Beautiful Storm

Unfailing Love #4

by Mandi Blake

Tori’s life was perfect—a successful job, a doctor for a husband, and a pristine loft in Chicago—until her husband left her for someone else. With her divorce comes a surprise cabin in the Deep South, and she wants nothing more than to get rid of it so she can get her life back in order.

Marcus is the self-appointed guardian of his sister and three brothers, while their mother lives a toxic lifestyle, but one call to his auto repair shop from an entitled city girl turns his world upside down. He’s a master of reading people, but the feisty newcomer poses an interesting challenge.

As their lonely hearts search for help and healing with each other and God, the dangers of the world come knocking. Will Tori be able to save his family and make him see that their differences aren’t enough to keep them apart?

A sweet, Christian romance that shows us that love is greater than our circumstances.

Beautiful Storm is book four in the Unfailing Love series, but the books can be read in any order.

Genres: Christian, Romance, Christian Romance, Clean Romance, Contemporary, Christian Fiction, Audiobook

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2019

About the author

Mandi 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.

Reviews

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Mandi Blake!! Marcus and Tori's story was great!!! We met Marcus in the earlier books, but didn't know too much about him. In this one, we find out why he's the quiet loner. He has a strong faith, and helps Tori to find her way to God. He just has to learn to open himself up to love, and that he's worthy of being loved. He figures it out in the story, and we get our happy ending. So glad that the story doesn't end there, though!! We'll be able to keep up with them in the next book, too, like we did with the others in the earlier books here. This can be read as a stand alone, you won't miss much if you don't read the others, but to me, they're best read in order.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to leave a review. The opinion expressed is totally my own.

[Nari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can stand on its own even though it is part of a series. I love seeing the other characters from previous books show up. This book is about Marcus who the reader meets in earlier books. He is the mechanic in town. Tori is in town trying to sell a cabin her cheating ex husband left her in the divorce. Both have a lot of heartache to work. Their journey is beautiful and inspiring. This is a Christian romance which gives the story an added depth.

[K. Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book so far in the Unfailing Love series. I know I've said it each time a new book releases, but this story truly captivated my heart! I felt the emotion of Marcus and Tori and the author developed their characters so well, intertwining family and friendships as their relationship grew. I loved how she tied in the characters from the other books into this story as well. This series has quickly become one of my favorites as well as Mandi Blake as an author.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Mandi Blake. It's such a sweet romantic story. It's a clean, christian based story. I love the characters Tori and Marcus. They came into each others lives at just the right time. I will definitely be checking out more books by Mandi!
I received a complimentary copy of the book, and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Linda Lee]

Well written, clean romance. Mandi Blake tells a beautiful story of love, faith and learning from life that will warm your heart. Complex characters that find peace and happiness as they accept who God made them to be.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in one sitting!!! Tori and Marcus are just and incredible couple and are perfect for each other. Loved getting to know his siblings. Romance, family, loser ex, troubled mom and a group of amazing friends are the main parts this book. Forgiveness given and received especially when not deserved really made me think. I was sad when it ended but left me with a smile. A definite re read or listen.

[Tiffany Rhea Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful book by Mandi Blake. Two opposites attract but have a happily ever after. I have read the first four books in the series, and have not been disappointed. If you enjoy love stories with a Christian theme, Beautiful Storm and other titles in the Unfailing Love series is for you.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tori was living an empty life in Chicago working as many hours as she could and barely seeing her husband when he tells her he's been seeing another woman and wants a divorce and offers her a cabin in Georgia as part of the settlement. Tori is not very likable at the beginning of the book, with a superior attitude and thought she would only spend as much time at the cabin as it took to get it ready to sell. Marcus was closed off, protective of the troubled siblings he is guardian for, and suspicious of strangers like Tori. They have both been hurt by a parent who should have loved them and he pushes her away several times in the book. Tori was not religious at first, but the book talks heavily about her spiritual conversion and giving herself to Jesus. I liked Marcus siblings, especially his teenage sister Megan who was worried about her wardrobe and excited to go shopping with Tori. But it must have been hard for Tori to consider being with someone who comes with a good sized instant family. This book wasn't as suspenseful as other books in the series as Tori's ex Scott was a jerk at times but not a cruel person. But it still had plenty of sweet and funny moments.

The narrator, Lorana Hoopes, is also a wonderful Christian author who adds emotional inflections, voice tones and changes, and intensity to the story.

[Lorene Teed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series.

[Angeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a sweet one, I loved the characters and the storyline. Beautiful Storm is the fourth book in Mandi Blake’s Unfailing Love series. Marcus and Tori were two broken characters who had to figure out if loving someone was worth the pain they could bring. They were flawed characters who I grew to love.
Marcus was just trying to do his best to raise his younger brothers and sisters, he wants to give them a better life than the one their mom is living. He has everything under control but then a feisty city girl comes in and turns his world upside down. Tori had the perfect life until her husband left her for someone else. Trying to come to grips with her divorce, she finds herself in the Deep South fixing up a cabin that came with the divorce. Will Tori and Marcus help each other heal and learn to trust God, or will their differences keep them apart?
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the family aspect of it and it was fun to see old characters. Marcus was trying so hard to care for his siblings, but he was at his wits ends. I liked Marcus and I found him sweet, he was the strong silent type. He didn't say much but he cared. His relationship with his siblings was super cute, and I loved reading those parts.
Tori was a sweet character, she was reeling from a detour that she did not see coming, so she was just trying to pick up the pieces of her life. However, she was also trying to protect herself and so she never truly gave her husband her heart, meeting Marcus changed everything. But loving someone means being vulnerable and that is a hard thing to handle.
Tori and Marcua had to work through their trust issues in order to make a relationship work. They had to learn to trust God. I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend it! I love the title and I think that it fits this book perfectly. Beautiful Storm is a clean Christian romance.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read/listen. I received an audible and was only asked to listen to it. I share my opinion by my choice. There are the same great characters from the other books in the Unfailing Love series. You can read it alone though just fine. The aches and pains of infidelity and alcohol/drugs on the other family members is brought to life in this book. The healing of our Savior and other loved ones to help us through our daily lives, is also felt. This is worth the read/listen.

[Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandi Blake has quickly become a new favorite author of mine, and Beautiful Storm may just be my favorite by her yet. Marcus and Tori's story is raw, realistic and emotional, and I teared up many times during their journey to finding each other and a stronger faith in the process.

Right from first being introduced to Marcus' character back in Just as I am, I had a feeling his story was going to be worth waiting for, and I was definitely not disappointed. Marcus has not had the easiest life, as disastrous circumstances surrounding his mother have forced him to take drastic measures and take custody of his four school age siblings. He knows a relationship for himself is out of the question, as who could possibly be willing to put up with all of his baggage? Tori is not what Marcus ever planned on, but she just might be one of the best things that's ever happened to him. After her husband's infidelity leaves her questioning everything about herself, Tori road trips to Carson to sell the cabin that her ex-husband left her in the divorce. She's spent her whole life refusing to let anyone in, but there's something about Marcus and his siblings that has her questioning why. As Marcus and Tori begin a beautiful friendship that quickly grows into something more, they'll be forced to come to terms with past hurts, and to realize that all things are only possible through truly trusting Him in all ways of life.

While I have wholeheartedly loved each and every installment in the Unfailing Love series, this one truly over exceeded my expectations. Marcus and Tori were both characters I felt I could relate to, and my heart broke over and over again for them both. I love how strong the faith element is in each and every Mandi Blake title, and that was once again the case with Beautiful Storm. Marcus and Tori both come to realize that a life apart from His Holy Grace is not a life truly worth living, and I love when Christian fiction titles wholeheartedly emphasize this fact. Mandi's writing is beautiful, and I found myself highlighting many passages throughout that I know are going to stick with me a long time after finishing this beautiful story.

I've been a fan of Christmas themed reads for as long as I can remember, and I adored the fact that she chose to set Beautiful Storm during the holiday period. It made an amazing story even better, as the setting was perfect for the emotional turmoil that both characters find themselves trying to wade through.

I also have to mention how much I love that all the previous characters in the series make numerous appearances in this one as well, and I love how the whole cast of characters have come to feel like dear old friends by this point in the series. Carson is a place I'd truly love to live, as that's how amazing and authentic it comes across in Mandi's beautiful writing.

Without a doubt I recommend picking up this lovely story, as I can guarantee you won't be disappointed. Grab a cup of hot tea or cocoa, and settle in for a lovely sweet romance read that will keep you on the edge of your seat while strengthening your faith at the same time.

Final Rating: 5/5

Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for providing a complimentary copy of her novel for me to read and review.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Amazing story with a great ending.

[Donna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent story of what love can really be like and how hard it can be to obtain. I loved Marcus and his dedication to his family! This is a really sweet, clean romance.

[Becky Fenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by author Mandi Blake. This is Tori and Marcus love story. I enjoyed how family played a big part in this book. Marcus siblings were great and hopefully there will be a spinoff series featuring the siblings in the future.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! What a wonderful story of healing and love!

Tori (Victoria) is still reeling from the surprise announcement from her husband that he wants a divorce. As a part of the divorce, she gets a cabin in the Deep South. She is a city girl from Chicago who has never been down south but she determines to see the cabin so she needs to go check it out and ready it for sale. Her car breaks down and that is when she meets Marcus.

Marcus appears to be a brooding, bad boy type of guy. In reality, he is kind and loving and has taken on raising four of his younger siblings because of their mom's addiction issues. The more time he and Tori are around each other, the more they soften. She becomes less citified and he becomes more open with her. Both have experienced pain and loss and disappointment and both can help each other to heal and to love.

I absolutely loved this story. I have read one other book by this author and felt similarly about it, as well. Her books are real and honest and clean. The story is told without sex or violence or foul language.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

[Vibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars) - wounded caregivers find healing care for themselves in God and each other

This story has a gentle, explicatory narrative style. It works fairly well for supporting the development of the relationship between Tori & Marcus, but it does give it a tendency toward overexplaining which can make it seem repetitive at times.

Tori is not a likeable person initially, but the author does a good job of helping us to understand the fears that make her so closed to other people.

Marcus has similar issues because he has suffered parental abandonment as well.

They are both nurturing caregivers, on the one hand, yet there's a sort of wounded bitterness & fear that drives their personal interactions with others.

The best part of the story is watching the healing process that results from their Providential complementarity. God gives them spiritual healing and draws them together for emotional healing. It's so touching.

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
*Religion: overtly "Bible" Christian, but most of the "God talk" is generically Christian, a main character has "Jesus prayer" conversion

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Beautiful Storm. I like Mandi Blake's writing style and find it easy to read. There were many, many things that I liked about the book: Tori and Marcus were well-developed and likable, Tori's close relationship with her mom, Marcus's love, care, and protection of his younger siblings, observing Tori coming to a saving faith in Christ, Marcus's chivalry, and Tori's determination, plus others; but I don't want to give plot spoilers. My problems with the book are theological. I don't think Christians should start a romantic relationship with unbelievers. Also, Tori's divorce is made out to be kind of a good thing because it got her to her soulmate. With those caveats, I recommend the book to clean/wholesome romance readers and to Christian romance readers. There's a great HEA and an epilogue. I received a complimentary copy. I chose to write a review and share my opinion.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep dark and broody Marcus has always been a man of few words. He doesn't let many people close and while we have seen mostly his good side with the new additions to the group we now get a closer look. Tori's world has flipped. More angry and a maybe even feeling a little betrayed she finds Marcus. Neither one have any idea what's about to happen but these two find something neither was looking for. She finds family and friends and a new outlook on life. This author brings us two who couldn't be more different who find the difference works. Finding oneself means first surrendering preconceived notions and letting it all go. As Tori welcomes the changes to her heart and learns more about the God she knew yet never sought. I love the last book of this series as much as I did the first and plan on reading much more of this author.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtakingly

Victoria aka Tori is a nurse who finds herself in Georgia thanks to her ex. She comes into Marcus life like a breeze, Marcus is quiet by nature taking care of his siblings, he falls for Tori and doesn't know what to do. Can they figure it out? Can they make it work? So sweet but so sad to.

[Annemarie Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book a lot. Marcus is a good man who has custody of his siblings. Their mother is a no good addict who had the 5 children with 3 different men! Only the twins (13) and youngest (10) have the same father. Tori’s doctor husband left her for someone else but gave her his family’s cabin — which is not a normal cabin! The only negative for me is Marcus’ reason for not being good enough for her. In my opinion, not a good enough excuse. Anyway, it is a good book and I could really get into the story and fell in love with the characters. This is the best book in the series and I would definitely read it again.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A roller coaster of emotions

Wow, what can I say. This book did not start out how u was expecting . It was raw and honest and left you wondering how on earth Tori was going to get past it.

Then she meets Marcus. And he has is own issues to deal with.

These two have so much sorrow between them it hurts. But together they realise that they are stronger together than they are apart. That together they are happier than they have been in years.

A very moving and enjoyable love story.

I received this as a complimentary copy and I am giving my honest review voluntarily

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Storm was a heartwarming story about finding the path you’re meant to be on, even if it’s unexpected. I loved witnessing Tori’s personal growth as she navigated through the tribulations life threw at her. This was my favorite Unfailing Love book thus far! Although it’s part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
Side note: as a resident of the South in an unusually cold fall/winter, this book was unexpectedly accurate with the weather patterns lately. I better go buy a fleece jacket!

[Cindy Bonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about 2 people who have had their share of disappointments in their lives. Marcus has had to step in to care for his siblings because of his addict mother. Tori has gone to GA to get the house ready to sell that she got in her divorce from her cheating husband. Marcus and Tori find each other by accident, but their love and faith grow as they work through their differences and come together as a family. This is a Christian romance.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this well written story with Marcus and Tori. Marcus is a mechanic who has stepped up to care for his siblings and Tori is in town to sell the cabin she received in the divorce from her ex husband. This is a sweet clean romance with a Christian theme and I was so happy that Marcus and Tori found their way to each. Lovely story!

[Alice LaJuett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A single man raising his siblings and possible love

A very good read! Marcus is a single man who is raising his four siblings after rescuing them from his abusive, addicted mother. The lady is divorced after her husband leaves her for someone else. Can these two learn to trust and find love?

[Sherry Sias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, clean romance.

If you love good, clean romance, then THIS is definitely a book you want to read. I LOVED it! Small town, local mechanic who is guardian to his younger brothers and sister. A big city girl fresh off a divorce where she was cheated on. Can they get past their differences to see they are perfect together?
A must read.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book. It is full of emotions and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. If you like a good christian romance, you will love this book. It deserves more than 5 stars!

[Dana Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like a sweet Hallmark style book, then I think you'd like Beautiful Storm. This is a sweet and clean romance with a Biblical message. This is the fourth in the series but can be read as a stand alone.
*I was given a book by the author. This is my honest opinion.
3.5 stars

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed this book. It was wonderful to watch Tori and Marcus slowly open up and change. Marcus totally undervalued what he did, Tori was unable to trust and connect to people. The story is a sweet love story that neither expected. I highly recommend this story.