Decisions Book One: Say Goodbye to Yesterday [Kindle Edition]

Shirley Kiger Connolly (Author)

Book Description

Scorned with disgrace, Annabelle Jordan and her daughters are no longer welcome in her reverend uncle's community. In need of a fresh touch of grace, Annabelle's in no mood to seek mercy yet. Not after carrying on a youthful affair with that scoundrel of a boyfriend long enough to produce two daughters before she finally sent him away.

Now without a home, Annabelle's convinced her answer is to find the man again and force that marriage he pledged but never kept. Annabelle knows he can provide her daughters the name, home, security, and future they need. Who else would show interest in a soiled, aging woman over thirty with two growing children?

Clearly, that was before Major Carlton Radcliffe entered her life. How was Annabelle to know she'd fall for someone beyond her reach, loyal to the faith she's been fleeing and nobly pledged to a wife and family of his own?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...As a fan of historical fiction it isn't often that I find such a unique story. Normally I can figure out what will happen within the first few pages, but Shirley Kiger Connolly kept me wondering what would ultimately happen...Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this one. The faith-based messages woven in make it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a good clean read that will leave them longing for more from this author!"

Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite
February 20, 2013

"...This story had some funny moments in this story as well as some touching moments...I enjoyed the story's flow and watching the story unfold...I would recommend this to anyone who like historical fiction set in the mid 1800s...Some of the story is sensual in nature, but only in thought not in deed."

Holly M. Magnuson "Holly" for Favorite Christian Books


   
" Ms. Shirley Kiger Connolly has written an inspirational novel with a different outlook than most. It delved into the lives of several people who were affected by what the father of these girls did... Connolly gave us unique glimpses into the plot so that we could see more than we realized at the time (or at least, I didn't realize until later). The characters were impactful and realistic...This book was not typically written. Connolly is at her best while revealing the outcome of this book...I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a slant to the adventurous life. You will definitely not be bored."

 Brenda Talley for The Romance Studio
October 12, 2011

From the Author

I researched long and hard to find pertinent information about what women in the 1800s often went through but seldom made known to the public for fear of being shunned. I choose to write in a realistic fashion, to include the flaws of real people, and to show how the choices people make, can alter someone's future completely. This was truly a story from my heart.
I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 422 KB
• Print Length: 235 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc (August 14, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005HB7GPY
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #708,238 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Say hello to the Decisions Series... August 20, 2011

By Delia Latham

Format:Kindle Edition

Annabelle Jordan hasn't made great choices in her life. She's an unwed mother of two daughters...recently cast out of her minister uncle's parish, now off on an ill-advised mission to force her daughters' father into being a father. But she doesn't expect to be thrown into an uncomfortable alliance with a handsome, gallant man on familiar terms with the God she has shunned. Major Carlton Radcliffe epitomizes the kind of honor and integrity Annabelle's past mistakes have placed completely beyond her reach. She finds herself hopelessly drawn to a man whose standards would certainly preclude an aging pariah as having any place in his future.

An unusual heroine for an inspirational novel...especially an historical. Annabelle Jordan is not the cosseted maiden, all innocence and purity, readers typically expect in this genre. She's made mistakes--serious ones that cannot be swept under the rug and forgotten. In the time period in question, Annabelle Jordan would certainly have been a shamed, shunned woman with a slim-to-zero chance of ever finding a place in respectable society, and she initially seems determined to continue making bad decisions.

Say Goodbye to Yesterday's unexpected premise will hook the reader from page one, and reel her in with unrelenting plays on various emotions: an immediate affection for the sweet, crippled child; admiration for the strong hero whose private life is far from a picnic; contempt for the father who abandoned his responsibilities; disappointment and anger at a church community that ostracizes and eradicates instead of extending a hand of grace and forgiveness. Emotions for the heroine vary from sympathy to disbelief to anger to a sincere longing for Annabelle to find happiness--somewhere, somehow. It's a picture of what sin can do to a life, which doesn't make for a pretty depiction. But the author also provides an expertly painted flipside showing God's redemptive grace, and love's ability to conquer every situation.

Gritty realism. Honest representation of sometimes-less-than-admirable, hopelessly human characters. A strong but subtle thread of hope in Christ. This first book in Shirley Kiger Connolly's Decisions Series is a beautifully woven tale that leaves the reader believing that with God, all things really are possible--even putting the past in the past and saying goodbye...to yesterday.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Leave Yesterday Behind and Fall In Love with God..... November 19, 2011

By ReviewsByMolly

Format:Kindle Edition

Shirley Kiger Connolly is definitely talented! I am so happy I had the chance to review her first book, Say Goodbye To Yesterday, in her new fiction series, Decisions.I loved her her writing style, the characters she created and the emotion she pulls from her readers as they read this novel.

This is not an easy read. It's filled with heart ache, shunning, pasts better left forgotten, and lives that are forever changed when God becomes involved. As a single mom of 2 boys, I'm often looked upon as "different", so I could feel a lot of Annabelle's inner turmoil and pain. But, I loved the way Ms. Connolly portrayed Annabelle's mistakes and wrong doings. It really helped the reader to get a wonderful picture of the young mother.

Major Radcliffe's character was an absolute fantabulous addition to the story. The way Ms. Connolly portrayed his closeness with God was stunning. I absolutely adored his character!

I definitely suggest you check out this story. From heartache to love to forgiveness and redemption, this is a 4 Book worthy novel that will leave the reader breathless. The best part of this story is that it's the first in a series so there's more to come! I am excited to see what Ms. Connolly has in store for her new (and old!) fans with the second book. Take a trip into time, learn to accept your actions and move on with new friends and a fantastic story line!

*This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review*

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Say Goodbye to Yesterday October 11, 2011

By Caree Connolly

Format:Kindle Edition

This story draws you in right away. I like that. The emotions between Annabelle and her daughters is moving. You can see the love, but also tension. You can see that she has a lot of different feelings during this story. Annabelle can make you frustrated at her at times and also hope for her. It's a joy to read about her daughter as well. She'll make you laugh and shake you head at times.
The hero of this story has a charm that is seen right at the beginning. He has a military bearing, but you see his humor in certain situations. He has his own conflicts, but his faith in God is strong.
I think this a wonderful read. "Say Goodbye to Yesterday" lets you see so much. You can really feel the emotions in this story. I definately makes you want to keep reading to the end.

More About the Author

Shirley Kiger Connolly, daughter of a 1940s mystery writer, enjoys penning historical fiction romances and books filled with lighthearted devotions and reflections. Shirley majored in English and Journalism, later joining the graduates of ICL. Her second historical romance, Say Goodbye to Yesterday, finaled in the RWA Ida Awards contest. She and her husband reside and minister together on the Southern Coast of Oregon. Readers can visit Shirley anytime at her website, on her blog, at her Author Page on Facebook, or over on Twitter.