She’s escaping an arranged marriage. He’s recovering from a disastrous wedding. When sparks fly between them, will they brave a second chance at love? Touted as the ideal daughter, Hope Njeri chafes under her dad’s strict rule and dreams of discovering who she is beyond his influence and traveling the world beyond his threshold. So, when he tries to pressure her into an arranged marriage, she flees Kenya for Uganda, determined to become the woman she’s always kept hidden. Even if that means working around the clock as a hotel maid and putting up with her overly critical boss. After being left at the altar, small-town Realtor Gavin Kress jumps at the opportunity to spend a year in Uganda doing charity work. Maybe some distance from his ex will help him heal. Dating is the last thing on his mind—until the beautiful Hope stumbles into his life and restarts his heart. When he witnesses her boss verbally harass her, Gavin steps in to help—and gets her fired. With no other options, she accepts his offer to work with his charity organization. But as their feelings blossom, Hope and Gavin must decide how hard they’re willing to fight for true love—especially when they travel back to his small town and his ex wants a second chance. Gavin’s let a woman walk away before, and Hope’s always let everything get taken away from her. But this time, can Gavin trust the woman he loves isn’t going to walk out? And if Hope fights for the love of her life, can she stand up to his parents who aren’t fond of her? This is the seventh standalone book in the caregiver series. Each book can be read in any order. Books in the series 1. The Doctor's Ryan and Destiny 2. The Entrepreneur's Brady and Ruth 3. The Physician's Lucas and Brit 4. The CEO's Eric and Joy
5. The Investor's Bryce and Liberty
6. The Soldier's Chad and Tessa 7. The Realtor's Gavin and Hope
I’ve been wanting to read Rose Fresquez’s Caregivers series for a while now and finally decided I needed to be intentional about it. I chose the most recent one to read which also happens to be the final one. Nothing like starting a series at the end haha! Not to worry though, this reads very well as a standalone. There are characters from the other books who play a role in this story, but I never felt lost – just knew that I want to go back and read their stories too!
Hope is my kind of heroine. She has a quiet, inner strength that has helped her survive the harsh treatment she’s received in life, and she has a kind spirit despite not having much kindness extended to her. It’s also clear that God has been speaking into her life for many years (unbeknownst to her), preparing her heart to be receptive when she sees Jesus’s love and the gospel being lived out in Uganda by Brady & Ruth (from The Entrepeneur’s Nurse) and the others at the clinic/mission. Gavin is a good guy and, while he’s not perfect, he’s so different from any of the men in Hope’s life that his kindness and respect stand out to her. Enough that, instead of running away from him too, she runs with him to work in Brady & Ruth’s charity clinic/mission. Their road to happily ever after isn’t all smooth, though. They both have a lot of inner work to do… and a trio of very difficult women to navigate around.
I really enjoyed the glimpse of African culture that we’re given in The Realtor’s Attendant. Fresquez immerses us into the rural Ugandan setting with the food, the traditions, the language, and the people. I especially found the bride wealth payment in both Uganda and Kenya to be intriguing. Not only for the cultural insight but also for the spiritual significance. A bride price or dowry is something very foreign to most Americans, and in fiction we mostly only read about it in historical / Regency novels. So, to see it in a contemporary setting, stood out and because it stood out it made me stop and think even more about the fact that Jesus paid the price for us – His bride – with His life.
Bottom Line: The Realtor’s Attendant by Rose Fresquez is a touching romance that grapples graceFULLy with real life issues and points readers to the love of Jesus. Hope and Gavin – two broken souls in need of healing – have many hurdles to overcome if they’re going to make a romantic relationship between them work, not the least of which is that one is Kenyan and one is American. But readers will fall easily for both characters and their growth journeys in this story, and they will be rooting for Hope & Gavin’s happily-ever-after from the first moment we see them both on the page. A sweet and fun epilogue will delight both fans of the series and those like me who are just discovering it, and while this is the final book I’m hoping that Gavin’s brother will eventually get his own story too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
Gavin is running…. He has to get away. No, he’s not in danger, unless you consider breaking someone’s heart a danger. And that’s exactly what happened to Gavin. Heartbreak. He was left at the alter by the one he thought was ‘till death do us part’. Her reason? Uh, just wait till your hear it.
Hope is running too. Actually she’s escaping…. Escaping a father and stepmother who seem to only care for her step siblings. They treat her like garbage and want to sell her off to a man already with two wives. Oh, and they are very good liars, at least to people not smart enough to see what’s happening…. Or just don’t care.
It’s not easy escaping the past, escaping the hurt, the pain and the truth. But that’s exactly what Gavin has to do. Being left at the alter not only crushes one’s psyche but leaves one doubting everything, including themselves.
As for Hope, her running seems to be just what the God of the impossible used to help her. What was that Joseph told his brothers who sold him off…. ‘What you meant for evil, God used for good’.
As for the parents… Let’s just say Gavin’s ‘mommy dearest’ is not so dear and needs a real comeuppance. Ahhhh, but Hope’s parents need to definitely reap what they sowed. We read that King David was a man after God’s own heart, but he suffered the consequences of his choices. Both sets of parents made spiteful choices caring not that it hurt their children…. What are the consequences? Unfortunately, we never find out.
🤔OBSERVATIONS:
✒︎ Very different culture in Africa …. a bride price is expected, eating insects is common, men can have more than one wife, etc.
✒︎ Hope was emotionally abused and thus, insecure. She’s illusive about her background… which is heart wrenchingly sad and very wrong, she deserves justice, and those who betrayed her deserve to know actions have consequences.
✒︎I was confused with parts of this book. How many step siblings did Hope have? There’s talk about a step sister getting pretty much everything that should have been for Hope. Later in the book, other step-siblings are mentioned. Were they privileged also…. was it just Hope that was mistreated? Did they have to sleep in a chicken coop, like Hope, or were they in the house? Also, was Hope’s mother a wife too? If so why were they not together? We know her father was married to the stepmother at the time of Hope’s mom’s death. What happened between them (Hope’s mom/dad)?
✒︎ Gavin said he didn’t tell Hope everything that Lucky confessed and he’d tell her the next day. We never got to hear what that was. The part we did hear showed Lucky’s true colors… self-serving, selfish, spoiled.
✒︎ Hope carried a dictionary …. I think I need one for this book. I was lost with many of the African words used.
✒︎ I love the role faith plays . Love how Hope learned to lean on her creator , especially after that late night kitchen confrontation with Lucky trying to plant doubts and lies.
✒︎ Gavin’s mother is way too full of herself….. a self-righteous snob who needs put in her place. As I’ve already said, both sets of parents need to know the cost of their behavior and we need to be able to witness some of that. Yes, forgiveness is necessary but so is reaping what’s sowed. With a few consequences, maybe the parents would learn they need a savior.
I was given an advance copy of this book and freely leave my review.
Beautiful story of two people from totally different cultural backgrounds finding a deep connection. Gavan Kress had volunteered to help his friend at a mission hospital in Uganda. He was trying to heal after he was left at the altar by his fiance so spending a year giving to others would hopefully be a cure. Hope Njeri had run away from a marriage arranged by her farther and step-mother. The man they chose already had two wives and she hadn't even met him when the marriage was arranged. She left Kenya and fled to Uganda where she works many hours meeting the needs of the guests staying at the hotel. Her boss is robbing her of her tips and he has harsh words for her when he finds her speaking to Gavin. Hope was Gavin's attendant at the hotel he was staying at in Uganda.
When Gavin saw the abuse that Hope was being given, he stood up for her to her boss whose response was to fire Hope. Gavin made sure that he gave Hope all of the tips he had taken from her and also that she received her full wages. Then he suggested to Hope that she come to help out at the mission with him.
The culture is very different than in the US and Gavin will lean on Hope many times to help him assimilate. As they work together at the mission they become friends and their feelings deepen. Gavin wants to take Hope back with him to the US where she will need his help assimilating to the culture.
Learning about the foods and also the marital customs of some of the African countries was interesting. This book could work as a stand alone story although there are characters and situations mentioned from previous stories.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
"The Realtors Attendant" is a captivating romance novel that combines elements of escape, second chances, and the pursuit of true love. Hope Njeri's journey to break free from her father's strict control and find her own identity is relatable and inspiring. Her decision to flee to Uganda and start anew as a hotel maid sets the stage for a heartwarming and adventurous story.
Gavin Kress, recovering from a disastrous wedding, brings depth to the narrative with his character's emotional healing process. The sparks that fly between Hope and Gavin are beautifully written, and their budding romance is both heartwarming and believable.
The plot takes an interesting twist when Gavin steps in to help Hope after witnessing her mistreatment by her boss, leading to her losing her job. Their journey together as they work for Gavin's friend´s charity organization is filled with chemistry and genuine emotions..
The novel also explores the challenges of navigating the complexities of love and family expectations, especially when they return to Gavin's small town and have to confront his ex. The question of trust and the determination to fight for love adds depth to the storyline. They both learn to trust each other and God
"The Realtors Attendant" is a standalone book within the Caregiver series, making it accessible to new readers while offering a fresh perspective for those familiar with the series. The book's engaging characters, well-crafted plot, and themes of love, self-discovery, and second chances make it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance novels. Whether you're a newcomer to the series or a long-time reader, this book is sure to leave you rooting for Hope and Gavin's love story.
Gavin meets Hope when he goes on a mission trip to Uganda. He's drawn to her from the time he first meets her. Hope is drawn to Gavin, but feels her name is wrong. She feels like all of her life she's brought bad luck to people, and that no one really loves her. Gavin helps her to see she's wrong. When they go to the States and Hope is introduced to his family, all of her old fears come rushing back, especially when it seems that Gavin is going to turn out to be like everyone else. When Hope finally realizes that Gavin is NOT like all of the others in her life, and that he and God truly love her, and have used her past to make her into the woman she is today, she realizes that both of them are worthy of her trust, and she can accept their love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
Rose continues to amaze me with her stories set in Africa. I enjoy feeling the heat and humidity of the country. This story is fabulous about coming to the Lord first as Hope and Gavin get to know each other and learn to love and trust again after betrayal in their lives. This is a well-written, clean romance with a happy ending, but there is a recognition that life still has bumps and bruises along the way. But the reminder is as they work together, nothing will stand in their way. I enjoyed the continued connection between the characters in this story. You don’t need to read the other stories in the series, but it is a bonus that Rose shares little updates on the characters I have come to know as friends.
Two people running from their past, one escaping from being forced into an arranged marriage, the other escaping being dumped at the alter. Hope, despite her name, feels very unlucky and like the people in her life are just going to use her for their own end. Gavin is feeling like women are just going to leave him. They meet in Uganda and Hope joins Gavin doing mission work for several months. They start as acquaintances, become friends, and that slowly leads to more as they learn to trust each other and God. Of course, each needs to deal with their past in order to make the final move forward. An enjoyable friends to lovers romance and a quick read.
This is another very enjoyable read by Rose. Gavin, who was left at the altar, went to Uganda to get over the hurt. While there, he was going to do mission work. Hope, whose father had arranged a marriage for her, left her country and went to Uganda.
Hope worked at the small resort in Uganda where Gavin was staying. He didn't like the way the owner, Lumbe, talked to her or treated her. Hope was fired by her boss, so Gavin asked her if she would like to go with him. He was leaving to go to his friend's house to start his mission trip. She went with him. You'll want to read the story for all the details.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
Gavin and Hope both have much baggage and very complicated past home lives. They discover true acceptance in each other and in God. But they both must learn to silence the doubts and stop running.
A tender story of two hearts that learn to trust again. Insecurities are real in the story, and there were times I wanted to jump into the story and let some overbearing mothers and ex’s have a piece of my mind. It was also nice to have other characters from previous stories make an appearance. Definitely a story worth re-reading.
I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions.
Gavin is in Uganda to do charity work and to heal from being left at the altar and its after effects. As he gets to know Hope and working in the village, he becomes more attune with himself, and learns to depend on God in a much deeper way. Hope also comes to see she is worthwhile and precious – to God and to Gavin. I really enjoyed the glimpses into the Kenyan culture – the bride wealth and traditional marriages as well as seeing Hope’s culture shock when coming to the USA. While this is a stand alone romance, it was good to see friends from the previous caregivers books. I received an ARC but this review is my own.
Enjoyed this beautiful story reminding all of us that whether we have lost at love or lost at life in our past, there is always hope and redemption to be found. I especially loved the setting for this story in Uganda, giving us the reader a glimpse of what a day in the life is like in that East African country. My favorite quote is from chapter 13, “your past may shape you but you have the promise of transformation to overcome your past.” Get your copy today and walk with Gavin and Hope on adventures in Uganda and in love.
Intriguing story about a wealthy man jilted at the altar. He goes to Uganda to do some pro-bono work and to escape his meddling and controlling mother and her matchmaking schemes. While there, he meets a Kenyan girl form an abusive family, oone who has run away rather than marry a man her father's age so her father can make a profit - essentially selling her. The 2 bond, and help each other navigate the families' quirks and demands as their love grows, a love tested by both families' resistance to their love. A good read and a look into Ugandan and Kenyan customs, esp. in rural areas.
This was a beautiful romance. I enjoyed part of the book taking place in Uganda. It was really interesting to learn about Hope and how she and Gavin came to work at the House of Blessing Hospital and some of the customs surrounding Hope, her past, and her future. I liked that the book pulled me in and tugged at my heart. It was a sweet, christian story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Gavin and Hope are a unique couple. Coming from completely different backgrounds, they work together remarkably well. Gavin fights his growing feelings for Hope. Their journey is filled with learning more about God, themselves and each other. They have to navigate through difficulties involving their respective families. Well developed characters and storyline. I loved the picture the author depicted of Uganda. I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
This is a well written book with strong characters in Hope and Gavin. The author does a beautiful job bringing them together and takes you into their lives as they deal with families and discovering each other. She moves the story fluidly with her perfectly painted scenes and delivers a terrific read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
All she wanted was to belong, been rejected by everyone since her mother’s death… all she knew was darkness, so much so she labeled herself “unlucky “ like a bad omen . Until Gavin, nobody ever took her side or defended, but he did, he seen her, truly see her. For Gavin, Hope was the bright light that giving hope to his despair. They went through quite an adventure in Africa… and some “ moments “ in America. Nice read!
In this book you will read about two people running from their homes, being left at the altar and amazing people. When Gavin left for Uganda he never expected to find someone special like Hope. Hope is a wonderful person who feels the need to run from her problems. Reading about these two wonderful people will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
"Sometimes, the darkest nights produce the brightest stars.”
I really enjoyed this return to Uganda, Africa. I loved getting to see last characters from this series. The differences in culture and lifestyle was interesting to see. The was especially true on the medical front. It was a lovely book.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I’m going to be 100% honest. It took me so long to finish reading this book. I really couldn’t get into it. The story and characters are nice but just not doing it for me. I feel like the book is kinda slow and there really isn’t anything to make me want to turn the next page to keep going. This book isn’t bad but it is average to me.
A great book to learn about other countries if you were an Aussie like myself a reminder of how
A great book to learn more about other countries especially if you were bought up so far away from American. At eighty one years of age and now living with my second husband in the USA, I feel very blessed. Thank you so much Rose . Robinboyer8@gmail.com
Gavin and Hope both come from manipulative parents. She is running from an arranged marriage. He wants to forget being left at the altar. They both think they will never find happiness until they find each other in Uganda. They still have to deal with conniving parents, but learn that challenges don't need to stop love.
From the moment Gavin met Hope I knew this was going to be good! They had such an adventure together and the feelings that developed along the way....just fabulous! Some faith trying things to delve deep into character insight! Loved this book!
I loved this story. Gavin and Hope’s pasts were obstacles to love and trust. They had many doubts and fears to overcome, and Rose wrote a journey for each of them that was believable and satisfying. I recommend this book highly.
The Realtor Attendant A Sweet International and vacation Romance (the Caregivers)
I like the way the book embraced God in honor. I also like reading about the different countries, and their ups and downs. Mostly the love they had for on another.
What a wonderful series this has been! Each book captured my heart for the characters. I enjoy reading the author's writing. Each of the books that I have read deals with real life events.
Beautiful and inspirational story. This is a story that you could read every day. And it will give a since of inspiration that there is a male or female that believes in God and love.