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Escaping Illusions
Frozen Footprints
Therese Heckenkamp
2024 Finalist
226 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Risah Salazar for Readers' Favorite
In Escaping Illusions by Therese Heckenkamp, Brook had endured Connor's alcohol-fueled violence, bearing the brunt of his fists for too long. She clung to their daughter, Ella, until she, too, became entangled in the violence for the first time. That moment shattered any resolve Brook had left; she quietly fled their home, taking Ella with her, only to learn hours later that Connor was dead. Amidst the whispers accusing her of his murder, Brook accepts a friend's offer of sanctuary, a place where they can rebuild their lives without the shadow of Connor's death. Unbeknownst to her, the lake house she seeks refuge in belongs to her friend's twin, a renowned magician with whom she once shared a romantic history. Despite Brook choosing Connor over him in the past, lingering emotions resurface. Within this fragile chance at rekindling old flames, Brook finds herself haunted by someone pretending to be Connor.
Escaping Illusions captivates from the outset with a gripping narrative, drawing readers into a world pulsating with vivid imagery and heart-pounding suspense. Therese Heckenkamp's tale engages all the senses, crafting short chapters that culminate in nail-biting cliffhangers. As the story unfolds, a cast of intriguing characters emerges, leaving readers to speculate on who might have the strongest motive to harm Connor and menace Brook in the wake of his demise. Heckenkamp masterfully creates a mental maze, refusing to offer easy answers as to the identity of the true culprit. The urgency to discover the perpetrator intensifies as readers root for Brook to reclaim her life and perhaps find new love. Escaping Illusions is the third installment in the Frozen Footprints series but it can be read as a standalone.
In Escaping Illusions by Therese Heckenkamp, Brook had endured Connor's alcohol-fueled violence, bearing the brunt of his fists for too long. She clung to their daughter, Ella, until she, too, became entangled in the violence for the first time. That moment shattered any resolve Brook had left; she quietly fled their home, taking Ella with her, only to learn hours later that Connor was dead. Amidst the whispers accusing her of his murder, Brook accepts a friend's offer of sanctuary, a place where they can rebuild their lives without the shadow of Connor's death. Unbeknownst to her, the lake house she seeks refuge in belongs to her friend's twin, a renowned magician with whom she once shared a romantic history. Despite Brook choosing Connor over him in the past, lingering emotions resurface. Within this fragile chance at rekindling old flames, Brook finds herself haunted by someone pretending to be Connor.
Escaping Illusions captivates from the outset with a gripping narrative, drawing readers into a world pulsating with vivid imagery and heart-pounding suspense. Therese Heckenkamp's tale engages all the senses, crafting short chapters that culminate in nail-biting cliffhangers. As the story unfolds, a cast of intriguing characters emerges, leaving readers to speculate on who might have the strongest motive to harm Connor and menace Brook in the wake of his demise. Heckenkamp masterfully creates a mental maze, refusing to offer easy answers as to the identity of the true culprit. The urgency to discover the perpetrator intensifies as readers root for Brook to reclaim her life and perhaps find new love. Escaping Illusions is the third installment in the Frozen Footprints series but it can be read as a standalone.
Recommend this book:
Taking Boston
J. Steven Butler
2024 Honorable Mention
281 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Lexie Fox for Readers' Favorite
Taking Boston is a Christian contemporary romance by J. Steven Butler, following the life of pastor Jake Wilson as he takes in his young god-daughter Boston following a tragic accident. As he supports Boston through her trauma and forms a life-changing bond with her, the pair meets the recently divorced Jessica who is part of Jake’s congregation. As Jake’s feelings for Jessica blossom, her trauma comes to the surface as a vindictive member of the church targets her. As the three grow closer, the healing they need feels like an impossible struggle compounded by a threat to the church community that Jake has managed to build.
A challenging question for people of faith will always be why a loving God allows suffering. While Taking Boston doesn’t try to provide a definitive answer to this complex discussion, it does do a wonderful job of exploring how God’s love heals us in the wake of tragedy and builds us back up into something new and stronger than before. The characters and their relationships are all inherently believable, as J. Steven Butler shows a deft ability to depict the complex emotions of wounded people who are trying to heal. Taking Boston is a beautiful and emotional journey that explores faith and love, as well as their respective roles in the healing process. That journey is a sweet one grounded in the real world but not so much that we can’t lose ourselves in the characters. A worthwhile and purposeful story with a tender romance at its heart, I recommend this book to all readers.
Taking Boston is a Christian contemporary romance by J. Steven Butler, following the life of pastor Jake Wilson as he takes in his young god-daughter Boston following a tragic accident. As he supports Boston through her trauma and forms a life-changing bond with her, the pair meets the recently divorced Jessica who is part of Jake’s congregation. As Jake’s feelings for Jessica blossom, her trauma comes to the surface as a vindictive member of the church targets her. As the three grow closer, the healing they need feels like an impossible struggle compounded by a threat to the church community that Jake has managed to build.
A challenging question for people of faith will always be why a loving God allows suffering. While Taking Boston doesn’t try to provide a definitive answer to this complex discussion, it does do a wonderful job of exploring how God’s love heals us in the wake of tragedy and builds us back up into something new and stronger than before. The characters and their relationships are all inherently believable, as J. Steven Butler shows a deft ability to depict the complex emotions of wounded people who are trying to heal. Taking Boston is a beautiful and emotional journey that explores faith and love, as well as their respective roles in the healing process. That journey is a sweet one grounded in the real world but not so much that we can’t lose ourselves in the characters. A worthwhile and purposeful story with a tender romance at its heart, I recommend this book to all readers.
Recommend this book:
Since the Day We Danced
Hadley Cove Sweet Romance Book 1
Kerk Murray
2024 Bronze Medal
350 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Kerk Murray's Since The Day We Danced is the first book in the Hadley Cove Sweet Romance series. Emma is struggling to recover from her divorce from her high school sweetheart, Chad. She is forced to move from the house her grandparents had given them as a wedding gift. Emma moves into a small house with her dog, Riley. After the fireworks display, Emma discovers Riley is missing. Meanwhile, Luke has decided to move to Hadley Cove to provide a change of scenery for his son, Jeremiah. Since his mother died, Jeremiah has been expelled from school for fighting. On the second day at the new house, a dog shows up on their porch. Luke encounters Emma, and she is elated to find that he has found her beloved dog. They find it easy to spend time together; however, Jeremiah refuses to move past losing his mother.
Kerk Murray alternates between Emma's and Luke’s views on living in Hadley Cove. There is exceptional detail given to how friendly the small-town residents are. The rumors also follow, with everyone knowing everyone else in town. It was obvious that Jeremiah lacked trust in his father. I could see Luke feeling guilty for not being present in Jeremiah’s childhood; his wife had always been the stable force for Jeremiah. Emma’s attempt to disguise her feelings shows in her determination to stay busy. It was easy to see why she was hesitant to let Luke into her life, especially with Jeremiah requiring Luke’s constant attention. The plot becomes unpredictable with the appearance of several supporting characters. They added to the complex story and challenged the relationship between Luke and Emma. Since The Day We Danced will appeal to readers who enjoy clean romances with complex characters.
Kerk Murray's Since The Day We Danced is the first book in the Hadley Cove Sweet Romance series. Emma is struggling to recover from her divorce from her high school sweetheart, Chad. She is forced to move from the house her grandparents had given them as a wedding gift. Emma moves into a small house with her dog, Riley. After the fireworks display, Emma discovers Riley is missing. Meanwhile, Luke has decided to move to Hadley Cove to provide a change of scenery for his son, Jeremiah. Since his mother died, Jeremiah has been expelled from school for fighting. On the second day at the new house, a dog shows up on their porch. Luke encounters Emma, and she is elated to find that he has found her beloved dog. They find it easy to spend time together; however, Jeremiah refuses to move past losing his mother.
Kerk Murray alternates between Emma's and Luke’s views on living in Hadley Cove. There is exceptional detail given to how friendly the small-town residents are. The rumors also follow, with everyone knowing everyone else in town. It was obvious that Jeremiah lacked trust in his father. I could see Luke feeling guilty for not being present in Jeremiah’s childhood; his wife had always been the stable force for Jeremiah. Emma’s attempt to disguise her feelings shows in her determination to stay busy. It was easy to see why she was hesitant to let Luke into her life, especially with Jeremiah requiring Luke’s constant attention. The plot becomes unpredictable with the appearance of several supporting characters. They added to the complex story and challenged the relationship between Luke and Emma. Since The Day We Danced will appeal to readers who enjoy clean romances with complex characters.
Recommend this book:
Season of Faith
The Seasons Series Book 3
Sara Jane Jacobs
2024 Silver Medal
231 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Garmon Eugene for Readers' Favorite
Season of Faith by Sara Jane Jacobs is the third in the The Seasons series. This particular book centers on the life and love story of Amanda Jarvis and Tyler Armstrong, who are the central characters. Amanda worked as a model in New York until a traumatic experience with a certain Robert Calloway forced her to return to her parents in Florida. Tyler, her boyfriend, was in the Navy SEAL team until an accident while in the field forced him to receive a medical discharge. This story centers on the struggles the couple faces as they navigate post-traumatic experiences, grief, working toward their healing, both mentally and with estranged family relationships, and still staying strong in love.
Season of Faith by Sara Jane Jacobs is a book every reader will appreciate. I enjoyed the story, especially how both lead characters were strong and resilient in their faith and the love they had for each other. I liked how supportive Amanda was of Tyler when she learned about his accident and how she kept researching ways to help him overcome his PTSD and the best form of therapy for him. I also liked the solid friendship Amanda's family had with Tyler's mom, Jessica, and how helpful she was during their time of grief. I also liked the relationship between Amanda and Tyler, how they managed conflicts and misunderstandings, and how they communicated effectively what the other was feeling at that moment. It made it easier for them to overcome whatever they were going through. All this made me look forward to reading the previous books in the series.
Season of Faith by Sara Jane Jacobs is the third in the The Seasons series. This particular book centers on the life and love story of Amanda Jarvis and Tyler Armstrong, who are the central characters. Amanda worked as a model in New York until a traumatic experience with a certain Robert Calloway forced her to return to her parents in Florida. Tyler, her boyfriend, was in the Navy SEAL team until an accident while in the field forced him to receive a medical discharge. This story centers on the struggles the couple faces as they navigate post-traumatic experiences, grief, working toward their healing, both mentally and with estranged family relationships, and still staying strong in love.
Season of Faith by Sara Jane Jacobs is a book every reader will appreciate. I enjoyed the story, especially how both lead characters were strong and resilient in their faith and the love they had for each other. I liked how supportive Amanda was of Tyler when she learned about his accident and how she kept researching ways to help him overcome his PTSD and the best form of therapy for him. I also liked the solid friendship Amanda's family had with Tyler's mom, Jessica, and how helpful she was during their time of grief. I also liked the relationship between Amanda and Tyler, how they managed conflicts and misunderstandings, and how they communicated effectively what the other was feeling at that moment. It made it easier for them to overcome whatever they were going through. All this made me look forward to reading the previous books in the series.
Recommend this book:
Challenging the Chef
Summer Creek Book 6
Shanna Hatfield
2024 Gold Medal
417 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite
In Challenging the Chef, Shanna Hatfield presents a heartwarming love story intertwined with delicious recipes, set in the town of Summer Creek, Oregon. Owen Thorpe, once a celebrated chef in New York, grudgingly accepts to offer cooking lessons as part of an auction for a charity in Portland. He is surprised by the auction winner, Tawni Young, who is not what he expected. To hide his attraction toward her, he is curt and unwelcoming. Despite this, Tawni falls in love with Summer Creek and gets an offer to spend her summer break working for Poppy, a new friend. She is torn about accepting this offer as it may involve interacting with Owen whom she thinks is arrogant. The residents of Summer Creek are quick to see the attraction between Owen and Tawni, and it's then up to the two to find ways of making this burgeoning romance work.
In Challenging the Chef: Summer Creek Book 6, Shanna Hatfield explores the theme of love and the courage it takes to open one’s heart to new possibilities. The characters work through their past hurts, fears, and insecurities to make a meaningful connection. For instance, as Owen realizes he has growing feelings for Tawni, he is also made aware of the support and love from the Summer Creek community. The plot is engaging and has the needed ingredients for a fantastic love story. My favorite part of Owen and Tawni’s story is when they gradually grow together, working through internal and external conflicts. Shanna Hatfield masterfully portrays all this and at the end, gives a satisfying resolution and conclusion to Owen and Tawni's romance.
In Challenging the Chef, Shanna Hatfield presents a heartwarming love story intertwined with delicious recipes, set in the town of Summer Creek, Oregon. Owen Thorpe, once a celebrated chef in New York, grudgingly accepts to offer cooking lessons as part of an auction for a charity in Portland. He is surprised by the auction winner, Tawni Young, who is not what he expected. To hide his attraction toward her, he is curt and unwelcoming. Despite this, Tawni falls in love with Summer Creek and gets an offer to spend her summer break working for Poppy, a new friend. She is torn about accepting this offer as it may involve interacting with Owen whom she thinks is arrogant. The residents of Summer Creek are quick to see the attraction between Owen and Tawni, and it's then up to the two to find ways of making this burgeoning romance work.
In Challenging the Chef: Summer Creek Book 6, Shanna Hatfield explores the theme of love and the courage it takes to open one’s heart to new possibilities. The characters work through their past hurts, fears, and insecurities to make a meaningful connection. For instance, as Owen realizes he has growing feelings for Tawni, he is also made aware of the support and love from the Summer Creek community. The plot is engaging and has the needed ingredients for a fantastic love story. My favorite part of Owen and Tawni’s story is when they gradually grow together, working through internal and external conflicts. Shanna Hatfield masterfully portrays all this and at the end, gives a satisfying resolution and conclusion to Owen and Tawni's romance.
Recommend this book:
A Wisp of Faith
Chrystal Gilkey
2023 Finalist
178 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
The delightful contemporary romance story, A Wisp of Faith by Chrystal Gilkey, blends a town’s captivating history with a young woman’s journey of growing stronger in her faith. Since her childhood days, Mercedes has always loved clouds. After pursuing meteorology, she lands her first job at a local news station. Soon after, Mercedes is let go. She struggles to decide on her next step. She had earlier received a strange email from an anonymous person requesting her to investigate a shrinking cloud in Shady Springs. The cloud has been hovering over a lake since the town’s establishment. Intrigued by the story and encouraged by her friends, she travels to the town to make inquiries. The journey turns into a wonderful romance and a chance for Mercedes to grow in her faith.
The story includes many life-changing lessons about finding hope despite disappointments and lessons about God’s steadfast love. I found Mercedes to be a relatable character whose faith is restored in remarkable ways. I loved how the author beautifully threads her story with the mystery and the town’s history. I was inspired by the town’s founding pastor’s strong faith despite the painful and difficult events that occur as his group made its way to the town’s current location. I also loved how different characters exemplified other valuable attributes such as forgiveness. A Wisp of Faith by Chrystal Gilkey is a wonderful Christian romance novel with realistic characters whose lives readers will relate to. It includes a lovely mystery and impactful, encouraging messages about overcoming doubt and growing in faith.
The delightful contemporary romance story, A Wisp of Faith by Chrystal Gilkey, blends a town’s captivating history with a young woman’s journey of growing stronger in her faith. Since her childhood days, Mercedes has always loved clouds. After pursuing meteorology, she lands her first job at a local news station. Soon after, Mercedes is let go. She struggles to decide on her next step. She had earlier received a strange email from an anonymous person requesting her to investigate a shrinking cloud in Shady Springs. The cloud has been hovering over a lake since the town’s establishment. Intrigued by the story and encouraged by her friends, she travels to the town to make inquiries. The journey turns into a wonderful romance and a chance for Mercedes to grow in her faith.
The story includes many life-changing lessons about finding hope despite disappointments and lessons about God’s steadfast love. I found Mercedes to be a relatable character whose faith is restored in remarkable ways. I loved how the author beautifully threads her story with the mystery and the town’s history. I was inspired by the town’s founding pastor’s strong faith despite the painful and difficult events that occur as his group made its way to the town’s current location. I also loved how different characters exemplified other valuable attributes such as forgiveness. A Wisp of Faith by Chrystal Gilkey is a wonderful Christian romance novel with realistic characters whose lives readers will relate to. It includes a lovely mystery and impactful, encouraging messages about overcoming doubt and growing in faith.
Recommend this book:
Season of Deception
The Seasons Series Book 2
Sara Jane Jacobs
2023 Honorable Mention
354 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Tracy Traynor for Readers' Favorite
Season of Deception by Sara Jane Jacobs is a sweet Christian romance that I really enjoyed. Amanda Jarvis has the most cunning, conniving aunt in the world! Intent on exerting her will over her niece, Phoebe Garrison sets out on a plan to control Amanda’s life. Part of the deceit is to pull Amanda away from her childhood sweetheart, Tyler Armstrong. When Tyler supposedly stops contacting her, Amanda is bewildered, lost, and hurt. One day she finds herself in the company of a rich Englishman called Eric Bridwell. He is charming, kind, not to mention extremely handsome, and wants to take care of her. Slowly, she begins to fall in love again, and although memories of Tyler are pushed to the back they are always there. A thrilling, super-dramatic ending brings the three together. How honest will they be when revealing the truth might send the one they love into another person’s arms?
Although Season of Deception is number two in the series, it was very easy to read as a standalone. The only thing I would say is—as a person who didn’t read book one I had no affinity with Tyler and really wanted a certain ending to happen. With that in mind, it might be best to read book one first. Sara Jane Jacobs has an easy flow to her writing that carried me along and kept me fully engaged. The love triangle is moving and tugs at the emotions. Sara touches on what love truly is and how if we are not careful love can be selfish (I’m talking about the aunt here). The author shows how true love is self-sacrificing and always puts the happiness of others first. I also really liked how a girl who grew up in a log cabin on a mountain in North Carolina can be given her every wish and dream—only to learn that it means nothing without true love. A lovely story and I would definitely read more by this author.
Season of Deception by Sara Jane Jacobs is a sweet Christian romance that I really enjoyed. Amanda Jarvis has the most cunning, conniving aunt in the world! Intent on exerting her will over her niece, Phoebe Garrison sets out on a plan to control Amanda’s life. Part of the deceit is to pull Amanda away from her childhood sweetheart, Tyler Armstrong. When Tyler supposedly stops contacting her, Amanda is bewildered, lost, and hurt. One day she finds herself in the company of a rich Englishman called Eric Bridwell. He is charming, kind, not to mention extremely handsome, and wants to take care of her. Slowly, she begins to fall in love again, and although memories of Tyler are pushed to the back they are always there. A thrilling, super-dramatic ending brings the three together. How honest will they be when revealing the truth might send the one they love into another person’s arms?
Although Season of Deception is number two in the series, it was very easy to read as a standalone. The only thing I would say is—as a person who didn’t read book one I had no affinity with Tyler and really wanted a certain ending to happen. With that in mind, it might be best to read book one first. Sara Jane Jacobs has an easy flow to her writing that carried me along and kept me fully engaged. The love triangle is moving and tugs at the emotions. Sara touches on what love truly is and how if we are not careful love can be selfish (I’m talking about the aunt here). The author shows how true love is self-sacrificing and always puts the happiness of others first. I also really liked how a girl who grew up in a log cabin on a mountain in North Carolina can be given her every wish and dream—only to learn that it means nothing without true love. A lovely story and I would definitely read more by this author.
Recommend this book:
Secrets of Fortuny Bay
Book Two of Fortuny Bay Series
Ara Grigorian
2023 Bronze Medal
253 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Catalina, shortened to Cat, is fighting a custody battle with her former in-laws, the Roca family, for her son Fransico, affectionately called Chicho. Her friends are adamant that she needs all the help she can get to win this war because the Roca family is not average. They run the town and have enough power and money to make people disappear. Cat seeks the Lord in prayer for assistance and guidance because He is her source of strength and protection. Through a series of investigations, Cat and her friends discover that there is more to this case than meets the eye. The clues they uncover all point to a series of well-thought-out crimes and they realize their lives are in danger. Find out if Cat will finally be reunited with her son in Secrets of Fortuny Bay by Ara Grigorian.
Secrets of Fortuny Bay is the second installment in the Fortuny Bay series but can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. The story contains elements of mystery, friendship, faith, and love, as Ara Grigorian brings all the characters to life with great writing skills. The author tells the story from multiple points of view; however, it is easy to follow and understand as each chapter begins with a character's name. I loved the brewing romance between Cat and her friend Leo. Cat is going through a lot, and I understand why she takes her time with him, yet Leo displays true friendship and patience. Everyone on Cat's team knows their lives are in danger and they are determined to stay by her side. Van's wits and attitude were hysterical and brought a refreshing element to the story. I loved every minute of reading it and recommend it to all book lovers. Amazing story.
Catalina, shortened to Cat, is fighting a custody battle with her former in-laws, the Roca family, for her son Fransico, affectionately called Chicho. Her friends are adamant that she needs all the help she can get to win this war because the Roca family is not average. They run the town and have enough power and money to make people disappear. Cat seeks the Lord in prayer for assistance and guidance because He is her source of strength and protection. Through a series of investigations, Cat and her friends discover that there is more to this case than meets the eye. The clues they uncover all point to a series of well-thought-out crimes and they realize their lives are in danger. Find out if Cat will finally be reunited with her son in Secrets of Fortuny Bay by Ara Grigorian.
Secrets of Fortuny Bay is the second installment in the Fortuny Bay series but can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. The story contains elements of mystery, friendship, faith, and love, as Ara Grigorian brings all the characters to life with great writing skills. The author tells the story from multiple points of view; however, it is easy to follow and understand as each chapter begins with a character's name. I loved the brewing romance between Cat and her friend Leo. Cat is going through a lot, and I understand why she takes her time with him, yet Leo displays true friendship and patience. Everyone on Cat's team knows their lives are in danger and they are determined to stay by her side. Van's wits and attitude were hysterical and brought a refreshing element to the story. I loved every minute of reading it and recommend it to all book lovers. Amazing story.
Recommend this book:
Love on the Brain
A Sweet Small-Town Second Chance Medical Romance
Kerry Evelyn
2023 Silver Medal
282 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Kerry Evelyn’s Love on the Brain features Jane Porter Allen and Ryan Engstrom as they deal with grief, hope, and prayer for Noah’s survival. Jane was still grieving over the loss of her husband Casey to cancer. Now her son Noah has a brain tumor. The failure to perform a biopsy had Ryan advising Jane to bring Noah to Austin. As a pediatric neurosurgeon, he could remove the tumor. Staying at Ryan’s home opened the door for Ryan and Jane to take their friendship further. However, guilt over betraying Casey’s memory made Jane feel conflicted about how she felt. Noah and Jane returned to Maine to wait six weeks before an elite team could perform the delicate surgery. Ryan was faced with a difficult decision. If the procedure was not successful, would Jane see him as a failure and end their complicated relationship? If Noah died, would she blame him?
Kerry Evelyn’s portrayal of faith in God, grief, recovery, and hope in Love on the Brain is full of suspense. I kept holding my breath when Noah had to wait for answers. It brought tears to my eyes when Noah asked, “If you can't fix my head, I'm going to go to heaven to be with Daddy, right?” A five-year-old child facing a life-or-death situation would break anyone’s heart. Jane had videos of Casey that she played at least four times a day, explaining why she was stuck in the past. The perspectives of Ryan and Jane transition effortlessly. The family support for Noah was endearing, and the prayers relayed the emotions felt in the hospital. The theme of processing grief by having faith in God’s timing is present throughout. The supporting characters added to the plot and brought to light the vulnerabilities of Ryan and Jane. Love on the Brain will appeal to Christian readers who enjoy emotional romances full of hope.
Kerry Evelyn’s Love on the Brain features Jane Porter Allen and Ryan Engstrom as they deal with grief, hope, and prayer for Noah’s survival. Jane was still grieving over the loss of her husband Casey to cancer. Now her son Noah has a brain tumor. The failure to perform a biopsy had Ryan advising Jane to bring Noah to Austin. As a pediatric neurosurgeon, he could remove the tumor. Staying at Ryan’s home opened the door for Ryan and Jane to take their friendship further. However, guilt over betraying Casey’s memory made Jane feel conflicted about how she felt. Noah and Jane returned to Maine to wait six weeks before an elite team could perform the delicate surgery. Ryan was faced with a difficult decision. If the procedure was not successful, would Jane see him as a failure and end their complicated relationship? If Noah died, would she blame him?
Kerry Evelyn’s portrayal of faith in God, grief, recovery, and hope in Love on the Brain is full of suspense. I kept holding my breath when Noah had to wait for answers. It brought tears to my eyes when Noah asked, “If you can't fix my head, I'm going to go to heaven to be with Daddy, right?” A five-year-old child facing a life-or-death situation would break anyone’s heart. Jane had videos of Casey that she played at least four times a day, explaining why she was stuck in the past. The perspectives of Ryan and Jane transition effortlessly. The family support for Noah was endearing, and the prayers relayed the emotions felt in the hospital. The theme of processing grief by having faith in God’s timing is present throughout. The supporting characters added to the plot and brought to light the vulnerabilities of Ryan and Jane. Love on the Brain will appeal to Christian readers who enjoy emotional romances full of hope.
Recommend this book:
Lake Bride
Holiday Brides
Shanna Hatfield
2023 Gold Medal
264 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Tracy Traynor for Readers' Favorite
Lake Bride: Holiday Brides by Shanna Hatfield is a wholesome romance that was a pleasure to read. Bridger Holt is leaving the army. For the last two years, he has stood guard to The Unknown Soldier, now he’s at a loss of where his life should be. When his uncle, Wallace Holt, dies, leaving Bridger his lakeside cabin and some other treasures, Bridger decides to take time out and assess his life. Nurse Shayla Reeves is the ultimate joyful optimist. She came to Holiday, Oregon, to start a new life where she could enjoy nature. Unbeknown to her, she has been camping on private property. When Bridger goes to chase off the intruder, he is instantly attracted to her. The feeling is mutual.
Shanna Hatfield has done an amazing job of building a tender romance with these two characters that, at first glance, seem to be opposites. The depth of the writing pulled me in, and I loved the easy flow of the romantic plot. Shanna puts a lot of detail into each person—looks, background, hopes, and dreams. This “fleshing out” causes them to become real and believable. I feel that a lot of research must have been done before the story commenced, and I appreciated the level of detail. Her writing style is smooth, so this was a relaxing read. The introduction of a stray dog, a lost fawn, and a hungry squirrel added magic to this really lovely contemporary romance. I can easily recommend Lake Bride to everyone who enjoys well-written, sweet romances.
Lake Bride: Holiday Brides by Shanna Hatfield is a wholesome romance that was a pleasure to read. Bridger Holt is leaving the army. For the last two years, he has stood guard to The Unknown Soldier, now he’s at a loss of where his life should be. When his uncle, Wallace Holt, dies, leaving Bridger his lakeside cabin and some other treasures, Bridger decides to take time out and assess his life. Nurse Shayla Reeves is the ultimate joyful optimist. She came to Holiday, Oregon, to start a new life where she could enjoy nature. Unbeknown to her, she has been camping on private property. When Bridger goes to chase off the intruder, he is instantly attracted to her. The feeling is mutual.
Shanna Hatfield has done an amazing job of building a tender romance with these two characters that, at first glance, seem to be opposites. The depth of the writing pulled me in, and I loved the easy flow of the romantic plot. Shanna puts a lot of detail into each person—looks, background, hopes, and dreams. This “fleshing out” causes them to become real and believable. I feel that a lot of research must have been done before the story commenced, and I appreciated the level of detail. Her writing style is smooth, so this was a relaxing read. The introduction of a stray dog, a lost fawn, and a hungry squirrel added magic to this really lovely contemporary romance. I can easily recommend Lake Bride to everyone who enjoys well-written, sweet romances.
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