Tag: Meredith Resce

It’s Aussie August!

… and a bunch of top Australian authors have teamed together to introduce you to some of the best of Aussie fiction. (And one Kiwi—me.)

So if you’re looking for something to read this winter/spring, click here to check out Aussie August, featuring:

  • Narelle Atkins
  • Liz Chapman
  • Amanda Deed
  • Christine Dillon
  • Jenny Glazebrook
  • Iola Goulton
  • Sheridan Lee
  • Carolyn Miller
  • Jennifer Mistmorgan
  • Meredith Resce
  • Jessica Wakefield

The novels in the promotion include all three finalists in the Adult Fiction category of the 2024 CALEB Awards from Omega Writers, Australia’s network for Christian writers. The finalists are:

  • Where Our Hearts Lie by Jenny Glazebrook
  • Broken Spirit by Sheridan Lee
  • Heart in the Clouds by Jennifer Mistmorgan

The Aussie August lineup also includes several other CALEB winners:

  • The Game by Amanda Deed (2010)
  • Grace in the Shadows by Christine Dillon (2019)
  • In Want of a Wife by Meredith Resce (2022)

I recently read a blog post by Australian book reviewer Jenny Blake where talked about how she prefers promotions that are all Christian stories, rather than a mix of Christian and clean fiction.

While I haven’t read all the novels in the promotion, I have read most of them and can confirm they are Christian fiction, not just fiction written by Christians or “clean reads”.

The two authors I haven’t read are Sheridan Lee and Liz Chapman, and I’m looking forward to reading Broken Spirit and Valerie Rose soon … just as soon as I get the draft of Always in My Heart off to my fellow Trinity Lakes authors to beta read.

Jenny also mentioned how much she’s enjoying her two-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited (aka KU), which is a good time to point out that all the Trinity Lakes novels are in KU …

So if you’re looking for something to read on Kindle, check out Aussie August. And if you prefer paper books, most of the titles are available from Koorong or Amazon.

Have you read any novels where a character plays a sport?

Bookish Question #318 | Have you read any novels where the character plays a sport?

I’ve read lots of novels where one or more of the characters play sport, often informally. For example, many of the characters in the Trinity Lakes Romance series play in the town’s annual Aussie Rules football game.

I’ve also read and enjoyed a fair few novels where one or both of the main characters are professional sportspeople.

Falling for Maddie Grace by Meredith Resce is an excellent novella featuring a professional Aussie Rules player and a female referee. I’ve read this one multiple times, and it’s a lot of fun.

Several novels in Susan May Warren’s Christiansen Family series features pro sportsmen, including It Had to Be You, When I Fall In Love, and You’re The One That I Want.

But the Christian author who first comes to mind when I think about sports romance is Carolyn Miller. Her Original Six series each follows a professional ice hockey player in one of the “original six” professional teams, and she is now following this up with the Northwest Ice series. I’ve read all the Original Six (my favourite was Big Apple Atonement), and now I’m working my way through the Northwest Ice series.

What about you? Have you read any novels where a character plays a sport?

First Line Friday

First Line Friday #325 | Over the Rainbow (Trinity Lakes #8) by Meredith Resce

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 from the next book in the Trinity Lakes contemporary Christian romance series, Over the Rainbow by Meredith Resce.

Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

Arianne Rayne inhaled a deep breath of determination. This was going to be hard.

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

 

About Over the Rainbow

Cover image - Over the Rainbow by Meredith ResceWhat a difference a year makes.

Last year, Arianne Rayne was playing college basketball and looking forward to a permanent future with her boyfriend.

This year, she is learning to live with disability.

After walking away from an accident he’d caused by reckless driving, her boyfriend walked away from her. The uncertainty of how life would look now that she had lost mobility was enough for him to break the relationship, and her heart.

Coming to Trinity Lakes to live with her stable, unflappable grandparents is hope for a new beginning and a chance to heal her heart. Away from her parents’ cloistered, cotton-wool approach, she hopes to learn how to live independently with the help of physiotherapist and trainers at the local gym.

Until she meets Matthew Kennedy. He might be buff and good looking, but he has no idea about how to relate to someone living with disability. He’s eligible, and he is certainly accessible, given he is one of her personal trainers, but will he ever see beyond her wheelchair? Arianne’s heart tells her it’s unlikely.

Until she is stranded, and Matthew is her only hope of getting home.

Find Over the Rainbow 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!

What's the most heartwarming book you've read recently?

Bookish Question #316 | What’s the most heartwarming book you’ve read recently?

Heartwarming? While I read a lot of romance, which is often considered a heartwarming genre, I don’t think all romances are actually heartwarming in that while I can cheer for the characters, they generally don’t incite my sympathy.

Heartwarming: inciting a sympathetic feeling, cheerful

However, I can think of a few.

Over the Rainbow (Trinity Lakes 8) by Meredith Resce

Over the Rainbow is the next release in the Trinity Lakes multi-author series I’m part of. In this story, Arianne Rayne has relocated to Trinity Lakes to rebuild her life after being paralysed in a car accident. It’s a heartwarming romance that deals with some tough questions around life, love, and God’s healing power in our lives.

Over the Rainbow releases on 21 February 2024.

The Roads We Follow (Fog Harbor 2) by Nicole Deese

I’ve just finished an advance copy of The Roads We Follow by Nicole Deese, which should probably be classified as Christian women’s fiction with romantic elements.

It’s in first person from two points of view (Raegan and Micah), which give the impression it’s a romance. But it’s a story of search for identity: Micah is searching for the identity of his biological father, and Raegan is searching for her identity as an individual, not as the daughter of country music megastar Luella Farrow. It’s a heartwarming (ha!) romance that shares some deep truths about life.

The Roads We Follow releases on 30 April 2024.

Leaving Oxford (Southern Hearts #1) by Janet W Ferguson

I reread this series towards the end of 2023. While all four books qualify as heartwarming for different reasons, Leaving Oxford was the standout title for me. it’s the story of a woman facing panic attacks whenever she tries to leave her small hometown, and her growing relationship with the local football coach. They’re an unlikely couple, but Janet Ferguson makes it work.

Find Leaving Oxford (and the rest of the Southern Heart series) at Amazon.

What about you? What’s the most heartwarming book you’ve read recently?

Have you read a Christian novel that features a character on a holiday?

Bookish Question #282 | Have you read a Christian novel that features a character on a holiday?

Several of the novels I’ve read recently have a character on a holiday (vacation for those of you in the USA) … as does my own novel. The first two are from the Trinity Lakes Romance series.

The Ocean Between Us by Meredith Resce

In The Ocean Between Us, Alanah is visiting Trinity Lakes to see her best friend from high school, and be in her wedding party. She also has plans to take a road trip around the USA and Canada. While the focus of the story is Alanah’s time in Trinity Lakes, we do also get to see a few fun aspects of her trip.

Here’s the book description:

Alanah, has set off on a trip of a lifetime.

Her best friend from high school, Sasha Kennedy, has invited her to Trinity Lakes, Washington State, to be part of her wedding party.
South Australia to Trinity Lakes is literally the other side of the world, so Alanah has a full schedule of adventure planned while she’s away. A summer camp counsellor; a trip to Canada; Sight-seeing in New York and Boston; and avoiding Sasha’s twin-brother, Caleb.

But a silly accident puts Sasha out of commission for all the planned adventures, and Caleb is sent to retrieve his former high school sweetheart from the airport. Eleven years should be enough time to have cooled the love Alanah and Caleb once shared. Should be, but apparently not. This is not a great thing to acknowledge considering Caleb has just announced his engagement to someone else.

Six months of avoiding Caleb—worse—avoiding feelings about Caleb—is going to be a long time.

Click here to find The Ocean Between Us on Amazon

Always By My Side by Iola Goulton

In Always By My Side, Logan has signed up to be a counsellor at Camp Trinity, but an injury means he arrives two months early for an enforced break … although he ends up spending a lot of time helping Tabitha at the Lakeview Inn.

Here’s the book description:

A hardworking introvert meets a handsome adventurer longing to settle down.

Tabitha Thomas longs to leave Trinity Lakes and travel the world in honor of the beloved grandmother who raised her and her siblings. But she’s needed at home—she’s the responsible triplet, the one who stayed home to run the family inn while her brother and sister left to live their dreams.

Kiwi Logan Wylde doesn’t call any place home. When an injury frustrates his travel plans, he accepts an invitation to return to Trinity Lakes and recuperate at the Lakeview Inn, where he hopes to rediscover his purpose in life.

When Tabby and Logan find a property deed while cleaning out Gran’s rooms, Tabby embraces a new challenge—to solve the mystery of the floodplain and renovate the old boatshed. Working with Logan reignites long-suppressed feelings, but will their differences drive them apart?

Click here to find Always By My Side on Amazon

And here’s one that isn’t part of the Trinity Lakes Romance series:

Imperfectly Proverbs 31 by Liwen Y Ho

Journalist Daniel Novak is on a forced vacation with just one assignment: interview blogger Samantha Rose, who is looking after her nieces while her sister is temporarily working overseas.

Here’s the book description:

She’s trying to be what she’s not. He’s where he doesn’t want to be.

To help her archeologist sister, geeky Samantha Rose agrees to swap her black T-shirts and diet of pizza and ice-cream for a pretty apron and a summer caring for her adorable twin nieces and their newfoundland dog in Huckleberry Lake, Idaho. How hard can it be?

When Perfectly Proverbs 31, the blog she starts to reassure her sister, goes viral and everyone believes she really is a wonderful homemaker, Sam reluctantly needs to keep up the pretense. If she doesn’t, she risks ruining everyone’s summer. The girls’ oh-so-capable and over-protective grandma will surely swoop in to take them away from her.

Forced by his boss to interview Sam then take a vacation, a month at the lake with nnothing to do but write a fluff piece is burned-out city crime journalist Daniel Novak’s worst nightmare. But he finds Samantha surprising and delightful, as her attempts to impress him with a picnic go horribly wrong. Time with her could restore his lost faith in people — and in God. Except, he has to write the truth in his article.

Can Ms Klutz-in-the-Kitchen transform herself to a Proverbs 31 woman in time to stop him revealing her blog is a fake? And what will happen to their growing love when he does.

Click here to find Imperfectly Proverbs 31 on Amazon

What about you? Have you read a Christian novel that features a character on a holiday or vacation?

Book Review | The Ocean Between Us (Trinity Lakes #2) by Meredith Resce

I’m not always a fan of the “other woman” (or other man) trope.

These may be two women interested in the same man, or two men interested in the same woman.

Some authors show all three points of view, which allows us to get into the heads of all three characters, and see why both women like the man. My problems is that I often back the wrong guy (which is why I stopped reading Karen Kingsbury’s Bailey Flanigan novels, and why Sweet Home Alabama is my least favorite Reese Witherspoon movie).

I much prefer it when the author makes it clear which two characters are going to end up together from the beginning.

Meredith Resce does this in The Ocean Between Us.

I also prefer it when there are good reasons why the main character chooses one over the other … but it’s also clear why he was interested in both in the first place. Again, Meredith Resce gets all these things right in The Ocean Between Us. We can see why Caleb and Kyla are together at the beginning of the novel, and there is a clear reason why Caleb and Alanah were not together (the Pacific Ocean).

All in all, I have to say that The Ocean Between Us is one of the best “other women” novels I’ve read. Alanah and Caleb were both excellent characters in an awkward situation: Alanah in having to spend the summer in the house with her teenage crushand having to hide the fact her feelings are all still there. And Caleb choosing to honor his existing relationship even when faced with his teenage crush.

Yes, The Ocean Between Us is a second-chance romance.

And I have to admit that’s one of my favourite genres. I thought Meredith did an excellent job of bringing the two together in a way that felt real and realistic for the characters, and offered plenty of tension for the reader.

All this sounds somewhat serious, but rest assured: The Ocean Between Us is an enjoyable summer romance read.

About The Ocean Between Us

Alanah has set off on a trip of a lifetime.

Her best friend from high school, Sasha Kennedy, has invited her to Trinity Lakes, Washington State, to be part of her wedding party.

South Australia to Trinity Lakes is literally the other side of the world, so Alanah has a full schedule of adventure planned while she’s away. A summer camp counsellor; a trip to Canada; Sight-seeing in New York and Boston; and avoiding Sasha’s twin-brother, Caleb.

But a silly accident puts Sasha out of commission for all the planned adventures, and Caleb is sent to retrieve his former high school sweetheart from the airport. Eleven years should be enough time to have cooled the love Alanah and Caleb once shared. Should be, but apparently not. This is not a great thing to acknowledge considering Caleb has just announced his engagement to someone else.

Six months of avoiding Caleb—worse—avoiding feelings about Caleb—is going to be a long time.

Find The Ocean Between Us online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

About Meredith Resce

South Australian Author, Meredith Resce, has been writing since 1991, and has had books in the Australian market since 1997. Apart from writing, Meredith also takes the opportunity to speak to groups on issues relevant to relationships and emotional and spiritual growth.

Meredith is the author of the award-winning ‘Luella Linley – License to Meddle’ series (contemporary Christian romance), and the ‘Heart of Green Valley’ historical fiction series. She has also been co-writer and co-producer in the 2007 Australian feature film production, “Twin Rivers”.

Meredith has worked in Christian ministry since 1983 with her husband, Nick. Meredith and Nick have three adult children, one daughter and two sons.

Find Meredith Resce online at:

Website | Facebook

First Line Friday

First Line Friday #278 | The Ocean Between Us by Meredith Resce

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 The Ocean Between Us by Australian author Meredith Resce.

This is the second book in the new Trinity Lakes Romance series, set in the small Washington of Trinity Lakes, and featuring an Australian heroine.

Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

Thank goodness the day was over. Caleb Kennedy yawned.

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

About The Ocean Between Us

Alanah has set off on a trip of a lifetime.

Her best friend from high school, Sasha Kennedy, has invited her to Trinity Lakes, Washington State, to be part of her wedding party.

South Australia to Trinity Lakes is literally the other side of the world, so Alanah has a full schedule of adventure planned while she’s away. A summer camp counsellor; a trip to Canada; Sight-seeing in New York and Boston; and avoiding Sasha’s twin-brother, Caleb.

But a silly accident puts Sasha out of commission for all the planned adventures, and Caleb is sent to retrieve his former high school sweetheart from the airport. Eleven years should be enough time to have cooled the love Alanah and Caleb once shared. Should be, but apparently not. This is not a great thing to acknowledge considering Caleb has just announced his engagement to someone else.

Six months of avoiding Caleb—worse—avoiding feelings about Caleb—is going to be a long time.

Find The Ocean Between Us 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!

First Line Friday

First Line Friday | Week #228 | Love, Faith and Tender Kisses Collection

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 from another novella in the Love, Faith, and Tender Kisses collection—Falling for Maddie Grace by Meredith Resce. Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

This shouldn't be difficult. There are only a handful of people in the studio.

I’m going to enjoy reading these novellas!

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

 

About Love, Faith, and Tender Kisses

Boy meets girl. Man meets woman. Sparks fly. All good love stories start here and usually face a myriad of challenges before the young couple find that together they are better.

This set of Contemporary Christian romance stories come from writers across both sides of the pond and Downunder, proving that romance is not only a sweet thing, it’s global.

Here’s a set of stories to inspire, encourage faith, and meet all the warm-fuzzy expectations.

 

 

In this boxset, you’ll receive a total of seven novellas from these popular Christian Romance authors:
  • Fake Engagement Mistake © 2021 by Lisa Renee
  • Last Flight Home © 2021 Milla Holt
  • Falling for Maddie Grace © 2021 Meredith Resce
  • The Billionaire’s Impromptu Bet © 2021 Lorana Hoopes
  • His Perfect Catch © 2021 Narelle Atkins
  • Originally Yours © 2021 Carolyn Miller
  • Imperfectly Proverbs 31 © 2021 Autumn Macarthur

You can find Love, Faith, and Tender Kisses online at:

Amazon | Apple| Goodreads | Kobo

Click the button to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today:

First Line Fridays hosted by Hoarding Books

You can then click the link which will take you to the master page of all this week’s #FirstLineFriday posts.

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 | Week #226 | Love, Faith and Tender Kisses Collection

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 from Fake Engagement Mistake by Lisa Renee, which is the first novella in the new Love, Faith, and Tender Kisses collection. Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

Paul Standford's elderly client turned the shoebox upside down, and receipts rained onto his mahogany desk.

I’m going to enjoy reading these novellas!

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

 

About Love, Faith, and Tender Kisses

Boy meets girl. Man meets woman. Sparks fly. All good love stories start here and usually face a myriad of challenges before the young couple find that together they are better.

This set of Contemporary Christian romance stories come from writers across both sides of the pond and Downunder, proving that romance is not only a sweet thing, it’s global.

Here’s a set of stories to inspire, encourage faith, and meet all the warm-fuzzy expectations.

 

 

In this boxset, you’ll receive a total of seven novellas from these popular Christian Romance authors:
  • Fake Engagement Mistake © 2021 by Lisa Renee
  • Last Flight Home © 2021 Milla Holt
  • Falling for Maddie Grace © 2021 Meredith Resce
  • The Billionaire’s Impromptu Bet © 2021 Lorana Hoopes
  • His Perfect Catch © 2021 Narelle Atkins
  • Originally Yours © 2021 Carolyn Miller
  • Imperfectly Proverbs 31 © 2021 Autumn Macarthur

You can find Love, Faith, and Tender Kisses online at:

Amazon | Apple| Goodreads | Kobo

Click the button to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today:

First Line Fridays hosted by Hoarding Books

You can then click the link which will take you to the master page of all this week’s #FirstLineFriday posts.

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!

Do you have a Top 10 List of Christian reads for 2021?

Bookish Question #208 | Do you have a Top Ten List of Christian reads for 2021?

Do you have a Top Five (or Top Ten) List of Christian reads for 2021?

I didn’t, but I’ve put one together 🙂

I track my reading on Goodreads. As I was scanning the books I read during 2021, I noticed a disturbing number where I couldn’t remember anything about them. Most of them were books I hadn’t reviewed, so maybe the act of writing a review helps me remember.

Given the number of books I can barely remember (or remember for the wrong reasons), this list was both difficult and easy to compile. Difficult, because I couldn’t remember so many books (too many).

But easy, because any book I can’t remember surely didn’t impact me enough to make a Top Ten list.

Here, in no particular order, are the best Christian novels I read in 2021:

(Click the titles to see my review.)

1. When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

A fascinating look at Germany in the period before World War II, when international opinion was still divided on whether Hitler’s regime was good or evil.

2. Is it Any Wonder by Courtney Walsh

A strong story of love and forgiveness.

3. Healing Skye by Janet L Ferguson

A fabulous novel of faith and healing.

4. Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy

Recommended both for the excellent Christian message, and for the fascinating setting—Victorian India.

5. Organized Backup by Meredith Resce

The only one on this list I haven’t reviewed, this is a strong rom-com with some serious elements from one of my favourite Australian authors.

6. Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong

This contemporary romance had a unique premise, and the writing was brilliant. I often find rom-coms a bit cringe-inducing, but had no such problems with Meri and Kai.

7. Provenance by Carla Laureano

A one-word title that links the main character’s internal and external character journeys.

8. Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin

Lynn Austin never disappoints, and Chasing Shadows was a winner because of the unique setting and premise – the German invasion of the neutral Netherlands in World War II.

9. The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden

The antics of the Poison Squad, and the importance of proper research trials and food safety regulations.

10. Let it Be Me by Becky Wade

The ooops moment when you find out your parents aren’t actually your parents … and it’s not that they lied to you. It’s that they were given the wrong baby in hospital.

So those are my Top Ten Christian fiction reads for 2021.

What books do you recommend?