Lindsay Richardson couldn't have imagined her life would shift from that of a quiet elementary school teacher to assistant to Dean Singleton Copley--one of the nation's most dynamic business leaders. Although Lindsay desperately needs this new job, she's mourning the loss of her father and facing the unexpected twists her life has taken as a result. In running the race of faith, courage and strength are frequently tested, but is her new job the best thing for her? Lindsay knows sometimes God's plans take us through doors we never expect to enter. Deciphering the path the Lord wants her to take is the greater challenge yet she wonders if her new boss is destined to become more than an employer to her...
I had a really hard time connecting to this one. I never felt like I had a good handle on who the characters were or what they were thinking; everything moved so fast that they seemed to be constantly changing before I could even nail down who they had been in the first place. I think the intent was probably to create deep and layered characters, but they just seemed very contradictory to me. Also, the way Lindsay jumped into trying to change her new boss's life and outlook her first day on the job just didn't seem like a normal response. And I was disappointed that the faith thread centered around "God wants you to be happy" and "fulfillment comes from helping people."
One must pay attention to a book's genre. I have read comments or reviews in which people complain about a book's content, when the book's description informed them of the book's theme very clearly. I am a Christian and this book has Biblical verses, testimony, faith and counseling throughout.
It is also a book of romantic connections despite class differences, much as in Pride and Prejudice. Lindsay Richardson is hired as an administrative assistance by Mr. Copley, who is an old friend of Lindsay's dearly beloved but recently deceased father. However, when she walks into "his" office she discovers that it is the son for whom she will be working, much to her AND his surprise.
Dean, not only didn't know that his father had hired a new Admin. Assistant but also resents that his "retired" father seems to still be actively running things Dean thought were under his command. One of the first things Lindsay is given to take care of is to locate a date for this evening Heart Fund Dinner as Dean's "girlfriend", Gwynneth, has bailed on him. And when Lindsay assigns this position to her sister, who comes down with a stomach virus, Lindsay is forced to be his date.
Dean has a sad history and can't forgive himself and believes that, not only has no one else forgiven him, but also that he is undeserving of that forgiveness. He was piloting the helicopter which crashed taking not only his brother's but another's life. That brother, Ronald, was the golden boy of the family.
Lindsay has many burdens and obligations and doesn't really want to be working as she thinks she should be devoting her time to taking care of her mother who is suffering from Alzheimer's. However she lost her old job when she took leave to take care of her mother temporarily. Lindsay is also very active with volunteerism in her church, from Penny Parties to Reading Buddies. When she attempts to recruit Dean, he refuses but like the son in the parable, who said he would not work in the vineyard when requested to do so by his father but later relents and does as requested, Dean begins to test the waters of giving from his heart and of his time to those who are in need. Lindsay feels drawn to Dean but also sees and is shown by word and deed from his family and his "girlfriend" how she doesn't fit into his circle. (Shades of Darcy and Elizabeth!)
This story is one in which both protagonists have misunderstandings and doubts about how GOD is leading them and what they should be doing to follow his will. Lindsay's sister, Meg, her aunt, the Visiting Nurse Assoc., Claire (a co-worker), and a newspaper photographer add to pressures while she is trying to sort out the path GOD would have her follow. Dean has the family business, his social position, his family, the girl his mother and sister want him to marry and the new girl at the office pulling on his time and attention. And despite the fact that he is a multi-tasker, he is having some difficulty getting a clear picture of his responsibilities, his relationships and his social priorities. Medical emergencies for family members add to the burdens for both.
There are some very heartwarming moments in this story, from Dean's relationship with Claire's baby granddaughter to a Santa substitute to Thanksgiving at which Dean's mother shows up unexpectedly. Of interest were the moments when Lindsay had to speak her mind but did so with guidance so as to "set someone straight". (I would be hard pressed and have to be biting my tongue given the situations.) And then there is that photographer who just won't quit...until he meets sister, Meg.
This was a quick read but provided some touching moments even to the point that my eyes became misty. Great little story for an afternoon's escape.
This novel by Regina Andrews is a wonderful and heart-felt story about Lindsay Richardson and her struggle with caring for her mother who has Alzheimer's and Lindsay trying to hold a job too. Her and her sister, Meg, try to take care of their mother at home. Lindsay has taken a job at Copley Industries. She meets her boss, Dean, and the ball gets rolling in the romance department. Numerous incidents happen to bring them closer. Dean's family background, personality clashes, supportive friends, and work responsibilities all figure into Lindsay's life. We get a look at Dean's character too as he develops and copes with the issues in his life. There is a spiritual message here of having faith and relying on God to steer us in the right direction in our lives. Many of the happenings brought tears to my eyes. Ms. Andrews' story telling powers came through with these emotional scenes. I rate this story five stars and highly recommend it.
I enjoyed this story for its depth and genuine feel. Andrews’ writing style is easy to read and the plot moves along nicely. It was a type of story that I felt so invested in that I found myself always anxious to return to reading it.
The romance is warm and enchanting. Lindsay Richardson’s faith and upbeat attitude encourages her boss, Dean Copley to let go of his guilt about his brother’s death. She does this by getting wealthy Dean involved with people and children not having the same extravagant lifestyle. Lindsay’s faith enables Dean to develop into a happier individual.
Lindsay’s mother has Alzheimer’s and that isn’t easy on her two daughters. Lindsay and her sister Meg want their mother to have the best care possible. I felt the strong, sad emotions Lindsay experiences as she has to leave her mother daily to go to her new job at Copley Industries. When Dean visits their home and brings a musical snow globe with the nativity scene, Mrs. Richardson responds positively to the music. Lindsay likes how Dean is relaxed with her mother because most people aren’t comfortable around Alzheimer’s patients.
Lindsay is a well-developed character and full of compassion even when Dean’s snotty mother and sister aren’t nice to her. She demonstrates Christian forgiveness even though she’s hurt by their nasty comments, and they act like she isn’t high enough in society for Dean.