Raine Still has never had much of an identity outside of being the daughter of the old hippie couple that own Hope House, a transitional housing facility in the worst part of Charlotte, North Carolina, and that had been okay with her until her parents died and left her alone in world.
Gage Jordan is a decorated solider discharged from the army after fourteen years due to a physical injury, but the emotional scars are far worse than anything he’s rehabbed from. He has a great job lined up and a mass of support from his family, but something is missing and he’s starting to feel like it’s Raine.
Gage thought his wounded heart had issues, but Raine’s pain is much deeper. If something doesn’t give soon they will never have a chance at love. Can he convince her to see that “hope” and faith are the balm she needs to heal her hurting soul?
Even as she pursued degrees in Textile Technology, Organizational Leadership and finally, Adult Education, Rhonda McKnight’s love for books and desire to write stories was always in the back of her mind and in the forefront of her heart. Rhonda loves reading and writing stories that touch the heart of women through complex plots and interesting characters in crisis. She writes from the comfort of her South Carolina home with black tea, potato chips and chocolate on hand. At her feet sits a snappy mixed breed dog. She can be reached at her website at www.rhondamcknight.com and on social media at www.facebook.com/booksbyrhondawww.twitter.com/rhondamcknightwww.instagram.com/authorrhondamcknight
What a good story. This story touched home for me on so many levels. I am even more overjoyed because I know the area in which the setting is placed for the book. I used to live in Charlotte for a short time. I love how the two main Characters walked into this love thang. This was a heart wrenching and also heart warming story. Rhonda told this story just as smooth as water running over a waterfall. Absolutely loved it.
“Live A Little” is an all-embracing homonym; the words have the same spelling, but a different meaning than what resonates in the carnal mind upon hearing them. Rhonda McKnight is authentic and praiseworthy in her craft as a Christian fiction author. In her latest release, she immediately draws us in by describing the demolition derby of life’s circumstances that has destroyed Raine Still’s desire to live. Intellectually, she knows that the God her parents taught her to trust in is real. It’s her broken heart that wonders why He has forsaken her.
Living in different cities allows Raine to avoid the frantic calls and texts from her best friend while she decides what to do. Decorated war hero, Gage Jordan, is not so lucky. The Jordans are a tight-knit, loving family, and while he explains his uncharacteristic standoffishness as “adjusting,” they are concerned about him. Gage can’t escape his family, or the devastating injury that ended his 14-year military career. He and Raine have at least one thing in common; they watched someone they loved suffer and die. Gage recognizes that in the battlefield of his mind, he continues to carry the limp body of his friend.
Hope House was Raine’s parents’ lifework before the ravages of age and sickness kept them from it. Instead of a legacy worth reviving, Raine treats it like a millstone about her neck. Sometimes we’re so busy wallowing in self-pity that we need a Mrs. Belk to stick their nose in our business and remind us affectionately of our purpose in God’s handiwork. Her hippie parents’ gift of sacrifice made room for Raine to attend “The Show.” Outside the will call window is where two reluctant theatregoers; Raine and Gage, see one another for the first time in years.
Gage reads the Bible faithfully, now he’s trying to read into what his reaction to seeing Raine again means, if anything. They were never lovers, yet there’s an unmistakable chemistry between them. As a baby, Raine had been a lost cause before being adopted by an elderly white couple, the Stills. Gage and Raine’s spirits are already wounded, so before allowing physical attraction to bring further turmoil into their walk with God, both want to make sure she’s more than a cause to champion or conquer. If the doors of Hope House swing open once more, there’s hope for love, if Gage Jordan and Raine Still put aside the weights that beset them and just live a little.
I LOVED how this broke the mindset that you have to have it all together before you can be loved or in a healthy relationship. Def can see how Rhonda's writing flourished as I started from her most recent books and I'm working my way back. Book 1 was a little slow & fast at the same time. I couldn't get enough of this book!
Raine still has never had much of an identity outside of being the adopted daughter of the old white hippie couple that own Hope House, a transitional housing facility in the worst part of Charlotte, North Carolina, and that had been okay with her until her parents died and left her alone in world. She now finds herself suicidal, no friends or family, a job she hates, leaves her wanting to join them in heaven. Gage Jordan is a (decorated solider) discharged from the army after fourteen years due to a physical injury, but the emotional scars are far worse than anything he’s rehabbed from. Carrying his friend and still losing him, still shows up in his dreams. He has a great federal job lined up and a mass of support from his family, but something is missing and he’s starting to feel like it may be Raine. A random visit and finding a soldier there give Raine the push she needs to stop the city from taking and condemning Hope House. It gives Gage a chance to use his counseling degree to help soldiers like himself. Gage thought his wounded heart had issues, but Raine’s pain is much deeper. If something doesn’t give soon they will never have a chance at love. Can he convince her to see that “hope” and faith are the balm she needs to heal her hurting soul? Can Hope House help heal them all?
This book will have you wanting to take out your checkbook, or clear your calendar, and do something to help those who’ve fought for us.
Raine and Gage share a beautiful relationship. This Christian romance is so uplifting. Both of the characters are struggling with trials in their lives. Gage is fighting with war memories. Raine is struggling with overcoming loneliness after losing both of her adoptive parents. She has no other family. Plus, she has only one friend, her best friend who has moved to Arizona. Raine's loneliness is about to drive her over the edge. Gage arrives in her life just in time. Along with Gage will come a big family of brothers and sisters who want the best for him.
The novella is inspirational. There are scriptures to hold any person rock steady in whatever struggle they are facing while reading the book. The relationship between these two people is sweet and romantic. There is also quite a bit to learn about Veterans who come back from Afghanistan and/or Iraq. Their lives are far from easy. Thank goodness for places like Hope House. Live a Little by Rhonda McKnight is filled with hope. There is no need to give up. The sun will shine tomorrow.http://www.rhondamcknight.net/
Being an avid reader and fan of Rhonda McKnight, I knew that I would love this book. Rhonda did not disappoint.
The story of Raine and Gage appeals to reader on so many levels. It delves into the seriousness of depression and loneliness and how the feelings affect our lives. This story shows that depression is real, loneliness is real and to deal with both it is important to discuss your feelings with someone who can help. Not only is it important to talk with someone but to also have a good relationship with God.
I strongly recommend "Live A Little" as a quick, good, thought-provoking read.
This book was awesomely structured to show readers going through any types of adversities that there is definitely power in waiting on the Lord. It so uniquely gave you a glimpse into the life of Raine, a lonely lady who allowed the spirit of loneliness to usher in thoughts that were intended to take her out. While on the flip side, Gage was secretly combatting the spirit of guilt which could have very well put him in the same place as Raine. But thanks be unto God for books that show what the enemy meant for bad, God has the power to turn it and then used it for your good. Thanks Rhonda for an awesome read!
Raine Still was all alone in this world. Her adoptive parents had died within months of each other. Working from home afforded no business associates for Raine. Her only real friend had married and moved out of state. Raine was so lonely she could not see her way out of her misery except to end it all. Gage Jordan, a highly decorated, wounded soldier of fourteen years, can’t find a purpose for his life. But all that changed in a (God-ordained) chance meeting with an acquaintance from his pre-war years. I enjoyed reading of the struggle of these two people to find a new life for themselves – one dedicated to work that honors the LORD and helps other people.
Never one to disappoint, Rhonda has done it again. Raine & Gage are birds of a feather in different ways and it takes the skill of a great writer to weave their tales so eloquently. The couple are facing their own pain but instead of the story being a downer, its a fun, flirty and very interesting story. God shows up and shows out! Thank you Rhonda for letting God use you this way. If you are a new reader to Rhonda McKnight, get this book, if for nothing else, for this line...."He looked so good.Like Jesus, Idris Elba and a good macaroni & cheese casserole all rolled into one"
Raine and Gage two people that are on the verge of giving up. Raine is having thoughts of ending her life while Gage is trying to find a reason to live. Raine and Gage have previously spent time together, but it was not their time. God is always sending you what you need exactly when you need it. Both Raine and Gage are in need of a love that they can only get from each other and through the love of community and work that Raine's parents started they manage to not only help the community and the people in it, but they find each other and a love that was destined from God.
God sends ppl by when we are at our lowest. God winked on Raine with a simple phone call and ticket to a show. As I read her story, I was able to understand why she felt life was just too much. The Lord big bed he sent an entire large family her way. Those of us with family may take "family" for granted, until you are acquainted with a situation like Raine. She returned the Bible study and learned that she hadn't been forgotten. Gage was a full package deal, and was a huge lifeline to Raine. I want to read their series.
Ms. McKnight has done it again. Unless we have experienced it first hand, we tend to underestimate the power depression has over people. As well as the fact that depression stems from so many places. Through the grace of God, and the power of love....even depression can be overcome. Rhonda McKnight in her own inimitable way has shown us this in "Live a Little". Rhonda, we are grateful that you choose to share your God inspired gift with us.
Today I wanted to read an uplifting book. I chose two books and I started with this one. I'm so very happy that I did. God knows what I need, just need to listen. I have lots of Christian romance and inspirational books however, I was urged to read this one.
I loved the love and love of God to bring two broken people together and unite them to heal the other. This author has quickly become a favorite. Keep writing and I will keep reading!
This book came right at the appointed time! I was feeling sad and missing my Mom and brother who passed away 9 months apart in 2012. This book reminded me that I'm never alone. I loved how Gage stepped up stood beside Raine! This is a definitely a must read. I can't wait for the next Jordan family!
This was a good book. Raine and Gabe were two lost people. One searching for love and family. The other searching for purpose. Raine had lost touch with God from depression regarding the deaths of her parents. Gabe discovered her secret and through his strong faith, he was able to reach out and bring her back. He also found his purpose.
This was a quick read for me. Raine was very suicidal. She felt as though she had no reason to live since her parents were deceased. Gage was a good person with a good heart. He continued to pursue Raine and he never gave up on her. After finding her suicide note and pills, he continued to stand by her and he never revealed to her what he saw. Good read two thumbs up...
Rhonda Mcknight did it again with Live a Little, book 2 of the Jordan Family Series! A beautiful story of hope and love in the lives of Raine and Gage. A story of two people lost in a lonely place but finds comfort in Jesus and each other. The power of hope and love is evident in this wonderful page turner! I am ready for book 3.
I am usually not a fan of romance stories so I was a little hesitant about reading this book...but since it was a novella, I figured I would give it a chance. I'm glad I did. What a sweet read about HOPE. I loved it. I loved the characters and cant wait to read more about the Jordan family.
5 STAR PAGE TURNER!! Rhonda McKnight has penned an awesome story of love, faith, trust & hope. I loved Gage and Raine's story. It reminds us that God is always with us and He knows the right time to place the right people in our lives!!
Gage & Raine were the missing pieces for each other's puzzle. This was a very sweet story of Hope. Gage loved Raine back to life after her losses. They were each needed!
This was a uplifting read....I like how Gage came into Raine life & made her see she was a good person & she was wanted by someone..Raine was such a loner....I'm glad she found that it was more to living
Rhonda McKnight has done it again, with Live A Little, a wrenching, mellow romance novel. This moving novel has all the elements a story of this calibrate must have in order to keep the readers engaged. Read Full Review
This was a quick read for me. I am glad that Raine didn't get a chance to kill herself because suicide is never the answer. Gage came into her life at the right time and made her feel like she mattered.
Two broken people dealing with grief, touching heartwarming, and real. Gage and Raine are both struggling, but together they find joy comes in the morning. Awesome read.
This book was fantastic. I loved the depth of the characters as the helped each other work through their pain. This book covered some important topics in a sensitive way. The faith and family aspects were well done. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
The author's depiction of the main character's struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts is realistic and compelling. It was a well-written story with hope and love at the core of her healing. A worthy read.
I really loved Live A Little, the second book in the Jordan Family Series. This book was well written and the storyline was very developed and cohesive. I look forward to reading the 3rd book in this series.