Kate Jergens presents her life as the picture of perfection to everyone outside her close-knit circle. Old insecurities prevent her from letting people see who she really is. As the holidays approach, events cause those insecurities to reappear.
When Luke Tatum catches his co-worker, Kate, with her guard down he realizes he doesn’t know her as well as he thought. As he discovers who Kate really is behind her mask of flawlessness, his admiration for her grows and he finds himself more drawn to her.
When faced with the possibility of losing someone she loves, Kate's faith wavers. This Christmas season, will she accept support from the man who loves her or will she push him away?
A Come to Me series companion novella that can also be read as a standalone.
Leah is a small-town girl at heart and currently lives in a rural town in South Louisiana, though Maryland will always be home. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in International Business but gave up a career in sales and marketing to follow love, a decision she's never regretted.
Always a dreamer, she loves to think of times gone by and discover what the American West was really like as the frontier was bring tamed. Because time-travel doesn't really exist, she uses her stories as an outlet to transport back in time and experience the days of old. Never one to ignore inspiration, she is also branching out into contemporary romance.
Her works have reached best-seller status and have topped the categories of Western and Inspirational Romance. She gives thanks to God for blessing her with the amazing opportunity to share her faith in a way to inspire people and bring a smile to their faces.
10 Random Facts about Leah
1) Her favorite book is A Moveable Feast 2) She was once in a governor's inaugural parade 3) Her daughter and she share the same initials 4) Diet soda is her coffee. Every morning must with a glass of the fizzy beverage. 5) On the day of her daughter's birth, Leah's family was so excited they ran out to the car and locked all the keys inside the house. Her husband had to break in the house through a window before they could leave for the hospital 6) She loves to garden despite her black thumb 7) When Leah was a kid, she and her cousin would write their own songs 8) Her favorite movie is Gone with the Wind 9) Holidays bring out her inner child 10) She has a mild obsession with anything pumpkin
KEEPING THE FAITH I really enjoyed this emotional story that covers several people and ordeals. The growing relationship between Luke Tatum and Kate Jergens. The emotional childhood of Kate and her baby brother Evan, and their parents. The plot kept me captivated and at times on a roller coaster ride with the ups and downs of events and emotions. The dialog is open and honest with heartwarming moments, but also gut-wrenching times too. It is also a testament to turning your cares, burdens and heartache over to God and having faith that with God all things are possible. This story does have some people from Come to Me Alive but reads as a standalone. As a mother of a soldier who has deployed 7 times, this story touches the lives of military families and some of the emotions we live and endure while our loved one is deployed. Ms. Atwood conveyed these emotions very well in this story. May God bless and keep all our military personnel and their families safe from harm. Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, or ratings are my own.
I had the honor to review this wonderful book for the author. Luke and Kate's story is amazing. The way Luke helps Kate with all the problems she has been suffering with for years is remarkable. When her brother is reported missing Luke and his father do everything possible to get information for Kate and her family. You won't be able to stop reading this book. You can feel God working throughout this story.
This is the fourth story in the Come to Me Collection. It was shorter than the other stories but I loved it just as much. I loved Kate’s and Luke’s story. We met Kate in the first book and I really enjoyed learning her story. She tried to be perfect to hide the insecurities on the inside. It was good to see her learn to ease up on herself and let Luke in. I would definitely recommend this book. I was given a digital copy by the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
I enjoyed this story. I liked the characters, Luke and Kate. The only thing I didn't like was that their relationship seemed a bit rushed. I realize that this is a novella and the author has to get to the point pretty quickly and I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I just wasn't a fan of parts of the ending. All in all though, it is a cute story.
Though short, this was a sweet story. I loved that the topic of military life was broached. The difficulties of deployment for both the troops and those they leave behind was handled very well. The main characters in this novel were interesting. The hero didn't have many of the characteristics I usually look for in a romance, but he certainly had what counts...integrity and consideration for others. The heroine had a major hurdle to overcome, which made her relatable. The faith element was undeniable and truthful without being over done and there's a happy ending for the MCs. I'd recommend this if you're looking for a sweet, inspirational romance that's also a quick read.
I really enjoyed Luke and Kate's story of love. A marvelous falling for each other. It was good to learn of the way Kate and her brother came to be adopted when Kate was nine. Thank you to a favorite Author you always give me a lot to love in the characters you bring to my life.
This is a very well written novella. Although the length is short the characters are developed and realistic. The story isn't rushed but is just the right length. I enjoyed it very much.
When you open the door and 2 or 3 military personnel are standing there and you have a loved one in Service, it can steal your breath away. A great short story.
They’re friends but each would like to be more. She’s afraid to love and has many fears. He manages to give her the love to move beyond those fears and find happiness
Luke meets Leah at a work conference and their 4 year friendship turns into a relationship. He supports her through her brother Evan's military deployment including being shot down.
Luke and Kate worked together and were friends for four years until circumstances brought them closer. Kate appeared perfect on the outside but inside she was insecure because of her birth mom. Parents words can damage their children and cause them long term emotional problems. Kate believed and tried to have a good outlook and as she drew closer to Luke he helped ground her. Unfortunately tradegy happens and people must learn to cope. There is not always good news for the families of our service men and women serving and protecting our freedom, especially during the holidays. This story was really sweet and Luke showed tenderness, concern, and a desire to bring comfort to Kate's hurting heart.
I loved this Christmas novella. It is a delightful addition to this authors Come To Me series. This one follows Kate and Luke as they discover that there is more to their relationship then just being co-workers and friends. I was given a copy of this novella in return for an honest review, and it is another one from this author that I definitely recommend.
This Christmas Inspiritional contemporary romance novella by Leah Atwoom is part of the Come To Me series. I loved the story of Luke and Kate, co-workers and friends that become more. Can Kuke help Kate get over her insecurities? I was given a copy for an honest review. I loved it and recommend the novella and author.
This is a wonderful Christmas love story. I enjoyed getting to now both Kate and Luke. Overcoming the fear of getting close to someone after having had experienced loss at an early age enhances this love story. This is a feel good love story and I highly recommend it. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I totally enjoyed the Come To Me Series. Wish there were 10 more to keep with this group of characters. Nice to be able to pass on to my mom & sister. Please consider adding more t ok the series, or starting a new group o f characters, love how she writes. Excellent read!#
Quick read. Characters are relatable and interesting. Since it is a novella, you don't have a lot of time to get the backstory, but the author does a great job of letting us know who the characters are. I would be interested in reading a prequel/sequel that delves more into who some of the other characters are. Part of a collection of short Christian romance stories.
Come to Me Joyful is the story of Kate and Luke, colleagues and friends.who feel an attraction but Kate's insecurities stand in the way.. I loved this Christmas novella and the characters.Here we find the true meaning of Christmas I look forward to more by Leah Atwood.
Quick read. Novellas aren't always my favorite because they're simple and have to get to the point quickly to tell a short story, so it's harder for me to rate them as high. I tend to love details and more drawn out romance. This was cute and an easy read.
Luke and Kate are co-workers. They find themselves spending an evening together at a work convention and then spending time together after they are back home. It's a great novella story. Some happiness and cheer and good times. Really enjoyed the story.
A great, short, sweet story. Kate has a hard time letting people see her as she is since her birth mother told her she was worthless before abandoning her and her younger brother, Evan. Can Luke break through Kate's defenses and get her to be herself around him?
This was a fun, light read for a busy day. however, there were some minor editing errors that distracted me from the story. I enjoyed the characters and the unique approach to the military family plot.
I had a really hard time getting into this book. It's supposed to take 1 1/2 hours, it took me two days. It just didn't interest me, and I love Christmas. Parts of it sounded like it came from another book is read. But I love Leah Atwood