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Greater Life Romance #1
Forgive and Remember
A new kindergarten teacher. The five-year-old’s single dad. All that stands between them is one heavy secret.
Shelby Beaton is brand-new to the small coastal town of Hartport. She’s not running from her pain. She’s running toward an opportunity to serve God at Freedom Academy.
When danger threatens the small school, Lincoln Kallock brings his security team to protect the students. He quickly notices his daughter’s new teacher. She’s beautiful, kind, and brave.
She wants nothing to do with him. But fate keeps pushing them together, and despite her icy walls, she starts to warm up to him. Can he convince her to share her burden, so he can help her heal?
Shelby Beaton is brand-new to the small coastal town of Hartport. She’s not running from her pain. She’s running toward an opportunity to serve God at Freedom Academy.
When danger threatens the small school, Lincoln Kallock brings his security team to protect the students. He quickly notices his daughter’s new teacher. She’s beautiful, kind, and brave.
She wants nothing to do with him. But fate keeps pushing them together, and despite her icy walls, she starts to warm up to him. Can he convince her to share her burden, so he can help her heal?
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 12, 2022
Very Emotional
I read a ton of Christian romance, and I have to say, I was able to guess the big secret fairly early in the story, but that didn't take away from the big reveal AT ALL. It was very emotional and poignant, especially when she reveals her story to the hero. Typically, I'm rolling my eyes at the characters for making a mountain out of a molehill at that point and just plain ol' failure to COMMUNICATE LIKE GROWN UPS, but this was really done in a way that was appropriate and believable and well done. I don't want to get into it more than that because I hate spoilers unless they're necessary.
This was a clean read with no swearing and the romance was chaste. There were very strong Christian themes with Scripture quoted throughout.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys emotional Christian romance in a small-town setting with some suspense and drama.
I read a ton of Christian romance, and I have to say, I was able to guess the big secret fairly early in the story, but that didn't take away from the big reveal AT ALL. It was very emotional and poignant, especially when she reveals her story to the hero. Typically, I'm rolling my eyes at the characters for making a mountain out of a molehill at that point and just plain ol' failure to COMMUNICATE LIKE GROWN UPS, but this was really done in a way that was appropriate and believable and well done. I don't want to get into it more than that because I hate spoilers unless they're necessary.
This was a clean read with no swearing and the romance was chaste. There were very strong Christian themes with Scripture quoted throughout.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys emotional Christian romance in a small-town setting with some suspense and drama.
February 11, 2022
Let me start by saying I am a Robin Merrill fan and that is the singular reason I read this book because to be blunt I am not a romance fan. Maybe I have become jaded over the years but I find myself rolling my eyes a lot. And at the beginning of this book I could feel myself putting up the same walls. Getting prickly at the will they/won’t they push/pull. Rolling my eyes at the knight in shining armor leading man.
BUT….
Robin is skillful. As the book progressed I found my icy heart melting. I found myself caring for the characters. Robin is very good a slowly developing a character. She doesn’t throw it all out at the beginning or waiting until the end and putting it all out in the last two pages. I also appreciated that while it wasn’t one of her “cozy mysteries” she still included a little sleuthing in the story.
This story was so much more than “just” a romance. There was God’s redemption, forgiveness of ourselves and that which God freely gives, allowing others to love us despite our mistakes, as well as a mystery to solve.
So even if you don’t typically read “romance” type books this book is for you! You won’t be disappointed!
I was gifted an ARC of this book, however it did not influence my review in any way.
BUT….
Robin is skillful. As the book progressed I found my icy heart melting. I found myself caring for the characters. Robin is very good a slowly developing a character. She doesn’t throw it all out at the beginning or waiting until the end and putting it all out in the last two pages. I also appreciated that while it wasn’t one of her “cozy mysteries” she still included a little sleuthing in the story.
This story was so much more than “just” a romance. There was God’s redemption, forgiveness of ourselves and that which God freely gives, allowing others to love us despite our mistakes, as well as a mystery to solve.
So even if you don’t typically read “romance” type books this book is for you! You won’t be disappointed!
I was gifted an ARC of this book, however it did not influence my review in any way.
September 18, 2022
Emotional and heartwarming
A woman must overcome the trauma of her past and forgive herself before she can accept love. She thought she had to give up personal happiness in order to serve God.
A woman must overcome the trauma of her past and forgive herself before she can accept love. She thought she had to give up personal happiness in order to serve God.
February 27, 2022
What a beautifully written story! It is full of emotions and you can feel ever one of them. It's so much more than a sweet romance, it's a story of the redeeming love of God and forgiving yourself for past sins. This story stays with you long after you've read the last page.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own
December 28, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by this sweet book. Sometimes, I don’t like the “single father finds new love” trope, but I did in this book because it focused more on the “now” than on the “then” of his story. Usually I get sad reading about the father’s loss of his spouse and his grieving (before he finds new love), but this book didn’t spend a lot of time on those things and only touched on them briefly, as an explanation. This centered more on his (Lincoln’s) present happiness with his daughter and family and his new hope for new beginnings. I also loved that Lincoln was stalwart and faithful; the tenderness and love that he showed for his family and others helped to make a sweet story.
I enjoyed the characters, especially the lovable matchmaking Cindy. Everyone needs a Cindy in their lives! 😏 And since this is the first book I’ve read where a character who shares my name is not a prissy girl or a killer and—added bonus—she’s a matchmaker and a hugger, that’s high points for me!
I loved that Shelby is a new Christian, that you can practically see her glowing with it, but also that she still has unfinished business in the faith department so we can be with her as she fully embraces God’s plan for her life and begins to heal. Many times in books we see the conversion, but not the struggles that new Christians have following a conversion, so it was refreshing to see Christianity at a different stage than is usually shown in books.
I don’t often highlight books, which I really should do more often, but there was one part that I just couldn’t resist: “Cindy had been right. Of course.”
Now, I’m on to book two, Trace’s story, and I have a feeling that it will be just as sweet!
I enjoyed the characters, especially the lovable matchmaking Cindy. Everyone needs a Cindy in their lives! 😏 And since this is the first book I’ve read where a character who shares my name is not a prissy girl or a killer and—added bonus—she’s a matchmaker and a hugger, that’s high points for me!
I loved that Shelby is a new Christian, that you can practically see her glowing with it, but also that she still has unfinished business in the faith department so we can be with her as she fully embraces God’s plan for her life and begins to heal. Many times in books we see the conversion, but not the struggles that new Christians have following a conversion, so it was refreshing to see Christianity at a different stage than is usually shown in books.
I don’t often highlight books, which I really should do more often, but there was one part that I just couldn’t resist: “Cindy had been right. Of course.”
Now, I’m on to book two, Trace’s story, and I have a feeling that it will be just as sweet!
October 2, 2024
Forgive and Remember is the first book in the Greater Life romance series by Robin Merrill. Shelby Beaton is the new kindergarten teacher in Hartport, a small coastal town in Maine. She is looking forward to this opportunity to serve God at the Freedom Academy. Lincoln Kallock owns a security business and is the single dad of one of her students. There is an instant connection; however, Shelby keeps her distance as she holds a secret. When threats are made against the small school, Lincoln brings in his security team to protect the school. He notices that Shelby is brave as well as beautiful and kind. Despite her desire to keep her distance, they seem to be being pushed together and she begins to break down her walls. Can she trust him with her secret? Can he convince her that a shared burden is an easier load to carry?
Everyone knows the old saying “forgive and forget,” so when I came across a book entitled Forgive and Remember, I was intrigued. From the opening chapter to the closing page, this story is about truly accepting God’s forgiveness and allowing ourselves to heal and move forward in His love. I loved Shelby as she is committed to serving God as she made a promise. Her secret is sadly a common occurrence and Lincoln and other characters who learn the secret were wonderfully comforting and supportive. I wish that more people were this sympathetic. There is the mystery about who is making the threats but it doesn’t bog down the story. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series. It is a clean Christian romance with realism and emotional moments. I will admit I shed a few tears as I finished reading this book. I highly recommend Forgive and Remember.
Forgive and Remember is available in paperback and eBook
Everyone knows the old saying “forgive and forget,” so when I came across a book entitled Forgive and Remember, I was intrigued. From the opening chapter to the closing page, this story is about truly accepting God’s forgiveness and allowing ourselves to heal and move forward in His love. I loved Shelby as she is committed to serving God as she made a promise. Her secret is sadly a common occurrence and Lincoln and other characters who learn the secret were wonderfully comforting and supportive. I wish that more people were this sympathetic. There is the mystery about who is making the threats but it doesn’t bog down the story. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series. It is a clean Christian romance with realism and emotional moments. I will admit I shed a few tears as I finished reading this book. I highly recommend Forgive and Remember.
Forgive and Remember is available in paperback and eBook
October 4, 2022
Shelby Beaton has just given up her lucrative marketing job in New York to become a kindergarten teacher at the private Christian elementary school in Hartport, Maine. A fairly new Christian, she's taken the teaching job, in part, to atone for an abortion she had before becoming a believer. The older widowed woman, Cindy, who welcomes her to town, is also a matchmaker and wants Shelby and Lincoln Kallock to get together. Lincoln is ex-army and runs a security firm. He also has a daughter, Charlotte, in Shelby's class. When there's a terrorist threat at the school, Lincoln's firm comes in to help. The two are attracted, but Shelby is continuing to punish herself for the abortion and thinks she needs to stay single. Gradually, she accepts a different way of thinking, especially after Cindy and Lincoln learn the truth and don't judge her.
No mention of the baby's father or any relationship, a bit preachy, but tackles a painful subject.
2022 - 52 book challenge #41 - involves a second chance.
No mention of the baby's father or any relationship, a bit preachy, but tackles a painful subject.
2022 - 52 book challenge #41 - involves a second chance.
Read
June 17, 2026This book was going good until Shelby admitted to having an abortion...yeah I know God forgives and all that,but her reasoning behind it was ignorant because "she thought that was her only option"...would have been better if the author had enough sense to make her give the baby up for adoption or instead of being pregnant,have her been a recovering addict or something else...and then to just have a ending of her and Lincoln getting together and sitting in church,no explanation of what happened with the teen guy who threatened the school,except he was in jail...no mention of Lincoln's daughter and what she thought of Miss Beaton her teacher that she loved so much dating her dad...I know this is a series,but seriously lacking on unanswered questions,seemed too rushed now that Shelby's secret was addressed....have deleted every book by this author, because I do not like her writing style or subject matter,I get abortions happen,and can be forgiven,but these books are not for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2022
An interesting story.
When Shelby accepted a position at Freedom Academy as kindergarten teacher, she had no idea what awaited her. Threats against the school had everyone on edge. Then there was this security guy, Lincoln, who caught her attention. In spite of her attraction to him, she refused to allow herself to get too involved. Why? As you read this heart warming story, you will discover the reason and see what he will do to turn things around. Enjoy the read!
When Shelby accepted a position at Freedom Academy as kindergarten teacher, she had no idea what awaited her. Threats against the school had everyone on edge. Then there was this security guy, Lincoln, who caught her attention. In spite of her attraction to him, she refused to allow herself to get too involved. Why? As you read this heart warming story, you will discover the reason and see what he will do to turn things around. Enjoy the read!
September 17, 2022
Grace, Grace. God's Grace
I was in tears. I lost my 38 year old daughter just over a year ago, to alcoholism, and this really hit home. Although the premise is not the same, remembering that she is in God's arms now helps. This book would be a great read for grief counseling patients.
I was in tears. I lost my 38 year old daughter just over a year ago, to alcoholism, and this really hit home. Although the premise is not the same, remembering that she is in God's arms now helps. This book would be a great read for grief counseling patients.
September 17, 2022
Sweet story
A sweet little story. It would be nice if the author would capitalize He and Him, since it’s a Christian book. Only one or two instances of bad grammar, and I didn’t notice any mis-spelled words. The author even used “vise” correctly, instead of using “vice,” which is nice. Overall, a quick and easy read.
A sweet little story. It would be nice if the author would capitalize He and Him, since it’s a Christian book. Only one or two instances of bad grammar, and I didn’t notice any mis-spelled words. The author even used “vise” correctly, instead of using “vice,” which is nice. Overall, a quick and easy read.
September 20, 2023
This was an easy-read story about Shelby, a young woman who is starting over in a small town in Maine as a kindergarten teacher in a Christian school.
She is befriended by Cindy, an older woman who takes Shelby under her wing, and Lincoln, a vet and security company owner whose daughter, Charlotte, is in Shelby’s class.
She is befriended by Cindy, an older woman who takes Shelby under her wing, and Lincoln, a vet and security company owner whose daughter, Charlotte, is in Shelby’s class.
February 10, 2022
I received this book as a ARC and despite being out of the gender which I usually read, I like it very much. The characters are authentic and changing, growing through the book, the plot is interesting and it was hard to put the book on a shelf before finishing it.
September 10, 2022
forgiven to live
Who is threatening the kids at the school? And more importantly, when we have secrets from our past, can we forgive ourselves? I’m glad God forgives us and allows us to live lives of freedom. Very well done!
Who is threatening the kids at the school? And more importantly, when we have secrets from our past, can we forgive ourselves? I’m glad God forgives us and allows us to live lives of freedom. Very well done!
September 22, 2022
a beautiful story
This was such a beautiful story full of love and kindness and forgiveness. It was interesting to see how everything played out and how the characters grew in the end.
This was such a beautiful story full of love and kindness and forgiveness. It was interesting to see how everything played out and how the characters grew in the end.
September 22, 2022
Given a new life
This is a very intriguing Christian modern romance. She's the new kindergarten teachers at the Christian school. He's the head of a security company. Sparks fly from the first meeting but she's not ready to date. Good clean interesting read.
This is a very intriguing Christian modern romance. She's the new kindergarten teachers at the Christian school. He's the head of a security company. Sparks fly from the first meeting but she's not ready to date. Good clean interesting read.
September 30, 2022
Sweet story
A sweet story with some serious themes, all well done with a happy ending. It took some time to figure out what Shelby was hiding. What a precious memorial and an adorable first date.
A sweet story with some serious themes, all well done with a happy ending. It took some time to figure out what Shelby was hiding. What a precious memorial and an adorable first date.
December 30, 2022
A nice story
I enjoyed this story. It has some gentle suspense and romance. I enjoyed the characters; they were likeable and real, and I felt the author carefully explored a bit of a taboo subject well, looking at healing and forgiveness with grace.
I enjoyed this story. It has some gentle suspense and romance. I enjoyed the characters; they were likeable and real, and I felt the author carefully explored a bit of a taboo subject well, looking at healing and forgiveness with grace.
September 3, 2023
What a sweet sweet story of love, forgives and understanding. I loved how the characters in this book showed the spirit of Christ in their lives in their everyday walk. It is through this the main character finds healing and happiness. I look forward to book #2.
June 14, 2024
I friend recommended this book and I am so glad I took her advice! Wonderful moving story about 2 people who are dealing with huge hurts from their pasts. Shelby's hurt is one that has brought her shame and she is determined to atone for her choice and "make it up" to God. It hurt watching her deny herself the life grace and blessings that God had for her.
I've read other books by this author and one thing I like is that faith plays a big role in her stories... a role she doesn't hint at, but spells out clearly and often boldly.
I love the character Cindy! Her straight shooting.. her insight.. her belief in more than what we can see.
Well done and looking forward to reading the remainder of this series!
I've read other books by this author and one thing I like is that faith plays a big role in her stories... a role she doesn't hint at, but spells out clearly and often boldly.
I love the character Cindy! Her straight shooting.. her insight.. her belief in more than what we can see.
Well done and looking forward to reading the remainder of this series!
July 15, 2025
Excellent
A well written story of brokenness, and redemption. I really enjoyed Lincoln and Shelby’s story, the pace was really good, not rushed nor dragged. Robin is a n excellent writer.
A well written story of brokenness, and redemption. I really enjoyed Lincoln and Shelby’s story, the pace was really good, not rushed nor dragged. Robin is a n excellent writer.
October 1, 2026
great book, loved the scripture, very quick
Great book, loved the scripture but felt like they fell in love a little too fast without almost any talking or getting to know each other except the one long convo? Cindy was great too!!!
Great book, loved the scripture but felt like they fell in love a little too fast without almost any talking or getting to know each other except the one long convo? Cindy was great too!!!
July 20, 2022
Memory
A book dealing with guilt and forgiveness. Having given a promise to Serve only G O D for the rest of her life, she had roads to cross before she found peace.
A book dealing with guilt and forgiveness. Having given a promise to Serve only G O D for the rest of her life, she had roads to cross before she found peace.
September 16, 2022
I received a copy of this book..
Great Story.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Great Story.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
September 17, 2022
Good read.
September 22, 2022
A fresh start is all Shelby is looking for when she moves to Maine and takes a teaching position in a small Christian school. Finding a friend in one of her student's father is quite unexpected. But a romance is not something she wants or feels that she deserves.
Robin Merrill is a new name to me, but this author proved she can write a story that will absolutely touch the heart. I don't easily cry over movies or books, but a very special scene in this story had tears welling up. It showcased the wonderful way God can heal a broken spirit and it reminded us of His Promises about the future being ones that can help us in the here and now. I look forward to reading more by this gifted author.
Robin Merrill is a new name to me, but this author proved she can write a story that will absolutely touch the heart. I don't easily cry over movies or books, but a very special scene in this story had tears welling up. It showcased the wonderful way God can heal a broken spirit and it reminded us of His Promises about the future being ones that can help us in the here and now. I look forward to reading more by this gifted author.
September 22, 2022
Good read. Clean read.
Good read. Clean read. Life is tough. We all carry lots of baggage. So much easier when shared. God can make all our burdens lighter.
Good read. Clean read. Life is tough. We all carry lots of baggage. So much easier when shared. God can make all our burdens lighter.
September 25, 2022
Home
A story with a bit of nostalgia for small town life. Healthy, wholesome characters that made reading this book a pleasure.
A story with a bit of nostalgia for small town life. Healthy, wholesome characters that made reading this book a pleasure.
January 23, 2023
2.5* Very Christian without being too preachy. Low on the romance as Shelby has to get past her regrets in order to be open to love. Matchmaking older woman Cindy is more interesting than the MCs.
January 24, 2023
Great clean romance
I enjoyed the clean romance. The chase to discover her true calling as a wife and mother. I recommend this story for the young adult reader.
I enjoyed the clean romance. The chase to discover her true calling as a wife and mother. I recommend this story for the young adult reader.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews