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Coming Undone
Ben Warren had life all figured out.
At 35, he’s successful in his work and free as a bird everywhere else. He has no desire to be tied down like some of his friends, and he sees no reason to change that. Then the unthinkable happens and causes him to rethink everything about everything.
Kathryn Walker can’t figure out what she’s doing wrong in the dating department. The rest of her life makes sense. She’s compassionate, strong, honest, hard-working and still alone. She wonders if she is doomed to spend forever single. Little does she know that fate is taking a major turn in her life. In fact, she doesn’t even see it happening until it has. Can she ever get past the fact that Mr. Right didn’t show up in the way she thought he would?
At 35, he’s successful in his work and free as a bird everywhere else. He has no desire to be tied down like some of his friends, and he sees no reason to change that. Then the unthinkable happens and causes him to rethink everything about everything.
Kathryn Walker can’t figure out what she’s doing wrong in the dating department. The rest of her life makes sense. She’s compassionate, strong, honest, hard-working and still alone. She wonders if she is doomed to spend forever single. Little does she know that fate is taking a major turn in her life. In fact, she doesn’t even see it happening until it has. Can she ever get past the fact that Mr. Right didn’t show up in the way she thought he would?
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2011
319 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Staci Stallings
72 books581 followersA stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including:
Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...
Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/
Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings
Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...
Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/
Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 14, 2012
Warning: This book should come with a box of tissues.
What I liked most about “Coming Undone” was how Staci Stallings captured Ben and Kathryn. Both characters were well rounded enough that at some point they stop being characters and become someone you might have known. I had a hard time reading this book simply because of the emotional roller coaster.
Ben’s pain is so palpable it jumps off the page and right through your heart. I’ve held a bedside vigil. I’ve felt Ben’s pain, anger and complete helplessness. All of the little things, things as simple as an elevator ride, stir up emotions and paint a picture so real that you might as well have been right there beside him. I found myself relating to what he was going through. Yes, I'd been there. I know what that feels like and that is exactly how I felt at the time.
And I’m sure there are many single gals out there that can empathize with Kathryn’s yearning to meet Prince Charming and her struggle to wait and accept God’s timing. What I love most about Kathryn is how she not only shows her faith but shares it with Ben. She doesn’t have all the answers but that’s OK because God will use her to show others His love. It’s sometimes too easy to forget that and hide behind the fear that we’ll mess up. Kathryn is a wonderful example of the trust we should all have in God.
The dialog was very realistic. Sometimes it did distract me a bit, with all the “uh”s and “hm”s thrown in. And just like real life, there were a few slow parts. But overall an enjoyable read.
If you’re looking for a book that will touch your heart and remind you that death is not an end but just another chapter in life, this story is for you.
Note: I received a copy of this book for free for review purposes.
What I liked most about “Coming Undone” was how Staci Stallings captured Ben and Kathryn. Both characters were well rounded enough that at some point they stop being characters and become someone you might have known. I had a hard time reading this book simply because of the emotional roller coaster.
Ben’s pain is so palpable it jumps off the page and right through your heart. I’ve held a bedside vigil. I’ve felt Ben’s pain, anger and complete helplessness. All of the little things, things as simple as an elevator ride, stir up emotions and paint a picture so real that you might as well have been right there beside him. I found myself relating to what he was going through. Yes, I'd been there. I know what that feels like and that is exactly how I felt at the time.
And I’m sure there are many single gals out there that can empathize with Kathryn’s yearning to meet Prince Charming and her struggle to wait and accept God’s timing. What I love most about Kathryn is how she not only shows her faith but shares it with Ben. She doesn’t have all the answers but that’s OK because God will use her to show others His love. It’s sometimes too easy to forget that and hide behind the fear that we’ll mess up. Kathryn is a wonderful example of the trust we should all have in God.
The dialog was very realistic. Sometimes it did distract me a bit, with all the “uh”s and “hm”s thrown in. And just like real life, there were a few slow parts. But overall an enjoyable read.
If you’re looking for a book that will touch your heart and remind you that death is not an end but just another chapter in life, this story is for you.
Note: I received a copy of this book for free for review purposes.
October 2, 2017
Such a beautiful heartfelt story.
March 27, 2012
This is quite an interesting story that deals with love, death and faith. It’s a great Christian romance. Ben Warren is a proud bachelor who seems to be allergic to anything related to commitment and responsibilities when he’s faced with the humongous task of dealing with the issues related to his dying father. The first decision he has to make is to stop heroic efforts to keep his father alive as there is no hope of recovery; that’s where he meets Kathryn Walker, the hospice social worker from the hospital.
Kathryn is a devoted Christian and very devoted to her job. She’s single to the pain of those around her who are trying to match her with anyone and anybody. She’s very caring and dedicated to the family members of her patients but Ben brings to her the conflict between the attraction and the ethics of her job.
We see Ben grow through the story, both spiritually and emotionally. Through this process he reunites with his younger brother Jason, who he has not seen since his parents divorced and who is leading a very more settled life. Jason is married, has a child and one on its way and it’s also a devoted Christian.
Although I hate to give out spoilers on this review I may have to, but I’m do it the least specific possible because you have to read this book. I’m going to give you my favorite scene and my least favorite scene. My least favorite scene was the funeral. Maybe is that I’m too inpatient, but that was a long drawn funeral…Even Ben was fidgety in his chair and I was ready for them to put that man to rest.
My favorite scene is when Ben is taking care of Kathryn. You have to read the book to find out why, but he was trying so hard to do things right that seeing the change in his attitude and how loving he was really brought tears to my eyes.
I really enjoyed this book!
Kathryn is a devoted Christian and very devoted to her job. She’s single to the pain of those around her who are trying to match her with anyone and anybody. She’s very caring and dedicated to the family members of her patients but Ben brings to her the conflict between the attraction and the ethics of her job.
We see Ben grow through the story, both spiritually and emotionally. Through this process he reunites with his younger brother Jason, who he has not seen since his parents divorced and who is leading a very more settled life. Jason is married, has a child and one on its way and it’s also a devoted Christian.
Although I hate to give out spoilers on this review I may have to, but I’m do it the least specific possible because you have to read this book. I’m going to give you my favorite scene and my least favorite scene. My least favorite scene was the funeral. Maybe is that I’m too inpatient, but that was a long drawn funeral…Even Ben was fidgety in his chair and I was ready for them to put that man to rest.
My favorite scene is when Ben is taking care of Kathryn. You have to read the book to find out why, but he was trying so hard to do things right that seeing the change in his attitude and how loving he was really brought tears to my eyes.
I really enjoyed this book!
January 15, 2018
Really enjoyed this book, it was inspirational and heart-warming. the subject matter although difficult was handled in a very compassionate way and the characters emotions and feelings clearly came threw. This is an author I am quickly becoming a massive fan off and I have now obtained all her content that is available on Audible so hoping they will have more in the future. I have also got the second book in her hope series to read which I will be doing after taking a small break to read something different. 5 out of 5 for this book.
May 30, 2019
Nice light read with a comfortable ending.
December 10, 2016
Ben Warren had life all figured out.
At 35, he’s successful in his work and free as a bird everywhere else. He has no desire to be tied down like some of his friends, and he sees no reason to change that. Then the unthinkable happens and causes him to rethink everything about everything.
Kathryn Walker can’t figure out what she’s doing wrong in the dating department. The rest of her life makes sense. She’s compassionate, strong, honest, hard-working and still alone. She wonders if she is doomed to spend forever single. Little does she know that fate is taking a major turn in her life. In fact, she doesn’t even see it happening until it has. Can she ever get past the fact that Mr. Right didn’t show up in the way she thought he would?
Ben did not have it figured out at all even before the story began
I picked this book wanting a good contemporary Christian romance. This book is not a romance. It is a book about a man working through the anguish of the imminent loss of his father.
The book talks a lot about Ben’s anguish, but I don’t really feel it. There is not enough information about his connection with his dad to make it real for me.
The attraction between Ben and Kathryn is completely emotional. So much so that, despite the arguments to the contrary, it feels like it is a situational thing. It was nice to see a story that featured two rather average looking people instead of pure brawn and beauty. However, these two ‘average’ people have no sexual attraction. There was no need for any real restraint because there is no attraction/temptation of that kind. I’d like to say, for the record, that even we ‘below average’ people have sexual desires and have to practice some restraint at times.
Bottom line: This book moved at a very slow pace and with a very melancholy mood. It was more about loss and God’s will than romance.
At 35, he’s successful in his work and free as a bird everywhere else. He has no desire to be tied down like some of his friends, and he sees no reason to change that. Then the unthinkable happens and causes him to rethink everything about everything.
Kathryn Walker can’t figure out what she’s doing wrong in the dating department. The rest of her life makes sense. She’s compassionate, strong, honest, hard-working and still alone. She wonders if she is doomed to spend forever single. Little does she know that fate is taking a major turn in her life. In fact, she doesn’t even see it happening until it has. Can she ever get past the fact that Mr. Right didn’t show up in the way she thought he would?
Ben did not have it figured out at all even before the story began
I picked this book wanting a good contemporary Christian romance. This book is not a romance. It is a book about a man working through the anguish of the imminent loss of his father.
The book talks a lot about Ben’s anguish, but I don’t really feel it. There is not enough information about his connection with his dad to make it real for me.
The attraction between Ben and Kathryn is completely emotional. So much so that, despite the arguments to the contrary, it feels like it is a situational thing. It was nice to see a story that featured two rather average looking people instead of pure brawn and beauty. However, these two ‘average’ people have no sexual attraction. There was no need for any real restraint because there is no attraction/temptation of that kind. I’d like to say, for the record, that even we ‘below average’ people have sexual desires and have to practice some restraint at times.
Bottom line: This book moved at a very slow pace and with a very melancholy mood. It was more about loss and God’s will than romance.
March 7, 2013
I absolutely love Staci Stallings books. Her characters are so real. I caught myself just before saying a prayer for Ben, the hero of this book.
Ben's dad is admitted to the Hospice unit after suffering a stoke. The heroine, Kathryn, is the hospice social worker assigned to Ben's family. Although Ben had always been the single, happy-go-lucky guy who only cared about himself and having fun, he discovered that what he really wanted and needed was someone to love and be there for him. Kathryn was always the person doing for everyone else. What she wanted most in the world was a husband. She keep praying, but God never sent said husband.
There are a lot of emotions in the first part of the book - Kleenex required- but the happily- ever-after is well worth the tears. It's also great to see how God used the situation to provide what two people most wanted.
Ben's dad is admitted to the Hospice unit after suffering a stoke. The heroine, Kathryn, is the hospice social worker assigned to Ben's family. Although Ben had always been the single, happy-go-lucky guy who only cared about himself and having fun, he discovered that what he really wanted and needed was someone to love and be there for him. Kathryn was always the person doing for everyone else. What she wanted most in the world was a husband. She keep praying, but God never sent said husband.
There are a lot of emotions in the first part of the book - Kleenex required- but the happily- ever-after is well worth the tears. It's also great to see how God used the situation to provide what two people most wanted.
December 3, 2017
Was a really good story! But dragged out about 2/3rds of the way through
July 22, 2017
First let me say that I liked the book. The topic was a difficult one, dealing with Ben's (the main character) father's massive stroke and facing it along with the responsibilities it involved. Staci was able to put on paper Ben's feelings, thoughts, doubts, fears, questions, shock, everything surrounding his father's life and impending death. I could feel what Ben was going through with such depth of emotion it would have been impossible not to go through it with him. And not only did he have to face the circumstances, he was forced to face himself. His inward as well as outward journey through it is the story.
I've wrestled with how to define this. In my opinion, it's not a novel. It's more like a Bible Study or parable, except the characters are fictional. There was a lot of praying and Christian belief, so much so that I think a non-Christian might have a hard time with that aspect. However, I never felt as if I were preached to or at. I personally hate that feeling. This was a warm, sincere book about a man's struggles with life, death, and faith.
I would recommend this book to anyone dealing with the issue of death and its aftermath. It's an open window into the emotions that come with it.
I've wrestled with how to define this. In my opinion, it's not a novel. It's more like a Bible Study or parable, except the characters are fictional. There was a lot of praying and Christian belief, so much so that I think a non-Christian might have a hard time with that aspect. However, I never felt as if I were preached to or at. I personally hate that feeling. This was a warm, sincere book about a man's struggles with life, death, and faith.
I would recommend this book to anyone dealing with the issue of death and its aftermath. It's an open window into the emotions that come with it.
September 26, 2017
I used to love Christian fiction then I fell out of love with it until I found darker Christian fiction that was less preachy and more live the life and stop talking about it. So colour me shocked when a few years ago I find that Christian Romance have been completely overhauled as well.
Gone is the preachy holier than though point of view and in with people living their best possible lives and striving to live better and armoured in the love of Our Father.
This book has a real story. The romance is more of a miss and hit thing than true overwhelming romance. Actually the book is very well balanced. I really enjoyed it and even though the genre almost guarantee a happy ending this book had me worried for a bit. A really good read.
Worth every penny. Get your copy. My copy gets a 4* rating from me.
Gone is the preachy holier than though point of view and in with people living their best possible lives and striving to live better and armoured in the love of Our Father.
This book has a real story. The romance is more of a miss and hit thing than true overwhelming romance. Actually the book is very well balanced. I really enjoyed it and even though the genre almost guarantee a happy ending this book had me worried for a bit. A really good read.
Worth every penny. Get your copy. My copy gets a 4* rating from me.
March 6, 2018
This book is a very inspirational book. It taps into your own spiritual journey. It taps into a personal level of ones grieving process, it shows you how to love again. This book I feel could be applied to anyone's life that have lost a loved one. This book can apply to anyone's life that was or is struggling with turning their backs on God love for whatever reason. There are so many elements to this book that will reflect and relate to the everyday lives of us as human beings. How to face your pain and your fears and insecurities. Rebuilding your life with such an since of agape love and renewal of your Faith. I try to review a book by the way it makes me feel reading it and how I feel after reading it.
February 16, 2019
There were a lot of layers to this story, and some of them felt a little unfinished. I struggled a bit, to connect to the main male character, and so that made this less enjoyable for me.
Plus, I had a hard time with the fast "Falling in love" part as well, but there were still some great things.
I enjoyed the talk about the Catholic faith and what Christians often think when they think of Catholicism. It was well presented as well as a viewpoint of hospice care that is rarely done well in books.
Plus, I had a hard time with the fast "Falling in love" part as well, but there were still some great things.
I enjoyed the talk about the Catholic faith and what Christians often think when they think of Catholicism. It was well presented as well as a viewpoint of hospice care that is rarely done well in books.
October 29, 2019
A tender-hearted love story. 2 people from different backgrounds and lifestyles meet while the H is staying with his father in hospice where the h works. Can a relationship develop outside hospice, especially since she's a believer and he not only doesn't believe in God but wants to return to his wild bachelor lifestyle. I enjoyed this story. It also helped me to reflect about others going through hospice (my mother is presently in hospice but is still able to receive care at her home) and the wonderful job the hospice aids, nurses, and caregivers offer at such a difficult time.
February 12, 2023
hard if you’ve had a loved one in hospice
I knew this book had some references to death in it but didn’t realize it was the majority of the book. I had to have my dad put in hospice about 5 years ago - although it wasn’t a place like in this book - that would have been wonderful! It was such a hard decision as the child and even though I know it was the right thing, it was so difficult and emotional. My dad died in June 2018. I don’t think I could have read this book right after his death but it was helpful at this point.
I knew this book had some references to death in it but didn’t realize it was the majority of the book. I had to have my dad put in hospice about 5 years ago - although it wasn’t a place like in this book - that would have been wonderful! It was such a hard decision as the child and even though I know it was the right thing, it was so difficult and emotional. My dad died in June 2018. I don’t think I could have read this book right after his death but it was helpful at this point.
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April 26, 2022Endings and beginnings
Enjoyed book that reflects on dealing with letting go of someone we love and opening up to God's love and a new way of thinking about what it means to truly love and live for others. Follows the spiritual growth of a main character as he deals with his father's death while he grows in authentically opening himself up to loving others in his life such as his best friend, his brother, and a new love interest
Enjoyed book that reflects on dealing with letting go of someone we love and opening up to God's love and a new way of thinking about what it means to truly love and live for others. Follows the spiritual growth of a main character as he deals with his father's death while he grows in authentically opening himself up to loving others in his life such as his best friend, his brother, and a new love interest
October 28, 2022
5 Life Affirming ⭐️
Sometimes I rate books based on how much I enjoyed myself or feel pleasure while reading. Other times however i rate them based on how much food for thought I get as well as pleasure even though the pleasure doesn’t happen often throughout the book.
Like when something sad happens that so mirrors my life that it’s so uncanny. It deserves 5 Wonderful Stars.
I related so strongly to BOTH characters. It was like reading about my life. How funny is that.
Sometimes I rate books based on how much I enjoyed myself or feel pleasure while reading. Other times however i rate them based on how much food for thought I get as well as pleasure even though the pleasure doesn’t happen often throughout the book.
Like when something sad happens that so mirrors my life that it’s so uncanny. It deserves 5 Wonderful Stars.
I related so strongly to BOTH characters. It was like reading about my life. How funny is that.
February 12, 2017
Coming Undone to become done!
This book incorporates real life issues yet it keeps you wanting to believe that good can come out of what we think is unbearable to deal with. I loved the way the author incorporates God through the book yet keeps you in the reality that true love is possible for anyone willing to take the chance.
This book incorporates real life issues yet it keeps you wanting to believe that good can come out of what we think is unbearable to deal with. I loved the way the author incorporates God through the book yet keeps you in the reality that true love is possible for anyone willing to take the chance.
August 2, 2017
Wow! Wonderful book!!
I absolutely loved this book!! It is a beautifully written story of finding love in the most unexpected places! God has a plan for all of us and if we just have faith in Him it will all unfold. Ben and Katherine are two different people who come together because of a tragedy. God helps them both become better people.
I absolutely loved this book!! It is a beautifully written story of finding love in the most unexpected places! God has a plan for all of us and if we just have faith in Him it will all unfold. Ben and Katherine are two different people who come together because of a tragedy. God helps them both become better people.
August 25, 2017
Beautiful
This was such a wonderful read. Most of the time Christian books are not written from a Catholic prospective, but this was a blessing. I born, raised and still one. And having that belief helped me with the loss of my older family members. Thank you, and make sure you keep Kleenex close.
This was such a wonderful read. Most of the time Christian books are not written from a Catholic prospective, but this was a blessing. I born, raised and still one. And having that belief helped me with the loss of my older family members. Thank you, and make sure you keep Kleenex close.
January 8, 2018
Sweet story
You definitely need tissues for this one. Sweet story of what waiting on God can look like and feel like. Makes you remember that all things work for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. A little rushed at the end, so I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
You definitely need tissues for this one. Sweet story of what waiting on God can look like and feel like. Makes you remember that all things work for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. A little rushed at the end, so I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
November 26, 2019
Well that was different
The first half of the book is quite brought, as it deals with death, the grieving process, and handling the family situations that come with that process. The rest of the book does pick up with themes of hope and non self reliance. Of course, there is still the happily ever after.
The first half of the book is quite brought, as it deals with death, the grieving process, and handling the family situations that come with that process. The rest of the book does pick up with themes of hope and non self reliance. Of course, there is still the happily ever after.
January 10, 2022
I loved this book. Ben needed someone to support and be there for him and Kathryn was exactly that person. She was such a good woman, passionate, considerate, patient, beautiful inside and out, I really liked her. These were so good together and the way they danced around on another was just too cute
July 22, 2017
The truth of hospice
I have lost a father with the help of hospice, and this is a glimpse of how wonderful they are. It also shows how God uses bad for good. It was a very good book.
I have lost a father with the help of hospice, and this is a glimpse of how wonderful they are. It also shows how God uses bad for good. It was a very good book.
November 16, 2017
Thoughtful
I loved this book. While it deals with some pretty deep emotions of loosing a loved one, I really enjoyed how God was brought into this book. Those you meet are not just mere coincidences.
I loved this book. While it deals with some pretty deep emotions of loosing a loved one, I really enjoyed how God was brought into this book. Those you meet are not just mere coincidences.
February 25, 2019
Happy endings
The first book I read by this author was much better, I thought. This was more of what I have come to expect from a contemporary Christian romance. The setting and situation was different and interesting but the budding romance felt a little trite.
The first book I read by this author was much better, I thought. This was more of what I have come to expect from a contemporary Christian romance. The setting and situation was different and interesting but the budding romance felt a little trite.
March 7, 2019
Coming Undone
Coming Undone
Touching. Moving. Heartbreaking. Yet uplifting. I highlighted more passages in this book than any before. Ben and Kathryn's story is beautiful. Five plus stars!
Coming Undone
Touching. Moving. Heartbreaking. Yet uplifting. I highlighted more passages in this book than any before. Ben and Kathryn's story is beautiful. Five plus stars!
November 8, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a very good story line. I like all Staci's books that I have read so far. They hold humor, intrigue, excitement, laughter, clean romance and some mystery too. They are great!
May 18, 2018
Eye opening!
Never read a story pertaining to hospice care and death. This story was based on that but a love story was intertwined into it.
Never read a story pertaining to hospice care and death. This story was based on that but a love story was intertwined into it.
October 19, 2018
Staci Stallings is a wonderful writer and I love each and everyone of her books. This book is a must read and I'm not saying anything about the book. IT IS A MUST READ!
September 13, 2021
The best book I have read all year!
While the story was outstanding, the life's messages were worth marking and retrieving for later.
This book should be read often.
Thank you,
While the story was outstanding, the life's messages were worth marking and retrieving for later.
This book should be read often.
Thank you,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews