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Foundation of Love
After years apart, Jay and Ashley are finally together again—but learning to love one another comes with its own challenges.
Jay plans on winning Ashley’s heart with romantic dates that don’t always turn out as planned.
Book two in the Sweet Home Series is filled with love, surprises, new
characters, and unlikely friendships.
This book contains religious content.
Jay plans on winning Ashley’s heart with romantic dates that don’t always turn out as planned.
Book two in the Sweet Home Series is filled with love, surprises, new
characters, and unlikely friendships.
This book contains religious content.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2016
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Kiah Stephens
3 books7 followersI'm an author. I love photography and food. I live on the sunny coast of NSW.
If you enjoy my books, please leave me a review - it's like gold to authors :)
If you enjoy my books, please leave me a review - it's like gold to authors :)
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 1, 2016
Foundation of Love: Sweet Home Series, Book 2 is the second in the series by Kiah Stephens. It follows Anchor of Hope. This series is a Christian series and thus has no graphic sex scenes which is wonderful. The book is very romantic and emotional.
Ashley has returned home having given up her fiancé and job in New York City to come home to Jay, her high school boyfriend. Jay, however, had been gone for two weeks to the Philippines where he was helping rebuild after a typhoon. Ashley hadn’t been able to go as she didn’t have the necessary vaccinations. So she had spent the two weeks house-sitting for him. Now she was anxiously awaiting his plane. Would he still be in love with her or had he changed his mind? After all, she had only been back for two days when he had left. Eight years ago, she had left Sweet Home leaving him only a text. She felt she needed to prove something to herself to make up for not being there when her father had died. She had it all: a great job, a new position, an amazing apartment, and a hard-working fiancé. She had come home for her mother’s wedding only to discover what she really needed was waiting for her at home- Jay. She couldn’t wait to move in with him.
Jay was delighted Ashley had returned home, although her return to him had been fraught with heartache. He had already made the commitment to help in the Philippines so had to go. Jay had changed in the eight years since Ashley had been gone. He had built up his business, joined the Army, been injured, found God and the Church, and was working to try to forget Ashley. The latter he was unable to do so he waited for her. All he wanted was to be by her side and protect her, even from himself. Now he had to tell her they wouldn’t sleep together until and if they were married. He had taken a vow to be pure until marriage and hoped he could stick to it. He wasn’t sure Ashley could understand his point of view. In just a little while, he would have to tell her because the plane had landed. What would her reaction be?
The book is full of surprises and lots of fun. Love and heartbreak lie ahead for the couple. I loved the book and can hardly wait for book 3.
Ashley has returned home having given up her fiancé and job in New York City to come home to Jay, her high school boyfriend. Jay, however, had been gone for two weeks to the Philippines where he was helping rebuild after a typhoon. Ashley hadn’t been able to go as she didn’t have the necessary vaccinations. So she had spent the two weeks house-sitting for him. Now she was anxiously awaiting his plane. Would he still be in love with her or had he changed his mind? After all, she had only been back for two days when he had left. Eight years ago, she had left Sweet Home leaving him only a text. She felt she needed to prove something to herself to make up for not being there when her father had died. She had it all: a great job, a new position, an amazing apartment, and a hard-working fiancé. She had come home for her mother’s wedding only to discover what she really needed was waiting for her at home- Jay. She couldn’t wait to move in with him.
Jay was delighted Ashley had returned home, although her return to him had been fraught with heartache. He had already made the commitment to help in the Philippines so had to go. Jay had changed in the eight years since Ashley had been gone. He had built up his business, joined the Army, been injured, found God and the Church, and was working to try to forget Ashley. The latter he was unable to do so he waited for her. All he wanted was to be by her side and protect her, even from himself. Now he had to tell her they wouldn’t sleep together until and if they were married. He had taken a vow to be pure until marriage and hoped he could stick to it. He wasn’t sure Ashley could understand his point of view. In just a little while, he would have to tell her because the plane had landed. What would her reaction be?
The book is full of surprises and lots of fun. Love and heartbreak lie ahead for the couple. I loved the book and can hardly wait for book 3.
December 12, 2016
Jay Henderson (Ashely’s BF) said good bye to Ashley Harper (Jay’s GF) & headed to Visayas region in the Philippines.
A typhoon had devastated the area & rebuilding was about to begin.
Pastor Barry had advised Ashely not to go along as a volunteer.
Foster Lake. Bryan (cafe owner) had asked Ashley if she would waitress while Amanda was on vacation.
Jane (Ashley’s mother) & Martin (2nd. husband/stepfather) got married.
Will Jay & Ashley get married someday?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written religious oriented romance book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great religious romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
A typhoon had devastated the area & rebuilding was about to begin.
Pastor Barry had advised Ashely not to go along as a volunteer.
Foster Lake. Bryan (cafe owner) had asked Ashley if she would waitress while Amanda was on vacation.
Jane (Ashley’s mother) & Martin (2nd. husband/stepfather) got married.
Will Jay & Ashley get married someday?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written religious oriented romance book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great religious romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
December 9, 2016
Foundation of Love by Kiah Stephens is a charming, romantic tale which you'll love.
It tells the story of Ashley and Jay, and their journey of love, trials and the commitment needed to stay together, forgive each other, and work through their faith.
It is well written and the characters are certainly believable. The plot is full of twists that will keep you turning the pages. I'm sure many readers will identify with both characters, and see themselves shaped within the pages. They'll also enjoy learning and growing along with them.
There are no graphic sex scenes or gratuitous foreplay. It's just a good, honest story that relies on the creation of a believable and solid storyline rather than going for unrealistic nonsense. It's a breath of fresh air in that regard. If you love Christian based, romantic stories, you are going to love this book.
It tells the story of Ashley and Jay, and their journey of love, trials and the commitment needed to stay together, forgive each other, and work through their faith.
It is well written and the characters are certainly believable. The plot is full of twists that will keep you turning the pages. I'm sure many readers will identify with both characters, and see themselves shaped within the pages. They'll also enjoy learning and growing along with them.
There are no graphic sex scenes or gratuitous foreplay. It's just a good, honest story that relies on the creation of a believable and solid storyline rather than going for unrealistic nonsense. It's a breath of fresh air in that regard. If you love Christian based, romantic stories, you are going to love this book.
March 17, 2017
I finished this book in a couple of days. This is my first Christian fiction read and I was real curious about what exactly a romance novel with a religious bent would be like. I was pleasantly surprised. More and more these days fiction seems to contain heavy doses of sexual and violent content and the more the shock value, the bigger the bestseller. This book was a refreshing change and a clean read. I learned a lot about the fundamental values in Christianity and how the people of this faith aspire to live their lives. Although I am not a Christian, I enjoyed this book because it gave me a different perspective and I liked that it flowed well. I also enjoyed the element of romance and the relationship between Jay and Ashley, the conflict in Ashley's heart, her feelings about God. I thought Jay was the perfect hero, solid in his faith and true to his commitments.
March 9, 2017
This novel has twists and turns that keep you flipping the page. Wholesome and great for those who love romance but are tired of overly graphic sex scenes. I haven’t read the first one yet but plan to go back and do so! A realistic and relatable story. And even though I am not particularly religious, I still enjoyed the story and the different point of view. A sweet, refreshing romance.
January 9, 2017
Ashley and Jay are together again after spending some time apart, but the reunion isn't quite what she expected. As Ashley struggles to incorporate her return to faith with modern social ideas, Jay struggles to stick to his faith in spite of his physical desires. With all that, what happens when another woman tries to come between them?
I can honestly say that I loved the story, even cried a little at times, because the story normalizes the struggle of faith, and even doubt, that many Christians feel ashamed to admit. It also details the difficulty that comes from questioning one's own self-worth when promised love, beit from a fellow human or loving God. I also appreciate that the author validates the struggles that accompany change and highlights the acceptability of moving at one's own pace.
I would recommend the book to anyone, even if they are not religious because it emphasizes the humanity of Christians, the faith and the struggles, without feeling like there someone is trying to shove faith down your throat.
I can honestly say that I loved the story, even cried a little at times, because the story normalizes the struggle of faith, and even doubt, that many Christians feel ashamed to admit. It also details the difficulty that comes from questioning one's own self-worth when promised love, beit from a fellow human or loving God. I also appreciate that the author validates the struggles that accompany change and highlights the acceptability of moving at one's own pace.
I would recommend the book to anyone, even if they are not religious because it emphasizes the humanity of Christians, the faith and the struggles, without feeling like there someone is trying to shove faith down your throat.
January 20, 2017
Foundation of Love is a novel about characters, and the relationships between them. In that sense, it's exactly the way I prefer it. Ashley, the main character, is likeable and well developed. It was easy to care about her.
The story is sweet and warm, like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day. It reminded me of the Gilmore Girls because it gave me feel all warm inside, like it was a happy place where everything would turn out okay. Heart-warming might be the term I'm looking for. Anyway, it was a joy to read with a, let's say, suitably happy ending.
The writing itself was confident and clear, and the pacing was good. I'd recommend this book for any fan of the genre.
The story is sweet and warm, like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day. It reminded me of the Gilmore Girls because it gave me feel all warm inside, like it was a happy place where everything would turn out okay. Heart-warming might be the term I'm looking for. Anyway, it was a joy to read with a, let's say, suitably happy ending.
The writing itself was confident and clear, and the pacing was good. I'd recommend this book for any fan of the genre.
June 24, 2021
I love Ashley and Jay's relationship so much. There is a small part of the book that feels a little redundant with all the surprise dates, but the rest is so good.
The Sweet Home series is one of my favorite and now I only have one book left to finish Ashley and Jay's story. I can't wait!
The Sweet Home series is one of my favorite and now I only have one book left to finish Ashley and Jay's story. I can't wait!
May 1, 2017
“I actually worked in the general market for many years writing steamy historical romance, and I had more freedom in the Christian market than I ever did in the general market to write about any issue that I needed to write about,” Francine Rivers.
Foundation of Love is a Christian romance. The two main characters, Ashley and Jay, try to build their relationship on the principles of the Christian faith. Not easy for Ashley since she’s been out of the Christian scene for about nine years, letting the lights of the big city cast their spell on her. One of the rules of the faith prohibits sex outside of marriage, which includes no pre-marital sex. If you stand back and take a look at this rule, it’s a good rule. Society doesn’t need their women raising their kids as single moms - if the society has some common sense. It’s not easy for a woman to raise a kid on her own. When the whole village has to raise the kid because dad isn’t around, the kid can easily walk down the wrong path and some wind up on the path to the state pen. But when we are in love, who is standing back and evaluating the pros and cons of sexual taboos? Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. However, Jay isn’t rushing in. Even when they share the same bed because Ashley doesn’t want him to have to sleep on the floor, Jay isn’t rushing in. I had to ask questions about Jay’s libido and/or his orientation. Religious conviction is one thing, but Ashley, who isn’t chopped liver, is right beside him in bed. Come on! Jay can’t be gay, can he? But, he’s so manly. I was wondering if he was going to tell Ashley at the end, “Sorry, but I’m gay.” Relationships can be complicated with our without religion getting thrown into the mix. Life can throw a curve ball to anyone, no matter what they believe. Ashley can rely on a little help from a bottle of vodka when a curve ball comes her way, which doesn’t help with her batting average but doesn’t put her out of the game. This novel also throws twists and turns along Jay’s and Ashley’s journey, making it an interesting read. Will their foundation of love be enough to make their relationship last a life time?
The book was refreshing for its lack of graphic sex. You might be surprised by how much you like it.
Foundation of Love is a Christian romance. The two main characters, Ashley and Jay, try to build their relationship on the principles of the Christian faith. Not easy for Ashley since she’s been out of the Christian scene for about nine years, letting the lights of the big city cast their spell on her. One of the rules of the faith prohibits sex outside of marriage, which includes no pre-marital sex. If you stand back and take a look at this rule, it’s a good rule. Society doesn’t need their women raising their kids as single moms - if the society has some common sense. It’s not easy for a woman to raise a kid on her own. When the whole village has to raise the kid because dad isn’t around, the kid can easily walk down the wrong path and some wind up on the path to the state pen. But when we are in love, who is standing back and evaluating the pros and cons of sexual taboos? Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. However, Jay isn’t rushing in. Even when they share the same bed because Ashley doesn’t want him to have to sleep on the floor, Jay isn’t rushing in. I had to ask questions about Jay’s libido and/or his orientation. Religious conviction is one thing, but Ashley, who isn’t chopped liver, is right beside him in bed. Come on! Jay can’t be gay, can he? But, he’s so manly. I was wondering if he was going to tell Ashley at the end, “Sorry, but I’m gay.” Relationships can be complicated with our without religion getting thrown into the mix. Life can throw a curve ball to anyone, no matter what they believe. Ashley can rely on a little help from a bottle of vodka when a curve ball comes her way, which doesn’t help with her batting average but doesn’t put her out of the game. This novel also throws twists and turns along Jay’s and Ashley’s journey, making it an interesting read. Will their foundation of love be enough to make their relationship last a life time?
The book was refreshing for its lack of graphic sex. You might be surprised by how much you like it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews