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Unfailing Love #6
What If I Loved You
Sara Williams wasn’t always Sara Williams. Twelve years ago, she was Liz Jennings—small-town nobody and best friend of Ian Hart. The only future she could imagine included him, but after one tragic night, she’s forced to flee her home and leave behind the best friend she secretly loves.
Ian Hart was sure of two things. He was in love with his best friend, and he’d do anything to protect her. As teenagers, they made a pact to run away together, but when she left town without him, Ian spiraled into a storm of anger.
Now she’s back with a new name and a dozen secrets. When they’re forced to work together, the things they don’t say threaten to shatter any hope that they could regain their lost trust. Meanwhile, a town of busybodies are stirring up trouble, and Sara is a sitting duck while her biggest threat is on the move. What if the monster she’s running from steals their happily ever after?
A homecoming story about forgiveness that's sure to touch your heart.
What if I Loved You is the sixth book in the Unfailing Love series, but the books can be read in any order.
Ian Hart was sure of two things. He was in love with his best friend, and he’d do anything to protect her. As teenagers, they made a pact to run away together, but when she left town without him, Ian spiraled into a storm of anger.
Now she’s back with a new name and a dozen secrets. When they’re forced to work together, the things they don’t say threaten to shatter any hope that they could regain their lost trust. Meanwhile, a town of busybodies are stirring up trouble, and Sara is a sitting duck while her biggest threat is on the move. What if the monster she’s running from steals their happily ever after?
A homecoming story about forgiveness that's sure to touch your heart.
What if I Loved You is the sixth book in the Unfailing Love series, but the books can be read in any order.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2020
About the author
Mandi Blake
44 books888 followersMandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 15, 2026
Perfect ending to the series
I love how this book wrapped everything up for not only Ian and Sara but the whole crew of friends. It was fabulous and even though it touched on some hard and dark things I love how Mandi Blake always brings in the light of Christ.
Wonderfully done as always
I love how this book wrapped everything up for not only Ian and Sara but the whole crew of friends. It was fabulous and even though it touched on some hard and dark things I love how Mandi Blake always brings in the light of Christ.
Wonderfully done as always
May 6, 2020
This is a well written book that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. It has action, drama, suspense and romance. The author makes the book come to life with her words, you can feel all of the emotions and the book played out like a movie in my mind. I can't say enough good things about this book without letting a spoiler slip out. I highly recommend this book and the entire series. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 8, 2020
What If I Loved You by Mandi Blake is the last in the Unfailing Love Series. This features Ian and Sara. This has mystery, suspense and of course romance. I loved how the author tied up the ending with an update on all the characters from each of the previous books. It was a sweet happily ever after.
May 15, 2020
This is a faith filled story about second chances. I love reading story where the reader gets to see a character grow and become a better person. This book is a great example of that and so much more.
June 26, 2020
Nice ending for this series. I enjoyed the main characters very much and the secondary ones enhanced and moved the storyline along. The faith based theme added realism in that when everything else is lost, if you have faith, you have hope. Great editing.
May 12, 2020
I loved this story and the second chance romance of Ian and Sarah. It was such a rewarding journey with a touch of suspense that had me turning the pages to see how it would turn out.
Blake does a wonderful job of putting the reader inside the story, and her writing style is simply a pleasure to read.
Looking forward to whatever Blake writes next!
Blake does a wonderful job of putting the reader inside the story, and her writing style is simply a pleasure to read.
Looking forward to whatever Blake writes next!
June 4, 2020
I loved this last book in the Unfailing Love series! Ian & Sarah’s story is so sweet. I loved catching up with the others characters at the end of the book as well. Great series and I highly recommend!
May 13, 2020
Reviewing What If I Loved You is very bittersweet for me. Over the last year, I've truly come to love Carson, Georgia and the lovely residents that call it home. After first being intrigued by Ian's character in the first couple of books, I honestly couldn't wait for him to get his own story. I couldn't wait to pick this one up and dive into what I knew was going to be another fantastic story by the talented Mandi Blake. However, I'm so sad that this is the final title in the Unfailing Love series. After reading about these characters so many times, I was sad to have to say goodbye. I knew though, that Mandi would do a fantastic job of sending this series off with a really sweet farewell, and even though I'm sad it's the last title, it was a truly an amazing read, and a fantastic final visit to one of my favorite fictional small town settings.
Ian and Sara's story doesn't have the most typical of starts. At one point she was Liz Jennings, and she was also Ian's best friend. Her mysterious disappearance one night when they were both still in high school is something that Ian was never able to get over, and as such, has contributed to the bitter, standoffish man he is today. Sara always regretted having to leave her best friend, but she did what she thought was best for him at the time. 12 years later, thanks to the generosity of their elderly next door neighbor growing up, they're forcibly reunited thanks to his will and its unexpected instructions. Sara and Ian soon can't deny that their friendship is still there simmering under the surface, and that they're both interested in more. However, there's a reason Sara was forced to flee Carson when she did, and that reason is surrounded in sinister circumstances that constantly have her looking over her shoulder. Sara and Ian's relationship might seem too complicated to ever make it work, but they'll soon learn that if they truly trust God, and learn to let go and let Him, that He can work in amazing ways that none of us could have ever seen coming.
I can wholeheartedly state that Mandi Blake gets better and better with each and every book she writes. I've loved every title she's ever released, and it would be extremely hard for me to pick a favorite, but Ian and Sara's story had me completely absorbed in the way everything was unraveling, and it definitely pulled at my heartstrings and had me tearing up. I loved the fact that their story is a second chance romance, that if focuses heavily around faith, forgiveness, and redemption, and that it has an even stronger mystery/sinister element that had me constantly guessing around every single plot twist and turn.
If you've never read a book by this author before, then you definitely need to do so. I can't recommend this whole series enough, and What If I Loved You is the perfect conclusion to an amazing series. I loved that Mandi chose to feature every single character introduced throughout the previous book in this last title, and it definitely was an added treat getting one last visit all of my favorites (I'm especially looking at you Marcus and Tori!) Once again, Mandi managed to not only meet every expectation I had for this story, but to far exceed them, and I know a reread of this entire series is going to be something I need to do in the very near future. I'm sad it's the last title, but I can't wait to discover what other amazing stories that Mandi has in store for her readers in the future! She's definitely made me a lifelong reader of her books.
Final Rating: 5/5
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for providing me with a complimentary copy of this one!
I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel to voluntarily read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.
Ian and Sara's story doesn't have the most typical of starts. At one point she was Liz Jennings, and she was also Ian's best friend. Her mysterious disappearance one night when they were both still in high school is something that Ian was never able to get over, and as such, has contributed to the bitter, standoffish man he is today. Sara always regretted having to leave her best friend, but she did what she thought was best for him at the time. 12 years later, thanks to the generosity of their elderly next door neighbor growing up, they're forcibly reunited thanks to his will and its unexpected instructions. Sara and Ian soon can't deny that their friendship is still there simmering under the surface, and that they're both interested in more. However, there's a reason Sara was forced to flee Carson when she did, and that reason is surrounded in sinister circumstances that constantly have her looking over her shoulder. Sara and Ian's relationship might seem too complicated to ever make it work, but they'll soon learn that if they truly trust God, and learn to let go and let Him, that He can work in amazing ways that none of us could have ever seen coming.
I can wholeheartedly state that Mandi Blake gets better and better with each and every book she writes. I've loved every title she's ever released, and it would be extremely hard for me to pick a favorite, but Ian and Sara's story had me completely absorbed in the way everything was unraveling, and it definitely pulled at my heartstrings and had me tearing up. I loved the fact that their story is a second chance romance, that if focuses heavily around faith, forgiveness, and redemption, and that it has an even stronger mystery/sinister element that had me constantly guessing around every single plot twist and turn.
If you've never read a book by this author before, then you definitely need to do so. I can't recommend this whole series enough, and What If I Loved You is the perfect conclusion to an amazing series. I loved that Mandi chose to feature every single character introduced throughout the previous book in this last title, and it definitely was an added treat getting one last visit all of my favorites (I'm especially looking at you Marcus and Tori!) Once again, Mandi managed to not only meet every expectation I had for this story, but to far exceed them, and I know a reread of this entire series is going to be something I need to do in the very near future. I'm sad it's the last title, but I can't wait to discover what other amazing stories that Mandi has in store for her readers in the future! She's definitely made me a lifelong reader of her books.
Final Rating: 5/5
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for providing me with a complimentary copy of this one!
I received a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel to voluntarily read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.
December 13, 2020
What If I Loved You by Mandi Blake was the first book of the Unfailing Love series that I had read.I was drawn to What If I Loved You when I read the description and I liked it so much that I decided to read the rest of the books in the series. Although What If I Loved You can be read as a standalone, it is so much better in the series.
Sara Williams was forced out of town twelve years ago, running from her small-town because of one tragic night. She left behind her only home and her best friend, who she secretly loves. I felt so bad for Sara, she was forced into a situation that she didn't’ want to be in. She was such a sweet girl who just wanted her life back together. She never wanted to leave Ian, but she didn’t want him to leave his life for her. He was her best friend, her protector.
Sara had a hard life, but she didn’t allow it to get her down. She learned to trust God through all of her trials. However she also needed to learn to trust her friends and know that they would stand by her. She needed to learn that Ian would stand by her and that she loved her.
Ian was a big bear, he was gruff but he cared deeply. Sara, or Liv Jennings as he knew her before, was his best friend and the love of his life. He fell apart when Sara left him and he never recovered. He tried to fix up his life, but he ended up making big mistakes. Ian had to learn to forgive Sara for leaving and turn back to God. He loved Sara deeply, and she nearly broke his heart when she left. She was his everything and he had to learn how to let her back in.
What If I Loved You was such a sweet book, and I adored the characters. Ian and Sara were perfect together and they deserved their happy ending. I really liked seeing the other characters again and they were such good friends, they stood by Ian and Sara. I would definitely recommend What If I Loved You! I actually recommend the whole Unfailing Love series! What If I Love You is a sweet, clean, Christian romance.
Sara Williams was forced out of town twelve years ago, running from her small-town because of one tragic night. She left behind her only home and her best friend, who she secretly loves. I felt so bad for Sara, she was forced into a situation that she didn't’ want to be in. She was such a sweet girl who just wanted her life back together. She never wanted to leave Ian, but she didn’t want him to leave his life for her. He was her best friend, her protector.
Sara had a hard life, but she didn’t allow it to get her down. She learned to trust God through all of her trials. However she also needed to learn to trust her friends and know that they would stand by her. She needed to learn that Ian would stand by her and that she loved her.
Ian was a big bear, he was gruff but he cared deeply. Sara, or Liv Jennings as he knew her before, was his best friend and the love of his life. He fell apart when Sara left him and he never recovered. He tried to fix up his life, but he ended up making big mistakes. Ian had to learn to forgive Sara for leaving and turn back to God. He loved Sara deeply, and she nearly broke his heart when she left. She was his everything and he had to learn how to let her back in.
What If I Loved You was such a sweet book, and I adored the characters. Ian and Sara were perfect together and they deserved their happy ending. I really liked seeing the other characters again and they were such good friends, they stood by Ian and Sara. I would definitely recommend What If I Loved You! I actually recommend the whole Unfailing Love series! What If I Love You is a sweet, clean, Christian romance.
May 18, 2020
Wow!! I've loved this series, but I have to say, Mandi saved the best for last!!! Ian was a hard man to get to know, but in this book, he shines!! From the angry man to the gentle, loving, accepting man; from the man that turned away from God to the man that turned back and became a great man!! WOW!!! Liz left without a chance to say goodbye. Made a decision to not include Ian, afraid of what he might do, and afraid of what might happen to him. Now, she's back, and getting back with Ian is her dream come true. Their journey back together isn't easy, but man, is it worth it!! Ian had led her to Christ when they were younger, and she leads him back as a man. Great story!!!!!! This series is best read in order.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
November 26, 2025
Mandi Blake closes out her Unfailing Love series with a heartfelt, suspense-tinged second chance romance that completely swept me up. What If I Loved You follows Sara—formerly Liz—who returns to her hometown after twelve years of running, only to come face-to-face with the boy she once loved and the past she tried to leave behind.
Ian and Sara’s reunion is everything I love about a second chance romance: tender, complicated, full of unspoken history, and beautifully grounded in forgiveness. Their chemistry glows from the start, but it’s their emotional journey—working through fear, hurt, and old love—that makes this story so rewarding. There’s also just enough mystery and danger woven through to keep the tension high and the pages turning.
As always, Blake’s writing pulls you right into the heart of the story. I loved how this final book brings closure to the whole series, offering sweet glimpses of characters we’ve come to love along the way. It truly felt like a perfect goodbye to Unfailing Love, and honestly… this might be my favorite in the entire series.
Ian and Sara’s reunion is everything I love about a second chance romance: tender, complicated, full of unspoken history, and beautifully grounded in forgiveness. Their chemistry glows from the start, but it’s their emotional journey—working through fear, hurt, and old love—that makes this story so rewarding. There’s also just enough mystery and danger woven through to keep the tension high and the pages turning.
As always, Blake’s writing pulls you right into the heart of the story. I loved how this final book brings closure to the whole series, offering sweet glimpses of characters we’ve come to love along the way. It truly felt like a perfect goodbye to Unfailing Love, and honestly… this might be my favorite in the entire series.
May 16, 2020
This was such a sweet story about childhood friends being reunited after a traumatic incident forced them apart. It has just the right amount of mystery to keep you turning the pages while keeping the overall theme clean romance. While reading the previous 5 books in the series, I’d always been curious about Ian’s personality and past, so it was great to finally learn more about the grouch!
What I love about this story is that it shows you there are two sides to every story; things aren’t always as they appear.
What I love about this story is that it shows you there are two sides to every story; things aren’t always as they appear.
May 14, 2020
Lizzy/Sara had to leave her best friend without saying goodbye as she was whisked away by her elderly neighbor in his version of a witness protection plan. Twelve years later the elderly neighbor has passed away and Sara goes back to her hometown where Mr. Garrison’s will strives to bring 2 people together again. This is a Christian romance and shows you the power of love. I really enjoyed the mini-epilogues of each of the friends at the end of the book.
May 18, 2020
Sara aka Liz and Ian were best friends growing up and he tried to protect as best he could from her abusive father until one day he came home from vacation and she wasn't there. It's revealed in the story why and the situation adds to the suspense. Ian has to get past being angry all the time in order to let her into his heart again. There was plenty of suspense, sweet romance, and Christian messages. I love that the epilogue caught up on the rest of the characters in this series and their growing families.
May 18, 2020
Mandi Blake has broken my heart with these words “sixth and last book of this series”. I highly recommend you read the first 5 books to get the best experience from this book. All of Sara’s and Ian’s friends will be familiar to you and you will know their stories. These books have the right amount of romance, conflict, wit and compelling story line. Another word of warning don’t start this book if you are wanting to go to sleep anytime soon. You will be forced to finish one more chapter until you are so close to the end that you might as well finish the book.
May 14, 2020
This is an amazing story. What Sara (Liz) has gone through in the past has not inherently changed who she basically is. Ian has allowed his anger and hurt to consume his life. This is the story of their second chance. Wonderfully written characters.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
May 14, 2020
Sara and Ian were best friends and planned a future together until she disappeared without explanation now years later she has returned. Sara left because of the danger and the only way she could think to do was to leave all that she loved. Can Ian and Sara rekindle the feelings that they once had and is the threat from years ago gone away? Wonderful story and well written characters.
May 23, 2020
Love this author's style and that she does it while keeping her reads clean. It's a refreshing break from the trend to describe too much in too much detail. Her reads are powerful with a strong message that doesn't feel like preaching but does get the message across. This time two who grew up together are torn apart by no fault of their own. Decisions and consequences give them a chance to live and love without fear or consequence. Loved the characters and the emotions this author brings to life.
May 5, 2020
A beautiful story of love and inner peace that with the help of God all can be achieved.
This is a sweet read and a feel good book, although it starts of sad I was happy it all ended well. A highly recommended feel good book. Another great read from Mandi Blake.
This is a sweet read and a feel good book, although it starts of sad I was happy it all ended well. A highly recommended feel good book. Another great read from Mandi Blake.
May 14, 2020
A well written, interesting story of major life changes that were not anticipated and the effect on all involved. Heartwarming, wonderful story to fill these days of quarantine with hope in our loving God. I truly recommend this book. It is the 6th in a series but easily stands alone.
May 18, 2020
What a great way to end this series!! Such a sweet, clean romance. It was a super easy read. The whole series was amazing. I hate that I'm done with it!!!
May 20, 2020
This was an excellent clean read. The characters are all well written and developed. The story and the emotional turmoil between characters, the suspense, it was all very well written. I have not read any of Mandi Blake's books that I have not loved and this one did not disappoint either.
June 12, 2020
PRAISE GOD!
Oh, how so amazing this book was! Thank you Mandi for the way you allow the Lord to guide your writing. Your books are clean, inspiring, romantic, true love and of course happy ending. LOVE IT. More please :)
Oh, how so amazing this book was! Thank you Mandi for the way you allow the Lord to guide your writing. Your books are clean, inspiring, romantic, true love and of course happy ending. LOVE IT. More please :)
June 11, 2020
This is a wonderful story. The way the characters were torn apart for years then brought back together, was a nice surprise. Action, love, turmoil. It is in this story and you won't be disappointed. I truly love the book. I received this book as a gift in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2020
Ian and Sara's story is one of heart wrenching grief and how God's mercy and grace covers it all. Both had to overcome things in their lives that caused pain and anguish, yet they were able to draw together and over come. I loved the glimpse into each couples lives at the conclusion, it’s always wonderful to see those continuing relationships. Just glorious!!!!
January 1, 2022
Way to wrap it up!
The book had me in its power from the first page! It was exciting, dangerous, captivating, romantic and filled with love from friends and family! Loved how everyone from the series had a little spotlight at the end!
The book had me in its power from the first page! It was exciting, dangerous, captivating, romantic and filled with love from friends and family! Loved how everyone from the series had a little spotlight at the end!
April 11, 2021
Mandi Blake is fast becoming one of my favorite clean romance authors. This is the romance between Ian and Sara/Liz it was fabulous to see these two best friends that haven’t seen each other in 12 years, to overcome past hurts to fall in love with each other. Do yourself a favor and pick up a Mandi Blake book up.
June 19, 2020
Full of emotion
A book packed full of emotion that it captures you from the very first page and keeps you there right up to the end.
A great series, that brings previous characters back in while letting the present characters shine. A fantastic friend group that stands the test of time and is in your corner when you need them, no questions asked
A book packed full of emotion that it captures you from the very first page and keeps you there right up to the end.
A great series, that brings previous characters back in while letting the present characters shine. A fantastic friend group that stands the test of time and is in your corner when you need them, no questions asked
March 25, 2021
Homecoming
Liz\Sara leaves town after a horrific event. Ian is devastated at her leaving. Twelve years later she returns with a new name. Can they renew the friendship? Can Ian make her fall in love with him? This book is so fAbulous, the whole series is great.
Liz\Sara leaves town after a horrific event. Ian is devastated at her leaving. Twelve years later she returns with a new name. Can they renew the friendship? Can Ian make her fall in love with him? This book is so fAbulous, the whole series is great.
March 21, 2024
Liz and Ian were best friends. The neighbor between them, an elderly man named Mr. Garrison,realizes things are not good at home for Liz. He helps Ian to help Liz. One day, while Ian is on vacation with his family...Liz disappeared.
Liz is back, but she's no longer Liz. She's been Sara for the last 12 years. She came back because Mr. Garrison has died and she's a benefactor of his will. So is Ian and there are conditions to their inheritance.
She's still not safe...
Recommended reading.
Liz is back, but she's no longer Liz. She's been Sara for the last 12 years. She came back because Mr. Garrison has died and she's a benefactor of his will. So is Ian and there are conditions to their inheritance.
She's still not safe...
Recommended reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews