In A Reason to Stay by Kellie Coates Gilbert, a career driven television reporter and a family oriented bass fisherman's marriage is threatened by their fundamental differences. This beautiful journey of self-discovery and healing is the third book in the Texas Gold series but can be read as standalone.

Faith Marin is a rising star at a local television station when she marries professional bass fisherman Geary. Soon after they say their "I dos", this once happy couple finds themselves drifting farther and farther apart due to their career demands but it is their conflict over Geary's extended family and Faith's career that takes the greatest toll on their relationship. On the brink of divorce, a sudden tragedy brings them together but will Faith allow the unresolved issues from her past drive Geary away?

Faith's ambition has its roots in her dysfunctional childhood and her attempts to leave her shameful past behind have been largely successful. She has worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming an news anchor, but instead of being content with each promotion, she sets her sights higher and takes on more responsibility at work. Unfortunately for her, these career aspirations lead to heated disagreements between her and Geary since he expects her to put family first. As their arguments escalate, Faith uses their differences to push Geary away instead of talking things through and as they begin leading mostly separate lives, she decides it is time to end their marriage.

Geary is from a close-knit, loving family who welcome Faith with open arms. Although he recognizes Faith's discomfort with his family's lack of boundaries, he does little to restrict their involvement in their personal life. Geary's belief that she should always put family first is a little unreasonable but when Faith sees her relationship taking the same tempestuous path as her parents', she shuts down. These misunderstandings erode their relationship to the point that when disaster strikes, their marriage is in serious trouble.

Although there are romantic elements to the storyline, A Reason to Stay focuses mainly on Faith's journey to make peace with her unresolved past. When it appears she is going to lose the one thing that validates her self-worth, Faith is finally forced to face the lingering effects of her troubled childhood. She also must examine her reasons for trying to distance herself from Geary. As she confronts these issues, her priorities begin to shift and in order to save her marriage, Faith is forced to have an honest discussion with Geary about her turbulent family history.

A Reason to Stay by Kellie Coates Gilbert is an emotionally compelling novel. The story is well-written and fast paced with a cast of well drawn, sympathetic characters. Faith and Geary's struggle to balance family and work is realistically portrayed and will resonate with readers. It is a heartfelt and engaging novel with a gentle undercurrent of faith that old and new fans of the Texas Gold series are going to love. ( )

This was a very good book. I really enjoyed how real it felt to see the marital struggles, the friction with the family, the shooting and recovery process, and the eventual healing of Faith and her marriage. I hope my library has more of Kellie Gilbert's books! ( )

A Reason to Stay is a fabulous book! The complexity of the characters and the changing storyline from the past to the current time frame kept me fascinated. Often I wanted to shake Faith and Geary to wake them up. They frustrated me but that was such a part of the book. As a pastor's daughter I could relate to Geary's family and friends (some of it!). I think each book in this series, Texas Gold gets better. Kellie Coates Gilbert creates dynamic, strong women and takes them through life's reality as they face their own weaknesses and strengths. I look forward to meeting her next Texas starlet.

I highly recommend A Reason to Stay. You won't regret picking it up.

I received a copy from Net Galley for my honest review that I have given. ( )

For the most part I stick to historical fiction, but this is based loosely on events that happened in the more recent past. Faith Marin is a talented investigative reporter, whose star is on the rise. She has a rigid expectation for her life, with deep rooted issues her guiding force. Then Geary comes into her life - a relaxed professional angler, from a preacher's family.

Their love story has constant up and downs. Faith is not used to the loving, Christian family she marries into and resists it. Her God is her career, until a series of events bring about a major change in her life and her family. Very well written. The Christian message is very softly told, could have been illustrated better. But you'll want to read to the very end to reach the fullness of the story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher from Revell and Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html. ( )

Hmmm... Where to begin...
When I received this book I guess I had something totally different in mind. It was really nothing like I expected, and yet, it was very good and I didn't really want to put it down. Although, I read many different genre, I am mostly a mystery reader, suspense, and a little bit of romance, not too mushy, of course. I especially enjoy story lines that portray real relationships. Well, this book fits in the "real relationship" category, I guess.

It starts off with Faith, at television show host/ news anchor, being called to do a piece on the senator. Just as she arrives and gets set up, tragedy strikes. From there most of the book is written in retrospect. Basically, Faith is remembering how she arrived to this point in her life. Her marriage is quite rocky at the moment; she is very successful at her career, but success has also come with a price.
The story retrospectively unfolds her life, her rising in the ranks to morning show host of Faith on Air, as well as, how she met and finally married Geary (and his over bearing family). And trust me, it truly felt as if she was married to his family.

Here are some things that caught my attention:
The simple truth that opposites attract. When you read this book, it is both sobering and humorous. Faith comes from a broken home, a background she would love to forget, and at best, has stuffed it in the past. Geary comes from a loving family, too loving it seems at times. He is bound to his family with an unbreakable bond. Faith is somewhat uptight, classy, goal- prioritizing gal. Geary is a laid back, pro-bass fisherman, who holds possessions lightly, but values time, family, and faith - not necessarily in that order.
Things are not always what they seem. At first they hit it off well, she overlooking his faimly's strange ways; he is overlooking her career oriented goals and dreams. Until... the honeymoon is over. Then alas... reality sets in, as well as, many disagreements and struggles, magnified by outside people who seem to know no boundaries.
There is always hope. Once tragedy hits home, they each have to look at things differently, because life will never be the same. The question is, can they heal and save their marriage and family, or will they become just another statistic?

Kellie took me on a journey, not just into Faith's life, but my own also. She gives some serious food for thought. While there is much lightheartedness to break up the tension, there is also some very emotional issues going on behind the scenes. Many not-so-different from what I have experienced myself. Maybe that, in itself, kept me reading. But there is also the fact, that Kellie is a very good author. This by the way, is the first opportunity I have had to read one of her books. But it certainly won't be the last.

Both Faith and Geary have ideas, dreams, and goals they need to work through and re-prioritize. In some ways, I felt like Faith seemed to be portrayed in a somewhat negative light, always being picky about things, going against the grain, a bit selfish, goal oriented, etc... (maybe it just hit too close to home - smiley); and Geary, came across portrayed more of a hero (the family man, taking things lightly - when at times, he could have been more considerate). Personally, I related to them as two different people, from different backgrounds, coming together, both with ideals for marriage, hopes and dreams for their lives, only to discover - this was way different than they expected, unfamiliar territory. Each needed to hold loosely, give a little, forgive, love, and communicate better. They needed to find ways to accept each other, support each others dreams, and yet make new dreams together. Difficult - yes, impossible - no! So run out and get yourself a copy, because this book is worth the read!

Thank you Revell for blessing me with this book in exchange for my review.