Because We Believed

Transformed by Love #4

by Juliette Duncan

A young woman seeking her family. A young man searching for love...

Determined and gritty, Marta Rodriguez has seen the best and worst of life, and is super protective of the new life she’s forged for herself and her young daughter.

In the small town of Salford where she works at a women’s refuge, she’s finally found equilibrium and peace.

Until her daughter, Angel, is teased at school because she doesn’t know who her father is.

Paul Petersen holds high standards when it comes to choosing a life partner, but at age 26, he’s not actively searching for love. He’s studied hard and is enjoying his role as chaplain at the Salford Christian School. Although not overly religious, he’s happy to simply trust God to bring the right girl along at the right time.

But when his path connects with Marta’s, a captivating single mother who attracts him with her determination and grit, he wonders if she’s ‘the one’.

Marta’s determination to find her family leads her down a rabbit warren of twists and turns. Paul is patient with her, but when her obsession for helping a young pregnant girl results in a life and death situation, they both have to believe that God is greater than the crazed man holding her hostage.  

Can Marta allow God to lead and guide her, or will her hasty decisions put both her and her daughter in danger? Will Paul and Marta find love before it’s too late?

Because We Believed is Book Four in Transformed by Love, a heartwarming, inspirational Christian Romance Series. Grab your copy now of this Christian romance novel filled with faith and hope, written by best-selling Contemporary Christian Romance author, Juliette Duncan.

Books by Juliette Duncan

Contemporary Christian Romance

The Shadows Series

Lingering Shadows

Facing the Shadows

Beyond the Shadows

Secrets and Sacrifice

A Highland Christmas

The True Love Series

Tender Love

Tested Love

Tormented Love

Triumphant Love

True Love at Christmas

Promises of Love

Precious Love Series

Forever Cherished

Forever Faithful

Forever His

The Potter’s House Books Series

The Homecoming

Unchained

Blessings of Love

The Hope We Share

A Time for Everything Series

A Time to Treasure

A Time to Care

A Time to Abide

A Time to Rejoice

Billionaires with Heart Christian Romance Series

Her Kind-Hearted Billionaire

Her Generous Billionaire

Her Disgraced Billionaire

Transformed by Love

Because We Loved

Because We Forgave

Because We Dreamed

Becuase We Believed

Middle Grade Christian Fiction

The Madeleine Richards Series

Rebellion in Riversleigh

Problems in Paradise

Trouble in Town

For all my books: https://readerlinks.com/mybooks/564

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2020

About the author

Juliette Duncan is a USA Today bestselling author of Christian romance stories that ‘touch the heart and soul’. She lives on Queensland's beautiful Sunshine Coast, Australia, and writes Christian fiction that encourages a deeper faith in a world that seems to have lost its way. Most of her stories include an element of romance, but the main love story in each of her books is always God's amazing, unconditional love for His wayward children.

Juliette and her husband enjoy spending time with their five adult children and eleven grandchildren, When not writing, Juliette and her husband I love exploring the wonderful world we live in.

Please feel free to contact Juliette by email (author@julietteduncan.com) or via Facebook.

Reviews

[Marta Aldrighetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marta is a single mom, what challenges in her life!
Fortunately, now she has kind friends that help her.
But the past sometimes...
Lovely and realistic story, God centered, inspiring.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story from an author that you can trust will give you an excellent book to read. This book takes us into the lives of Marta, her daughter Angel and the chaplain from Angel's school, Paul. Marta's life has been full of traumatic experiences that have made her a woman that has a hard time opening up to any man in her life. Angel is the sweetest little girl you can imagine and Paul is a wonderful man that has traumatic experiences also. This story takes place in Salford a 3 hour drive from Melbourne. I enjoyed getting to know the characters especially Marta she reminded me a little of myself, someone that is strong minded and learning to hear God's voice and trusting Him for the best outcome in life. This story will touch your heart as you follow Marta along the path her life is taking. There is some suspense in this story and also romance. Everything rolls along at a great pace. You can trust this author, as a Christian she brings scripture in to the story that is not preachy, but presented in the way a Christian live their lives in constant communion with God as they learn to trust in every way. A beautiful book that will not disappoint.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. I am leaving a review because I truly enjoyed it and wanted to share my own honest opinion.

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal read with so many good themes: abusive relationships and the hold they have, healing after an abusive relationship, God rescuing us so we can rescue others and point them to his healing, finding true love only after accepting fact we may be single forever, searching for family and heritage to find family I’m unlikely places, following Gods leading and not running on our own will, and spiritual warfare.

This story is a beautiful picture of living life in sync with the Spirit and the importance of poly tying on the armor of God. For our battles are not really against the person or situation in front of us but against the powers of darkness and this can only be dealt this by prayer and Gods leading. This story struck a chord with me having grown up on an abusive home and God healing me to heal from deep scars. I especially loved the example of how our own pain can be Gods calling on our lives to helping others in that same situation.

So get a copy today and be reminded of Gods healing, His guidance, His protection, His goodness to us.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

You will enjoy this book of how God forgives our past when we turn to Him! Marta Rodriguez has an amazing story of never knowing any family except her mother who died when she was young. After being shuttled through foster homes where she was afraid to love anyone, Marta ended up pregnant and in an abusive relationship. Now Marta is works with women in a shelter as she supports her young daughter. You will admire Marta and how she looks to God for strength. Paul Peterson is a single school counselor who calls Marta when her daughter is being teased about not knowing anything about her father. The chemistry between Marta and Paul begins! There are surprising results when Marta becomes curious about her own family. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marta, a single mum, has moved on from her past drug addiction and is no longer in an abusive relationship. Now a Christian, she is using her experiences to help other women in the shelter where she works. When her young daughter has problems at school she meets the school chaplain whom she connects too, especially when she is asked to share her story at schools. When Marta starts trying to find her family (which does not go as expected), he offers to help. I felt we really got to know Marta as she worked to overcome the insecurities of her background and even though we first met Marta in the previous book 'Because We Dreamed', this book can easily be read as a standalone. I received an ARC copy of this book but all opinions expressed are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the main characters, Marta and Paul, to be likable and admirable. Marta had overcome a horrible childhood and then, as a teen, an abusive relationship with an older man. She had escaped and became a responsible single mom to Angel, a sweetie that you'll fall for too. Juliette Duncan seamlessly weaves faith into the story. Although the book deals with some tough subjects, it focuses on forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation and left me feeling uplifted. There are some twists and turns to the plot that I did not see coming. I would recommend Because We Believed to Christian fiction and Christian romance readers and to readers of clean/wholesome romance. I obtained my copy through KU.

[Mary Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I have really enjoyed the whole series. Juliette Duncan has written a book about second chances and how people can find that happy ending. This one tells the story of Marta, a woman that was abused when younger and how she has used that to help others. It is a real page turner. I couldn't put it down. I think when you start reading it, you'll be hooked. The sun can come out after the storm and this book is a prime example.
I did receive a complementary copy of the book from the publisher, but the comments are all my own. Read this book. You'll love it!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliette Duncan’s book Because We Believed:
Marta had a awful childhood. When she met the amazing people at the rescue her life changed. Marta is a wonderful person who is always helping others plus raising her beautiful daughter Angel. When Paul request that Marta comes to the school to talk about Angel her life and everything changes for her. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful story. I had the honor to review this book for Juliette Duncan. She is a wonderful Christian author. I am blessed to be on her review team.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because We Believed: A Christian Romance
By: Juliette Duncan
I enjoyed this story very much. I was drawn in and could not put it down. A woman who was abused in her younger life is trying to raise her young daughter on her own. She is a very protective mother who loved her daughter. This is a Christian romance and had me in tears . Hurt, abuse, emotion, helping others, and second chances. Can there be a second chance for a woman who has been through so much?
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I received a free copy of the short novel Because We Believed: A Christian Romance (Transformed by Love Book 4)by Juliette Duncan and this review was given freely.
A poignant but inspiring story of Faith, trust, and finding both love and closure after abuse.
Multiple chance meetings bring the new chaplain at Salford Christian School,Paul Peterson, together with refuge worker and single mom Marta Rodriguez who is seeking out the truth of her parentage while caring for her six year old daughter Angel and trying to help troubled teenage girls.

[Susan Jalosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relationships are hard and sometimes we get into them and find out the other person isn’t who we think they are. Marta found this out the hard way. Thankfully someone saw her predicament and helped her out. Now she is helping others and healing broken lives. Paul is not looking for love, but finds it in Marta. Together they bring two people to new life in Chris and start a new relationship with each other. I am reviewing this book after receiving and advance copy. These thoughts are my own.

[Mrs Judith Darby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gripping story that was told in a thoughtful and compassionate way. A story of a young girls tragedy that was used to provide hope to others. There was a real honesty to the book that made me want to continue reading until the end. Couldn't put it down. Highly recommend. I was given a free copy of this book but this has in no way influenced my review. Another great read from Juliet Duncan.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and its unusual content!
This book begins somewhat differently than you might expect, and an attraction seems to develop quickly between the two main characters, Paul and Marta. A lot of things happen that you wouldn’t even think about, as the story flows from one scene to another. You can’t help but keep reading, because you want to know how it turns out! I would encourage you to get this book.

[JLS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliette Duncan has a uniquely powerful way of dealing with sensitive subjects. Because We Believed deals with domestic violence and troubled teens. Yet it also promises the redemptive love of God. When everyone else lets you down and you are feeling all alone, God promises to be there.
Paul and Marta's story is a sweet and moving love story which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review

[SJ Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, this was so good. I really enjoyed getting to know Marta, and being with her as she discovered the truths of her family. I was on the edge of my seat, fussing at her when she didn't tell anyone what she was doing. Even though she was listening to the holy spirit, she put herself in a very dangerous situation. I highly recommend 'Because We Believe'. Very inspiring story!
I received the book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Anne Bester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible book by Juliette Duncan. This time she tackles the difficult subject of domestic violence and does an amazing job of bringing across the story in a real life way. It had me in tears as well as sitting on the edge of my seat not knowing what would happen. I couldn't put it down until I found out what happened. I would definitely recommend reading this book. I did receive a complementary copy of the book from the publisher, but the comments are all my own.

[Sharon Tipton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story of experiencing God's love. Marta Rodriguez is a brave and courageous woman. She has lots of love for her daughter and others. Helping with abused victims and giving speaches to young girls on what she went through with an abusive relationship took a lot of prayer but with God's help she got through. She had some amazing friends that helped her get out and straighten her life out. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review. I loved this story.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book, but the following is my honest review. Juliette Duncan has woven a story of happenings that are currently going on close to you though unknown. Drugs and alcohol create monsters that not only hurt themselves but often those around them. This is a story of one such victim and how she overcame it and goes on to help others through her first hand experience.

[NanaShauna Joesten · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gripping story that is definitely a read that I recommend. I love how the Author has done the World Building. And the main Character Marta really pulls you in. I definitely recommend also that you may want some tissues handy. This is a real page turner that I could not put down. Its definitely a must read.
Shauna Joesten

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that is full of emotions. It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's a wonderful inspirational story about overcoming your past and helping others who are struggling. It has drama, suspense and romance, and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes well written christian fiction.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young woman with a child - but no husband. And the child starts to make up stories about her father . . . now what? She totally believes that God is her Father - and now she has to explain to her daughter about why she does not have one. THIS IS A GREAT STORY OF HOPE, HEALING AND REDEMPTION!!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a tearjerker but also filled with hope for those in abusive situations. The talks Marta gives are talks I hope those that read this book will also encourage their daughters to read. Hopefully & prayerfully forewarned can be a deterent to wrong relationships. "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."

[Marsha Smedley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good story! God places the right person in your life for a reason.
This insperational story is about starting over and listening for God to speak to you.
I so enjoy the intriguing and heart pounding story that is included in the love story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The review is my own.

[Amanda Fraley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book that touches on some important issues. I can relate to this book because I was a single mom for some time after a difficult marriage.
This book is easy to read and has a great storyline.
I did receive an advanced copy of the book from the publisher. The review is my own voluntarily.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of growing up as a foster child, making a wrong choice as an adult and doing her best to do things better for her and her daughter. When a great man comes along only God can make a relationship worthwhile. Also maybe some dreams will come true. Volunteered to review complimentary copy.

[etta hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliette Duncan’s books reveal her love for God

Once again I am enjoying another great series by Juliette Duncan! Once I begin a series, I can’t put it down. The transformed by love series continues to prove this! I highly recommend reading each series by Juliette Duncan. You will not be disappointed!

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marta works at a shelter for women. Having been abused by her boyfriend, she understands what many of the women having gone through. As she reaches out to help others, she finds freedom to love again.

I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.

[Noma Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! A young mother and her daughters councilor are thrown together because of kids at school and from there sparks fly! I received an ARC of this book and am giving my opinion of the book so others might find the book and enjoy it like I did!

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, clean, Christian romance. Themes of surviving a bad situation and making a life for yourself, of finding hope and second chances, and of being brave.

I received a free copy of they book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Ochegba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story of redemption and grace, I love how the author outlined sensitive topics and yet dealt with them with grace. Marta was an interesting character to read about, I love how she reached out to share her experiences with different people and try to help them.
The unexpected twists in the story were an added bonus too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine