James: The Circle of Friends Book III

by L. Diane Wolfe

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1425918646
• ISBN13: 9781425918644
• Release Date: March 2006
• Publisher: Authorhouse
• Length: 316 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

James's past was brutal. After his birth mother left him and his dad behind, James's father became abusive, especially while drinking. James wouldn't even know when he's going to strike. Apart from a rough life at home, James has a great work ethic, is a hard worker, and is a very motivated person. While in college, James was glad that he was finally away from his father, but he dearly missed his stepmother, Lynn, who Ben (his father) married after a couple of years in the dating life. James loves her so much; his father harasses them both but he tries to save his mother's life instead of his own. Finally, in his third year of college, James has been keeping up his hard work and a GPA of 4.0. Though last year was a rough one for him, James has been happy so far. His spirits have dampened drastically, though. Sherry, his former girlfriend, has come back to James after making the biggest mistake in their relationship to say that she's sorry and to try to get back together. After forgiving her, James and Sherry are starting over. After taking her to the dance club one night, Sherry says she isn't feeling well, so he takes her back to the dorm. James, in high spirits, returns to his own home. The very next day things change, though, when James sees Lori (who by the way was once James's crush) and she tells him that she and her friend Sarah had seen Sherry with another guy. Trying to take the anger out, James just wants to hit something, but he restrains himself. But Lori has another idea for how James can get over Sherry. She wants him to meet Maria, one of her other best friends who was there at Lori's wedding last year. He would be able to meet her at Lori's next swim meet at Florida State. There he sees Maria, the quiet and very shy girl, staring at her camera. It takes him awhile to make Maria open up, but when she does James finds himself falling in love with her. Will Maria be the right girl for James, or someone who turns out to be just like Sherry? Months later, James will have to make the biggest decision of his life! Will this change the whole aspect of James's life? Will this be the worst possible thing that could happen to him and Maria? This book is very motivating and inspiring! This just tells you how much someone is willing to go for the best in his or her life!! There are so many twists and turns and it can teach you how far you would be willing to go to have the perfect moment! Reviewed by: Spreeha

A True to Life Fictional Masterpiece

James is a young man who is lost within himself. Growing up with an abusive father, James doesn't let too many people into his life. In order not to think about the past, he focuses on other things diligently: school, work. But, though lost, he longs of having someone love him; of giving someone his heart and receiving theirs in return. When his current girlfriend cheats on him, James despairs of ever finding someone who is honest, down to earth and caring. His friend Lori sets him up with a shy girl named Maria and the two hit it off instantly. Both being photographers, they find common ground and their relationship begins to blossom. Other relationships not well, however. James father Ben informs him that if James does not come to collect his belongings, he will throw them out. James goes to collect his things, marvelling at his step mother's willingness to stay with his abusive father. Lynn has always loved James like her own son and has been a real mother to him. He can't stand the idea of Ben hurting her. James knows that if he didn't have Maria's love, life would be unbearable. Despite all the secrets of his past, Maria is a light in the darkness for him. James strives to do well for himself and Maria inspires him to do even better. But when something life changing happens, will Maria and James survive? Will their relationship crumble around them or will they face their problems head on and come out stronger in the end? My meagre plot summary doesn't even come close to recounting the gripping plot of this amazing novel. While James is essentially the story of one young man, it is also a study of relationships: mother and son, father and son, boyfriend and girlfriend. It is a study of the depth of the human heart and the choices we make in our lives. What makes this novel so incredible is its realism. Wolfe deftly manages to draw you into the story and makes you care for these characters. You ache for James and Maria. You want James' father to love him. You will fall in love with these characters and never want the book to end. I guarantee it. Also interwoven with the incredible story is an important message: Never give up on your dreams. Everyone holds the power to succeed at whatever they dream as long as they believe in themselves. Normally I find inspirational fiction to be preachy, but James is far from it. James is a life changing novel that will have you examining your life with new eyes and reaching out to those you love to let them know how much they mean to you. Thankfully, the story continues in Mike: Circle of Friends Book Four, which comes out later this year. Though these novels are all part of a series, you can read them on your own. You will want to read the rest of them though, again and again. James is, by far, one of the best books I have ever read. It made me laugh; cry, cheer and the ending left me spellbound. If you read this incredible novel, L. Diane Wolfe will become your new favourite author. Trust me o

Overcoming a Dark Legacy

"James" is a most inspiring novel, it captured me and held me a very willing prisoner from the first page through the last. The phrase "sins of the fathers" resounded through me during the entire time I was reading the book: I don't believe I've ever seen a better, more effective illustration of the fact that abuse, be it to children, to women, to any one of us, is a terrible gift that just keeps on giving, and giving, and giving. The bruises and the broken bones will eventually heal, but the emotional injuries live on and are passed down through the generations, perpetuating the horror and poisoning the essence of everyone they touch. We are corrupted by the scars we inherit; their curse directs the flow of our lives and those of everyone around us. James Sheppard is the victim of such a legacy. During the course of his story, author L. Diane Wolfe shows us that while the wounds comprising James' birthright can never be entirely healed and forgotten, the dark momentum of physical and mental abuse may be slowed and brought to a halt through force of will and strength of spirit. This is not a triumph that will likely be accomplished alone. We share James' anguish as angry, sometimes violent tendencies rise to the top in spite of his best intentions, but we also grow with him through the ongoing love and devotion of a wife whom circumstances have thrown into a premature marriage, and who must wrestle with the demons of her own upbringing. We evolve along with James through the unwavering kindness of a stepmother whose love for her deeply flawed husband overcomes all obstacles. Perhaps most importantly, James is bolstered by his inner circle of friends both old and new, who prop him up and motivate him to fight off the influence of his scared, lonely past, to do what's right without question through mutual support and unhesitating aid during the times of need that inevitably crop up in their lives, and by extension in ours as well. I invite you to enter James Sheppard's world and spend some time in his shoes. Ms. Wolfe never preaches or talks down to her characters or her readers. Instead, she makes us feel as if we've known James, his wife Maria, and their multifaceted circle of friends throughout our lives, that we grew up next door to these strong young people, that we're an important part of their existence, that we can feel their love and the reassuring warmth of their arms wrapped around us during the good times and the bad. Be inspired as I was, I promise that you won't regret the experience.

Live Your Dreams

James is a young man who is lost within himself. Growing up with an abusive father, James doesn't let too many people into his life. In order not to think about the past, he focuses on other things diligently: school, work. But, though lost, he longs of having someone love him; of giving someone his heart and receiving theirs in return. When his current girlfriend cheats on him, James despairs of ever finding someone who is honest, down to earth and caring. His friend Lori sets him up with a shy girl named Maria and the two hit it off instantly. Both being photographers, they find common ground and their relationship begins to blossom. Other relationships not well, however. James father Ben informs him that if James does not come to collect his belongings, he will throw them out. James goes to collect his things, marvelling at his step mother's willingness to stay with his abusive father. Lynn has always loved James like her own son and has been a real mother to him. He can't stand the idea of Ben hurting her. James knows that if he didn't have Maria's love, life would be unbearable. Despite all the secrets of his past, Maria is a light in the darkness for him. James strives to do well for himself and Maria inspires him to do even better. But when something life changing happens, will Maria and James survive? Will their relationship crumble around them or will they face their problems head on and come out stronger in the end? My meagre plot summary doesn't even come close to recounting the gripping plot of this amazing novel. While James is essentially the story of one young man, it is also a study of relationships: mother and son, father and son, boyfriend and girlfriend. It is a study of the depth of the human heart and the choices we make in our lives. What makes this novel so incredible is its realism. Wolfe deftly manages to draw you into the story and makes you care for these characters. You ache for James and Maria. You want James' father to love him. You will fall in love with these characters and never want the book to end. I guarantee it. Also interwoven with the incredible story is an important message: Never give up on your dreams. Everyone holds the power to succeed at whatever they dream as long as they believe in themselves. Normally I find inspirational fiction to be preachy, but James is far from it. James is a life changing novel that will have you examining your life with new eyes and reaching out to those you love to let them know how much they mean to you. Thankfully, the story continues in Mike: Circle of Friends Book Four. Though these novels are all part of a series, you can read them on your own. You will want to read the rest of them though, again and again. James is, by far, one of the best books I have ever read. It made me laugh; cry, cheer and the ending left me spellbound. If you read this incredible novel, L. Diane Wolfe will become your new favourite author. Trust me on this. Become part of The Circle of

The best of the series (so far)...

This is a great read. Ms. Wolfe's new novel "James" is a powerful story of a young man trying to overcome an abusive past and find peace and happiness in his life. The novel deals realistically and intelligently with abuse and its emotional effects. But "James" is not a depressing read. Ms. Wolfe manages to fill the story with hope that a person can overcome an abusive past and find peace.