Reviewed by Spreeha for TeensReadToo.com

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! ( )

Circle of Friends, Book III... James is a heart warming book about overcoming obstacles. James, abused as a child, must face his personal demons as life throws him a curve ball. James must figure out the best path without having a role model to follow.

I enjoyed this book, following the trials and tribulations of James and his friends. If all young people were as mature and hard working as the characters in this book, the world would be a far better place. ( )

As I have just started to read young adult fiction I really don't have a lot to compare this book to, but I can tell you that I really enjoyed it. Personally, this book hit a bit close to home for me as I married my husband when we were quite young, and just last month we celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary!

James has always been a quality young man with good work ethics and strong morals. He persevered and defeated the odds by not continuing the path of emotional and physical abuse that he had endured as a child. James finally breaks away from that home life when he leaves for college to start working on his own future.

When James meets Maria his whole world changes as he finds himself falling deeply in love with her. Before you know it, one mistake changes the paths of both of their lives forever. Visions of carefree college days are no longer within grasp as they find themselves struggling to do what is right for themselves and each other.

During these difficult times, James is also trying to come to terms with the unstable relationship he has always had with his father. James finally realizes that he cannot lead a healthy life himself until he accepts what happened between the two of them as he was growing up, and actually forgives him. Once he can get past that obstacle, James gets a glimpse as to what provoked his father's abusive behavior all those years ago. I really enjoyed this part of the book, because although abuse is never acceptable, it is always helpful to realize what makes people act the way they do.

James and Maria's relationship weathered many storms through this book. Maria's parents greatly disliked James, but she stood up to them to show her support of the decisions that they made. Relationships do not come easy, they are hard work! It also was an excellent example that when you make mistakes there are consequences that you must live up to. This book showed that when times are tough, you can make things work out by supporting and loving each other. I want to give a special Thank You to L. Diane Wolfe for providing me with this review copy that I thoroughly enjoyed.

This book brought one of my favorite quotes to mind by Lewis B. Smedes: 'To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.' ( )

Earlier this year I reviewed book 2, Sarah’s story, in this series and while I enjoyed it I did have some issues with life and money seeming to come so easy for the characters. So when I was offered the chance to read James’ story and was told it had a little more angst in it I was very excited. I could not put this book down and felt like I was riding the waves up and down along with the characters. I loved James and Maria and instantly felt like I could relate and was connected to them. This story was a reality check that no matter how in love two people are they can still have to struggle with money issues, parent issues and realize they have to work to keep their relationship going. It was heart warming to see how James and Maria deal with unexpected parenthood and I will admit that I did shed a tear or two towards the end as James is forced to deal with this issues regarding his father. This was a wonderful book that will make you fall in love with the characters, hurt when they hurt and rejoice when things go their way. ( )