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Thirty-three year old Gemma Botha's world is turned upside-down with the sudden death of her beloved husband, Morné. Alone with a young son and no inheritance, Gemma is not only devastated, but also penniless. When a single father, Gavin, makes her an offer she can’t refuse, Gemma jumps at the life-changing opportunity. But as she spends more and more time with Gavin, she wrestles with the guilt her growing feelings for him conjure.
Will Gemma’s heart ever be free enough to take a chance on Gavin? Or will the secret he discovers push them apart forever?

Gemma’s Joy, Book Four in the Series, ‘Love in South Africa’, is a story about healing and a joy that comes in the morning after the night of sorrow!

Please note that Book Four follows on from Book Three, Tanya’s Hope, and is not a stand alone title. Readers are strongly advised to begin the series with Book One.

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2021

6 people are currently reading
14 people want to read

About the author

Ashley Winter

28 books39 followers
Ashley Winter is a South African Christian Fiction writer living in Wales, United Kingdom. Ashley and her husband Grant, along with their three sons, immigrated to Wales in 2009 to help with a church plant in Swansea. They have since had one more son added to the chaos, and they spend their days chauffeuring the kids and kicking them off their screens and other electronic devices. They have not been brave enough to add any pets to their collection of living things, as they already have so many to keep alive. Ashley finds her escape from the overwhelming masculinity in her home by disappearing into her wonderful world of fiction.

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5 stars
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7 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
9 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2018
Just so enjoying this series, set mainly in South Africa. I love how the author is able to write, real, true to life stories, detailing everyday experiences, that happen even to Christians. Gemma's heart is shattered when she goes through something devastating. I couldn't put this book down, I loved every moment of this story, through the ups and downs of Jemmas life, there is much to learn. Had some good laughs and shed a few tears. The story line is fantastic.
21 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2019
Wow....I really enjoyed Gemma's joy...as always it was so good to see the regular characters but also to be introduced to new characters. I really could not put this book down....I was so caught up in the storyline...the highs and lows, the heartbreaking parts and those parts that took me by surprise!! It was an awesome story. I enjoyed every bit of it. Looking forward to No.5! 😁
13 reviews
November 23, 2020
Gemma is a strong willed woman whose faith helps her make the right decision. I love all the new characters and their development.
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10 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2019
I was ecstatic when book 4 was released. I struggled to get into the storyline because I struggled to relate to Gemma. Her story and the things she had to go through to love again and experience God's forgiveness and love just astounded me. I love the character development and javing to revisit the characters from previous books. I love getting introduced to new characters and waiting to see who's story will be written about next.
Profile Image for Caroline Johnston.
Author 10 books107 followers
April 30, 2026
A beautiful story about finding love again, Gemma’s Joy is a true second-chance romance. Gavin still hasn’t recovered from losing Debs to Johan (book 2). Despite his intense schedule as a doctor, he agrees to adopt a patient’s toddler. A decision that brings him closer to Gemma. A woman who has just lost her beloved husband, Morne. Only her marriage wasn’t the perfect relationship she had imagined. Enjoy this wonderful story. I’m so glad we find out what happened next for Gavin.
450 reviews37 followers
January 3, 2022
"He sat at his new piano, pulled back the cover and played the only song knew, 'The way you look tonight' by Frank Sinatra."
17 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2019
This was my favourite book so far! And im so happy Gavin finaly found someone!! They are perfect for each other. Cant wait to meet the next caracters! 🌺💝
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews