One fateful night, she believed a stranger’s lie rather than the assurance of a trusted friend. For her lapse in judgment, she paid an agonizing price.
Her now-bankrupt life featured shattered dreams, ruined friendships, and the loss of a promising relationship. Now, two years later, the twenty-three-year-old prayed for a second chance with the man she had fallen for at first sight.
Would Cory Sanders finally overlook her egregious mistake in accepting a next-day date and liaison with another man? Or would she have to truly accept life without him?
E. C. Jackson began her writing career with the full-length play Pajama Party. Thirty-one years later, she adapted the play into Pajama Party: The Story, a companion book to the second book in the five-book standalone Hope series.
Jackson’s favorite pastime is reading fiction. She enjoys taking the journey along with the characters in the books. That also led to her unorthodox approach to story writing. Her vision for each book she writes is to immerse readers into the storyline so they become connected with each character.
“The Write Way: A Real Slice of Life” is the slogan on her Facebook author page. She feels that if every person reading her books feels connected to the characters, her job is done.
Like every reader, when we pick up a book, we hope that we enjoy it. We want to enjoy it so much that we will read past our typical grace point (that point in the book that if it didn’t grab you, you stop reading), looking for something to hold on to. That was me in reguards to Overflow With Hope. E.C. Jackson is a new author to me, so I searched for something to apprieciate and hold on to that. I can apprieciate the over arching theme I did witness to have grace with people who make mistakes and exstend forgiveness, but the stroy telling was not something that connected me to the book. As I have said before, don’t take this as a review to not buy this book. It might be something you would enjoy. You might not see the things I did and you might find something that warms you to the story or it could restore hope in your own heart. Like LeVar Burton used to say on Reading Rainbow, “Don’t take my word for it.” (I loved that show.) Don’t be afraid to go out and discover for yourself if this would be a book for you.
Thank you in advance to the author, E.C. Jackson, for providing a complimentary review copy through iRead Book Tours. A positive review was not required or requested, and all words are my own.
Three years ago, through Prism Book tours, I reviewed the first four books of this series:
1 – A Gateway to Hope 2 – A Living Hope 3 – The Certain Hope 4 – The Confident Hope
At that time, I did not know there was a fifth (5th) book in the works. However, once I saw this was being released – I wanted to read it.
Even though this is part of The Hope Series, it is only connected by the “theme” of “Hope”. As some of the books had unresolved issues in them, I was kind of hoping this would tie it all together.
Sadly, it doesn’t.
This takes a similar theme to A Living Hope. If one hasn’t read that yet, I do recommend reading it first.
That said …
Jackson creates a cast of characters that surround the main couple – friends and family. Some want them to succeed, others are cautious, some think it’s a bad idea.
There are going to be themes of narcissism, as well as family discord. These are not the main focal points, but are essential to the characters as well as their experiences.
Jackson begins Overflow with Hope with Cory finishing an HVAC job, and thinking of Tempia. And, for good reason – it’s been almost 14 months since she left her husband, something that Cory helped her with.
But, he’s been trying to get her out of his mind.
Tempia, one year after her divorce, thinks back to how everything began that brought her to this day. She fell in love with Cory at first sight, but a slight accident derailed that. She met Quince, and everything seemed perfect – until it wasn’t, despite all the warnings from her friends and family.
It culminates with Cory “rescuing” her, then ghosting her after. That was 14 months earlier.
Now, she’s trying to piece her life back together. She’s also wondering about Cory, and “hoping” to get a second chance with him, even though he isn’t taking her calls.
Because of a chance incident with Quince, Cory decides to talk to Tempia. They both realize that Quince played a strong role in what happened – however, Tempia had chances to back away. And, he does wonder why she never followed up on all the “claims” friends and family made about Quince.
Cory asks her out on a date to “test” their relationship, to see if it can survive for the long haul. Right off, his father is against it; and Tempia’s father is as well. Whereas the mothers are all for it. The mothers see it as a sign of what is meant to be. Sam (Tempia’s dad) sees her being at Cory’s “beck and call”. Tim (Cory’s father) thinks there are other Godly women that Cory could date.
Still, the two decide to gently ease forward. Their first date is a success. From there, they gradually ease into a relationship. Despite Cory’s good nature, Tempia compares Quince’s pursuit of her with Cory’s “dating”. However, as close as Tempia and Cory become, there is something that holds them back.
Everyone is cautious – even the budding couple. But, Tempia is hampered by her past and overwhelming wants, so much so that it threatens her future.
Like she did with her other books, Jackson creates characters that some readers can identify with. In this story, she demonstrates how people, even with the best intentions, can cause issues. On the other hand, bad relationships sometimes extend beyond the people in them – family, friends, co-workers. Sometimes the damage takes more than an apology to move forward.
There were times I was proud of Tempia, and other times frustrated. Tempia was far too young to be worrying with having relationships. She married Quince at 21, divorced by 22, and then hoping for a romance with Cory at 23. I didn’t mean to, but I wanted to laugh at Tempia feeling as though time was running out. She had a LOT of her life ahead of her. Still, she wanted a marriage right then and there. And, it was that line of thinking that got her where she was with Quince.
After rescuing her, I felt that Cory and Tempia should’ve had a conversation that night, or at best a few days later – after the shock of her “marriage” ending had worn off. Certainly not a year later. He knew what she was going through, and what Quince was like. He had heard the man all but admit his role and that Tempia was merely a “pawn” in his plan. Cory also knew how “young” Tempia was. I do believe that, given her age, some latitude should’ve been given to Tempia by those around her.
I think there was room for Cory to be a “friend”. As she later did in the book, I think Tempia needed to seek counseling so she and Cory could progress without the baggage she brought into the relationship. The baggage was apparent when she found herself having doubts when there’d be long silences from Cory (calls or texts unanswered).
This story is also a cautionary tale of “doing one’s research” when it comes to ye olde rumor mill. There were FAR too many red flags here – Tempia’s friends didn’t like Quince, Cory’s friends didn’t like Quince, her family didn’t like Quince. That many people CANNOT be wrong.
This book definitely fits with the theme of The Hope Series, though I didn’t exactly see where the title correlated to the story.
Those looking for clean reads with Christian themes, as well as a diverse cast of characters, should check this series out.
You can read my review of the first four books here:
Watching the ups and downs of relationships. Reminds me of things I’ve experience in my young life. I see that trusting God things will still work out for your good even if it doesn’t work out the way you expect. This was a good read.
An Overflow With Hope is the fifth and last book in the Hope series. You don’t have to read them in a particular order. What I liked most is that I could relate to each book in some way, whether it be from experience or knowing someone who went through something similar.
This is Tempia and Corey’s story. I’ll tell you one thing: E.C. Jackson knows how to pull a reaction out of you with her stories. The drama unfolds within the first few pages; hook, line, and sinker. It draws you in, and you can’t help but read it all in one sit-down.
One decision can change your life and leave a heavy impression long after that decision has been made. Tempia chose between two men, Corey and Quince. She chose Quince and ended up in an abusive marriage because of it. I tried not to get mad, but more information came to light (tried and failed). I remembered that the baby girl was mad young. I mean, we all did shit we regret around that age.
Tempia is now divorced and trying to rebuild her life and regain her independence. She also wants to repair the damage she caused in her relationship with Corey. Now, this is where my trying hard not to get mad fails, especially when I learned why they fell out. I kid you not; I beat my head with this book, screaming in frustration. Dramatic, I know I’m a Leo. I was upset until I remembered her age, and she may not have been as confident in where she stood with Corey at the time for the events of that night to pan out as they did. All I saw when reading was an insecure little girl, and Quince (hate him) played right into that.
Corey, bless his heart. He handled it all maturely. He didn’t let her off the hook, and he let her know what she did was wrong. He truly tried to understand what was going through her head at the time to make her take the word of a stranger over someone she had known for a long time. She never once came to him and tried to hear his side of things. She just took what someone else said and ran with it. As he stated, one date can be chopped to a mistake, but anything after is intentional.
Their journey was a long one, especially Tempia’s. That girl screamed insecurity. Even when it seemed she and Corey were on the right track and getting their relationship back, that mind of hers would work overtime. If he doesn’t call or visit as often as she thinks he should, she feels it is because he does not want to and never considers he may be busy or needs just a little space.
I’m not gone, lie I do not like Tempia. I promise I tried, I did. She refused to accept accountability for her actions. Like baby girl, own up to it. She wants people to walk on eggshells around her, and whenever someone spits a truth she can’t handle, she breaks down and cries or gets mad. Her friend Gabby (I loved her) said it best, she said Tempia have these huge expectations that will never be filled.
If Tempia had it her way, Corey would be under her all day and night. Everyone would let the past go and excuse her behavior that night. This girl frustrated me throughout the whole book. He almost has to speak to her as if she were a child to get her to understand and see the error in the situation caused by her alone. It’s like Gabby said, Tempia has to learn to forgive herself first before she can heal.
This was another great book. One of the best in the series. The main lesson in this book is communication. Everything that panned out could’ve been avoided if she had just opened her mouth. Highly recommend this series. Christian romance ain’t without its fair share of drama. Pick this series up ASAP.
Overflow With Hope, the fifth installment in The Hope Series by E.C. Jackson, delves into the complexities of relationships, forgiveness, and redemption. At its heart, the story revolves around Tempia Wade, a young woman whose life takes a drastic turn after a single wrong choice.
The narrative begins with Tempia’s life in disarray, following a pivotal moment where she chose to believe a stranger’s deceit over the advice of a trusted friend. This decision leads to a cascade of consequences, including shattered dreams, fractured relationships, and the loss of a budding romance with Cory Sanders. Jackson paints a vivid picture of Tempia’s turmoil as she navigates the aftermath of her mistake, grappling with feelings of regret and longing for a second chance with Cory.
Central to Tempia’s journey is her tumultuous relationship with Cory, which is marred by the manipulative actions of Quince, a character whose selfish motives threaten to tear them apart. Jackson skillfully portrays the tension and conflict within this love triangle, highlighting the destructive power of deception and betrayal.
As the story unfolds, Tempia confronts the harsh realities of her situation, including enduring abuse and ultimately breaking free from its grasp. Through her struggles, readers are drawn into a narrative that explores themes of resilience, self-forgiveness, and the transformative power of love.
Overflow With Hope is a compelling read that offers more than just entertainment; it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of second chances and the inherent worthiness of every individual to experience love and redemption. Jackson’s narrative skillfully navigates the complexities of human relationships, delivering a story that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
Overflow With Hope is a powerful addition to The Hope Series, offering readers a captivating tale of love, forgiveness, and the enduring quest for redemption. With its compelling characters and heartfelt storytelling, this book is sure to leave a lasting impact on anyone who picks it up.
Sometimes we make decisions quickly that we regret later. Tempia thinks she has found the one to spend the rest of her life with. After a whirlwind of several months they marry. It doesn’t take long for Tempia to see what a big mistake she has made. With the help of family and friends, she ends the marriage. That one moment when she chose the wrong person will cause her much pain.
Cory is a nice guy who wants to help Tempia out. He knows that she is in a bad relationship and offers to help her out. It must have been hard for him to see how much his friend Tempia is hurting from her failed marriage. I like how he stepped up to help Tempia emotionally but there were times she didn’t really take his advice. I figured out that communication plays a big part in this story . The “he said, she said,” only added doubt to both of them. Manipulation was another key area that was a factor in this book.
Quince is a very unlikeable character. He uses people then tosses them aside when he is finished with them. His jealousy towards Cory is horrible and I think he married Tempia just so Cory couldn’t have her. What a miserable person he must be always trying to make people believe he is better than others. I really hoped he would change in the story but I won’t say if he does because readers will miss out on some very important lessons the author illustrates.
I enjoyed the story but I did feel at times that too much emphasis was placed on a relationship. Tempia and Cory both need to concentrate on what God needs to show them. Self doubt and insecurity will bring us to have thoughts of unworthiness. Don’t give up is another theme I liked in the story. But more importantly is believing in yourself, changing the thoughts that are not of God and learning to trust again.
“Even when people are making positive changes in their lives, people can hold onto bad memories.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Overflow with Hope by E.C. Jackson is a poignant tale of redemption and second chances that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling uplifted. As someone new to E.C. Jackson’s work, I was drawn into Tempia Wade’s journey from the very first page.
Tempia’s life takes a drastic turn after one fateful night, when she believes a stranger’s deceit over the words of a trusted friend. The consequences of her decision are devastating, leading to a bankruptcy of not just finances but also of dreams and relationships. Jackson skillfully portrays Tempia’s struggles with empathy and authenticity, making her a relatable and sympathetic protagonist.
At the heart of the story is the question of whether Tempia will be granted a second chance with Cory Sanders, the man she fell for deeply. Jackson intricately weaves themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and the power of love throughout the narrative, keeping readers engaged and rooting for Tempia’s redemption.
Overflow with Hope is more than just a romance; it’s a story of resilience and the belief that no mistake is too great to overcome with faith and perseverance. Jackson’s writing is emotive and heartfelt, drawing readers into the emotional turmoil and eventual triumph of her characters.
As a newcomer to E.C. Jackson’s novels, Overflow with Hope has left a lasting impression on me. It’s a captivating and soul-stirring read that reminds us of the transformative power of hope and the beauty of second chances. I look forward to exploring more of Jackson’s work in the future.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
Tempia Wade has met her soul mate in Cory Sanders, or so she thinks. One fateful night she meets two very different men. She is drawn to Cory, and she thought he felt the same way. However, another man has drawn her attention away from Cory and keeps her eyes focused on him. And in one night when Tempia's dreams could have come true, she has a nightmare instead, one that will take a toll on her for quite a while, until she can learn to forgive herself and let go of the past and the past misconceptions.
Cory has watched Tempia, a beautiful, kind, and sensitive woman being ill-used due to jealousy. What can he do as he tries to keep the peace? Watching their relationships was hard. While reading I really wished Tempia would have listened to wisdom and that Cory would have stepped in sooner. I found as I was reading this story, that sometimes life can really be like Tempia's. She found what she wanted and needed, but she believed the lies she was told instead of seeking the truth. Then she found herself in a worse off situation. Sometimes we all learn the hard way. I have enjoyed this whole series and watching these contemporary couples work out their issues in hope and love.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
E.C. Jackson writes a sweet love story with a fair amount of interpersonal drama.
While the romance between Tempia and Cory was clean, this book had a few flaws that made it difficult to keep my interest. The first was the repetitive telling of the same information over and over. (Example: Cory has a conversation with his friends. Then he relays the conversation to Tempia at the same level of detail, not adding to what the reader has already learned.) Also, a lot of the information was relayed after the fact. I think it would have been a much more gripping story had the author chosen to give us the first encounter, Tempia’s first marriage, and subsequent divorce in real time instead of telling us about it a year later.
I found both characters hard to relate to. Cory was very judgemental. About a third of the way through the book, I was rooting for Tempia to walk away. And Cory was supposed to be the “godly” example.
I do think fans of sweet, clean romance with lots of interpersonal drama will enjoy the book. It just wasn’t the kind of situations I enjoy reading.
Disclaimer: I requested and received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of the publisher through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
What I think you should know: Overflow with Hope, is an inspirational romance by E.C. Jackson. It is the fifth book in the Hope Series, but can be read as a standalone. This book features divorcee Tempia and her former friend Cory.
What I think about this book: Tempia is a very relatable character and does something that many people do. They fall into the trap of wanting marriage so much that they don’t necessarily seek God’s will in life before pursuing the relationship. I really wish that this book would have given us a part one with Tempia and Cory’s relationship before her marriage instead of jumping in where it did. I think this could have helped readers understand more of the story. I love that the author allowed Tempia to see a Christian counselor, but I wish it would have happened earlier in the book. I wanted to like Cory, but I almost feel like he needed counseling more than Tempia did. He was very judgmental and held past choices against her to the point that I have difficulty believing that they will have a healthy marriage!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Read the 5 beautiful stories from the Hope Series, Overflow With Hope is my favorite story.
Tempia Wade met two men at the same time, one has pure intention and one does not. Tempia Wade married the wrong guy so fast, heartbroken but learned her lesson. Cory, the good day has a heart on his sleeves and is available to help Tempia heal and move on to her new life.
I am so glad that these two lovebirds got the chance to fall in love and reconcile. Love at a second chance is so beautiful. I am so happy that they found love after all they have been through. Forgiveness and with the help of the family and friends, Tempia found her happy ending. It was worth the wait. I enjoyed reading the entire Hope series from Ms. E. C. Jacskon. I recommend her books and also teach us that everything we do as long as we have faith and the support of our family, everything will be alright.
Overflow With Hope by E. C. Jackson is an Inspirational Romance. Poor choices, lies, broken hearts, and more fill the pages of this book. Tempia Wade found her life going off the rails based on previously believing a lie that cost her a trusted friend.
Two years later, with prayers for a second chance with the man she truly loved at first sight, she struggles to determine if they can have a second chance or if she needs to face moving on with her life without him in it.
Cory Sanders works to determine if he can forgive Tempia’s horrible mistake or if it is unforgivable. Faith, love, and hope for a second chance fill the pages of this book. The author created a memorable and moving story that draws you into the pages.
So, if you want an inspirational romance, check out Overflow With Hope by E. C. Jackson for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
If you want to see two characters develop character throughout a story, then this is the book for you. You’ll see the heroine transform from foolish to wise–from carelessly naive to discerning. The hero starts off passive and judgmental and later is willing to fight and end unhealthy friendships. I won’t lie, there was a lot of drama in this book that reminded me more of high school antics than the behavior I’d expect to see from adults who have been raised in good homes. However, maybe that is me being a little too judgmental, because I’m sure there are far too many adults, even well educated, logical and professional people, in real life who deal with broken relationships and situations that escalate in dramatic ways. This wasn’t a book that I’d typically purchase, and I prefer books without such a lengthy backstory, but the author can tell a good story. I look forward to future endeavors of E. C. Jackson.
I love reading new authors to me and I was excited to read this. Although contemporary romance is not my favorite genre this book appealed to me as I hadn’t read anything quite like it. For me I found it hard to identify with the characters as they were hard to relate to on a personal level. I also found some conversations to be repetitive which distracted from the story for me. It has a great concept of how making quick decisions without God’s guidance can get us to a place we don’t wish to be, but it’s important to have the strength to take a step of faith and make corrections in our lives. This in return opens up the opportunity for second chances. A sweet romance with good bones that I enjoyed overall. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
E.C. Jackson's book "Overflow With Hope" is an excellent inspirational romance novel. I enjoyed the suspense and mystery elements it contained. Although it isn't overly suspenseful, it had just the right amount to keep me engaged.
While I haven't read the other four books in the series, I did read their synopses at the end of this book. They all seemed interesting and could stand alone. The author confirmed that this book, as well as the rest of the books in the series, is a standalone. They are all part of the same series, but one doesn't necessarily need to read them all to understand what is happening in the present book.
Cory, the male protagonist, is a good guy who works as an HVAC specialist. He helps the main female character, Tempia, escape her failing marriage but leaves her alone after a small accident, causing her to wonder where he went. Tempia and Cory had fallen in love, but they drifted apart, and she married her now ex-husband Quince. Despite the red flags, Tempia thought Quince was the perfect man for her, but things went south quickly, and she needed to get out of the situation. This is where Cory re-enters the picture to help her, but then he doesn't contact her for 14 months, leaving her wondering why.
The book gives the reader hope, even in the bleakest of situations. It displays faith in God and the importance of trusting Him in all circumstances. The themes of discord and family drama are also present. Tempia's marriage to Quince caused many problems, souring her relationships with everyone, including her friends and Cory. Although most of her friends and Cory's friends didn't think Quince was good for her, she was blinded by her feelings. This book reminds us that while we have free will, God has a plan for our lives, and sometimes deviating from it has grave consequences.
Overall, "Overflow With Hope" is a great book that I recommend reading. If the other books in the series are like this one, they will be worth reading too. I received a complementary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
Hands down my favorite installment in the series, and probably the most uplifting one too. The writing is smooth, and the story flows well. It doesn’t feel rushed or have any real lulls. The characters are complex and believable. (You’ll find yourself despising Quince, but despite how horrible he is, you might’ve known someone like him at one point in your life, or at least heard about someone like him). Tempia and Corey were clearly meant to be together, but it’s understandable things would be bumpy after how things started for them. Their faith buoys them, and helps them navigate their troubled reunion. If you enjoy feel-good romances with some bumps in the road, you’ll want to grab this.
I thought the author did a good job of showing how people can heal after past mistakes. I liked how this story was a second chance romance and that Cory was willing to give Tempia a second chance and was willing to help her deal with her past. I liked seeing Tempia grow and become stronger after how abusive first marriage. I liked seeing her realize her worth and I liked that Cory was able to forgive and love her. I thought this was a good story.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Hands down the best story of the series and I think the most uplifting and believable. Tempia and Cory are very clearly made for each other but that doesn't mean it hasn't been a bumpy and hard ride. I found this book different in that the characters seemed more realistic to me and I felt like I have met each and every one of them at some stage in my life. The plot was engaging and flowed nicely with a satisfying ending to tie the story up in a neat little bow. I highly encourage you to read it if you want a sweet,clean and inspiring romance.
Overflow with Hope is about two men and the one wrong choice but Tempia and Cory still take us on a wonderful journey as they navigate life. I loved the characters and this book and the storyline in general is so inspirational and wonderful. The author did a great job writing this and I highly enjoyed reading this one. Thank you to the author for the book in exchange of my honest review.
Two Men. One Wrong Choice. Overflow with Hope takes you on an excellent journey as Tempia and Cory navigate a real slice of life. Looking forward to the next book.
Of all of the books in this series, this has been the best one. While all of the stories have their pros and cons, this one felt smoother with the writing. The characters were ones that I could relate to in a way. While I haven't gone through the same situations, I understand betrayal.
Tempia and Corey have a bumpy start to their relationship. While there is attraction, Quince's underhandness separates them before they ever get started. Quince is NOT a likable character. He is only in a relationship with Tempia to get at Corey. Some friend, right? Quince is selfish and cares only about himself. Sadly, Tempia realizes this too late. But she is able to extract herself from this situation. Now, if she and Corey can find their way to one another.
I think both of these characters have trust issues. They also have parents that, while they want the best for them, can be overbearing. I know that most parents care about what happens to their children, but they are adults and have to learn some of these lessons themselves. Even if it is the hard way. But that is what makes these characters endearing: the willingness to adapt and become better people through their normal lives.
I have enjoyed reading the first four books from E C Jackson's Hope series and was excited to have the opportunity to get my hands on the fifth installment, Overflow With Hope. I believe this book is my favorite of the series. It has everything and so much more that I have come to expect from this series. I love how the author is able to write a realistic tale of love and incorporate faith without it being overpowering. I found the main character, Tempia, to be likeable and relatable. Her story included forgiveness, hope, trust, love, grace, and second chances. I found there were some beautiful reminders and lessons for myself to learn, also. As a note for readers: Even though Overflow With Hope is part of a series. Like the previous books, it can easily be read a stand alone. However, I still advise to not miss one book.
I am happily giving Overflow With Hope a very well deserved five plus stars from me. Readers and fans of clean romantic and inspirational fiction genres will definitely want to snatch this one up. I believe it should not be missed. I will be eagerly awaiting for more upcoming releases from E C Jackson in the future. She has earned herself a new fan here.
I received a paperback copy of E C Jackson's Overflow With Hope from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.