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Driftwood Cove #1

Matching Points

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She doesn't hold his past against him...can he forgive hers?Fresh out of prison, Asia Jessup wishes she could change her past and maybe her future. She has no family and no one to turn to. All she has is her newfound Christian faith. She returns to the town where she spent a coupe of idyllic summers to find family she didn't know she had. Her devastating secret won't bring a joyful reunion. Will it destroy her last hope?

Ian Kittridge has his own thriving restaurant, is a respected business owner, and is active in his community and church. Thanks to a teenage Asia's empathy one summer, he'd been pulled back from the brink of ruining his life and ending up like his father--a murderer. He is working hard to eradicate the past and rise above the murmurs of "like father, like son."

When Ian runs into Asia he can't believe she's returned to their coastal California town. He's eager to reconnect, but he isn't looking for a serious relationship. He can't take the chance of becoming like his father. Asia is wary of Ian's friendship because of her shameful past and the sins of her mother and father. As Asia's secrets quake the family she hoped would accept her, can she and Ian find their way through the storm to a peaceful resolution and a hope-filled future?

★★★★★ This is one of those books that you can't put down until the very last word has been read. Deana, Amazon review

★★★★★ This book examines family, sins of the past, and how secrets can affect our past, present, and future...The storyline weaves together into a tapestry that moved along at a perfect speed. Patti, Amazon review

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2020

5 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

About the author

Nancy J. Farrier

48 books111 followers
Enjoy an introduction to my Driftwood Cove series with a free book. Love's Song is free and can be found here: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/j...

Nancy J. Farrier grew up on a small farm in the Midwest amidst a close-knit family and a large extended family. She loved farm life including the animals, cooking, gardening and canning, but not so much the cleaning house part. A little-known fact is that she preferred to help with feeding cattle or mending fence than helping with housework.

In school Nancy often got in trouble in history class for hiding a fiction book in her text book to read during the teacher’s lecture. Or, she daydreamed her way through classes, writing stories in her head instead of paying attention to the teacher. English and Literature were her favorite classes.

Now, a best-selling, award winning author of historical and contemporary Christian fiction, Nancy lives in the Sonoran Desert of Southern Arizona and loves to research and include bits of history in her books. She often incorporates her love of the Southwest into her settings as the Southwest has a rich history that lends itself to fiction, and historical characters that come to life on the page.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Ashley Dawn.
Author 41 books81 followers
November 5, 2020
I really, really enjoyed this book. Aisa and Ian are great characters. I like that the author portrayed the characters as flawed but overall good. I loved that they prayed and looked to God. This book has a lot about forgiveness and working through things.

There is a sweet romance that is so real and made me so happy to read the ups and downs of it. Everyone has a past and everyone has issues and family drama to work through. It was all just so real and I loved that it could have been real life and how the author made me feel like these were friends I was cheering for.

It was a 5/5 for me.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,265 reviews
June 4, 2021
Matching Points is one touching and emotional roller coaster story surrounding true to life issues that some families endure in their journey of life. Asia arrival in Driftwood Cove was to find answers and belong to family. She was surprised to see Ian, her summer time friend when Uncle Walter had her come to stay with his family. The dynamics of each of their dysfunctional family caused unpleasant words being said to both of them by community members, which created more pain for Asia and Ian.

This beautiful story is centered around family, hidden secrets being revealed, forgiveness, new beginnings with grace and mercy when faith is placed in God. The gentle gospel message that God is our father and our lives are to live like Him gave Ian new vision and hope for his future. Cinda’s quilt shop with Asia and Ian taking a class brought a wonderful comparison of how shattered lives like pieces of fabric can become a loving piece of accomplishment just like a life is transformed with God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy. The drama that unfolds with Asia’s pursue of finding answers with twists and turns involving community members spellbound me until the end. I was caught up in the lives of the true to life characters, scenes and smells of Ian's I-BBQ restaurant that made me hungry. I look forward to the next book in this series to see how Asia, Ian, Cinda, Glenna, Meg, Daniel and others are doing in Driftwood Cove.

I won a complimentary copy of this book from the author through a Facebook party for a blog. I was under no obligation to write a review, but have shared my own opinion.
Profile Image for Kimmie.
530 reviews27 followers
November 16, 2020
MATCHING POINTS – A GREAT STORY OF FORGIVENESS, SECOND CHANCES, AND LEARNING TO OVERCOME YOUR PAST.
This is my first time reading a book by Nancy J. Farrier but after reading this one I can tell you it will not be my last by her. I was drawn to read this book by the cover and description both were intriguing and made me want to read more.

“She wanted to run, but she couldn’t. She had no place to go. Nowhere to call home. No one. You have Me.”

This story about Asia and Ian was interesting and pushed all the right buttons for me. It was a story about Asia finding a place to call home and a way to overcome her tragic past; and about Ian learning that he is not defined by his earthly father, but by his heavenly one. I enjoyed Nancy J. Farrier’s take on the theme of forgiveness. Her interwoven plots, the family aspects, and the secondary characters really helped me feel like I was immersed in this story from the first page. I very much enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to what happens next to the other characters introduced in the story.

I highly recommend checking this book out if you like second chances, a hint of mystery, and a sense of family. 5 out of 5 stars.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,068 reviews131 followers
November 9, 2020
This is one of those books that you can’t put down until the very last word has been read. It is an emotional roller coaster experience and surprises throughout the story. I loved how the author develops her characters and allows readers to slowly become acquainted with them.

Asia was my favorite character and I could easily relate to her. She longed for a family and had hopes that someday she would find that with someone. It is hard to life in a dysfunctional family but I really admired how Asia did something for her mother that to me was a true sacrifice. Her decision one day leads her to prison and a world she never thought she would experience.

When Asia shows up in the town where she spent summers she had a mission to find answers about her past. This is where the story really delves into an emotional journey for several people. Asia is hiding her past from those who have welcomed her home. She knows there are still rumors going on about her mother. Oh how I cried when words were spoken to Asia that cut to the core. She is nothing like her mother but several people like nothing better than to treat her disrespectfully.

Ian has has his share of pain growing up. The crime his father commits is unthinkable. Ian is so fearful that he will turn out like his father that he decides not to get close to anyone. A relationship scares him but when he sees Asia for the first time after her being gone maybe there is hope. I loved how Ian turned to God to help him make wise decisions and learn to trust Him with everything.

I thought the author did a great job of describing quilting and all the work that goes into making a heirloom to cherish. There are a few funny moments with Ian and Asia in the class that lightened the story up a little. As I read the book I soon became aware that secrets floated around and I knew that someone was going to get hurt. Asia has come back to find her father, but will her past cause a falling out from people she has grown to care about? Can Ian move forward and allow God to heal him and show him that he is loved? Both Ian and Asia will find themselves face to face with their past. How will they handle their emotions when secrets come out that will shock some and give closure to others? I enjoyed the story very much and loved how the author let us see what happens when we try to hide our past. Pride plays a factor in the story as well as judging others. The ending is beautiful and I loved the message of forgiveness . Secrets always have a way of coming out. If we can learn to trust God, He will show us the right direction and guide us to “let go and let God.”

“When you withhold who you are, you are carrying the load and not allowing Him to work.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
333 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2022
Not for me

The story started pretty slow and tedious. And the constant back and forth grew tiresome. Some characters were unbelievable. Cinda really couldn't see through Martin? Or even his actions? I can't suspend reality long enough to believe she didn't notice footsie or hair touching. Unless Cinda is entirely dumb or blind. Or both. Then the creeper at the phone store. Asia is just so appealing she has guys falling all over her wherever she goes? Sure. Glenna was harsh but maybe too much so. Like, they were all to extreme in their limited characters. Martin too pervy, Cinda too sweet, Glenna too mean, and Asia too flighy.

She frustrated me the most. She had every opportunity to talk to her friends, but let them find out in the worst ways possible. Then she's hurt because they reacted poorly. Well, she could have broken the news more gently instead of bluntly from someone else. But she chose to be a coward. And the thing with seeing Walter. Insisting she visit him, despite his diagnosis. I'm sorry but how selfish could she be? Pushing an elderly man whose unwell to get answers. Especially since a DNA test is noninvasive and would provide the answers she needed. I get she needed to know, but she lacked any compassion for his daughters and condition, especially since it literally lead to his death.

I doubt I'll read more. The pace was too slow. And I strongly dislike books where everyone else is in the wrong just to make the hero look good. And here, Asia was the poor victim and everyone did wrong by her. Not that Asia made poor choices and needed to own up to them, which was actually the case.
2,033 reviews
November 7, 2020
Matching Points is a story about family, their sins, and how to deal with that in the present and going into the future.

When we first meet Asia, she has come back to her cousin Cinda's home in hopes of getting the answers she needs about her past. She is also keeping some big secrets from everyone. Hoping she can get the answers she so desperately needs before everyone will turn on her.

Ian is running from his past and trying very hard to not be like his father. Neither Ian or Asia have had the best of childhoods and they did connect with each other during past summers. Now Asia has stepped back into his life and he does not want her walking away from him again.

However, the past will not stay hidden and the secrets their parents tried to keep from their children are coming out. The fallout will be painful, but can they step back and see that the truth will set them all free? All of these characters were carrying very heavy burdens. Some of them by their own hand, others by their moms and dads. Sin is a great burden, but we do not have to bear it, ours or anyone else's. This story is a great reminder of that and that we can choose not to let the past define us.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,871 reviews45 followers
November 11, 2020
This is the first full length book that I have read by this author. She has had some shorter stories in some of the Barbour Collections. I am glad that I got a chance to read this book. The author has created real feeling, flawed characters. Asia has been recently released from prison. She harbors a lot of pain and baggage. While she was in prison, she found God. She knew she needs a fresh start and returns to a town where she spent summers at years ago. However, she is still hiding her past. She hears the rumors about her mother -and some of the things that others are saying to her are very hurtful. She just wants to know her family and start fresh.
Enter, Ian. He also carries around a bunch of pain. He is terrified he will end up like his father. Ian and Asia have known each other from their pasts - and Ian cannot believe that she has returned. He is drawn to her. He wants to reconnect with her - however he is terrified of a relationship. Ian makes sure that he consults with God about the direction that he needs to be taking with all decisions in his life, especially everything with Asia.
I love how the author has chosen to write about family, sins, secrets and so much more. This book was different then other books that I have read. I love the biblical messages through it. We need to remember we are not our parents or their sins. The author did a great job presenting this.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program.
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,770 reviews46 followers
November 5, 2020
Christian Romance is a favorite genre of mine. Nancy J. Farrier is a new to me author.
The book synopsis really blew me away and I really wanted to read the book.

Asia Jessup is looking for a "Fresh Start" at life. She just served time in Prison
and has no family or nowhere to go, so she returns to a town where she spent
a couple of Summers as a teen. Asia is a new Christian and she feels God is
guiding her to a Fresh Start. She arrives to the town and discovers the town
Restaurant Owner is Ian Kittridge, someone she helped in his teen years. Ian
runs into Asia and is excited she is back in town. He has been working hard
to keep his life on track and is not sure if Asia will "relapse" and would he
fall also. Asia and Ian both have troubled pasts and both are working hard
at a Fresh Start and keeping things good in life. Can Ian and Asia help each
other stay on the right path in life? Can they forgive the past and will there
be a good future as a couple?


WOW, this book really is Fascinating and Intriguing. It is also a book about
hope and forgiveness. A Page turner book from the very first page. I really
enjoyed this book and I believe readers of Christian Romance will enjoy it
as much as I do!
Profile Image for Erin.
2,100 reviews20 followers
November 16, 2020
I’ve often heard that the sins of the parents are on their children. You’ve probably heard this too. But is it true? Does it always happen that way? Are we doomed simply because of who we were born to?

Here are two characters trying to beat this status quo. Can they succeed? Or are they destined to repeat their parents’ mistakes?

I enjoyed this book. I did have a few questions that didn’t get answered but they were merely me being overly curious. By nature, I am that way.

Ian and Asia met once a long time ago. That fateful summer helped to direct their paths. Neither can go back in time but could their paths still be intertwined if they can let go of their parents failures and the fear of repeating them?

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

Profile Image for Sarah Nannette  Booth.
132 reviews9 followers
August 27, 2020
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I really enjoyed reading this book! I like reading books that are deep, that are about finding out one’s true identity and heritage , and that are about struggles and pain that people have come through in the midst of hard situations but learned from and chosen to make better choices in spite of them through coming to know Jesus and of having true great friendships to go through it with them and be there for them as the book portrays! I loved this book also because the characters prayed a lot to God and because the story was about love and forgiveness and was so sweet. The quest for truth was so intriguing to me in this story that I could hardly put the book down. I am giving this story 5 stars as I liked the story and the characters so much! This book blessed and encouraged my heart so much!
1,876 reviews
November 11, 2020
With the emotional rollercoaster this book took me on, I have to say I definitely believe it is one worth reading. The idea of a former convict searching for family captured my attention. Perhaps because our second son wants to enter the culinary feed, having one of the main characters involved in the food industry also made me want to read this book.

This book examines family, sins of the past, and how secrets can affect our past, present, and future. Both Asia and Ian have things they need to deal with in order to fully move into their future. This book shows how secrets have a way of being discovered.

The storyline weaves together into a tapestry that moved along at a perfect speed. I felt the characters were well-developed, and the setting fit the story. So check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,546 reviews4 followers
November 17, 2020
"Matching Points" by Nancy J. Farrier is book one of the Driftwood Coves Series. This book has drama, secrets.family and forgiveness and faith. This book is a book that keep me reading because I felt like I was watching the scenes as well as reading them. I have to be honest and say when I first started reading I was involved because I wanted to know what Asia was in prison for. And then a couple of pages later she meets someone she was hoping wouldn't be there in town and from there we go to eat and the barbecue scene made me hungry. The whole book was like this for, I am telling you, I was involved in this book. I liked reading about the different quilt patterns. This is another book that I describe as "Fiction is real life". I think this is a story that has been lived for "real" in someone's life somewhere in the world.

I received a contemporary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
6,152 reviews
October 29, 2020
Matching Points is the first full length book I have read by Nancy J Farrier. It is, also, the first installment from her Driftwood Cove series. I thought it was a great beginning. I loved the beautiful setting of the book. The details of the area made feel as though as I was right there. The story involves some real life issues that many would be able to relate to and connect with. It was full of emotions, faith and inspiration. There are a lot of beautiful life lessons that should be reminded of.

I am giving Matching Points a very well deserved five plus stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean and sweet romance. I look forward to reading the next book from the Driftwood Cove series, hopefully in the near future.

I received Matching Points from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
3 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2020
Letting go of the past and moving forward, this is a story about love, acceptance and forgiveness that will touch your heart. You will not want to put it down! The author, Nancy J. Farrier, has a unique and creative way with details that wrap around you and makes you feel the characters and their story. You will laugh, cheer and wipe a stray tear or two away. Don’t be surprised if you start to crave some BBQ or want to take a trip to the ocean! Another great book from Nancy that is a must read....

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Connie.
375 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2023
You can read the back cover to get a synopsis of the story. I have read other novels from Nancy Farrier but I think this is the first contemporary one I have read. I absolutely loved it! The characters are so full of depth and the plot lines of brokenness and family issues resonated deeply for me. I so appreciated and needed the elements of saving grace and faith found in Christ and rooting that faith into the very character of God our Father. I hope there's another book to this series so that I can read more!
I won this book from a giveaway. The thoughts and opinions are my own. There was no promise of a positive review, but I am happy to reward great writing with a 5 star review.
387 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2025
Two people who were there for each other in the past find love in their future.

Loved being wit this author again. Ian and Asia story was sweet and very heart related. Both had parents that really didn't treat them right. Asia was trying to find her true family. But that came with a lot of hurt. Ian was always there for her. Both in the past and present time. Cinda her friend and sister had always been there for her. But Asia chose a different path. But family and love brought her back. So happy that Glenna forgave Asia. Their parents really hurt the girls in what they did. Hope Cinda finds love again. Will read more by this author. Also hope Meg finds love again too.
1 review
September 8, 2020
A MUST READ!!! COULD HARDLY PUT IT DOWN!!!

I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Matching points has something for every reader!! From intrigue to sweet romance, family feuds to finding your faith, this book does not disappoint!! Very well written with much realism for believability! Great imagery of all the characters, and Driftwood Cove! Very easy to read and understand as well as empathize with each of the characters and their pasts!! Every page draws you to read on!!
Profile Image for Ebosereme Nwamu.
631 reviews70 followers
November 7, 2020
Family issues and drama are always the hardest to deal with especially with secrets in the past. That was this book. The characters were were flawed, some with baggage that needed unloading but with a faith in God to help. I especially like Asia, a lot was wrong and not going right for her but she still prayed and stuck with God. Her strength was amazing. I liked her and Ian together, friends to more stories have always delighted.
I loved Cinda's quilt shop and Ian's barbecue joint.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
114 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2020
I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I found this book to be captivating from the first page. The characters are normal everyday people. Easy to relate to and their trials and triumphs are believable. Be prepared to have plenty of free time when you start the book! I wasn’t and it was extremely difficult to leave Driftwood Cove to get things done. Highly anticipate the next book.
4 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2020
Nancy Farrier new book was nice and sweet it was a treat. The small town is described perfectly. Matching points shows God desires to bless you with this perfect love. They were broken, as we all have been. When God comes beside them and pulls them out of lies and hurt and there they learn the joys of giving God control. A sweet and spicy ending to a beautiful love story. The book was given to me for an honest review.
1 review1 follower
September 17, 2020
The story captured in this book is so captivating - the circle of friends are now dear to my heart. In the story's twists and turns, one in particular made me momentarily pause to silently cry. Each character was wonderfully developed, and I love a story that unravels through the lens of multiple characters. I am so looking forward to continuing the story (in future books) of the friendships in this small community and their challenges that I so relate to in my life.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,628 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2020
This is a book that will make you stop and think about how we judge people by the way their parents lived and mistakes they made in the past. It's a wonderful inspirational story that deals with family drama, overcoming mistakes of the past and God's forgiveness. Asia and Ian's story is full of emotions and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
1 review
September 6, 2020
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end It had humor, and romance I loved how the main character Asia gave her life to the Lord Loved how it talked about forgiveness and how important it is to forgive. The Lord is my life and I enjoyed the book. It made me smile, laugh and ever cry sensational thank you
Profile Image for Cara Grandle.
Author 5 books107 followers
August 26, 2020
Farriers writing is on point. You can relax and read her books knowing your going to get all the feels and a satisfying ending. Matching Points is no exception.
There are two fantastic ring moments that are sooooooo worth your time.
1 review
September 11, 2020
This is a lovely casual read. Enjoyed the descriptive content of the characters, locations and inner turmoils and themes of the book. Story of young love, choices made, consequences dealt with and the redemption and forgiveness of God and the human spirit. Enjoy!
1 review
September 11, 2020
This is an excellent contemporary novel about working through difficult problems and learning to achieve a relationship in a Christian manner. A sweet story that shows how two troubled young people are able to find peace and happiness. Loved it!
Profile Image for Karie.
373 reviews11 followers
April 21, 2021
Very nice read by Ms. Farrier. I did find parts that seemed to repeat a few times. Other parts of the story should also have been a bit more in depth. Emotional read for sure with laugh out loud moments and heart tugging ones.
1,827 reviews24 followers
August 27, 2021
A new start in the right placce

Sometimes we jump to conclusions about another person’s character. Praise God that He knows the truth! Asia changed to someone who believed in God’s truth about who He is and also about herself. Very well done!
Profile Image for Natalya.
530 reviews19 followers
August 27, 2020
Beautiful story!
“Our choices make us who we are. How we choose to live. How we choose to forgive. How we choose to love. And Who we choose to love and follow.”
1 review
September 11, 2020
I received this book in exchange for an honest opinion. I have always enjoyed reading and I couldn’t put this one down. I had to stop myself from reading at one point. The main character is trying to get answers from a past that she knew but never really understood. It has romance and it has a love that is led by God which is the best part. I have given this five stars because I loved it.
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