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Inspiration Point #1
Free to Love
Julie leaves behind a comfortable life in search of her independence.
Mark discovers the love of his life after a chance meeting with Julie.
But can their Christian romance blossom when Julie's ex-fiance kidnaps her?
*This is a FREE Preview and not a stand-alone novel*
If you want a heartwarming story that will have you believing in unfailing love, then you'll want this Christian clean romance book.In book 1, Julie Petersen sets out to find freedom from her controlling fiancé and her rich overbearing mother. She leaves home under the cover of darkness with nothing more than a handful of clothes, little money to her name, and a strong Christian faith that God will help her survive.During her journey, she meets Mark, a handsome man who touches her heart with his helpfulness and genuine concern for her well-being. But before their relationship can blossom, disaster strikes when her controlling fiancé tracks her down and kidnaps her.
Mark must figure out a way to rescue her from her crazy fiancé who has kidnapped her. Can he rescue Julie in time and profess his love for her? Or will he be too late and miss out on marrying the Christian love of his life?Find out by reading this heartwarming Christian clean romance novel for women today. Get your copy now!
Other Christian romance books in the Inspiration Point Series by Kelsey MacBride
-Unforgettable Book 2 of the Inspiration Point Story
Mark discovers the love of his life after a chance meeting with Julie.
But can their Christian romance blossom when Julie's ex-fiance kidnaps her?
*This is a FREE Preview and not a stand-alone novel*
If you want a heartwarming story that will have you believing in unfailing love, then you'll want this Christian clean romance book.In book 1, Julie Petersen sets out to find freedom from her controlling fiancé and her rich overbearing mother. She leaves home under the cover of darkness with nothing more than a handful of clothes, little money to her name, and a strong Christian faith that God will help her survive.During her journey, she meets Mark, a handsome man who touches her heart with his helpfulness and genuine concern for her well-being. But before their relationship can blossom, disaster strikes when her controlling fiancé tracks her down and kidnaps her.
Mark must figure out a way to rescue her from her crazy fiancé who has kidnapped her. Can he rescue Julie in time and profess his love for her? Or will he be too late and miss out on marrying the Christian love of his life?Find out by reading this heartwarming Christian clean romance novel for women today. Get your copy now!
Other Christian romance books in the Inspiration Point Series by Kelsey MacBride
-Unforgettable Book 2 of the Inspiration Point Story
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2015
867 people are currently reading
803 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 17, 2017
1.5 stars.
I was bored and skimming through the pages and clueless AF as to what the fuck was going on in this book.
I was bored and skimming through the pages and clueless AF as to what the fuck was going on in this book.
May 6, 2016
Meh. None of them came off as all that original or layered. The entire cast was either good or bad. There was no in between. The good guys were the victims or the single most giving, honest, VICTIMIZED people ever and the bad guys were selfish, self-centered, or just plain crazy. I just didn't care for any of them.
Julie practically dripped sugar, she was so sweet and wholesome and it just wasn't real. James , of course, being the bad guy had no feelings other than rage and insanity there at the end. Julie's parents were selfish and wanted to her to marry James just because they already told the people at the country club that it was happening. All so flat.
Julie runs away. Everything is perfect. James ruins it. That's pretty much it. Everything happened so easily for Julie when she left. It all just fell into her lap. I think they should have just left the end, the end. There is no reason to continue the story. Julie should have washed up on the shore and went back to her new home. Period. But now we get to read about Aaron, some random character introduced on the last freaking page, falling in love with her within seconds. So much insta-love in this book and none of it is even good.
Not much of one established. Julie goes to California. And we know that she's along the beach, but that's about it. Honestly, when you just announce that she's in Cali, you really don't need a lot of details. Beaches & sunshine.
This whole book was just blah. It was predictable with boring characters. It wasn't absolutely horrible if you're just looking for something to pass the time and not think too much. That's the only reason Free to Love isn't getting the Black Star of Death.
August 8, 2024
Got about 69% into it (go figure) and then I just gave up. Why is it though, that I have more of a tolerance for reading about how fascism happened than I do for a level of domestic abuse ten times worse than anything I’ve ever done?
September 10, 2018
My review is very different to the others here. I wonder whether the free version from bookbub was an earlier version.
I found Free to Love to be so badly written that is became hilarious. The naive, immature writing style included terrible sentence construction.
“...or when her and her roommate, Stephanie Delgato, played their music a little too loud.”
It also had some erroneous manipulation of tense.
“The Petersons may as well have spoken in clicks and grunts and wore animal hides”.
Incomplete sentences were full of inanities and inconsequential fillers.
“When he would take her to the places she wanted to go like the Regency Theater to see second run classic movies in the middle of the afternoon or for gourmet Italian beef sandwiches at a tiny little hole in the wall called Nicky’s where seven bucks got you a sandwich piled high with beef and hot peppers enough to choke a mule.”
Repetition of words exaggerated these inanities further.
“His mother Tousa had ties, very thin ties but ties nonetheless, to the royal Arab family in Egypt...”
The worst part, by far, were the unnecessary metaphors, similes and comparisons that deescalated the tension. These are what finally had me in hysterics.
“Snapping her out of her own thoughts, Julie nearly lost her balance when James pushed the doors open with such force it banged against the wall, sounding like someone had slammed a stack of dictionaries down hard on a marble floor.”
I found the book to be elitist.
“Instead, she held her at the foyer like a rude caterer or unruly delivery man.”
It was also ageist, the mother being described as an old lady when she would not have been 55.
In the first 2 chapters, alone, I had highlighted 35 awkward sentences.
The characterisation faired no better. Each character was polarised towards good or evil. Julie was sickeningly sweet, her fiancé, James, frighteningly violent. Only her dad appeared to be anywhere near normal, and he had minimal impact on the story.
To make matters worse, no denouement was reached. Instead we are left with Julie with amnesia, the young man who is smitten with her unaware that she is missing, a second young man falling in love with her and her ex-fiancé having disappeared into the sea.
Quite frankly, if one of my students presented me with this story, they would be very lucky to achieve a competent (C), and that is only because I am prepared to give them a little leniency. For a published author, not so much...
I found Free to Love to be so badly written that is became hilarious. The naive, immature writing style included terrible sentence construction.
“...or when her and her roommate, Stephanie Delgato, played their music a little too loud.”
It also had some erroneous manipulation of tense.
“The Petersons may as well have spoken in clicks and grunts and wore animal hides”.
Incomplete sentences were full of inanities and inconsequential fillers.
“When he would take her to the places she wanted to go like the Regency Theater to see second run classic movies in the middle of the afternoon or for gourmet Italian beef sandwiches at a tiny little hole in the wall called Nicky’s where seven bucks got you a sandwich piled high with beef and hot peppers enough to choke a mule.”
Repetition of words exaggerated these inanities further.
“His mother Tousa had ties, very thin ties but ties nonetheless, to the royal Arab family in Egypt...”
The worst part, by far, were the unnecessary metaphors, similes and comparisons that deescalated the tension. These are what finally had me in hysterics.
“Snapping her out of her own thoughts, Julie nearly lost her balance when James pushed the doors open with such force it banged against the wall, sounding like someone had slammed a stack of dictionaries down hard on a marble floor.”
I found the book to be elitist.
“Instead, she held her at the foyer like a rude caterer or unruly delivery man.”
It was also ageist, the mother being described as an old lady when she would not have been 55.
In the first 2 chapters, alone, I had highlighted 35 awkward sentences.
The characterisation faired no better. Each character was polarised towards good or evil. Julie was sickeningly sweet, her fiancé, James, frighteningly violent. Only her dad appeared to be anywhere near normal, and he had minimal impact on the story.
To make matters worse, no denouement was reached. Instead we are left with Julie with amnesia, the young man who is smitten with her unaware that she is missing, a second young man falling in love with her and her ex-fiancé having disappeared into the sea.
