Posts

Showing posts with the label Christian Romance

The Danger of Diamonds

Image
 The Danger with Diamonds A Falcon Point Suspense Written by: Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Bessey It's finally here! The sequel to The Heirs of Falcon Point was another fantastic story by some great authors. These two authors know how to write together. I couldn't tell this story was written by one more than one person and if I had to guess as to who wrote which part- I am sure I would fail. It definitely had the feel of one of Traci Abramson's CIA books with intrigue, suspense, and some surprise characters. I love this series. The Heirs to Falcon Point was a better book but this one stands right up there with it. 

Snowed in at Silver Mountain

Image
  Snowed in at Silver Mountain  Snowed In for Christmas Clean Romance Series Written by: Stephanie Fowers Snowed In At Silver Mountain was quite the story. With strong Christian messages and a story of forgiveness mixed into an intense survival story, Stephanie Fowers wrote an intense book. The characters have hidden depths- both good and bad. It took a while to figure out who is good and bad Stephanie Fowers hides it quite well. The love story was so sweet with a redemption alongside it. Purchased on:  https://www.amazon.com/Snowed-Silver-Mountain-Stephanie-Fowers-ebook/dp/B09CWLBQCT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DLKQR1UQ73EN&keywords=snowed+in+at+silver+mountain&qid=1644609083&sprefix=snowed+in+at+silver+mountai%2Caps%2C290&sr=8-1

You, Me and the Stars

Image
 You, Me, and the Stars Bethel Private School Series: Book 1 Written by: Michelle Dykman This high school romance was another enemies to lovers romance. Willow and Christian are on opposites sides of the high school social structure. They have nothing in common until they are forced into a partnership for a project. Michelle Dykman created a transformation romance as Willow finds a new way to be. I do wish that Christian had a little more character development- especially compared to Willow. She has a lot of depth while he stays pretty much the same throughout the story. There is forgiveness introduced throughout. The whole story was a little shallow for my tastes but for those in high school- this may be the right fit.  *trigger warning- sexual assault that was prevent

Brides and Brothers

Image
 Brides and Brothers Written by: Anneka R. Walker If you have ever watched the old film Seven Brides for Seven Brothers or seen the play of the same story you will love this story! A modern retelling of the classic built into the small town of Cherish, Montana tells the story of a woman who fears she will never find someone to truly love. Anneka Walker does a fantastic job of pulling the story into modern times without messing with the details that make the original so beloved. I loved how the characters fit the roles of all the different brothers and eventual wives. Anneka Walker even managed to pull in the sobbing women story from the bible without making this an over the top Christian story.  The cover of this story fits perfectly in line with the fun light-hearted story this is. I couldn't put it down and loved everything about it. 

The Hope of Her Heart

Image
 The Hope of Her Heart Christmas at Shiloh Ridge Ranch Written by: Liz Isaacson Etta Glover has been waiting her whole to find her true love become a mother and in the final book of the Christmas at Shiloh Ridge Ranch series she finds her happily ever after. I have been waiting for her story for the last several stories as she is such a great aunt to her many nieces and nephews. Liz Isaacson did a great job of wrapping up the series. Each of the characters from the previous books has some part to play in this as she finishes up the series. They have their struggles but the Glover family is one that supports each other and really shows what a great family can be like.  I really enjoyed reading this whole series. The whole thing could be a hallmark t.v. show as it is such a heartwarming, wholesome story. I wouldn't be surprised to someday see a movie or several made out of this families' experiences. They really are a great family to read about. 

The Wrangling of the Wreath

Image
 The Wrangling of the Wreath Christmas at Shiloh Ridge Ranch Written by: Liz Isaacson The Wrangling of the Wreath showcased Mister Glover's development from the previous books in such a fantastic way. From the beginning, you can see the difference in him and Liz Isaacson maintained that transformation throughout the whole story. Libby also has some growth but not nearly as much as Mister shows. She has a lot of insecurities and throughout the whole story, it is more about Mister can do for her rather than what they can do for each other.  I do love seeing all of the characters come back from the previous stories in the series. From Bear and Sammy to Etta- this family has so much growth and so many changes from the first book to this one. Liz Isaacson has maintained such consistency in the characters' personalities throughout the whole series that it really is one big family history.

Fly Home to Me

Image
  Fly Home to Me Written by: Chalon Linton Fly Home to Me was such a sweet romance to read. Piper Holland is such a relatable character. Her struggles with relationships because of the extreme losses she suffers makes me feel such compassion for her and Gabriel Orsini is such a hunk of a man in both appearance (for Chalon Linton does a great job of describing him) and in character. These two work so well together.  Oftentimes authors will use another possible love interest to create some drama but Chalon does not do this to the extreme. There is a hint of one but Piper knows who she is interested in and doesn't let the possibility of money distract her. I loved that about this story. It really is about the emotional growth of Piper and her process of trusting that people wont leave her.  The whole story flowed so well and while military is an aspect of the story- it isn't overwhelming. That part compliments the rest of the story and adds an exciting aspect to create a rea...

The Horsepower of the Holiday

Image
 The Horsepower of the Holiday Christmas at Shiloh Ridge Ranch Written by: Liz Isaacson This story set in the Shiloh Ridge Ranch universe is another fun, romantic Christmas story. Almost every story in this universe has been a light, enjoyable read- and this one is no exception. Ranger and Oakley find themselves falling quickly in love but they have secrets that could come between them.  A few things I love about this story is how much Ranger is dedicated to finding the one person he wants to be with and he won't let anything stand in his way. When Oakley wants to date multiple men at once, Ranger says no thank you. He is no doormat and Oakley comes to realize how much having that one person to call your own makes a difference. While Ranger does make some mistakes along the way- every relationship has some ups and downs. These two fit so well together and the journey to their happily ever after was such an enjoyable one to read. 

River's Song

Image
 River's Song Spring Flings and Engagement Rings Written by: Stephanie Fowers River's Songs takes two broken-hearted characters and shows their hearts healing and coming together. River and Liv both have skeletons in their closets and a lot to overcome. They come to find their faith in Christ holds them up and helps them through it all. Stephanie Fowers is able to address drug-use, addiction, and recovery without it overpowering the romance and sweet story.  This story definitely has a bad guy- a nightmare of an ex-husband but the good guys overcome and it is a sweet ending with hope for better things to come. 

Loving Decker

Image
  Loving Decker  Sweet Cowboy Romance Book 3 Written by: Sophia Summers Loving Decker is probably my favorite out of Sophia Summer's Sweet Cowboy Romances. Faith and Decker are life long friends who come to realize there is something more to their relationship when things start to fall apart and go crazy around them. Faith has so much happening in her life but she maintains her steadfastness in her relationship with her faith. This story shows their real emotion. It was up and down and all round as Decker was dumb and then figured things out. Faith continued on trying to do the right thing. The characters were more real and I related to them more. The small town fits right with their personalities and the story flowed right along with that. 

The Delivery of Decor

Image
  The Delivery of Decor Christmas at Shiloh Ridge Ranch Written by: Liz Isaacson The Shiloh Ridge Ranch Series is more than just a series of books about a bunch of cowboy romances- it is a journal of the whole family. Each book is interwoven, told from all of the Grover brothers's perspectives. It is hard to know where one story ends and another begins. These books all address different difficulties the family goes through while maintaining their hope and optimism- their faith in Christ.  This series by Liz Isaacson is such a fun read. All of them Christmas stories that talk about hope and finding something better within their situation. Isaacson manages to do this without being overwhelming with religion or too preachy. The story is enjoyable and a sweet romance with the regular misunderstandings and mishaps that make it a good love story. 

The Chemistry of Christmas

Image
  The Chemistry of Christmas Christmas at Shiloh Ridge Ranch Written by: Liz Isaacson I don't know if I am more impressed with how well all of the titles fit the books and the characters in this series or at how much I enjoy reading the romances of each of the Glover siblings. While the picture on the cover doesn't scream Preacher Glover to me, I do love Preacher, Charlie, and everything about them. Their love story that is perfect just for them- so different than the other Glover brothers but still shows the spirit of Shiloh Ridge Ranch.  This whole series is a fantastic read. While I do recommend reading the stories in order to give you the best experience (helping to avoid spoilers along with getting to know the whole family) it isn't completely necessary. These are fantastic books that just draw you in. 

The Harmony of Holly

Image
 The Harmony of Holly Shiloh Ridge Ranch in Three Rivers Romance Book 5 Written by: Liz Isaacson This sweet Christmas romance was a fun one to read. While you can get away with reading the books out of order, I strongly recommend you don't. This book features the romances and wedding of some of the other siblings so skipping ahead will cause spoilers and may cause some confusion.  I loved reading about Cactus's story- with his prickly heart and weakness for all children. To see him find his happily ever after with someone as amazing as Willa, it was refreshing and rewarding. Willa is such a great example of redemption and becoming a new person in Christ. She and Cactus are a great match that just work together. 

Secret Angel

Image
 Secret Angel Written by: Cherry Christensen Secret Angel is a sweet and short love story. While their romance was a little disjointed and seemed to be missing some key points- it was definitely a novella that happened quickly and the two fell in love. Besides that, the story was enjoyable.

Windows of Love

Image
 Windows of love A Teachers of Trumanville Book 2 Written by: Carol Moncado Carol Moncado wrote another fantastic love story. With a small town girl and a wealthy tech mogul coming together in a rare chance while he is in town for a meeting, they slowly but surely move past their skeletons in their closets and fall in love. These two characters are good-hearted people who deserve the best in life and they are finding it together.  Carol Moncado's romances are always such sweet, clean Christian stories and this was such a good one.  With a Christmas setting and the beauty of Trumanville, a sweet story like this would be perfect for a Hallmark movie. I can't wait for more from this series. 

Resisting Dylan

Image
 Resisting Dylan Cowboy Inspired Romance Written by: Sophia Summers Resisting Dylan was such a fun read! The Christian elements woven throughout made for an uplifting romance story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Dylan and Kate were such  a perfect match and I loved reading their process of coming to their senses about love and their situation.  I would have to say I loved this even more the initial installment of Coming Home to Maverick. These characters felt more real and relatable. The western elements of rodeo and the ranch had this fitting in the cowboy genre perfectly while adding in a little New York City bustle and hustle. This was a great read! 

Unwrapping Hope

Image
  Unwrapping Hope A Widow's Might Novella Written by: Sandra Ardoin Unwrapping Hope is a heart-felt Christian romance set in an historical era. Phoebe Crain has secrets hidden in the past. Spence Newland is trying to live up to his family's expectations of him. Between these two, the romance grows as their prejudices fade away. They both learn to trust in God through their trials and tribulations.  This sweet romance shows the power of faith without being too over the top. The characters have real trials that seem hopeless. Sandra Ardoin tells this calm tale, creating a sweet historical romance. 

The Mechanics of Mistletoe

Image
  The Mechanics of Mistletoe Christmas at Shiloh Ridge Ranch Written by: Liz Isaacson The Mechanics of Mistletoe is the perfect introduction to the world of Shiloh Ridge Ranch. With a story that is focused on the main characters of Sammy Benton and Bear Glover, it sneaks in little tidbits of their friends and family. I not only got to learn about them, but see snapshots of their future romance stories.   The small town atmosphere is perfect for the characters involved. Liz Isaacson brings it to life as the town and surrounding area comes together in the wake of a natural disaster. People show up to help each other and make the important things happen. This world is one that I would visit in a heartbeat. 

COVID Diaries

Image
The COVID Diaries The Collaborative Press This collection of stories took the hardships and craziness going on and added the feel good hope that everyone is looking for. While very short and sweet, each story took a different perspective on the quarantine environment and how different people adapted to the difficulties.  The stories in this collection were at different levels of completeness. Fear No More by Sarah Beth William was my favorite as it showed the characters real feelings of anxiety, fear for loved ones, and sacrifice. The other stories could use a little more fleshing out but were still good takes on the COVID-19. 

The Enemy Between Us

Image
The Enemy Between Us A Historical Romance Written by: Melinda Sue Sanchez The Enemy Between Us strikes the fine balance between a romance novel and staying true to the difficulties associated with life in Italy during World War 2. Peter, a nazi deserter, and Franco, a devout Italian, have huge barriers between having a future together and Melinda Sanchez illustrates the heartbreak and hopelessness associated with living on difference sides of the war. The emotions are intense and feel real. Each has their own flaws based on their desires for a good future and self-sacrifice. While this story dives deep into Italy's World Ward 2 post-Mussolini, the culture is represented with the Italian language, authentic meals, and descriptions of different parts of the Italian landscape. Melinda Sue Sanchez created a deep story here.