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Borrowed Lives
Distraught from recent tragedy, Meredith Jaynes takes pity on a young girl who steals from her. Meredith discovers “Bean” lives in a hovel mothering her two younger sisters. The three appear to have been abandoned. With no other homes available, Social Services will separate the siblings. To keep them together, Meredith agrees to foster them on a temporary basis.Balancing life as a soap maker raising goats in rural Tennessee proved difficult enough before the siblings came into her care. Without Bean’s help, she’d never be able to nurture these children warped by drugs and neglect—let alone manage her goats that possess the talents of Houdini. Harder still is keeping her eccentric family at bay.Social worker Parker Snow struggles to overcome the breakup with his fiancée. Burdened by his inability to find stable homes for so many children who need love, he believes placing the abandoned girls with Meredith Jaynes is the right decision. Though his world doesn’t promise tomorrow, he hopes Meredith’s does.But she knows she’s too broken.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2021
25 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Carol McClain
10 books138 followersCarol McClain is the award-winning author of four novels dealing with real people facing real problems. She is a consummate encourager, and no matter what your faith might look like, you will find compassion, humor and wisdom in her complexly layered, but ultimately readable work.
Aside from writing, she’s a skilled stained-glass artist, an avid hiker and photographer. She lives in East Tennessee. Her most recent interest are her two baby does Peanut & Buttercup. Like all babies, they love sitting on our laps and. Being bottle fed.
You can connect with her at carolmcclain.com.
Aside from writing, she’s a skilled stained-glass artist, an avid hiker and photographer. She lives in East Tennessee. Her most recent interest are her two baby does Peanut & Buttercup. Like all babies, they love sitting on our laps and. Being bottle fed.
You can connect with her at carolmcclain.com.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 12, 2021
Be prepared to have all the emotions as you are reading this book. Make sure you have some tissues at hand because this story will tug at your heart strings. This is not your rainbows and sunshine type of story. It is raw and realistic and definitely makes you stop and think. You will immediately be involved in these characters lives they are so well written and have so much emotion behind them. The storyline is relevant and completely laced with a strong element of faith.
I don't want to tell you too much but if fostering is near and dear to your heart you will definitely enjoy this story. This is my first by this author and you can tell that she has not only done a lot of research on this subject but she writes with such heart. I am looking forwards to reading more from her.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I don't want to tell you too much but if fostering is near and dear to your heart you will definitely enjoy this story. This is my first by this author and you can tell that she has not only done a lot of research on this subject but she writes with such heart. I am looking forwards to reading more from her.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
September 16, 2021
One has to be ready to read this book. The strength, grit, resilience, love, amongst a lot illustrated in this book was so, so touching and admirable.
Meredith was a super human for me. To pick up the care of three complete strangers and do all she did was totally amazing and sacrifical.
Love can be found in very unexpected places and time. That was the story of this book for me.
An amazing, touching book.
I received a copy of this book and this was my honest opinion.
Meredith was a super human for me. To pick up the care of three complete strangers and do all she did was totally amazing and sacrifical.
Love can be found in very unexpected places and time. That was the story of this book for me.
An amazing, touching book.
I received a copy of this book and this was my honest opinion.
May 16, 2022
I wanted to like this book. I wanted to love it. Truly. But, obviously, I didn't.
Some of the dialogue was confusing and didn't feel natural.
More than that, though, I hated the love triangle (that actually turned into a square and went back down to a triangle by the end of the book) aspect. It was completely unnecessary, IMO, and just padded the word count. As a straight romance, this could have easily been one rather long, but semi-cohesive, book instead of one book ending in somewhat of a cliffhanger, with the second following a year later.
Something else really bugged me as well - the number of times the girls' (dead) parents were referred to as bad, incompetent, addicted, etc. If I still drank, I would have made a drinking game out of it and probably would have been nicely toasted by the time I finished. As it was, I howled in frustration, "If I read how bad these parents are again, I'm going to throw my Kindle."
I later regretted that promise. Because it did happen again, and again, and again ...
I hated how judgmental Meredith, the social worker, and pretty much everybody else were about these parents. Did they neglect their children because of their drug abuse? Yes. Are they bad people because of it? Not any more than the rest of us sinners. This judgmental attitude made Meredith's beef against the Pharisee at the funeral all the more ironic and frustrating. And, honestly, laughable.
Do some parents choose drugs over their own children? Yes. Do some parents consciously hurt their children even without the influence of drugs? Yes. Do these drug-addicted parents WANT to choose drugs over their own children?
In my experience, no. Because I actually work with recovering addicts whose bad choices have affected their families negatively. And they're trying to do better because, with God's help, they're understanding that they continually made the wrong decision for much too long. And, because of God's grace, they've had another chance to make things right - to rebuild themselves and try to rebuild their families.
And, also by God's grace, I've had my own run-in with drugs (prescription, given to me by various doctors who said they would help take my extreme pain away). Because of His grace, I was able to step away from both the drug that made me high and the drug that knocked me out for most of the time because I still had the presence of mind to look in my two-year-old's face and know there was something wrong. To know that I wanted better for her, and for myself. So, I quit both drugs cold turkey, went through detox by myself and briefly considered starting the drugs back up again because I felt like I was going to die. Instead, I slept it off and lived to see another day in which I threw the pills away.
My story is unusual. It's rare. Other people aren't as blessed as I am. But I really feel like God gave me that experience so that I could be more sympathetic to people who are struggling with addiction, for whatever reason. I hope others don't have to go through a similar horrific experience to develop their own sympathy for the hurting parents in these situations, and not just the broken kids.
Because God loves, and Jesus died for, the addicts and "incompetent parents" too.
Some of the dialogue was confusing and didn't feel natural.
More than that, though, I hated the love triangle (that actually turned into a square and went back down to a triangle by the end of the book) aspect. It was completely unnecessary, IMO, and just padded the word count. As a straight romance, this could have easily been one rather long, but semi-cohesive, book instead of one book ending in somewhat of a cliffhanger, with the second following a year later.
Something else really bugged me as well - the number of times the girls' (dead) parents were referred to as bad, incompetent, addicted, etc. If I still drank, I would have made a drinking game out of it and probably would have been nicely toasted by the time I finished. As it was, I howled in frustration, "If I read how bad these parents are again, I'm going to throw my Kindle."
I later regretted that promise. Because it did happen again, and again, and again ...
I hated how judgmental Meredith, the social worker, and pretty much everybody else were about these parents. Did they neglect their children because of their drug abuse? Yes. Are they bad people because of it? Not any more than the rest of us sinners. This judgmental attitude made Meredith's beef against the Pharisee at the funeral all the more ironic and frustrating. And, honestly, laughable.
Do some parents choose drugs over their own children? Yes. Do some parents consciously hurt their children even without the influence of drugs? Yes. Do these drug-addicted parents WANT to choose drugs over their own children?
In my experience, no. Because I actually work with recovering addicts whose bad choices have affected their families negatively. And they're trying to do better because, with God's help, they're understanding that they continually made the wrong decision for much too long. And, because of God's grace, they've had another chance to make things right - to rebuild themselves and try to rebuild their families.
And, also by God's grace, I've had my own run-in with drugs (prescription, given to me by various doctors who said they would help take my extreme pain away). Because of His grace, I was able to step away from both the drug that made me high and the drug that knocked me out for most of the time because I still had the presence of mind to look in my two-year-old's face and know there was something wrong. To know that I wanted better for her, and for myself. So, I quit both drugs cold turkey, went through detox by myself and briefly considered starting the drugs back up again because I felt like I was going to die. Instead, I slept it off and lived to see another day in which I threw the pills away.
My story is unusual. It's rare. Other people aren't as blessed as I am. But I really feel like God gave me that experience so that I could be more sympathetic to people who are struggling with addiction, for whatever reason. I hope others don't have to go through a similar horrific experience to develop their own sympathy for the hurting parents in these situations, and not just the broken kids.
Because God loves, and Jesus died for, the addicts and "incompetent parents" too.
September 2, 2021
There are some books that entertain you and then there are those rare books that grip your heart and expose the ugliness of the world. Three young children left alone in a shack with no food or supervision is where this story got my tears going. It is hard for me to understand how a parent can do drugs and not have any compassion for their children. I had to stop myself after I wrote the last sentence. Drug addiction is hard, painful and takes away everything that is good. I have seen the ugly side of drug addiction and know how it destroys a family. In the end everyone loses, even the innocent children.
I appreciate the author writing a story that is raw and realistic. When we are introduced to Bean, Roxie and Crystal tears streamed down my cheeks. These precious gifts from God had now become part of a system that is overcrowded. In the news we can find stories of abuse and neglect everyday where a child has become the victim of a society where children are shoved from one place to another. But there is hope and this story will make you believe in hope, faith, forgiveness and a new beginning.
Meredith is a woman with a big heart. After losing her husband and daughter she has been alone with her anger and grief. When you are hurt it can be easy to turn away from God. Meredith is a hard worker and I loved learning about her soap making. I loved how the author gives readers insight into foster care. Meredith finds herself caring for three precious girls who bring joy back into her life. It was nice to read how they began to feel like a family. Being a foster parent has its rewards but there is also the hard part of letting go when the children are placed with relatives. My heart breaks as I read the ending of this story. Meredith has grown so much emotionally and the children have helped her overcome her grief. I loved reading how she reaches out to God in her darkest moment.
I want to give a big thanks to all those that care for children who have come misplaced from their homes. The story reminded me how important it is to love your children and know that they are a gift from God. I would love to have a follow up story to see what becomes of Meredith and a certain someone who likes her. Thank you to the author for writing a story that highlights the care and love that foster families give to those who feel lost and rejected.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I appreciate the author writing a story that is raw and realistic. When we are introduced to Bean, Roxie and Crystal tears streamed down my cheeks. These precious gifts from God had now become part of a system that is overcrowded. In the news we can find stories of abuse and neglect everyday where a child has become the victim of a society where children are shoved from one place to another. But there is hope and this story will make you believe in hope, faith, forgiveness and a new beginning.
Meredith is a woman with a big heart. After losing her husband and daughter she has been alone with her anger and grief. When you are hurt it can be easy to turn away from God. Meredith is a hard worker and I loved learning about her soap making. I loved how the author gives readers insight into foster care. Meredith finds herself caring for three precious girls who bring joy back into her life. It was nice to read how they began to feel like a family. Being a foster parent has its rewards but there is also the hard part of letting go when the children are placed with relatives. My heart breaks as I read the ending of this story. Meredith has grown so much emotionally and the children have helped her overcome her grief. I loved reading how she reaches out to God in her darkest moment.
I want to give a big thanks to all those that care for children who have come misplaced from their homes. The story reminded me how important it is to love your children and know that they are a gift from God. I would love to have a follow up story to see what becomes of Meredith and a certain someone who likes her. Thank you to the author for writing a story that highlights the care and love that foster families give to those who feel lost and rejected.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
August 4, 2021
This book captured my attention because of the storyline, yet the writing, characters, and actual story kept me reading long past my bedtime. I absolutely loved the way this author writes. It was my first book by her and will not be my last. My only complaint about this book is that Book 2 isn’t out yet and I have to wait to read what happens.
I could feel all of Meredith’s emotions and totally fell head over heels in love with Bean (Pearl), Roxie, and Crystal. Oh my! Meredith is the type of foster mother I would strive to be. I have a heart for foster children and was a foster care worker myself, so this book was totally one I fell in love with. However, I wasn’t a huge fan of Parker Stone. I know I was supposed to like him, but I didn’t. I’m not completely sure why except that he seemed superficial and about appearances. I know he redeemed himself in the end, but still, he rubbed me the wrong way. I liked the police officer much better and totally was rooting for him to win Meredith’s hand. I also didn’t much like Felicity. I loved, though, how the author portrayed Meredith – faults and all. She did her best, she was a great mom, yet she made mistakes too. I felt like she gave too much responsibility to Beans and Roxie (in one scene she wouldn’t leave Roxie and Crystal in the tub by themselves because of possible drowning), a few months later she told Roxie to bathe her sister. What changed? However, maybe that’s typical for foster children of that age because they are used to taking care of their siblings and Bean especially loved to help. I loved how Meredith resisted yet wanted her family’s help. I could relate to wanting that independence yet realizing families are there for each other and it takes a village to raise a family. I loved how Sunshine and Cora were so real. I also loved how they bonded together as women and had “girls’ day +Owen). The author did a great job showing the love of sisters, mothers and daughters and families.
Fantastic book. I cannot wait to read the second in the series. I hope it gets published quickly!
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.
I could feel all of Meredith’s emotions and totally fell head over heels in love with Bean (Pearl), Roxie, and Crystal. Oh my! Meredith is the type of foster mother I would strive to be. I have a heart for foster children and was a foster care worker myself, so this book was totally one I fell in love with. However, I wasn’t a huge fan of Parker Stone. I know I was supposed to like him, but I didn’t. I’m not completely sure why except that he seemed superficial and about appearances. I know he redeemed himself in the end, but still, he rubbed me the wrong way. I liked the police officer much better and totally was rooting for him to win Meredith’s hand. I also didn’t much like Felicity. I loved, though, how the author portrayed Meredith – faults and all. She did her best, she was a great mom, yet she made mistakes too. I felt like she gave too much responsibility to Beans and Roxie (in one scene she wouldn’t leave Roxie and Crystal in the tub by themselves because of possible drowning), a few months later she told Roxie to bathe her sister. What changed? However, maybe that’s typical for foster children of that age because they are used to taking care of their siblings and Bean especially loved to help. I loved how Meredith resisted yet wanted her family’s help. I could relate to wanting that independence yet realizing families are there for each other and it takes a village to raise a family. I loved how Sunshine and Cora were so real. I also loved how they bonded together as women and had “girls’ day +Owen). The author did a great job showing the love of sisters, mothers and daughters and families.
Fantastic book. I cannot wait to read the second in the series. I hope it gets published quickly!
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit but was not under any obligation to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.
September 12, 2021
Carol McClain is a new to me author. I was really interested in reading Borrowed Lives because of the Synopsis of the book. I also really like Fiction books.
Meredith Jaynes is still dealing with a recent tragedy in her life. Bean is a little girl who is also going through a lot for a young girl her age. Meredith and Bean meet when Bean steals from Meredith. Meredith feels sorry for the girl when she discovers that Bean and her 2 siblings have been abandoned by their parents and Bean is taking care of them all. Social Services plans to put the 3 siblings in separate homes, but then Meredith steps up and agrees to foster them all, temporarily. Parker Snow, the Social worker, has struggled to find homes for so many children, he agrees that placing the children together is probably the best decision, he is hopeful. Meredith takes them "home" to her Rural Home in Tennessee, where she raises goats and is a Soap Maker. Meredith discovers the 3 sisters, Bean (Pearl), Roxie, and Crystal, have grown up with Drug Addicted parents. The girls really need some nurturing like they have never received before. Meredith is really trying her best to take care of her Soap Making and Goats, while caring for the girls. Bean, who is the oldest at 8yrs old, is a big help to Meredith. Will the girls parents come back and get the girls back? Will the girls become a part of Meredith's life forever?
WOW, such a heart tugging and warming story. I started reading this book and could not put it down. Meredith has a generous and loving heart. I saw that from the very beginning when she had mercy on Bean when Bean was caught stealing. Meredith, through her own grief and distaught time in her life, found it in her heart to be an "Angel" to the girls. I really like how the Author takes a Fiction book and makes it feel so realistic. Foster Parenting is a tough thing, but a very rewarding task also. My only qualm about this book is Parker Snow. He allowed himself to "take his problems to work with him". I truly enjoyed this book. It is a book about LOVE, Hope, Forgiveness, giving to others and so much more! GREAT BOOK!
Meredith Jaynes is still dealing with a recent tragedy in her life. Bean is a little girl who is also going through a lot for a young girl her age. Meredith and Bean meet when Bean steals from Meredith. Meredith feels sorry for the girl when she discovers that Bean and her 2 siblings have been abandoned by their parents and Bean is taking care of them all. Social Services plans to put the 3 siblings in separate homes, but then Meredith steps up and agrees to foster them all, temporarily. Parker Snow, the Social worker, has struggled to find homes for so many children, he agrees that placing the children together is probably the best decision, he is hopeful. Meredith takes them "home" to her Rural Home in Tennessee, where she raises goats and is a Soap Maker. Meredith discovers the 3 sisters, Bean (Pearl), Roxie, and Crystal, have grown up with Drug Addicted parents. The girls really need some nurturing like they have never received before. Meredith is really trying her best to take care of her Soap Making and Goats, while caring for the girls. Bean, who is the oldest at 8yrs old, is a big help to Meredith. Will the girls parents come back and get the girls back? Will the girls become a part of Meredith's life forever?
WOW, such a heart tugging and warming story. I started reading this book and could not put it down. Meredith has a generous and loving heart. I saw that from the very beginning when she had mercy on Bean when Bean was caught stealing. Meredith, through her own grief and distaught time in her life, found it in her heart to be an "Angel" to the girls. I really like how the Author takes a Fiction book and makes it feel so realistic. Foster Parenting is a tough thing, but a very rewarding task also. My only qualm about this book is Parker Snow. He allowed himself to "take his problems to work with him". I truly enjoyed this book. It is a book about LOVE, Hope, Forgiveness, giving to others and so much more! GREAT BOOK!
September 15, 2021
Meredith Jaynes has had a life that I certainly would have wanted to run away from. Far away. But through her pain and suffering she stays at the same home she shared with her late husband and daughter and raises her goats. That is until one day her life is changed once again, not through tragedy for her, but through the helpless plight of three little girls. Girls who have been abandoned and most likely abused. Bean who is the oldest and eight, Roxie who is five, and little Crystal who seems to be around three and has obvious physical limitations.
These girls storm into Meredith's life and in ways make things more difficult and in other ways make life sweeter. She knows being their foster mom is only temporary and wonders if she will be able to take the heartbreak. Meredith has a wonderful back up system in her family. They were a little bit quirky but they opened their arms to these little girls, no questions asked.
Then there is Parker Snow the social worker who is also trying to get over his heartbreak. His mother keeps setting him up with dates and this new one seems to be the perfect woman for him. So why is he having so many doubts? I know I was really rooting for him and Meredith to find a connection.
This was sweet inspirational story that at times was hard to read. There was some gold nuggets of truth that waited to be uncovered in this story and I believe the author did a good job showing the beauty of life and second chances.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
These girls storm into Meredith's life and in ways make things more difficult and in other ways make life sweeter. She knows being their foster mom is only temporary and wonders if she will be able to take the heartbreak. Meredith has a wonderful back up system in her family. They were a little bit quirky but they opened their arms to these little girls, no questions asked.
Then there is Parker Snow the social worker who is also trying to get over his heartbreak. His mother keeps setting him up with dates and this new one seems to be the perfect woman for him. So why is he having so many doubts? I know I was really rooting for him and Meredith to find a connection.
This was sweet inspirational story that at times was hard to read. There was some gold nuggets of truth that waited to be uncovered in this story and I believe the author did a good job showing the beauty of life and second chances.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
September 10, 2021
After reading the first few chapters, I felt unsure of the book. The premise had been interesting, but I didn't know if I would end up liking it. But I continued reading...
...and it turns out I loved the book! It took me a minute, but I ended up getting attached to the characters and needing to know what happened next.
Meredith is such a sweet woman and learning about her past broke my heart. It could not have been easy going through what she had. And I hoped that she would be able to move on and let the little girls heal her.
Speaking of the little girls, I loved getting to know each and every one of them. Bean is the oldest and, while eight, had to grow up quickly to take care of her sisters after their parents abandoned them. She is strong and my heart broke for her, as well, as she struggled to understand that her parents might never come back. Roxie is sweet and has a love for cats and Olaf from Frozen. We don't get to see as much of her, but she is caring and strong. Crystal was my favorite--she was just so adorable. While too young to understand what was going on, she seemed to have a lot of determination. She also loved butterflies.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book. You will need to grab a box of tissues before diving in, though, as the novel is a roller coaster ride. But it's a wonderful book about faith, love, and healing.
I had received a copy of this book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.
...and it turns out I loved the book! It took me a minute, but I ended up getting attached to the characters and needing to know what happened next.
Meredith is such a sweet woman and learning about her past broke my heart. It could not have been easy going through what she had. And I hoped that she would be able to move on and let the little girls heal her.
Speaking of the little girls, I loved getting to know each and every one of them. Bean is the oldest and, while eight, had to grow up quickly to take care of her sisters after their parents abandoned them. She is strong and my heart broke for her, as well, as she struggled to understand that her parents might never come back. Roxie is sweet and has a love for cats and Olaf from Frozen. We don't get to see as much of her, but she is caring and strong. Crystal was my favorite--she was just so adorable. While too young to understand what was going on, she seemed to have a lot of determination. She also loved butterflies.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book. You will need to grab a box of tissues before diving in, though, as the novel is a roller coaster ride. But it's a wonderful book about faith, love, and healing.
I had received a copy of this book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.
March 18, 2021
Carol McClain is a treasure. Her work is a light in a dark world. As a male, I don’t exactly fit the target demographic for this book, but I’m going to make the argument that everyone should be this book’s target audience. The world needs Carol McClain. You need Carol McClain. You will care about the people in this book. I say “people” rather than “characters” because they are all deeply human. It seems almost wrong to refer to them as anything less. There is so much heart and so much tender humanity in this story. You will find yourself cheering for Meredith, Bean, Roxie, and Crystal as they experience joy. You will find yourself hoping for them as they yearn for the love they all so desperately want and need. You will find yourself crying for them when they struggle and seem to be without hope. Love, joy, triumph, despair, and everything else that paints the tapestry of human life are here in rich detail. It is a story of hope, forgiveness, searching, losing, gaining, finding, and all the while, leaning (sometimes unknowingly) on the bosom of God. What a wonderful book this is. I read a lot. It is rare that a book touches me in the way Borrowed Lives did. Read it. It will touch you as well.
September 7, 2021
Borrowed Lives is the first book that I have read that is written by Carol McClain. I am so glad that I got to be a part of this tour. One of my most favorite thing in the world is to read about real feeling characters. Ones that are broken and have messy pasts, ones that are not always full of sunshine. This was a great story.
Meredith Jaynes could have turned her back on the young girl who is stealing from her. Meredith is a goat farmer who creates soaps from goats milk. She starts to notice that clothes and such are missing from her home. She finds out that the culprit is Bean, who has been living with her siblings. Instead of turning her back, she chose to show her the love of Christ. She takes in the young girl and her siblings so that they are not separated and lost in the foster system.
The siblings parents are missing. They have been neglected and are scared. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster. This book was a great read. The whole crew of characters will grow and evolve through the story. I hope there is a sequel to this story - I want to know what happens next!
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.
Meredith Jaynes could have turned her back on the young girl who is stealing from her. Meredith is a goat farmer who creates soaps from goats milk. She starts to notice that clothes and such are missing from her home. She finds out that the culprit is Bean, who has been living with her siblings. Instead of turning her back, she chose to show her the love of Christ. She takes in the young girl and her siblings so that they are not separated and lost in the foster system.
The siblings parents are missing. They have been neglected and are scared. This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster. This book was a great read. The whole crew of characters will grow and evolve through the story. I hope there is a sequel to this story - I want to know what happens next!
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.
September 13, 2021
Tragedy struck Meredith when her daughter and husband passed away within days of each other. She then finds a young girl hanging around her farm. Following Bean back to the rundown house, she lives in, she realizes Bean has two younger sisters. Meredith finds herself taking care of the three girls as a foster mom. Meanwhile, social service worker Parker Snow attempts to navigate the waters of placing children in homes where they will be cared for properly.
I loved getting to know Meredith, Bean, Roxie, Crystal, plus Meredith’s family, and Parker’s family. My one complaint about this book results from a seemingly abrupt ending. With this being the first book in a series, I hope the next book carries on the storyline well.
The author weaves a moving story about children of drug users and the long-term effects drug uses leaves behind. The story moves at a good pace and will have you laughing, crying, and more. The author addresses the path of walking away from God because of tragedies in our life, struggling with doubt until ultimately returning to God. So check out this book, it is definitely worth reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
I loved getting to know Meredith, Bean, Roxie, Crystal, plus Meredith’s family, and Parker’s family. My one complaint about this book results from a seemingly abrupt ending. With this being the first book in a series, I hope the next book carries on the storyline well.
The author weaves a moving story about children of drug users and the long-term effects drug uses leaves behind. The story moves at a good pace and will have you laughing, crying, and more. The author addresses the path of walking away from God because of tragedies in our life, struggling with doubt until ultimately returning to God. So check out this book, it is definitely worth reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
September 16, 2021
This book is 436 pages and when I finished the last page, I was disappointed! Why, you ask, because I wanted more. yes, this is book 1, and I have to wait till the next book is available.
"Borrowed Lives" by Carol McClain is the best book I have read in awhile. It made me cry, laugh, and really made me appreciate all the good things I have in life. This book even made me think about a specific fear that I fear everyday. No, the book isn't scary or have graphic scenes, it is just talks about something I fear everyday, Again., it is me, not the book at all.
I loved this book and am recommend it to all readers who likes "real life" novels.
This book is about death, grief, fostering children and losing them back to biological family. It is also about learning to forgive and special needs children( I know about this too as I have 4 adopted grandsons, but have had others that have been ours for a little time.)
I urge you to get this book and let it pull at your heartstrings and it might just make you want to make the world a little better for someone who needs to know someone cares.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
"Borrowed Lives" by Carol McClain is the best book I have read in awhile. It made me cry, laugh, and really made me appreciate all the good things I have in life. This book even made me think about a specific fear that I fear everyday. No, the book isn't scary or have graphic scenes, it is just talks about something I fear everyday, Again., it is me, not the book at all.
I loved this book and am recommend it to all readers who likes "real life" novels.
This book is about death, grief, fostering children and losing them back to biological family. It is also about learning to forgive and special needs children( I know about this too as I have 4 adopted grandsons, but have had others that have been ours for a little time.)
I urge you to get this book and let it pull at your heartstrings and it might just make you want to make the world a little better for someone who needs to know someone cares.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
March 16, 2021
The book Borrowed Lives by author Carol McClain reads as though written by someone who actually lived the lives of those whose stories unfold in the pages. The book begins with a main character who has suffered tragedy, but the actual tragedy is not immediately revealed.
Then the true journey begins. Finding a way to replace tragedy with triumph. Borrowed Lives takes the reader on a voyage of loss, hope, love, and faith from beginning to end.
So well-written and heart-felt I came to know and understand what the characters would probably do, sometimes before the author revealed their actions. It was easy to become involved in the character’s lives. To feel their hopes, losses, and joys.
This is a great book to curl up under a quilt and read in a single sitting on a sunny afternoon.
My advice, don’t miss this book. It weaves an interesting story, as do all of McClain’s books, with a charming ending that satisfies the soul.
Highly recommend.
A copy was provided for my honest review.
Then the true journey begins. Finding a way to replace tragedy with triumph. Borrowed Lives takes the reader on a voyage of loss, hope, love, and faith from beginning to end.
So well-written and heart-felt I came to know and understand what the characters would probably do, sometimes before the author revealed their actions. It was easy to become involved in the character’s lives. To feel their hopes, losses, and joys.
This is a great book to curl up under a quilt and read in a single sitting on a sunny afternoon.
My advice, don’t miss this book. It weaves an interesting story, as do all of McClain’s books, with a charming ending that satisfies the soul.
Highly recommend.
A copy was provided for my honest review.
September 3, 2021
I enjoy reading books such as this one where the main characters have fractured lives. To see them work through challenges, disappointments and heartache also encourages me. No one's real life is perfect and fictionalized people should show vulnerability as well, in my opinion.
This story dealt with abused, neglected children, the system that helps them and the work on becoming a foster parent.
Meredith is a goat farmer and maker of various soaps made from goat’s milk. When she finds a young girl stealing food and clothes from her house she also finds that Bean has two younger sisters. The parents are missing so she takes them in hopefully for just a few days.
Full of heartbreak, grief, but also love, had me in tears a good bit, both sad ones and good ones.
I challenge you to read this novel and discover the meaning of the title, “borrowed lives”. It wasn’t what I initially thought.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
This story dealt with abused, neglected children, the system that helps them and the work on becoming a foster parent.
Meredith is a goat farmer and maker of various soaps made from goat’s milk. When she finds a young girl stealing food and clothes from her house she also finds that Bean has two younger sisters. The parents are missing so she takes them in hopefully for just a few days.
Full of heartbreak, grief, but also love, had me in tears a good bit, both sad ones and good ones.
I challenge you to read this novel and discover the meaning of the title, “borrowed lives”. It wasn’t what I initially thought.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
March 22, 2021
Talk about an emotional roller-coast ride! Borrowed Lives will give you one, and then some. In this heart-wrenching, heart-shaking, and heart-warming story, Carol McClain has created an honest picture of raw life in its darkest and most exhilarating moments. As the thankful grandmother of five adopted grandchildren who were in foster care before coming to our family, I related with deep compassion to Bean, Roxie, and Crystal and the effects of the trauma they experienced. I also related to Meredith in her struggles to love these precious children as they needed to be loved. Burdened with her own pain, Meredith is an archetypal figure of one who suffers deep tragedy yet finds healing through losing her life for the good of others. Don't miss this outstanding story!
~ Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, Novelist
~ Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, Novelist
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September 9, 2021Right from the start this story drew me in... with goats of all things! And I don't know that I've ever said that about a book before! And while the beginning got off to an almost humorous start, there was so much heart to this book that it was really all those other emotions throughout the story that had me sticking around. I think the author did a great job of balancing those rather weighty topics with those more lighthearted and hope filled moments to make it a beautiful heartwarming read. It was not always an easy book to read, but there was a realness to these characters that certainly drew the reader into the story and had you wanting the absolute best for them. This was my first introduction to Carol McClain's writing, but with an introduction like this, I certainly am looking forward to checking out more from her in the future!
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
September 11, 2021
This book will give you all the feels! I can't imagine getting so caught up in something that you abandon your children. I feel bad for both the kids and the parents here. Addiction is a terrible thing. I was so happy that Meredith wanted to keep the kids together, I've seen so many siblings separated that I was afraid that would happen here.
I liked the writer's style of telling a story. It was so believable and she truly handled some bad situations in a good way. I think the tough topics were handled well and the characters were realistic. It was a good book to read that I think many would enjoy and be able to empathize with and maybe learn from. I can't wait to read more from this author.
5/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine..
Click here to get your copy!
I liked the writer's style of telling a story. It was so believable and she truly handled some bad situations in a good way. I think the tough topics were handled well and the characters were realistic. It was a good book to read that I think many would enjoy and be able to empathize with and maybe learn from. I can't wait to read more from this author.
5/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine..
Click here to get your copy!
March 16, 2021
Carol McClain's Borrowed Lives delves into the lives of Meredith Jaynes and Parker Snow. Meredith must build her life once again after the tragic deaths of her husband and child. Though her mother and sister mean well and care deeply about her, they smother Meredith with excessive attention. Though Meredith has lost her own daughter, she agrees to foster three young sisters. That's when life becomes crazy with every calamity imaginable that parents face in raising their children.
Parker Snow enjoys his profession as a social worker, but always seems to be under the microscope of his dominating mother. When he breaks up with his fiancé, he doesn't have his mother's approval.
Borrowed Lives is a down-home, true to life story you won't want to put down.
Parker Snow enjoys his profession as a social worker, but always seems to be under the microscope of his dominating mother. When he breaks up with his fiancé, he doesn't have his mother's approval.
Borrowed Lives is a down-home, true to life story you won't want to put down.
August 2, 2021
Borrowed Lives is my first experience of reading books by Carol McClain. I thought it was a pretty good read. It is one that played with my emotions. At times, I had to grab my tissues because it had brought tears to my tears. It is so heart wrenching yet heartwarming, as well. I must admit the size of the book is a little intimidating but once I got into it, I did not want to put it down. I had it read in just few evenings.
Borrowed Lives will be getting four and a half stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean fiction. I look forward to reading more books by Carol McClain in the future.
I received a paperback copy of Borrowed Lives from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Borrowed Lives will be getting four and a half stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean fiction. I look forward to reading more books by Carol McClain in the future.
I received a paperback copy of Borrowed Lives from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
March 17, 2021
Borrowed Lives is a romance with a kick, and a difference. The characters are endearing, real, and easy to root for. That doesn’t mean they don’t have issues; they have many, but the author approaches the tough subjects like grief with empathy and humor. Meredith, a widow having lost not only her husband but her young daughter, finds three neglected children in an abandoned house and takes them to her home until their parents are found. The children slowly warm up to her, as does the children’s DHS agent. Religious issues are heartfelt and real, and the ending is not a pat ‘boy gets girl’ ending but it satisfies immensely. The entire novel satisfies.
March 19, 2021
Carol McClain has brought us a wonderful book in Borrowed Lives. In reading it, I almost forgot it was not a memoir, but a fiction book. The characters come alive and I could easily see them in my mind’s eye. As with real lives, events can crush us, seem to bring us hope only to see those hopes dashed and resurrected. Emotions soar and then dive to the depths just a few pages later. It is very much like real life. We get excited, then fear we are too involved and want to back out but something drives us forward even in the midst of uncertainty as to the outcome. The themes of faith and hope resonate through this very readable and enjoyable book.
June 7, 2021
Carol McClain’s “Borrowed Lives” is a must read. I couldn’t help but fall in love with all the characters and cheer them on their journeys. Her faith concept of borrowed lives really floored me. I had never thought of the perspective of the people passing through our lives in that way. Wow. Talk about putting a spin on how we look at life and the events in our lives. You don’t want to pass this book up.
September 3, 2021
This story was such a beautifully written one told from multiple viewpoints. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters as they struggled with relatable struggles. The story is well written and hard to put down, since I just wanted to find out what was going to happen next. The author did a fantastic job! I recommend picking up a copy.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.
February 23, 2025
Excellent Read!
I absolutely loved this book! Definitely recommend it. I love the characters and their faith is portrayed realistically. Can’t wait to read more in this series, and I usually don’t like series.
I absolutely loved this book! Definitely recommend it. I love the characters and their faith is portrayed realistically. Can’t wait to read more in this series, and I usually don’t like series.
March 22, 2021
This book was so full of heart and humor, I had a hard time putting it down! Such a fantastic read!
April 1, 2021
I enjoyed this story very much but it looks like there has to be a sequel. The story while ended with some resolution didn’t seem to finish the whole story. Hope next book releases soon....
February 4, 2022
Such a touching story about fostering. Love and heartbreak. Grief. And finding God in the middle
Of all the hard things.
Of all the hard things.
July 20, 2023
awesome read
What a great book, hate the way it ended now I gotta get the next one. Could not or it down
What a great book, hate the way it ended now I gotta get the next one. Could not or it down
April 7, 2024
Sweet Story
What a lovely story. Three lost little girls. One woman floundering in grief. A case worker bent on doing his job. An ending that had this reader going ‘awwww.’
What a lovely story. Three lost little girls. One woman floundering in grief. A case worker bent on doing his job. An ending that had this reader going ‘awwww.’
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