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Recommend this book:
Buttonholed
Anita Klumpers
2020 Finalist
158 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Barbara Oliverio for Readers' Favorite
When Manderley Jessup gets a panicked call from her mother that a film crew is descending on her Tennessee hometown to document the family history of a centuries-old duel, she sighs, leaves Chicago, and heeds the call. She arrives and soon falls back into the rhythm of the Southern town, complete with church sermons that make her ponder, family dinners that challenge her already expanding curves, and meddling from her pushy but well-meaning mama. In Buttonholed by Anita Klumpers, Manderley finally attempts to bridge the divide between the feuding families and is surprised to discover not only a present-day covert Romeo and Juliet romance but also a confusing attraction of her own for a handsome fellow in the enemy camp.
Anita Klumpers gives us a charmer of a story in Buttonholed. I was immediately transported to the enchanting community of Lowellton with its tree-lined streets and gazebos, and I appreciated the leisurely pace of the story. Manderley is a relatable heroine with one foot in the bustling Northern city she has left home for, and the other in the graceful Southern town that shaped her ideals. It’s the melding of her two experiences that gives her the audacity to help push her family and the opposite side to mend fences and resolve the root of the original argument—even encouraging a few romances along the way. Y’all do yourselves a favor and pour a tall glass of sweet tea, settle on the porch swing, and savor this delightful novella.
When Manderley Jessup gets a panicked call from her mother that a film crew is descending on her Tennessee hometown to document the family history of a centuries-old duel, she sighs, leaves Chicago, and heeds the call. She arrives and soon falls back into the rhythm of the Southern town, complete with church sermons that make her ponder, family dinners that challenge her already expanding curves, and meddling from her pushy but well-meaning mama. In Buttonholed by Anita Klumpers, Manderley finally attempts to bridge the divide between the feuding families and is surprised to discover not only a present-day covert Romeo and Juliet romance but also a confusing attraction of her own for a handsome fellow in the enemy camp.
Anita Klumpers gives us a charmer of a story in Buttonholed. I was immediately transported to the enchanting community of Lowellton with its tree-lined streets and gazebos, and I appreciated the leisurely pace of the story. Manderley is a relatable heroine with one foot in the bustling Northern city she has left home for, and the other in the graceful Southern town that shaped her ideals. It’s the melding of her two experiences that gives her the audacity to help push her family and the opposite side to mend fences and resolve the root of the original argument—even encouraging a few romances along the way. Y’all do yourselves a favor and pour a tall glass of sweet tea, settle on the porch swing, and savor this delightful novella.
Recommend this book:
The Weight of Birds
A Novel
Amanda Lewis
2020 Silver Medal
267 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
In The Weight of Birds by Amanda Lewis, when Cecelia loses her husband Charlie to a brain aneurysm at just 25 years of age, her entire world falls apart. Her trust in God and goodness had disappeared and its place was grief and anger. Cecelia and Charlie's dream of an art gallery was gone and a fresh start away from all the painful memories seems the only solution. Cecelia moves to New York to open an art gallery, where she meets Peter, a charming and mysterious Swedish art curator. His ice-blue eyes and kindness immediately draw Cecelia toward him. As their relationship continues, Cecelia wonders if Peter will be the person that can heal her heart and soothe the painful memories of Charlie. But when they take a trip to his hometown of Gothenburg and she meets his bohemian artist brother Mattias, her whole life is turned upside down. Cecelia has a difficult choice to make which could lead her to lose them both. Is there such a thing as love at first sight where souls are connected? What if God is always around you? What if everything happens for a reason and you just need to open your eyes and notice the miracles as they appear?
The Weight of Birds by Amanda Lewis is wonderful and so heartwarming. I loved the message that even though you go through tragedy, there is the chance of future happiness; you just have to place your trust in God. The characters have been carefully thought out, their detailed personality traits brought them completely to life. Cecelia's superb morality and optimism, Peter's strength, and charisma, and Mattias's free spirit and kindness. I really enjoyed following Cecelia and Mattias's personal journey as they both tried to overcome their painful pasts and trust in human kindness once more. The spiritual message fitted perfectly into the plot and I loved the thought that God sits behind a huge desk covered in sticky notes. I also thought the vision of a seagull representing Charlie was a brilliant spiritual detail in the story. Mattias's baptism scene is both emotional and electric. The descriptive narrative was excellent, especially the beautiful landscapes of Gothenburg. There were many obstacles that kept the story moving forward and the ending was truly joyous. A warning before you read the epilogue; it will bring a tear to your eye.
In The Weight of Birds by Amanda Lewis, when Cecelia loses her husband Charlie to a brain aneurysm at just 25 years of age, her entire world falls apart. Her trust in God and goodness had disappeared and its place was grief and anger. Cecelia and Charlie's dream of an art gallery was gone and a fresh start away from all the painful memories seems the only solution. Cecelia moves to New York to open an art gallery, where she meets Peter, a charming and mysterious Swedish art curator. His ice-blue eyes and kindness immediately draw Cecelia toward him. As their relationship continues, Cecelia wonders if Peter will be the person that can heal her heart and soothe the painful memories of Charlie. But when they take a trip to his hometown of Gothenburg and she meets his bohemian artist brother Mattias, her whole life is turned upside down. Cecelia has a difficult choice to make which could lead her to lose them both. Is there such a thing as love at first sight where souls are connected? What if God is always around you? What if everything happens for a reason and you just need to open your eyes and notice the miracles as they appear?
The Weight of Birds by Amanda Lewis is wonderful and so heartwarming. I loved the message that even though you go through tragedy, there is the chance of future happiness; you just have to place your trust in God. The characters have been carefully thought out, their detailed personality traits brought them completely to life. Cecelia's superb morality and optimism, Peter's strength, and charisma, and Mattias's free spirit and kindness. I really enjoyed following Cecelia and Mattias's personal journey as they both tried to overcome their painful pasts and trust in human kindness once more. The spiritual message fitted perfectly into the plot and I loved the thought that God sits behind a huge desk covered in sticky notes. I also thought the vision of a seagull representing Charlie was a brilliant spiritual detail in the story. Mattias's baptism scene is both emotional and electric. The descriptive narrative was excellent, especially the beautiful landscapes of Gothenburg. There were many obstacles that kept the story moving forward and the ending was truly joyous. A warning before you read the epilogue; it will bring a tear to your eye.
Recommend this book:
Dear John
Linda Heavner Gerald
2020 Gold Medal
205 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
'If only I could return to the joyous days of our past. All of those memories are about to be filed in my memory bank as “obsolete.”' Everything changes in life and things never remain the same. Dear John by Linda Heavner Gerald introduces readers to an aging group of friends and, along with that group, she takes readers to an aging town, Port St. Joe, where the characters relive their days, realizing as they grow older and traverse their individual paths in life that things can never be the same. Sometimes life has a way of showing you the truth that is masked and it is heartwarming to read about the main character, Becky Connors, and her life, her letting go of the past, closing the past chapters of her life, and moving towards a new life. Growing old and dealing with the challenges that accompany aging have been dealt with in this book and readers become familiar with her close group from elementary school and at the Auburn University and how they deal with the process of aging and growing old together.
It is a book about friendship, love, sadness, aging, humor, joys, and sorrows. Becky's pain in being betrayed and abandoned by her husband is tangible and she also gives a glimpse of life in that Southern town (one of the oldest in the state of Florida) in those days. The author knits in Becky Connors growing up along with the good times shared with her group of friends and the breaking up of her marriage with John with expertise, tying them all together without sounding forced or losing the momentum of the plot. Readers will be able to connect with the character's experiences and friends, and the stories that happened during each stage of their lives are heartwarming. The author's style of writing is neat and simple and her way of expressing is detailed, honest, straightforward, and unapologetic. There is a thread of nostalgia, uniqueness, and an accompanying sense of joy that runs through the plot which makes this book endearing to readers.
'If only I could return to the joyous days of our past. All of those memories are about to be filed in my memory bank as “obsolete.”' Everything changes in life and things never remain the same. Dear John by Linda Heavner Gerald introduces readers to an aging group of friends and, along with that group, she takes readers to an aging town, Port St. Joe, where the characters relive their days, realizing as they grow older and traverse their individual paths in life that things can never be the same. Sometimes life has a way of showing you the truth that is masked and it is heartwarming to read about the main character, Becky Connors, and her life, her letting go of the past, closing the past chapters of her life, and moving towards a new life. Growing old and dealing with the challenges that accompany aging have been dealt with in this book and readers become familiar with her close group from elementary school and at the Auburn University and how they deal with the process of aging and growing old together.
It is a book about friendship, love, sadness, aging, humor, joys, and sorrows. Becky's pain in being betrayed and abandoned by her husband is tangible and she also gives a glimpse of life in that Southern town (one of the oldest in the state of Florida) in those days. The author knits in Becky Connors growing up along with the good times shared with her group of friends and the breaking up of her marriage with John with expertise, tying them all together without sounding forced or losing the momentum of the plot. Readers will be able to connect with the character's experiences and friends, and the stories that happened during each stage of their lives are heartwarming. The author's style of writing is neat and simple and her way of expressing is detailed, honest, straightforward, and unapologetic. There is a thread of nostalgia, uniqueness, and an accompanying sense of joy that runs through the plot which makes this book endearing to readers.
Recommend this book:
Can You Lose the Unibrow?
Sally Burbank
2019 Finalist
304 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
Forty-year-old Sherri wants to find a perfect match but since she hasn’t dated in a long time, she decides it is best to contact a not so perfect match to test her skills and get back in the race. Her choice is Greg, a man who has not been in the dating game for several years and has the same idea as Sherri. When the two meet, they find they share a lot in common. They decide that they can help each other and form Operation Soulmate. Sherri advises Greg on what he needs to improve to find the perfect girl and Greg will do the same for her. They spend several months together and form a very close relationship; always being there for each other. Greg finds a beautiful woman on the website and immediately Sherri is kind of jealous but still sticks to the pact. She also finds someone who may turn out to be her dream mate. They soon find themselves in situations that are funny, touching and eye-opening.
Can You Lose the Unibrow? by Sally Burbank is an easy to read, entertaining story of two people, Sherri and Greg, who are looking for love through an online dating website. I loved Can You Lose the Unibrow? a lot. There were times when I heard my mother’s voice giving me the same advice; other times I heard myself sharing these thoughts with my own daughter. It was impossible not to like Sherri and be there to root her on. Greg was the steady stand-by friend every girl and/or woman longs to have on her side. You will have to read Can You Lose the Unibrow? yourself to enjoy all of the action. This romance read is a five star plus hit!
Forty-year-old Sherri wants to find a perfect match but since she hasn’t dated in a long time, she decides it is best to contact a not so perfect match to test her skills and get back in the race. Her choice is Greg, a man who has not been in the dating game for several years and has the same idea as Sherri. When the two meet, they find they share a lot in common. They decide that they can help each other and form Operation Soulmate. Sherri advises Greg on what he needs to improve to find the perfect girl and Greg will do the same for her. They spend several months together and form a very close relationship; always being there for each other. Greg finds a beautiful woman on the website and immediately Sherri is kind of jealous but still sticks to the pact. She also finds someone who may turn out to be her dream mate. They soon find themselves in situations that are funny, touching and eye-opening.
Can You Lose the Unibrow? by Sally Burbank is an easy to read, entertaining story of two people, Sherri and Greg, who are looking for love through an online dating website. I loved Can You Lose the Unibrow? a lot. There were times when I heard my mother’s voice giving me the same advice; other times I heard myself sharing these thoughts with my own daughter. It was impossible not to like Sherri and be there to root her on. Greg was the steady stand-by friend every girl and/or woman longs to have on her side. You will have to read Can You Lose the Unibrow? yourself to enjoy all of the action. This romance read is a five star plus hit!
Recommend this book:
All Other Ground
Doris H. Dancy
2019 Finalist
276 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Author Doris H. Dancy is a spiritual romanticist and at peace with the world. This is reflected in her Redemptive Love Series of romance novels. All Other Ground is the third book that focuses on Summer Carlton, a peaceful woman turned vindictive by the events in her life--a natural but unhealthy response to negative stimuli. But Summer wins our empathy when the man she has loved for a long time marries another woman. The time and effort she has invested in the relationship all went down the drain upon the tolling of the wedding bells that she could hear as she drives away to extricate herself from the pain of Zack’s betrayal. What follows as she tries licking her wounds and moving on is a difficult path toward renewal.
To say that this story is a feel-good romance novel is an understatement. It touches not only your emotional sensibilities but your spirit as well. Ms. Dancy works on the theme that we are all, in one way or another, “broken people” from how we react to the events in our lives. The novel reads like an extended parable that builds up its piquancy as the plot moves forward. It does not lecture, but it guides. Whether or not you prefer to deal with challenges by subscribing to supernatural abstraction, All Other Ground will make you reevaluate how you use your power to choose. It deserves a space on every bookshelf of readers who prefer an alternative to formulated romance novels.
Author Doris H. Dancy is a spiritual romanticist and at peace with the world. This is reflected in her Redemptive Love Series of romance novels. All Other Ground is the third book that focuses on Summer Carlton, a peaceful woman turned vindictive by the events in her life--a natural but unhealthy response to negative stimuli. But Summer wins our empathy when the man she has loved for a long time marries another woman. The time and effort she has invested in the relationship all went down the drain upon the tolling of the wedding bells that she could hear as she drives away to extricate herself from the pain of Zack’s betrayal. What follows as she tries licking her wounds and moving on is a difficult path toward renewal.
To say that this story is a feel-good romance novel is an understatement. It touches not only your emotional sensibilities but your spirit as well. Ms. Dancy works on the theme that we are all, in one way or another, “broken people” from how we react to the events in our lives. The novel reads like an extended parable that builds up its piquancy as the plot moves forward. It does not lecture, but it guides. Whether or not you prefer to deal with challenges by subscribing to supernatural abstraction, All Other Ground will make you reevaluate how you use your power to choose. It deserves a space on every bookshelf of readers who prefer an alternative to formulated romance novels.
Recommend this book:
Rosemary's Beach House
Linda Heavner Gerald
2019 Honorable Mention
401 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
How much pain can one woman’s heart endure? In Rosemary's Beach House by Linda Heavner Gerald, Rosemary Lewis divorces her cheating husband and suffers through depression. To cope, she becomes a workaholic, focusing on her career as a Registered Nurse. When she meets Malcolm Beach, it is like a dream come true, because he has everything any woman could want in a man. She is adored by her new husband, a man with whom she shares almost everything, including sailing, which delights her. But then Malcolm suddenly dies, a tragedy that hits her to the very core. But this isn’t the worst of her troubles for a terrible enemy is poised against her. Does she have what it takes to protect herself? Is there enough fight in her to survive an enemy as vicious as what is heading towards her?
Rosemary's Beach House is a story of the heart, a narrative that looks deeply at the human heart. The protagonist is a well-developed character, a woman who has experienced heartbreak and loss, and the reader is keen to find out how she rebuilds herself after every heartache. As I read this novel, I couldn’t help but wonder if human life is designed to be characterized by pain with just occasional moments of happiness. The statement that “happiness was an occasional episode in the general drama of pain” can be said of this protagonist. The story is told in a compelling narrative voice and the internal conflict is deftly handled and used to add depth to the character development. This is a very engaging and interesting read, filled with humanity and realism.
How much pain can one woman’s heart endure? In Rosemary's Beach House by Linda Heavner Gerald, Rosemary Lewis divorces her cheating husband and suffers through depression. To cope, she becomes a workaholic, focusing on her career as a Registered Nurse. When she meets Malcolm Beach, it is like a dream come true, because he has everything any woman could want in a man. She is adored by her new husband, a man with whom she shares almost everything, including sailing, which delights her. But then Malcolm suddenly dies, a tragedy that hits her to the very core. But this isn’t the worst of her troubles for a terrible enemy is poised against her. Does she have what it takes to protect herself? Is there enough fight in her to survive an enemy as vicious as what is heading towards her?
Rosemary's Beach House is a story of the heart, a narrative that looks deeply at the human heart. The protagonist is a well-developed character, a woman who has experienced heartbreak and loss, and the reader is keen to find out how she rebuilds herself after every heartache. As I read this novel, I couldn’t help but wonder if human life is designed to be characterized by pain with just occasional moments of happiness. The statement that “happiness was an occasional episode in the general drama of pain” can be said of this protagonist. The story is told in a compelling narrative voice and the internal conflict is deftly handled and used to add depth to the character development. This is a very engaging and interesting read, filled with humanity and realism.
Recommend this book:
Season's Shadows
Wendy Black Farley
2019 Honorable Mention
290 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite
Wendy Black Farley resumes the life of Cori Sellers from Season’s Stranger to Season’s Shadows. Life is a whirlwind for Cori when she returns to Laurel Ledge after a visit to her brother and sister-in-law in Arizona. The “stranger”, Michael Flores, continues to see Cori, and she finds he is an attentive boyfriend when their schedules allow dating time. As a counselor for Amity Associates, they often call on her to travel for on-site counseling and to assess problems for the company, which is how she ended up in Xi’an, China. The travel wasn’t so bad; it was the man they expected her to work with, Stewart Montgomery. The man who was hired at one point to seduce her. Though she finds him attractive, she doesn’t trust her feelings around him, and besides, she is dating Michael. Stewart’s job is a PI, but he excels in extracting people who are caught in human trafficking. Stewart and Cori find themselves in trouble when they uncover the truth about what is hidden in a warehouse of the company they are called to assist.
Season’s Shadows is unique as Wendy Black Farley focuses on issues that secretly plague every country; slavery, human trafficking, disease, and abuse. Cori is a complicated character as she is dealing with when to let go of her brother as his medical caretaker, who are her real parents, and a boyfriend who wants to shelter her from any disappointments in life. Her job demands a quick pace and Stewart always includes some kind of action wherever he is. I found Cori lovable though she was dealing with stressful situations continually. Michael was sweet but clingy, whereas Stewart was focused and constantly looking for the next rescue. I found the book ended on a great note while looking forward to another adventure in Cori’s life. Multiple activities with a spiritual undertone make this a must-read for Christian mystery fans.
Wendy Black Farley resumes the life of Cori Sellers from Season’s Stranger to Season’s Shadows. Life is a whirlwind for Cori when she returns to Laurel Ledge after a visit to her brother and sister-in-law in Arizona. The “stranger”, Michael Flores, continues to see Cori, and she finds he is an attentive boyfriend when their schedules allow dating time. As a counselor for Amity Associates, they often call on her to travel for on-site counseling and to assess problems for the company, which is how she ended up in Xi’an, China. The travel wasn’t so bad; it was the man they expected her to work with, Stewart Montgomery. The man who was hired at one point to seduce her. Though she finds him attractive, she doesn’t trust her feelings around him, and besides, she is dating Michael. Stewart’s job is a PI, but he excels in extracting people who are caught in human trafficking. Stewart and Cori find themselves in trouble when they uncover the truth about what is hidden in a warehouse of the company they are called to assist.
Season’s Shadows is unique as Wendy Black Farley focuses on issues that secretly plague every country; slavery, human trafficking, disease, and abuse. Cori is a complicated character as she is dealing with when to let go of her brother as his medical caretaker, who are her real parents, and a boyfriend who wants to shelter her from any disappointments in life. Her job demands a quick pace and Stewart always includes some kind of action wherever he is. I found Cori lovable though she was dealing with stressful situations continually. Michael was sweet but clingy, whereas Stewart was focused and constantly looking for the next rescue. I found the book ended on a great note while looking forward to another adventure in Cori’s life. Multiple activities with a spiritual undertone make this a must-read for Christian mystery fans.
Recommend this book:
Hope Alone
Ruth Meyer
2019 Bronze Medal
272 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
Ruth Meyer’s heart-warming Christian fiction novel, Hope Alone, chronicles Faith Williams’ journey through devastating lows that deepen her faith in God. While in high school, Faith falls pregnant. The one man she hoped to count on during and after the devastating discovery turns his back on her. When Spencer, the father of her child, refuses to take responsibility, Aaron steps in, giving Faith the support she has been craving. Things seem to be going well as the child becomes a point of hope for many in Faith and Aaron’s circle ... until Spencer shows up again. As he tries to edge closer to Faith, cracks start to form in Faith and Aaron’s relationship. Has Spencer changed like he claims and will Faith and Aaron’s relationship survive? Will Faith, with the help of her family, survive the ordeals that lie in front of her?
Hope Alone by Ruth Meyer is an amazing read. It features easily relatable characters that have been through difficult and tumultuous moments but whose faith serves as an anchor even in the worst of times. Faith’s family has been through it all - from abandonment by a spouse to dealing with teen pregnancy and a devastating accident. Their lives are far from perfect and sometimes they make mistakes. Still, their story offers a strong lesson on the liberating power of forgiveness and the unwavering presence of God even in the darkest of moments. The novel also contains themes of restoration and growth through overcoming trials by the power of God. It also speaks to Christians to shine God’s love on other people. Adeptly written, Hope Alone by Ruth Meyer is an encouraging and eye-opening read.
Ruth Meyer’s heart-warming Christian fiction novel, Hope Alone, chronicles Faith Williams’ journey through devastating lows that deepen her faith in God. While in high school, Faith falls pregnant. The one man she hoped to count on during and after the devastating discovery turns his back on her. When Spencer, the father of her child, refuses to take responsibility, Aaron steps in, giving Faith the support she has been craving. Things seem to be going well as the child becomes a point of hope for many in Faith and Aaron’s circle ... until Spencer shows up again. As he tries to edge closer to Faith, cracks start to form in Faith and Aaron’s relationship. Has Spencer changed like he claims and will Faith and Aaron’s relationship survive? Will Faith, with the help of her family, survive the ordeals that lie in front of her?
Hope Alone by Ruth Meyer is an amazing read. It features easily relatable characters that have been through difficult and tumultuous moments but whose faith serves as an anchor even in the worst of times. Faith’s family has been through it all - from abandonment by a spouse to dealing with teen pregnancy and a devastating accident. Their lives are far from perfect and sometimes they make mistakes. Still, their story offers a strong lesson on the liberating power of forgiveness and the unwavering presence of God even in the darkest of moments. The novel also contains themes of restoration and growth through overcoming trials by the power of God. It also speaks to Christians to shine God’s love on other people. Adeptly written, Hope Alone by Ruth Meyer is an encouraging and eye-opening read.
Recommend this book:
Life on the Porcelain Edge
C.E. Hilbert
2018 Finalist
366 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Life on the Porcelain Edge by C.E. Hilbert is the perfect example of great comic timing, amazing romance and superior writing skills. This is the story of a woman named Tessa Tarrington who is at her wits' end, thanks to her now having no job, no home, and her life generally spinning out of control. The only way she can salvage her life is by going back to her old high school, and she does so as a teacher. She has no idea that her life is going to take another dramatic turn when she finds out that the boy who once tormented her in high school is now the football coach.
When he lost his wife, Ryland Jessup became a football coach at his old high school to feel grounded. He spends his days training the boys and his evenings taking care of his daughter. He had no idea that his life was going to take a new turn with the arrival of his high school crush, Tessa Tarrington. He also had no idea that he still had feelings for her. She is a little reluctant to give him a chance, but soon she warms up to him. But when his best friend with irresistible charm decides to come back home, Ryland now questions everything. Will Tessa give him a chance? Or will she fall for the charm of Joey Taylor?
This was a very fun and entertaining novel to read. I love romance of all types, so when I got my hands on Life on the Porcelain Edge, I excitedly jumped at the chance to read it. The novel truly lives up to the title and then some. Tessa is hilarious and so relatable; Ryland is fun and definitely a guy that any woman would want. Together, they make a formidable team that is hard to resist. This novel had me on the edge of my seat, smiling, biting my nails and rooting for these two. This novel is simply so entertaining and enjoyable.
Life on the Porcelain Edge by C.E. Hilbert is the perfect example of great comic timing, amazing romance and superior writing skills. This is the story of a woman named Tessa Tarrington who is at her wits' end, thanks to her now having no job, no home, and her life generally spinning out of control. The only way she can salvage her life is by going back to her old high school, and she does so as a teacher. She has no idea that her life is going to take another dramatic turn when she finds out that the boy who once tormented her in high school is now the football coach.
When he lost his wife, Ryland Jessup became a football coach at his old high school to feel grounded. He spends his days training the boys and his evenings taking care of his daughter. He had no idea that his life was going to take a new turn with the arrival of his high school crush, Tessa Tarrington. He also had no idea that he still had feelings for her. She is a little reluctant to give him a chance, but soon she warms up to him. But when his best friend with irresistible charm decides to come back home, Ryland now questions everything. Will Tessa give him a chance? Or will she fall for the charm of Joey Taylor?
This was a very fun and entertaining novel to read. I love romance of all types, so when I got my hands on Life on the Porcelain Edge, I excitedly jumped at the chance to read it. The novel truly lives up to the title and then some. Tessa is hilarious and so relatable; Ryland is fun and definitely a guy that any woman would want. Together, they make a formidable team that is hard to resist. This novel had me on the edge of my seat, smiling, biting my nails and rooting for these two. This novel is simply so entertaining and enjoyable.
Recommend this book:
False Impressions
Michelli Family Ties Book 1
Sherry Crandell
2018 Honorable Mention
328 Pages
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Christian - Romance - Contemporary
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
With an exciting setting in contemporary Texas, False Impressions by Sherry Crandell is a delectable first entry into the Michelli Family Ties series, a tale of love, attraction, and family dynamics in an unusual context. When Tabitha Jennings - “TJ” - accepts a job far from home, she secretly tells herself she’ll be making a new start in life after a painful breakup. But then she quickly finds out that she’s actually been hired by a mob family. It’s too late to turn down the job, and the dynamics of this family are nothing like anything she’s known. Follow her adventure as she learns to meld with the family, but things get complicated when she begins to feel an irresistible attraction for Dominic, the grandson of the Michelli patriarch. Does she have the strength to stay away from him? And what has Jesus got to do with it? It will be interesting for the reader to find out.
False Impressions is beautifully written and the title is brilliantly justified, a story that is as inspiring as it is entertaining. I enjoyed the way the Michelli family is constructed, where the reader won’t expect to find openness of spirit. But, surprisingly, there is an intimacy shared among the members of this family that will surprise readers. The narrator says somewhere that there weren’t any secrets in this family and that everyone spoke openly and freely, an atmosphere that is nurtured by the fact that they have suffered a lot together. The author explores themes of family, love and lust, temptation and faith, allowing her message to simmer in the beautiful prose in a natural way. Sherry Crandell is a great storyteller and she knows what it takes to build strong conflict with human emotions. A very delightful read, indeed!
With an exciting setting in contemporary Texas, False Impressions by Sherry Crandell is a delectable first entry into the Michelli Family Ties series, a tale of love, attraction, and family dynamics in an unusual context. When Tabitha Jennings - “TJ” - accepts a job far from home, she secretly tells herself she’ll be making a new start in life after a painful breakup. But then she quickly finds out that she’s actually been hired by a mob family. It’s too late to turn down the job, and the dynamics of this family are nothing like anything she’s known. Follow her adventure as she learns to meld with the family, but things get complicated when she begins to feel an irresistible attraction for Dominic, the grandson of the Michelli patriarch. Does she have the strength to stay away from him? And what has Jesus got to do with it? It will be interesting for the reader to find out.
False Impressions is beautifully written and the title is brilliantly justified, a story that is as inspiring as it is entertaining. I enjoyed the way the Michelli family is constructed, where the reader won’t expect to find openness of spirit. But, surprisingly, there is an intimacy shared among the members of this family that will surprise readers. The narrator says somewhere that there weren’t any secrets in this family and that everyone spoke openly and freely, an atmosphere that is nurtured by the fact that they have suffered a lot together. The author explores themes of family, love and lust, temptation and faith, allowing her message to simmer in the beautiful prose in a natural way. Sherry Crandell is a great storyteller and she knows what it takes to build strong conflict with human emotions. A very delightful read, indeed!
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