Someone to Watch Over Me

by Michelle Stimpson

Tori Henderson is on the fast track in her marketing career in Houston, but her personal life is slow as molasses. So when her beloved Aunt Dottie falls ill, Tori travels back to tiny Bayford to care for her. But when she arrives, she's faced with more than she bargained for, including Dottie's struggling local store and a troubled little step-cousin, DeAndre. Worse, the nearest Starbucks is twenty miles away...Just as Tori is feeling overwhelmed, she re-connects with her old crush, the pastor's son, Jacob, who is as handsome as Tori remembers. As the church rallies for Aunt Dottie's recovery, Aunt Dottie rallies to remind Tori of God's love. And when Tori and DeAndre form an unexpected bond, and sparks fly between her and Jacob, small-town life starts looking promising. Tori came to Bayford to give, but she just might receive more than she dreamed was still possible for her...

"Michelle Stimpson does a wonderful job of creating characters that are believable and loveable. The "Divas of Damascus Road" will make you laugh, cry and laugh some more." -Good Girl Book Club

Genres: Christian, Christian Fiction, Fiction

Audio CD

First published June 1, 2010

About the author

Hello, Goodreads community! I'm Michelle Stimpson, and storytelling is my heartbeat. I've found my calling in penning heartwarming women's fiction that offers a seat at the table of family, humor, and hope. As an author, my greatest joy comes from crafting narratives that resonate with anyone seeking to find laughter and light in the pages of a good book. My tagline, 'Read. Love. Repeat.', is a promise of the emotional journey I aim to provide—engaging stories you’ll love and yearn to revisit.

Happy Reading

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stimpson.mi...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleStim...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michellestimp...

Reviews

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing story of finding home. I knew I had to read this book because of my experience of reading Boaz Brown several years ago. So loved that book that I have re-read it 3 or 4 times since then. In this book, Tori is not a woman who need t be redeemed from a life of crime and drugs, she's just someone that feels thrown away. Mainly, she leads her succcessful life with routine. A chance phone call to her Aunt Dottie has her traveling to the small town where she went to high school to take care of her ailing Aunt Dottie. There, Tori must face everyone who knows her and all of her business. It's also where she meets Jacob Carter again. And the Pastor's son is now a pastor himself.
I won't reveal the whole story. Just know that if you like a good story about the vastness of God and His Word,you will love this book. It's not preachy but it will make you want to pick up the Bible a read a few chapters.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expertly written and has a solid message of family, redemption and love. Most definitely one of the best Christian fiction reads I've completed this year.

[Iambrown Skinned · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say about this book? It’s sad that I know someone like every character in this book. Anywho I enjoyed this one.

[Carol Hornsby-mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I love seeing how we make plans for our life and God steps in and shows us what his plans are. What a might God we serve. We are all babies in Christ. Seeking and waiting for his guidance to lead us where he wants us to be. Lord keep your hand on each of us and in our lives that all our steps are ordered by you.

[Chandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like a 4.5. I enjoyed Tori’s growth and how her eyes opened up to the true situation. Turning every aspect of your life to God means seeing and accepting situations as they are and making decisions. Happily ever after endings are not always possible, yet growth is! God’s will is always a good ending.

Aunt Dottie’s legacy will continue on through generations. DeAndre is the average boy with lots of energy and not enough people to have patience with him. Until, Tori and Jacob. Deandre was a great way to humble Tori as this was her story. He is the son she lost, giving her the chance she never thought she would have.

The story moved a little slow for me at a few points. Tori and Kevin’s relationship had a few predictable moments...yet it fit. They helped me in my current situation. Tori knew the relationship wasn’t right, yet she wouldn’t make a decision...he had to. Why? Stand firm in your wants, desires and know what you want and where you want to go. Voice your truth.

[Destiny Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book for just 25 cents at my library’s book sale, and it was worth far more than that. The story was beautifully written, and as I read, I found myself deeply reflecting on God’s love, His protection, and the importance of taking everything to Him in prayer. The author wove Christ into the story so seamlessly that it felt like a devotional wrapped in fiction. I loved the characters, but Cassandra was my favorite as her character had me laughing and smiling during her dialogue. There were a few minor grammatical errors, but they didn’t take away from the message or the joy I felt while reading. I laughed, smiled, and was reminded of the depth of God’s care for us. This book truly blessed me.

[Keesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I am still thinking about Tori, DeAndre, Jacob and Aunt Dottie, like they are real people. I think a book has really done its job when one feels connected to the characters and cares about what happens to them. I also loved how Tori grew during the book and found victory in her growth with God, her relationships and even her career. Great effort!

[Dawn “D-Love” · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Faith is Possible

It is true your life can be average one day and totally flipped 360 out of control the next. Having faith and believing God’s word will never fail you. This book was totally about having faith and believing all God wants for you is the best. Even if you are doubtful still trust and believe. God never fails.

[S. LaRue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Reminder

I know this was a fictional book... But, it was such a wonderful reminder of how much God loves His children and wants us to trust Him in everything! The prayers and statements can easily be applied to oneself. Absolutely loved this book.

[Desiree Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise the Lord!

Ms. Stimpson has a talent for making readers take notice of a great storyline and the power of God's Word! I haven't enjoyed a novel as much as I enjoyed "Someone To Watch Over Me" in a good while. Thank you, Michelle!

[Letha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story about a successful woman returning to a small town in Texas to care for her aunt who fell ill. In the process, she finds true love and how to slow down. Good characters and lots of laughs.

[Dahlia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I probably would have enjoyed this book better if I read it instead of listening to it as the person reading it, didn't hit the mark for me. So in essence purchase a paperback copy and skip the audio version.

Happy reading.

[AlegnaB † · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.0 - I didn’t care much for this. It was rather boring, and at times there was too much information of a sexual nature.

[Kiwanna Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book...glad she got rid of that horrible good for nothing bf..and also I loved her lil cousin

[Mira Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well written. The story line kept me wanting to keep turning the pages. I love this author’s work since reading Boaz Brown and Divas of Damascus Road.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the African American family drama. It wasn’t heavy duty or obnoxious at all. Very well written with the love of God in the midst of it all.

[Beauty in the Binding · Rating 3 out of 5]

After an emergency surgery and several lonely days in the hospital, Tori Henderson has a new view on life. Her boyfriend's lack of affection and her co-workers' lack of sensitivity leave Tori seeking the one source of unconditional love that she has ever known – her Aunt Dottie. To her surprise and dismay, Aunt Dottie has fallen ill. Tori immediately travels to the small town of Bayford to care for her aunt and, at Dottie's request, relunctantly agrees to temporarily take over Dottie's struggling business. Balancing the business and trying to telecommute for her job in Houston proves difficult. Add in supervising her step-cousin, DeAndre, and a budding romance with a former crush and Tori has her hands full. When things seem overwhelming, Tori is faced with a choice. Will she accept the unconditional love offered by God? Can she trust him to guide her and work all things for her good? Or will she leave behind the small-town life in pursuit of big city promises?

The characters of Someone to Watch Over Me by Michelle Stimpson were unique and well-developed. Tori's spiritual development and personal progress felt authentic. I appreciated the theme about unconditional love. Stimpson masterfully demonstrated that when we receive unconditional love from God, we are able to extend that love to others who will be drawn to the acceptance associated with love. Unfortunately, I felt like detailed foreplay between Tori and her boyfriend was inappropriate and unnecessary as it did not contribute to the story. In addition to that, I don't think a book that is marketed as Christian fiction should show the top part of the character's breasts on the front cover.

Someone to Watch Over Me has a beautiful message about unconditional love, but should be read with discretion and may not be appropriate for younger readers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kensington Publishers via FIRST Wild Card Blog Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story of a woman who had everything in Houston that she could possibly want--a good job, a handsome live-in boyfriend, a nice apartment, a fancy car-everything but love. Then one day she was called to help an aunt, the aunt who took her in years ago when she was a pregnant teen whose parents were afraid of how her pregnancy would reflect on them. This aunt is probably the only person who ever showed her unconditional love. Her plan was to get things settled in that small town and then head back to real life, but...

The book is African-American Christian fiction. As a European-American I found it interesting at one point when the characters were discussing whether to hire a particular person, it was mentioned that she was White, whereas the store owners and clientele were Black. It was said that people around here weren't too confident in the cleanliness of White folks and might not want her handling their food. That was the only real White-bashing I recall though.

It is traditional Christian fiction in that it is a spiritual commitment that brings forth the other changes in Tori's life. There are a lot of spiritual discussions and one that hit me between the eyes was when Tori asked a minister something to the effect of "What if you don't want to change?". Since I'm dealing with that right now--something I know should be changed, but not something I really want to change--I found his advice helpful. In a nutshell, she said keep praying and reading scriptures and one day you would want to change.

I short, it's a well-written novel with some romance and some life-appraisal, but definitely on the religious side of the fiction world. Grade: B.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary review copy.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

really found myself being swept away with this story. Once I started reading it I really couldn't put it down. Tori Henderson is a character that you can easily envision and connect with.She is someone that is really career oriented,while she has a boyfriend he doesn't want a commitment and Tori has started thinking about family, and not just that she has sort of grown away from God.It was easy to feel empathy for her when she winds up in the hospital to have her appendix removed and she has no one to come see her or take her home. While home recovering from her surgery she decides to reconnect with her aunt Dottie whom her parents had hoisted her off on when Tori wound up pregnant at fifteen. When Tori learns that Dottie has had a stroke she decides to take a few days and drive to Bayford to see just how her aunt is. Once she arrives she learns her aunt will need help and Tori decides to stay and help her, and while things aren't easy a little boy named DeAndre and a handsome preachers son has her hoping for something more than what she left behind in Houston.

I loved the small town feel of this book. The plot moved at a good pace and never became boring. I thought the character development was also well done, we easily see Tori grow and change as the story unfolds. There are discussion questions included with this story which would make it perfect for book clubs. Michelle Stimpson is a new to me author whose writing style has totally hooked me making me anxious to read more of her work.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recently I read Someone to watch over me by Michelle Stimpson. Over all it was a good book. Very very very beachy, well actually it'd be better for a long car ride. That's when I read most of it anyway. Basically, the main character Tori is living the high life. She has an amazing job, and amazing condo and a not so amazing boyfriend. The boyfriend, who's name I don't even remember, is just a butt. Now I understand that some people are really not the marrying kind but still. Lets call this boyfriend the butt Kevin because I think that's what he was named. Anyway Kevin travels a lot for his work, and is really not around for Tori when she needs him.

So after Tori has some sort of medical emergency, and releases that she has no friends, no family, and no loved ones in town, AND after hearing that her beloved Aunt Dottie has had a stroke, Tori moves back to a small town and realizes how different life can be.

Over all, I really liked Someone to watch over me. Granted it was predictable, but then again isn't most chick lit? It also did have a very strong Christian theme. However as someone who does believe in a religion, it wasn't hard to relate, it was just some what overbearing at times. But looking into who the author is, I have realized that she is a very prominent christian writer. All in all, Someone to watch over me is a pretty enjoyable book, but only if you enjoy or can overlook certain facts.


www.liveittothefullest.com

[Evangeline · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was sorely disappointed with Someone to Watch Over Me. It's synopsis made it sound like a promising read, but I couldn't wait to finish reading it and get on to the next book. Don't get me wrong. I did not spot any grammar or punctuation errors and most of the characters had rounded personalities. But, the plot was too systematic and I did not like that. There were no surprises and twists in the story. I could easily guess how everything would turn out. This bored me very quickly.
This book was written in casual English and there were a number of colloquial expression. I thought that the colloquial expression, "rocket science", was used way too often. The fact that I did not understand what it meant and had to Google to find out did not help matters. Another expression, "having a cow", was also used and I wondered why was it wrong to rear a cow. Maybe these expressions are familiar to people in certain circles, but as an international reader, I had trouble understanding them.
Overall, Someone to Watch Over Me might possibly make an interesting read for those who prefer stories that doesn't stimulate the mind, but as a reader who likes thrilling stories, I got tired of it very quickly.

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reflecting HIM by Carla McDougal is an excellent Bible study for women. It is a ten-week study that encourages us to see God throughout the day, in the middle of our daily activities.

Carla McDougal makes this study very practical for women. We are so very busy with our daily routines, that we find it hard to find time with God. This book is designed to teach us how to see the lessons God has for us in our day-to-day life. Every day. We just need to invite Him into each

In the book you will find helpful information in each chapter. Real Life Facts, Scripture Excavation and Hidden Treasures are just a few of the tools found in each chapter. The author also shares a bit of her own experiences. You will be motivated to see God in the every-day and walk in the Spirit... not in the flesh. If you're looking a great Bible study... this is an excellent choice.

*I received this book from Kathy Carlton Willis Communications in exchange for my honest review. You can check out their website at www.kathycarltonwillis.com. ~Thanks! :)

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was truly a story of a person finding themselves, and giving their life to the Lord. Loved how Tori's whole opinion of DeAndre turns around. She doesn't do children? She does appreciate all that Aunt Dottie has done for her. You'll love the response of the whole town on how they feel about Aunt Dottie!
Tori has to decide whether or not to continue her relationship with Kevin, or spend her time in Bayford TX. She is really good at her job in Houston, and seems to be enjoying her life? A chance encounter sets her mind thinking...she is told that when she dies her fellow employees will come to her funeral and then go out to lunch. Their lives go on, she is done?
I enjoyed this book and would have given it a 5 star except, after Tori became a Christian she spent the night in bed with Kevin. She should have gone to a hotel.
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher Dafina Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It was smart and very well written and I enjoyed the dialog between the characters. I also really enjoyed the storyline. Even though Tori had several real issues to deal with, including her trifling man, her mother, scheming coworkers and a whole lot of baggage in the past, she was never whiny.I kept wondering how things would work out with her job and her relationships, and Stimpson manages to tie it up well. Character development was on point and I could really get into DeAndre, and the hot pastor and even the mean grandaunt. Tori comes to discover herself and God at a natural pace and you can see the change from who she is at the start of the novel to who she is at the end.

I definitely would reccommend this novel and I am looking forward to more from Stimpson.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I loved watching Tori grow spiritually. There was a little bit of predictability to this story, especially in regards to Kevin. And I must admit that, as a white woman, some of the dialogue was a bit lost on me, but I could get the general meaning based on the context. That was enough to keep my frustration level very low and my enjoyment level very high. Overall, I found myself happily reading, and even tearing up in a couple of spots. I would highly recommend this to fans of Christian literature.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it started off a little slow to me even with the fast forward from childhood to adult beginning. But once it picked up I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the journey of Tori's personal and spiritual growth. She had a lot going for herself and seemed to be selling herself short relationship wise. I'm glad she had the opportunity to get a new outlook on life and renew her spirituality and knowlegde of the Lord.

[Scarletredish Rack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read. Made for a great companion as I listened to the Audio book on a seven (7) hour drive. This was a totally different experience because my imagination took over as I listened to the story and observed how my mind captured, processed the verbal text in my mind's eye resulting in my own perception of the different characters.

Very refreshing story.

TSD
www.thescarletredishrack.wordpress.com

[Karen]

Book 5: Someone to Watch over Me by Michelle Stimpson
Tori made a mistake as a teenager and were sent to live with Aunt Dottie. Tori life was her work, until she became sick. Being in the hospital she did not receive any visits, not even from her boyfriend. Tori reconnected with her Aunt Dottie. Aunt Dottie had a stroke and Tori helped to nurse her back to health. We might get everything we want, but God gives us what we need!!!!

[Patriciaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I call gentle Christian fiction. Stimpson demonstrates how God speaks sometimes via circumstances and through time to gently nudge our hearts toward his. She also leaves readers wondering what's next for Tori and Jacob and the people of Bayford, TX. Might there be a book 2?

[Latoya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It got so good to me I stayed up last night to finish it.