Kevin "Kidd" Jamieson has a chip on his shoulder. How dare his father insist that his sons carry his last name when he did nothing but abandon his family? As far as he's concerned the Jamieson name is worthless and it shows as his anger seeps out into every area of his life and he carelessly leaves a trail of destruction wherever he goes.When Kidd receives an invitation from distant cousin, Parke Jamieson VI to visit family in St. Louis, he is hesitantly accepts. Initially he and Parke bump heads as Parke tries to share with him the Jamieson legacy and his faith. But when a series of events take place, involving a dog named Silent Killer, some Stacy Adams shoes, and a couple of women of faith, Kidd's raging storm is challenged.Will his bad boy attitude and hatred for the Jamieson name destroy Kidd? Or, will meeting his father's family and a few unexpected encounters break him?
Pat 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.
May I be frank? I'm aware of the stigma that African American literature, even in the Christian Fiction genre, has in many cases: the stigma that says the books must be poorly written, raunchy, or both. I can also presume, according to my experience as a brick-and-mortar bookstore shopper, that a novel like Guilty by Association, especially on account of its cover, would be shelved in a place other than the designated Christian Fiction section in some bookstores.
So, for the record, I must say that this novel by author Pat Simmons is indeed well-written, honestly expressed without resorting to vulgarity, and unequivocally Christian. Simmons's characters are human and relatable, dealing with human problems in this Jamieson family story that includes running themes of family genealogy as well as Black History. A lesson that Kidd Jamieson is taught about how to handle the value of the name he inherited is a most compelling piece of the novel.
Admittedly, even as a lover of Christian Fiction, I find that although countless Christians' lives (including my own) are chock-full of scriptures and church services, sometimes a novel's narrator or characters giving an abundance of scripture quotations or delivering large portions of sermons can start to weigh the story down. As with many themes, scenarios, and symbols used in fiction, I believe that less is often more, that deftly-developed biblical concepts or just a few choice scriptures can often pack a more potent punch, particularly the more critically-thinking and discerning the reader is.
Familial bonds and history, love and acceptance, romance--as a first-time reader of this author, I don't think Guilty by Association was at all a bad place for me to start. _________________ I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishers for an honest review.
Guilty by Association is an awesome read. When I started reading this book, I didn’t know what to expect. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book. But from the first page, I wanted to read more about the Jamieson family.
When Kidd finally meets his cousin Cameron and his brothers, he finally decides to move to Missouri to see what all the hype is about. Little did Parke and Malcolm know they would bump heads with Kidd. Kidd is just as reluctant as Parke and Malcolm, that’s until he meets Eva. In Guilty by Association you will find God, love and so much more in this book.
Okay, I didn't get read the guilty series in order I actually started off with Ace & Talise story first which was a awesome read by the way. I decided to back track to Eva & Kevin aka kidd 's story to see how much of a stoney heart kidd had before he got saved. I was so glad this couple went through their ups and downs and venture out in the other books and how they flourished on their Love. I Love the family and I Love the characters, Ms.Simmons you have an incredible gift, I'm looking forward to reading more of your books. God Bless you!!!!
As usual, I enjoyed reading my author's passion of love for God, love for family and the love of history. I always smile and glorify God for His amazing grace.
After reading this series, five books into and many other books written by this author I have a suspicion. I noticed that she in addition to her talent and imagination she has quite a wisdom, sharp-wit and a lot of humor.
Loved the story of Kevin *Kidd* and Eva. Their journey had some hurdles. Strong family unit which is odd as Kidd and Ace only have a mother, they were long ago abandoned by their father, Samuel. But God is able to our lifetimes of hurts and disappointments and give us a glorious testimony.
Kidd was a bad boy but nothing is too hard for God!
It's been a long time since I read the first four books,but I remembered everything once I started reading this book. Eva and Kidd were definitely made for each other!
In Guilty by Association by Pat Simmons, it shows that family will always be there in any time of need. Kidd Jamieson is a troubled kid living in Boston with his mother and little brother. Kidd has been holding onto anger toward his father for not taking a part in his life. Kidd’s anger has been blocking him from opportunities until his distant cousin makes an appearance. Cameron Jamieson sees the struggle within Kidd’s life and decides to help him discover that he is an 11th generation descendant of a royal African tribe. Kidd does not want anything to do with the Jamieson name but Cameron will take no for an answer. Cameron’s brother, Parke offers Kidd the opportunity to move to St. Louis to work. Kidd is not fond of the arrangements until he meets Eva. Will Kidd turn in his hard-core image for love?
Eva is a dedicated worker who is studying to become a nurse. When Eva meets Kidd, he offers to help her study for an exam by quizzing her. Eva feels a connection to Kidd but has strict expectations for the man that will become her mate. Eva cannot ignore her feelings for Kidd but can also not ignore Kidd’s behavioral problems. Will Eva give him a chance?
Guilty by Association is about family and new beginnings. This book expressed a clear understanding about family support and that you do not have to carry the burden alone. The Jamieson family is a spiritually oriented family that readers will be able to relate to. This book was entertaining and provided a clear and consistent storyline. I cannot wait to read book two in this series. I recommend Guilty by Association to others.
This book was provided by TyWebbin Creations for review purposes.
Summary: Kidd Jamieson grew up without a father in his life. He struggles and displays resentment toward the mentioning of his father name or even his father's family name. His close friend is killed and Kidd's mother wants him to leave town and go stay with family members on his father side. Reluctantly he abides. Every job the Jamieson family sets up for Kidd he works a few days and quits. The Jamieson family is very patience with Kidd's emotional behavior. Kidd is asked to assist the family when grandmother becomes ill and must be admitted to a nursing home. Kidd attitude slowly changes when he meets Eva, a nurse employed in the nursing home. Will he change enough to win Eva's heart? What happens when he finds that Eva is a strong Christian woman that demonstrates her faith in God. Can tough boy Kidd fall for such a church girl? Review: A well written christian fiction novel. The story line was good. The major events in Kidd's life is woven between his hatred for anything connected to his father and his love interest. The author takes the reader through a smooth journey as Kidd battle through the strongholds. Characters: I enjoyed every character, rather i liked them or not. Each felt real and placed well in the story. Eva was great. Her faith in God is exactly what I feel woman should duplicate when seeking a man in their lives. I liked Kidd also. He was not a thug style guy but he was street wise. He was smooth and definitely was taught to respect women and he held to his teachings. Overall, I enjoyed reading the novel and will recommend it to others. Three and one half stars!!!
Life and a last name is all that Kevin “Kidd” Jamieson received from his father, but that doesn’t stop his father’s family from seeking him out. In Pat Simmons’ latest book, Guilty by Association, we meet Kevin Jamieson, a man with a chip the size of the Grand Canyon on his shoulders. Living in Boston with his mother and brother, he is recently unemployed and trying to make ends meet. Enter the other Jamieson’s, Parke, Cameron and Malcolm. Seeing that there was nothing positive about him staying in Boston, he agrees to move to St. Louis with his new found cousins. He bounces from several jobs until he is bribed to work in a nursing home/rehabilitation center to keep an eye on everyone’s favorite Stacey Adam wearing Grandma, Grandma BB, who has suffered a stroke. On his first day, he meets Eva, a woman on fire for God and strong in her convictions. Kevin is immediately smitten with Ms. Savoy but she could care less. The more these two work together, Eva realizes that there is more to Kidd beneath that hard exterior. Through their talks, he discovers God’s grace and love. Eva manages to win over even the toughest critic, Kami, the precocious daughter of Parke and his wife Cheney. Throughout the book the resounding message is Love and the ultimate love comes from God. I love this series and can’t wait for the installment which will be about Kidd’s bad boy brother, Ace.
Guilty by Association by Pat Simmons - 4 stars "Life isn't fair. We've heard it, we've said it, or perhaps we've thought it...guess what? You're right, but that's in our natural mind". This quote from the book sums up the life of bad boy, Kevin "Kidd" Jamieson. Kidd has anger and bitterness in his life. He has lost his job, lives with his mom and can't find a good woman. Then the Jamieson's enter his life without asking, talking about he is from a legacy of African Kings but all Kidd can think of is how his no good father didn't want him so why should he befriend some long lost cousins. But once his best friend is killed, Kidd leaves Boston to start a new life in St. Louis. Kidd's heart begins to soften as God sends love into his life.
Simmons continues to prick my spirit with thoughtful scripture and family genealogy. The true romance in this story is with God and how Kidd transforms his life while allowing the Lord to be the captain of his ship. The connection Kidd finds with family is what we are missing in today's society. Even though the story is slow to develop in a couple of places, you will want to learn how things unfold and how the family tree grows. When you know where you came from you can better understand where you are going...family really matters! Make time to read about Kidd Jamieson's journey, you will be encouraged.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was hard to put down! Kevin "Kidd" Jamieson has lived his life with his Mom Sharon, and brother Aaron in Boston. He has never had a relationship with his father, and carries a very big chip on his shoulder because of it. He is hanging around with the wrong tough crowd. When his cousin Cameron comes to school in the area and wants to get in contact with his Jamieson side of the family. At first Kidd doesn't want anything to do with him, but when more of the family comes from St Louis, it is an answer to his Mother's prayers that he goes home with them and get away from the "Guilty by Association" group he hangs around with. He goes to live with Parke, who helps him get three different jobs...but he has that Chip on his shoulder. When Grandma BB falls and has to go into the nursing home, Garden Chateau, Parke talks him into doing him a favor and become their eyes. This place is a real eye opener and he meets Eve, who sets him heart awhirl. She has a real love with the Lord, and will never marry anyone who isn't saved. All of the St Louis love God, and are in constant prayer for Kidd. Love this family, and the kids are adorable!! This is a must read and it will warm you all over!
I received this book from the Virtual Tour, and the Publisher Lift Every Voice Books, and was not required to give a positive review!
Kevin ‘Kidd’ Jamieson grew up without his dad. As a result, he has a lot of resentment and rage going on inside of him. He has always given his brother, Ace, all the love and support he can by trying to be a brother and a dad to him. Kidd’s mom is a Christian woman and Kidd knows there is a God, but he’s a doubter.
After doing a genealogy search on the Jamieson family, the St. Louis Jamieson family find out they have cousins that live in Boston. Since Cameron lives in Boston he reaches out to Kidd and Ace. Kidd’s mom encourages him to go to St Louis with his cousins since he is not working and the St. Louis Jamiesons have several job opportunities that would be idea for him.
I have read all of Pat Simmons’ books and I really do enjoy them. I highly recommend them. “Guilty by Association” was different for me because Kevin had so much hate and rage in him it was hard for me to get past that. I guess I’m just used to the St. Louis Jamiesons; they are more tamed and I know it’s because they know God. Maybe now Kidd will be a little better we shall see in the sequel!
Guilty by Association was the first time I'd read a Pat Simmons' book. Won't be the last! I enjoyed this story so much because of the characters, so rich and real. The hero Kidd Jamieson, a young black man with a major chip on his shoulder, is not one to go looking into his roots. His family comes looking for him.
Since Kidd has rejected his father who abandoned him and his brother Ace and did his mother wrong, Kidd wants nothing to do with the Jamieson clan or their claim of descending from an African king.
Still, he leaves Boston to spend time with them in St Louis and soon it's apparent that God planned this move in time to save Kidd's life. Does this get his attention? No, of course not. Kidd's a stubborn Angry Young Black Man (the author's words).
His last chance brings him to of all places a rehabilitation facility for seniors and there he meets his match, Eva.
The path of true love never runs smooth especailly when anger still rules a heart. Sometimes I got irritated with the heroine but she is also a work in progress. I admired her commitment to purity, so rare these days.
So if you've never read a Pat Simmons' novel, don't miss the Jamiesons!
I had the pleasure of meeting Pat Simmons at the Cavalcade/Authors Chicago Tour and received this book, but I'm series reader by default and had to read all the other books first. I fell in love with all the characters. I also enjoyed scriptures as well, found some of them came in handy at times. Kidd came across having a very rough exterior, but was still a gentleman! The family support that was witnessed in this book was a nice touch. It is always refreshing to see African American men depicted in postive scenarios. This book is a must have for the your shelves. My only regret was that this wasn't a ebook, the scriptures are easier to highlight and with my ereader I'm able to read without a book lamp. All in all this definely a re-read book!!!!
My my!💕💕 Kidd was a typical black man, because of various life circumstances/situations, was angry. He had issues, had walls built up, and was angry at God. He meets family from his estranged father side of the family where he encounters some characters and a lot of love. He finds love, gets saved and delivered and marries his love, Eva. I love how the story line is interwoven with genealogy tidbits along with Scripture and prayer. I highly recommend this book to others. It made some and reflect on some things in my own life. It truly blessed me and now I'm off to reading the rest of the series. Kudos to Pat Simmons!
I'm a Pat Simmons fan, and I've been following her "guilty" series since it began. It took me a while to get into this book, but once I did, I really loved it. I saw a lot of myself in Eva, and although she's a fictitious character, we have quite a few similarities: our faith, standards, career path, and perhaps what was most eerie was the fact that we both have a beauty mole behind our right ear--that was strange. I loved the plot of the story and how the plot was carried out. I'm happy with how the story played out in the end. I would read it again, and I would recommend it.
I bought this book at the authors book signing some years ago and was just able to sit down and read it. I finished in a day due to me being anxious about kids and Eva's ending. I loved this book and how it incorporated scripture Into real life situations. Kidd's story is like so many black men and I'm glad he was able to overcome his demons. Eva's portrays a woman with patience but intelligence to know her limits. Loved this read!
Christian Romance Fiction at its best. There are a few writers who have the ability to move me......give me chills, have me crying, smiling and cheering. This is the 4th book in the Jamieson's legacy. Kevin Kidd Jamieson's story.
P. Simmons is not new to me, but I discovered this book on a recent cruise (in the ship's library)..let's just say, I almost didn't see the sights. Lol!