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Bradford Sisters #0.5
Then Came You
A leather-bound journal. A single father. A woman in pursuit of freedom.
Garner Bradford, heir to the troubled Bradford Shipping empire, doesn't know much about babies. But he's going to have to learn fast because he's just become a single father to his newborn daughter. As he confesses through his journal entries, he's not entirely sure how to keep a newborn alive, whether or not he'll ever patch together his shattered heart, or how to forgive himself for his mistakes.
Career girl Kathleen Burke is wholly uninterested in settling down. She has big dreams, and none of them include Garner and his small hometown in Washington State. Yet she can't seem to get her handsome boss out of her head or her heart. There's something extraordinarily tempting about his beautifully sad green eyes. . . .
Told through journal entries, phone conversations, and letters, Then Came You
is a unique, heart-stirring romance novella by acclaimed author Becky Wade.
Garner Bradford, heir to the troubled Bradford Shipping empire, doesn't know much about babies. But he's going to have to learn fast because he's just become a single father to his newborn daughter. As he confesses through his journal entries, he's not entirely sure how to keep a newborn alive, whether or not he'll ever patch together his shattered heart, or how to forgive himself for his mistakes.
Career girl Kathleen Burke is wholly uninterested in settling down. She has big dreams, and none of them include Garner and his small hometown in Washington State. Yet she can't seem to get her handsome boss out of her head or her heart. There's something extraordinarily tempting about his beautifully sad green eyes. . . .
Told through journal entries, phone conversations, and letters, Then Came You
is a unique, heart-stirring romance novella by acclaimed author Becky Wade.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2017
728 people are currently reading
2541 people want to read
About the author
Becky Wade
25 books4,069 followersBecky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas with their three children and one Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She loves penning sweet contemporary romances laced with sizzling chemistry, mystery, faith, banter, and humor. Her novels have been recognized with Carol Awards, INSPY awards, and a spot in the Christy Award Hall of Fame.
When she’s not at her computer, you’ll find her power-walking her neighborhood, driving carpool, eating chocolate, doing yoga, or admiring her dog.
Connect with Becky via her website at BeckyWade.com, on Facebook as Author Becky Wade and on Instagram as BeckyWadeWriter.
When she’s not at her computer, you’ll find her power-walking her neighborhood, driving carpool, eating chocolate, doing yoga, or admiring her dog.
Connect with Becky via her website at BeckyWade.com, on Facebook as Author Becky Wade and on Instagram as BeckyWadeWriter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews
February 23, 2018
I can't help it, I love books written in an epistolatory format, so it should be no surprise that this novella, written through journal entries, phone calls, and letters, was a treat to read. I laughed at the description of a newborn, I had lumps in my throat due to such ugly sin, I read spiritual truths, and I found the romance to be realistically sweet. I think this novella did a great job at entertaining and prepping the reader for the entire upcoming series.
March 3, 2017
I just found out about this novella a day or two ago, and got all excited about it. I got a whim to see if it was listed on iBooks yet and how much it was going to cost....and, though Goodreads says it comes out on the 7th, there it was, on the 2nd, and free! :) I was seized with the unreasonable fear that it was some mistake and might disappear come morning, so of course I had to open it up and read it right away!
Awwww, this is exactly what I needed today! I just finished a library book earlier in the day, a bitter disappointment after liking the previous books in the series, so I needed some book encouragement. What could be more fitting than a Becky Wade story?
I loved the unconventional story narration. Texts, letters, phone messages, notes....pretty much all of the story is written in epistolary style. Each word counts. I found myself rooting for Garner and his family and for Kathleen and her dreams. Garner is such a quiet hero, with his hard road to a steady life, and Kathleen has so much in life that she's wanted and hasn't done yet. I loved how Garner cares for his kids, how Kathleen turns to her best friend Rose in emergencies. It's a short tale, but packed to the gills with emotion.
If you've had a bad day, grab this book and some hot tea and curl up for some therapy!
Awwww, this is exactly what I needed today! I just finished a library book earlier in the day, a bitter disappointment after liking the previous books in the series, so I needed some book encouragement. What could be more fitting than a Becky Wade story?
I loved the unconventional story narration. Texts, letters, phone messages, notes....pretty much all of the story is written in epistolary style. Each word counts. I found myself rooting for Garner and his family and for Kathleen and her dreams. Garner is such a quiet hero, with his hard road to a steady life, and Kathleen has so much in life that she's wanted and hasn't done yet. I loved how Garner cares for his kids, how Kathleen turns to her best friend Rose in emergencies. It's a short tale, but packed to the gills with emotion.
If you've had a bad day, grab this book and some hot tea and curl up for some therapy!
March 7, 2017
A great introduction to the Bradford Sisters series! I feel like I have a good understanding of the history and personalities of characters that will play an important role in the upcoming novels.
March 6, 2018
Audio review, 3/6/18
Just finished listening to the audio of Then Came You - it is excellent! The narrators are spot on for the characters and have very pleasant, emotive voices. Once again, I love the Wade can give readers a story that is both realistic and hopeful. I'm even more eager to read Book two of the series! Highly recommend this audio version for sure!
Kindle review, 2017
This is such a fun read - I love that it was all told through letters, journals entries and phone calls - Becky Wade writes well in first-person, which was a pleasant surprise. I appreciated getting the (somewhat tragic) story of the Bradford sisters and am definitely eager to read the first book in the series. At times I wondered how things could end up happily, but they did - though, much like real-life, not without the realism of overcoming fears and adversity.
I'd had a rough week when I downloaded this, and it definitely gave me a little boost. It can be easily read in one sitting, which is just what I did.
Just finished listening to the audio of Then Came You - it is excellent! The narrators are spot on for the characters and have very pleasant, emotive voices. Once again, I love the Wade can give readers a story that is both realistic and hopeful. I'm even more eager to read Book two of the series! Highly recommend this audio version for sure!
Kindle review, 2017
This is such a fun read - I love that it was all told through letters, journals entries and phone calls - Becky Wade writes well in first-person, which was a pleasant surprise. I appreciated getting the (somewhat tragic) story of the Bradford sisters and am definitely eager to read the first book in the series. At times I wondered how things could end up happily, but they did - though, much like real-life, not without the realism of overcoming fears and adversity.
I'd had a rough week when I downloaded this, and it definitely gave me a little boost. It can be easily read in one sitting, which is just what I did.
August 10, 2018
This short and sweet novella was a hit for me! Five stars! Becky Wade just has a gift and thankfully we can all be blessed by it!
February 18, 2018
This was such a great novella! I really enjoyed this introduction to the Bradford Sisters Romance, and I can't wait to start True To You! I really enjoy an epistolary story when I find one, it's not the most popular manner in which to write a story, but it's a method that I really enjoy, and I think it was the perfect choice for this novella!
I felt very invested in the story and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. This is a novella so it made for a fast read, but the story packed every bit as much of a punch as all of Becky's full length novels!
Highly recommended!
February 2018: UPDATE
I have just listened to the audiobook edition and it was amazing! The narrators both did a fantastic job of bringing Garner and Kathleen's story to life, I especially loved the way they narrated Garner and Kathleen's phone conversations! This is one of the best audiobooks I've ever listened to and I will most definitely be listening to it again in the future.
I felt very invested in the story and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. This is a novella so it made for a fast read, but the story packed every bit as much of a punch as all of Becky's full length novels!
Highly recommended!
February 2018: UPDATE
I have just listened to the audiobook edition and it was amazing! The narrators both did a fantastic job of bringing Garner and Kathleen's story to life, I especially loved the way they narrated Garner and Kathleen's phone conversations! This is one of the best audiobooks I've ever listened to and I will most definitely be listening to it again in the future.
March 18, 2017
I enjoyed reading this novella and look forward to reading the rest of the series. The style, using letters, texts, and phone messages, was very creative and well done. I was captivated by the characters and plot. Well done!
December 28, 2018
3.5/4 stars
October 9, 2020
I’m pleasantly surprised by this book. I thought it was fun how it was in texts, letter form, and diaries. That was really neat, and I haven’t read a book like that before. I liked how Garner learned from his past mistakes, and that Kathleen realized that not always what we want is what God has in store for us. I loved the little girls. I can’t wait to read their stories next!
March 25, 2017
Wade has written an engaging novella through journal entries, texts, and phone messages. I couldn't put this book down! My heart was tugged more than once and I do believe this will be one I will read again. Strong romantic elements and a powerful redemption theme. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series. The novella was free on Kindle.
July 2, 2018
This was a sweet contemporary Christian romance novel. I enjoyed the characters and their development. I did find the writing style to be occasionally jarring, especially the phone conversations that read like a direct transcription of the exchanges. I will likely read the rest of the series sometime now that I am in love with this little family.
February 16, 2018
UPDATED REVIEW FOR AUDIO BOOK:
I am such a fan of audio books! Lately, my favorites have been contemporary Christian stories. I just finished listening to Then Came You by Becky Wade and I can without a doubt say that it is one of the best audio books I have ever heard.
It is read by two narrators, with Garner read by a man and Kathleen read by a woman. And they are spot on! I read this story on Kindle last year, so I had an idea in my mind about how these two should sound. Usually I have to get used to whatever voice is reading the story and simply adjust to it. Not this time! It was as if the characters came to life and sounded exactly as I expected them to. The female narrator had to handle multiple character voices and did a good job with that, as well.
Then Came You is a novella packed with heart and one of my all time favorite introductions to a series. I highly recommend grabbing this novella on audio. I don’t think you will regret it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
ORIGINAL REVIEW FOR KINDLE VERSION:
Get ready for a brand new series from Becky Wade with this free prequel novella. Don’t be fooled…this novella is packed full of angst, humor, and heart. It’s a peek into the life of a man who made some bad choices, struggled to overcome them, persevered, and eventually found love.
The way the author used letters, journal entries, phone calls, and notes as a way to see into the minds of the two main characters really enhanced the story. It worked so well! I also enjoyed that these characters had a lot to overcome. By the time Garner and Kathleen even met, Garner had experienced so much heartache and carried a hugely heave weight on his shoulders.
This was a story I could hardly set down! I definitely recommend it and I am very excited about the upcoming series!
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I am such a fan of audio books! Lately, my favorites have been contemporary Christian stories. I just finished listening to Then Came You by Becky Wade and I can without a doubt say that it is one of the best audio books I have ever heard.
It is read by two narrators, with Garner read by a man and Kathleen read by a woman. And they are spot on! I read this story on Kindle last year, so I had an idea in my mind about how these two should sound. Usually I have to get used to whatever voice is reading the story and simply adjust to it. Not this time! It was as if the characters came to life and sounded exactly as I expected them to. The female narrator had to handle multiple character voices and did a good job with that, as well.
Then Came You is a novella packed with heart and one of my all time favorite introductions to a series. I highly recommend grabbing this novella on audio. I don’t think you will regret it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
ORIGINAL REVIEW FOR KINDLE VERSION:
Get ready for a brand new series from Becky Wade with this free prequel novella. Don’t be fooled…this novella is packed full of angst, humor, and heart. It’s a peek into the life of a man who made some bad choices, struggled to overcome them, persevered, and eventually found love.
The way the author used letters, journal entries, phone calls, and notes as a way to see into the minds of the two main characters really enhanced the story. It worked so well! I also enjoyed that these characters had a lot to overcome. By the time Garner and Kathleen even met, Garner had experienced so much heartache and carried a hugely heave weight on his shoulders.
This was a story I could hardly set down! I definitely recommend it and I am very excited about the upcoming series!
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
March 13, 2017
Oh my stars!! This novella reminded me of why I read Becky Wade. Since this book is short, I worried that there wouldn't be enough information to fill my romance-reading heart, but I had nothing to fear.
Ms. Wade had me emotionally involved from the opening letter. And I LOVED that this was done in letter style. Kind of reminded me of Dear. Mr. Knightley in that aspect. But the style, the words, the characters are all signature Becky Wade. You'll love them and then wait with abated breath for the first novel in the Bradford Sisters Romance series.
Ms. Wade had me emotionally involved from the opening letter. And I LOVED that this was done in letter style. Kind of reminded me of Dear. Mr. Knightley in that aspect. But the style, the words, the characters are all signature Becky Wade. You'll love them and then wait with abated breath for the first novel in the Bradford Sisters Romance series.
June 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this story being told from journal entries, phone calls and phone messages. I read this quite fast as the story was interesting, filled with emotion, heartache and love.
March 10, 2017
I ALWAYS love Becky Wade's romances. Her lively characters pop off the page and into my heart. And her dialogue hits the mark--true to life yet memorable. This is an unusual style book for the 21st century-an epistletary (hope I spelled that right! '-)novle. The narrative progresses in the form of letters and journal entries and transcribed phone calls. Many (most) authors would have trouble giving life to this form. (Not Becky) BTW, it is the oldes form of novel writing like 18th century-old and I loved how Becky used it to tell the backstory of this new series. Can't wait to read book 1!
March 10, 2017
I really enjoyed this novella and can't wait to get into the series. This is written in an epistolatory style, but actually kept moving well. A quick read and very enjoyable.
January 26, 2022
4 stars & 4/10 hearts. Wow! this was not what I expected! I’m not a fan of today’s Christian Fiction, especially not Romance. But this was actually pretty good!
I appreciated that this wasn’t a typical romance, in that it was all epistolary, told via journals, letters, text messages, and transcribed phone conversations. The writing style fit the characters well, and while it had a modern feel, it was good. I liked the characters. Garner’s struggle was far too relatable, as Kathleen’s relentless pursuit of a dream. I liked how Garner admitted his sin, confessed + asked forgiveness, faced up to the responsibilities, and moved on. He was a good, steady guy. Kathleen was hilarious! They made a great pair. ;) Sylvie was well done—somehow she was fascinating while still being awful! I enjoyed the plot, too. It twisted in a way I didn’t expect, but the romance didn’t play out as quickly as I expected, and it was natural, which I really appreciated. But what I really loved was the messages of accepting forgiveness, being kind, not taking things for granted, and trusting God with your dreams, even when He says “no”...
Overall, this was a thoughtful, encouraging Christian read. Recommended ages 18+ for content.
Content: Garner + Sylvie have an out-of-wedlock affair & become parents. It’s mostly only mentioned, but there are a few lines about it. She later tries to seduce him again and he resists her; she spends the night in his house, a floor down from his bedroom. Kathleen & Garner share a few kisses, non detailed. A woman is raped and murdered by a serial killer—only mentioned, but there is a few lines about it & it makes a few characters edgy. A minor character is mentioned to have suicided. There may be euphemisms.
A Favourite Quote: I’ve carried a tremendous amount of guilt[.] I’ve asked for God’s forgiveness countless times. Academically, I know that He’s forgiven me. However, I’ve never been able to forgive myself. Tonight ... I’m finally ready to release the guilt. Done. I’m forgiven. It’s hard to believe. It doesn’t make sense. It’s not fair or deserved, but it is true. I’m forgiven. God’s grace is like a rushing river. It’s far more powerful than I am. My sins don’t stand a chance against it. I’ve made awful mistakes, but I’m beginning to realize that God was able to use those mistakes. He’s been working behind the scenes for my good all along. If I’d had my way, I wouldn’t have Willow.… God’s extending a second chance to me. No, not a second chance. A third. I’m thankful. I’m very thankful that God’s plans for me were different than the plans I had for myself.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: Do good things really come to those who wait? Or is that saying just a bunch of baloney someone made up so that inactive people could feel better about themselves? It seems to me that good things are far more likely to come to those who bulldoze ahead and make things happen. I’ve been alternately waiting and trying to bulldoze my way into a job in New York for a long time. So far, no good thing has come my way on that front.
I appreciated that this wasn’t a typical romance, in that it was all epistolary, told via journals, letters, text messages, and transcribed phone conversations. The writing style fit the characters well, and while it had a modern feel, it was good. I liked the characters. Garner’s struggle was far too relatable, as Kathleen’s relentless pursuit of a dream. I liked how Garner admitted his sin, confessed + asked forgiveness, faced up to the responsibilities, and moved on. He was a good, steady guy. Kathleen was hilarious! They made a great pair. ;) Sylvie was well done—somehow she was fascinating while still being awful! I enjoyed the plot, too. It twisted in a way I didn’t expect, but the romance didn’t play out as quickly as I expected, and it was natural, which I really appreciated. But what I really loved was the messages of accepting forgiveness, being kind, not taking things for granted, and trusting God with your dreams, even when He says “no”...
Overall, this was a thoughtful, encouraging Christian read. Recommended ages 18+ for content.
Content: Garner + Sylvie have an out-of-wedlock affair & become parents. It’s mostly only mentioned, but there are a few lines about it. She later tries to seduce him again and he resists her; she spends the night in his house, a floor down from his bedroom. Kathleen & Garner share a few kisses, non detailed. A woman is raped and murdered by a serial killer—only mentioned, but there is a few lines about it & it makes a few characters edgy. A minor character is mentioned to have suicided. There may be euphemisms.
A Favourite Quote: I’ve carried a tremendous amount of guilt[.] I’ve asked for God’s forgiveness countless times. Academically, I know that He’s forgiven me. However, I’ve never been able to forgive myself. Tonight ... I’m finally ready to release the guilt. Done. I’m forgiven. It’s hard to believe. It doesn’t make sense. It’s not fair or deserved, but it is true. I’m forgiven. God’s grace is like a rushing river. It’s far more powerful than I am. My sins don’t stand a chance against it. I’ve made awful mistakes, but I’m beginning to realize that God was able to use those mistakes. He’s been working behind the scenes for my good all along. If I’d had my way, I wouldn’t have Willow.… God’s extending a second chance to me. No, not a second chance. A third. I’m thankful. I’m very thankful that God’s plans for me were different than the plans I had for myself.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: Do good things really come to those who wait? Or is that saying just a bunch of baloney someone made up so that inactive people could feel better about themselves? It seems to me that good things are far more likely to come to those who bulldoze ahead and make things happen. I’ve been alternately waiting and trying to bulldoze my way into a job in New York for a long time. So far, no good thing has come my way on that front.
July 2, 2022
The nice thing about this novella and its format is that it doesn't draw anything out and the timeline passes quickly. Becky still makes time for a good lesson on repentance and forgiveness and another on contentment. I didn't relate to Garner's love interest or totally picture them together, but that's because things aren't as fully developed in a novella.
Read
June 16, 2018Dnf at 34%.
The writing style is not for me. I’m glad I found that out before I became invested in this series. There’s too much telling, not enough showing and the characters are flat.
The writing style is not for me. I’m glad I found that out before I became invested in this series. There’s too much telling, not enough showing and the characters are flat.
March 8, 2017
Then Came You is an utterly charming romance told through letter fragments, diary entries, and phone conversations.
Then Came You is the prequel novella to Becky Wade's new series, Bradford Sisters Romance. At first I was a little confused about how this story fit with the books in the series. Then I realised that this story is set a few decades prior to the first book in the series and Garner, our main male character, is actually the father of the Bradford sisters, around whom the series is based.
The story starts off rather sadly, as Garner makes mistakes and faces much tragedy. We are also introduced to Kathleen, who takes a job at Garner's family company rather than fulfill her dreams of moving to and working in New York.
I loved that the romance between Kathleen and Garner takes a very long time to develop. Years, in fact. This novella really is the background story for the rest of the series and it plays out accordingly. We learn of Garner's life and how the Bradford sisters came to be. But it is a romance and a happy one at that - trust me - even if it takes a while to develop. And the romance is all the better for it. Through snippets of conversations and letters never sent, the reader learns how Kathleen and Garner at first see each other as nothing more than employer or employee. Neither is ready for a relationship. But God has other plans. And as they fight their growing attraction, I was drawn into this story of second (and third and fourth and who's counting anyway) chances, families created and healed, and finding forgiveness, freedom, and peace.
I have always enjoyed Becky Wade's writing and was impressed how this story so clearly conveyed the characters, even through diary or letter format. It was an excellent way to pace the novella and it includes so much within few words.
I can't wait to start reading the series proper now. I think the Bradford sisters are going to be wonderful characters to watch learn, live, and love.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
Then Came You is the prequel novella to Becky Wade's new series, Bradford Sisters Romance. At first I was a little confused about how this story fit with the books in the series. Then I realised that this story is set a few decades prior to the first book in the series and Garner, our main male character, is actually the father of the Bradford sisters, around whom the series is based.
The story starts off rather sadly, as Garner makes mistakes and faces much tragedy. We are also introduced to Kathleen, who takes a job at Garner's family company rather than fulfill her dreams of moving to and working in New York.
I loved that the romance between Kathleen and Garner takes a very long time to develop. Years, in fact. This novella really is the background story for the rest of the series and it plays out accordingly. We learn of Garner's life and how the Bradford sisters came to be. But it is a romance and a happy one at that - trust me - even if it takes a while to develop. And the romance is all the better for it. Through snippets of conversations and letters never sent, the reader learns how Kathleen and Garner at first see each other as nothing more than employer or employee. Neither is ready for a relationship. But God has other plans. And as they fight their growing attraction, I was drawn into this story of second (and third and fourth and who's counting anyway) chances, families created and healed, and finding forgiveness, freedom, and peace.
I have always enjoyed Becky Wade's writing and was impressed how this story so clearly conveyed the characters, even through diary or letter format. It was an excellent way to pace the novella and it includes so much within few words.
I can't wait to start reading the series proper now. I think the Bradford sisters are going to be wonderful characters to watch learn, live, and love.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
September 24, 2017
So judging by the reviews I am in the minority here but I did not like this book. I forced myself to finish it because I have the first Bradford Sisters checked out from the library and the prequel was online from Amazon (Kindle) for free and I wanted to start at the beginning (apparently this is the Bradford sisters "parents" story) but wow. Just wow. This book was all over the place.
This novella is short and told in epistolary style (mostly journal entries, letters, phone messages, phone conversations, etc) that made me feel not connected to either characters. (though I liked Kathleen more than Garner). Although when she wrote things in her (unsent) letters about . But Garner, I really didn't warm up to him until the end and that was barely. He was all over the place, his personal life was all over the place and the fact that this short novella takes place over a span of four+ years in which A LOT OF THINGS HAPPEN doesn't really help.
But my biggest problem with his book was
There was just a lot going on for a 100 page novella. I haven't read Becky Wade before, judging from all the reviews on here she's some kind of superstar in the Christian world, so maybe I just read a bad book of hers to start with but I was not impressed with her writing/plot. Not at all. I'm still going to try and read True to You because it sounds intriguing and hopefully my opinion will change. This book was a hot mess though.
This novella is short and told in epistolary style (mostly journal entries, letters, phone messages, phone conversations, etc) that made me feel not connected to either characters. (though I liked Kathleen more than Garner). Although when she wrote things in her (unsent) letters about . But Garner, I really didn't warm up to him until the end and that was barely. He was all over the place, his personal life was all over the place and the fact that this short novella takes place over a span of four+ years in which A LOT OF THINGS HAPPEN doesn't really help.
But my biggest problem with his book was
There was just a lot going on for a 100 page novella. I haven't read Becky Wade before, judging from all the reviews on here she's some kind of superstar in the Christian world, so maybe I just read a bad book of hers to start with but I was not impressed with her writing/plot. Not at all. I'm still going to try and read True to You because it sounds intriguing and hopefully my opinion will change. This book was a hot mess though.
May 17, 2017
Without knowing anything about the author or her previous works, I signed up to review the first book in the Bradford Sisters Romance. I did this mainly because 1) The cover was gorgeous and 2) The blurb sounded interesting. (Although, now I have to clarify that I'm pretty sure the blurb I received from the review site was different from the one on Amazon, and the one on Amazon would have *probably* made me decline the book, and currently has me slightly worried.)
Yesterday while browsing through Goodreads I saw someone had mentioned that it was advisable to read this novella before reading "True to You." And, since I hope to read "True to You" tomorrow, I downloaded this novella and dived right into it.
The four stars for this book comes mainly from the style. I was blown away by how the author wrote it, how it all fit together, and how it actually made sense and drew me in.
The book is told through a series of journal entries, phone conversations, letters, and phone messages. It seems like it should have been disjointed. The characters shouldn't have been developed, the plot should have been hard to follow, and details should have been minimum. Instead it was all wonderful and amazing. And *that* is why it gets four stars.
As for the book itself... I've been puzzling over how to review it. (Here's where the SPOILERS come in, so skip if you want to.) One of the main characters (the one who's journal entries we read), has just had a daughter out of wedlock when the book starts. There's not many details, but there might have been a sentence or two that could have been left out. (END OF SPOILER)
Overall, the plot surprised me. I guess it shouldn't have? But I didn't really know what to expect, and so when lives merged, I was like "Wow." Which, obviously it's a book. Of course lives are going to merge. I was reading it late at night though and therefore wasn't thinking it through.
All in all I'm looking forward to the first novel in the series, and *hope* that it doesn't fall flat....
Yesterday while browsing through Goodreads I saw someone had mentioned that it was advisable to read this novella before reading "True to You." And, since I hope to read "True to You" tomorrow, I downloaded this novella and dived right into it.
The four stars for this book comes mainly from the style. I was blown away by how the author wrote it, how it all fit together, and how it actually made sense and drew me in.
The book is told through a series of journal entries, phone conversations, letters, and phone messages. It seems like it should have been disjointed. The characters shouldn't have been developed, the plot should have been hard to follow, and details should have been minimum. Instead it was all wonderful and amazing. And *that* is why it gets four stars.
As for the book itself... I've been puzzling over how to review it. (Here's where the SPOILERS come in, so skip if you want to.) One of the main characters (the one who's journal entries we read), has just had a daughter out of wedlock when the book starts. There's not many details, but there might have been a sentence or two that could have been left out. (END OF SPOILER)
Overall, the plot surprised me. I guess it shouldn't have? But I didn't really know what to expect, and so when lives merged, I was like "Wow." Which, obviously it's a book. Of course lives are going to merge. I was reading it late at night though and therefore wasn't thinking it through.
All in all I'm looking forward to the first novel in the series, and *hope* that it doesn't fall flat....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2017
A stunning novella that introduces Becky Wade's Bradford Sisters series. It's been offered free on Kindle off and on since it's release in March but if you are looking for a paperback copy to add to your keeper shelf along with the rest of the series (as the books release) read on!
I love the format of this story -- it's told through letters, phone messages, notes and journaling as well as some hysterically funny telephone conversations between Kathleen and her best friend, Rose. There's angst and drama along with splashes of humour as Garner and Kathleen navigate their complicated lives.
Garner, a survivor of tragedies and struggling single dad who has grown staid and serious before his time. And exuberant Kathleen, so busy searching for freedom she doesn't realize it's already within her grasp. And then there are gems of spiritual truth like this:
"God's grace is like a rushing river. It's far more powerful than I am. My sins don't stand a chance against it." (p. 138)
The perfect start to what is already proving to be an incredible series. (True to You, May 2017 and Falling for You, May 2018)
I love the format of this story -- it's told through letters, phone messages, notes and journaling as well as some hysterically funny telephone conversations between Kathleen and her best friend, Rose. There's angst and drama along with splashes of humour as Garner and Kathleen navigate their complicated lives.
Garner, a survivor of tragedies and struggling single dad who has grown staid and serious before his time. And exuberant Kathleen, so busy searching for freedom she doesn't realize it's already within her grasp. And then there are gems of spiritual truth like this:
"God's grace is like a rushing river. It's far more powerful than I am. My sins don't stand a chance against it." (p. 138)
The perfect start to what is already proving to be an incredible series. (True to You, May 2017 and Falling for You, May 2018)
August 3, 2017
Such a cute novella---loved the format of letters, messages, and conversations! Looking forward to reading True to You!
November 15, 2017
What a cute novella! I loved the format of telling the story through letters, journal entries and phone calls.
May 25, 2017
I have mixed feelings about this novel, for the way it was written was different but I felt that it took away from the powerful story line in play.
The letters, the phone conversations, and the diary entries were all wonderful at telling the first person's point-of-view; however, the deeper underlining meaning was drowned out with the complexity in which the book was written.
I feel that there is so much more that could have been, should have been, said and was left out. Years were jumped over, heartbreak was jumped over, happiness was jumped over; and with all of these things missing made the novel feel like it was rushed and incomplete.
I wish that Ms. Wade would write a longer novel, possibly more than one, to break up the sections that are missing from this story. I feel like then she would have a best seller on her hands.
The letters, the phone conversations, and the diary entries were all wonderful at telling the first person's point-of-view; however, the deeper underlining meaning was drowned out with the complexity in which the book was written.
I feel that there is so much more that could have been, should have been, said and was left out. Years were jumped over, heartbreak was jumped over, happiness was jumped over; and with all of these things missing made the novel feel like it was rushed and incomplete.
I wish that Ms. Wade would write a longer novel, possibly more than one, to break up the sections that are missing from this story. I feel like then she would have a best seller on her hands.
August 14, 2019
Then Came You by Becky Wade was a great read. What a wonderful and interesting spin on a Novella. I loved how the story was told in either a journal, text, letter or phone call. It did take me a chapter or two to get used to it but once I did I couldn't put it down. It showed what the character's were thinking and feeling in a different light. And I loved the unique and different way that Becky Wade sets up the Bradford Sisters Romance series with this Novella. Note: I don't think you have to read this book first (I didn't) before the other books in the series. But if you do, you will get the father's perspective of the three sisters's and it will help to see how they grew up.
April 1, 2017
Okay, so I didn't like the journal/letter writing style. And there was one incident in the book that was shocking in a way, that seemed unnecessary. But I loved the characters. They touched my heart and made me want to keep reading. I'm looking forward to the next one.
November 14, 2023
I loved this short little prequel. It was sweet and swoony and gave us a glimpse into the Bradford sisters Dad's life. A third chance at romance I guess you could say?
March 20, 2017
good introduction to the Bradford Sisters series, but I had a hard time being emotionally invested. Mainly that was due to the format of letters, phone calls, etc. And combined with a novella length, it's pretty much just an information dump. Still, it sets up the series and I'm excited to dive into it!
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