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New Hope Falls #9
Always By My Side
She's lived her life under the cloud of her sister's disappearance.
Josie Thompson was ten when her sister went missing and her mother's battle with mental illness intensified. Though her family is now fractured, Josie has managed to get a degree and a job as a homecare nurse for a wealthy retired businessman. After a year working with the elderly philanthropist, her role has expanded to include caring for his home as well. It is a life that brings her peace and contentment.
After being injured in an attack on his squad while deployed, he's come back to the one place that he'd always loved.
Kenneth Charles Hawkins III, AKA Hawk, has found himself medically discharged from the military when injuries sustained in an attack leave him unable to continue his job as a sniper with the Army. He heads to his grandfather's home near New Hope Falls to recover.
Josie finds joy and purpose in caring for others, so she happily takes on the care of her employer's injured grandson. As she gets to know him, a friendship is forged between them, despite the decade plus difference in their ages. She finds herself falling for him but keeps her feelings close to her heart with no intention of revealing them. Having endured repeated rejection by the one person who should have loved her, Josie trusts only in her father's unconditional love for her.
Hawk wouldn't have thought he'd have much in common with a woman so much younger than him, but he finds that he enjoys the time they spend together. Her calm demeanor often soothes his somewhat volatile emotions as he deals with the pain from his injuries.
As he recovers, Hawk realizes he needs to make a decision on whether he wants to return to his past or embrace his future in New Hope Falls, possibly with Josie. But even if he chooses Josie, will she choose him? Will she be willing to trust him when she's been failed by those who should have loved her?
Josie Thompson was ten when her sister went missing and her mother's battle with mental illness intensified. Though her family is now fractured, Josie has managed to get a degree and a job as a homecare nurse for a wealthy retired businessman. After a year working with the elderly philanthropist, her role has expanded to include caring for his home as well. It is a life that brings her peace and contentment.
After being injured in an attack on his squad while deployed, he's come back to the one place that he'd always loved.
Kenneth Charles Hawkins III, AKA Hawk, has found himself medically discharged from the military when injuries sustained in an attack leave him unable to continue his job as a sniper with the Army. He heads to his grandfather's home near New Hope Falls to recover.
Josie finds joy and purpose in caring for others, so she happily takes on the care of her employer's injured grandson. As she gets to know him, a friendship is forged between them, despite the decade plus difference in their ages. She finds herself falling for him but keeps her feelings close to her heart with no intention of revealing them. Having endured repeated rejection by the one person who should have loved her, Josie trusts only in her father's unconditional love for her.
Hawk wouldn't have thought he'd have much in common with a woman so much younger than him, but he finds that he enjoys the time they spend together. Her calm demeanor often soothes his somewhat volatile emotions as he deals with the pain from his injuries.
As he recovers, Hawk realizes he needs to make a decision on whether he wants to return to his past or embrace his future in New Hope Falls, possibly with Josie. But even if he chooses Josie, will she choose him? Will she be willing to trust him when she's been failed by those who should have loved her?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2021
249 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 4, 2021
I enjoyed that this book was not fast-paced. I was eager to keep reading to find out what happened, but it wasn't exhausting, but more contemplative. I've read all the previous books in the series, and this one finally has some answers to things that came up in book 1! I highly recommend you start with #1 and read in order.
Jordan does well with her characters - a wounded war veteran needing physical and emotional healing, and a woman wounded by mental health issues in her family needing emotional healing as well. If you are uncomfortable reading about the challenges of living with family members with mental health issues, you may want to avoid this book, but I thought it was handled very well and sympathetically.
Jordan does well with her characters - a wounded war veteran needing physical and emotional healing, and a woman wounded by mental health issues in her family needing emotional healing as well. If you are uncomfortable reading about the challenges of living with family members with mental health issues, you may want to avoid this book, but I thought it was handled very well and sympathetically.
December 11, 2021
What a waste of a series. I loved Eli’s book and the mystery of Sheila it involved. Then we suffered through many drawn out stories. Stories that should have been novellas and contained a lot of unnecessary words as padding. But I read them to find out about Sheila. To end her story like this.. waste of time. It should have been a story of redemption. Sheila returning (or being found). She could have had her own book after Josie’s. That book could have contained more information on mental illness like KRJ is trying to get across. Josie’s book is two boring characters that have very low self esteem and like to complain. Not worth the time reading and very disappointed in the ending of Sheila.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2021
Always
Kimberly Rae Jordan has done it AGAIN! She is truly my favorite author!!! She doesn't rush the story but NEVER does the unfolding feel too slow. I have read every one of her books, or so i thought. I found We Three Kings, series of three books about the King triplets. I'm so relieved I have some KRJ to kinda hold me over until her next two books in this series come out in 2022. Thank you Kimberly Rae Jordan for sharing your gift of story telling with so of is in such a way that we become part of New Hope Falls and the characters become family to us. I LOVE series stories and i loved that new hope falls continues!!!!
Kimberly Rae Jordan has done it AGAIN! She is truly my favorite author!!! She doesn't rush the story but NEVER does the unfolding feel too slow. I have read every one of her books, or so i thought. I found We Three Kings, series of three books about the King triplets. I'm so relieved I have some KRJ to kinda hold me over until her next two books in this series come out in 2022. Thank you Kimberly Rae Jordan for sharing your gift of story telling with so of is in such a way that we become part of New Hope Falls and the characters become family to us. I LOVE series stories and i loved that new hope falls continues!!!!
December 7, 2021
Holy, moly, what an emotional ride!
Wrapping up Sheila's story is a very emotional journey. Along the way, I fell head over heels in love with Hawk and Josie. Josie is such a sweet and gentle soul, caught in the crossfire of her mother and sister's toxic relationship. That her sweet personality and upbeat outlook on life has survived is a miracle. Hawk's 180 turn around after his survival of a terrorist attack is another miracle. Watching their relationship bloom and grow is a treat. I've enjoyed this series immensely. Sweet, Christian romance at its best!
Wrapping up Sheila's story is a very emotional journey. Along the way, I fell head over heels in love with Hawk and Josie. Josie is such a sweet and gentle soul, caught in the crossfire of her mother and sister's toxic relationship. That her sweet personality and upbeat outlook on life has survived is a miracle. Hawk's 180 turn around after his survival of a terrorist attack is another miracle. Watching their relationship bloom and grow is a treat. I've enjoyed this series immensely. Sweet, Christian romance at its best!
November 2, 2025
Such a great addition to this series. Always By My Side is about Hawk, a wounded military soldier who needs physical and emotional healing, and Josie, the live-in caretaker for Hawk's grandfather. This story deals with family expectations, family dynamics, and mental health/illness and includes age gap between Hawk and Josie. I enjoyed the growing relationship between Hawk and Josie but didn't really care for Delaney, Hawk's ex. Always By My Side provides readers the answers to Josie's older sister Sheila's disappearance.
December 28, 2021
Unexpected twist.
I didn't dislike the entire book, just a few areas stressing mental health counseling.
If you want to go that route it is up to you. Your first encounter may not result in the right person to help you, so keep looking if possible. Find someone who is a good fit.
There are other ways people cope, and survive troubling mental health issues. Meditation, prayer, hobbies, music, and exercise play a part for many folks.
Don't give up.
I didn't dislike the entire book, just a few areas stressing mental health counseling.
If you want to go that route it is up to you. Your first encounter may not result in the right person to help you, so keep looking if possible. Find someone who is a good fit.
There are other ways people cope, and survive troubling mental health issues. Meditation, prayer, hobbies, music, and exercise play a part for many folks.
Don't give up.
December 5, 2021
Very Enjoyable
I have read the entire New Hope Falls series I decided to do a review at the end rather than after each book. Some serious issues were dealt with tactfully and with sensitivity. The books make sure belief in Jesus Christ is part of the characters struggles and decisions. Definitely not just fluffy romance.
I have read the entire New Hope Falls series I decided to do a review at the end rather than after each book. Some serious issues were dealt with tactfully and with sensitivity. The books make sure belief in Jesus Christ is part of the characters struggles and decisions. Definitely not just fluffy romance.
December 6, 2021
Mystery Solved!
In Josie’s story we finally find out what happened to her missing sister Sheila. To keep with #NoSpoilers, I’ll just say that I truly enjoyed Josie and Hawk and their unconventional romance! And yes, Always By My Side is my new favorite in the New Hope Falls series.
In Josie’s story we finally find out what happened to her missing sister Sheila. To keep with #NoSpoilers, I’ll just say that I truly enjoyed Josie and Hawk and their unconventional romance! And yes, Always By My Side is my new favorite in the New Hope Falls series.
December 8, 2021
An amazing story!!
This story was such a real representation of what happens for people with mental health issues. It was a real eye opener for me. The characters are so interesting and keep you reading until the end! I thoroughly enjoy reading reading books by this author and can’t wait for the next one!!
This story was such a real representation of what happens for people with mental health issues. It was a real eye opener for me. The characters are so interesting and keep you reading until the end! I thoroughly enjoy reading reading books by this author and can’t wait for the next one!!
December 10, 2021
Really well done
It was great to finally get closure on the Sheila issue. It seemed fitting. Love how the story deals with Hawk & Josie's issues. Gramps is a gem. Wish i had someone as stable and loving in my life!! A really good read that deals sensitively and gently with the whole issue of loss, grief, and growing past it.
It was great to finally get closure on the Sheila issue. It seemed fitting. Love how the story deals with Hawk & Josie's issues. Gramps is a gem. Wish i had someone as stable and loving in my life!! A really good read that deals sensitively and gently with the whole issue of loss, grief, and growing past it.
December 11, 2021
Always in Sheila's shadow, yet a night light shines
Josie has risen above the abuse she endured from her mother and became a beautiful loving and compassionate young determined lady. She shines bright in the life she formed for herself. So glad she found someone worthy of her, who adores her and will always stand by her. Loved this story
Josie has risen above the abuse she endured from her mother and became a beautiful loving and compassionate young determined lady. She shines bright in the life she formed for herself. So glad she found someone worthy of her, who adores her and will always stand by her. Loved this story
December 15, 2021
Josie is taking care of his Grandfather when Hawk check out of hospital and comes home.
Hawk has had enough of the hospital and checks out. He comes home to the one person his grandfather and his care taker to heal. Josie was a shock. This was his grandfathers nurse. How did she manage? Hawk finds out.
Hawk has had enough of the hospital and checks out. He comes home to the one person his grandfather and his care taker to heal. Josie was a shock. This was his grandfathers nurse. How did she manage? Hawk finds out.
December 21, 2021
It seems like Kimberly Rae Jordan has matured in her writing.
Her books have more substance. This book highlights the need for more mental health. It's a misconception to think that we can always make it through some of the challenges that we face, and seeking professional health is not a sign of weakness.
Her books have more substance. This book highlights the need for more mental health. It's a misconception to think that we can always make it through some of the challenges that we face, and seeking professional health is not a sign of weakness.
April 25, 2022
well written engaging story
I like the complexities of the characters and the way both main characters grew and blossomed as the narrative progressed. The epilogue was longer than I usually see and could have been worked into the end of the story. That being said, I always like it when a story ends up with all the loose ends tied up.
I like the complexities of the characters and the way both main characters grew and blossomed as the narrative progressed. The epilogue was longer than I usually see and could have been worked into the end of the story. That being said, I always like it when a story ends up with all the loose ends tied up.
July 12, 2024
Very hard read, but also very rewarding
Contrasts of hope on the other side and no hope, how to view life, how not to treat you child, that family doesn't have to be blood related, all the victims of suicide, and more. True love never fails. Highly recommended for adult readers who can handle hard content.
Contrasts of hope on the other side and no hope, how to view life, how not to treat you child, that family doesn't have to be blood related, all the victims of suicide, and more. True love never fails. Highly recommended for adult readers who can handle hard content.
December 9, 2021
Answers!
What really happened to Sheila? I was disappointed by the answer, just as i would be in real life. The issues of mental illness were well dealt with. Over all i truly enjoyed three book.
What really happened to Sheila? I was disappointed by the answer, just as i would be in real life. The issues of mental illness were well dealt with. Over all i truly enjoyed three book.
December 16, 2021
Very interesting book
This is another fantastic book Kimberly has written. Reading Hawk's story made me stop and think about my father who served and was injured in the war. He never spoke about that time. I am so glad that Hawk had Josie to help him through his recovery.
This is another fantastic book Kimberly has written. Reading Hawk's story made me stop and think about my father who served and was injured in the war. He never spoke about that time. I am so glad that Hawk had Josie to help him through his recovery.
February 28, 2022
I love this series
I really enjoyed getting to know Josie and her side of her family’s saga. So glad things turned out her the way they did, I was truly rooting for her. Another great novel Kimberly!
I really enjoyed getting to know Josie and her side of her family’s saga. So glad things turned out her the way they did, I was truly rooting for her. Another great novel Kimberly!
October 4, 2024
What a story!
This was really a fantastic story, but some parts were really a little difficult because of the subject. Everyone who has mental health issues in their family needs to read this. I feel there is a lot in here that could be helpful along with Gods help to understand.
This was really a fantastic story, but some parts were really a little difficult because of the subject. Everyone who has mental health issues in their family needs to read this. I feel there is a lot in here that could be helpful along with Gods help to understand.
December 4, 2021
Always By My Sii
This is the ninth book in this series and it is Hawk that draws closer to God and he finds love
This is the ninth book in this series and it is Hawk that draws closer to God and he finds love
December 7, 2021
This one is emotionally evocative but it is a sweet romance, nevertheless.
December 11, 2021
Always by my side
I think Kimberly did herself proud as she handled the subject of mental health plus also some of PTSD. Glad that Josie found herself.
I think Kimberly did herself proud as she handled the subject of mental health plus also some of PTSD. Glad that Josie found herself.
January 19, 2022
Sweet and dramatic
Thus story has so many ups and downs and so sad because of the mental healthissues in Josies family but in the end she and Hawk got their happy ever after.
Thus story has so many ups and downs and so sad because of the mental healthissues in Josies family but in the end she and Hawk got their happy ever after.
January 23, 2022
This whole series has been great?
This whole series has been great! But I especially like this book! It is such a sweet love story. The characters were so very authentic to me.
This whole series has been great! But I especially like this book! It is such a sweet love story. The characters were so very authentic to me.
February 3, 2022
Amazing
I love your books. They are Christ centered and you give us real life experiences. Thank you for your stories
I love your books. They are Christ centered and you give us real life experiences. Thank you for your stories
February 13, 2022
The Love for all.
Love this book.This was based on the sweetness of persons who would not match up let along fall in love.Because they were not a good match up...mmm
Love this book.This was based on the sweetness of persons who would not match up let along fall in love.Because they were not a good match up...mmm
June 21, 2022
I couldn’t put it down
This book (Always By My Side) caught my attention and wouldn’t let me go. Kimberly Rae Jordan’s books can always be depended on as good reads.
This book (Always By My Side) caught my attention and wouldn’t let me go. Kimberly Rae Jordan’s books can always be depended on as good reads.
September 2, 2022
Always great books, love her!
April 20, 2024
Always by my Side
This was a very good heartwarming story! Very hard to read as my son is in the marine Corp but was so glad how it ended.
This was a very good heartwarming story! Very hard to read as my son is in the marine Corp but was so glad how it ended.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews