He's content with "just friends." Barrett "Bear" Stanford doesn't do relationships anymore. Not since losing his high school sweetheart to leukemia and another girlfriend to a car accident. A former SEAL, these days he's satisfied driving a fire engine and volunteering at the children's hospital with his therapy dog, Jammer. His fellow firefighters are his family now, and he won't let them down.
She craves a "forever love." Pediatrician Brinkley Collins is totally smitten with the handsome firefighter. It's not just the kids who adore him and Jammer. For two years, she's pushed the boundaries of their friendship, almost kissed him once, but Bear refuses to take the hint.
Wacky hospital fundraisers, a mysterious friend, and an accident… Binkie can convince him to do just about anything, but he draws the line at modeling for a firefighter calendar. But he thinks he played into her plan when she ropes him into publishing a cookbook, prompting him to reevaluate his career. Then an accident--and a mysterious new friend--make him question his resolve to keep her tucked in the "friends" category. Makes him wonder how amazing life would be if she were by his side…forever.
Is his fledgling faith strong enough to help him overcome his fears and surrender his heart? Fully surrendered, that's what it will take. Because if he's not all in, her dreams of a family might go up in smoke…
DORA HIERS believes that a person should love what they do or choose to do something else. She’s doing exactly what makes her heart sing and considers every day a gift. Besides writing, Dora adores long walks, lazy afternoons in her hammock with a great book, and evening binges of Hallmark movies. Life’s too short to be stuck in traffic, to drink bad coffee, or to read books with a sad ending. Dora and her real-life hero, a retired fire chief, call North Carolina home, but with a world full of amazing places to explore, that’s only a landing point.
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Dr. Brinkley Collins a pediatrician at a children's hospital, has loved "Bear" Barrett Sandford for two years but he sees her only as a friend. "Bear" a retired Navy Seal and now a Merrivale Firefighter is a wonderful friend to "Binkie" but has no intention of ever having a woman in his life again. These are the two main characters in this book. Life in Merrivale seems to be the idyllic place to live. Bear and his friends "Cap" and Rand volunteer at the hospital that Brinkley works at, and they have great times together. But things are not all sunshine and roses in Bear's life. When we are introduced to Mrs. Kraus at church one Sunday morning, she brings a touch of mystery to this beautiful romance. I really enjoyed the way that the author never moved this story to an unbelievable pace. Binkie and Bear had some things they needed to learn and as they learn the reader does also. A very enjoyable book, that has a great ending but it made me hope that there would be a next book so I could read about what happens next with all these great characters. I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion of a book I really enjoyed.
I love Bear and Doc Brink's story. It reminded me that I am not in control. I'm not responsible for the outcome of life. God is in control and had planned all the days of my life. All I can control is how I respond to Him. Bear is an ex SEAL and a firefighter but that's not his passion. In fact, it's slowly wearing him down. No one knows but his best female friend, Doc Brink - Binkie to him. She's the balm that soothes his soul but he's determined she can never be more than a friend - for her sake. Doc Brink has waited for two years for Bear to see her as more than a friend. She wants a husband, a family and dinner rather than later. Yet, he seems determined to keep her a friend. But why? She knows he's attracted. She's in an inner battle with herself and God. Everytime she's about to give up, God prompts her to wait. How long does she wait for Bear? I loved the depth of characters in this series. This is the third and final book in the Merriville Firefighter Heroes series. I encourage you to read the entire series. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
At times I wanted to pull my hair out…. why? We have two adults acting like teenagers. They are very much attracted to each other but for two looooong years, are afraid to let the other know. Both have suffered loss and allow their fears to rule and control them. So they stay in the friendship zone and become frustrated with themselves and each other for keeping their feelings at bay.
Learning to trust isn’t easy, especially when fear is allowed to cripple one. Doc Brinkley and Bear have to learn to trust G_d and release their fears to Him. After all, He is the One who numbers our days. Brinkie and Bear both learn that lesson with the help of a dear old lady who has a way of appearing and disappearing just at the right moments.
Throw in the mystery woman who knows the perfect time to show up, take friends who struggle with the friendship zone then add in learning to trust rather than fear, and you have a heartwarming story.
Calling all romance lovers, look no further than this story about love blossoming from friendship and the angst of taking that huge step into dating for fear of losing a friend. Then add on to that fears from past tragedies, assumptions of expectations, not wanting to get hurt, and feelings of unworthiness and you have the perfect recipe for walking a 2 people walking a tightrope every day not sure where they stand in their relationship. Can these 2 best friends get the nerve to talk about their feelings and work out their worries. Only time will tell, but how much time. I loved the interplay between Bear and Binkie in their relationship and the very real concerns and worries that plaqued them. And I loved the thread woven throughout the book about our day being orchestrated by God. A good read for sure.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, Dora Hiers, via Bookfunnel and this is my voluntary and honest review. This is a wonderful Christian romance about Bear, an ex-Navy Seal now a firefighter, and Binkie, a pediatric doctor. They have been friends for years but both are afraid to declare their love for each other. It takes a push from Mrs. Kraus, a guardian angel, and her words of wisdom to Bear to get him to make a commitment. After their marriage, they move to Greece to spend time with Binkie's family for two years while Bear goes to culinary school. After Bear completes his schooling and they are ready to go back home to the U.S., Bear is given some surprising news. What does he find out? You will have to read the book to get the answer. I highly recommend this book.
This was the perfect story of two best friends who were in love with each other but were afraid to rock the boat. I enjoyed reading how both Binkie and Bear also known as Dr Brinkly and Barrett were able to overcome their past hurts, put their faith in God, and fully surrender to his plans for their life. I also enjoyed the cute character of Mrs. Kraus or "Mrs. Claus" as she nudged Bear along with her wisdom and then seemed to disappear.
The epilogue was the perfect ending to this fun story. I liked the Scriptures that were mentioned in the story and felt that they really added to the telling of the story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I savor anything written by this author, meaning I wait until I have enough time and brain space to fully immerse myself in the story. Fully Surrendered was so worth savoring. Bear and Brinkley have continued their friendship from earlier in the series, but Brinkley wants more and she's weary from waiting. Bear is scared, just sure that loving Brinkley will cost her life. I love how this story illustrates that growing in Christ is continual. We sometimes forget that the point of salvation is just the beginning and that new things await as we learn more. The developing romance was sweet and tender. Loved it! I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Two great friends even best friends, but one of them wants so much more. Binke is in love with Bear, a former Navy Seal, but now a Firefighter in Merriville. Bear and his dog Jammer spend a lot of time in the children’s ward of the hospital where Dr. Binke is a children’s doctor. That’s how they got so well acquainted especially when they both lost their mothers around the same time.
But Bear doesn’t ever plan to commit to anyone because every woman, even female he loves dies. Will he ever realize that he isn’t in charge of life or death? A sweet story from start to finish.
Bear had experienced great losses with people he loved and he became afraid to love, afraid that his love would be like a bad luck charm bringing harm to those he cared for. The problem was that Bear was in love with Brinkley, his best friend. This was a wonderful, sweet romance and it underscored God’s sovereignty in all things. I loved seeing how surrendering to truth set Bear free from his fear. It was a wonderful story! Highly recommend! I was entrusted a copy of this book by the author and this is my voluntary and honest review.
How I love to visit Merriville and get to know more of the charming quaint community there. And characters that tug at your heartstrings! That’s exactly what Bear and Binki did! I love the cute nicknames they have but the powerful story that brings the two together and how together they can achieve so much. Possibly even love! A heartfelt story that will keep you turning the pages. Ms Hiers wows me again! Just love her ministry. I was given an advanced copy in exchange of my honest review. This story you will adore. Whimsical and charming indeed!!!
If you like clean, faith based stories, you can't go wrong with 'Fully Surrendered' - it has a strong Christian message but is not at all preachy. I have enjoyed all the books of the Merriville Firefighter Heroes series and while this is book 3 it is easily read as a standalone. Like all the books I have read by Dora Hiers, this is an enjoyable read, has great depth of characters (who are working through real life problems) and a HEA. I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
When I heard book 3 of the Merriville Firefighter Heroes was up for pre-release, I was first in line to purchase. Having enjoyed the first two books in this faith based series written by one of my favorite writers, Dora Hiers, I knew Fully Surrendered would not disappoint. Friends to partners for life is one of my favorite troupes, so following hunky firefighter Bear and Doctor Brinkley’s path to their happily ever after was an enjoyable escape. This book can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a clean and sweet romance.
This is a sweet and inspirational story about Bear and Doc Brinkley or Binkie to Bear. Bear has lost two loves to death and fears he is not meant to have a lasting love but his feelings about Binkie have developed over the past couple of years he has known her. How can he protect her from himself? Binkie has waited on Bear to acknowledge her in a way other than friend for a long time and she is almost ready to give up on him. Can Bear finally put faith above fear to let love in one more time?
An enjoyable (albeit frustrating slow burn! Heh heh!) romance story between firefighter, Bear, and paediatric doctor, Brinkley. I enjoyed the flow of the story, the character interactions and the eventual outcome. 😍 Although I didn't completely agree with certain biblical interpretations regarding Bear's issues, this is a review of a great story worth your time to read, not a place for doctrinal discussion! 😂
Wonderful story! Loved Bear and Binky's story. I read this in one sitting, couldn't put it down. Bear was full of fear because of past relationship's. To see him work through that fear was awesome. Also, loved the encounters with Mrs. Kraus. Amazing things can happened when we fully surrender to God. If you like clean, faith based stories, you can't go wrong with 'Fully Surrendered '. I highly recommend! I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
Thank you Dora, this book was an absolute pleasure to read. Beautiful writing style and a great storyline. Bear is such a kind and loving man, and Binkie is a woman with the heart and patience of an angel. God will guide us through every step and trial in our life, if we just take the time to stop and ask for his help, and then have the patience to wait for an answer and peace to be quiet enough to hear it. I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion.
The last book in this series. I loved the book, don't want the series to end. This is Dr Bink and Bears story. She has fought her feelings for him for two years. He doesn't want to get involved with her, he was lost two people he cared about and his mom. He doesn't want to lose her too. He meets a angel(That's what I say she was) who sets him straight. Can they get to where they both are ready? This is a fantastic story.
In this uplifting story, Dora shares her faith through writing and graces us with her ability to create a page-turning tender romance that will warm your heart. I received this copy free from the author and am under no obligation to leave a review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am freely sharing my opinion.
This is a well written sweet inspirational romance that hooks you on the first page. It's a heartwarming story that is full of emotions and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Fully Surrendered is the heartwarming story of Bear and Doc Brink. two people that everyone else knew were right for each other. This book has a strong Christian message but is not at all preachy. I loved reading about Brinkley's asking God if she should move on and her reminding Bear that God knows the number number of our days when he creates us. This book has a lot of great themes as this slow romance reaches its conclusion. I highly recommend this book.
This book proved to be a very sweet romantic story, filled with enough faith for the characters to find their paths in life overcoming their individual obstacles. The supporting cast of characters are good fun with interesting scenarios in their lives and this is an added bonus in a well rounded very enjoyable read
I loved these two main characters and their faith. The author told the story well . The twists and turns of their lives kept the plot fresh and exciting. I rooted for Binkie and Bear to come together and to have a happy ending. I have loved each book of Hiers that I have read. Each one keeps getting better. Thanks for your wonderful characters and stories.
Why when a guy is called Bear do I want to just cuddle them? Bear fears commitment and Dr Brinkley Collins, Binkie, wants forever. The question is can Bear overcome his fears before someone swoops in and steals Binkie out from under him. Trusting God is hard for everyone but especially when your faith is new. I really enjoyed this book.
Bear, firefighter and former Soldier, and Dr. Binkie had been friends for two years. He isn’t afraid to hurt her if he revels his true feelings. She is ready to settle down and have a family an si wishes Bear could return her feelings. Will they find their way to each other hearts?
This was a wonderful and sweet firefighter/doctor romance. These main characters were friends and they both had to have patience and overcome. I loved how they each turned to their faith for guidance.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I enjoyed how their lives turned out. Finally able to accept loving each other and following his dream of culinary school in Greece. I would have enjoyed reading more about how life would be with the baby coming into their lives
He’s a firefighter, she’s a doctor. They “ like” one another, really love but each too scared of rejection. They listen to God guiding words and perhaps a guardian angel to let their love shine through.
There are so many lessons to learn from reading this book. Bear has so many emotions from his past that are interfering with his life. Trusting God is what he needs. This is a very inspiring and encouraging story. Good job on this series.
What a great book. Lots of emotions and working through them. Super characters. Absolutely loved it. I received an advance reader copy. Opinions are my own.