WAITING FOR YOU - Sharon C. Cooper
The Priestly Family (Book #5)
Amaris Publishing
BUY
Brenda Larnell (A)
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
REVIEW: If you’re searching for a romance novel that combines genuine chemistry with deeply rooted family ties, Sharon C. Cooper’s WAITING FOR YOU is the perfect pick. Known for her compelling storytelling and relatable characters, Ms. Cooper delivers another engaging tale involving the Priestly family of Chicago that will leave romance readers swooning and smiling. This installment brings together Essence Priestly, a dedicated nurse and single mother, and Jackson Norwood, a courageous firefighter with a complicated past, in a journey from friendship to love.
Essence shines as the heart of the story. Her resilience as a devoted teenaged single mom of a young man whose father totally rejected him, makes her instantly like-able. Jackson plays a huge role in Essence’s son, Tray’s life. He’s the father figure that Tray relies on for advice. Their relationship is key to the plot of the story. While Tray and Jackson’s relationship is solid, on the other hand, Jackson is plagued by his clingy ex-wife Samantha.
The friends-to-lovers trope is beautifully explored in this novel. Both Essence and Jackson are expertly crafted, their personalities and vulnerabilities complementing each other in ways that make their interactions feel authentic and compelling. Ms. Cooper masterfully builds their relationship with subtle moments, witty banter, and heartfelt conversations that keep readers invested in their journey. There’s also an unexpected bump in our couple’s dynamic. I’ll let you discover that for yourself. However, no romance is complete without a few complications, and here they come in the form of ex-partners. The exes add drama without overshadowing the central romance.
One of the outstanding aspects of WAITING FOR YOU is the Priestly family, their warmth, protectiveness and involvement add depth to the story. This story is Book #5 of the series, and their presence continues to enrich the narrative making the family’s bond a core theme of the book.
WAITING FOR YOU is a heartfelt, engaging read that celebrates love, friendship, and the importance of family. Fans of Ms Cooper’s precious works will be thrilled with brief appearances by Laz and Journey from INDEBTED and COMMITTED, which add a touch of continuity and familiarity for series readers without distracting from the main plot.
WAITING FOR YOU is an engaging and relatable read with characters you’ll root for until the very last page. The friends-to lovers' journey, family dynamics, and a great supporting cast make this book a must-read for anyone who loves contemporary romance, a blend of passion, emotional depth, and a touch of family drama!
9th June 2026 | romcol@caribsurf.com | romcol1962@gmail.com
Essence shines as the heart of the story. Her resilience as a devoted teenaged single mom of a young man whose father totally rejected him, makes her instantly like-able. Jackson plays a huge role in Essence’s son, Tray’s life. He’s the father figure that Tray relies on for advice. Their relationship is key to the plot of the story. While Tray and Jackson’s relationship is solid, on the other hand, Jackson is plagued by his clingy ex-wife Samantha.
The friends-to-lovers trope is beautifully explored in this novel. Both Essence and Jackson are expertly crafted, their personalities and vulnerabilities complementing each other in ways that make their interactions feel authentic and compelling. Ms. Cooper masterfully builds their relationship with subtle moments, witty banter, and heartfelt conversations that keep readers invested in their journey. There’s also an unexpected bump in our couple’s dynamic. I’ll let you discover that for yourself. However, no romance is complete without a few complications, and here they come in the form of ex-partners. The exes add drama without overshadowing the central romance.
One of the outstanding aspects of WAITING FOR YOU is the Priestly family, their warmth, protectiveness and involvement add depth to the story. This story is Book #5 of the series, and their presence continues to enrich the narrative making the family’s bond a core theme of the book.
WAITING FOR YOU is a heartfelt, engaging read that celebrates love, friendship, and the importance of family. Fans of Ms Cooper’s precious works will be thrilled with brief appearances by Laz and Journey from INDEBTED and COMMITTED, which add a touch of continuity and familiarity for series readers without distracting from the main plot.
WAITING FOR YOU is an engaging and relatable read with characters you’ll root for until the very last page. The friends-to lovers' journey, family dynamics, and a great supporting cast make this book a must-read for anyone who loves contemporary romance, a blend of passion, emotional depth, and a touch of family drama!
9th June 2026 | romcol@caribsurf.com | romcol1962@gmail.com
