Lean on me

Lean on Me is the first book in an emotional romantic women's fiction series by Pat Simmons, written in the inspirational romance tradition. Its central message is that no caregiver should have to manage alone.

Tabitha Knicely enjoys her career as a pharmaceutical rep, but her knowledge of health care does little to help with the daily demands of looking after her aunt, who has Alzheimer's. Her once orderly life is in disarray and her patience is wearing thin. Tabitha is not a believer, yet on Sunday mornings, when Aunt Tweet insists on taking her to church, she finds the peaceful presence of faith a welcome relief.

Marcus Whittington believes in second chances, which is why he hires former inmates for the industrial cleaning service he runs with his brother. When a mystery woman keeps turning up on his porch and proves to be an elderly neighbor, he is angry at what looks to him like neglect by her caregiver. Marcus soon learns that caregiving is a demanding act of compassion he has never experienced firsthand.

After several encounters with Aunt Tweet and Tabitha, he is drawn to the family's struggles and determined to help. A friendship that began with a serious misunderstanding gradually grows into a relationship built on love, faith and partnership.