Lone Star Holiday

Clear Water, TX #1

by Jolene Navarro

The Prodigal Returns

Twelve years ago, Lorrie Ann Ortega left the tiny town of Clear Water with stars in her eyes. Now she's back home—trying to live right and put her mistakes in the past. Even so, she'll never be the kind of woman who would make a good wife for the handsome widowed pastor, John Levi. But when she agrees to be nanny to his two sweet daughters, she's thrown constantly in his path. And she can't keep herself from dreaming that a man like John could one day love her. Can a prodigal daughter turn into a pastor's wife?

Genres: Love Inspired, Christmas, Romance, Christian Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian, Westerns

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Living in the Texas Hill Country, with her four children, Jolene’s life, much like the stories she writes, is filled with faith, family, football, art, laughter, dirty dishes and all of life's wonderful messiness.

Jolene knows that, as much as the world changes, people stay the same. Good and evil. Vow-keepers and heart-breakers. Jolene married a vow-keeper who showed her that long kisses and dancing in the rain never gets old.

Reviews

[Julia Griffis - The Romance Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lone Star Holiday" was an absolutely wonderful Christian romance holiday read that was extremely hard to put down. The story line was truly touching and heartwarming, and the characters were amazing. I completely fell in love with Lorrie Ann, John, and his adorable little girls, Rachel and Celeste. I would definitely recommend this novel by Jolene Navarro, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.

[Belle Calhoune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lone Star Holiday by Jolene Navarro was a beautiful, uplifting read. I enjoyed the journey of the heroine, Lorrie Ann, who returns to a hometown she isn't sure will welcome her with open arms. The hero, Pastor John Levi, is a warm, loving man who is a bit scarred from his wife's death. Both Lorrie Ann and John are a bit jaded by the notion of falling in love, yet as Lorrie Ann bonds with John's two daughters, magic happens. The two little girls in the book are delightful and add to the charming vibe of the book. The festive holiday aspects are heartwarming. This is one book that will warm your heart all year round. There are plenty more stories to tell in this town. I can't wait to see what's next in Clear Water, Texas.

[Katy Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story from cover to cover. I enjoyed Lorrie Ann's journey to find her home. I like to think she will go on to use her gifts in the music industry. God is raising up artists in the media that will glorify Him and bring the world to Him. This story just shows this and the possibilities could be endless with God. I enjoyed John and his kind ways. I appreciated that he wasn't perfect even as a preacher. He was human and for that, he made a great church leader...and a wonderful hero. Great debut, Jolene Navarro! I really enjoyed this story!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jolene Navarro is a new author to me, but I will have to keep an eye out for other books by her after reading Lone Star Holiday. I loved the characters of Lorrie Ann and John and how they both had to struggle through their own feelings of unworthiness. The character of Celeste was delightful. I would recommend this book.
I won a copy of this book through a giveaway and was not required to give a review.

[Sasha Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like I was visiting Clear Water while reading this book. Something about the 'realness' of the characters, the details that drew me in - like I was sitting at the kitchen table with this marvelous cast. Miss Navarro has a true gift - penning unique characters of all ages (LOVED those kids!) and a setting I cannot wait to visit again!!!! Come on book 2!!!

[Harlequin Books]

"Navarro's characters skillfully display that our imperfections are used to glorify God and His plans." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 stars

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous debut novel. Great characters and wonderful faith elements that are not preachy. Truly put me in a holiday mood. Fa-la-la-la-la-la... well, you get my drift.

[Kate (The Shelf Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review will be posted soon.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book and hope to see many more from this author!

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

a story of God's great plan for everyone

[Jolene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with the characters, but then again I created them. So don't take my word, read it and let me know what you think. lol

[Sandy Forman-Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute, very fast reading and very light

[Bcreamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navarro's debut novel is extremely satisfying! Love, faith and Christmas all rolled into one! Does it get any better? Take it from a native Texan, great holiday read!!

[Jane]

Part of double book with Margaret Daley

[Dj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve years ago, (Band Manager) Lorrie Ann Ortega (L.A.) left the tiny town of Clear Water with stars in her eyes escaping the feeling of being an outsider and escaping vicious lies. She and her fiancée and bandmember Brent have a fight and she looks for someplace safe. Now she's back home—trying to live right and put her mistakes in the past. Even so, she'll never be the kind of woman who would make a good wife for the handsome widowed (pastor), John Levi. But when she agrees to be nanny to his two sweet daughters Celeste and Rachel, she's thrown constantly in his path. And she can't keep herself from dreaming that a man like John could one day love her. Can a prodigal daughter turn into a pastor's wife?] ‘13 VG

[Tara Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite love inspired romance books out there! I loved the characters, setting, pace, and comedic appeal along with the romance.

[Ranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story line....descriptive detail characters..... Highly recommended

[Sparrow12 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always like stories about prodigals. This one was an excellent read. There were several unexpected twists. I enjoyed it immensely,

[Jennifer Schultheis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lone Star Holiday by Jolene Navarro is my first book from this author and I have tell you, I loved this book. The connections between the characters is real and it was really great reading about characters who are aren't perfect but have good intentions. Forgiveness is a powerful thing and I think this book was a wonderful example of it. Adored the ending and can't wait to read more from Jolene Navarro.

[C.S. Kjar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming story of a woman who has lost herself and returns to the nearest thing she has to a home. By accident, she is cast into the middle of a lonely family who need her, but she wonders if she's up to the task. Her past still haunts her and she is unsure on how to progress into the future. The story shows you that what you think of yourself is not always what others think of you. And love can come to you in the most unexpected ways.