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By Design #1-3
By Design: The Beginning
Building bridges has a very different meaning for Jameson Reid than it does for Candace Fletcher. J.D. Reid spends her days designing some of the most elegant and majestic buildings and homes in North America. U.S. Senator Candace Fletcher has spent her life working to build bridges between people. J.D. Reid is not who Candace Fletcher was expecting to arrive on her doorstep. Candace will challenge all of Jameson's preconceptions about the women of Washington D.C. The enigmatic architect will test the resolve of the Junior Senator from New York. Two women will discover that falling in love may be out of their control but creating a relationship in the world of politics and business is completely BY DESIGN.
Follow Candace, Jameson, and the lovable lunatics of the Fletcher-Reid clan through romance, friendship, ups and downs of creating a blended family. The inner workings of Washington politics pale by comparison to a house full of opinionated and animated parents, children, and grandchildren. Discover that whatever can’t be cured with fortune cookies, Bible Study, or wine, can always be remedied with a steady dose of love and laughter.
This special edition includes the first three books in the best-selling BY DESIGN series with bonus content NOT featured in the short-stories. It also includes LESSON PLANS, a reader-requested, spin-off to BY DESIGN that features Candace's daughter, Michelle Fletcher.
Follow Candace, Jameson, and the lovable lunatics of the Fletcher-Reid clan through romance, friendship, ups and downs of creating a blended family. The inner workings of Washington politics pale by comparison to a house full of opinionated and animated parents, children, and grandchildren. Discover that whatever can’t be cured with fortune cookies, Bible Study, or wine, can always be remedied with a steady dose of love and laughter.
This special edition includes the first three books in the best-selling BY DESIGN series with bonus content NOT featured in the short-stories. It also includes LESSON PLANS, a reader-requested, spin-off to BY DESIGN that features Candace's daughter, Michelle Fletcher.
435 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2015
69 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 13, 2019
Romance and family life set in the world of architecture and politics. But those remain just backdrops and neither of those fascinating worlds features more than like a 2-d cardboard backdrop in an old movie would. I love both architecture and politics and found it disappointing that there were no plots or any arches involving those themes.
We have some very likeable main and side characters. There is Candace - universally adorned and respected Democratic Senator in her 50s with 3 grown kids, 1 straight and straight laced daughter, 1 republican son, and 1 lesbian school teacher daughter Michelle. The household is held together by Pearl who combines every single romanticised ideal of the domestic/ like family. Enter James ‘JD’ architect and fun, witty, gorgeous, successful, single, in her 30s.
What we get isn’t really a story in my view. It’s all dialogue and very slow scenes and avalanches of I love yous. I was still hoping for something to happen so read on. But it’s just more of the same throughout. Some of the dialogue is fun and funny. Some of it really didn’t work for me - it describes the same feelings over and over.
By the 3rd part we focus a lot on 3rd child - Michelle - and Melanie who is an architect in JD’s firm. The constant time hops annoyed me in this part. And it is more of the above.
So, it’s free on KU. It has likeable characters. There are pages and pages of ‘we heard you have sex jokes’ between parents and (grownup) kids that made me squirm, and nothing really happens. Given the characters and the cool backdrops available, that seemed a waste.
We have some very likeable main and side characters. There is Candace - universally adorned and respected Democratic Senator in her 50s with 3 grown kids, 1 straight and straight laced daughter, 1 republican son, and 1 lesbian school teacher daughter Michelle. The household is held together by Pearl who combines every single romanticised ideal of the domestic/ like family. Enter James ‘JD’ architect and fun, witty, gorgeous, successful, single, in her 30s.
What we get isn’t really a story in my view. It’s all dialogue and very slow scenes and avalanches of I love yous. I was still hoping for something to happen so read on. But it’s just more of the same throughout. Some of the dialogue is fun and funny. Some of it really didn’t work for me - it describes the same feelings over and over.
By the 3rd part we focus a lot on 3rd child - Michelle - and Melanie who is an architect in JD’s firm. The constant time hops annoyed me in this part. And it is more of the above.
So, it’s free on KU. It has likeable characters. There are pages and pages of ‘we heard you have sex jokes’ between parents and (grownup) kids that made me squirm, and nothing really happens. Given the characters and the cool backdrops available, that seemed a waste.
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December 4, 2020Dnf
April 14, 2021
Love Candace and Jameson!
This collection of the first three stories in the By Design series sees Candace and Jameson meet, detailing their lives together over the first two years of their relationship, in By Design, Under Construction, and Solid Foundation. Candace is challenged when she develops feelings her architect Jameson (J.D.) while navigating her successful political career, and the weird and wonderful challenges that come with having Jameson in her life.
I loved every minute of the three stories in this paperback collection of episodes one through three in the By Design series. I was laughing and generally just enjoying every moment, from the initial tension when Candace and Jameson first met, to the playfulness that developed between them during the development of their relationship. As they grew, my love for them together did to. Jameson is so good for Candace. She is so fun and playful that it naturally just makes you feel you know them intimately and that you could literally be there in most of the moments.
All of Candace’s family added to the drama and fun of the stories, providing extra challenges and the typical angst that comes with such presented issues. The fact there is an age gap between Candace and Jameson and what that might mean is one of the challenges they face, but I love that age gap between them and they complement each other so well you just known they are soul mates and meant to be together. A real, realistic, and beautiful love story.
This was so cute and now I understand all the fuss and love that always surrounds these amazing characters. I can’t wait to check out the rest of the series, and look forward to what the future holds for this loveable couple. I highly recommend the first three instalments and having them in one book was great as there was no waiting for what comes next!
This collection of the first three stories in the By Design series sees Candace and Jameson meet, detailing their lives together over the first two years of their relationship, in By Design, Under Construction, and Solid Foundation. Candace is challenged when she develops feelings her architect Jameson (J.D.) while navigating her successful political career, and the weird and wonderful challenges that come with having Jameson in her life.
I loved every minute of the three stories in this paperback collection of episodes one through three in the By Design series. I was laughing and generally just enjoying every moment, from the initial tension when Candace and Jameson first met, to the playfulness that developed between them during the development of their relationship. As they grew, my love for them together did to. Jameson is so good for Candace. She is so fun and playful that it naturally just makes you feel you know them intimately and that you could literally be there in most of the moments.
All of Candace’s family added to the drama and fun of the stories, providing extra challenges and the typical angst that comes with such presented issues. The fact there is an age gap between Candace and Jameson and what that might mean is one of the challenges they face, but I love that age gap between them and they complement each other so well you just known they are soul mates and meant to be together. A real, realistic, and beautiful love story.
This was so cute and now I understand all the fuss and love that always surrounds these amazing characters. I can’t wait to check out the rest of the series, and look forward to what the future holds for this loveable couple. I highly recommend the first three instalments and having them in one book was great as there was no waiting for what comes next!
December 18, 2018
I enjoy reading J.A. Armstrong's books. The By Design stories don't disappoint. The words of wisdom concerning family dynamics and love are priceless. The words the characters use to describe how they live their lives is succinct and full without being too maudlin.
I would've like to read more dialogue between the characters. It's something I enjoy. Read the series and get drawn into a familial adventure that won't disappoint.
I would've like to read more dialogue between the characters. It's something I enjoy. Read the series and get drawn into a familial adventure that won't disappoint.
December 12, 2018
Nice
I really liked this story, however there was one or two areas that it went slow. A lot of information I assumed that was suppose to be an added for information about the main characters in this book. Overall a good read and I thoroughly enjoyed including Mel and Shell as an added benefit of this story.
I really liked this story, however there was one or two areas that it went slow. A lot of information I assumed that was suppose to be an added for information about the main characters in this book. Overall a good read and I thoroughly enjoyed including Mel and Shell as an added benefit of this story.
December 9, 2018
I have all the series, from the first page I was intrigued, I have re-read them many times. Good writing, well rounded characters, good story line. I am still waiting for the next chapter in this exciting saga.
January 22, 2019
Excellent stories
This the third time I have read these stories from Ms. Armstrong. Her series have wonderfully developed characters and storylines. I can't wait to read more of her works.
This the third time I have read these stories from Ms. Armstrong. Her series have wonderfully developed characters and storylines. I can't wait to read more of her works.
May 25, 2019
By Design
Re-reading from the beginning in anticipation of book 12. Love, Love, Love this series. Jameson is my favourite MC, love her humour, sense of fun, sensitivity and love of her family.
Re-reading from the beginning in anticipation of book 12. Love, Love, Love this series. Jameson is my favourite MC, love her humour, sense of fun, sensitivity and love of her family.
November 17, 2022
compilation
I love Candace and Jameson so much that I had to have this compilation of the beginning of their journey. After reading through the series, it was so nice to go back to the beginning.
I love Candace and Jameson so much that I had to have this compilation of the beginning of their journey. After reading through the series, it was so nice to go back to the beginning.
April 22, 2024
4.5 stars. I can’t believe how hooked I am on this series now. I knew the first book had potential but damn this series is so much fun. It’s funny, great family dynamics, charming cast of characters and a wonderful romance. I’m excited to continue on.
April 30, 2024
Second Reading Just as Great as First!
I love this series and enjoyed it just as much as the first. Candace and Jameson’s love is everlasting and their lives are quite the journey—don’t miss
it!
I love this series and enjoyed it just as much as the first. Candace and Jameson’s love is everlasting and their lives are quite the journey—don’t miss
it!
December 7, 2018
Wow
Omg I loved it i thought before they where great now that u added more to them they where even then before
Omg I loved it i thought before they where great now that u added more to them they where even then before
December 10, 2018
Love these characters
Thanks, it felt like catching up with some old friends. I love this family, and would love to move in.
Thanks, it felt like catching up with some old friends. I love this family, and would love to move in.
December 24, 2018
A beautiful feeling re-reading the three books with the added information and details. Still an amazing story with so beautifully described characters and mainly the chemistry between the characters. LOVING IT!!!
March 25, 2020
I enjoyed this book up to the wedding and then it just got jumbled. Too much jumping back and forth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2020
Fabulous book
I .loved this book. It was funny and heartwarming. I loved how they met and fell in love. I liked it how JD got along so well with her kids and they loved her too.
I .loved this book. It was funny and heartwarming. I loved how they met and fell in love. I liked it how JD got along so well with her kids and they loved her too.
July 29, 2020
I had to read it because of the bonus scenes!
January 8, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
This is a light read. No heavy conflicts. Very enjoyable secondary characters. I really enjoyed Michelle ad Melanie's story. Recommended to those who likes to read books surrounding family.
This is a light read. No heavy conflicts. Very enjoyable secondary characters. I really enjoyed Michelle ad Melanie's story. Recommended to those who likes to read books surrounding family.
September 28, 2023
Awesome
Love it. All in one. This book makes you love them even more. Now to read the rest of the books.
Love it. All in one. This book makes you love them even more. Now to read the rest of the books.
April 26, 2024
By Design Dazzles
Love the addition of Michelle and Melanie’s story to the first three books. So sweet. This is such a great series. Entrancing reading.
Love the addition of Michelle and Melanie’s story to the first three books. So sweet. This is such a great series. Entrancing reading.
May 27, 2020
Just like coming home
The By Design Series is one that you read over and over because Candace and Jameson make you feel like family. The various characters each play their part in this family of lunatics, and they certainly keep the reader entertained. As always, J.A. Armstrong delivers a well written story, and she has included some added content that just pulls you in that little bit more. Buy the book. Read the book. Yes, even if you have the original individual books. It is well worth it! Thank you, J.A. Armstrong, for bringing us back to the beginning with Candace and Jameson.
The By Design Series is one that you read over and over because Candace and Jameson make you feel like family. The various characters each play their part in this family of lunatics, and they certainly keep the reader entertained. As always, J.A. Armstrong delivers a well written story, and she has included some added content that just pulls you in that little bit more. Buy the book. Read the book. Yes, even if you have the original individual books. It is well worth it! Thank you, J.A. Armstrong, for bringing us back to the beginning with Candace and Jameson.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews