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Those Karlsson Boys #1
Waiting for Rachel
Damian Karlsson has decided it’s time to settle down and have a family. He has set his sights on Rachel Perkins, but can’t figure out why she won’t even give him a chance. It seems to Damian she feels something for him, but still she resists. Damian is determined to find out why. Though she is attracted to Damian, Rachel is equally determined to keep her secrets close to her heart. Men she loved have betrayed her in the past, and she isn’t prepared to take that risk again. But when her secrets are forced out in the open, will Rachel discover that forgiveness and trust are worth the risk when it leads to love?
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2013
439 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
April 16, 2013
So far, I have found every one of this author's books to be well worth reading. They are light enough to relax with but heavy enough to challenge you with valuable messages about true love, commitment, faith, hope...all handled from a sound biblical worldview. This book is basically about a lady who had sinned as a teen and due to dire consequences, feels that the rest of her life is spent "paying" for them. I love the steadfast commitment and love that the man has for her, as well as the fact that she truly wants the best for him, even though it isn't for her gratification. The author introduces you to truly admirable characters and manages to infuse sound biblical principles with bits of drama.....makes a great Christian fiction book!
May 28, 2015
What a great story overall. I hesitated over the rating because it definitely kept me reading, and while the end is quite satisfying, I'm intrigued on the continuing story and almost bought the second book immediately. That's HUGE for me, which is why I ended up going with the four-star rating.
My hesitation comes in a couple areas. First, a few minor editing things (like the wrong words) briefly disturbed my reading. These were few, so it wasn't horrible. The bigger problem was how often the main character worries about her past, without the reader being told until deep into the story what this past is. To me, it crossed the line of building suspense and became almost annoying. I understood the concern, the fear, even the shame of it--but it was brought up too directly too often within the story for my taste.
Other than that, the characters were good, the situations largely believable, and the story interesting. It is definitely worth checking out.
My hesitation comes in a couple areas. First, a few minor editing things (like the wrong words) briefly disturbed my reading. These were few, so it wasn't horrible. The bigger problem was how often the main character worries about her past, without the reader being told until deep into the story what this past is. To me, it crossed the line of building suspense and became almost annoying. I understood the concern, the fear, even the shame of it--but it was brought up too directly too often within the story for my taste.
Other than that, the characters were good, the situations largely believable, and the story interesting. It is definitely worth checking out.
July 11, 2014
An okay romance--lagging at times and going around in circles a lot at first. Although I'm a Christian, I'm not a big fan of Christian fiction because it can be so trite, and this book was rather trite. It was an okay summer read, and I got it for free on Amazon through BookGorilla, but although the main character owns her own bookstore (which I loved!), I still felt an artificial tone throughout the book--as if the author sacrificed plot and character development for preaching.
I wish it had been my cup of tea--but it wasn't. It's not badly written, but it didn't land well, either. My favorite novels are Christian books, Jane Eyre and Little Women, because while faith is paramount in these books, Christianity is presented more naturally and organically--never forced or artificial. That's what I look for in Christian fiction...and so rarely find.
I wish it had been my cup of tea--but it wasn't. It's not badly written, but it didn't land well, either. My favorite novels are Christian books, Jane Eyre and Little Women, because while faith is paramount in these books, Christianity is presented more naturally and organically--never forced or artificial. That's what I look for in Christian fiction...and so rarely find.
November 25, 2013
I really liked the true feelings that Christians face portrayed in this book. I was so cheering for the main characters and I loved their story.
May 27, 2014
This book is very redundant. He pursues her, she refuses him, repeat. I really did not like that Damian is supposed to be a pastor and yet is practically a stalker.
July 4, 2014
I can summarize this book with ONE sentence,
"Good things come to those who WAIT."
"Good things come to those who WAIT."
September 30, 2017
I didn't know I wasn't into Christian romantic novels like this, but I definitely learnt it now.
April 6, 2015
A good story
I love reading Christian books. Even though they are not necessarily my religion, I like not having any foul language or promiscuous love scenes. They were some quirky things in the writing like when talking about the parents, instead of saying his mom or his dad it used their names which I thought was strange At the first of the book it talked about the death of Evelyn which you had no idea who that was. Later you learn it was Rachel's mother. It would have brought the story together better if it had said Rachel's mother.
Another thing that seemed over done was the description of having coffee all the time. Maybe it's because I am not a coffee drinker but it felt over done.
I think it took a long time to learn Rachel's reason for holding off Damian and then it was quick for him to work through it. I think it would have been more effective to get to the reasons a.little sooner and then work through them. Maybe this was the author's first book.
I will read this author again.
I love reading Christian books. Even though they are not necessarily my religion, I like not having any foul language or promiscuous love scenes. They were some quirky things in the writing like when talking about the parents, instead of saying his mom or his dad it used their names which I thought was strange At the first of the book it talked about the death of Evelyn which you had no idea who that was. Later you learn it was Rachel's mother. It would have brought the story together better if it had said Rachel's mother.
Another thing that seemed over done was the description of having coffee all the time. Maybe it's because I am not a coffee drinker but it felt over done.
I think it took a long time to learn Rachel's reason for holding off Damian and then it was quick for him to work through it. I think it would have been more effective to get to the reasons a.little sooner and then work through them. Maybe this was the author's first book.
I will read this author again.
July 25, 2014
I downloaded this book onto my Kindle as a freebe, boy was I surprised when I started reading it. I could not put it down. I became so wrapped up in the lives of the charaters it was as if they were my personal friends.
If you read this book, and I suggest you do, you will cry, laugh and praise God as the characters do. There is scripture quoted throughout the book. It is not a fiction book that wants to be in the Christian fiction genre so puts one verse or one reference to God. This book speaks to me as a fallen follower of Christ. We learn that we all have redemption.
Great Book, great writing, great characters and great story line that is believable.
If you read this book, and I suggest you do, you will cry, laugh and praise God as the characters do. There is scripture quoted throughout the book. It is not a fiction book that wants to be in the Christian fiction genre so puts one verse or one reference to God. This book speaks to me as a fallen follower of Christ. We learn that we all have redemption.
Great Book, great writing, great characters and great story line that is believable.
September 26, 2014
This was a very sweet and tender story that touches on many of our personal struggles and our need to feel loved. I call this a comfort book because I know it will have that "happily ever after" I'm seeking, but I still enjoy reading because it is the journey that encourages us and gives us hope. For readers who are looking for clean reading material (No profanity, no explicit sex, no crude humor, and no violence) this is a "good read" for you.
February 3, 2016
I couldn't put this book down. I started the book at 9:30pm and finished it at 2:30am. I love the way she writes the book... Where it keeps you reading all the way cause you just want to know what happens next!
This book also is amazing as it shows and reminds you of God's forgiveness and loving grace. We are nothing without him, and he owes us nothing, yet he loves us so much that his mercies are abundant!
Definitely worth the read!!
This book also is amazing as it shows and reminds you of God's forgiveness and loving grace. We are nothing without him, and he owes us nothing, yet he loves us so much that his mercies are abundant!
Definitely worth the read!!
June 10, 2015
I honestly couldn't get through this book. I thought it was super repetitive, Damian was annoying, and Rachel was a bit bitchy. They may have changed over the course of the story, but I just couldn't get there. Instead of pushing her, perhaps he should have just befriended her? Just my two cents, but dang. Didn't like it. *shrugs*
April 4, 2015
That was really good. Deep, full of forgiveness and love. I really enjoyed this fast sweet read.
April 28, 2016
This book was a not-so-good read for me. It moved slowly and I had a tough time hanging in there. When a story drags like this one it is hard to enjoy the good parts.
March 16, 2017
So clean. It's refreshing to read scripture every once in a while in a book. A bit cheesy at times, but worthwhile!
March 7, 2018
Sometimes we don’t realize how much we are holding onto the past until God offers us a future. So it goes in the warm and occasionally heart wrenching story, Waiting for Rachel.
Rachel knows the kind, charming assistant pastor of her church is attracted to her, but she also knows they could never have a real relationship. Painful secrets from her past won’t allow her to dream of a future with him. Yet, as she turns more of her life over to God, she begins to wonder if she can let go of old hurts and grasp new hope after all.
Waiting for Rachel does a good job exploring the heartache of lost dreams and the reassurance that faith alone can bring. The main character experiences very real feelings of guilt and insecurity that make the story’s overarching message of hope especially poignant. I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates sweet romance and spiritual encouragement.
Rachel knows the kind, charming assistant pastor of her church is attracted to her, but she also knows they could never have a real relationship. Painful secrets from her past won’t allow her to dream of a future with him. Yet, as she turns more of her life over to God, she begins to wonder if she can let go of old hurts and grasp new hope after all.
Waiting for Rachel does a good job exploring the heartache of lost dreams and the reassurance that faith alone can bring. The main character experiences very real feelings of guilt and insecurity that make the story’s overarching message of hope especially poignant. I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates sweet romance and spiritual encouragement.
June 9, 2018
Loved the book but....
Rachel felt so sorry for herself and whined to herself about being hurt ONCE when her mom died that she could not love anyone again. I just could not stand her for her attitude about this. Poor poor Rachel. Life is not all fun and laughter!!!!! I have NOT had a fun easy life, but I keep on living and being positive. I choose to be happy. We all have that choice every day. Rachel never gave Damion a choice but controlled his happiness/ unhappiness for him. So unfair and selfish. Ok. My rant is over. Read the book and decide for yourselves.
Rachel felt so sorry for herself and whined to herself about being hurt ONCE when her mom died that she could not love anyone again. I just could not stand her for her attitude about this. Poor poor Rachel. Life is not all fun and laughter!!!!! I have NOT had a fun easy life, but I keep on living and being positive. I choose to be happy. We all have that choice every day. Rachel never gave Damion a choice but controlled his happiness/ unhappiness for him. So unfair and selfish. Ok. My rant is over. Read the book and decide for yourselves.
August 6, 2018
The first novel of a series about three brothers, this promises to be a fun reading time. I enjoyed the story, and Rachel's secrets were interesting as they were revealed. If I have any criticism, it would be that the second brother and his love interest took over at the end of the book as POVs. That was a problem for me, even though I understand setting up for a second story. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2022
Good story of healing
It's about accepting GOD's forgiveness. There are a number of misconceptions about God's punishing one for sins. Surely, there are consequences for our actions, but God does not punish us for the rest of our lives once he has forgiven us, and illness or infirmity is not necessarily the result of sin (unless one covertly commits a sin that results in consequences).
It's about accepting GOD's forgiveness. There are a number of misconceptions about God's punishing one for sins. Surely, there are consequences for our actions, but God does not punish us for the rest of our lives once he has forgiven us, and illness or infirmity is not necessarily the result of sin (unless one covertly commits a sin that results in consequences).
January 22, 2018
Worth reading
If you are struggling to let go of your past and feel less than worthy of any good thing, this is the book for you. It was slow to start with, but I quickly warmed up to it when I realised what the theme was. Sometimes it is hard to see that God does love is when our past is clouding our judgement
If you are struggling to let go of your past and feel less than worthy of any good thing, this is the book for you. It was slow to start with, but I quickly warmed up to it when I realised what the theme was. Sometimes it is hard to see that God does love is when our past is clouding our judgement
July 26, 2019
Great book!!
Understanding the power of God is one thing,but putting it to use in your life is something else. That is something Rachel did not do in her life.Damien 's patients is so refreshing where Rachel is concerned. This is a very good book to read. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Understanding the power of God is one thing,but putting it to use in your life is something else. That is something Rachel did not do in her life.Damien 's patients is so refreshing where Rachel is concerned. This is a very good book to read. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
November 27, 2019
Junior pastor Damian wants to marry Rachel. Rachel won’t tell him why she won’t entertain the idea. That seems silly to me, but romance novels often seem to be built on a lack of communication!
This book leads into the next in the series.
Clean language, very Christian.
Includes past indiscretions, a non-lethal vehicle accident, premarital kissing.
This book leads into the next in the series.
Clean language, very Christian.
Includes past indiscretions, a non-lethal vehicle accident, premarital kissing.
May 20, 2017
Beautiful
This us a lovely story of love, healing, forgiveness and God's blessings. Damien feels a deep connection to Rachel, but she is afraid of caring for him. She has secrets from her past only one person knew and she has passed. Its Christmas and there are lots of surprises.
This us a lovely story of love, healing, forgiveness and God's blessings. Damien feels a deep connection to Rachel, but she is afraid of caring for him. She has secrets from her past only one person knew and she has passed. Its Christmas and there are lots of surprises.
June 26, 2019
Worth the read
I love all of kimberly,a books. I think I have read them all. She is a good writer. They speak of how faith plays into your everyday !ife. You cannot separate it out. They,we wonderful.
I love all of kimberly,a books. I think I have read them all. She is a good writer. They speak of how faith plays into your everyday !ife. You cannot separate it out. They,we wonderful.
September 8, 2020
Great!
I like that it dealt with real issues. The loss we sometimes face, the guilt of our past and they way God works everything out for our good. It was witty at times, sweet but not overly sappy. T’was a great read! I’m on to the next book of the series. Fingers crossed!
I like that it dealt with real issues. The loss we sometimes face, the guilt of our past and they way God works everything out for our good. It was witty at times, sweet but not overly sappy. T’was a great read! I’m on to the next book of the series. Fingers crossed!
December 27, 2023
Waiting For Rachel
Very good book but it seemed to end too quickly after they got everything worked out with their relationship. Book was written well and it was pretty easy to read.
Very good book but it seemed to end too quickly after they got everything worked out with their relationship. Book was written well and it was pretty easy to read.
July 9, 2024
Excellent Read
I love how the author brought the characters to life. They had depth and i found myself relating to their struggles. The only downside was a few spelling and grammar mistakes. In light of this amazing story i am looking forward to reading more of her books . 📚 💙
I love how the author brought the characters to life. They had depth and i found myself relating to their struggles. The only downside was a few spelling and grammar mistakes. In light of this amazing story i am looking forward to reading more of her books . 📚 💙
October 24, 2025
Very long
It was a decent story plot, but very drawn out! The main female character had issues but I feel like it could have been addressed sooner. Overall, it just seemed like it had a page count that needed to be reached.
It was a decent story plot, but very drawn out! The main female character had issues but I feel like it could have been addressed sooner. Overall, it just seemed like it had a page count that needed to be reached.
June 6, 2018
not my usual type of book but very good just the same
July 6, 2018
Cute story. Seemed like the writing could’ve been tidied up some and definitely fix typos and grammar stuff. I liked all the characters though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews