I honestly thought I was set for life—at least where love was concerned. I was dating the man of my dreams and assumed we would live happily ever after. But then he left me with a broken heart.I was embarrassed and hurt, and picking up the pieces seemed impossible. I hadn't sworn off men completely, but getting into another relationship was something I just didn't care about.For the time being, I was living for myself and for the weekend, and I thought nothing would change that. Then I met Caleb, the son of a preacher.He was not what I expected, but everything I needed.
Brooke St. James is a USA Today bestselling author and Amazon Kindle All-Star. She writes contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.
This is Book 3 of the Tanner Family series. This is Stella Wilde and Caleb Gray’s story. We met Stella briefly in book two, her brother Justin’s story.
The story begins with a very short and insensitive break up between Stella and her boyfriend, Liam. Stella never saw it coming. She moves back home and does her best to start healing. Stella meets Caleb briefly while dropping off some food at church. She reluctantly agrees to go to church with her family. She is a believer but she had given up on God a long time ago, in favor of a less than stellar lifestyle. She learns in church that Caleb has been named the associate pastor, working with his dad who is the pastor of the church. The message in Caleb’s sermon speaks to Stella and causes her to want reestablish her relationship with God.
I’m not going to say much more about the storyline other than to say that it was perfect imo. Whether the message was intentional or not, this book spoke to me in a very personal way. As a relationship with Caleb blossoms, Stella spends some of that time not feeling good enough to be with a preacher. Caleb banishes those feelings so eloquently and sweetly. I’ve spent a lot of my life resenting my perceived notion that religion is such a judgmental forum in which to exist. This book helped me remember that your faith in God, your relationship with Him, is what matters, not the religion. God forgives and an invitation to be with Him is always there waiting for someone to RSVP.
Don’t think this book is overly “religious.” It’s not. It’s about a man who knows God has sent him his future wife and the path Caleb and Stella travel to be together. Caleb is a typical Brooke St. James hero, strong, confident and seriously sweet on the girl he loves. Stella is a typical St. James heroine, fun, strong, full of personality and ready to love and be loved.
This book could have been rated about a 4.3 stars if the redundant information was edited out, (par the course for this author's books though). It only got a 4 star because the romance/love story of it was so good, otherwise I would have given it a 3.45 stars. One of the reasons I rated it lower is because both characters seem to give their lives to God, and whether in church or not, find themselves -mostly her- lying about things that aren't even a big deal.
SMALL SPOILERS BELOW
Since we all know books like these end in a HEA, I don't think I'm going to be giving away too much. I just want to explain where the book failed for me. The engagement scene was not my favorite, I felt could have been done better and less rushed.
The plan for getting married, after Stella's visitor leaves her parent's house, seemed a little out of character for Caleb and Stella even though they were wanting to get married quickly.
There were also some editing that could have made reading about Stella's emotions after the "visitor" left make more sense, she just seemed to make up her mind about how she felt only to waffle a couple of times directly after, I found that annoying.
Life through her for a loop right when all was right in her world. Suddenly no longer part of a relationship and with everything she knew snatched right out of her grasp she goes home to regroup. He's been gone for years, but it's time to go home. If what his spirit told him is true he will meet the woman who completes him. I love how the author shows her transition, not because of a man but due to her own needs. It's one of those feel good stories where even though it's a clean read you feel the emotions and the soul of the read. The characters just fit in their personalities and the way they compliment each other. As I said a real feel good kind of read.
Forgiveness, second chances, true love all in the same story ? Can a preacher's son find his true love even if she's not perfect? Find out in this incredible book where forgiveness and coming back to God lead to happiness and even romance:) Caleb and Stella are characters with depth! I loved how Caleb was a proper southern gentleman. I highly recommend this book! Happy Reading!
Brooke's books are always quick reads with happily ever afters, but sometimes I feel like they move too fast, get lost in minor details or just don't hold my interest. THIS is not one of those! From the get go, I was caught up in the story. I really loved the relationship between Stella and Caleb. It still moved quick but given the backstop of the characters, it seemed to fit. I really enjoyed this and read the whole book in a few hours ❤️
What a beautiful love story! Fell in love with Caleb and Stella. Second chances are always a blessing. These two - the way they met and fell.in love was beautiful. There is always that right one that God has in store 💗. Brooke does it again with another amazing book.
Stella Wilde is getting over a breakup when she meets Caleb Gray. He is the preacher's son who just returned from 7 years away at a seminary. They meet at church. Opposites attract. They are so good together but take it very slow. Love the ups and downs but especially the ending.
This novel had a lot of up and down moments for me. One moment, I was completely sure I wouldn't keep reading it; but then in the next second, something would grab my attention enough to pull me back in.
The overall story line was impeccable, I just could not stay hooked 100%. Definitely worth the read; however, because in the right hands this novel could be amazing.
Another sweet and beautiful read! So great that after being hurt by someone she cared about, Stella met and fell in love with Caleb. I can’t wait to read the next book in the Tanner series!
This is an amazing and breathtaking love story with endearing and charming characters that will melt your heart with their beautiful journey towards unconditional love and understanding.
I chose this rating because this is Brooke St. James at her BEST!!! Her books are never cliches, but are thought provoking, heartfelt , and so romantic!
I loved this sweet romance. It was the perfect break from the Christmas preparation to read. I loved the important part God played in the romance reminding me that God has a plan and he Is so so good. It would make a great stocking stuffer.
I feel terrible ever giving this author anything less than 5 stars. This book was good and by any other author would have probably been 4 stars, maybe 5, but it just didn’t grab me like Brooke’s stories and characters usually do.
This is a very nicely told story that is believable and well written without out the "he thought, she thought worry filler" that so many books have! Well done, Brooke! 😘
I love Brooke St. James’s books. They are such sweet, clean, romantic stories. I loved this one even more, as it brought God even more into the center of her books. Can’t wait for book #4.
This is such a sweet book! A woman who was in a dysfunctional relationship when her boyfriend breaks up with her finds her way back to God. In doing so she finds a man of God.
This unbelievably heartfelt story of love between two young people was definitely a blessing to read. I loved the sweet inspirational moments between the characters and their families . This faith based story is one that everyone can enjoy.
This was a great book to read. So positive in it's presentation. It shows that people can change, and the happiness that comes in turning your life over to Christ and trusting in him.
This is Stella's story. I really enjoyed her story. So sweet, no drama. Caleb is the pastor's son, who returns to town and he and Stella start seeing each other.
Human interest story that anyone and everyone can relate to. Such an awesome love these two individuals share is so wholesome and beautiful!! It’s what true love is all about!
I have to admit this one was almost overwhelming and in your face with the churchy stuff. However, I realized that with Stella, it had to have just as much churchy and her other choices in the other books. It balanced her and that's why it worked. It was such a sweet, intense love story.
I loved this wonderful, sweet story of a young woman renewing her relationship with Christ and falling in love with the preacher! Great feel good book that left me smiling.
This is a book that I recommend if you like a sweet romance that makes you want the story not to end. Caleb is such a loveable hero and Stella got a second chance at love. This is such a great book!
I read this narrative non-stop! I immediately got into the story line and never wavered! Such decent Christian reading and sweet love story! I loved it so much!
I enjoyed how fast this book moved. Once Stella and Caleb met, things were on fire. But with God in the picture, things should go smoothly. This book is a very good book.