Sean

by Sharon Srock

HE HAD IT ALL
Sean Conklin had everything a young Christian man could want. A loving wife, a thriving ministry, and a son on the way. But when his wife dies in childbirth and he’s faced with raising the baby on his own, his faith falters. He turns his back on God and returns home to Garfield to raise his son in peace. A year has passed since his wife’s death when he meets Monica. It’s hard to ignore the flash of attraction, but another woman in his life is the last thing he needs.

HER DREAM IS ON THE HORIZON
Monica Jenson loves what she does, serving veterans and their family members at the veteran’s center in Garfield, but she’s driven by the voice of her father and a desire to do more. When she’s offered a chance at her dream job, she’s determined not to let anything stand in her way. That is until the innocent smile of a motherless child—and the sad eyes of the handsome father—have her questioning the future she planned.

TWO FUTURES HANG IN THE BALANCE
Sean and Monica know what they want, and it has nothing to do with the attraction sparking between them. Or does it?
*Found Family
*Single Dad
*Emotional Journey
*Reluctant romance
*Search for Happiness
*

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

Small-town Oklahoma and the friendships they produce are embedded in Sharon Srock’s heart. After spending her first fifteen years on the move, living in fourteen homes and attending thirteen schools, she landed in a tiny central Oklahoma community and made it her own. As someone who’s been blessed to be a part of the same hometown church for more than five decades, Sharon writes stories of hope built from her own unique perspective—stories that demonstrate a sisterhood formed not by blood but by heart, where ordinary women are able to do extraordinary things thanks to the friends who surround them and the faith that pulls them through. Sharon still lives in the middle of nowhere, Oklahoma, with her husband and three very large dogs. When she isn’t writing, she loves to read, cook, and travel. One of these days, she’s going to figure out how to do all three at the same time.

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Reviews

[Bonnie Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to be gifted with an advance copy of Sean. I have read and reviewed quite a few of Sharon Srock’s books. She’s one of those authors who writes a book that pulls you in from the very beginning. Sean is no exception; in fact, it is one of my favorites.
I was surprised when this book started with a character who is a single dad, caring for a baby who is almost a year old. And more surprising was finding out that his wife had passed away when Jace was born. And even more surprising was to discover that Sean had turned his back on God and left his ministry when that happened. (By the way, I don’t consider these “spoilers” as the reader discovers these facts at the beginning of the book.)
The book is fast-moving and holds the reader’s attention. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Sean, his parents, and his baby, Jace. One of Srock’s techniques is to share a character’s internal conversation with God, and this is used effectively in this story. I encourage you to pick up a copy of Sean. It’s a great story that will leave you feeling fulfilled.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love visiting Garfield. Any time we get to visit it is like old friends and finding new ones. The first real story from Garfield that tells the tale from a man's perspective. In here, we meet Sean. He is the son he is the son of Alex and our beloved Pastor Hunter. Growing up he felt the call to the ministry. However, years and tragedies have found him lost. A widower and single father, ministry no longer calls. Not sure what step to take, Sean returns with his son Jace to Garfield.

Monica has lived her life to please her father. Even in death his words and advice still drive her. Has she allowed herself time to relax or feel? Will she find contentment other than being in Garfield?


When a motherless little boy, a lost widower and a harried young women cross paths, will God's plans prevail? Or will each just keep floundering? I received a copy through the author. A review was not required.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sean by Sharon Srock
The Next Generation Book One
Pastor Sean Conklin is a widower with a young son. A son who will never know his mother. With Brittany gone, Sean is raising Jace, but he is no longer in the ministry. He believes in God, but is not talking to Him at all. He’s in Ohio. His family is in Garfield, Oklahoma, and he needs help. He needs his family. Readers can learn more about his parents’ story in “Alex.”
Monica Jensen falls in love with the little motherless boy from the moment she holds him in the nursery at church. His father sends feelings through her that she never expected. Only, the handsome man is carrying a ghost and a load of bitterness on his shoulders. Doesn’t matter. She may be getting a job in Arizona anyway.
As are all of Sharon Srock’s stories, this was moving, emotional, and page-turning.
**Tissue Alert
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love being back in Garfield and this time with one of the children of Alex and Pastor Hunter from the original series. It was great to get to revisit with some favorite characters. Sean is grieving for his wife and grieving for the life he thought they were supposed to have together and he’s angry at God for both . He moved back home to Garfield , knowing he needs a change but the changes that come are not what he was ready for and the idea of moving on with someone else has him feeling guilty. Monica has a servants heart and loves nothing more than to help people but she soon realizes that she is still trying to win her earthly Father's approval. As Monica and Sean grow closer together, they both have to work through some things both in themselves and together so that they can both have the future that God has already planned for them.

[Sharon Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tender, emotionally story that explores grief, healing, and the unexpected ways life nudges us toward hope again. Sean begins his journey as a man shattered—once grounded in faith, family, and ministry, he’s now a widowed single father trying to rebuild a life that no longer resembles the one he planned. His struggle feels raw and honest, and the author handles his crisis of faith with a sensitivity that makes his story deeply relatable.

The story shines in its themes of found family and the search for happiness after heartbreak. Both main characters are standing at crossroads, fighting not only their attraction but the fear of what embracing it might cost them. Watching them navigate their separate futures while being drawn closer together is both heartwarming and achingly real.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story about Sean. Sean is crushed by the loss of his wife. She died while giving birth to their son due to some health issues. Sean is mad at God and gives up on his ministry and his relationship with God. He decides to move home to Garfield near his parents (lives with them for a bit) to help take care of his sone Jace. He meets up with Monica and there is a mutual attraction. Sean is not interested as he is still mourning the loss of his wife. But things always change and Sean fights against the hold he has on his dead wife. I really enjoyed reading this story. Thanks for allowing me to be an ARC reader Sharon!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sean had me hooked from the sweet cover to the end of the epilogue! The main characters Sean and Monica are likable and undergo growth throughout the story. I loved the spiritual realizations that both Sean and Monica have as the story goes along. The plot is character-driven with great depth. The book tugs at my heart in the best of ways. Author Sharon Srock never fails to produce an excellent book that is well worth the reader's time and investment. I highly recommend Sean and am looking forward to the rest of the Garfield, The Next Generation series.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this very well-written book.

[Robin Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon is a truly gifted author who excels at bringing characters to life. It's easy to picture Sean and Monica and to understand the struggles they are going through. It's satisfying to listen to conversations with God and understand the problems underlying as well as be part of two special people coming together. Excellent read, as always.

I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#Sean @SharonSrock #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianContemporaryFiction

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sean

Sean and Monica have such a heartwarming story! Sean had suffered the loss of his wife the day his son was born. The pain of such a loss along with the adjustment being a single father to an infant was so great he turned his back on the ministry he once loved. It has been almost a year when he makes the decision to return to his family for the support he needs to survive as a single father. I highly recommend you read the book to see if he overcomes the heartache and finds his way back to where he belongs.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book you will read about the loss of a spouse, guilt and raising a child alone. Sean is struggling with the loss of his wife and raising a baby. When he decides to move back home everything will change for him and Jace. Monica is an amazing person who doesn’t know how to not be involved in everything going on around her. When Sean and Monica meet Sean decides that they can only be friends. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sean

Sean is a single father to a young boy. Sean decided to move back home to his family. He meets Monica but can he fall in love again? I loved Jace , a baby who loves everyone especially Monica. I loved the work that Monica did. Sean has a lot of issues to work out. Will Sean be able to resolve his issues and get together with Monica? Read and find out. A great page turner.

I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.

[Teresa Nasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Srock never disappoints. This is both a heartbreaking and heartwarming read. And right in time for Christmas. I loved returning back to Garfield with this new series. First time with a male protagonist, absolutely refreshing. Beautifully written.

I received a complimentary copy of this story from the author. Opinions expressed herein are completely my own.

[D'anah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

It was a great read. You truly understood the characters and what was driving them and why. I especially enjoyed Sean's meeting with Matthew. The questions pertinent and directed to the core issue. The memory triggered by the questions was even better. Life changing. As always, leaves you on a high.
A good read if you like real life type stories with a good faith base.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have another winner from Sharon Srock. This time it’s a male protagonist who’s trying to raise his young son and restart his life. I love these stories. If you’re a Karen Kingsbury fan, you will love it too. I was given a complementary copy of this book and the opinions are my own.

[Diana Wanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Christian Story

Such a good story with the realities of life in this hard world we live in. Great examples of how God walks with us and sees us through the hardships even when we choose to not see Him with us. A story of true reality in life.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I've read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. Sean was an awesome character, and there was a lot of spiritual truths in the book.

[Kathryn Spurgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

This book is so realistic - like real life happening with its physical, emotional, and spiritual struggles and triumphs. Draws me in.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

the art of moving on

I can relate to how much Sean missed his wife and can’t imagine ever finding love again. God works when we don’t think He can. Very well done!

[Rhonda Sledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Garfield Next Generation book. I loved the original Garfield books, but seeing the children of our favorite characters all grown up is a true blessing. Almost everyone, at one time or another, questions their faith. This book gives us insight into what is going on in Sean's head and heart as he navigates a hard time in his life. It also shows us the grace and respect his family shows him as he tries to get his head screwed on straight again. Excellent book!