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The Caregivers #4

The CEO's Companion

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Despair held him captive. Can her love break his chains?

After a deadly fire robbed him of his wife and children, billionaire Eric Stone clings to God and buries himself in work to distract himself from his grief. But when a mysterious illness takes away his ability to work, Eric must retreat to his childhood home to rest and recover. Grief-stricken and hopeless, he is irritated by his new care taker’s enthusiasm for life. But against his will, her sunny outlook makes inroads.

Joy got a new lease on life after beating cancer four years ago. Now, she lives every day to serve God and others. In her opinion, the grumpy CEO she is caring for doesn’t need her sympathy—but making him smile is her priority.

When she asks him to attend a wedding with her to avoid the matchmaking efforts of her roommate, Eric surprises himself by agreeing to pose as her fake date to shield her from a pushy suitor. As unexpected sparks fly, Eric’s and Joy’s hearts are trapped between what’s fake and what’s real. Could this weekend be their chance for a new beginning?

This is the fourth standalone book in the caregiver series. Each book can be read in any order.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 2022

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654 people want to read

About the author

Rose Fresquez

53 books359 followers

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5 stars
392 (67%)
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139 (24%)
3 stars
44 (7%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Nicole.
381 reviews
January 20, 2022
In The CEO’s Companion, author Rose Fresquez creates another beautiful faith-filled contemporary romance that will draw readers closer to their faith. With an engaging storyline and authentic characters, this heartwarming tale of finding one’s purpose and discovering true love is a delight to read.

After the struggles and heartache CEO Eric Stone has faced in his life, it would be understandable for him to doubt his faith. However, despite difficult times, his trials have eventually helped strengthen his faith and his desire to help others realize God’s grace. The romance between Eric and Joy develops at a realistic pace and allows readers to experience the journey along with them.

The CEO’s Companion is recommended for readers of inspirational contemporary romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
9,375 reviews140 followers
January 26, 2022
This is a story of faith and love in God. Both Eric and Joy had some illnesses in their lives that had to be dealt with. The author does a beautiful job bringing out all the emotions going on in this story. She paints her scenes perfectly as she takes them on this tough journey and finding a new love along the way.
It's well wriiten,moves fluidly and is a wonderful story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
1,152 reviews6 followers
January 20, 2022
I loved Eric and Joy's story!! Joy meets Eric through his Mom, while Eric is in the hospital fighting for his life. Joy knows what that's like, as she's a cancer survivor. When Eric goes home, Joy goes to visit him every day at the request of his Mom. The more time they spend together, the more Eric tries to push her away, until he realizes just how much he's coming to like her and spending time with her. Joy hasn't really dreamed of a forever, though spending time with Eric is making her think along those lines. Will Eric admit just how much he does need and want Joy in his life, or will he continue to push her away?? Eric has to learn that God is in control, and that we don't always understand His ways. There are some things we'll never know this side of heaven.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
490 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2022
Joy got to learn Eric when his mother asked her to befriend him and keep him company while she and her husband were working. Although Eric pushed her away at first, she stayed, and they finally found their way together…
This story was poignant as it described how Eric, after having lost his whole family, was fighting illnesses that seemed not to be curable. Eric did not only fight for his health, he also went through a rough patch faith wise. It showed how Eric and Joy handled being sick differently. However, in Joy’s case, we only got to know her after she survived her disease. I appreciated that the author created relatable characters (well, I don’t know if it’s possible to have as many diseases at once or not ☺) who were so down on their luck that they lost touch with God. Even Joy, who was still praying and reading her Bible, did not help people for the right reasons! The honesty in their struggles made this story exceptional.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Karen.
735 reviews7 followers
May 9, 2022
I have read a few books by this author. She writes Christian romance. I enjoyed Joy in this story. She was a very giving and generous person. Giving of her time freely even knowing that her life may be short due to her history of cancer. But she considered the time she had to be a gift and that gift needed to be shared. I expected Eric to be a hard man to love. Pushing away everyone that attempted to get close. But he too was a generous and caring man. He did try to push many away but he became close to Joy pretty quickly. There path was not an easy one but the circumstances of their meeting was orchestrated by a higher power. It was a sweet story.
Profile Image for CLorraine.
1,747 reviews17 followers
January 26, 2022
I have read all the books in this series. The books can be read as standalones however all the characters reappear from time to time. This book is the fourth story in Rose Fresquez’s Caregivers Series. I have been aware of Eric Stone and was cognizant that he would have an amazing story to tell. When we encounter Eric at the beginning of this story, he is as physically compromised as a person can be; his body is racked by several illnesses. In addition, he has lost his wife and his kids to death. He is broken both physically and spiritually. He has lost his connection and his faith in God. He does not understand how the God that he served so faithfully could leave him in this situation. He is like a modern-day Job. In her desire to help Eric, his mother recommends that he employ Joy Musana as a companion. Joy’s effervescence and sparkle are more than jaded Eric can take. Eventually, her luminous presence and strong believe in the faithfulness of God have a positive impact on Eric and his outlook. Ms. Fresquez always lifts the spirit with her incandescent stories but her use of scripture in this story to edify and enrich is exceptional. As I have said, I have read all the books in this series, but Eric and Joy’s story is my favorite so far. I know we use the word “rich” to describe so many things, but this story is rich in so much: love, joy, endurance, perseverance, faith, restoration, meekness and Ms. Fresquez had the nerve to include romance and passion!! Do not miss this amazing story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.8k reviews126 followers
February 3, 2022
This is the 5th book I've read written by Rose Fresquez; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the 4th book in the Caregivers Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Joy & Eric; she beat cancer and lives every day to servce god and help others; he lost his wife and children in a fire five years ago and has kept himself busy working until he becomes ill and has to stop working to rest and recover. She ends up being his caregiver.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mzlegz.
756 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2022
I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!!! Her books are always encouraging and full of faith in what God can and will do. For Joy and Eric, that proved true times a thousand. So much loss and sickness between the two could have left them doubting God indefinitely, but He was always there even when doubts took up residence. Joy...a selfless soul full of sunshine...showed Eric he mattered to her and the others he helped which allowed him to heal not only his heart but also his relationships with those who loved him. This deserves soooo many more stars than 5!!

I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.1k reviews8 followers
January 31, 2022
The fourth book in the Caregivers series, this author brings her stories to life it is almost like you are there seeing the events happen. Joy Musana and Eric Stone's story had me reaching for a Kleenex every so often. The story is well written with a very good storyline that flows smoothly across the pages. I would recommend. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Teresa.
461 reviews12 followers
January 28, 2022
Great read. I love how Eric and Joy's paths had crossed before. Love how Joy's art was able to speak to Eric's great and calm him and help him heal. I love how his faith was tested, but he came back to it.

I received an advanced copy of this book, however, I am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion here.
1,066 reviews9 followers
April 1, 2024
A cancer survivor who has seen her father die from chronic Lyme disease diagnised too late for antibiotics to help, has dreams of travel and service to others. Her latest stop is Pleasant View, and her latest case is a grumpy CEO with a laundry list of severe chronic illnesses and a daunting list of meds and med regime changes. She suggests he be retested for Lyme disease even though a month before, he tested negative, and this test shows positive. This stabilizes most of his medication regime and he begins to feel better. And that annoyingly positive, happy person who visits with him 4 afternoons a week suddenly becomes less annoying when her art soothes him and her music lets him sleep without nightmares. A grudging admission she can stay morphs into romantic love.
Then he gets really sick again...severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and it turns out he has a benign but fast growing brain tumor that must be removed urgently. On top of that, during surgery, although they're able to get all of the tumor, he has a head bleed and possible bad reaction to anesthesia to complicate his recovery, and they all have to face the fact he may not be mentally intact when he comes to after the surgery. He emerges intact, but what will the status of his relationship with the person he loved, yet pushed away after the tumor diagnosis, be now?
A well written story patterned after Job in the Bible, with coincidences abounding in a manner of, "Cast your bread upon the water and it will return to you after many days" (Eccl. 11:1). Very well written and shows the burden of living with chronic illnesses and misdiagnoses on patients and families.
Profile Image for Karen.
506 reviews43 followers
June 4, 2024
The CEO's Companion is the second book I've read by Rose Fresquez. However, this is the first book from the Caregivers series. I had first read one from The Billionaire's Reunion series. I had recognized the last name "Stone" and realized I should start with this series before reading more of the Billionaire's Reunion series. However, I really wish I had started with book 1. It is obvious that the characters are connected. So, I plan to go to the very beginning for my next read by this author.
Plain old contemporary romance is not my go-to genre. However, I have been reading more of it lately, and I am enjoying it. I am definitely enjoying Rose Fresquez's books.
So, about this book. It starts out with Eric Stone, the billionaire CEO, lying in a hospital bed in tons of pain, fighting multiple illnesses, very depressed, and questioning God. Joy Musana comes into his life as a volunteer caregiver, bringing joy and sunshine into his life. Whether he wants it or not. And no, he didn't want her there, but she was persistent.
I loved seeing their relationship evolve. And I loved seeing them both draw closer to the Lord. They had both gone through some really difficult things, but God is there for them. And they are there for each other.
Great book and I can't wait to read the rest of these books.
882 reviews9 followers
January 19, 2022
God’s ways are not our ways, as Eric Stone finds out. He learns that ‘Joy’ comes in the morning (pun intended…. read the story and you’ll understand).

Both have reasons to doubt but neither lose their faith. After losing wife and child in a fire, Eric deals with grief very differently than cancer survivor, Joy. Eric throws himself into work … until he can’t. He is stricken with an illness making him unable to work so he goes back ‘home’, the place he spent his childhood. And he needs help. He needs a caretaker.
Little did he want or expect someone so joyful. To Eric’s chagrin, his caretaker’s persona certainly matches her name…. Joy.

The road they both travelled and still traveling is steep. Sickness, death, grief never are easy to understand, for believers and unbelievers. But both Eric and Joy know their creator and find out, as scripture says, His ways are not our ways.

👁^👁 OBSERVATIONS:
This series keeps getting better and better. It’s easy to get lost in the emotion, trauma and turmoil of life’s curveballs. The author handles it all so that the readers ‘feel’ the pain but also0 the victories. Excellent book.

I was provided an advance copy of this book and am leaving my personal thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Loretta TheMoodyRedhead.
1,043 reviews4 followers
July 14, 2022
As like the other three books in this Christian romance Caregiver series, there is a lot of talk about how God cares about us even when we don’t think He even hears our prayers and also there is hope.

This was about a billionaire CEO named Eric Stone who came down with many illnesses around the same time which caused him to be bedridden. A volunteer caregiver - Joy Musana - was hired by Eric’s mother Regina to go into their home to be his caregiver, companion, and friend.

Eric had so many illnesses he could scarcely walk and he had regular nightmares, hallucinations, headaches, etc and was extremely bitter. He was a strong believer in the lord, but began giving up his hope and his prayers.

Joy was Eric’s…joy. She believed in him and prayed endlessly for his good health to be restored. It was kind of a downer story throughout a lot of this read, but any time Joy walked in, the place and Eric’s heart always lit up.

Ultimately, prayers were answered and everything worked out according to God’s plan. Some characters from the previous three books appeared since all the people are friends. I like that!

Next is book 5 The Investor’s Wife.
734 reviews11 followers
January 25, 2022
This is one of my favorites in this series so far. What a wonderful story of the power of love and the faithfulness of God.
Joy is a cancer survivor with a heart of service. Her name epitomizes her outlook on life. When asked to spend time with Eric, a CEO near death with multiple health issues she brings sunshine into a life filled with darkness.
Eric is drawn to Joy but fear and heartache have been his companion for so long he’s not sure he wants to allow her too close. What would be the point?
God seems to have other plans as He keeps showing up in ways neither of them expect. Maybe there’s a chance for love after all.
This book carried me through the myriad of emotions the characters experienced. They were authentic and touched my heart.
Profile Image for Peace.
725 reviews10 followers
February 12, 2022
I don’t know why I read this book, except I was curious why it was suggested to me in the first place. It’s definitely not my type of romance. It was well written but just not my cup of tea. There were a lot of religious aspects; Bible verses, gospel music, prayers, etc. Obviously, there was no sexy time.

It’s about two very religious and philanthropic individuals who have faced personal tragedies that test their faith. In the aftermath, they learn to love and find their spiritual center.

This is a super slow burn clean Christian romance. If that’s what you’re into, then this a good read. If not, don’t waste your time.

If this is your preferred genre: 4 stars.
If not: 3 stars…at most.
Profile Image for Debbie Chatley.
565 reviews27 followers
February 26, 2022
A great story exploring can God use the hard things in life for good. In this story Eric, a CEO making a difference around the world is hit with a series of hard things, both deep personal loss and physical ailments. So through Eric’s eyes , we the reader walk through the anger, bitterness, pain, and questioning that comes when walking through the valleys of life. Then Joy comes into Eric’s life. To me Joy represents life, joy, sunshine and hope contrasted with Eric’s dark place. So walking with Joy allow us the reader to see perseverance and faith through trials. Thoroughly enjoyed this story both from the perspective of Eric and Joys relationship, and the life perspectives they represent. A enjoyable read that also challenged me at the same time.
Profile Image for Rose.
382 reviews
April 23, 2022
I enjoyed this story of Eric and Joy. Eric grew hard after he lost his family in a fire and has been battling one medical situation after another with his own health. In comes Joy who has also had her own health scare but is in remission. Joy manages to work her way thru the walls that Eric has built around his heart and befriend him.

The author does a great job of developing the slow burn love between Eric and Joy. Also the characters are well developed. This story shows how faith plays in our lives if we allow it. It also portrays the importance of adoption and the love adoptive parents/children can truly have for each other.

I received a free copy of this audiobook and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
1,116 reviews5 followers
April 20, 2025
‘The CEO’s Companion’ was poignant. The touching plot was filled with heartbreak, adversity, spirituality, painting, pensive moods, nightmares involving tunnels, being snowed in, more adversity, making some headway, sharing info about the family, drop-in male visitors, a wedding date, a mom’s adversity, a previous encounter, falling in love, oh no…not this, pushing Joy away, having surgery, and just-the-right ending. Moreover, I liked the author’s vivid descriptions that included imagery, figurative language, and down-to-earth word choices that created a heartfelt tone, such as, “The shrubs and jagged mountains ahead stood against the starry sky, a full moon hanging over the mountains like an exclamation on the point.” Overall, I liked the feel-good narrative.
Profile Image for Samantha Ball.
Author 6 books19 followers
June 1, 2022
Touching slow burn romance

I enjoyed this slow burn romance. Eric Stone is riddled with illness when Joy comes to keep him company. Eric is difficult and not very welcoming, but Joy is kind and compassionate. As time moves on, Eric starts to appreciate Joy and then fall for her. And as Joy discovers more about Eric's tragic past, she falls for him. It's a touching story of faith, hope, and love. The moral of the story is that God loves you and is there for you, even in the difficult times.
1,425 reviews12 followers
March 30, 2023
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Billionaire Eric Stone lost his family in a fire, he buried himself in work until he developed several debilitating illnesses. When Joy Musana comes to be his companion, she convinces them to be tested for Lyme Disease and his health then improves with proper medication. When she asks him to attend a wedding with her to avoid the groom’s brother, he agrees, and their relationship begins to strengthen. This was definitely an interesting and engaging book.
40 reviews
April 11, 2025
So much more than a fluffy romance

A romance book rarely gets a review at all from me. I don't read a lot of them and my standards are extremely high. I'm very quick to quit a book that's not up to my standards. I've read two of this authors books and I will, in time probably read the rest. She includes some of my top passions but in her stories: caring for the elderly, orphans, handicap, special needs and those with health issues
This author has the ability to inspire change in your life by reading her stories.
Profile Image for Robinett Versey.
223 reviews
April 15, 2022
Joy In The Storms of Life

I loved the unconditional love that Joy had for Eric from the very beginning. Joy taught Eric how to love in spite of the heartaches and pains within their lives. Trusting God was the key element that formed a grand unity of faith with these two characters, and both of them trusted God entirely. In the end, God added more joy into their lives. A great novel that was well written, coherent, and filled with wisdom.
109 reviews
May 1, 2022
Another great story about faith, healing and love 💗

I love this author’s books! This is a clean story about love, sickness and faith. Eric, the male lead character is sick and questions God. He’s been a loyal servant but has lost his wife and children and now has been stuck with a mystery illness. Enter Joy who has beat cancer and tries to give back by visiting the sick. This is such a great story about faith, healing and love. Great read that I totally recommend!
197 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2022
This is a very touching inspirational story about a man very sick that have suffer a lot of loss in his life in a woman who got hired to be his companion that bring joy and happiness to his life and make his suffering bearable. This is a clean and very beautiful Christian story that remind me of the story of Job powerful message. A story of love faith and how to overcome trials I really enjoyed this book and I really recommend it
1,831 reviews12 followers
September 18, 2022
Eric is a grump since he can't work & has lost his wife. His mother hired Joy who lives up to her name because she is full of life & JOY. She has overcome cancer & refuses to live in fear of its return or anything else in life. She works to live life to the fullest. This story encourages me to also live life fully with JOY. I enjoyed Ms. Shantz as she narrates this book. I was given a copy by the author. This is my voluntary review.
701 reviews
February 9, 2023
Don't be put off by the "Slow Burn" description, this is a very clean romance. Eric's mother has requested Joy visit her son - he isn't happy about it and isn't slow to tell her. Joy continues to visit and gradually he comes out of his despair, especially as his health gradually improves and his relationship with God - marred by bitterness over his wife and children's deaths -is restored. An enjoyable read. I received an ARC but this review is my own.
591 reviews
May 24, 2023
Uplifting and Encouraging

Joy truly had a heart of gold since she had been through a lot of what Eric had been through. When people love us, we shouldn't hurt them to try to keep them from being hurt by what happens to us. Too many people want stand up and shout miracles to prove to themselves there is a God. If we just stop look and recognize creation there will never be a question if there is a God. Excellent book a definite read
Profile Image for LaDonna Childress.
37 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2024
God’s mysterious ways

Eric and Joy have been through so much sickness and sorrow in their lives. I like watching these two people find their way into each others lives. What a blessing it was when Eric’s mom asked Joy to be his caregiver. It was just what he needed to begin living again instead of just living day to day. A good story for anyone who still believes in God’s miracles.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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