Stand by Me by Pat Simmons: A beautiful and poignant story about falling in love while keeping the 
Christian Faith. Kym and Chaz first meet, and sparks fly immediately. Both are deeply involved with their faith, and therefore keep some distance between each other. Chaz is at a different part in his life (already having experienced marriage and kids, and now onto the grandparents stage) whereas Kym is looking for Mr. Right. She has prayed for years about the One, and she thinks she found it in Chaz. However, she wants to experience all of the aspects of marriage and questions whether he is ready to start over with kids. By having open conversations, they learn how they can fit into each others lives. One of the most important things that they do together is stand firm in their faith which is one of the cornerstones of the book.
Kym is the definition of a strong, independent woman. She has seen her sisters find the One, and now she wants it for herself. She is also in the middle of her doctorate degree, which becomes a very important part for her character. We learn the most about her by her passion for her family, her education, and her faith. Throughout the book, she remains grounded in her ways, but I think she also falters for this. Instead of being open-minded about change, she is fairly set to her schedule. However, Chaz’s granddaughter Chauncy tests her need for a schedule.
Chaz is a great family man. He is always willing to support anyone that he loves and gives his all. In the way of a classic Dad, he also tries to hide the bad from everyone. When Chauncy is around more, he hides her episodes from her parents so that they don’t feel the shame. By being with Kym, he learns to be more open about things that happen instead of shielding those he loves.
The book overall is written very poetically. However there are times when it doesn’t come across as a way that anyone would talk in real life. I found it endearing the way the characters interacted, but there was very little conflict between them to show growth. Instead, a lot of it is internal. I think the book will be a great read for those very deep in their Christian faith, but for those who do not have that relationship, it will be hard to understand some of their motives.
Book Info:
Publication: November 2, 2021 | Sourcebooks Casablanca | Family is Forever #3
Acclaimed inspirational African American romance author Pat Simmons brings you a love story filled to the brim with everything you’re looking for: Emotional, poignant fiction that explores what it means to take care of family. Christian romance that delves into the connection between two people. An uplifting story about embracing love and giving others–and yourself–one more chance. When it comes to being a caregiver, Kym Knicely has been there and done that. Then she meets Charles Chaz Banks and soon learns that every caregiving situation is different. Chaz takes care of his seven-year-old autistic granddaughter, Chauncy. Although Kym’s attraction to Chaz is strong, she has to decide whether a romantic relationship can survive and thrive between two people at different stages in life. It’s a journey with a different set of rules that Kym has to play by if she and Chaz are to have their happily ever after and the faith and family they envision.
Praise for the Family Is Forever series:
As wonderful as a warm embrace.–Bestselling author Tina DeSalvo for Lean on Me
Reading a Pat Simmons novel is a treat.–Bestselling author Vanessa Riley for Lean on Me
Pat Simmons pulls at the heartstrings by focusing on love, faith, and family.–Naleighna Kai, USA Today bestselling author, for Here for You
You will fall in love… A must-read story.–Bestselling author Vanessa Miller for Here for You
