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Family Is Forever #3
Stand by Me
Acclaimed inspirational African American romance author Pat Simmons brings you a love story filled to the brim with everything you're looking for: Emotional, poignant fiction that explores what it means to take care of familyChristian romance that delves into the connection between two peopleAn uplifting story about embracing love and giving others--and yourself--one more chanceWhen it comes to being a caregiver, Kym Knicely has been there and done that. Then she meets Charles Chaz Banks and soon learns that every caregiving situation is different. Chaz takes care of his seven-year-old autistic granddaughter, Chauncy. Although Kym's attraction to Chaz is strong, she has to decide whether a romantic relationship can survive and thrive between two people at different stages in life. It's a journey with a different set of rules that Kym has to play by if she and Chaz are to have their happily ever after and the faith and family they envision.
Praise for the Family Is Forever series:
As wonderful as a warm embrace.--Bestselling author Tina DeSalvo for Lean on Me
Reading a Pat Simmons novel is a treat.--Bestselling author Vanessa Riley for Lean on Me
Pat Simmons pulls at the heartstrings by focusing on love, faith, and family.--Naleighna Kai, USA Today bestselling author, for Here for You
You will fall in love... A must-read story.--Bestselling author Vanessa Miller for Here for You
Praise for the Family Is Forever series:
As wonderful as a warm embrace.--Bestselling author Tina DeSalvo for Lean on Me
Reading a Pat Simmons novel is a treat.--Bestselling author Vanessa Riley for Lean on Me
Pat Simmons pulls at the heartstrings by focusing on love, faith, and family.--Naleighna Kai, USA Today bestselling author, for Here for You
You will fall in love... A must-read story.--Bestselling author Vanessa Miller for Here for You
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2021
37 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Pat Simmons
98 books372 followersPat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author of forty-plus titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth who is passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She is a five-time recipient of the RSJ Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance: Still Guilty, Crowning Glory, The Confession, Christmas Dinner, and Queen’s Surrender (To A Higher Calling). Pat’s first inspirational women’s fiction, Lean On Me, with Sourcebooks, was the February/March Together We Read Digital Book Club pick for the national library system. Here for You and Stand by Me are also part of the Family is Forever series. Her holiday indie release, Christmas Dinner, and traditionally published, Here for You were featured in Woman’s World, a national magazine. Here for You was also listed in the “7 Great Reads That Help to Keep the Faith” by Sisters From AARP. She contributed an article, “I’m Listening,” in the Chicken Soup for the Soul: I’m Speaking Now (2021). Pat is the recipient of the 2022 Leslie Esdaile “Trailblazer” Award given by Building Relationships Around Books Readers’ Choice for her work in the Christian fiction genre.
As a Christian, Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country. Pat has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter. Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and has worked in radio, television, and print media for more than twenty years. She oversaw the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions for fourteen years. Visit her at www.patsimmons.net.
As a Christian, Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country. Pat has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter. Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and has worked in radio, television, and print media for more than twenty years. She oversaw the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions for fourteen years. Visit her at www.patsimmons.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 26, 2021
This was a lighthearted read and outlined some serious topics while highlighting the importance of love and loyalty. Kym and Chaz meet in an airport lobby and their love story stems from there. Both characters hold a strong Christian faith and so their love story has many underpinnings in their faith. Family is the focal point within the book and as the pair continue to build their relationship, so do the bonds within their families.
This book was refreshing as it still held the hope and good feelings of a new romance, but kept it very innocent with older school values. The relationship was built on live and mutual respect for each other and in the end, left me feeling happy for reading it.
This book was refreshing as it still held the hope and good feelings of a new romance, but kept it very innocent with older school values. The relationship was built on live and mutual respect for each other and in the end, left me feeling happy for reading it.
November 17, 2021
Pat Simmons has done it again. I love how she used current issues (blended family and autism) in this story. The history in her books is always amazing. I was very impressed with the knowledge of autism. As always I look forward to reading more books by Pat Simmons.
August 24, 2024
A wonderful story, filled with the goodness of faith, family and acceptance.
An older gentleman is the caregiver of his granddaughter, who is autistic. Many grandparents are not done raising children as they're doing it all over again with their grandchildren. Kym is a career woman, childless and at a very different stage in her life than Charles. Meeting each other as they start spending more time together, they wander if a relationship could become a possibility with how different they are. A clean, Christian romance that I enjoyed. The cover is so appealing to me as well especially with Fall right around the corner.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
An older gentleman is the caregiver of his granddaughter, who is autistic. Many grandparents are not done raising children as they're doing it all over again with their grandchildren. Kym is a career woman, childless and at a very different stage in her life than Charles. Meeting each other as they start spending more time together, they wander if a relationship could become a possibility with how different they are. A clean, Christian romance that I enjoyed. The cover is so appealing to me as well especially with Fall right around the corner.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
May 23, 2022
This is the first time I have read a book by this author but this book is the third in the Family is Forever series.
Chaz was a young father who is now divorced and at the ripe old age of 42 is also a grandfather. When he meets a beautiful woman in the St. Louis airport, he is smitten and has to get to know her better.
Kym is a doctoral candidate who is very busy but longs for true love. Her two younger sisters have both found good, honorable, God-fearing men and she wants to find the same for herself. She longs for a family of her own but as time marches on, she is beginning to believe that she will never have that opportunity. That is until she meets Chaz. He is almost too good to be true. But, since he had already raised his sons and now is a grandparent, will he want to start over with a young family. Is it worth the risk to both their hearts to try for something better with the perfect soulmate?
I really enjoyed reading this story and the development of the characters and secondary characters in the story, as well. It is a clean, wholesome read with family dynamics and real-life experiences.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Chaz was a young father who is now divorced and at the ripe old age of 42 is also a grandfather. When he meets a beautiful woman in the St. Louis airport, he is smitten and has to get to know her better.
Kym is a doctoral candidate who is very busy but longs for true love. Her two younger sisters have both found good, honorable, God-fearing men and she wants to find the same for herself. She longs for a family of her own but as time marches on, she is beginning to believe that she will never have that opportunity. That is until she meets Chaz. He is almost too good to be true. But, since he had already raised his sons and now is a grandparent, will he want to start over with a young family. Is it worth the risk to both their hearts to try for something better with the perfect soulmate?
I really enjoyed reading this story and the development of the characters and secondary characters in the story, as well. It is a clean, wholesome read with family dynamics and real-life experiences.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
December 14, 2021
Such a refreshing change for me. A beautifully written sweet story, with intelligent, educated and thoughtful characters. All about faith, and strength of family.
I loved that what came between Kym and Chaz wasn’t doubts about each other, but whether they could reconcile their commitments and desires. Hers for kids, his need to help take care of his autistic grand-daughter. I could tell so much of this novel from the locations to Chaucy’s autism was so well researched.
I’m not normally a reader of Christian romance, but this was such a refreshing change for me, especially in these darker times. Full of sweet moments and family milestones.
I loved that what came between Kym and Chaz wasn’t doubts about each other, but whether they could reconcile their commitments and desires. Hers for kids, his need to help take care of his autistic grand-daughter. I could tell so much of this novel from the locations to Chaucy’s autism was so well researched.
I’m not normally a reader of Christian romance, but this was such a refreshing change for me, especially in these darker times. Full of sweet moments and family milestones.
November 21, 2021
The third book in the Knicely sisters trilogy did not disappoint!
The third of the Knicely sisters is a graduate student working on her PhD and her research project is about pop up tutoring trucks.
On a trip back to St Louis she meets another alum of LLC and she soon finds they have even more than LLC in common.
Another great story about love, faith and family!
The third of the Knicely sisters is a graduate student working on her PhD and her research project is about pop up tutoring trucks.
On a trip back to St Louis she meets another alum of LLC and she soon finds they have even more than LLC in common.
Another great story about love, faith and family!
November 3, 2021
Stand by Me is the first book I have read by Pat Simmons. I enjoyed it immensely so I will b going back to read the rest of this series as well as looking forward to new books being published. If you have ever had to become the caregiver of a family member you can certainly understand the characters in this book. While every situation is different they all can take their toil on the caregiver. It also makes other relationships more challenging.
I liked the characters. There is Chaz who steps up to take a role many grandparents are being asked to do. Kym is at a different place in her life but is attracted to Chaz when they meet. This story deals with some serious real life situations but does so in an uplifting manner. The faith that Chaz and Kym have in common is such an enriching part of this story. For me it rang true, making it a treat to read.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys family drama and sweet romance.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
I liked the characters. There is Chaz who steps up to take a role many grandparents are being asked to do. Kym is at a different place in her life but is attracted to Chaz when they meet. This story deals with some serious real life situations but does so in an uplifting manner. The faith that Chaz and Kym have in common is such an enriching part of this story. For me it rang true, making it a treat to read.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys family drama and sweet romance.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
November 29, 2021
The final story in the Knicely sister trilogy. This one centers around Kym Knicely. I really appreciated how she was written. Ms. Simmons included many fascinating facts about Black History and many different Colleges (HBCUs). As college administrator, I was happy to learn a lot of new things and enjoyed every little fact that Ms. Simmons included in the book.
Ok to the story, I did really like the story of Kym and Chaz. I loved that they were older (36 and 42, I believe). So many stories center around people in their 20s or early 30s. I loved their ages and that with that, they both brought life experiences to the relationship. All of the bumps along the way for them seemed so realistic and were filled with very authentic moments.
This book is a great end to the trilogy, Ms. Simmons did a great job with this book and if you liked the other two books, you will like this one.
Ok to the story, I did really like the story of Kym and Chaz. I loved that they were older (36 and 42, I believe). So many stories center around people in their 20s or early 30s. I loved their ages and that with that, they both brought life experiences to the relationship. All of the bumps along the way for them seemed so realistic and were filled with very authentic moments.
This book is a great end to the trilogy, Ms. Simmons did a great job with this book and if you liked the other two books, you will like this one.
January 13, 2022
This book was such a great ending to the series. You might want to read the other two books in the series just to get the backstory. Kim is the oldest of three sisters that were set in charge of taking care of their great aunt, who has dementia. In this story, Kim, while working on her doctorate, meets an older gentleman named Chaz, who has a grand daughter, Chanuncy, who is on the autism spectrum. After some possible complications with his daughter in law's pregnancy, he decides to take his grand daughter and keep her for a couple of months. And while Kim tried to help him, while they're' dating, life becomes very interesting and challenging.
If you love sweet, current day situations in your stories, then you will enjoy this book.. It was a beautiful story and I really enjoyed it
If you love sweet, current day situations in your stories, then you will enjoy this book.. It was a beautiful story and I really enjoyed it
March 13, 2022
Stand by Me
Excellent, I loved this caregiver series. Kym was the oldest sister of the Knicely sisters. Her younger sisters both had been blessed with extraordinary men of God as husbands while they became caregivers for their Aunt Tweet. That blessing was not bestowed on her when she cared for her aunt who now was passed away. The last installment weaves a beautiful tale of a man meeting a woman and his instant attraction and his journey to get to know her. It follows their Christian love story. Beautifully written as all of Pat Simmons books are. If you love Christian romance, this book is a must-read!
Excellent, I loved this caregiver series. Kym was the oldest sister of the Knicely sisters. Her younger sisters both had been blessed with extraordinary men of God as husbands while they became caregivers for their Aunt Tweet. That blessing was not bestowed on her when she cared for her aunt who now was passed away. The last installment weaves a beautiful tale of a man meeting a woman and his instant attraction and his journey to get to know her. It follows their Christian love story. Beautifully written as all of Pat Simmons books are. If you love Christian romance, this book is a must-read!
November 2, 2021
Pat Simmons delivers a totally satisfying story between the pages of the exceptional covers!
This is the book to read on a crisp day, wrapped in a blanket with hot cocoa! This feels like the ideal times of year, although I can see myself grabbing this as I run to the beach!
This love story captured my attention and made sure I fell in love, too!
“Stand by Me” will renew your hope or expand it…whichever you need.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a fair and honest Review.
This is the book to read on a crisp day, wrapped in a blanket with hot cocoa! This feels like the ideal times of year, although I can see myself grabbing this as I run to the beach!
This love story captured my attention and made sure I fell in love, too!
“Stand by Me” will renew your hope or expand it…whichever you need.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a fair and honest Review.
November 7, 2021
Can I just say that I absolutely love ALL of Pat Simmons's books!!!!
This is the third installment of the Knicely Sisters, featuring Kym, the oldest. Kym is a doctoral candidate and she meets her "Mr. Right for her" at the airport. He's an ex-husband, father, and grandfather of an autistic girl. Lots going on in this really sweet story. I recommend reading the first book "LEAN ON ME" and the second book "HERE FOR YOU" as well. You won't be disappointed!
This is the third installment of the Knicely Sisters, featuring Kym, the oldest. Kym is a doctoral candidate and she meets her "Mr. Right for her" at the airport. He's an ex-husband, father, and grandfather of an autistic girl. Lots going on in this really sweet story. I recommend reading the first book "LEAN ON ME" and the second book "HERE FOR YOU" as well. You won't be disappointed!
November 3, 2021
I had to finish this book in 1 day!
I absolutely loved Kym's story, as much as I did Tabitha's and Rachel's. Pat Simmons does an excellent job of writing Christian stories like this one that not only warms our hearts but encourages us as well and always includes God's voice and His Word. I hope there is more to come for the Knicely sisters' stories. Definitely recommend Stand By Me!! Pat has done it again and that is why she is one of my favorite authors!!
I absolutely loved Kym's story, as much as I did Tabitha's and Rachel's. Pat Simmons does an excellent job of writing Christian stories like this one that not only warms our hearts but encourages us as well and always includes God's voice and His Word. I hope there is more to come for the Knicely sisters' stories. Definitely recommend Stand By Me!! Pat has done it again and that is why she is one of my favorite authors!!
March 9, 2023
The Knicely Sisters Exceed Expectation s
I read "Lean on Me" within a weekend, stopping only to attend church. I purchased both the Audible and book of "Here for You", so I could enjoy while driving. So without a doubt, I purchased " Stand by Me." The series was incredible, impeccable and heart-warming. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Pat Simmons.
I read "Lean on Me" within a weekend, stopping only to attend church. I purchased both the Audible and book of "Here for You", so I could enjoy while driving. So without a doubt, I purchased " Stand by Me." The series was incredible, impeccable and heart-warming. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Pat Simmons.
July 1, 2023
Inspirational reading!
This extraordinary author astonishes me with each of her works that I have read. In addition to God's Word and delightful romance, I am treated to history of my family, black history. With this series I have learned about dementia and the caregivers, I learned about cancer and treatment and here in this book knowledge about autism.
This extraordinary author astonishes me with each of her works that I have read. In addition to God's Word and delightful romance, I am treated to history of my family, black history. With this series I have learned about dementia and the caregivers, I learned about cancer and treatment and here in this book knowledge about autism.
November 10, 2021
The First Shall Be Last
Chad and Kym were two of a kind. Love the support they gave to each other. Mrs Simmoms, was on point in dealing with two very touchy subjects.
#Cillasbookmaniacs #Mamatoni'sbooknook
Chad and Kym were two of a kind. Love the support they gave to each other. Mrs Simmoms, was on point in dealing with two very touchy subjects.
#Cillasbookmaniacs #Mamatoni'sbooknook
December 6, 2021
A wonderful read
A delightful story about faith, hope, love and support when life can give you some unexpected challenges. Definitely a must read and to close out the series. Ms. Pat does not disappoint. Awesome as always.
A delightful story about faith, hope, love and support when life can give you some unexpected challenges. Definitely a must read and to close out the series. Ms. Pat does not disappoint. Awesome as always.
January 17, 2022
This is third and final book in this Christian fiction series. Pat Simmons is on of my favorite authors and this book does not disappoint! Kym and Chaz’s romance is based on old school concepts of love, caregiving and mutual respect for each other. Simply beautiful story and very well done!
December 3, 2022
Love Worth The Wait
This book was excellent. The women
believed God for what they needed and had strong family connection. Kym was humble, but didn't compromise herself to be in a relationship.
This book was excellent. The women
believed God for what they needed and had strong family connection. Kym was humble, but didn't compromise herself to be in a relationship.
February 18, 2023
Stand by Me
Kym was the last of the Knicely sisters and the only one unmarried. In walks Chaz. He was a cool drink of water and in pursuit of Kym. They had a few stumbling blocks to overcome. Their love for God helped them make it to the end. Very good storyline.
Kym was the last of the Knicely sisters and the only one unmarried. In walks Chaz. He was a cool drink of water and in pursuit of Kym. They had a few stumbling blocks to overcome. Their love for God helped them make it to the end. Very good storyline.
November 12, 2021
Great Series
Ms. Simmons has done it again. This was a great Christian romance series. Thoroughly enjoyed and am looking forward to her next book.
Ms. Simmons has done it again. This was a great Christian romance series. Thoroughly enjoyed and am looking forward to her next book.
January 4, 2022
Beautiful Story
What a lovely story set around caregiving. I can relate to the caregiving experience myself. Pat is known for clean Christian romance & she does it very well.
What a lovely story set around caregiving. I can relate to the caregiving experience myself. Pat is known for clean Christian romance & she does it very well.
February 3, 2022
Sorry to see this series end!
I enjoyed the stories of the Knicely Sister's. Love how this author mixes family and faith. She always uses scriptures and faith in her stories.
I enjoyed the stories of the Knicely Sister's. Love how this author mixes family and faith. She always uses scriptures and faith in her stories.
March 12, 2022
There were definitely things I enjoyed about this book. But there was something about the writing style or sentence structure that just felt disjointed. It made it harder to engage
April 23, 2022
I enjoyed following the Knicely sisters. Pat Simmons is my go-to author when I want a clean Christian Romance. What an enjoyable series this is!
Read
June 29, 2022You do not have to have read the other 2 books to enjoy this one.
August 8, 2023
Great end to a perfect series.
January 11, 2024
Autism affects so many. This book read differently for me but I enjoyed the story! Thank you for a wonderful trilogy.
November 15, 2021
Finally Kim finds love
I eagerly awaited the release of this novel. I have read the stories of the sisters finding love and wanted the same for Kym. He is perfect! Caring. Romantic. sensitive. Intelligent. Attractive. Professional. Husband and protector type of man. After a random meeting and a long courtship, they figured out the next step of their relationship.
I eagerly awaited the release of this novel. I have read the stories of the sisters finding love and wanted the same for Kym. He is perfect! Caring. Romantic. sensitive. Intelligent. Attractive. Professional. Husband and protector type of man. After a random meeting and a long courtship, they figured out the next step of their relationship.
July 19, 2023
Fami!y Love is forever
I gave 5 Stars because it was such a loving ,caring , inspirational , and the contents of the of the scriptures really brought such clarity as well of understanding!!
I gave 5 Stars because it was such a loving ,caring , inspirational , and the contents of the of the scriptures really brought such clarity as well of understanding!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews