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Hope #3

Some Say Love

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Do you believe in second chances?

You will…

When Jenna Davis lost the love of her life, she had no plans to ever find someone to fill that void. In fact, just going on with life was tough enough. However, meeting Scott Browning on Flight 259 changed that for Jenna in a big way. Unfortunately, moving on is not as easy as everyone seems to think it should be. Add a mother bent on maintaining a perfect family image, former in-laws, and a mind, heart, and soul that refuse to forget, and Jenna might not be able to move on at all…

Finding love has never come easy for Doctor Scott Browning. His first marriage ended in soul-crushing disaster, and his second looks like it might never even make it to the altar. Can he learn how to be the husband Jenna needs him to be, and does he have what it takes to be the man her friends and family think she deserves?

“Some Say Love,” the finale novel in The Hope Series trilogy, takes a hard look at life after loss, the process of grief, and becoming the whole person God meant for us to be. It delves into hope, healing, and recovery always being mindful that none of those happen overnight.

You are invited to take this journey along with Jenna and Scott as they navigate what Christian love really means in this romantic, sometimes funny, often poignant romance by USA Today bestselling Christian romance author, Staci Stallings. Because God definitely believes in second chances!

200,000+ Words

709 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

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About the author

Staci Stallings

72 books582 followers
A stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including:

Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/

Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...

Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/

Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Phyllis.
1,288 reviews35 followers
February 1, 2018
Some Say Love is a tender story about learning about what love truly is, and how to overcome grief.  Author Staci Stallings has taken a very difficult subject and turned it into an emotional account.

Jenna was an amazing woman.  Despite her grief, she loved deeply and well, pouring herself out for those she came into contact with.  Though he didn't have the same grief to deal with that she did, Scott was probably more broken.  The way he determined to learn what love truly is and how to help Jenna was so sweet.

Due to the nature of the subject matter, grief, the mood throughout much of the book is heavy.  It doesn't end there, however.  I especially appreciated the way the author did not wait to show the triumph of sadness until the last page, and instead showed joy and victory gradually breaking through the despair like the first crocus conquering the darkness and cold of winter, and blossoming into a glorious spring.

The author obviously has a heart for those who are hurting, and spent a lot of time on going through how to deal with grief.  There are multiple conversation, sermons, and excerpts from books that are used throughout the story to help the readers to learn about the grief process and about love.  I confess I did get a little weary of them, mostly the quotes from the books on grief, but only a little.

This book is the last of the series, and really doesn't stand alone.  I have read the first book, Flight 259, but have not read A Time to Love and knew I was missing out on some things as I read this one.  It has been such a long time since I read the first book, I can't even tell you what I had rated it, but I do know that the story has stayed in my mind through that time, which says a lot considering how many books I have read in the interim.

Excerpt

How she would ever say good-bye to them, Jenna had no earthly idea. As she walked to the gate, tucked under Scott’s arm, holding Lane’s hand with her other, she let the thought of what the coming minutes would bring into her consciousness, and it gripped her heart so tightly that breathing was becoming an issue.

“First boarding call for Flight 9351 to Newark…”

Already. She forced herself to take a breath. She couldn’t lose it now. Not now. You have to be strong. They need you to be strong. This is no time to fall apart. She swallowed the jumble of emotions back down into her heart. “Wow, good thing we left when we did. We barely made it.”

“Yeah.” But he didn’t sound wholly sure or happy about that.

Understanding what he didn’t voice, she slowed their steps and tightened her hold on his waist. “Oh, I was going to tell you, I packed some extra snacks in the bag. Animal crackers.” She grinned up at him. “Can’t fly without those.”

He pulled her closer to him and kissed her head. “You think of everything.”

She kept the smile on her face even though her heart was about to abort the mission. “It’s a mom thing.”

When they stopped at the gate which already had people lined from one end to the other, boarding the jet bridge, his gaze swept across the area and fell right into hers. It took actual thought for her to hold onto Lane because getting lost in Scott’s blue eyes was always a possibility.

He reached up and brushed the hair off her shoulder. “You’re going to be okay getting back? I know the traffic…”

She let her gaze go soft. “It’s a whole lot better than getting on that plane would be.”

His face came close to a smile, but it fell from his eyes before it found his lips. “I’m gonna miss you.”

“I know, but just think, the next time you get here, no more leaving.”

“No more leaving. I like the sound of that.” And right there in the terminal, he put his hand on her neck and laid his lips on hers. They were warm, soft, safe, perfect. She felt the love pour through them and right into her being. She soaked each molecule in with deep, abiding joy.

“Second boarding call for Flight 9351 to Newark.”

Scott broke the kiss for one second. “I really wish they’d stop doing that. It’s kinda killing the mood.”

However, Jenna hardly heard anything other than her heart begging for more. She put her hand on the back of his head and tugged him back to her. “Not a chance.”
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 14 books41 followers
October 31, 2021
Some Say Love by Staci Stallings is book three in the Hope series. I did not read the first two books, but this story stands on its own. It centers on a young widow, Jenna, who lost her husband, daughter, and father when a drunk driver hit their car. She is now engaged to Scott, who has a little toddler of his own, and relational baggage following a divorce. Stallings does a fine job of weaving real-life ups and downs as this couple learns to navigate family issues, including dysfunctional relationships, as well as with the family of the deceased. The story spans a wide cast of characters with extended family, pastors, and friends. They each play a role, and I must say, Stallings does a good job of keeping them all straight. The family (all of them) have a real feel. They aren’t perfect, and jumping these relational hurdles is part of the story and growth of characters.

One large element in the story is Jenna’s grief. She has buried it for three years trying her best to move on but not dealing with it. She suffers nightmares and at times just shuts down emotionally and sleeps. She attends a grief class with her sister-in-law but just can’t bring herself to go again. Scott offers to go with her and he learns much about why Jenna is the way she is, but it doesn’t help him know what to do. Until he starts reading a little book on grief.

A couple of things I didn’t like, is that several longer passages feel quite preachy, almost as if they were taken from a book and reworded a little. The first chapter hooked me. I cared about Jenna and Scott, but then the first quarter of the book felt sluggish. The story is a good story, but I think with some editing it could be even better. I'd also recommend this book for people dealing with grief.

I recommend this book to people who enjoy Christian fiction and believe in the baptism of children rather than baptism as a public symbol of the profession of faith. It’s not a huge part of the story, but it is included in the plot.

I almost gave the book 3 stars because of the preachy patches and the sluggishness in the first part of the book, but the story is worth the read. Stallings creates characters you can care about and will miss when the story is done. So I give it 4 stars.
338 reviews4 followers
February 20, 2021
Book3: Wrapping up a wonderful series with hope!

Things I liked (many repeated from prior book reviews):
1) Faith based story that educates navigating through the grieving process as well as being an entertaining story of hope and romance.
2) Amazing characters.
3) The author does not rush the story.
4) A journey of what genuine love looks like, not “chicken love” (what truly loving someone else really means).
5) Genealogy is not what makes a family.
6) Golden nuggets of truth throughout.
7) This book is hard to put down.
8) Part of a series.
9) A teaching story about loss, trauma, PTSD, grief, love, friendship, family, commitment, forgiveness, and hope... to name a few. (I went through one-on-one grief counseling in 2014 and 2015 with a secular health professional. While it was helpful, it did not help me understand "why" did this happen the way it did and "how" am I going to get through this grief to find my new normal. I was "stuck" in my grief. In 2018, I joined GriefShare, a faith-based grief support group which helped me immensely, I learned some coping skills, but still wasn't completely satisfied with the "why and how" I still didn't fully understand. While reading Book 3, I finally began to understand the "why and how". I have not made so many notes while reading a book (other than when I was in school) than I did while reading through Book 3.)
10) This series has been a Godsend to me. I highly recommend it to anyone. Besides being a very inspirational Contemporary Christian Romance Series, I found it to be a great roadmap for understanding and navigating the grieving process through the grief counseling provided to the characters in the story.
11) There are just so many good reasons to read this series. I hope you do yourself a favor and pick it up today.
Profile Image for Pam.
4,629 reviews72 followers
May 19, 2018
Some Say Love: A Contemporary Christian Romance Novel: The Hope Series Book 3 is by Staci Stallings. This last book in this series really dwells on the stages of grief and how different people grieve differently. It also shows how grief in different situations can also be combines with PTSD. In this book, Jenna is dealing with the violent deaths of her husband, daughter, and Father in a horrific car accident that she witnessed as well as a plane crash in which she saved Scott Browning and his son, Lane making the three of them among the very few survivors. Adding the breakdown her Mother had after the deaths and almost losing her husband’s sister in childbirth just made things worse. If Scott really wants Jenna to marry him, he has to learn about grief and how people handle it. He has to be there for Jenna in ways he never imagined. He has to do this at the same time he is moving cross country to be with Jenna, leaving his practice for the unknown, dealing with learning to accept God in his own life, and dealing with the hostility from some of Jeff’s family in Texas. Can both of them deal with their problems and become the family they really want to be?
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews92 followers
February 1, 2018
It's very rare when you I read a book puts me in my feelings but this book right here did that and more! Jenna and Scott had me thinking about my life, there were parts in this book that had me really asking myself have you ever done that? Or have you ever really felt this?
This book tells the story of Jenna and Scott and what its like when youre idea of what love is, is totally changed by the people you come into contact with and the people who choice to stay with you on your boat and doesn't jump ship its about understanding true unconditionally love is, and how to hold on even when you don't understand whats going on and it truly reminds you that there is a God and his plans are always better than yours.
I absoutely loved this book and If I could give it more star I would have.
197 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2019
This was a good book about Jenna and Scott and their love for each other.

Jenna had lost her husband, daughter and her father in a car wreck that she witnessed. Scott had also lost his wife.

Jenna had a wonderful loving family that would do anything to help her, but it took Scott with his new relationship with God to help her to get the through the things she really needed to face.

This book is about two people that not only found a good relationship with each other, but with God also. I loved the talks Scott had with his first Pastor. The book really made me think and I truly believe, as I read what his Pastor had to say, that I myself learned a lot.

This was the first book I have read by Staci Stalllings, I'm sure it won't be the last.
260 reviews
March 29, 2021
This was an amazing book that deals with grief - those going through it and those supporting those going through it. It beautifully shows that people process grief differently and that there is no right or wrong way to deal with losing someone.

I also love how the strength and power of love shone through the story line. That people are not perfect, but 'love covers a multitude of sins'.

And I love how this story brings in faith in a real way. The need to rely on God for direction, for grace, for forgiveness. The importance of community and that family is sometimes nothing to do with blood.

This was not a light and fluffy read. At times it was gut wrenching and heart breaking. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

Profile Image for Mary Manson.
390 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2018
One of my Favorite Authors

I read every book I can by Staci Stallings. She writes about real life experiences and does it with honesty, grace and truth. This book was so realistic that it was difficult to get through at times. I had to put it down a couple of times and step away to let the words from the book settle into my mind and heart. The book deals with grief after losing a loved one and is beautifully written. It is written from a Christian perspective and is explained in graceful, honest and easy to understand detail. I highly recommend the entire series and, down the road, I will re-read the series.
476 reviews37 followers
October 31, 2019
Eager to get some progress on my 2019 reading challenge, I struggled to find a book exceeding 500 pages in length. Then I came across Staci Stallings. Some Say Love is a story about two people who have both lost loved ones and is finding their way together in a new relationship, not with only themselves, but a new relationship with God and learning what the Bible teaches about marriage and love.

I really enjoyed the meetings that Scott had with his pastor earlier in the book. He had good advice that came across as mini sermons which was really refreshing.

This is a very slow paced love story. If you enjoy long books with interesting characters you will enjoy this book.
7,853 reviews53 followers
March 8, 2018
This carries over from book 1 and 2.Jenna, the shell around her grief is breaking, she still needs time to grieve. Scott to be there for her, to support her and to listen. Scott and his son are still planning on moving there. She finally tells Scott, about the time when her father died, her mother and secrets. Jenna may appear fragile, but she had a lot on her shoulders. This was a strong plot, about having to much to deal with, and how with a strong love for Scott and Lane she was able to break thru. Readers will find these 3 books with strong emotions and how they were dwelt with.
Profile Image for Reading Wahine.
135 reviews10 followers
January 27, 2018
Great ending to a beautiful series.

Well I definitely cried and it was so cool to see Scott and Jenna’s transformation. Still loved having all of the biblical teachings. I found myself skimming and skipping many parts this time. I felt some parts were more drawn out than necessary and that’s why I rated it a 4 instead of 5 stars. Otherwise I’m glad to see them finally get their happily ever after.
576 reviews5 followers
July 24, 2018
I loved this series

The first book of the three was free. What a gift! Loved it. Bought the next two. Beautifully written. Can't recommend them enough. May not be everybody's choice but I enjoyed the well-constructed story, the sensitivity of dealing with difficuly issues like grief and living lives pleasing to the Lord. It was real with conflicts and tears and joy. Read them all!
2,606 reviews31 followers
June 15, 2021
Wow-this an amazing, inspirational romance and I enjoyed reading about how the main characters changed and grew. Jenna is still grieving the loss of her husband, daughter and father when she meets Scott. The book deal with their growing love for each other, growth in faith and how each person handles grief differently. It brought tears to my eyes at times, reminding me of loved ones I have lost while reminding me that while they are no longer with me, the love is eternal.
Profile Image for Heidi Morrell.
1,601 reviews19 followers
December 29, 2025
This was a fantastic Contemporary Christian fiction series conclusion. The story was believable and the characters were heartwarming. I was able to read a copy of this book via Readera, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own. Parent Guide: due to some situations and difficult topics, (PTSD) I would encourage you to pre read this book before sharing with your older teens and above.
Profile Image for Martha.
2,004 reviews63 followers
March 20, 2018
This was a deep book. It is fiction, but I found myself underlining some of the quotes from the non-fiction portions as well as the advice the pastor gave him.
I think it showed so clearly the healing and struggles someone would face that was healing from grief as well as falling in love again after loss.

Great book!
7 reviews
June 1, 2019
Blessed

I am so blessed that Book Bub had this book as a recommendation. You see, I needed to read this series. It taught me so much, even though I have been married 40+ years. I would suggest this book to any Christian or not to read who is wondering why life has to be so hard. Thank you Stacy for keeping it real.
Profile Image for Jenn.
795 reviews12 followers
September 28, 2019
Deep book

This is one of those books that helps guide you even without realizing it. I really enjoyed the story even if it seems to drag a bit at times. It’s a very well written book and grief, pain, and creating a new normal. Since I haven’t read the other books in this series, it took some time to put together a few of the assumed pieces. Great advice book.
3 reviews
February 1, 2021
Christian story well done. Followed from loss to new beginning of new family of love. God takes hold of so many in this story. A joyful ending of a new beginning.


A wonderful story of Gods love . Degradation to joy. Thankfull for friends family and forgive. How God works to heal and renew our hearts.
1,665 reviews16 followers
February 21, 2021
Not enough stars, as this book is so good

This author outdid herself. It’s hard to explain pain, loss, grief The advice was phenomenal. I couldn’t lay this book down. It seems easy, until it’s you going thru life’s journey. Seeking real sources and practicing communication was difficult. Giving love to others pulls us away from ourselves
270 reviews6 followers
March 29, 2023
The end of a series, Some Say Love, will keep you focused on Love, Peace, Hope, And Joy. Jenna and Scott and Lane. A family worth every minute of reading about! I have known and felt the loss of losing someone. I have to show respect for Jenna, who also goes through a great loss, and she fights for happiness!
Profile Image for Margaret Nelson.
1,808 reviews
February 2, 2018
You definitely want to read books 1 & 2 in this series first. And you need to know this is not a quick, easy read with all the problems getting resolved in a few chapters. It's worth hanging in there, however! Stallings has a lot of excellent information woven into the story on dealing with grief and depression, and what true love really is. There is much more hope in this book than in #2. The characters are real, and the long process of resolving issues is true to real life.
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
2,746 reviews11 followers
May 14, 2018
Besides being the en of a 3 book series, for me this book had an emphasis on grieving and the different levels individuals experience. The other truth I brought from reading this was the greater importance that a marriage should be a threesome with God being the leader.
6 reviews
June 11, 2018
A real read

Thank you for a real book to read. The entire series was worth every moment it took. Thank you for Godly, helpful answers to horrible situations. And thank you for a real character in Janis. Some people do refuse to get it.
Profile Image for Stella Patrick.
27 reviews
June 26, 2018
Excellent Read

What a perfect ending to a beautiful love story. Both Scott and Jenna learned, loved, cried, loved, and grew so much in this third segment. Maybe one day Staci will have reunion for an anniversary of Scott and Jenna's _ wouldn't that be awesome?
10 reviews
September 9, 2019
Some Say Love

The characters were filled with grief, guilt and helplessness. They foun
d people to love but in doing so they had to get rid and deal with the reasons
for their feelings. This was a very entertaining and spiritually motivating read.
18 reviews
September 14, 2019
Wow!!

What an amazing book about love and grief. Some parts make you sad and cry and then the love story makes you smile. A lot of wonderful Christian insight into !of e and life. Enjoyed
92 reviews
September 15, 2019
I'm a long time fan of Staci Stallings: I'm a long time preacher: Wow, I didn't know Staci was a pastor. She worked some of the bests short sermons and grief counseling into this very interesting romantic novel. Thank you Staci.
55 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2019
Shattered Lives Mended

Jenna and Scott were both married before. Jenna's husband, daughter, and Father died and Scott 's first marriage did not work out. Shattered Lives found strength with God and friends helping them heal. Very worth reading.
299 reviews3 followers
November 18, 2019
Good, clean story

A hopeful and inspiring story of overcoming great losses and moving forward. The author provides some truthful insights to dealing with grief and trauma. The pace and tone of the story is perhaps best suited to young adults.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews