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Seasons of Hope #2
Just the Way You Are
When Pastor Gabe asks Audrey Gilbraith to use her mad florist skills to help him design a prayer garden, she’s all in, especially since it helps take her mind off the fact she’s about to lose her job and her apartment. But working closely with Gabe without falling for him is complicated. She’s not pastor’s wife material, and she has the past to prove it.
Gabriel Brookson wants out of Audrey’s friend-zone, but when he pursues her romantically, he ruffles more than a few feathers in his congregation. How much is he willing to give up for this wonderful, quirky woman, and will Audrey accept him if he risks it all?
Gabriel Brookson wants out of Audrey’s friend-zone, but when he pursues her romantically, he ruffles more than a few feathers in his congregation. How much is he willing to give up for this wonderful, quirky woman, and will Audrey accept him if he risks it all?
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2015
25 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Jessica R. Patch
116 books1,126 followersJessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica's stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.
Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.
She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.
Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.
She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.
Sign up for her newsletter "Patched In" at www.jessicarpatch.com. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 29, 2015
Have you ever been in a situation, or worse, in a relationship, where you didn't feel like anything you did was good enough? Where no matter how much you tried to fit in or how much you attempted to be that person nothing worked? It's no fun. And that's Aubry. Loud and boisterous, she cracks yo-mama jokes and is chronically late to everything, including church. She's also hiding a tremendous amount of pain and guilt from her past.
"People dressed up hurt in all sorts of ways. Dresses and heels, a grin and witty words didn't mean it wasn't simmering under the surface, ready to explode..."
None of that matters to Pastor Gabe, who finds Aubry refreshing and honest, and has loved her for the past two years. When he finally woos her to move past friends, certain members of his church force him to choose between staying at the church or loving Aubry.
The underlying theme shines throughout this book like a lighthouse on a foggy night. Aubry didn't have to change for Pastor Gabe to love her anymore, just like we don't have to change for God to love us anymore. He loves us exactly as we are, where we are, even if we have a past we're ashamed of.
I read Hope Under Mistletoe and loved it, so I was excited to snatch up another book by Jessica R. Patch. I love how she writes grace into her stories using real-to-life characters and witty dialog without being preachy. Just the Way You Are is a quick read, a wonderful book for a lazy weekend afternoon. I'm definitely a new fan!
Disclaimer: I received this novella free by signing up for Jessica's Patched In newsletter. I received no compensation for my fair and unbiased review.
"People dressed up hurt in all sorts of ways. Dresses and heels, a grin and witty words didn't mean it wasn't simmering under the surface, ready to explode..."
None of that matters to Pastor Gabe, who finds Aubry refreshing and honest, and has loved her for the past two years. When he finally woos her to move past friends, certain members of his church force him to choose between staying at the church or loving Aubry.
The underlying theme shines throughout this book like a lighthouse on a foggy night. Aubry didn't have to change for Pastor Gabe to love her anymore, just like we don't have to change for God to love us anymore. He loves us exactly as we are, where we are, even if we have a past we're ashamed of.
I read Hope Under Mistletoe and loved it, so I was excited to snatch up another book by Jessica R. Patch. I love how she writes grace into her stories using real-to-life characters and witty dialog without being preachy. Just the Way You Are is a quick read, a wonderful book for a lazy weekend afternoon. I'm definitely a new fan!
Disclaimer: I received this novella free by signing up for Jessica's Patched In newsletter. I received no compensation for my fair and unbiased review.
December 4, 2015
'Just the Way You Are' is the second book in the 'Seasons of Hope' series written by Jessica R Patch, an amazing new inspirational author. Within minutes of completing the first book in this series, 'Hope Under Mistletoe,' I was compelled to snatch up the the other three. In fact, yesterday I spent the day reading books two, three, and four and I am in awe of this author. All four books are beyond amazing but, for now, I will concentrate on this one.
Pastor Gabriel Brookson is the recently new pastor in the town of Mistletoe. He is a handsome widower and for the last two years his church has been growing as well as his interest in Audrey Gilbraith, a florist with some mad floral skills. Gabe wants Audrey out of the friend zone but when he tries to make it happen he comes against a lot of opposition from the congregation and church board.
Audrey is a sweetheart of a woman but she is quirky and has some hang ups about her past, ones she feel eliminates her from being a pastor's wife. She is perpetually late, can't cook or bake no matter how hard she tries, and feels she just can't measure up to the other ladies of the community. It certainly doesn't help that many of these 'church women' make fun of her and gossip behind her back. There are some who try and knock down everything good thing she tries to do. It is really quite sad and I felt so bad for her. I know how she feels as I have always, since quite young, felt like a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. It is a terrible thing to feel you don't belong anywhere. The final straw comes when her boss tells her they're selling the florist shop where she works and lives above the store. Shortly she will be unemployed and homeless.
Fantastic book in a Wonderful series. I highly recommend it. You will surely be missing out if you don't read this series. God and spiritual matters are not shoved down our throats but just a part of this towns everyday life. Although this could be read as a stand-alone you will gain much more from the series if you read the books in order.
Pastor Gabriel Brookson is the recently new pastor in the town of Mistletoe. He is a handsome widower and for the last two years his church has been growing as well as his interest in Audrey Gilbraith, a florist with some mad floral skills. Gabe wants Audrey out of the friend zone but when he tries to make it happen he comes against a lot of opposition from the congregation and church board.
Audrey is a sweetheart of a woman but she is quirky and has some hang ups about her past, ones she feel eliminates her from being a pastor's wife. She is perpetually late, can't cook or bake no matter how hard she tries, and feels she just can't measure up to the other ladies of the community. It certainly doesn't help that many of these 'church women' make fun of her and gossip behind her back. There are some who try and knock down everything good thing she tries to do. It is really quite sad and I felt so bad for her. I know how she feels as I have always, since quite young, felt like a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. It is a terrible thing to feel you don't belong anywhere. The final straw comes when her boss tells her they're selling the florist shop where she works and lives above the store. Shortly she will be unemployed and homeless.
Fantastic book in a Wonderful series. I highly recommend it. You will surely be missing out if you don't read this series. God and spiritual matters are not shoved down our throats but just a part of this towns everyday life. Although this could be read as a stand-alone you will gain much more from the series if you read the books in order.
April 29, 2015
Loved Audrey right away, she’s so different and quirky but she also has an amazing heart and despite living in a small town that’s not so easy to fit with, she loves her community with a unique passion. Her talent with making flower designs is unmatched and I found it adorable that she could never arrive anywhere on time. Her biggest flaw is learning to forgive herself, but one easy to relate to.
Gabe isn’t just the new town pastor, but he’s also a widower and Audrey is the only woman he has eyes for despite women constantly cooking and baking for him. He is finally able to get Audrey’s attention when someone passes away and requests that Audrey create a prayer garden with Gabe. Audrey loves this person so much she even refuses to be paid for the job.
It was wonderful watching Gabe and Audrey go from friends to becoming a couple. Gabe is determined to win her heart despite her obvious hesitancy at first. LOVED the scene where Gabe faces someone from Audrey’s past and the revelation he gets after this conversation, such a great man! Also loved that Audrey can’t cook and I would greatly enjoy sitting next to her at a baseball game even though I’m not into sports!
Even though the story is short, it’s beautifully written with sass, small town gossip (which I can’t stand but it’s written so realistically), and a courageous free spirited woman who doesn’t realize she deserves to be loved. I look forward to more of Patch’s stories; she writes with passion, faith and humor unlike anyone I’ve read before. Whether you love or hate her characters, you will be drawn into the story because you’ll just have to know what happens and Just the Way You Are is indeed a wonderful telling!
Gabe isn’t just the new town pastor, but he’s also a widower and Audrey is the only woman he has eyes for despite women constantly cooking and baking for him. He is finally able to get Audrey’s attention when someone passes away and requests that Audrey create a prayer garden with Gabe. Audrey loves this person so much she even refuses to be paid for the job.
It was wonderful watching Gabe and Audrey go from friends to becoming a couple. Gabe is determined to win her heart despite her obvious hesitancy at first. LOVED the scene where Gabe faces someone from Audrey’s past and the revelation he gets after this conversation, such a great man! Also loved that Audrey can’t cook and I would greatly enjoy sitting next to her at a baseball game even though I’m not into sports!
Even though the story is short, it’s beautifully written with sass, small town gossip (which I can’t stand but it’s written so realistically), and a courageous free spirited woman who doesn’t realize she deserves to be loved. I look forward to more of Patch’s stories; she writes with passion, faith and humor unlike anyone I’ve read before. Whether you love or hate her characters, you will be drawn into the story because you’ll just have to know what happens and Just the Way You Are is indeed a wonderful telling!
May 5, 2022
This was such an uplifting book. We live in a world where we are always trying to outdo someone else, and we tend to prematurely judge people before we know all the facts. This story touched on all of those subjects. Audrey has a God-given talent that she does not fully realize. Pastor Gabe is a widow and has been a ray of sunshine to the town of Mistletoe. He has been admiring Audrey for quite some time. However, Audrey feels that her past will not be a good "look" for the local pastor. She also does not feel she has the necessary "skills" to be a pastor's wife. She is overlooking that God blesses each of us with different talents for a reason. This book touched me in the deepest depths of my heart. Why are we always so averse to change? Why do we "assume" we know things about people and use that supposed "knowledge" to tear them down? This book literally brought me to tears. It is a story of healing and forgiveness, as well as willingness to change. One of my favorite passages in the book was on the last page as follows: "But instead of staying painted in shame, she'd embraced the precious gift of grace and let God give her an amazing and abundant life." What an awesome testimony! This is book #2 in the Seasons of Hope series by Jessica R. Patch. If you need a good lesson in humility and forgiveness, this book and this series will tug at your heart strings. I highly recommend this series!
November 5, 2015
Sweet. I read it because other reviews said it was not preachy, but I respectfully disagree a bit. I was unfamiliar with some of the worship terms.
“I’m wondering who I’m seeing.” She stepped up and touched his cheek, setting off an explosion of feelings. “Forget to shave?”
“I’m growing a beard. I thought, why not?”
She gave him a sassy grin and nodded. “I’m diggin’ it, Pastor.”
Then it was staying. Period. End of story.
“What are you doing here?”
He shook his head. Had she not figured it out yet?
“You’re here. And I don’t want to be anywhere you aren’t.”
Her hand hovered and shook above the red and yellow tulips. “I can’t believe you did that. Why? They need you, Gabe. This town needs you.”
He inhaled, flowery scents mixing with the aroma of restaurants cooking up Sunday Easter lunches. “I need you. I choose you. It’s not a contest.”
Oh YEAH!
“I’m wondering who I’m seeing.” She stepped up and touched his cheek, setting off an explosion of feelings. “Forget to shave?”
“I’m growing a beard. I thought, why not?”
She gave him a sassy grin and nodded. “I’m diggin’ it, Pastor.”
Then it was staying. Period. End of story.
“What are you doing here?”
He shook his head. Had she not figured it out yet?
“You’re here. And I don’t want to be anywhere you aren’t.”
Her hand hovered and shook above the red and yellow tulips. “I can’t believe you did that. Why? They need you, Gabe. This town needs you.”
He inhaled, flowery scents mixing with the aroma of restaurants cooking up Sunday Easter lunches. “I need you. I choose you. It’s not a contest.”
Oh YEAH!
February 7, 2017
In this sweet novella, Jessica R. Patch does a great job at reminding us to use our talents for God. Not try to squeeze in a mode that makes others happy. Unlike the first and fourth books in this series, Audrey and Gae did not have a past together. They both had to grow up from their past mistakes and learn to forgive. To conclude, I enjoyed reading another edition to this series and can't wait to read the third one.
April 18, 2018
Jessica Patch did a great job of pulling me into the life of Misletoe! I love the way her characters interacted in such a real way. Does she live in my town? Audrey Gilbraith knows she’s nor worthy to be loved. Pastor Gabe Brookson knows better. Thoroughly enjoyed this read and highly recommend it.
December 26, 2022
Just the Way You Are is the second book in the Seasons of Hope series. As with the first book, I loved this one! I adore Jessica Patch's writing, and I look forward to reading the third in this series, as well as her other books!
August 21, 2017
This was an OK read, but I felt their problems were sorted with an ease that was totally unreal.
August 20, 2016
This is a sweet, clean story with two lovable main characters and an important Christian message. Gabe and Audrey are the reason I kept reading. I liked them from the start and wanted to see them work everything out. I feel the importance of the message, made specifically to church-going Christians, cannot be understated. Too much judgment is given within church walls, Christians hurting other Christians and not walking in the very love of God Jesus spoke of.
However, as I stated, this book was written to Christians specifically. This is not a negative necessarily, but someone who does not go to church and is not familiar with popular programs and lingo will not understand much of it. Plus, the Christian faith, although well depicted, might be hard for non-believers to swallow in such great quantities.
Also, there are WAY too many characters. They are dumped on the reader at the beginning without any explanation of who they are, and I was hopelessly confused. The only name I finally squared away was Eden. It would've been better to spread them out, leave some people nameless for even several chapters, and trickle them in one or two at a time.
The length of the book was perfect for me. I didn't find any editing problems, except perhaps too much use of "as" to purport action. Overall 4 stars. I recommend this book to adults or teens looking for a lighthearted Christian read to pass the time.
However, as I stated, this book was written to Christians specifically. This is not a negative necessarily, but someone who does not go to church and is not familiar with popular programs and lingo will not understand much of it. Plus, the Christian faith, although well depicted, might be hard for non-believers to swallow in such great quantities.
Also, there are WAY too many characters. They are dumped on the reader at the beginning without any explanation of who they are, and I was hopelessly confused. The only name I finally squared away was Eden. It would've been better to spread them out, leave some people nameless for even several chapters, and trickle them in one or two at a time.
The length of the book was perfect for me. I didn't find any editing problems, except perhaps too much use of "as" to purport action. Overall 4 stars. I recommend this book to adults or teens looking for a lighthearted Christian read to pass the time.
August 24, 2015
I wasn't sure I'd read another one of this author's books after the first one, Hope Under Mistletoe. That one had an interesting premise, but some things about the book bothered me. However, this one was free (when I got it) on Amazon and I didn't recognize the author's name. :)
I greatly enjoyed this book. Audrey is a fun, quirky character that I fell totally in love with. I could see why Gabe was infatuated with her for two years before he worked up the courage to "try." Audrey has a "history" which no one in town knows, but they do know her outgoing spirit and her sometimes less-than-appropriate actions. She is a wonderful florist, but even that is falling apart. Will Aubrey change to be a perfect pastor's wife? Or will Gabe leave the ministry?
If you like contemporary novellas, you'll love JUST THE WAY YOU ARE. Pick this book up today.
I greatly enjoyed this book. Audrey is a fun, quirky character that I fell totally in love with. I could see why Gabe was infatuated with her for two years before he worked up the courage to "try." Audrey has a "history" which no one in town knows, but they do know her outgoing spirit and her sometimes less-than-appropriate actions. She is a wonderful florist, but even that is falling apart. Will Aubrey change to be a perfect pastor's wife? Or will Gabe leave the ministry?
If you like contemporary novellas, you'll love JUST THE WAY YOU ARE. Pick this book up today.
April 24, 2015
I loved Just the Way You Are! Pastor Gabe and Audrey swept me into their world immediately. Honestly, I was afraid I wouldn't love Gabe as much as I loved Knox (the hero in the first book in this series), but I was wrong. Patch gave him just enough of an edge to make him irresistible. And I thoroughly identified with Audrey and her struggle of comparing herself to the people around her. This story has a beautiful message--God has given each of us unique gifts. Walk in your own gifting, don't try to be like someone else. Not only that, the romance is super swoon-worthy.
I can't wait for Patch's next story!
I can't wait for Patch's next story!
May 10, 2015
Another great Christian romance
I love this series!! Jessica Patch is a wonderful author of good, clean, Christian romance. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Just as an FYI, these books can be read individually. The first book and this one each had a complete story. The fun of the second book was I got to hear more about Eden and Knox from the first book. I love the excellent Christian messages in both books. We can all be forgiven and our Heavenly Father loves us no matter what. Plus we each have different talents that can be used in service to our fellow man.
I love this series!! Jessica Patch is a wonderful author of good, clean, Christian romance. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Just as an FYI, these books can be read individually. The first book and this one each had a complete story. The fun of the second book was I got to hear more about Eden and Knox from the first book. I love the excellent Christian messages in both books. We can all be forgiven and our Heavenly Father loves us no matter what. Plus we each have different talents that can be used in service to our fellow man.
April 3, 2015
Loved the characters in this book and the overall theme that you are created with a purpose and a plan. Don't compare yourself to others! We all have talents, some more hidden some more visual, but all important and used. Jessica Patch shows God's truth through flawed characters, and in doing that delivers a message of hope. Oh, and beyond that, not many people can write romance like she does. Definitely sucks you in and always delivers a happy ending. She's an author you'll be adding to your "must-read" list.
August 5, 2015
This was a cute little Novella (a short novel). It made me laugh, it made me cry. I think that every woman will be able to relate with Audrey, the protagonist. The story is a little predictable, but that isn't necessarily bad. It is a fun, quick read, with a lot of heart. The only critique I have is that the kissing scenes are a little on the steamy side for my taste.
January 13, 2016
Just the Way You Are is a great story of seeing yourself through God's eyes and not the failures you've endured. I believe everyone feels the way Audrey does at one time or the other. This book is one we can all identify with. I loved it!
December 26, 2016
Totally Enjoyable!
Audrey and Gabe are very likeable characters. I enjoyed reading about them and all of the others in this book. I do recommend this and will look forward to reading more by this author.
Audrey and Gabe are very likeable characters. I enjoyed reading about them and all of the others in this book. I do recommend this and will look forward to reading more by this author.
February 9, 2016
A sweet and fun romance with memorable characters and a Christian message
June 1, 2016
Super quick read but pretty darn good!
I haven't heard of this series until this novel but it was so cute, that I may have to check out the rest of it.
I haven't heard of this series until this novel but it was so cute, that I may have to check out the rest of it.
September 14, 2016
cute story
November 7, 2015
Funny! Loved Audrey and Gabe.
March 29, 2017
So Much Fun
This book was so much fun too read. I loved how Jessica Patch writes. In all her books there is fun, wit, drama, romance, and touches of Godly lessons for all of us.
This book deals with the pre-conceived idea that pastors should only married or date certain woman. Woman without any blemishes or sin. Unfortunately, there's no one like that!
I loved the story of love and acceptance this book represents. It also has some cute humor.
I truly enjoyed this book.
This book was so much fun too read. I loved how Jessica Patch writes. In all her books there is fun, wit, drama, romance, and touches of Godly lessons for all of us.
This book deals with the pre-conceived idea that pastors should only married or date certain woman. Woman without any blemishes or sin. Unfortunately, there's no one like that!
I loved the story of love and acceptance this book represents. It also has some cute humor.
I truly enjoyed this book.
June 10, 2017
Cute story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews