Book Review: Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade
Bethany House Publishers, 1st May 2013

When Meg Cole's father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and tenderhearted--more interested in art than in oil--she's forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father's empire.

The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father's thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.

Bo's determined to resent the woman who's decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them--her wealth, his unworthiness, her family's outrage--and earn the right to love her.

But just when Meg begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping, their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg's past. Can their love--and their belief that God can work through every circumstance--survive?

It was the cover that had me from the get-go. Who can resist the gorgeous girly pink and white title, coupled with those totally awesome shoes? Plus the guy? I don't care what he looks like, at this point the cover has won be hands down, so the guy is just part of the awesome package! This book just screamed at me to read it. And I did.

Meg Cole, daughter of a Texas oil baron, has inherited the company from her now deceased father. She has no idea how to run a multimillion dollar company and doesn't really care that much to find out. But it's hers and she's got to figure it out. What she doesn't want to figure out is her father's thoroughbred racehorse farm, or the guy who runs it - Bo Porter. Intent on shutting it down, Meg gives Bo a time frame to settle accounts and shut down the farm - six months.

Things do not go as planned for these two on their rocky yet captivating road to romance.
Meg's past has left her scarred emotionally on many levels. Unable to trust people, particularly her judgment of men, leaves her weary to open her heart and trust again. Bo is a man of character and strength - inside and out. We see this page, after page and we fall for him along with Meg.

Becky Wade is a new author to me and I enjoyed this book a great deal. I personally believe Bo is the glue that holds both Meg and this book together. He's calm, assured strength could withstand a hurricane if it had to and it almost does - an emotional one. In turn watching Meg slowly come into her own is great though. As her faith continues to deepen, so does her strength and will to seize the plans God has for her and to run with them with utter freedom. It's quite beautiful really.

Becky Wade has given readers strong, yet vulnerable characters, a beautiful setting, a great romance and a dream that just snuggles into your heart and stays there.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this novel for review.  I was in no way obliged to give a positive 

review.

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Jess' favourite genre is contemporary women's fiction and contemporary romance fiction. She also enjoys historical fiction with a focus on romance. She loves books set in country towns or farms with a cowboy featured in either historical or contemporary settings.

She is currently writing her first novel, a contemporary women's fiction/romance set in a small country town.

Book Review: My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
Bethany House Publishers, 01 May 2012

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When Kate's grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

 

Yet, she discovers a different kind of project upon meeting the man hired to renovate the house.  Matt Jarreau is attractive and clearly wounded -- hiding from people, from God, and from his past.  Kate can't help but set her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.

 

The cover of My Stubborn Heart caught my attention a while back, and I've had it sitting on my kindle for a little while now.  It was high on my 'to-read' list.  But you know me - I have a definite bias for historical fiction, so it can take me a while before I decide it's time to pull out a contemporary.

Well, if there are more contemporary novels like this, I just may change my bias!

This is a fabulous novel.  I loved it! One of those books that stay with you days after you've turned that last page. It's been a week since I finished this book, and I still don't feel like reading another book.  Unless it's My Stubborn Heart again!

Kate is a great heroine - the kind that you can totally relate to.  31 years old and still hasn't found that right guy.  She's not thrilled about this fact, but she's not all bitter about it either.  She has her job and her house.  She wants to find a husband but isn't going to settle for just anyone - despite the hassling and pity from well-intentioned family and friends.

Matt is probably the hunkiest contemporary fiction hero I've ever read. Seriously - the guy made my heart pound.  Tall, dark, handsome ... wounded and mysterious. He isn't thrilled when Kate starts probing into his life, but is eventually forced to face his past, get over it, and choose to move on with life.

Their romance builds slowly, but once it takes off hold on because it's smokin'! Becky Wade has created the perfect tension between desire and hesitation. And definitely one of the best first kisses I've ever read.

The struggle Kate eventually has to deal with in regards to their relationship are heart wrenching, but it makes the ending so much more sweeter.  And it's such a great example of how God is sometimes telling us 'no' to something we really really want.  Becky has handled it so authentically I couldn't separate my own emotions from Kate's.

Throw in a group of slightly off-centre seniors, a charming old house restoration and you have a well balanced, entertaining, amusing, breath taking contemporary romance with an ending that left me sobbing with happiness.

Becky Wade - you have gained yourself a fan!

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Helen's favourite genre is historical fiction with a strong romantic element.  She also enjoys contemporary romance, chick-lit and YA.  She's not caught up in the spell of fantasy fiction, despite The Faraway Tree series being a strong influence in her childhood.

Helen is currently working on her first book, a Christian young adult novel set between two opposite but equally fascinating places in Australia.

Mercy Hospital #1: Critical Care by Candace Calvert
Tyndale House Publishers, June 3, 2009

After her brother dies in a trauma room, nurse Claire Avery can no longer face the ER. She's determined to make a fresh start???new hospital, new career in nursing education???move forward, no turning back. But her plans fall apart when she's called to offer stress counseling for medical staff after a heartbreaking day care center explosion. Worse, she's forced back to the ER, where she clashes with Logan Caldwell, a doctor who believes touchy-feely counseling is a waste of time. He demands his staff be as tough as he is. Yet he finds himself drawn to this nurse educator . . . who just might teach him the true meaning of healing.

Claire is seriously struggling to get all her ducks in a row after the death of her brother and being shoved into the ER and in the face of Dr Logan Caldwell doesn't help her life plan. But when is God all about our plans? Claire learns as the book goes along that her prayers for healing are being answered - just not the way she wants. She discovers that God's plan for her might be better than the one she's had all along.

Candace Calvert is a new author to me. I've seen her books in the book store, but didn't know whether to buy this one. I  did and really enjoyed it. It's fast paced without seeming unrealistic, good character development and the author really develops the relationship her characters have between each other.

Logan and Claire have chemistry and I like the way they interact with each other. Erin Quinn is a really believable character and I can't wait to read her story in the next book in this series (which is fortunately for me - published already!)

I found myself really chucking in spots and just being adsorbed into this world. A great and engaging read!

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Jess' favourite genre is contemporary women's fiction and contemporary romance fiction. She also enjoys historical fiction with a focus on romance. She loves books set in country towns or farms with a cowboy featured in either historical or contemporary settings.

She is currently writing her first novel, a contemporary women's fiction/romance set in a small country town.

Book Review: Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story by Dee Henderson

Jennifer: An O'Malley Love Story by Dee Henderson
Bethany House Publishers, May 1, 2013

Eagerly Awaited Novella from Dee Henderson

It's a summer of change for Jennifer O'Malley. The busy physician has a pediatrics practice in Dallas, and meeting Tom Peterson, and falling in love, is adding a rich layer to her life. She's sorting out how to introduce him to her family--she's the youngest of seven--and thinking about marriage.

She's falling in love with Jesus too, and knows God is good. But that faith is about to be tested in a way she didn't expect, and the results will soon transform her entire family.

Having read all of the O'Malley Series recently I was wondering about Jennifer's story and when I saw this novella, I was excited to read it.

Jennifer meets Tom and their romance is unhurried and sweet. I liked watching their impromptu dates and the way they spent time together - unhurried but with purpose - they sought each other out to spend time together, just not officially. As the news that will test Jennifer arrives, it will also test her and Tom and just how strong is the love they've developed.

In many ways I didn't want to read this book as it signifies the end of a series I really enjoyed. However, I was always going to read it at the same time. A lovely book to gift her readers with! Thanks Dee Henderson!

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this novel for review.  I was in no way obliged to give a positive 

review.

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Jess' favourite genre is contemporary women's fiction and contemporary romance fiction. She also enjoys historical fiction with a focus on romance. She loves books set in country towns or farms with a cowboy featured in either historical or contemporary settings.

She is currently writing her first novel, a contemporary women's fiction/romance set in a small country town.

Book Review: Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs

Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs
Waterbrook Press, 15 March 2011

SHE LOST EVERYTHING SHE LOVED.
HE HAD EVERYTHING SHE NEEDED.
BUT COULD SHE FIND THE COURAGE TO TRUST HIM?
Stepping from a battered coach on a rainy April eve, newly widowed Elisabeth Kerr must begin again, without husband or title, property or fortune. She is unafraid of work and gifted with a needle, but how will she stitch together the tattered remnants of her life? And who will mend her heart, torn asunder by betrayal and deception?

Elisabeth has not come to Selkirk alone. Her mother-in-law, Marjory Kerr, is a woman undone, having buried her husband, her sons, and any promise of grandchildren. Dependent upon a distant cousin with meager resources, Marjory dreads the future almost as much as she regrets the past. Yet joy still comes knocking, and hope is often found in unexpected places.

Then a worthy hero steps forward, rekindling a spark of hope. Will he risk his reputation to defend two women labeled as traitors to the Crown? Or will a wealthy beauty, untainted by scandal, capture his affections?

The heartrending journey of the Kerr women comes to a glorious finish in Mine Is the Night, a sparkling gem of redemption and restoration set in eighteenth-century Scotland. 

This was my first Liz Curtis Higgs novel.  Liz came highly recommended by gazillions of people, and I can assure you, I wasn't disappointed.

This is my kind of novel - rich in historical detail.  I love feeling like I'm living in the past along with the characters. And Scotland too! What's not to love about Scotland? 

Mine is the Night is a follow up novel to Here Burns My Candle, which I have not read.  But it made no difference to my enjoyment.  The pace of the story is even and temperate, but I actually love this when I'm so engrossed in the details and living in the period. It feels right because it matches eighteenth century living .  Since this novel is based on the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi, there are no surprises in the ending, but I found this comforting.

There is beautiful character development, and Liz has given us lovely examples of brave, yet gentle women.  There are strong themes of forgiveness, mercy and quality amongst believers.  It's a touching story, and I'm so glad there are writers like Liz in the world.

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Helen's favourite genre is historical fiction with a strong romantic element.  She also enjoys contemporary romance, chick-lit and YA.  She's not caught up in the spell of fantasy fiction, despite The Faraway Tree series being a strong influence in her childhood.

Helen is currently working on her first book, a Christian young adult novel set between two opposite but equally fascinating places in Australia.

The Missing Sister

Hi Folks!

You'd be forgiven for thinking I'd disappeared and Book Review Sisters had become Book Review Sister.  Thankfully, Jess has been amazing and diligent in holding up this blog whilst I've been MIA.

I've simply been snowed under parenting.  I thought that as the kids get older, it would get easier.  It's not the case - or at least, not yet.  I'm finding that the kids at ages 4 and 2 are more demanding of my time than they were at 3 and 1.  Right now, I have a "Formidable Four" year old, and a "Terrible Two" year old.  

I have also taken on Sunday School teaching and leading a teens bible study group.  I'm humbled that the Lord wants to use me in this way, but it's also scary because I don't have much experience with these age groups.  Please pray for me, and the kids.

Anyway, something on my plate had to give, and right now, it has been reading and blogging.  I have not read a book since early February - the shock and horror of it all! But I've found the reapplication of my time at present to be rewarding.  The kids are appreciating the extra mummy-attention, and behaving better because of it.  I'm less stressed, and less frustrated because I'm not always trying to do 'something else'.  It's a win-win for my family.

I have a couple of reviews up my sleeve from books I read in January, and I'll be putting those up over the next few weeks.  I can't promise I'll be around a lot, but I will poke my head in from time to time.  

I hope everyone is safe, happy and well wherever you are in this beautiful world, and that you're able to do the reading I can't do right now.  Has anyone read any gems lately? Would love to hear what you're up to and what you're reading.  And if anyone wants to write a book review for our blog, don't be shy :)

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Helen's favourite genre is historical fiction with a strong romantic element.  She also enjoys contemporary romance, chick-lit and YA.  She's not caught up in the spell of fantasy fiction, despite The Faraway Tree series being a strong influence in her childhood.

Helen is currently working on her first book, a Christian young adult novel set between two opposite but equally fascinating places in Australia.

Book Review: Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann

Indivisible by Kristen Heitzmann
WaterBrook Press, May 4, 2010

An inseparable bond.
An insatiable force.

Battling his own personal demons, Police Chief Jonah Westfall knows the dark side of life and has committed himself to eradicating it. 

When a pair of raccoons are found mutilated in Redford, Colorado, Jonah investigates the gruesome act, knowing the strange event could escalate and destroy the tranquility of his small mountain town. 

With a rising drug threat and never-ending conflict with Tia Manning, a formidable childhood friend with whom he has more than a passing history, Jonah fights for answers—and his fragile sobriety.

But he can’t penetrate every wound or secret—especially one fueled by a love and guilt teetering on madness.

From best-selling author Kristen Heitzmann comes a spellbinding tale of severed connections and the consequences of life lived alone. 

This book was an early Christmas present from a good friend and fellow book junkie. Honestly it took me a little while to get into this book. In fact I read two books after starting this one. However, it kept beckoning me over, asking me to keep going and so I picked it up and finished it. I'm very glad I did.

What threw me off at first was the multiple points of view (POV) - four all up. Granted two were secondary with Jonah and Tia being the primary POV. It was unsettling though to change between four characters in the first few chapters of the book and I struggled to keep track of who was where. Once I got passed that I landed in a book I haven't quite read before and I liked what I read.

There is an underlying dark quality in this book. When I say dark quality, I'm not talking mystical stuff, I'm talking about past sins, wrongs, attitudes - life I guess. This book really explores the consequences of actions and the prisons we put ourselves in, in order to pay for our crimes. Heitzmann does this really well in Jonah and Tia - so well that I loved their scenes. They are constantly fighting their love for each other because of the past, that it makes them angry at each other, yet at the same time they are almost codependent on the other for their identity. You might say they are indivisible from each other.

This is a well written book filled with a few twists and turns. However is ultimately a book filled with layers. These characters are not cardboard cut-outs. They fight hard, cry hard and face life hard - often when it doesn't have to be quite so hard - but that is the nature of the prisons they live in. This is one of the best books I've read where characters are so real with each other. It hurts to watch Jonah and Tia letting the past corrode their lives. There is hope in the end though and it's a good ending.

Am looking forward to reading more from this surprising, in-depth and heartfelt writer. 

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Jess' favourite genre is contemporary women's fiction and contemporary romance fiction. She also enjoys historical fiction with a focus on romance. She loves books set in country towns or farms with a cowboy featured in either historical or contemporary settings.

She is currently writing her first novel, a contemporary women's fiction/romance set in a small country town.