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Informal Romance #4
An Informal Date
Could two people be more different?
Kimi Fairchild is pursuing an Art Therapy degree while working as a barista at a local hospital. She takes life as it comes and has a smile for everyone who crosses her path. She’s never much cared for schedules, either…until a mysterious man starts showing up at her coffee kiosk every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at exactly 7:05 a.m.
Owen Pratt is a research scientist on the verge of obtaining FDA approval for a new cancer-fighting drug. He has limited people skills, a fondness for caffeine, and a love of strictly kept routines. He’s the antithesis of Kimi in almost every way. Something about her smile, though, keeps bringing him back for more.
How can two such different people go from a shared interest in coffee to a shared future? By getting out of God’s way and letting Him handle the details. Ha! Easier said than done.
Kimi Fairchild is pursuing an Art Therapy degree while working as a barista at a local hospital. She takes life as it comes and has a smile for everyone who crosses her path. She’s never much cared for schedules, either…until a mysterious man starts showing up at her coffee kiosk every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at exactly 7:05 a.m.
Owen Pratt is a research scientist on the verge of obtaining FDA approval for a new cancer-fighting drug. He has limited people skills, a fondness for caffeine, and a love of strictly kept routines. He’s the antithesis of Kimi in almost every way. Something about her smile, though, keeps bringing him back for more.
How can two such different people go from a shared interest in coffee to a shared future? By getting out of God’s way and letting Him handle the details. Ha! Easier said than done.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2016
67 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Heather Gray
23 books239 followersHeather loves coffee, God, her family, and laughter – not necessarily in that order! She writes approachable characters who, through the highs and lows of life, find a way to love God, embrace each day, and laugh out loud right along with her. And, yeah, her books almost always have someone who's a coffee addict. Some things just can't be helped.
Despite being born into different eras, Heather's characters share a common trait. Like her, they're all flawed...but loved anyway.
You can find Heather online at http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywr... and http://www.twitter.com/laughdreamwrite. She can also be found most days at The Inspired Inkpot, a street team, prayer group, and all around awesome place to hang out - http://www.facebook.com/groups/theins....
Despite being born into different eras, Heather's characters share a common trait. Like her, they're all flawed...but loved anyway.
You can find Heather online at http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywr... and http://www.twitter.com/laughdreamwrite. She can also be found most days at The Inspired Inkpot, a street team, prayer group, and all around awesome place to hang out - http://www.facebook.com/groups/theins....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 25, 2018
This was a nice, sweet little romance. I liked the characters, even if they were opposites, although I didn't feel an extremely deep connection to either of them. Seems a little strange, but I liked both Kimi's people skills and Owen's lack of them. Although it did seem like there were a few of the judgmental attitudes he denied hiding behind some of his "statements of fact"--or else why all the arguments?
Maybe I've been a little spoiled by too much romantic suspense/romantic other-genre, but I felt a bit of a lack of conflict in this story. Aside from the issues of getting to know and understand and appreciate each other, there wasn't a whole lot of tension going on.
Probably my favorite part was the reception that Owen was forced to attend. I loved how Kimi helped him out almost without trying, but I'd have loved to have them stick around and figure out how to consciously make things work. I also appreciated Kimi's relationship with her brother, although I'd have liked to have a bit more of it.
3.5 stars
Content--an embarrassing conversation about women's dresses and cleavage; a few kisses and the emotional experience of them; mention of Kimi's having lived in an artists' "co-op" (very few details, but the topic raises eyebrows)
Maybe I've been a little spoiled by too much romantic suspense/romantic other-genre, but I felt a bit of a lack of conflict in this story. Aside from the issues of getting to know and understand and appreciate each other, there wasn't a whole lot of tension going on.
Probably my favorite part was the reception that Owen was forced to attend. I loved how Kimi helped him out almost without trying, but I'd have loved to have them stick around and figure out how to consciously make things work. I also appreciated Kimi's relationship with her brother, although I'd have liked to have a bit more of it.
3.5 stars
Content--an embarrassing conversation about women's dresses and cleavage; a few kisses and the emotional experience of them; mention of Kimi's having lived in an artists' "co-op" (very few details, but the topic raises eyebrows)
September 28, 2018
Tender and sweet romance
The characters are certainly endearing in this novel. I immediately connected with Kimi's vivacious personality and enjoyed her outgoing optimism. Owen's "ticks" were endearing and yes at times humorous. It was interesting to have the point of view from his perspective when he says something that can be interpreted to differently from what he meant.
It was fun to read the struggles and perseverance. I swooned with the sweet budding romance that had a chance to bloom before the book ended.
On a steaminess level I would rate this a pleasant PG.
This read is definitely repeat worthy.
The characters are certainly endearing in this novel. I immediately connected with Kimi's vivacious personality and enjoyed her outgoing optimism. Owen's "ticks" were endearing and yes at times humorous. It was interesting to have the point of view from his perspective when he says something that can be interpreted to differently from what he meant.
It was fun to read the struggles and perseverance. I swooned with the sweet budding romance that had a chance to bloom before the book ended.
On a steaminess level I would rate this a pleasant PG.
This read is definitely repeat worthy.
November 16, 2016
An Informal Date by Heather Gray- Two distinctly different personalities and life goals make for interesting conversations between Kimi and Owen. I found myself feeling like I was sitting at a table close by the coffee kiosk listening to them chat. Will they find friendship or more? Can trust be found? Read this story and find out what happens. I enjoyed this story very much.
March 28, 2023
I'm thoroughly enjoying this series by a new (to me) author! Kimi works in the hospital coffee stand, and Owen is an oncology research doctor on the verge of a new treatment to fight cancer. The 2 couldn't be more different. He's so predictable, and she's the opposite. When challenged by his boss to find a date for an upcoming work event, Owen asks Kimi if she'd do him the favor. I liked how the 2 began a relationship built on conversation and faith. It was humorous that Owen preferred the traditional church service, while Kimi enjoyed the contemporary. Can 2 opposites get a long for more than a date? Owen's Mom was a gem, learning how to relate and communicate with him since he was borderline autistic, and how she went out of her way to allow him to learn in his own unique way. The characters were down to earth, and I loved the storyline! A clean romance that I highly recommend!
August 21, 2018
This is a very fun story of Kimi, a young woman working at a coffee bar in a hospital while going to school, and Dr. Owen Pratt who appears always at the same time and orders the same thing. Though Dr. Pratt is a brilliant researcher who developed a new cancer drug, his social skills are lacking. Despite this, Kimi looks forward to seeing him. They end up on the same committee at church so get to know each other better. It was fun to see Owen stretch a bit out of his comfort zone and Kimi to realize he is worth knowing.
December 21, 2016
What a fun story this is! Take an outgoing, cheerful barista and pair her with an introverted research scientist and see what you get! Heather Gray has created some engaging, realistic characters in her book, An Informal Date. I loved the interaction between the main characters and enjoyed watching their relationship evolve. I will definitely be looking for more stories by this author and recommend this book to those who enjoy clean contemporary romance.
January 2, 2017
Interesting characters!
Once again Gray has intrigued me with this great story of two very different characters who come together to celebrate each others uniqueness. Owen, a doctor on the Autistic spectrum, and free-spirited Kimi are so interesting the reader can't wait to see how the story will end.
I recommend this book to romance lovers who enjoy a different twist from typical everyday romance characters.
Once again Gray has intrigued me with this great story of two very different characters who come together to celebrate each others uniqueness. Owen, a doctor on the Autistic spectrum, and free-spirited Kimi are so interesting the reader can't wait to see how the story will end.
I recommend this book to romance lovers who enjoy a different twist from typical everyday romance characters.
February 28, 2019
Kimi has a mysterious man who comes at the same time three times a week. She tried once to have his drink ready and it flustered him. Dr. No Name fascinated her, she got him to converse with her today, and wanting to get more. As for him he always got tongue tied, and was a bit clumsy. Two opposites, made this a cute story, and worth reading.
June 3, 2020
Really good
I mean, it has coffee and great conversation, how could it miss!!?? Seriously though, really enjoyed Owen and Kimi. Love how Owen's Mom dealt with him. What an awesome mother! There are great points and principles throughout this book. Convinced me to put this author on my list of books to read.😊
I mean, it has coffee and great conversation, how could it miss!!?? Seriously though, really enjoyed Owen and Kimi. Love how Owen's Mom dealt with him. What an awesome mother! There are great points and principles throughout this book. Convinced me to put this author on my list of books to read.😊
April 2, 2023
Great story
A great story of 2 people who are very different or were different before meeting each other. I loved the confusing compromise! Funny but workable.
I laughed at the reference to a bull moose. We have a cow moose in the yard resting, after chewing on some bushes. Her movement last night caused a camera to flash, discouraging her from chewing on our lilacs.
A great story of 2 people who are very different or were different before meeting each other. I loved the confusing compromise! Funny but workable.
I laughed at the reference to a bull moose. We have a cow moose in the yard resting, after chewing on some bushes. Her movement last night caused a camera to flash, discouraging her from chewing on our lilacs.
December 1, 2016
Fun book
Enjoyed this fun clean book. Owen and Kimi were delightful. The storyline was new even though the ending was predictable but that didn't make the story less enjoyable. A great afternoon read.
Enjoyed this fun clean book. Owen and Kimi were delightful. The storyline was new even though the ending was predictable but that didn't make the story less enjoyable. A great afternoon read.
May 26, 2018
A Beautiful Romance
I loved this beautiful romance about opposites attract,an intriguing storyline and interesting characters.
This book is recommended for those that love Christian romance.
I loved this beautiful romance about opposites attract,an intriguing storyline and interesting characters.
This book is recommended for those that love Christian romance.
August 8, 2023
A lovely romance between two people who are not afraid to communicate with each other...how refreshing! The hero is neurodiverse and I love him so much! Well written...can't wait to read more by Heather Gray.
May 18, 2018
Different is good.
A good story. I liked the facts about drugs being tested, learned about coffee(can’t drink) and enjoyed how the story developed and the end was fun.
A good story. I liked the facts about drugs being tested, learned about coffee(can’t drink) and enjoyed how the story developed and the end was fun.
May 20, 2018
Enjoyed
Enjoyed reading this book! Would recommend this author and this book of you like a good Christian romance with a happy ending.
Enjoyed reading this book! Would recommend this author and this book of you like a good Christian romance with a happy ending.
June 1, 2018
Thumbs up!
Kimi and Owens story was fun to read. I can relate to Owen's social blunders, and found this a very relatable read as well.
Kimi and Owens story was fun to read. I can relate to Owen's social blunders, and found this a very relatable read as well.
June 4, 2018
Highly recommend
The story was seamless, the characters relatable. From the very beginning the reader is drawn in. Kimi and Owen’s story is unique and enjoyable.
The story was seamless, the characters relatable. From the very beginning the reader is drawn in. Kimi and Owen’s story is unique and enjoyable.
September 26, 2018
Very cute romance story. Love the inter-action between the two, art therapy is a wonderful idea.
April 24, 2019
Clean romance
I liked the book because it is a clean romance story. I like happy endings. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a good grasp on what love is really like.
I liked the book because it is a clean romance story. I like happy endings. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a good grasp on what love is really like.
January 28, 2020
Fun
I enjoyed this book, as I have enjoyed the sea earl of your books I’ve read this last several weeks. I love your characters, the plots and the dialog. Keep up the good work.
I enjoyed this book, as I have enjoyed the sea earl of your books I’ve read this last several weeks. I love your characters, the plots and the dialog. Keep up the good work.
November 15, 2016
This is the first time in reading this author for me. I love discovering new authors that are able to captivate me right away. This is also one of her contemporary romances so after this I am curious if her historical ones are just as. Kimi seems to be a character right off the bat that could and does warm up wherever she is. She is free spirited and the way she is you would like her right away yourself. Then there is Owen whom she lets you know what he does but is not at all like Kimi the flip side but you see he can't stay away from being around her. This one is a straight through and through romance with to be honest for most part I have only read mystery Christian romance so this was a real delight. I found the banter and the warmth alone from these two kept me captivated and entertained delivering much pleasure in the building romance with if they got out of His way he could forge them together. This also warms you all the way to your toes with it being a HEA I am so glad I did not miss reading.
November 14, 2016
This book was provided to me free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review. I have to start by saying that I absolutely love this book. The characters were incredibly relatable in this quirky Christian romance. Kimi, A single barista/college student meets a quirky scientist, Dr. Owen Pratt, while working as a barista in the hospital where he works. With visible chemistry sparking between them, both wonder if they can make a relationship work between them in spite of their differences. Kimi is free spirited, and Dr. Pratt is a man who plays everything by the book. When Christ is the head of any relationship, perceived differences can become the glue that binds them together.
Warning: This books is a page turner. I could. Not put it down. I hope you enjoy! Be blessed!
Warning: This books is a page turner. I could. Not put it down. I hope you enjoy! Be blessed!
December 6, 2016
Kimi is a barista working at a hospital coffee kiosk while also studying to become an Art Therapist. Research scientist Dr. Owen Pratt visits Kimi's kiosk three times a week at precisely 7:05. He's a rule follower and she's a rule breaker. Can these two opposites make a go at a successful relationship?
I was drawn to Owen right off. He's a clumsy, socially awkward guy, but he means well. Kimi's an instantly likeable woman with a bright and cheery personality. I loved the dynamic between them.
An Informal Date was another hit from Heather Gray! Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance!
I was drawn to Owen right off. He's a clumsy, socially awkward guy, but he means well. Kimi's an instantly likeable woman with a bright and cheery personality. I loved the dynamic between them.
An Informal Date was another hit from Heather Gray! Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance!
January 31, 2017
Although Fiction, the Story is believable. It is also charming, quite witty and so very easy to settle into, much like your favorite chair or those great comfortable slippers. While reading the Story I thought, ‘it would have been so nice to know of stories such as this one when I was much younger, especially while in my late teens, 20’s and 30’s. Since I’m now 63 yrs. old and enjoying this Story immensely I guess this means that the Author’s Content and the Style of her writing deems this to be a ‘Timeless’ Story. I am looking forward to reading this Author’s Books. The next one will be ‘An Informal Introduction’.
November 14, 2016
This is another addition to the Informal Romance series that I loved. I thoroughly enjoyed following Kim and Owen and watching their relationship grow as they discovered that in spite of their differences they could have a future together. This is another one from this author with wonderful characters and a story line that kept me reading from the first pages. I definitely recommend this one to the reader who enjoys good Christian romance. I was given a copy of this book by the author, but a favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
November 18, 2016
Kimi and Owens story is truly wonderful. Owen shows up at the same time every day he goes to the coffee shop. Kimi tries to get him to talk more than a few words. Watching there friendship grow is amazing. Owen struggles talking to people it getting close to people. Watching him fight his autism is wonderful. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. This book deserves a higher rating than a five star review. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
November 14, 2016
Have you ever meet a person and thought you were total opposites? This is a story that shows that sometimes, yes, opposites attract! Owen shows up at Kimi's coffee kiosk every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at exactly 7:05 a.m. and it seems that Owen's mysterious, shy and a bit clumsy ways make him interesting to her, and her happy personality makes her interesting to him.. I enjoyed how the author brought these two opposites together.
November 17, 2016
A quick, fun read.
What fun, watching two totally different people explore the possibility of a relationship, all the while wondering if they can find any common ground. Kimi is very much a free spirit, enjoying life as it comes, while Owen is very analytical and confronts life logically. Can they make it work, or will their differences keep them from giving love a chance? Better read this one and find out! I think you'll be glad you did.
What fun, watching two totally different people explore the possibility of a relationship, all the while wondering if they can find any common ground. Kimi is very much a free spirit, enjoying life as it comes, while Owen is very analytical and confronts life logically. Can they make it work, or will their differences keep them from giving love a chance? Better read this one and find out! I think you'll be glad you did.
November 22, 2016
I read and reviewed this in the set Falling for You, and it was worth rereading. This book is about the unlikely romance between 2 opposites - a rule-follower & a rule-breaker. I loved her quote: "God's got my back even when I forget how much He cares." I also love that the author includes different kinds of coffee in all of her books!
December 5, 2023
I loved the opposites-attract angle of this book. It's one of my favorite tropes in (Christian Contemporary) Romance, and this one was definitely well executed. Loved the budding relationship between Kimi and Owen, how they help and challenge each other, but also how they let God guide their lives and, ultimately, their relationship.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews