With three rambunctious, young children, Melanie Lombardi can’t see beyond the day-to-day struggle to maintain her home and her sanity since her husband’s sudden death. A second chance at romance isn’t on her radar.
Brian Perella is done with dating, resigned to being the fun uncle and never the dad. Until he meets Melanie and her brood of lively kids on the sidelines of a Little League game.
… League game.
But when Brian uncovers a co-worker’s secret, it re-ignites a temptation that Melanie can’t know about. It’s his secret to keep until an unexpected diagnosis brings everything to the surface, jeopardizing his future with Melanie and her children, who, when threatened by an unknown stalker, may need him now more than ever.
Catholic Christian contemporary romance.
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Can you say “block out 18 hours, because you won’t want to put this down”? I started it on a Friday and just. kept. going. (The dog, it should be noted, kept going with me.)
Astfalk has that effect on me, though. Interestingly, she’s a Catholic author, and her books are very Theology of the Body focused, BUT YOU MIGHT NEVER KNOW IT.
That’s the part I love.
You can just pick up this book, read it, love it, and know that (a) no smut, (b) morals are in line with you, (c) darn good plot.
Predictable? Well, it’s a romance. So, yeah. It’s probably going to go a certain direction.
How it gets there, though, is all the fun.
3.5 Stars I thought this was an interesting contemporary story with a little suspense thrown in at the end. The narrator was pleasing to listen to and did a good job with the different character voices. Overall, I thought the pacing was good. The story included faith lessons from a Catholic perspective. I was given a copy of this audio book by the author. All opinions are my own.
This is a feel-good story that I’m sure you will enjoy. Brian Perella is a single man who thinks that God has to drop the perfect woman in his lap before he will get married. Enter Melanie Lombardi, a widow with three young children. While attending a baseball game, Melanie trips and lands in Brian’s lap! The story gears up from there with the heartwarming tale of how Brian loves Melanie’s children and fits so easily into their lives; but then the unthinkable happens when Brian is diagnosed with lymphoma and thinks that the “kind” thing to do is break up with Melanie so she won’t lose another man in her life. This is a great story about tenderness and the strength of love. Don’t miss it!
One of the best reads I have had in years!!! I’ve ordered more of her books!
With the Pandemic cancelling so many of my normal activities, I have been reading a lot! But I am a little picky with what I read — no swearing, clean, Christian influence — so I am eager to find a new author. Carolyn was a new one for me and I will look to read her books again. The characters were likeable and realistic in how they handled the problems life brought their way. Their Catholic faith was strengthened and helped them get through life. It had much more depth than a lot of “romance” books. Worth the read!
I loved this story! Well rounded characters with serious conflicts, both internal as well as external. Vivid details made the story come alive. Well done.
A beautiful, emotionally deep story of new beginnings, weaving together faith, redemption, and romance.
It’s amazing how little words woven together so delicately and beautifully can expose a dark and evil industry. The temptations and wounds of pornography are rarely explored in Christian fiction, and Astfalk has given it realistic and likable characters with victories and shortcomings to walk readers down this all too prevalent path. I admire Astfalk’s bravery and obedience for writing such a story, one necessary for today… no, a prayer for today: Create in us a clean heart, O Lord, and renew a steadfast spirit within us.
My Thoughts on All in Good Time
This is such a good book. I really enjoyed reading this book and could really relate to Melanie and her highs and lows of parenting. Though I’m not a widow I have had my days of lots of little children and the embarrassment and hilarity that can come from that.
While it is said many times that this is a Catholic Christian fiction title I found it to just be a good book. It has a good solid theme and nothing really questionable though it does tackle some really hard topics. These include pornography, widowhood, parenting, single parenting, and addiction. As a Christian, I did not find anything in this book that made me think that I needed to put the book down and stop reading.
There is an underlying mystery that works its way into the book almost without you noticing. It’s a threat and it comes more and more to the forefront.
I really enjoyed this book and would read it again. It kept me entertained, was not grip the seat suspense, and had a nice romantic element within it as well. Plus who wouldn’t love the antics of three young children that make you shake your head but also sympathize because you’ve been there!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Both Brian and Melanie are finished with love, dating, and all goes with it. But when they met at her childs baseball game, well, there could be sparks there! But even after spending time together, nothing could happen. There was just too so much baggage.
I quickly fell in love the Lombardi family. They quickly wormed their way into my heart. Melanie was a really good mom but was struggling with raising her three rambunctious kids after the death of her husband. Her day to day life was totally changed and dealing with her kids alone was certainly a challenge. I liked the subtle way their romance starts, then develops more throught out the story. Their journey was not so easy, and this author does a good job of dealing with the issues they went through. But I have to say, though All in Good Time is labeled in several Christian categories, its a bit more details in several of the scenes that I feel should be in Christian fiction. I did like the touch of mystery that was weaved through the story. I encourage you to check out this book for your own reading.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I opened this book hoping for a tale full of hope and second chances, which All in Good Time does have, but it’s overwhelmed by sickness and addictions, really bringing the entire novel to depressing levels. The engaging children break up the drama, and there is some mystery sprinkled throughout, with a suspenseful ending, that saved this novel for me.
Brian and Melanie are such thoughtful characters, but their situations were hard to read, which made the story lag quite a bit for me. I was relieved that there was a satisfying, though predicable, ending but I still couldn’t shake the shadow that All in Good Time draped over me the entire time I was reading it.
Overall a good story, and decent writing, but be prepared to be depressed with deep subject matter that could bring your own mood down.
*I have reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Multa Verba Publishing through JustRead Tours. All opinions are completely honest, and my own.
This story grabbed my attention on the first page—then seemed to stall for much of the first half of the book. Ms. Astfalk dropped several telling and well-placed hints, though, of intrigue to come or I might have relegated the story to slow motion and lackluster.
But, OH! then it took off, and my how it did! Like a rocket!
Brian Perella had sworn off dating and then basically dared God to bring him a wife. The last thing Melanie Lombardi was looking for was a new husband. But once they realized their shared interest and began to spend time together, the attraction grew.
But Ms. Astfalk reignites past secrets—both Brian and Melanie—and puts Brian through the wringer with a harsh diagnosis. Their reactions were ugly and so real it was hard to read; I wanted to throttle both of them! The heart sometimes is our own worst enemy. I applaud Ms. Astfalk braving the topic of Brian’s temptation, something I’ve not seen in fiction before.
The twist at the end was completely unexpected and utterly harrowing! Overall a great read with likeable characters and believable circumstances.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, All in Good Time, Carolyn Astfalk
This a new to me author and I just thought that this was a good book all the way around. I will be asking my library to order her other books as well if we don’t already have them.
I ended up staying up all night to finish this because I wanted to see what Brian and Melanie would do.
To me, this author has pulled off several great topics all the way around and l really liked how she didn’t beat around the bush about it.
Haven’t you ever made mistakes and then later live to regret them? I know I have many many times.
Sometimes I’m not sure how to go about undoing them. It’s why I’m so glad that there’s a man named Jesus who if you ask Him He will forgive you and forget what you’ve done.
Yes, I know. Easier said than done. But if you don’t forgive it can sour you on the inside out and make you a bitter person.
This is a romance theme but not as you would normally read. I love that the characters are flawed and not portrayed as perfect. We All Fall Short of the Glory of God.
I have felt like Brian many times. I love his charm and personality and I felt he could be a good friend. His faith astounds me. I want to be like him in that area. There’s no way I would denounce Jesus. Not for anyone! He’s my best friend and true confidante!!
Melanie, is a cool person. I was almost like her and had three children but it wasn’t to be. I’m not sure I could handle three kids. She too has love, compassion and vulnerability. I think that there’s some in every one of us. I love that she isn’t perfect.
I’ve been married so long that I probably wouldn’t know how to act if I found myself in Melanie’s position. She’s one strong lady. I admire her for that.
Life is certainly crazy at times. In fact Jesus said that life would never be easy. In some ways, I’m glad it’s not easy. We can most certainly learn from it.
You never know from one day to the next what curve ball that life will throw you.
Just like Brian and Melanie. I loved that they were honest with each other.
My grandma used to say “there’s someone out there for you” ” You just have to find the right one” “Sometimes it takes awhile and others well you’ll just have to see what God has in store for you.”
Too often we let our past define us on future dealings and we let it blind us for the future.
I loved how the author has snuck some mystery in on us as well which makes the story much more interesting!
I also loved that the way this author writes can mirror our own lives and send messages through her books that God loves us no matter what.
This is a book that you won’t want to miss. These characters will enter your mind and then you start thinking that they are real and believable. Their struggles through life will become your struggles and you find yourself praying for them even though they are fictional characters.
I highly recommend this book. You’ll laugh, cry and rejoice with Brian and Melanie as they find their way through well, just life.
My thanks goes to JustReads Tour for this awesome book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
In All in Good Time, Carolyn Astfalk immerses readers into the lives of Brian and Melanie. From the chaos of a single mom raising three young children to challenges of work, health, and family, I was right there in the middle of it all.
There’s so much happening in this book—romance, family challenges, temptations, and a mystery—that it rarely lags. The mystery portion is a slow build up until the end of the story when things really pick up.
While this story is told from the members of the Catholic church, the truths are important for every member of the body of Christ. I appreciated the author’s honest depiction of temptations, sin, and the characters’ struggles to overcome them.
Throughout the book, Astfalk addresses topics that are often avoided in Christian fiction (specifically sexual temptation and pornography) while emphasizing different avenues for avoiding and overcoming the challenges. No, the characters aren’t automatically rid of those temptations. Sometimes they give in and have to wrestle with the conviction, guilt, and shame, but God’s grace and forgiveness is more than we deserve. And that is the heart of All in Good Time.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
“Sometimes life’s surprises slowed you down. Like every ten-minutes-of-five disaster Brian had endured. And sometimes they stopped you in your tracks. But sometimes…. sometimes they exceeded your deepest hopes and wildest dreams.”
3.5 stars.
This is the first book by Carolyn Astfalk that I have read and it addressed quite a range of issues, from grief of losing a spouse, chaos of rearing multiple small children, hidden sins buried deep in our hearts and minds, struggle with medical illness and treatment, to hope and faith that can help endure and triumph over all these issues even at the rock bottom of life. The author’s writing style took me a little while to get used to but the characters are so real and true-to-life. Melanie, the single mom of three, is haggard from chasing after her wild motley crew of children but she oozes compassion, love, and vulnerability. Brian is charming and quite likable but has a hidden secret that unfortunately rears its ugly head. I really liked that Brian is unapologetic about his faith and shares about Jesus even when he’s at his lowest and feels like he’s surrounded by darkness.
I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
The characters in this story feel so real. So three-dimensional. They have strengths and weaknesses, hopes and dreams, and face trials and challenges that many can relate to, especially in our contemporary culture.
Brian Perella loves kids and has wanted to be a husband and father, but he has yet to find “the one” and he’s almost given up. Then one day, it seems God has dropped the woman of his dreams—Melanie Lombardi—into his lap! He’s a solid character and he’s great with kids, but he’s not sure he wants to start dating. I really enjoyed the tension between the two main characters before they decided to see each other. As the story progresses, we find that his past failings affect his ability to develop and maintain a healthy relationship with Melanie. This theme is so well done and helped me really consider the temptations and effects of pornography even after a person has given it up.
Melanie Lombardi is one tough woman. At least on the outside. Her husband recently passed away, leaving her with three young children. My heart really ached for her at times. She is an extremely likeable character, a good mom who tries to be responsible—but one person can’t keep track of everything, and this leads to some chaotic and humorous incidents in the story as she deals with the trials and joys of life with three children. I both admired and, at times, could relate to this character and her challenges.
As the story develops, a mystery (a threat) begins to appear. I admired how the author did this—so subtle and yet relevant, as you discover in the end.
This fictional story is not only enjoyable because of the characters and storyline; it carries relevant themes—tough themes that aren’t often dealt with in fiction but should be. We can read articles and studies about the challenges of single parenthood and of losing a spouse and of the long-term effects of giving into temptation and pornography, but reading a novel that deals with these issues takes it to a deeper level. We get to see the thoughts and experience the feelings these characters have throughout their challenges, failures, and victories.
I highly recommend this story as a great, clean romance novel with three-dimensional characters and important themes.
Thank you in advance to JustRead Publicity Tours, Multa Verba publishers, and the author Carolyn Astfalk for providing a review copy. A positive review was not required, all words and thoughts are my own.
Told from dual POVs (Melanie and Brian), “All in Good Time” is a Christian Romance/Christian Fiction book about recently widowed mom, Melanie Lombardi. With her three rambunctious children, she struggles with the simple and mundane day-to-day tasks. Romance is definitely not on the horizon or radar. She is still wearing the wedding ring from her marriage to David Lombardi.
That is until she and Brian Perella meet on the sidelines of a little league game. For a while he had resigned himself to being an uncle, never a dad. He is resigned to be the coach for the kids and interact that way.
Not only does her shy young daughter take to Brian, but Melanie is stunned that he sticks around her willingly, knowing about her children. He even starts coming over for dinner, fixing things around the house, and taking them on excursions.
All that changes when Brian receives an unexpected medical diagnosis. He turns to temptation after dumping Melanie. But, it isn’t his temptation that causes the break-up; he doesn’t want to burden her with his health.
Yet, he knows Melanie and the kids are in danger from a stalker.
The tag lines and summary for this story grabbed me right away. At first it was a bit of a slow starter for me. Then it took off and I couldn’t stop reading it. The first night I left off on chapter 31(52 total + epilogue) and only stopped to go to bed. It was that engaging and interesting.
While deemed fiction and romance, this also had a slight element of suspense to it which I believe added more interest (for me) to it. In reading it, up until the conclusion, I honestly had the wrong idea about who the stalker was. It did make sense as to who it was and the “why”. The stalker issue could’ve gone with either story/plot line.
This isn’t a “normal” Christian read as it had some sex talk. I say that not because I have a problem with it, but there are some readers who might have issues with it. Also, most of the “clean” Christian reads I’ve reviewed shy away from that talk as well.
In addition, Astfalk tackles another tricky subject – pornography. Again, not in line with other Christian books I’ve read. Even more so they don’t have one of the main characters “consuming” it. Yet, Astfalk tackles this with a candid reality.
Readers will have to pay close attention to this plot device as it weaves its way through the story to an unexpected conclusion.
I found the story to be an easy read with short-medium length chapters. For an eBook, it is rather long, but the story flowed quite quickly.
This is a beautiful story with themes of tested faith, second chances, forgiveness, and redemption. It might be more geared to those of the Catholic faith as those are the stronger themes in it, however I am sure it would appeal to those who enjoy Christian based reads as well.