What do you think?
Rate this book
Balm in Gilead #1
Relinquish
She was supposed to be taking a break from work to rethink her future. She wasn't supposed to be falling in love with her boss.
He was supposed to be resting at a beachside retreat and unwinding from the stress of his job. He wasn't supposed to be wanting her in ways that had nothing to do with the job.
Betsy has worked with John Davenport for four years, and she's always been an efficient, practical member of his crisis response team. He might be brilliant, attractive, and good-hearted, but he's also driven, rather grumpy, and emotionally unavailable. Plus, he's never looked at her with any interest other than a friend and co-worker. No one has ever really been interested in her. She's never been the kind of woman that men fall for.
No matter how much she loves her job with an international relief organization, she knows she can't do it forever. But as soon as she begins thinking toward a different future, John starts to respond to her in a completely new way.
Maybe it's just a temporary feeling, prompted by some much needed downtime. Or maybe they've had more in their hearts than they've ever admitted.
Relinqiush is the first book in the Balm in Gilead series, a spin-off from the Willow Park series about couples who fall in love in a physical and spiritual rest center on the North Carolina coast called Balm in Gilead.
He was supposed to be resting at a beachside retreat and unwinding from the stress of his job. He wasn't supposed to be wanting her in ways that had nothing to do with the job.
Betsy has worked with John Davenport for four years, and she's always been an efficient, practical member of his crisis response team. He might be brilliant, attractive, and good-hearted, but he's also driven, rather grumpy, and emotionally unavailable. Plus, he's never looked at her with any interest other than a friend and co-worker. No one has ever really been interested in her. She's never been the kind of woman that men fall for.
No matter how much she loves her job with an international relief organization, she knows she can't do it forever. But as soon as she begins thinking toward a different future, John starts to respond to her in a completely new way.
Maybe it's just a temporary feeling, prompted by some much needed downtime. Or maybe they've had more in their hearts than they've ever admitted.
Relinqiush is the first book in the Balm in Gilead series, a spin-off from the Willow Park series about couples who fall in love in a physical and spiritual rest center on the North Carolina coast called Balm in Gilead.
164 pages, ebook
First published May 10, 2017
66 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Adams
140 books2,684 followersNoelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 23, 2021
I have often found a thread of faith in this author’s books. Never heavy handed, but sweet and perfect for the characters involved. This book is geared a little more towards the faith both Betsy and John have.
Betsy is such a sweet heroine who has had some feelings for her boss/friend for years. She’s used to not being the woman men pick so her expectations have been zero where John is concerned, even as her heart hurts because of it. However, when it was the right time, she was sensitive to what John needed and helped direct him the right way.
John’s struggles were many. He’s grumpy and unhappy, stressed with work and life in general, and fighting against anything good that should come his way. This is really his story and how he is finally able to let go of the negativity he’s carried throughout his life so he can embrace everything that’s wonderful with Betsy.
This is such a beautiful story. It’s low on heat, but full of heart and romance. Everything between Betsy and John felt real, and John’s battles were those that so many of us face. I connected with both of these characters and couldn’t help but love them completely.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Betsy is such a sweet heroine who has had some feelings for her boss/friend for years. She’s used to not being the woman men pick so her expectations have been zero where John is concerned, even as her heart hurts because of it. However, when it was the right time, she was sensitive to what John needed and helped direct him the right way.
John’s struggles were many. He’s grumpy and unhappy, stressed with work and life in general, and fighting against anything good that should come his way. This is really his story and how he is finally able to let go of the negativity he’s carried throughout his life so he can embrace everything that’s wonderful with Betsy.
This is such a beautiful story. It’s low on heat, but full of heart and romance. Everything between Betsy and John felt real, and John’s battles were those that so many of us face. I connected with both of these characters and couldn’t help but love them completely.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
May 24, 2017
DNF 85%
I never thought I will DNF any of Noelle's book, but here I am writing a DNF review....sob! sob!
Not a badly written book, I am just having a hard time trying to connect with the hero and heroine in this book and failed miserably. I tried and tried and I just couldn't establish have any connection.
** Spoiler Alert**
I can not relate or understand the hero's struggle, I am not convinced at all, of his love and affection towards the heroine. I found myself frowning when the hero tried to justified his initial rejection of having a relationship with the heroine. I find it contrite and forced.
Heroine is only marginally slightly more likable. She needs a back bone and a severe shaking. Yes, I wanted to shake her, I wanted to reach into the book and physically shake her...Come on! Girl! Wake up! Yes, so what John is a nice guy, so what he feeds hungry birds, so what he tried to save hungry villagers, so what he has a nice chest, that doesn't mean he isn't an asshole towards you!! Don't just run into his arm and forgive him just because he showed up riding a grey horse as per your teenage fantasy!! Come on!!!!
Yes, I am not happy, this book had reduced me to a raging and raving mad woman.
For those who may be interested, I believe it is safe to label this book as a christian romance book.
This is a clean, wholesome book. Perfect for readers with delicate sensibilities, not for those looking for a steaming dirty read.
I never thought I will DNF any of Noelle's book, but here I am writing a DNF review....sob! sob!
Not a badly written book, I am just having a hard time trying to connect with the hero and heroine in this book and failed miserably. I tried and tried and I just couldn't establish have any connection.
** Spoiler Alert**
I can not relate or understand the hero's struggle, I am not convinced at all, of his love and affection towards the heroine. I found myself frowning when the hero tried to justified his initial rejection of having a relationship with the heroine. I find it contrite and forced.
Heroine is only marginally slightly more likable. She needs a back bone and a severe shaking. Yes, I wanted to shake her, I wanted to reach into the book and physically shake her...Come on! Girl! Wake up! Yes, so what John is a nice guy, so what he feeds hungry birds, so what he tried to save hungry villagers, so what he has a nice chest, that doesn't mean he isn't an asshole towards you!! Don't just run into his arm and forgive him just because he showed up riding a grey horse as per your teenage fantasy!! Come on!!!!
Yes, I am not happy, this book had reduced me to a raging and raving mad woman.
For those who may be interested, I believe it is safe to label this book as a christian romance book.
This is a clean, wholesome book. Perfect for readers with delicate sensibilities, not for those looking for a steaming dirty read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2017
Just fair
I found this book to be just a fair read for me. Disappointing because I usually devour this author's work. Truth is, I didn't like John, the hero, much at all. In my opinion he came off as weak, needy, and extremely immature. The premise of the story was that John was overworked, exhausted, and on the verge of a meltdown. His assistant, Betsy, along with his superiors, trick him into staying at a health resort for two weeks in order to rest and recuperate. John worked for an international Christian relief organization which took him into some of the worst disaster areas in the world. The straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak, and forced his superiors to act, was a particularly bad famine where women and children were affected.
John kicks up his heels and whines and complains when he finds out the real reason for his visit to Balm in Gilead. At first, he's fairly uncooperative but when he realizes his job is on the line he changes his tune. As he and Betsy spend time together in the more relaxed location, John begins to realize he has feelings for her but has no idea how to handle them.
This is where the problem starts and John seems either Kent's I'll or just really childish. At any rate, I had difficulties finishing it. One thing I will point out is that John's brother, Mark, had been deployed overseas, captured by the enemy, and held prisoner for two years, yet Mark acts more "together" mentally than John. In fact, he doesn't appear to have been affected by his experience much at all, although the author alludes to some repercussions when he first got back. I couldn't reconcile that with John's behavior.
So while I was tempted to give this a lower rating, I went with three stars simply because I know what the author has written in the past and while I didn't particularly enjoy this book, someone else might. I am planning on reading the next book in the series so we shall see.
I found this book to be just a fair read for me. Disappointing because I usually devour this author's work. Truth is, I didn't like John, the hero, much at all. In my opinion he came off as weak, needy, and extremely immature. The premise of the story was that John was overworked, exhausted, and on the verge of a meltdown. His assistant, Betsy, along with his superiors, trick him into staying at a health resort for two weeks in order to rest and recuperate. John worked for an international Christian relief organization which took him into some of the worst disaster areas in the world. The straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak, and forced his superiors to act, was a particularly bad famine where women and children were affected.
John kicks up his heels and whines and complains when he finds out the real reason for his visit to Balm in Gilead. At first, he's fairly uncooperative but when he realizes his job is on the line he changes his tune. As he and Betsy spend time together in the more relaxed location, John begins to realize he has feelings for her but has no idea how to handle them.
This is where the problem starts and John seems either Kent's I'll or just really childish. At any rate, I had difficulties finishing it. One thing I will point out is that John's brother, Mark, had been deployed overseas, captured by the enemy, and held prisoner for two years, yet Mark acts more "together" mentally than John. In fact, he doesn't appear to have been affected by his experience much at all, although the author alludes to some repercussions when he first got back. I couldn't reconcile that with John's behavior.
So while I was tempted to give this a lower rating, I went with three stars simply because I know what the author has written in the past and while I didn't particularly enjoy this book, someone else might. I am planning on reading the next book in the series so we shall see.
May 23, 2017
Relinquish by Noelle Adams is the first story in her new series Balm in Gilead, a spin-off of her Willow Park series. Both are contemporary romance series that feature characters with active Christian faith lives, and while they fit the Romance Writer’s of America (RWA) description of an ‘inspirational romance’, the fact that some titles have on page sex scenes and no outward reach to the reader to convince them that ‘Jesus is the way’ (i.e. proselytizing) means that most inspirational publishers won’t take them – thus they are self-published and are marketed as contemporary romances. The Balm in Gilead is a physical and spiritual retreat center, and this new series is centered on the visitors and staff who work there.
John Davenport is exhausted. The lead member of a crises response team for a Christian aid organization, his co-workers have staged an intervention of sorts – a stay at a seaside resort that turns out to be a retreat center to force him to put work aside and focus on himself. He’s taken there by his longtime friend and co-worker Betsy who has worked with John for four years and seen the toll on him. Her mother lives nearby the center, so she plans to visit John daily while getting her own holiday time in. There’s never been a hint of any romantic relationship between them, though Betsy can honestly say that she’s definitely attracted to her kind, handsome and hardworking friend. This time away from work could be a turning point for them both – but will it bring them together or push them apart for good?
I loved this story. It’s a sweet, slow burn romance (kisses only) as two friends in a peaceful and relaxed setting discover new things about each other and build a romantic relationship. John has been particularly affected by his brother’s Mark’s own crisis, a journalist who’d been held in captivity for over two years and had recently been released (Mark’s story is Home for Christmas). The stress of that, along with the daily stresses of trying to do as much as possible for so many have cost him physically and spiritually. While he is at first upset at the duplicity of his staff, forcing him to leave work behind and actually rest, he can’t deny that it’s a relief to put some of those daily worries behind him. It also makes him see Betsy in a new light – not just as a woman he relies upon, but an attractive single lady whom he’d taken for granted would always be at his side. He’d never thought about her leaving him, getting married and having children with someone else. It forces him to take stock of what he wants for his future, and he soon comes to realize that his feelings for Betsy are changing. The result is a sweet romance that is not without conflict, as John struggles with changing the status quo between them. He’s got issues in his past that affect his ability to commit to a loving relationship and he must deal with these if he’s going to be a good partner for Betsy.
Along with Betsy and John’s romance, I really enjoyed the retreat setting and some of the other secondary characters that we meet, including the staff at the resort. There are more stories to tell, and I’m sure they will be equally lovely. Relinquish is a story about letting go and letting love in, complete with a sweet happy ending for a couple who deserve it.
This review appears at: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
A copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
John Davenport is exhausted. The lead member of a crises response team for a Christian aid organization, his co-workers have staged an intervention of sorts – a stay at a seaside resort that turns out to be a retreat center to force him to put work aside and focus on himself. He’s taken there by his longtime friend and co-worker Betsy who has worked with John for four years and seen the toll on him. Her mother lives nearby the center, so she plans to visit John daily while getting her own holiday time in. There’s never been a hint of any romantic relationship between them, though Betsy can honestly say that she’s definitely attracted to her kind, handsome and hardworking friend. This time away from work could be a turning point for them both – but will it bring them together or push them apart for good?
I loved this story. It’s a sweet, slow burn romance (kisses only) as two friends in a peaceful and relaxed setting discover new things about each other and build a romantic relationship. John has been particularly affected by his brother’s Mark’s own crisis, a journalist who’d been held in captivity for over two years and had recently been released (Mark’s story is Home for Christmas). The stress of that, along with the daily stresses of trying to do as much as possible for so many have cost him physically and spiritually. While he is at first upset at the duplicity of his staff, forcing him to leave work behind and actually rest, he can’t deny that it’s a relief to put some of those daily worries behind him. It also makes him see Betsy in a new light – not just as a woman he relies upon, but an attractive single lady whom he’d taken for granted would always be at his side. He’d never thought about her leaving him, getting married and having children with someone else. It forces him to take stock of what he wants for his future, and he soon comes to realize that his feelings for Betsy are changing. The result is a sweet romance that is not without conflict, as John struggles with changing the status quo between them. He’s got issues in his past that affect his ability to commit to a loving relationship and he must deal with these if he’s going to be a good partner for Betsy.
Along with Betsy and John’s romance, I really enjoyed the retreat setting and some of the other secondary characters that we meet, including the staff at the resort. There are more stories to tell, and I’m sure they will be equally lovely. Relinquish is a story about letting go and letting love in, complete with a sweet happy ending for a couple who deserve it.
This review appears at: https://straightshootinbookreviews.co...
A copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
May 7, 2017
I was so happy that Noelle Adams has a spinoff of the Willow Park series. I loved that series and this new series, Balm in Gilead, has become another favorite.
Betsy and John have a strong working relationship. Betsy has also had feelings for John beyond work. However, John is so wrapped up into his work, that he never looked at her as anything more than a co-worker.
Because their jobs are so intense and emotional, John's boss has decided that John needs a sabbatical at a resort. Betsy is the one that takes him there as she will be spending time with her mother as a sabbatical for herself. John is furious as he cannot have any electronic involvement with the outside world. He asks Betsy to come and visit him everyday and as she does, he begins to see her in a different light. He wonders why he never noticed how pretty she is or how attractive she is. Initially, he feels that these feelings are simply because he is away from everyone else and she is his one constant. However, the more time they spend together, the stronger Betsy's feelings become for John. Their relationship finally begins to take a turn and they begin to act on those feelings. This is not a book with sexual scenes. But it doesn't need to be. The times and descriptions of their longing for one another are written so well, that there doesn't need to be any further depictions.
I loved the story and I loved John and Betsy. I also think it was great to see some of the characters from Willow Park make their way into the story.
Can't wait to read more in the series.
"I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.”
Betsy and John have a strong working relationship. Betsy has also had feelings for John beyond work. However, John is so wrapped up into his work, that he never looked at her as anything more than a co-worker.
Because their jobs are so intense and emotional, John's boss has decided that John needs a sabbatical at a resort. Betsy is the one that takes him there as she will be spending time with her mother as a sabbatical for herself. John is furious as he cannot have any electronic involvement with the outside world. He asks Betsy to come and visit him everyday and as she does, he begins to see her in a different light. He wonders why he never noticed how pretty she is or how attractive she is. Initially, he feels that these feelings are simply because he is away from everyone else and she is his one constant. However, the more time they spend together, the stronger Betsy's feelings become for John. Their relationship finally begins to take a turn and they begin to act on those feelings. This is not a book with sexual scenes. But it doesn't need to be. The times and descriptions of their longing for one another are written so well, that there doesn't need to be any further depictions.
I loved the story and I loved John and Betsy. I also think it was great to see some of the characters from Willow Park make their way into the story.
Can't wait to read more in the series.
"I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.”
February 27, 2021
This was a good romance, far more PG than her other books. But it focused more on the relationship building than the juicy stuff. More religious than I’d like, but still a good love story.
May 12, 2017
A fantastic start to a new series! I recently re-read Home For Christmas, which was great timing since this story focuses on Mark's brother, John. John and Betsy have worked together for years, but they have never been more than friends and co-workers. Betsy and others at work recognize that John needs a break to relax and recharge, and she is put in charge of getting him to Balm of Gilead, a rest center. When her mother asks her what work would be like if John were to marry someone else, Betsy realizes that the job she loves so much wouldn't quite be the same anymore. She is supposed to take this opportunity away from her boss to figure out what she wants for herself, but instead she finds that her feelings for John are growing deeper.
I really loved this story! John was such an anchor for both Mark and Sophie in Home For Christmas, and it was nice to see him finally relaxing and enjoying himself. He always puts everyone else first, and I liked learning more about his backstory. Betsy is smart and compassionate. She loves her job and truly cares about the people she works with. She and John were a great match and balanced each other out. I loved watching them learn more about each other and explore their feelings. I do wish that we had gotten to see a bit more of them "dating" but I did really enjoy their relationship. I am a sucker for a good epilogue, and this one was everything I could have asked for! I just adored it and was really happy with how it wrapped up the story!
This story is set in the Outer Banks, which I really enjoyed. I have vacationed there a few times, and the description of the setting really brought me back. The tranquility of the location really made this book feel relaxing and serene, which I appreciated.
Overall a solid 4.5 stars! I can't wait for more!
*I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
I really loved this story! John was such an anchor for both Mark and Sophie in Home For Christmas, and it was nice to see him finally relaxing and enjoying himself. He always puts everyone else first, and I liked learning more about his backstory. Betsy is smart and compassionate. She loves her job and truly cares about the people she works with. She and John were a great match and balanced each other out. I loved watching them learn more about each other and explore their feelings. I do wish that we had gotten to see a bit more of them "dating" but I did really enjoy their relationship. I am a sucker for a good epilogue, and this one was everything I could have asked for! I just adored it and was really happy with how it wrapped up the story!
This story is set in the Outer Banks, which I really enjoyed. I have vacationed there a few times, and the description of the setting really brought me back. The tranquility of the location really made this book feel relaxing and serene, which I appreciated.
Overall a solid 4.5 stars! I can't wait for more!
*I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
May 11, 2017
Low steam, clean romance between a boss and his employee/co-worker, with an edge of spirituality and religion
Relinquish is a well written, low steam, clean romance between a boss and his employee/co-worker, with an edge of spirituality and religion (although it’s not prominent at all times, it does play a role in the book). The book is set over a couple of weeks but slow to steadily built up with just enough tension and drama simmering alongside the romance. While this is a spin off series, you do not need to have read that series as it is completely standalone (although it’s nice to catch up with a few familiar faces).
Told from dual point of view, Betsy and John have a clear chemistry that has expanded over years of friendship but when life catches up and John is pushed into taking a break at a retreat, it’s intriguing to watch how things develop. The relationship is slow in ways of developing but is fitting of the characters and plot. There are some quirky and unique sub-characters who help show a different side to the characters and add a bit of humour to the book to make this an intriguing read.
I would recommend you give this story a read if you are looking for a clean boss/employee or spiritual romance.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Relinquish is a well written, low steam, clean romance between a boss and his employee/co-worker, with an edge of spirituality and religion (although it’s not prominent at all times, it does play a role in the book). The book is set over a couple of weeks but slow to steadily built up with just enough tension and drama simmering alongside the romance. While this is a spin off series, you do not need to have read that series as it is completely standalone (although it’s nice to catch up with a few familiar faces).
Told from dual point of view, Betsy and John have a clear chemistry that has expanded over years of friendship but when life catches up and John is pushed into taking a break at a retreat, it’s intriguing to watch how things develop. The relationship is slow in ways of developing but is fitting of the characters and plot. There are some quirky and unique sub-characters who help show a different side to the characters and add a bit of humour to the book to make this an intriguing read.
I would recommend you give this story a read if you are looking for a clean boss/employee or spiritual romance.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
May 7, 2017
This book is a spin off of the Willow Park series by the same author. This series is called Balm in Gilead and I will definitely be looking out for the next book. This story is such a gentle and moving romance and it is beautifully told. To be honest it probably isn't my usual read but I absolutely loved it (even cried at one point).
This book has no sex scenes in it, but to be honest the book didn't need it and wasn't lacking because of it. John and Betsy's story is beautifully told and recommend it if you want a few hours with a book that gives you a love story of a couple finally realising there feelings for each other, and how John has to put away his guilt from years back.
As I said not my usual read but this book is going on my reread pile I enjoyed it that much.
I received this ARC in exchange for a honest review which i have given. To sum up the book a Beautifully written love story.
PS I can't wait to read Zeke's story (there's got to be a story there!)
This book has no sex scenes in it, but to be honest the book didn't need it and wasn't lacking because of it. John and Betsy's story is beautifully told and recommend it if you want a few hours with a book that gives you a love story of a couple finally realising there feelings for each other, and how John has to put away his guilt from years back.
As I said not my usual read but this book is going on my reread pile I enjoyed it that much.
I received this ARC in exchange for a honest review which i have given. To sum up the book a Beautifully written love story.
PS I can't wait to read Zeke's story (there's got to be a story there!)
May 11, 2017
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This is a spin off of the Willow Park series which i loved and this no doubt will become another series that i love.
Both of these series loosely originate along the christian faith and the couples doubts and struggles as they find their way through their own troubles and into a happy and successful relationship with both God and a spouse.
John and Besty have been working together as colleagues abroad for years, but are taking a sabbatical, of which John's is forced.
Betsy is strong and has to tell John that he has been duped, but it does not take very long out of their normal lives that things start to change in the way they see each other and the way they start to treat each other.
This is another solid book and i was really happy that we got to see some of the characters from the Willow Park series in the book, long may it continue.
Can't wait for the other books to come out!
This is a spin off of the Willow Park series which i loved and this no doubt will become another series that i love.
Both of these series loosely originate along the christian faith and the couples doubts and struggles as they find their way through their own troubles and into a happy and successful relationship with both God and a spouse.
John and Besty have been working together as colleagues abroad for years, but are taking a sabbatical, of which John's is forced.
Betsy is strong and has to tell John that he has been duped, but it does not take very long out of their normal lives that things start to change in the way they see each other and the way they start to treat each other.
This is another solid book and i was really happy that we got to see some of the characters from the Willow Park series in the book, long may it continue.
Can't wait for the other books to come out!
May 21, 2017
I voluntarily read this book.
Relinquish is the first book in a new series that is a spin-off of the Willow Park series. It is about an overworked boss named John, who is forced by his most trusted employee, Betsy, to spend a week in a relaxation retreat. During this time, John and Betsy take a good look into their lives and have to decide if they need a change. With they threat of losing each other, they discover what was in front of them the whole time, love.
Relinquish is a quick, sweet, clean, romance with just a hint of an underlining Christian theme. I liked the theme of taking a time out of work and discovering what is actually important in life. This is the perfect story to satisfy one's desire to read a short, clean romance.
Relinquish is the first book in a new series that is a spin-off of the Willow Park series. It is about an overworked boss named John, who is forced by his most trusted employee, Betsy, to spend a week in a relaxation retreat. During this time, John and Betsy take a good look into their lives and have to decide if they need a change. With they threat of losing each other, they discover what was in front of them the whole time, love.
Relinquish is a quick, sweet, clean, romance with just a hint of an underlining Christian theme. I liked the theme of taking a time out of work and discovering what is actually important in life. This is the perfect story to satisfy one's desire to read a short, clean romance.
May 30, 2017
This is an interesting new series from Adams, that's a spinoff of her wonderful Willow Park series. While I enjoyed the non-preachy feeling to the religious aspects of the story, I felt the romance side to be slightly lacking. I wanted there to be more to John and Betsy's relationship. There is no doubt a depth of feeling to the emotions they have for each other, but it slightly bothered me that John didn't start paying attention to her until she started dressing differently and wearing her hair and makeup differently as well. I wanted some attraction (on his part) to have been before these changes. And before his jealousy about another man taking her out for coffee makes him see her.
October 13, 2021
3.5 Stars rounded down
MMC is a workaholic and is forced to take a month sabbatical, with two weeks being at a spiritual retreat near his assistants home town. All of this is coordinated by his boss and his assistant. First, I appreciated the blurb in the beginning of the book from the author noting that this was a series with religious overtones and would revolve around God. I am the furthest from a religious person one can be but I continued on because I've yet to read a Noelle Adams book I didn't like (it helps that these books are all under 200 pages). I very much enjoyed the book, I just skimmed all the God/spirituality talk.
MMC is a workaholic and is forced to take a month sabbatical, with two weeks being at a spiritual retreat near his assistants home town. All of this is coordinated by his boss and his assistant. First, I appreciated the blurb in the beginning of the book from the author noting that this was a series with religious overtones and would revolve around God. I am the furthest from a religious person one can be but I continued on because I've yet to read a Noelle Adams book I didn't like (it helps that these books are all under 200 pages). I very much enjoyed the book, I just skimmed all the God/spirituality talk.
May 11, 2017
This book is the first one in a new Noelle Adams series that is a spin off of Willow Park. It is the story of John Davenport and Betsy, they are both Christian working for an international relief organization for several years. They are exhausted from their last mission and need a sabbatical and from then on begins a romantic and sweet story of two souls rekindled through pain and faith.
John and Betsy are a strong, sweet couple who devoted themselves for others but forget to heal their own souls. This book is so perfect and the title is right to the aim of the plot.
You will not regret it!
John and Betsy are a strong, sweet couple who devoted themselves for others but forget to heal their own souls. This book is so perfect and the title is right to the aim of the plot.
You will not regret it!
May 11, 2017
I loved being able to get both points of view in this book! Betsy and John both had some decisions to come to and I liked how they both had good people to talk to about what was going on in their lives. This was a very enjoyable book and the ending was really good! I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2018
I’m kinda disappointed in this book. John seemed so different from Mark’s book. He seemed like a very interesting and cool guy. While here, I don’t really get what he’s struggling from and what’s actually going on with him. I also failed to get the chemistry of John and Betsy. Well, I guess this book is just not for me.
February 20, 2021
Under his nose
Taking time to relax is not something John can do so he puts up a fight when he has to. He's had very similar work atmosphere for years including Betsy always there. But small changes make big waves...
I really enjoyed this story. A slightly more clean romance then other books I've read from this author yet you don't feel cheated with that.
Taking time to relax is not something John can do so he puts up a fight when he has to. He's had very similar work atmosphere for years including Betsy always there. But small changes make big waves...
I really enjoyed this story. A slightly more clean romance then other books I've read from this author yet you don't feel cheated with that.
February 26, 2018
Thumbs down on this Noelle Adams book
Constant reference to there work, but no serous explanation or back story. Characters were boring no Passion in the writing. I was glad when the book came to a close. Not what I expect from a Noelle Adams book.
Constant reference to there work, but no serous explanation or back story. Characters were boring no Passion in the writing. I was glad when the book came to a close. Not what I expect from a Noelle Adams book.
September 22, 2019
Finding Joy
I had read the Willow Park series. That is not required to read this series. John is a dude character from the kat book in that series. I was so happy to read about John and Betsy. Betsy was stronger than most to wait for love.
I had read the Willow Park series. That is not required to read this series. John is a dude character from the kat book in that series. I was so happy to read about John and Betsy. Betsy was stronger than most to wait for love.
May 14, 2017
I loved this book.
May 24, 2017
This is a typical, sweet Noelle Adams story. It has a Christian thread through it, but it's not "preachy".
September 12, 2017
Didn't finish, christian
November 28, 2020
Baby feels but my least fav noelle Adams story so far
December 9, 2024
good
Good!! Definitely different from all of the other Noelle Adams books that I have read.. a cute romance book without any sex.
Good!! Definitely different from all of the other Noelle Adams books that I have read.. a cute romance book without any sex.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews