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Seaside Chapel #2
Step with Me: Love Amiss... A Christian Romance Novel
A thirty-something restaurateur barters with his sister’s friend to be his summer rent-a-girlfriend so that he can win back his ex-fiancée and business partner who is now seeing another man.
STEP WITH ME is book 2 in USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson’s Seaside Chapel collection of novels blending inspirational women's fiction with contemporary Christian romance to celebrate the grace of God and hope in Jesus Christ.
“It’s past time for Talia to make the right decision. I don’t want to wait forever. I want a big wedding, a long honeymoon, and a house full of kids. What? Why can’t I nudge her in the right direction? Yeah, I know she’s already dumped me and moved on with whatshisname, but an ex can dream, can’t I?” — Sebastian Langston, owner of Saffron on Jekyll restaurant and Sage Café on St. Simon’s Island
“He says all I have to do is go out with him to be visible enough for her. He gets her back, I find my brother, and I go to grad school. A win-win. Yeah, he’s cute and has a kind heart. And she doesn’t deserve him. Oh, did I just say that?” — Emmeline O’Hanlon, harpist and music librarian of the Sea Islands Symphony Orchestra
So it begins, this ill-advised scheme to drive his commitment-phobic ex-fiancée to the altar. Sebastian thinks his plan-on-a-whim would succeed because it has to. He will turn thirty-four next September and he wants to be a father by the following summer, preferably to a passel of Talia’s future children.
The short-term business agreement would only last one summer, or so Emmeline thinks. She needs Sebastian’s funding to search for her long lost brother, and he is enlisting one of the top private investigators in the region to find him. All she has to do is smile and make Talia jealous. A piece of cake.
As they keep up the ruse, Emmeline’s ethereal harp starts to sound like siren songs that distract Sebastian from his goals. Pretty soon, he’s rowing away from his well-planned goals…
Enjoy the music of the orchestra and hymns of the church, as well as follow the lives of the residents of this southern coastal town where the past and present intersect…
Coming after Seaside Chapel , the Seaside Cottages novels are also set in the same beach town.
A sister series to Seaside Chapel, Savannah Sweethearts is a collection of clean and wholesome, sweet and inspirational contemporary Christian romances set on the beaches of Tybee Island and in the city of Savannah, Georgia.
Another sister series to Seaside Chapel , the Vacation Sweethearts novels are a spin-off of Jan Thompson’s Savannah Sweethearts series.
STEP WITH ME is book 2 in USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson’s Seaside Chapel collection of novels blending inspirational women's fiction with contemporary Christian romance to celebrate the grace of God and hope in Jesus Christ.
“It’s past time for Talia to make the right decision. I don’t want to wait forever. I want a big wedding, a long honeymoon, and a house full of kids. What? Why can’t I nudge her in the right direction? Yeah, I know she’s already dumped me and moved on with whatshisname, but an ex can dream, can’t I?” — Sebastian Langston, owner of Saffron on Jekyll restaurant and Sage Café on St. Simon’s Island
“He says all I have to do is go out with him to be visible enough for her. He gets her back, I find my brother, and I go to grad school. A win-win. Yeah, he’s cute and has a kind heart. And she doesn’t deserve him. Oh, did I just say that?” — Emmeline O’Hanlon, harpist and music librarian of the Sea Islands Symphony Orchestra
So it begins, this ill-advised scheme to drive his commitment-phobic ex-fiancée to the altar. Sebastian thinks his plan-on-a-whim would succeed because it has to. He will turn thirty-four next September and he wants to be a father by the following summer, preferably to a passel of Talia’s future children.
The short-term business agreement would only last one summer, or so Emmeline thinks. She needs Sebastian’s funding to search for her long lost brother, and he is enlisting one of the top private investigators in the region to find him. All she has to do is smile and make Talia jealous. A piece of cake.
As they keep up the ruse, Emmeline’s ethereal harp starts to sound like siren songs that distract Sebastian from his goals. Pretty soon, he’s rowing away from his well-planned goals…
Enjoy the music of the orchestra and hymns of the church, as well as follow the lives of the residents of this southern coastal town where the past and present intersect…
Coming after Seaside Chapel , the Seaside Cottages novels are also set in the same beach town.
A sister series to Seaside Chapel, Savannah Sweethearts is a collection of clean and wholesome, sweet and inspirational contemporary Christian romances set on the beaches of Tybee Island and in the city of Savannah, Georgia.
Another sister series to Seaside Chapel , the Vacation Sweethearts novels are a spin-off of Jan Thompson’s Savannah Sweethearts series.
424 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2017
322 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Jan Thompson
60 books142 followersUSA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson writes clean and wholesome multiethnic contemporary Christian coastal city and beach town romance with flavors of women’s fiction, Christian romantic suspense with elements of mystery, and inspirational international thrillers with threads of sweet Christian romance. Her books are for readers who love inspiring stories of faith, family, and friends.
Jan loves to hear from her readers. Join her mailing list to receive book publication news, sales and specials, cover reveals, and exclusive details and content.
Book News: JanThompson.com/newsletter
Author Website: JanThompson.com
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Jan loves to hear from her readers. Join her mailing list to receive book publication news, sales and specials, cover reveals, and exclusive details and content.
Book News: JanThompson.com/newsletter
Author Website: JanThompson.com
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 17, 2020
Emmeline is a wonderful young lady who is struggling to get enough money for her college classes. Sebastian is busy with his restaurant and trying to get his ex girlfriend back. When Sebastian approaches Emmeline asking for her help she can’t believe what he is asking. Watching these two work together will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful story. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
September 15, 2020
I like that this story has many scripture verses that apply to the situations throughout the book. The most memorable Christian thought is "Don't forget God". That is so important when making decisions. Talia's character is not easy to like. The relationships between the characters are complicated throughout the story. I read the updated version so the spelling & grammar issues are cleaned up.
April 20, 2017
Emmeline and Sebastian's story is truly amazing. Emmeline has been working several jobs while trying to find her missing brother. When Sebastian comes to her for help both of their lives will change. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. God is working throughout this whole book. You won't be able to stop reading this book it's so good. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. The review is my honest thoughts and reaction to this book. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
April 13, 2017
This is a beautiful romance with many twists and turns.
I loved the verses that were highlighted in this story. We are told to delight in The Lord and he will give us the desires of our heart. Next, the word of The Lord lights our path.
I recommend this book for those who love Christian romances.
Thanks Jan for another great read
I loved the verses that were highlighted in this story. We are told to delight in The Lord and he will give us the desires of our heart. Next, the word of The Lord lights our path.
I recommend this book for those who love Christian romances.
Thanks Jan for another great read
July 7, 2020
Bewildered by love.
A perplexing situation when the fiancee can't make a commitment so she pulls away from her future groom only to return when she feels like it. This is really a good story with some twists as the groom learns to seek God first and then work on his concept of love and mirrage.
A perplexing situation when the fiancee can't make a commitment so she pulls away from her future groom only to return when she feels like it. This is really a good story with some twists as the groom learns to seek God first and then work on his concept of love and mirrage.
July 9, 2020
Loved the story
but hated the lack of proofreading. All of the misused verbs and pronouns were more than distracting. This is the first of Jan Thompson 's books I have read with such a plethora of mistakes. I hope her future books are more carefully proofed, because I truly have enjoyed her other books.
but hated the lack of proofreading. All of the misused verbs and pronouns were more than distracting. This is the first of Jan Thompson 's books I have read with such a plethora of mistakes. I hope her future books are more carefully proofed, because I truly have enjoyed her other books.
September 24, 2020
5 stars
I received a free copy of the clean Christian romance Step With Me: Seaside Chapel book 2: 2nd edition by Jan Thompson and this review was given freely.
An easy flowing story of rivalry, jealousy, and the quest for a true and Godly love complicated by a fake girlfriend, the search for a lost brother, a stalker and, placing desires and wants over needs and God's will. While the couple has struggles. The novel ends happily.
Six months after she left with billionaire Jared Urquhart, restaurateur Sebastian Langston tries to rekindling his romance with his business partner and non-Christian materialistic former fiancée Talia by staging an elaborate two month pact involving his sister Skye's struggling harpist friend Emmeline O’Hanlon, only to find love where he least expected.
I received a free copy of the clean Christian romance Step With Me: Seaside Chapel book 2: 2nd edition by Jan Thompson and this review was given freely.
An easy flowing story of rivalry, jealousy, and the quest for a true and Godly love complicated by a fake girlfriend, the search for a lost brother, a stalker and, placing desires and wants over needs and God's will. While the couple has struggles. The novel ends happily.
Six months after she left with billionaire Jared Urquhart, restaurateur Sebastian Langston tries to rekindling his romance with his business partner and non-Christian materialistic former fiancée Talia by staging an elaborate two month pact involving his sister Skye's struggling harpist friend Emmeline O’Hanlon, only to find love where he least expected.
October 14, 2020
Sweet Music to the Ears
I received a free copy of this book from the author, Jan Thompson, and this is my voluntary and honest review. I enjoyed this sweet Christian romance between Sebastian and Emmeline. Not only was it their love story but a mystery that involved finding Claude, Emmeline's brother who had a nervous breakdown and disappeared for five years. With Sebastian ' s financial help in hiring a private investigator to locate Claude and return him to his family that led to Sebastian and Emmeline starting a relationship. Was Claude rescued? You will have to read the hook to find out. I highly recommend this book, because the author really is a Christian who lets her love for God and Bible scriptures shine through her characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, Jan Thompson, and this is my voluntary and honest review. I enjoyed this sweet Christian romance between Sebastian and Emmeline. Not only was it their love story but a mystery that involved finding Claude, Emmeline's brother who had a nervous breakdown and disappeared for five years. With Sebastian ' s financial help in hiring a private investigator to locate Claude and return him to his family that led to Sebastian and Emmeline starting a relationship. Was Claude rescued? You will have to read the hook to find out. I highly recommend this book, because the author really is a Christian who lets her love for God and Bible scriptures shine through her characters.
July 30, 2023
Little plot, all preaching
I'm a Christian & I love God & pray & read my Bible, so when I say this author preached throughout the entire book, it's true. There was barely a plot. Everything was praying, preaching, or more praying & preaching. The characters couldn't say one sentence without praying or pastoring each other. The first book in this series was good, had a plot that was at least more than 10 sentences long. But this book was totally ridiculous. That's all the review I can give. I'm being nice, giving it 2 stars.
I'm a Christian & I love God & pray & read my Bible, so when I say this author preached throughout the entire book, it's true. There was barely a plot. Everything was praying, preaching, or more praying & preaching. The characters couldn't say one sentence without praying or pastoring each other. The first book in this series was good, had a plot that was at least more than 10 sentences long. But this book was totally ridiculous. That's all the review I can give. I'm being nice, giving it 2 stars.
September 28, 2020
A well written story and an interesting take on the fake girlfriend concept that challenged both parties to look at their lives differently. I enjoyed reading this story. Don't forget God, the recurring theme reminds us to consider our priorities in life. Thanks Jan Thompson for the pleasurable read.
May 10, 2021
Don't Forget GOD
Thank you for this exciting love story about Emma and Seb. The storyline was fast-moving and the different characters were great. I enjoyed reading every page. Their faith and trust in God was uplifting.
Thank you for this exciting love story about Emma and Seb. The storyline was fast-moving and the different characters were great. I enjoyed reading every page. Their faith and trust in God was uplifting.
January 16, 2022
Make her jealous
What's the best way to entice the love of your life and on and off girlfriend of years back into your arms (after she's left you for a billionaire)? Pretend to date another gorgeous girl, even if you're paying her to play her part!
What's the best way to entice the love of your life and on and off girlfriend of years back into your arms (after she's left you for a billionaire)? Pretend to date another gorgeous girl, even if you're paying her to play her part!
April 5, 2022
Not bad. Liked the characters, but the author repeated herself a lot, reminding readers of events from earlier in the book as if we hadn't just read them. And she reused the same scriptures over-much, so much so that they lost their impact. Not my favorite author I don't think...
November 22, 2022
Loved the theme of this book. Wanting to know how God speaks to you? Read this book. Afraid you are making wrong choices? Read this book. I’m going to read it again. It’s full of golden nuggets of wisdom
January 12, 2023
A Good Book
This was a good book. The theme was making sure God is in all of our decisions. It was slow in part, some things took forever to get to the point, but still a good read that I would definitely recommend.
This was a good book. The theme was making sure God is in all of our decisions. It was slow in part, some things took forever to get to the point, but still a good read that I would definitely recommend.
February 9, 2023
don’t forget God.
I think they both got a wake-up call in this story. Sebastian’s may have been more obvious. It can be easy for even a Christian to completely misGod’s plan for his or her life. Lord, help us!
I think they both got a wake-up call in this story. Sebastian’s may have been more obvious. It can be easy for even a Christian to completely misGod’s plan for his or her life. Lord, help us!
March 21, 2023
Beautifully written Christian romance that focuses on godliness and applying scripture to modern-day situations. Emmeline is a good example of a quiet and sweet young Christian lady. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.
January 9, 2024
Another good story from Seaside Chapel. Sebastian needs to examine his longtime relationship and determine why is is trying to hang on to it. Emmeline needs to figure out God’s plan for her life. Enjoyed seeing how they worked it out. We all need to remember to ‘not leave God out’.
October 8, 2025
I had to keep reading
I’ve really enjoyed the first two books in this series. Not cookie cutter characters or fairy tale story lines but challenging and relatable. Great examples of how God honours faith in Him.
I’ve really enjoyed the first two books in this series. Not cookie cutter characters or fairy tale story lines but challenging and relatable. Great examples of how God honours faith in Him.
January 18, 2022
Great book
January 21, 2022
I liked the premise of the story, but it read a bit slow and seemed repetitive in areas. I was ready for it to end chapters before it actually did.
January 28, 2022
Too preachy for me.
January 29, 2022
Single thirty-something Sebastian Langston hires his sister's best friend to be his fake girlfriend to win back his ex-fiance whom he lost to a billionaire.
February 4, 2022
I liked the story, but I don't think a page went by without some sort of religious reference. I'm not really anti-religion or pro religion, but it was a bit much.
February 10, 2022
wonderful christian novel
Love how they weave the beliefs of the characters together.
God is always there to help them in their decisions of life..
Love how they weave the beliefs of the characters together.
God is always there to help them in their decisions of life..
November 4, 2022
In desperate need of some editing. This book is so long, it needs more focus and build up of the characters, not just adding more and more events or drama.
May 3, 2023
God is good,
I'm glad that god was in your story often. But didn't keep my interest very much. It was ok book.
I'm glad that god was in your story often. But didn't keep my interest very much. It was ok book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews