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Unfailing Love #3
Living Hope
A Sweet Christian Romance
Natalie Burke trudges through life in a daze of work and tending to her ailing mother. Every day is a fight to keep a roof over their heads. She doesn’t have time to date when she works two jobs.
Deputy Jake Sims lives his life to protect others. When the amber-eyed beauty captures his attention at a crime scene, he wants nothing more than to help her. Too bad she’s pushing him away at every turn.
After Natalie loses her mother, Jake makes a vow to help her overcome her grief and get back on her feet. Just as their relationship begins to grow, they discover Natalie’s problems have only just begun.
Will Jake be able to rescue Natalie, or will he be too late to save the woman who stole his heart?
A sweet, Christian romance about holding onto hope even in the darkest times.
Living Hope is book three in the Unfailing Love series, but the books can be read in any order.
Natalie Burke trudges through life in a daze of work and tending to her ailing mother. Every day is a fight to keep a roof over their heads. She doesn’t have time to date when she works two jobs.
Deputy Jake Sims lives his life to protect others. When the amber-eyed beauty captures his attention at a crime scene, he wants nothing more than to help her. Too bad she’s pushing him away at every turn.
After Natalie loses her mother, Jake makes a vow to help her overcome her grief and get back on her feet. Just as their relationship begins to grow, they discover Natalie’s problems have only just begun.
Will Jake be able to rescue Natalie, or will he be too late to save the woman who stole his heart?
A sweet, Christian romance about holding onto hope even in the darkest times.
Living Hope is book three in the Unfailing Love series, but the books can be read in any order.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2019
365 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Mandi Blake
43 books860 followersMandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 30, 2020
This was another great read. I actually listened to it as I received this from the author. I didn't agree to leave a review for it, but I leave it by my choice. I loved listening to it. The story of Natalie and Jake is so good. I loved hearing about the other people I has previously read/listened about in Carson. Great love story with a little bit of action suspense. This is worth the read/listen.
October 23, 2020
Natalie was beaten down by life. She worked two jobs to support her mother and pay for her cancer treatments. When Deputy Jake Sims comes into her life after she was held at gunpoint during a robbery at her job, she thinks she’s not good enough for him and pushes him away. She has to learn to love herself and accept help from others before she can truly let him in. Jake does have a hero complex and he feels guilty he couldn’t protect his aunt, but he genuinely comes to care for Natalie, want what’s best for her, and encourages her to do what she loves like cooking and making jewelry. There were plenty of sad, scary, and sweet moments in this small town romance.
The narrator, Lorana Hoopes, is also a wonderful Christian author who adds emotional inflections, voice tones and changes, and intensity to the story.
The narrator, Lorana Hoopes, is also a wonderful Christian author who adds emotional inflections, voice tones and changes, and intensity to the story.
May 15, 2020
Good
This is a book that a young woman who has lost so much in her finds that there are people .
This is a book that a young woman who has lost so much in her finds that there are people .
October 4, 2020
I knew I'd like Jake (due to his involvement in the earlier books in the series) but didn't expect to love him as much as I did. His strength, fierce (yet not controlling) protective nature and ability to read people and situations warmed my heart.
The moment Natalie graced the pages of this novel, I knew she'd be a 'living tragedy' with her difficult home life, work life and overall struggles. My heart hurt for her.
Through all the hardships, painful situations and danger, Jake and Natalie slowly build a strong relationship, and it was a joy to see unfold.
Looking forward to the next book! 😄
The moment Natalie graced the pages of this novel, I knew she'd be a 'living tragedy' with her difficult home life, work life and overall struggles. My heart hurt for her.
Through all the hardships, painful situations and danger, Jake and Natalie slowly build a strong relationship, and it was a joy to see unfold.
Looking forward to the next book! 😄
September 1, 2020
Great story
A very uplifting story. A girl transforms from just existing & at the bottom to glorious life. A cop befriended her & took her to safety. There she finds friends & faith.
A very uplifting story. A girl transforms from just existing & at the bottom to glorious life. A cop befriended her & took her to safety. There she finds friends & faith.
December 3, 2020
In this audiobook, we are back with another touching , at times heartbreaking Christian romance in this series.
This time the story belongs to Natalie Burke and Jake Sims.
Natalie is struggling with her life, work and dealing with a very ill mother.
Jake , a deputy, is determined to help Natalie through her personal and spiritual struggles.
Especially after Natalie’s mother dies.
This is not a story for the faint of heart. It’s a story about loss, hope and an unexpected future.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook through Author’s Direct. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This time the story belongs to Natalie Burke and Jake Sims.
Natalie is struggling with her life, work and dealing with a very ill mother.
Jake , a deputy, is determined to help Natalie through her personal and spiritual struggles.
Especially after Natalie’s mother dies.
This is not a story for the faint of heart. It’s a story about loss, hope and an unexpected future.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook through Author’s Direct. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
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November 1, 2020On my! Each book in the Unfailing Love series seems to get better and better. I loved this story about Jake and Natalie. Seeing them learn about each other, about faith, love, and forgiveness was such a delight. A beautiful read.
December 17, 2020
I have to confess, I have been binge reading all of Mandi Blake’s books. :) Living Hope is the third book in the Unfailing Love series, and it is about Jake and Natalie. Jake Sims is the deputy, and he has worked hard to keep people safe. When he meets a broken amber-eyed beauty at a crime scene, he wants to help her and get to know her but she keeps on pushing him away. Natalie Burke is just trying to get through life, she is living in a daze as she works and tends to her ailing mother. Will Natalie let Jake in? After Natalie loses her mother, Jake steps up to help her but as their relationship grows they discover Natalie’s problems have only just begun.
Natalie was sweet, but she was also tired. She had been carrying for her mom on her own for quite some time. She was just trying her best to stay afloat. I liked her, she was a hard worker and she tried her best. She was also nice. It was so fun to see her relationship with Jake grow and to read about her learning about God.
Jake was super nice and he just wanted to help Natalie. I thought that it was super cute, how he fell in love with her at first sight. He was taken with her, but as they spent more time together it grew into love. However Jake had to learn that he couldn’t save everyone and that he needed to trust that God’s plan was better than his own.
Jake and Natalie had to trust God as he led them through life. Jake had to trust God to protect Natalie when he couldn’t and Natalie had to learn to turn to God for help. Living Hope was a good book. I really enjoyed it and of course, seeing old characters again. I would totally recommend this book! Living Hope is a clean, Christian, romance book.
Natalie was sweet, but she was also tired. She had been carrying for her mom on her own for quite some time. She was just trying her best to stay afloat. I liked her, she was a hard worker and she tried her best. She was also nice. It was so fun to see her relationship with Jake grow and to read about her learning about God.
Jake was super nice and he just wanted to help Natalie. I thought that it was super cute, how he fell in love with her at first sight. He was taken with her, but as they spent more time together it grew into love. However Jake had to learn that he couldn’t save everyone and that he needed to trust that God’s plan was better than his own.
Jake and Natalie had to trust God as he led them through life. Jake had to trust God to protect Natalie when he couldn’t and Natalie had to learn to turn to God for help. Living Hope was a good book. I really enjoyed it and of course, seeing old characters again. I would totally recommend this book! Living Hope is a clean, Christian, romance book.
November 30, 2020
Living Hope is an action-filled sweet and clean romance. It is packed with drama and pulls out every emotion...fear, hope, loss, joy, anticipation, dread. The characters are so realistic and well developed, I couldn’t help but be vested in their story. I couldn’t stop listening. The narrator gives a fantastic performance and her country twang is spot on.
September 9, 2019
I couldn't begin to count the number of novels I've finished over the years, and yet even with how many I've already read, there is always something that sets Mandi Blake's novels apart from the rest. What is it that sets her books apart? It's the fact that every single novel she writes is written straight from the heart. Whenever you pick up a book by this lovely woman, you're not going to find a story about characters that fail to mean anything to you, or a plot you simply can't get invested in. Instead you're going to read about characters that come to feel like friends; friends that your heart breaks for, friends that you find yourself cheering for, and friends that you'd love nothing more than to get together for a cup of coffee with.
Living Hope is Natalie and Jake's story. Jake, who we've met in both previous titles in the series, and Natalie, who's a new character introduced in this title. Jake and Natalie meet under not the most ideal of circumstances. Natalie's working at a gas station that's held up at gunpoint, and Jake is the officer called to the scene. The two feel a strong connection. and over time this grows into a beautiful friendship and then something more. Along the way, both Natalie and Jake are forced to face troubles from their past including past hurts that they'd never given themselves time to heal from. With a little help, Natalie and Jake will learn to let go and let God, and find healing and understanding in God's word.
Natalie and Jake's story was everything I was hoping for and more. I continue to appreciate the fact that Mandi's books are always clean, and that the faith element is always at the front and center. I enjoyed how Natalie's character is a little different from any of the others so far in the series in that she is new to faith, rather than coming back to it. Her journey to finding Jesus and finding true love with Jake was heartwarming, and beautiful, and kept me glued to the pages right until the end.
Once again, Mandi has written a stand out story with beautiful writing, complex characters, a plot that will keep each and every reader on the edge of their seat, and a swoon worthy romance that definitely gives all the feels. I enjoyed every moment of this touching story, and I will be anxiously awaiting Marcus' story.
Final Rating 5/5
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for the opportunity to advance read this!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.
Living Hope is Natalie and Jake's story. Jake, who we've met in both previous titles in the series, and Natalie, who's a new character introduced in this title. Jake and Natalie meet under not the most ideal of circumstances. Natalie's working at a gas station that's held up at gunpoint, and Jake is the officer called to the scene. The two feel a strong connection. and over time this grows into a beautiful friendship and then something more. Along the way, both Natalie and Jake are forced to face troubles from their past including past hurts that they'd never given themselves time to heal from. With a little help, Natalie and Jake will learn to let go and let God, and find healing and understanding in God's word.
Natalie and Jake's story was everything I was hoping for and more. I continue to appreciate the fact that Mandi's books are always clean, and that the faith element is always at the front and center. I enjoyed how Natalie's character is a little different from any of the others so far in the series in that she is new to faith, rather than coming back to it. Her journey to finding Jesus and finding true love with Jake was heartwarming, and beautiful, and kept me glued to the pages right until the end.
Once again, Mandi has written a stand out story with beautiful writing, complex characters, a plot that will keep each and every reader on the edge of their seat, and a swoon worthy romance that definitely gives all the feels. I enjoyed every moment of this touching story, and I will be anxiously awaiting Marcus' story.
Final Rating 5/5
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for the opportunity to advance read this!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.
June 20, 2021
I really loved Jake and Natalie and their journey together. I really loved Jake and what a great person he was. This is a super sweet, clean romance that I didn't want to end.
September 15, 2019
This book will make you cry and smile all at the same time.
As I was read I this book it brought back so many memories of what I went through with my own mom. Not the same health reasons of course.
But I knew where my mom went because she was a stout believer. So even though I was sad and I still miss her because I could use her wisdom. I was relieved at the same time because I knew she was no longer miserable and in pain. I know I will see her again soon. For the Lord is returning soon!!
We also lost my father in law 2 years ago. But I wasn't sure about where his beliefs lie. I really hope that he was a saved person. He was a good man in life but that doesn't mean anything if you don't have Jesus.
I loved Natalie and Jake but most of all I was rejoicing for her at the same time if that makes sense.
Mandi I felt like you were writing my story because of the certain events that happened to Natalie in this beautiful story. You've done an excellent job!
For without the Lord we are nothing. It's what we are missing when we feel empty inside.
I am a stout believer and I talk to my mom and Jesus all the time. I'm sure people think I'm crazy but you know what? I dont care. I know I will have the greatest treasure in Heaven.
My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own
As I was read I this book it brought back so many memories of what I went through with my own mom. Not the same health reasons of course.
But I knew where my mom went because she was a stout believer. So even though I was sad and I still miss her because I could use her wisdom. I was relieved at the same time because I knew she was no longer miserable and in pain. I know I will see her again soon. For the Lord is returning soon!!
We also lost my father in law 2 years ago. But I wasn't sure about where his beliefs lie. I really hope that he was a saved person. He was a good man in life but that doesn't mean anything if you don't have Jesus.
I loved Natalie and Jake but most of all I was rejoicing for her at the same time if that makes sense.
Mandi I felt like you were writing my story because of the certain events that happened to Natalie in this beautiful story. You've done an excellent job!
For without the Lord we are nothing. It's what we are missing when we feel empty inside.
I am a stout believer and I talk to my mom and Jesus all the time. I'm sure people think I'm crazy but you know what? I dont care. I know I will have the greatest treasure in Heaven.
My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own
September 8, 2019
Deputy Jake Sims was a protector. Ever since his uncle abused his aunt so badly that she would never be able to live a normal life again, he was determined to protect those who might be harmed by others. When he was called to the scene of an armed robbery at a gas station and saw the beautiful angel who was so frightened by what had happened, he had to help her and provide her with his support.
Natalie Burke had the responsibility on her shoulders of a much older person. Her dad died when she was seven and her mom was now dying of cancer. She worked two jobs, never really hoping that her life would get better. When she faced down a robber with a gun pointed at her, she fell apart, and when kind deputy showed up to help, she broke down, crying while he held her. When he offered to take her home when her car wouldn't start, she never imagined how much her life could change by meeting one person who could be answer that you never imagined was possible.
This was a beautiful story of healing, romance and love and being able to see a brighter future. Jake was the kind of man every woman hopes and dreams of finding. One who will protect you at all costs and love you no matter what.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Natalie Burke had the responsibility on her shoulders of a much older person. Her dad died when she was seven and her mom was now dying of cancer. She worked two jobs, never really hoping that her life would get better. When she faced down a robber with a gun pointed at her, she fell apart, and when kind deputy showed up to help, she broke down, crying while he held her. When he offered to take her home when her car wouldn't start, she never imagined how much her life could change by meeting one person who could be answer that you never imagined was possible.
This was a beautiful story of healing, romance and love and being able to see a brighter future. Jake was the kind of man every woman hopes and dreams of finding. One who will protect you at all costs and love you no matter what.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
December 9, 2021
Living hope
A clean Christian story. An enjoyable story with many of today's problems. Joy, love, friends, dreams, happiness, church and home.
A clean Christian story. An enjoyable story with many of today's problems. Joy, love, friends, dreams, happiness, church and home.
September 15, 2019
Living Hope is a well-written romance with lots of heart, faith, and suspense. The main characters, Natalie and Jake, are likable and are written so that I feel like we would be best friends. I love how Jake's friends never hesitated to help him help Natalie. I admired Natalie's devotion to her mother and how hard Natalie worked to provide for her. The only thing that I didn't care for was Jake, a Christian, romantically pursuing Natalie, a non-believer. Of course, in the book everything works out for that HEA. There's a touching epilogue. The plot has some twists and turns and moves at a good pace. The dialogue flows well. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to clean/wholesome romance readers and to Christian fiction readers. I received an complimentary copy. I chose to write a review and share my opinion.
December 12, 2019
You get pieces of Jake in the first two books of the series and he shows just how stand up he is when he answers a call and meets Nat. Nat has led a life of hardship yet filled with love from her mother. When she has more hits than a person should have to deal with the charming Jake is there to help. There are so many sweet and caring moments in this Christian romance. The author slides in scriptures and messages of God and his mercy in a way that makes you want to know more. She delivers her (God's) message through her characters. That's what makes her message stand out loud and clear. They actually live the life WWJD and this is what makes her reads solid, enjoyable and real. I am loving this series of standalone reads.
January 20, 2021
Mandi Blake is a new author to me this year..... 2021. I have now read 3 of her books and this one is my favorite so far. I loved the tender romance between Jake and Natalie. I also liked how Natalie found god while grieving a loss in her life. I like how author Mandi Blake did this without being too preachy.
September 7, 2019
I like this book. There was some sadness but the moments of happiness made up for it. Natalie and Jake experiences have shaped their lives and they met when something tragic happened to Natalie. I liked that Jake wanted to get to know Natalie even though she was pushing him away. He gave her the space that she needed. This story is a reminder that there are people who are still good people in this world. Natalie will teach you to dream again and Jake will show you that your life’s passion can be tweaked when circumstances changes.
I received this book from the publisher and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I received this book from the publisher and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
September 18, 2019
Natalie was beaten down by life. She worked two jobs to support her mother and pay for her cancer treatments. When Deputy Jake Sims comes into her life after she was held at gunpoint during a robbery at her job, she thinks she’s not good enough for him and pushes him away. She has to learn to love herself and accept help from others before she can truly let him in. Jake does have a hero complex and he feels guilty he couldn’t protect his aunt, but he genuinely comes to care for Natalie, want what’s best for her, and encourages her to do what she loves like cooking and making jewelry. There were plenty of sad, scary, and sweet moments in this small town romance.
March 22, 2021
Sweet
Natalie is working bbq two jobs to get her mom and her through the problems they are having, Jake gets a robbery call one night and that puts him in Natalies path. He is instantly taken with her. She tried to keep her distance. Can Jake when her over? Will Natalie give him the chance?
Natalie is working bbq two jobs to get her mom and her through the problems they are having, Jake gets a robbery call one night and that puts him in Natalies path. He is instantly taken with her. She tried to keep her distance. Can Jake when her over? Will Natalie give him the chance?
August 31, 2019
A well written, clean romance of two people who meet under less than ideal circumstances. Natalie has struggled all of her young life just to make ends meet and does not have any self worth. Jake persists in his desire to be a friend and help her which leads to him leading her to a relationship with God and eventually a relationship with one another. I cried, I smiled a lot and couldn’t put this one down.
September 6, 2019
I loved Natalie and Jake's story!! I especially love how Natalie admitted she didn't really know God, but she was so open to finding Him!!! Natalie realized that it wasn't just "coincidence" that things happened as they did. She knew it was God working to bring her to Him, and used Jake and circumstances to do so. In the end, she realized that dreams can come true, they just need to be done in God's way and God's timing. I can't wait for the next book!!!
September 17, 2019
Mandi Blake really packs a lot into this book. There is romance, friendship, grief, crime, mystery, along with interesting characters, a plot that flows and the wonderful message of salvation and God’s guidance. I’m not I have the words to say how much I loved this book. It really shows that, yes, there is hate and evil in the world but there is also kindness and love which will always win in the end.
September 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It was uplifting. Natalie has had a hard life but she makes the best with what she has been given. Jake has lots of friends and family and he feels it is his job to protect others. I felt this was a true love story. Jake was there for Natalie no matter what and he was patient and kind.
September 16, 2019
Living Hope is a heart-wrenching story that I could not put down. Mandi Blake really knew how to tug on my heart strings with this book. It was easy to understand why Jake’s need to help others was in overdrive when it came to Natalie. I was so relieved that Natalie eventually found happiness by the end of the story after living such a hard life at a very young age.
September 17, 2019
I love to read books with romance, intrigue, suspense, mystery, and inspiration. Mandi Blake wove all those elements into Living Hope. God sent Natalie Burke a knight in shining armor dressed in a deputy's uniform, at the most critical time of her life. Blake is a new author for me. I enjoyed this book so much that I purchased her other two books in the Unfailing Love series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2019
This is a sweet romance about a gal who is robbed while working at a convenience store. The hero, is the deputy and is quickly drawn to her and wants to protect her. I feel there is an immediate attraction between the two. This has some thriller aspects to it as well. I enjoyed it and I look forward to more in the series.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
February 8, 2022
Living Hope
This was a great story about Jake and Natalie. Natalie was workimg two jobs tryimg to provide for her si k mother whomhad cander. While atwork om0ne evening, two men robned herjoob . Jake. The deputy came to inveatigate. He was just taken with Natalie and her anxiousness, over the robbery. He rook her back home and this evolved in much more for these two .
This was a great story about Jake and Natalie. Natalie was workimg two jobs tryimg to provide for her si k mother whomhad cander. While atwork om0ne evening, two men robned herjoob . Jake. The deputy came to inveatigate. He was just taken with Natalie and her anxiousness, over the robbery. He rook her back home and this evolved in much more for these two .
February 22, 2022
What a sweet, clean story. I loved Jake and how he lived his faith, helping anyone who needed help. Natalie had been struggling for so long with only her sick mother,working 2 jobs which barely kept them fed and clothed. It was great how his family and friends took to Natalie and helped her grow in her faith. I loved the interactions with the other mothers, especially Jake's mom.
September 5, 2019
This is a well written christian romance. It is a story that will lift your spirits. You will laugh, cry and cheer while reading this book. Once you start reading you can't put it down, you just have to know what happens next. This book deserves more than 5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews