Just As I Am

Unfailing Love, Book 1

By: Mandi Blake

Narrated by: Lorana Hoopes

Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

She’s running from trouble, but a fake relationship with a kind stranger might give her the protection she needs and a love she never expected.

Declan King has lived a life of solitude and duty for the U.S. Army. When the deaths of his grandparents bring him home to his family farm, he is forced into contact with people who know too much about his past to simply leave him alone.

Adeline Rhodes makes a daring escape from her controlling boyfriend, planning to hide out in the small town of Carson, Georgia. When Addie’s past catches up to her, she finds herself thrust into a fake relationship to protect her from her vengeful ex.

As Addie and Declan’s chance meeting begins a journey that heals old wounds, they struggle to stay ahead of the danger and deny their growing attraction to each other. Declan will do anything to protect her, and failure isn’t an option when Adeline’s life is on the line.

Welcome to the small town of Carson, Georgia where a group of friends vow to do whatever it takes to protect the women they love. Just as I Am is a gripping romantic suspense with an inspiring happily ever after.

©2019 Mandi Blake (P)2020 Mandi Blake

Good

Good book, found Addies narrative to be very repetitive, which I can understand to a point, but it got old. Constantly thanking others, etc. I believe the author was just trying to convey how happy, surprised and unused to others helping her she was. I enjoyed how she took two people with different personal difficulties and showed the reader how they could be brought together to be stronger as a team. Overall a really good book.

Loved it!

Sweet, clean, suspense, friendship, family, loyalty, HEA... it's all in here! Declan and Addie both have things in their past to overcome, as they help each other do that, a love develops that neither of them thought they would ever have. Healing from emotional and verbal abuse as well as an unhealthy and controlling relationship. Mandi Blake gave her readers a lot to chew on in this book and Lorana Hoopes' did an outstanding job making you feel it in her narrative.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Perfection

This is the first book I had ever read by Mandi Blake and now I’ve read all but a few! She is an amazing storyteller and her books always have me hooked on the storyline. I also love that I can trust all of her audible books to be appropriate to play aloud at the house even with young children. It’s always clean and has a great underlying message. Love!!

Addie and Declan-strong alone unstoppable together

Addie escapes from an abusive domineering relationship to her aunt’s several states away. Declan is scarred both bodily and mind from his military service. He has made a vow to her aunt and uncle to protect her but then things became personal. Both of them grow individually and as a couple as they work to protect her from the ex that won’t quit. It also helpful to have good friends. Great book and great narration. Clean but does have some violence.

Beautiful

Just As I Am is a beautiful story of love over loss and brokenness. This sweet and clean romance has a Christian theme that isn’t preachy. It’s storyline is strong and has a nice pace through the twists. The characters show deep feeling and are realistic through their journeys. The performer has a pleasant voice and the narration is easy to listen to.
I received a complimentary copy and have chosen to give my honest opinion.

Loved this story!

This is the first book I've read by Mandi and I loved every second of it! The story was easy to read and full of heartwarming moments. A perfect mix of clean, sweet romance and a bit of suspense. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!

I also loved Lorana Hoopes narration. She brought the story to life!

Love and Redemption

What a wonderful story, full of emotions and challenges and excitement. The theme of forgiveness, love, redemption, pain and sorrow growing into joy were illustrated beautifully by the author. Addie had been trapped in an abusive relationship and with the help of God and angels among us, she was able to escape from Jason. She found new friends and a new life with her aunt and uncle. They asked a trusted man, with his own demons to look out for her, knowing that Jason wasn't going to let addie get away. Declan agreed to watch out for her and was there to save her life. There follows adventures and terror as Jason keeps trying to get her. Declan poses as her boyfriend in an attempt to discourage Jason but real feelings emerge as they spend time together. These two discover healing through trusting God and each other. Thankfully Jason is caught in the end. I was blown away by Addie and her ability to forgive. This book combines a wonderful love story with truth. Highly recommend! The narrator did a wonderful job creating unique voices for each character and bringing the story to life.

A good start for this series

I had never read and/or listened to any stories by this author, so when given the opportunity, I did not hesitate to give her a try. Glad I did.
This first story in the series, is a touching , sweet Christian romance centering around Adeline Rhodes and Declan King.
Adeline has been abused by an ex and has runaway to her uncle and aunt’s home. Declan has just returned from serving our country, and has become sort of a recluse.
When they meet , there is a connection between them and somehow they end up saving each other. While Declan is there to help Adeleine fight her ex , she in turn brings a “light” to Declan’s life.
Will they be able to find their happiness or will the past hinder that?
A story worth your time.
The narrator, Lorana Hoopes (an author also worth reading/listening) did a good rendition of the various voices.
Though I purchased the ebook, I was entrusted a copy of this in audio form. The opinions expressed are solely my own.