Charley

Sisters by Design #3

by Sharon Srock

A MOTHER’S WORST FEAR

Charlene Hubbard wanted the dream—a loving husband, a fulfilling career, and a few kids. When it looked like she’d have to settle for two out of three, God dropped a child into her empty arms. For fifteen years Charley kept the secret of that adoption close, fearful that the truth would make her less of a mother in the eyes of the child she loves.

A CHILD’S WORST NIGHTMARE

Kinsley Hubbard has lived her whole life under the shadow of a secret. The shadow dissipated in the harsh light of truth the day she opened a Facebook message from a new friend. "You’re adopted. Ask your mother about her old college friend." Has her whole life been a lie?

CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE

Fifteen years ago, Melissa Emmerson gave up her daughter with no intention of ever looking back. Now she needs a kidney, and she’s caught between a husband determined to do whatever it takes to save her life and an old friend equally determined to see that the child Melissa gave up never learns of her existence.

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2018

About the author

Small-town Oklahoma and the friendships they produce are embedded in Sharon Srock’s heart. After spending her first fifteen years on the move, living in fourteen homes and attending thirteen schools, she landed in a tiny central Oklahoma community and made it her own. As someone who’s been blessed to be a part of the same hometown church for more than five decades, Sharon writes stories of hope built from her own unique perspective—stories that demonstrate a sisterhood formed not by blood but by heart, where ordinary women are able to do extraordinary things thanks to the friends who surround them and the faith that pulls them through. Sharon still lives in the middle of nowhere, Oklahoma, with her husband and three very large dogs. When she isn’t writing, she loves to read, cook, and travel. One of these days, she’s going to figure out how to do all three at the same time.

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Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's go back to Garfield, OK please! Here we get to meet Charlene, Charley, to all of her friends. Both she and her husband are police officers in Garfield. They have one daughter and up until now a somewhat perfect life. However, when past secrets threaten to shatter her life, Charley is not sure how to handle it. Lucky for her she has her best friends and husband to be her anchors. In this story, Sharon Srock brought both tears and laughter. I was able to relate knowing many who have adopted children. The struggles of adoption realities and stories always amaze me. Also growing up in a small town with a cousin as a police chief, the workings of the police make me chuckle at times. They protect and watch out for their own. Charley must face the harsh reality of what keeping a secret safe really means. Will her daughter ever forgive her? Will her old best friend rip Charley's world apart? Throughout the book, the reader rides the roller coaster of emotions which Charley is feeling. Anger, Hostility, Love, Isolation, and most of all Fear. However, with her never ending talent, Ms. Srock brings these characters and brings this story to life. I look forward to reading the next book! I received a copy from the author. This review is strictly written from my own opinions.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a moving story of a mother’s fear of losing her adopted daughter. The characters are well developed and grow throughout the book.
I loved the relationship of Charley and her husband, Jason, and theirs with their daughter Kinsley. Charley’s friends don’t let her get away with hiding what’s going on, nor do they hold back what they’re thinking. They love her fiercely and pray with her as an important part of that friendship. Charley seeks God’s wisdom, and He answers her.
This is a book that I would recommend highly to my friends and any readers of Christian fiction.
I received an ARC. I chose to review this book, and the opinions are my own.

[Joyce A. Raines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit.

Sharon Stock did it again. Another heartwarming tale about a woman of Faith dealing with the realities of her life leaning on God, sisters in Christ, and prayer....lots of prayer and biblical truths. I really appreciate how she brings a breath of fresh air to current subject matters we can relate to while administering spiritual salve to the walking wounded amongst us. Congratulations my sister you have created another hit.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charley

What would you do after fifteen years being contacted by your daughter birth mother? Charley’s life is interrupted in that way. Kingsley was surprised to find out she was adopted. I really loved her character, so mature for a fifteen year old. Melissa who is the birthmother only contacts them with the insistence of her husband, she has a kidney disease and needs an implant. He wants to save his wife which is understandable but will Kingsley be the donor? Jason who is Charley’s husband has so much patience and is so encouraging, I really loved his character. The book is inspiring, enjoyable and very interesting. I received an advanced copy of the book from the author.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charley’s story is truly amazing. Charley and Jason are two wonderful people who are struggling with a secret that will effect Kinsley. When Melissa comes to town to talk to Charley there are a lot of things that change. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next in this book. God is working throughout this whole story. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Families Journey to Forgiveness

This is about two family's Journey to God's grace and forgiveness.
I loved the well crafted story,the intriguing characters,and a chance to return to Garfield.
This book is recommended for those who love strong Christian fiction.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charley is book 2 from Sharon Srock’s, Sisters by Design series. I believe this is among my favorite reads written by her. She has crafted quite a heart wrenching but yet a heart warming story that many readers could relate to and could find faith and hope. Just when I needed my tissues, I found myself giggling and some scenes. This is such a wonderful read!

I give Charley a well-deserved 5+ stars and I highly recommend it.

I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion

[Diana Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Charley book 3 in the Sisters by Design series. Charley's worst nightmare has come to life. Somehow it is leaked on the internet that her daughter was adopted. Who would do such a thing to post it for the world to see more important her daughter?

How as a young teen can you ever trust your parents again? Why? Why would my mother not want me? Questions Kinsley had and wanted answers too. Charley thinks Melissa , Kinsley real mother done this, but maybe not so. Who could be out there wanting to ruin Charley's life? Her perfect life with her little family. Awesome story very well written. Love the strong characters. Can friendships be amended and trust built back up? Can they hold onto their faith and believe God knows whats best?

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charley, by Sharon Srock, is a poignant and thought-provoking story. Although the third book in Srock's inspirational romance series, Sisters by Design, this book can easily be read as a stand-alone. Charley is content with life with her husband and 15-year-old daughter, Kinsley when out of the blue she gets a call from a friend she hadn't heard from in fifteen years. The call stirs up fear, apprehension, anger, and feelings of inadequacy. What does Melissa want? Will it tear Charley's family apart? Will she be second best now? What if...? But what if...? The author has done a great job portraying the emotions of the two friends and the situation they find themselves in. Charley finds wonderful support from her husband and her faithful friends, women who are Christianity in action and who hold her up in prayer and give Godly advice. Women who remind her that she must face the truth and know that God is not the author of fear, but of peace. Srock's characters are strong, likable, and believable, people you would like to have as your own friends. The story moves quickly as the author adds a twist or two to the plot and weaves in strong Christian values to bring readers a heartwarming and inspirational read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. A review was not required and the opinions are my own.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charley, book #3 in the Sisters by Design series, begins at a fast pace and will keep the reader engrossed through the last page. I have loved all three of these books and cannot wait for book #4. Charley takes us further into the life of a woman we have already met through the first two books, but deeper. She is forced to face her biggest fear and has a choice – take it to God and let Him lead or try to handle it on her own and risk everything. This book makes you think but gives the reader encouragement too that God is the author of all the details when we give Him full access into our lives. I loved one truth in particular that Charley's "sister" reminded her of, that God is the giver of good gifts. He doesn't give those gifts to take them away. We need to trust Him with the details. I especially needed that reminder in my life recently. This book is encouraging with a great storyline that keeps the reader interested along with real life issues. I was given this book as a complimentary copy from the author but was under no obligation to write any review. The opinions of this review are strictly my own.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charley by Sharon Srock
Sisters by Design Series Book Three
Charlene “Charley” Hubbard and her husband are both employed at Garfield PD. Years ago, working in another small town...one night of pulling someone over had changed life for Charley and Jason. Kinsley. Their adopted and only child.

Now, fifteen years later a phone call changes everything once again. Melissa, Charley's old college roommate and friend...and Kinsley's birth mom, enters back into their life with bad news. To top it off...they've never told Kinsley she's adopted. The little ball of snow on top of the mountain has just rolled down and become very large and is rolling right through their lives.

Charley struggles with issues of being the adoptive mother and trusting God that He knows what is happening and is in control. Control is something Charley really struggles with giving up to anyone... Wonderful story. Very emotional in good ways. Definitely a tissue alert.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Bhriv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Charley and hated to have to put it down when I HAD to...the end pretty much qualifies as a stopping place. Just loved how Srock kept me on the edge of my seat with this one. Heart in my hands literally. I know what it's like to be the spouse of one waiting for a kidney transplant and on dialysis and I wasn't sure when I started reading this book if I truly wanted to. It was a very hard time in my life...but as each reader brings their own experiences to a read, so do authors and Srock did a great job of telling us her story of Charley. I loved it. Sure, I got teary-eyed because it was close to my heart, but it was a good kind of teary-eyed feel. If you're struggling with an illness or have a loved one that is...you can read this and in the end, know that God is in control of our days...
Another great add to the series that you just don't want to miss!
I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Chris Unwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"His parents love him because they want to, not because they have to. I think that's a pretty smart way to look at it " Absolutely the best piece of wisdom in my opinion for the struggling character of fifteen year old Kinsley to hear upon learning she was adopted. Her friend, Benjamin, was telling her about someone he knew in the attempt to calm a very distraught Kinsley. Charley is Kinsley's mom in every way except the physical. She is forced to dig deep mentally, emotionally, and spirituality if she is going to be able to fight her feelings of jealousy when Kinsley's birth mom comes back. I received an advanced copy from the author but she didn't influence my review. Clean read. Recommended by all who enjoy Christian Fiction

*A personal note as I don't have any highlights to show because of the format of the free copy. I really do LOVE ❤️ the sentiments of the above quote.

[Sharon Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charley
Sisters by Design Book 3
By: Sharon Srock

A story of truth, honor and trust even when the odds seem against you. A story of the bond of a mother and daughter. A story of family.

Sharon delivers a powerful message through the story of Charley and her soon to be 15 year old adopted daughter Kinsley. A story of redemption for her biological mother who is dying and needs Kinsley’s help. The mother she never met or even knew about. Can the bond Charley formed in those 15 years be broken?

Riveting, edge of your seat story of faith and love is one you don’t want to miss. A get of glimpse of the other Sisters by Design that help Charley through the most difficult moments of her entire life.

[Carrie Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another 5 star book from Sharon Srock. She has such a way of writing that just draws you into the story. I loved all the characters in this book and felt that each one was relatable, even the not so likeable over-stepping husband. This is a great adoption story. But more than that, it is a story of how a family can overcome the most difficult circumstances, even when trust seems shattered.
This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. (Of course, I highly recommend the first 2, also, so you can get to know some of the secondary characters and hear their stories, too.)
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am writing this as tears are spilling down my cheeks. What a great story of Gods redemption, forgiveness and love. This is by far Sharon’s best book I have read. I have loved every one I have read thus far, but this book touched my heart especially. What does an adoptive mother do when all she has wanted in life is to have a child to love. Charley was miraculously thrown into a situation (by Gods plan) to adopt Kinsley. Kinsley is now a teenager and all of a sudden everything changes with one simple Instagram message. Adopted?? What? Why have her parents lied to her all these years? This is my honest review and I was not paid to read it. Good clean, wholesome, God blessed book. A must read!

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine the emotional upheaval when a fifteen year old finds out from someone other than her parents that she is adopted! As usual Sharon Srock has written an intriguing story! All of the characters, Charley and her husband Jason, the daughter Kinsley and the birth mother Melissa are great! I recommend this contemporary book to others. I received a complimentary copy of Charley from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Sharon Srock does not disappoint. I have come to expect well-written stories with well-developed characters, and true to the Christian life, our past always catches up one way or another. How this was dealt with and how prayer was answered and the body of Christ was strengthened is something you'll have to look into yourself. But I can say that her ladies' support groups are always awesome.

[Carole Sellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie: Sisters

Adoption is a very emotional situation. Many parents don't realize that children are resilient and want to wait until they are grown to tell them. Unfortunately, circumstances often occur that release the information in the wrong way. There are fears in the parents and child That must be considered and worked with together. Author handled subject matter excellently.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two moms

This story gave me a n ew perspective on adoptive parents. It’s not just the child that might feel unwanted. If the child discovers her birth parent, she might not want the adoptive parent. Some major changes happened, but praise God, He helped each of them through all of it. Very well done!

[Judith Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Sharon Srock's Best

Charley is a cop as is her husband Jason. Kinsley is their daughter who has never been told she's adopted. Everything changes when Melissa, Kinsley's birth mother calls. Srock has written excellently drawn a very realistic novel with characters each of whom faces challenges beyond their normal.

[MrKeyNotes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author and the series. EAch story is unique and magnificent showcasing selfless lovey and a family knit community. My only drawback would be that I wish the characters made decisions based on their own will and want rather than basing it on the right thing to do or because it’s the Christian thing to do.

[Ellen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that grasp at your heartstrings. A dilemma that has no quick or easy solution. With faith and a lot of prayer, with family and friends to help is the only way. Taking baby steps hoping it will the right ones, and secrets that had been hidden will bring a joy now.
Given audio for my voluntary review

[TJ R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charley, of Sharon Srock's Sisters By Design series, was an engaging read. Her characters are life-like, the storyline laced with just the right amount of tension, & the demonstration of faith, forgiveness & personal growth of Charley's character were refreshing & encouraging.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charley was a page turner like none other! Sharon Srock kept the twists and turns coming through the entire book. There was a little humor as well as some eye widening disbelief in this book! Great as always!!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this 3rd book in the sisters by design series.