Tag: Contemporary Christian Romance

First Line Friday

First Line Friday #277 | Holding onto Hope by Janet W Ferguson

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. Today I’m quoting from Holding onto Hope by Janet W Ferguson, the latest release in her wonderful Coastal Hearts series.

Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

Could loving someone physically hurt? It must be possible.

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About Holding onto Hope

A fun road trip romance to the Grand Tetons! Always the wedding planner, never the bride.

Hope Rodriguez loves planning weddings. There’s nothing more special than helping a bride become a princess for a day, but she’s not sure that’s her calling in life anymore.

If only she had her own special someone. Her only current prospect leaves her with more questions than answers about where she falls in his list of priorities.

Yet, when a lifelong friend asks her to plan a destination wedding across the country in only two weeks, she’ll have to figure out how to pull off the impossible…alone.

After being burned as a child and deserted by his family, Caleb Donnelly has an intimate relationship with pain. Despite all he’s endured, one ache refuses to leave him—the throbbing in his heart where Hope is concerned.

So when Hope needs help with their friend’s wedding, he can’t stop himself from volunteering to travel two thousand miles to Jackson, Wyoming.

As long as he keeps his feelings in check, he might not ruin their friendship. Because a beautiful woman like Hope could never love a scarred man like him. There’s no way their longtime friendship could ever become more.

When Hope and Caleb’s plans go up in flames, it’s their hearts that might never recover.

Find Holding onto Hope online at:

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First Line Friday

First Line Friday #275 | Spring Rain by Gayle Roper

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. Today I’m quoting from Spring Rain by Gayle Roper, a book I bought and enjoyed in paperback many years ago, which I have just bought again as an ebook.

Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

Leigh Spenser looked at the FedEx package waiting on the doorstep of her apartment over the garage and made no move to pick it up.

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

 

About Sprint Rain

In this first book of the Seaside Seasons series, Leigh Spenser, a young teacher and the single mother of ten-year-old Billy, is thrown into conflict. Clay Wharton, the boy’s estranged father, comes home to Seaside, New Jersey, to await his twin brother’s death from AIDS.

Threats against Billy’s life ratchet the tension tighter, as Leigh wrestles with both tough and tender feelings for her old flame. Clay’s own conflict, as he seeks to come to grips with his brother’s lifestyle choices and the needs of the boy he fathered, underline the issue of God’s forgiveness in the hearts — and lives — of this modern-day family. An emotionally gripping read!

Find Spring Rain online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

As much as Mallory loved a beautiful home, she never wanted to create one that valued possessions more than people.

Book Review | Second Time Around by Melody Carlson

When Mallory inherits a run-down family store in small-town Oregon, she decides to relocate from the big city to run the business, but discovers property developer Grayson Matthews wants to buy the shop and knock it down to make way for a fancy mall. Yes, that’s a fairly typical set-up for contemporary Christian fiction, but Melody Carlson treats it in a way that’s a little out of the ordinary.

As the title suggests, Second Time Around is a second chance romance.

What makes it a little different from most romances is that it features an older couple—Mallory and Gray are both the empty-nest parents of adult children. They’ve both been single a long time and effectively raised their children alone, Mallory after her husband decided he wasn’t interested in being a father, and Gray after the death of his wife. I liked the fact they were both intelligent, competent adults who acted in a professional and respectful way towards each other.

I also liked the fact the story was low angst.

The set-up is familiar in small-town romance, but inevitably sets the story up to have a winner and a loser, and part of me always feels a little sorry for the loser (inevitably the one who wants to knock things down). There are also occasions when I suspect knocking the buildings down is the right solution, but that’s rarely the outcome in small-town romance. Without wanting to give spoilers, Mallory and Gray quickly reach an amicable agreement, which allows plenty of time for a slow-burn romance to develop. Other problems were quickly solved in a similar low-angst way.

I particularly enjoyed the setting of Seaport, even though we didn’t get to see much (if anything) of the sea. The author does a great job of describing the store and the renovations—this is one novel where the illustration on the cover is exactly what is described in the story.

Overall, Second Time Around is an enjoyable contemporary Christian romance, recommended for those who like small-town romance, second chance romance, and romance featuring older characters.

About Melody Carlson

Author Photo: Melody CarlsonMelody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year.

She’s won a number of awards (including Romantic Time’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

Find Melody Carlson online at:

Website

About Second Time Around

Who doesn’t love a second chance?

When empty nester Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmother’s run-down tourist shop in Seaport, Oregon, it seems the only sensible thing to do is to sell it. But when her former secret crush, Grayson Matthews, wants to buy the property in order to complete his plans to redevelop the funky town’s business district into a soulless, cookie-cutter outdoor mall, Mallory digs in her heels and decides to renovate the property herself.

With a lot of hard work and a little bit of help, Mallory makes incredible progress turning the store into an eclectic home décor shop called Romancing the Home–all while trying to ignore the depressing and decrepit apartment she’s living in on the second floor. When the shop catches the eye of a popular renovation TV show producer, Mallory is thrilled–until it becomes clear that her apartment is to be part of the segment as well.

She’s tempted to abandon her dreams and the town under a cloud of shame. But perhaps there’s more to Grayson than meets the eye. Can he swallow his pride, change his plans, and help Mallory romance her own home–and possibly her life?

Find Second Time Around online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

We aren't perfect, and we'll keep making mistakes, but if we're willing to repent and forgive, we can overcome the obstacles.

Book Review | Never Find Another You by Narelle Atkins

Never Find Another You is the first book in the new multi-author Trinity takes contemporary Christian romance series.

Here’s the series description:

Welcome to Trinity Lakes, the warm and welcoming small town in east Washington state filled with charm, family, and friends, where fresh starts, second chances, and romance abounds. You’ll meet cowboys and swoony bachelors, sweet and sassy ladies, and your new best friends. This series of sweet and clean standalone Christian romances will warm your heart, inspire your faith, and bring a smile to your soul.

Hannah is the owner of a lakefront rowing club, part of the trust set up by her father, ex-golf pro Wayne Gilbertson. Hannah is very much her father’s daughter—not least because she doesn’t get on with her mother. Then there is Hannah’s beloved and opinionated grandmother, who wants to set her up with the new Australian tradesman in town …

Joel Manning has come to Trinity Lakes to escape a bad relationship—and he’s not looking to start another. But perhaps God has other idea. Why else would he have met Hannah, who shares his faith, and so many of his hobbies. Unfortunately, her mother hates him.

While there is an almost instant attraction between Hannah and Joel, they both have several obstacles to overcome if they are to formalize their relationship—such as Joel’s life in Australia, Hannah’s mother, and a newly revealed family secret.

One of my favourite aspects of Never Find Another You was the faith aspect.

Hannah and Joel are both Christians who try to put God first in their decisions. That’s not to say they are perfect (who wants to read a novel about perfect people?) But they are trying, and they remind each other (and the reader) of several significant spiritual truths.

Never Find Another You is an excellent start to what promises to be a fun small-town Contemporary Christian Romance series, featuring a cast of characters from locations ranging from Washington to Australia and New Zealand. Contemporary Christian Romance is one of my favourite genres, and Never Find Another You ticks all the genre boxes—a loveable hero, an intelligent heroine, and a strong faith element.

Recommended for fans of small-town Contemporary Christian Romance.

About Narelle Atkins

Author Photo Narelle AtkinsA fun loving Aussie girl at heart, Narelle Atkins was born and raised on the beautiful northern beaches in Sydney, Australia. She has settled in Canberra with her husband and children.

A lifelong romance reader, she found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Narelle’s contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia.

Find Narelle Atkins online at:

Website Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

About Never Find Another You

Her heart belongs in Trinity Lakes.

Hannah Gilbertson has deep roots in her small East Washington home town, including a lake named after her family. Sporty and hard working, she loves running the rowing club and supporting the town’s water recreation tourism. She’s determined to avoid dating and becoming entangled in her mother’s matchmaking schemes, and she wants to prove to her successful father that she’s worthy of carrying on his legacy.

Joel Manning left behind his life in Sydney, Australia, and a broken heart, to start over in Trinity Lakes. A tiler by trade, he’s embarking on a year long working vacation adventure, and he’s not looking for love.

The handsome Aussie captures Hannah’s interest when she hires him to do repair work at her rowing club. Joel is drawn to the beautiful American, and values spending time with her. Their shared faith and love for kayaking lays the foundation for their friendship to become something more.

A shocking secret combined with family upheaval leads to more questions than answers, and threatens to push Joel and Hannah apart to faraway shores. Can their love overcome the miles between them?

A fish out of water, opposites attract, small town contemporary Christian romance. Visit Trinity Lakes and meet the fun and quirky characters who value family, faith, and happily-ever-after.

Find Never Find Another You online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

First Line Friday

First Line Friday #273 | Never Find Another You by Narelle Atkins

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. Today I’m quoting from Never Find Another You by Australian author Narelle Atkins.

This is the first book in the new Trinity Lakes Romance series, set in the small Washington of Trinity Lakes.

Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

Who needed the stress from a busy and complicated big city career when they could work beside a beautiful lake?

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

About Never Find Another You

Her heart belongs in Trinity Lakes.

Hannah Gilbertson has deep roots in her small East Washington home town, including a lake named after her family. Sporty and hard working, she loves running the rowing club and supporting the town’s water recreation tourism. She’s determined to avoid dating and becoming entangled in her mother’s matchmaking schemes, and she wants to prove to her successful father that she’s worthy of carrying on his legacy.

Joel Manning left behind his life in Sydney, Australia, and a broken heart, to start over in Trinity Lakes. A tiler by trade, he’s embarking on a year long working vacation adventure, and he’s not looking for love.

The handsome Aussie captures Hannah’s interest when she hires him to do repair work at her rowing club. Joel is drawn to the beautiful American, and values spending time with her. Their shared faith and love for kayaking lays the foundation for their friendship to become something more.

A shocking secret combined with family upheaval leads to more questions than answers, and threatens to push Joel and Hannah apart to faraway shores. Can their love overcome the miles between them?

A fish out of water, opposites attract, small town contemporary Christian romance. Visit Trinity Lakes and meet the fun and quirky characters who value family, faith, and happily-ever-after.

Find Never Find Another You online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

How many times had I vowed to be present in the moment, to be intentional with what God put before me?

Book Review | Where Grace Appears by Heidi Chiavaroli

I bought Where Grace Appears on sale for 99 cents after seeing it advertised online, and I read it in less than a day. That, to me, is the highest compliment. Oh, and then I went and bought the sequel, Where Hope Begins.

The opening line got me intrigued from the start:

The nature of secrets is that they long to be kept and long to be told all at the same time.

It’s been said that all good novels start with a secret, and Where Grace Appears certainly backs that view.

Josie Martin has one year to go to achieve her dream of a master’s in clinical psychology in New York, but now she’s home and hiding a secret: she’s pregnant to one of her professors, an old friend of her deceased father. And Professor Finn Becker wants nothing to do with Josie or their baby.

Tripp Colton is the man who has loved her since forever, the man whose marriage proposal she turned down last year. Now he’s managing his grandfather’s construction business in Camden, Maine, and trying to convince himself to move on from Josie. But he can’t.

I admired Tripp for being up-front with Josie about his feelings for her. He loves her, and he’ll wait as long as it takes for her to return the feelings. And I wanted him and Josie to get together, just as soon as Josie shares her secret with him.

She plans to tell Tripp just as soon as she’s told her family, but that goes predictably wrong (thanks, small-town gossip). Without wanting to add spoilers, Tripp’s reaction was both unbelievable and everything it should be: a perfect picture of unconditional love underpinned by forgiveness.

God loves us with unconditional love, and this is one of the few contemporary Christian romances that shows the tough side of unconditional love.

Tripp almost seemed too good to be believable until I remembered that’s how God loves us, and how he calls us to love others.

Where Grace Appears is a departure from Heidi Chiavaroli’s dual-timeline stories, but does link back to one of her previous novels. The Orchard House is set in Louisa May Alcott’s home, and Where Grace Appears is set in a house of the same name, and features a family named for the Alcott family (and with similar personality traits).

Little Women fans will enjoy spotting all the Little Women references. However, you don’t need to be a fan to enjoy the story.

Where Grace Appears is a strong contemporary romance that hits all the expected small-town notes while showing an enviable demonstration of Christian forgiveness and unconditional love.

About Heidi Chiavaroli

Heidi ChiavaroliHeidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace-clinger who could spend hours exploring Boston’s Freedom Trail. She writes Women’s Fiction and won the 2014 ACFW Genesis contest in the historical category. She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Howie, her standard poodle.

Find Heidi Chiavaroli online at:

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About Where Grace Appears

Ashamed of being duped by her handsome psychology professor, Josie Martin returns to Maine too proud to admit her foolishness to those closest to her. As the one-year anniversary of her father’s death approaches, she seeks solace in an old friend, Tripp Colton, and a new business venture that will prove to herself and her loved ones that she is still capable of success despite her overwhelming failure.

When Josie announces she will not return to school to finish her graduate degree but wishes to remain in Camden to help her mother achieve a lifelong dream, the entire family gets behind her idea to open and run a bed and breakfast inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House. Even Tripp gets excited about restoring Josie’s great-aunt’s Victorian home for the purpose, but when Josie’s unexpected news is revealed, their friendship and the new feelings blooming between them are threatened.

As summer gives way to fall, Josie struggles with decisions regarding her family’s future, dealing with past mistakes she cannot run from, and her feelings for Tripp. When the opportunity for grace comes along, will she take it? Or will she continue to allow her failures to define her worth?

A contemporary twist on the well-loved classic, Little Women, readers will fall in love with the Martin family—Maggie, Josie, Lizzie, Bronson, Amie, and their mother Hannah—each trying to find their own way in the world and each discovering that love, home, and hope are closer than they appear.

Find Where Grace Appears online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

First Line Friday

First Line Friday #268 | Where Grace Appears (Orchard House #1) by Heidi Chiavaroli

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m quoting from Where Grace Appears, which I recently purchased from a BookBub deal. I have read some of Heidi Chiavaroli’s previous books, so was thrilled to find she’d written a contemporary Christian romance … my favourite genre.

Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

The nature of secrets is that they long to be kept and long to be told all at the same time.

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

 

About Where Grace Appears

Ashamed of being duped by her handsome psychology professor, Josie Martin returns to Maine too proud to admit her foolishness to those closest to her. As the one-year anniversary of her father’s death approaches, she seeks solace in an old friend, Tripp Colton, and a new business venture that will prove to herself and her loved ones that she is still capable of success despite her overwhelming failure.

When Josie announces she will not return to school to finish her graduate degree but wishes to remain in Camden to help her mother achieve a lifelong dream, the entire family gets behind her idea to open and run a bed and breakfast inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House. Even Tripp gets excited about restoring Josie’s great-aunt’s Victorian home for the purpose, but when Josie’s unexpected news is revealed, their friendship and the new feelings blooming between them are threatened.

As summer gives way to fall, Josie struggles with decisions regarding her family’s future, dealing with past mistakes she cannot run from, and her feelings for Tripp. When the opportunity for grace comes along, will she take it? Or will she continue to allow her failures to define her worth?

A contemporary twist on the well-loved classic, Little Women, readers will fall in love with the Martin family—Maggie, Josie, Lizzie, Bronson, Amie, and their mother Hannah—each trying to find their own way in the world and each discovering that love, home, and hope are closer than they appear.

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

Liam doesn’t need to change or conform. He shouldn’t have to mask who is he to be accepted, and those who love him shouldn’t try to ‘fix’ him.

Book Review | Kiss Me on Christmas by Sarah Monzon

Kaitlyn Stafford is the solo mother of ten-year-old Liam. Liam has been diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (GAD, ADHD, and ASD). Kaitlyn’s sister announces she’s getting married at Christmas, which is going to be a big and possibly difficult disruption to Liam’s Christmas routines.

What could have been a difficult trip is made easier when Liam recognises his favourite YouTuber, Beckett Walsh, as they are about to board the plane. Beckett turns out to be the best man at the wedding they are about to plan.

Yes, that’s totally the setup for every Hallmark Christmas movie ever: an unlikely couple thrown together in a small town for a white Christmas.

The romance between Kaitlyn and Beckett develops quickly (well, this is a novella so it kind of has to), but it never feels rushed. That’s quite an achievement. It’s also based on an attraction to the inner person, which is something I like in romance. The developing relationship was perfectly paced and had all the feels.

What sets this story apart is Liam. Stories with sole parents (usually mothers) aren’t unusual, but stories with characters with ADHD or ASD are rare to non-existent. (If you can think of any, let me know.) It wasn’t just that Liam was a neurodiverse chararacter. It was that he was such an endearing and likeable character and was portrayed so realistically.

Kaitlyn and Beckett were inspiringly patient with Liam and their willingness to engage with him on his terms. They also taught him how to engage with other people. Kaitlyn’s interactions with her mother were particularly touching in this area.

Sarah Monzon has partly based Liam on her son, Elijah (with his permission). This is why Liam comes across as such a believable and well-rounded character. However, Monzon also points out in her Author’s Note that Liam is unique:

“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met exactly one person with autism.”

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a novel (or novella) I want to re-read, but this is definitely on the list.

Recommended for fans of Christmas romance, or those looking for Christian fiction with neurodiverse characters.

About Sarah Monzon

Sarah MonzonA Carol award finalist and Selah award winner, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain’s wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

Find Sarah online at:

Website | Facebook | Instagram  | Pinterest | Twitter

About Kiss Me on Christmas

Single mom Kaitlyn Stafford has never considered Christmas a balancing act, but when her sister calls with the news that she’s getting married in less than two weeks—on Christmas Day—that’s exactly what the holiday looks like becoming. Helping with the out-of-state wedding will be fun. The challenge will be doing so while accommodating her neurodivergent son’s need to keep every single one of their Christmas traditions while they’re away from home. It’ll be tricky, but she can do it.

At least, that’s what she thinks before her son’s favorite YouTuber, Beckett Walsh, shows up on the scene, knocking her world off-kilter with his speaking glances and knowing smiles. How on earth is she supposed to pull off her balancing act when her world’s just tilted on its axis?

Kiss Me on Christmas was published as part of the multi-author Destination Christmas novella collection.

Find Kiss Me on Christmas online at:

Amazon (Novella) | Amazon (Collection) | BookBub

First Line Friday

First Line Friday #267 | Kiss Me at Christmas by Sarah Monzon

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line.

Today I’m sharing the first line from Kiss Me at Christmas, a novella by Sarah Monzon. Yes, I know most people read Christmas novels and novellas in December, but they are the kind of lighthearted holiday reading that I prefer to read when I’m on holiday … and that’s after Christmas. So now I’m reading the Destination Christmas novella collection I bought in October (and which is currently on sale for around a dollar for the ebook version).

Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

Confession: I'm thirty-four years old, and I still make a Christmas list every year.

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

 

About Kiss Me on Christmas

Single mom Kaitlyn Stafford has never considered Christmas a balancing act, but when her sister calls with the news that she’s getting married in less than two weeks—on Christmas Day—that’s exactly what the holiday looks like becoming.

Helping with the out-of-state wedding will be fun. The challenge will be doing so while accommodating her neurodivergent son’s need to keep every single one of their Christmas traditions while they’re away from home. It’ll be tricky, but she can do it.

At least, that’s what she thinks before her son’s favorite YouTuber, Beckett Walsh, shows up on the scene, knocking her world off-kilter with his speaking glances and knowing smiles. How on earth is she supposed to pull off her balancing act when her world’s just tilted on its axis?

Find Kiss Me on Christmas online at:

Amazon | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

First Line Friday

First Line Friday #265 | Any Given Moment by TI Lowe

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m quoting from Any Given Moment by TI Lowe, an older book which I recently picked up on sale on Kindle.

Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

Some girls need a fruity drink with a colorful umbrella and tropical blue waves to find their happy place. Not me.

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

 

About Any Given Moment

Previously titled The Reversal.

Life can change at any given moment. Good or bad, one must make the most of it. Samantha Shaw thought she was giving each moment of her life a fair shot until former pro-football quarterback Wiley Black saunters into her world and shows the sassy tomboy exactly what she’s been missing.

A sweet sports romance for fans of happily-ever-afters.

Find Any Given Moment online at:

Amazon | BookBub| Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!