Leaving Oxford: Christian Fiction~Faith, Humor, Romance, Southern StyleEscaping home to Oxford, Mississippi, seemed like a good idea. Until it wasn’t.A year after a tragic accident in Los Angeles flipped her world upside down, advertising guru Sarah Beth LeClair is still hiding away in her charming hometown of Oxford, Mississippi. And she may well be stuck there forever. Suffering from panic … Suffering from panic attacks, she prays for healing. Instead, her answer comes in the form of an arrogant football coach and an ugly puppy.
Former celebrity college quarterback Jess McCoy dreamed of playing pro football. One freak hit destroyed his chances. Although he enjoys his work as the university’s offensive coordinator, his aspirations have shifted to coaching at the highest level. His plans of moving up are finally coming together—until he falls for a woman who won’t leave town.
As the deadline for Jess’s decision on his dream career looms, the bars around Sarah Beth’s heart only grow stronger. But it’s time to make a decision about leaving Oxford.
Praise for Leaving Oxford
“Southern humor and charm shine through in Leaving Oxford, with characters you’ll feel like you’ve always known and a theme eternally relevant.” – Misty M. Beller, Christian historical romance author.
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Sarah Beth has recently lost her boyfriend Adam in a car wreck and is determined not to love again–until she meets Jess. This would be the typical girl meets boy story, except for the fact that Sarah Beth has a bit of a problem–she can’t leave Oxford. She goes into a panic attack any time she tries to leave the outskirts of the town. What to do? Read the book to see how her friends support her, and the event that occurs that finally makes Sarah Beth realize she can’t let a mental hangup keep her prisoner forever.
A book that is based in my state, loved that! I felt for the character and her fear of of leaving the safe area of home. I loved the growth in Christ so many of the characters displayed. The coach’s words of I will wait as long as it takes was true love.
This book depicted small time life in the south. It also shows how you can lose yourself through anxiety and absence of God’s presence. Highly recommend!
This is an overtly Christian story. God and faith are front and center.
The characters were fantastic—realistic with solid backstories that still playout in their current attitudes and choices.
The story focuses not only on Sarah Beth, but on her circle of friends. She had wonderful, faithful and faith-filled friends.
It’s not just the panic attacks that stifle Sarah Beth, but the blows to her self-esteem that not “being normal” bring.
The guy is gorgeous and sweet. He couldn’t be interested in someone so broken; he deserves someone normal.
And Jess? He was intrigued by the quirky girl the first time he met her and everything he learns about her draws him in further, including her faith.
The challenges conquered by the characters were tremendous. I don’t want to spoil the story but well worth your read.
The narrator did a good job with Leaving Oxford by Janet Ferguson. With a good clear voice, Naomi Karez reflected the action taking place. I enjoyed listening to this story during football season (although it can be read at any time of year). This contemporary romance is a fun listen with lessons of faith. I was given a copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Great read!
I couldn’t help but like Sarah Beth. Despite her severe anxiety, she’s a good friend and boss to those put in her life. And I loved the close relationship she has with her brother.
Then Jess enters her life. And keeps showing up. The two become friends, and even though he’s interested in more, he realizes Sarah Beth isn’t there.
These characters are flawed people who are trying their best to live a Godly life but still make poor judgments sometimes. Who can’t relate to that?
Janet Ferguson gives readers a good look into a small southern town and the south’s love of college football. Add in a crazy dog and an adorable little girl, and there Leaving Oxford is a strong start to this series.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Loved this book. You can relate to this characters, they are very realistic. The everyday trials are understandable.
What an amazing author! I love the reality in this book, but given with hope.
Leaving Oxford by Janet Ferguson
Southern Hearts Series Book One
Sarah Beth LeClair has a problem. She lives in Oxford, Mississippi and can’t leave. She is held a prisoner there by her own fears. She has returned to her Christian faith and struggles with the question of why faith isn’t enough to help her break through her fear.
Coach Jess McCoy is intrigued by Sarah from the first time he runs into her at the college they both work at. She’s a bit quirky…but something about her draws him. Unfortunately, he may be drawn, but she seems to push away.
There are secondary stories going on as well. Jess’s friends in Oxford and Sarah’s friends back in LA. As God works in Sarah’s life, He is also working through her. I really enjoyed this story and I’m looking forward to more from this author. I loved the real issues the characters face in their lives. This is a sweet inspirational story. Book two is Going Up South.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2016/04/book-list-for-janet-ferguson.html
I received a free copy of this book. What a great story! I enjoyed watching Sarah Beth grow. I love it when a book makes you feel like you are really there with the characters.
I found this book a refreshing change of pace to typical romance novels! I loved how the element of the Christian faith was woven into the storyline.
Loved this book and the tough situations the key characters go through! Could not put this book down!
I enjoyed the book from start to finish. I liked that it had a happy ending. Some of these books leave you hanging but this one didnt.
/Great Book and I have continued through the series.
Highly recommend reading this book.
Open, honest portrayal of real-life characters – flaws and all. I liked it.
Hard choices to make. well done
Very interesting reading hard to put down.