BookAwards.com
Award-Winning Books from Today's Best Authors
A Free Resource for Book Lovers, Authors, Agents, Publishers and Journalists
Recommend this book:
Garden of No Escape
Charles Bailey
2017 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite
Garden of No Escape by Charles Bailey is a great novel with meaningful symbolic undertones. It’s packed with action and features interesting and likeable characters. The setting is in the future, around 2082, and the problems humanity faces – like the war between the Christian Alliance the Islamic Caliphate, terrorist attacks, the domestic political power struggle and the global economic collapse. All have increased to staggering proportions. After serving ten years fighting against Fedayeen warriors in Algeria, Sergeant Alejandro O'Malley returns home, but what awaits him is nastier than anything he could have imagined. Washington, D.C., is in the grip of a merciless form of disorder – firing squad executions, terrorist bombings, and a lot more. O'Malley doesn’t want to be near any part of the chaos, so he plans to flee with his lover, but can they?
This is a very entertaining novel with gorgeous descriptions. The chaos that runs through the story fuels the conflict, offering readers a warning of what the world could be headed toward should ideological, political, and religious grievances continue to escalate. The novel’s narrative voice is arresting and it comes through the beautiful writing as crisp and confident. Garden of No Escape has great descriptive passages, a complex plot, and characters that readers would want to wake up with.
Garden of No Escape by Charles Bailey is a great novel with meaningful symbolic undertones. It’s packed with action and features interesting and likeable characters. The setting is in the future, around 2082, and the problems humanity faces – like the war between the Christian Alliance the Islamic Caliphate, terrorist attacks, the domestic political power struggle and the global economic collapse. All have increased to staggering proportions. After serving ten years fighting against Fedayeen warriors in Algeria, Sergeant Alejandro O'Malley returns home, but what awaits him is nastier than anything he could have imagined. Washington, D.C., is in the grip of a merciless form of disorder – firing squad executions, terrorist bombings, and a lot more. O'Malley doesn’t want to be near any part of the chaos, so he plans to flee with his lover, but can they?
This is a very entertaining novel with gorgeous descriptions. The chaos that runs through the story fuels the conflict, offering readers a warning of what the world could be headed toward should ideological, political, and religious grievances continue to escalate. The novel’s narrative voice is arresting and it comes through the beautiful writing as crisp and confident. Garden of No Escape has great descriptive passages, a complex plot, and characters that readers would want to wake up with.
Recommend this book:
Broken Butterfly
A Paradise Novel Book 2
Cindy Patterson
2017 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite
Broken Butterfly by Cindy Patterson is the second book in the Christian romance Paradise Novel series. This is a book that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoy clean romance stories. Twenty-two-year-old Mallory Scott has lost all trust in humanity after having to flee to a women’s shelter from an abusive relationship. Yet, trust may be the thing she needs most in her life as she is forced to rely on the kindness of others to help her escape her abuser after he finds her. Her escape lands her in Paradise, Pennsylvania where she meets Eric Matthews. Eric Matthews has a good job and a pretty girlfriend, but he lacks the will to live the life he wants; a chance encounter with Mallory might just be enough to get him interested in truly enjoying life. Will Mallory be able to open her heart, share her past, and trust that Eric truly wants her?
Broken Butterfly by Cindy Patterson is a well written romance novel with highly developed characters that felt just like real people. This is not one of those Prince Charming novels with love at first sight, but instead the story of a woman fleeing from abuse, and learning to live and love once again. I loved the character interaction between Mallory and Eric as it was easy to imagine the attraction between the two of them. I felt like I truly understood Mallory's fear that Eric was too good for her, and how it caused her to want to avoid potential hurt in the future by staying away. Yet, more than that, I admired her eventual decision to overcome her fears and face the possibility of future rejection in order to get back to truly living and enjoying her life. Overall, I greatly enjoyed this romance novel and I really hope the author decides to continue this series!
Broken Butterfly by Cindy Patterson is the second book in the Christian romance Paradise Novel series. This is a book that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoy clean romance stories. Twenty-two-year-old Mallory Scott has lost all trust in humanity after having to flee to a women’s shelter from an abusive relationship. Yet, trust may be the thing she needs most in her life as she is forced to rely on the kindness of others to help her escape her abuser after he finds her. Her escape lands her in Paradise, Pennsylvania where she meets Eric Matthews. Eric Matthews has a good job and a pretty girlfriend, but he lacks the will to live the life he wants; a chance encounter with Mallory might just be enough to get him interested in truly enjoying life. Will Mallory be able to open her heart, share her past, and trust that Eric truly wants her?
Broken Butterfly by Cindy Patterson is a well written romance novel with highly developed characters that felt just like real people. This is not one of those Prince Charming novels with love at first sight, but instead the story of a woman fleeing from abuse, and learning to live and love once again. I loved the character interaction between Mallory and Eric as it was easy to imagine the attraction between the two of them. I felt like I truly understood Mallory's fear that Eric was too good for her, and how it caused her to want to avoid potential hurt in the future by staying away. Yet, more than that, I admired her eventual decision to overcome her fears and face the possibility of future rejection in order to get back to truly living and enjoying her life. Overall, I greatly enjoyed this romance novel and I really hope the author decides to continue this series!
Recommend this book:
The Girl With the Pendant Pearl
James Pumpelly
2017 Silver Medal
452 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
The Girl with the Pendant Pearl surprised me. Yes, I first thought I’d be seeing an imitation of Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but I found a pearl, a treasure, an original piece in the romance and mystery genres. Maria Valentino is a culinary graduate with a past she’d love to hide from everyone, more so now that she’s madly in love with the attractive chef in the French Quarter, Roman Robideaux. But the past seems to follow people wherever they go and Maria’s comes in the form of her rapist. When she thinks she can move on and enjoy a serene, beautiful relationship, there comes the rapist, right in the very street she and her lover are just so used to. Can things be the way she’d dreamed they’d be?
If you’re looking for an interesting story with compelling and well-developed characters, then The Girl with the Pendant Pearl is one that will grab your attention all the way. James Pumpelly’s writing is impeccable, laced with axioms and powerful images that inject life into the story. The descriptions are vivid, and the expressions so warm and poetic that readers can read with the heart. The story features a powerful conflict centered on crime, love, and one woman’s struggle to come to grips with her past while hanging desperately onto a relationship that could mean the world to her. The drama moves on with great intensity and readers get excited about the outcome, which is satisfactory. James Pumpelly is a master storyteller with the rare ability to integrate powerful elements of characterization with a moving plot set in a very beautiful cultural milieu.
The Girl with the Pendant Pearl surprised me. Yes, I first thought I’d be seeing an imitation of Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but I found a pearl, a treasure, an original piece in the romance and mystery genres. Maria Valentino is a culinary graduate with a past she’d love to hide from everyone, more so now that she’s madly in love with the attractive chef in the French Quarter, Roman Robideaux. But the past seems to follow people wherever they go and Maria’s comes in the form of her rapist. When she thinks she can move on and enjoy a serene, beautiful relationship, there comes the rapist, right in the very street she and her lover are just so used to. Can things be the way she’d dreamed they’d be?
If you’re looking for an interesting story with compelling and well-developed characters, then The Girl with the Pendant Pearl is one that will grab your attention all the way. James Pumpelly’s writing is impeccable, laced with axioms and powerful images that inject life into the story. The descriptions are vivid, and the expressions so warm and poetic that readers can read with the heart. The story features a powerful conflict centered on crime, love, and one woman’s struggle to come to grips with her past while hanging desperately onto a relationship that could mean the world to her. The drama moves on with great intensity and readers get excited about the outcome, which is satisfactory. James Pumpelly is a master storyteller with the rare ability to integrate powerful elements of characterization with a moving plot set in a very beautiful cultural milieu.
Recommend this book:
Barely Above Water
Gail Pallotta
2017 Honorable Mention
275 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Deborah Stone for Readers' Favorite
Barely Above Water by Gail Pallotta has a powerful and heart wrenching message that we all need to hear. Suzie has something wrong with her, but no one seems to know what. Without a diagnosis, she is perceived, by some, to be lazy and complaining. No medical doctor has been able to help, so Suzie takes a giant leap of faith and trusts God to lead her. She moves to Florida to see an alternative medicine doctor that once helped her mother's friend. With no job, she relies on God and her savings while she looks for work. She ends up taking a summer-only job coaching a make-shift swim team with inexperienced swimmers. Although temporary, it will keep her going through the summer while she looks for other opportunities to support herself and pay for her treatments. Suzie meets Matt, the Park and Recreation Director and her new boss. When more than a work relationship begins to develop, Suzie feels she must tell Matt about her illness. Will he stand by her or walk away? Is telling him a risk that Suzie is willing to take?
Gail Pallotta introduces us to a world with options when it comes to taking care of our bodies. She speaks with authority on the subject because she understands it first hand. Gail Pallotta's characters are real and convincing because they come from a place of understanding. Gail's love story is fragile and tender, but with an inner strength that comes from trust and faith in God. Gail Pallotta's story is inspiring and resonates with hope when all hope seems to be gone. A lovely story with well defined and well developed characters, and a story line with factual information that will help, or at least educate, readers.
Barely Above Water by Gail Pallotta has a powerful and heart wrenching message that we all need to hear. Suzie has something wrong with her, but no one seems to know what. Without a diagnosis, she is perceived, by some, to be lazy and complaining. No medical doctor has been able to help, so Suzie takes a giant leap of faith and trusts God to lead her. She moves to Florida to see an alternative medicine doctor that once helped her mother's friend. With no job, she relies on God and her savings while she looks for work. She ends up taking a summer-only job coaching a make-shift swim team with inexperienced swimmers. Although temporary, it will keep her going through the summer while she looks for other opportunities to support herself and pay for her treatments. Suzie meets Matt, the Park and Recreation Director and her new boss. When more than a work relationship begins to develop, Suzie feels she must tell Matt about her illness. Will he stand by her or walk away? Is telling him a risk that Suzie is willing to take?
Gail Pallotta introduces us to a world with options when it comes to taking care of our bodies. She speaks with authority on the subject because she understands it first hand. Gail Pallotta's characters are real and convincing because they come from a place of understanding. Gail's love story is fragile and tender, but with an inner strength that comes from trust and faith in God. Gail Pallotta's story is inspiring and resonates with hope when all hope seems to be gone. A lovely story with well defined and well developed characters, and a story line with factual information that will help, or at least educate, readers.
Recommend this book:
Counterstrike: Heaven Sent
The Short Book
Mr. Travis Logan Salisbury, Ms. Janet Claire Smyth
2017 Finalist
598 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite
Defender: A Scottish American Fairy Tale by Mr. Travis Logan Salisbury and Ms. Janet Claire Smyth is a fictional terrorist thriller novel that would appeal most to an audience made up of adults who enjoy thriller fiction with a focus on terrorism. Defender follows Kate Greenwood and agent Gareth Dru McFadyn. Kate Greenwood is a college professor who finds a battered Gareth Dru McFadyn on the side of the road. This one discovery leads to a partnership between the two as they come to discover their compatibility amidst the terror and fear caused by Klaus Vogle.
Move over Bluebloods, 24, Blacklist, and Criminal Minds and make room for Defender! Defender is a well-written and well-researched novel that is very difficult to put into just one genre as it is a mix of genres. I personally found the plot line and the characters to be well developed. Kate Greenwood was my favorite character. It is hard not to like a woman who is willing to help someone stranded and injured on the side of the road without a clue of who he is. I really enjoyed Kate’s interactions with Gareth and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop and evolve over the course of the book. I also really liked the fact that the authors are donating 10% of the proceeds to ovarian cancer research and patient malpractice advocacy. Overall, I greatly enjoyed reading about Kate Greenwood and Agent Gareth Dru McFadyn and I hope the authors decided to write a follow up novel.
Defender: A Scottish American Fairy Tale by Mr. Travis Logan Salisbury and Ms. Janet Claire Smyth is a fictional terrorist thriller novel that would appeal most to an audience made up of adults who enjoy thriller fiction with a focus on terrorism. Defender follows Kate Greenwood and agent Gareth Dru McFadyn. Kate Greenwood is a college professor who finds a battered Gareth Dru McFadyn on the side of the road. This one discovery leads to a partnership between the two as they come to discover their compatibility amidst the terror and fear caused by Klaus Vogle.
Move over Bluebloods, 24, Blacklist, and Criminal Minds and make room for Defender! Defender is a well-written and well-researched novel that is very difficult to put into just one genre as it is a mix of genres. I personally found the plot line and the characters to be well developed. Kate Greenwood was my favorite character. It is hard not to like a woman who is willing to help someone stranded and injured on the side of the road without a clue of who he is. I really enjoyed Kate’s interactions with Gareth and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop and evolve over the course of the book. I also really liked the fact that the authors are donating 10% of the proceeds to ovarian cancer research and patient malpractice advocacy. Overall, I greatly enjoyed reading about Kate Greenwood and Agent Gareth Dru McFadyn and I hope the authors decided to write a follow up novel.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/a-pet-for-christmas&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51xyqAQvNYL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=In A Pet for Christmas by Rachelle Ayala, Kelly Kennedy falls in love with Tyler Manning, a war veteran suffering from PTSD. As Tyler travels the globe trying to find a way to exorcise the demons of war, Kelly and her five-year-old daughter, Bree, wait. Kelly is pregnant with Tyler's son, she is a working mom, and she wonders if her "fiance" will e...){kind=link}
A Pet for Christmas
A Veteran's Christmas Volume 2
Rachelle Ayala
2016 Finalist
172 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Deborah Stone for Readers' Favorite
In A Pet for Christmas by Rachelle Ayala, Kelly Kennedy falls in love with Tyler Manning, a war veteran suffering from PTSD. As Tyler travels the globe trying to find a way to exorcise the demons of war, Kelly and her five-year-old daughter, Bree, wait. Kelly is pregnant with Tyler's son, she is a working mom, and she wonders if her "fiance" will ever be able to live a normal family life. Tyler returns to Afghanistan in an attempt to help the children there while Kelly is left to wonder if he will ever come home to stay. A world apart, both of their lives present severe and dangerous situations. Tyler is in an area where terrorism runs rampant and Kelly struggles with work, a high risk pregnancy, and a five-year-old asking questions that she cannot fully answer. Kelly's concerns are more than just for Tyler's safety and she prays that it can all be sorted out in time for Christmas. Kelly's trust in God gives her something to hold onto while the rest of her life feels uncertain and like it's falling apart.
Rachelle Ayala's A Pet for Christmas is a riveting story of love and hope, terror and despair, and trusting God to do what we cannot. Rachelle Ayala's characters are compelling and real, the story is full of anxious moments as well as tender and endearing ones. Kelly and Tyler go through terrors of their own as they pray to one day be reunited. Bree is sweet and innocent, as five-year-olds are, but with an innocent maturity that raises questions that need to be answered. When things are beyond our control, we turn to God for His help and Rachelle's characters show us just how much we need Him in our lives. A well written story with believable characters and well defined situations that keep you on the edge of your seat one minute and warming your heart the next. I enjoyed this book very much.
In A Pet for Christmas by Rachelle Ayala, Kelly Kennedy falls in love with Tyler Manning, a war veteran suffering from PTSD. As Tyler travels the globe trying to find a way to exorcise the demons of war, Kelly and her five-year-old daughter, Bree, wait. Kelly is pregnant with Tyler's son, she is a working mom, and she wonders if her "fiance" will ever be able to live a normal family life. Tyler returns to Afghanistan in an attempt to help the children there while Kelly is left to wonder if he will ever come home to stay. A world apart, both of their lives present severe and dangerous situations. Tyler is in an area where terrorism runs rampant and Kelly struggles with work, a high risk pregnancy, and a five-year-old asking questions that she cannot fully answer. Kelly's concerns are more than just for Tyler's safety and she prays that it can all be sorted out in time for Christmas. Kelly's trust in God gives her something to hold onto while the rest of her life feels uncertain and like it's falling apart.
Rachelle Ayala's A Pet for Christmas is a riveting story of love and hope, terror and despair, and trusting God to do what we cannot. Rachelle Ayala's characters are compelling and real, the story is full of anxious moments as well as tender and endearing ones. Kelly and Tyler go through terrors of their own as they pray to one day be reunited. Bree is sweet and innocent, as five-year-olds are, but with an innocent maturity that raises questions that need to be answered. When things are beyond our control, we turn to God for His help and Rachelle's characters show us just how much we need Him in our lives. A well written story with believable characters and well defined situations that keep you on the edge of your seat one minute and warming your heart the next. I enjoyed this book very much.
Recommend this book:
Wrinkles
A True Love Story
Mian Mohsin Zia
2016 Bronze Medal
258 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Lorraine Carey for Readers' Favorite
Wrinkles by Mian Mohsin Zia is a story of a deeper kind of love, one that stands the test of time. Here the message is about the love that makes a family. Xavier, a young man, has a great love for his mother and God. This story is thought provoking. The mother-son relationship is endearing. It had me reflecting on the role of a mother and the significance of her role within the family. Xavier has the kind of mother who gives him unconditional love and he is grateful for her gift, yet he is pursuing another kind of love to fulfill his dreams.
He falls in love with Anna, a woman who seems distant and unattainable. He only becomes more obsessed and persistent with gaining her love. In pursuit of his love, Xavier is supported by his best friend, Faisal. Xavier and Faisal share a one-of-a-kind friendship which adds value to the book and makes it even more special. All through the story, I was rooting for Xavier to find his love. The story unfolds as Xavier, his mother, and Anna will encounter yet another person who will need the power of unconditional love that only these three strong individuals can give.
The book cover is striking and depicts the main character in the most important role in the story. Mian’s books relay a message to readers that makes them unforgettable. A bonus is the addition of poems that are reflective of the character’s feelings. Mian Mohsin Zia writes with a passion as he creates three-dimensional characters. You can’t help but feel as though they are your friends. The dialogue seems very real and at times I felt as though I was right there in the story. The events will pull at your heartstrings, evoking emotions as you are turning pages to see how this story will unfold. This is a smooth read as all the chapters blend well and clarity is evident within the story. Wrinkles is a very powerful book that everyone should read.
Wrinkles by Mian Mohsin Zia is a story of a deeper kind of love, one that stands the test of time. Here the message is about the love that makes a family. Xavier, a young man, has a great love for his mother and God. This story is thought provoking. The mother-son relationship is endearing. It had me reflecting on the role of a mother and the significance of her role within the family. Xavier has the kind of mother who gives him unconditional love and he is grateful for her gift, yet he is pursuing another kind of love to fulfill his dreams.
He falls in love with Anna, a woman who seems distant and unattainable. He only becomes more obsessed and persistent with gaining her love. In pursuit of his love, Xavier is supported by his best friend, Faisal. Xavier and Faisal share a one-of-a-kind friendship which adds value to the book and makes it even more special. All through the story, I was rooting for Xavier to find his love. The story unfolds as Xavier, his mother, and Anna will encounter yet another person who will need the power of unconditional love that only these three strong individuals can give.
The book cover is striking and depicts the main character in the most important role in the story. Mian’s books relay a message to readers that makes them unforgettable. A bonus is the addition of poems that are reflective of the character’s feelings. Mian Mohsin Zia writes with a passion as he creates three-dimensional characters. You can’t help but feel as though they are your friends. The dialogue seems very real and at times I felt as though I was right there in the story. The events will pull at your heartstrings, evoking emotions as you are turning pages to see how this story will unfold. This is a smooth read as all the chapters blend well and clarity is evident within the story. Wrinkles is a very powerful book that everyone should read.
Recommend this book:
Aundy
One Courageous Mail-Order Bride - Pendleton Petticoats
Shanna Hatfield
2016 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite
Aundy, by Shanna Hatfield, takes readers back to 1899 and introduces us to twenty-one-year-old Aundy Thorsen. Aundy's life in Chicago hasn't been the same since the death of her beloved fiance, Gunther. She longs for a change so when she reads an ad in the paper from Erik Erikson, a farmer from Pendleton, Oregon, stating that he is looking for a mail order bride, Aundy decides this might be what she is looking for. After corresponding with him, she travels west. She is married right off the train, but an accident occurs that leaves her a widow within days of becoming a wife. When she learns that Erik has left his ranch to her, she decides to stay even though she knows nothing about running the ranch. The Nash family lives next door and are more than willing to take Aundy under their wing. Soon, though, feelings start to spark between Aundy and Garrett; but Aundy is convinced that she is bad luck where men are concerned so can Garrett change her mind?
Aundy is a story that pulled me in and kept me reading because it was like a breath of fresh air where mail order bride stories are concerned. Sure there is romance, but there is also humor, as well as mystery and suspense that surrounded the goings-on at the ranch. Aundy was such a strong character, full of pluck, but with a kind heart, that helped those less fortunate than herself. It was so easy to become invested in her life and want the best for her. The author's attention to detail brings not only the setting but the characters to life as well, but it was the plot twists that kept me glued to the pages of this one. I couldn't help but wonder whether Aundy's ranch would be a success, whether she would open her heart to love again, and wonder who was trying to scare her off the ranch! Fans of good clean historical romance that is rich in detail will certainly enjoy Aundy, but anyone looking for a sweet mail order bride tale filled with a few twists will be pleased as well. Truly one of the best mail order bride adventures that I have had the pleasure of reading.
Aundy, by Shanna Hatfield, takes readers back to 1899 and introduces us to twenty-one-year-old Aundy Thorsen. Aundy's life in Chicago hasn't been the same since the death of her beloved fiance, Gunther. She longs for a change so when she reads an ad in the paper from Erik Erikson, a farmer from Pendleton, Oregon, stating that he is looking for a mail order bride, Aundy decides this might be what she is looking for. After corresponding with him, she travels west. She is married right off the train, but an accident occurs that leaves her a widow within days of becoming a wife. When she learns that Erik has left his ranch to her, she decides to stay even though she knows nothing about running the ranch. The Nash family lives next door and are more than willing to take Aundy under their wing. Soon, though, feelings start to spark between Aundy and Garrett; but Aundy is convinced that she is bad luck where men are concerned so can Garrett change her mind?
Aundy is a story that pulled me in and kept me reading because it was like a breath of fresh air where mail order bride stories are concerned. Sure there is romance, but there is also humor, as well as mystery and suspense that surrounded the goings-on at the ranch. Aundy was such a strong character, full of pluck, but with a kind heart, that helped those less fortunate than herself. It was so easy to become invested in her life and want the best for her. The author's attention to detail brings not only the setting but the characters to life as well, but it was the plot twists that kept me glued to the pages of this one. I couldn't help but wonder whether Aundy's ranch would be a success, whether she would open her heart to love again, and wonder who was trying to scare her off the ranch! Fans of good clean historical romance that is rich in detail will certainly enjoy Aundy, but anyone looking for a sweet mail order bride tale filled with a few twists will be pleased as well. Truly one of the best mail order bride adventures that I have had the pleasure of reading.
Recommend this book:
Christmas Stray
Rachelle Ayala
2016 Gold Medal
90 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Deborah Stone for Readers' Favorite
In Christmas Stray by Rachelle Ayala, Gabe and Juliette Martin head off to a cabin in the woods to spend Christmas together. A time to be alone and find out if their strained marriage can be salvaged. Christmas Eve the year before, their six-year-old son, Jeremiah, died of leukemia and Juliette has been lost in her grief ever since. She had prayed to God for a miracle, but Jeremiah still died. Their time at the cabin would give Juliette and Gabe a chance to reconnect, if it's not too late. They find a stray puppy and his companion, a young boy, during a snow storm. Gabe and Juliette take them both inside the warm cabin and, as they wait out the severe storm, Patrick and the puppy may just be the Christmas miracle that Juliette has prayed for. How will she deal with turning Patrick back over to his own family when the storm passes?
Rachelle Ayala's characters are well thought out and the emotions of grief and loss are well defined. As Gabe and Juliette still mourn the loss of their only child, this strange boy appears to fill that void, if only temporarily. Juliette struggles to open her heart to feel love again for her husband and this temporary family. Rachelle Ayala's unexpected ending is both touching and delightful, and puts a smile on your face while it warms your heart. God is gracious and merciful and we see the evidence of that in Gabe and Juliette's unexpected and unusual Christmas miracle. This is a delightful story with a heartwarming and tender ending. I enjoyed reading it and plan to read more of this author's work.
In Christmas Stray by Rachelle Ayala, Gabe and Juliette Martin head off to a cabin in the woods to spend Christmas together. A time to be alone and find out if their strained marriage can be salvaged. Christmas Eve the year before, their six-year-old son, Jeremiah, died of leukemia and Juliette has been lost in her grief ever since. She had prayed to God for a miracle, but Jeremiah still died. Their time at the cabin would give Juliette and Gabe a chance to reconnect, if it's not too late. They find a stray puppy and his companion, a young boy, during a snow storm. Gabe and Juliette take them both inside the warm cabin and, as they wait out the severe storm, Patrick and the puppy may just be the Christmas miracle that Juliette has prayed for. How will she deal with turning Patrick back over to his own family when the storm passes?
Rachelle Ayala's characters are well thought out and the emotions of grief and loss are well defined. As Gabe and Juliette still mourn the loss of their only child, this strange boy appears to fill that void, if only temporarily. Juliette struggles to open her heart to feel love again for her husband and this temporary family. Rachelle Ayala's unexpected ending is both touching and delightful, and puts a smile on your face while it warms your heart. God is gracious and merciful and we see the evidence of that in Gabe and Juliette's unexpected and unusual Christmas miracle. This is a delightful story with a heartwarming and tender ending. I enjoyed reading it and plan to read more of this author's work.
Recommend this book:
Kicking Eternity
New Smyrna Beach Series Book 3
Ann Lee Miller
2015 Finalist
331 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Katelyn Hensel for Readers' Favorite
All Rainey ... wait ... Raine wants to think about is Africa. It's been her goal to get there and she has a one-track mind. All she has to do is get through a session of summer camp and she will be on to bigger and better things. Cal is jaded when it comes to religion. Having been force-fed spirituality all his life, he has a hard time dealing with it when he and Raine get close. Drew, Cal's brother, is the director of the camp and also has feelings for Raine. Throughout their experiences, the three learn more about themselves than they ever thought possible. Kicking Eternity by Ann Lee Miller is your summer TBR pile must!
When you graduate college (or the years surrounding the event) it's a little like being a ship lost in a storm. So many young adults flounder for a while, just like Rainey does in this book, and it's comforting to be able to relate to someone who is going through similar confusion about dreams, their life, and their romance. Angst and confusion isn't just for teenagers anymore!
Raine wasn't very likable when I first met her. She's cautious, dismissive, and seems to be searching for everyone's hidden agenda, which seemed disingenuous to me. However, as the book goes on and we are able to peel back a layer or two, it becomes clear that Raine has a lot of insecurities that she is dealing with and it's these that come out when she's interacting with other people. Of the two brothers, I related more to Cal. I've had similar experiences and I really felt where he was coming from. Kicking Eternity was a fun, thoughtful read that breezed by.
All Rainey ... wait ... Raine wants to think about is Africa. It's been her goal to get there and she has a one-track mind. All she has to do is get through a session of summer camp and she will be on to bigger and better things. Cal is jaded when it comes to religion. Having been force-fed spirituality all his life, he has a hard time dealing with it when he and Raine get close. Drew, Cal's brother, is the director of the camp and also has feelings for Raine. Throughout their experiences, the three learn more about themselves than they ever thought possible. Kicking Eternity by Ann Lee Miller is your summer TBR pile must!
When you graduate college (or the years surrounding the event) it's a little like being a ship lost in a storm. So many young adults flounder for a while, just like Rainey does in this book, and it's comforting to be able to relate to someone who is going through similar confusion about dreams, their life, and their romance. Angst and confusion isn't just for teenagers anymore!
Raine wasn't very likable when I first met her. She's cautious, dismissive, and seems to be searching for everyone's hidden agenda, which seemed disingenuous to me. However, as the book goes on and we are able to peel back a layer or two, it becomes clear that Raine has a lot of insecurities that she is dealing with and it's these that come out when she's interacting with other people. Of the two brothers, I related more to Cal. I've had similar experiences and I really felt where he was coming from. Kicking Eternity was a fun, thoughtful read that breezed by.
Contact Author -
