Life by Design

Design #2

by Elizabeth A. James

Jane Carter's life has never been easy. Leaving her parents behind only to be abandoned pregnant by the one man she thought she could depend on. She had a sense that things just weren't going to be easy for her or her precious daughter Jolene. She's so skeptical about life that she thinks she's dreaming when she catches the eye of handsome, successful architect, Jay Anderson. Will Jay be willing to accept her and her child or will she be forced to return to a past that just won't go away. Falling in love is easy. Life is hard. Has life finally designed the happy ending she's always dreamed of?

Genres: Romance

220 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2013

About the author

Elizabeth James is the author of the Design Series. She writes contemporary romance set in her native North Carolina. A life-long reader, she began writing a novel at age fifteen, put it away with no hopes of publication, but now has realized her dream as an adult. Inspired by several bestselling authors she began working as a beta reader and her passion for writing once again surfaced. She embarked on a journey to see if she could complete a novel and Love by Design was born. With warm reception to her first novel she is now making this crazy world a part of her life. Elizabeth believes you're never too late in life to realize your dreams and this has opened up a new world of adventures and meeting new people which she loves to do. Elizabeth lives in North Carolina with her husband and their dogs. She enjoys traveling, exploring North Carolina, and spending time with her friends.

Reviews

[Jane]

Oh wow what can I say about Life By Design. First off I will congratulate Elizabeth James for writing yet another amazing book.

I absolutely loved reading this book and was smiling pretty much all the way through. I love Jane and Jay and they are perfect for each other and absolutely adore Jolene she's a funny little girl. I really love Elizabeth's writing style and just couldn't put this book down until I finished it. The book was left at a pretty great cliff hanger and I don't know what am going to do until the next book come out.... Oh yeah I so am going to read Love By Design and Life By Design again yeah there that good there books read over and over again. Again well done James you Rock :)

[Andrea Beck]

I am completely invested in these characters and truly love them! I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning reading Life By Design and I reached the end and said "What the..." Can't wait for the third book!!!

[Sarah]

Thank you Elizabeth James. I am so happy to see Jay and Jane's story. Your 2nd book did not disappoint and I look forward to the next one. Hopefully I won't have to wait to long

[Teyani Bliss]

Really enjoyed this book. <3 Jay!
**** SPOILER *****
Disappointed that we have to wait for another book to finish the story.

[Jennifer Conn]

It was such torture to wait for the second installment of the Design Series, but it was well worth the wait. In the first book, you only got a glimpse inside Jane's life, but it was enough for you to want to know her. Jay was let down in the first book and I felt so bad for him. Then his eye's fell on Jane at the most perfect time. The second book picks up right where the first left off, but from Jane's point of view, not Callie's. I loved getting to know Jane, Jolene, and Jay so much. I was crying happy tears before I was even half way through because of Jay and Jolene dancing at the wedding. The connection between Jay and Jolene is so sweet and real. I loved all of the ups and downs in the book. I cried, laughed, and was entertained the entire time I was reading. Just like the first book, the romantic scenes in this one were not over done or raunchy, but instead beautiful and tastefully done which makes for a great read. It flowed so easily and you felt like you were reading someone's life story, not just a book. I also LOVE that Ashley gets her you know what handed to her in the meeting lol. The only issue I have with Life by Design is that is WAS NOT LONG ENOUGH!! lol I wanted so much more. I cannot wait for the third installment!! Keep up the great work Elizabeth! This book and the previous, Love by Design, ARE A MUST READ!!

[Maggie-jane Turningpages]

“Life by Design” still follows Callie and Justin but it is more focused on Jane, her daughter Jolene, and a hunky architect named Jay.
In book two of the “Design Series”, we get a little bit more steam to our beautiful budding romance.

If you have read “Love by Design”, which I am assuming you did, no introduction is needed as to who everyone is. So I am not going to build up the past.
Jane and Jay quickly can tell how in love with each other they are. But Jane has a young daughter to think about. They have already been abandoned once. She doesn’t want that again for her daughter. They both have skeletons keeping them from getting close to one another. Until a past comes back to haunt Jane, their relationship has been in a little bit of a limbo. Now, Jay is prepared to do whatever it takes to keep the woman he loves and her daughter safe.
This story is beautiful, steamy (but without all of the details), thrilling, and full of so much true love. Not only romantic love, but the meaning of true friendship love.
I immediately One-Clicked “Forever by Design”.

[Lacy]

Wow an amazing second book from Elizabeth James. Absolutely loved Jane and Jays story, Jane who is a single mother falls in love with Jay. But someone from her past comes back to try and ruin their future together as a family. I Can't wait to read the continuation of this series.

[Amy]

Great story! These books keep getting better.

[Julie]

4 Stars! Great follow up story to book 1.

[Jenn]

I fell in love with Elizabeth’s first book Love by Design, so I was patiently waiting the release of this one. I love her writing because it so realistic. This book was filled with a lot of unpredictable events that had me so deeply engaged, that this became a very quick read for me. I have to admit that there were several times that had me frustrated that I wanted to shake some sense into some of the characters. The funny and romantic parts made up for the frustration and Mrs. Callahan, Callie’s neighbor, has you laughing out loud!

The story continues exactly where it left off, however, the focal point this time is Jane. Jane is a very strong and independent, somewhat shy woman. She’s used living life on her own, caring for herself and raising her child Jolene on her own.

He’s super-hot, he’s successful, he’s very romantic and has a very good heart. He is Jay Anderson. Raised by a single mother himself, he has an idea of how strong of a person Jane really is. He likes what he sees.

Neither Jay nor Jane are looking for a relationship, but Jolene has captured a piece of Jay’s heart and begins to see him as a father figure. He is the father that she has never had. Jay will do absolutely anything for Jane and Jolene. The three of them fall into a routine. Crazy exes from both of their pasts come back and try to get back a piece of what they once had before. Scary situations start to occur.

At first, Jane and Jay have trouble being honest with each other. Not only about their feelings for one another, but also the situations they are both faced with. Once they both realize how much they truly want and love each other, honesty becomes very important. This is very true in any relationship of any kind. Without open and honest communication, you basically have no base to any kind of relationship. Communication is the key to any relationship.

Jane has decisions to make. What should she do next? What will be best for Jolene? Will Jane decide to go back to what seems familiar or will they stay with what feels right? Is the past worth risking the future?

Great job once again Elizabeth! You have completely surpassed the expectations I had of this book! I absolutely cannot wait for the next! Get to writing! If you haven’t read this book yet, I suggest that you do!

[A.R. Von]

Not the direction I thought Elizabeth was going to go, but just as great, no make that even better of a read as the first in the series. Very touching, fun, exciting and romantic. A definite must read for all fans of the genre!

Justin and Callie take the biggest step of their lives in Life by Design & what an amazing and beautiful step it is! I ADORE these two together and continue to love their chemistry and soul deep love for one another.

Jane is still working with/for Carrie and Jay as she was at in Love by Design. She’s also Carrie’s very best friend and now becoming even closer to Jay (LOVE him!) Can two people that work together as closely as they do have any other type of relationship other than a business friendship? You’re going to have to read it to find out ;)

I love the fact that I was taken by surprise with this story. I do so love surprises. Especially from such amazing and loveable characters such as Callie Jane, Justin and Jay. I cannot wait to see where Elizabeth goes next!

Forever by Design (Design #3)... Bring it on!!!

[Esther]

I had some nagging questions in the back of my mind while reading this book that I felt were not being answered. I also was peeved at the cliffhanger! I'm not a very patient person, and now it's killing me to wait for book 3; but I know the author is the best, and she's writing her fingers to the bone to give us that great conclusion we are all craving. Life by design is book 2 for author Elizabeth James. Like the first book, it did not disappoint!! The book continues the story of the characters we first met in Love by Design. This time is the story of Jane and Jay. I look forward to book 3, where all will be revealed along with those answers I so seek. :) I highly recommend this book! it's a super fast read (24 hours) and the author keeps a fast pace all through the book. The characters are very likable and very human, and the villains are so fun to hate :). If you want a light, quick, fun, romantic read, Elizabeth James is your gal.

[Fran]

Just when you think you found the perfect romance in Callie and Justin...along comes the romance of Jane and Jay! You fall in love with single mother Jane and her daughter Jolene. All on their own, since deadbeat dad Tyler left before the birth, Jane takes on the role with all she has. Along the way she meets and falls in love with the handsome architect, Jay. Together they forge a life together until Tyler decides to reappear.

This story continues with romance, humor and angst. I had a hard time putting this book down and wanted to scream at the cliffhanger ending.... until I realized that I already have book three in the series just waiting for me (thank god!). Elizabeth James knows how to keep you turning the pages! This series gets better with each book!

[Peni]

I very much enjoyed this story. This is essentially a sequel to Love By Design. This story picks up right where the other leaves off. There are a couple new characters and the bulk of the focus is now on Jane and Jay. The characterization is excellent and overall concept wonderful.

My only complaint on this story is the very obvious decision to make the ending a cliffhanger. I absolutely hate that. The third story is not long and could have easily been combined with the 2nd. That I had to pay that much money to get a complete story is madness. I very much regret doing so. It was good yes, but certainly not worth that.

I recommend the story but do not recommend buying it for more than $2.99 for the 3 parts. Not for underv14 and mature.

[Kim Wright]

Let me just say that this is a sweet story...Just like it's predecessor, Love by Design...Oh and we do get to revisit Callie and Justin in this one so that was fun:) Jay and Jane's story moves along and it is so much fun to see the way that Jolene fits into it and the sweet way that Jay looks out for both of them. I couldn't have been happier with that part. I am a sucker for a happy story. I do have to say though, that I have one big problem with the whole thing...the ending...I do not like cliffhangers...and there is a big one here. I like my stories to be tied up with a big bow:) Now I have to wait for Forever by Design for the rest of the story...not fair...

[Jamie]

Elizabeth James has done it again this is her second book in the Design series. Love By Design is the First Book and Life By Design the second book just released. I love the way she writes, from the beginning to the end you are in it till the end. She keeps you there not wanting to put it down. I like Jay in the first book but fell in Love with him in His and Jane's story, OH and Jane's little girl Jolene is just the most precious little girl you want to just pick her up and kiss her. If you are looking for a book with Friendship and Love this is the book for you. I can not wait for the next book.

[Sharilyn Dickerson]

I absolutely LOVED this book. In the first book of the Design series we were introduced to Jay and Jane and it was just enough to make me want to know them more. Elizabeth James did not disappoint in the second book. I am impressed with how Jane has raised her daughter on her own. I am in complete awe of the man that Jay is. And little Jolene is just the sweetest, cutest little thing! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

[Katie Boettcher]

I loved this installment of the Design Series. Elizabeth's writing style is like no other. She has away of bringing you in to the story and making you never want to leave.

Jane's story is a modern day fairy tale and she is hoping that Jay is her Prince Charming. I know this book is supposed to be about Jane and Jay but Jolene is my favorite. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for book three.

[Amanda Harter]

I love how the story continues and does not disappoint! I love how Jay falls into daddy mode with Joleen, it is so loving to watch. Again I appreciate the realness of it, I felt like I was apart of the story as an outside friend looking in. Great read.

[Emily]

'Life by Design' Book 2 in the Design series by Elizabeth James is a wonderful story! I adore the characters in this series! If you haven't picked up this series yet you need too! Great read!

[Angie Craig]

Anxiously awaiting number three!! Great writer who relates to her characters and everyday people!!! Very personable!

[Stacy Kamerer]

Loved it!!!! Can't wait til Forever by Design comes out!!! Couldn't put it down!!! Read Love by Design then this in 1 day!!

[Jennifer Vandermast]

Amazing second book!! Can't wait for the third!!!

[Sandi]

Life by Design another winner. Thank you Elizabeth James , I am loving this series.

[Linda]

Great second book in the series, cannot wait to read on. Lovely feel good romance.