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Haunted by a troubled past... The future appears bright for James Sheppard. Emerging from a troubled childhood, he is blessed with talent and a good work ethic. Excelling in his classes and at the campus newspaper, James's goal of editor appears within his grasp. However, years of abuse and loneliness have dampened his spirit. By the time Maria enters his world, James is nearing the breaking point. Her innocent love slowly fills the void in his life, boosting his confidence and giving him hope. When a crisis abruptly forces him into adulthood, James is saddled with more responsibility than expected. Struggling to cope with the situation, the past returns to haunt him. Will James find peace before the mistakes of his father destroy him completely? Described as "encouragement personified", Wolfe's five-book Southern-based series portrays love and friendship overcoming all obstacles. Known as "Spunk On A Stick" to her fans, Wolfe is also a professional speaker. Originally from Oregon, she now resides in North Carolina. "With a positive attitude, any goal can be achieved!"
312 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2006
1 person is currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
L. Diane Wolfe
17 books52 followersL. Diane Wolfe
Professional Speaker & Author
www.spunkonastick.net
www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com
Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association. She conducts seminars on book publishing, promoting, leadership, and goal-setting, and she offers book formatting and author consultation. Wolfe is the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and the author of numerous books. She travels for media interviews and speaking engagements and maintains numerous websites & blogs, including the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
Professional Speaker & Author
www.spunkonastick.net
www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com
Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association. She conducts seminars on book publishing, promoting, leadership, and goal-setting, and she offers book formatting and author consultation. Wolfe is the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and the author of numerous books. She travels for media interviews and speaking engagements and maintains numerous websites & blogs, including the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 28, 2009
Reviewed by Spreeha for TeensReadToo.com
James's past was brutal. After his birth mother left him and his dad behind, James's father became abusive, especially while drinking. James wouldn't even know when he's going to strike. Apart from a rough life at home, James has a great work ethic, is a hard worker, and is a very motivated person. While in college, James was glad that he was finally away from his father, but he dearly missed his stepmother, Lynn, who Ben (his father) married after a couple of years in the dating life. James loves her so much; his father harasses them both but he tries to save his mother's life instead of his own.
Finally, in his third year of college, James has been keeping up his hard work and a GPA of 4.0. Though last year was a rough one for him, James has been happy so far. His spirits have dampened drastically, though. Sherry, his former girlfriend, has come back to James after making the biggest mistake in their relationship to say that she's sorry and to try to get back together. After forgiving her, James and Sherry are starting over. After taking her to the dance club one night, Sherry says she isn't feeling well, so he takes her back to the dorm. James, in high spirits, returns to his own home.
The very next day things change, though, when James sees Lori (who by the way was once James's crush) and she tells him that she and her friend Sarah had seen Sherry with another guy. Trying to take the anger out, James just wants to hit something, but he restrains himself.
But Lori has another idea for how James can get over Sherry. She wants him to meet Maria, one of her other best friends who was there at Lori's wedding last year. He would be able to meet her at Lori's next swim meet at Florida State. There he sees Maria, the quiet and very shy girl, staring at her camera. It takes him awhile to make Maria open up, but when she does James finds himself falling in love with her.
Will Maria be the right girl for James, or someone who turns out to be just like Sherry?
Months later, James will have to make the biggest decision of his life! Will this change the whole aspect of James's life? Will this be the worst possible thing that could happen to him and Maria?
This book is very motivating and inspiring! This just tells you how much someone is willing to go for the best in his or her life!! There are so many twists and turns and it can teach you how far you would be willing to go to have the perfect moment!
James's past was brutal. After his birth mother left him and his dad behind, James's father became abusive, especially while drinking. James wouldn't even know when he's going to strike. Apart from a rough life at home, James has a great work ethic, is a hard worker, and is a very motivated person. While in college, James was glad that he was finally away from his father, but he dearly missed his stepmother, Lynn, who Ben (his father) married after a couple of years in the dating life. James loves her so much; his father harasses them both but he tries to save his mother's life instead of his own.
Finally, in his third year of college, James has been keeping up his hard work and a GPA of 4.0. Though last year was a rough one for him, James has been happy so far. His spirits have dampened drastically, though. Sherry, his former girlfriend, has come back to James after making the biggest mistake in their relationship to say that she's sorry and to try to get back together. After forgiving her, James and Sherry are starting over. After taking her to the dance club one night, Sherry says she isn't feeling well, so he takes her back to the dorm. James, in high spirits, returns to his own home.
The very next day things change, though, when James sees Lori (who by the way was once James's crush) and she tells him that she and her friend Sarah had seen Sherry with another guy. Trying to take the anger out, James just wants to hit something, but he restrains himself.
But Lori has another idea for how James can get over Sherry. She wants him to meet Maria, one of her other best friends who was there at Lori's wedding last year. He would be able to meet her at Lori's next swim meet at Florida State. There he sees Maria, the quiet and very shy girl, staring at her camera. It takes him awhile to make Maria open up, but when she does James finds himself falling in love with her.
Will Maria be the right girl for James, or someone who turns out to be just like Sherry?
Months later, James will have to make the biggest decision of his life! Will this change the whole aspect of James's life? Will this be the worst possible thing that could happen to him and Maria?
This book is very motivating and inspiring! This just tells you how much someone is willing to go for the best in his or her life!! There are so many twists and turns and it can teach you how far you would be willing to go to have the perfect moment!
July 10, 2009
Earlier this year I reviewed book 2, Sarah’s story, in this series and while I enjoyed it I did have some issues with life and money seeming to come so easy for the characters. So when I was offered the chance to read James’ story and was told it had a little more angst in it I was very excited. I could not put this book down and felt like I was riding the waves up and down along with the characters. I loved James and Maria and instantly felt like I could relate and was connected to them. This story was a reality check that no matter how in love two people are they can still have to struggle with money issues, parent issues and realize they have to work to keep their relationship going. It was heart warming to see how James and Maria deal with unexpected parenthood and I will admit that I did shed a tear or two towards the end as James is forced to deal with this issues regarding his father. This was a wonderful book that will make you fall in love with the characters, hurt when they hurt and rejoice when things go their way.
August 29, 2009
Circle of Friends, Book III... James is a heart warming book about overcoming obstacles. James, abused as a child, must face his personal demons as life throws him a curve ball. James must figure out the best path without having a role model to follow.
I enjoyed this book, following the trials and tribulations of James and his friends. If all young people were as mature and hard working as the characters in this book, the world would be a far better place.
I enjoyed this book, following the trials and tribulations of James and his friends. If all young people were as mature and hard working as the characters in this book, the world would be a far better place.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews