What do you think?
Rate this book
The Halversons #1
Gareth
Welcome to the fictional town of Serenity Point, Idaho, home to the large Halverson family.
A mixed family with both biological and adopted children,
their lives and relationships are held together by their love for each other and their faith.Gareth Halverson has studied for years to become a doctor, planning one day to take over his parents’ clinic in Northern Idaho. As they shifted their focus to doing medical mission work, Gareth, along with two of his siblings, has willingly stepped into their shoes at the clinic. It is his goal to keep the clinic running as smoothly as it did when his parents were in charge, and he will do anything to make sure that nothing affects the clinic—or the family name—negatively.
Aria Jensen has had a horrible couple of years. She’s suffered through a broken engagement and the loss of her job, but the one thing that has hurt the most is the death of her mom. Now alone in the world, when a friend from nursing school offers her the receptionist position at her family’s clinic in Idaho, Aria jumps at the chance. She hopes that it will be the start of things turning around for her. All she wants to do is leave behind the pain and step into a new happier chapter in her life.
Will a new beginning lead to a happy ending?
When Gareth and Aria first meet, there's a strong spark of interest between them. Gareth has no problem dating someone who works at the clinic, considering his parents had worked there together, even though they were married. Together, Aria and Gareth are determined to not let their dating interfere with their work.
Unfortunately, not everyone in the clinic is welcoming to Aria, and soon Aria wonders if leaving her past in the past will be possible or if she is about to experience yet more loss and hurt.
Gareth is book 1 of the Christian romance series focused on the lives of The Halversons.If you enjoy heartwarming Christian romance with a focus on love, faith, and family, be sure to check out these other series and books by Kimberly Rae
The HalversonsNew Hope Falls - 10 book seriesWe 3 Kings - A Christmas TrilogyThe Callaghans & McFaddens - 10 book seriesFostered by Love - 4 book seriesBlackThorpe Security - 6 book seriesThe McKinleys - 3 book seriesHome to Collingsworth - 7 book seriesThose Karlsson Boys - 3 book seriesOther Christian romance books by Kimberly Rae
Faith, Hope & LoveMarrying Kate
A mixed family with both biological and adopted children,
their lives and relationships are held together by their love for each other and their faith.Gareth Halverson has studied for years to become a doctor, planning one day to take over his parents’ clinic in Northern Idaho. As they shifted their focus to doing medical mission work, Gareth, along with two of his siblings, has willingly stepped into their shoes at the clinic. It is his goal to keep the clinic running as smoothly as it did when his parents were in charge, and he will do anything to make sure that nothing affects the clinic—or the family name—negatively.
Aria Jensen has had a horrible couple of years. She’s suffered through a broken engagement and the loss of her job, but the one thing that has hurt the most is the death of her mom. Now alone in the world, when a friend from nursing school offers her the receptionist position at her family’s clinic in Idaho, Aria jumps at the chance. She hopes that it will be the start of things turning around for her. All she wants to do is leave behind the pain and step into a new happier chapter in her life.
Will a new beginning lead to a happy ending?
When Gareth and Aria first meet, there's a strong spark of interest between them. Gareth has no problem dating someone who works at the clinic, considering his parents had worked there together, even though they were married. Together, Aria and Gareth are determined to not let their dating interfere with their work.
Unfortunately, not everyone in the clinic is welcoming to Aria, and soon Aria wonders if leaving her past in the past will be possible or if she is about to experience yet more loss and hurt.
Gareth is book 1 of the Christian romance series focused on the lives of The Halversons.If you enjoy heartwarming Christian romance with a focus on love, faith, and family, be sure to check out these other series and books by Kimberly Rae
The HalversonsNew Hope Falls - 10 book seriesWe 3 Kings - A Christmas TrilogyThe Callaghans & McFaddens - 10 book seriesFostered by Love - 4 book seriesBlackThorpe Security - 6 book seriesThe McKinleys - 3 book seriesHome to Collingsworth - 7 book seriesThose Karlsson Boys - 3 book seriesOther Christian romance books by Kimberly Rae
Faith, Hope & LoveMarrying Kate
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2022
487 people are currently reading
217 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 79 reviews
August 13, 2024
2.5 stars
This story was okay, but sort of blah. It's lots of telling repeating things, and infodumps so I never really connected with the characters.
This story was okay, but sort of blah. It's lots of telling repeating things, and infodumps so I never really connected with the characters.
January 19, 2024
I’m getting frustrated that Goodreads keeps crashing while I’m working on reviews.
This is a very sweet story. I really enjoyed the faith based content and it wasn’t too much that others wouldn’t be able to enjoy it.
The plot was a little predictable but I didn’t guess what Aria’s secret was so that helped.
The story dragged a little in the middle but towards the end it picked up well. Hence me taking a week break while reading.
Still really enjoyed this good wholesome novel about the doctor and his family.
This is a very sweet story. I really enjoyed the faith based content and it wasn’t too much that others wouldn’t be able to enjoy it.
The plot was a little predictable but I didn’t guess what Aria’s secret was so that helped.
The story dragged a little in the middle but towards the end it picked up well. Hence me taking a week break while reading.
Still really enjoyed this good wholesome novel about the doctor and his family.
March 8, 2025
A doctor in a small town finds love with his receptionist.
Loved being with this author again. Aria and Gareth story was sweet. Aria had a difficult past. But when she came to Serinity. The Halversons made her feel at home. Janessa, Charlie and Kayleigh became her surrogate sisters a which she so needed. Even Jay became a surrogate brother to her too. Gareth fell in love with her the first moment he met her. But being discrete in the work place was hard. But their love grew away from the workplace. Nora was a real awful person. She was all in it just for her. So glad the bump in the relationship got taken care of. Gareth and Aria make a great couple. Will read more in the series.
Loved being with this author again. Aria and Gareth story was sweet. Aria had a difficult past. But when she came to Serinity. The Halversons made her feel at home. Janessa, Charlie and Kayleigh became her surrogate sisters a which she so needed. Even Jay became a surrogate brother to her too. Gareth fell in love with her the first moment he met her. But being discrete in the work place was hard. But their love grew away from the workplace. Nora was a real awful person. She was all in it just for her. So glad the bump in the relationship got taken care of. Gareth and Aria make a great couple. Will read more in the series.
May 21, 2023
What a beautiful story!
I knew when I began this book I would love it. I have to wonder what it would be like if every child grew up with the love of parents like the Halversons. Having the gentle guidance and unconditional love of their parents combined with the joy of knowing GOD was fully in control would make such a solid, happy childhood.
The story of Gareth and Aria is full of sweetness, but the harsh reality of mistakes and doubts makes it a good book of lessons to learn. Happy endings come with forgiveness and abiding patience and love.
Thanks to the author for a wonderful goodread!
I knew when I began this book I would love it. I have to wonder what it would be like if every child grew up with the love of parents like the Halversons. Having the gentle guidance and unconditional love of their parents combined with the joy of knowing GOD was fully in control would make such a solid, happy childhood.
The story of Gareth and Aria is full of sweetness, but the harsh reality of mistakes and doubts makes it a good book of lessons to learn. Happy endings come with forgiveness and abiding patience and love.
Thanks to the author for a wonderful goodread!
February 15, 2024
Wonderful start to a new series
I like Kimberly's writing. She always brings in the spiritual aspect to her stories and we see it here in this clean story. The Halversons had a large family both biological and some just added in.
This story revolves around their oldest son, a doctor who runs a medical clinic, along with two members of his family and a new receptionist who becomes a love interest to the doctor.
Of course there is always the one jealous person to keep our interest high. But good does prevale.
Looking forward to book two.
I like Kimberly's writing. She always brings in the spiritual aspect to her stories and we see it here in this clean story. The Halversons had a large family both biological and some just added in.
This story revolves around their oldest son, a doctor who runs a medical clinic, along with two members of his family and a new receptionist who becomes a love interest to the doctor.
Of course there is always the one jealous person to keep our interest high. But good does prevale.
Looking forward to book two.
March 2, 2025
Oh my goodness. Finally, a Christian book that’s not over the top, filled with God, and a great story about family and relationships and messing up and figuring out life. I just truly enjoyed this book so much. I loved Aria SO much! And Gareth was a perfect match for her. The way their relationship grew and the everyday things they did flowed throughout the story and made for an all around great book. Excited to pick up book 2.
*Trigger: This story takes place in a doctor clinic, and unfortunately, has positive writing towards children vaxxination schedule.
*Trigger: This story takes place in a doctor clinic, and unfortunately, has positive writing towards children vaxxination schedule.
April 28, 2025
This was such a wholesome, sweet book. The story line was really cute and the characters were awesome, I love the Halverson family. This book is proof that a book can be romance without anything dirty. Gareth is such an amazing guy, and though he isn’t perfect, he is still a great match for Aria. Overall a great book
Content:
Foul Language: None.
Drugs/alcohol: When we first meet Aria she lives with drug addicts, one of the characters (I won’t say who because of spoilers) went to work drunk and got fired
Sexuality: Kissing, hand holding, and cuddling, but all very clean.
Content:
Foul Language: None.
Drugs/alcohol: When we first meet Aria she lives with drug addicts, one of the characters (I won’t say who because of spoilers) went to work drunk and got fired
Sexuality: Kissing, hand holding, and cuddling, but all very clean.
September 19, 2022
I was looking forward to this first book in Jordan's new series, and I was not disappointed! I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, and can't wait for the next book. I like the interaction between all the siblings in the Halverson family, plus "watching" the first one fall in love, conquer the inevitable obstacles, and grow and mature in in the process. I'm thankful she doesn't wait a year between books so I can read more soon.
September 24, 2022
A family loves unconditionally
Aria was so bogged down by past mistakes and feeling like she didn't belong. I love it when God comes in and shows us that not only do we belong with Him, but then He brings people in to love us and to become family to us. Family loves even when they learn of a family member's bad choices. They love and forgive, even when it's hard. Very good!!!
Aria was so bogged down by past mistakes and feeling like she didn't belong. I love it when God comes in and shows us that not only do we belong with Him, but then He brings people in to love us and to become family to us. Family loves even when they learn of a family member's bad choices. They love and forgive, even when it's hard. Very good!!!
October 13, 2022
Overall the story line is good and there is definitely material for KRJ to have an actual "villain" -- Nora -- in future issues from this series.
But there is a little-known plot hole: California nursing licenses are not valid in Idaho (Idaho is part of an interstate nursing compact, but California is not). Thus, Aria actually practiced nursing without a valid license when she administered the shot. This could be used in a future issue (maybe Nora hires Chelsey?) but it is a hole.
But there is a little-known plot hole: California nursing licenses are not valid in Idaho (Idaho is part of an interstate nursing compact, but California is not). Thus, Aria actually practiced nursing without a valid license when she administered the shot. This could be used in a future issue (maybe Nora hires Chelsey?) but it is a hole.
August 7, 2023
I have enjoyed so many Kimberly Rea Jordan’s books and I am sure I will enjoy reading about the Halverson family. Took me awhile to pick up the first installment but I wasn’t disappointed. Aria had so many unknown difficulties and Garett seemed so pulled together that you just didn’t see how they could work out their relationship but it was enjoyable seeing them do just that. I must admit, some of the other Halverson’s seem very intriguing. Looking forward to reading their stories.
October 8, 2023
interesting and engaging
I really enjoyed being that fly on the wall peeking in on the activities of a new family, the Halversons. I loved how the author chose to emphasize the importance of being up front and telling the truth from the beginning in a relationship. I docked one star for leaving me hanging. I like my ends tied up by the epilogue, I can’t wait to learn more about the this new family.
I really enjoyed being that fly on the wall peeking in on the activities of a new family, the Halversons. I loved how the author chose to emphasize the importance of being up front and telling the truth from the beginning in a relationship. I docked one star for leaving me hanging. I like my ends tied up by the epilogue, I can’t wait to learn more about the this new family.
June 3, 2024
I’ve heard of Kimberley Ray Johnson for a while and I’ve been wanting to try a series by her. This one really grab my attention as I love siblings series and I especially love that this one included biological and adopted siblings. I come from a family that has whole/half/foster/adopted/step members. And yet we’re just all family. Like we know how we are technically related, but we don’t think about it.
Gareth was a great start to the series. I do think this is one that will need to be a series that is read in in order. I loved meeting more of the siblings and learning some of their backstory.
I think it’s possible some would look at Aria’s story and think she was allowing her loss to linger too long. But I really related to her. Well my circumstances weren’t exactly the same, my mom and I were very close and it was just the two of us almost 30 years. And when I lost her, it was much more difficult and painful than I anticipated. So Aria’s reaction to losing her mom was not unrealistic to me.
I love the Faith elements of this book and I loved the encouragement and grace and tenderness in many of the characters.
I have no doubt this is going to be a series.
Gareth was a great start to the series. I do think this is one that will need to be a series that is read in in order. I loved meeting more of the siblings and learning some of their backstory.
I think it’s possible some would look at Aria’s story and think she was allowing her loss to linger too long. But I really related to her. Well my circumstances weren’t exactly the same, my mom and I were very close and it was just the two of us almost 30 years. And when I lost her, it was much more difficult and painful than I anticipated. So Aria’s reaction to losing her mom was not unrealistic to me.
I love the Faith elements of this book and I loved the encouragement and grace and tenderness in many of the characters.
I have no doubt this is going to be a series.
September 1, 2024
I try not to be harsh with Christian fiction stories as I read them often for a positive distraction. This story though moved so slowly I was close to giving up. It picked up and I was glad I stuck with it. Until the ending. So much effort throughout the story on her family background. And then the ending just left us hanging. That’s quite a story thread left untied and I’m here feeling frustrated at a part of the story I really wanted to know.
September 29, 2022
wonderful new book
Once again Kimberly has written a beautiful, love filled book. The struggles of past mistakes Aria is unable to forgive herself for shapes all of her life until she chooses to realize God forgives her and she is worthy of love. I look forward to more books in the new series.
Once again Kimberly has written a beautiful, love filled book. The struggles of past mistakes Aria is unable to forgive herself for shapes all of her life until she chooses to realize God forgives her and she is worthy of love. I look forward to more books in the new series.
November 25, 2022
Pride. He’d thought it was all about hurt and anger, but the firm foundation under both those emotions was pride.
Such a perfect quote from this book and it really makes your think. Aria and Gareth working through their relationships ups and downs. This book was a great start to a new series and I can’t wait to read more.
Such a perfect quote from this book and it really makes your think. Aria and Gareth working through their relationships ups and downs. This book was a great start to a new series and I can’t wait to read more.
January 5, 2023
always a beautiful story
I’ve read a few of Kimberly’s books and I love how they flow so nicely. It’s a great relaxing type of reading specially at night when my mind is already so full of all the busyness of my work day. I read one and pick the next on her series. Great God filled love stories.
I’ve read a few of Kimberly’s books and I love how they flow so nicely. It’s a great relaxing type of reading specially at night when my mind is already so full of all the busyness of my work day. I read one and pick the next on her series. Great God filled love stories.
November 15, 2023
Jealousy, pride, Deception
What a mix! Glad to see the new series following the previous one, including scriptures, prayer, church, and the distinct statement that we are not perfect, even as Christians. Lots of personal interaction, a couple of rescues, and a few jealous parties are involved. At its base, the author shows that trusting God helps which is awesome.
What a mix! Glad to see the new series following the previous one, including scriptures, prayer, church, and the distinct statement that we are not perfect, even as Christians. Lots of personal interaction, a couple of rescues, and a few jealous parties are involved. At its base, the author shows that trusting God helps which is awesome.
November 21, 2023
What a book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. To be honest I was a bit skeptical about starting a Christian romance series and I was also feeling a little low and that was the main reason I chose small town romance since it always cheers me up. And reading this clean romance was exactly what I needed as this story filled me with the warmth and happiness I needed.
Kudos and thanks for the author.
Kudos and thanks for the author.
August 25, 2024
Gareth A Christian Romance
I loved this story of Gareth and Aria, family and Christian hope and love. Great character; forgiveness was dealt with so well with the help of family and friends and lots of prayer. Hated to see it end as these people had become my friends and felt a part of my life. Hope there is a next book in the series
I loved this story of Gareth and Aria, family and Christian hope and love. Great character; forgiveness was dealt with so well with the help of family and friends and lots of prayer. Hated to see it end as these people had become my friends and felt a part of my life. Hope there is a next book in the series
May 26, 2025
Love This Story!
This is an amazing story of loss, grief, bad decisions, and questioning her faith in God. But also, a story of how God gave Aria a new beginning with a new job, a new love in Gareth, and a new family in the Halverson’s and a renewed faith in God. Despite everything they dealt with God brought Aria and Gareth together and it was awesome!
This is an amazing story of loss, grief, bad decisions, and questioning her faith in God. But also, a story of how God gave Aria a new beginning with a new job, a new love in Gareth, and a new family in the Halverson’s and a renewed faith in God. Despite everything they dealt with God brought Aria and Gareth together and it was awesome!
June 23, 2025
Great story
I began by reading Cole. It was so good, we decided to read the entire series.
She is alone. Her only known relative is dead. Then she returns to her apartment & discovers that her drug addicted roommate has broken into her room & ransacked it. An intriguing story start.
I began by reading Cole. It was so good, we decided to read the entire series.
She is alone. Her only known relative is dead. Then she returns to her apartment & discovers that her drug addicted roommate has broken into her room & ransacked it. An intriguing story start.
November 16, 2025
Good book
I enjoyed the plot of this story and couldn't wait to find out how it ended but I struggled with how much extra details the author added that seemed unnecessary to make the story complete. It got to where it took away from my enjoyment of the story and I found myself skimming through the last third of the book.
I enjoyed the plot of this story and couldn't wait to find out how it ended but I struggled with how much extra details the author added that seemed unnecessary to make the story complete. It got to where it took away from my enjoyment of the story and I found myself skimming through the last third of the book.
September 19, 2022
Aria’s life broke my heart
You have to read her story now meet her friend Janessa and her family. I want to tell you more but I don’t want to ruin any part of the story. Get it now and read read read. You will be so glad you did.
You have to read her story now meet her friend Janessa and her family. I want to tell you more but I don’t want to ruin any part of the story. Get it now and read read read. You will be so glad you did.
September 19, 2022
Beautiful story!
When I realized Aria had been keeping a secret, I wondered what she had been doing so terribly wrong. Nothing is written in black or white, and it behooves us to have mire empathy.
When I realized Aria had been keeping a secret, I wondered what she had been doing so terribly wrong. Nothing is written in black or white, and it behooves us to have mire empathy.
September 19, 2022
heartfelt
As always, a good read. A book that deals with real life issues. As a hospice worker I see grief expressed all the time. This story had me from the start. Knowing that each sibling would have a story made it interesting to seeing where their story begins in this book.
As always, a good read. A book that deals with real life issues. As a hospice worker I see grief expressed all the time. This story had me from the start. Knowing that each sibling would have a story made it interesting to seeing where their story begins in this book.
September 19, 2022
Honesty pays
I have enjoyed reading the story of Gareth and Aria. Kimberley has dealt with grief and loneliness and the bad decisions made and the consequences from them. When situations change and the issues faced truthfully there will be joy.
I have enjoyed reading the story of Gareth and Aria. Kimberley has dealt with grief and loneliness and the bad decisions made and the consequences from them. When situations change and the issues faced truthfully there will be joy.
September 20, 2022
Pride! Will it stop Gareth from finding his happiness
Lies not meant to deceive but lies just the same will Aria let them ruin her happiness. Decisions like these could mean a future not of God's planning but of man's design. Trust in God's plan every time.
Lies not meant to deceive but lies just the same will Aria let them ruin her happiness. Decisions like these could mean a future not of God's planning but of man's design. Trust in God's plan every time.
September 25, 2022
Can't wait for the whole series
I love the way this series is starting. Kimberly has a way of writing about all the different struggles we face and the appropriate response to each situation. I can't wait for the rest of this series. I dont like putting her books down.
I love the way this series is starting. Kimberly has a way of writing about all the different struggles we face and the appropriate response to each situation. I can't wait for the rest of this series. I dont like putting her books down.
October 3, 2022
A great book to read!
Gareth is a book that you cannot put down. The story had me In tears. I was sorry that it ended. I will be looking forward to the next book about Jayden. Can’t wait!
Gareth is a book that you cannot put down. The story had me In tears. I was sorry that it ended. I will be looking forward to the next book about Jayden. Can’t wait!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews