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The Callaghans & McFaddens #1
A Change of Heart
This Christian romance novel of 80,000 words is the second book in The Callaghans & McFaddens series from author Kimberly Rae Jordan. A HANDFUL OF FLOWERS (ASIN: B01APAIXM6) is the prequel to this series.
Makayla McFadden has been part of her family’s business since it started. At sixteen, she’d helped her dad by answering phones and doing the filing when she wasn’t in school, and now she’s the office manager for C&M Builders. As the company has grown, they’ve had to hire new people, but the core of the company has always stayed the same. When her father announces his plan to retire, Makayla knows change is coming. Hiring from outside the family will disrupt the way they’ve run their business, and she’s not happy about it.
Upon learning that his father and step-mother plan to move to a new city with his younger sister, Ethan Collins knows he needs to move there as well. The day he gets a call from his first choice for a job, he figures God has answered his prayers. But then he meets Makayla McFadden and realizes that she doesn’t want him there. After they offer him a job on a three month probationary basis, Ethan knows he not only has to convince them he can do the job, he has to somehow convince Makayla that he is a good fit for her family’s company.
When he finds himself falling for Makayla, Ethan tries to fight it since he refuses to do anything that might jeopardize his job and his sister’s future. But when the heart can’t be denied, will Ethan take the risk for love? Or will Makayla be reluctant to embrace change on a personal level and leave him without love or a job?
Books in The Callaghans & McFaddens series by Kimberly Rae Jordan:
A Change of Heart
For the Love of Grace
The Love of Her Life
Believing in Tomorrow
If you enjoy heartwarming Christian romance with a focus on love, faith and family, be sure to check out these other books and series by Kimberly Rae Jordan.
Other Christian romance series by Kimberly Rae Jordan:
The McKinleys
The Callaghans & McFaddens
Fostered by Love
Home to Collingsworth
Those Karlsson Boys
Other Christian romance books by Kimberly Rae Jordan:
Marrying Kate
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2016
963 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 28, 2018
Clean romance is my genre of choice, and Ms. Jordan’s writing is squeaky clean and religious without being preachy. The blended Callaghan/McFadden family demonstrates a wholesome, soul-deep Christian love for others in a way that makes me want to become more like them.
I strongly recommend readers of this series start with the prequel A Handful of Flowers and then read the series in sequence. The cast of characters includes the twelve family members plus friends and associates. At least one circumstance that began in the prequel is still perpetuated in this book and remains unresolved. A predicament brought to light in this book continues to be an issue. A glimpse of the next book in the series reveals that each book begins where that previous left off. If you like viewing films from the beginning, you need to read this series from the start.
The characters are as complex as their relationships with each other. But underlying everything is the Christian foundation upon which each of their lives rests. If you are one who appreciates wholesome people of faith who walk the walk rather than just talk the talk, you will love this cast of characters. I leave it to other reviewers to reveal plot details. Just read and enjoy yourself. I’m confident you will agree with the 84% of reviewers that this is a five-star reading experience.
I strongly recommend readers of this series start with the prequel A Handful of Flowers and then read the series in sequence. The cast of characters includes the twelve family members plus friends and associates. At least one circumstance that began in the prequel is still perpetuated in this book and remains unresolved. A predicament brought to light in this book continues to be an issue. A glimpse of the next book in the series reveals that each book begins where that previous left off. If you like viewing films from the beginning, you need to read this series from the start.
The characters are as complex as their relationships with each other. But underlying everything is the Christian foundation upon which each of their lives rests. If you are one who appreciates wholesome people of faith who walk the walk rather than just talk the talk, you will love this cast of characters. I leave it to other reviewers to reveal plot details. Just read and enjoy yourself. I’m confident you will agree with the 84% of reviewers that this is a five-star reading experience.
March 31, 2018
I think the storyline was solid and there was definite pull to want to like the characters. There are also a few side characters (who I believe get their own stories further into the series) that definitely intrigue me. :) And of course the fact that this takes place in Winnipeg, Manitoba makes me happy. :D Not enough books are set in Canada...of course, I might be biased. ;)
For me, the writing got in the way of the story. I found that I wanted to take a pen and add tons of contractions to make the dialogue less formal (stilted?). There was also a lot of inner thought/narration regarding feelings and backstory rather than being shown through the character's actions or communication with the other characters.
Overall, I think a lot of readers will love this book--the writing style in this particular story just wasn't for me.
For me, the writing got in the way of the story. I found that I wanted to take a pen and add tons of contractions to make the dialogue less formal (stilted?). There was also a lot of inner thought/narration regarding feelings and backstory rather than being shown through the character's actions or communication with the other characters.
Overall, I think a lot of readers will love this book--the writing style in this particular story just wasn't for me.
October 11, 2016
3+ Stars
I read A Change of Heart as part of the Whispers of Love collection, (12 Christian Romance Novels). I found it to be an enjoyable read. There are some wonderful family dynamics and a wholesomeness to the overall read. There are faith elements tied in to the lives of the characters and seeing how their faith is lived out in varying circumstances.
While this is a good read, it just did not fall under the heading of Romance for me. I felt that this was more about the positive and negative aspects of family. A good deal of the story evolved around the drama with Ethan and his sister, and the rest between the Callaghans and McFaddens. Makayla and Ethan really seem to dance around each other more than not. What interactions there are between them just did not prepare me for the end of the story; which felt too rushed.
That said, I did find many of the secondary characters of interest and would like to see their stories develop. I feel like there is a a good deal of potential for the rest of the series.
I read A Change of Heart as part of the Whispers of Love collection, (12 Christian Romance Novels). I found it to be an enjoyable read. There are some wonderful family dynamics and a wholesomeness to the overall read. There are faith elements tied in to the lives of the characters and seeing how their faith is lived out in varying circumstances.
While this is a good read, it just did not fall under the heading of Romance for me. I felt that this was more about the positive and negative aspects of family. A good deal of the story evolved around the drama with Ethan and his sister, and the rest between the Callaghans and McFaddens. Makayla and Ethan really seem to dance around each other more than not. What interactions there are between them just did not prepare me for the end of the story; which felt too rushed.
That said, I did find many of the secondary characters of interest and would like to see their stories develop. I feel like there is a a good deal of potential for the rest of the series.
October 22, 2017
Loved it!
Kimberly never fails to craft a story full of faith, family and friends. I found myself identifying with Mikayla so much of the time. Having had a wonderfully accepting and supportive spouse I was thrilled with the way the story progressed, making me assured that Ethan was absolutely God's best for her. The satisfactory resolution of Serena's situation made me happy. All too often that isn't the case in today's society so it was refreshing to see it in the story. I can't wait to read Gracie and Bennett's story next.
Kimberly never fails to craft a story full of faith, family and friends. I found myself identifying with Mikayla so much of the time. Having had a wonderfully accepting and supportive spouse I was thrilled with the way the story progressed, making me assured that Ethan was absolutely God's best for her. The satisfactory resolution of Serena's situation made me happy. All too often that isn't the case in today's society so it was refreshing to see it in the story. I can't wait to read Gracie and Bennett's story next.
July 14, 2018
3.75 Stars!
A change of heart is a story of faith, hope and overcoming life’s struggles.
Overall I enjoyed this story. I really liked Ethan and I was rooting for him all the way through. However Makayla got on my last nerve.
My favourite aspect of this whole story was reading about the Callaghan’s and Mcfadden’s years later. I really do love this family 💕.
I’m hoping I enjoy the rest of this series more.
A change of heart is a story of faith, hope and overcoming life’s struggles.
Overall I enjoyed this story. I really liked Ethan and I was rooting for him all the way through. However Makayla got on my last nerve.
My favourite aspect of this whole story was reading about the Callaghan’s and Mcfadden’s years later. I really do love this family 💕.
I’m hoping I enjoy the rest of this series more.
May 8, 2020
A sweet. slow romance with lots of family and work scenes interspersed within the overall story as the Callaghans and McFaddens (C & M) business blends together lives of children of different relationships, and takes the risk of introducing someone, Ethan, from a different province and unrelated to any other persons within the family business. With Ethan came his teenage half-sister, Sierra, who was being sadly neglected by Ethan's Dad and his second wife, Elle. Ethan loves Sierra dearly and has been mostly responsible for bringing her up, and so quits his current job in Calgary to move to Winnipeg when his Dad and step-mom decides to move in the middle of a school year. Ethan risks all to make sure that he will be in the same city as his sister so that he can look after her emotional and physical needs when she is neglected by her parents. The move brings both of them into a blended, happy, caring family and starts them both off on a new life. The story has good potential but moves slowly with lots of repetition about his feelings, her feelings, his feelings, her feelings again and again which I found rather tedious. As these series goes into ten books, I believe the author was setting the stage for all the various characters within the story, like Makayla, Bennett, Mitch, Danica, Steve, Grace, Tami, James, and others, to appear in future stories.
May 1, 2018
This was labeled a "Christian Romance" but it was as much about family loyalties as romance between 2 people.
If you enjoy clean well written Romance novels with a new twist, I can recommend this.
Enjoy.
A "peaceful" read...very little conflict, no dead bodies , kidnappings or carjackings.
The conflict arises when Ethan, whose top priority is taking care of his 14 year old sister, Sierra since the father has remarried and Sierra is left to fend on her own. When they move to a new city, Ethan gives up his steady employment to follow their father, his new wife and his little sister. He
moves out on faith, hoping that his interview for a new and desirable position with happen.
Ethan knows that the father's custody of Sierra is more about control than love.
He does find a new job... a perfect job with a very family oriented company. The support of family is not a quality that either Ethan nor his sister, enjoyed.
Through the support of his co workers, their family and through prayer, miracles do happen.
I can recommend this to anyone who enjoys good clean romance and as I previously mentioned, it is as much about family as it is about a romance between two people...there is definitely that....
If you enjoy clean well written Romance novels with a new twist, I can recommend this.
Enjoy.
A "peaceful" read...very little conflict, no dead bodies , kidnappings or carjackings.
The conflict arises when Ethan, whose top priority is taking care of his 14 year old sister, Sierra since the father has remarried and Sierra is left to fend on her own. When they move to a new city, Ethan gives up his steady employment to follow their father, his new wife and his little sister. He
moves out on faith, hoping that his interview for a new and desirable position with happen.
Ethan knows that the father's custody of Sierra is more about control than love.
He does find a new job... a perfect job with a very family oriented company. The support of family is not a quality that either Ethan nor his sister, enjoyed.
Through the support of his co workers, their family and through prayer, miracles do happen.
I can recommend this to anyone who enjoys good clean romance and as I previously mentioned, it is as much about family as it is about a romance between two people...there is definitely that....
January 31, 2019
Engaging story
The life of Ethan, although I couldn’t understand it but I’ve heard real life stories similar to his. It felt so real. The love he shared with Sierra was beautiful and I felt that.
Ethan relocates to Winnipeg because Sierra and her parents moved. He wanted to be sure he was close enough for her if she needed her.
His search for a job lands him in the hands of an extremely beautiful family. The family being a joined family from previous marriages and they both kept the names of Callaghan and McFadden.
Ethan struggles to understand why he gets treated the way he is by these people and he ensures he’ll do everything to get his job permanent.
Through this experience, he finds love like never before and friendship too. Sierra is also involved in this web and for Sierra’s sake, Ethan will go the extra mile of working so hard to be accepted in Winnipeg.
The life of Ethan, although I couldn’t understand it but I’ve heard real life stories similar to his. It felt so real. The love he shared with Sierra was beautiful and I felt that.
Ethan relocates to Winnipeg because Sierra and her parents moved. He wanted to be sure he was close enough for her if she needed her.
His search for a job lands him in the hands of an extremely beautiful family. The family being a joined family from previous marriages and they both kept the names of Callaghan and McFadden.
Ethan struggles to understand why he gets treated the way he is by these people and he ensures he’ll do everything to get his job permanent.
Through this experience, he finds love like never before and friendship too. Sierra is also involved in this web and for Sierra’s sake, Ethan will go the extra mile of working so hard to be accepted in Winnipeg.
September 13, 2021
Definitely recommend this book and series.
I’ve read the prequel and now this and I’m falling in love with this family and wanting to know what happens to each of them. I love the setting in Canada but with US ties. Ethan has always felt physically responsible for his younger sister since she was a newborn and now she’s a teenager he’s even more concerned. He even changed provinces and got a new job when she had to move. McKayla didn’t like changes especially big changes, like gaining 4 brothers when her mom remarried and bringing in an outsider for a major position in the family construction company-even if he was good looking and caused her heart to beat a little faster. This is a Christian based novel, but in the way they lived and loved and accepted others, not being preachy. Clean and wholesome.
I’ve read the prequel and now this and I’m falling in love with this family and wanting to know what happens to each of them. I love the setting in Canada but with US ties. Ethan has always felt physically responsible for his younger sister since she was a newborn and now she’s a teenager he’s even more concerned. He even changed provinces and got a new job when she had to move. McKayla didn’t like changes especially big changes, like gaining 4 brothers when her mom remarried and bringing in an outsider for a major position in the family construction company-even if he was good looking and caused her heart to beat a little faster. This is a Christian based novel, but in the way they lived and loved and accepted others, not being preachy. Clean and wholesome.
February 22, 2019
I loved meeting the Callaghan/McFadden family in this book. Such a loving, caring family that have God in their lives, to help guide them in all that they do set an example for all of us to follow. The way that they bring others into their family is beautiful. At the end of this story, Ethan and Macaley (spelling) finally realize they are meant to be together and we all hope that Ethan is granted full custody of his little sister, Sierra. I have just ordered the next book in the series and so I am sure we will find out more as we follow this lovely family, Thanks to the author for writing such a great book.
June 3, 2017
Another successful Christian romance novel by Kimberly Rae Jordan
Once again, Ms. Jordan has written a wonderful love story of great faith, love and triumph that pulls you into the story from the first page. The characters are all so believable and very well created, you feel as if you want to meet them. Each character is different, but all are full of love for one another and for God, with the exception of three persons. I am looking forward to reading Ms. Jordan's next book in this series. I highly recommend all her books. Enjoy your next novel. ☺
Once again, Ms. Jordan has written a wonderful love story of great faith, love and triumph that pulls you into the story from the first page. The characters are all so believable and very well created, you feel as if you want to meet them. Each character is different, but all are full of love for one another and for God, with the exception of three persons. I am looking forward to reading Ms. Jordan's next book in this series. I highly recommend all her books. Enjoy your next novel. ☺
February 28, 2018
Business and lives with God
Business and lives with God in charge. Canadian family running construction business, with God in charge of decisions, works and plays together. New hire for an important position brings some questions about qualifications, but having consulted God and other members of family, for business, person is hired. Personal problems for all, are prayed about an decisions made from love, help in some of the problems that come to all people, even ones close to God.
Business and lives with God in charge. Canadian family running construction business, with God in charge of decisions, works and plays together. New hire for an important position brings some questions about qualifications, but having consulted God and other members of family, for business, person is hired. Personal problems for all, are prayed about an decisions made from love, help in some of the problems that come to all people, even ones close to God.
June 18, 2018
Got this off my BookBub site. It was a USA Bestseller Author. Wouldn't everyone love to have a family like the Callaghans. They are so giving and it is neat how they've taken their employees and friends of the children in and treated them like family. The lake house sounds like a wonderful place for a getaway. Happy for Ethan and Makayla - they have issues but they fit well together. Ethan's a great big brother and it's sad how his dad treats Sierra. The book leaves you hanging though as to whether Ethan gets custody of Sierra so maybe that will happen in book 2 of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2019
Worth the read!
This book was better-than-expected. It's a nice gentle read without anything super intense. The chemistry between Ethan and Makayla was well done. I enjoyed the large family environment. Franklin is an easy character to dislike, so I wish Grace had chosen a better man to marry. Ethan's parents need a truck load of Jesus and a hefty dose of parenting classes. Sierra is a great little sister to Ethan. She is so much better off living with her brother because her parents flat out don't care about her. I hope to read more books by this author.
This book was better-than-expected. It's a nice gentle read without anything super intense. The chemistry between Ethan and Makayla was well done. I enjoyed the large family environment. Franklin is an easy character to dislike, so I wish Grace had chosen a better man to marry. Ethan's parents need a truck load of Jesus and a hefty dose of parenting classes. Sierra is a great little sister to Ethan. She is so much better off living with her brother because her parents flat out don't care about her. I hope to read more books by this author.
February 29, 2024
What a beautiful start to the series which I know for sure I will love. I am very grateful to have read the prequel before starting this book to understand the Callaghen-McFadden clan better.
I think we all are kind of Mckayla at one point or other in our lives.
I still don't get why the author didn't revealed what is the heartbreak for Grace in the prologue.
After reading the synopsis of the book, some people tend to look at the cover to get some resemblance of the characters but for this book, the one in the cover is not the Ethan I had in mind when I read the book.
I think we all are kind of Mckayla at one point or other in our lives.
I still don't get why the author didn't revealed what is the heartbreak for Grace in the prologue.
After reading the synopsis of the book, some people tend to look at the cover to get some resemblance of the characters but for this book, the one in the cover is not the Ethan I had in mind when I read the book.
August 17, 2017
When Ethan moved to be close to Sierra his life changes. Ethan can't believe the family he is working for. Each of them treat him and Sierra like they are part of the family. Watching Makayla and Ethan's relationship change is truly remarkable. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. You will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. This book deserves a higher rating than a five star review.
May 29, 2018
What a fun story. I enjoyed being part of this blended family and really liked Ethan, the hero. He had a lot to overcome, but he was up to it with the help of Makayla, the office manager at his new job. Not only the office manager, but it's a family business. How could he fit in? But, reluctant at first, Makayla allowed her family to help her to work through her own issues to see what a catch Ethan could be. I look forward to reading more in this romantic series.
December 29, 2018
So\so Book
I love this author!!!! She does have a love for the Lord, and it shows in her books. That was the "only" thing that was good about this book. It was really was the hero and his little sister,with his heroine on the side line. I kept looking to see if this was really her (the author). You really cannot read this as a stand alone book, at least l will read the next book in the series.
I love this author!!!! She does have a love for the Lord, and it shows in her books. That was the "only" thing that was good about this book. It was really was the hero and his little sister,with his heroine on the side line. I kept looking to see if this was really her (the author). You really cannot read this as a stand alone book, at least l will read the next book in the series.
December 25, 2019
A Change of Heart
This a heart rendering story. Ethan was searching for a job change so he could move to Calgary to where his sister and parents had moved. Finally he received a reply and he secured a very good job. He moved to Calgary. This Job was a family owned business and they were wanting to move Bennett up so his father could retire. Makayla worked in the business, a sister to Bennett. This is a very involved but wonderful story. You will enjoy this
This a heart rendering story. Ethan was searching for a job change so he could move to Calgary to where his sister and parents had moved. Finally he received a reply and he secured a very good job. He moved to Calgary. This Job was a family owned business and they were wanting to move Bennett up so his father could retire. Makayla worked in the business, a sister to Bennett. This is a very involved but wonderful story. You will enjoy this
March 2, 2020
The legacy goes on, Makayla’s story
I can relate to Makayla and her resistance to the change coming to her workplace, Ethan Collins. However, I love how she learned that maybe the Lord sent Ethan to them for many reasons, some we don’t know until later. I love how her. Books speak of passing down a family legacy of loving God and showing others the love of Jesus. Very well done!
I can relate to Makayla and her resistance to the change coming to her workplace, Ethan Collins. However, I love how she learned that maybe the Lord sent Ethan to them for many reasons, some we don’t know until later. I love how her. Books speak of passing down a family legacy of loving God and showing others the love of Jesus. Very well done!
September 17, 2020
I enjoyed this story very much!
This book brought smiles and tears to my day. I could often picture my husband and I in the story since many of the details in the characters felt very familiar and similar to my own courtship. This clean and tender love story is beautifully written. Thanks for happy hours during a record breaking heat wave ,wildfires , unhealthy air, and a pandemic.
This book brought smiles and tears to my day. I could often picture my husband and I in the story since many of the details in the characters felt very familiar and similar to my own courtship. This clean and tender love story is beautifully written. Thanks for happy hours during a record breaking heat wave ,wildfires , unhealthy air, and a pandemic.
July 10, 2017
Oh, My!
What a great story! What a wonderful brother to love his sister so much, what horrible parents to care so little for their children, and what great friends to be so willing to help in so many ways. Read this, please. You'll love it, and the others that go with it! Series of 3.
What a great story! What a wonderful brother to love his sister so much, what horrible parents to care so little for their children, and what great friends to be so willing to help in so many ways. Read this, please. You'll love it, and the others that go with it! Series of 3.
May 8, 2018
Enjoyable Read
Author Kimberly Rae Jordan has a gift of bringing a number of characters together without confusion. This storyline had so much good in it depicting a loving blended family reaching out to others to join them in family get togethers. Loved the Christian values, the warmth brought to life! Well done.
Author Kimberly Rae Jordan has a gift of bringing a number of characters together without confusion. This storyline had so much good in it depicting a loving blended family reaching out to others to join them in family get togethers. Loved the Christian values, the warmth brought to life! Well done.
April 3, 2020
Amazing book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and that is hard to do.
I feel that overall the book was well written, with a few quotable sentences. I read the prequel first, and it really adds to the story.
I love the addition of Sierra to the tale.
No book is perfect, but this one is well worth the read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and that is hard to do.
I feel that overall the book was well written, with a few quotable sentences. I read the prequel first, and it really adds to the story.
I love the addition of Sierra to the tale.
No book is perfect, but this one is well worth the read.
July 19, 2017
3.5 stars
The reason for the rating is because there was just way too much dialogue about how one felt or the other one felt, but there was no real connection between them until the end. To be considered a romance this one is lacking a lot.
The reason for the rating is because there was just way too much dialogue about how one felt or the other one felt, but there was no real connection between them until the end. To be considered a romance this one is lacking a lot.
July 24, 2017
A wonderful story.
This story has strong character and Avery interesting storyline. It's about family, friends, work and relationships in life. I love the stories by this author and have been disappointed in this one .
This story has strong character and Avery interesting storyline. It's about family, friends, work and relationships in life. I love the stories by this author and have been disappointed in this one .
August 28, 2017
Fantastic
I don't believe Kimberly Rae Jordan could write a book that was disappointing in any way. I love her writing, the editing is super, the characters are so real, and the storyline is never boring. I'm starting the next book immediately. Highly recommended.
I don't believe Kimberly Rae Jordan could write a book that was disappointing in any way. I love her writing, the editing is super, the characters are so real, and the storyline is never boring. I'm starting the next book immediately. Highly recommended.
January 24, 2018
I wanted to like this more but it took way too long to wrap it up and get to the point. Probably won’t read further into the series I can’t take story lines being dragged out for so long and then in the end it felt rushed it was very disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2018
Great book.
Enjoyed reading this book. I liked the compassion and love Evan had for his sister. An older brother taking time to care for her. I would recommend this book highly. Looking forward to the next one.
Enjoyed reading this book. I liked the compassion and love Evan had for his sister. An older brother taking time to care for her. I would recommend this book highly. Looking forward to the next one.
April 29, 2018
Good
Love the devotion Ethan shows for his half sister. This character is shown to have great depth with enough vulnerabilities to make him believable. Love the C-McF family, they are yhe type of family we all yearn for? Love this series, always good and thought provoking.
Love the devotion Ethan shows for his half sister. This character is shown to have great depth with enough vulnerabilities to make him believable. Love the C-McF family, they are yhe type of family we all yearn for? Love this series, always good and thought provoking.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews