Becoming Us

by Jenn Faulk, Jaycee Weaver

He’s easy-going and charming. She’s hot-tempered and tightly wound. Can they become better together than who they are apart?

Working through the disappointment of a teaching career that isn’t what he expected it to be, Mason Hayes’ otherwise cushy life gets turned upside down by the sudden loss of both parents in a car accident, leaving him with no one in the world. Until, that is, a half-sister he never knew existed shows up.

Hailee Miller-Garcia would do anything for Gina Bennett, including make a trip to meet the brother Gina’s never known – despite the issues Hailee’s having with her mother and little brother. As Mason’s life becomes entangled with her own, his laidback approach challenges her to reevaluate her own ways of dealing with the past, the present, and her dreams for the future.

Delving past friendship and growing into deeper feelings, it’s clear Hailee and Mason are better together. But the road ahead may be rocky and full of unexpected detours, challenging each of them to draw closer to Christ, work through their issues, and dream of a different future for themselves as they become more than a you and a me – they become us.

Genres: Fiction

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2020

About the author

Jenn Faulk is a native Texan who enjoys reading and writing chick lit. She's a pastor's wife, a stay-at-home mom, and a marathon enthusiast who loves talking about Jesus and what a difference He's made in her life. She has a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Houston and a MA in Missiology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

While all of Jenn's books are standalone novels with no cliffhanger endings, incomplete plots, or questions left unanswered, there is a suggested reading order that might be helpful as you get into the books...

Resolutions
Different Stars
Just Breathe
Best Day Ever
Even Still
Ready or Not
A Little Faith
Promises Kept
Beyond the Game
Just Friends
A New Tune
Pure Fiction
Home to You
Something Better
From Here on Out
Anywhere
Happily Ever After
Perfectly Pretend
Take Heart
So Like Us
Christmas Surprises
Tis the Season
The Plan
A Big Summer
Taking Chances
Destination Wedding
Crushed
Run (with L.N. Cronk)
Childish Ways
The New Girl
You and Me, Baby
Obsessed (with L.N. Cronk)
What a Christmas
Romance, Reality, and Blog Writers
Meet in the Middle
The Same Place (with L.N. Cronk)
Always
Lost and Found
Who You Know
The Mrs. Degree
You Again
Taken (with L.N. Cronk)
First Love
All My Days
Picture Perfect
Worth It
Wasted Time
Holiday Town
The One That Got Away
Meant To Be
All I Ever Wanted
Stuck on You
Pieced Together
Where You Are
Close Enough
All I Want for Christmas
Unexpected
Magical
Broken
Extraordinary
Wanted
Mine
More
Becoming Us (with Jaycee Weaver)
Maybe
Unmasked
Lucky
Called
Forever

Reviews

[Sarah Monzon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fleshed-out characters with real-life, complex backstories, this book reminded me of family dramas along the lines of Parenthood and This is Us. Fans of Karen Kingsbury will love this new duo pair of authors, Faulk and Weaver.

[Toni Shiloh]

Rtc

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story about trusting God

My rating is 4.5 stars

"ave you ever put on a happy face even though you were torn apart inside?

That is exactly what Mason did after his parents were killed in a car crash. Showing the world that all was well so they wouldn't reject him. He carried so much grief where no one could see it...

Mason was so fun! He was that dorky High School teacher all the kids secretly love because he cares so much about them. My favorite trait of his was how his thoughts would slip out of his mouth before he was able to filter them! Well, that and his huge heart, so ready to care for those around him. It was no wonder Javi found himself looking to Mason for help, advice, and friendship.

Hailee had always been the protector and provider for her family. After all, her mom was never in any condition to do these things. Though she believed in God with all her heart, surrendering her burdens to Him was something she had never done. I remember Hailee from Whatever Comes Our Way by Jaycee Weaver as she struggled to provide for her brother Javi. And keep herself from the clutches of the drug lords seeking the money her mother owed them. So while she had plenty of reason to think everything was up to her, faith doesn't work like that, does it? As she came to realize, it was a matter of letting go enough to trust Him.

Becoming Us is a lovely story. Readers who enjoy Christian fiction filled with challenging situations that point to Jesus will want to be sure to read it.

Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads

[Marylin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grief can grip you and hold you under struggling to breathe. It can also cause your life to turn at the drop of a hat.
This story is a tender story of lives changed by unexpected death and secrets. Also, of the misconception of needing to be in control of everything.
There were many times I wanted to just hug these characters and tell them it would be okay, and then there were times I wanted to smack them on the sides of their heads and tell them to get it together. The authors of this book did a wonderful job of bringing out my many emotions while I was reading this book.
I have read many books by Jaycee Weaver, but Jenn Faulk is a “new-to-me” author.
I found this story flowed smoothly and very beautifully.
I was very invested in the characters’ lives and what was happening to them. I loved the spunk of Hailee and the fun-loving, yet lost personality, of Mason. They both seemed to be like magnets drawn together.
I enjoyed reading how their friendship developed and blossomed into a tender relationship. How they learned the give and takes of any relationships, and the need to be honest with their feelings. As they get to know each other, they find they both have lots of baggage they need to work through.
This story was so sweet and captivating. It had drama, fun dialogue, deep touching life lessons, and tender romance.
I highly recommend you pick this book up to read. It will touch your heart in many ways.

[Caitlyn Santi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely story! I am a huge fan of Jaycee Weaver's books, and this is my first read from Jenn Faulk. I love how the authors writing voices blended really well, but were still each unique and original! Mason and Hailee were great characters who were very relatable, I was rooting for them from the start! This book is the perfect blend of fun, lighthearted moments, swoony romance, meaty topics, and a beautiful faith story, all of which adds up to exactly what I'm looking for in a Christian contemporary romance! Becoming Us is a beautiful story of true love and discovering who God created you to be! I so enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

[Veronica Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and encouraging

This book had a beautiful portrayal of grief and the need for therapy in our journey to healing with Christ. As a therapist, I didn’t expect it, but I really appreciated reading it.

The love story was fun. And I enjoyed the characters. Jaycee Weaver is one of my favourite authors because she always seems to be writing about my life (or maybe the life I wish I had- either way), I love her writing style and story beats.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance with real life emotional intelligence and growth in the characters.

[Terry Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great story and from two amazing authors. I did not want this one to end. This book really helps me with my walk with God. It reminds you not to take things for granted and to appreciate what you have and to love and appreciate your family because they won't always be here. I love the characters and the love they have for one another is just amazing. I really hope Mason and Hailee's story continues because I really want to know if she has a boy or a girl. Great job ladies absolutely fantastic.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a "Must Read" book!! It is well written and hooks you on the first page. It is full of emotions and family drama and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. It's a book you hate to see end, but you just have to know what happens next. Highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[R.j. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun collaboration!

I enjoyed this book! I’ve not read much by Jenn Faulk, but I adore Jaycee Weaver’s work! This is excellent. Everything I love in Ms Weaver’s books was still there in this collaboration, and now I have so many more books to read by Ms. Faulk.
I read this book with Kindle Unlimited.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can find Jenn Faulk's humor in this book, but it flows differently than most of her books, so I think much of the story must have come from Jaycee Weaver. They've done a good job together with good insights on dealing with grief, dealing with money (or lack thereof), and control vs surrender. It was worth reading.

[Anne M. Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Us - wonderful read!

I love Jenn Faulk's writing, and now Jaycee Weaver. This story of Hailee and Mason and their many emotions up and down - I could relate on so many levels. What a wonderful story. Brava!!

[Maggie Cormier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the first half of the book a little boring and disjointed. But the second half was better and I enjoyed the book overall.

[Lisa Cater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Us

A very good read, fun story line, a few twists, now we need a follow up on the other characters

[Deena Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

The characters are well developed, the story has heart and warmth, and I loved the natural flow. Looking forward to more from these two.

[Rhondia Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy everything I read from these ladies individually but this joint effort is amazing. Hailey is my soul sister. She’s anxious and fearful, taking on burdens only God can bear. Mason is sweet and goofy and secretly grieving more than he’s willing to admit. They really shouldn’t work as a couple because of the personality differences. That they try with even sporadic success is a testament to hard work. When hardship comes they really become honest with themselves and each other, moving through hurt, pain, doubt, fear and more grief to a point of more faith to sustain their relationship. The story easily moves through issues, bringing light to the need for a deeper intimate relationship with the Savior. I finished this book with a sense of joy after dealing with my own misplaced sense of responsibility, knowing God is sovereign and has good for me. I highly recommend this book.

[Teresa Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

When you've been in a reading funk and find a book that captures your attention, it's a good thing. I can understand Hailee's relationship with Javee. I love and appreciate her friendship with Gina. Mason is someone I'd enjoy meeting in person.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

It's great how God directs our path when we don't even realize it. Mason and Hailed Certainly did start out as even friends but as they moved forward things just happened. Enjoy the journey as you follow their story.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Review will be coming soon!

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming story. Great read.