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Esther is her granddaughter's last chance.

Esther hasn't seen Zoe in years and hardly knows her. But she's not going to turn her away. Zoe is family, and she's a child.

A wild child. How will Esther keep her from self-destructing?

Rachel.

Zoe wants nothing to do with the crazy-hat lady from her grandmother's creepy old church. But as Rachel starts to share herself with young Zoe, Esther sees a change. Will it be enough?

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2020

68 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

Robin Merrill

84 books126 followers

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner.
1,514 reviews90 followers
March 17, 2024
Kicking is the second book in the New Beginnings series by Robin Merrill. It is necessary to read the books in the order they are written.

I had a hard time getting into Kicking, just like I did in the first book, Knocking. The story is told from multiple points of view, and once again you are introduced to many new characters in the first few chapters. I had a hard time keeping a few of them straight.

While I finished the book, I did not enjoy it as much as the first. I was not as invested in the storyline, and struggled to finish it. There are some inconsistencies from the first book to this one.

Overall, just an okay story, and not enough there for me to read the next four books in the series.
Profile Image for Cinnabug.
212 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2023
This is the story of the lost being found, being the you God made you to be, and trusting him enough to follow His leading.

I love the way that the author uses old women—people who are so often overlooked in our society today—to bring people to God, to help them heal, and to provide support and community to those who need it. These characters are courageous, wise, real, vulnerable, and have so much to offer. It’s wonderful to see how they interact with each other and how important they become to the people around them when they share the love of Jesus.

Yes, Jesus! These books are all about how Jesus holds us, carries us, heals us. It’s so refreshing to see!
Profile Image for Jean Holtof.
426 reviews4 followers
March 30, 2021
A courageous group of older women start their own church. Esther, Cathy, Vicky, Vera and Rachel invest themselves in this venture despite the odds against them. I love the Puddy family. Zoe is a challenging girl who is definitely 'kicking' against everything and is sent to live with Esther, her grandmother. I enjoyed the interactions between the women and Zoe and also watching Zoe grow in maturity with the their help. Another heartwarming story in the New Beginnings series that left me feeling good. Thanks Robin for the pleasurable and inspiring reads.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,611 reviews28 followers
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July 30, 2021
Kicking (New Beginnings #2), my sixteenth read from author Robin Merrill. I've read over 300 books so far this year and Knitting (New Beginnings Book 4) book was among the very best of them. So I've gone back to Knocking (New Beginnings #1) and now New Beginnings #2. Outstanding Christian fiction, with well-written with characters & a plot you can buy into with unexpected twists & turns. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Pam Merrill.
309 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2021
The senior ladies are still running their church and trying to make it grow. Esther is taking in her granddaughter who has been getting in trouble. Will she keep on her downward spiral or renew the faith she had when she was younger. Zoe and the hat lady (Rachel) end up working together. Someone has a date. I received an ARC in exchange for a voluntary review. It is voluntary and I am not related to Robin but have same last name.
Profile Image for Olya.
39 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2021
A nice young adults reading
The author captures well the struggles teenagers go through while on search for meaning and purpose in life.

What I didn't like where the 'technical ' inconsistencies. For example, in the first book Emma has to take the bus to the school that is far outside of town. Here, Zoe walks to the same school like it is within walking distance. They live on the same block. Other distances have the tendency to get shorter from one chapter to another.
94 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2024
Funny and sad, exciting and new!

While this is book 2 in this series, it would also stand on its own. I am new to this author...but when one of the characters finally says yes to Jesus, I rejoiced! I am coming to love these old ladies, the 8th graders and especially Zoe. They are like friends.
Profile Image for Lisa.
70 reviews
December 5, 2020
Wonderful story about what it means when you follow God's leading on your life and stop fighting Him on it. I am really enjoying this new series by Robin Merrill. The characters are real, flawed, and relatable. The story line is fantastic. Can't wait for book 3!
5 reviews
January 17, 2021
Another great Christian read

It started with Gertrude Gumshoe and it continues. Love these Christian books. A nice change of pace and they are very inspirational. Thank you Robin!
18 reviews
April 12, 2021
I love this author!

I love this author! I never buy kindle books (just check them out from kindle Unlimited or get the free ones) I like her books so much, I am actually paying for the. The stories are invaluable!
89 reviews
December 18, 2021
2nd as good as the 1st

The 2nd in a series - great story about a troubled teen who goes to live with her grandmother and through a series of events, finds her way back to Jesus. Had some passages that struck a chord. Hope they do for you too.
23 reviews
January 19, 2023
OH MY GOODNESS!

After reading the first book, I had to read this one and now I am super excited to start the next one. It's been quite a while since I've been so fully in love with the characters in a series! I LOVE THESE BOOKS!
5 reviews
April 1, 2023
Refreshing and Uplifting

This New Beginnings series has drawn me in as no book has for a quite awhile. The characters are a bit quirky and the situations interesting. I am ready to start number 3!
16 reviews
May 25, 2021
Great read

Keeps you spellbound . just can't wait for the next page absolutely recommend this series love this author can't wait to check out her next series
70 reviews
June 14, 2021
Kicking High

I am so excited when I read the books in this series. Full of human frailties and makes me see how I once was. Love this .
20 reviews
February 11, 2023
so good!

I really loved this book!! I love seeing how God worked so beautifully in the characters… totally relatable… wonderful series’
4 reviews
February 18, 2025
Really enjoyed this book

The reality of how our saviour Jesus can change lives around comes over well in this book. Looking

forward to reading. More titles by this author!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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