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The Gustafson Girls #3
Phoebe and the Rock of Ages: A Series about Sisters
A wild child. A Jesus freak. A forgotten shared past that's going to set off all kinds of fireworks when their two worlds collide.
Phoebe has been running wild for most of her life. A gifted and passionate artist , she portrays life the way she sees it, but her jaded perspective is borne out of disillusionment, betrayal, and heartbreaking loss.
Rather than face the past and deal with all the reasons she keeps running, Phoebe charges full throttle into the future, never investing in anything - or anyone - for longer than it takes to finish a job.
When Trevor, a charming, talented musician, causes a roadblock she can't find a way around, Phoebe's fast-paced life comes to a screeching halt.
Just when she thinks she's getting back on track, a family emergency stirs up painful memories long ago laid to rest, and Phoebe suddenly has nowhere left to run.
Will she find the courage to remove her discolored filters so she can truly see herself - her past, her future - and love, the way things really are?
If you like family sagas, women's relationships, and series about sisters, you'll love Phoebe & the Rock of Ages and the rest of The Gustafson Girls series . Clean and Wholesome, Christian Contemporary Romance with Themes of Forgiveness, Restoration, and all things Family.
Read the Complete Gustafson Girls Series
Phoebe has been running wild for most of her life. A gifted and passionate artist , she portrays life the way she sees it, but her jaded perspective is borne out of disillusionment, betrayal, and heartbreaking loss.
Rather than face the past and deal with all the reasons she keeps running, Phoebe charges full throttle into the future, never investing in anything - or anyone - for longer than it takes to finish a job.
When Trevor, a charming, talented musician, causes a roadblock she can't find a way around, Phoebe's fast-paced life comes to a screeching halt.
Just when she thinks she's getting back on track, a family emergency stirs up painful memories long ago laid to rest, and Phoebe suddenly has nowhere left to run.
Will she find the courage to remove her discolored filters so she can truly see herself - her past, her future - and love, the way things really are?
If you like family sagas, women's relationships, and series about sisters, you'll love Phoebe & the Rock of Ages and the rest of The Gustafson Girls series . Clean and Wholesome, Christian Contemporary Romance with Themes of Forgiveness, Restoration, and all things Family.
Read the Complete Gustafson Girls Series
269 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2020
94 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Becky Doughty
101 books215 followersBecky writes heartfelt and wholesome contemporary commercial fiction filled with friendship, romance, humor, a touch of mystery, a sprinkling of whimsy, plus a bushel of family drama. And usually a four-legged or winged companion, too. She’s also the voice behind an ever-expanding library of more than 200 audiobooks.
Becky and her Tomato Man met in the '80s (big hair, big hats, poofy sleeves, the works - see her About Page on BeckyDoughty.com). They live at the end of a lane on top of a hill in a hundred-year-old house. They share their lives with never enough pets, and they grow dueling riotous, rambling gardens. Most of the things in their gardens are edible… but some are most definitely not, due to Becky’s fascination with poisonous plants. They have three adult children living wild adventures of their own, but who also show up on demand with scrumptious grandbabies to nibble on.
Becky and her Tomato Man met in the '80s (big hair, big hats, poofy sleeves, the works - see her About Page on BeckyDoughty.com). They live at the end of a lane on top of a hill in a hundred-year-old house. They share their lives with never enough pets, and they grow dueling riotous, rambling gardens. Most of the things in their gardens are edible… but some are most definitely not, due to Becky’s fascination with poisonous plants. They have three adult children living wild adventures of their own, but who also show up on demand with scrumptious grandbabies to nibble on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 16, 2017
#swoof I love this series so much! I'm going to have to do a reread and review of the whole shebang on Faithfully Bookish.
UPDATE: full series review on Faithfully Bookish
The authentic and completely endearing Gustafson sisters are dear friends of mine. Readers, prepare yourselves for the full spectrum of human emotion in this series (well, except terror... no nightmares!)
The relationships among the sisters are the foundation of their stories but there's plenty of faith and romance to appeal to readers (like me) who might not gravitate towards women's fiction. Faith elements of this story vary from concepts of forgiveness and grace to practical applications of prayer and grief.
For a story full of LIFE that makes you laugh, cry, and quite possibly swoon, I highly recommend The Gustafson Sisters series! I am earnestly hoping for a spin-off series because I do NOT want their story to end!
UPDATE: full series review on Faithfully Bookish
The authentic and completely endearing Gustafson sisters are dear friends of mine. Readers, prepare yourselves for the full spectrum of human emotion in this series (well, except terror... no nightmares!)
The relationships among the sisters are the foundation of their stories but there's plenty of faith and romance to appeal to readers (like me) who might not gravitate towards women's fiction. Faith elements of this story vary from concepts of forgiveness and grace to practical applications of prayer and grief.
For a story full of LIFE that makes you laugh, cry, and quite possibly swoon, I highly recommend The Gustafson Sisters series! I am earnestly hoping for a spin-off series because I do NOT want their story to end!
June 28, 2016
How delightful it was to return to the world of the Gustafson sisters! And I've been so intrigued by Phoebe, it was wonderful to read her story.
Each character in this series is so expertly drawn, it's easy to relate to each one of them. As we delve into Phoebe's past and learn the hurt that has driven her to build a wall around herself, we also get to know the gentlemanly Trevor. The theme of grace and forgiveness runs through this novel, and it is so refreshing to see the healing only God can bring to our lives. I can't really express how moving this novel is--it's something you'll have to experience for yourself! This is a series I can easily recommend to all my friends.
Each character in this series is so expertly drawn, it's easy to relate to each one of them. As we delve into Phoebe's past and learn the hurt that has driven her to build a wall around herself, we also get to know the gentlemanly Trevor. The theme of grace and forgiveness runs through this novel, and it is so refreshing to see the healing only God can bring to our lives. I can't really express how moving this novel is--it's something you'll have to experience for yourself! This is a series I can easily recommend to all my friends.
April 12, 2017
Oh my goodness!! I just blinked away emotional tears and heaved a sigh of happiness for Phoebe! As emotional as it was, I loved her story. All the pain and hurt she's hidden all these years and then this wonderful music man that God sends across her path (again) to help her start down the road to healing... wow! Once again, Becky Doughty uses her awesome writing skills to bring us into the broken life of another Gustafson Girl and watch as she struggles with real life issues, faces her pain and brokenness with the help of a man who has faced his own brokenness, and learns to trust again. The interactions of the four sisters, and especially the softening of Renata, will ... well... again with the tears! :) There's so much depth and honest, real life struggles in Becky's stories! Please read this series! :) Can't wait for Gia's story next!
August 30, 2023
This is my favorite book of the series so far, hands down! I was so happy to see more of Trevor! I really enjoyed his character from book one and wanted to see more of him in book two, which we really didn't, so I was happily surprised for so much of him in this one. I think Phoebe is my favorite sister, too. I could relate to her in lots of ways.
I loved this book so much! The healing of broken souls, the faith, the scripture references, and the prayers were sooooo good! Also after disliking Renata for the past 2 books, I was happy to see how the Lord worked in her and I think I like her now 🤣 I already can't wait to start Gia's book but I'm also sad that it's the final book. I'm going to miss the Gustafson Girls!
I loved this book so much! The healing of broken souls, the faith, the scripture references, and the prayers were sooooo good! Also after disliking Renata for the past 2 books, I was happy to see how the Lord worked in her and I think I like her now 🤣 I already can't wait to start Gia's book but I'm also sad that it's the final book. I'm going to miss the Gustafson Girls!
October 16, 2016
Warm story about family, loss, hope and love. I loved it!
July 6, 2024
I am enjoying binge-listening to this series! Phoebe is the sister whose story I couldn't wait to dive into, as she is the most mysterious sister (to me). Phoebe and the Rock of Ages did not disappoint. I am also enjoying the author, Becky Doughty, narrating each story. Her character voices are consistent throughout the stories.
I said in a previous review that the first two books could be read interchangeably, but this series is best read in order. You will get spoilers in this book if you have not read the first two, and the details going into the fourth book won't make much sense if you haven't read the first three.
Phoebe has perfected the art of acting. She is casual personified, except with Renata. They tend to bring out each other's worst sides. It makes sense as we get more information in Phoebe's story. There were things I wondered about in the last story, concerning Phoebe, and while I was right, the details filled in the necessary gaps, and my heart broke for her. All of the Gustafson girls have trauma from their parent's death, but it affected them all so differently. I almost don't want to know Gia's full story!
I was also completely shocked by Trevor's story and how he met Phoebe. This story is gripping, and like the first two, brings out all the feels. I love these sisters and already don't want the series to end.
Phoebe and the Rock of Ages left on a cliffhanger!!! I am thrilled that Gia and the Blast From the Past is also on audio so I can listen to it tomorrow.
I said in a previous review that the first two books could be read interchangeably, but this series is best read in order. You will get spoilers in this book if you have not read the first two, and the details going into the fourth book won't make much sense if you haven't read the first three.
Phoebe has perfected the art of acting. She is casual personified, except with Renata. They tend to bring out each other's worst sides. It makes sense as we get more information in Phoebe's story. There were things I wondered about in the last story, concerning Phoebe, and while I was right, the details filled in the necessary gaps, and my heart broke for her. All of the Gustafson girls have trauma from their parent's death, but it affected them all so differently. I almost don't want to know Gia's full story!
I was also completely shocked by Trevor's story and how he met Phoebe. This story is gripping, and like the first two, brings out all the feels. I love these sisters and already don't want the series to end.
Phoebe and the Rock of Ages left on a cliffhanger!!! I am thrilled that Gia and the Blast From the Past is also on audio so I can listen to it tomorrow.
May 31, 2017
Trevor is back!
Run out of gas and have a good-looking motorcycle-riding guy help you out…..what more could you want? But it doesn’t stop there. She thinks he is following her and he can’t figure out why she is going to the same home that he is going to. Small world!
Juliette, Renata, Phoebe and Gia – the G-FOURce….four sisters who lost their parents in a car accident the day Juliette was graduating high school. The girl who hit them, Angela Clinton, is getting out of prison and they don’t know what they are feeling. See what happens and how they work through it. In the meantime, deal with Phoebe and her photography business and the return of Trevor Zander – Taz – from the Juliette and the Monday Man-dates. Only this time, Taz is interested in Phoebe not Juliette. Find out what is hiding in Phoebe’s past and how she finally comes to terms with it.
It’s a great read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Run out of gas and have a good-looking motorcycle-riding guy help you out…..what more could you want? But it doesn’t stop there. She thinks he is following her and he can’t figure out why she is going to the same home that he is going to. Small world!
Juliette, Renata, Phoebe and Gia – the G-FOURce….four sisters who lost their parents in a car accident the day Juliette was graduating high school. The girl who hit them, Angela Clinton, is getting out of prison and they don’t know what they are feeling. See what happens and how they work through it. In the meantime, deal with Phoebe and her photography business and the return of Trevor Zander – Taz – from the Juliette and the Monday Man-dates. Only this time, Taz is interested in Phoebe not Juliette. Find out what is hiding in Phoebe’s past and how she finally comes to terms with it.
It’s a great read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
August 7, 2018
I wanted to give it a higher rating, really it was a good story. Finally we see Phoebes side of things which I was rather curious about. However, even with a really interesting story to tell it was super rushed. Not sure I would label it as christian romance since the majority of the story was spent dealing with a birth and Phoebes reaction to it. Her coming back to the faith was seriously in a blink of an eye. And suddenly both main characters are on the same page and ready to be in a couple. It just felt like there should have been so much more to the relationship. Still enjoyed reading it but felt like something was missing but the last page or that I should only be half way through the story
Warning: book includes teenage rape that results in pregnancy, no description of what happened really but it is talked about the consequences and such
Warning: book includes teenage rape that results in pregnancy, no description of what happened really but it is talked about the consequences and such
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2017
Liked the book
I have read other books by this author and like that she deals with real life issues. The topics are up to the minute and of broad interest. I think some discussions in her books and in this one particularly she has too much dialogue. The characters "explain "their thoughts and feelings too much. The men seem to be rather introspective and that isn't something I'm familiar with in Christian men. Good read and I'm interested in the next installment.
I have read other books by this author and like that she deals with real life issues. The topics are up to the minute and of broad interest. I think some discussions in her books and in this one particularly she has too much dialogue. The characters "explain "their thoughts and feelings too much. The men seem to be rather introspective and that isn't something I'm familiar with in Christian men. Good read and I'm interested in the next installment.
June 4, 2017
The Best
OMG! This story was fantastic. The things that Phoebe went through was heartbreaking and no one knew. This explains so much about Phoebe and her reticence about the power of God. I thought I had cried so much in the previous stories but this one was overwhelming. Phoebe's story is a must read.
OMG! This story was fantastic. The things that Phoebe went through was heartbreaking and no one knew. This explains so much about Phoebe and her reticence about the power of God. I thought I had cried so much in the previous stories but this one was overwhelming. Phoebe's story is a must read.
May 9, 2020
If you haven’t read The Gustafson Girls series you have got to grab these books, curl up and enjoy. They are the total package full of family, faith, love and romance. They check all the boxes while staying authentic. The characters have their issues, but are all the better for them. Wonderful stories I recommend.
October 5, 2021
This books central theme to me in Chapter 41
Phoebe: “I’m a tough nut to crack, but I’m learning what forgiveness means. It’s not about forgetting, you know? But about accepting and who we are and where we are and why, and about learning how to move forward from that point.”
With love interest Trevor
Phoebe: “I’m a tough nut to crack, but I’m learning what forgiveness means. It’s not about forgetting, you know? But about accepting and who we are and where we are and why, and about learning how to move forward from that point.”
With love interest Trevor
March 17, 2019
Really could use another round of editing... there were several spelling errors and a glaring statement that should have been caught. Still, it was a decent story, but not my favorite in the series. Phoebe's conversion seemed like an afterthought and not very authentic.
October 26, 2022
I am thoroughly enjoying the way these books flow from the last to the next. Phoebe’s story is an emotional one and look forward to seeing how it comes together in the last book. Happy reading and listening!
dnf
May 5, 2025DNF because so very emotional and depressing, and I was not in a season to be reading that sort of thing. Renata’s book was such a shock after Juliette’s that I was not surprised by this one being so draining to read. Maybe I’ll get back to it someday.
September 2, 2018
This was a good book. I was shocked at Phoebe's life, but I love how it was written. I have truly loved this series. It's the first one that I have read by this author.
audio-c
November 7, 2022Goodreads needs to update with audiobook version.
Read
October 27, 2024My favorite of the 4 books. Especially like the character of Trevor.
August 27, 2025
I am enjoying this series, and I can't wait for the next book!!
July 3, 2020
There are 4 sisters...Gustavson sisters, who have a secret society (tongue in cheek) called the G-FOURce which meets regularly, to keep in touch, and irregularly whenever there's an important issue to resolve together. Phoebe is one of the sisters...the different one...the one who has resisted God all her life and who has decided to go completely opposite her family, at the shame of some, and at the concern of all.
At first there seemed to be no reason for it, other than rebellion, however, two really bad events in her life cinch her distaste for all things God.
A young man she met during this time made it so much worse with his self-righteous rebuke.
Present day, this man comes back into her life a changed man, stunned to finally meet the young girl who changed his life with her reaction to his rebuke so many years ago, and tries everything to make amends.
So...sounds good, right? Oh, let me tell you, it's even better than that!
The writing, incredible.
The plot, amazing.
The characters, impeccable.
I was so loving the growth and lessons in each person's life, and the lovely way the author shared the gospel and faith issues without that "in your face" way many Christian authors do, and without the obligatory prayer or church things thrown in just to give it a Christian fiction title. This was well done...in fact very well done.
One of my favorite books this year...until the end. I wish it could have been wrapped up rather than leaving it for the next book. Oh well.
Spoiler recap ahead for my own memory down the road. If you want the surprise of this really good book, don’t read on...
At first there seemed to be no reason for it, other than rebellion, however, two really bad events in her life cinch her distaste for all things God.
A young man she met during this time made it so much worse with his self-righteous rebuke.
Present day, this man comes back into her life a changed man, stunned to finally meet the young girl who changed his life with her reaction to his rebuke so many years ago, and tries everything to make amends.
So...sounds good, right? Oh, let me tell you, it's even better than that!
The writing, incredible.
The plot, amazing.
The characters, impeccable.
I was so loving the growth and lessons in each person's life, and the lovely way the author shared the gospel and faith issues without that "in your face" way many Christian authors do, and without the obligatory prayer or church things thrown in just to give it a Christian fiction title. This was well done...in fact very well done.
One of my favorite books this year...until the end. I wish it could have been wrapped up rather than leaving it for the next book. Oh well.
Spoiler recap ahead for my own memory down the road. If you want the surprise of this really good book, don’t read on...
July 5, 2017
This book blew me away. Throughout most of it I was crying, until the end when I simply had to put it down because of full-blown sobs and tissue grabbing.
The book was interesting and fun, but it was the rawness of each character that really made it impactful; forcing me to take a look inside of myself.
Third in The Gustafon Girls series, it focused on Phoebe, and her poignant story. I appreciated the realness of the characters and each of their struggles, especially the “why’s” behind things. The point of view from Trevor was in depth and truly fascinating. It felt unfiltered, in a great way, like a preview into the thought life of a Christian guy.
What stood out to me was that the characters who had received their ‘Happily Ever Afters’ still had struggles and difficulties, even after all that they’d overcome. While it isn’t necessary to read the rest of the books in the series, it certainly makes the overall experience that much richer. In this story, we get to look back at Renata, from book 3, where she found her HEA. We see that HEA continued, but find out that it’s not as perfect as it looked. I was at first taken back by this, and then found my self deeply appreciative of that more realistic and grounded perspective of life; how in happiness there is imperfection, but in imperfection there can still be found goodness.
In the same way the book was amazing, cute, and powerful, it still had its imperfections, where the reader would get lost at times in extensive detail and descriptions in between the more meaningful moments.
It was a clean romance dealing with the toughness of life, while not being gritty or depressing. It didn’t get bogged down, but remained beautiful. Recommend for sweet romance readers, people who love the boy-next-door rugged Christian musician, and those who appreciate an artsy heroine undergoing a powerful transformation.
The book was interesting and fun, but it was the rawness of each character that really made it impactful; forcing me to take a look inside of myself.
Third in The Gustafon Girls series, it focused on Phoebe, and her poignant story. I appreciated the realness of the characters and each of their struggles, especially the “why’s” behind things. The point of view from Trevor was in depth and truly fascinating. It felt unfiltered, in a great way, like a preview into the thought life of a Christian guy.
What stood out to me was that the characters who had received their ‘Happily Ever Afters’ still had struggles and difficulties, even after all that they’d overcome. While it isn’t necessary to read the rest of the books in the series, it certainly makes the overall experience that much richer. In this story, we get to look back at Renata, from book 3, where she found her HEA. We see that HEA continued, but find out that it’s not as perfect as it looked. I was at first taken back by this, and then found my self deeply appreciative of that more realistic and grounded perspective of life; how in happiness there is imperfection, but in imperfection there can still be found goodness.
In the same way the book was amazing, cute, and powerful, it still had its imperfections, where the reader would get lost at times in extensive detail and descriptions in between the more meaningful moments.
It was a clean romance dealing with the toughness of life, while not being gritty or depressing. It didn’t get bogged down, but remained beautiful. Recommend for sweet romance readers, people who love the boy-next-door rugged Christian musician, and those who appreciate an artsy heroine undergoing a powerful transformation.
April 28, 2018
This book right here is my FAVORITE of the series. The other two books written so far are wonderful, but this one . . . this one is even beyond wonderful in my opinion. After not really knowing what to think of Phoebe in the other books, I fell in love with her in this one. Learning her struggle, hearing her thoughts, being able to see her soft side, the hurting side, the part she tries to keep hidden opened the door on my compassion for her.
Phoebe and the Rock of Ages is believable, real, raw, and powerful. I felt every drop of emotion, of the struggle each character had. I felt like this book lived and breathed as I read it. It is a beautiful demonstration of the way God works, His power, His might, His love, His unfailing pursuit of us. It’s so full of God’s truth being laid out and spoken to such real life struggles and hurts. The words I have seem inadequate in describing the beauty of this book, the way she brings to life such great and precious truths of God's Word and His grace.
This book resonates. There's forgiveness. There's healing. There's hope. There's struggle. There's hurt. There's pain. There's real life. There's redemption and grace and genuine, believable change. There's bitterness and holding it all in and then finally letting it all out and finding the beginning of freedom. There's openness and honesty. There's peace. Comfort. Quiet hope. There's God working and orchestrating, bringing good from that which was meant for evil. There's prayer. There's spiritual warfare. I can’t even begin to relate all the incredible elements of this book.
I cannot recommend Phoebe and the Rock of Ages enough.
**I received an ARC from the author. My opinions are my own.**
Phoebe and the Rock of Ages is believable, real, raw, and powerful. I felt every drop of emotion, of the struggle each character had. I felt like this book lived and breathed as I read it. It is a beautiful demonstration of the way God works, His power, His might, His love, His unfailing pursuit of us. It’s so full of God’s truth being laid out and spoken to such real life struggles and hurts. The words I have seem inadequate in describing the beauty of this book, the way she brings to life such great and precious truths of God's Word and His grace.
This book resonates. There's forgiveness. There's healing. There's hope. There's struggle. There's hurt. There's pain. There's real life. There's redemption and grace and genuine, believable change. There's bitterness and holding it all in and then finally letting it all out and finding the beginning of freedom. There's openness and honesty. There's peace. Comfort. Quiet hope. There's God working and orchestrating, bringing good from that which was meant for evil. There's prayer. There's spiritual warfare. I can’t even begin to relate all the incredible elements of this book.
I cannot recommend Phoebe and the Rock of Ages enough.
**I received an ARC from the author. My opinions are my own.**
June 24, 2016
Well! On to the "wild child" in the four-woman band of Gustafson sisters, the G-FOURce. I knew Phoebe's story would carry on the still-developing aftermath of the sisters' parents' deaths, but so much more of the past comes to light in Phoebe and the Rock of Ages by author Becky Doughty.
Since I skipped reading the blurb beforehand, I got double the pleasure out of seeing the return of a key character from Book One in the series: the motorcycling musical minister Trevor. Whoo hoo!! (Yes. Two exclamation points.) His half of the story brings a lot I appreciate about the true meaning of grace. And I was in for some surprises in actually getting to know Phoebe. Her journey--from the present, to the past, and back again--is raw, real, and redemptive.
This is quite a reflective type of read, which is good, though some of the reflection felt redundant in places, and I got a little bogged down in it, wanting the story to move along.
Still, this is my favorite book in The Gustafson Girls series so far, and once you read this one, you'll have to read the next.
__________________
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Since I skipped reading the blurb beforehand, I got double the pleasure out of seeing the return of a key character from Book One in the series: the motorcycling musical minister Trevor. Whoo hoo!! (Yes. Two exclamation points.) His half of the story brings a lot I appreciate about the true meaning of grace. And I was in for some surprises in actually getting to know Phoebe. Her journey--from the present, to the past, and back again--is raw, real, and redemptive.
This is quite a reflective type of read, which is good, though some of the reflection felt redundant in places, and I got a little bogged down in it, wanting the story to move along.
Still, this is my favorite book in The Gustafson Girls series so far, and once you read this one, you'll have to read the next.
__________________
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2016
I have not read the previous books in this series though at least one of them is on my reading list. I only felt slightly lost, however, and it was more in trying to figure out how certain characters had met than anything plot related.
Trevor Zander is a musician/singer who, over the years, has come to realize that his youthful holier-than-thou attitude wasn't of God--that he wasn't specially sent by God as someone better than everyone else. He's become more humble and has his heart set on a musical project that sets that out before other believers to convey this message to them.
Phoebe Gustafson is an artist who has spent most of her life running away from anything she didn't want to confront. Her sister's pregnancy and delivery bring back some memories that cause Phoebe to withdraw from everyone.
This novel brings up some good talking points: that we don't have to be perfect or have it all together to come to God--God will take us just as we are, broken and all; forgiveness is not forgetting, but it is moving on in spite of what happened.
I did not like how this book ended. The author did a big build up of Phoebe being invited to the home of the mother of the girl who killed the Gustafson parents, but then the book ends just before that happens. I felt a bit cheated.
Trevor Zander is a musician/singer who, over the years, has come to realize that his youthful holier-than-thou attitude wasn't of God--that he wasn't specially sent by God as someone better than everyone else. He's become more humble and has his heart set on a musical project that sets that out before other believers to convey this message to them.
Phoebe Gustafson is an artist who has spent most of her life running away from anything she didn't want to confront. Her sister's pregnancy and delivery bring back some memories that cause Phoebe to withdraw from everyone.
This novel brings up some good talking points: that we don't have to be perfect or have it all together to come to God--God will take us just as we are, broken and all; forgiveness is not forgetting, but it is moving on in spite of what happened.
I did not like how this book ended. The author did a big build up of Phoebe being invited to the home of the mother of the girl who killed the Gustafson parents, but then the book ends just before that happens. I felt a bit cheated.
September 6, 2024
I absolutely love the Gustafson girls! Finding out what makes Phoebe tick was an emotional roller coaster, for her and readers. This Christian romance was a much needed read for me. Trevor's journey and current perspective is one we all struggle with. We need to be more Christ-like and accept people for who they are, without judging them. Too many times, the most pain is doled out by those who should know better. I am looking forward to reading about Gia next, and re-reading all of these books.
June 30, 2016
Becky hits another one out of the park. This story is another great lesson in accepting who you truly are and not who the world wants you to be. Phoebe really struggled with major issues but it was through a wonderful support group that she was able to come out on the other side. Thank you Becky for writing this story for us to read. I can't wait until the next book in the series.
September 14, 2016
Awesome book!!
I've read the first two books in the series and loved them but this one..... It really touched my heart. The story of Phoebe was such a touching story. It was written so well that I had to keep wiping tears away just while reading her story. Can't wait for Gia's story now. Highly recommend reading.
I've read the first two books in the series and loved them but this one..... It really touched my heart. The story of Phoebe was such a touching story. It was written so well that I had to keep wiping tears away just while reading her story. Can't wait for Gia's story now. Highly recommend reading.
September 21, 2016
I love the Gustafson Girls series!
All of the books in the series deal with real life issues. They are excellently written, the plots are totally believable, and you actually can identify with and fall in love with the characters. Great series!
All of the books in the series deal with real life issues. They are excellently written, the plots are totally believable, and you actually can identify with and fall in love with the characters. Great series!
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October 18, 2016I really like Becky Doughty's books. The story lines are good and I can't wait to get to the next one. I like that she's very clear that salvation is different than just going to church and spouting the right words. I hope "Georgia" is written and published soon.
April 13, 2021
Keep coming back to it so I’m bumping up my review. It feels a little disjointed in places but I absolutely love the portrayal of works-oriented Christianity vs. true grace and freedom.
Deals with some heavy stuff but probably my favorite of the series.
Deals with some heavy stuff but probably my favorite of the series.
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