Samantha

The Women of Valley View #4

by Sharon Srock

Orphaned and innocent, Samantha Evans was easy prey for con man Louis Cantrell. He left her broke and pregnant, but she persevered. Four years later, surrounded by a loving family, Samantha’s life seems to be headed in the right direction as she cares for her young daughter, pursues her dream of becoming a child welfare worker, and dreams of marrying Patrick Wheeler, the young law student she ran over in the sonic parking lot. The only thing standing in the way of those plans is Patrick’s refusal to accept Christ in his life, but they’re working on that. At least they were until Louis Cantrell walked back into her life.

A God that made the universe, absolutely. A God that hears and answers prayers, not so much. Patrick Wheeler loves Samantha—and her little girl—but he’s done with Christ. Two Christian fathers dead, a Christian mother who suffered through those heart breaks despite her faith. And as faithful as Samantha is, God is allowing Louis to mess with her life a second time. Driven by love and desperation, Patrick proposes marriage and Samantha refuses. How can she choose a con man over him? Louis is welcome to her.

A tragedy followed by a surprising confrontation with God drives Patrick back to Samantha’s side. Can he reconcile with God before Samantha and Bobbie are lost to him forever?

Genres: Romance

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2015

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

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book overall, but didn't care for some of the things in it.

Samantha and Bobbie were a delight as usual. I've been wanting to read more about them since I read "Callie." Patrick was a great guy, but I didn't think it was very nice of him to ask Sam to marry him when she'd already told him she wouldn't unless he was a Christian. I'm glad Samantha did stand up for her beliefs and didn't get engaged to him then, though I didn't like that she had let herself become attached emotionally to an unsaved man. There were some kisses, but they didn't get too detailed.
All the side characters were real, and I enjoyed most of them. Can't say I enjoyed the "bad guys" but I don't think I was supposed to.
A couple things that really bothered me was Bobbie's talking to "her angel" and supposedly "hearing" him speak to her while she was kidnapped. And then Chick hearing "his angel" talking to him near the end. The bad guys use quite a bit of crude language, such as calling Samantha a "skirt" which was very odd, and other things, but there was no swear words in the book for which I was grateful.

Overall, I did like this story fairly well. It was intense at times

[Sarah]

I loved the first book in this series, and I liked Pam's book. I had been concerned about Sam and Patrick's relationship in previous books but I hated it in this one. Don't get me wrong Patrick is dear and I love Sam's convictions. However, I think it is wrong to toy with anyone's heart and not to guard your own. Dating a guy who isn't a Christian is wrong. I have personally seen many girls like Sam start out "just dating" non-Christian guys then toss all their convictions later. Please, authors, show this for the danger it is!

I won't be continuing this series.

[Robin Patchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I say this about every book Sharon Srock writes, but this one really is my favorite (until the next one, I'm sure.) Bobbie's "imaginary friend" is a fantastic addition to this wonderful book. In Samantha, Srock deals with difficult themes but does so with a lighthearted touch. I couldn't put it down.

[Teresa Nasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow! Beautifully written.

Samantha was first introduced in book one of the Women of Valley View series as a young, hardworking teenager juggling school, work, her newborn baby and protecting her younger sister from forced removal. Having to deal with the death of their mother and losing their father to addiction, they are forced to grow up early in life defending for themselves.

In this book, Samantha has grown into a strong young woman of unquestionable faith in God. Her faith is put to the test when she has to endure every parents worse nightmare.

This book questions whether hurt and heartache is punishment for past sins. It's filled with faith, love, a child's innocence and finding God in times of sorrow.

I am blown away by Sharon's consistent ability to create such empowering stories. I have read a few books in both the Women of Valley View as well as Sisters by Design series and Sharon does not disappoint. Her books get more and more interesting with each new release. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series and I have no doubt it will be just as awesome a read.

Thank you Sharon. I admit I can be quite stingy on my 5 star ratings, but Samantha deserves it all!

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Samantha since book 1 when she was trying to provide for and keep her family together. Now she’s in college and dating but not dating Patrick Wheeler from the last Valley View book. Even though Patrick isn’t saved yet at the start of SAMANTHA, he’s such a good fit for her and Bobbie! I was so excited to see them further their relationship. But most importantly I was looking forward to seeing Patrick get saved! When Bobbie’s biological father comes back in their lives to get money to pay off his debts all the while appearing as a sincere man trying to do right, I was furious! We get insight into his POV so we know the truth but the characters didn’t. I was hoping that they didn’t get sucked into Louis’s lies and that Bobbie stayed safe! I’m so thankful for Gods faithfulness in protecting His children! Yall never stop praying for your unsaved family, it really does help! What a great Father we have!! So looking forward to reading the next book!

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I have finally listened to my first audible book. Author, Sharon Srock, sent me a code for the fourth book in her 'The Women of Valley View' and I listened to it on Spotify. I enjoyed this very much - it's a riveting story with sweet, loving characters as well as 'the bad element' according to little Bobbie. The reader did a great job with expressions, changing of voices, etc., and the author did a great job of telling an exciting, fast-moving story of parental custody concerns, romance and Christian faith.

I recommend this story to either read or listen to on Spotify or other listening apps.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha’s story will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. Bobbie and her imaginary friend Jem are truly special. Patrick is fighting with completely believing like Sam and his family do. Watching God working on him is truly amazing. 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.

[Rhonda Sledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this series by Sharon Srock and she certainly doesn't disappoint. Challenges to faith come in many forms. Loving an unsaved man and an an ex who is so selfish he can't see beyond himself are just two that are addressed in this book. The absolute faith of a four-year-old is so endearing and I could actually see a child behaving this way! Can't wait to read the next book in this series!

[MrKeyNotes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe the author is running out of ideas? I read at least 7 of her books and they were all exceptional in my opinion. This one and the one before it (Pam) seems like it lacks creativity or the juice that the others had. This one is focused more on Christianity and though all her novels thus far are based on Christianity this one seems to force it into the reader. More like a sermon.

[Deanna Mosier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! this was awesome!

Samantha and Patrick and Bobbie’s story is awesome! This author is truly inspired to write these books! Her books are always filled with prayer and meaningful Bible verses, trusting God and forgiveness, friendship, family and much more! This one was amazing!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Srock has done it again!! Beautifully written story with true to life people. I have read the first 3 books in this series and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Samantha kept me up all night reading. Couldn’t put the book down. Highly recommend this entire series!!

[Marzlie Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine story

This story of Samantha who has a four year old daughter shows how God loves us. Bobbie, her sweet girl has an invisible friend she calls Jem. She says Jem is her guardian angel. I enjoyed this story a lot.

[Gwen Hight · Rating 5 out of 5]

tha

This is the story about Samantha and her child is kidnapped but an angel helps her return home safethis is book.four and a good a inspiring story This is the fourth book in this series

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sam's story. She definitely deserved her own novel in this series. I
look forward to seeing her in the next one.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book & series!

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

SAMANTHA

What a wonderful book, so full of inspiration and faith. This is a book I will read again and again. Love Bobbi and her guardian angel.

[Donna Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the last three!

[Dawn Traylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

Good light hearted read that takes a couple of twists and turns to make it a complete story. Part of a series but a good stand alone too.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was by far the hardest for me to read. The plot made me hold my littles closer. I finally got through it and was glad I got it finished. It was very well writte though! Thanks Sharon!

[Cecelia Gardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and Heartbreeaking!

This was great. Not too preachy at all but excellent scripture references. The characters were great and the plot excellent.

[Sharon Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha: Women of Valley View
By: Sharon Srock

Samantha's story comes to us in Book 4 from the Women of Valley View by Sharon Srock. Samantha was first introduced to us in Book 1, as a struggling teenage Mother as well as holding the role of being a Mother and Father to her little Sister. With help from the ladies in Valley View, Samantha was able to find a home and set roots down for her family and get back into school so she could lead a normal life and fulfill her dreams to take care of her family. With the rough path her life had taken and not knowing God, Samantha had a lot to learn and hard work to follow. Her persistence and dedication paid off. She even found her Father who abandoned her at a young age. Now Samantha is older, raising her daughter and sharing a home with her Father, his wife and her little Sister. Samantha was so proud! God has shown her His unconditional love over and over. Just when things look up for Samantha and she starts dating a boy, horror strikes. A horror from her past, her baby's Father comes to town. A horror that Samantha isn't sure she can cope with. She turns her trust to God. Can she face the past and deal with the direction her ex-boyfriend, her baby's Father is taking her? Does she have her families support? Samantha's life is turned upside down. Can her life ever be normal again? Her story keeps you reading and pulls all kinds of emotion through your heart. Samantha teaches us courage. Courage through the power of prayer. She shows us what it'll mean to us to not give up, to hold onto your faith in Him and lay your struggles at His feet, He will carry you through. Samantha, through her story, reminds us that His unconditional love for us is so real, He loves us, no matter our path in life. Read with me today her story, be touched by God's grace. Grab your tissues and join me, you will be ever so blessed! Thank you Sharon for a very powerful story!

[Sharee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha is the fourth book in the Women of Valley View Series. As with all of the books in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. However, the entire series is exceptional and you won’t want to stop until you’ve read them all.

Due to circumstances far beyond her control, Samantha had to grow up fast. Being young and naïve, some of her past decisions have left permanent marks in her life; some good, some not so good. Going forward though, Samantha has given her life to God and wants to live a life worthy of Him. With the support of her family, Samantha is taking all of the steps necessary to create a good family life for her daughter, Bobbie. She has left her past behind with little thought to it until her past shows up on her front door with demands. She has no problem laying down the ground rules but an unexpected tragedy causes Samantha to ponder whether God uses punishment as consequences for sin.

Patrick is in love with Samantha but she has made it clear that she won’t compromise her belief that they cannot be unequally yoked. Although Patrick has been taught about God, he has experienced too much heartbreak and doesn’t believe a loving God exists. But the God problem is keeping him from a life with Samantha.

I think my favorite part of this story is how sweet four-year-old Bobbie has no qualms about her faith. She knows her angel is watching out for her and she has no problem sharing the news.

Samantha is a great story that demonstrates being a Christian doesn’t exempt the believer from a life with real problems and sometimes horrible tragedies. It is being a Christian that allows the believer that extra source of strength to more than survive, to actually thrive. It is also a great reminder that forgiveness is not just for the offender but for the believer’s growth as well. I loved the book and all of the wonderful themes within it.

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion which I’ve provided here.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha is the 4th book in the Women of Valley View series. I have grown to love the women in this series because of both their strong ties to God and to one another.

Samantha Evans came to Valley View as a mother at 17 to both her sister and her daughter. Left pregnant she had to find a way to care for herself and her little family. Now 4 years later, she is on track and has been reconciled with her real father and her little family is striving. However, when blast from the past resurfaces to cause problems, will God intervene and keep them all safe? Will she have all that her heart desires or will she be left to search for answers?

Patrick Wheeler feels that he has all that he wants. He is in love with Samantha. He loves her daughter like she was his own. However, his reluctance to accept God has kept him from being able to enjoy his dreams. When all of his desires go up in smoke, can he find the answers he seeks in order to reconcile and bring justice to where it belongs? Will God show him that despite all he has been going through, He still cares and loves Patrick?

Many happenings within ones life can leave one to wonder if God is really there. This book brings so much of these feelings to the forefront in the characters and the all the trials which they face. It helped me to answer some of the questions in my own life which had been plaguing me for years. I was very happy to read this book for the author. Thank you for this opportunity.

[Bhriv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha, written by Sharon Srock, is the fourth book in the Women of Valley View series. This book could be read as a stand alone, but because each book in the series builds the relationship between the women of Valley View, I suggest you read them in order to get the most out of the series. This book was about Samantha who we met in the first book, Callie, and who was a teen when she fell for a young man in his early twenties. He then took her inheritance from her and her sister and left them penniless and Sam pregnant with no adult to help her. I love how this book opens with Sam and her now almost four year old daughter and their life as a single mom/daughter. Sam met Patrick in book 3 and he continues dating Samantha in book 4. Unfortunately they are stuck at the friend stage in their relationship only because they do not share the same faith in Jesus Christ. I loved how the author showed the strong faith that Samantha had and how she imparted it in her teaching of her sweet little daughter, Bobbie. Bobbie is another of the characters that we get to know in this book. She is absolutely adorable and her faith is unwavering. Bobbie has just learned in Sunday School about guardian angels and she believes without any doubt that her guardian angel is named Jem. Just loved how the characters are built in this book and can't wait to see what Ms. Srock will add to this wonderful group of Women of Valley View. I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Samantha, the fourth book in the Women of Valley View series. Wow - as with the rest of them, I couldn’t put it down. I love how Ms. Srock weaves a great story - with lots of stories intermixed throughout, all keeping with the heart of the characters and the sweet town they live in.

I absolutely LOVED Jem! Oh my goodness - I could totally picture little Bobbie having animated conversations with Jem and I love how Ms. Srock painted that portrait. I still am laughing at the craziness of the situation; yet, it was very believable and I personally know that could happen. I love that the God we serve has a sense of humor as well. I loved the spiritual truths throughout the book. Ms. Srock is never preachy - but she always points her readers back to a relationship with God. The characters aren’t perfect - they are forgiven just like we are.

I love that Ms. Srock tackles tough subjects in a sensitive way. Her stories are realistic, captivating, and entertaining. I have recommended Ms. Srock’s Women of Valley View to many of my friends and Samantha is no exception. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, Kate. I don’t want this series to end - I want my connection with Valley View to continue for many years.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha by Sharon Srock
Women of Valley View Series Book Four
Samantha Evans life is better than ever. She has so much to be thankful for, her dad, stepmom, siblings, her beautiful daughter, and her faith. And she believes with all her heart that her boyfriend will come to the Lord and they'll marry one day. One December morning changed everything when her past came knocking at her door.

Patrick Wheeler knew all about God and church and all that stuff. He just didn't quite believe as strongly as Sam. It frustrated him at times that she couldn't just accept him where he was at. He loves her and Bobbie, isn't that enough?

I loved this story. It had me giggling while tears rolled down my eyes. So often people really want God for a genie. Rub your Bible and and “poof” all is well. We just don't have a clue what His plans are for our lives. The characters in this story find that giving it all to God includes letting His will be done, giving it all to Him. Much easier said than done. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but for the background characters you may want to read the previous three books in the series; Callie, Terri and Pam.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Carrie Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Women of Valley View series. It can stand alone, but I recommend reading Callie, which is where you first meet Samantha and her sister, Iris.

I loved delving further into Samantha's story and seeing how much she has matured. As with the rest of the stories in this series, I found myself immersed in the lives of the characters. Samantha has come a long way and I couldn't help but empathize with her and the struggles she had in her faith. Sam has made a great life for herself and her daughter. She is in a promising relationship, although she will not allow it to go any further until her boyfriend, Patrick, understands his need to allow Jesus to become his Lord and Savior. Things seem to be going well until Louis comes to town and forces himself back into her life and that of their four year old daughter. All of a sudden, Samantha is forced to make some very serious decisions.

There are some intense moments for sure, but they are lightened by the antics of this sweet and precocious four year old. You will fall in love with her and laugh along at her interactions with her invisible friend. Or is it her guardian angel? You decide.

[Diana Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha
By: Sharon Srock

I have loved this series "The Women of valley View ", Samantha is book 4. I love all the characters in these books. Well written and believable characters. Samantha grew up having a ruff life growing up orphaned and taken advantage of by a con Louis Cantrell. He leaves her, taken anything of value and pregnant. Moving on with her life a new guy in her life but if there is one thing she learned is to wait on God for that right guy. This guy needs to know the Lord and a child of His. Until he does she cannot marry him. Just when she thinks life is getting good in walks trouble by the name of Louis Cantrell. Patrick has a lot of hurt in his life he blames God for. It is so hard for him to accept a God would allow such bad. Louis wants to be back in their lives but how can she trust a con over Patrick? Why is Louis really back? Is it really so he can have a family? Get the book it is awesome.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha by Sharon Srock is an amazing book that gives you angels, suspense, faith , forgiveness and redemption.This book can be read as a stand alone but reading the previous books will enrich your experience.
Samantha Evans is a single mother of faith that has her life in order, living in her parents downstairs apartment with her precious 4 year old Bobbie but is torn because her boyfriend,Patrick has not accepted Christ.
Enter Louis, Bobbie's father , who got her pregnant at 16, then left her pregnant and penniless.The consequences of Louis' acts result in the kidnapping of Bobbie.
I love all the characters but the most endearing is Bobbie, the precocious 4 year old that turns this book upside down.
Thank you Sharon for another extraordinary book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha

This is the 4th in the series but can be read as a stand alone but would recommend reading the other books in the series because they are very good. Also book one does have a lot of the background of Samantha and her sister.

I love all of the characters, I love the way Samantha decided the man she married had to be a Christian. Patrick is a very caring man that attends church but hasn't given to God quite yet. Samantha is a single mother to Bobbie who is four years old, Bobbie is so cute and smart and loving. She has a "friend named Jem" who helps her.

This is a exciting book, very interesting, I enjoyed it so much, a very touching story. Definitely recommend it and all the books in the series. I was given a copy if the book for a honest review.