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Recommend this book:
Helping Hands
Companion of Baggage Burdens
Ken Saik
2022 Finalist
182 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
In the Christian contemporary romance novel, Helping Hands: Companion of Baggage Burdens by Ken Saik, a woman finds solace and guidance from a loyal friend as she deals with painful memories and heals from physical wounds. Jill is struggling to re-establish her life as she recovers from a devastating accident. She longs to be involved again in her children’s lives after her long hospital stay but the children seem to have made their own plans. Without a car and unable to return to her former job in the short term, Jill wonders whether her life will ever return to what it used to be some months ago. Her friend, Bill, sticks by her, helping her navigate current challenges and face other traumatic events in her childhood and past.
Through Jill’s courage in dealing with her past and recovering from physical and emotional wounds, Helping Hands shows that healing is possible even though Jill has lived in pain for years. I found Bill to be a likable main character too for his support and patience when guiding Jill toward recovery. I loved that the book portrays a realistic image of relationships and includes helpful tools for handling disputes within families and working toward reconciliation. Each character is fleshed out including the supporting characters as the motives behind the decisions they make are examined. Helping Hands: Companion of Baggage Burdens by Ken Saik is a realistic and moving romance novel with authentic characters. It inspires hope that healing from psychological and physical trauma can be achieved through faith and support.
In the Christian contemporary romance novel, Helping Hands: Companion of Baggage Burdens by Ken Saik, a woman finds solace and guidance from a loyal friend as she deals with painful memories and heals from physical wounds. Jill is struggling to re-establish her life as she recovers from a devastating accident. She longs to be involved again in her children’s lives after her long hospital stay but the children seem to have made their own plans. Without a car and unable to return to her former job in the short term, Jill wonders whether her life will ever return to what it used to be some months ago. Her friend, Bill, sticks by her, helping her navigate current challenges and face other traumatic events in her childhood and past.
Through Jill’s courage in dealing with her past and recovering from physical and emotional wounds, Helping Hands shows that healing is possible even though Jill has lived in pain for years. I found Bill to be a likable main character too for his support and patience when guiding Jill toward recovery. I loved that the book portrays a realistic image of relationships and includes helpful tools for handling disputes within families and working toward reconciliation. Each character is fleshed out including the supporting characters as the motives behind the decisions they make are examined. Helping Hands: Companion of Baggage Burdens by Ken Saik is a realistic and moving romance novel with authentic characters. It inspires hope that healing from psychological and physical trauma can be achieved through faith and support.
Recommend this book:
Music of the Soul
Gail Miller Mahaffey
2022 Honorable Mention
202 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Music is what binds the soul. For concert pianist Meredith Mason, music is also what keeps her sane. After losing her parents in a tragic accident while they were on their way to hear her perform, Meredith has poured her life and her soul into her music, making her fame on the world concert stage as a pianist. But is that enough? Is her music merely a smokescreen to block the endless pain, her guilt over her parents’ deaths? She has reached her zenith in the music world. What next? What is her life’s purpose now? When a fellow musician enters the picture and captures her heart, things begin to change, as does the music that binds.
Gail Miller Mahaffey’s novel, Music of the Soul, is a touching musical tribute to all that is beautiful in the world. The author has masterfully woven a tale of passion, love, and the ultimate purpose of life to the finely tuned (no pun intended) workings of music and the soul. Beginning each chapter with a profound quote about music, written by some of the greatest minds throughout history (from musicians to artists to writers to political thinkers and more), the plot is music-driven. The author, a musician herself, knows her music. The protagonist, Meredith, is driven by a powerful force of guilt as she navigates her way through life in the music world and on the concert stage. But there is more to life and the music she so poignantly performs needs a release of this guilt, a release she only discovers through love and spiritual renewal. And, with each new encounter, Meredith unravels some of the mysteries of her own life and where her journey should ultimately lead her. The story is about music, success, and overcoming guilt, but it is also about coming to terms with your inner self and finding your ultimate purpose in life. Powerful story. Loved it!
Music is what binds the soul. For concert pianist Meredith Mason, music is also what keeps her sane. After losing her parents in a tragic accident while they were on their way to hear her perform, Meredith has poured her life and her soul into her music, making her fame on the world concert stage as a pianist. But is that enough? Is her music merely a smokescreen to block the endless pain, her guilt over her parents’ deaths? She has reached her zenith in the music world. What next? What is her life’s purpose now? When a fellow musician enters the picture and captures her heart, things begin to change, as does the music that binds.
Gail Miller Mahaffey’s novel, Music of the Soul, is a touching musical tribute to all that is beautiful in the world. The author has masterfully woven a tale of passion, love, and the ultimate purpose of life to the finely tuned (no pun intended) workings of music and the soul. Beginning each chapter with a profound quote about music, written by some of the greatest minds throughout history (from musicians to artists to writers to political thinkers and more), the plot is music-driven. The author, a musician herself, knows her music. The protagonist, Meredith, is driven by a powerful force of guilt as she navigates her way through life in the music world and on the concert stage. But there is more to life and the music she so poignantly performs needs a release of this guilt, a release she only discovers through love and spiritual renewal. And, with each new encounter, Meredith unravels some of the mysteries of her own life and where her journey should ultimately lead her. The story is about music, success, and overcoming guilt, but it is also about coming to terms with your inner self and finding your ultimate purpose in life. Powerful story. Loved it!
Recommend this book:
The Bounty Hunter's Bride
Janis Jakes
2022 Bronze Medal
226 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
The Bounty Hunter's Bride by Janis Jakes is a rewarding Christian romance novella with surprising sub-plots and a delightful ending. Luke Lancaster is a skilled bounty hunter contracted to track Billie, an alleged dangerous criminal on the run. But they are being trailed too, and when both fugitive and bounty hunter get caught up in an almost fatal attack, Luke hesitates to rescue Billie. Still, he helps her and both survive. Billie is unsure why Luke did not leave her to die. Part Comanche, Luke was raised by his Christian mother. Now, he is at odds with his faith after having gone through a tragic event in his past. Though Billie is introduced to Luke’s life, she believes his work and her profession as a school teacher will keep them apart.
I was fascinated by the story from the opening scene which involves Luke and Billie’s face off. The story does not lose momentum and throughout, Billie and Luke are pursued by powerful criminals. I also loved that the characters are complex and intriguing. Luke is struggling with events in his past. Growing up, he also felt torn between two worlds. His mother was white and his father is Comanche. His estranged relationship with his father is explored in the book. The sub-plot helps flesh out Luke and his sisters’ backgrounds. Surrounded by danger and separated by social attitudes and their professions, Luke and Billie’s love is original and captivating as it includes two people from contrasting backgrounds. The Bounty Hunter's Bride by Janis Jakes is a historical novella that readers will love for its creative plot and relatable characters.
The Bounty Hunter's Bride by Janis Jakes is a rewarding Christian romance novella with surprising sub-plots and a delightful ending. Luke Lancaster is a skilled bounty hunter contracted to track Billie, an alleged dangerous criminal on the run. But they are being trailed too, and when both fugitive and bounty hunter get caught up in an almost fatal attack, Luke hesitates to rescue Billie. Still, he helps her and both survive. Billie is unsure why Luke did not leave her to die. Part Comanche, Luke was raised by his Christian mother. Now, he is at odds with his faith after having gone through a tragic event in his past. Though Billie is introduced to Luke’s life, she believes his work and her profession as a school teacher will keep them apart.
I was fascinated by the story from the opening scene which involves Luke and Billie’s face off. The story does not lose momentum and throughout, Billie and Luke are pursued by powerful criminals. I also loved that the characters are complex and intriguing. Luke is struggling with events in his past. Growing up, he also felt torn between two worlds. His mother was white and his father is Comanche. His estranged relationship with his father is explored in the book. The sub-plot helps flesh out Luke and his sisters’ backgrounds. Surrounded by danger and separated by social attitudes and their professions, Luke and Billie’s love is original and captivating as it includes two people from contrasting backgrounds. The Bounty Hunter's Bride by Janis Jakes is a historical novella that readers will love for its creative plot and relatable characters.
Recommend this book:
Immanuel
God With Us, Saints, Sinners, and the Like
Gara Shaw
2022 Silver Medal
401 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
After her life goes up in flames, a young woman meets Jesus, who takes her on an enlightening journey that forever changes her life in the Christian romance novel Immanuel: God With Us, Saints, Sinners, and the Like by Gara Shaw. Johanna is a journalist and is preparing to be married in a month. Expecting a happy evening out with her fiancé, Johanna is stunned when he breaks up with her without giving her a reason. The following morning, Johanna's boss lets his reporters go, and she is now unemployed. Feeling that her life is over, Johanna takes a magic pill with alcohol. Instead of dying, Johanna has an up-close and personal encounter with Jesus. After she regains consciousness, Johanna begins having unique experiences that eventually lead her to church. Here the pastor teaches her unconditional love, forgiveness, and faith. As the days progress, Johann realizes she is in love with this handsome and charismatic man. Can she put her past behind her and trust that everything will turn out okay?
Immanuel: God With Us, Saints, Sinners, and the Like by Gara Shaw is a sensational Christian romance novel. The elements of personal loss, belief in Jesus, God's power, transformation, and unconditional love, are woven throughout the storyline, creating a motivating novel. Johanna's character is an inspiration, and it is fascinating to watch her faith mature and grow as she confronts and overcomes the conflicts in her life. I love how she reaches out to others, making a difference in everyone's life. I enjoyed every page of this delightful story, and I can't recommend it enough. Based on the belief in Jesus, His words, and the precepts of Christianity, this sensational story will inspire and charm Christian readers from young adults upward.
After her life goes up in flames, a young woman meets Jesus, who takes her on an enlightening journey that forever changes her life in the Christian romance novel Immanuel: God With Us, Saints, Sinners, and the Like by Gara Shaw. Johanna is a journalist and is preparing to be married in a month. Expecting a happy evening out with her fiancé, Johanna is stunned when he breaks up with her without giving her a reason. The following morning, Johanna's boss lets his reporters go, and she is now unemployed. Feeling that her life is over, Johanna takes a magic pill with alcohol. Instead of dying, Johanna has an up-close and personal encounter with Jesus. After she regains consciousness, Johanna begins having unique experiences that eventually lead her to church. Here the pastor teaches her unconditional love, forgiveness, and faith. As the days progress, Johann realizes she is in love with this handsome and charismatic man. Can she put her past behind her and trust that everything will turn out okay?
Immanuel: God With Us, Saints, Sinners, and the Like by Gara Shaw is a sensational Christian romance novel. The elements of personal loss, belief in Jesus, God's power, transformation, and unconditional love, are woven throughout the storyline, creating a motivating novel. Johanna's character is an inspiration, and it is fascinating to watch her faith mature and grow as she confronts and overcomes the conflicts in her life. I love how she reaches out to others, making a difference in everyone's life. I enjoyed every page of this delightful story, and I can't recommend it enough. Based on the belief in Jesus, His words, and the precepts of Christianity, this sensational story will inspire and charm Christian readers from young adults upward.
Recommend this book:
Under His Wings
Rosemary Fisher
2022 Gold Medal
332 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Under His Wings by Rosemary Fisher is a clean Christian romance with themes of faith and resilience at the forefront. Cooper “Coop” Smith was looking forward to studying at Wichita State University and planning a future in the seminary when his whole world came crashing down. His father’s cancer came back stronger than before, and the whole family was devastated. Coop had no other option but to pack his bags, go back home, and take charge of their farm. Just when everything looked bleak, God sent Becky into his life. An assistant at the local vet, Becky was the breath of fresh air Coop needed. However, matters deteriorated when an innocent friendship with an old friend named Misty threatened to destroy what Coop had created with Becky. With his reputation on the line, Coop was troubled. What was he supposed to do? Give in or have faith?
Portraying the small-town life and community, Under His Wings by Rosemary Fisher was the perfect depiction of how having a close-knit community could be a blessing and a curse. Faith and religion played a vital role in the story without being overbearing. Coop was a simple man with simple dreams. He wanted what God had planned for him, so he decided to accept his circumstances and do his best. Becky was Coop’s complete opposite. She was a fighter and believed God would help her if she put her mind to it. The two complemented each other, and that allowed their chemistry to develop. The descriptions and the imagery of their small-town community were realistic, Coop’s response was true to life and that made me love him even more. Apart from being a great romance, this novel could be a source of comfort for people who struggle with adversity and have an issue finding God.
Under His Wings by Rosemary Fisher is a clean Christian romance with themes of faith and resilience at the forefront. Cooper “Coop” Smith was looking forward to studying at Wichita State University and planning a future in the seminary when his whole world came crashing down. His father’s cancer came back stronger than before, and the whole family was devastated. Coop had no other option but to pack his bags, go back home, and take charge of their farm. Just when everything looked bleak, God sent Becky into his life. An assistant at the local vet, Becky was the breath of fresh air Coop needed. However, matters deteriorated when an innocent friendship with an old friend named Misty threatened to destroy what Coop had created with Becky. With his reputation on the line, Coop was troubled. What was he supposed to do? Give in or have faith?
Portraying the small-town life and community, Under His Wings by Rosemary Fisher was the perfect depiction of how having a close-knit community could be a blessing and a curse. Faith and religion played a vital role in the story without being overbearing. Coop was a simple man with simple dreams. He wanted what God had planned for him, so he decided to accept his circumstances and do his best. Becky was Coop’s complete opposite. She was a fighter and believed God would help her if she put her mind to it. The two complemented each other, and that allowed their chemistry to develop. The descriptions and the imagery of their small-town community were realistic, Coop’s response was true to life and that made me love him even more. Apart from being a great romance, this novel could be a source of comfort for people who struggle with adversity and have an issue finding God.
Recommend this book:
 by accident, a stunning high school senior with whom...){kind=link}
An Awesome Journey
My Love, I'll see you tomorrow in a hundred years from now.
David Pizer
2021 Silver Medal
392 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
An Awesome Journey by David S. Pizer is a fascinating story that melds romance, mystery, and time travel into a rollicking adventure. It follows Ralph Dombrowski, an ambitious and very good looking young man who wants to rise above the mediocre people in his circle. He meets Rebecca (“Becky”) by accident, a stunning high school senior with whom he eventually falls in love. They plan to get married right after her graduation, but Becky dies in an accident. But there is a twist. There is a way to bring Becky back, thanks to cryonics, a powerful technology that allows humans to be frozen after death so they can be revived in the future. Ralph dies years after losing Becky. After time travel into the future, both Becky and Ralph are revived. Will they go home for the wedding that Becky has waited a hundred years for?
There is so much that I enjoyed in this novel, starting with the way that the story opens, providing strong background information about the protagonist. When he runs out of gas, a lot of interesting things happen. The humor is biting from the beginning through the story and the things the characters say to Becky’s discussion with Ralph on “doing it.” The descriptions are realistic and readers can see characters who come alive as though they were in real life. I loved the way that Van Buren Street is described, with images that readers can see in their mind’s eye and that is just one of the terrific descriptions in this novel. David S. Pizer is a wonderful writer and I enjoyed the way he develops the themes of romance, loss, adventure, and friendship. The characters are fleshed out and memorable. An Awesome Journey is a beautiful story that moves fast and with a delightful denouement.
An Awesome Journey by David S. Pizer is a fascinating story that melds romance, mystery, and time travel into a rollicking adventure. It follows Ralph Dombrowski, an ambitious and very good looking young man who wants to rise above the mediocre people in his circle. He meets Rebecca (“Becky”) by accident, a stunning high school senior with whom he eventually falls in love. They plan to get married right after her graduation, but Becky dies in an accident. But there is a twist. There is a way to bring Becky back, thanks to cryonics, a powerful technology that allows humans to be frozen after death so they can be revived in the future. Ralph dies years after losing Becky. After time travel into the future, both Becky and Ralph are revived. Will they go home for the wedding that Becky has waited a hundred years for?
There is so much that I enjoyed in this novel, starting with the way that the story opens, providing strong background information about the protagonist. When he runs out of gas, a lot of interesting things happen. The humor is biting from the beginning through the story and the things the characters say to Becky’s discussion with Ralph on “doing it.” The descriptions are realistic and readers can see characters who come alive as though they were in real life. I loved the way that Van Buren Street is described, with images that readers can see in their mind’s eye and that is just one of the terrific descriptions in this novel. David S. Pizer is a wonderful writer and I enjoyed the way he develops the themes of romance, loss, adventure, and friendship. The characters are fleshed out and memorable. An Awesome Journey is a beautiful story that moves fast and with a delightful denouement.
Recommend this book:
A Christmas to Live For
Brett Nelson
2021 Gold Medal
438 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
A Christmas to Live For by Brett Nelson is a Christian romance. It's set in New York City during the holiday season. Bryan Crandon has gone to a Hallowe’en gala hosted by his friend. Across the room, he sees the girl he has been dreaming of, Kristin Greene. He manages to speak to her but, when the night ends, neither has given up their contact details. But Bryan can’t get his mind off her, even though the last thing he wants is another relationship. His family and friends don’t know it but Bryan is struggling with anorexia and bulimia and just doesn’t have the strength to face anything else, least of all a relationship. His best friend intervenes and pushes him in the right direction, towards Kristin and happiness. Can he make the jump? Will Kristin help him with his struggles, or are they destined to be nothing more than friends?
A Christmas to Live For by Brett Nelson is a unique story. Most authors write about eating disorders in terms of women; this is a fresh look from the perspective of a man with the same disorders. This isn’t just a story of personal struggles, although it does show you that what you see isn’t always what you get. You can’t see from first glance what a person may be struggling with underneath and a bit of kindness can often go a long way. It’s also a story about true friendship, celebrating the holidays with friends and a bit of romance. The characters are wonderful, developed into real people with their own issues and foibles and you live their lives through this story. Most people don’t think of men as having things like anorexia or bulimia and, fictional though it is, this book is a real eye-opener and a thoroughly enjoyable one at that.
A Christmas to Live For by Brett Nelson is a Christian romance. It's set in New York City during the holiday season. Bryan Crandon has gone to a Hallowe’en gala hosted by his friend. Across the room, he sees the girl he has been dreaming of, Kristin Greene. He manages to speak to her but, when the night ends, neither has given up their contact details. But Bryan can’t get his mind off her, even though the last thing he wants is another relationship. His family and friends don’t know it but Bryan is struggling with anorexia and bulimia and just doesn’t have the strength to face anything else, least of all a relationship. His best friend intervenes and pushes him in the right direction, towards Kristin and happiness. Can he make the jump? Will Kristin help him with his struggles, or are they destined to be nothing more than friends?
A Christmas to Live For by Brett Nelson is a unique story. Most authors write about eating disorders in terms of women; this is a fresh look from the perspective of a man with the same disorders. This isn’t just a story of personal struggles, although it does show you that what you see isn’t always what you get. You can’t see from first glance what a person may be struggling with underneath and a bit of kindness can often go a long way. It’s also a story about true friendship, celebrating the holidays with friends and a bit of romance. The characters are wonderful, developed into real people with their own issues and foibles and you live their lives through this story. Most people don’t think of men as having things like anorexia or bulimia and, fictional though it is, this book is a real eye-opener and a thoroughly enjoyable one at that.
Recommend this book:
Then Comes Evening
Dave Witmer
2020 Bronze Medal
396 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Rebecca S Winner for Readers' Favorite
Then Comes Evening by Dave Witmer is a saga that stretches from Pennsylvania to Florida and from about 1960 to the present day. James is a widower whose wife had been the love of his life. Estella, on the other hand, is a widow whose marriage to an overpowering husband had been one of convenience. Estella is left penniless, so she looks for a well-to-do spouse. James needs a helper at his estate, so he agrees to a marriage of convenience with Estella. Estella is strong-willed and runs everything, including the farmhand, Graham, and the housekeeper/maid, Ellie. Then James dies leaving Estella in charge of the estate, which should have belonged to his sons...
In Then Comes Evening by Dave Witmer, I enjoyed getting to know the servants, Graham and Ellie, whose innocent concern for each other was touching. I liked visualizing the estate, the veranda, and even the inside of the house. I loved when Graham and Ellie were allowed to be in the garden together, their playfulness a relief from their interactions with the austere Estella. I liked the farm references which reminded me of my childhood on a farm, racing the weather to get the hay mowed, raked, baled and in the barn before the rain. Even though you are not supposed to like Estella, you understand why she is the way she is. While there were a few bad words, there were no intimate scenes. Even though the book falls into the Christian genre, I think anyone could enjoy this book.
Then Comes Evening by Dave Witmer is a saga that stretches from Pennsylvania to Florida and from about 1960 to the present day. James is a widower whose wife had been the love of his life. Estella, on the other hand, is a widow whose marriage to an overpowering husband had been one of convenience. Estella is left penniless, so she looks for a well-to-do spouse. James needs a helper at his estate, so he agrees to a marriage of convenience with Estella. Estella is strong-willed and runs everything, including the farmhand, Graham, and the housekeeper/maid, Ellie. Then James dies leaving Estella in charge of the estate, which should have belonged to his sons...
In Then Comes Evening by Dave Witmer, I enjoyed getting to know the servants, Graham and Ellie, whose innocent concern for each other was touching. I liked visualizing the estate, the veranda, and even the inside of the house. I loved when Graham and Ellie were allowed to be in the garden together, their playfulness a relief from their interactions with the austere Estella. I liked the farm references which reminded me of my childhood on a farm, racing the weather to get the hay mowed, raked, baled and in the barn before the rain. Even though you are not supposed to like Estella, you understand why she is the way she is. While there were a few bad words, there were no intimate scenes. Even though the book falls into the Christian genre, I think anyone could enjoy this book.
Recommend this book:
The Beauty Queen & The Reporter
Scott Douglas Vaughan
2020 Silver Medal
92 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The Beauty Queen & The Reporter by Scott Douglas Vaughan is a Christian fiction novella that crisscrosses the lives and romance of two young people on the fringes of love. Vicki Hall is a high school senior in Georgia with the right amount of maturity for her parents to decide she could stay behind when the family moved to Texas and finish out her final year on her own. She initially moves in with the Palmers who offer little more than a bed and little doubt of their expectations before she relocates to the Campbells. Frank Wilcox is a fresh graduate and journalist returning with little fanfare to his parents' home, who is told of Vicki with a wink and a smile, an Acorn County beauty who is also intelligent, fit, and talented. When Frank is sent to cover a beauty pageant that Vicki is participating in, the journey of the pair truly begins.
The Beauty Queen & The Reporter is a good bit of fun and a quick read. Scott Douglas Vaughan brings both teenage hope and real-world dilemmas to the table, each of which is compounded by the same outside forces that influence many relationships. That makes the story relatable and the characters authentic. The writing style can be a little too dense with the narrative, but the dialogue and internal thoughts provided via a third-person point of view do well to make up for it. I liked how Frank first views Vicki through the lens of his camera. It's a heartwarming meet that made me smile, and that same smile broadened when Frank unknowingly flashes Vicki a unique, symbolic wave that can only be attributed to divine will. As a Christian romance, the storyline is clean and Vaughan's novella imparts prayer and devotional references as part of his tale of young love. This is done with the skilled balance of a seasoned writer and even those who aren't Christian will not feel alienated in reading it. I enjoyed this look into Frank and Vicki's world and am certain others will also.
The Beauty Queen & The Reporter by Scott Douglas Vaughan is a Christian fiction novella that crisscrosses the lives and romance of two young people on the fringes of love. Vicki Hall is a high school senior in Georgia with the right amount of maturity for her parents to decide she could stay behind when the family moved to Texas and finish out her final year on her own. She initially moves in with the Palmers who offer little more than a bed and little doubt of their expectations before she relocates to the Campbells. Frank Wilcox is a fresh graduate and journalist returning with little fanfare to his parents' home, who is told of Vicki with a wink and a smile, an Acorn County beauty who is also intelligent, fit, and talented. When Frank is sent to cover a beauty pageant that Vicki is participating in, the journey of the pair truly begins.
The Beauty Queen & The Reporter is a good bit of fun and a quick read. Scott Douglas Vaughan brings both teenage hope and real-world dilemmas to the table, each of which is compounded by the same outside forces that influence many relationships. That makes the story relatable and the characters authentic. The writing style can be a little too dense with the narrative, but the dialogue and internal thoughts provided via a third-person point of view do well to make up for it. I liked how Frank first views Vicki through the lens of his camera. It's a heartwarming meet that made me smile, and that same smile broadened when Frank unknowingly flashes Vicki a unique, symbolic wave that can only be attributed to divine will. As a Christian romance, the storyline is clean and Vaughan's novella imparts prayer and devotional references as part of his tale of young love. This is done with the skilled balance of a seasoned writer and even those who aren't Christian will not feel alienated in reading it. I enjoyed this look into Frank and Vicki's world and am certain others will also.
Recommend this book:
Two Face the World
Marry in Haste...
Sarah Stuart
2019 Honorable Mention
301 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Two Face the World: Marry in Haste... by Sarah Stuart is a suspenseful romance with strong psychological hints, a second entry in a gripping romance series. I first read Three Against the World and was literally hypnotized by the author’s exploration of the emotional depth of the characters, but in this new novel, she takes the stakes higher. Richard and Maria are a new couple and while they have every reason to be happy, both are haunted by their past, both caught in a powerful, disturbing dilemma — face the truth of their past and risk their marriage or keep their secrets from each other and live in constant fear. But when their lives and property are attacked, they make the decision to uncover the person behind the attacks.
Sarah Stuart spins a tale that will resonate with readers. The characters are genuinely flawed and their humanity is deftly handled. The author has the gift of infusing the narrative with realism, making readers feel as though they are confronted with a story that unfolds before their gaze. The narrative starts with a powerful premise and deals with a problem that readers encounter in real life. The question that begs for an answer is: What do we do with our past when we get married? The strong narrative voice combines with the crisp prose to create a reading experience that is enjoyable. The prose is atmospheric, the plot intriguing and the characters skillfully developed with psychological and emotional depth. Apart from her gift of storytelling, Sarah Stuart creates the kind of conflict that defines the dynamics of the story and keeps the reader utterly engaged. Two Face the World: Marry in Haste... is another excellent read for fans of contemporary romance.
Two Face the World: Marry in Haste... by Sarah Stuart is a suspenseful romance with strong psychological hints, a second entry in a gripping romance series. I first read Three Against the World and was literally hypnotized by the author’s exploration of the emotional depth of the characters, but in this new novel, she takes the stakes higher. Richard and Maria are a new couple and while they have every reason to be happy, both are haunted by their past, both caught in a powerful, disturbing dilemma — face the truth of their past and risk their marriage or keep their secrets from each other and live in constant fear. But when their lives and property are attacked, they make the decision to uncover the person behind the attacks.
Sarah Stuart spins a tale that will resonate with readers. The characters are genuinely flawed and their humanity is deftly handled. The author has the gift of infusing the narrative with realism, making readers feel as though they are confronted with a story that unfolds before their gaze. The narrative starts with a powerful premise and deals with a problem that readers encounter in real life. The question that begs for an answer is: What do we do with our past when we get married? The strong narrative voice combines with the crisp prose to create a reading experience that is enjoyable. The prose is atmospheric, the plot intriguing and the characters skillfully developed with psychological and emotional depth. Apart from her gift of storytelling, Sarah Stuart creates the kind of conflict that defines the dynamics of the story and keeps the reader utterly engaged. Two Face the World: Marry in Haste... is another excellent read for fans of contemporary romance.
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