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Family Is Forever #1
Lean on Me
First in an emotional, poignant romantic women's fiction series by acclaimed inspirational romance author Pat Simmons.
No caregiver should ever have to go it alone...
Tabitha Knicely loves her career as a pharmaceutical rep, but even her health care knowledge isn't much help with the daily challenges she now faces caring for her aunt with Alzheimer's. Her once organized lifestyle is in disarray and her patience is tested. On Sunday mornings, when Aunt Tweet drags her to church, though Tabitha isn't a believer, the peaceful presence of faith is a welcome relief.
Marcus Whittington believes in second chances, so he hires former inmates to staff the industrial cleaning service he owns with his brother. When a mystery woman who keeps showing up on his porch turns out to be an elderly neighbor, Marcus is outraged at what he perceives as neglect on the part of her caregiver.
Marcus soon learns that being a caregiver is a demanding, compassionate act of kindness that he has never experienced before. After several encounters with Aunt Tweet and Tabitha, his heart is drawn to the family's distress. Marcus is determined to help Tabitha, and a friendship that started out with a grave misunderstanding soon begins to blossom into a relationship filled with love, faith, and partnership. Life is easier, when you have someone to lean on.
No caregiver should ever have to go it alone...
Tabitha Knicely loves her career as a pharmaceutical rep, but even her health care knowledge isn't much help with the daily challenges she now faces caring for her aunt with Alzheimer's. Her once organized lifestyle is in disarray and her patience is tested. On Sunday mornings, when Aunt Tweet drags her to church, though Tabitha isn't a believer, the peaceful presence of faith is a welcome relief.
Marcus Whittington believes in second chances, so he hires former inmates to staff the industrial cleaning service he owns with his brother. When a mystery woman who keeps showing up on his porch turns out to be an elderly neighbor, Marcus is outraged at what he perceives as neglect on the part of her caregiver.
Marcus soon learns that being a caregiver is a demanding, compassionate act of kindness that he has never experienced before. After several encounters with Aunt Tweet and Tabitha, his heart is drawn to the family's distress. Marcus is determined to help Tabitha, and a friendship that started out with a grave misunderstanding soon begins to blossom into a relationship filled with love, faith, and partnership. Life is easier, when you have someone to lean on.
260 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2020
About the author
Pat Simmons
101 books327 followersPat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author of forty-plus titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth who is passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She is a five-time recipient of the RSJ Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance: Still Guilty, Crowning Glory, The Confession, Christmas Dinner, and Queen’s Surrender (To A Higher Calling). Pat’s first inspirational women’s fiction, Lean On Me, with Sourcebooks, was the February/March Together We Read Digital Book Club pick for the national library system. Here for You and Stand by Me are also part of the Family is Forever series. Her holiday indie release, Christmas Dinner, and traditionally published, Here for You were featured in Woman’s World, a national magazine. Here for You was also listed in the “7 Great Reads That Help to Keep the Faith” by Sisters From AARP. She contributed an article, “I’m Listening,” in the Chicken Soup for the Soul: I’m Speaking Now (2021). Pat is the recipient of the 2022 Leslie Esdaile “Trailblazer” Award given by Building Relationships Around Books Readers’ Choice for her work in the Christian fiction genre.
As a Christian, Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country. Pat has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter. Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and has worked in radio, television, and print media for more than twenty years. She oversaw the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions for fourteen years. Visit her at www.patsimmons.net.
As a Christian, Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country. Pat has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter. Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and has worked in radio, television, and print media for more than twenty years. She oversaw the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions for fourteen years. Visit her at www.patsimmons.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
February 23, 2020
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.
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.
February 1, 2020
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.
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.
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January 27, 2020Thank 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.
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.
December 7, 2019
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
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
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
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 13, 2023
"Stop Fighting Against God's Perfect Will For Your Life and Surrender."
The three Knicely Sisters (Rachel, Tabitha, Kym) have all agreed to rotate by taking care of their Aunt Tweet who suffers from Alzheimer's.
In "Lean On Me", we learn that Tabitha is the middle Sister that is already "On Rotation" with Aunt Tweet; feeling that her multitasking skills as a Caregiver are being challenged in her own home. Between Tabitha fighting back choice words and the Brotherly Fella talks with Marcus and Demetrius Whittington this book is really quite an amusing Romance novel between neighbors.
Pat Simmons has Graciously authored this Endearing book bursting with so much Love, Faith, Fun, and all the struggles with Alzheimer's. It is indeed a Beautifully written Christian Romance novel to be shown as a model of True Chivalry. I have wanted to read a book from this Author for a great amount of time because Pat Simmons has written numerous Christian Romance novels. I was so Delighted with this novel and will continue to finish this entire series and follow the Journey of Aunt Tweet's Care with the other two Sisters, Rachel and Kym. Beautifully Written! ❣️
"When God Speaks to you, you Better listen. Don't worry about doing good for folks.
Let them live with the regrets, not you." - Aunt Tweet ❣️
The three Knicely Sisters (Rachel, Tabitha, Kym) have all agreed to rotate by taking care of their Aunt Tweet who suffers from Alzheimer's.
In "Lean On Me", we learn that Tabitha is the middle Sister that is already "On Rotation" with Aunt Tweet; feeling that her multitasking skills as a Caregiver are being challenged in her own home. Between Tabitha fighting back choice words and the Brotherly Fella talks with Marcus and Demetrius Whittington this book is really quite an amusing Romance novel between neighbors.
Pat Simmons has Graciously authored this Endearing book bursting with so much Love, Faith, Fun, and all the struggles with Alzheimer's. It is indeed a Beautifully written Christian Romance novel to be shown as a model of True Chivalry. I have wanted to read a book from this Author for a great amount of time because Pat Simmons has written numerous Christian Romance novels. I was so Delighted with this novel and will continue to finish this entire series and follow the Journey of Aunt Tweet's Care with the other two Sisters, Rachel and Kym. Beautifully Written! ❣️
"When God Speaks to you, you Better listen. Don't worry about doing good for folks.
Let them live with the regrets, not you." - Aunt Tweet ❣️
March 1, 2020
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.
This is one of the worst books I’ve ever attempted to read. No redeeming features at all.
January 1, 2020
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.
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.
March 5, 2020
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.
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.
January 3, 2020
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.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review, which i have voluntarily given.
January 6, 2020
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 :)
January 9, 2020
"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.
January 3, 2020
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.
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.
January 24, 2022
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.
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.
February 24, 2020
Pleasant Christian Novel Series
This 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.
This 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.
March 2, 2020
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.
February 28, 2020
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.
March 1, 2020
Overall, it's an important story about family and obligation told with a great deal of sentiment.
The narrative itself is pretty choppy, and the characters, dialogues and events are subordinate to the points Ms Simmons wishes to make.
The narrative itself is pretty choppy, and the characters, dialogues and events are subordinate to the points Ms Simmons wishes to make.
March 6, 2020
It should be marked as slow-moving Christian romance. If I had known the author would be pushing religion on the readers I wouldn't have read it. I started to read it because of the Big Library Read. I read one before that was surprisingly good. This one, however, was extremely slow. It starts out seeming like so many romance books but after 39% the plot hadn't progressed. I quit reading it then because I really didn't care about any of the characters and there are way better books out there to captivate my attention.
February 25, 2020
So poorly written
This is likely the most poorly written book I have ever read. The author clearly has things she wants to say, and just inserts them randomly or crams them in, making it difficult to understand what she is referring to and difficult to follow.
The first two-thirds are especially bad, but I'm glad I hung with it because the characters were endearing.
This is likely the most poorly written book I have ever read. The author clearly has things she wants to say, and just inserts them randomly or crams them in, making it difficult to understand what she is referring to and difficult to follow.
The first two-thirds are especially bad, but I'm glad I hung with it because the characters were endearing.
September 26, 2020
This book takes on the difficult topic of a dearly loved relative who is suffering from Alzheimer's. Three sisters, Tabitha, Kym, and Rachel, have taken on the task of caring for their beloved Aunt Tweet as she is descending into the chaos that is Alzheimer's. Each sister has agreed to take care of her at her own home for six months each. This story is about Tabitha and the challenges she faces as she tries to care for Aunt Tweet and at the same time, get used to a new job, which she needs if she is to afford to take care of her own life as well as Aunt Tweet's. Tabitha first runs into a neighbor when Aunt Tweet 'escapes' every morning and goes to sit on his porch. Marcus, who has no experience with people with that disease, accuses Tabitha of being neglectful and threatens to report her to the police for not taking better care of her aunt. Things change, fortunately, as Marcus starts to realize what the challenges are with Aunt Tweet, and he decides to be the one that Tabitha can lean on to help her deal with daily life. This is a good story and a very good depiction of what Alzheimer's is really like for the patient and the family.
April 1, 2020
3 1/2 Stars
This story deals with the tough topic of a caregiver’s struggles when taking care of a loved one with dementia. I thought the author handled it very well. Until you are in that situation, you just don’t have a clue what the caregivers go through. This fictional account did a good job of shedding light on it. Full review is at my website: LoraineNunley(dot)com
This story deals with the tough topic of a caregiver’s struggles when taking care of a loved one with dementia. I thought the author handled it very well. Until you are in that situation, you just don’t have a clue what the caregivers go through. This fictional account did a good job of shedding light on it. Full review is at my website: LoraineNunley(dot)com
January 7, 2023
Lean on Me
I enjoyed the story. I can't wait to read the next book to see what will happen to Aunt Tweet. I also want to know what's going to happen to Marcus' brother because he got on my last nerve. We all need a Marcus.
I enjoyed the story. I can't wait to read the next book to see what will happen to Aunt Tweet. I also want to know what's going to happen to Marcus' brother because he got on my last nerve. We all need a Marcus.
January 20, 2020
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie
Lean on Me was an inspirational story of a family in crisis. A tender look at the sacrifices made when caregiving for a loved one, Pat Simmons’ realistic prose will bring out a full range of emotions in her readers.
I’m so glad I started off reading Pat Simmons’ work with this book. As a former caregiver myself for eight years, I understood wholeheartedly the issues our heroine Tabitha and her two sisters, Rachel and Kym, faced. And I have to say that Simmons really painted a clear picture of the emotions Tabitha battled: guilt, sadness, exasperation, happiness; and she conveyed how complicated and awkward it can be when the roles are reversed and you are caring for someone who used to take care of you... Read More
Lean on Me was an inspirational story of a family in crisis. A tender look at the sacrifices made when caregiving for a loved one, Pat Simmons’ realistic prose will bring out a full range of emotions in her readers.
I’m so glad I started off reading Pat Simmons’ work with this book. As a former caregiver myself for eight years, I understood wholeheartedly the issues our heroine Tabitha and her two sisters, Rachel and Kym, faced. And I have to say that Simmons really painted a clear picture of the emotions Tabitha battled: guilt, sadness, exasperation, happiness; and she conveyed how complicated and awkward it can be when the roles are reversed and you are caring for someone who used to take care of you... Read More
March 4, 2020
I didn't read much of this one. It was too obvious what was going to happen.
May 28, 2020
A little too sappy and predictable for my taste, but I did really relate to main character when it came to the care of her aunt who has Alzheimer’s. It was comforting to read about someone going through similar circumstances - I could relate to so many of the situations she described. As a result, I plan to read the second book in this series as well.
December 18, 2019
Lean on Me covers a timely topic of adults as caregivers for family members who have illnesses that mean they are unable to care for themselves. Pat Simmons weaves a tale of a believer who automatically assumes when an elderly woman comes to him, unassisted, on several occasions, that she is being abused in some fashion. His actions, though, are a little tough and Tabitha feels the brunt of it. Tabitha and her sisters are managing to care for their aunt through three different residence rather than put her in a facility. They were not prepared, as with so many people today, who cannot ascertain the challenges that will faced with a woman whose memory is diminishing on a daily basis.
This is an emotional read that has threads of reality and sweet romance. I have followed Pat Simmons for the majority of her career, and this caregiver series is a wonderful addition to her library of work.
--USA Today Bestselling Author, Naleighna Kai
Thank you SourceBooks and NetGalley for this advance read.
This is an emotional read that has threads of reality and sweet romance. I have followed Pat Simmons for the majority of her career, and this caregiver series is a wonderful addition to her library of work.
--USA Today Bestselling Author, Naleighna Kai
Thank you SourceBooks and NetGalley for this advance read.
February 22, 2020
Great Book
Quite a wonderful book and it touches the human emotions and feelings surrounding a family use closest matriarch call influence ham and mentioned at the beginning of Alzheimer’s. It’s very difficult to read more than a few pages in this book without reflecting on it personally and the people in your life. This book is highly recommended by me.
Quite a wonderful book and it touches the human emotions and feelings surrounding a family use closest matriarch call influence ham and mentioned at the beginning of Alzheimer’s. It’s very difficult to read more than a few pages in this book without reflecting on it personally and the people in your life. This book is highly recommended by me.
February 28, 2020
I was on my library's Overdrive/Libby site, looking for a book, when I noticed that the nationwide reading program was ongoing. This used to be called the Big Library Read or something like that, but now is referred to as "Together We Read". It's a free download and you can read along with other digital readers across the US. I had always wanted to participate, but never read a book blurb that really interested me. This one did, and even though I was fairly into the reading period (Feb 19-Mar 4), I took a leap of faith and downloaded this book to my Kindle. Not only is the author new to me, but I was so pleasantly surprised that this sweet book contained a lot of elements of faith. Going to church, leading to a spiritual walk with the Lord for the hero and heroine, Scripture being cited, all contributed to the story. Tabitha is one of three sisters (this is the first of 3 in a series) who becomes a care giver for 6 months for her great-aunt Tweet. She and her sisters have lost their parents but have always been close to this aunt who never married and had children. Sadly, Aunt Tweet is suffering from Alzheimers and dementia, and Tabitha had no idea what being a caregiver entailed, in spite of being a pharmaceutical rep. She changes jobs, changes her life and takes in her aunt and assumes care for her, along with taking her to an adult type day care so she can work. Early on, Aunt Tweet wanders from their house onto a neighbors porch. Marcus is not amused to find the elderly lady in a big floppy red hat, constantly appearing on his porch. The story goes from there and has a lot of faith, as well as other redeeming factors. I thoroughly and surprisingly really enjoyed this one! So glad that the "Together We Read" would contain such an uplifting book with faith-based elements, such a joy to find :)
January 17, 2020
A new to me author. Tabitha and her sisters are taking turns caring for their elderly Aunt Tweet, who has dementia/Alzheimer's. Aunt Tweet is living with Tabitha for six months, and Tabitha is realizing being a caregiver is harder than it sounds. When Aunt Tweet manages to slip out of the house and wander the neighborhood, she sits on a neighbor's porch. He thinks Tabitha is not caring for her aunt properly and that her safety is at stake, and keeps threatening to call the police. So right off the bat, from their first meeting, we have two characters at odds with each other, which is one of my favorite ways for a book to start! Though I do like a little more bickering than what goes on here, but Tabitha also holds her tongue because she wants to appear to be doing well with Aunt Tweet, no matter how stressed she is, and doesn't want Marcus to carry out his threats.
I've never been a caregiver, and I hope I don't ever have to be. It sounds like hard work and stress inducing, no matter how much you love the person you're caring for. Tabitha took a lower paying job in order to not have to travel, and has rearranged her life for Aunt Tweet, but Tweet has been one of the most important people in her and her sisters' lives and they all adore her, so it's a sacrifice they are all willing to make.
And who can blame her? Aunt Tweet is delightful. And I very much liked Tabitha as well. She's strong and determined to do the best she can for her aunt. And when Marcus decided to appoint himself as Tabitha's caregiver, aw man, I was a goner. I only have a dog and a cat to care for, but I still need a Marcus!
This is a Christian book, so the romance is very clean, which was fine with me. I like the build up, and the relationship between Tabitha and Marcus moved along at a believable pace as they got to know each other better. There is also a subplot about two of the employees of the janitorial service Marcus runs with his brother, which gave a lot of insight into Marcus's character. And when Aunt Tweet suddenly decides she needs to go to church every week, Tabitha of course has to go with her, and then eventually Marcus joins them, and the sections with them at church were some of my favorites.
All around, this is a heartwarming story, and I'll never look at a caregiver the same way. Tabitha's younger sister, Rachel, gets to have Aunt Tweet with her for the next six months, and her story comes next, so there's that to look forward to!
I've never been a caregiver, and I hope I don't ever have to be. It sounds like hard work and stress inducing, no matter how much you love the person you're caring for. Tabitha took a lower paying job in order to not have to travel, and has rearranged her life for Aunt Tweet, but Tweet has been one of the most important people in her and her sisters' lives and they all adore her, so it's a sacrifice they are all willing to make.
And who can blame her? Aunt Tweet is delightful. And I very much liked Tabitha as well. She's strong and determined to do the best she can for her aunt. And when Marcus decided to appoint himself as Tabitha's caregiver, aw man, I was a goner. I only have a dog and a cat to care for, but I still need a Marcus!
This is a Christian book, so the romance is very clean, which was fine with me. I like the build up, and the relationship between Tabitha and Marcus moved along at a believable pace as they got to know each other better. There is also a subplot about two of the employees of the janitorial service Marcus runs with his brother, which gave a lot of insight into Marcus's character. And when Aunt Tweet suddenly decides she needs to go to church every week, Tabitha of course has to go with her, and then eventually Marcus joins them, and the sections with them at church were some of my favorites.
All around, this is a heartwarming story, and I'll never look at a caregiver the same way. Tabitha's younger sister, Rachel, gets to have Aunt Tweet with her for the next six months, and her story comes next, so there's that to look forward to!
January 4, 2020
"Who takes care of you, Miss Knicely while you're trying to be strong for your aunt? Who has your back?"
What a great question and one that we often overlook. In society we tend to focus on the lives of the ill and elderly and not on their caregivers. Lean on Me, through a work of fiction, gave great insight into the stress and toll it takes on those that care for their loved ones. Through the three sisters we are able to see the lengths and sacrifices that each make to care for their beloved aunt. There is an extra layer to the story thanks to one of Tabitha's neighbors. And, of course, there is some romance along the way!
This was my first time reading a book by Pat Simmons and I must say it was right on time. I have a friend whose mother is currently going through the stages of dementia and I have been struggling with how to provide the correct support. Lean on Me is an excellent depiction of what happens when we show grace, understanding, and what it means to simply be there for the folks we claim to care about. As stated above this was my first time reading Simmons' work but I truly look forward to reading more!
What a great question and one that we often overlook. In society we tend to focus on the lives of the ill and elderly and not on their caregivers. Lean on Me, through a work of fiction, gave great insight into the stress and toll it takes on those that care for their loved ones. Through the three sisters we are able to see the lengths and sacrifices that each make to care for their beloved aunt. There is an extra layer to the story thanks to one of Tabitha's neighbors. And, of course, there is some romance along the way!
This was my first time reading a book by Pat Simmons and I must say it was right on time. I have a friend whose mother is currently going through the stages of dementia and I have been struggling with how to provide the correct support. Lean on Me is an excellent depiction of what happens when we show grace, understanding, and what it means to simply be there for the folks we claim to care about. As stated above this was my first time reading Simmons' work but I truly look forward to reading more!
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