Quite frankly, if one of my students presented me with this story, they would be very lucky to achieve a competent (C), and that is only because I am prepared to give them a little leniency. For a published author, not so much...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2018
A suspension of belief will help when reading this novel. In the course of about four days our heroine leaves behind her verbally (and almost physically) abusive husband-to-be and her controlling parents. She leaves everything behind but a few changes of clothes, what little money is in her wallet ($30 and her parents are rich) and her cell phone. She sneaks out of the house, makes it downtown, takes a job as a waitress for one night. After her earnings she purchases a bus ticket and heads towards the coast. At the coast she runs into a guy and his dog. He takes her to a local bed and breakfast, where the kindly matron lets her room in exchange for services around the house. The next day has the guy and girl going on a date, but after she returns to the bed and breakfast she is kidnapped by the ex-boyfriend. He managed to trace her through her cell phone when she called her father to let him know she was okay. He takes her to his boat (he's rich too, that's why her parents think they are a good match) and keeps threatening her. A storm comes up and sinks the boat. She manages to snag a piece of the boat and washes up on shore without her memory. And book #1 ends.
I like to read. I can suspend reality with the best of them. This seemed a little too much to me. I get the running way. I get the one night waitressing job. I get the kindly matron and the guy at the coast. I don't get the date with the guy the following day. I don't get why she would use her cellphone to call her parents. Just watch/read a few mysteries and you know not to use your phone, but a burner phone, if you really have to contact your parents. Or send a postcard from a city you aren't staying in. I also don't get the pace of the book. I could see this happening over months, which would be more believable for the attraction between the guy and the girl and the frustration of the ex-boyfriend and his desperation to track her down. I doubt I'll be reading book #2.
I like to read. I can suspend reality with the best of them. This seemed a little too much to me. I get the running way. I get the one night waitressing job. I get the kindly matron and the guy at the coast. I don't get the date with the guy the following day. I don't get why she would use her cellphone to call her parents. Just watch/read a few mysteries and you know not to use your phone, but a burner phone, if you really have to contact your parents. Or send a postcard from a city you aren't staying in. I also don't get the pace of the book. I could see this happening over months, which would be more believable for the attraction between the guy and the girl and the frustration of the ex-boyfriend and his desperation to track her down. I doubt I'll be reading book #2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2015
I'm completely flabbergasted by this book. And I'm not entirely sure how many stars to give it.
I like Julie (really liked her) and several other characters in the book. I don't like the fiance but I do think his character was well-written.
The premise is interesting.
The writing - is just okay, for the most part. There were a few places where it was great but not throughout.
I feel like for all the good things that I liked in this book, there was something not to like. The mother - made no sense to me. At times it seemed like details changed (person's name or something along those lines). I was especially annoyed that the story seemed to abruptly introduce an entire new cast of characters in a completely new setting only to end and prompt me to buy the next book to find out what happens to Julie. It seemed to me that the author wasn't sure what Julie's story was so she gave her another one.
ARGH!!!
I like series where there is resolution; there might need to be further resolution -- but I like to be able to walk away knowing that things will be trucking along in that world for a bit. (Harry Potter would be a great example. I'm currently reading through The Selection trilogy and book one wrapped up very nicely even though it was obvious that there was more to the story.)
I like Julie and want to know what will happen to her; I'm not sure if I'm curious enough to buy the next book.
I like Julie (really liked her) and several other characters in the book. I don't like the fiance but I do think his character was well-written.
The premise is interesting.
The writing - is just okay, for the most part. There were a few places where it was great but not throughout.
I feel like for all the good things that I liked in this book, there was something not to like. The mother - made no sense to me. At times it seemed like details changed (person's name or something along those lines). I was especially annoyed that the story seemed to abruptly introduce an entire new cast of characters in a completely new setting only to end and prompt me to buy the next book to find out what happens to Julie. It seemed to me that the author wasn't sure what Julie's story was so she gave her another one.
ARGH!!!
I like series where there is resolution; there might need to be further resolution -- but I like to be able to walk away knowing that things will be trucking along in that world for a bit. (Harry Potter would be a great example. I'm currently reading through The Selection trilogy and book one wrapped up very nicely even though it was obvious that there was more to the story.)
I like Julie and want to know what will happen to her; I'm not sure if I'm curious enough to buy the next book.
January 19, 2016
Sweet story
What a great start to a story. I am dying to know what happens next to Julie. Will she ever get back to Mark? Will her parents every get in touch with her? This is a wonderful short story, which you will want to read the best book on the series.
What a great start to a story. I am dying to know what happens next to Julie. Will she ever get back to Mark? Will her parents every get in touch with her? This is a wonderful short story, which you will want to read the best book on the series.
May 6, 2017
Second Chance
I chose this book upon the encouragement of my mom and I am glad I heeded her advice. This was a great read, it filled me with varying emotions - anger, irritation, happiness, laughter, etc. I like how the author brought lead female character (Julie) to life; I related well her. I understand how it feels to want to please everyone and feel prisoner to my own self. Julie is a brave, strong young woman. I have a lot of respect for her. Now I want to read the sequel. Well written Ms McBride.
I chose this book upon the encouragement of my mom and I am glad I heeded her advice. This was a great read, it filled me with varying emotions - anger, irritation, happiness, laughter, etc. I like how the author brought lead female character (Julie) to life; I related well her. I understand how it feels to want to please everyone and feel prisoner to my own self. Julie is a brave, strong young woman. I have a lot of respect for her. Now I want to read the sequel. Well written Ms McBride.
July 11, 2018
Good clean interesting story
Not what I would call the typical romance, as I do not live among the rich or famous. But it's a story of finding one's self and not being controlled by others; rather trusting God to lead and direct. I real!I liked This book and look forward to the next.
Not what I would call the typical romance, as I do not live among the rich or famous. But it's a story of finding one's self and not being controlled by others; rather trusting God to lead and direct. I real!I liked This book and look forward to the next.
April 19, 2019
Not a fan
Not a fan of books that are to be continued. Makes it worse that there is no warning. Therefore, unless you want to continue with buying the rest of the stories, (which I won't) I'd say skip it.
Otherwise, if it concluded in one book, it would be a interesting read. Thank you for reading my review.
Not a fan of books that are to be continued. Makes it worse that there is no warning. Therefore, unless you want to continue with buying the rest of the stories, (which I won't) I'd say skip it.
Otherwise, if it concluded in one book, it would be a interesting read. Thank you for reading my review.
April 15, 2020
I love this book Ms MacBride.
I read the first book in the series over 3 years ago and I still remember the beauty of the story.
I even forgot the name of the book, the series or even the characters but the story still stayed with me, and I thank God I have stumbled upon it again.
Keep on writing Ms, Don't give up on it for anything. A world of people really enjoy your reads.
Shalom!
I read the first book in the series over 3 years ago and I still remember the beauty of the story.
I even forgot the name of the book, the series or even the characters but the story still stayed with me, and I thank God I have stumbled upon it again.
Keep on writing Ms, Don't give up on it for anything. A world of people really enjoy your reads.
Shalom!
April 12, 2018
Disappointing
The book was a little scattered, and incomplete. I make it a point to never by from an author again, if they don't complete the story in a book. You can continue the story with other characters, but finish the story of the main characters.
The book was a little scattered, and incomplete. I make it a point to never by from an author again, if they don't complete the story in a book. You can continue the story with other characters, but finish the story of the main characters.
January 1, 2019
Could Be Good
I hate being dropped in the middle of a book. Unless any book can stand alone, it isn't worth reading.
Could be good, but does not answer any of the questions a reader has.
I hate being dropped in the middle of a book. Unless any book can stand alone, it isn't worth reading.
Could be good, but does not answer any of the questions a reader has.
July 7, 2020
That it... where is the end
How can you end a book like this? I didn't purchase the 2nd book after reading reviews ot too leaves you hanging. Very disappointed good story bad endings
How can you end a book like this? I didn't purchase the 2nd book after reading reviews ot too leaves you hanging. Very disappointed good story bad endings
October 4, 2021
Great Christian Inspiration.
I loved this book. It is so heart warming to see what faith can bring you to, and from. I purchased the second book without hesitation to see what the Lord has instore for Julie.
I loved this book. It is so heart warming to see what faith can bring you to, and from. I purchased the second book without hesitation to see what the Lord has instore for Julie.
March 30, 2025
Such a cute story. I loved how Julie was able to find some semblance of peace away from her parents and James but I am sad that it was stolen again. I hope she’s okay and will remember who she is in the next book. I wonder what she’ll do with both Aaron and Mike vying for her attention?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2025
Such a great book. It was such a cute love story. I loved how both Mark and Julie took the time to know each other. I’m so grateful that Julie didn’t die when she was swept at sea. It must have been such a scary decision to think that she’ll only survive being away from her crazy possessive ex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2017
Delightful
Great story line. Wonder if some words of wisdom at the end about domestic violence would be appropriate.?
Kept me interested🚺
Joanne
Great story line. Wonder if some words of wisdom at the end about domestic violence would be appropriate.?
Kept me interested🚺
Joanne
May 30, 2018
Very good read.
Lovely. Well written.Will tell friends and relatives about this interesting book then maybe they will share their thoughts of the book with their
friends.
Lovely. Well written.Will tell friends and relatives about this interesting book then maybe they will share their thoughts of the book with their
friends.
September 12, 2019
Not a fan
Thank you. Too disjointed and no real ending ... what about family. What about Newport Beach friends. No closure to the story
Thank you. Too disjointed and no real ending ... what about family. What about Newport Beach friends. No closure to the story
September 30, 2019
Sweet pretty short and captivating love story
October 15, 2019
Quick read, cute story.
January 28, 2020
More
This was intriguing and now can’t find the follow up. Great insight into a control freak. Amazing how violent they can be
This was intriguing and now can’t find the follow up. Great insight into a control freak. Amazing how violent they can be
November 19, 2020
For my Women's Lit class, we had to read a Christian romance novel (I did not have a choice).
Read
May 31, 2023What a cliffhanging ending. Got to get book #2
April 4, 2025
Amnesia
Story was great, but I think it's awful that it was left up in the air to try and coax you to by the next book.
Story was great, but I think it's awful that it was left up in the air to try and coax you to by the next book.
December 1, 2025
Nice read. I especially liked the character personalities. I gave the book to a coworker who says it helped her believe in love again.
March 20, 2017
The story about a young woman who seems trapped in the position and wealth that her parents have provided for her. Mistreated and belittled by her suddenly mean fiancé, she makes a bold move and goes away.
Then she experiences all kinds of adventures regarding job opportunities, meeting new and nice people, even a handsome man... until James finds her...
Interesting read, but with a couple mistakes that could've been prevented.
Then she experiences all kinds of adventures regarding job opportunities, meeting new and nice people, even a handsome man... until James finds her...
Interesting read, but with a couple mistakes that could've been prevented.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2017
Dangerous love
I liked the book there just wasn't enough of if
Julie be came a strong women and fought for her freedom
I liked the book there just wasn't enough of if
Julie be came a strong women and fought for her freedom
December 30, 2019
I think this book was very inspiring and inspirational at the same time! I didn’t want to put it down!! At ALL! I enjoyed reading the different parts! What “ parts” interested me the most : A controlling guy Julie was in a relationship with and , she in the end of this book finds a way of livelihood as she escapes this guy who is dangerous! Dangerous in his behavior and controlling in his mind and thoughts. It’s just another reason for woman as myself to reach out to other women and say hey! You are valuable and whatever it is let no man control you. You have a say! And that it’s never ok to accept or live in bondage due to the fact that you have to live this way due to i this case I’m rich and because of that you do as I say I always felt strong about telling him that exact no! No.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews