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Soul Survivor
Internationally acclaimed American journalist Josephine “Joey” Barry is considered one of the most iconic correspondents of her time, having reported on major crises from many of the world’s hotspots. But everything crumbles when rebel insurgents near the Syrian border attack and kill her team, forcing her to hide. Rescued but traumatized, she finds she can no longer cope with who she once was, breaking down on national television during a live political debate.
Sent to England to try to get her mojo back, her path crosses the Reverend Samantha “Sam” Savage, a charismatic vicar with an appetite for compassion and motor biking. Nonbeliever Joey is drawn to her, not knowing Sam is struggling with her own demons. Can their love grow through such adversity?
Sent to England to try to get her mojo back, her path crosses the Reverend Samantha “Sam” Savage, a charismatic vicar with an appetite for compassion and motor biking. Nonbeliever Joey is drawn to her, not knowing Sam is struggling with her own demons. Can their love grow through such adversity?
264 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2017
9 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
I. Beacham
5 books27 followersI. Beacham grew up in the heart of England, a green and pleasant land, mainly because it rains so much. This is probably why she ran away to sea, to search for dry places. Over the years, and during long periods away from home constantly travelling to far away places, she has balanced the rigidity of her professional life with her need and love to write. Blessed with a wicked sense of humor (not all agree), she is a lover of all things water, a dreadful jogger and cook, a hopeless romantic who roams antique stores, an addict of old black and white movies, and an adorer of science fiction. In her opinion, a perfect life. She is recently retired from the Royal Navy and went back to her hobby of writing.
Read the Bold Strokes Books Interview with I. Beacham
Read the LeftLion Magazine Interview with I. Beacham
Read the Bold Strokes Books Interview with I. Beacham
Read the LeftLion Magazine Interview with I. Beacham
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 18, 2018
'Netgalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for an honest review'
4.5 stars!
A well written story with heartbreak,Poignancy,Sacrifice,Faithfulness,Love,Betrayal,Forgiveness and Compassion involved. Ms. Beacham's a master at writing descriptively,plainly and with remarkable clarity, as well as imagining what can happen when the net tightens in an exciting,claustrophobic suspense/romantic story. I would argue that the relationship between both main character was definitely not simple but it did have it's complications,was very complex,deeply wounded but was passionate,genuine and loyal. Isn't it true that when we are privy to another person's pain,we can better understand their attempts to either embrace or avoid it? The author is at the top of her game with this book and readers will rip their way through every word to find out if the vicar really left the church for Love. Highly recommend to everyone!
4.5 stars!
A well written story with heartbreak,Poignancy,Sacrifice,Faithfulness,Love,Betrayal,Forgiveness and Compassion involved. Ms. Beacham's a master at writing descriptively,plainly and with remarkable clarity, as well as imagining what can happen when the net tightens in an exciting,claustrophobic suspense/romantic story. I would argue that the relationship between both main character was definitely not simple but it did have it's complications,was very complex,deeply wounded but was passionate,genuine and loyal. Isn't it true that when we are privy to another person's pain,we can better understand their attempts to either embrace or avoid it? The author is at the top of her game with this book and readers will rip their way through every word to find out if the vicar really left the church for Love. Highly recommend to everyone!
February 25, 2018
I. Beacham is one of my favorite authors. Her way of writing greatly matches with the kind of satisfaction I expect from a good story, more specifically, from a good romance novel. Flawed yet likable, vulnerable yet strong protagonists, a few good supporting characters, well written emotions, some good old angst and drama, a plausible conflict, and an interesting plot.
This is the fourth book in a row in which I. Beacham has covered all I prefer. With Soul Survivor she again managed to produce an emotionally charged story that reads in one breath. If you liked her previous books, you will like this one, too. If you have never read any of her books, this can be a good start.
4.5 stars
Mar 2, 2017
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
This is the fourth book in a row in which I. Beacham has covered all I prefer. With Soul Survivor she again managed to produce an emotionally charged story that reads in one breath. If you liked her previous books, you will like this one, too. If you have never read any of her books, this can be a good start.
4.5 stars
Mar 2, 2017
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
April 14, 2017
This is the first book by Beacham, I have had the chance to read. I must say I am impressed. I thought this was really good and I enjoyed reading it. If this is the kind of quality she normally writes with, I can't wait to read some of her other books.
The beginning of this book was excellent. Joey is an American journalist in Syria, and we all know what kind of atrocities that are going on there right now. This book could have been ripped out of the headlines. I don't want to spoiler this, but I will say it is very exciting, edge of your seat kind of read. When Joey comes home, she is dealing with PTSD. On an extended stay in England, Joey meets Reverend Sam. As their feelings grow, Sam must handle the balance of a relationship and the Church. While Joey, must find a way to not let her PTSD, prevent a relationship. Both women are dealing with a lot, can they come together, or be forced to stay apart.
Both characters were really well written. I loved Sam, heck if they had Reverend's like Sam in the USA, I might actually go to church:) Joey was tougher to get to know, but she was closed off because of her past. I felt so bad for her, and just wanted her to heal. I enjoyed their relationship, though some of the angst drove me a bit nuts. But it was put in for entertainment, so I'm looking past this.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. I think this is an easy book to recommend to romance fans. As I said before, I can't wait to read more from Beacham.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
The beginning of this book was excellent. Joey is an American journalist in Syria, and we all know what kind of atrocities that are going on there right now. This book could have been ripped out of the headlines. I don't want to spoiler this, but I will say it is very exciting, edge of your seat kind of read. When Joey comes home, she is dealing with PTSD. On an extended stay in England, Joey meets Reverend Sam. As their feelings grow, Sam must handle the balance of a relationship and the Church. While Joey, must find a way to not let her PTSD, prevent a relationship. Both women are dealing with a lot, can they come together, or be forced to stay apart.
Both characters were really well written. I loved Sam, heck if they had Reverend's like Sam in the USA, I might actually go to church:) Joey was tougher to get to know, but she was closed off because of her past. I felt so bad for her, and just wanted her to heal. I enjoyed their relationship, though some of the angst drove me a bit nuts. But it was put in for entertainment, so I'm looking past this.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. I think this is an easy book to recommend to romance fans. As I said before, I can't wait to read more from Beacham.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
December 2, 2018
A very intense story within the beginning some violent action, which was really tough to bear.
The characters were strong but nonetheless vulnerable women with different backgrounds and problems. Especially the fact that Sam is a reverend/vicar was a refreshing character I haven't read often in a book. The conflicts, the emotions, and a wonderful and interesting plot made this book to one of my favorites this year.
My rating 4.75 stars
PS: after 4,5 weeks traveling in Australia I'm now back in Switzerland again. I had a wonderful time down under, enjoyed some beautiful beaches, big cities and a lot of nature. So everybody who likes to travel should consider going to Australia :-)
The characters were strong but nonetheless vulnerable women with different backgrounds and problems. Especially the fact that Sam is a reverend/vicar was a refreshing character I haven't read often in a book. The conflicts, the emotions, and a wonderful and interesting plot made this book to one of my favorites this year.
My rating 4.75 stars
PS: after 4,5 weeks traveling in Australia I'm now back in Switzerland again. I had a wonderful time down under, enjoyed some beautiful beaches, big cities and a lot of nature. So everybody who likes to travel should consider going to Australia :-)
April 7, 2017
What do a rural vicar with an affection for classic motorcycles and a burned out war correspondent have in common? As it turns out, quite a bit. Sam and Joey both carry a lot of emotional baggage thanks to their respective professions. They also both possess a dry wit and an attraction for each other.
I enjoyed everything about this story. The scenes were easy to visualize, almost at a cinematic level. Whether you are on ground with Joey, hiding from insurgents in Syria or sitting in the dark in a haunted vestry waiting for thieves hoping to steal the lead tiles off the church roof, the reader is fully engaged in the moment.
The lighthearted events and witty dialogue between Sam and Joey in the first half of the novel reinforce why these two should be together. Their attraction for one another is easy to see. Their declarations of love might seem quick but these are not young women. They have the maturity to recognize the real thing when they meet one another. I found it refreshing to see conflict generated not from misunderstanding but from a desire to not inflict the other with their own personal or career challenges. This early bond helps when the going gets rough later on in the novel.
A well told tale I would recommend anyone to read.
4.5 stars
ARC received from publisher for a fair and honest review
I enjoyed everything about this story. The scenes were easy to visualize, almost at a cinematic level. Whether you are on ground with Joey, hiding from insurgents in Syria or sitting in the dark in a haunted vestry waiting for thieves hoping to steal the lead tiles off the church roof, the reader is fully engaged in the moment.
The lighthearted events and witty dialogue between Sam and Joey in the first half of the novel reinforce why these two should be together. Their attraction for one another is easy to see. Their declarations of love might seem quick but these are not young women. They have the maturity to recognize the real thing when they meet one another. I found it refreshing to see conflict generated not from misunderstanding but from a desire to not inflict the other with their own personal or career challenges. This early bond helps when the going gets rough later on in the novel.
A well told tale I would recommend anyone to read.
4.5 stars
ARC received from publisher for a fair and honest review
August 3, 2018
This is the first book I read by this author. It is the story of a relationship between Josephine "Joey" Barry an American war journalist, who suffers from PTSD, and Samantha Savage, a vicar from the Church of England.
I was intrigued on how the author was going to deal with the issue of religion and homosexuality so I decided to give it a try. The book starts at a fast pace describing Joey's dreadful experience in Syria which triggers her PTSD. It follows to the depiction of semi rural England, where Sam serves as a vicar. The contrast couldn't be more profound though the reader soon finds that both women are struggling with their own issues.
I think that this is overall a good read but my issue is that there is a great amount of angst that in my opinion extends too much and weakens the tension of the plot. There is also quite a few parts that describe what's going on with the characters instead of showing through their experiences. I'm no expert on PTSD issues but I didn't find it completely believable specially at the end of the book. However, this is a good read, specially if you like a lot of lesbian angst and drama.
Overall 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
I was intrigued on how the author was going to deal with the issue of religion and homosexuality so I decided to give it a try. The book starts at a fast pace describing Joey's dreadful experience in Syria which triggers her PTSD. It follows to the depiction of semi rural England, where Sam serves as a vicar. The contrast couldn't be more profound though the reader soon finds that both women are struggling with their own issues.
I think that this is overall a good read but my issue is that there is a great amount of angst that in my opinion extends too much and weakens the tension of the plot. There is also quite a few parts that describe what's going on with the characters instead of showing through their experiences. I'm no expert on PTSD issues but I didn't find it completely believable specially at the end of the book. However, this is a good read, specially if you like a lot of lesbian angst and drama.
Overall 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
May 19, 2017
5 STARS! This is going in my "books I'll re-read" shelf.
Other reviewers have written excellent reviews and I can't say it better. Check out Pippa, Agirlcandream, Pin & Lex to name a few. Well written, great characters - main and sides. I need to check out other books by this author.
Other reviewers have written excellent reviews and I can't say it better. Check out Pippa, Agirlcandream, Pin & Lex to name a few. Well written, great characters - main and sides. I need to check out other books by this author.
June 18, 2019
Lovely book. Enjoyed it very much. 4.4 stars. Recommend.
March 4, 2017
4.5 stars
Josephine “Joey” Barry is an investigative journalist and war correspondent with a justifiable reputation for finding stories in dangerous places. When her team is attacked and killed near the Syrian border, she is forced to hide in terror for days until she can escape. The physical scars have healed, but she is unable to do the job she has done for twenty years.
Sent to the UK to work with an offshoot of the BBC, Joey is supposed to recover from her trauma. It is there that Joey comes across the charismatic and compassionate vicar Samantha “Sam” Savage, who has emotional scars of her own.
The two are attracted to one another, the country vicar and the hard-hitting journo, and yet they are worlds apart. Can they settle their demons and find peace with one another?
Joey and Sam are really well written characters. Both are strong and capable, and yet both have tender spots in their psyches. They are very likable characters, and the attraction between them grows into something more tangible the more they see each other. I really liked how this connection developed. It seemed very plausible for both the characters, and revealed the emotional challenges faced by both characters really well.
The other characters also played a part. I really liked how none of them overstayed their welcome, but Beecham managed to give them all enough space to be distinct and to hold their own within the story.
The other aspect that surprised me was how well Beecham managed Joey’s PTSD. There was enough background to give us an idea of why Joey was behaving the way she was, without ever pushing it so far that it became a challenge for me to just get through the story. This was handled with tact and appropriate information, and lovely characterisations that built to reveal the problem and growing realisations about it. This was really well done.
I also liked how the people in the church were seen as people, and that most were very modern in their views of homosexuality. It was lovely for this book to not be about coming out or homophobia, but for Beecham to let that go and move on to something else. It isn’t to say that this doesn’t happen or isn’t relevant, but it is lovely to be able to see the church, and some of the people in it, in a different light and to focus on something else for a change.
And I loved the humour. There were many laugh out loud moments in the book. Sam has been given a very dry sense of humour, which offers levity when things could be getting too heavy for what is principally a romance.
I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Josephine “Joey” Barry is an investigative journalist and war correspondent with a justifiable reputation for finding stories in dangerous places. When her team is attacked and killed near the Syrian border, she is forced to hide in terror for days until she can escape. The physical scars have healed, but she is unable to do the job she has done for twenty years.
Sent to the UK to work with an offshoot of the BBC, Joey is supposed to recover from her trauma. It is there that Joey comes across the charismatic and compassionate vicar Samantha “Sam” Savage, who has emotional scars of her own.
The two are attracted to one another, the country vicar and the hard-hitting journo, and yet they are worlds apart. Can they settle their demons and find peace with one another?
Joey and Sam are really well written characters. Both are strong and capable, and yet both have tender spots in their psyches. They are very likable characters, and the attraction between them grows into something more tangible the more they see each other. I really liked how this connection developed. It seemed very plausible for both the characters, and revealed the emotional challenges faced by both characters really well.
The other characters also played a part. I really liked how none of them overstayed their welcome, but Beecham managed to give them all enough space to be distinct and to hold their own within the story.
The other aspect that surprised me was how well Beecham managed Joey’s PTSD. There was enough background to give us an idea of why Joey was behaving the way she was, without ever pushing it so far that it became a challenge for me to just get through the story. This was handled with tact and appropriate information, and lovely characterisations that built to reveal the problem and growing realisations about it. This was really well done.
I also liked how the people in the church were seen as people, and that most were very modern in their views of homosexuality. It was lovely for this book to not be about coming out or homophobia, but for Beecham to let that go and move on to something else. It isn’t to say that this doesn’t happen or isn’t relevant, but it is lovely to be able to see the church, and some of the people in it, in a different light and to focus on something else for a change.
And I loved the humour. There were many laugh out loud moments in the book. Sam has been given a very dry sense of humour, which offers levity when things could be getting too heavy for what is principally a romance.
I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
May 13, 2017
This was my first book by this author and it definitely will not be my last. I was really surprised by her well developed characters and the fluidity of her writing.
What I really liked was it was a compelling story about two mature women. Their lives thoroughly lived and now looking for something more. The start of the book is fast paced, high octane stuff. It's an excellent opening and scary. No wonder PSTD is the main talking point of this book. But then it slows down somewhat to a country lifestyle in the heart of England. A very picturesque area. Kind of suits the mood of the story. You can also imagine the setting and how two people went from friendship to love.
I loved the books honesty. It's two main characters are easy to like and very well developed. I think many will be able to relate to this book. I also think that friendship is paramount and love comes later.
I would definately recommend this book. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
What I really liked was it was a compelling story about two mature women. Their lives thoroughly lived and now looking for something more. The start of the book is fast paced, high octane stuff. It's an excellent opening and scary. No wonder PSTD is the main talking point of this book. But then it slows down somewhat to a country lifestyle in the heart of England. A very picturesque area. Kind of suits the mood of the story. You can also imagine the setting and how two people went from friendship to love.
