If I’m reading in bed on a Saturday morning, I like a nice cup of coffee (or two).
If I’m reading in the afternoon or evening, I tend to drink green tea or a herbal tea (or perhaps decaf Earl Grey). Sometimes I’ll have hot chocolate.
I shouldn’t snack while I’m reading because it tends to be empty calories (i.e. no nutritional benefit). If I do snack, it’s likely to be cheese and crackers, or chocolate.
Uncharted Mercy is the latest book in Keely Brooke Keith’s Uncharted series. The series is a unique mix of historical and futuristic romance as the series is set in the future, after Earth has experienced a nuclear war and chaos reigns … everywhere except the Land, which has been stuck in the 1860s because of the strange atmospheric disturbance surrounding the Land.
Uncharted Mercy is the story of Bette Owens, a widow with two young children who makes her living as a hatmaker. When her interfering in-laws decideher son should live with themwhile Bette marries a man she has never met, Bette vents her frustrations to herneighbour, Noah Vestal. Noah proposes a novel solution—marriage.
It’s pretty obvious that Noah has feelings for Bette, but he then worries that he may have coerced her into marriage. I really liked Noah and his attitude—it showed he was a man of honour. Unfortunately, Noah has a secret (that series readers have known for the last two books, but which Bette and the other villagers don’t know). That secret is about to put Noah’s home and livelihood at risk.
This is an excellent romance, a marriage of convenience that turns into a real relationship. I loved the way Bette and Noah’s relationship developed, and the healthy way they integrated Bette’s children into their relationship. (Or is that the healthy way Bette integrated Noah into her family?)
I really liked the ending. Without giving anything away, it showed how a good Christian marriage is a partnership of equals, even in a patriarchial setting.
All the stories are standalone titles, so you don’t need to read the whole series for this book to make sense. However, you’ll probably want to read at least The Land Uncharted (#1 inthe series) and Uncharted Grace (#12, Caroline’s story) to best appreciate Uncharted Mercy.
I’ve enjoyed all the Land Uncharted series. I particularly enjoyed Uncharted Mercy because of the marriage of convenience trope, because we got to see more of Connor in this story, and because of the strong Christian characters of both Bette and Noah.
Uncharted Mercy by Keely Brooke Keith is an excellent Christian marriage of convenience romance with a unique blend of historical and speculative tropes. Share on XRecommended for fans of historical romance with a speculative twist.
Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
Lonely bachelor Noah Vestal longs for a family of his own. His inherited farmhouse feels empty, and working the expansive orchard doesn’t keep his mind off his life in America before being shipwrecked on the Land. When he learns the lovely widow next door is being pressured to marry a man she’s never met and to leave her son behind, he offers to marry her. She could have a home and keep both of her children, and he could fill the orchard house with the family he longs for. But when Noah’s inheritance is contested by someone claiming to be the orchard’s rightful heir, he stands to lose everything—including his new family.
Bette Owens has made the best of things since losing her husband three years ago, but now her forceful in-laws want rid of her. When they persuade her parents to help separate her from her son, she has nowhere to turn but to the generous bachelor next door. She has always admired Noah and misses the protection and companionship of having a husband, so when Noah proposes a quick marriage, it seems like a wise remedy. Just when her children are settling into their new home—and love between Bette and Noah seems possible—she discovers Noah isn’t who he says he is.
While the Good Springs elder council becomes judge and jury over the orchard’s ownership, Noah’s dreams of supporting a family and being part of a community slip away. And as Bette’s friends side against her, she finds herself in an unimaginable fight for her family—and for love.
Can their marriage of convenience withstand the battle for inheritance, family, and love?
Keely 
Brooke Keith writes inspirational frontier-style fiction with a slight Sci-Fi twist, including The Land Uncharted (Shelf Unbound Notable Romance 2015) and Aboard Providence (2017 INSPY Awards Longlist). Keely also creates resources for writers such as The Writer’s Book Launch Guide and The Writer’s Character Journal.
Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Keely grew up in a family that frequently relocated. By graduation, she lived in 8 states and attended 14 schools. When she isn’t writing, Keely enjoys playing bass guitar, preparing homeschool lessons, and collecting antique textbooks. Keely, her husband, and their daughter live on a hilltop south of Nashville, Tennessee.
I don’t often re-read books as soon as I’ve finished them the first time, but Marrying the Rancher’s Daughter is an exception. Something about the story grabbed me and didn’t let go.
I think what I liked most was that the romance flowed naturally out of the plot rather than being the central focus of the story. Don’t get me wrong: I love a good romance.
Cassie Reynolds is a marketing specialist working the rodeo circuit, and one of the top riders happens to be Jason Keen, who works for her father at Redemption Ranch. Jason comes to Cassie’s rescue after she is accosted by her abusive ex-boyfriend, Travis, who doesn’t understand that no means no. That provides the impetus for the plot, and for Cassie’s unusual proposition to Jason: a marriage of convenience.
The story combines age-gap, marriage of convenience and grumpy-sunshine tropes. I’ve always had a fascination with marriage of convenience stories, but it can be hard to find good contemporary romances with this trope, possibly because it can be hard to find an original yet believable reason for the marriage. I think Marrying the Rancher’s Daughter did this well.
Jason started working at Redemption Ranch when Cassie was twelve. That age gap had the potential to have a real ick factor, but was handled very well, as they had little do do with each other before the story starts.
While I’ve read some good books with the grumpy-sunshine trope (e.g. Indigo Isle by TI Lowe), I’ve also come across some I couldn’t even finish because there didn’t seem to be a reason why the character was grumpy. That’s not the case here.
It’s more that he was an angry young man who has recently become a Christian, and who is a bit of a loner who doesn’t feel the need to be liked by others. As a result, he keeps to himself. He’s not Mr. Popular, but he’s a hardworking and competent cowboy, and an excellent rodeo rider. Jason isn’t as articulate as Cassie, but that doesn’t mean his feelings are any less deep or complex.
Cassie is the outgoing Little Miss Sunshine, except when her ex shows up. She’s also fiercely independent and doesn’t want to accept help from anyone, least of all her father and brothers. I admired her independence and spirit and her unwillingness to take the easy path.
While the Christian elements underpin the story, but were very subtle. Overall, I loved Marrying the Rancher’s Daughter. Recommended for contemporary romance fans.
Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and 3 sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author.
Her first book, Falling on Main Street, was written mostly from airport waiting areas and bleak hotel rooms as she traveled in her position as a sales engineer. She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. Her writing partner is usually a good cup of coffee or tea.
Tara unashamedly watches Hallmark movies all winter long, even though they are predictable and cheesy. She loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story. That’s why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living. She wants to encourage her readers with stories of men and women who live out their faith in tough situations.
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Professional bullrider Jason Keen is chasing a national title–and running from his mistakes. When his last sponsor threatens to pull their support unless he becomes the poster boy of a charming, family friendly cowboy, there is no way he can pull it off. Unless he can find another way to soften his rough-edged image while he works at Redemption Ranch between events…
Despite her family’s status as Colorado ranching royalty, Cassie Reynolds’ heart has been tied to the rodeo since her first event at the tender age of five. If her possessive ex-boyfriend would get the hint and leave her alone, she’d never leave her rodeo marketing job. Unfortunately, with each passing day, he’s growing more desperate to claim her.
When a week at home on Redemption Ranch is interrupted by the appearance of Cassie’s ex, Jason can’t stand by and let him terrorize the owner’s daughter. Could her unorthodox proposal be the solution to get them both through the holidays and the rodeo national finals?
One criticism of Christian romance is that everyone is beautiful (or handsome) and they all have perfect lives. A Home for Christmas is not that novel. While high school teacher Lynn Monet has a home and a job and all the things we expect of a 30-year-old adult, Garrett Kuhlmann is living in a garage and working two jobs to save enough money for the deposit on an apartment for him and his teenage son.
The Schwab Modern Wealth Survey (released May 2019) claimed that 59% of Americans are only one paycheck away from homelessness (and the subsequent Covid-19 job losses won’t have improved this figure). Garrett’s situation is therefore closer to reality than many of us would like to believe.
I found the first chapter a little awkward, but soon found myself engaged in the story. Lynn is possibly the perfect Christian some readers find difficult to relate to, but she’s also an illustration of a Christian who puts loving her neighbours into action.
Garrett is a hardworking guy who has made a few mistakes and now fallen on hard times. But he’s proud and determined to make a better life for him and his fifteen-year-old son, Josh, and that is an admirable trait.
Lynn, Garrett and Josh were all excellent characters. They felt realistic, and as frustrated as I got with Garrett over his pride and reluctance to admit when he needed help, I could also understand and respect why he was like that.
I found the story an enjoyable read, and I especially enjoyed the relationship between Garrett and Josh.
Overall, A Home for Christmas was a solid Christian romance between a couple that don’t have perfect backgrounds. Recommended.
Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
She just moved to Silver Pine to start a new future. He’s never been more unsure of what the future holds.Garrett Kuhlmann doesn’t want or need anyone’s pity. As a single father, he’s worked hard by himself to ensure his son is fed, clothed and safe. But after house-hopping for the last year, he is desperate to give his teenage son more stability. If only housing weren’t so expensive. When a young woman gifts him a bag of food to thank him for changing her tire after her car breaks down in the parking lot where he works, he can’t put the act of kindness, or her pretty smile, out of his mind.
Even in the small town of Silver Pine, Lynn Monet didn’t expect to see the man who changed her tire again, until she discovers he’s the father to one of her high school students. The more they interact, the more her heart breaks for Garrett and his son, and the more the duo worm their way into her life. But Lynn isn’t looking for love, and the secret she has will only destroy any potential relationship, just like it had once before.
Lynn’s compassion is like a beacon of light cutting through the darkness of Garrett’s struggles, offering him a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, he doesn’t have to do everything alone. A new chapter of love and stability finally feels within reach. But secrets from both of their pasts threaten to shatter the fragile hope, leaving Garrett to choose between playing it safe or forgiveness and love.
Sara Beth Williams is a published author of Contemporary Christian romance, an ACFW and CIPA member and freelance writer. She has a background in freelance publicity, blog managing, newspaper journalism and nine years in the field of education. Two of her three novels have been nominated for a Selah Award. A Worthy Heart (2020) and Anchor My Heart (2022). She lives in Northern California with her husband and two daughters. When she’s not held hostage by the keyboard, she enjoys playing guitar, reading, gardening and spending time with her family.
All the Lost Places is a dual timeline novel made more complex by the fact the past timeline (1807) is partly quotes from a series of children’s books and partly narrative, with a very blurred line between what is part of the fictional stories and what is part of this story.
In the past timeline, baby Sebastien is rescued from the canals of Venice and raised by a ragtag bunch of adults – a lacemaker, a glassblower, a fisherman, and a printer. But Sebastien longs to knjow who he is.
In the more recent timeline (1907), Daniel Goodman knjows exactly who he is: a convicted theif who has served his prison sentence and now wants to make right with all his victims, including his mother. He takes a job as an artist and translator, which sends him to Venice, Italy, to draw the buildings and find and translate the final volume of a series of stories. The reader joins Daniel in his journey to sort fact from fiction as he translates the books and searches for the missing ending.
I loved the setting. The author brings Venice to life, skillfully mixing the story with the city’s history in an ongoing mix of literal and figurative, a literary writing style that felt more lyrical than most novels I read.
Unfortunately, I found the writing style and the complexity of the plot affected my appreciation of the story. I sometimes found myself losing the story and having to flick back a few pages to remind myself of what was supposed to be happening.
I do read fast, so perhaps that’s on me rather than on the book. My conclusion is that All the Lost Places is a book to read slowly and carefully, not one to rush through in an effort to find out whodunit or will the guy get the girl.
Recommended for readers looking for novels with international settings, and for fans of Rachel McMillan, Nicole Deese, and other authors who write rich prose in a literary style.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
The prologue of Restoration shows trainee nurse Ashley McClure in the immediate aftermath of her being raped by her boyfriend, a doctor. If that is something you’d rather avoid reading, you can safely skip to Chapter One without missing any key plot points.
It’s a tough topic, yet the author handles it with grace and sensitivity, and in a way that feels realistic and incorporates Christianity in a realistic yet positive light.
Restoration is the third book in Kirsty Werner’s Tulsa Town Romance series. I haven’t read the first two, but didn’t think I’d missed out on anything.
Ashley is now a SANE—Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner—working in the Emergency Department at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, where she meets Officer Ryan Stone of the Tulsa Police Department. He’s handsome and interested in her, but she believes no man would be interested if they knew what had happened to her.
Ryan can tell something has happened to Ashley which has caused her recitence, but he is determined to pursue a relationship with her, no matter how long it takes. He’s a perfect romance hero, and perfect for Ashley. He’s a strong Christian who exemplifies faith, hope, love, patience, self-control and probably a few other virtues as well.
Ashley is a competent and compassionate nurse and SANE, not least because she knows the trauma her patients have endured.
It doesn’t cut corners or minimise the emotional pain and trauma of assault. It also shows how God can heal—when we allow Him to work. It’s also a beautiful slow-burn romance …
Recommended for contemporary Christian romance fans.
Kristy Werner is an award-winning author originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, the setting of her Tulsa Town Romance series. She aced her art and drama classes in high school, has a hard-earned bachelor’s in Zoology from Oklahoma State University, and now works at her local bank producing an extreme amount of paperwork.
After graduating two children into the world, she discovered her love for putting words onto paper, took up residence on her couch, and wrote her first novel. She currently resides in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where she aims to change the world one clean romance at a time.
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One date gone wrong, and Ashley McClure became a victim.
Seven years later, as a nurse and sexual assault examiner, she gathers evidence against other assailants, hoping to make up for letting hers get away. She wants to fall in love like every other girl, but with her past, no man would have her.
Ryan Stone tanked an undercover operation that left people wounded. He strives each day to be a better cop, but no matter his accomplishments, they aren’t enough to eradicate the stain of guilt.
When Ashley and Ryan are invited to the same dinner party, he pursues, but she’s frightened of giving her heart away. Can Ryan use what he’s learned from his mistakes to be the man Ashley needs? Can Ashley overcome her past trauma and let Ryan love her?
This is definitely a series you want to read in order, and you’ll probably enjoy them all the more if you’re able to read them back-to-back, rather than having to wait a year between books (as I did). It’s also a series you might want to read in paperback so you can refer to the map and see where Sephone, Dorian, and their companions are travelling from and to.
The trilogy is a fantasy retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s story of the Nightingale … which I’d never heard of before reading Calor, and which I still haven’t read because I didn’t want spoilers.
It’s also a trilogy with strong Christian allegorical undertones, particularly in the second and third books. Allegory can be difficult. I’ve read stories where the allegory was so strong that it felt like it had pushed the plot aside. The allegory in Memoria and the rest of the Nightingale series is more like the allegory in the Tales of Narnia—it’s there, but you’re not going to enjoy the story any less because you don’t pick up that Aslan is a Jesus figure.
Caldera is a kingdom divided, and one where some people have unusual gifts. Sephone can alter memories–she can give people memories of things they haven’t experienced, or she can remove unwanted memories. But this gift comes at a cost for her and for the people she touches, and using her gift further is going to kill her.
He wants Sephone to remove the memories but she has refused because of the effect it will have on both of them (not least, because Dorian’s memories have made him the man he is today), and because she is not powerful enough to remove the memories permanently. Dorian sought an artifact called the Reliquary to solve that problem, but now realises the only lasting solution is to use the Reliquary to give his remaining years to Sephone. Sephone, of course, is against that idea.
So begins their final journey with their faithful companions. They learn nothing is as it seems, and sometimes when we get what we think we want, we discover we had wanted the wrong thing.
It has friends and enemies, and characters who could be either. It has twists and turns, battles and betrayals, some of which were expected (well, there always has to be a final battle between good and evil),and some of which were not (which is what makes a fantasy great).
One of the advantages of fantasy as a genre is the fact that most great fantasies include a spiritual thread as part of the fantasy world. Memoria is no exception, as it brings to fulfilment the faith element, which has a definite Christian theme for those with eyes to see. For those who don’t, Memoria is simply a ripping edge-of-the-seat adventure story that does a great job of balancing the plot and the characters, and keeping the focus on the two main characters: Sephone and Dorian.
Young adult (or adult) readers looking or a strong fantasy series which reinforces Christian principles and offers deep insights into the human condition will enjoy Memoria.
Thanks to Enclave Publishing for providing a free ebook for review.
In the deeply divided world of Caldera, nothing is as it seems. Taken captive by a faceless enemy, Sephone Winter fights to reclaim her soul as her gift spirals out of control and the deadly poison coursing through her veins begins to exact its terrible vengeance.
Meanwhile, Dorian and Cass are forced into an uneasy alliance in order to find the woman they both love . . . a woman who has all but vanished from the face of the earth, along with the Reliquary. Finding her becomes impossible as the identity of their greatest adversary continues to elude them.
When Caldera’s past catches up with the trio’s future, Sephone, Dorian, and Cass are forced to make decisions that threaten everything and everyone they care about. Each of them is offered a chance to sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of the other—but will they take it? And what will it cost them in the end?
A Louisiana Christmas to Remember is a collection of three interconnected romances set in the fictional Louisiana town of Moreau, which is loosely based on Natchitoches, the oldest European settlement in Louisiana
This is the story of Mattie Hayes, small-town journalist and organiser extraordinaire, who is organising the Christmas market to raise funds to restore the local chapel after it was damaged in a recent hurricane. This means working with Paul Ammons, her long-time rival since he beat her to become high school valedictorian and won a coveted scholarship to Paris.
This is the story of Jolene, Mattie’s artist cousin, who is hired at the last minute to repaint the town mural, and Cameron, Jolene’s new boss.
This is the story of Mattie’s aunt … and I dont’ want to say too much more about it, because that will ruin the surprise.
My favourite story was Mattie’s, perhaps because she is the character I related to best, and perhaps because I’m a big fan of friends/frenemies to more stories. My least favourite story was Adala’s, because even though I know these are made-up stories, I’m not a fan of controlling parents who go out of their way to do what they want rather than seeking what’s best for their child (as God does for us).
Even though they are all standalone stories and all set at the same time it’s best to read them in order, as each story introduces situations and characters that become more relevant in the next story.
It’s also fun to see the came characters from different points of view. In the first story, Mattie has definite opinions about Jolene and whether she can be trusted, but Jolene’s story explains why she is how she is.. I enjoyed seeing Granny Eloise in all three stories as well, as the mentor figure able to give advice whether it’s wanted or not.
The three stories combine to provide a heart-warming Christmas set of Christian romances, even if the Louisiana snow is a far cry from the sunshine I am used to at Christmas.
Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Three heartwarming, interconnected stories of faith, love, and restoration, brought to you by three Louisiana-native authors. Will a rare snowy Louisiana Christmas bring restoration and hope to the hometown and hearts of three women from the town’s founding family?
In A Louisiana Snow by Morgan Tarpley Smith, meet Mattie: A passionate visionary who learns to forgive and finds love in unexpected places…
In Restoring Christmas by Betsy St. Amant, meet Jolene: An artist and prodigal daughter who discovers love exists in the very place she once called home…
In A Christmas Reunion by Lenora Worth, meet Adale: A beautiful widow who finally dares to love again…
And don’t forget Granny, whose feisty spirit, blunt dialogue, and quirky ways play an important and endearing role.
Artist Brittany Branch is a YouTube influencer with almost half a million followers … the perfect occupation for someone with chronic social anxiety because it means she doesn’t have to leave the house except to visit her favourite local art supplies store.
Warehouse worker Hunter Pickett is trying to turn his life around after becoming a Christian in prison. He wants to reconcile with his parents, and also wants to get to know the cute YouTube artist better … especially after he runs into her at the local art supplies store.
Teacher Amy Branch is wondering if it’s time to start dating again given it’s close to two decades since she divorced her alcoholic husband and her daughter seems to be coping with her anxiety.
Daniel Branch is out of jail, off alcohol, and thanking God he has a solid job as a chauffeur for the wealthy Pickett family and is reconciling with his estranged daughter.
Given each of the four main characters are keeping secrets about who they know and how they’re related to the other characters, it’s pretty obvious there is going to be a show-down at some point and all the secrets are going to come out.
I’m always a little apprehensive when I can see a scene like this coming, in case it gets awkward. I’m happy to say it didn’t go at all how I thought it would—it was so much better.
So Into You is primarily a romance, but it’s also a powerful and moving story that touches on a lot of social issues including anxiety, alcoholism, prisoner rehabilitation, and family dynamics in general. It’s well-written, with realistic characters making realistic decisions that drive plenty of relatable conflict and kept me reading.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
With over a million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, the Amish Letters series, the Brides of Birch Creek series, the upcoming Mail Order Brides of Birch Creek, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. She has also contributed to numerous novella collections.
She and her husband James live in Arkansas and have three adult children. When she’s not writing, Kathleen is avidly crocheting, reading, and traveling, sometimes all at the same time. She runs the Facebook group Books & Hooks, which combines her love of books, crochet, and collecting recipes that she’ll never have enough time to make.
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Artist Britt Branch has a successful online channel where she teaches a variety of art lessons. Obsessed with the 1970s, she has a style all her own. But she also has a huge problem–severe social anxiety. She lives with her mom, and while she pays her own bills, she wonders if she’ll ever have the courage to move out and move on. When her best friend announces she’s getting married, Britt decides it’s time to make a change.
Gorgeous Hunter Pickett has always skated by on his model looks, applying very little effort to anything except sports, and even that was iffy at times. The third son of extremely wealthy and successful parents, he dealt with being the black sheep of the family by drinking and using drugs. By his third year of sobriety, he’s still dealing with aimlessness. Late one night he catches Britt’s channel and ends up watching her videos. He’s not interested in art . . . at first. And when he sends her an online message, he’s surprised she responds. Before long they are chatting every day, and once they start meeting in person, a spark-filled friendship begins.
But both of them are keeping secrets. Big ones. When all truths are revealed in one pivotal moment, Britt and Hunter are at a crossroads. Will he fight for the happiness he’s worked so hard to obtain? And will she continue to hide from life, or can she finally step out of her own shadow?
Elizabeth O’Toole dated Vincent Halverson in high school, but he broke up with her the day after they went against their Christian beliefs and slept together. She married Danny O’Toole shortly after the breakup, a decision she has regretted for years. Now she’s a widow with three children to support and another on the way, and in desperate need of a job.
No, the start doesn’t show Vincent in a good light. However, that was close to twenty years ago, so there’s been plenty of time for him to improve. Which he has done.
Vincent lost his wife three years ago, and needs a nanny. His sister recommends Elizabeth, and Vincent hires her against his better judgement because he has no other reasonable option. She, unsurprisingly, turns out to be a wonderful nanny and mother. This is a romance, which, of course, means the two reconnect and have to work through their combined and separate histories to create a family.
The more he hears about Elizabeth’s marriage, the more he blames himself for having put her in that situation. I liked that. While aspects of Elizabeth’s past (and present) were difficult to read, it was important to include it in the story. As a reader, I needed to see that Vincent understood the consequences of his actions and repented. It would have been a weaker story without this.
That’s not to say Vincent is the “baddie” and Elizabeth is the “goodie”. Life isn’t that simple. Elizabeth does have her own faults and insecurities, and it was good to see her triumph over them with love and encouragement from Vincent and his family … all of whom (correctly) pointed toward God as the answer.
It is all handled tastefully with nothing shown in detail, but it’s also not hidden in euphemisms. Despite the unpleasantness, these issues are central to the story and show the strength of Elizabeth’s quiet and enduring faith.
I was especially impressed with Elizabeth’s faith, and the faith she had managed to pass onto her children, despite their family difficulties. I was particularly taken with Martin, Elizabeth’s fifteen-year-old son, who had a maturity and practicality beyond his years. This brought some much-needed touches of humour into the story, which I appreciated.
Always and Forever, Elizabeth is part of the Scripted Love series. Each story in this series features one of the Halverson siblings, and some kind of written communication between the hero and heroine. In this case, the communication is via the Post-It notes that Vincent initially shares to give Elizabeth instructions in her role as nanny, but which soon become more personal.
I imagine parts must have been very difficult to write. But it’s definitely worth reading if you’re looking for an inspiring contemporary Christian romance that deals with some heavy issues in a realistic way, yet which is ultimately positive and uplifting.
Recommended.
Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
Emily Dana Botrous lives in San Diego, California with her husband and their four children. She lived in 10 states before she settled on the West Coast where she plans to stay for awhile. She started writing short stories at age 10 and studied English in college. The only thing she enjoys more than writing is motherhood.
While there are a lot of things that matter to Emily, nothing is more important to her than Jesus Christ. It is her goal to point anyone who reads her writing toward Him. When Emily isn’t writing, she enjoys cooking, long walks, music, and playing with her kids.
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Elizabeth O’Toole never expected to be a widow with three children to support. She’ll do what it takes to survive, though, since her adoptive parents are no help—even if it means taking a job from the man who shattered her heart in high school. All she has to do is keep her distance.
Widower Victor Halverson has his hands full juggling a career as a doctor, raising three small children, and drowning in guilt over his wife’s death. He’s desperate for a nanny, but can he handle facing his worst regret on a daily basis when she applies?
When Victor discovers a life-altering secret about Elizabeth, he knows what he must do. Marrying her ought to atone for the past. And maybe it would if Elizabeth had stopped loving him the first time he broke her heart. The last thing she needs now is marriage to another man who doesn’t love her. Too bad he’s her only option, for better or for worse.
