hopes Bluff) so I was keen to get to this book and see what was going to happen with them! Mystery, suspense, romance and faith were all combined in this story and I really enjoyed it!
Russell is such a protective, safe MMC and I really liked seeing a soft side to him when it came to Jessica and be able to care for her while still being the strong guy he knows how to be!
It was great to return to Hopes Bluff another time and catch up with characters I’ve come to know well alongside ones I was anticipating reading more about!
This is a great series from Melanie, with wholesome friendships and characters that draw you in!
Russell is such a protective, safe MMC and I really liked seeing a soft side to him when it came to Jessica and be able to care for her while still being the strong guy he knows how to be!
It was great to return to Hopes Bluff another time and catch up with characters I’ve come to know well alongside ones I was anticipating reading more about!
This is a great series from Melanie, with wholesome friendships and characters that draw you in!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews