Julian

Burkes #2

by Kimberly Rae Jordan

Kiara Reynolds dreamed of escaping tiny Briar Hollow, Kentucky, with her sister Angela, but never expected it to happen because Angela discovered her wealthy birth family. Uprooted to Serenity Point, Idaho, Kiara struggles to find her place in a world of opulence.

Meanwhile, Julian Burke, the son of a wealthy man and Angela's brother, hides a deep wound behind his playboy facade, often seeking solace in the bottom of a bottle.

Together at the Burke estate in Idaho, they end spending time together, commiserating over the struggles in their lives. A drunken mistake leads to an unplanned pregnancy and a hasty marriage, binding Kiara and Julian in a union that feels far from divine. As they face rehab, regret, and rock bottom, they encounter a message of hope through faith in God.
Can two broken souls, guided by grace, discover a love strong enough to mend their hearts and rewrite their future?

Julian is book 2 in The Burkes trilogy.If you enjoy heartwarming Christian fiction with a focus on love, faith, and family, be sure to check out these other series and books by Kimberly Rae

The Burke FamilyThe Halversons - 10 book seriesNew Hope Falls - 10 book seriesWe 3 Kings - A Christmas TrilogyThe Callaghans & McFaddens - 10 book seriesFostered by Love - 4 book seriesBlackThorpe Security - 6 book seriesThe McKinleys - 3 book seriesHome to Collingsworth - 7 book seriesThose Karlsson Boys - 3 book seriesOther Christian romance books by Kimberly Rae

Faith, Hope & LoveMarrying Kate

Genres: Romance

431 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2025

Reviews

[Pattisue · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Everything there is a Season

Kiara’s life has been one on upheaval and angst with only her sister as her lifeline. When Angela falls in love with Jude, Kiara must learn to be independent but a careless mistake suddenly changes the course of her life.
Julian has lived a life of careless disregard for others, pleasing only himself. He finds he is drawn to Kiara’s simple, soothing nature as he battles his demons.
Can these two lonely hearts find love and security and faith? After a time of weeping, there comes a time of faith, of birth, and of peace.
This gentle story touched my heart as Julian struggled to sort out his past. I have to admit I kept looking for the drama and danger I’ve come to expect from this author.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the relaxed, contemplative pace of Jordan's books. She does a superlative job in this one with the slow, but sure, development of relationships with God and with each other in a marriage that seemed like an awful accident at the beginning. God's redemptive grace lived out!

I highly recommend reading her books in order, since there are so many interlinked relationships/friendships with other characters.

Can't wait for Benji's story!

[Brenda Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of Dull

I expected more assertiveness from Kiara. She was presented as a young twenty year old with no life experiences. She was much more forceful in -helping Angela. Her strength was downplayed. Julian need more of a challenging partner. She very well could have been that person.
I skipped several pages because it became bogged down repeating already established points.
I really hope that Benji's story will not disappoint.

[Becky Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Story!

I was eagerly waiting for Julian & Kiara's story, and this story did not disappoint! At times it was intense and emotional, as the story dealt with such difficult topics as unplanned pregnancy, alcoholism, trust, faith, and self-worth. So well written and such a captivating story! I only want to read more and more of these characters' stories!

[Kimberly Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed seeing Julian’s redemption arc from alcoholic bad-boy to sincere and godly man (loved the epilogue especially). I do wish there had been a bit more time spent exploring his childhood trauma that was at the root of his drinking. I would have liked a flashback even. But overall the story is a sweet and encouraging story. I am looking forward to book three and Benjamin’s story!

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing contemporary story about a redemption arc. The author addresses sensitive topics such as an unplanned pregnancy and alcoholism. I enjoyed the character arc growth in both Julian and Kiara and their faith journey as they each learned about Christianity. Can't wait for Benjamin's story.

[Adedoyin Adenuga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read!

I am so very thankful for your books, Kimberly. The passion & love for God that is so clear in them. Showing virtually things we all go through and the reminder that God always come through. Love that God is a God on coincidences that is pita a smile.on my face. Just absolutely LOVE your books❤️

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Absolute Best!

I don’t write reviews - but this is the book I have looked forward to since Annie and Cole’s story. This was beautifully written. Seeing 2 broken souls be redeemed and fall in love in such a beautiful way - I do not have enough words to express how much I loved this story! Thank you KRJ for extending the series to include the Burke family!

[Annie Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

Kimberly Rae Jordan did not disappoint with this new series! I love how she uses flawed characters to make her stories so much easier to relate to! Loved this one and can’t wait for Benjamin’s story.

[Faith R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Story about Addiction and Recovery and Love

I liked some things but not others. The family reconciliation scene was so beautiful it hurt. I think the book is a 4 or 4.5. I was not completely satisfied with the romance. Julian was a putz for too long. Lol

[Linda Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A person's past does not determine their future

What a wonderful reading! I appreciate all that the author has to say that is so positive. It is possible to move from chaos to peace. Love the way this book shows that through God all things are possible!

[Judith Seale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, good reading material!

This is a story where I felt I was participating in. I couldn't put it down. I was afraid to lose my connection. Now that is how I like to read a book. Kimberly you do an excellent job of writing your books.

[Vicki Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

second chances

In had trouble putting this book down. You definitely will get caught up in the past unfolding the anger subsiding forgiveness and love abounding

[marie walraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

I enjoyed reading this book. It took some turns that I did not anticipate.. The religious aspect was rewarding.
Thank you

[Zenobia N Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is indeed a beautiful story!

It is the power of God in changing thing so changing hearts. It was unfortunate that we saw some very ugly "rich" people.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

a mess becomes a message

Can good come out of a drunken pregnancy? Only God can bring the redemption that can fix this mess. Well done! I can’t wait for Ben’s story!

[Kokkie Kriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

As with all Kimberley 's books I just loved every page of this book! I can't wait for the next book.

[Patricia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

The characters touched your heart and you were rooting for them to have what they needed Faith in the Lord, confidence in themselves and love. Story showed the Faithfulness of God and His ability to deliver.