Part of Series
"Simmons balances the sadness of Alzheimer's with the heartwarming bonds of family and friendship, and the combination is sure to tug at readers' heartstrings." —Publishers Weekly Second in the Family Is Forever series of emotional, poignant, romantic women's fiction from acclaimed author Pat Simmons. Rachel Knicely has put her own life on hold for six months to take care of her great aunt, who has Alzheimer's. Putting her aunt first was an easy decision—accepting that Aunt Tweet is nearing the end of her battle is far more difficult. Nicholas Adams' ministry is bringing comfort to those who are sick and homebound. He responds to a request for help for an ailing woman but when he meets Aunt Tweet, he realizes Rachel—overcome with grief—is the one who needs support the most. Nick is committed to helping Rachel, but more than that, he's charmed by and attracted to her. The timing couldn't be worse. Just when the moment seems perfect to profess his love, Rachel receives devastating news that brings both a crisis of faith and roadblocks to their budding relationship that neither could have anticipated. Praise for Lean On Me, Book 1 in the Family Is Forever series: "As wonderful as a warm embrace... Simmons' cleverly crafted characters slip into your heart from the first page."—Tina DeSalvo, bestselling author "Romantic, romantic, romantic—a great read, romance and story of family."—Lyn Cote, USA Today bestselling author "Reading a Pat Simmons novel is a treat. I loved this book."—Vanessa Riley, bestselling author
Author
Pat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author of forty-plus titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth who is passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She is a five-time recipient of the RSJ Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance: Still Guilty, Crowning Glory, The Confession, Christmas Dinner, and Queen’s Surrender (To A Higher Calling). Pat’s first inspirational women’s fiction, Lean On Me, with Sourcebooks, was the February/March Together We Read Digital Book Club pick for the national library system. Here for You and Stand by Me are also part of the Family is Forever series. Her holiday indie release, Christmas Dinner, and traditionally published, Here for You were featured in Woman’s World, a national magazine. Here for You was also listed in the “7 Great Reads That Help to Keep the Faith” by Sisters From AARP. She contributed an article, “I’m Listening,” in the Chicken Soup for the Soul: I’m Speaking Now (2021). Pat is the recipient of the 2022 Leslie Esdaile “Trailblazer” Award given by Building Relationships Around Books Readers’ Choice for her work in the Christian fiction genre. As a Christian, Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country. Pat has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter. Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts and has worked in radio, television, and print media for more than twenty years. She oversaw the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions for fourteen years. Visit her at www.patsimmons.net.
