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Stacy Monson
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Open Circle Paperback – June 5, 2018

by Stacy Monson (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 41 ratings
Determined not to lose the only family they have, their tug-of-war impacts an entire community. Mindy Lee “Minnie” Carlson’s dream job has dropped into her hands, but there’s a catch. She has four months to revive Open Circle, the town’s only Senior Adult Day Center, or the doors will close, leaving her beloved seniors stranded, and eliminating the only job she’s ever wanted. Globe-trotting photographer Jackson Young documents the forgotten people of the world, focusing on the poor and elderly. After decades on the road, he’s stunned to learn his beloved Grandma Em is still alive in the small town he’d had to leave decades earlier. Overjoyed, Jackson races back into town to reconnect with her and discovers she’s been Minnie’s adopted grandma for the past twenty years. When Grandma Em has a stroke, his ideas about her care pit him against Minnie’s determination and expertise. For Grandma Em’s sake, and the future of Open Circle, they’ll need to do the impossible—find a way to work together.
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  1. Print length
    310 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    June 5, 2018
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    173239900X
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1732399006
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ His Image Publications (June 5, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 310 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 173239900X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1732399006
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.08 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 41 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Stacy Monson

    Stacy Monson

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    Stacy Monson is the award-winning author of The Chain of Lakes series, Open Circle, and the new series My Father's House with The Mosaic Collection. She loves nothing more than sharing her faith through writing. Her stories reveal an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life.

    A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Minnesota Christian Writers Guild (MCWG), she is the founder and past president of ACFW MN-NICE, and the Events Director for MCWG.

    Residing in the country outside the Twin Cities, Stacy spent a number of years caring for her husband who had bvFTD and smPPA. She's mom to two amazing kids and two wonderful in-law kids, and a very proud grandma of 7 (and counting) grands.

    The Chain of Lakes series books have won numerous awards including:

    SHATTERED IMAGE (Book 1):

    Readers' Favorite Book Award Winner; Award of Excellence Inspirational Finalist; Nat'l Excellence in Romance Award Finalist;

    Nat'l Excellence in Romance Award Best First Book Finalist

    DANCE OF GRACE (Book 2):

    Book Buyers Best Award Inspirational Winner; Golden Quill Inspirational Winner; Bookstore Without Borders Inspirational Winner; eLit Book Awards Silver Award Winner; Heart of Excellence Readers Choice Award Winner; Nat'l Excellence in Romance Award Clean Reads Winner; Cascade Writers Award Inspirational Finalist; I Heart Indie Inspirational Finalist; Booksellers Best Book Award Finalist

    THE COLOR OF TRUTH (Book 3):

    2018 Readers Favorite Gold Medal Winner; Carolyn Readers Choice Award Contemporary Fiction Winner

    My Father's House series includes:

    WHEN MOUNTAINS SING (Book 1)

    Readers' Favorite Book Award Gold Medal; INSPY Awards Bronze Medal

    MOUNTAINTOP CHRISTMAS (The Mosaic Collection's Hope is Born Anthology

    SUMMER'S RECKONING (The Mosaic Collection's Before Summer's End Anthology)

    WHISPERED MIRACLE (The Mosaic Collection's A Whisper of Peace Anthology)

    See more on the author's page
  2. The Mosaic Collection

    The Mosaic Collection

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    The Mosaic Collection launched in 2018 as an international community of independently published authors who approach life, faith, and writing together. Some have vast writing experience, others are somewhat new to the journey. Under The Mosaic Collection’s banner, they’ve published more than 20 novels and four anthologies.

    With over 150 years of collective writing experience, Mosaic's award-winning and best-selling authors are active leaders and members in prominent writing organizations. The goal of The Mosaic Collection is to encourage and uplift readers worldwide, offer hope in story form, and share the unconditional love and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.

    Read more at www.mosaiccollectionbooks.com

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
41 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this book, with one noting its gentle storytelling that held their attention. Moreover, the heartfelt story touches customers' hearts, with one review mentioning how it makes them think about the elderly in their lives. Additionally, customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book.

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6 customers mention "Enjoyment"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, with one mentioning how the gentle storytelling kept them engaged.

"...This is a very well written book that caused me to begin wondering what I will find at a time when I may need this. Great blueprint!!!!!..." Read more

"I loved this story. It was about real life and people as they age...." Read more

"...The author's gentle storytelling held my attention and my personal ache tenderly in her words...." Read more

"I so enjoyed this book. I could understand most of what went on with the patients because I have a relative that has Alzheimer's...." Read more

6 customers mention "Heartfelt story"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the story heartfelt, with one mentioning how it makes them think about the elderly in their lives, while another appreciates the authentic portrayal of senior interactions.

"...I loved the actions and interactions of the seniors and their love of Minnie...." Read more

"I loved this story. It was about real life and people as they age...." Read more

"I loved this story and it touched my heart as I have 2 friends also dealing with alzheimer's yet at a very young age...." Read more

"...author's gentle storytelling held my attention and my personal ache tenderly in her words...." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...loved the palpable tension between Jackson and Minnie, two very well-developed characters who share a love for Grandma Em and only want what’s best..." Read more

"I wanted to like Open Circle, and the characters and plot were promising...." Read more

"I love Hallmark movies. I love the characters, the settings and the heartfelt warmth I feel. This book does the same...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Robin Bunting
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
    Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I truly enjoyed this book. What a great look at a senior day care center. The financial downward spiral becomes Minnie's concern when she takes over the directorship. I loved the actions and interactions of the seniors and their love of Minnie. This is a very well written book that caused me to begin wondering what I will find at a time when I may need this. Great blueprint!!!!! Highly recommend.
    One person found this helpful
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  • L Palmer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent story
    Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this story. It was about real life and people as they age. It was obvious the author had done extensive research on the subject of the aged. I think this book will be widely enjoyed because of the subject matter. Excellent book!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Picky Reader Marvin Anderson
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Story to Cherish
    Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Another winner from Stacy Monson! As usual, Stacy gives the reader a story different from what is typically found in the Christian fiction market. Set at Open Circle, a senior adult day center, this story shines the spotlight on the amazing caregivers who tenderly love on our senior citizens and those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. The story welcomes the reader in on the first page, and pretty soon you want to volunteer at Open Circle!

    I loved the palpable tension between Jackson and Minnie, two very well-developed characters who share a love for Grandma Em and only want what’s best for her--even though they differ greatly in their idea of what is best. The romance between them (which was more of a side-story) grew slowly and naturally without the eye-rolling moments often found in romance. Jackson and Minnie felt like real people you would meet on the street. As did all the wonderful and quirky seniors in the care center, along with the caregivers.

    OPEN CIRCLE is a story that any reader will cherish, but it will be especially meaningful for those with loved ones in care centers or for those who have loved ones suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. I’ve already purchased (4) copies and will likely be buying more!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Fiction Aficionado
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable and engagingly written
    Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2018
    This was an enjoyable read as much for the delightful community that made up Open Circle as it was for the way in which Jackson and Minnie’s relationship developed from its initial hostility into friendship and love. If you’ve ever had much to do with the senior members of our communities, you’ll know that social activity can have a huge impact on quality of life, and it’s that knowledge that drives Minnie Carlson to throw everything she has into giving Open Circle the chance to stay open, despite its dire financial straits. That and the fact that it’s a second home for the woman who has been her defacto grandmother for most of her life.

    But Grandma Em has a biological grandson—one whom she hasn’t seen for twenty years—and when he suddenly shows up after she suffers a stroke, it not only provokes Minnie’s disdain; it awakens her insecurity, as Grandma Em welcomes him with open arms, declaring it an answer to prayer. Minnie can’t help feeling displaced, and by an unworthy candidate at that! And Jackson naturally resents Minnie’s proprietary care of his grandmother and the way she seems to think she has the right to make decisions about Grandma Em's care and recovery.

    There’s no love or attraction at first sight here, that’s for sure, and when you add in the pressure Jack and Minnie are under in their respective jobs, it’s little wonder neither presents their best side in the company of the other. They had to be encouraged to examine their attitude toward one another and make a conscious effort to reach out in friendship, and that was not only well handled, but made for a refreshing change. Their relationship developed organically, and the romantic element was subtle and sweet.

    I also loved the way in which the story celebrated the dignity and humanity of its elderly characters, even as it presented the realities that come with aging. And Grandma Em was the sweetest of them all. Oh, that we all had our own Grandma Em!

    Enjoyable, and engagingly-written.

    I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
    One person found this helpful
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  • lynn gerhard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Touched my heart
    Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this story and it touched my heart as I have 2 friends also dealing with alzheimer's yet at a very young age. I loved how God's guidance and heart was woven thru this story and Minnie asked for His direction each day. We cannot do this life and these challenges without His care, His love and His guidance.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Joy DeKok
    5.0 out of 5 stars I've known the heartbreak of dementia - it took my beautiful mom and Grandma Em reminds me so much of ...
    Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Open Circle, it's characters and storyline wove its way straight into my heart. The author's gentle storytelling held my attention and my personal ache tenderly in her words. I've known the heartbreak of dementia - it took my beautiful mom and Grandma Em reminds me so much of her. Then Ms. Monson infused the story with faith, hope, and love. I'm grateful for this book and pray it finds its way into the hands of thousands of readers.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Stephanie McCall
    3.0 out of 5 stars Unbalanced and Unengaging
    Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I wanted to like Open Circle, and the characters and plot were promising. It's not often that any book deals directly with seniors as people, as well as the issues surrounding senior care. However, Open Circle had a unique problem in that the romance took away from this plot point, while senior advocacy themes took away from the romance. It's unbalanced, and more is told than shown. I also felt like I'd seen Minnie and Jack a thousand times before; they weren't well-developed and seemed to have tired motives.

    Grandma Em is a definite bright spot, and I did want to see Minnie succeed as Open Circle's director, but I just couldn't get invested in the story. Try Chris Fabry's Treha books for a better take on these themes.
    One person found this helpful
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  • jcrew
    5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful story
    Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I so enjoyed this book. I could understand most of what went on with the patients because I have a relative that has Alzheimer's. They were a family and families stick together. A delightful read.
    One person found this helpful
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