I loved the books honesty. It's two main characters are easy to like and very well developed. I think many will be able to relate to this book. I also think that friendship is paramount and love comes later.
I would definately recommend this book. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
February 9, 2020
Loved this, a bit clicheed but I can go with that. The stereotypical vicar and the harsher American. Yea, good stuff!
April 18, 2017
Detailed score: 2.5
I've been really interested to read other reviews of this one as they've mainly been pretty high ranking. Whereas I was in the verge of rounding down.
Unfortunately this book hits on two of my least favourite factors in lesrom:
- being told what the characters are feeling rather than feeling it with them.
- feeling like I'm being lectured on a topic (in this case, ptsd); having it forced down my throat.
Having said that, the author has clearly done a lot of research on ptsd and didn't engage in the 'love makes the ptsd magically go away' trope -- which was one of the reasons I chose the round up.
The other reason I chose the round up was the opening chapter. I found that to be confronting but so compelling in its pull no punches prose.
Characters with ptsd is becoming almost a trope in lesrom these days -- and IMHO it's been done much better in other works.
Overall. If I was ranking this on my enjoyment alone this would be getting 2 stars. The writing lacked the subtlety, nuance and emotional hooks I need to draw me in.
I've been really interested to read other reviews of this one as they've mainly been pretty high ranking. Whereas I was in the verge of rounding down.
Unfortunately this book hits on two of my least favourite factors in lesrom:
- being told what the characters are feeling rather than feeling it with them.
- feeling like I'm being lectured on a topic (in this case, ptsd); having it forced down my throat.
Having said that, the author has clearly done a lot of research on ptsd and didn't engage in the 'love makes the ptsd magically go away' trope -- which was one of the reasons I chose the round up.
The other reason I chose the round up was the opening chapter. I found that to be confronting but so compelling in its pull no punches prose.
Characters with ptsd is becoming almost a trope in lesrom these days -- and IMHO it's been done much better in other works.
Overall. If I was ranking this on my enjoyment alone this would be getting 2 stars. The writing lacked the subtlety, nuance and emotional hooks I need to draw me in.
April 9, 2017
There was much to enjoy about this read. Although it was heartbreaking to read what the main characters were going through. As I read, I invested my mind as I learned about the impact of PTSD and my heart as I cared about each of the main characters and cheered for them to find peace and happiness. Even though you are doing good work, the price tag can be pretty high. The story itself was different from a typical les/fic read due to the characters and the challenges they each faced. Josephine Barry, larger than life correspondent with a knack for delivering the big story. She encounters a situation that she is unable to handle alone, even though she tries. Reverend Samantha Savage, her heart is large and she takes on so much and tries to help so many but she is lonely and desires to give herself to love. I really enjoyed the story flow as the author carried the reader through some very difficult life challenges.
Received with thanks from Bold Stroke Books via NetGalley.
Received with thanks from Bold Stroke Books via NetGalley.
May 8, 2017
Romances involving priests have always held a special kind of allure for me, because there's that delicious element of internal conflict--of being torn between their love for their faith/religion/God and their love for a woman. So when the opportunity came to review such a book, I jumped on it. For readers expecting a sexy, hot, torrid affair, move along. This is more of a "gentle romance" between two mature women. It's a book about friendship, life choices and the devastating results of not dealing with psychological trauma.
English vicar (a parish priest, accdg. to wikipedia) Sam has spent most of her adult life in dedicated service to God and ministering to her parishioners. It's been richly fulfilling for her. For the most part. But a visit with a dying friend, an old love from long ago, and her parting words have haunted Sam ever since. Is she letting love...and therefore, life, pass her by? A chance encounter with an American reporter, Joey, rekindles hope that maybe, just maybe, she might get a second chance at love....and life. BUT (isn't there always one? ;), is Sam's church ready for a lesbian vicar? Is Joey willing to put up with being always second in Sam's life... And even if she is, can Joey overcome her debilitating PTSD that seems to always strike at the worst possible moments.
A good deal of page time is devoted to developing the main characters' friendship, and I enjoyed the slow burn romance that grew from it. I loved the supporting characters--from snarky housekeeper Gloria, to Joey's fabulous, straight talking mom, to the bishop's feisty wife (the male characters were much blander). The book is very British, right down to the understated humor, which I loved. There is also angst, lots of it. A book that manages to make me laugh *and* cry--in public at that--usually gets a full 5 stars from me and a permanent place on my all-time favorites shelf. But, a couple of things keep this book from that pedestal. There are long stretches of the book where the author lapses into "telling" rather than "showing". A few hundred books ago, I probably wouldn't have minded but when one's read a lot, it feels like the difference between being the character and just reading about her. Another small 'but' has to do with the appearance of the vicar Sam. Physically, I wasn't sure what Joey saw in her. Except for the auburn hair, not much else was mentioned about her. It was like the author was being intentionally vague about what she looked like, while other women in the book (including one vying for Joey's attention) got lots of physical descriptions. Behind that shapeless frock and dog collar, priests are allowed to be sexy too, ;)
Bottom line, this book has more of a deep, loving friendship feel to it than a hot, sexy romance. IMHO.
4.40 stars
ARC from Netgalley
English vicar (a parish priest, accdg. to wikipedia) Sam has spent most of her adult life in dedicated service to God and ministering to her parishioners. It's been richly fulfilling for her. For the most part. But a visit with a dying friend, an old love from long ago, and her parting words have haunted Sam ever since. Is she letting love...and therefore, life, pass her by? A chance encounter with an American reporter, Joey, rekindles hope that maybe, just maybe, she might get a second chance at love....and life. BUT (isn't there always one? ;), is Sam's church ready for a lesbian vicar? Is Joey willing to put up with being always second in Sam's life... And even if she is, can Joey overcome her debilitating PTSD that seems to always strike at the worst possible moments.
A good deal of page time is devoted to developing the main characters' friendship, and I enjoyed the slow burn romance that grew from it. I loved the supporting characters--from snarky housekeeper Gloria, to Joey's fabulous, straight talking mom, to the bishop's feisty wife (the male characters were much blander). The book is very British, right down to the understated humor, which I loved. There is also angst, lots of it. A book that manages to make me laugh *and* cry--in public at that--usually gets a full 5 stars from me and a permanent place on my all-time favorites shelf. But, a couple of things keep this book from that pedestal. There are long stretches of the book where the author lapses into "telling" rather than "showing". A few hundred books ago, I probably wouldn't have minded but when one's read a lot, it feels like the difference between being the character and just reading about her. Another small 'but' has to do with the appearance of the vicar Sam. Physically, I wasn't sure what Joey saw in her. Except for the auburn hair, not much else was mentioned about her. It was like the author was being intentionally vague about what she looked like, while other women in the book (including one vying for Joey's attention) got lots of physical descriptions. Behind that shapeless frock and dog collar, priests are allowed to be sexy too, ;)
Bottom line, this book has more of a deep, loving friendship feel to it than a hot, sexy romance. IMHO.
4.40 stars
ARC from Netgalley
May 20, 2017
A well written romance story. We meet a war investigative journalist Josephine 'Joey' Barry and an English vicar Samantha Savage. Both women have emotional baggage. The will they or won't they angst has made it hard for me to put the book down...
March 29, 2017
For the most part I found this to be a very enjoyable book, I like the fact that it features two women who are slightly older than the typical characters in romance novels (they're even older than I am - shock, horror! The plot's not too far fetched but yet, it's all a bit bland and predictable.
I never really warmed to either Sam and Jo (good traditional lesfic names). Generally by the time the couple get together I'm cheering them on but with this pair I didn't really give a shit. I found myself reading it as a kid of academic exercise; guessing what would happen next based on how long was left in the book and the typical narrative arc. Despite all of this, as I mentioned in my first line, I read the bloody thing in a day and did actually enjoy it. Not quite sure how that happened...
I never really warmed to either Sam and Jo (good traditional lesfic names). Generally by the time the couple get together I'm cheering them on but with this pair I didn't really give a shit. I found myself reading it as a kid of academic exercise; guessing what would happen next based on how long was left in the book and the typical narrative arc. Despite all of this, as I mentioned in my first line, I read the bloody thing in a day and did actually enjoy it. Not quite sure how that happened...
April 15, 2017
An honest review thanks to Netgalley. This was a nice read; I liked the beginning and the experience of finding out about Joeys PTSD and what she went through when trying to get her story. Having Sam being a vicar brought in a nice twist to read about. Though through the story, I didn't feel the chemistry and connection between Sam and Joey, which had me trying to get though. I couldn't get into the story as must as I usually would. The plot was nice, but the characters and me just didn't connect.
August 18, 2017
I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this one, but it turned out to be really good. This book is worth picking up. The characters are older, which isn’t written often but it worked. I was surprised how much I enjoyed reading their story. Beacham has a way of making a reader feel connected to characters. This book makes you really feel for both characters. If I am honest, I am always a little leery of relationships where one of the two is in a leadership position within a church. I have no good explanation for this, but it always makes me a bit nervous. This is one of the best done I have read so far. This was my second Beacham book, and both were really great reads. I should pick up her other books, because if they are as good as this it is well worth the read.
June 1, 2017
I loved the humor, it made me laugh out loud for real. That was the greatest thing about this book, and the reason I gave it 5 stars.
May 3, 2018
This was a good book. And a good book to me is one where the story stays with me for weeks. This was a well layered book, the author took time to build the characters, add in the flaws and the personalities down to the likes and dislikes, and then began to mesh them together with the other characters. It is easy to live daily life, it is hard to write about that daily life and make it feel as if you were living the life of the characters. The bantering back and forth was a great use of a coping mechanism too. Well Done Ms. Beacham!
I generally don't like the vernacular of English author books as the "slang" is hard to follow at times. Sometimes the utterance of slang describes the feeling or atmosphere of an event and that seriously gets lost in the translation. The gist of a sentence, the meaning of communication thankfully didn't depend on the meaning of slang to get the point across. Or too, I could be better at reading English slang as opposed to Aussie slang!
I generally don't like the vernacular of English author books as the "slang" is hard to follow at times. Sometimes the utterance of slang describes the feeling or atmosphere of an event and that seriously gets lost in the translation. The gist of a sentence, the meaning of communication thankfully didn't depend on the meaning of slang to get the point across. Or too, I could be better at reading English slang as opposed to Aussie slang!
March 25, 2017
I rec'd an ARC from NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books in exchange for an honest review. No synopsis necessary. This is a well written emotional romance with angst, drama and a touch of humour. Central characters are American journalist Josephine "Joey" and English Reverend Samantha "Sam". Ms. Beacham deftly handles Joey's and Sam's journey without making the storyline drag. A wonderful read for her fans and I encourage new readers to discover Ms. Beacham's writing talent. 4.5 stars.
November 19, 2020
Excellent!
I loved Soul Survivor. Seeing and feeling the effects of PTSD on a person is so hard. It’s interesting to see a woman vicar. Also keeping in mind the church’s stand on gay marriage.
I loved Soul Survivor. Seeing and feeling the effects of PTSD on a person is so hard. It’s interesting to see a woman vicar. Also keeping in mind the church’s stand on gay marriage.
May 22, 2017
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, and The Unread:
I seem to be drawn to romances in which one or both protagonists experiences a crisis of faith, possibly because the situation is outside my experience and something I’m unlikely to encounter in myself – at least in its religious sense. While Church of England clergy seem to be popular heroes to feature in the trope, I’ve rarely encountered them as the heroine of a story, even though women vicars have been around for at least half my lifetime. Add in the fact that I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Beacham so far, and it may become obvious why I had to get my hands on this book.
Sam Savage heard the calling to be ordained at a young age and gave up her one serious relationship with a woman to become a vicar. Although she personally sees no conflict between her sexuality and her beliefs, she is all too aware that others within the Anglican Church disagree vehemently with her. Besides, she has far too much to do within her parish to consider getting involved with anyone, no matter what her housekeeper has to say about people taking advantage of her good nature. Just as Sam’s been landed with yet more parish issues to deal with, not limited to the leaking roof on her Grade One Listed parish church and an organist who plays all the right notes, though not necessarily in the right order, someone with more pressing – and very different – troubles walks into her life.
Joey Barry was a famous war reporter for US TV, until she got caught up a little too intensely in the conflict, witnessing the deaths of her fellow crew members and suffering extreme hardship before finally being rescued. Now suffering from PTSD, she’s been forced to take a leave of absence from the TV station and has moved into her aunt’s house in Sam’s parish, while working as a consultant to a small British production company.
Sam and Joey hit it off straight away, even more so once Sam discovers that Joey is a talented keyboard player, who might be able to adapt her skills, temporarily, to the church organ. The pair enjoy dinners and motor bike trips together, but just as things seem to be working out from Joey’s point of view, Sam seems to put her duty to the people of her parish above the needs of her new lover. Already questioning whether her youthful vocation is still the only way she can serve her God, Sam sets out to convince Joey to give her another chance – with the help of some unexpected allies both in the UK and in the US.
I loved all the characters in this book: not just Sam and Joey, but all the rest, including Sam’s housekeeper, and her bishop and his family, as well as Joey’s parents and other family and friends. The one aspect I found jarring was the rapidity with which the point of view switched from one heroine to the other. Overall, a highly satisfying read, nonetheless.
I seem to be drawn to romances in which one or both protagonists experiences a crisis of faith, possibly because the situation is outside my experience and something I’m unlikely to encounter in myself – at least in its religious sense. While Church of England clergy seem to be popular heroes to feature in the trope, I’ve rarely encountered them as the heroine of a story, even though women vicars have been around for at least half my lifetime. Add in the fact that I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Beacham so far, and it may become obvious why I had to get my hands on this book.
Sam Savage heard the calling to be ordained at a young age and gave up her one serious relationship with a woman to become a vicar. Although she personally sees no conflict between her sexuality and her beliefs, she is all too aware that others within the Anglican Church disagree vehemently with her. Besides, she has far too much to do within her parish to consider getting involved with anyone, no matter what her housekeeper has to say about people taking advantage of her good nature. Just as Sam’s been landed with yet more parish issues to deal with, not limited to the leaking roof on her Grade One Listed parish church and an organist who plays all the right notes, though not necessarily in the right order, someone with more pressing – and very different – troubles walks into her life.
Joey Barry was a famous war reporter for US TV, until she got caught up a little too intensely in the conflict, witnessing the deaths of her fellow crew members and suffering extreme hardship before finally being rescued. Now suffering from PTSD, she’s been forced to take a leave of absence from the TV station and has moved into her aunt’s house in Sam’s parish, while working as a consultant to a small British production company.
Sam and Joey hit it off straight away, even more so once Sam discovers that Joey is a talented keyboard player, who might be able to adapt her skills, temporarily, to the church organ. The pair enjoy dinners and motor bike trips together, but just as things seem to be working out from Joey’s point of view, Sam seems to put her duty to the people of her parish above the needs of her new lover. Already questioning whether her youthful vocation is still the only way she can serve her God, Sam sets out to convince Joey to give her another chance – with the help of some unexpected allies both in the UK and in the US.
I loved all the characters in this book: not just Sam and Joey, but all the rest, including Sam’s housekeeper, and her bishop and his family, as well as Joey’s parents and other family and friends. The one aspect I found jarring was the rapidity with which the point of view switched from one heroine to the other. Overall, a highly satisfying read, nonetheless.
March 30, 2017
This new Beacham novel is a absolute MUST read..
The story is so different from your normal Lesfic love stories..
The characters are well developed and I am sure a lot of research was done.
I thoroughly enjoyed this....
The story is so different from your normal Lesfic love stories..
The characters are well developed and I am sure a lot of research was done.
I thoroughly enjoyed this....
May 3, 2017
I don't like the way it is written (don't really know why, it's just not mine). And so I couldn't get into the story, maybe I'll give it another trty some day.
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