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By Design #7
Building Blocks
It’s often said that in life everything happens all at one. New York’s new First Family is about to find out the meaning of that familiar expression.
Just a few months into her first term as governor, Candace Reid already has a full plate. Managing the business of the State of New York is a challenge that requires creativity, intelligence, and infinite patience. And, that isn’t the greatest challenge facing Governor Reid.
With three grown children, and three grandchildren underfoot, the thought of becoming parents to a toddler had been the furthest thing from Candace and her wife Jameson would have seemed preposterous less than a year earlier. Now, the pair finds themselves juggling the demands of work, the issues facing their grown children, and the needs of their four-year-old adopted son Cooper.
A devastating accident in the state, hurtful allegations, the meddling of distant family members, a health scare, and competing personalities will put Candace and Jameson to the test. As the storms of life rage and pass, Candace and Jameson must endeavor to find their way forward. To succeed, they will require patience, compassion, love, and laughter—the Building Blocks for the future. Falling in love may happen in an instant, relationships and families are BY DESIGN.
Building Blocks is the seventh installment in the BY DESIGN series.
Just a few months into her first term as governor, Candace Reid already has a full plate. Managing the business of the State of New York is a challenge that requires creativity, intelligence, and infinite patience. And, that isn’t the greatest challenge facing Governor Reid.
With three grown children, and three grandchildren underfoot, the thought of becoming parents to a toddler had been the furthest thing from Candace and her wife Jameson would have seemed preposterous less than a year earlier. Now, the pair finds themselves juggling the demands of work, the issues facing their grown children, and the needs of their four-year-old adopted son Cooper.
A devastating accident in the state, hurtful allegations, the meddling of distant family members, a health scare, and competing personalities will put Candace and Jameson to the test. As the storms of life rage and pass, Candace and Jameson must endeavor to find their way forward. To succeed, they will require patience, compassion, love, and laughter—the Building Blocks for the future. Falling in love may happen in an instant, relationships and families are BY DESIGN.
Building Blocks is the seventh installment in the BY DESIGN series.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2016
100 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 7, 2016
What a wonderful addition to the By Design series - and by far the best, and longest, installment yet.
The character interaction, political drama, family crises and genuine love jump of the pages in this novel length installment.
Readers of the series will notice this book is ~300 pages in comparison with previous books which have been ~100-120 pages. I loved the full novel length and was disappointed when it finished. I could've kept reading for hours about the Fletcher-Reid clan.
I absolutely loved this book and look forward to the next installment, Road Blocks, coming summer 2016 :-)
The character interaction, political drama, family crises and genuine love jump of the pages in this novel length installment.
Readers of the series will notice this book is ~300 pages in comparison with previous books which have been ~100-120 pages. I loved the full novel length and was disappointed when it finished. I could've kept reading for hours about the Fletcher-Reid clan.
I absolutely loved this book and look forward to the next installment, Road Blocks, coming summer 2016 :-)
July 4, 2022
It's true!
Some things diminish with time, other things grow exponentially with time. The By Design books have grown and kept the very essence that drew me to them initially. What I loved the most was the characters and their journeys. But also the humour. The series portrays the life of, well in truth it could be about you or me. Just a typical family facing life with it's many accomplishments and pitfalls. The series will make you laugh out loud and it will make you feel anger and it will make you cry. J.A. Armstrong is an excellent example in my opinion of an author with a great sense of humour and one that understands the complexity of life, love and friendship. Great book, great author. Read you'll love it.
Some things diminish with time, other things grow exponentially with time. The By Design books have grown and kept the very essence that drew me to them initially. What I loved the most was the characters and their journeys. But also the humour. The series portrays the life of, well in truth it could be about you or me. Just a typical family facing life with it's many accomplishments and pitfalls. The series will make you laugh out loud and it will make you feel anger and it will make you cry. J.A. Armstrong is an excellent example in my opinion of an author with a great sense of humour and one that understands the complexity of life, love and friendship. Great book, great author. Read you'll love it.
December 8, 2019
Good family and political series
May 3, 2017
Loved it!
This was a great story in the continued saga of Candace and JD and their collective children and grandchildren as well as the intrinsic machinations and intrigue involving politics and behind the scenes backstabbing. The plot of the story flowed very smoothly and the characters were as usual well developed. Looking forward to the sequel!
This was a great story in the continued saga of Candace and JD and their collective children and grandchildren as well as the intrinsic machinations and intrigue involving politics and behind the scenes backstabbing. The plot of the story flowed very smoothly and the characters were as usual well developed. Looking forward to the sequel!
May 6, 2016
Love is what makes a family!
I love this non-tradional family. They are nuts but so loveable and charming. I've always felt like I was going through what the characters were going through and watching up close how they live their lives. The characters are so real and you feel immediately attracted to them. I had tears of laughter at the innocent, and sometimes practical questions of the boys. Not only the mommies but also other family members have to deal with all the boy's questions. Cooper and Spencer have no way of understanding all the situations fully and that was hilarious. I like the easy open way that Spencer and Cooper converse. They were adorable. Not everything was sunny. Of course there was kind of family drama and also on the political side things went wrong. Someone tried to seriously harm their family. I hated that person, the son of a bitch with his deep-seeded hatred toward Candace. I felt so sorry for Laura. But through true love you can overcome everything and this family love each other deeply. I absolutely adore this series and again it was impossible to stop reading this fascinating book. This time the author made me extra happy with the length of the book.
I love this non-tradional family. They are nuts but so loveable and charming. I've always felt like I was going through what the characters were going through and watching up close how they live their lives. The characters are so real and you feel immediately attracted to them. I had tears of laughter at the innocent, and sometimes practical questions of the boys. Not only the mommies but also other family members have to deal with all the boy's questions. Cooper and Spencer have no way of understanding all the situations fully and that was hilarious. I like the easy open way that Spencer and Cooper converse. They were adorable. Not everything was sunny. Of course there was kind of family drama and also on the political side things went wrong. Someone tried to seriously harm their family. I hated that person, the son of a bitch with his deep-seeded hatred toward Candace. I felt so sorry for Laura. But through true love you can overcome everything and this family love each other deeply. I absolutely adore this series and again it was impossible to stop reading this fascinating book. This time the author made me extra happy with the length of the book.
May 17, 2016
Nice (as usual) and long (this is a first). A must read series!
May 5, 2016
Great book
J A Armstrong does an amazing job of showing the person behind the political office she holds. This is a wonderfully written book that shows the ups and downs of life and how love can carry you through all of it, maybe with a few bumps and bruises but always victorious. The entire book series is awesome.
J A Armstrong does an amazing job of showing the person behind the political office she holds. This is a wonderfully written book that shows the ups and downs of life and how love can carry you through all of it, maybe with a few bumps and bruises but always victorious. The entire book series is awesome.
May 24, 2016
I just love this series
January 15, 2022
This was a surprising chapter in the lives of the Fletcher-Reid family. The biggest surprise to me was instead of a novella this is a full length novel at 385 pages. Candance is six months into her term as governor and trying to get spending bills passed. But a personal health scare causes a pause. Also an outside attack is coming from a conservative alliance that has connections to her future daughter in law. I did find some of the middle a little slow moving compared to the shorter novellas but I was glad to listen in for all the family interactions and conversation. Of course things are always handled a bit too perfectly too. But I'm still enjoying the series.
February 20, 2022
I am back, because something good is happening. Family stuff is so much
February 15, 2021
Each book in this series progressively adds more depth by taking on challenging topics...all while remembering that it is a romance series with humor, rather than a heavy drama. In some of the books, I feel like the humor is overdone a bit, but it in this one it felt like the right amount at the right time. This book is a full length novel, not a novella like the others up to this.
June 10, 2016
I've felt for a longish while that I'd love to read one of these books (well, not that one series I can't get into) by Armstrong in a full length book (more than 200+ pages at least).
Well . . .. There are three hour movies that feel like almost no time has passed when it's over. There are 90 minute movies that feel like days have gone by while it was playing. This book? I do not actually know how long this book was, since that information is oddly missing, but it felt more like a three hour movie that felt like it was taking days to complete.
Now there were moments when I was thinking that this would end up being another 5 star effort. Or 4 star. Or . . .. Well, that was before things kept being tacked on. Then again, I've felt two things before: a desire for the book to be over already (mostly in that third series); and that these stories seem to work better in shorter form. There's only so much lovey-dovey; we are such great people; emotional rollar-coasters; before my brain exits my body and visits the beach or something insane like that. Can you imagine? Sand gets into everything as it is, but if only my brain visited? I'd never get the sand out.
Despite my ramblings, there is a good-ish story here. Mostly. The whole 'evil Klein dude' story line has been building up and building up for a good long while now. And Candace was finally going to unleash herself. And . . . it all just kind of fizzled, really.
May 16 2016
Well . . .. There are three hour movies that feel like almost no time has passed when it's over. There are 90 minute movies that feel like days have gone by while it was playing. This book? I do not actually know how long this book was, since that information is oddly missing, but it felt more like a three hour movie that felt like it was taking days to complete.
Now there were moments when I was thinking that this would end up being another 5 star effort. Or 4 star. Or . . .. Well, that was before things kept being tacked on. Then again, I've felt two things before: a desire for the book to be over already (mostly in that third series); and that these stories seem to work better in shorter form. There's only so much lovey-dovey; we are such great people; emotional rollar-coasters; before my brain exits my body and visits the beach or something insane like that. Can you imagine? Sand gets into everything as it is, but if only my brain visited? I'd never get the sand out.
Despite my ramblings, there is a good-ish story here. Mostly. The whole 'evil Klein dude' story line has been building up and building up for a good long while now. And Candace was finally going to unleash herself. And . . . it all just kind of fizzled, really.
May 16 2016
May 19, 2018
Amazing!
This well written seventh installment in the story of Candace and Jameson finds the couple struggling to balance everything going on in their busy lives. A health scare forces everyone to reevaluate their lives and relationships. Along with the usual familial challenges come personal attacks on their family and unexpected problems associated with Candace's job, taking more time and effort than anyone cares to admit. Come along for the ride as these amazing characters face the twists and turns in the engrossing storyline that flows from the pages and right into your heart. This book should be added to your must-read list.
(No cliff-hanger)
This well written seventh installment in the story of Candace and Jameson finds the couple struggling to balance everything going on in their busy lives. A health scare forces everyone to reevaluate their lives and relationships. Along with the usual familial challenges come personal attacks on their family and unexpected problems associated with Candace's job, taking more time and effort than anyone cares to admit. Come along for the ride as these amazing characters face the twists and turns in the engrossing storyline that flows from the pages and right into your heart. This book should be added to your must-read list.
(No cliff-hanger)
May 17, 2016
Love J.A. Armstrong's books!
I love the characters and the deep stories with each one, especially the main characters J.D. and Candace. I love that the books continue and the characters grow over time, like the relationships between J.D. and Candace's kids. I could go on and on but I won't.
I love the characters and the deep stories with each one, especially the main characters J.D. and Candace. I love that the books continue and the characters grow over time, like the relationships between J.D. and Candace's kids. I could go on and on but I won't.
May 27, 2016
I've loved this series since the beginning. The characters are wonderful and well developed. Of course Candace and Jameson are my favorite but Spencer and Cooper have won me over as well. They keep the two women on their toes. I know all good things must come to an end but I'm hoping this series doesn't end anytime soon.
June 7, 2016
Just keeps getting better
Love this series! Each book gets better love the relationship between Jameson and Candace. I recommend this book and all others in the series to anyone who loves lesbian fiction you will laugh,cry and fall in love with the whole family. Can't wait for the next book!!
Love this series! Each book gets better love the relationship between Jameson and Candace. I recommend this book and all others in the series to anyone who loves lesbian fiction you will laugh,cry and fall in love with the whole family. Can't wait for the next book!!
May 13, 2016
JA Armstrong does not fail to disappoint in the latest installment of the By Design series. Loved that this one was longer. Just can't get enough of this asylum. Will be hard waiting so long for the next one!
May 21, 2016
I really enjoy this series and the many different characters involved. This family is so interesting and very lovable, each character adds their own special spin to the stories that am you wish they were longer. Can't wait for the next installment.
June 8, 2016
Loved it
As usual I do love JA Armstrong's books... This is the best yet, each time they get better. This has been a terrific series...I could keep reading this series indefinitely.....just keep them coming.....please
As usual I do love JA Armstrong's books... This is the best yet, each time they get better. This has been a terrific series...I could keep reading this series indefinitely.....just keep them coming.....please
January 10, 2017
Wonderful.....
I love the journey of the Fletcher-Reid family. It is interesting that no matter the obstacles they are faced with, they always get through it together. Can't wait for the next story....
I love the journey of the Fletcher-Reid family. It is interesting that no matter the obstacles they are faced with, they always get through it together. Can't wait for the next story....
February 22, 2017
Intriguing
I have absolutely devoured all 7 books in this series, and I am eager to read the next one.
The characters are flawed, as most are, but the love and trust they build, the tragedies they endure and the fascinating story overall made me unable to put the books down.
I have absolutely devoured all 7 books in this series, and I am eager to read the next one.
The characters are flawed, as most are, but the love and trust they build, the tragedies they endure and the fascinating story overall made me unable to put the books down.
December 25, 2017
This is book 7 of the By Design Series written by Ms. J. A. Armstrong. It is a fantastic series and I cannot wait to read the next book. I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants a good happy and enjoyable read.
February 28, 2018
BUILDING BLOCKS
The family just keeps on growing. Who will enter next. Can not wait to see what happens in ROAD BLOCKS. By the title the next chapter is going to be a snoozy. Come along and enjoy the fun.
The family just keeps on growing. Who will enter next. Can not wait to see what happens in ROAD BLOCKS. By the title the next chapter is going to be a snoozy. Come along and enjoy the fun.
April 1, 2018
This series is seriously addicting! I absolutely love JD and Candace. The true test of any series is keeping it interesting. Armstrong has done this mainly by creating characters that are flawed. No one is perfect but it is how people fit that matters. Well done. Next!
May 12, 2016
I gave this a 5 because the series is really good and this one just happened to be my favorite so far.
May 13, 2017
The series continues to give depth to potential changes and addresses challenges being faced in relation to her new office and their adopted child.
April 1, 2018
Wonderful
Wonderful character development and plot progression, as well as several heartfelt scenes, make this one of the best volumes in this series so far.
Wonderful character development and plot progression, as well as several heartfelt scenes, make this one of the best volumes in this series so far.
April 27, 2024
4.5 stars. A beautiful installment to the series. I got so teary eyed at a lot of different moments but they all had to do with little Cooper. Man I love that kid. He’s just the cutest. He’s trying to get used to the family and he’s so inquisitive about everything and everyone. I loved watching him bond with Marianne. Speaking of Marianne she has gone through some fantastic character development in this series. She was kind of annoying in the earlier books but she’s grown so much.
Jameson and Candace have a lot obstacles in this one. With adjusting to being new parents to Cooper to Candace's political career so it was a lot going on but I love the way that everything was handled. They work so well together and their romance seems to just get stronger with each book. I just love this series so much it's a warm hug and even though there were some heavier emotional moments in this Armstrong doesn't linger on that for too long and there's still a lot of humor in this. Loved it.
{Challenges completed:
✔The Challenge Factory: Super Series Team Challenge - Week 11
✔Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Pass the Parcel Team Challenge - Week 4}
Jameson and Candace have a lot obstacles in this one. With adjusting to being new parents to Cooper to Candace's political career so it was a lot going on but I love the way that everything was handled. They work so well together and their romance seems to just get stronger with each book. I just love this series so much it's a warm hug and even though there were some heavier emotional moments in this Armstrong doesn't linger on that for too long and there's still a lot of humor in this. Loved it.
{Challenges completed:
✔The Challenge Factory: Super Series Team Challenge - Week 11
✔Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Pass the Parcel Team Challenge - Week 4}
June 6, 2024
A little upset
I really didn't care for the ending of this particular story. I didn't care for the way Candice treated Jameson. She kept secrets she shouldn't have and then yelled at her to not do something that she went and did herself. I know a lot of people will think that it was just a game and happy and all that. But, I think it was one upmanship. And that's not how you show love.
I really didn't care for the ending of this particular story. I didn't care for the way Candice treated Jameson. She kept secrets she shouldn't have and then yelled at her to not do something that she went and did herself. I know a lot of people will think that it was just a game and happy and all that. But, I think it was one upmanship. And that's not how you show love.
December 10, 2018
Good read
I love this series, I can't stop reading, because it makes me laugh, cry and call in love. I feel like a know the characters personally, that's how much I love reading this book.😍😘
I love this series, I can't stop reading, because it makes me laugh, cry and call in love. I feel like a know the characters personally, that's how much I love reading this book.😍😘
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews