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Bishop Family #7
The Harder They Fall
Most of Shelby Kennedy's friends were either married or in serious relationships. Her younger brother was about to get engaged, and two of her younger cousins were already married—not that she was counting.In reality, she hadn't given those facts much thought. She didn't mind her life the way it was. Being single really seemed to suit her. She had a charming house, a loyal dog, an enjoyable career, and she was surrounded by a loving family.Shelby's life wasn't lacking anything.Except for Isaac Charles. She was definitely lacking him.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2017
260 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Brooke St. James
115 books955 followersBrooke St. James is a USA Today bestselling author and Amazon Kindle All-Star. She writes contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/brookesaintj...
Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/brookesaintj...
Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 17, 2017
Most Excellent Book!
Broker's books take you away right into the story. Great series that I have already read multiple times. Thanks for the best books!
Broker's books take you away right into the story. Great series that I have already read multiple times. Thanks for the best books!
January 2, 2018
Beautiful Book
From the beginning of the book, I was interested. The story line is so refreshing. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.
From the beginning of the book, I was interested. The story line is so refreshing. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.
December 17, 2017
Beautiful Love
This is a beautiful and touching love story that I know everyone has been waiting for to see the character of the man who could open Shelby heart and be her soulmate this is a charming breathtaking story with amazing and heartwarming characters.
This is a beautiful and touching love story that I know everyone has been waiting for to see the character of the man who could open Shelby heart and be her soulmate this is a charming breathtaking story with amazing and heartwarming characters.
December 18, 2017
Finding the One
This might be my favorite of the series. Meeting and falling in love almost instantly does really happen as it does in this book.
This might be my favorite of the series. Meeting and falling in love almost instantly does really happen as it does in this book.
January 8, 2018
This is the seventh book in the Bishop Family Series. I guess one could read this as a stand-alone work but a reader could be overwhelmed trying to keep all the characters straight and would miss many subtleties by doing so. I strongly recommend reading the series in sequence. This is a Christian romance, yet the author skillfully promotes Christian values in such a way that readers of another genre will still have a great reading experience. The value of family relationships is core to this series and this book in particular.
Some may balk at how quickly Isaac and Shelby reached the conclusion that they had found THE ONE, but my bride of fifty-five years knew I was the one the day before we actually met. It took me a little longer but we were engaged within three weeks and married within three months. God has His ways.
Unfortunately, I noted a number of editorial errors that serve to pull the reader out of the “zone” and are avoidable distractions. Although I enjoy Brooke St. James’ books, I strongly suggest she replace her editors/proofreaders with people who have an eye for detail so she can make corrections prior to publication. Nevertheless, I view Ms. St. James as a solid four-star author who could easily change into a five-star author by reducing the number of distracting errors.
Some may balk at how quickly Isaac and Shelby reached the conclusion that they had found THE ONE, but my bride of fifty-five years knew I was the one the day before we actually met. It took me a little longer but we were engaged within three weeks and married within three months. God has His ways.
Unfortunately, I noted a number of editorial errors that serve to pull the reader out of the “zone” and are avoidable distractions. Although I enjoy Brooke St. James’ books, I strongly suggest she replace her editors/proofreaders with people who have an eye for detail so she can make corrections prior to publication. Nevertheless, I view Ms. St. James as a solid four-star author who could easily change into a five-star author by reducing the number of distracting errors.
December 19, 2017
Soooooo good! I hate when these books end!
December 19, 2017
I've been waiting for Shelby's story. and I Loved it so much.
January 2, 2018
Loved it
I loved this story. I loved all of the characters, including some from previous books. I loved that it was a sweet, clean romance. I can't wait for the next one.
I loved this story. I loved all of the characters, including some from previous books. I loved that it was a sweet, clean romance. I can't wait for the next one.
January 1, 2018
Each story is wonderful!
December 21, 2017
Good book
I found the couple very sweet and enjoyed the book immensely. There was one small hiccup where I thought that Mrs. St. James had Shelby act in a way that was really out of character and I know it was for conflict and characters growth, but I think that with some thought, she could have come up with a better scenario that reflected Shelby and rationality. Luckily, it was a small hiccup easily resolved and lasted only for a chapter. Overall, the book was very good and I loved Shelby and Isaac as much as any of her other characters. For ages 16 and up. Four stars
I found the couple very sweet and enjoyed the book immensely. There was one small hiccup where I thought that Mrs. St. James had Shelby act in a way that was really out of character and I know it was for conflict and characters growth, but I think that with some thought, she could have come up with a better scenario that reflected Shelby and rationality. Luckily, it was a small hiccup easily resolved and lasted only for a chapter. Overall, the book was very good and I loved Shelby and Isaac as much as any of her other characters. For ages 16 and up. Four stars
July 23, 2018
Good with flurries of annoying
I expected more from Shelby's story - she was independent, knew what she wanted, first to head out on her own. She seemed to be well put together.
This Shelby was rather bizarrely insecure, definitely overly emotional & dramatic. I found myself feeling sympathy for Isaac instead of Shelby.
While this series on the Bishop family has been ok (some really good, most mediocre, one blah), I find myself missing her much better Hunt family series because of it.
And I do have to say, the self absorbed bit of resentment by Shelby that her quitting with barely a week's notice and then being asked if she could help them find & train her replacement really irked me.
When people hire on to a job, there are certain norms or business manners - allowing your employer the courtesy of 2 wks notice is a big one. When circumstances don't permit, then doing what you can to minimize the trauma of it for your employer would be the next best thing.
It would be one thing if they had done wrong to Shelby or treated her badly, but they hadn't (outside of her conjectures that they didn't care about her despite acknowledging at the beginning that it was she who kept herself apart from them).
It's an ok story, but it's hard to like this self-centered Shelby much. It mostly gets by on being part of the series - and not being as bad as Daniel & Courtney's story.
I expected more from Shelby's story - she was independent, knew what she wanted, first to head out on her own. She seemed to be well put together.
This Shelby was rather bizarrely insecure, definitely overly emotional & dramatic. I found myself feeling sympathy for Isaac instead of Shelby.
While this series on the Bishop family has been ok (some really good, most mediocre, one blah), I find myself missing her much better Hunt family series because of it.
And I do have to say, the self absorbed bit of resentment by Shelby that her quitting with barely a week's notice and then being asked if she could help them find & train her replacement really irked me.
When people hire on to a job, there are certain norms or business manners - allowing your employer the courtesy of 2 wks notice is a big one. When circumstances don't permit, then doing what you can to minimize the trauma of it for your employer would be the next best thing.
It would be one thing if they had done wrong to Shelby or treated her badly, but they hadn't (outside of her conjectures that they didn't care about her despite acknowledging at the beginning that it was she who kept herself apart from them).
It's an ok story, but it's hard to like this self-centered Shelby much. It mostly gets by on being part of the series - and not being as bad as Daniel & Courtney's story.
September 7, 2018
The Harder They Fall: Bishop Family Book 7 is by Brooke St. James. This is a short book but full of feelings. You laugh and cry and laugh some more. This makes it different from the other books but makes it really good as well.
Shelby Kennedy was the oldest grandchild still not married or even dating. As far as everyone else was concerned, Wes and Ivy were too young to be in a serious relationship. They worried about Shelby and that she might have some reason for not getting married other than not having met the right man. So they tried to get her to meet someone. Shelby, until she overheard those remarks was happy with her life as it was. She had a good job, a wonderful house, and a great dog. Her family lived near so what else did she need?
Courtney Cole Bishop wanted Shelby to meet Isaac Charles, the architect she had hired to build an art center for Memphis. She thought he would be perfect for Shelby; but Shelby overheard her talking about it and wasn’t impressed. The next day, however, she met him at work when he came to do an interview for the network she worked for. The female newscaster set her cap for him right then and there. However, in the few minutes of speaking to Shelby while getting ready for TV, he was impressed by Shelby not Cindy.
How can Isaac arrange to impress Shelby so that she will even talk to him much less marry her? What will happen?
July 2, 2021
Enjoyable. This is the story of Isaac, architect employed by her sister in law and Shelby, make up assistant in TV and media role. When he is giving an interview, she is the assigned person to prepare him going before for the camera She knows of him, but does not tell him who she is. They share a common view on relationship and despite an instant connection there are a few issues they need to work on before getting to HEA
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2021
Language: PG (1 swear, 0 "f"); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G
This is a whirlwind romance that begins with (basically) love at first sight. A couple of conflicts pop up, but, besides Shelby's internal struggles with how fast she went from not-in-love to totally-in-love, it's mostly a fluff book. A cute, afternoon HEA read.
The mature content rating is for partial nudity, mention of abortion, and mention of sex.
This is a whirlwind romance that begins with (basically) love at first sight. A couple of conflicts pop up, but, besides Shelby's internal struggles with how fast she went from not-in-love to totally-in-love, it's mostly a fluff book. A cute, afternoon HEA read.
The mature content rating is for partial nudity, mention of abortion, and mention of sex.
January 12, 2018
I absolutely love this series! These are books that I share with my own daughters because they aren't preachy and they give a good example about how gentlemen should treat ladies. Thank you Brooke! My oldest daughter read the first one and doesn't want to continue until the rest of the series is complete. No rush, but hurry please!! haha
May 31, 2018
Great series with a wonderful and tender story of the love and caring of each family member!
The entire family is caring, loving and supportive of each member - a great blended family who shares each others troubles and times of joy and the happiness
That brings out the best in each other without question!!
The entire family is caring, loving and supportive of each member - a great blended family who shares each others troubles and times of joy and the happiness
That brings out the best in each other without question!!
January 10, 2018
Amazing love story
I am not surprised by how awesome this book is. What a beautiful love story and solid family. I read this book in 3 hours, I could not put it down. Brooke, thank you for once again giving me goosebumps and happy tears.
I am not surprised by how awesome this book is. What a beautiful love story and solid family. I read this book in 3 hours, I could not put it down. Brooke, thank you for once again giving me goosebumps and happy tears.
January 22, 2018
Beautiful
What can I say another absolutely beautiful love story by Brooke St. James. Clean romance. Men with morals. Women who value their own self worth. I loved it. Highly recommend!
What can I say another absolutely beautiful love story by Brooke St. James. Clean romance. Men with morals. Women who value their own self worth. I loved it. Highly recommend!
March 20, 2018
Sweet and Uplifting
This was touching story about a woman who waited for the right man and how they handle their regrets that he didn't. For a shorter story, the main characters were compelling, particularly Shelby. I will definitely read something else by this author.
This was touching story about a woman who waited for the right man and how they handle their regrets that he didn't. For a shorter story, the main characters were compelling, particularly Shelby. I will definitely read something else by this author.
May 22, 2018
Read book 7.
This one was as good as the others so far. I loved how he had a past, but she overcame the jealousy and was able to really love and forgive him. When we forgive like that, God blesses us abundantly.
This one was as good as the others so far. I loved how he had a past, but she overcame the jealousy and was able to really love and forgive him. When we forgive like that, God blesses us abundantly.
September 2, 2018
AWESOME!!!!!
This was awesome!!! I really enjoyed this story. Shelby and Isaac were beautiful together. And I really enjoyed Patrick's part in the story!!! And it goes without saying, i enjoyed God's part in bringing Shelby and Isaac together!!!!!
This was awesome!!! I really enjoyed this story. Shelby and Isaac were beautiful together. And I really enjoyed Patrick's part in the story!!! And it goes without saying, i enjoyed God's part in bringing Shelby and Isaac together!!!!!
November 14, 2019
Title doesn't do it justice
A nice clean romance. I didn't understand the drama about the Facebook post. It wasn't like he hadn't told her all about it previously. Otherwise it seemed believable .
A nice clean romance. I didn't understand the drama about the Facebook post. It wasn't like he hadn't told her all about it previously. Otherwise it seemed believable .
November 25, 2019
She writes the most amazing feel good stories.
I always hate to have her stories end. I wish life and love was like her books so it's so fun to escape my reality for awhile. Thank you Brooke St James
I always hate to have her stories end. I wish life and love was like her books so it's so fun to escape my reality for awhile. Thank you Brooke St James
February 27, 2020
Heart warming!
Brooke St. James has hit another ball out of the park with this beautiful love story. Shelby and Isaac were drawn to each other from the first. this made for a sweet inspiring tale.
Brooke St. James has hit another ball out of the park with this beautiful love story. Shelby and Isaac were drawn to each other from the first. this made for a sweet inspiring tale.
July 11, 2021
When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I cannot wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.
July 18, 2021
I was drawn to this one from the first page. I absolutely loved the first person point of view of the story. This is always a huge deal breaker for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2021
Isaac and Shelby have a beautiful love story that is heartwarming and fun, without the steam. A fast storyline that quickly moves along to an elopement. No hesitation when you know it is right.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2022
Review of the Harder They Fall
I enjoyed reading this book. The main characters were very likable and it was a fun story to read. I appreciate romantic books with good Christian values.
I enjoyed reading this book. The main characters were very likable and it was a fun story to read. I appreciate romantic books with good Christian values.
December 2, 2022
This was a sweet book! I really enjoyed the characters, their storyline was really fun and totally interesting! I have really enjoyed catching up with all the family! I am excited to finish this series.
December 24, 2017
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews