What do you think?
Rate this book
Nearly
For Claire Anderson, her position as a teacher in Hanover Falls, Missouri is the realization of a long-held dream. In this loving small-town community where her beloved grandmother resides, she attempts to cast aside the memories of her troubled childhood.
Michael Meredith finds worth as a nursing care home administrator. Until an unwelcome investigation concerning suspicious deaths among the home’s residents threatens his career and his integrity. In the midst of this crisis, friendship blooms and deepens between Michael and Claire—until an agonizing secret is revealed. One that may tear the delicate fabric of their love. Is their faith strong enough to survive their astonishing discovery?
Deborah Raney has woven an intriguing tale… Her characters breathe life as they struggle with deep, heartfelt needs. What I loved most was the message that hidden sins and a painful past cannot be stuffed away and forgotten without the cleansing power of God's forgiveness. —an amazon.com reviewer
This novel was originally published as Kindred Bond. It has been expanded and updated from the original edition.
Michael Meredith finds worth as a nursing care home administrator. Until an unwelcome investigation concerning suspicious deaths among the home’s residents threatens his career and his integrity. In the midst of this crisis, friendship blooms and deepens between Michael and Claire—until an agonizing secret is revealed. One that may tear the delicate fabric of their love. Is their faith strong enough to survive their astonishing discovery?
Deborah Raney has woven an intriguing tale… Her characters breathe life as they struggle with deep, heartfelt needs. What I loved most was the message that hidden sins and a painful past cannot be stuffed away and forgotten without the cleansing power of God's forgiveness. —an amazon.com reviewer
This novel was originally published as Kindred Bond. It has been expanded and updated from the original edition.
346 pages, Paperback
Published July 6, 2016
554 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Raney
77 books686 followersDEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
February 25, 2022
I always enjoy Deborah Raney's books and this was no exception. There were 2 story threads going on that overlapped with a bit of mystery. Book summary:
For Claire Anderson, her position as a teacher in Hanover Falls, Missouri is the realization of a long-held dream. In this loving small-town community where her beloved grandmother resides, she attempts to cast aside the memories of her troubled childhood.
Michael Meredith finds worth as a nursing care home administrator. Until an unwelcome investigation concerning suspicious deaths among the home’s residents threatens his career and his integrity. In the midst of this crisis, friendship blooms and deepens between Michael and Claire—until an agonizing secret is revealed.
For Claire Anderson, her position as a teacher in Hanover Falls, Missouri is the realization of a long-held dream. In this loving small-town community where her beloved grandmother resides, she attempts to cast aside the memories of her troubled childhood.
Michael Meredith finds worth as a nursing care home administrator. Until an unwelcome investigation concerning suspicious deaths among the home’s residents threatens his career and his integrity. In the midst of this crisis, friendship blooms and deepens between Michael and Claire—until an agonizing secret is revealed.
August 4, 2023
Another touching novel by one of my favorite authors. Raney never shies away from dealing with thorny issues, yet she always handles them with gentleness and empathy. As Claire and Michael confront secrets that could derail their blossoming romance, difficult questions arise and a thread of mystery unfolds. Of course there's a happy ending, but the journey makes this novel an enjoyable and satisfyingly complicated page-turner.
October 4, 2021
I would describe all of Deborah's books as clean Christian fiction, and Nearly is no exception. I loved the light romance with a touch of mystery in this one. Deborah doesn't shy away from real issues or flawed characters, but her stories will warm your heart. This one deals with an aging issue, but with all ages involved in the storyline. Deborah Raney remains one of my favorite Christian fiction authors. I recommend this and any of her books.
August 16, 2018
Plodded through
While I whole-heartedly appreciate the wholesomeness of the romance in this story, that's really the only positive note I have about it. The book seemed to drag on forever, constantly repeating sentiments already expressed at least once. The author also appeared to have a difficult time choosing a plotline to stick to. It was as if she was too excited about all of them to choose just one and decided to use them all, choosing to link them all together without much development in the transitions.
While I whole-heartedly appreciate the wholesomeness of the romance in this story, that's really the only positive note I have about it. The book seemed to drag on forever, constantly repeating sentiments already expressed at least once. The author also appeared to have a difficult time choosing a plotline to stick to. It was as if she was too excited about all of them to choose just one and decided to use them all, choosing to link them all together without much development in the transitions.
September 19, 2018
I had high hopes for this book, and maybe that was my problem with it; it just did not deliver. I love the elderly and I like reading novels with them in it. I did appreciate the setting of a retirement community with a nursing center, but, for me, that was about the only two things that I liked about this book.
One of the problems with this book was the main characters were one dimensional, I never connected with them or even liked them. My other big problem with the book was the complete predictability of it. Things that were built upon and supposed "mysteries" I knew how they would turn out from the first mention of them, and of course they did. Once I got 40% through I skipped to the end because I was tired of all the repetitions; it was as if the author had to meet a word quota for publishing. I don't mean to be negative, but I was looking for something more because I really liked the premise of the story and the setting.
I have read one other novel by DR, "Insight," and I liked that one, this one didn't do anything for me. Cannot recommend.
One of the problems with this book was the main characters were one dimensional, I never connected with them or even liked them. My other big problem with the book was the complete predictability of it. Things that were built upon and supposed "mysteries" I knew how they would turn out from the first mention of them, and of course they did. Once I got 40% through I skipped to the end because I was tired of all the repetitions; it was as if the author had to meet a word quota for publishing. I don't mean to be negative, but I was looking for something more because I really liked the premise of the story and the setting.
I have read one other novel by DR, "Insight," and I liked that one, this one didn't do anything for me. Cannot recommend.
August 23, 2018
E-Reader Christian Faith Fiction
Claire Anderson mover Hanover Falls, Missouri to teach 3rd grade students.I
She was able to rent a small house from Millie Overman 88 years old, as long as she agreed to take care of her 10 year old cat, Smokey. She moved to senior citizen apartment, part of Riverview Manor.
She loved her Grandmother, Nana so much, who lived many years near Kansas City. Until she broke her hip she leave her home, for physical therapy.
Claire also joined a nondenominational church to attend. She meet people at church & school that became friends with. Her best friend was Becky Anderson, who taught at the same school.
She met Michael Meredith, the Administrator at Riverview Manor. A senior citizens complex. They started dating and both of them started to enjoying each others company.
I won't say anything more about this book. It's a christian faith book.
I loved reading this book! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Claire Anderson mover Hanover Falls, Missouri to teach 3rd grade students.I
She was able to rent a small house from Millie Overman 88 years old, as long as she agreed to take care of her 10 year old cat, Smokey. She moved to senior citizen apartment, part of Riverview Manor.
She loved her Grandmother, Nana so much, who lived many years near Kansas City. Until she broke her hip she leave her home, for physical therapy.
Claire also joined a nondenominational church to attend. She meet people at church & school that became friends with. Her best friend was Becky Anderson, who taught at the same school.
She met Michael Meredith, the Administrator at Riverview Manor. A senior citizens complex. They started dating and both of them started to enjoying each others company.
I won't say anything more about this book. It's a christian faith book.
I loved reading this book! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
August 1, 2022
The story was interesting, the plot and characters very real. I found it quite long, though, especially the long, despondent off-romance months. Claire, the main character, has so many anxieties and such a load of guilt I thought she'd surely crack. Michael seems much more grounded in his faith and draws a lot of strength from his trust in God's care.
When I thought the story had come to a satisfying conclusion, half a dozen more chapters followed. Perhaps the author tried to address too many issues in one story--or too deeply? The ups & downs of romance, other relationships, dealing with grief, analyzing the effects of dysfunctional childhoods, the joys of a teaching career, hashing over the ethics of euthanasia. Ms Raney is an interesting writer but that's a lot of ground to cover.
For all that, the book does bring up a lot of good points and if a reader is okay with longer stories and lots of description re: people's feelings, this is a good Christian fiction novel.
When I thought the story had come to a satisfying conclusion, half a dozen more chapters followed. Perhaps the author tried to address too many issues in one story--or too deeply? The ups & downs of romance, other relationships, dealing with grief, analyzing the effects of dysfunctional childhoods, the joys of a teaching career, hashing over the ethics of euthanasia. Ms Raney is an interesting writer but that's a lot of ground to cover.
For all that, the book does bring up a lot of good points and if a reader is okay with longer stories and lots of description re: people's feelings, this is a good Christian fiction novel.
October 1, 2021
Torn apart
Claire is living the life she has worked so hard to attain; she has started her first year as an elementary school teacher. Her job, rental house, and grandmother are her priorities. Her grandmother has given her so much but the greatest gift of all was the faith in God that she shared with Claire from her earliest years. Her home life with her parents has left her scarred, yet she continues toward her goals with a positive outlook. She's made mistakes and picked herself up and moved on.
Michael is the administrator of the town's nursing care home. He, too has had a very hard childhood. They meet when Claire drops by to meet her new land lady, A resident of the home.
A touching and heroic story of two people doing their best to follow God's will for their lives through ever circumstance. An incredible book!
Claire is living the life she has worked so hard to attain; she has started her first year as an elementary school teacher. Her job, rental house, and grandmother are her priorities. Her grandmother has given her so much but the greatest gift of all was the faith in God that she shared with Claire from her earliest years. Her home life with her parents has left her scarred, yet she continues toward her goals with a positive outlook. She's made mistakes and picked herself up and moved on.
Michael is the administrator of the town's nursing care home. He, too has had a very hard childhood. They meet when Claire drops by to meet her new land lady, A resident of the home.
A touching and heroic story of two people doing their best to follow God's will for their lives through ever circumstance. An incredible book!
March 10, 2025
One peculiarity that stood out throughout this book, was the use of the name and surname of the characters and wonder if this is a culture trait. An example is the use of Michael Meredith, not just Michael. As he is the main male character, we would know his name without adding the surname. Different.
Despite the full names for all characters, I found this book inspirational as well as thought provoking. I'm surprised that when Storm Waymire started in her class and after discussing the "troublemaker" with Michael that neither thought to question if there could be problems at his home, especially with their own childhood backgrounds.
There is also a lot going on within three areas of coverage, the school, the retirement center and the family connections, so there is no time to get bored. I was always turning pages to read what happens next.
Despite the full names for all characters, I found this book inspirational as well as thought provoking. I'm surprised that when Storm Waymire started in her class and after discussing the "troublemaker" with Michael that neither thought to question if there could be problems at his home, especially with their own childhood backgrounds.
There is also a lot going on within three areas of coverage, the school, the retirement center and the family connections, so there is no time to get bored. I was always turning pages to read what happens next.
March 6, 2019
Well Deborah Raney does it again with a heartwarming story. This one will really tug at your heart strings. Claire's childhood was anything but ideal, yet it doesn't stop her in her life long dream to teach. With the love of her grandmother she grows up into a wonderful young woman, although her childhood still haunts her. Michael runs the nursing home in the small town Claire moves too and together they both face the past and bring closer to their future. Wonderful story, the writing keeps you glued to the pages, the story within the story will at times bring tears and heartbreak but it all works so well together.
August 25, 2025
Excellent story written by a gifted author. This is the second book I read by Deborah Raney and I will definitely be reading more in the future. I actually have 4 books at home waiting for me!
The plot was deeply moving, since I have had the experience of caring for loved ones that were reaching the end of their life. I became deeply embedded in the story and it was quite emotional for me. Since I have finished the book two days ago, I am still thinking about it and that is a great compliment to the author that the characters she created are now a part of my history and will not be easily forgotten.
The plot was deeply moving, since I have had the experience of caring for loved ones that were reaching the end of their life. I became deeply embedded in the story and it was quite emotional for me. Since I have finished the book two days ago, I am still thinking about it and that is a great compliment to the author that the characters she created are now a part of my history and will not be easily forgotten.
November 6, 2021
Fear or Faith
An incredible story of one family where hurt abounded in the lives of two young children. One was the natural child while the second one was adopted, but then rejected by the new parents. However God had better plans for both of them in the future.
Besides the sadness, there is also picturesque beauty in the Ozarks. The prolific writing draws one into the story in a gripping way. It's well worth your time to read every word of this meaningful story that you will long remain.
An incredible story of one family where hurt abounded in the lives of two young children. One was the natural child while the second one was adopted, but then rejected by the new parents. However God had better plans for both of them in the future.
Besides the sadness, there is also picturesque beauty in the Ozarks. The prolific writing draws one into the story in a gripping way. It's well worth your time to read every word of this meaningful story that you will long remain.
June 15, 2022
This is an interesting story which tackles the issue and concerns of euthanasia, as well as the many hurts children may endure during foster care and adoption. It's a fictional story, with these themes arising throughout as we learn about the lives of Michael and Claire.
I love Deborah Raney's books, but this one didn't hold the intrigue or interest for me as the other ones did. It could be that I read it during several weeks of vacation time and travel and there were just too many other distractions. As always, it is well done.
I love Deborah Raney's books, but this one didn't hold the intrigue or interest for me as the other ones did. It could be that I read it during several weeks of vacation time and travel and there were just too many other distractions. As always, it is well done.
Read
December 26, 2024she is 3rd grade teacher
he works at care home her landlord lives in
they start dating
she still feels bad , when she was a child they had a foster boy and she made it sound like he cut her with a stick, but it was a accident when she sprayed him with water but she lied about it
he has something in his past hes not telling her either
turns out he was the little boy who was her adopted brother for a year before they returned him
she breaks it off with him thinking they cant be together if they were brother and sister
her grandma dies and they are going to get married
he works at care home her landlord lives in
they start dating
she still feels bad , when she was a child they had a foster boy and she made it sound like he cut her with a stick, but it was a accident when she sprayed him with water but she lied about it
he has something in his past hes not telling her either
turns out he was the little boy who was her adopted brother for a year before they returned him
she breaks it off with him thinking they cant be together if they were brother and sister
her grandma dies and they are going to get married
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2021
Excellent, as are all Deborah Raney’s books
I have only read 13 of Deborah Raney’s books so far but every one has been excellent with different circumstances, problems and solutions. And, of course, Christian values. I certainly plan on reading a lot more. This story also shows how families and parents can help or hurt children and effect their lives when they become adults. Highly recommend.
I have only read 13 of Deborah Raney’s books so far but every one has been excellent with different circumstances, problems and solutions. And, of course, Christian values. I certainly plan on reading a lot more. This story also shows how families and parents can help or hurt children and effect their lives when they become adults. Highly recommend.
December 26, 2023
Loved this book. The suspense of murder going on at Riverview keeps you guessing as who is doing it. The story between Michael and Claire takes many twists and turns. Not sure how I would feel after a deep secret comes to light when I'm in love with that person. Michael and Claire have a big hurdle to overcome but it was nice to read about how Michael never gave up. Loved how faith played a part in this story. Just so much intrigue and it kept me wanting to read more.
September 29, 2025
Difficult childhood memories are strengthened
Michael and Claire knew each other as children. Years later, the past came to light. It caused much tension.
Claire's dear grandmother was her anchor. This was the only family left.
Strange occurrences were happening at the
nursing home where Michael worked. Families were stricken with sadness.
I loved that the two main characters trusted in God to help them forgive and move on with their lives.
Michael and Claire knew each other as children. Years later, the past came to light. It caused much tension.
Claire's dear grandmother was her anchor. This was the only family left.
Strange occurrences were happening at the
nursing home where Michael worked. Families were stricken with sadness.
I loved that the two main characters trusted in God to help them forgive and move on with their lives.
March 12, 2017
Clean Christian Romance
This is the second book I have read from this author. In both books I knew almost from the beginning of the book how the two main characters past path had crossed. Then the rest of the book was waiting to see when the characters would realize hoe their pasts were intertwined and then seeing how the past would affect their future.
This is the second book I have read from this author. In both books I knew almost from the beginning of the book how the two main characters past path had crossed. Then the rest of the book was waiting to see when the characters would realize hoe their pasts were intertwined and then seeing how the past would affect their future.
August 14, 2018
GOD. WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS
A sad little girl's only joy was visits with Nana.
Starts her first teaching job in a small town. Meets a nice nan.
Lots of ups and downs in there relationship.
Stormy the cat was part of her rental agreement. But was hardly mentioned in the last part of the story.
A sad little girl's only joy was visits with Nana.
Starts her first teaching job in a small town. Meets a nice nan.
Lots of ups and downs in there relationship.
Stormy the cat was part of her rental agreement. But was hardly mentioned in the last part of the story.
August 24, 2018
....but not quite.
Nearly but not quite a 5 star book. The book is slow paced for the most part, but worth reading. Characters include a new school teacher and a nursing home admistrator, with colorful old people dotting the I's and crossing the T's. Well worth the extra time to read.
Nearly but not quite a 5 star book. The book is slow paced for the most part, but worth reading. Characters include a new school teacher and a nursing home admistrator, with colorful old people dotting the I's and crossing the T's. Well worth the extra time to read.
September 20, 2021
Michael ❤️ Claire
Very good. Michael experiences a childhood that should never happen to any human being, especially a child, until he is adopted by a wonderful family who gives him the unconditional love of God. Claire, a similar broken childhood but has a Nana who helps her and loves her. Multiple plot of unimaginable grief. Overcoming joy saves the story.
Very good. Michael experiences a childhood that should never happen to any human being, especially a child, until he is adopted by a wonderful family who gives him the unconditional love of God. Claire, a similar broken childhood but has a Nana who helps her and loves her. Multiple plot of unimaginable grief. Overcoming joy saves the story.
September 21, 2021
Excellent story
Nicely written and entertaining and the characters were well chosen. A love story with plenty of excitement and interesting tidbits. A lot of emotions involved in the lives of the 2 main people. But also lots of love courage and Gods grace in difficult circumstances coming through.. all in alla lovely read.
Nicely written and entertaining and the characters were well chosen. A love story with plenty of excitement and interesting tidbits. A lot of emotions involved in the lives of the 2 main people. But also lots of love courage and Gods grace in difficult circumstances coming through.. all in alla lovely read.
September 24, 2021
Absolutely spiritual novel
I wish I could have rated this book a ten.
Author Raney touched on every emotion possible. Spiritual insight filled with grace and forgiveness and so much love. This was written from the heart with Christian content.
If you don't read this book it will be your lost.
Thank you Ms. Raney, I loved this book.
I wish I could have rated this book a ten.
Author Raney touched on every emotion possible. Spiritual insight filled with grace and forgiveness and so much love. This was written from the heart with Christian content.
If you don't read this book it will be your lost.
Thank you Ms. Raney, I loved this book.
March 21, 2022
I enjoyed this book, it was surprising in what they discovered about each other. And it definitely took faith to bring them back together. Then there was the problem he had to deal with at the nursing home, that he was director of. I would urge anyone that likes a little mystery along with a love story to read this.
April 22, 2022
This book was a delightful mix of romance and mystery. I was especially intrigued with how Ms Raney wove together the lives of the characters and brought them full circle. It was also a wonderful example of The love, grace, mercy and forgiveness that we are offered as followers of Christ. Raney is a “new to me” author and I can’t wait to read more of her work.
August 13, 2018
Decent book
This was a pretty good book. A little sappy as the main female character couldn’t understand that an adopted person is really not your sibling and since he didn’t live with her parent s long he was not brother!
This was a pretty good book. A little sappy as the main female character couldn’t understand that an adopted person is really not your sibling and since he didn’t live with her parent s long he was not brother!
August 15, 2018
4 1\2 stars!
This story had my emotions all over the place. Happy, sad, angry, confused and definitely grief stricken for the children in this story and for their confusion as adults. A very good story never the less. Would recommend to any and all to enjoy.
This story had my emotions all over the place. Happy, sad, angry, confused and definitely grief stricken for the children in this story and for their confusion as adults. A very good story never the less. Would recommend to any and all to enjoy.
August 15, 2018
This was a wonderful story. It was very moving and interesting. I love how the author dealt with the tough issues of foster care, adoption, depression, dysfunctional families, aging, and euthanasia with such tenderness, grace, and Biblical accuracy. I can't wait to read more by her.
August 21, 2018
The bondage of guilt and unforgiveness
An author who can dish out some hard truths with compassion and hope. While the hoped for resolution in the main characters dilemma may actually be the final outcome, you will find that the journey is worth your undertaking.
An author who can dish out some hard truths with compassion and hope. While the hoped for resolution in the main characters dilemma may actually be the final outcome, you will find that the journey is worth your undertaking.
August 24, 2018
For Claire Anderson, her position as a teacher in Hanover Falls, Missouri is the realization of a long-held dream. In this loving small-town community where her beloved grandmother resides, she attempts to cast aside the memories of her troubled childhood.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews