I'm overwhelmed.Truth be told, I've been overwhelmed for years. Adrift in a sea of stress and grief and clinging to the life raft of responsibility. It's time I start swimming again. And someday? Maybe surf the waves instead of being pulled under and dragged out to sea.
God offers so much more for Erin than a life of treading water, focusing all her time and attention on running a small business while raising her kids after the death of her husband. Through strangely poignant dreams and a series of run-ins with an unexpectedly attractive guy from church, Erin finds the hope she’ll not only feel alive again, but maybe even ride life’s waves victoriously.
Adrift is the first of several novellas tied to the fictional Grace Springs Fellowship in the full-length Everyday Love series.These journal-style novellas are roughly 18-20K words, filled with vivid imagery and reflect the ways in which God at work in the main character's life.
When New Mexico resident and USA Today bestselling author Jaycee Weaver isn't reading or writing, she enjoys dates with her brainiac hubby, drinking coffee, crafting, pretending she's a nature photographer, and making her teenagers cringe.
Jaycee considers herself a recovering perfectionist and frequent hot mess. She does her best to live her faith in action authentically, trusting God to be Lord over the good, the bad, and the ugly even when it’s hard.
I loved everything about Adrift. The tone and mood actually reminded me of Nicole Deese’s All of You. And even though this book is a novella, it’s story is told in its entirety. Of course, I didn’t want to leave Erin’s world once I reached the last page, but I had the warm glow of a good story.
There is such a great illustration of being adrift in grief that when those scenes came to the forefront, I slowed my reading (fast reader here) to soak them in.
This isn’t my first read by Ms. Weaver and it certainly won’t be my last. And I’ve decided that Adrift is my favorite of hers and that I will now be a lifelong fan.
*I received a free copy from the publisher. My review was not influenced nor required.
What a great short story! Full and deep and so incredibly well written and crafted. I loved the voice and just wanted to take Erin out for a girl’s night. I’m so excited that Jaycee Weaver has a backlist I get to go and enjoy now! Adding all her books to my TBR pile.
Wow. What an amazing little novella. I’ll admit my opinion of novellas has improved in recent years, but it’s still a rare pleasure to find a novella that can deliver such an emotionally satisfying story in such a short space of time—and this one was shorter than many, taking a bit under an hour to read.
But the imagery! That’s what really blew this story out of the water, if you’ll forgive the completely intentional pun. So vivid and meaningful, following Erin’s journey from feeling adrift and struggling to keep her head above water to . . . well, I let you discover that for yourself.
And the romance was beautifully paced too—no mean feat considering the character's circumstances and the length of the story. Just an excellent read all ‘round.
This sweet, heartwarming story of finding peace and the will to move on will speak right to your heart. Erin is grieving the death of her husband, and at the beginning of the story I thought it had happened recently. As you read, you learn that it really had happened years prior, and it just reminded me that the grieving process is so different for everyone. As this story points out, grieving is not only in our own time frame, it's also in God's timing. It may seem that it was too long of a grieving period for some, but then she may not have met Lucas like she did!
My favorite parts of the novella were Erin's dreams. What a poetic way to show her character growth through the story. With a combination of the Lord and her subconscious guiding her dreams, you get to see what it's like for someone to heal. To take a leap of faith. To take a tiny step forward. That's something we can all relate to, maybe not in this exact scenario, but in life in general. There are ways we are all adrift in our lives, waiting for a big wave to push us in a new direction. Erin shows us just how to do that, with help from the Lord.
There is a slight twist near the end that I kind of saw coming in some fashion, but wasn't sure how it would play out. I will say that in the way Erin handled herself during the entire situation, you could see how different she was from when the book first started. I was pleased as a reader to see growth in her reaction, instead of her character going backward. And while I didn't want this to be the end of Erin's story, I did end the book on a good note, satisifed that her story was complete.
Adrift is a quick read that you will enjoy. It can be a little emotional at times, but it makes the story so much better that way. Lucas is a hero you will come to love, with his sweet mannerisms, and patience. The relationship between Erin and Lucas moved at just the right speed, which is difficult to do when writing a novella. Weaver has found a way to touch a reader's heart and leave them wanting more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a beautiful novella! Adrift was packed full of heart-tugging emotion and the possibility of a beautiful new love.
The author did a really good job of making me care about these characters. I could feel Erin’s sense of just going through the motions of life. There were times she felt numb and times that her heart hurt from the pain of losing her husband. It had been a while since she had really felt happiness. This novella was the story of Erin waking up again, letting go, trusting God, and taking a chance on love.
The story is told from Erin’s point of view and I believe that this perspective makes the emotions feel very real. I enjoyed this story so much.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This story is a beautiful tale of a life dealing with a deep loss. It's one of wonderful hope in God's ever presence and loving care. Erin is a woman who's lost the love of her life at a very young age. Being left with the care of two teens and a small fishing store. Can she stop just drifting through her life and really live? Does she want to? What are these new feelings developing in her? Jaycee Weaver is a wonderful author who brings the story to life. She has a sweet way out showing us the love God has for us. I highly recommend you pick this book up. I was given this book by the author for a honest review. All opinions are my own.
I’ve said this before, probably dozens of times, but I'm not much of a novella person. When a whole book is packed into 125 pages, there's a lot lacking.
But that five stars right there? That means Jaycee Weaver did this novella right.
She dealt with a really great single mom still missing her husband after more than two years. She dealt with her relationship with the Lord during her grief, holding things together for her children with grace, and she dealt with a gentle man coming into her life at just the right time.
A beautiful short story which deals sensitively with the loss of a loved one and the grief you find yourself in. Adrift, often without a purpose. But there is One who anchors us, guides us and provides for us. This sweet love story is a beautiful analogy of how Jesus guides us through troubled waters, leading us to a place of peace only He can provide.
This is the first book I've read by Jaycee Weaver and I enjoyed the story! It was a short and sweet love story that's a quick read. I loved the main characters!
This is a very heart warming story. You can feel all the emotions of the people in the book and see the scenery in your mind. I enjoyed every minute of this book. You won't regret getting this book!
Wow! This book had me in tears in some parts and there are so few books that I read that can do so. This novellla is a quick little read with so much going on. I highly recommend it.
This little novella really packs a punch. Wow! Good from beginning to end. Even that one line that ripped an unexpected sob right out of my chest. Really, wow. The writing style of this one sort of reminds me of Jennifer Rodewald's. I highly recommend.
Adrift in a sea of stress and grief and clinging to the life raft of responsibility.
I was deeply moved by Adrift! It is the story of a woman recovering from grief caused by the death of her best friend — the only man she ever loved — her husband.
Jaycee Weaver has achieved a delicate balance of conveying the depth of emotion while keeping the story full of hope. My chest tightened as Erin reached for the wedding ring she no longer wore.
The dreams Erin had, full of symbolism, were amazing. The analogy of being adrift was woven throughout the entire story so carefully and so well.
I loved Erin’s children and the way her teenage son had stepped into a role of maturity and kindness. When he brought her coffee the morning she was running late, my heart melted a little more.
Adrift is a quiet, contemplative look at life after death. Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
This was such a sweet story with all the hope in the world! I l loved the way the author used the water to describe how Erin should trust her and the levels of freedom she could have if she trusted Him. I will defined reading more from this author!
Wow! This is such a touching and beautiful story! Erin is a character that I instantly liked and was cheering for. The imagery in this book is absolutely stunning and pours directly into the soul of the reader! This story is brilliantly written in a style that is lyrical, and poetic, and I absolutely loved the descriptive water related words woven into the narrative! This book is overflowing with the hope that can only be found in Jesus, the One who calms the seas! Adrift is an absolutely magnificent novella about healing, as well as a beautiful love story! Read this book, it will touch your heart! I absolutely loved Adrift and most highly recommend it! This was my first read from Jaycee Weaver and she has now become one of my favorite authors! 😍
For a novella, this gets you right in the heart! I love Jaycee Weaver's writing, she has a way about her that makes you feel like you are a friend of the character's right from the onset! This story has such profound heartache, and then wham, you are smack in the middle of one of the most beautiful blessings you ever see coming. I just adored this story and cannot recommend it highly enough!
I love this story! Like Erin, I lost my husband suddenly, and too young. Her thoughts of her first love, her husband, are tender, yet sad. She is finally ready to accept the chance of a new love. Being inside Erin's head with her thoughts and dreams, seemed a perfect way to write this story.
Wow! What an emotionally charged book! Even though it was very short, I was almost worn out after reading it! To be inside Erin's head throughout most of the story...feeling her pain, her grief, her tiredness...and her joy of finding Lucas.
New to me author, and I'm very glad to have found her! Loved reading about how Erin loved Jesus ❤️🙏🏼❤️
This short book is about how a young widow processes the different feelings that grief can evoke. That said it is a very positive and mostly upbeat book. Emerging from grief, with God's guidance, she slowly begins to see the possibility of a new love!
I received this book in a Bookfunnel giveaway of Christian authors and am so glad I did. Fascinating, well written intro to Grace Springs. Can’t wait for the next one.
I absolutely loved this novella and would love to read more!
I usually read historical Christian fiction with some underlying romance but decided to read this book intermittently while reading a full historical novel. I had planned to read a chapter a day but once I got half way in, I just had to finish this contemporary romance.
I am always amazed when an author can spin a fully encompassing tale in 75 pages. This storyline was not lacking at all in character or plot development and carried me all the way through to a satisfying end. This is just such a beautifully written story of loving again, questioning the relationship and learning to move on with the peace that God’s will brings.
Jaycee Weaver writes a story that reminds you of what it was like to fall in love. I found myself remembering early days of my own love story and feeling the emotions she portrays through her characters. This is also a love story that weaves in Biblical boundaries, the physical respect a man should convey in dating a woman, encompassing older children into the mix, and how prayer can lead you to know what is right. This was an enjoyable read that also carried so much depth...her phrases and writing skill were fun yet also exceptional.I hope that she will continue to write about these characters, church and town.
Her business a small sporting good store with the retired guys help keep it afloat. They meet all year long, and fill her shop with life and a purpose. Four years since Jonah died, and she has now been raising their 2 teenagers. A stranger comes in for help, with a company outing of outdoor activities, and he has no idea of what he needs. She notices him, and then realizes he has dimples when he grins like her husband had also. With dreams, and her strong faith, she is ready to meet the challenges now, a beautiful love story.
This book had a good storyline. I loved the details she went into to make you feel as if you were camping. I can’t wait to try some of her s’mores recipes! I know it was only a novella but I would have loved to read more! I could see a prequel and a sequel with these characters! It was a great way to read how grief is different for everyone. How Christ can help!
Wow!!! This is the first book I’ve read by Jaycee Weaver and it will not be the last. Amazing. I loved the writing, loved the environment, and loved every character. I was brought to tears not just once but twice in this story. How all those feelings can be wrapped in one shorter story is inspiring to me. I loved this story so much because it was full of so much faith, real emotions, never giving up and trust in The Lord.
Jaycee Weaver is a fairly new author to this avid reader. Living on the shores of Lake Michigan the cover and title drew me in. During Covid times as a retiree, wife, mother, Oma I often felt ADRIFT. This novella is filled with wonderful allusions – drifting aimlessly after loss, fishing, and the references to Jonah’s life and the whale. Wow! Thought provoking from beginning to end.
This was one of the sweetest romances I’ve read in a while. I loved the characters, the writing, the storyline. I didn’t want it to end! Definitely recommend. Would give more than five stars if I could!
This truly is a warm and well written story about a widow with two children. I can assure you that by the end of this book you will be smiling and have a warm feeling in your heart.
This writer is new to me and I'm so glad she was recommended to me. What a lovely story! Easily read in a sitting, the characters are real, the emotion is genuine, and the Christian appeal is just right. I can't wait to read more by Ms Weaver!