The Superheroes Next Door

Iowa

by Andrea Boeshaar

Ciara thinks she’s fine without God or a man in her life. Ciara Rome doesn’t need God, and she doesn’t need a man. Her entire life is a proud testament to that declaration, and her master’s thesis is merely a culmination of what she has learned . So when she discovers her new neighbors include a single dad and his three rambunctious sons, she is delighted to have first-hand corroboration of her theory. Luke Weston is fascinated by his new neighbor. Ciara’s open admission that she intends to use his family in support of her wild theory is unsettling, but Luke decides to let his life speak for itself—and he turns the issue over to God. But he finds himself increasingly drawn to this lovely young woman whose goals and beliefs are so opposed to his own. Only God would bring these two together, and only His love can break through walls that have taken years to build.    

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Novella, Fiction, Contemporary

176 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Andrea Kuhn Boeshaar has been married for more than 30 years. She and her husband, Daniel, have three adult sons, daughters-in-law, and two precious grandchildren. Andrea's educational background includes the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, where she studied in English, and Alverno College where she studied in Professional Communications and Business Management.

Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn't until 1984 that she started submitting her work for publication. Eight years after that, she was convicted about writing for the Christian market. She read books in her genre (Inspirational Romance & Women's Fiction), studied the market, and worked hard to hone her craft.

Reviews

[Englandjennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had issue with the main character and how she seemed easily distracted by a neighbor next door. This book was o.k. for me.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clare has two things she is sure of she doesn’t need a man and she doesn’t need God. A single dad with three boys live next door that will test her. Meeting the boys she asks who is watching them, they replied Jesus. She tells him, she will study them to add to her master thesis. While Luke is fascinated by her, and letting God handle it. The main thing she is a non believer. She would be there for the summer to finish her theory. A small community that gets together on Friday nights. Could fellowship with people and her neighbors change her. Delightful, funny story, as things didn’t go as she had planned.

[Joleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unequally yoked dating situation. My pet peeve! If I read this I’d end up giving it a low star rating, so I’ll just shelve it as "probably won’t read".

*******************************************

I didn’t realize I wrote that about a year ago. I opened this book because I’ve had it a while and thought I’d give it a try. I wish I had read my own advice.

It was so hard to get through. I can’t say how many times the thesis Cici had to write was mentioned. It felt like fifty. Whoops, I did a Kindle count…it was 78! And calling each other super heroes over and over was redundant to extreme.

It won’t be hard for me to delete this book.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick read. The kids were cute and made the story come to life. I would have liked to "feel" more chemistry between the H and h as well as the h and her roommates. All in all, it was a charming story, and it was good to see a single father portrayed in a positive and realistic light.

[shirley soper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't usually read romances.

The title of this book threw me for a loop. Last thing I expected to read about was young boys. I was surprised to find it interesting enough to finish the book.

[Mariella Esquivel Tello · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good plot for an unlikely couple romance. If you take away everything Christian and faith related, I'm afraid Ciara is a judgemental misandrist. She not so subtly implies that men have no place in matters child-rearing whatsoever (that women are better at she mentions too) and that Luke's kids will need a "maternal figure" to nurture them.

Never mind that there are loving fathers (biological or otherwise) out there who truly care about their children.

Second, Ciara looked down her nose at her female friends who wanted love and/or marriage. Yet women should be free to choose, there's nothing wrong with wanting both a career and a family if they want to.

Also she lacks common sense in regards to safety, let's get practical: who in the world doesn't call the cops make a report when a inebriated neighbor breaks and enters the place your' staying at?

But one thing rings true: Love takes time and work. Not just for couples but for single and/or widowed parents with children.

And most especially that Love never comes just when you think it will.

[Deb Brammer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was nicely written and the characters were appealing, especially Luke's three boys. For me, it had a fatal flaw that I see in other Christian books. As a believer Luke knew he shouldn't be dating is unbelieving neighbor, Ciara. In fact several men from his church warned him about this. But he spent hours alone with her with his boys asleep upstairs, let her hold his hand and even kiss him. He told her his faith separated them, but he continued to fall in love with her and spend a lot of very personal time with her. He let her "mother" his boys. I believe his relationship was dangerous for a Christian man who determined not to marry a unbeliever.

Near the end they separated for very childish reasons. They each had baggage they needed to work through, but the relationship progressed very quickly when they would have done well to exercise caution instead.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every nice Christian romance

This Christian romance is like none other that I've read. At first I was alarmed that the author was writing about a non-Christian and her tainted beliefs but as the story progresses, she experienced a life changing decision to accept God as her personal Savior. The inclusion of scripture to back up what she is figuring out through her acquaintances with friends confirms her change of attitude towards Christianity.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing and Cute story.

This is a fun light hearted novel filled with Christian teachings. The boys were sweet yet like all boys they got into mischief. Luke and Cici had their ups and downs yet nothing long and drawn out like most stories. I would definitely recommend this book and would like to read more books by this author.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ciara thinks she’s fine without God or a man in her life. Ciara Rome doesn’t need God, and she doesn’t need a man. Her entire life is a proud testament to that declaration, and her master’s thesis is merely a culmination of what she has learned.

[Susan Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four Super Heroes Searching for a Super Woman to Love

This has been a delightful story of a woman falling in love, with a man and his three young sons, as well as with Jesus Christ. What a way to enlarge a woman's heart!

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic Contemporary Christian fiction book, and it was especially wonderful for me to read as it took place in my hometown! I was able to read a physical copy of this book by borrowing it from my local library. All opinions are my own, and I was not influenced by anyone or anything.

[Lorraine Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read.

[Kathryn Munsell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praises!

This story lets you see ways God works in our life’s. He was a plan and purpose for each of us. We just need to trust in Him.

[mary wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet love story

This is a charming little story about howGod works when we don’t even know or expect it. Hope you enjoy it too.

[Elizabeth Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This was an amazing story, the author puts a smile on your face. Greatly inspirational and captivating story, one to read over and over.

[Kathleen Mast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Christian Romance

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Luke, Cici and their friends. Watching Cici find her way to faith and love was great.

[Danielle Andrea Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This book was a quick and enjoyable read. The characters were easily liked and the ending was happy and warm.

[Frances M. Burris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational

This book is about family and Christ's love. If you like Christian romance, you will enjoy this book. Enjoy the superheroes next door!

[Sheila Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet read

Loved the story of an unbeliever becoming a believer and also a feminist realizing that love can change lives and hearts.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters were well written and seemed realistic. The pacing was good.

I loved the kids!

[Abigail Harris]

RTC

[Melanie Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

I really enjoyed this book. It's simplistic and doesn't preach at you. You'll enjoy the characters and their development. Good scriptural references too.

[Renee Meretia Canter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Character Build

I love how the author included scripture while building her characters. This book was a Very nice predictable read but a Great escape!

[Lynda Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

Ciara's character was realistic and well-written. I thought Luke's character as well as his 3 superheroes were quite realistic and well-written also. I definitely recommend this book.

[Alana Maitland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites Attracted

Lovely romance with a happy ending. Interesting conversation about social mores and Faith. How a silent witness brings results.
The story reveals how God works in our hearts and minds.

[Bobbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story. Good morals and religious story without the preaching!

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story. Good to see a story about positive single father.