These all really deserve their own review posts, but I've just been so busy
and need to get reviews up, so briefs is what they'll get...
Here to Stay
(Where Love Begins #2)
by Melissa Tagg
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback, 364 Pages
May 6th 2014 by Bethany House Publishers
Summary
Witty and Heartwarming Contemporary Romance by an Up-and-Coming Author
Blake Hunziker has played nomad for five years and landed in his fair share of trouble too. But now he's finally returning to his hometown--the Lake Michigan tourist town of Whisper Shore. Counting on a not-so-warm welcome, he's surprised at not only a positive reception but also a job offer. Determined to settle down and prove himself responsible, he agrees to the catch that comes with the job offer--coordinating the annual Christmas festival--even though he has no idea how he'll pull it off.
Autumn Kingsley, inn owner and experienced organizer of the Christmas festival, has always dreamed of traveling the world. Now she has a job opportunity in Paris and a surprise potential investor coming to town who just might take on her family's inn and finally leave her free to go. The only problem is that she has just two weeks to whip the inn into shape.
Their families have a long history of not getting along, but when Blake comes to Autumn for help with the festival, she actually agrees...in exchange for his help with the repairs to her inn. They may have struck a simple deal, but complications are quick to pile on when the guy who's had enough of running away and the woman who can't wait to leave join forces.
My Review
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Here to Stay! It had that small-town charm, relate-able and fun characters, a sweet romance, some soul searching, plenty of humor and swooning, and a perfect ending.
I really loved these imperfect characters and the whole feud between the two families. It was fun to see the sparks fly (in more than one way) and see two people work together to make Christmas for their little, picturesque town one that they'll never forget. There were so many sweet, heartfelt moments as well as some that made me lough out loud. Who would ever think a bathroom tub would land in a dining room? And then the way Blake stepped up and was there for Autumn... Yep. Love them both.
If you enjoy reading Christian romance or romance in general, definitely grab this one. It definitely left a smile on my face.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
Paper Hearts
by Courtney Walsh
Christian Contemporary Romance
Kindle, 384 Pages
February 1st 2015 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Summary
Abigail Pressman would never have guessed that love notes penned on paper hearts by an anonymous couple could restore her belief in love. As a business owner in a quaint town at the base of the Rockies, she’s poured everything into dreams of expansion . . . and resisting the matchmaking efforts of the Valentine Volunteers, who gather in her store to continue Loves Park’s tradition of stamping mail with the city’s romantic postmark.
When Abigail is unwillingly drafted into the Volunteers, she encounters the paper hearts, a distraction that couldn’t come at a worse time. A hard-to-read doctor has become Abigail’s new landlord, and he’s threatening to end her lease to expand his practice.
As she fights a growing attraction to this handsome man crushing her dreams, Abigail is inspired to string the hearts in her store, sparking a citywide infatuation with the artsy trend. But when a new batch of hearts reaches the Volunteers, it appears something tragic has happened to the couple. Will uncovering their story confirm Abigail’s doubts about love, or could it rescue her dreams . . . and her heart?
My Review
I so loved the whole town focused on love and Valentines and the stringing of paper hearts. It was sweet and heartfelt and hilarious, while also being a little heartbreaking. The small town had some great characters, some more radical than others, but great all the same. Great setting with the old vintage buildings and characters. Plus the romance was right on.
The women's group cracked me up with all their plotting. Seeing them interact with Abigail and Jacob. Abigail was a character I loved from the first page. I mean she loves books... What more can I say? She is imperfect, real, cute, and I was so happy to see her pulled out of her shell. Jacob's dealing with a lot. He's a gentleman, tough-working, loyal, a great dad, and actually great to Abigail even though it's a tense situation. I wish he would have had more of a backbone with his business manager, but he redeems himself in the end. And his daughter was so cute and fun.
If you enjoy Christian romance then I'd definitely recommend this one. I loved it! I've adopted the paper hearts idea and am looking forward to sharing it with my family years to come.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Edelweiss, which did not affect my review in any way.
Pierced by Love
by Laura L. Walker
LDS Contemporary Romance
Paperback, 224 Pages
December 9th 2014 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
Summary
Noelle Jensen doesn’t want to like Pierce Logan. After her boyfriend breaks up with her for her sister, Noelle is done with love. Plus Pierce Logan has commitment issues because of his parents’ divorce and a strained relationship with his dad. But as Pierce and Noelle inadvertently help each other to open up their hearts, they also rediscover the importance of family and love.
My Review
This was a sweet, but difficult read. Noelle, the heroine, thought she had it pretty good and then, Wham!, she really doesn't. Not only does life become almost unbearable, her best friend/sister is part of the reason. Pierce was such a good friend. I liked how slowly the romance developed and what good friends these two were before anything else. Thank goodness that both characters have issues that keep them grounded and fearful, but allows them something to overcome. The ending was truly sweet.
I have to admit that this was a tough start for me. I was so upset at the main character's sister! I mean. So. Upset. Enough so that I felt like throwing the book or reaching in and shaking her. I have this thing about cheating in any way, shape, or form and it just totally rubs me the wrong way. I didn't like how a lot of people reacted to it as well and how Noelle gets so much flack from it all when she's the innocent party. Once the story go to the half-way point and started moving on than I finally started to enjoy the story.
If you enjoy reading LDS romance than I would give this a chance. I wish I would have connected with the characters better initially, but overall I enjoyed reading this.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
Have you read any of these or do you plan to?
Lilac Reviews - Tips for Writing a Series
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