What do you think?
Rate this book
Blueberry Beach #8
Tender Mercies
Kann jemand über fünfzig noch seinen Seelenverwandten finden?
Bev wurde eine erfolgreiche Geschäftsfrau, die ihre eigene Linie von Spandex-Unterwäsche für Frauen mit Übergröße entwarf und ein Vermögen anhäufte, als das Unternehmen zu einem internationalen Konzern im Milliardenwert heranwuchs.
Wenn sie nicht mit fünfzehn ihr Baby verloren und sich von ihrem Freund getrennt hätte, wäre nichts von ihrem finanziellen Erfolg jemals passiert.
Sie bereut es eigentlich nicht, Blueberry Beach verlassen zu haben und erfolgreich geworden zu sein. Solange sie Bill aus dem Weg geht, dem älteren Mann, den sie als Teenager geliebt hatte und der der Vater ihres Babys war.
Bill war nie ehrgeizig gewesen und gab sich damit zufrieden, in Blueberry Beach zu bleiben und den Surfshop zu führen, immer auf der Suche nach Wegen, seinen Mitunternehmern zu helfen und Weisheiten weiterzugeben, die er in über fünf Jahrzehnten Leben gesammelt hatte.
Er war schockiert gewesen, als er vor Jahren Bevs Alter erfuhr, aber er glaubte immer noch, dass sie seine Seelenverwandte war. Leider starb, als ihr Baby starb, auch ihre Liebe zu ihm, und sie hatte ihn heftig abserviert.
Er hatte geheiratet, Kinder bekommen, sich scheiden lassen und sich gefragt, ob es so etwas wie einen Seelenverwandten wirklich gibt.
Dann wird ein lang gehütetes Geheimnis einer der Säulen der Stadt offengelegt und betrifft Bill und Bev direkt, zerstört alles, woran sie zu glauben dachten.
Könnten sie möglicherweise ihre Seelenverwandten – und eine Familie – in der Asche ihres Lebens finden?
Rezensenten
★★★★★ »Es brachte mich zum Weinen vor Kummer und Freude!« - J Young
★★★★★ »Oh, Jessie Gussman hat, wie ich glaube, eines der zärtlichsten Bücher aller Zeiten geschrieben! Ich konnte es buchstäblich nicht aus der Hand legen!!« - Lana
★★★★★ »ICH LIEBTE DIESE GESCHICHTE!« - MaryEllen
★★★★★ »Ein sehr zum Nachdenken anregendes Buch, bringt dich dazu, auf dein Leben zurückzublicken und über den Rest nachzudenken, der dir noch bleibt. Ich habe viel über meine Beziehung zu Menschen und zu Gott nachgedacht. Definitiv empfehlenswert!« - Sharon
★★★★★ »Jessie hat eine Art mit Worten, die dich noch lange nach dem Lesen über ihre Geschichten nachdenken lässt.« - Nati
Bev wurde eine erfolgreiche Geschäftsfrau, die ihre eigene Linie von Spandex-Unterwäsche für Frauen mit Übergröße entwarf und ein Vermögen anhäufte, als das Unternehmen zu einem internationalen Konzern im Milliardenwert heranwuchs.
Wenn sie nicht mit fünfzehn ihr Baby verloren und sich von ihrem Freund getrennt hätte, wäre nichts von ihrem finanziellen Erfolg jemals passiert.
Sie bereut es eigentlich nicht, Blueberry Beach verlassen zu haben und erfolgreich geworden zu sein. Solange sie Bill aus dem Weg geht, dem älteren Mann, den sie als Teenager geliebt hatte und der der Vater ihres Babys war.
Bill war nie ehrgeizig gewesen und gab sich damit zufrieden, in Blueberry Beach zu bleiben und den Surfshop zu führen, immer auf der Suche nach Wegen, seinen Mitunternehmern zu helfen und Weisheiten weiterzugeben, die er in über fünf Jahrzehnten Leben gesammelt hatte.
Er war schockiert gewesen, als er vor Jahren Bevs Alter erfuhr, aber er glaubte immer noch, dass sie seine Seelenverwandte war. Leider starb, als ihr Baby starb, auch ihre Liebe zu ihm, und sie hatte ihn heftig abserviert.
Er hatte geheiratet, Kinder bekommen, sich scheiden lassen und sich gefragt, ob es so etwas wie einen Seelenverwandten wirklich gibt.
Dann wird ein lang gehütetes Geheimnis einer der Säulen der Stadt offengelegt und betrifft Bill und Bev direkt, zerstört alles, woran sie zu glauben dachten.
Könnten sie möglicherweise ihre Seelenverwandten – und eine Familie – in der Asche ihres Lebens finden?
Rezensenten
★★★★★ »Es brachte mich zum Weinen vor Kummer und Freude!« - J Young
★★★★★ »Oh, Jessie Gussman hat, wie ich glaube, eines der zärtlichsten Bücher aller Zeiten geschrieben! Ich konnte es buchstäblich nicht aus der Hand legen!!« - Lana
★★★★★ »ICH LIEBTE DIESE GESCHICHTE!« - MaryEllen
★★★★★ »Ein sehr zum Nachdenken anregendes Buch, bringt dich dazu, auf dein Leben zurückzublicken und über den Rest nachzudenken, der dir noch bleibt. Ich habe viel über meine Beziehung zu Menschen und zu Gott nachgedacht. Definitiv empfehlenswert!« - Sharon
★★★★★ »Jessie hat eine Art mit Worten, die dich noch lange nach dem Lesen über ihre Geschichten nachdenken lässt.« - Nati
131 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2022
576 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
July 25, 2022
The title of this book fits the characters and storyline perfectly. Bill and Bev have known each other for years, but for forty years now they have acted as passing acquaintances rather than the young lovers they once were. Lies and a tragedy drove them apart then, leading them to different people in attempt to move forward in life and forget the love they once had for each other. Neither were successful in their attempts with other relationships and both have decided that they were meant to be alone. Their lives have intersected time and again in Blueberry Beach, but Bev especially has done her best to avoid contact. Now, it is their mutual friend and a beloved Blueberry Beach citizen, Iva May, who has brought these two together to share a couple of secrets that will force them to confront their pasts, air their regrets, examine their hearts and perhaps give love a second chance. This story also illustrates a strong faith in God’s guidance and love, as well as faith in God’s promise of life after death.
This book is beautifully written and provided me with inspiration, happiness and a sense of peace. It is a gift from Jessie to her readers with a storyline and wonderful characters that are true to life and relatable. This is definitely a book that I will cherish and recommend to others. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This book is beautifully written and provided me with inspiration, happiness and a sense of peace. It is a gift from Jessie to her readers with a storyline and wonderful characters that are true to life and relatable. This is definitely a book that I will cherish and recommend to others. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 22, 2022
This is such a special series with each story handling some pretty heavy topics. Blueberry Beach seems to draw people back after they have left with many of them getting a fresh start. This story reveals secrets that are forty years old as the one holding the secrets is facing terminal cancer.
Bev grew up in Blueberry Beach and made some terrible decisions as a teenager. She became pregnant at fifteen and the baby died shortly after birth. Believing a lie about her boyfriend caused her to break up with him . She left Blueberry Beach and became a successful business woman. But now she's decided to come home after a failed marriage - she just needs to avoid her former boyfriend Bill who still lives in Blueberry Beach.
Bill had stayed behind in Blueberry Beach and eventually married and had some children. His feelings for Bev had never died and when he married he wasn't really in love with his wife. She wanted to travel and he was happy to run his surf shop and help out people in the town. She finally left him taking his children with her. He knows that Bev is uncomfortable around him so he tries to avoid her.
When their good friend Iva May asks to meet with both of them- they never imagined the secret she had been keeping from everyone. A secret that involved both of them. Iva May was dying from cancer and she wanted to make sure her secret was revealed. Now her one desire is to see Bev and Bill reconciled.
Would Bev and Bill get a second chance as they helped care for Iva May? Would they decide to make Iva May’s wish come true?
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Bev grew up in Blueberry Beach and made some terrible decisions as a teenager. She became pregnant at fifteen and the baby died shortly after birth. Believing a lie about her boyfriend caused her to break up with him . She left Blueberry Beach and became a successful business woman. But now she's decided to come home after a failed marriage - she just needs to avoid her former boyfriend Bill who still lives in Blueberry Beach.
Bill had stayed behind in Blueberry Beach and eventually married and had some children. His feelings for Bev had never died and when he married he wasn't really in love with his wife. She wanted to travel and he was happy to run his surf shop and help out people in the town. She finally left him taking his children with her. He knows that Bev is uncomfortable around him so he tries to avoid her.
When their good friend Iva May asks to meet with both of them- they never imagined the secret she had been keeping from everyone. A secret that involved both of them. Iva May was dying from cancer and she wanted to make sure her secret was revealed. Now her one desire is to see Bev and Bill reconciled.
Would Bev and Bill get a second chance as they helped care for Iva May? Would they decide to make Iva May’s wish come true?
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
October 10, 2022
Celebrate, and Start Anew, with Hope
With Tender Mercies, Jessie Gussman continues her Blueberry Beach series in a refreshing eighth book featuring a long-time doyenne of the town easing from this life to the next with great joy and a couple of teen parents stumbling back toward one another forty years after their parting.
Iva May, readying herself for her death from widespread inoperable cancer, invites Bev and Bill--a successful businesswoman and a surf shop owner , respectively--to her house on Christmas Eve and drops a bombshell: her baby, Kim, and Bev's baby, who supposedly died shortly after birth, were switched in the hospital. The dead baby was hers, and Kim, age forty, is their child.
Iva May tells them, separately, that they should reconcile and make a family with Kim. When Kim arrives for Christmas, she drops a bombshell of her own: she's pregnant. Iva May looks at Bev and Bill, and they all know what they need to do.
Into this domestic circle strides Aunt Tricia, who insults Bev and Bill as intruders and treats Kim as a servant, not a niece. Mild Iva May politely invites her to leave, and Aunt Tricia does so with an ominous "I'll be back!"
By the end of the book, Bill has heeded Pastor Kane's advice to show and tell a woman he loves her, Bev has gotten past her self-consciousness over looking 55 rather than 18 (actually 15--she lied about her age to Bill), Kim has decided to live in a small cottage out of town and let mean old Aunt Tricia have the house she's demanding, and Bill and Bev have sent their wedding date for Iva May's death--which she wanted to be a celebration!
Highly recommended. I can't wait to read Kim's story!
With Tender Mercies, Jessie Gussman continues her Blueberry Beach series in a refreshing eighth book featuring a long-time doyenne of the town easing from this life to the next with great joy and a couple of teen parents stumbling back toward one another forty years after their parting.
Iva May, readying herself for her death from widespread inoperable cancer, invites Bev and Bill--a successful businesswoman and a surf shop owner , respectively--to her house on Christmas Eve and drops a bombshell: her baby, Kim, and Bev's baby, who supposedly died shortly after birth, were switched in the hospital. The dead baby was hers, and Kim, age forty, is their child.
Iva May tells them, separately, that they should reconcile and make a family with Kim. When Kim arrives for Christmas, she drops a bombshell of her own: she's pregnant. Iva May looks at Bev and Bill, and they all know what they need to do.
Into this domestic circle strides Aunt Tricia, who insults Bev and Bill as intruders and treats Kim as a servant, not a niece. Mild Iva May politely invites her to leave, and Aunt Tricia does so with an ominous "I'll be back!"
By the end of the book, Bill has heeded Pastor Kane's advice to show and tell a woman he loves her, Bev has gotten past her self-consciousness over looking 55 rather than 18 (actually 15--she lied about her age to Bill), Kim has decided to live in a small cottage out of town and let mean old Aunt Tricia have the house she's demanding, and Bill and Bev have sent their wedding date for Iva May's death--which she wanted to be a celebration!
Highly recommended. I can't wait to read Kim's story!
July 25, 2022
Bill and Bev were sweethearts back while she was still at school, until they took things too far, she got pregnant and her baby died soon after birth. Their relationship could not survive the combination of this and the lies that were spread about Bill. However, Bev went on to build her own company and make millions, while Bill stayed in Blueberry Beach and married. Now, forty years later, each looks back on life with some regrets. When Iva May confesses a secret she's kept for forty years and admits that she's dying of cancer, they're given a second chance. The question is, what have they each learned about what is really important in life?
It's been clear for several books that Iva May has a secret she's been hiding for a long time, but I can't say I guessed what it was. However, I did suspect that there was something between Bill and Bev, and it's great to see them get their long-awaited happy ending. Having said that, this book is a standalone story - but when once you visit Blueberry Beach, you're sure to want more. Like the rest, this is a well-written and enjoyable read, with an inspiring message and characters I loved getting to know. It was sad to see the end of Iva May, but I appreciated the joy that was there too - it's a good reminder that death isn't the end of things. All in all, a delightfully satisfying story.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
It's been clear for several books that Iva May has a secret she's been hiding for a long time, but I can't say I guessed what it was. However, I did suspect that there was something between Bill and Bev, and it's great to see them get their long-awaited happy ending. Having said that, this book is a standalone story - but when once you visit Blueberry Beach, you're sure to want more. Like the rest, this is a well-written and enjoyable read, with an inspiring message and characters I loved getting to know. It was sad to see the end of Iva May, but I appreciated the joy that was there too - it's a good reminder that death isn't the end of things. All in all, a delightfully satisfying story.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
August 17, 2022
This was a story that was full of emotion and love. Iva May was the glue that held them all together and she was leaving this earth sooner than anyone wanted. She had a secret to share that would help to draw those she loved closer to one another and she needed to share it before she passed on.
Bill and Bev's story went back to a time 40 years earlier. Both had moved on but never forgot what they had felt for each other. Now in the senior years of their life, could their love be renewed? Their story and the story of Kim's were more about a mature love that was beautiful to be reminded exists and can be wonderful. I hope that Kim's expanded story is next.
There were times in this story that were sad but there was also joy of graduating from this life to the next and a celebration of that fact rather than focusing on the mourning and loss. While this story dealt with some heavy topics, I enjoyed reading it very much and while it was heavily Christian themed, it shared the lives of real people with real mistakes and regrets and imperfections and consequences to those mistakes.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Bill and Bev's story went back to a time 40 years earlier. Both had moved on but never forgot what they had felt for each other. Now in the senior years of their life, could their love be renewed? Their story and the story of Kim's were more about a mature love that was beautiful to be reminded exists and can be wonderful. I hope that Kim's expanded story is next.
There were times in this story that were sad but there was also joy of graduating from this life to the next and a celebration of that fact rather than focusing on the mourning and loss. While this story dealt with some heavy topics, I enjoyed reading it very much and while it was heavily Christian themed, it shared the lives of real people with real mistakes and regrets and imperfections and consequences to those mistakes.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
July 26, 2022
Yay! We finally got to read Bill’s story in this eighth book of the Blueberry Beach series and it was worth the wait. Bill is the older man who runs the surf shop and he has always been an encourager and a willing helper to other business owners; he was someone likable, quiet, and notable but never the central character until now. Bev grew up in Blueberry Beach but she moved away to make her fortune and now she is divorced and trying to figure out where she belongs. Iva May, one of the the town pillars has known Bill and Bev since way back. Now that Iva May has terminal cancer, she is trying to set her affairs in order and she has a secret to reveal that will change Bill’s and Bev’s lives forever. I thought it was thought-provoking and it kept me turning pages late into the night. Some parts of the book were a little too stream-of-consciousness and were a bit hard for me to follow but the story and it's message were outstanding! You don’t want to miss it! I received an advance review copy and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
July 29, 2022
I loved this book about the peace and love that Iva Mae shared with her two best friends, Bill and Bev, and her daughter, Kim, after telling them a secret she kept hidden for forty years. She revealed that secret to Bill and Bev on Christmas Eve as well as telling them that she was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer and had six months or less to live. She told her daughter, Kim, the same thing the next day on Christmas. She wanted a clear conscience so she could die peacefully in her home under Hospice care. The secret was a shock but was welcome news as the three gave Iva Mae loving care during her remaining days of life. Her dying wish was that Bill and Bev would give the love they shared as teenagers a second chance and get married. Did that happen? You will have to read the book to find out. I highly recommend this heartwarming love story. The author gave a tender explanation of the final days of Iva Mae that brought me to tears of joy as a Christian. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 11, 2022
It had me crying with sorrow and joy!
Iva May is the matriarch of Blueberry Beach; loved and respected by all and in her last days she must put the record straight and reveal a secret that has the power to change lives.
Bill has never wanted more than to be a scuba shop in his beloved town and spend his money and time helping those in need. His marriage had ended in divorce and he is estranged from his daughters. His life might have been different if he had married his first and only love.
Bev is a millionaire many times over after building after business empire but she has never forgotten the boy she loved or the baby she lost. Iva May has been like a mother to her and Bev will care for her, but can she grant her dying wish?
This poignant story of love lost, love found, and God's grace had me crying with sorrow and joy. I received an advance copy of this book but my review is honest and voluntary.
Iva May is the matriarch of Blueberry Beach; loved and respected by all and in her last days she must put the record straight and reveal a secret that has the power to change lives.
Bill has never wanted more than to be a scuba shop in his beloved town and spend his money and time helping those in need. His marriage had ended in divorce and he is estranged from his daughters. His life might have been different if he had married his first and only love.
Bev is a millionaire many times over after building after business empire but she has never forgotten the boy she loved or the baby she lost. Iva May has been like a mother to her and Bev will care for her, but can she grant her dying wish?
This poignant story of love lost, love found, and God's grace had me crying with sorrow and joy. I received an advance copy of this book but my review is honest and voluntary.
August 13, 2022
Tender Mercies was a hard book for me to read. Ida Mae finally tells her two secrets. The one where she was going to be under hospice for cancer was a hard subject as I had to put my husband in hospice his final 2 weeks of his life. Iva Mae has been a major staple in the Blueberry Beach series. The wish for Bill and Bev to finally know their lifelong dream of being together was something Iva Mae knew would be good for them. They being best friends, like family made Iva Mae always feel she could ask anything of them. She asked that they help Kim let her die. She knew Kim would need love around her to say goodbye to Iva Mae. And the other secret that Iva Mae needing told was . . . . . . .
I was given a advanced copy of this book to give my honest review. It is a really good book and anyone who has read the Blueberry Beach series up till this book will not want to never know the secrets Iva Mae has been hinting too.
I was given a advanced copy of this book to give my honest review. It is a really good book and anyone who has read the Blueberry Beach series up till this book will not want to never know the secrets Iva Mae has been hinting too.
August 9, 2022
I could not believe what Iva May had done... I am still a little bit in shock. Even though it was most likely the best thing for Bev and Bill at the time, I'm amazed that she kept her secret almost her entire life. Also, I'm so grateful that Bev and Bill, and 'her daughter' were able to be there with her at the end of her life. I loved that Bill was willing to work on himself and change some things about himself to win over Bev, the love of his life. I also love that Bev was finally open to allowing Bill to court her. The entire situation turned out well, and Iva May was able to pass in peace, knowing that these two were at least trying to get back together. This was a book about forgiveness and second chances!
July 10, 2022
Ida Mae has been the backbone of charity in Blueberry Beach for many years. Her kindness has helped so many people of the town. When she is diagnosed with cancer and given less than six months to live, her first thought is to right a wrong that happened 40 years ago and that only she knows all the secret. She calls her friends Bill and Bev to her side on Christmas Eve and drops a bombshell on both of them by revealing not only that she is dying but the secret only she knows. I love Ida Mae and her wonderful attitude toward death and her amazing ability to act as Jesus taught. A sweet ending to a sweet series.
July 12, 2022
Oh, Jessie Gussman, I believe, may have written one of the most tender books ever! I literally could not put it down!! This book is so touching and yes, it is a little bit about death, but more about being joyful to go to Heaven and celebrating the life of the one who is passing away. This book starts off with a bang and it’s a secret that Iva May has held on to for forty years. And, if I tell you anything more, I’ll be giving away the book and I don’t want to do that! It is sooo good, you will love it! You must buy it at once and see what it’s all about; even a later in life romance. 😍😍 I am an ARC reader for this author to read, review, and give my honest opinion.
July 26, 2022
Rating: 4.5 stars
My thoughts about this book:
• There were a lot of Christian references about forgiveness, keeping commitments, and seeking the Lord's will in your life.
• An exceptional thought from the book: "I think, more than making mistakes, it’s how we react to them after we’ve made them, the choices we make when we’re down, that show our wisdom."
• I really enjoyed how Bev and Bill communicated with each other.
• I liked the descriptive quality of the author's writing style.
I was given an advance copy of this book. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy Christian romances.
My thoughts about this book:
• There were a lot of Christian references about forgiveness, keeping commitments, and seeking the Lord's will in your life.
• An exceptional thought from the book: "I think, more than making mistakes, it’s how we react to them after we’ve made them, the choices we make when we’re down, that show our wisdom."
• I really enjoyed how Bev and Bill communicated with each other.
• I liked the descriptive quality of the author's writing style.
I was given an advance copy of this book. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy Christian romances.
July 28, 2022
This book by Jessie Gussman will grab you by the heartstrings from the very first page. How do you say goodbye to an icon? And how do you deal with the bombshell she drops just before her death? This is not your normal everyday sweet romance. It deals with some very hard topics like secrets, teen pregnancy, bad choices, romance after fifty and a double mastectomy, learning to trust and to love again. This was very well written and will keep you turning the pages. The only thing better than reading the book is listening to Jay Dyess narrate it! He does the voices so well you would almost swear the characters are just in the next room talking.
July 28, 2022
Wow, Jessie Gussman certainly jumps into tough topics with both feet and understanding. Iva May’s words of wisdom certainly hit my heart with arrows I needed. When you reach a certain age (78), dying is something you think about more often than you did at 20 or even 50. I would love to think I could have the wisdom and peace that Iva May does, but I’m still a work in progress. Thank you, Jessie, for this sweet, insightful and inspirational story. Keeping secrets had to have been hard but I love that she kept her faith that God was in charge. Looking forward to visiting in Strawberry Sands Beach.
July 3, 2023
Self-centered thieves never think they've done wrong
Alyssa,her father Daniel, his adulterating wife, Aunt Tracie the money grabbing thief, and Davis the man Kim had a one night stand with and became pregnant with a month after her divorce, all come waltzing into Iva-May's funeral. Thieves have no sense of propriety, but only greed and destruction. It was nice to read that Bill truly was an honest and clean man never cheating on Beverly as an old jealous girlfriend claimed. If we can walk away with just a touch of the lesson this story has given us we would all be much better people. Excellent series.
Alyssa,her father Daniel, his adulterating wife, Aunt Tracie the money grabbing thief, and Davis the man Kim had a one night stand with and became pregnant with a month after her divorce, all come waltzing into Iva-May's funeral. Thieves have no sense of propriety, but only greed and destruction. It was nice to read that Bill truly was an honest and clean man never cheating on Beverly as an old jealous girlfriend claimed. If we can walk away with just a touch of the lesson this story has given us we would all be much better people. Excellent series.
September 27, 2024
I will miss Iva May
The book is a poignant look back at Blueberry Beach 40 years ago when a young Bev seduces and older Bill and gets pregnant at 15. Iva May has a daughter born the same day as Bev delivers but it somes a nurse switched babies. Iva May's daughter didn't make it but Bev is told her daughter died, so Iva May takes Bev's daughter home without knowing it. Fast forward to present day and Iva May is dying of cancer and gets Bill and Bev to come to her house after the Christmas Eve service. Long story short Kim gets a new family and is pregnant at forty without a husband. Deja Vu much? Anyway it was a good story of later day love for Bill and Bev.
The book is a poignant look back at Blueberry Beach 40 years ago when a young Bev seduces and older Bill and gets pregnant at 15. Iva May has a daughter born the same day as Bev delivers but it somes a nurse switched babies. Iva May's daughter didn't make it but Bev is told her daughter died, so Iva May takes Bev's daughter home without knowing it. Fast forward to present day and Iva May is dying of cancer and gets Bill and Bev to come to her house after the Christmas Eve service. Long story short Kim gets a new family and is pregnant at forty without a husband. Deja Vu much? Anyway it was a good story of later day love for Bill and Bev.
July 10, 2022
What a lovely book!
When Bill and Bev’s friend Ida May knows she is going to die of cancer, she divulges an important secret and works to get these high school sweethearts back together 40 years after their teenage romance. Ida May also models how a Christian should handle a terminal diagnosis, and much of the book focuses on how Christians can improve their relationships with others. A wonderful book that will make you cry, but also leave you with a feeling of hope.
A big thank you to the author for providing an ARC copy for me to help proof and review.
When Bill and Bev’s friend Ida May knows she is going to die of cancer, she divulges an important secret and works to get these high school sweethearts back together 40 years after their teenage romance. Ida May also models how a Christian should handle a terminal diagnosis, and much of the book focuses on how Christians can improve their relationships with others. A wonderful book that will make you cry, but also leave you with a feeling of hope.
A big thank you to the author for providing an ARC copy for me to help proof and review.
July 14, 2022
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Bev, a successful business owner has returned to Blueberry Beach. Bill runs a local store, but has family money he uses to help people. Bev and Bill secretly dated as teens. Iva Mae is dying of cancer and has secrets to share before she goes that directly affect both Bill and Bev, and Iva Mae’s daughter. A touching and engaging story by Jessie Gussman that explores relationships, cancer, and dying gracefully. I’d definitely recommend reading this one.
July 23, 2022
Jessie Does it again! Tender Mercies grabs your attention, captivates you, touching emotions and feels from real life. Touching on forgiveness, Death, long held secret and facing past heartbreak and healing with hope. Then she leaves you ready and wanting the next book. Which I think will be the beginning of a new Series. “ Strawberry Sands” is my guess. Definitely worth the time to read. I can’t wait to read the next adventure these characters go on.
I had the privilege to ARC for my honest thoughts.
I had the privilege to ARC for my honest thoughts.
July 25, 2022
I have always liked the stories in this series and this one did not disappoint me. It was a beautiful, tender, touching, emotional story of love, life, and faith. I admired Iva May and how she lived her life. She was amazing. I liked that even though the story was sad, it wasn't. When you read the book you will know what I mean.
I also liked that Iva May brought Bill and Bev back together. It was quite a story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I also liked that Iva May brought Bill and Bev back together. It was quite a story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
July 26, 2022
Iva Mae is dying of cancer. She has a "secret" that she feels she should tell. She asks Bev and Bill to come to her house where she tells them that she thinks her daughter, Kim is actually their daughter. Bev and Bill were teenage sweethearts. The hospital told Bev that her baby had died. Iva Mae always wondered if maybe the babies had been switched. So now, she wants them to know. She wants her daughter to have "parents" since she is dying.
So sweet and tender. Just warms you all over as you read.
So sweet and tender. Just warms you all over as you read.
July 30, 2022
A story about secrets, losses and second chances. There are some heavy topics and sweet moments in this book. Although you don't need to have read previous books in this series, it would be helpful to know some of the characters' backgrounds.
Written in Jessie Gussman's notable style, this book centers on a late middle aged pair of people who had been a secret couple 40 years before. When they learn of shocking secrets, can they rekindle their former romance?
This book can be read by anyone.
I was given an advance reader copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Written in Jessie Gussman's notable style, this book centers on a late middle aged pair of people who had been a secret couple 40 years before. When they learn of shocking secrets, can they rekindle their former romance?
This book can be read by anyone.
I was given an advance reader copy of this book. This is my honest review.
June 9, 2023
Not Sure
Not sure but I was disappointed in the fact Kim didn’t stand up to her aunt over the house because Jesus stood on the side of Truth and stood up to the Pharisees and there is a point, where I feel, as a Christian that you need to or have to stand up. That’s what is wrong with our Country now and how they have removed God from our government and our schools, we as Christians stepped aside and let evil prevail. And now we have generations that are messed up and confused.
Not sure but I was disappointed in the fact Kim didn’t stand up to her aunt over the house because Jesus stood on the side of Truth and stood up to the Pharisees and there is a point, where I feel, as a Christian that you need to or have to stand up. That’s what is wrong with our Country now and how they have removed God from our government and our schools, we as Christians stepped aside and let evil prevail. And now we have generations that are messed up and confused.
Read
July 30, 2023the lady was going to die of cancer. she told her 2 friends she took their baby in the hospital when hers died. the nurses got them mixed up.
the girl was 15 and the boy was 20 when she got preg . they broke up as she heard he was cheating on her which he wasnt. she became successful business woman. he had money but only used it for others and lived off his surf shop. he had x wife and 2 daughters he did not have relationship with
so they got back together and the daughter who is now 40 is preg with one night stand has them for parents after her mom died
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2024
A great read
If you told me a couple years ago that I'd read Christian Romance, I'd have laughed hard enough to wet my pants! But I am and I loved this book. That people can be this steady, while they fumble through life's ups and some serious downs. I didn't used to see this part of life, but I do now and I love that reading these books makes me see it more. This book in particular, struck a cord, that no matter how old, no matter the mistake, happiness can be found and achieved with a little kindness and effort.
If you told me a couple years ago that I'd read Christian Romance, I'd have laughed hard enough to wet my pants! But I am and I loved this book. That people can be this steady, while they fumble through life's ups and some serious downs. I didn't used to see this part of life, but I do now and I love that reading these books makes me see it more. This book in particular, struck a cord, that no matter how old, no matter the mistake, happiness can be found and achieved with a little kindness and effort.
Read
July 10, 2022A beautifully written story of a confession with love strong enough to except without condemning.
This is a joyous, but heartbreaking story about preparing to die.
Filled with Christian faith and humble attitudes.
Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read Original Realistic Romantic Page-turner Happily Ever After Wonderful characters Inspirational Tragic Tear-jerker
This is a joyous, but heartbreaking story about preparing to die.
Filled with Christian faith and humble attitudes.
Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read Original Realistic Romantic Page-turner Happily Ever After Wonderful characters Inspirational Tragic Tear-jerker
July 10, 2022
Another Great Blueberry Beach book.
Good clean book and heartwarming characters.
Iva May feels the need to disclose her secrets to Bev and Bill. She’s kept them for forty years, but feels now is time for her to share. She also has a private secret that she chooses to share.
The secret she’s kept will change so many lives in so many ways.
**This is a story that truly touched my heart. Tissues needed!
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.
Good clean book and heartwarming characters.
Iva May feels the need to disclose her secrets to Bev and Bill. She’s kept them for forty years, but feels now is time for her to share. She also has a private secret that she chooses to share.
The secret she’s kept will change so many lives in so many ways.
**This is a story that truly touched my heart. Tissues needed!
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.
July 14, 2022
Not what I expected as the book was more serious than others of the author’s books. It showed that we all make mistakes and God uses them for good even 40 years later. A dying mother, best friends negotiating relationships, and a daughter who made a huge mistake all work together to illustrate that our past mistakes don’t need to repeat themselves in our present or future. Heartwarming and well worth the read.
Received ARC and this is my honest review.
Received ARC and this is my honest review.
July 16, 2022
Even though the books in the Blueberry Beach series can stand alone, we have seen from other stories that Iva May has had a secret. I have dearly loved her character since the first time we met her because of how she pours into the people around her!
Not to spoil anything, but the secret is a doozy! However, it is handled with tender mercy just like the book’s title describes. This is my favorite in the series so far!
Not to spoil anything, but the secret is a doozy! However, it is handled with tender mercy just like the book’s title describes. This is my favorite in the series so far!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews