Angelica: A Christian Romance

Burkes #1

by Kimberly Rae Jordan

Angela Reynolds always knew she was adopted, raised with the story that her birth family didn't care about her. Though her adoptive home wasn’t great, she believed it was better than her past—until a single photograph shatters the lies she’s lived with for years and reveals a truth that changes everything.

Jude Kessler has devoted his life to protecting the Burke family, a duty inherited from his late father. When Duncan Burke tasks him with meeting Angela, a woman claiming to be his long-lost daughter, Jude doesn’t hesitate. But their first encounter sparks feelings he never expected—feelings complicated by their age difference and her connection to his employer.

As Angela grapples with her newfound identity and Jude wrestles with his heart, their growing bond challenges everything they thought they knew. Can Jude trust God’s plan for love when it defies logic? Will Angela’s faith in their connection prove strong enough to overcome the obstacles between them?

Angelica is book 1 in The Burke Family 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, Modern

414 pages, Paperback

Published September 4, 2025

Reviews

[Faith R.]

Sweet Story

Angelica is a beautiful character. I never really thought about how a person in her situation would adjust. Elizabeth Smart’s situation was much darker than what Angelica experienced so I think real female in that situation would have had a harsher captivity. The book is sweet while still giving me something to ponder.

One thing I found very odd was the way her mom related to her after she returned. While it showed that her return had difficulties, her mother’s response to her was not one that I can imagine ANY mom having after a kidnapping. Writers have to make characters believable, but In this one case, the trope was more important than it should have been because she followed a typical rich woman story type that was out of place in that situation. That’s just my opinion, though. Others will have to decide for themselves.

Otherwise, the book was free from most of the usual tropes which was really refreshing. Even the romantic resistance trope was understandable at first. The book mostly is just a sweet story about how a sweet and courageous woman got her life back after it was stolen from her and how a family got their daughter and sister back after she was kidnapped.

[Margaret Nelson]

If you have not read Jordan's series on the Halversons, you will want to read the 10th book, Cole, before reading this book. That book and Angelica are parallel in places, but it's better to read Cole first and get acquainted with the setting and the characters. I'm glad this new series ties in to the Halversons, because I wasn't read to say goodbye to those characters just yet.

Jordan has done a great job at portraying the sudden changes in the life of a young woman whose world is completely turned on end when she finds out she was kidnapped as a toddler and was told lies for years. I always enjoy Jordan's quiet, slow-paced contemplative style. I felt the spiritual development of some of the characters in this book was stronger than it's been in some of her other books, and it's very well done. I can't wait for the next book1

[Ween]

Read the Haverson’s series first and then the Burkes series...you won’t be disappointed!!

Kimberly Rae Jordan is a gifted writer pulling you into the lives of her characters making it hard to put the story down for even a minute. And it is a wonderful bonus when she weaves faith into her writing making you think about how you can be a better person and christian influence to those around you.
When a series of hers comes out I like to wait until they are all available to read them back-to-back and honestly it is excruciating waiting since she is one of my top two authors...but always worth the wait.

[Allyson Anthony]

What a fantastic read as this involves a young woman learning the truth that she had been kidnapped as a toddler and what she had been told were all lies. Now the young lady Angela meets her biological family who is wealthy. I enjoyed Angela and Jude's story as Angela, a cautious yet strong person, navigates her new family and surroundings and finding her place amidst family dynamics and uncertainties. This story has age gap, some tension, romance, and a bit of danger and has faith embers woven in Looking forward to book 2.

[Maya Yeboah]

After a bit of a reading hiatus, I decided to pick up a book from my favorite author: the one and only KRJ! And to say that I was not disappointed would be an understatement.

I have always had a soft spot for family dramas. But Kimberly always finds a way to bring out a perfect balance of drama, descriptions, character development, and romance. And, to tie it with a bow, she laces in elements of faith as the main through line of this story. This book did just that.

All I can say is bravo!
Can’t wait to finish this series

[Teresa Kirk]

Family!

Several things I loved about this book - getting to know Annie's twin, seeing Duncan in his role of Dad, knowing more about both Julian and Benji. Jude, being older than Angela,
resonated with me (I tend to think that's how it is supposed to be).

It felt good to connect with characters I have come to love. I find myself anxiously awaiting Julian's story, and hoping that someday Benji gets his own story - so we have a chance to follow-up with the whole family.

[Kimberly Anders]

Another enjoyable read from Kimberly Rae Jordan! I stayed up way to late to finish it haha. It was a sweet love story and I enjoyed seeing Angelica and Jude learn, grow and love in their own ways.
Their relationship did seem fast in a way and I almost wish there had been more time for their relationship to grow before certain events I will not name due to spoilers. But I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to Julian’s story next!

[Sharene Devitt]

I love Kimberly Rae Jordan books, and this one did not disappoint. I had a hard time putting it down. This is a great story. Her writing makes you feel like you are right in the room with the characters. She does not shy away from real life problems and circumstances but also lets you know that God is there in those problems and circumstances, and He will bring you through. She is one of my favorite writers. You can never go wrong with her books.

[Kimberly]

wow!

I love this new series set near Serenity. The characters are rich and flawed. I love the contrast between those who know their strength comes from the Lord and those still searching for their purpose in life. I can’t wait to see how Kimberly show God’s power in the next book in the series.

[Candy gates]

Great book on a family that had been torn apart

Can you imagine being stolen as a baby because of an evil hateful person. I don’t want to give a thing away. I want you to laugh cry get mad then grin until you feel like your face is going to fall off. Enjoy!!!!

[Linda Peters]

Kimberly ray Jordan did it again! This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it.

What a wonderful book that shows how God strengthens us as we rely on him in life's difficult situations that seem impossible.

[cheryl scoles]

Great new series

Love how Kimberlys books move along with just enough detail and suspense. She always keeps the aspect of Christianity flowing through every page as well . Well done. Looking forward to Julian

[Judith Seale]

Fantastic story!

What an interesting and amazing story. Angela and Kiera are step sisters. They are on the run from a miserable upbringing. Then another situation came up that will change their lives. This is an exciting story and very enjoyable to read.

[Cynthia Gray]

Burkes book 1

Good but thought would get with her relationship with Annie. Also wanted more about what her and Kiki went through so felt like it was ha going there. I was a little disappointed.

[Rhonda]

Best book

This is one of the best ones if not the best one in this series. My emotions were everywhere and I couldn't wait to read what was next. One of the best Christian authors in this era.

[Julie Wood]

again a winner

Thank you so much Kimberly Rae Jordan For another action packed twist interns of family life and the story revealed of tragedy turned to praise .I now look forward to Julian’s story. Thanks again for sharing your talent with us on a joy and a pleasure

[Bert Kubo]

Eager to read The Burkes Book 2

Enjoyed the characters and storyline. Kimberly Rae Jordon writes well and it is easy to be quickly drawn into the individuals, the family dynamics and relationships.

[Becky Bishop]

Great Transition from The Halversons

I loved this book! After reading Cole and Annie's story, it was great to read about Annie's twin. The love story for Anjelica was as beautiful as Annie's.

[Tonya Bryner]

It's decent for the genre but cheesy and predictable. I wouldn't read the next one except I need to find out what happened with Kiara and Julian. They skipped ahead over a year without telling us what happened with that situation, so I guess I'll be forced to read at least the next one.

[Imelda Entract]

A gripping expenditures characters

Most enjoyable story, the plot is interesting and the characters are well drawn. I look forward to the next series

[Kokkie Kriel]

Loved this book!

This is the second time I am reading this series. It is beautifully written and so uplifting. I definitely recommend it 🙏🏻

[deborah hoffman]

good read

Loved this story very good story and suspense was very interesting. It is a must read!
Thank you for your book

[Carol]

Very good read. Nice character development. Made you want to learn more about them. Looking forward to future books. I really enjoyed the story.

[Kelly]

her real family

What a great story! It kept my attention even from the beginning. What a powerful demonstration of our true idebtity in Christ! I can’t wait for the next book!!!

[Toni Quiles]

Well Written

I really enjoyed the plot, the characters, and their desire to put God first. Well written. I can't wait to read book two.

[Kellie Westley]

Great read

Loved this book have the next to start when I get off work I'm on a brake. So glad I found you love Christianity books .

[Shannon O'Brien]

It's cute but it's SO cheesy

[Jennifer Fulton]

Repetitive and Long Drawn Out

I had hoped as I got into the story it would improve but sadly it didn’t. I will not be reading any sequel.

[Mia2Four]

Another great book by Kimberly Rea Jordan. It was great to see this family find their lost daughter. Loved the friendship that grew into love for Jude and Angela.

[Wanda]

Great book. I am on book 2 now.