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Charmed by Claire
Socialite Claire Waters’ charmed life came to a crashing halt in a small Iowa community. Out of money and credit, she scrambles for a way out of the one-horse town. The only bright spot in her current predicament is a former flame.
Tony Karelli knew Claire years earlier. That was before he turned his life around and became a minister. He’s shocked to see her and stunned when Claire gives everyone the impression that she’s his fiancée.
Claire is amused by the charade and by Tony’s attempt to keep her at arms’ length. Before he can set the record straight, Tony finds himself seeing a different side of the pampered heiress and falling hard. But can he convince a woman who already has one stiletto out the door that she’s right where she’s meant to be?
Tony Karelli knew Claire years earlier. That was before he turned his life around and became a minister. He’s shocked to see her and stunned when Claire gives everyone the impression that she’s his fiancée.
Claire is amused by the charade and by Tony’s attempt to keep her at arms’ length. Before he can set the record straight, Tony finds himself seeing a different side of the pampered heiress and falling hard. But can he convince a woman who already has one stiletto out the door that she’s right where she’s meant to be?
- GenresRomance
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2019
52 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Kirk
224 books1,614 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Cindy Kirk is a Booksellers' Best Award Winner, a National Readers' Choice Awards finalist, and a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Cindy launched her Good Hope series with a bang. Christmas in Good Hope hit #1 on the Amazon bestseller list for both Contemporary Romance and Women's Fiction.
A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.
Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.
Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.
A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.
Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.
Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 21, 2019
I honestly did not think there was anything Claire could do to get me to like her but Cindy proved me wrong. I loved the way Claire blossomed and became a good person even a possible pastors wife. She grew to be a better person and probably one of my favorite characters of Cindy's. The way she helped April and kept her mouth closed even though it risked her losing the love of her life was the best part showing how she grew. I was very impressed with the the story.
“I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.”
“I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2019
This is the second book in the Fiancé for the Summer series that centers around Claire and Tony who were introduced in book one. Claire is the stereotypical mean girl who wanted to break up Taylor and Nick from book one. She had enlisted Tony, Taylor’s long time friend (who had a bit of a crush on Taylor), in her unsuccessful scheme to break the couple up. It is now two years later, and Claire has been cut off by her wealthy father and needs a friendly place to land. She figures that Tony owes her a favor and shows up on his doorstep. Little does she know things have changed dramatically with Tony. In the two year period, Tony has gone to the seminary and is now minister in a small Iowa town. It is his first day in town, when he realizes that the committee that hired him mistakenly thought he was the candidate with a fiancé (their preference). He is about to confess to the committee when in walks Claire, who is mistaken for his fiancée. I have been a fan of Cindy Kirk’s books and her ability to take an unlikable character, in this case Claire, and have her grow to a point that you are rooting for their happily ever after. This is a nice PG rated story, that emphasizes faith and chastity before marriage. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
June 19, 2019
I really disliked Claire and felt sorry for Tony. Claire was so self-centered I couldn't understand why tony even looked at her. Hiding out in a small town was not what Claire expected, but she started learning how her actions affected other people and began to change. I wasn't thrilled that the subterfuge Tony and Claire were playing for the church board went unchallenged, but the change in both of them and their relationship redeemed Claire and they were able to find their happily ever after. I appreciated the themes of faith and family relationships and doing what is right. I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
June 10, 2019
I really didn't like Claire at the start of this book, but I've read enough books by Cindy Kirk that I was pretty sure that my attitude would change, and it did :). Claire is a spoiled, entitled woman, who is cut off from all funds by her father and retreats to an old friend's small town. She didn't realize he has become a pastor, and the town is his first assignment. Furthermore, his employers are under the impression he will be getting married soon. It is the perfect set-up for a romance. It was sweet, and I discovered there was a lot more to Claire than I originally thought.
June 18, 2019
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
When I read Taylor book I hated Claire and at the beginning of this book I felt the same, however Claire redeem herself and became a nice character to rear. I thought I wouldn’t have come round but after a few chapter she realised her errors and changed how she treated people.
Tony already redeemed himself in Taylor book but I am glad he came around, shocking of the trouble he went through for the job and lying not sure a minister would do that but helped build the story.
I given the book a 4 star only because I loved to have seen what Claire father said, read about them getting married and I wish I saw what the future looked like for them. Especially if had kids and what she decided to do about work. If it was that little longer with these details it would have been 5 star, I just felt like something missing at end.
When I read Taylor book I hated Claire and at the beginning of this book I felt the same, however Claire redeem herself and became a nice character to rear. I thought I wouldn’t have come round but after a few chapter she realised her errors and changed how she treated people.
Tony already redeemed himself in Taylor book but I am glad he came around, shocking of the trouble he went through for the job and lying not sure a minister would do that but helped build the story.
I given the book a 4 star only because I loved to have seen what Claire father said, read about them getting married and I wish I saw what the future looked like for them. Especially if had kids and what she decided to do about work. If it was that little longer with these details it would have been 5 star, I just felt like something missing at end.
June 3, 2019
To be honest, it took me a while to get into the book because of Claire. She has shown herself to be quite the master manipulator in the previous book in this series, scheming to break up an engagement so she can get the man for herself. Tony, her erstwhile conspirator has turned his life over and is now starting anew as the freshly minted Pastor of Millville.
But as they say, it's but fair to give someone a chance to prove themselves. That is exactly what Claire did - she learned humility, love and faith the hard way. What started as another scheme to bring her father to heel and help Tony out of a pickle turned out to be the path to finding true love and redemption for Claire.
It is not always easy to change, but I am proud to say that Claire embraced each challenge thrown her way head-on, and emerged a better person for that. She has turned out to be one of my favorite Cindy Kirk characters, not only because of her personal growth but in the kind and sympathetic way that Cindy has fleshed her character out.
The change in Claire was not instant or sudden, it was not easy and definitely not half baked. She found herself in doubt and learned that praying and speaking to God always gives her an answer. The answer may not be one she necessarily wants to hear, but it is God's answer, and his will nonetheless.
The aspect of faith and redemption spoke to me in this book, and my biggest takeaway is that change is possible, and in fact, change is necessary. It made Claire a better person, and it will do the same for us.
Thank you for another thought provoking and inspiring book!
*I received an ARC for this book, but this review is written voluntarily, and all opinions herein are my own.
But as they say, it's but fair to give someone a chance to prove themselves. That is exactly what Claire did - she learned humility, love and faith the hard way. What started as another scheme to bring her father to heel and help Tony out of a pickle turned out to be the path to finding true love and redemption for Claire.
It is not always easy to change, but I am proud to say that Claire embraced each challenge thrown her way head-on, and emerged a better person for that. She has turned out to be one of my favorite Cindy Kirk characters, not only because of her personal growth but in the kind and sympathetic way that Cindy has fleshed her character out.
The change in Claire was not instant or sudden, it was not easy and definitely not half baked. She found herself in doubt and learned that praying and speaking to God always gives her an answer. The answer may not be one she necessarily wants to hear, but it is God's answer, and his will nonetheless.
The aspect of faith and redemption spoke to me in this book, and my biggest takeaway is that change is possible, and in fact, change is necessary. It made Claire a better person, and it will do the same for us.
Thank you for another thought provoking and inspiring book!
*I received an ARC for this book, but this review is written voluntarily, and all opinions herein are my own.
June 17, 2019
“Charmed By Claire” is the second in The Fiancé For Summer Series by Cindy Kirk. We were introduced to Tony Karelli and Claire Waters in the first book “Tempted By Taylor” as the couple you’d love to hate. Tony was a follower in Claire’s scheming and almost lost his good friend Taylor in the process. Finally waking up and finding through his faith, his purpose in life he settles into a small Iowa town. Tony has recently graduated from the seminary and this would be his new home as their Pastor. Unfortunately, the Parish Council has him mixed up with another applicant for the position, half of a couple soon to be married. The Council wants a family man and single Tony doesn’t fit that idea.
Claire Waters is in hot water with Daddy once again, spending too much, no direction, yada, yada, she thinks staying out of her father’s path for a while as he cools down is the answer and hanging with her old pal Tony will kill that time.
When Claire appears on the door step of Tony’s rooming house they assume she’s the Fiancée and the games are now underway. Claire makes a deal with Tony to be his pretend Fiancée to help him out but somewhere along the way Claire starts to develop a conscience along with real feeling for Tony.
Claire has her own awakening and finally sees the person she could be with a little effort, she starts to change and as she puts her true self out there she almost destroys her new relationship with Tony as she protects a new friend.
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it." I enjoyed reading “Charmed by Claire” and am looking forward to the next story in this series.
Claire Waters is in hot water with Daddy once again, spending too much, no direction, yada, yada, she thinks staying out of her father’s path for a while as he cools down is the answer and hanging with her old pal Tony will kill that time.
When Claire appears on the door step of Tony’s rooming house they assume she’s the Fiancée and the games are now underway. Claire makes a deal with Tony to be his pretend Fiancée to help him out but somewhere along the way Claire starts to develop a conscience along with real feeling for Tony.
Claire has her own awakening and finally sees the person she could be with a little effort, she starts to change and as she puts her true self out there she almost destroys her new relationship with Tony as she protects a new friend.
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it." I enjoyed reading “Charmed by Claire” and am looking forward to the next story in this series.
June 21, 2019
This book is a continuation of events from Tempted by Taylor, occurring a couple of years after Tempted by Taylor. The current book features two characters from the earlier book, Claire Waters and Tony Karelli. In the previous book Claire was not a nice person, to put it mildly. She had enlisted Tony, a childhood friend of Taylor, to help break up Taylor and Nick. Tony eventually refused, and left town.
Skip ahead a couple of years, and Claire is again on the outs with her father, who has cut off all her funds. She decides to hunt down Tony, who owes her. She gets his address from Taylor, and goes to Iowa, not knowing Tony is now broke after going to seminary. Tony has interviewed with a Church in Iowa, but the church members have confused him with another candidate who is engaged to be married. I found this bit hard to believe.
Tony realizes the mixup, but Claire shows up and pretends to be his fiancé. Claire agrees to continue the charade, because she is broke, and tony has no money to give her. Claire is forced to work humble jobs, and to appreciate good people who are good to her. I found myself rooting for Claire’s evolution into a good person. Can Claire evolve, and can Claire and tony find happiness?
Despite the lack of believability that all the church search committee members confusing two candidates, overall, I liked this book better than Tempted by Taylor. I found myself rooting for Claire, despite her behavior in the previous book.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing the book.
Skip ahead a couple of years, and Claire is again on the outs with her father, who has cut off all her funds. She decides to hunt down Tony, who owes her. She gets his address from Taylor, and goes to Iowa, not knowing Tony is now broke after going to seminary. Tony has interviewed with a Church in Iowa, but the church members have confused him with another candidate who is engaged to be married. I found this bit hard to believe.
Tony realizes the mixup, but Claire shows up and pretends to be his fiancé. Claire agrees to continue the charade, because she is broke, and tony has no money to give her. Claire is forced to work humble jobs, and to appreciate good people who are good to her. I found myself rooting for Claire’s evolution into a good person. Can Claire evolve, and can Claire and tony find happiness?
Despite the lack of believability that all the church search committee members confusing two candidates, overall, I liked this book better than Tempted by Taylor. I found myself rooting for Claire, despite her behavior in the previous book.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing the book.
June 20, 2019
I loved this book because it devoted itself to recognize that even those that never believed in faith can be swayed to do so. If you haven’t read Tempted by Taylor, you should as it introduces Tony and Claire as they both tried to come between Taylor and Nick. This story is about Claire and Tony and the unanticipated act of them falling in love and changing their ways. Claire has always been daddy’s little girl and got almost anything she wanted coming from a family of money. Tony is not so lucky and now he was accepted to be the pastor for a small town. When Tony arrives to the town, he is confused as he realizes that expected him to have a fiancée because one of the other candidates interviewing for the same position was engaged, but guess who shows up before he has a chance to explain that he is not engaged. Claire of course is running because her father is upset with her and cut her off so that she can grow up. Well this little town and Tony, the new pastor, will have to sway her to accept what has been missing from her life and help her grow up.
Mrs. Sandy and her daughter April are pretty good in this book and boy do they help make Claire’s life more interesting. I would have loved an extended ending for the wedding and what will happen to Rachel? I know there must be another book out there because there are other characters that have not received their happily ever after. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Mrs. Sandy and her daughter April are pretty good in this book and boy do they help make Claire’s life more interesting. I would have loved an extended ending for the wedding and what will happen to Rachel? I know there must be another book out there because there are other characters that have not received their happily ever after. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 13, 2019
"I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it."
Charmed by Claire is the second book in the Fiancé for the Summer series that focuses around Claire and Tony. These two characters where introduced in the first book in the series Tempted by Taylor and they left a bitter taste in my mouth.
In the first book, Claire used Tony (a friend and old flame of Taylor's) to try and break up her ex-fiancé Nick and Taylor but was unsuccessful.
This book is set two years later and at the beginning gives you a glance into the lives of Nick and Taylor which I loved. Wealthy socialite Claire has now been cut off from her father and needing somewhere to go, arrives on Tony's doorstep. Tony has since redeemed himself by going to the seminary and is now the newly appointed Pastor of Millville IA.
I wasn't a fan of Claire in the first book or the beginning of the second, but as this is a story of second chances, that's exactly what Claire gets. Her mindset eventually changes as she learns about humility, love and faith.
Charmed by Claire does have elements of religion much like the first book but it's not definitely not "too in your face".
Cindy certainly has a knack of taking a character or characters that you don't like and turning them into someone that you end up cheering for. I love that these stories are told so well and keeps me coming back for more!
Charmed by Claire is the second book in the Fiancé for the Summer series that focuses around Claire and Tony. These two characters where introduced in the first book in the series Tempted by Taylor and they left a bitter taste in my mouth.
In the first book, Claire used Tony (a friend and old flame of Taylor's) to try and break up her ex-fiancé Nick and Taylor but was unsuccessful.
This book is set two years later and at the beginning gives you a glance into the lives of Nick and Taylor which I loved. Wealthy socialite Claire has now been cut off from her father and needing somewhere to go, arrives on Tony's doorstep. Tony has since redeemed himself by going to the seminary and is now the newly appointed Pastor of Millville IA.
I wasn't a fan of Claire in the first book or the beginning of the second, but as this is a story of second chances, that's exactly what Claire gets. Her mindset eventually changes as she learns about humility, love and faith.
Charmed by Claire does have elements of religion much like the first book but it's not definitely not "too in your face".
Cindy certainly has a knack of taking a character or characters that you don't like and turning them into someone that you end up cheering for. I love that these stories are told so well and keeps me coming back for more!
June 19, 2019
Charmed by Claire is one of the books in Cindy Kirk's Fiancé for the Summer series. In the last book, Tempted by Taylor, we met Claire - a spoiled socialite who tried to use Tony to split up the happy couple. Now, she's back and has her eyes set on Tony.
Since book one, Tony has straightened his life out and has become a minister in a small town - Millville, Iowa. When Claire and her father have a falling out, Claire visits Taylor and finds out where Tony is located.
Claire goes to Millville about the time that Tony finds out they mistakenly elected him as their pastor- they thought they had elected the other guy who was engaged. Oops! When Claire arrives, the congregants immediately think she is Tony's fiance.
Claire makes Tony a deal of the lifetime. She will pretend to be Tony's fiance if he will let her stay there after her falling out with her father. Over the next few weeks, Claire falls in love with the people of Millville and knows their fake engagement breakup is right around the corner, which means she will be forced to leave.
Soon, Tony and Claire fall in love, but each is too stubborn to admit it. When she does the right thing, everyone believes she has "cheated" on Tony, including him. Will their fake engagement turn into a real one or will their stubbornness keep them apart?
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Since book one, Tony has straightened his life out and has become a minister in a small town - Millville, Iowa. When Claire and her father have a falling out, Claire visits Taylor and finds out where Tony is located.
Claire goes to Millville about the time that Tony finds out they mistakenly elected him as their pastor- they thought they had elected the other guy who was engaged. Oops! When Claire arrives, the congregants immediately think she is Tony's fiance.
Claire makes Tony a deal of the lifetime. She will pretend to be Tony's fiance if he will let her stay there after her falling out with her father. Over the next few weeks, Claire falls in love with the people of Millville and knows their fake engagement breakup is right around the corner, which means she will be forced to leave.
Soon, Tony and Claire fall in love, but each is too stubborn to admit it. When she does the right thing, everyone believes she has "cheated" on Tony, including him. Will their fake engagement turn into a real one or will their stubbornness keep them apart?
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
June 20, 2019
Claire used Tony in the first book to break up Nick and Taylor, if you have read the first book you know it didn't work.
Claire wants to find Tony, she has been cut off by her Father for her spending habits. Someone literally cuts her card in half. Spoiler alert, Tony is now a minister which Claire didn't know, and Taylor didn't tell her. Tony realizes that they confused him with another man that applied for the same job, this man has a fiancee, while Tony does not. When Claire shows up, everyone assumes she is his fiancee, and neither of them correct anyone. They try to rent her a hotel room, but it doesn't work out, so she stays at a b&b, the same one Tony is staying at, in exchange for helping with the cleaning.
Claire and Tony pretend to be engaged, and planning their wedding. She hates the engagement ring at first, she doesn't want to do a bible study class, but the more they spend time together the more she realizes that she loves Tony. At the end of the book, Claire misses a dinner to help a friend. Tony doesn't let her explain, things are said, and she packs her bags to leave. The girl she helps explains to Tony what happened, he goes to talk to Claire, and the wedding is back on. Unfortunately we don't get the wedding in this book, but there is another book, to make it a trilogy, cannot wait to read it. This is a clean romance, only kissing.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Claire wants to find Tony, she has been cut off by her Father for her spending habits. Someone literally cuts her card in half. Spoiler alert, Tony is now a minister which Claire didn't know, and Taylor didn't tell her. Tony realizes that they confused him with another man that applied for the same job, this man has a fiancee, while Tony does not. When Claire shows up, everyone assumes she is his fiancee, and neither of them correct anyone. They try to rent her a hotel room, but it doesn't work out, so she stays at a b&b, the same one Tony is staying at, in exchange for helping with the cleaning.
Claire and Tony pretend to be engaged, and planning their wedding. She hates the engagement ring at first, she doesn't want to do a bible study class, but the more they spend time together the more she realizes that she loves Tony. At the end of the book, Claire misses a dinner to help a friend. Tony doesn't let her explain, things are said, and she packs her bags to leave. The girl she helps explains to Tony what happened, he goes to talk to Claire, and the wedding is back on. Unfortunately we don't get the wedding in this book, but there is another book, to make it a trilogy, cannot wait to read it. This is a clean romance, only kissing.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2019
This is the story of Claire Waters and Tony Karelli. Claire was the villain in the previous book, “Tempted by Taylor”. She was not a very likeable character in that book and I was skeptical that she could redeem herself.
Cut off from any financial support from her father, Claire traveled to Millvale, Iowa where she discovered that her friend Tony was now a Pastor at Grace Community Church. Due to a misunderstanding of the elders at that church, Tony was in a predicament as they had chosen Tony with the assumption that he was engaged.
This book is a sweet love story with 2 people playing the part of an engaged couple and in the process fall in love. Claire found that being around Tony was good for her. They were both so different but they got along pretty well despite those differences. Tony was disappointed that Claire did not have a stronger faith. During the time that Claire was in Millvale playing a part, she became a much better person and very different from the self-centered, spoiled brat that she had been.
I enjoyed this story. I loved the romantic ending and the special love story of Claire and Tony. This is a great book about redemption and how faith can change us for the better.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Cut off from any financial support from her father, Claire traveled to Millvale, Iowa where she discovered that her friend Tony was now a Pastor at Grace Community Church. Due to a misunderstanding of the elders at that church, Tony was in a predicament as they had chosen Tony with the assumption that he was engaged.
This book is a sweet love story with 2 people playing the part of an engaged couple and in the process fall in love. Claire found that being around Tony was good for her. They were both so different but they got along pretty well despite those differences. Tony was disappointed that Claire did not have a stronger faith. During the time that Claire was in Millvale playing a part, she became a much better person and very different from the self-centered, spoiled brat that she had been.
I enjoyed this story. I loved the romantic ending and the special love story of Claire and Tony. This is a great book about redemption and how faith can change us for the better.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
June 11, 2019
In Charmed by Claire, Cindy Kirk gives her readers a sweet story of faith & redemption. Claire was the “mean” girl in Tempted by Taylor. She wanted to marry Nick & did her best to break Nick & Taylor up. She schemed & manipulated & managed to pull Taylor’s friend Tony into her schemes. Now two years later, she’s upset her father & he’s cut her off. She’s gone to Iowa to try to involve Tony in her plan to pacify her father & get back in his good graces. But Tony’s changed a lot in the last two years & Claire lands in an unexpected predicament.
Tony’s spent his time in the seminary & has been hired to head his first church. He’s excited to go to a small town in Iowa & hopes to set deep roots. When he gets there, he realizes they’ve confused him with another candidate - an engaged candidate. He has to explain to them & hope they’ll give him a chance. Or does he?
I really liked how the “bad ones” from the previous book redeem themselves here. It’s not a fast transformation but the delays & slips make it more believable. Tony & Claire are perfect for each other. He sees the good in her & supports her changing. Claire keeps Tony from being too serious & helps him think outside the box. Their journey to happiness isn’t easy & they both have issues but it was an enjoyable read.
Tony’s spent his time in the seminary & has been hired to head his first church. He’s excited to go to a small town in Iowa & hopes to set deep roots. When he gets there, he realizes they’ve confused him with another candidate - an engaged candidate. He has to explain to them & hope they’ll give him a chance. Or does he?
I really liked how the “bad ones” from the previous book redeem themselves here. It’s not a fast transformation but the delays & slips make it more believable. Tony & Claire are perfect for each other. He sees the good in her & supports her changing. Claire keeps Tony from being too serious & helps him think outside the box. Their journey to happiness isn’t easy & they both have issues but it was an enjoyable read.
June 11, 2019
Charmed by Claire is the second book in the Seriously Sweet Romance series. As much as I loved the characters in the first book, I had a hard time relating to the characters in the second. We meet Claire in the first book, as the antagonist to Taylor and Nick, and Tony was a secondary character, brought in by Claire to help break up the couple. In this book, Claire and Tony are the couple. She goes to Millville, which is outside Des Moines, to run away from her father, with whom she had a falling out. Tony was recently hired to be the pastor of the community, and when he was hired, they thought that he was engaged, because the church council got him confused with his competitor. Claire agrees to be his fiance, and throughout the book, she changes her spoiled ways including helping a friend that could cost her the relationship with Tony. Tony seems to have a "holier than thou" attitude, and him not telling the church council his deception is never addressed in the book.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy rom the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy rom the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
June 20, 2019
I wasn't sure how well I'd like Claire in this book, after meeting her in Tempted by Taylor. I was pleasantly surprised how much I was rooting for her in this book! Claire is knocked down a few levels when her dad cuts her off. She decides to go see Tony Karelli, not realizing that Tony is now a pastor.
Tony is excited about his new job as a pastor in a small town. Until he realizes that they mistaken him a pastor who is engaged. He really doesn't want to loose this job when Claire comes to visit him, and everyone mistakes her for his fiancé. Tony's unsure how to approach this, and Claire decides to play along until they figure out what to do.
Claire is left penniless, and is able to be the maid at the boarding house where Tony is staying. Claire learns how her past behavior effects others, and changes her tone. Tony must learn to be patient, and follow his heart. Such an emotional, and loving Christian book!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Tony is excited about his new job as a pastor in a small town. Until he realizes that they mistaken him a pastor who is engaged. He really doesn't want to loose this job when Claire comes to visit him, and everyone mistakes her for his fiancé. Tony's unsure how to approach this, and Claire decides to play along until they figure out what to do.
Claire is left penniless, and is able to be the maid at the boarding house where Tony is staying. Claire learns how her past behavior effects others, and changes her tone. Tony must learn to be patient, and follow his heart. Such an emotional, and loving Christian book!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
May 20, 2019
A Cindy Kirk book is my personal peace from this crazy world. I started reading looking for escape and soon found I was finding inspiration instead. Oh this book held the usual expectations , great characters, romance, friendship and some laughs. But it also opened my heart with its honest portrayal of people and of the reflection I found of myself and others I love. It is so refreshing to read about a minister who is not just a man of God but has all the human emotions and problems faced by everyone. I forget like most of society simple things like , don't judge by first impressions and turning the other cheek should be more than symbolic. If you are looking for a fabulous sweet romance you will find it here. If you also want to be inspired that life can be good again, you will find that here too.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it
May 22, 2019
A Christian love story. I really liked this novel, though to be fair, when I realized the female lead was Claire from the previous book, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it – I didn’t like her at all. Leave it to Cindy, though, to change my mind. By the time the book was over, I was pulling for her. The most important part of this book was that Claire’s transformation was believable. I love the self-reflection that she went through as the book progress, something we all should do from time to time, I’m sure. There were some breath-catching moments when the characters acted more human than Godly (even the minister!), but that just made them all the more realistic. I ended this book with a smile on my face and hope in my heart, which is why I read in the first place. My only gripe is that I didn’t get to attend the wedding!
I was given a preview copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a preview copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2019
Claire and Tony seemed such an unlikely pair and yet God brought them together. I wanted to really hear how her apple pie tasted. :)
It took a lot for Claire to open herself up to the new opportunities of meeting new people that are really out of her sphere. She learned a lot about herself and wanted to change. She opened her heart and mind to listen to Tony's sermons and the messages he shared. Enough to ask questions and seek to be a better person.
Tony was obviously not perfect especially when he didn't listen to to Claire's explanation. Good for April to share the truth with him and I believe she learned something through the experience. Being a teenager is never easy especially when you get out of your element. Hopefully the Nordstrom boys get consequences for the way they behaved with April and Claire. I was blessed to be able to receive an advanced copy to read and review.
It took a lot for Claire to open herself up to the new opportunities of meeting new people that are really out of her sphere. She learned a lot about herself and wanted to change. She opened her heart and mind to listen to Tony's sermons and the messages he shared. Enough to ask questions and seek to be a better person.
Tony was obviously not perfect especially when he didn't listen to to Claire's explanation. Good for April to share the truth with him and I believe she learned something through the experience. Being a teenager is never easy especially when you get out of your element. Hopefully the Nordstrom boys get consequences for the way they behaved with April and Claire. I was blessed to be able to receive an advanced copy to read and review.
June 17, 2019
I could not imagine a way Claire could be redeemed after reading Tempted by Taylor, the book prior to this one. Imagine Claire's surprise to find that Tony has found his place and passion in the ministry.
Claire and her behavior truly did an about face through prayer and faith in God. The author was able to convey Claire's turnaround, and Tony's reaffirmation without being preachy about it at all. It was what it was.
While Claire was stepping out of her confront zone, she and Tony were beginning to realize their "fake" situation was becoming very real.
I wish there had been more. More about Tony and Claire's relationship; their wedding, their future. More about Claire's relationship with her dad. More about Claire's Apple pie, Lol. This book left me wanting more and wishing it had been longer. Or, an epilogue would have worked too.
A sweet, clean romance with discussions of faith.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy.
Claire and her behavior truly did an about face through prayer and faith in God. The author was able to convey Claire's turnaround, and Tony's reaffirmation without being preachy about it at all. It was what it was.
While Claire was stepping out of her confront zone, she and Tony were beginning to realize their "fake" situation was becoming very real.
I wish there had been more. More about Tony and Claire's relationship; their wedding, their future. More about Claire's relationship with her dad. More about Claire's Apple pie, Lol. This book left me wanting more and wishing it had been longer. Or, an epilogue would have worked too.
A sweet, clean romance with discussions of faith.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy.
June 19, 2019
Pride before a fall
I can honestly say I really disliked Claire a good third of the book. I kept reading as I like the author and was glad I did. I saw hints of change in Claire which was good as she was quite the snob. She came to Millville to use Tony in order to get back in her dad's good graces. She doesn't know he has become a minister and interrupts his meeting where they think she is his fiancee. She goes along as its a game to her. It comes to a halt when she goes to get a motel room and her credit card is declined as her dad cut her off. So she is forced to help Mrs. Sandy with her B&B. As she starts attending events with Tony she starts to realize her behavior needs to change. She gets called out on it by a teenager which is rather funny. A change to be a better person puts her relationship with Tony on the line. Read to see what she chooses and how it turns out. My only complaint is that I wish the ending had been a tad longer.
I can honestly say I really disliked Claire a good third of the book. I kept reading as I like the author and was glad I did. I saw hints of change in Claire which was good as she was quite the snob. She came to Millville to use Tony in order to get back in her dad's good graces. She doesn't know he has become a minister and interrupts his meeting where they think she is his fiancee. She goes along as its a game to her. It comes to a halt when she goes to get a motel room and her credit card is declined as her dad cut her off. So she is forced to help Mrs. Sandy with her B&B. As she starts attending events with Tony she starts to realize her behavior needs to change. She gets called out on it by a teenager which is rather funny. A change to be a better person puts her relationship with Tony on the line. Read to see what she chooses and how it turns out. My only complaint is that I wish the ending had been a tad longer.
June 20, 2019
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book by the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
Claire Waters was not my favorite person after Tempted By Taylor. However, she did redeem herself in this story. Socialite, Claire Waters ends up on the doorstep of the bed and breakfast that Tony Karelli is staying at in a small Iowa town. Tony is the new minister of the town. Everyone assumes that Claire is Tony’s fiancée. They do not correct this assumption.
Claire has been cut off financially from her father and ends up helping around the bed and breakfast to pay for her room and board. As she learns several new skills she begins to see the error of her ways. She realizes all that she has taken for granted. She also finds herself falling in love with Tony Karelli. He is also smitten with her.
Can these two find their way together? Can Claire ever see herself as a minister’s wife? Does she deserve a happily ever after? Read on my friends!
Claire Waters was not my favorite person after Tempted By Taylor. However, she did redeem herself in this story. Socialite, Claire Waters ends up on the doorstep of the bed and breakfast that Tony Karelli is staying at in a small Iowa town. Tony is the new minister of the town. Everyone assumes that Claire is Tony’s fiancée. They do not correct this assumption.
Claire has been cut off financially from her father and ends up helping around the bed and breakfast to pay for her room and board. As she learns several new skills she begins to see the error of her ways. She realizes all that she has taken for granted. She also finds herself falling in love with Tony Karelli. He is also smitten with her.
Can these two find their way together? Can Claire ever see herself as a minister’s wife? Does she deserve a happily ever after? Read on my friends!
May 30, 2019
I had a little trouble with the main characters in this book at first because they didn't make a very good first impression in the first book of the series "Tempted by Taylor".
While Tony wasn't bad in the first book, I had to suspend disbelief to accept him becoming a minister in this installment. Claire had some extreme character development in this story to go from selfish, self-centered spoiled rich brat to someone I wouldn't mind hanging out with. It was amazing to see her evolution into someone that is willing to work hard, accept others for who they are and welcome small town living as a minister's wife.
The climax stressed me out, I admit to getting mad at a certain character but he/she redeemed themselves in the end.
Overall it was a sweet story with great character development.
I received an advanced preview copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
While Tony wasn't bad in the first book, I had to suspend disbelief to accept him becoming a minister in this installment. Claire had some extreme character development in this story to go from selfish, self-centered spoiled rich brat to someone I wouldn't mind hanging out with. It was amazing to see her evolution into someone that is willing to work hard, accept others for who they are and welcome small town living as a minister's wife.
The climax stressed me out, I admit to getting mad at a certain character but he/she redeemed themselves in the end.
Overall it was a sweet story with great character development.
I received an advanced preview copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
June 2, 2019
Charmed by Claire is the second in the Fiance for the Summer Series but can also be read as a stand alone story although I would suggest reading Tempted by Taylor first. This is a sweet, lovable, Christian story about a fake engagement that becomes real. Cindy Kirk takes a character that you love to hate and makes you fall in love. Tony has received the position of minister but realizes that a mistake has been made and the church elders think he is engaged. Claire arrives at the right moment and pretends to be Tony's fiancé but she has an ulterior motive. Her father has cut her off until she shows some responsibility. The events that follow will have you falling in love with the characters and praying for a happy ending. Absolutely loved this story.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
June 10, 2019
I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Although the cover on this book is appealing I did not want to read it. When I found out in the blurb that the Claire in this book was the nasty manipulative Claire in the Taylor book it put me off reading it.
However, once I started reading I was hooked. Claire had used Tony in the first book to try to split up Taylor and Nick because she wanted Nick but now she has seen the error of her ways and goes back to Tony at a trying time for herself and becomes embroiled in a pretend fiancé charade.
As the book progresses Claire loses her hard edges and begins to enjoy the small town life that Tony has chosen and starts to fall for him. Also, although Tony is a pastor in this book, it is not overly religious, it does not take over the storyline.
I enjoyed the book, and as always with Cindy’s books, I highly recommend this one. I did want more at the end though, I felt it ended too quickly and rather abruptly. Just one more chapter with the wedding and their families would have tied it all together better.
Altogether, another great read from Cindy.
Although the cover on this book is appealing I did not want to read it. When I found out in the blurb that the Claire in this book was the nasty manipulative Claire in the Taylor book it put me off reading it.
However, once I started reading I was hooked. Claire had used Tony in the first book to try to split up Taylor and Nick because she wanted Nick but now she has seen the error of her ways and goes back to Tony at a trying time for herself and becomes embroiled in a pretend fiancé charade.
As the book progresses Claire loses her hard edges and begins to enjoy the small town life that Tony has chosen and starts to fall for him. Also, although Tony is a pastor in this book, it is not overly religious, it does not take over the storyline.
I enjoyed the book, and as always with Cindy’s books, I highly recommend this one. I did want more at the end though, I felt it ended too quickly and rather abruptly. Just one more chapter with the wedding and their families would have tied it all together better.
Altogether, another great read from Cindy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2019
Claire Waters is used to playing the field and getting everything she wants from her daddy. She decides to visit Tony Karelli, an old acquaintance, to wait out her father’s anger. Tony has taken a job as a minister when he realizes the people who hired him believe he’s getting married. Claire decides to help him and pretend she’s his fiancé. But, what happens when pretend feelings become real?
In Cindy Kirk’s previous story, Tempted by Taylor, Claire was the character I loved to hate. In this story, I saw Claire in a different light, and grew to understand her more. I believe this is one of Ms. Kirk’s wondrous gifts with the written word. This book is a sweet, quick read that any romance reader will love. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
In Cindy Kirk’s previous story, Tempted by Taylor, Claire was the character I loved to hate. In this story, I saw Claire in a different light, and grew to understand her more. I believe this is one of Ms. Kirk’s wondrous gifts with the written word. This book is a sweet, quick read that any romance reader will love. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
June 18, 2019
I received an advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review. ‘Charmed By Claire’ was certainly an unexpected romantic comedy. The reader was set up to view Claire as the enemy in the first book, ‘Tempted By Taylor.’ In this book, we learn more about Tony’s ministry passions and Claire’s ability to be a strong, independent woman. Her character has a lot more depth than meets the eye. She shows that she can work hard, be a faithful companion, good friend, and strong business partner; while building positive relationships in a small town community. I think I enjoyed this one more than the first book of the Summer series. I enjoyed learning the unexpected and seeing Claire placed within challenges she had to overcome. In the end, she marries the man of her dreams. I’m excited to hear more about this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2019
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it. If you read Tempted by Taylor, you will recognize Tony and Claire as the author brings them together in their own novel. Having met Claire in the first book in the series, I admittedly found her to be shallow and extremely self-involved. Now, she's down on her luck and looking to make it back into her dad's good graces by faking an engagement to Reverend Tony. Claire's personality is very much the same in the beginning of the book, but the charms of a small town cause her to reflect on her behaviors and seek redemption. During this process she also discovers a relationship with God and her true feelings toward Tony. If you enjoy a story of self-discovery, tied in with romance, give this book a read.
June 20, 2019
A sweet faith based romance. This is the second book in the series of Fiancee for the Summer, we first met mean girl, Claire in the first book where she tried to break up Taylor and Nick. Fast forward a few years and she is on the outs with her rich father, and now she needs help from her old flame, Tony. Tony is now the minister of this small town, the residents thought he was engaged, so a fake engagement pursues with Claire and Tony. Claire soon finds herself at home in this small town and Tony starts to fall for her.
I must say I was not excited to read about Claire, I so disliked her in the first book, but it wonderful to see how a person can change for the good. I think we all need to pay attention to the good of people instead of the bad. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet romance. A perfect read for a lazy afternoon. I read through my kindle unlimited.
I must say I was not excited to read about Claire, I so disliked her in the first book, but it wonderful to see how a person can change for the good. I think we all need to pay attention to the good of people instead of the bad. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet romance. A perfect read for a lazy afternoon. I read through my kindle unlimited.
June 20, 2019
Charmed by Claire is another in the Cindy Kirk Seriously Sweet Series. The story continues with Claire the rich, spoiled Daddy's girl. Claire always gets what she wants but when her father cuts her off financially over her spoiled rich girl ways Claire has no where to go. She turns to Tony the man who helped her in her conspiracy to breakup Taylor and Nick in the "Temped by Taylor" book. To Claire's surprise, Tony has changed his ways and has become a man of god. Tony needs a finance to keep his clerical position and Claire needs a place to stay until Daddy calms down and gives in to her rich girl lifestyle once again. To both Tony and especially Claire the tides turn and the chance for true love finally takes over for both of them. This is a cute love story and a nice summer read. I received an advance copy of this book from the Editor. Great reading....
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