User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
When I saw this was a “recommended book” from the library, I grabbed it even though it’s not really my style.
I wish I hadn’t. The prose is like a breathy (Christian) harlequin, and the story was so predictable that I guessed the end by the end of the first chapter. When I started reading it, I actually thought it might be a little racy, but the craziest it got was a kiss and many, many bible verses.
The characters were not particularly well-developed,and they changed their tune way too fast. This is true of relationships between characters, relationships between God, and heck, even the dog. If you told me this was an Amish bodice ripper, I would believe you. I am shocked this was recommended by the library. It’s easily the stupidest book I’ve read this year.
Rating: really liked it
I really love two things when I read: Finding a new author, and being able to start the first book in a new series. That was exactly the case with
Lean on Me. Discovering the author, Pat Simmons, through the pages of this book was quite rewarding.
Tabitha Knicely and Marcus Whittington cross paths. She is a busy pharmaceutical rep who is now caring for her aunt who is suffering from Alzheimers. Marcus has his own business and he hires men who need a second chance, and that includes ex-cons. The way they meet is that someone keeps landing on Marcus's doorstep. The woman happens to be Tabitha's Aunt Tweet and it doesn't take long before Tabitha and Marcus meet.
So we have three principal characters in this book, Tabitha, Marcus and the wonderful Aunt Tweet. Marcus sees a real need when it comes to Tabitha and her aunt, although at first he was concerned that Tabitha was shirking her responsibilities in her role as a caregiver.
I so loved this book. It was touching in both an emotional and spiritual way. Marcus and Tabitha start off as friends, but their growth has a solid background when it comes to faith. This was not the turn I expected when reading this book, but I was floored by how much this book touched my soul. This is the first book in the Family is Forever series, and I will definitely be looking out for the next book,
Here for You, which is scheduled to release in September.
Meanwhile, as time permits, I will be perusing Ms. Simmons backlist for more inspiring reads. I rarely get the opportunity read AA characters, and with the addition of faith, her novels are definitely for me.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Rating: really liked it
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Lean On Me
Family Is Forever #1
By: Pat Simmons
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟,
On a personal note: I never considered the daily trials of caregiving until my husband became a caregiver for his terminally ill 80 year old father. For the better part of a year, he went shopping, cooked and fed, groomed and bathed, tidied the house, fed a million cats, mowed the yard, paid the bills, did pharmacy runs, back and forth to doctor appointments, spent countless nights in hospital rooms and worked a full time job. His father died over a year ago, and since then, he has been the primary caregiver for his elderly widowed mother. He never gets a break and never slows down. He can't because she is extremely needy and more and more confused every day. I'm frustrated for him, and helpless to change it.
When I began reading Lean On Me, I knew immediately that this book showed up in my mailbox at exactly the right time. I felt so much sympathy and sorrow for Tabitha and Aunt Tweet from the start. Initially, I disliked Marcus, but I also understood that he didn't understand, yet. Later, I knew Marcus's frustration at the entire situation as the same I had felt many times. No one wants this, and the lack of control is disconcerting and causes anger to surface easily. Giving the situation over to God, trusting the course unfolding before you is the correct one, even, or especially, when it feels like the worst road you could possibly walk, is all you can do-with one exception. Tabitha and Marcus open their hearts to the possibility of love, acceptance, forgiveness and, dare they dream, of happiness. I loved watching these characters grow in faith, love and acceptance. It reminded me to be open to the possibilities in my own life. Although it's frustrating and grey at times, better days are on the horizon. Lean On Me is a beautiful moving story written by a truly talented author who speaks to the heart with her words. I am looking forward to the next book in the Family Is Forever series.
Rating: really liked it
No caregiver should ever have to go it alone...pretty much sums up the most powerful emotional punch in Pat Simmons’s
LEAN ON ME. There is also a wonderful growing romance that starts out on a very, VERY bad foot as well as a message to lean on one’s faith, as well as those around us. Being a caregiver under any circumstance is beyond difficult and on the surface, this book does address the toll it takes on everyone involved.
As a person who has been the sole caregiver for more than one family member through dementia and/or cancer, I can say that there is a reality disconnect in this tale. I found it interesting that Marcus, a professed Christian and believer in giving second chances, he jumps to the conclusion that the elderly lady who has shown up on his doorstep several times is being abused and acts in the most unchristian-like manner.
Tabitha and her sisters had decided to shuttle their aunt between their homes to care for her and clearly had no idea what they were getting into. Money was not the problem, so I am not sure how they thought this would be a good situation for a woman whose memories are failing.
That said, it is a pleasant read, and does give a surface-level story of the trials of caregiving and the blessing of faith. Finding love when one least expects it IS a lovely bonus.
I was invited to read a complimentary ARC edition by Sourcebooks Casablanca! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Family is Forever - Book 1
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (January 7, 2020)
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Genre: Women's Fiction | Romance
Print Length: 288 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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Rating: really liked it
This is a terrible book. One dimensional characters, stilted dialogue and poor prose. What could make it worse? Shoe-horning in bible passages. Yes, it does that too.
This is one of the worst books I’ve ever attempted to read. No redeeming features at all.
Rating: really liked it
Lean On Me (Family is Forever) Pat Simmons
Tabitha Knicely is overwhelming from taking care of her Aunt Tweet. Aunt Tweet has dementia and is getting worse. Tabitha's sisters and her made a pact to take turns caring for their great aunt. Tabitha is the second sister to get her aunt. The sisters refused to put their aunt in a nursing facility. Tabitha had to literally give up her life to care for her great aunt
Marcus Whittington is a neighbor that has accused Tabitha of elderly neglect. He threatened to call the police on her which adds to her frustrations. In the end, Marcus sees how Tabitha and Aunt Tweet relate up close and now understands those frustrations.
This book gave me a romantic flair that I enjoyed it. I loved the book cover. It is so beautiful. The title was on point because Tabitha needed Marcus to lean on. Family is forever and the characters in the story prove that point. The characters were relatable, funny, honest, and caring except for Geneva and Renee. The empowering love story has its twists and turns that you didn't really know what's coming. The dialogue was on point. The story line went smoothly and I could relate a lot. I like how the author, Pat Simmons, did her research on dementia and the different drugs and side effects Tabitha was trying to sell to doctors offices.
I really enjoyed the story. I cried, got mad, laughed, and got excited. I was on an emotional roller coaster throughout the story. Thanks for the wonderful ride.
Rating: really liked it
I chose this book because my local library recommended it but after finishing it, I'm not sure why.
I started skimming after the first chapter....it had promise - a niece caring for her aunt with dementia but holy heck - lack of character development, annoying flirtation with the neighbor that reminded me of high school. It is the worst book that I've read in 2020.
Rating: really liked it
Initially i was drawn to this book due to the story being based around a caregiver to her aunt who had Alzheimer's. I usually avoid books where faith and religion comes into a story, as i am far from a religious person. Nonetheless, this was an enjoyable read and one that i could relate to in many ways. I was a full time carer to my mother who had Alzheimer's. There were times when i felt i couldn't cope, but i did with the help of family support. Loved the romance aspect. Well worth a read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review, which i have voluntarily given.
Rating: really liked it
I read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. This is a sweet story (100% sweet) about family, alz/caregiving, faith, and romance. An honest look at the terrible disease that alz is but, other than that, this book is so sweet. Maybe too sweet? I enjoyed it but never had that "I can't wait to get back to my book" feeling. If you are looking for a feel good, happy, no suspense kind of book, this is it :)
Rating: really liked it
"Romantic, romantic, romantic--the chemistry between Tabitha and Marcus was real. Loved it. Also loved Aunt Tweet--the lovable woman whose memories are slipping away but whose imagination keeps spinning. When Marcus and Tabitha first meet sparks fly but not the romantic kind. But their true characters shine as God puts them to the test. Great read, romance and story of family.
Rating: really liked it
Being a caregiver for someone with dementia or Alzheimer's is not an easy task. I watched my mother care for my father and I know it took a lot of out her. But much like Tabitha, Kym, and Rachel, they all cared for the person with dementia and wanted to do what they could to make that person's life the best it could be under the circumstances.
This story has so many facets that it appeals to many on so many levels. There is caring for someone that is ill, finding love, rediscovering faith, some conflict, and a happily ever after ending.
Tabitha and Marcus don't start off on the right foot and he is very lucky that Tabitha didn't hold it against him. It was obvious that he was jumping to conclusions and assumptions regarding Aunt Tweet and Tabitha, but something was blinding him to the truth. I was glad they worked out their differences and discovered that they belonged together. Marcus is a true gentleman and treated Tabitha right.
Tabitha has a tough time managing Aunt Tweet and her job. I wanted to shake her and tell her to ask for help, more than the Adult Day Care that Aunt Tweet went to while she was at work. Tabitha seemed to think she was giving up by asking for help but considering how Aunt Tweet declined no one would have expected her to do it all on her own. There is some tension between Tabitha, Kym, and Rachel when they are discussing their aunt's care. It is hard to know what someone is going through until you spend some time in their shoes. There was a part of the book that I was angry at Kym and Rachel for their comments towards Tabitha.
I enjoyed watching the romance unfold between Tabitha and Marcus. I also cheered as Marcus grew as a man and not everything was as black and white as he thought it should be in his mind. I'm not fond of Marcus' brother, he is selfish and only looking out for himself.
There is one line in this book that really stood out:
"When it comes to forgiving others, we have to remember their walk, hardships, and mistakes in life may be different from our own. They may do things you never would, but Jesus says to forgive them."Overall this was a quick and fun read and we give it 4 paws up.
Rating: really liked it
I read this book for a book club I'm in and I'm so glad I did.
Pat Simmons has a way of making you invested in the characters from the very beginning. Add in some great secondary characters (who will be in subsequent books), and you have a perfect beginning to a new series. I look forward to reading more of her books.
Rating: really liked it
Pleasant Christian Novel SeriesThis is a simple pleasant Christian novel series. Two sisters share the care of their aunt Tweet who has Alzheimer's Disease. The book covers the way they balance work, care, a trust for the aunt, and health care. There's also a romance. Not much depth and get shallow but comforting and soothing for people in this position in life. There's also some romance. Hallmark Channel level.
Rating: really liked it
I can appreciate the efforts and intent of the author to convey the difficulties of being the one looking after a loved one with Alzheimer’s/PFD. I lost my dad a few years ago, and a lot of the issues mentioned are real. That being said, the religiousness and super-sappy love story is insipid in its offering and embarrassingly belabored. It got worse the further I read, gagging on school girl tripe, but I had to finish the book.
Rating: really liked it
This book was on Overdrive (HPL) as a Together We Read selection.. I’d had good luck with these in the past but not this time. This is a romance novel trying to pretend to be otherwise. In my opinion don’t waste your time if you aren’t into Romance novels.
