First in an emotional, poignant romantic women’s fiction series from acclaimed inspirational romance author Pat Simmons.No one should have to go it alone…Tabitha Knicely is overwhelmed with sorrow and exhaustion caring for her beloved great-aunt, whose dementia is getting worse. When her neighbor Marcus Whittington accuses Tabitha of elder neglect, he doesn’t realize how his threats to have … neglect, he doesn’t realize how his threats to have Aunt Tweet taken away add to Tabitha’s pain.
Then Marcus gets to know the exuberant elderly lady and sees up close how hard Tabitha is fighting to keep everything together. Tabitha finds herself leaning on Marcus more and more. And he’s becoming more than happy to share her burdens…
What readers are saying:
“The most empowering story line of a family tied together by the power of unconditional love.”
“Beautifully written, heart-wrenching romance that rates five shiny stars.”
“A powerful read that will tug at your heart.”
“The joys and challenges of caregiving… Love comes in all shapes, sizes, and scenarios!”
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Loved this book. Pat Simmons is an outstanding writer. I was drawn to this book because it is emphasizes the importance family and having a support system in place when we are serving as a caretaker. The story is relatable because being a caretaker is universal—we have all served as a caretaker, are serving as a caretaker, or will serve as a caretaker. Tabitha’s struggle as a caretaker is real—there are highs and lows and the joys make it all worthwhile. Romance is also intertwined into the story. In addition to family, Marcus becomes Tabitha’s rock. Marcus is wonderful and his words and actions demonstrate fully that he there for both Tabitha and Aunt Tweet. Loved the story, encouraging scripture, and happy ending and I highly recommend this book!
If you are looking for an excellent Christian Romance novel, please read ‘Lean on Me’ by Pat Simmons.
I loved this book because the author, Pat Simmons, was able to create a story that included the following: the importance of family, verses from the Bible, romance, and the ups and downs of being a caregiver. I could see myself as one of the characters in the book, especially since I have been a caregiver so many times in my life. One of my favorite characters was Marcus, because he had a good heart. Marcus reminded me of my spouse who passed away. My spouse was always there for me, and he was my soul mate! I was a caregiver for him, while working a full time job, and taking care of our 1 year old daughter. All of the characters that Ms. Simmons wrote about in this book remind me of people in my life right now. I loved this book because sometimes you just want to read an enjoyable book with a happy ending! I highly recommend this book!
My heart was fully invested in this book! What an amazing family story!
For the caregiver in you.
Awesome book
This is the first book that I have read by this author. I liked the story and how it showed unconditional love for your family even in the difficult times. In this book Tabitha and her sisters Kym and Rachel are sharing in the care of their Aunt Tweet who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. They all live in different cities and have decided to look after her for 6 months at a time. It is Tabitha’s turn to care for Aunt Tweet and although she has done a lot of research on the disease and what to expect it is not what she expected. It is very stressful trying to care for her and have a full-time job and Aunt Tweet does not make it easy. This story really opened my eyes to what it takes to care for someone with Alzheimer’s as well as the changing symptoms involved with the disease. I liked the other characters in the book including Marcus and how they added to the story. This book is the first in a trilogy and I am looking forward to what happens during the rest of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Sourcebooks Casablanca through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you Sourcebooks for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Lean On Me
Family Is Forever #1
By: Pat Simmons
*REVIEW* ,
On a personal note: I never considered the daily trials of caregiving until my husband became a caregiver for his terminally ill 80 year old father. For the better part of a year, he went shopping, cooked and fed, groomed and bathed, tidied the house, fed a million cats, mowed the yard, paid the bills, did pharmacy runs, back and forth to doctor appointments, spent countless nights in hospital rooms and worked a full time job. I saw the physical, emotional and spiritual toll it took on him. When his father died over a year ago, he instantly became the primary caregiver for his elderly widowed mother. He never gets a break and never slows down. He can’t because she is extremely needy and more and more confused every day. I’m frustrated for him, and helpless to change it.
When I began reading Lean On Me, I knew immediately that this book showed up in my mailbox at exactly the right time. I felt so much sympathy and sorrow for Tabitha and Aunt Tweet from the start. Initially, I disliked Marcus, but I also understood that he didn’t understand, yet. Later, I knew Marcus’s frustration at the entire situation as the same I had felt many times. No one wants this, and the lack of control is disconcerting and causes anger to surface easily. Giving the situation over to God, trusting the course unfolding before you is the correct one, even, or especially, when it feels like the worst road you could possibly walk, is all you can do. This story shows the trials of day to day living for a caregiver. It’s a thankless exhausting job that is often misunderstood as being a lot easier than it actually is. Tabitha and Marcus experience all the ups and downs, yet they still choose to open their hearts to the possibility of love, acceptance, forgiveness and, dare they dream, of happiness. I loved watching these characters grow in faith, love and acceptance. It reminded me to be open to the possibilities in my own life. Although it’s frustrating and grey at times, better days are on the horizon. Lean On Me is a beautiful moving story written by a truly talented author who speaks to the heart with her words. I am looking forward to the next book in the Family Is Forever series. Thank a caregiver!
The author gives a very real and heartfelt story of the rewards and challenges of a caregiver, particularly Alzheimer. The truth of the matter is no one should go at it alone, but often-times they do. When the Knicely sisters makes a pact to co-care for Aunt Tweet, it is an admirable and they soon find out, a huge undertaking.
In Lean on Me, we journey with Tabitha and her experience of seeing firsthand how this disease slowly deteriorates our love ones and strips them from who they once were. When aunt Tweet started her disappearing acts to the residence of one Marcus Washington, he is baffled and concern with this stranger always sitting on his porch. When he finally addresses the woman and her caregiver, it was with impatience and full of threats. Tabitha knew the lifestyle of ever-changing schedules and routines was inevitable.
By the time Marcus was able to see what she was up against, he to was captivated by aunt Tweet. Before long Tabitha and Marcus is on a fast-track to friends—lovers—co-caregivers. Tabitha and Marcus give a true example of finding peace and strength through faith and each other.
I found this story to be relatable and the characters well written. It will take you on an emotional ride, but it’s worth the time. Already looking forward to the other sister’s experiences.
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks for an opportunity to read and give honest feedback.
“Romantic, romantic, romantic–the chemistry between Tabitha and Marcus was real. Loved it. Also loved Aunt Tweet–the lovable woman whose memories are slipping away but whose imagination keeps spinning. When Marcus and Tabitha first meet sparks fly but not the romantic kind. But their true characters shine as God puts them to the test. Great read, romance and story of family.
I thought that this was an incredibly beautiful and powerfully heartfelt read. I truly believe that this is a book that is really going to connect with many readers. So many of us will see ourselves in Tabitha. From personal experience I know how hard it is to be a caregiver to someone you love. It is such a complex situation, and honestly, I believe that it is just not possible to fully understand this situation until you find yourself smack dab in the middle of it. As if that is not enough to make this a remarkable read, the author also cleverly flips the coin and showcases how things can look from the outside looking in. Almost anyone can relate to making snap judgements, without having all the info. Overall, I felt that this was a really good book that featured a nice romance and dealt with some very meaningful and important subjects. I will say that there were a couple plot points that seemed off the mark and didn’t make the most sense to me but for the most part I thought that this book was a very solid read. I am freely choosing to post a sincere review.
This is a story that needs to be told and one that everyone should read. Unless you walk in someone else’s shoes you don’t know what they are going through. Pat Simmons tells the story of Tabitha who is a pharmaceutical rep who becomes the caregiver of her Aunt Tweet who has Alzheimer’s. In the morning while Tabitha was getting ready to go to work, her aunt would disappear and end up at a neighbors house and sit on his porch. Marcus wasn’t too happy about that and threated to dial 911 if it didn’t stop. She did try but it only took a second and she would be gone. Finally, she said maybe if you walked in my shoes you would understand. That made him think about what she said and he started being kind. At first, Tabitha was leary of his offers but over time she realized he really did want to help.
Marcus learned what it was like to try to juggle a job and be a caretaker. Even though she found an adult daycare for her aunt, it didn’t leave any time for her. Marcus kept telling Tabitha that he was going to be a caretaker for her like she was to her aunt. She didn’t have time to take care of herself so he was going to help her. I thought that was a wonderful thing to do and realized that this was what being a caregiver was like.
This was a well-written book that put the spotlight on being a caregiver and all that it involves. I hope everyone reads this book because many will become caretakers and for those of us that aren’t, we may step up and offer to help someone who is.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review. My honest review is this was a story that needs to be told and needs to be read because there is more and more people that are going to have to step into the role. This gives us an idea of what they are going to go through. Thank you, Pat Simmons, for writing this book.
A well depicted portrayal of a loved one with alzheimer’s, definite caregiver stress and burnout.
I believe everyone knows or has heard of someone that has this dreaded illness. This novel hits a note with all of us.
Tabitha and her sisters share the care of their beloved Aunt Tweet, who is in her eighties and has had a wonderful full life.
Aunt Tweet tries to remain independent, but finds herself wandering many times, unable to read, unable to cook,, unable to live alone.
Her nieces each take her into their homes for six months. This is Tabitha’s time.
The stress and feelings are real. “Dementia has so many symptoms”.
Tabitha attempts to adjusts to the daily changes within her aunt, her own exhaustion, her job and now a man who wants to call Adult Protective Services. Is he kidding?
Will Tabitha’s prayers be answered? Is anyone listening?
A wonderful story that I hope will be continued. I enjoyed meeting all the characters and especially Aunt Tweet!
3 1/2 Stars
This story deals with the tough topic of a caregiver’s struggles when taking care of a loved one with dementia. I thought the author handled it very well. Until you are in that situation, you just don’t have a clue what the caregivers go through. This fictional account did a good job of shedding light on it. Full review is at my website: LoraineNunley(dot)com