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Driven to Be Loved
It doesn't matter how many years go by, love will always find a way....On the surface, Brecee Carmen has nothing in common with Adrian Cole. She is a pediatrician certified in trauma care; he is a transportation problem-solver for a luxury car dealership (a.k.a., a car salesman). Despite their slow but steady attraction to each other, neither one of them is sure that they're compatible. To complicate matters, Brecee is the sole unattached Carmen daughter when it seems as though everyone else around her-family and friends-is finding love.Through a series of discoveries, Adrian and Brecee learn that things don't always happen by coincidence. Generational forces are at work, keeping promises, protecting family members, and perhaps even drawing Adrian back to the church he had strayed from. Is it possible that God has been playing matchmaker all along?
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
17 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Pat Simmons
96 books361 followersPat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author of forty-plus titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth who is passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She is a five-time recipient of the RSJ Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance: Still Guilty, Crowning Glory, The Confession, Christmas Dinner, and Queen’s Surrender (To A Higher Calling). Pat’s first inspirational women’s fiction, Lean On Me, with Sourcebooks, was the February/March Together We Read Digital Book Club pick for the national library system. Here for You and Stand by Me are also part of the Family is Forever series. Her holiday indie release, Christmas Dinner, and traditionally published, Here for You were featured in Woman’s World, a national magazine. Here for You was also listed in the “7 Great Reads That Help to Keep the Faith” by Sisters From AARP. She contributed an article, “I’m Listening,” in the Chicken Soup for the Soul: I’m Speaking Now (2021). Pat is the recipient of the 2022 Leslie Esdaile “Trailblazer” Award given by Building Relationships Around Books Readers’ Choice for her work in the Christian fiction genre.
As a Christian, Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country. Pat has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter. Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and has worked in radio, television, and print media for more than twenty years. She oversaw the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions for fourteen years. Visit her at www.patsimmons.net.
As a Christian, Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country. Pat has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter. Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and has worked in radio, television, and print media for more than twenty years. She oversaw the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions for fourteen years. Visit her at www.patsimmons.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 9, 2022
Driven to be Love
The Carmen Sisters as described are one set of beautiful women. The coming together of Breecee and Adrian is most unusual and organic. I loved the segment where the two cousins were both attracted, while no claims had been staked, it caused Cousin 1, to get his rear in gear. So many times, I thought Adrian was gonna snooze and miss, but he wanted to be careful and choose wisely so it could be forever! The family love is just adorable and sacrificial. The segment of trying to run down a family connection was a bit unnecessary, but it worked to weave an interesting plot.
times,
The Carmen Sisters as described are one set of beautiful women. The coming together of Breecee and Adrian is most unusual and organic. I loved the segment where the two cousins were both attracted, while no claims had been staked, it caused Cousin 1, to get his rear in gear. So many times, I thought Adrian was gonna snooze and miss, but he wanted to be careful and choose wisely so it could be forever! The family love is just adorable and sacrificial. The segment of trying to run down a family connection was a bit unnecessary, but it worked to weave an interesting plot.
times,
February 20, 2024
Stirring and impassioned ✍🏾
An so concludes the "Carmen Sisters" series. This series as well as the author's other series focuses on the joy and amazing opening of the eyes of non Christians and slow Christians to the joy and happiness of salvation. I know these writings are fictional however, Inspirational and I get joy when my own salvation is recaptured through the author's ministry.
On to more reading, the "Jamieson Legacy" & "The Intercessors"
An so concludes the "Carmen Sisters" series. This series as well as the author's other series focuses on the joy and amazing opening of the eyes of non Christians and slow Christians to the joy and happiness of salvation. I know these writings are fictional however, Inspirational and I get joy when my own salvation is recaptured through the author's ministry.
On to more reading, the "Jamieson Legacy" & "The Intercessors"
March 10, 2021
Awesome!
Its wonderful to see loving christian families who love & worship together. No animosity because they are rooted & grounded in the love of Jesus. Tho this is a book, it is possible in the Lord. I am a 3rd generation Christian, praying for those in the family who are not saved. I'm from a family who love the Lord. Its not a fairy tale.
Its wonderful to see loving christian families who love & worship together. No animosity because they are rooted & grounded in the love of Jesus. Tho this is a book, it is possible in the Lord. I am a 3rd generation Christian, praying for those in the family who are not saved. I'm from a family who love the Lord. Its not a fairy tale.
March 31, 2023
Loved This Series!!
This is rea!ly a great series. I would recommend any and all of Ms. Simmons' books. You won't be disappointed.
This is rea!ly a great series. I would recommend any and all of Ms. Simmons' books. You won't be disappointed.
March 14, 2017
God
I love the scriptures in this book and the lovely story combined. I also love the Carmen's. I hated for this series to end. I am definitely going to read more books right now. I got so into God reading this book, and that is a good thing.
I love the scriptures in this book and the lovely story combined. I also love the Carmen's. I hated for this series to end. I am definitely going to read more books right now. I got so into God reading this book, and that is a good thing.
November 25, 2015
When Dr. Sabrece (Brecee) Carmen first meets Adrian Cole in Pat Simmons’ “Driven to be Loved”, she thinks he’s a complete jerk. Extremely good looking on the outside but an unfeeling man on the inside. What man would laugh at a lady in distress instead of trying to comfort her? Never mind the fact that her tears were brought on by her very first speeding ticket and he’d already weathered three, he should have been much more understanding!
Adrian quickly sees the error of his ways, sending Dr. Carmen a beautiful flower arrangement in apology. As she gets to know him, Brecee is still unsure how he could fit into her world. He is a “transportation problem solver” – a car salesman. Her brothers-in-law have set the bar high in terms of wealth and stature in the community. Most of all, while Adrian professes to be a Christian he doesn’t necessarily walk the walk. Brecee’s family believes very strongly that baptism with both the water and the Spirit are crucial and she won’t compromise on that. Can Adrian convince her to give him a chance? Will Brecee see that Adrian has great depth of character and is worth her time?
I was very impressed with the strength of the Carmen family in this story. This is the third installment of the Carmen sisters books and I feel like I know Brecee and her family pretty well, now, just from reading this one. Their church, while very different from the one I grew up in, was on fire for the Lord. It was amazing to me that it was almost an expected thing for any newly baptized believer to then be given the gift of speaking in “the heavenly language.” They walked down the aisle to accept the altar call, were baptized then received the Holy Spirit. I loved learning about Bethesda Temple. I also was very impressed with the care Brecee and Adrian took to keep themselves pure until marriage. She goes as far as not letting him into her home when he picks her up and he is very understanding, never questioning her reason for this.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romance. I feel like I came away with a better Bible knowledge, too, which was an unexpected bonus.
I received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
Adrian quickly sees the error of his ways, sending Dr. Carmen a beautiful flower arrangement in apology. As she gets to know him, Brecee is still unsure how he could fit into her world. He is a “transportation problem solver” – a car salesman. Her brothers-in-law have set the bar high in terms of wealth and stature in the community. Most of all, while Adrian professes to be a Christian he doesn’t necessarily walk the walk. Brecee’s family believes very strongly that baptism with both the water and the Spirit are crucial and she won’t compromise on that. Can Adrian convince her to give him a chance? Will Brecee see that Adrian has great depth of character and is worth her time?
I was very impressed with the strength of the Carmen family in this story. This is the third installment of the Carmen sisters books and I feel like I know Brecee and her family pretty well, now, just from reading this one. Their church, while very different from the one I grew up in, was on fire for the Lord. It was amazing to me that it was almost an expected thing for any newly baptized believer to then be given the gift of speaking in “the heavenly language.” They walked down the aisle to accept the altar call, were baptized then received the Holy Spirit. I loved learning about Bethesda Temple. I also was very impressed with the care Brecee and Adrian took to keep themselves pure until marriage. She goes as far as not letting him into her home when he picks her up and he is very understanding, never questioning her reason for this.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romance. I feel like I came away with a better Bible knowledge, too, which was an unexpected bonus.
I received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
March 26, 2016
Driven to be Loved by Pat Simmons is book three in The Carmen Sisters series. Although I have not read books two and three in the series, I thoroughly enjoyed book three alone. Now that I have read book three, I intend to read the first two in the series. Set in St. Louis, this romantic story is pleasing in every way—admirable main characters and minor characters, interesting close-knit family members, and an uplifting spiritual theme.
Sabrina (Brecee) Carmen is an attractive, 31-year-old woman and a pediatrician certified in trauma care. Adrian Cole is a handsome transportation problem-solver (car salesman) for a large luxury car dealership. He is driven to be successful in his career and is enrolled in graduate school, leaving little time for relationships.
Their first chance encounter happens on a Saturday evening in front of the St. Louis Bread Company where Brecee is sitting in her car and having a meltdown. She has just received her first speeding ticket and is having a tearful moment. Adrian taps on her car window to see if she is okay and to offer assistance, but his less than chivalrous reaction to her predicament wins him no points. They part ways, but each has left a lasting first impression on the other.
Later after a heart-to-heart chat with his cousin, Dolan, Adrian realizes that he came across as a total jerk. Using the info that he has (the hospital’s name on her lab coat) and his expertise on the internet, he has no problem finding out who she is. He orders a beautiful floral bouquet to be sent to her at work and encloses an apologetic note. From there, their story unfolds with many twists and turns that keep it interesting.
The Carmen family is a spirit-filled family who have worshiped God for generations. Through them Adrian discovers his own family’s spiritual roots that somehow are interwoven with those of the Carmen family. I enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it. I received this book through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.
Sabrina (Brecee) Carmen is an attractive, 31-year-old woman and a pediatrician certified in trauma care. Adrian Cole is a handsome transportation problem-solver (car salesman) for a large luxury car dealership. He is driven to be successful in his career and is enrolled in graduate school, leaving little time for relationships.
Their first chance encounter happens on a Saturday evening in front of the St. Louis Bread Company where Brecee is sitting in her car and having a meltdown. She has just received her first speeding ticket and is having a tearful moment. Adrian taps on her car window to see if she is okay and to offer assistance, but his less than chivalrous reaction to her predicament wins him no points. They part ways, but each has left a lasting first impression on the other.
Later after a heart-to-heart chat with his cousin, Dolan, Adrian realizes that he came across as a total jerk. Using the info that he has (the hospital’s name on her lab coat) and his expertise on the internet, he has no problem finding out who she is. He orders a beautiful floral bouquet to be sent to her at work and encloses an apologetic note. From there, their story unfolds with many twists and turns that keep it interesting.
The Carmen family is a spirit-filled family who have worshiped God for generations. Through them Adrian discovers his own family’s spiritual roots that somehow are interwoven with those of the Carmen family. I enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it. I received this book through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2016
Driven to be Loved (The Carmen Sisters) is the third book in author Pat Simmons series but could be read as a stand alone. A refreshing Christian romance, it is the tale of opposites pediatrician Dr. Sabrece (Brecee) Carmen, the youngest of four sisters, and Adrian Cole, an arrogant luxury car salesman. They are quite different but yet drawn together. Their road is a bit rough at times, but life isn't always smooth. It is also a family values book. Through scripture, dialogue, and actions we learn that the Carmen family is a faith filled, God loving, strong family. When a need arises, the family is quick to rally together. The men are protective and the women are strong. The book has moments that will make you chuckle, sigh, and even get teary. It will increase your faith. The main characters are engaging and quickly draw you in. The author gives great supporting characters, a whole family to love. Mama Carmen has a nice part in this book that everyone will enjoy. There is plenty of dialogue to keep it interesting. The spiritual messages were on abundant. It was so refreshing to read of a young woman staying true to her belief. She was strong in her conviction not to compromise her virtue and went to great lengths to avoid temptation. The subject of baptism was addressed along with worship. It was interesting to learn about the church in this book. This was an encouraging, inspirational Christian love story, containing no drinking, but instead scripture and morals. It is not just a love story between a man and woman, but it tells how much God loves us. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. It is a 256 page paperback book. A copy of this book was provided by The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
December 11, 2015
I liked the overall message of this book but I found some of the dialogue to be very superficial.
It is always encouraging to read about young African American families that are close to God and each other. I love the interactions among the family members. You could tell that the love was real and there was genuine support from each other.
I admired how these characters were able discuss their feeling openly and received advice that helped them to understand God’s heart in the situation.
I did not like that the authors was always reminding the reader of the cars that the characters drove, the famous and rich athlete and how much money this family had. I wished she did not put so much emphasis on the material things but emphasize the spiritual more.
One of the lessons you can learn from Brecee is that you cannot change a man. Only God can change someone. Always be very careful who you gave your heart to. The trap some of us older unmarried women fall into is to become intimate whether physical or mental with a man and then tell ourselves that he will become a Christian. We gave ourselves excuses to form an ungodly connection to a non- spiritual man. God did not say to guard it because it is the wellspring of life lightly.
Favorite sentence in the book:
According to Pastor, Don’t get your purpose and your talent mixed up. It’s possible to use your talent to its fullest extent yet never reach your purpose in life. Page 163
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I also posted this review on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Goodreads, Deepershopper, etc.)”
It is always encouraging to read about young African American families that are close to God and each other. I love the interactions among the family members. You could tell that the love was real and there was genuine support from each other.
I admired how these characters were able discuss their feeling openly and received advice that helped them to understand God’s heart in the situation.
I did not like that the authors was always reminding the reader of the cars that the characters drove, the famous and rich athlete and how much money this family had. I wished she did not put so much emphasis on the material things but emphasize the spiritual more.
One of the lessons you can learn from Brecee is that you cannot change a man. Only God can change someone. Always be very careful who you gave your heart to. The trap some of us older unmarried women fall into is to become intimate whether physical or mental with a man and then tell ourselves that he will become a Christian. We gave ourselves excuses to form an ungodly connection to a non- spiritual man. God did not say to guard it because it is the wellspring of life lightly.
Favorite sentence in the book:
According to Pastor, Don’t get your purpose and your talent mixed up. It’s possible to use your talent to its fullest extent yet never reach your purpose in life. Page 163
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I also posted this review on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Goodreads, Deepershopper, etc.)”
December 22, 2015
This was my first read by this author, and it was a pleasant one.
The youngest of the Carmen sisters thinks she might have finally found "the one", but He has yet to find The One. She practices patience, and God works things out in his own time and in His own way.
My favorite part about this book is that this is truly Christian fiction. There aren't just a few prayers thrown in, or a few visits to church, or a few scripture verses. These characters live and love Christ in their everyday lives. I LOVED how the dating characters avoid putting themselves in compromising positions such as being alone in eachother apartments. They double and triple date, and making sure that Christ dwells in their partner is a must! The family members are always there to hold them up, encourage them, and help them in their walk with the Lord.
I don't necessarily agree with all the doctrine here, but that didn't figure into the review. There are very few that agree on doctrine. So, I took it with a grain of salt.
It was so refreshing to read a contemporary romance without the drinking, compromising, constantly being alone in each others homes, etc. Christ really is the center of these families lives, and they live it inside AND outside the church.
I truly enjoyed this read, and I highly recommend this book.
I received this book through bookfun.org for my honest opinion which I gave given.
The youngest of the Carmen sisters thinks she might have finally found "the one", but He has yet to find The One. She practices patience, and God works things out in his own time and in His own way.
My favorite part about this book is that this is truly Christian fiction. There aren't just a few prayers thrown in, or a few visits to church, or a few scripture verses. These characters live and love Christ in their everyday lives. I LOVED how the dating characters avoid putting themselves in compromising positions such as being alone in eachother apartments. They double and triple date, and making sure that Christ dwells in their partner is a must! The family members are always there to hold them up, encourage them, and help them in their walk with the Lord.
I don't necessarily agree with all the doctrine here, but that didn't figure into the review. There are very few that agree on doctrine. So, I took it with a grain of salt.
It was so refreshing to read a contemporary romance without the drinking, compromising, constantly being alone in each others homes, etc. Christ really is the center of these families lives, and they live it inside AND outside the church.
I truly enjoyed this read, and I highly recommend this book.
I received this book through bookfun.org for my honest opinion which I gave given.
March 14, 2016
This is book #3 in "The Carmen Sisters" trilogy. This can be a stand-alone book, or you may want to read #1 and #2 in this series first.
Brecee Carmen is the youngest sister of four. She also is the only one not married. She has high-set standards for the man she would marry. Her #1 standard: to love God and have Him first in his life.
Brecee is a pediatric emergency doctor. She is 31 years old and wanting to be married. She meets Adrian Cole - a high-end leisure car salesman who doesn't know the Lord.
Brecee believes in life-long marriage to someone who truly loves and appreciates her. She and Adrian don't seem to have much in common, other than a strong attraction for each other at the beginning.
This is a wonderful Christian romance novel. I loved how Brecee relied on God to lead, guide and direct her.
My favorite sayings in this book are:
l) "If God didn't love you, He wouldn't correct you. Every trial that He allows to happen in our lives is designed to transform us into overcomers."
2) "It is possible to use your talent to its fullest extent, yet never reach your purpose in life. But if you seek God's purpose, then your talent will manifest itself."
I really enjoyed reading this book. It isn't just a story - it teaches you things about the Godly ways of life.
I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
Brecee Carmen is the youngest sister of four. She also is the only one not married. She has high-set standards for the man she would marry. Her #1 standard: to love God and have Him first in his life.
Brecee is a pediatric emergency doctor. She is 31 years old and wanting to be married. She meets Adrian Cole - a high-end leisure car salesman who doesn't know the Lord.
Brecee believes in life-long marriage to someone who truly loves and appreciates her. She and Adrian don't seem to have much in common, other than a strong attraction for each other at the beginning.
This is a wonderful Christian romance novel. I loved how Brecee relied on God to lead, guide and direct her.
My favorite sayings in this book are:
l) "If God didn't love you, He wouldn't correct you. Every trial that He allows to happen in our lives is designed to transform us into overcomers."
2) "It is possible to use your talent to its fullest extent, yet never reach your purpose in life. But if you seek God's purpose, then your talent will manifest itself."
I really enjoyed reading this book. It isn't just a story - it teaches you things about the Godly ways of life.
I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
December 29, 2015
A trauma pediatrician and a high end car salesman are an unlikely match. Brecee's life is devoted to her relationship with God and healing injured and sick children. There is no room in her life for a man who has no relationship for God, and whose main goals are to sell fancy cars. These are very strong characters with very strong family ties. Getting to know them was very enjoyable and at times quite humorous. Adrian's lack of faith is a great concern to Brecee, and she attempts to keep her distance for that particular reason.
This is a very strong Christian fiction story of family, priorities, relationships and above all, faith and living it. I enjoyed getting to know Brecee's family, and the differences between her sisters and herself. They're looking to get her married off, but she won't settle for anything less than her set of priorities in a man.
Driven to be Loved is a wonderful Christian women's book. It is inspirational, true to its genre and I enjoyed getting to know the various characters throughout the story. Although a bit predictable it's a great weekend read that will awaken your spirit.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network's For Readers Only program in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
March 21, 2016
Driven To Be Loved is the first book that I have read by Pat Simmons and even though it is the third book in her Carmen Sisters series, it can be read by itself. Sabreece Carmen is the youngest of her sisters and it is obvious that she has been raised in a family that is strong, supportive, God loving and God-fearing. They are also very anxious to see her happily married and they don't care to express those wishes!
When Sabrece (Brecee) finds herself falling for a non-believer, she resists this attraction because of her strong faith. We are shown her struggle to remain faithful to her beliefs and still experience the joy of finding true love and author Pat Simmons gives her readers two wonderful love stories: one between a man and woman and the other between God and his obedient child.
This is a book worthy of your time and I am anxious to learn more about the Carmen family.
I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
When Sabrece (Brecee) finds herself falling for a non-believer, she resists this attraction because of her strong faith. We are shown her struggle to remain faithful to her beliefs and still experience the joy of finding true love and author Pat Simmons gives her readers two wonderful love stories: one between a man and woman and the other between God and his obedient child.
This is a book worthy of your time and I am anxious to learn more about the Carmen family.
I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
September 21, 2016
Am I my sister's keeper? Yes I am and the Carmen sisters proved it in word and deed. Baby sister Sabrece is the last of the Carmen sisters to find love and the man that wins her heart must have what every man married to a Carmen women has. A love for God first and foremost before he can even begin to know how to love her properly. Really enjoyed how this family is so close and connected to each other. And I loved how each family, even the in-laws, was tied together by family bonds, trust, truth, honesty and love for each other and God. When you married a Carmen sister you inherited a whole family that had your best interest at heart and would take it to the Father if need be. The sisters all help to keep each other accountable to themselves and to God. Not even how fine and handsome a man is comes overrules the fact. Plus as an added bonus, Mama Carmen, who refused to bring a man around her daughters as they were growing up, was "found" by her good man. A really good series that I hate to see end.
October 15, 2015
I enjoyed this book. I love the Carmen series as a whole, but this book will be a favorite of mine (second only to In Defense of Love). I enjoyed the character flaws of this book. I like reading books where the characters don't always have everything perfectly together, and the love interests don't have the best of starts. That always adds an element of relatability that I can appreciate. Adrian was a very likable character. I liked his personality, his drive, and the pride that he took in his work; he reminds me of some of my male relatives. Brecee and Adrian's love story was sweet, and I felt that it had a slightly younger vibe than that of her other sisters' romances. It was refreshing. What I also liked about this story was that mama Carmen had her own love story within this one; that was unexpected. And I enjoyed the Author's Note and how Mrs. Simmons tied a piece of her personal story into the book, that was a nice touch. I would read this book again, and I would recommend it.
November 15, 2015
"Driven to be Loved," by Pat Simmons, is a contemporary romance. This is book three in "The Carmen Sisters" series. It stood alone very well. I have never read the first two, but had no problem following the story. The author did a great job of introducing the characters and helping the reader keep everyone straight.
"Driven to be Loved" was light, easy reading. The Christians values were strong and clear. This story contains several themes, such as salvation, faith, purity, family, and it places high value on marriage and respect. It is a clean story that stresses the importance of not putting yourself into tempting situations and the benefits of accountability. I found it to occasionally be a bit slow moving for my taste, but the strong clear values made it a worthwhile read. If you enjoy a clean romance this is the book for you!
I received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
"Driven to be Loved" was light, easy reading. The Christians values were strong and clear. This story contains several themes, such as salvation, faith, purity, family, and it places high value on marriage and respect. It is a clean story that stresses the importance of not putting yourself into tempting situations and the benefits of accountability. I found it to occasionally be a bit slow moving for my taste, but the strong clear values made it a worthwhile read. If you enjoy a clean romance this is the book for you!
I received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 6, 2016
Driven To Be Loved is third in a series (Carmen Sisters) by Pat Simmons but is easily a stand alone book. Pediatrician Breece Carmen is the only one of 4 sisters not yet married. No pressure there...NOT! Will she ever find the right man? Transportation problem-solver (fancy title for car salesman!) Adrian first sees Breece crying in her car and ends up finding the situation humorous. And the sparks fly. Can he make amends? Will flowers be enough? Both characters have reservations about a serious relationship. Can they make this one work? Will Breece's family accept Adrian? Faith in Christ and family values and the importance of respect in a relationship are very strong themes in this book. The characters are likable and the story line keeps a reader's interest. This contemporary romance is an enjoyable novel.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
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March 18, 2016This is my first book by Pat Simmons. Even though it is the third book in the Carmen Sister's series it can be read as a stand along book and I enjoyed reading it. I would also like to read the first two books. I love contemporary christian romance stories. This one offers a lot including family, salvation and faith.
Brecee Carmen is the only unmarried sister in a family of four. Her faith is strong and she has set high standards for the man she will marry putting God first. Brecee meets Adrain Cole. She is a pediatrician and he a high end car salesman. He says he is a Christian but his lack of faith is a concern for her. Being an unlikely match will there be a relationship between them?
This is an inspiring and romantic Christmas story. Real christian fiction.
Pat Simmons has done a brilliant job writing this story. I highly recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
Brecee Carmen is the only unmarried sister in a family of four. Her faith is strong and she has set high standards for the man she will marry putting God first. Brecee meets Adrain Cole. She is a pediatrician and he a high end car salesman. He says he is a Christian but his lack of faith is a concern for her. Being an unlikely match will there be a relationship between them?
This is an inspiring and romantic Christmas story. Real christian fiction.
Pat Simmons has done a brilliant job writing this story. I highly recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
April 11, 2016
I really did enjoy this book. I didn't necessarily like the Carmen family though. I know! I thought how close they are was really nice to read about, and I really liked how protective they were of Brecee but I didn't like how they were ready to attack Adrian before they had ever met him. Maybe something happened to her in one of the other books that make them so over protective (other than she's the baby she's used to ALL the attention!) that the author didn't bring back up. I also really didn't like how everyone (including Brecee) acted like Adrian was neglecting her/not good enough for her because he had things to do. It would have been one thing if he weren't dropping everything and running at her beck and call if he were out there hanging out or messing around but he wasn't! He was at work or at home doing homework and constantly interrupting those two things to call her and make sure that she knew that she was a priority and even that wasn't good enough!
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March 16, 2016Brecee Carmen is a young, single trauma pediatrician that has everything she wants in life - except a man to love and children to mother. But finding a man that loves God like she does is a must; she won't settle for anything less. Will she find a man that is everything she needs? So begins this contemporary Christian romance that engages the reader right from the start.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. It is #3 in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel. The characters are very believable and there is an emphasis on the importance of family bonds. The importance and power of prayer is also a strong theme throughout the book. It is refreshing to see that love can still happen in our world today without compromising Christian values and principles.
I received this book from Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. It is #3 in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel. The characters are very believable and there is an emphasis on the importance of family bonds. The importance and power of prayer is also a strong theme throughout the book. It is refreshing to see that love can still happen in our world today without compromising Christian values and principles.
I received this book from Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
March 26, 2016
Driven to be Loved by author Pat Simmons is a romantic story about two people who have come to a crossroads in their lives. Brecee Carmen, a pediatrician, and Adrian Cole, a luxury car salesman, meet in an unusual way that at first starts them off as being wary of each other. However, as true love goes, they do work together to find a way through their obstacles. Brecee’s family is very protective and loving of her, and she and her three older sisters share a very close bond that was refreshing to see. The Carmen family are very faithful Christians and they live their lives in that regard. This is also a story of redemption and promises kept, even if it did take generations. I received a copy of this book for an honest review from The Book Club Network, Inc. and the opinions are my own.
May 6, 2016
Driven to be loved
Once I started reading this book it was hard to put down. This is a 3rd in a series but can be read as a stand alone. I have read one other book in the series and enjoyed it also. Brecee and Adrian meets after she had just gotten her first speeding ticket and was upset about it. He was concerned about her being upset. She is a pediatrician and he is car salesman but he has a fancy name for it. Hers is a church going family and his is not. They have a lot to work out. Loved the faith in God they had, this was such a refreshing story. Adrian discovers a lot about his family, how things came down from his grandparents. I received this book from the book club network in exchange for a honest review.
Once I started reading this book it was hard to put down. This is a 3rd in a series but can be read as a stand alone. I have read one other book in the series and enjoyed it also. Brecee and Adrian meets after she had just gotten her first speeding ticket and was upset about it. He was concerned about her being upset. She is a pediatrician and he is car salesman but he has a fancy name for it. Hers is a church going family and his is not. They have a lot to work out. Loved the faith in God they had, this was such a refreshing story. Adrian discovers a lot about his family, how things came down from his grandparents. I received this book from the book club network in exchange for a honest review.
November 6, 2015
I enjoyed reading book 3 of Pat Simmons’ trilogy about the Carmen sisters. It is a standalone book but you might like reading the others in the series first. I especially enjoyed the realistic settings and descriptions. I also liked the connection across generations in this story. If you haven’t been to church lately, this book will take you there. This is Christian fiction first and romantic fiction second, showing by example that our relationship with the Lord needs to come before our relationship with a romantic interest. I received a copy from the publisher by way of The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2015
This was a delightful inspirational romantic novel. This book is #3 of The Carmen Sisters series, but you don't have to read the first two books in the series before reading this one.
This book follows Brecee Carmen, the youngest of the Carmen sisters. She is the only sister that isn't married, and she looking for her one true love. She meets Adrian Cole. However, they don't have much in common. She is a pediatrician; he is a car salesman. They pursue their relationship and discover many things along the way.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good, clean, romance novel.
I received this book from bookfun for my honest opinion.
This book follows Brecee Carmen, the youngest of the Carmen sisters. She is the only sister that isn't married, and she looking for her one true love. She meets Adrian Cole. However, they don't have much in common. She is a pediatrician; he is a car salesman. They pursue their relationship and discover many things along the way.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good, clean, romance novel.
I received this book from bookfun for my honest opinion.
September 6, 2015
I thought it was great, I've read the rest of the Carmen sister series and finally seeing what the youngest Sabrecee was just excellent I continue to love the relationship between the Carmen family. This was such a great conclusion though I feel that Ms. Simmons leaves room to revisit the family by the way of Victor and Dino the male cousins. If you love fun and romance and a spunky and fiesty heroin that is unapologetic faith centered than this is the story for you!!!
March 1, 2016
This is an enjoyable, inspirational book. It is a true contemorary Christian romance. There is a believer and a non-believer in love. It is always amazing even in fiction to see how God works in people's lives. I recommend this to anyone who wants an enjoyable, good romance novel.
I received the book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion
I received the book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion
November 11, 2015
Driven to Be Loved is one of the best contemporary romances I have read in a while. The characters and scenes are true to life and I felt like I was right there. I highly recommend this book.
5+ stars
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion, which was given.
5+ stars
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion, which was given.
August 28, 2018
I loved this story and the relationship Adrian and Sabrece built was everything. The familial relationship of both sides was phenomenal and centered around God and promises made long before any of them were created. I would love to see a story with Dolan and Rita.
September 18, 2015
I absolutely love Pat Simmons! Her Christian influence and great story lines never disappoint! Can't wait for the next installment of the guilty series.
May 17, 2016
5 Stars!!
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