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By Design #1
By Design
Anne is a young, Southern professional with just the right connections and a privileged point of view. Confident in her innate value, she has complete faith in her power to control her own future. After all, even with the challenges that come with working at a high-profile interior design firm located in the heart of Atlanta, she knows exactly where she’s headed. What she doesn’t expect is Dr. Brad Young, Jr.
Sparks immediately fly between the handsome young doctor and Anne when she’s assigned to troubleshoot for his surgical practice, but chemistry can only get you so far. As their relationship develops, so too does a burgeoning conflict and confusion over the uncommon roles their mothers play in their lives. Over the course of an emotional weekend and the exposure of a secret lurking in his past, Brad is forced to make a life-changing adjustment as Anne discovers the devastating betrayal of a trusted plan.
By Design is an emotional romance guaranteed to warm the hearts of anyone who has ever experienced the breathtaking intensity of new love.
Sparks immediately fly between the handsome young doctor and Anne when she’s assigned to troubleshoot for his surgical practice, but chemistry can only get you so far. As their relationship develops, so too does a burgeoning conflict and confusion over the uncommon roles their mothers play in their lives. Over the course of an emotional weekend and the exposure of a secret lurking in his past, Brad is forced to make a life-changing adjustment as Anne discovers the devastating betrayal of a trusted plan.
By Design is an emotional romance guaranteed to warm the hearts of anyone who has ever experienced the breathtaking intensity of new love.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2018
150 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
J. Boykin Baker
6 books15 followersJ Boykin Baker is an award-winning interior designer, author, speaker and founder of a nonprofit which provides clean water to families in 32 countries and provinces, as well as areas in the United States.
She grew up in the small town of Wilson, North Carolina. She knew from the age of seven, after seeing the old movie “Pillow Talk,” that the only career for her was interior design. After college, marriage, and babies, her dream of being an interior designer came true with the start of her own design firm in Atlanta, Georgia. As luck would have it, she just happened to be in the right place—at the right time—with the right look and ended up designing hospitals, corporate offices, and high-end residential projects across the nation.
With humor, tears, and professional insight, she enjoys sharing her wide-ranging experiences on national television, radio interviews, and international speaking engagements. She was honored to be named one of North Carolina’s Women of Achievement. To learn more or contact her, visit JBoykinBaker.com.
She grew up in the small town of Wilson, North Carolina. She knew from the age of seven, after seeing the old movie “Pillow Talk,” that the only career for her was interior design. After college, marriage, and babies, her dream of being an interior designer came true with the start of her own design firm in Atlanta, Georgia. As luck would have it, she just happened to be in the right place—at the right time—with the right look and ended up designing hospitals, corporate offices, and high-end residential projects across the nation.
With humor, tears, and professional insight, she enjoys sharing her wide-ranging experiences on national television, radio interviews, and international speaking engagements. She was honored to be named one of North Carolina’s Women of Achievement. To learn more or contact her, visit JBoykinBaker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 26, 2020
I gave up on this eventually. Christian Romance, in general, is not something I enjoy, especially not when the religious belief is used to condemn others. Best example in this book: characters who dared to enjoy premarital sex all end up miserable.
June 25, 2020
By Design is the first book in the trilogy by J Boykin Baker, a Contemporary Southern Christian Romance Fiction writer, and also a fabulous designer and the founder of Widow’s Mite Experience, a ministry that provides emergency water relief for people across the globe.
This is first book in the By Design trilogy. It is a Christian Romance about two fun protagonists - Anne, a young designer working in a high-profile firm in Atlanta, and a handsome physician, Dr. Brad Young, Jr. This is a wonderful meet cute and love getting my heart in flutters.
I found the book to be a fun read with characters I enjoyed reading about, and found the writing to be charming and heartwarming. I felt that Baker wrote this Christian fiction with a lot of heart and weaved the Christian values within the story beautifully without being preachy, but instead delightfully hopeful about new loves and contemporary relationships.
I enjoyed this one.
This is first book in the By Design trilogy. It is a Christian Romance about two fun protagonists - Anne, a young designer working in a high-profile firm in Atlanta, and a handsome physician, Dr. Brad Young, Jr. This is a wonderful meet cute and love getting my heart in flutters.
I found the book to be a fun read with characters I enjoyed reading about, and found the writing to be charming and heartwarming. I felt that Baker wrote this Christian fiction with a lot of heart and weaved the Christian values within the story beautifully without being preachy, but instead delightfully hopeful about new loves and contemporary relationships.
I enjoyed this one.
January 5, 2019
Gretchen Boyd realizes cancer will claim her life and decides her legacy to her 14-year old daughter, Anne, will be a three-part plan for life. She “designs” one with the belief it will always help Anne make wise decisions. The three parts work until Anne, an interior designer, meets Dr. Brad Young, Jr. in Atlanta. Their romance and conflicts escalate, and Anne’s vow to remain celibate until she marries is tested.
This sweet romantic fiction emphasizes family heritage, family relationships and Christian values. The cast of characters range from those on the seamier side of life, those with pasts and those, like Brad and Anne, who are concerned about helping others and using their talents to the best of their abilities. Jealousy, revenge, greed and other unsavory qualities take a role in the story, but kindness and virtue wins out.
Readers get a clear picture of scenery and characters through the vivid descriptions and details in this debut novel by J. Boykin Baker. They will enjoy the twists and turns in the story and look forward to her next book.
This sweet romantic fiction emphasizes family heritage, family relationships and Christian values. The cast of characters range from those on the seamier side of life, those with pasts and those, like Brad and Anne, who are concerned about helping others and using their talents to the best of their abilities. Jealousy, revenge, greed and other unsavory qualities take a role in the story, but kindness and virtue wins out.
Readers get a clear picture of scenery and characters through the vivid descriptions and details in this debut novel by J. Boykin Baker. They will enjoy the twists and turns in the story and look forward to her next book.
December 20, 2019
This was a beautiful Christian story about a young woman whose mother dies when she is young. Prior to her death, she put together and explained her three step plan to guide her daughter to make the right decisions for her life and values. As Anne grows and matures, she sticks to the plan. She gets a good job, meets a man she loves and deals with some questionable situations. Such a powerful story about being true to yourself and your values, even when it might be easier to give in. I enjoyed this book a lot. There were times that it got a little bit preachy, but not overly so to overwhelm the story. Anne and Brad are a great couple. He was a bit of a cad at times, but he stuck it out with Anne as he learned to truly care for her. The cast of characters range from those on the seamier side of life (ponzi scheme, affairs, sex for gifts etc.), those who gossip and destroy reputations, and those, like Brad and Anne, who are concerned about helping others and using their talents to the best of their abilities. Brad's family has some secrets that Anne finds out about and is determined to help Brad move forward with forgiveness and truth. This is a sweet romance that deals with family relationships, secrets, health, jealousy, revenge, greed and Christian values that help Anne and Brad find each other. A very enjoyable story.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Hallie Ricardo. She has a very easy voice to listen to. She did not use voices for the characters, but her tone, expression and intonation gave the various characters an identity. I enjoyed listening to this book and will listen to others narrated by Hailie Ricardo. I received a copy of this book upon request for Caffeinated PR. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Hallie Ricardo. She has a very easy voice to listen to. She did not use voices for the characters, but her tone, expression and intonation gave the various characters an identity. I enjoyed listening to this book and will listen to others narrated by Hailie Ricardo. I received a copy of this book upon request for Caffeinated PR. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
January 8, 2020
My Review: I received a complimentary audio download of this book from Caffinated PR. The following is my honest review and opinion. I normally only read books with strong religion basis during the holiday season and I was still in that fluffy, sweet romance mood and thought I would give this one a try. I did know that this was a Christian based sweet romance going in, what I didn't know was how conservative it was going to be. It wasn't overly pushy about religion itself, what it focused on more was the actions that go against the belief system, particularly premarital sex. I have read books in the past where the characters save themselves for marriage and I don't have a problem with that at all, what I did have a problem with in this one is the way that the act of premarital sex was completely vilified. The author set out a story where every character that had sex outside of marriage either ended up alone and destitute (having to find work as an exotic dancer and prostitution), alone with a sick baby or in jail and more. I quite honestly almost DNFed this one in the first chapter but I decided to give it a chance anyway. I did end up enjoying some of the characters and the story itself when it wasn't bringing up the issue. This would definitely be a great book for those who are looking for something more in line with a more conservative belief system, but it really wasn't one for me.
May 6, 2025
It felt like this book would never end.
There are SO MANY relationship red flags in this book and they are treated as if they don’t exist. I am pathologically incapable of not finishing a book once I’ve started it, but by a quarter of the way through this book, I really wanted to quit reading. I kept going mainly out of curiosity, to see if the author could redeem what already seemed like an unredeemable relationship. She did not.
The hero is a spoiled, selfish child whose bad behaviors are continually ignored or laughed off while he’s lauded as a wonderful man. If you removed all the red flags, bad ideas, and bad advice from this book, you’d be left with a very few pages of unrealistic filler, design fluff that’s in questionable taste, and a religious cliches.
I love Christian fiction, but this book gives it a bad name. It somehow manages the impressive feat of being both prissy and sometimes crass. At times, I seriously questioned whether or not it might have been written as a satire by someone who actually hates Christian fiction and wanted to ridicule it.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever read a romance before where I was rooting for the couple to NOT end up together, but I genuinely hoped that the heroine would end up giving him the boot and going on to end the book single and developing some discernment. If I was friends with her in real life, I would be seriously worried for the future of their marriage.
There are SO MANY relationship red flags in this book and they are treated as if they don’t exist. I am pathologically incapable of not finishing a book once I’ve started it, but by a quarter of the way through this book, I really wanted to quit reading. I kept going mainly out of curiosity, to see if the author could redeem what already seemed like an unredeemable relationship. She did not.
The hero is a spoiled, selfish child whose bad behaviors are continually ignored or laughed off while he’s lauded as a wonderful man. If you removed all the red flags, bad ideas, and bad advice from this book, you’d be left with a very few pages of unrealistic filler, design fluff that’s in questionable taste, and a religious cliches.
I love Christian fiction, but this book gives it a bad name. It somehow manages the impressive feat of being both prissy and sometimes crass. At times, I seriously questioned whether or not it might have been written as a satire by someone who actually hates Christian fiction and wanted to ridicule it.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever read a romance before where I was rooting for the couple to NOT end up together, but I genuinely hoped that the heroine would end up giving him the boot and going on to end the book single and developing some discernment. If I was friends with her in real life, I would be seriously worried for the future of their marriage.
September 1, 2022
Though it started with a heartbreaking loss, BY DESIGN turned out to be a playful and charming southern romance that made me smile. A dying mother maps out a plan — a design — to substitute for all the future advice she won’t be able to give. That’s gut-wrenching, not least of all for its futility. Life just doesn’t work that way.
But tell that to Anne, daughter of a dead mom whose life has been unrealistically mapped out since her early teens. When this young interior designer falls for a doctor who seems to offer it all, conflicts emerge between her heart and her mom’s design.
Cloying from beyond the grave, Gretchen Boyd plays an important role in her daughter’s romantic life. On the one hand, her spiritual presence is too prominent for a deceased parent. What with their lacking the latest developments, and all.
On the other hand, do the good doctor’s advances violate a moral code that Anne would be well-advised to preserve? Even in death, might mama know best?
It’s an expelliarmus-level charm that the author managed to turn this macabre premise into a clean, light romance — but she did. And I had fun reading the result.
But tell that to Anne, daughter of a dead mom whose life has been unrealistically mapped out since her early teens. When this young interior designer falls for a doctor who seems to offer it all, conflicts emerge between her heart and her mom’s design.
Cloying from beyond the grave, Gretchen Boyd plays an important role in her daughter’s romantic life. On the one hand, her spiritual presence is too prominent for a deceased parent. What with their lacking the latest developments, and all.
On the other hand, do the good doctor’s advances violate a moral code that Anne would be well-advised to preserve? Even in death, might mama know best?
It’s an expelliarmus-level charm that the author managed to turn this macabre premise into a clean, light romance — but she did. And I had fun reading the result.
September 29, 2020
I am a book reviewer and was given a free ebook copy of this book for my honest review.
About the Book
Anne’s mother passed away when Anne was young, but her mother left her a very valuable legacy.
When Anne is grown, she becomes an interior designer and begins to do quite well, then moves to Atlanta to take a job at a very high profile interior design firm. Her plate fills quickly with jobs, one of which is for a surgical practice where Dr. Brad Young, Jr. is a partner with his father.
When Brad meets Anne, he is taken by her beauty and asks her out. However, Brad has a reputation as a player, and several people warn Anne about Brad’s reputation. But Anne feels the chemistry between them and continues to see Brad, until an emotional weekend creates a problem that Brad isn’t sure he can overcome to make this relationship work.
My Review
I found the Introduction to be very “telling”. It didn’t draw me in and engage me in the story, but I continued to read to find out what would happen to Anne as the story truly began. I was pleasantly surprised that the story itself, engaged me from the start and drew me in to Anne’s life.
As I read the story, I found value in the Introduction and knew why the author had included it. It adds important information about Anne and why Anne is who she is.
I enjoyed the relationships between Anne and all of the characters she interacted with in the story. Anne had a strong influence on others she met and interacted with. Then she met Brad, and her affect on him was strong and unexpected for him. He had never met anyone like her before and he wasn’t sure he liked how she made him feel and think.
I really liked the interaction between Brad and Anne. They had a chemistry, but there were obstacles between them. As I continued to follow their story, I found their way of interacting, as they tried to figure out if their relationship could be long term, delightful. The way they teased one another and spoke to one another of their thoughts and feelings were all engaging and realistic. Their banter often made me laugh. The scene where Anne finally lost her temper with Brad, as well as Brad’s reaction to the things she said in anger, also made me laugh. At the same time, I still hoped they would work things out.
J. Boykin Baker created deep characters and gave them real life struggles, one of which, though it still faces some young people in today’s world, seems antiquated, but Ms. Baker did a wonderful job showing the importance of the struggle and I was impressed with Anne’s strength even in the face of temptation.
I loved the fact that the story doesn’t end in the typical way of most romance stories, but Ms. Baker resolves the struggles in a very satisfying manner and takes the ending a step further.
I love sweet romance stories. They are one of my favorite genres, and I especially love a sweet romance story that dares to step out of the normal romance formula. Therefore, By Design by J. Boykin Baker and Anne and Brad will live in my heart and on my “favorites” list for a long time.
I was also thrilled to find that Ms. Baker continues the story of Anne and Brad in two more books and I can’t wait to read them.
I give By Design (Book 1) by J. Boykin Baker 5 stars.
About the Book
Anne’s mother passed away when Anne was young, but her mother left her a very valuable legacy.
When Anne is grown, she becomes an interior designer and begins to do quite well, then moves to Atlanta to take a job at a very high profile interior design firm. Her plate fills quickly with jobs, one of which is for a surgical practice where Dr. Brad Young, Jr. is a partner with his father.
When Brad meets Anne, he is taken by her beauty and asks her out. However, Brad has a reputation as a player, and several people warn Anne about Brad’s reputation. But Anne feels the chemistry between them and continues to see Brad, until an emotional weekend creates a problem that Brad isn’t sure he can overcome to make this relationship work.
My Review
I found the Introduction to be very “telling”. It didn’t draw me in and engage me in the story, but I continued to read to find out what would happen to Anne as the story truly began. I was pleasantly surprised that the story itself, engaged me from the start and drew me in to Anne’s life.
As I read the story, I found value in the Introduction and knew why the author had included it. It adds important information about Anne and why Anne is who she is.
I enjoyed the relationships between Anne and all of the characters she interacted with in the story. Anne had a strong influence on others she met and interacted with. Then she met Brad, and her affect on him was strong and unexpected for him. He had never met anyone like her before and he wasn’t sure he liked how she made him feel and think.
I really liked the interaction between Brad and Anne. They had a chemistry, but there were obstacles between them. As I continued to follow their story, I found their way of interacting, as they tried to figure out if their relationship could be long term, delightful. The way they teased one another and spoke to one another of their thoughts and feelings were all engaging and realistic. Their banter often made me laugh. The scene where Anne finally lost her temper with Brad, as well as Brad’s reaction to the things she said in anger, also made me laugh. At the same time, I still hoped they would work things out.
J. Boykin Baker created deep characters and gave them real life struggles, one of which, though it still faces some young people in today’s world, seems antiquated, but Ms. Baker did a wonderful job showing the importance of the struggle and I was impressed with Anne’s strength even in the face of temptation.
I loved the fact that the story doesn’t end in the typical way of most romance stories, but Ms. Baker resolves the struggles in a very satisfying manner and takes the ending a step further.
I love sweet romance stories. They are one of my favorite genres, and I especially love a sweet romance story that dares to step out of the normal romance formula. Therefore, By Design by J. Boykin Baker and Anne and Brad will live in my heart and on my “favorites” list for a long time.
I was also thrilled to find that Ms. Baker continues the story of Anne and Brad in two more books and I can’t wait to read them.
I give By Design (Book 1) by J. Boykin Baker 5 stars.
November 8, 2020
By Design by J. Boykin Baker is about finding love while keeping your religious views at the forefront.
Can Anne convince Brad that marriage is right for him?
Anne Boyd
Anne Boyd is an interior designer that is trying to make a name for herself in Atlanta. She is a different character than what I normally read, and it fits in with this story. Anne has been living her life since she was fourteen by a plan that her mom designed to help in any situation. She is also a good character with her own flaws while being true to her religious views forefront. I like her because she makes her views known to Brad while also trying to come up with a different way for them to be together. I also like her because she seems to have excellent taste in her design for interiors. I dislike her because it seems like she kind of is condemning people who have sex before marriage.
Bradford Young Jr
Dr. Bradford Young Jr is a doctor for women. He is working with his dad in his practice while learning the ropes from him to take over eventually. Brad has some issues with marriage that stems from his past and is a major plot point. He is known as a player, but being with Anne has chilled him out a bit, even if he doesn't know it yet. I like Brad because he tries his hardest to be this good person for Anne and is slowly turning into this best version of himself. I dislike him because instead of talking to Anne, Brad thinks that Anne will be like his mother.
3 Stars
By Design by J. Boykin Baker is the first book in a trilogy that Ms. Baker has written. It follows the life of Anne and Bradford Young Jr. I loved the scenes that Ms. Baker uses to tell their story and how everything rolled by. I am giving it three stars and recommending it to any Christian romance readers out there.
Can Anne convince Brad that marriage is right for him?
Anne Boyd
Anne Boyd is an interior designer that is trying to make a name for herself in Atlanta. She is a different character than what I normally read, and it fits in with this story. Anne has been living her life since she was fourteen by a plan that her mom designed to help in any situation. She is also a good character with her own flaws while being true to her religious views forefront. I like her because she makes her views known to Brad while also trying to come up with a different way for them to be together. I also like her because she seems to have excellent taste in her design for interiors. I dislike her because it seems like she kind of is condemning people who have sex before marriage.
Bradford Young Jr
Dr. Bradford Young Jr is a doctor for women. He is working with his dad in his practice while learning the ropes from him to take over eventually. Brad has some issues with marriage that stems from his past and is a major plot point. He is known as a player, but being with Anne has chilled him out a bit, even if he doesn't know it yet. I like Brad because he tries his hardest to be this good person for Anne and is slowly turning into this best version of himself. I dislike him because instead of talking to Anne, Brad thinks that Anne will be like his mother.
3 Stars
By Design by J. Boykin Baker is the first book in a trilogy that Ms. Baker has written. It follows the life of Anne and Bradford Young Jr. I loved the scenes that Ms. Baker uses to tell their story and how everything rolled by. I am giving it three stars and recommending it to any Christian romance readers out there.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of By Design by J. Boykin Baker.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
March 1, 2023
After the death of her mother as a young teen, Anne Boyd has gone through life using her mother’s three-step plan to evaluate every decision to reach her goals. By using this three-step plan, Anne has her dream career as an interior designer and recently accepted a new and prestigious position at a high-end design firm in Atlanta. Her life seems to be on her planned trajectory until she meets handsome Dr. Brad Young, Jr., a client-turned-love interest. Then, Anne must decide what she truly values as she navigates burgeoning feelings while staying true to her convictions.
Author J Boykin Baker hits the mark for the religious romance genre with her release of By Design by weaving an engaging story of southern love. From the love of a mother for a daughter to a father for a son, readers will see the impact that relationships can have on life choices. Anne values her faith and uses that as a compass to guide her relationships and career; however, her values are tested after meeting Brad. Brad is handsome and has a steady and lucrative career but seems to flounder when it comes to committed relationships. Boykin succeeds in establishing a mutual attraction between the two characters and hooks the reader into being invested in the outcome of the relationship. Boykin also excels in vivid descriptions of different settings and her interior design knowledge.
Readers will appreciate the heartfelt message of the book and the emphasis on the importance of choices and relationships. By Design checks all the boxes for a captivating religious romance novel. The wholesome and idealistic storyline was as enjoyable to read as a Hallmark romance movie, leaving me feeling satisfied and entertained.
Author J Boykin Baker hits the mark for the religious romance genre with her release of By Design by weaving an engaging story of southern love. From the love of a mother for a daughter to a father for a son, readers will see the impact that relationships can have on life choices. Anne values her faith and uses that as a compass to guide her relationships and career; however, her values are tested after meeting Brad. Brad is handsome and has a steady and lucrative career but seems to flounder when it comes to committed relationships. Boykin succeeds in establishing a mutual attraction between the two characters and hooks the reader into being invested in the outcome of the relationship. Boykin also excels in vivid descriptions of different settings and her interior design knowledge.
Readers will appreciate the heartfelt message of the book and the emphasis on the importance of choices and relationships. By Design checks all the boxes for a captivating religious romance novel. The wholesome and idealistic storyline was as enjoyable to read as a Hallmark romance movie, leaving me feeling satisfied and entertained.
August 18, 2022
The beginning opens with Gretchen reflecting on her life. She is dying, cancer is ravaging her body. Gretchen has a limited time to share all the wisdom and knowledge she has learned about life with her fourteen-year-old daughter, Anne. She knows her daughter is going to need every bit of support when she’s gone.
She tries to make sure all avenues are covered before she passes, including organizing a grief counselor for her husband and daughter.
The story then fast forwards to Anne, Gretchen’s daughter, who is now grown. She is an interior designer and newly hired by an Atlanta design firm. One of her first projects is to redesign an OBGYN’s outdated office. It’s there that she meets Dr. Bradford Young.
Without divulging too much, Anne and Brad develop feelings for each other. Anne is very strong in her faith and shares her beliefs about not pursuing a physical relationship with Brad outside of marriage. The issue is Brad doesn’t want to ever get married and so he doesn’t see a future with Anne. They still continue to see each other and I was actually surprised when the characters professed their love so soon. I’m not saying that doesn’t happen, I just didn’t feel the strong connection between Anne and Brad at the time it was professed in the book. However, by 2/3 of the way in you feel the connection between the two and are invested. The secondary characters are fabulous and definitely one of my favorite parts of the story. I enjoyed this one. If you are looking for a thought provoking, character driven, sweet, faith-based romance then definitely pick this one up. 4 stars All three books in the series are available now. ❤️🥼👠🩺💙
She tries to make sure all avenues are covered before she passes, including organizing a grief counselor for her husband and daughter.
The story then fast forwards to Anne, Gretchen’s daughter, who is now grown. She is an interior designer and newly hired by an Atlanta design firm. One of her first projects is to redesign an OBGYN’s outdated office. It’s there that she meets Dr. Bradford Young.
Without divulging too much, Anne and Brad develop feelings for each other. Anne is very strong in her faith and shares her beliefs about not pursuing a physical relationship with Brad outside of marriage. The issue is Brad doesn’t want to ever get married and so he doesn’t see a future with Anne. They still continue to see each other and I was actually surprised when the characters professed their love so soon. I’m not saying that doesn’t happen, I just didn’t feel the strong connection between Anne and Brad at the time it was professed in the book. However, by 2/3 of the way in you feel the connection between the two and are invested. The secondary characters are fabulous and definitely one of my favorite parts of the story. I enjoyed this one. If you are looking for a thought provoking, character driven, sweet, faith-based romance then definitely pick this one up. 4 stars All three books in the series are available now. ❤️🥼👠🩺💙
August 21, 2022
Anne Boyd is a young ambitious designer who gets a job at Atlanta's prestigious interior design firm. Dr. Brad Young Jr is a handsome young doctor, and Anne is assigned to troubleshoot and decorate his new medical practice. Sparks fly and there is definitely chemistry between the two, but what is next? Anne wants a serious relationship and marriage, but Brad is not ready for a commitment, although he is falling hard for the beautiful designer.
This book was fun, pure and quite a page-turner! If you are looking for a nice wholesome/Christian romance - this is your perfect read! Anne is sweet and likable. She lost her mother as a young girl, but can always rely on her wonderful father and her mother's legacy to guide her through some tough situations. Anne is all sugar and spice and everything nice on the outside, but she knows what she wants in life and goes for it. But no matter how much she wants Brad, she doesn't waver in her promise to herself and her late mother. So how does Anne resist the young doctor's advances? She is a master of diversion! Oh my! Every gal has a trick or two to learn from Anne. She sure does not crumble under pressure The novel is an emotional rollercoaster and I loved the twisty plot! You will really root for these two. Afterall, whatever happens - is all by design.
This read has an abundance of southern flavor, figuratively and literary speaking. Not a babe, but "sweetheart" he calls her, and everyone refers to their parents as "mother" and "daddy". AND the book has a bonus section full of yummy Southern recipes!! I hope you enjoy this lovely read!
This book was fun, pure and quite a page-turner! If you are looking for a nice wholesome/Christian romance - this is your perfect read! Anne is sweet and likable. She lost her mother as a young girl, but can always rely on her wonderful father and her mother's legacy to guide her through some tough situations. Anne is all sugar and spice and everything nice on the outside, but she knows what she wants in life and goes for it. But no matter how much she wants Brad, she doesn't waver in her promise to herself and her late mother. So how does Anne resist the young doctor's advances? She is a master of diversion! Oh my! Every gal has a trick or two to learn from Anne. She sure does not crumble under pressure The novel is an emotional rollercoaster and I loved the twisty plot! You will really root for these two. Afterall, whatever happens - is all by design.
This read has an abundance of southern flavor, figuratively and literary speaking. Not a babe, but "sweetheart" he calls her, and everyone refers to their parents as "mother" and "daddy". AND the book has a bonus section full of yummy Southern recipes!! I hope you enjoy this lovely read!
July 16, 2020
I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I received this book from the assistant to the author who found me through BookSirens and subsequently my website. I generally avoid books with too much sexual content and was worried that it might have that. I should not have been worried and the prologue gave me confidence to continue. The theme of the book was the opposite. I commended the choice of the main character to abstain until she was married. I believe that was the strong message of the book, abstinence is a better path. I understand how many today would struggle with that message, but I found that the story was compelling and the temptation as it was displayed could be helpful for the intended audience. I find that talking to young people about sex is often troublesome in a religious context and that people don't know how to talk about the unintended consequences other than pregnancy or disease, when there is so much more. There is a difference in how men and women perceive sex that is handled very well in this book.
I don't think this book is for everyone, it does cater to a distinctly Christian audience. I found myself moved by the story and teared up a time or two. I felt the subject matter was handled apologetically and it was refreshing to find two characters able strongly able to communicate and work through an issue. There was obviously room to overcome bias and perception, but they both communicated their ideals without being abusive.
As I said, I received this book from the author's assistant and this is my honest review.
I don't think this book is for everyone, it does cater to a distinctly Christian audience. I found myself moved by the story and teared up a time or two. I felt the subject matter was handled apologetically and it was refreshing to find two characters able strongly able to communicate and work through an issue. There was obviously room to overcome bias and perception, but they both communicated their ideals without being abusive.
As I said, I received this book from the author's assistant and this is my honest review.
August 22, 2022
I started and finished this cute, southern, Christian romance novel with Kate Rock Tours and some booktour bookstafriends.
I am always open to read new books and when Kate Tours opened up the opportunity for bookstacommunity to sign up and read this book, I took a stab in the dark and surely this novel didn’t disappoint. It is a decent and virtuous read with some bantering yet limited sexual content in it.
Anne, a strong-willed yet pious successful interior designer/career woman crossed path with a resolute doctor. Chemistry exploded and her attraction didn’t wane. Her cupid must be stubborn just like her because she definitely didn’t relent after meeting Dr Brad. There were some bantering, funny moments and (my part) frustration for Anne. She’s simply too naive and indecisive. On the other hand, I learned some interesting thing or two about interior designing. The author, a very knowledgeable interior designer, put forth a wonderful novel concentrating and sharing her career with the stroke of romance. It’s actually an easy-read and refreshing.
Thank you Kate Tours Book Tours and J Boykin Baker for this beautiful cover novel and story in exchange for my honest review.
I am always open to read new books and when Kate Tours opened up the opportunity for bookstacommunity to sign up and read this book, I took a stab in the dark and surely this novel didn’t disappoint. It is a decent and virtuous read with some bantering yet limited sexual content in it.
Anne, a strong-willed yet pious successful interior designer/career woman crossed path with a resolute doctor. Chemistry exploded and her attraction didn’t wane. Her cupid must be stubborn just like her because she definitely didn’t relent after meeting Dr Brad. There were some bantering, funny moments and (my part) frustration for Anne. She’s simply too naive and indecisive. On the other hand, I learned some interesting thing or two about interior designing. The author, a very knowledgeable interior designer, put forth a wonderful novel concentrating and sharing her career with the stroke of romance. It’s actually an easy-read and refreshing.
Thank you Kate Tours Book Tours and J Boykin Baker for this beautiful cover novel and story in exchange for my honest review.
April 5, 2019
By design by J Boykin Baker.
Anne is a young, Southern professional with just the right connections and a privileged point of view. Confident in her innate value, she has complete faith in her power to control her own future. After all, even with the challenges that come with working at a high-profile interior design firm located in the heart of Atlanta, she knows exactly where she’s headed. What she doesn’t expect is Dr. Brad Young, Jr.
Sparks immediately fly between the handsome young doctor and Anne when she’s assigned to troubleshoot for his surgical practice, but chemistry can only get you so far. As their relationship develops, so too does a burgeoning conflict and confusion over the uncommon roles their mothers play in their lives. Over the course of an emotional weekend and the exposure of a secret lurking in his past, Brad is forced to make a life-changing adjustment as Anne discovers the devastating betrayal of a trusted plan.
This was a really enjoyable read. Loved Anne's character. And young dr too. The son. A romantic feel good read. 4*.
Anne is a young, Southern professional with just the right connections and a privileged point of view. Confident in her innate value, she has complete faith in her power to control her own future. After all, even with the challenges that come with working at a high-profile interior design firm located in the heart of Atlanta, she knows exactly where she’s headed. What she doesn’t expect is Dr. Brad Young, Jr.
Sparks immediately fly between the handsome young doctor and Anne when she’s assigned to troubleshoot for his surgical practice, but chemistry can only get you so far. As their relationship develops, so too does a burgeoning conflict and confusion over the uncommon roles their mothers play in their lives. Over the course of an emotional weekend and the exposure of a secret lurking in his past, Brad is forced to make a life-changing adjustment as Anne discovers the devastating betrayal of a trusted plan.
This was a really enjoyable read. Loved Anne's character. And young dr too. The son. A romantic feel good read. 4*.
August 27, 2022
This is a delightful Southern romance! Anne Boyd is a talented young interior designer. When she is assigned to decorate the medical building of Dr. Bradford Young’s practice, she feels an immediate attraction to the handsome doctor, and the feeling is mutual. The problem: they have differing life goals. Anne is determined to save herself for marriage, and Dr. Young does not see a marriage in his future! Can they work out their differences?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Not only was the relationship and banter between the couple entertaining, I also enjoyed the tidbits of decorating information and I enjoyed Anne’s passion for beautiful clothes and accessories. The story is told primarily from Anne’s point of view, with occasional chapters told from Brad’s perspective. The action moves quickly and there is even a mini-mystery involved with one of Anne’s clients! This story takes place in Atlanta, and the author does a beautiful job tapping in on Southern culture and manners.
Read this if you enjoy rich stories with delightful characters, beautiful settings, engaging dialogue, and Christian romance.
Thank you @katerockbooktours and @jboykinbakerwrites for my beautiful gifted copy! My thoughts are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Not only was the relationship and banter between the couple entertaining, I also enjoyed the tidbits of decorating information and I enjoyed Anne’s passion for beautiful clothes and accessories. The story is told primarily from Anne’s point of view, with occasional chapters told from Brad’s perspective. The action moves quickly and there is even a mini-mystery involved with one of Anne’s clients! This story takes place in Atlanta, and the author does a beautiful job tapping in on Southern culture and manners.
Read this if you enjoy rich stories with delightful characters, beautiful settings, engaging dialogue, and Christian romance.
Thank you @katerockbooktours and @jboykinbakerwrites for my beautiful gifted copy! My thoughts are my own.
May 17, 2025
Did not finish - at 30%
I could not continue. When was this book written? 1950's.
Before, her mom dies of cancer when she is 10 or 12-ish. Mom instills the fear of God into her about saving herself for marriage.
As an adult, still a virgin, she calls her dad "Daddy." That might be a southern thing that people mistakenly think is charming.
She gets a job in a doctors office/clinic as a designer.
She starts to fall for the Dr Junior - to the Dr. Senior that hired her for the job.
this book is full of Christianisms that really just stress how much better they think they are than anyone else, so get judge others because they pray.
And way too much male chauvanism, more than I can stomach. And she puts up with it. Dreaming for the day her daddy can walk her pure white ass/dress down the aisle to her doctor. Who is a rake and is stunned she is a virgin and will stay that way until they marry. Actually taunts her with replies like, "we'll see."
Disgusting, no respect what so ever. ...and that's only the first 30%.
Would NOT recommend, ever!!!
I could not continue. When was this book written? 1950's.
Before, her mom dies of cancer when she is 10 or 12-ish. Mom instills the fear of God into her about saving herself for marriage.
As an adult, still a virgin, she calls her dad "Daddy." That might be a southern thing that people mistakenly think is charming.
She gets a job in a doctors office/clinic as a designer.
She starts to fall for the Dr Junior - to the Dr. Senior that hired her for the job.
this book is full of Christianisms that really just stress how much better they think they are than anyone else, so get judge others because they pray.
And way too much male chauvanism, more than I can stomach. And she puts up with it. Dreaming for the day her daddy can walk her pure white ass/dress down the aisle to her doctor. Who is a rake and is stunned she is a virgin and will stay that way until they marry. Actually taunts her with replies like, "we'll see."
Disgusting, no respect what so ever. ...and that's only the first 30%.
Would NOT recommend, ever!!!
June 22, 2021
By Design was a bit of a struggle for me. My beliefs and values surrounding marriage, premarital sex, and divorce are very different from the traditional Christian values portrayed in this book.
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I had a hard time liking Brad Jr. Outside of physical attraction I couldn't see what Anne saw in him.
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I did like that Anne stuck to her guns with her beliefs.
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I liked the close relationships between Anne and her parents.
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I really liked that you could tell the author put a piece of herself in this book.
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And I really enjoyed the conversations that my husband and I had because of this book.
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This book wasn't for me but would probably be very enjoyable for people who align with traditional Christian beliefs and values.
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I had a hard time liking Brad Jr. Outside of physical attraction I couldn't see what Anne saw in him.
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I did like that Anne stuck to her guns with her beliefs.
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I liked the close relationships between Anne and her parents.
.
I really liked that you could tell the author put a piece of herself in this book.
.
And I really enjoyed the conversations that my husband and I had because of this book.
.
This book wasn't for me but would probably be very enjoyable for people who align with traditional Christian beliefs and values.
August 30, 2022
By Design is a wholesome romance where Anne lives by a three-part plan her mother left her after she passed. Her mother's one belief is that this plan will help Anne make wise decisions in adulthood. This plan works until it is tested when Anne meets Dr. Brad Young, Jr, and they begin to date. Their budding relationship conflicts with the plan, and together they must decide how to move forward as Anne is steadfast in her commitment to living in the plan confines.
This novel touches on family heritage, relationships and faith. By Design is a contemporary romance with a lot of heart. Candidly, Christian romances are NOT my thing, especially when religious beliefs condemn others - the whole premise of premarital sex and those who indulge will be miserable did not sit well with me in the story.
Honestly this is closer to 2.5 stars than 3. Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours and J. Boykin Baker for the #gifted copy of the novel.
This novel touches on family heritage, relationships and faith. By Design is a contemporary romance with a lot of heart. Candidly, Christian romances are NOT my thing, especially when religious beliefs condemn others - the whole premise of premarital sex and those who indulge will be miserable did not sit well with me in the story.
Honestly this is closer to 2.5 stars than 3. Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours and J. Boykin Baker for the #gifted copy of the novel.
May 6, 2025
Holy moly.... where do I begin?
This is Christian fiction, but the advice given by her mother is misleading.
"If we listen to our hearts, He plants our dreams, guides are choices and helps us establish our destiny He had for us all along." You will not find that in Scripture. In fact, Jeremiah 17:9 says the heart is deceitful above all things. I could provide scripture after scripture on why listening to your heart is a terrible idea, but I'll leave it there.
I liked Anne, but I could not Brad. There were so many red flags in their relationship.
The extra star was that it was a cute story and kept my attention enough to wonder how it ended. I actually hoped they would NOT get married for her sake.
This is Christian fiction, but the advice given by her mother is misleading.
"If we listen to our hearts, He plants our dreams, guides are choices and helps us establish our destiny He had for us all along." You will not find that in Scripture. In fact, Jeremiah 17:9 says the heart is deceitful above all things. I could provide scripture after scripture on why listening to your heart is a terrible idea, but I'll leave it there.
I liked Anne, but I could not Brad. There were so many red flags in their relationship.
The extra star was that it was a cute story and kept my attention enough to wonder how it ended. I actually hoped they would NOT get married for her sake.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2022
A fun Christian romance about a doctor and a designer. A charming book with likable characters interwoven with keeping up Christian values in the current world in an adult relationship.
Heavy on the Southern charm, I liked Anne’s spitfire take no prisoners attitude that really works for her. One of my favorite parts of the book is it has the couple eating a lot and it included some of the recipes in the back. I did not try any of them but they look easy enough to make.
And I will admit I was a little surprised by the ending since this is the first book in a trilogy. If you love southern charm, clean romance and Christian values, you definitely need to read this one
Heavy on the Southern charm, I liked Anne’s spitfire take no prisoners attitude that really works for her. One of my favorite parts of the book is it has the couple eating a lot and it included some of the recipes in the back. I did not try any of them but they look easy enough to make.
And I will admit I was a little surprised by the ending since this is the first book in a trilogy. If you love southern charm, clean romance and Christian values, you definitely need to read this one
February 28, 2020
Interesting.
This is not a book I would typically read. It hold a few Christian values such as no sex before marriage. I am not a believer of any of it so that part was slightly annoying to me.
However, it has a great storyline. Kept me wanting to know what happened next. And I love that the author poured a piece of herself into the book. Literally. At the end it tells you about the author and how she was a designer ! To be able to add so much of yourself into your character is beautiful.
For a Religious person, this is an amazing read. And I would highly suggest it.
This is not a book I would typically read. It hold a few Christian values such as no sex before marriage. I am not a believer of any of it so that part was slightly annoying to me.
However, it has a great storyline. Kept me wanting to know what happened next. And I love that the author poured a piece of herself into the book. Literally. At the end it tells you about the author and how she was a designer ! To be able to add so much of yourself into your character is beautiful.
For a Religious person, this is an amazing read. And I would highly suggest it.
August 21, 2022
Although I really couldn't stand Brad and his attitude when he wasn't happy and his pressure to Anne for sex when he knew she was waiting for marriage, I do appreciate Anne for holding onto her own values so tight.
Anne was a character of upstanding value and friendliness. I love that she could make almost anyone she met comfortable. But she did make a few weird choices with Brad I felt.
This story was mostly good, just little parts here and there that bugged me but I think that a lot of people with firm Christian values might appreciate it the most.
Anne was a character of upstanding value and friendliness. I love that she could make almost anyone she met comfortable. But she did make a few weird choices with Brad I felt.
This story was mostly good, just little parts here and there that bugged me but I think that a lot of people with firm Christian values might appreciate it the most.
September 1, 2022
By Design was an ENGAGING and SWEET story that was a HIT to the heart. I truly enjoyed this DELIGHTFUL read. These characters were so WELL developed. I absolutely loved reading and living this story!!!
J Boykin Baker sparkles with this Southern Romance. I was COMPLETELY hooked and DEVOURED this story in one sitting. I can NOT wait for more from this author. This is one to be ENJOYED by all ages!
J Boykin Baker sparkles with this Southern Romance. I was COMPLETELY hooked and DEVOURED this story in one sitting. I can NOT wait for more from this author. This is one to be ENJOYED by all ages!
October 23, 2019
By Design is a debut novel by J. Boykin Baker, and the first book in the Series. This story is well written, sweet, and emotional. The characters are great, and the storyline is well developped and interesting. The family spirit, and the Christian values have an important part in this story. Hallie Ricardo has a beautiful voice, easy to understand.
August 16, 2020
This was my first book from J. Boykin Baker and I loved every second of it. Anne was so pure and just your typical sweet Southern belle. I loved her outlook on life and her ability to stay true to her goals. In comes Brad, the gorgeous doctor, and their connection was instant. Except, life gets in the way. It was so heartbreaking to read through their heartbreak but the ending....wow.
April 4, 2019
Ok so I'll be totally honest in saying unfortunately I didn't enjoy this book. I feel the story was very lacking and too simple. I thought parts of the story were really cheesy but I powered through and finished it. I hate leaving reviews like this but I promised an honest review.
November 18, 2019
Just have to say that Ms. Baker's voice makes for a very descriptive read! It's easy to see the world through Anne's eyes and the reader can't help but smile. The book is delightful and refreshing, and carries a message of hope and strength.
September 15, 2022
This is a southern romance, a new series and southern recipes.... I'm here for it! This was a fun, quick read. They are young characters that have to come to terms with their pasts to make sure they are ready for the future. I'm excited to check out the rest of this series!
February 17, 2023
Sweet romance with Christian convictions, wonderful read
Wonderful sweet Christian romance. A little slow at times, but a good read overall. Definitely recommend and can’t wait to read sequels.
Wonderful sweet Christian romance. A little slow at times, but a good read overall. Definitely recommend and can’t wait to read sequels.
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