Dearing Family Series by Brandilyn Collins

Meet the Dearings, a crazy, loving, boisterous family in small-town Mississippi. There's mom and dad, three daughters and their families, and the youngest-twenty-five-year-old Ben. Oh, and the family dog, a Yorkie who thinks she's royalty. "This one's perfect," Ben says about his new fiancee, Christina, when he brings her home for a family reunion. Ben is just sure everyone will love Christina, and she'll fit right in. He always did tend to wear rose-colored glasses... moreMeet the Dearings, a crazy, loving, boisterous family in small-town Mississippi. There's mom and dad, three daughters and their families, and the youngest-twenty-five-year-old Ben. Oh, and the family dog, a Yorkie who thinks she's royalty. "This one's perfect," Ben says about his new fiancee, Christina, when he brings her home for a family reunion. Ben is just sure everyone will love Christina, and she'll fit right in. He always did tend to wear rose-colored glasses. Christina loves Ben but secretly fears their relationship will never work. They've only known each other ten weeks. She hasn't told him about her horrific past as an only child-the beatings, the neglect, and verbal abuse. Christina doesn't know how to trust or be honest about her feelings. Being thrust into the middle of a tight-knit family like the Dearings is sure to send her over the edge. With poignancy and humor, That Dog Won't Hunt explores the complexities of relationships and the inner strength needed to overcome a difficult childhood. The Dearings are no perfect family, but they know how to love-if only Christina will accept it. less

Book 2 in the Dearing Family Series (Southern Contemporary genre) The wedding for Ben Dearing and Christina Day is planned to be picture perfect, and the boisterous family has gathered for the big event. What could possibly go wrong? Christina's estranged mother, that's what. The alcoholic, abusive mother who wasn't invited. Two days before the ceremony Edna Day crashes the bridal shower and insists she's staying in town for the ceremony... moreBook 2 in the Dearing Family Series (Southern Contemporary genre) The wedding for Ben Dearing and Christina Day is planned to be picture perfect, and the boisterous family has gathered for the big event. What could possibly go wrong? Christina's estranged mother, that's what. The alcoholic, abusive mother who wasn't invited. Two days before the ceremony Edna Day crashes the bridal shower and insists she's staying in town for the ceremony. What's Christina to do? After her abusive childhood, standing up to her parent calls for strength she's not sure she possesses. Besides, if she tells her mother to leave, the woman could get madder than she already is--not to mention drunk--and shame the Dearing family in front of the whole town. Edna wastes no time making enemies. Highly opinionated Jess Dearing is set on running her out of Justus. Ben wants her gone, too. Even Lady Penelope, the Dearings' uppity Yorkie, will have nothing to do with her. Meanwhile Mama Ruth is trying to keep the peace. And feed everybody. Blending pathos and humor, Pitchin' a Fit portrays the constantly shifting emotions between an abusive parent and grown child. How does a Christian forgive someone who doesn't seem repentant? What is the balance between forgiveness and maintaining healthy emotional boundaries? God is there to guide everyone through this mess of a weekend. But certain people may have plans of their own. less