Category Archives: Romance

February 3, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham

Title: An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham
Heart of a Hero Series Book Two
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Women’s Fiction
Length: 327 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From award-winning author Laura Trentham comes An Everyday Hero, an emotionally layered novel about redemption, second chances and discovering that life is worth fighting for.

At thirty, Greer Hadley never expected to be forced home to Madison, Tennessee with her life and dreams of being a songwriter up in flames. To make matters worse, a series of bad decisions and even crappier luck lands her community service hours at a nonprofit organization that aids veterans and their families. Greer cannot fathom how she’s supposed to use music to help anyone deal with their trauma and loss when the one thing that brought her joy has failed her.

When Greer meets fifteen-year-old Ally Martinez, her plans to stay detached and do as little as possible get thrown away. New to town and dealing with the death of her father in action, she hides her emotions behind a mask of bitterness and sarcasm, but Greer is able to see past it and recognizes pieces of who she once was in Ally. The raw and obvious talent she possesses could take her to the top and Greer vows to make sure life’s negativities don’t derail Ally’s potential.

After Greer is assigned a veteran to help, she’s not surprised Emmett Lawson, the town’s golden boy, followed his family’s legacy. What leaves her shocked is the shell of a man who believes he doesn’t deserve anyone’s help. A breakthrough with Ally reminds Greer that no one is worth giving up on. So she shows up one day with his old guitar, and meets Emmett’s rage head on with her stubbornness. When a situation with Ally becomes dire, the two of them must become a team to save her—and along the way they might just save themselves too.

Review:

An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham is a beautiful novel of healing, redemption and love. Although this newest release is the second installment in the Heart of a Hero series, it can be read as a standalone.

Thirty year old Greer Hadley is back in her small hometown of Madison, TN after years of trying to launch her music career in Nashville.  Living with her parents and performing court ordered community service, she is uncertain what she wants to do next. Although nervous and unsure, Greer begins her community service. She is initially skeptical that she can help fifteen year old Ally Martinez work through her issues stemming from her military father’s death in Afghanistan. But she is very pleased as she begins making progress in connecting with Ally.

Despite her small successes with Ally, Greer is less certain she will be able to help former classmate Emmett Lawson.   Emmett is a military veteran discharged from service after he was wounded in action. He has retreated from everyone as he spends his days in isolation in a cabin on his family’s horse farm.  Greer refuses to give up, but he is not exactly cooperative as she continues working on bringing him back from the darkness that envelopes him.  Her persistence gradually begins to pay off, but Emmett’s emergence from grief and survivor’s guilt is a slow, fragile process.

Despite her feelings of failure and uncertainty, Greer is surprisingly upbeat and positive as she helps both Ally and Emmett. She is also little taken aback at how glad she is to be in Madison. Greer’s journey of self-discovery is a work in progress as she finds herself taking employment that feels like a step backward. But with her self-confidence beginning to return due to her sessions with Ally, Greer feels much optimistic about her future.

Greer and Emmett’s relationship is a delicate dance as they both try to deal with their respective issues. Greer does not back down from Emmett’s somewhat adversarial attitude and he slowly but surely begins to emerge from his self-imposed isolation. Greer is uncertain what her next steps will be and Emmett offers her unexpected support and encouragement. Their friendship slowly turns into a real relationship but do they have a future together?

An Everyday Hero is an warm and engaging novel with a vibrant cast of characters and a heartfelt storyline. Greer and Emmett are multi-layered, true to life characters who are working on personal problems that are realistic and relatable. Ally’s grief is palpable as she tries to come to term with her heartbreaking loss.  Although there is slight romantic element, the main focus of the novel is the characters’ growth as they work to overcome their issues.  Laura Trentham brings this captivating novel to an uplifting conclusion that tugs on the heartstrings. 

I absolutely loved and highly recommend this latest addition to the Heart of a Hero series to readers of the genre.

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Filed under An Everyday Hero, Contest, Heart of a Hero Series, Laura Trentham, Rated B+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Griffin, Women's Fiction

January 22, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis

Title: Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis
Wildstone Series Book Four
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Wildstone with the touching story of finding your place in the world—and the people who make it home.

Piper Manning’s about as tough as they come, she’s had to be. She raised her siblings and they’ve thankfully flown the coop. All she has to do is finish fixing up the lake house her grandparents left her, sell it, and then she’s free.

When a massive storm hits, she runs into a tall, dark and brooding stranger, Camden Reid. There’s a spark there, one that shocks her. Surprising her further, her sister and brother return, each of them holding their own secrets. The smart move would be for Piper to ignore them all but Cam unleashes emotions deep inside of her that she can’t deny, making her yearn for something she doesn’t understand. And her siblings…well, they need each other.

Only when the secrets come out, it changes everything Piper thinks she knows about her family, herself…and Cam. Can she find a way to outrun the demons? The answer is closer than she thinks—just as the new life she craves may have already begun.

Review:

Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis is a tender novel of healing, family and ultimately, love. Although this newest release is the fourth novel in the Wildstone series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Following the deaths of their parents and grandparents, Piper Manning raised her siblings Gavin and Winnie.  Now that twenty-seven year old Gavin is settled into his life in Arizona and twenty year old Winnie is going to college, Piper is ready to begin the next phase of her life.   But when both Gavin and Winnie unexpectedly return home, will Piper be able to move forward with her plans to sell the family house and pursue her academic dream?

Piper is a no nonsense, list making woman who is kind and compassionate. She is also emotionally reserved and keeps everyone at arms’ length.  Forced to grow up way too fast, Piper did not hesitate to step in and care for her siblings and she remains more of a mother figure than sister. While happy to see Winnie and Gavin, she is worried their choices are going to ruin their futures. And Piper also cannot help but be concerned about how their decision will affect her plans.

Piper unexpectedly finds support with her next door neighbor son’s Camden “Cam” Hayes. Cam is a DEA Agent who is also a member of the Coast Guard Reserves. He is temporarily in town to reconnect with his father following the death of Cam’s younger brother a few months earlier. Cam is surprisingly easy to talk to and he proves to be an insightful sounding board for many of Piper’s frustrations.

Underlying their newfound friendship is a simmering attraction and since a relationship between them has a built-in expiration date, Piper does not hesitate to give in to her desire for Cam.  Unbeknownst to Piper, Cam is making plans of his own that will leave her feeling betrayed when she is blindsided by a stunning secret.  Will Piper let down her defenses and follow her heart? Can she forgive her loved ones for not trusting her with important information?

With relatable emotional baggage and realistic issues to overcome, Almost Just Friends is a truly captivating romance with a cast of flawed yet endearing characters. Piper is sassy heroine who is the perfect match for emotionally wounded Cam. Cam and Piper might become exasperated with their family members but they are also fiercely loving and deeply devoted to them. Jill Shalvis  brings this delightful  novel to a heartfelt, uplifting conclusion. Old and new fans of the Wildstone series are sure to love newest addition to this marvelous series.

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Filed under Almost Just Friends, Contemporary, Jill Shalvis, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Wildstone Series, William Morrow Paperbacks, Women's Fiction

January 20, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: A Girl’s Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate

Title: A Girl’s Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Christian, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

How far will a girl go to win back a guy she can’t stand? This funny, sweet, and romantic story proves that opposites do attract—and that God has a sense of humor.

Samuel Payton is a passionate youth pastor in Virginia, but below the surface, he’s still recovering from the blow of a failed business and insecurities he can’t shake. His coworker, start-up expert Kimberly Foster, is brilliant, fearless, and capable, but years of personal rejection have left her defensive and longing for a family. Two people have never been more at odds—or more attracted to one another. And every day at work, the sparks sure do fly.

When Kimberly’s ambitious plans for Sam’s ministry butt up against his risk-averse nature, Sam decides that obligations to family trump his work for the church. He quits the ministry and heads home to Australia to help his sister, Jules, save her struggling farm. As Kimberly’s grand plans flounder, she is forced to face the truth: that no one can replace Sam. Together they strike up a deal: If Kimberly comes to work on Jules’s dairy farm and lends her business brains to their endeavor, then maybe—just maybe—Sam will reconsider his future with the church.

As Kimberly tries her hand at Australian farm life, she learns more about herself than she could’ve ever expected. Meanwhile Sam is forced to re-evaluate this spunky woman he thought he already knew. As foes slowly morph into friends, they wonder if they might be something even more. But when disaster strikes the farm, will Sam find it within himself to take a risk that could lead to love? And will Kimberly trust God with her future?

Review:

A Girl’s Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate is a delightfully charming Christian romance.

Kimberly Foster and Samuel “Sam” Payton always seem to be at odds. Kimberly is a business expert who is quite passionate about expanding the ministry Sam founded. Just as they clash over her latest business plan, Sam abruptly returns to Australia to work with his sister, Julia “Jules”, on their family dairy farm. With their business on the verge of going under, Jules convinces Sam that Kimberly is the only person who can come up with a plan to save their dairy.  The scheme perfectly coincides with the news that the ministry is in danger of closing unless Kimberly can convince Sam to return and help find and train his replacement.  With the holidays approaching, Kimberly knows it is the perfect time to travel to Australia to devise a financial plan for the Payton family farm and ask Sam to return to America to help the ministry.  Will spending so much time in one another’s company bring Kimberly and Sam closer?

Kimberly is a headstrong and confident businesswoman who is completely devoted to the ministry. She is frustrated by Sam’s cautious approach to running the business but she can usually persuade him to see things her way. But with an unexpected failure behind them, Kimberly knows Sam will be a tough sell with her newest venture. What she does not expect is for him to completely walk away from the ministry.  Kimberly is emotionally invested in the ministry and determined to not only keep their doors open but to expand in order to aid more people. So when Sam and Jules present their offer to her, Kimberly does not hesitate to travel to Australia.

Sam does not have a theology background yet he is an immensely gifted pastor. He is genuine and sincere in his beliefs and his need to help others.  But, due to his past, Sam is reluctant to take chances. He is quick to shutdown Kimberly’s latest efforts at the ministry and he is skeptical of asking her for  business advice for their family farm. But with the very real possibility of losing their family’s legacy, Sam tries to be open-minded about Kimberly’s business recommendation.

Kimberly adjusts surprisingly well to life on the farm and she throws herself into helping Jules and Sam. She is also enjoying her unexpected friendship with Jules, who is struggling not only with the business but her continued feelings for former boyfriend, Mick Carrigan. Kimberly is also happy that her relationship with Sam turns less adversarial but she doubts their truce will hold indefinitely.  As she and Sam get to know each other outside of a business setting, they realize they harbor many misconceptions about one another.  And underneath their newfound friendship, Sam and Kimberly gradually become aware of a simmering attraction. Will their past issues prevent them from exploring their newfound feelings?

A Girl’s Guide to the Outback is an adorable novel with a beautifully developed cast of characters. Kimberly and Sam might come from different backgrounds but they both allow the wounds from their respective pasts guide their choices in the present. The spiritual messages are gently interwoven into the story in a natural, non-preachy manner and provide added depth to an already strong storyline. The Payton family farm is a wonderful setting that is vividly portrayed and easy to visualize. Jessica Kate brings this captivating novel to an emotional and heartwarming conclusion. A heartfelt and tender romance that I absolutely loved and highly recommend.

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Filed under A Girl's Guide to the Outback, Christian, Contemporary, Jessica Kate, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Thomas Nelson Publishing

January 19, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Protective One by Shelley Shepard Gray

Title: The Protective One by Shelley Shepard Gray
Walnut Creek Series Book Three
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational, Romance
Length: 302 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From a “skilled storyteller who reminds the reader that faith can help us survive the ups and downs in life” (RT Book Reviews), Shelley Shepard Gray weaves a moving and unforgettable exploration of love and friendship.

The tragic and untimely death of an old friend has made Elizabeth Anne rethink not only her priorities but her courtship with David, her longtime neighbor and suitor. Though he’s Mennonite like herself and has her parents’ approval, she feels that a spark is missing. Desperate for a change, she breaks things off—wondering if, perhaps, she’s the one who’s missing a spark.

When her family becomes upset with her decision, E.A. turns to her friends for support. One of them is Will, a man with a good heart who has always been there for her. As the two bond over their shared struggle to navigate a future that everyone else seems to have figured out, they are surprised to realize that they have feelings for each other.

But E.A.’s world takes a sudden turn when she realizes that she’s not the only one struggling—Marta, one of her sewing students, is in desperate need of protection. With the aid of Will and several other friends, Elizabeth Anne begins a journey that is more difficult and rewarding than she could have ever imagined…one that ultimately enables her to find everything she’s been searching for.

In this latest installment in the Walnut Creek series that “both delights and surprises” (Leslie Gould, bestselling author), Shelley Shepard Gray pens a powerful and poignant tale of friendship, courage, and love.

Review:

The Protective One by Shelley Shepard Gray is an emotionally compelling Inspirational romance. While this third full-length addition to the Walnut Creek series can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend the previous installments as well.

When twenty-four year old Elizabeth Ann “E.A.” Schmidt decides to break up with her beau, David Brennan, her life undergoes unexpected but welcome changes.  Although a bit dissatisfied with her boss, she is greatly touched by her fledgling friendship with sewing student, Marta Miner.  She is uneasy about her suspicions about Marta’s home life, yet she freely offers her support. E.A. is also very happy that she and her circle of friends are making more of an effort to be there for one another. But the biggest change is  E.A.’s  new relationship with longtime friend, Will Kurtz.  As they spend time in one another’s company, a surprising romance begins to blossom.

E.A. is a wonderful young woman with a big heart and nurturing soul.  She is unsure exactly how to deal with David’s strange and slightly ominous behavior after she ends their relationship. Fortunately, Will turns out to be a surprising source of strength as she navigates this new chapter in her life.  A little disquieted with her uneasiness about Marta’s husband, E.A. is very happy with the changes she is beginning to see in her friend and student. But she is also growing more concerned about Marta’s safety.  E.A. is very much up to the challenges she is facing, but she is grateful for Will’s assistance with the more difficult problems she is dealing with.

Although very happy for his friends, Will is a little unsettled by the changes in his friendships due to their marriages and job promotions. He is a calm port in a storm and the first to cheer on his loved ones’ when they are graced with good fortune.  Will is a little dissatisfied with maintaining the status quo, so he is very eager to spend time with E.A.  However, Will proves to be up the challenges occurring in both his professional and personal lives.

The Protective One is a beautifully written Inspirational romance that realistically deals with domestic abuse. Will and E.A. are wonderfully drawn characters who are both compassionate and caring. Their romance is very sweet and it is incredibly joyful to watch their friendship evolve into love. Marta’s marriage is quickly becoming untenable yet she is finally strong enough to take back control of her life.  The characters grow throughout the story as they find hidden strengths within themselves as they are faced with difficult situations.  Shelley Shepard Gray brings this heartwarming romance to an uplifting conclusion that is sure to delight old and new fans of the Walnut Creek series.

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Filed under Contemporary, Gallery Books, Inspirational, Rated B+, Romance, The Protective One, Walnut Creek Series

January 13, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey

Title: Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey
Hot and Hammered Series Book Two
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length:347 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey returns with a unique, sexy romantic comedy about a young married couple whose rocky relationship needs a serious renovation…

Rosie and Dominic Vega are the perfect couple: high school sweethearts, best friends, madly in love. Well, they used to be anyway. Now Rosie’s lucky to get a caveman grunt from the ex-soldier every time she walks in the door. Dom is faithful and a great provider, but the man she fell in love with ten years ago is nowhere to be found. When her girlfriends encourage Rosie to demand more out of life and pursue her dream of opening a restaurant, she decides to demand more out of love, too. Three words: marriage boot camp.

Never in a million years did Rosie believe her stoic, too-manly-to-emote husband would actually agree to relationship rehab with a weed-smoking hippie. Dom talking about feelings? Sitting on pillows? Communing with nature? Learning love languages? Nope. But to her surprise, he’s all in, and it forces her to admit her own role in their cracked foundation. As they complete one ridiculous—yet surprisingly helpful—assignment after another, their remodeled relationship gets stronger than ever. Except just as they’re getting back on track, Rosie discovers Dom has a secret… and it could demolish everything.

Review:

Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey  is a charming romance that is also quite steamy. Although this newest release is the second installment in the Hot and Hammered series, it can be read as a standalone.

Rosie Vega is done with her ten year marriage to Dominic. Childhood sweethearts who married right before Dominic’s first deployment, the couple share a sizzling hot passion but desire cannot sustain a marriage. Although it tears at her heart, Rosie moves out and tries to decide what to do about her dream of opening a restaurant. When Dominic persists in trying to get her to come back home, Rosie is willing to give their relationship one more chance. But only if Dominic will agree to see a marriage counselor.  He shocks her by agreeing to her terms but is it too late to save their marriage?

Rosie is fed up with just about everything in her life. She absolutely abhors her job and her boss.  Rosie loves Dominic but she can no longer live with their empty, too quiet life. Temporarily staying with her friend Bethany Castle, Rosie  must decide what she wants her future to look like.  With so many changes occurring in her life, will Rosie finally fulfill her goal of owning her own restaurant?

Dominic is a hard worker who loves his wife but he is emotionally closed off and epitomizes the “strong, silent” type. He is overprotective and wants only to fulfill Rosie’s every need. The only problem? Dominic does not ask Rosie what she wants or needs. He just does what he thinks is best for her.  Overall, Dominic is  a nice man but he comes across as a bit of a caveman when it comes to his wife.

Dominic and Rosie’s biggest issue is a complete and utter breakdown in communication.   But the one thing that has sustained them is their once a week hot and sweaty sexy times. Dominic and Rosie’s have plenty of sexual chemistry but without anything else to sustain their relationship, it is little wonder Rosie finally walks out.

Despite their separation, Rosie and Dominic are still intensely attracted to one another. But their unorthodox, hippie counselor orders them to celibacy as they work on reconnecting with each other in their normal everyday lives.  But a huge secret continues lurking underneath the surface of their reconciliation. Will Rosie and Dominic’s marriage survive once the truth is finally revealed?

Love Her or Lose Her is an entertaining romance with a cast of diverse, quirky characters.  Both Rosie and Dominic have a strong circle of friends who are quite supportive. Changes in their strained relationship occur at a realistic pace.  Rosie and Dominic undergo personal growth as they work on the problems in their marriage. The over the top sex scenes become a bit repetitive and are somewhat unrealistic in the face of Rosie and Dominic’s crumbling marriage. Despite a little predictability, Tessa Bailey  brings this sexy romance to a sweet conclusion. Old and new fans of the Hot and Hammered series will enjoy this latest installment.

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Filed under Avon, Contemporary, Rated B, Review, Romance, Tessa Bailey

January 8, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Innkeeper’s Bride by Kathleen Fuller

Title: The Innkeeper’s Bride by Kathleen Fuller
Amish Brides of Birch Creek Series Book Three
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

With two matchmakers on the loose in the Amish community of Birch Creek, the new innkeeper doesn’t stand a chance in this sweet Amish romance.

When Selah Ropp returns to Birch Creek, she is a different person than when she left. I know I haven’t done much listening in the past, Lord, she prays. But I’m listening now. Her new friend, Cevilla Schlabach, urges her to let go of regrets and allow this to be a fresh start. Cevilla herself, though, hides a secret longing behind her weathered face.

Levi Stoll and his family spent a year transforming a large English house into a small inn. Now that they are open for business, Levi is pleased to have Selah join them as an employee—as long as his grandmother doesn’t try any matchmaking schemes on the two of them. After all, Selah seems as guarded as he feels, and the last thing he wants is for anyone to remind him of his history.

With Kathleen Fuller’s trademark humor and memorable characters, The Innkeeper’s Bride reminds us that God’s grace in the present and our hope for the future is stronger than any pain of the past. 

Review:

The Innkeeper’s Bride by Kathleen Fuller is a heartfelt and engaging Amish romance. Although this newest release is the third installment in the Amish Brides of Birch Creek series, it can be read as a standalone.

As much as she loves her brother and sister-in-law, Selah Ropp  is ready to move on to the next phase in her life plan.  But in order to accomplish her goal, she needs to find a job. Luckily, Levi Stoll and his family are looking for someone to work in their newly opened inn.  Selah enjoys her new job and her employers but she is troubled by her feelings for Levi. She is cautious about revealing much about her past but Levi is patient and understanding when her issues arise. Will Selah open her heart to an unexpected chance for love?

Just as the family’s inn is about to open, Levi must take on a bigger role than anticipated when his father is injured.  He grows concerned about the family’s finances but he knows that he must trust God’s plan for them. Levi is not looking for love and certainly not with an employee, but he is quite smitten with Selah.   Not wanting to make her uncomfortable, Levi retreats when their relationship ventures into romantic territory. But will a little help from a pair of crafty matchmakers change his mind?

Octogenarians Cevilla Schlabach and Richard Johnson are still deciding the future of their relationship. Cevilla tries to give Richard the time and space he needs to plan his next step, but she is becoming impatient with his lack of communication with her.  A decision made in haste threatens their happiness but will a little well-meaning interference from her friend Delilah Stoll help the couple work through their problems?

The Innkeeper’s Bride is a delightful romance with a wonderful undercurrent of faith. Selah’s battle with depression is realistically depicted and her fears about a relationship with Levi are understandable. Levi is an outgoing young man with an optimistic outlook on life. The Stoll family is close-knit and supportive with a strong faith that guides and sustains them as they launch their Inn.

Old and new fans  are sure to love this heartwarming addition to Kathleen Fuller’s marvelous Amish Brides of Birch Creek series.

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Filed under Amish, Amish Brides of Birch Creek Series, Contemporary, Kathleen Fuller, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Innkeeper's Bride, Zondervan