What do you think?
Rate this book
No Easy Catch
Shae Carmen hasn’t lost her faith in God, only the men she’s come across who profess to follow Him. Heartbroken and humiliated after discovering that her boyfriend was not only married but also on the verge of reconciling with his estranged wife, she flees her job in Nebraska for St. Louis, Missouri, and starts over with a fresh slate as a weekend TV news anchor/reporter.
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Rahn Maxwell had been coasting along in life until an attempted carjacking awakened him to the reality of his feeble faith. When a local television station lands an exclusive interview, Rahn shares his testimony and commits to getting right with God. Meeting a lovely news anchor named Shae, a committed Christian, further compels his quest to follow Christ—and to win Shae’s heart.
Just when Shae lets her guards down, another scandal rocks her world. This time, the stakes are higher, and she and Rahn aren’t immune to the aftershocks. For a second time, Shae’s heart is on the line, along with her professional credibility. Will she strike out at love again? Or will she hit a home run and give God the glory?
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Rahn Maxwell had been coasting along in life until an attempted carjacking awakened him to the reality of his feeble faith. When a local television station lands an exclusive interview, Rahn shares his testimony and commits to getting right with God. Meeting a lovely news anchor named Shae, a committed Christian, further compels his quest to follow Christ—and to win Shae’s heart.
Just when Shae lets her guards down, another scandal rocks her world. This time, the stakes are higher, and she and Rahn aren’t immune to the aftershocks. For a second time, Shae’s heart is on the line, along with her professional credibility. Will she strike out at love again? Or will she hit a home run and give God the glory?
- GenresChristian Fiction
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2014
11 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Pat Simmons
96 books365 followersPat 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 9, 2014
WOW!!! This was my first read by Pat Simmons and let me tell you it will not be my last. I loved the way that the storyline flowed so smoothly. Her scriptures were well timed and very appropriate, without being preachy or over the top. I loved how Shae and Rahn seemed like normal, everyday people that lived normal everyday lives. They were not so overly wealthy, or so over the top sexy that they were unbelievable.
Newscaster Shae Carmen was not looking for love. Her last relationship caused her huge public humiliation and embarrassment. She packs her things and moves to St. Louis, Missouri, in an effort to start fresh from her shame. Super popular baseball player Rahn Maxwell experienced a life-changing trauma that has caused him to re-evaluate the meaning of his life.
All the while Shae becomes the darling of a local news station becoming quite well known for the Sunday hats she wears at the close of her news segment. Their paths cross when he comes to the news station to conduct an interview after his trauma. He is immediately smitten with her. Shae on the other hand is not interested. Rahn decides to pursue her and she leads him right to church. They embark on a relationship built on honesty, trust and fidelity. That is until something from Rahn’s past threatens to blow everything out of the water.
Can Rahn prove to Shae that not “all Christian men are dogs?” You will have to pick it up to find out. Excellent read! I highly recommend this book.
-Reviewed by Cassandra
Newscaster Shae Carmen was not looking for love. Her last relationship caused her huge public humiliation and embarrassment. She packs her things and moves to St. Louis, Missouri, in an effort to start fresh from her shame. Super popular baseball player Rahn Maxwell experienced a life-changing trauma that has caused him to re-evaluate the meaning of his life.
All the while Shae becomes the darling of a local news station becoming quite well known for the Sunday hats she wears at the close of her news segment. Their paths cross when he comes to the news station to conduct an interview after his trauma. He is immediately smitten with her. Shae on the other hand is not interested. Rahn decides to pursue her and she leads him right to church. They embark on a relationship built on honesty, trust and fidelity. That is until something from Rahn’s past threatens to blow everything out of the water.
Can Rahn prove to Shae that not “all Christian men are dogs?” You will have to pick it up to find out. Excellent read! I highly recommend this book.
-Reviewed by Cassandra
November 17, 2023
Awww inspiring ministry!
Positive and creative writing✍🏾. I always enjoy the author's ministry and blessings. The theme that I identified with most is stressing before praying about anything, that has always been my careless action. Superior romantic storyline. On to book three since I have enjoyed book two first.
Positive and creative writing✍🏾. I always enjoy the author's ministry and blessings. The theme that I identified with most is stressing before praying about anything, that has always been my careless action. Superior romantic storyline. On to book three since I have enjoyed book two first.
September 9, 2025
Home Run!
I loved this story. I'm such a Pat Simmons fan. The story was so moving from the beginning, and reading scriptures throughout the book was ministry in motion. I knew suspense was coming but didn't expect it when it did. Redemption is sweet. A love based on God's Word and principles is everlasting. This book was a "good catch." I'm glad that Shae didn't make it easy.
I loved this story. I'm such a Pat Simmons fan. The story was so moving from the beginning, and reading scriptures throughout the book was ministry in motion. I knew suspense was coming but didn't expect it when it did. Redemption is sweet. A love based on God's Word and principles is everlasting. This book was a "good catch." I'm glad that Shae didn't make it easy.
August 13, 2025
No easy catch
Quite an inspiring read. Can't to complete entire series. Every book by this author is thought provoking and spiritually based. Quite refreshing: I laugh, I cry, I praise and shout Hallelujah!!!!
Quite an inspiring read. Can't to complete entire series. Every book by this author is thought provoking and spiritually based. Quite refreshing: I laugh, I cry, I praise and shout Hallelujah!!!!
May 8, 2019
Great wholesome story
This tale was enjoyable from page one. I love a good feel good story, and Pat Simmons delivered (again). Please keep them coming...
This tale was enjoyable from page one. I love a good feel good story, and Pat Simmons delivered (again). Please keep them coming...
August 3, 2016
A Home Run..
Fleeing betrayal, Shae Carmen quits her job in Nebraska and heads to St Louis after accepting a job offer at KMMD-TV, as a Reporter and news anchor. Finding out she has been lied to in the worse possible way Shae finds she herself single and struggling to pick up the pieces of life after Alex. But thankfully Carmen and her sisters are a tight knit family and it is that family glue and her faith in the Lord that fills the broken pieces of her life.
Rahn Maxwell thought for sure his life would end that night near the detour on Highway 40. His brush with death leaves him shaken and promising never to forget God’s act of mercy. Rahn played the field while he held his ground for the right one. Now after a interview at KMMD-TV he meets the beautiful doll face Shae Carmen, and for a fleeting moment wonders if she is THE ONE?
Seeking someone to share your life with, someone who will love only you and be content Pat Simmons invites readers to share these moments in time with Rahn Maxwell and Shae Carmen as they take a hard and honest look at themselves and each other before they find their happily ever after. Sometimes the tragedy that we escape is Gods invitation for us to join Him in His work, while other tragedies we use as a crutch. Maxwell and Shae both learn how through Christ all things are possible no matter what it looks like in the flesh.
Throughout the story Rahn and Shae’s relationship starts out beautiful but then life happens. Will Rahn and Shae continue to strike out or will they hit a home run with God as their pitcher? The strong messages of faith had me at one time thinking had I kept my promises to God? I don’t know for sure but I’m certainly convicted. Simmons has a knack for writing stories that make you pause and reflect and this one doesn’t disappoint.
One of my favorite quotes in the book was “when fear comes knocking let faith answer it. Once the door is open fear disappears. Its nuggets like this one that kept me turning pages.
What an outstanding read!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the autor for the purpose of this review.
Fleeing betrayal, Shae Carmen quits her job in Nebraska and heads to St Louis after accepting a job offer at KMMD-TV, as a Reporter and news anchor. Finding out she has been lied to in the worse possible way Shae finds she herself single and struggling to pick up the pieces of life after Alex. But thankfully Carmen and her sisters are a tight knit family and it is that family glue and her faith in the Lord that fills the broken pieces of her life.
Rahn Maxwell thought for sure his life would end that night near the detour on Highway 40. His brush with death leaves him shaken and promising never to forget God’s act of mercy. Rahn played the field while he held his ground for the right one. Now after a interview at KMMD-TV he meets the beautiful doll face Shae Carmen, and for a fleeting moment wonders if she is THE ONE?
Seeking someone to share your life with, someone who will love only you and be content Pat Simmons invites readers to share these moments in time with Rahn Maxwell and Shae Carmen as they take a hard and honest look at themselves and each other before they find their happily ever after. Sometimes the tragedy that we escape is Gods invitation for us to join Him in His work, while other tragedies we use as a crutch. Maxwell and Shae both learn how through Christ all things are possible no matter what it looks like in the flesh.
Throughout the story Rahn and Shae’s relationship starts out beautiful but then life happens. Will Rahn and Shae continue to strike out or will they hit a home run with God as their pitcher? The strong messages of faith had me at one time thinking had I kept my promises to God? I don’t know for sure but I’m certainly convicted. Simmons has a knack for writing stories that make you pause and reflect and this one doesn’t disappoint.
One of my favorite quotes in the book was “when fear comes knocking let faith answer it. Once the door is open fear disappears. Its nuggets like this one that kept me turning pages.
What an outstanding read!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the autor for the purpose of this review.
June 1, 2014
It does my heart good to be able to write this review. Pat Simmons has done an incredible job of creating beautiful characters, acknowledging the Lord and composing a well-written story. In this book, you meet Shae. She is one of four God-fearing Carmen sisters. After discovering that her boyfriend has a major secret that he’s been keeping, a broken-hearted Shae evacuates her current residence in Nebraska and heads to St. Louis. At this point, she decides that being in a relationship may not be God’s will for her life. Enter Rahn Maxwell. He is the star outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals who has been living fancy free until a life-threatening encounter changes everything. Once Rahn sees Shae, he’ll stop at nothing to make her his lady. Fresh off one church-house scandal, Shae is in no way prepared for the fallout of another. Is she safe with Rahn in her life or will Shae strike out again? Grab your copy and find out!
Pat Simmons has done a wonderful job writing this love story. What impressed me the most was her ability to put God in the middle of a very heartfelt situation. Throughout this novel, the characters would encounter various trials and tribulations but God was always there to remind them what He said about their situation. The Word of God was ever present in this story as each person quoted it in the appropriate times. Said scriptures were inserted in such a way that made you feel encouraged and not condemned. I look forward to sharing this book with others. It is for these reasons that I say well done Pat Simmons. I give this book Five stars!
Pat Simmons has done a wonderful job writing this love story. What impressed me the most was her ability to put God in the middle of a very heartfelt situation. Throughout this novel, the characters would encounter various trials and tribulations but God was always there to remind them what He said about their situation. The Word of God was ever present in this story as each person quoted it in the appropriate times. Said scriptures were inserted in such a way that made you feel encouraged and not condemned. I look forward to sharing this book with others. It is for these reasons that I say well done Pat Simmons. I give this book Five stars!
December 31, 2014
This book was an easy and enjoyable read. The storyline flowed so freely. Shae, one of the Carmen sisters, has always prided herself on being a vessel that God could use. She thought she had also found the same thing in her boyfriend. However, that would prove to be the furthest thing from the truth. Upon being hurt by her boyfriend's secret, she decides to relocate. Leaving Nebraska for St. Louis, in her mind, has to be better than where she is and the situation. She also believed that just maybe God didn't want her to be in a relationship.
Upon arriving in St. Louis she meets Rahn of the St. Louis Cardinals. He had been use to living fancy free but a tragic situation caused him to change and look at life differently. He found solace in the church and also found Shae. He would stop at nothing to have her. Is she able to trust again? Will she strike out again? Should she let her guard down? Only God knows.....The book was about people going through trials and tribulations and trusting God in the midst of it all. The author used scriptures and wove them in the storyline wonderfully.
Upon arriving in St. Louis she meets Rahn of the St. Louis Cardinals. He had been use to living fancy free but a tragic situation caused him to change and look at life differently. He found solace in the church and also found Shae. He would stop at nothing to have her. Is she able to trust again? Will she strike out again? Should she let her guard down? Only God knows.....The book was about people going through trials and tribulations and trusting God in the midst of it all. The author used scriptures and wove them in the storyline wonderfully.
May 11, 2015
A Great Read
This is my first time reading Pat Simmons' work, but it won't be my last time. I truly enjoyed the storyline. Two professional saved people dating in the public eye. A news reporter and a professional baseball player. The chemistry between Shae and Rahn was hot and yet they was able to keep their commitment to God. I liked that the author showed that the couple struggled to remain celibate during courtship and through praying, fasting, family, and friends they were successful.
I also liked reading about Rahn's getting save and his daily struggle to remain save as a Christian in the public eye.
Pat Simmons has a new fan and I'm looking forward to reading more about the Carmen Sisters.
This is my first time reading Pat Simmons' work, but it won't be my last time. I truly enjoyed the storyline. Two professional saved people dating in the public eye. A news reporter and a professional baseball player. The chemistry between Shae and Rahn was hot and yet they was able to keep their commitment to God. I liked that the author showed that the couple struggled to remain celibate during courtship and through praying, fasting, family, and friends they were successful.
I also liked reading about Rahn's getting save and his daily struggle to remain save as a Christian in the public eye.
Pat Simmons has a new fan and I'm looking forward to reading more about the Carmen Sisters.
August 22, 2014
Oh, I just love Pat Simmons! I can always count on her to give me a solid read. This story, like her others, was a sweet, Christian romance with the "Picket Fence" ending that I read for. I enjoyed reading the first installment of the Carmen Sisters series; in a way, they reminded me of my three sisters and I. I loved the pace of Rahn and Shae's romance, and the innocence of it; Pat always writes sensual love stories while keeping it PG. I can't wait to read the next installment of this series. I would read it again, and I would recommend it to romance lovers.
July 10, 2014
I bought the book because I've liked Mrs. Simmons books before. Wasn't sure I was going to like it because I hate sports. But the book was not filled with a lot of sports jargon and I enjoyed the story. I can't wait until the next book comes out.
April 7, 2014
Enjoyed Shae and Rahn's story. Great lesson about taking responsibility for your mistakes. Sharing them can often help others not make the same ones.
August 17, 2014
Really enjoyed it!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews