Kate

The Women of Valley View #5

by Sharon Srock

She’s sworn off marriage…

Twice widowed, Kate Archer believes she’s better off alone. She’s not sure she could survive the heartache of losing another husband. Instead of romance she pours herself  into a project close to her heart: establishing a foundation to meet the needs of military widows—just like the grief-stricken woman she was twenty years ago when her husband was killed by friendly fire.

He’s still running from the past…

Nicolas Black has spent the past twenty years of his life—his entire Air Force career—trying to atone for the mistake that cost his best friend his life. Now he’s a police detective in Garfield, Oklahoma, but the guilt remains. When he learns of Kate’s new business endeavor, he wants to help. But being near the vibrant widow pushes all his buttons and makes him long for the things he’s never allowed himself to have—the home and family his buddy never had a chance to enjoy.

As Kate and Nicolas spend time together, a relationship neither expected quickly blossoms. But both remain oblivious to the tragic intersection that hides in their past…

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

291 pages, ebook

First published October 1, 2015

About the author

Small-town Oklahoma and the friendships they produce are embedded in Sharon Srock’s heart. After spending her first fifteen years on the move, living in fourteen homes and attending thirteen schools, she landed in a tiny central Oklahoma community and made it her own. As someone who’s been blessed to be a part of the same hometown church for more than five decades, Sharon writes stories of hope built from her own unique perspective—stories that demonstrate a sisterhood formed not by blood but by heart, where ordinary women are able to do extraordinary things thanks to the friends who surround them and the faith that pulls them through. Sharon still lives in the middle of nowhere, Oklahoma, with her husband and three very large dogs. When she isn’t writing, she loves to read, cook, and travel. One of these days, she’s going to figure out how to do all three at the same time.

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Reviews

[Anne Rightler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Srock continues her Women of Valley View series with her newest release, Kate. The books, easily read as stand alone stories, follow a group of women who are believably strong, yet vulnerable, steadfast, yet not without struggles. A group of women whose faith in God and love for each other bring strength and reality to their relationships. Volume 5 focuses on Kate, in whom the reader finds a wealthy twice widowed single mom trying to work out the details of a foundation that will benefit other military wives that have lost a spouse. She has vowed to never marry again, content with being alone and yet God seems to have other plans for Kate. The author does a great job with literary tension. Early in the story the reader is privy to crucial information that the main characters do not know. Wondering how in the world things will be resolved keeps the pages turning. A few twists and turns, a little bit of adventure, humor, romance, friendships and faith, and a whole lot of good reading are found in Kate. Be sure to check out this and the complete series of The Women of Valley View.
I received an advance readers copy of the book for an honest opinion.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate by Sharon Srock is book 5 of the Women of Valley View series. These novels are about ordinary women with extra ordinary faith.
Kate has lost two husbands and vows never to marry again because she doesn't want the heartache of loosing the third.
The death of her second husband leaves her with more money that she can use in a lifetime.She decides with the money to aid military widows and survivors.
Enter Nicolas, the son of her friend Karla, who is retired military and a police officer.He is enthused about her project and offers to be her business partner and wishes for more.
A secret threatens their happiness so be prepared for a good cry.
The characters in this book are well developed and I enjoyed their interaction.
The book can be read as a stand alone but reading the entire series brings an added dimension to the characters.
Each stroke of Sharon's pen brings to life the women of Valley View. We see her life experiences and love for the Lord intertwined in her words.
I am honored to receive an advance review copy of this book and give my honest opinion.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in The Women of Valley View series and I believe it was one of my favorites. This is a wonderful series about the women of Valley View and their struggles and triumphs. This can be read as a standalone, but I know after reading it the reader will want to read the entire series. This book focuses on Kate, a woman who has already been widowed twice and is determined she will not go through that heartbreak again, and Nicholas, retired military and a police officer, who falls in love with her. For them to find their happiness together there are obstacles and secrets that must be overcome. It is a beautiful story showing how God is in control and works all things for His good. I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review, and this is another from this author that I definitely recommend.

[Teresa Nasson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by Sharon Srock, Kate is the fifth book in the Women of Valley View series.

Kate, as the title suggests, is the main character in this book. She was first introduced in book 3 and was warmly welcomed (by most of the ladies) in the Valley View circle of friends. After losing two husbands, Kate has given up on the idea of a happily ever after. She decides to invest her time and money into honouring her late husbands by starting up an organisation that cares for the wives and children of army men who have lost their husbands and fathers in the war. Looking for a business partner, she soon finds one who is the most suitable and equally as passionate about this cause as she is. Does this partnership turn into something more?

This book deals with the effects of war, living with shame, fear of - or rather feeling unworthy - of love and forgiveness. Packed with prayer and Godly wisdom, this book makes for an enjoyablg read.

I highly recommend, not only this book, but the whole series. Women of Valley View is packed with strong, motivated and God-fearing women.

[MrKeyNotes · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s so much conflict in this read, a good conflict. Kate is now single having have lost 2 of her former husbands. One through war, and the other through heart issues. She doesn’t want to take another chance at love because in her mind, every man that she encounters, she kills them.
By chance she happens to meet someone else and she finds herself falling and she doesn’t want to for the reasons mentioned above but also because she has a son, who already lost both his fathers. His biological father and the man he called father, his mothers second husband. Kate concludes, how could she bring another man into her sons life, what if it doesn’t work out? What if this man leaves and damages her son further?

However her son approves of his mother finding love and sharing life with another human being, but that isn’t the main obstacle stopping Kate from moving forward with this man. She vowed not to love, and maybe this tragic secret which this book is based around, proved her right. or maybe this tragic secret is something that sets her free. One of the best books from this author.

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story better than some of the others in the series. Kate is a single mom who has lost two husbands and isn’t looking for a third.

I liked Kate and Nicholas. There relationship was fun to read. One thing in the story had me ready to sigh with frustration but ended up not being a problem because it wasn’t turned into a huge deal like I was expecting. I really liked how Patrick and his mom related to each other.

While the book is about Kate and Nick, there is another married couple who are also main characters and it felt like half of the book was their story. Everything worked well together, but at times it felt a little confusing.

This story was clean except for a few kisses that had me cringing. It is a Christian story.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of the Women of Valley View series that I have read! Author Sharon Srock gets down the the nitty gritty in women's lives! In this book Kate Archer has been widowed twice and has no interest in it happening again until she meets Nicolas Black! With his military background, Nick seems like a perfect partner in her new venture of a foundation to help military widows until the unknown connection from their pasts is realized! You will wonder if Nick can forgive himself and if Kate can forgive Nick! You will not want to miss this emotional journey. I enjoyed listening to a complimentary audio of Kate from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate is a very special woman. The losses she has suffered through is truly sad. Nicolas has been struggling for years over the death of CW. When Kate and Nicolas stat dating he is shocked when he finds out who she is. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next to the characters in this book. God is working throughout this whole story. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best of the series so far, but I still have one more book to read before I am finished with the series. Kate has gone through much sorrow and grief, Nicolas is holding on to guilt. Neither of them want a relationship other than friendship. What will happen? How will family members react? Great read!! Kept me up all night wth a box of tissues by my side!!

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memories

Another emotional journey covered with tears and prayers as the ladies support each other and reach out to help. Two time widow Kate and never married Nicolas are the star crossed couple this time along with his detective partner being a major player. I had fun with this the second time after reading one of the trilogies.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon has done it once again. I couldn't put this page turner down. At one point I had found myself so engrossed with one set of main characters, I asked....wait, what about the other 2 characters?! Sharon has wonderful character development and has an easy way of me imagining all the scenes in my head.

[Candy gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate & Patrick

Can you imagine being in your early 20’s, husband CW, killed in war by friendly fire? Then you finally find love again with Alan. Married not even a year and he dies from a heart attack. Kate is in her Early 40’s and meets Nicholas. Oh my what a roller coaster ride. Read now and enjoy.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the continuation of this series with Kate's story. The author brings the characters from the series together and introduces new ones as the lives of the women of Valley View face the challenges of contemporary life. #6 is on my list to read very soon.

[Deanna Mosier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent stories!

Wow! This book is powerful! Strong emotions. Tears and joys. All with strong faith messages too. I’m very blessed to read this book! On to the next one. All of her books are SO good!

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so nice to read about the parents that you read about in the other books! Lovely story...

[Donna Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good series, I love Christian series!

[Cecelia Gardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

This is a great story. Heartwarming and humorous. I loved all the characters. Can't wait to read the whole series.

[Rhonda Sledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Srock has done it again with this book. I have loved this series since the very first book I read and I hope to read them all. The characters are so well written and experience so many of the problems and conflicts that face us all. There are some very raw emotions in this book that leave you praying for a good outcome.

[Sharee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Sharon Srock’s books is like hanging out with old friends. I’ve yet to be disappointed by one of her books and Kate is no exception. I could not wait to dive into this book and loved it from start to finish. Keeping with the Women of Valley View Series, Kate is a story of heartbreak turned into new love.

Kate has known true love, but she’s also known devastating heart break. Her first husband stole her heart but shortly after their marriage, he is killed during his tour of duty with the military. His death leaves her a widow with a baby. It takes many years for her to love again and when she does, Allen is the one. After a terminal illness takes him from her life, Kate accepts her fate to live alone…until Nicolas Black comes into her life. Despite her reservation to keep away from romance, Kate finds herself head over heels in love. But Nicolas holds a key to Kate’s past that even he doesn’t realize. When he makes the connection, he knows the risk he takes in revealing it.

I loved the characters (as always) and especially loved Melanie and Tyler as they swam through expectations over their marriage. The story was great about showing how our lives impact others and how we need to be willing to step out of our own comfort zones to speak into another’s heart.

Overall, Kate gets five out of five stars and I’m pleased to add her to my collection of Women of Valley View books. Kate is Book Five in the Women of Valley View Series, however, one of the best parts of this series is that the books don’t have to be read in any particular order and can serve easily as stand alone stories.

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion which I’ve provided here.

https://wordynerdyblog.wordpress.com/...

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Women of Valley View is a wonderful and inspiring series written by Sharon Srock. It has the power to make one think and feel like others cannot. The powerful and loving relationships that these women share actually makes me jealous to not have this type of support from friends. All of these women have faced perils, adversity, loss, pain, joy, disappointment. With the help of the women and their families, they have made it through. Yes, maybe a little battered or bruised but with stronger faith and love.

Kate moved to Valley View with her second husband in order for him to repair his relationship with his children and ex-wife before he passed. Kate was tentative at first until these women stepped forward to give her support from her loss. Having been married and widowed twice, she has vowed to never love again. Each marriage lasted less than 2 years before her husbands died. Nicolas, Karla's son, has been running since a tragedy over 20 years ago changed his life forever. Will he be able to help Kate reach her dream? And will his involvement help heal the deeply set wounds in his life? Or will his secret and her past collide and explode?

Each of these books can be read stand alone, however, once you read one, you will want to read all. The strength, caring, support and faith that shines through these books cannot be ignored. Once they are all available, I plan to take the time to read from beginning to end. Thank you. I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. I would highly recommend this series and other books by Sharon Srock. She has a way of writing true life.

[Carrie Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate is the fifth book in the Women of Valley View series. Each can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend reading all of them because of the friendship these women share. You will be drawn in to each story, and Kate's is no exception. I liked Kate from the beginning. She is strong and independent as a result of being twice widowed. She wants to use her late husband's inheritance to start a business to help other women who are widowed soldier's wives like herself. She has no desire to marry again and is focused on getting her business off the ground. Nicolas is a retired military policeman, who has also sworn off marriage. Because of an incident in his past, he hears about Kate's venture and wants to join in. As their business partnership grows, so does their feelings for each other, but a secret threatens their future together.

As with all the books in this series, you will feel that you are a part of this circle of friends. You will find yourself experiencing Kate's heartache. I highly recommend this book. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review which I have given.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate by Sharon Srock
The Women of Valley View Series Book Five
Nicolas Ethan Black carried a load of guilt for over twenty years. Guilt that took him away from his family and God. He's back home now and he sees that maybe he can let go of the past and allow himself a future.

Kate Wheeler Archer has buried two husbands. She believes that is enough for one woman and is not looking for a relationship. But she does need a business partner to help her dream come true. And she'll keep telling herself that every time she's around her handsome business partner.

This series follows the lives of several women who go to the same church and have become close friends. Nicolas's mom is one of those ladies and would love to see her son and Kate together. A deep secret from the past could keep them apart though. A secondary story is happening at the same time. A real page turner that kept me up into the wee hours of the morning until the last page. Great series.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Bhriv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate is Book 5 of The Women of Valley View series by author, Sharon Srock. What I liked in this book....the way that Srock was able to yet again take the women of Valley View and build on them with the story of Kate Archer. This widow two times over, has loved two men and both of them have died. She married to either of these men for over two years before they were taken from her…the last thing she wants it to fall in love with another man and have her heart ripped out, Again! She has wonderful friend that love her and pray for her. God hears and answers prayers….enter Nicholas Black! Both Kate and Nicholas have tragedy in their backgrounds…can they work through it and see God bringing them together or is it a too much for them to handle together? What I didn’t like about the book…that it ended! I am thoroughly looking forward to the next book, Karla as I’m sure that Sharon Srock will yet again knock our socks off with a great read! I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Bhriv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate is Book 5 of The Women of Valley View series by author, Sharon Srock. What I liked in this book....the way that Srock was able to yet again take the women of Valley View and build on them with the story of Kate Archer. This widow two times over, has loved two men and both of them have died. She married to either of these men for over two years before they were taken from her…the last thing she wants it to fall in love with another man and have her heart ripped out, Again! She has wonderful friend that love her and pray for her. God hears and answers prayers….enter Nicholas Black! Both Kate and Nicholas have tragedy in their backgrounds…can they work through it and see God bringing them together or is it a too much for them to handle together? What I didn’t like about the book…that it ended! I am thoroughly looking forward to the next book, Karla as I’m sure that Sharon Srock will yet again knock our socks off with a great read! I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate

The series "Women of Valley View" continues with Kate story. The characters in the series have become like family to me. Kate has been widow twice and don't think she could ever marry again but will things be different this time. Nicolas and Kate meet when he decides to help her with her project she wants to do for military widows. Her first husband was killed by accident in the military by what they call friendly fire. Nicolas has spent most of his life trying to recover from what happen to him and his best friend in the military. Nicolas is a police officer, the book also involves a story of his partner Tyler and his wife Melanie. She runs a bakery shop and I just love the way she runs her business. I was given a copy of the book by the author for a honest review. Definitely a book I recommend reading and also the whole series.

[Susie Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough about Sharon Srock's books. Written from a Christian perspective, her books are about strong, independent women. Kate is no exception. Twice widowed, Kate isn't looking for love anymore. She wants to use her inheritance money to build a foundation to meet the needs of military widows. When Nicolas, a retired Air Force man, hears about this foundation, he wants to be a part of it. With a few little twists and turns, Kate and Nicolas find that they both hold a part of each other's past and future. Laura Jennings does a beautiful job narrating this book, giving each character their own voice.

Wouldn't this make a great movie?

I was given this audio book by the author, narrator, or publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Diana Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate ( The Women of Valley View Book 5 )
By Sharon Srock

I have loved this series. Another great book written by Sharon Srock!! Kate knows what true love is After losing her first husband it takes her awhile to find true love again but she does. Only to have her heart broken again. Not wanting to give her heart to anyone else but she does fall in love again. Can this work out when the guy has something he is holding on to from the past? All the characters from this series stand out. You are going to love them all. If you haven't read the others yet you are missing out. Get Kate and see what the dark secret it is they may change her love for Nicolas!

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written book. Tightly edited and excellent pacing. Characters felt very real for the most part and their individual faith journeys were believable. I felt like I was missing a little bit because I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, but it didn't detract from the story that much. I will definitely be looking for other books by this author.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate is another fabulous book from The Women of Valley View series. I really enjoyed this addition to the series and one of my favorites. I loved Kate as a character and felt a connection with her.
I highly recommend this book, as well as, the rest of the series.
5 stars.

[Carrie Jacobs · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I had issues with Samantha being unbelievable with some of the "gangster" dialogue and whatnot, but I bought Kate because I wanted to finish the series. I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed Kate. The characters were believable and I enjoyed the storyline.