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Till Tomorrow Never Comes
A Wholesome Christian Romance
A W Anthony
2025 Finalist
220 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Till Tomorrow Never Comes by A W Anthony is a heartbreaking story that follows Kurt Kellerman, a man diagnosed with Stage 3 pancreatic cancer and relieved to be dying. His therapist questions him about why he is at ease leaving his lovely family and comfortable life, something that many would fight for. Kurt confesses that he has lived his whole life doing the right thing, but all it has ever brought him is heartache and depression. This all started years ago when he was in high school and found a love so passionate. His love for Mary was deep, but lies and uncontrollable circumstances led to their separation. Kurt’s struggles with regrets of unfulfilled dreams led to a life filled with pain and torment, making him question whether his obedience and morality were worth it.
Till Tomorrow Never Comes is a thought-provoking Christian romance that tackles various moral and social issues. Kurt is a complex and relatable character with whom readers can empathize. His struggles are what many believers deal with daily. Choosing between our desires and what is right is not easy. This lesson is prevalent throughout the book, from Mary and Kurt's relationship to his interactions with people who tried to lead him onto the wrong path, like wayward friends and complacent colleagues at work. The story also delves into parental desires and expectations, illustrating how family influences can complicate personal faith and moral choices. A W Anthony does a great job of presenting these predicaments in a captivating tale. The book can be read as a fictional memoir or a moral tale. Overall, it is a lesson-filled story that will help you reflect on your life choices.
Till Tomorrow Never Comes by A W Anthony is a heartbreaking story that follows Kurt Kellerman, a man diagnosed with Stage 3 pancreatic cancer and relieved to be dying. His therapist questions him about why he is at ease leaving his lovely family and comfortable life, something that many would fight for. Kurt confesses that he has lived his whole life doing the right thing, but all it has ever brought him is heartache and depression. This all started years ago when he was in high school and found a love so passionate. His love for Mary was deep, but lies and uncontrollable circumstances led to their separation. Kurt’s struggles with regrets of unfulfilled dreams led to a life filled with pain and torment, making him question whether his obedience and morality were worth it.
Till Tomorrow Never Comes is a thought-provoking Christian romance that tackles various moral and social issues. Kurt is a complex and relatable character with whom readers can empathize. His struggles are what many believers deal with daily. Choosing between our desires and what is right is not easy. This lesson is prevalent throughout the book, from Mary and Kurt's relationship to his interactions with people who tried to lead him onto the wrong path, like wayward friends and complacent colleagues at work. The story also delves into parental desires and expectations, illustrating how family influences can complicate personal faith and moral choices. A W Anthony does a great job of presenting these predicaments in a captivating tale. The book can be read as a fictional memoir or a moral tale. Overall, it is a lesson-filled story that will help you reflect on your life choices.
Recommend this book:
When The Hummingbirds Danced in A Honeysuckle Sky
Patrick E. Craig
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
When the Hummingbirds Danced in a Honeysuckle Sky by Patrick E. Craig is a moving and emotionally layered story of love, regret, and redemption. Josie Winters, a faded country music star, finds herself grappling not only with cancer but with the painful echoes of a fractured past. Her estranged daughter refuses contact, leaving Josie to face her final chapter alone until Wesley, the husband who abandoned her decades ago, unexpectedly reenters her life. With nowhere else to turn, Josie accepts his help reluctantly, and the two begin a difficult but heartfelt reckoning with their shared history. Through quiet moments, painful memories, and the fragile renewal of trust, they discover that healing is possible, even at the edge of life. Told with lyrical grace and emotional depth, this novel is a testament to the enduring bonds of love and the fragile hope that can still bloom in the twilight of one’s journey.
Author Patrick E. Craig knows how to get to the soul of a character swiftly and naturally, and readers are quickly gripped by Josie and her plight in a beautifully written tale of second chances, steeped in emotional authenticity and quiet grace. I thought the dialogue was especially clever in unveiling new emotional moments and discoveries in the plot, but nothing ever felt forced and sounded truly from the heart. This helps the themes of forgiveness, aging, and love to come through in situations and conversations that readers will find personally familiar, and the lessons and experiences Josie and her family go through linger long after you’ve set the book down. It certainly makes for an emotionally resonant read. It’s also a work that’s unflinchingly honest about the tough subjects and speaks to the heart of what it means to be family through thick and thin. Overall, I would certainly recommend When the Hummingbirds Danced in a Honeysuckle Sky as a poignant exploration of reconciliation and legacy that is perfectly paced and powerfully told.
When the Hummingbirds Danced in a Honeysuckle Sky by Patrick E. Craig is a moving and emotionally layered story of love, regret, and redemption. Josie Winters, a faded country music star, finds herself grappling not only with cancer but with the painful echoes of a fractured past. Her estranged daughter refuses contact, leaving Josie to face her final chapter alone until Wesley, the husband who abandoned her decades ago, unexpectedly reenters her life. With nowhere else to turn, Josie accepts his help reluctantly, and the two begin a difficult but heartfelt reckoning with their shared history. Through quiet moments, painful memories, and the fragile renewal of trust, they discover that healing is possible, even at the edge of life. Told with lyrical grace and emotional depth, this novel is a testament to the enduring bonds of love and the fragile hope that can still bloom in the twilight of one’s journey.
Author Patrick E. Craig knows how to get to the soul of a character swiftly and naturally, and readers are quickly gripped by Josie and her plight in a beautifully written tale of second chances, steeped in emotional authenticity and quiet grace. I thought the dialogue was especially clever in unveiling new emotional moments and discoveries in the plot, but nothing ever felt forced and sounded truly from the heart. This helps the themes of forgiveness, aging, and love to come through in situations and conversations that readers will find personally familiar, and the lessons and experiences Josie and her family go through linger long after you’ve set the book down. It certainly makes for an emotionally resonant read. It’s also a work that’s unflinchingly honest about the tough subjects and speaks to the heart of what it means to be family through thick and thin. Overall, I would certainly recommend When the Hummingbirds Danced in a Honeysuckle Sky as a poignant exploration of reconciliation and legacy that is perfectly paced and powerfully told.
Recommend this book:
The Sweet Experiment
Chelsey Elise Young
2025 Bronze Medal
228 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite
Chelsey Elise Young skillfully brings together the tropes of coming of age and coming to faith. Set on a university campus, The Sweet Experiment follows undergraduate Payton’s desire to change who she is to attract the attention of her college crush. Influenced by her friends and crushed by her unraveling home life, she searches for others’ definitions of what constitutes a sweet girl. Her painful journey brings her to faith and she finds out what sweetness really means.
I found The Sweet Experiment incredibly enjoyable. It was grammatically flawless and a pleasurable read. Payton’s battle between the broad and narrow ways will resonate with readers as she struggles to find hope while being repelled by the religiosity of the placard-waving Christians. I liked how genuine the characters are and how Chelsey Elise Young uses their natures and behaviors to guide Payton toward faith. There’s a valuable lesson in Payton’s perception that those friends she reveres as trustworthy are shown not to be, and those she considers too perfect are simply forgiven. There is a powerful theme of restitution throughout and a sense of no one being left behind. But I loved best the subtle, clever humor which lightens the mood and provides laugh-out-loud moments. I appreciated the description of the Hound of Heaven, and my favorite quote is: ‘It occurred to me that I had exchanged the fleeting affections of worldly princes for the unchanging love of a Perfect King.’ This is an encouraging and upbeat novel, offering as much refreshment as entertainment.
Chelsey Elise Young skillfully brings together the tropes of coming of age and coming to faith. Set on a university campus, The Sweet Experiment follows undergraduate Payton’s desire to change who she is to attract the attention of her college crush. Influenced by her friends and crushed by her unraveling home life, she searches for others’ definitions of what constitutes a sweet girl. Her painful journey brings her to faith and she finds out what sweetness really means.
I found The Sweet Experiment incredibly enjoyable. It was grammatically flawless and a pleasurable read. Payton’s battle between the broad and narrow ways will resonate with readers as she struggles to find hope while being repelled by the religiosity of the placard-waving Christians. I liked how genuine the characters are and how Chelsey Elise Young uses their natures and behaviors to guide Payton toward faith. There’s a valuable lesson in Payton’s perception that those friends she reveres as trustworthy are shown not to be, and those she considers too perfect are simply forgiven. There is a powerful theme of restitution throughout and a sense of no one being left behind. But I loved best the subtle, clever humor which lightens the mood and provides laugh-out-loud moments. I appreciated the description of the Hound of Heaven, and my favorite quote is: ‘It occurred to me that I had exchanged the fleeting affections of worldly princes for the unchanging love of a Perfect King.’ This is an encouraging and upbeat novel, offering as much refreshment as entertainment.
Recommend this book:
The Tire Swing
Crystal Walton
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
The Tire Swing by Crystal Walton is a heartwarming Christian romance that explores second chances. Ellie Barrett returns to her quaint hometown after her Aunt Bev unexpectedly named her as the estate's executor in the will. What should have been a straightforward task quickly turns complicated when Ellie discovers her aunt left her with a mess—an estate dispute. As Ellie seeks answers, she finds herself drawn into a tangled web of memories with Cole Patterson, the boy she once loved and still has feelings for. Their reunion sparks old emotions and unresolved conflicts, forcing them to confront their past and the uncertain future that lies ahead. For Cole Patterson, it is not just about helping Ellie keep the house. Ellie might disrupt all his plans. But this time, will he make her a part of his plan for life?
Crystal Walton infuses the writing with such sweetness that it kept me spellbound, and I couldn’t resist the pull of the story. In addition to the mesmerizing prose, the carefully crafted characters are sculpted with such emotional depth that they become great companions. The author teases, captivates, leaves clues, and knows just how to touch the right strings in the hearts of the characters. This romance is suspenseful, driven by an emotional and psychological drama that brilliantly captures the tension between two people who have loved and lost and who are seeking each other out again. Both characters are tested by external threats—family secrets, town rivalries, and the looming threat of losing Ellie’s family home. The Tire Swing is a must-read for anyone looking for a love that redeems and romance that is infused with realism.
The Tire Swing by Crystal Walton is a heartwarming Christian romance that explores second chances. Ellie Barrett returns to her quaint hometown after her Aunt Bev unexpectedly named her as the estate's executor in the will. What should have been a straightforward task quickly turns complicated when Ellie discovers her aunt left her with a mess—an estate dispute. As Ellie seeks answers, she finds herself drawn into a tangled web of memories with Cole Patterson, the boy she once loved and still has feelings for. Their reunion sparks old emotions and unresolved conflicts, forcing them to confront their past and the uncertain future that lies ahead. For Cole Patterson, it is not just about helping Ellie keep the house. Ellie might disrupt all his plans. But this time, will he make her a part of his plan for life?
Crystal Walton infuses the writing with such sweetness that it kept me spellbound, and I couldn’t resist the pull of the story. In addition to the mesmerizing prose, the carefully crafted characters are sculpted with such emotional depth that they become great companions. The author teases, captivates, leaves clues, and knows just how to touch the right strings in the hearts of the characters. This romance is suspenseful, driven by an emotional and psychological drama that brilliantly captures the tension between two people who have loved and lost and who are seeking each other out again. Both characters are tested by external threats—family secrets, town rivalries, and the looming threat of losing Ellie’s family home. The Tire Swing is a must-read for anyone looking for a love that redeems and romance that is infused with realism.
Recommend this book:
Marrying the Mechanic
Summer Creek
Shanna Hatfield
2025 Gold Medal
409 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Marrying The Mechanic by Shanna Hatfield is the seventh book in the Summer Creek clean romance series. Jace Easton is a mechanic who owns Whitey's, the only garage and gas station in Summer Creek. His life hasn't been the same ever since his little sister, Tassie, fell in love with Prince Eli Granville of Briden. Already struggling to come to terms with the fact that his kid sister has grown up and is now going to be living in Europe, Jace also has to deal with his feelings for Tassie's best friend, Deena Durant, a beautiful young woman. Deena has had a crush on Jace since she was a teenager. But now, Jace feels Deena has the opportunity to chase her dreams. Will he still pursue her? Will Jace and Deena end up together?
Full of heart and charm, Marrying The Mechanic is a delightful tale of love and family that will leave you with a smile on your face. Author Shanna Hatfield's heartwarming story perfectly captures the spirit of small-town America. Hatfield particularly excels in portraying the close-knit relationships of people in small towns with an enthralling narrative centered around a love story. The characters are down-to-earth people, the likes of which you may have met in real life. I found them immensely likable. Jace and Deena's relationship dynamic is thoroughly engrossing. Apart from these two, I also enjoyed the characters of Dean, Tassie, Eli, and Mrs. Finley. The narrative is smooth as Hatfield maintains an unhurried pace throughout the plot. If you're a fan of sweet, contemporary romance stories, this is the book for you!
Marrying The Mechanic by Shanna Hatfield is the seventh book in the Summer Creek clean romance series. Jace Easton is a mechanic who owns Whitey's, the only garage and gas station in Summer Creek. His life hasn't been the same ever since his little sister, Tassie, fell in love with Prince Eli Granville of Briden. Already struggling to come to terms with the fact that his kid sister has grown up and is now going to be living in Europe, Jace also has to deal with his feelings for Tassie's best friend, Deena Durant, a beautiful young woman. Deena has had a crush on Jace since she was a teenager. But now, Jace feels Deena has the opportunity to chase her dreams. Will he still pursue her? Will Jace and Deena end up together?
Full of heart and charm, Marrying The Mechanic is a delightful tale of love and family that will leave you with a smile on your face. Author Shanna Hatfield's heartwarming story perfectly captures the spirit of small-town America. Hatfield particularly excels in portraying the close-knit relationships of people in small towns with an enthralling narrative centered around a love story. The characters are down-to-earth people, the likes of which you may have met in real life. I found them immensely likable. Jace and Deena's relationship dynamic is thoroughly engrossing. Apart from these two, I also enjoyed the characters of Dean, Tassie, Eli, and Mrs. Finley. The narrative is smooth as Hatfield maintains an unhurried pace throughout the plot. If you're a fan of sweet, contemporary romance stories, this is the book for you!
Recommend this book:
Escaping Illusions
Frozen Footprints
Therese Heckenkamp
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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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
Kindle Edition
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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
Kindle Edition
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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
Kindle Edition
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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
Kindle Edition
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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.
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