More Than This

by Staci Stallings

Liz Savoy has no plans to date anyone—least of all the dark handsome mystery man who sometimes inhabits the corner table at the coffee shop where she’s working to get through school. But plans change, sometimes in ways no one expected.

Jake McCoy is the next mega-millionaire author, or at least he would be if he could get the stories in his head down on the ether. With no good place to write, he resorts to dark corners in Wi-Fi hotspots, knowing no one in the world cares about him or his comings and goings one way or the other. However, there is one waitress at The Grind coffee shop with a cute smile and kind eyes who doesn’t seem to think he is as invisible as he likes to think he is. Can reality with her ever hope to match the fantasy world where his imagination has him living?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Romance, Fiction, Christian Romance, Contemporary Romance, Clean Romance

357 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2015

About the author

A stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including:

Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/

Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...

Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/

Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings

Reviews

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

TOGETHER WOULD BE SO MUCH BETTER THAN TRYING TO DO THIS ALONE

The lay up for the story is critical and it is well worth continuing reading More Than This. Once I was really able to get into this story (which did not happen until about 25%) I was totally drawn into the lives of the characters, Jake and Liz, and the dramatic issues that make up this story. Jake McCoy has a brilliant and creative mind, but from his thought process to trying to get it down on paper things go seriously wrong. Liz Savoy is a college student, studying education and works at a coffee house in the evenings.

The storyline has so many valuable lessons, trust, acceptance, forgiveness, redemption and being open-minded. With God there are no accidents. Jake going into The Grind for coffee and to work on his book and Liz working there and serving him coffee and friendship. I will admit that the dialogue in the first fourth of the book was vague, more thoughts than actual dialogue, but once Jake and Liz started actually talking to each other and became friends, the dialogue was heartwarming. This is not just a warm fuzzy romance book, it is so much deeper than that. Dealing with real issues of learning disabilities and how over time they limit a person in life, of how making unwise decisions lead to consequences and heartache. This is a book that also shares God's love, his forgiveness and the messages at church from the minister are enlightening without feeling preachy. Great lessons that we are all children of God but we are each individuals with different issues, problems and circumstances. This story does have a HEA ending.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Christian contemporary romance was slow to start, but once it grabbed me, I found it very moving. The characters were dealing with big issues, and I liked how they were able to help each other. The book addressed dyslexia, which has recently become a subject of interest to me. Even though this book is fiction, I think it did a great job of explaining what it is and how it can be addressed. So, in that way, I think I was meant to read the book. I think this author is a natural talent, but I do have to comment that she needs an editor, or a better editor. There are many missing commas, and some wrong word errors. In addition, sometimes things happened or characters behaved in ways that didn't make sense. For example, Liz's friend Mia at first encouraged Liz to "hook up" with Jake on several occasions. Later she was opposed to even a friendly relationship, which actually made more sense when we know Liz's back story. I think some of these issues should have been addressed by editing. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was up to the wee hours reading, so I have to give it 4 stars.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an incredible story that pulled me in from the beginning (which takes place in a coffee shop, yes)! Jake became my hero early on when he brings Liz medicine when she comes down with a really bad cold, but both of these characters felt like real friends of mine as I read their story and I couldn't put the book down. This book broke my heart in a touching way, but it also gave me incredible hope as Liz and Jake navigate through their issues with God's tangible touch upon them the whole way. I also LOOOOOVED learning about Jazmine, Jake's fictional heroine as he writes his own best seller and how real her character became to him.

This book wasn't just good for my heart, it soothed my soul and I needed many tissues as I read on. I highly recommend this one and even though it was my first time reading Stallings work, it definitely won't be my last :) Loved it from start to finish, two thumbs up.

[Rita Kroon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz Savoy has no plans to date anyone - least of all the dark handsome mystery man who frequently inhabited the corner table at the coffee shop where she worked. But plans change, sometimes in ways no one expected.

Jake McCoy wants to be an author, but struggles to get the stories in his head down on paper. With no good place to write, he resorts to dark corners in Wi-Fi hot-spots, knowing no one in the world cares about him or his comings and goings. However, there is one waitress at The Grind Coffee Shop with a cute smile and kind eyes who doesn't seem to think he is as invisible as he likes to think he is. Could reality even begin to match the fantasy world where his imagination has him living?

Author Staci Stallings sets a slow tempo to give readers the opportunity to understand the characters, Liz and Jake; their thoughts, emotions, fears and a hint of their nightmares. Liz hides her nightmare, while Jake lives his on a daily basis. Both characters are buried in shame and guilt and fear, and feel no one could love them if their truths came out. They are two broken people looking for hope and healing. Stallings braids the depth of the two main characters with the real problems each is facing in a masterful way. Their growth in overcoming their mountains throughout the story tugs at the hearts of those who watch Liz and Jake come to life as they learn that people can sometimes be their own worse enemy.

Author Stallings deals with tough issues: dyslexia and the frustration and despair that goes with it, and abortion and the shame and guilt that accompany it, in a compassionate, and yet, informative way. Stallings tells an emotional story bringing her characters through shame, guilt, fear, remorse, despair, frustration to the hope that God can take even the worse times of their lives and bring healing and good which in turn, gives a renewed hope and confidence in the power and love of God to the readers.

I give "More Than This" by Staci Stallings a 5-star review even though it seems to drag a little in spots.

Review by: Rita Kroon, author of "Kiss Your Mommy Goodbye," "Letters from the Past," and "Cancer - a Journey through the Valley."

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down till I finished it. Yes, there were a few places where I thought the editing could have been better, but the overall story: wow! My heart went out to Jake. Almost 30 years old, handsome, but crushed by an inaccurate label he'd carried since he was a boy in school, where he struggled because of a learning disability. I thought the author was spot-on with her characterization of Jake being socially awkward because of this burden. Liz is a college student with her own issues, but one day she gets up the nerve to talk with this quiet stranger who frequents the coffee shop where she works. Their relationship is awkward at first. Jake is attracted to Liz (as she is to him) but he has such a low opinion of himself he thinks she'd be better off without him. After they do become friends, and their feelings deepen, they are able to share their burdens and learn to work together. It was exciting to me to read the sections about Jake's disability and what was done to help, perhaps because I work with children. It's good to know there is hope. This is a Christian fiction book so we do see how God has woven all this together. The author has included references in the back of the book for those who want to find out more about this particular learning disability.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is not often you read a book with a dyslexic hero, that is also a writer. As the mother of two children with dyslexia and Dysgraphia, it is rare that people get it right.
This author obviously experienced it herself, as she got it right, including how painful it is to do something we consider to be normal and simple.
I loved how throughout the book, Jake's beliefs about himself were brought up, time and again, as he longed to put his creative side into practice, but was unable to do so, even with tools. He had to bring the truth to the surface, ask for help and seek it.

It was written beautifully!

[Pat Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous story by Staci Stallings

I can't get enough of Staci Stallings books. Great diverse stories. Clean Christian standards for real people facing real problems dealt with with a tiny amount of tentative faith. Their faith is enough to move mountains. I am a great fan especially after reading thousands of other books where they were so erotic, so full of blasphemy, and so immoral. These novels are a breath of fresh air in a world that has dropped its standards to an all-time low.

[Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Than This

More Than This
Have you ever felt like there should be more to life than this?
Have you struggled with letting go of past mistakes?
While this book is a piece of fiction, the underlying lessons are anything but fiction. The characters are written in such a way that you feel a part of their struggle. Dealing with Dyslexia and the misunderstandings that go along with it is eye opening.
This novel leaves you with hope, a feeling that there is more to life than just this.

[Tricia Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming read

There are not enough words to say how amazing, touching, heart breaking, and joy this was to read. The story that Jake had been working on is just beyond amazing. Telling Liz and putting together the puzzle pieces that ended up has their story was really great. Knowing God has a plan for everyone is just amazing. He never gives more than you can handle. Liz's guilt and her talk with her pastor, brought me to tears. Letting go and let God for her was even better.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have tissues handy for this one.

Both main characters believe they have a fatal flaw that makes them unworthy of... love, hope, happiness.
It's understandable for Jake, as he seems to have never heard the Gospel message. It hits harder for Liz because she is a Christian with the head knowledge of salvation, but she hasn't taken it to heart.

This was a good story and has another story within it. The main story moves a bit slowly but is well paced. The story within the story is action-packed but also packs an emotional punch.

[Terrell Hester · Rating 4 out of 5]

God's Grace

I enjoyed learning about dyslexia in the book. It opened up my mind to all the different types when before reading this book I thought it was just seeing letters backwards. I am definite pro life but know with God's mercy and grace
that there is forgiveness. That part was portrayed well. I felt the book dragged a little and not sure where the room mate went. Overall I thought the book was good.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love story about dyslexia

This is a love story about a man with dyslexia. It is an excellent book that I really enjoyed. It was enlightening to see the struggles he went through and get insight into the disease.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!

Good story development; good issue development and solution. Love how Staci integrated the Word and real life situations. I would highly recommend this book and author.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storyline

I love reading Staci's work. This one started a little slow, I feel like the first half could habe been cut down a bit and more time spent on the second half. Loved the storyline and that this was personal for Staci. Thank you for sharing this story

[Elisa53 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story

Becoming open to another person is so hard when you feel so beet down by a wrong you did years ago or some problem you were born with and don't have the knowledge to fix it all or even forgive yourself

[Brenda Poulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

If You Can Read This...

I especially appreciate fiction that teaches me something. Learning more about Dyslexia deepened the characters, too. The writing was superb and made me actually feel Jake and Liz's pain...and joy.

[Karen Spangler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend

For those looking for a good clean read, this is one with reading. Life experiences affect uses all in different ways. The author did a great job incorporating them into this book.

[Nerissa Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could have been a tad shorter but I enjoyed the struggle between the characters to discover what they could accomplish together and with fait.

[Yvonne Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This is a realistic story told with skill. Once again Staci has touched on real life problems and addresses them with honesty and delicacy. A very enjoyable read.

[Laura Boyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

Very real and believable story. Characters and situations were realistic. The story was not forced. I highly recommend reading this book.

[Rebekah H Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story and would highly recommend. A little slow in the beginning but then hooked me good. I would love to attend Liz's church.

[Doreen Choate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about Dislexia.

I didn't realize the anguish people go through that are dyslexic. What an eye opening read. Also about the anguish about abortion.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have all wondered if there could be more to life than what we have or wanted to have. This book takes a unique look at some special people and their problems and answers that question for them. Ms. Stallings is an author of diverse genre and themes; however, this book may be her most unique composition. The first few pages of the book are a bit slow, but you soon realize that there is an unknown undercurrent. This is the story of a man who runs a forklift by day and by night is struggling to become a successful author. From the dialogue you realize that he is struggling just to put his thoughts together and down on paper. He appears to have good ideas, but he struggles to follow up on the scenes and events. We meet Liz who at night is working as a server and studying for college which she attends during the day. Their interaction with each other is sweet and a bit awkward. Liz is dealing with problems from her past. The story is so sweet and special as they learn to deal with their own problems and to share and they slowly form a relationship of trust and love. But together the two discover hope overflowing from the heart.
Dyslexia is an often misunderstood and confusing affliction. This may indeed be Ms. Stallings most intriguing story as she writes from the heart regarding the special problems people with dyslexia incur and how they learn to cope with them. The other underlying theme of the book is abortion and Ms. Stallings writes about the issue with compassion and forgiveness. Abortion is often what appears to be the only choice young women feel that they have, but it carries a lot of mixed emotions and guilt with it. Ms. Stallings offers a very powerful insight into what the women deal with the remainder of their lives.
I was given a copy of this book by Staci Stallings in return for a fair and impartial review of the book. The only regret I have about the book is that I would love to have read about them perhaps a year into the marriage. It was such a sweet, Christian novel. I would recommend it.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really moving story about a man who has never been able to learn to read and the woman who helped him realize he could get help. Jake meets Liz in the coffee shop where she works and he goes to work on the novel he is writing. The relationship is quirky and they both have secrets. As they grow closer Liz begins to suspect that Jake has dyslexia, which she is learning about in her college classes. When Jake feels strong enough to share the fact that he can't read, Liz talks him into going to the Literacy Center for help. When Jake proposes Liz initially says yes, but the secret from her past causes her to reject him, thinking he wouldn't want her once he knows. But Jake is stronger than that and convinces her they belong together. There are a couple scenes where they are in church and the pastor's words really speak to Jake, and when Liz goes to see the pastor he tells her a great way of looking at her situation that I really appreciated for their wisdom and practicality.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts out slow but once you get through the background- WOW! This book takes you on a journey into the life of an adult with dyslexia, and an adult that has an abortion- and how each feels broken. Staci writes in a way that you can feel what these people feel because don't we ALL feel broken in some way? Her thorough explanation of dyslexia is wonderful- because obviously if we can read her book, we might have trouble understanding what someone with dyslexia is going through. There are so many take-aways from this book! The story shows hope, forgiveness, being open and honest in a relationship, that God can make away and that God forgives and that God can "fix" broken. I especially like the pastor's explanation of the reason for the commandments. Highly recommended! I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Northern Light · Rating 3 out of 5]

z works in a coffee shop while studying and every night Jake comes in and hides himself in a dark corner with his laptop to write his book. However they are both hiding a secret which they kept to themselves. As they get to know each other will they be able to open up and let God heal the pain and allow them to live a full life.

I enjoyed this book which dealt with really difficult issues which many struggle with. It takes a while to get going but is worth persevering with. God is present very naturally and gently as Jake in particular comes to recognise his need for Him in his life.

The ending was clear from early on but the journey to get there is an emotional roller coaster as they tentatively try to trust each other.

It was good to read a Christian novel which wasn't preachy. As the title says with God there is 'more than this' to all our lives if we allow Him in.

[Tara Alemany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Stallings masterfully weaves multiple storylines together. The overarching theme is about how we can be our own worst enemies sometimes. Yet God doesn't want to see us stalled where we're at. He has a plan and a purpose for the messiness of our lives and, if we can just fully rely on Him to reveal His workings to us, He can take even the worst elements of our lives, our most shameful secrets, and use them for good.

I found the main characters' struggles to be realistic and relatable. Not only was I drawn into their stories, but I learned things too that I never knew before. And their growth throughout the story was admirable, without feeling contrived to make a point.

This book was a hard one for me to put down. I wanted to consume it all in one sitting, at the same time as savor it to make it last as long as possible.

I highly recommend

[Kari Trumbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake is minding his own business sitting in a coffee shop trying to blend into the woodwork when Liz walks up and offers him a refill. Slowly, but surely Liz brakes though Jakes protective loneliness and both of their lives begin to change.

Both Liz and Jake have secrets, problems that make them feel unworthy to be a part of what is happening between them. Only a nudge from above can keep them on the right track, the track to peace and more than they ever imagined.

This story is not for a person looking for a typical romance novel, The romance element is definitely there, but it is much more than that. If you are looking for an emotional read with characters that have a real struggle, this is that book.

[Delinda Mauney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading books where I can learn something about a subject. When learning is interfaced with a great story it makes it more appealing to me. This story is about a sweet couple who met almost accidently, both with pasts and both needing someone.

The part of the story telling about his reading disability was very interesting to me. I can almost feel his pain in the story about being the "odd ball" in school and elsewhere and always feeling "different". Then this sweet girl researches and becomes involved in ways to help him and things just fall into place.

Lots of things happen in between and the story flows nicely with some unexpected happenings but I enjoyed it and would recommend it.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author did an incredible job of weaving the challenges of dyslexia into a readable format that both jerked on my heart-strings and challenged my thinking toward non-readers. One of the characters also introduces the tragedy of her past abortion and the life-long consequences she must endure. The action drags a bit with the dramatic telling, but the bigger challenge for me was the lack of editing. Both the grammar (sat for set, etc) and the spelling errors detracted from my overall enjoyment, but I would still recommend this book to others because of the fascinating approach to an under-reported challenge in education and society in general.