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Strawberry Sands Beach Sweet Romance #1
There I Find Rest
On the shore of Lake Michigan, just up the road from Blueberry Beach is another small town. Strawberry Sands.
A place of comfort.
A place of rest and peace.
A place where divorcee and single mom, Kim Tinsley, can go to try to make a new life for herself, raising her baby, while praying for her older child who has left the faith of her childhood and is questioning everything she’d ever taught her.
She’s not looking for romance. Only a safe place to heal and protect her children. To raise horses and rent them out to people like her – looking for an idyllic time along the shores of Lake Michigan.
But she hadn’t expected the house she inherited to already have a renter.
A man of character and conviction.
A man she’s ashamed to admit her miserable past and failures to.
But, as they work together to build a close-knit community in their idyllic lake-side beach town, she finds herself wondering if God had opened a door that she had thought was closed forever.
Maybe love really is more than buff bodies and passionate encounters, betrayal and heartbreak. And maybe Kim will find it where she least expects it – in Strawberry Sands.
A place of comfort.
A place of rest and peace.
A place where divorcee and single mom, Kim Tinsley, can go to try to make a new life for herself, raising her baby, while praying for her older child who has left the faith of her childhood and is questioning everything she’d ever taught her.
She’s not looking for romance. Only a safe place to heal and protect her children. To raise horses and rent them out to people like her – looking for an idyllic time along the shores of Lake Michigan.
But she hadn’t expected the house she inherited to already have a renter.
A man of character and conviction.
A man she’s ashamed to admit her miserable past and failures to.
But, as they work together to build a close-knit community in their idyllic lake-side beach town, she finds herself wondering if God had opened a door that she had thought was closed forever.
Maybe love really is more than buff bodies and passionate encounters, betrayal and heartbreak. And maybe Kim will find it where she least expects it – in Strawberry Sands.
220 pages, ebook
Published August 4, 2023
1325 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
July 31, 2024
This is a cute series that is definitely helping me along in my faith walk
August 11, 2023
Awesome new series.
I read "There I Find Rest" (Strawberry Sands Beach Ronance Book 1) by Jessie Gussman through the kindle Unlimited program. This book had me turning the pages long after I should have put my tablet down for the night. I cried, I rejoiced at the very happy ending. Emotional read for anyone that has had a baby they love born ecarly. Loved Kim and Davis and baby Kathleen's story really touched my heart. Made me feel all the feeling and emotions. You did it again Jessie Gussman!
I read "There I Find Rest" (Strawberry Sands Beach Ronance Book 1) by Jessie Gussman through the kindle Unlimited program. This book had me turning the pages long after I should have put my tablet down for the night. I cried, I rejoiced at the very happy ending. Emotional read for anyone that has had a baby they love born ecarly. Loved Kim and Davis and baby Kathleen's story really touched my heart. Made me feel all the feeling and emotions. You did it again Jessie Gussman!
October 2, 2024
Move up the beach to find Strawberry Sands.
Kim arrives at her mother's house to find it leased out for six months to the guy who got her pregnant. Thus starts an interesting roller coaster ride of emotions and discussions that end abruptly when Kim goes into labor too early and is rushed back to Blueberry Beach. Her child and she are saved by a great NeoNatal wing recently added at Blueberry Beach. It is actually a great story with a great ending and a new chapter about Lake Michigan shores. PS..God is definitely at work in this place.
Kim arrives at her mother's house to find it leased out for six months to the guy who got her pregnant. Thus starts an interesting roller coaster ride of emotions and discussions that end abruptly when Kim goes into labor too early and is rushed back to Blueberry Beach. Her child and she are saved by a great NeoNatal wing recently added at Blueberry Beach. It is actually a great story with a great ending and a new chapter about Lake Michigan shores. PS..God is definitely at work in this place.
July 13, 2023
A great story of love and pain. Very real emotions for the main characters Kim and Davis. It was very good and I look forward to the next stories in this series. Those who like contemporary Christian romance will like this book. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
August 15, 2023
It was a good read
It was a good read and a sweet story but I can’t help feel like Kim let her aunt, daughter and ex husband walk on her and take advantage of her. I’m sorry but you have to stand up for yourself even as a follower of Jesus. And even Davis gave her ex what he wanted. I was just disappointed somewhat.
It was a good read and a sweet story but I can’t help feel like Kim let her aunt, daughter and ex husband walk on her and take advantage of her. I’m sorry but you have to stand up for yourself even as a follower of Jesus. And even Davis gave her ex what he wanted. I was just disappointed somewhat.
August 4, 2023
Whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report...think on these things.
Kim and Davis's love story is unique and timeless. Kim was married to Todd, who cheated on her. Before they were divorced, his girlfriend was pregnant. After they were divorced, his business partner Davis, told Kim that Todd had not cherished her and that she needed to be cherished. They had a one night stand and now, six months later, she sees him again and tells him he is the father of her baby. He is in love with her and will do anything for her. She goes into premature labor and Davis is with her and takes her to the hospital, where she has a C section and Kathleen is born at two pounds, fourteen ounces and goes into NICU. Two months later, she is finally released from the hospital and they go home and Davis asks Kim to marry him and she says Yes.
Kim said Davis has amazing, caring, kind, soul-reaching blue, blue eyes.
Davis was humble, and had an understated way of moving and talking that seemed respectful yet confident at the same time. Kim found it intriguing and attractive in Davis.
Being on the beach soothed Davis's soul, releasing stress, and helping to open his eyes and actually see his life and see how God might see his life.
If God could create Lake Michigan, the stars above, and worlds that humans hadn't even discovered, He was certainly more than capable of taking charge of Davis's life.
If we go on the assumption that God did this to give us time to spend together, we should be open to the idea we were meant to be together.
I've been praying for God's peace and He answered my prayer.
She looked into his eyes, so deep and blue, and felt sweet peace settle down into her heart.
Jessie has written another brilliant story about sinning by having a one night stand, but we all make mistakes and God always forgives, so many readers need this reminder, about loving someone so much you will do anything for that person, about having a beautiful baby to care for together by a loving mom and a loving dad, and of course, falling in love. I recommend this book and all of Jessie's books to everyone. I received this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Kim and Davis's love story is unique and timeless. Kim was married to Todd, who cheated on her. Before they were divorced, his girlfriend was pregnant. After they were divorced, his business partner Davis, told Kim that Todd had not cherished her and that she needed to be cherished. They had a one night stand and now, six months later, she sees him again and tells him he is the father of her baby. He is in love with her and will do anything for her. She goes into premature labor and Davis is with her and takes her to the hospital, where she has a C section and Kathleen is born at two pounds, fourteen ounces and goes into NICU. Two months later, she is finally released from the hospital and they go home and Davis asks Kim to marry him and she says Yes.
Kim said Davis has amazing, caring, kind, soul-reaching blue, blue eyes.
Davis was humble, and had an understated way of moving and talking that seemed respectful yet confident at the same time. Kim found it intriguing and attractive in Davis.
Being on the beach soothed Davis's soul, releasing stress, and helping to open his eyes and actually see his life and see how God might see his life.
If God could create Lake Michigan, the stars above, and worlds that humans hadn't even discovered, He was certainly more than capable of taking charge of Davis's life.
If we go on the assumption that God did this to give us time to spend together, we should be open to the idea we were meant to be together.
I've been praying for God's peace and He answered my prayer.
She looked into his eyes, so deep and blue, and felt sweet peace settle down into her heart.
Jessie has written another brilliant story about sinning by having a one night stand, but we all make mistakes and God always forgives, so many readers need this reminder, about loving someone so much you will do anything for that person, about having a beautiful baby to care for together by a loving mom and a loving dad, and of course, falling in love. I recommend this book and all of Jessie's books to everyone. I received this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
July 16, 2023
It’s always difficult for me to start reading a new series of books especially when I have been so invested in Jessie Gussman’s Just a Cowboy series set in Sweetwater, North Dakota. A new series means new settings, characters, and relationships. And so it is with There I Find Rest in the new Strawberry Sands series. The first book introduces us to Kim, a woman with a problem. She is recently divorced and pregnant from a foolish decision. She is trying to start over in the tiny community of Strawberry Sands on the shore of Lake Michigan. The father of the baby wants to be in her life despite their past. She isn’t willing to commit based on her rash decision. Her finances are in tatters, her grown daughter is behaving badly and her ex suddenly wants back for nefarious reasons. But her faith is what she must cling to in order to navigate all the drama and decisions that have to be made.
Other characters that will inhabit the series are introduced as well. A runaway teen girl who helps at the stable. The owner of the local diner, a woman opening a bed and breakfast with her grandmother and elderly friends.
The book spends a good bit of time setting the stage and introducing characters and clearly, these stories are going to be dealing with life and death issues and thorny matters of faith and the nature of sin and forgiveness.
As always Jessie doesn’t shy away from the difficult areas of faith and subjects that are tough to tackle, like why bad things happen to good people. She never tries to put a happy face on life’s struggles but always delivers a happy ending. I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book and my opinions are completely my own. I do hope there will be an epilogue added as the story ended too abruptly for my taste. Nevertheless, I look forward to reading more Strawberry Sands stories and falling in love with this new community of Jessie Gussman characters who will amuse and inspire me.
Other characters that will inhabit the series are introduced as well. A runaway teen girl who helps at the stable. The owner of the local diner, a woman opening a bed and breakfast with her grandmother and elderly friends.
The book spends a good bit of time setting the stage and introducing characters and clearly, these stories are going to be dealing with life and death issues and thorny matters of faith and the nature of sin and forgiveness.
As always Jessie doesn’t shy away from the difficult areas of faith and subjects that are tough to tackle, like why bad things happen to good people. She never tries to put a happy face on life’s struggles but always delivers a happy ending. I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book and my opinions are completely my own. I do hope there will be an epilogue added as the story ended too abruptly for my taste. Nevertheless, I look forward to reading more Strawberry Sands stories and falling in love with this new community of Jessie Gussman characters who will amuse and inspire me.
August 4, 2023
I enjoyed this first book in this new Strawberry Sands series. This story actually starts where the last book, Tender Mercies of the Blueberry Beach Series, ended. Strawberry Sands is another small beach town on the shores of Lake Michigan not too far away from Blueberry Beach. This story picks up with Kim Tinsley after the death of her mother Iva May. She discovered that she was actually not her mother and that her parents were Bev and Bill. Kim is recovering from a divorce with an uncaring cheating husband. After their divorce she made a mistake by spending the night with her ex's partner Davis. Now she finds herself starting a new life and expecting a baby.
Moving to the cottage her mom owned on Strawberry Sands will give her a fresh start. The property has a stable and a barn and she plans on raising horses for people to ride. When she arrives at the cottage, she is surprised to find her mother had rented it out to Davis. She is slightly embarrassed to see him and she still needs to let him know about the baby. He's willing to help her start her business
and she's willing to accept the help but she doesn't want a partner in business or in a marriage after her wounds from her husband Todd.
Davis wants to anything he can to help Kim out and he really would like to have a relationship with her. He agrees that they both did something wrong the night they spent together. He understands her reluctance to have a relationship after seeing the way her husband treated her. He decides to patiently win her trust like he would with a timid filly.
This story has a lot of spiritual insights as this couple move forward determined to follow the Lord and overcome their past mistakes. There were a lot of characters introduced that we will probably learn more about in upcoming stories.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Moving to the cottage her mom owned on Strawberry Sands will give her a fresh start. The property has a stable and a barn and she plans on raising horses for people to ride. When she arrives at the cottage, she is surprised to find her mother had rented it out to Davis. She is slightly embarrassed to see him and she still needs to let him know about the baby. He's willing to help her start her business
and she's willing to accept the help but she doesn't want a partner in business or in a marriage after her wounds from her husband Todd.
Davis wants to anything he can to help Kim out and he really would like to have a relationship with her. He agrees that they both did something wrong the night they spent together. He understands her reluctance to have a relationship after seeing the way her husband treated her. He decides to patiently win her trust like he would with a timid filly.
This story has a lot of spiritual insights as this couple move forward determined to follow the Lord and overcome their past mistakes. There were a lot of characters introduced that we will probably learn more about in upcoming stories.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
August 5, 2023
This first book of a new series is absolutely divine. That is, if you love a story about a woman who has been totally neglected by her unfaithful husband, then has one night of a taste of what it’s like to be tenderly and totally adored, but then, because she’s a Christian and has also committed the same sin her husband has been committing toward her, she’s really so ashamed, and asks the Lord for forgiveness-but the proof of that one night’s rendezvous becomes evident, because a baby has been conceived, decides to leave and go to the home her mother had left her in Strawberry Sands, where she runs smack into the man who she can never forget and who has loved her for years from afar-then you might need to read this book! Yes, HE had rented the house from her mother before she had passed away, unbeknownst to the main character. When she arrives, he immediately moves out to the barn, so there would be no gossip about them “living together”, but the attraction is still there for her and it is his dream come true. So, naturally he sticks beside her to the end of the birth of their baby and maybe more. 🤗 😊 I’m not going to tell you everything and spoil the book for you! Jessie Gussman is a natural storyteller and weaves together such beautiful stories…You will find true love; between a man and a woman and also between a loving Heavenly Father and His children, who come to Him in repentance, faith, and hope. I’ve never met a book of hers that I didn’t love! ♥️🥰 I received an advanced copy of this book, and this review is all my own.
July 12, 2023
This is the first book in a new series, and Jessie did a great job of introducing the people of Strawberry Sands and making the place seem real. Not only did I enjoy the two main characters this book centered on, we were introduced to supporting characters that I very much hope will get their own plot lines in future books.
This book centers on Kim, who is at a very low point after the death of her mother, a messy divorce, and finding out that she is pregnant from a one night stand. She comes to Strawberry Sands to a house her mother had owned hoping to start over, as she really has no where else to go.
Unbeknownst to Kim, Davis, the father of her unborn baby, had rented the house in Strawberry Sands from her mother. Kim has to figure out how to navigate her uncertain future, as well as clarify her relationship with Davis. There is attraction and respect on both sides, but can they overcome their history? And, can Kim trust another man after her messy divorce?
These characters were both relatable, and I appreciated that they were both mature and respectful of each other. There was no artificial drama caused by miscommunication, because they were both refreshingly direct in their communication with each other. They dealt with very real problems in a thoughtful, prayerful, positive way, and it was easy to root for them to find a happily ever after together.
This book centers on Kim, who is at a very low point after the death of her mother, a messy divorce, and finding out that she is pregnant from a one night stand. She comes to Strawberry Sands to a house her mother had owned hoping to start over, as she really has no where else to go.
Unbeknownst to Kim, Davis, the father of her unborn baby, had rented the house in Strawberry Sands from her mother. Kim has to figure out how to navigate her uncertain future, as well as clarify her relationship with Davis. There is attraction and respect on both sides, but can they overcome their history? And, can Kim trust another man after her messy divorce?
These characters were both relatable, and I appreciated that they were both mature and respectful of each other. There was no artificial drama caused by miscommunication, because they were both refreshingly direct in their communication with each other. They dealt with very real problems in a thoughtful, prayerful, positive way, and it was easy to root for them to find a happily ever after together.
August 6, 2023
There I Find Rest is a spin off of the Blueberry Beach series and this story is about Iva Mae's daughter Kim going back home to live in her Mama's beach cottage where she was raised in Strawberry Sands. Kim has lost her husband Todd, lost her daughter's love because she has moved to California and was calling every week for Kim to send money until she has to say no. She lost her Mama, Iva Mae to her cancer, and found out she was not her Mama but her real parents were Iva Mae's friends Beverly and Bill that were not married at the time. Now she has no place to live except the cottage and she finds Davis living there with a year lease on it. Kim is 5 months pregnant with a daughter from a one night stand with Davis which does not know about the baby but loves Kim as he was Todd's business partner and knew how Todd had cheated on Kim and not showed her the love Kim needed over the years. Kim also was not given as much in the divorce as Todd tells their daughter and everyone he knows. Now she is looking at finding a way to support her and the baby. Very emotional story, but we'll worth the read.
August 11, 2023
On the shore of Lake Michigan, just up the road from Blueberry Beach is another small town. Strawberry Sands.
A place of comfort.
A place of rest and peace.
A place where divorcee and single mom, Kim Tinsley, can go to try to make a new life for herself, raising her baby, while praying for her older child who has left the faith of her childhood and is questioning everything she’d ever taught her.
She’s not looking for romance. Only a safe place to heal and protect her children. To raise horses and rent them out to people like her – looking for an idyllic time along the shores of Lake Michigan.
But she hadn’t expected the house she inherited to already have a renter.
A man of character and conviction.
A man she’s ashamed to admit her miserable past and failures to.
But, as they work together to build a close-knit community in their idyllic lake-side beach town, she finds herself wondering if God had opened a door that she had thought was closed forever.
Maybe love really is more than buff bodies and passionate encounters, betrayal and heartbreak. And maybe Kim will find it where she least expects it – in Strawberry Sands
A place of comfort.
A place of rest and peace.
A place where divorcee and single mom, Kim Tinsley, can go to try to make a new life for herself, raising her baby, while praying for her older child who has left the faith of her childhood and is questioning everything she’d ever taught her.
She’s not looking for romance. Only a safe place to heal and protect her children. To raise horses and rent them out to people like her – looking for an idyllic time along the shores of Lake Michigan.
But she hadn’t expected the house she inherited to already have a renter.
A man of character and conviction.
A man she’s ashamed to admit her miserable past and failures to.
But, as they work together to build a close-knit community in their idyllic lake-side beach town, she finds herself wondering if God had opened a door that she had thought was closed forever.
Maybe love really is more than buff bodies and passionate encounters, betrayal and heartbreak. And maybe Kim will find it where she least expects it – in Strawberry Sands
May 18, 2024
free ebook
her husband had affair, got woman preg, divorced her, married other woman then getting divorce from her and wanting wife back. she said no
she had one night stand with his business partner and got preg at age 40
her daughter moved across country needing more money she didnt have all the time
her mom passed away and she found out it wasnt her mom, she had 2 parents she didnt know about (i dont know the background to that, must be in another book)
she moved to her moms cottage as she didnt have anywhere else to live (i guess her moms sister got her moms house but again that must be another book) and found the one night stand had a lease to her moms house. so he moved into the apt over the stable
and she told him he was going to be a dad in 3 mths
she is going to have horses to rent, but she knows nothing about it and no one to help her.
she had the baby 3 mths early, he was there to help with everything, got the horses , website, hay and helpers. and he was with her and the baby as much as possible
she came home with the baby and they were getting married in 3 days when the book ended
her husband had affair, got woman preg, divorced her, married other woman then getting divorce from her and wanting wife back. she said no
she had one night stand with his business partner and got preg at age 40
her daughter moved across country needing more money she didnt have all the time
her mom passed away and she found out it wasnt her mom, she had 2 parents she didnt know about (i dont know the background to that, must be in another book)
she moved to her moms cottage as she didnt have anywhere else to live (i guess her moms sister got her moms house but again that must be another book) and found the one night stand had a lease to her moms house. so he moved into the apt over the stable
and she told him he was going to be a dad in 3 mths
she is going to have horses to rent, but she knows nothing about it and no one to help her.
she had the baby 3 mths early, he was there to help with everything, got the horses , website, hay and helpers. and he was with her and the baby as much as possible
she came home with the baby and they were getting married in 3 days when the book ended
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2024
There I Find Rest is such a sweet romance. It's the first book in the Strawberry Sands series, so while the book's focus is on Kim and Davis, quite a few characters are briefly introduced. If you want to know more about their stories, you need to read the books that follow. I'm on the second one now, and it does focus on one of the characters introduced in There I Find Rest.
Though Kim and Davis initially get together in a way that went against their moral convictions, when they meet again, in Strawberry Sands, they come to the realization that God doesn't look at our past mistakes, and nothing is a surprise to him.
Even though there are a few typos and a few awkward phrasings, I loved the story. I think that's the most important thing about any book! There's a strong message about accepting God's grace, and we need that reminder. I have a feeling that Strawberry Sands is going to become like home to me. It's got small town charm where everyone knows and cares about their neighbors. It feels welcoming, and I'm ready to pack and head to Lake Michigan (even though I'm an OHIO girl)! I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Though Kim and Davis initially get together in a way that went against their moral convictions, when they meet again, in Strawberry Sands, they come to the realization that God doesn't look at our past mistakes, and nothing is a surprise to him.
Even though there are a few typos and a few awkward phrasings, I loved the story. I think that's the most important thing about any book! There's a strong message about accepting God's grace, and we need that reminder. I have a feeling that Strawberry Sands is going to become like home to me. It's got small town charm where everyone knows and cares about their neighbors. It feels welcoming, and I'm ready to pack and head to Lake Michigan (even though I'm an OHIO girl)! I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
July 20, 2023
This is the story of Kim and Davis, and their unborn child. Newly divorced, Kim is pregnant as a result of a one night stand. In need of a place to live, she comes to the beachfront cottage she inherited from her mother. There she finds Davis, the father of her baby, who has leased the cottage from her mother. Davis moved there hoping to find Kim who he loves. Kim is afraid to commit, and Davis is determined to win her trust. When the baby comes early Davis has the opportunity to show Kim his sincerity.
There are deep conversations between Davis and Kim about facing adversity, planning for the future, and trusting God. The scenes in the NICU are realistic and touching. We also meet some interesting people who will probably be featured in other stories set in Strawberry Sands.
This story is a standalone and a HEA. I received an ARC of this book, which I enjoyed, even through I don't usually read beach setting books. It is my honest opinion that I am looking forward to reading others in this series.
There are deep conversations between Davis and Kim about facing adversity, planning for the future, and trusting God. The scenes in the NICU are realistic and touching. We also meet some interesting people who will probably be featured in other stories set in Strawberry Sands.
This story is a standalone and a HEA. I received an ARC of this book, which I enjoyed, even through I don't usually read beach setting books. It is my honest opinion that I am looking forward to reading others in this series.
July 29, 2023
Kim has just inherited a house from her mother, at least her adopted mother, she's moved here to get some peace from her family, her older daughter and to nurture her unborn child. She's divorced her husband, not getting a very good financial deal because he made out he hadn't got much money, but he tells everyone else that he's given her a lot, hence her daughter keeps asking her for money.
She's hoping to use the stables that come with the house to set up a riding stable for tourists, using unwanted horses.
She's not expecting anyone to be at the house, but the door opens and Davis, the father of her child, is there! He's her ex's business partner, soon to be ex business partner, as he knows what Todd has been doing and how he treated Kim. He's watched Kim from afar and had feelings for her, but wasn't going to act on them when she was married, and now she needs time to get over the divorce, even though the marriage had been finished for a while.
Davis is going to take it slowly, but he wants her as his wife.
A great emotional read from Jessie
She's hoping to use the stables that come with the house to set up a riding stable for tourists, using unwanted horses.
She's not expecting anyone to be at the house, but the door opens and Davis, the father of her child, is there! He's her ex's business partner, soon to be ex business partner, as he knows what Todd has been doing and how he treated Kim. He's watched Kim from afar and had feelings for her, but wasn't going to act on them when she was married, and now she needs time to get over the divorce, even though the marriage had been finished for a while.
Davis is going to take it slowly, but he wants her as his wife.
A great emotional read from Jessie
August 4, 2023
First in series, but stands alone well. Loved this book. I am looking forward to more stories about Strawberry Sands.
Kim has recently inherited a house and stable from her mother. The property is located in Strawberry Beach, on the shore of lake Michigan. At age 40 and recently divorced, she finds herself pregnant with another man’s baby. Davis, the father of her baby and soon to be ex-partner of Kim’s ex-husband, is living on the property Kim has inherited. He has been in love with Kim for years but would not act on it because she was married. Kim is now living in the house and Davis is living in an apartment over the stable.
After being betrayed by her mother, aunt, and husband, Kim has a problem with trust. Can Davis earn her trust and prove that his love is unconditional, and that he does not want anything from her? Can Kim learn to trust both Davis and God?
This a beautiful story filled with wonderful spiritual aspects: prayer, trusting God, seeking His will, realizing that God is in control of every situation.
Theme: God can take our mistakes and make something beautiful – if we trust and turn to Him.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Kim has recently inherited a house and stable from her mother. The property is located in Strawberry Beach, on the shore of lake Michigan. At age 40 and recently divorced, she finds herself pregnant with another man’s baby. Davis, the father of her baby and soon to be ex-partner of Kim’s ex-husband, is living on the property Kim has inherited. He has been in love with Kim for years but would not act on it because she was married. Kim is now living in the house and Davis is living in an apartment over the stable.
After being betrayed by her mother, aunt, and husband, Kim has a problem with trust. Can Davis earn her trust and prove that his love is unconditional, and that he does not want anything from her? Can Kim learn to trust both Davis and God?
This a beautiful story filled with wonderful spiritual aspects: prayer, trusting God, seeking His will, realizing that God is in control of every situation.
Theme: God can take our mistakes and make something beautiful – if we trust and turn to Him.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
August 6, 2023
This is the first of a new series taking place in Strawberry Sands. This is the story of Kim and Davis.
After leaving her cheating husband Kim ends up having a one night stand with his business partner Davis. Afterwards she finds herself pregnant and not sure what to do. When the woman she thought was her mom dies leaving her a cottage at Strawberry Sands, she decides to go stay there when her aunt takes her home in Blueberry Beach. When getting there she is shocked to find Davis there and he has a 6 month rental contract.Davis has loved her a long time and is happy about the baby even though he feels guilt about them being together outside marriage.
While Kim try to accept everything changing in her life, Davis tries to give her the space she needs to heal while trying to show her how he feels about her and the baby and that he can be trusted to stay by her side.
When the baby comes early and ends up in the NICU the two of them have a chance to draw closer together in life and faith.
I received an arc in return for a honest review.
After leaving her cheating husband Kim ends up having a one night stand with his business partner Davis. Afterwards she finds herself pregnant and not sure what to do. When the woman she thought was her mom dies leaving her a cottage at Strawberry Sands, she decides to go stay there when her aunt takes her home in Blueberry Beach. When getting there she is shocked to find Davis there and he has a 6 month rental contract.Davis has loved her a long time and is happy about the baby even though he feels guilt about them being together outside marriage.
While Kim try to accept everything changing in her life, Davis tries to give her the space she needs to heal while trying to show her how he feels about her and the baby and that he can be trusted to stay by her side.
When the baby comes early and ends up in the NICU the two of them have a chance to draw closer together in life and faith.
I received an arc in return for a honest review.
September 25, 2023
Michigan
Kept repeating. Slow moving.
I loved the story how they tried to follow after God.
Kim newly divorced from Todd. Becomes pregnant with Todd’s business partner Davies. Davis had been admiring Kim, seen how badly Todd treated her. He moved into her GMAs house just to be close to her memory. Then her GMA dies and when Kim shows up at the house she finds him there. She has to tell him she’s pregnant with his child from there one night stand. Neither of them normally did that kind of thing and wanted to do things right from here on out. So he stayed in the stables. They went to church together, she wanted to open a house riding business so they went to look at houses and bought some. She went into labor 3 months early. She had the baby had to stay in the hospital. Davis held Kim in the chapel after seeing the baby. Kim was scared. They prayed for peace. Davis took care of the farm and got help from a brother and sister to feed the horses. Kim is finally able to bring home Kathleen
, on the way in the house Davis asks Kimto marry him. She says yes.
Kept repeating. Slow moving.
I loved the story how they tried to follow after God.
Kim newly divorced from Todd. Becomes pregnant with Todd’s business partner Davies. Davis had been admiring Kim, seen how badly Todd treated her. He moved into her GMAs house just to be close to her memory. Then her GMA dies and when Kim shows up at the house she finds him there. She has to tell him she’s pregnant with his child from there one night stand. Neither of them normally did that kind of thing and wanted to do things right from here on out. So he stayed in the stables. They went to church together, she wanted to open a house riding business so they went to look at houses and bought some. She went into labor 3 months early. She had the baby had to stay in the hospital. Davis held Kim in the chapel after seeing the baby. Kim was scared. They prayed for peace. Davis took care of the farm and got help from a brother and sister to feed the horses. Kim is finally able to bring home Kathleen
, on the way in the house Davis asks Kimto marry him. She says yes.
October 14, 2023
Don't you just love it when a one-night stand turns into so much more? This novel is filled with so much sweetness it made me just want to hold my spouse. What a dude, what a guy, we need more Davis men in the world, too many selfish jacks only in it for themselves, I'm looking at you Todd.
There are so many godly moments sprinkled in this book that make me reflect, like "Sometimes it was hard to discern the will of the Lord, and then other times, He opened up the door so wide it was impossible not to get sucked through." Ain't that so true?
I didn't like how the narrative later got switched to all these different points of view, but I understood that it was to introduce characters that would appear in later books.
Still, read this book if you just need a feel-good dose of faith, second chances, and God working things out for your good stuff. And to my daughters, if you ever get to read this review sometime in the future, please find a man like Davis, apart from the one-night stand bit though.
There are so many godly moments sprinkled in this book that make me reflect, like "Sometimes it was hard to discern the will of the Lord, and then other times, He opened up the door so wide it was impossible not to get sucked through." Ain't that so true?
I didn't like how the narrative later got switched to all these different points of view, but I understood that it was to introduce characters that would appear in later books.
Still, read this book if you just need a feel-good dose of faith, second chances, and God working things out for your good stuff. And to my daughters, if you ever get to read this review sometime in the future, please find a man like Davis, apart from the one-night stand bit though.
August 6, 2023
Kim had been through the wringer with her ex-husband who had mistreated her, cheated on her, and then had cast her aside for his younger, pregnant girlfriend. His business partner, Davis, had been disgusted by these actions and had begun the process of dissolving their business relationship. After the divorce, Davis invited Kim to spend time with him and it led to a wonderful connection but one sinful evening that resulted in Kim’s becoming pregnant. This book was about Kim’s efforts to get her head on straight and her life together as well as Davis’ efforts to win Kim’s heart, marry her, and form a lasting family with her and their expected child. More and more these days it seems that this kind of story is happening in real life and this book contains some wisdom about how to respond as a Christian. I really enjoyed it and learned from it! I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
August 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this first book in the new Strawberry Sands series. Kim's life is a mess - a very nasty divorce where her husband told everyone that she took him to the cleaners where in reality she got left with nothing other than a run down property she inherited. Her adult daughter was living the other side of the country wanting Kim to send her money. An unplanned hook up after the divorce with her husband's business partner (which she knew was wrong) but left her pregnant. However to top it all off, having nowhere else to live but the property at Strawberry Sands, she finds it has been rented out - and not just to anyone but to Davis the father of her baby (which he doesn't know about). Davis isn't there by accident, while he regrets things went too far, he wants to be in a relationship with Kim. Add in some horses, some medical incidents, some kids with sketchy backgrounds and you get a very entertaining yet thoughtful read. I received an ARC but this review is my own.
August 17, 2023
I loved this start to a new series where Kim a forty-year old divorcee who is pregnant after a one-night stand with Davis, her ex-husband's business partner arrives in Strawberry Sands to rest and recover from her divorce in the house she inherited from her adoptive mother. She finds Davis living there when she arrives. Since he signed a lease, she allows him to stay in the loft apartment in the stables. He wants to marry Kim but she has trust issues after her bitter divorce. He also finds out that she is pregnant with his child. When the baby is born prematurely, their friendship grows. Do they get married and does Kathleen, their baby, survive? You will have to read the book to find out. The characters are wonderful and the small town of Strawberry Sands has loveable and caring residents. I highly recommend this book and the audiobook. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 16, 2023
Kim moved to a cottage that she inherited from her grandmother after her divorce from her husband Todd. The cottage is located in Strawberry Sands. Davis use to be a partner of Kim’s husband but didn’t agree with how he was treating Kim. Davis also ends up in Strawberry Sands. This is a beautiful story of love, forgiveness, caring, and hope. I love Jessie Gussman’s books because she brings God to the forefront in her stories. This book is such a beautiful start to a new series. I am in love with this series already. Fantastic job by Jessie Gussman. I have read every one of her books and I have never been disappointed. All of her books are amazing. If you are looking for a new author to read you need to check out her books, you will love them. I highly recommend this book and all other books by this author. “I received ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.”
July 17, 2023
Kim had been married to Todd and they had a daughter named Alyssa. Todd decided he wanted a younger wife so here comes the divorce. Kim had tried everything to keep the marriage going but it takes two. During a weak moment she gets with Todd’s partner in business Davis who is really a caring individual.
Her mother has just passed away and she inherits her mother’s house. When she arrives she finds someone already living there. Kim has been through so much even with her daughter moving to L.A. and not being very responsible. Davis would really like to help Kim out but she just has a hard time trusting anyone.
Jessie has a way of grabbing your attention from the very beginning and keeping you wanting more of these sweet stories.
I received this ARC from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Her mother has just passed away and she inherits her mother’s house. When she arrives she finds someone already living there. Kim has been through so much even with her daughter moving to L.A. and not being very responsible. Davis would really like to help Kim out but she just has a hard time trusting anyone.
Jessie has a way of grabbing your attention from the very beginning and keeping you wanting more of these sweet stories.
I received this ARC from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 29, 2023
Newly out of a bad relationship and facing the consequences of a most uncharacteristic night in the aftermath, Kim is ready to swear off men and set up a new life for herself and her coming daughter. But when she reaches the house her mother left her, where she'd been intending to live, she finds herself unexpectedly greeted by Davis, her baby's father. Davis has felt guilty for their sin for months, but at the same time has longed to get to know Kim better - and renting her mother's house seemed the only way. He never expected her to come planning to live there as her only option. Can Strawberry Sands be a new start for them both - together?
This was a heart-warming start to what looks like it's going to be a delightful series. Given that we've been introduced to a bunch of secondary characters, I'm assuming that these are going to get their own books, and probably appear in each other's books too? In which case, this is definitely going to be a series best read as a series. And it's going to be worth reading, of course. I appreciated the way that Davis, while having his own hopes as to how things would go with Kim, was happy to be there for her and do what she needed at the time. A good read with promise of more to come. Recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
This was a heart-warming start to what looks like it's going to be a delightful series. Given that we've been introduced to a bunch of secondary characters, I'm assuming that these are going to get their own books, and probably appear in each other's books too? In which case, this is definitely going to be a series best read as a series. And it's going to be worth reading, of course. I appreciated the way that Davis, while having his own hopes as to how things would go with Kim, was happy to be there for her and do what she needed at the time. A good read with promise of more to come. Recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
August 4, 2023
Kim is so lost - her mother had died. Prior to that she told her that she wasn't her mother and introduced her to her birth parents. She has an almost adult daughter, and an ex husband who abandoned her. And, she's pregnant with her ex husband's partner's child. Her aunt has taken her mother's home in Blueberry Beach, and she decided to move to her mom's cabin in Strawberry Sands.
Little does she know that Davis (remember - ex husband's partner) is renting the cabin...
I love that this is such a tender love story. Kim has such high standards and has Davis move so they don't appear to be living together. I truly appreciated that. I love Davis' character. He is willing to do anything to assist Kim. He hasn't known about the baby prior to this meeting, and supports her in every way. What a beautiful couple. This book is well written and a great start to a new series!
Little does she know that Davis (remember - ex husband's partner) is renting the cabin...
I love that this is such a tender love story. Kim has such high standards and has Davis move so they don't appear to be living together. I truly appreciated that. I love Davis' character. He is willing to do anything to assist Kim. He hasn't known about the baby prior to this meeting, and supports her in every way. What a beautiful couple. This book is well written and a great start to a new series!
August 9, 2023
Enjoyed Kim and Davis' story. I loved the Blueberry Beach series, so getting the first book of the Strawberry Sands series was like glimpsing at old friends. Kim was moving into her Mom, Ivy May's cottage at Strawberry Sands, after Ivy May passed and her sister railroaded herway into taking possession of the house in Blueberry Beach from Kim. Kim had been dealing with a divorce and needed to figure out her future while she prepared for her baby. Davis loved Kim from afar and after her divorce was final, he made every effort to help Kim rediscover her worth. I sat up way later than I should have. I just had to know the ending. If you like clean heartfelt stories with a second chance for happiness, you will enjoy 'There I Find Rest.' I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
August 9, 2023
A story of handling struggles from choices by you and others
Kim is divorced, alone, and pregnant. Her mother recently died and the home she thought she would inherit went to an aunt instead. Her nineteen year old daughter is estranged from her. The divorce, she did not want, left her with little financially. And one poor choice left her pregnant. Now she has moved to Strawberry Sands where her mother did leave her a house, only to find that her ex-husband’s business partner, Davis, had rented it months earlier. When Davis discovers Kim is pregnant with his child, he determines to take care of them both. Still to move forward they will need to determine their relationship, start a new business, handle Kim’s ex, and support each other as their baby comes prematurely. Please note this book is a Christian themed novel and has doctrinal discussion.
Kim is divorced, alone, and pregnant. Her mother recently died and the home she thought she would inherit went to an aunt instead. Her nineteen year old daughter is estranged from her. The divorce, she did not want, left her with little financially. And one poor choice left her pregnant. Now she has moved to Strawberry Sands where her mother did leave her a house, only to find that her ex-husband’s business partner, Davis, had rented it months earlier. When Davis discovers Kim is pregnant with his child, he determines to take care of them both. Still to move forward they will need to determine their relationship, start a new business, handle Kim’s ex, and support each other as their baby comes prematurely. Please note this book is a Christian themed novel and has doctrinal discussion.
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