Ryan Jo Summers

When Dalton Colton helps Koda Jacobs with a flat tire, he also find a job, maybe not the one he was looking for, but it'll do for now. Koda needs a nanny for her two children desperately though she has a few qualms when she finds out Colton has just come from prison. Still, she believes in God's plan for her and her family, so she puts her faith in Dalton.
This is a sweet easy read. There's a growing attraction between Dalton and Koda as well as the dynamics of family intertwined in the story. Dalton not only becomes a part of Koda's small family but also reunites with his own. Their Christian faith sustains them and is also a great part of this tender romance.… (altro)

I started Beside Still Waters on a rainy November day when I needed an optimistic pick-me-up. The story and characters did not disappoint. From the moment McKayla realizes she's leaving her urban comfort zone for the uncertainty of a rural youth camp called In As Much, the story reminded me of how I felt leaving the corporate world to become a mother. McKayla goes on a similar journey, trading a designer world for something more meaningful.

I did find myself wanting more information about McKayla's personal and professional background. How had she come so far as a journalist (specializing in political corruption) without developing a thicker skin for stories like those of the youth at risk she encounters? Then again, perceiving a character as unusually sheltered made me reexamine my own life experiences and my idea of 'normal' which is a fascinating reaction to a book.

Watching McKayla progress from a reluctant onlooker to an active participant in the camp's inner workings created a sense of admiration for her. McKayla's love interest Clay shares this admiration and the attraction between them seems natural and heartwarming.

Relating to the Christian element of the story, I should mention that this is not my area of expertise. I will say that I, personally, enjoy hearing people (real and fictional) discuss many different types of beliefs. Clay does speak regularly about his deep faith in God and his literal interpretation of the Bible. If that's a trigger for you, it could interfere with enjoying the story. As a reader, I do believe the book's appeal reaches out to anyone interested in reading a hopeful story.
… (altro)