Reese Sanders (The Family Circle Series Book 2)

A Journey of Healing, Faith, and Unbreakable Bonds

Reese Sanders always knew there were missing pieces in her story. Adopted as a baby by kind and supportive parents, she grew up with love—but also with lingering questions about her beginnings. When a life-threatening illness forces her to seek a kidney transplant, Reese’s prayers are answered in a way that reshapes her entire understanding of fate, friendship, and family.

As she recovers, both physically and spiritually, her search for her birth mother becomes more urgent—and more complicated. Along the way, Reese endures a traumatic assault that challenges her sense of identity and safety. With quiet strength, unshakable faith, and the support of those who love her, she begins the long road toward healing.

REESE SANDERS is a powerful story of resilience, loss, and the kind of love that goes beyond blood. In this second installment of the Family Circle series by Amanda Umfress, readers are invited into a deeply personal journey that asks: What truly defines a family?

Start reading Reese Sanders today and follow a courageous woman’s search for truth, connection, and hope.

Excerpt from the book

She slowly walked up the cobblestone driveway, inhaling and exhaling deeply, but she froze when she heard laughter behind the home. Fear crept up her spine, and panic filled her throat. She leaned forward and held her knees.

“I can’t do this,” she said aloud.

Brusquely, she whipped around, dashed toward her car, and ran into the most handsome man she had ever seen. His phone made a cracking noise as it hit the sidewalk.

“Crap,’ he said as he bent down. “The screen cracked.”

“I’m so sorry,” Reese replied, embarrassed. Then she burst into tears.

“Hey. Hey, it’s okay. It was an accident. Don’t cry. It’s no big deal. I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

“No. It’s not that, well not only that,” she wailed between sobs. “I just can’t do this. They all sound so happy, and I can’t just walk in there and remind them of… She’s dead, and I’m alive… and, oh God.”

He studied her face with curiosity. “Oh, you must’ve been a friend of Claire’s,” he said, patting her shoulder. “I know it’s sad she’s gone, but this is a celebration of life ceremony. We’re all here to remember the good times with her.” He paused. “It’s okay to cry, but if you were Claire’s friend, then she wouldn’t want you to be sad. She’s in a good place, and she’d want you here, with her family.”

Reese raised her head to meet his eyes, “I know. You’re right. It’s just…”

“Besides, I’d like to keep talking to you,” he said with a wink.

A small laugh escaped her, and she rolled her eyes. Is he seriously hitting on me now?

“So, are you coming or leaving?” he asked with a mischievous smile.

“I’m….” She took a step to the side to move around him.

“Reese, you came. I’m so glad you’re here,” Jack said as he walked toward them.

“Reese?” the handsome guy asked. “As in the Reese that has Claire’s kidneys?”

“One in the same,” Reese said, wiping away her remaining tears. “Hi Jack,” Reese called.

“You met my brother?” he asked.

“Your brother?” Reese asked.

Jack gently punched Nolan in the shoulder, and they embraced in a hug. Reese couldn’t believe she didn’t see the resemblance before. They both had wavy brown hair and green eyes. The only differences were that Nolan stood a few inches taller and was more muscular than Jack.

“Man, it’s good to see you again bro. How are ya doing?” Nolan asked.

“Doing fairly good. Every day seems to be a little easier. It’s still hard without Claire. I miss her so much.” Jack let out a faint sigh and turned his attention to Reese. “Seriously, I’m so glad you could make it, Reese.” He held his hand out.

Reese accepted his hand, and they shook. “Thank you for the invite, Jack. It was sweet of you to remember me for this special moment.”

Nolan raised one eyebrow. “Why don’t you tell my darling little brother here that you were just leaving?”

Jack looked confused. “Leaving?”

Reese shot Nolan a dirty look, “I… I’m sorry Jack.” Tears flooded her eyes again.

“Why? Reese, Claire would want you here. We all want you here,” Jack said.

“Jack, I’m just a reminder that she’s gone. I wouldn’t be alive if she weren’t dead. It’s just… I don’t know. It’s not fair.” Sobs escaped her lips again. “It’s not fair that she’s gone and I’m still here. Her family doesn’t want to be reminded of that.”