by admin | Jul 1, 2014 | Books
MY REVIEW:
Rival Hearts was a light-hearted contemporary story in which two co-workers are forced to compete to win a coveted promotion. The catch is that each must succeed at something the other excels in which presents a bit of a challenge. Molly is a talented quilter but has never been outdoorsy or athletic because of her childhood allergies. On the other hand Ben is an outdoorsman/sportsman extraordinaire. As one might imagine, things get quite entertaining as Molly attempts to learn to kayak and Ben tries his hand at a quilt.
A fun and often humorous tale, Rival Hearts held my attention throughout. The characters were well-rounded and the plot revealed a few surprises as it progressed. This novel is just the right thing for a lazy summer day when you want a book that doesn’t make you think too hard. I enjoyed Rival Hearts and would read another book by this author.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
They both want the promotion. But will they find out that it is worth the cost?
Molly Henderson and Ben Weaver have been rival magazine writers for the same publishing group for years. When both come up for the same promotion, they find themselves in an unexpected competition to win the spot. Molly, editor of Quilter’s Heart, and Ben, editor of Outdoor Adventures, must switch roles, each working for the other for one month, then submit an article at the end of their quests. Can girly?girl Molly survive the outdoor adventures that Ben has planned? Can Ben navigate the perils of the social dynamics of quilting events without destroying a valuable quilt in one short month? More importantly, in this he?said, she?said situation, will Molly and Ben give in to their attraction and fall in love, no matter who wins?
Find out more and purchase a copy at the Quilts of Love website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tara Randel is the author of five romance novels including “Lasting Love,” “Melody of Love” and “This Time Love.” A member of ACFW, Tara is also the lead author of the new Annie’s Mysteries series (see AnniesMysteries.com). Tara lives in New Port Richey, Florida.
Find out more about Tara at http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com/products/34/Rival-Hearts.
by admin | Jul 1, 2014 | Amish, Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“The Revealing” was a fine conclusion to an excellent Amish series. It has been fun following members of the Schrock family and their friends and neighbors through good times and bad. The story continues with characters from the previous books. Several relationships seem to be in jeopardy due to misunderstandings and continued stress from the aftermath of the Schrock Investments failure. Naomi King has a big secret she’s keeping to herself and the guilt has her eating antacids like candy. An unexpected visitor to the Schrock home threatens to turn her world upside down. A distant relative staying with the “sisters” is supposedly looking into his genealogical background but could he be up to no good? And what about the new guest at the Inn at Eagle Hill? How will she figure into the story?
I enjoyed reading this last book in the series and thought that the author tied up all the loose ends admirably. I loved visiting with Rose and Galen, Bethany and Jimmy again. And Mim as Mrs. Miracle is so much fun. So many questions were answered with a few surprises along the way. Justice was served and once again it was evident that God is in charge.
I do hope that Suzanne will feature Mim in a book of her own sometime soon. I’d love to read about her as she discovers a love of her own.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Love does extraordinary things to people . . .
In a single, impulsive act, Naomi King chooses to follow her heart into unfamiliar territory, jeopardizing all that she holds dear. If anyone finds out what she’s up to, she’s in for trouble. But when it comes to Tobe Schrock, Naomi believes it’s worth it.
But it all comes crashing down when a young woman arrives at the Inn at Eagle Hill with an unexpected delivery for Tobe. Add a guest at the inn with a curious talent and a genealogist who is more interested in modern-day Schrocks than in old family trees, and evidence starts to mount that points to something sinister at work. Or someone.
In this riveting conclusion to The Inn at Eagle Hill series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher pulls out all the stops with a fast-paced tale of deception, revelation, and romance.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, The Calling, the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of an Amish children’s series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
by admin | Jul 1, 2014 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
As usual Susan May Warren’s latest novel kept me totally enthralled from the beginning to the end. Featuring Grace, the Christiansen sister who is a homebody and who tends to view life from the sidelines. A surprise gift of a trip to Hawaii and her new friend Max Sharpe are the beginnings of major changes to her formerly safe existence. Pro hockey star Max shares Grace’s love of cooking and finds himself attracted to her beauty, determination, and courage but an uncertain future fuels his fear of falling in love.
Warren’s characters are both realistic and honest. Her plot is compelling and paced perfectly. The romance between Grace and Max was poignant with difficult decisions that defined the true meaning of love. Although the story was laced with Christian references, the message was gentle, encouraging, and never pushy. With a strong theme of finding out God’s plan for one’s life rather than following your own instincts, “When I Fall In Love” could be a good example for those struggling in that area.
“When I Fall In Love” also contained a side story involving her brother Casper that was not resolved to my personal satisfaction. I am hoping for a separate volume with the rest of his story in the future. I also look forward to Owen’s personal tale and hope to see him overcome his own demons.
“When I Fall In Love” totally lived up to the quality novel that I have come to expect from Susan May Warren. I highly recommend it as well as any other book in her collection.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Hawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime.
Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen. Which is why he lives for the three-week culinary vacation he takes each year in Hawaii. Upon being paired with Grace for a cooking competition, Max finds himself drawn to her passion, confidence, and perseverance. But just when Grace dares to dream of a future beyond her hometown, Max pulls away.
Wrestling with personal demons, Max fights against opening his heart to a love he knows he should never hope for. And as his secrets unfold, Grace is torn between the safe path in front of her and what her heart truly desires. If love means sacrificing her ideal happily ever after, Grace’s faith will face its toughest test yet.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Susan May Warren is the bestselling, Christy and RITA Award–winning author of more than forty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. She served with her husband and four children as a missionary in Russia for eight years before she and her family returned home to the States. She now writes full-time as her husband runs a lodge on Lake Superior in northern Minnesota, where many of her books are set. She and her family enjoy hiking, canoeing, and being involved in their local church.
Susan holds a BA in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Several of her critically acclaimed novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA’s Inspirational Reader’s Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. Five of her books have been Christy Award finalists. In addition to her writing, Susan loves to teach and speak at women’s events about God’s amazing grace in our lives.
For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.
