A Change of Heart by Kimberly Rae Jordan Only one thing stands between Ethan Collins and the job he desperately needs: office manager Makayla McFadden. She hates that he represents a major change in her family’s business, but finds herself intrigued by him, too. Will Makayla be able to see that change can be a good thing, professionally and personally? Or will Ethan be back to square one—in need of a job in a new city?
Not This Time by Leah Atwood Amie Reynolds wakes up on her wedding morning to find a note from her fiancé that he left the country. Needing to escape her heartache, she visits her great-aunt’s lake house for the summer and meets Drew Sullivan. Romance between them blooms, but will Drew’s secret tear them apart?
Homestands by Sally Bradley A pro athlete stumbles across his ex-wife, the son she hid from him, and the rare opportunity to right his wrongs, but a secret from the past threatens their attempts to repair their shattered relationship.
Secrets of Sunbeams by Valerie Comer One animal control officer with her own escapee goat. One solar architect whose report has been eaten. Can romance and urban farming blossom on the same city block?
Overture and a Prince by Christina Coryell She’s an actress who can’t seem to get out of character. He’s a mechanic who puts little stock in imagination. Will their love story make it to the opening curtain?
Gentle Like the Rain by JoAnn Durgin Isabella Caccavale’s stable life plunges into a tailspin after she buys her aunt's general store in Evergreen, Maine. When “runaway” lawyer Sidney Prescott roars into town, he jump-starts her wounded heart. Will Sidney find what he seeks in quaint little Evergreen or will he take Isabella’s heart with him when he returns to Boston?
Teapots & Tiaras by Autumn Macarthur When their best friends’ wedding in London pushes medical missionary Matthew Coalbrooke and bubbly shoe-aholic kitchenware saleswoman Anita Kiernan together, it’s dislike at first sight. But God has a bigger plan for them than they can possibly imagine.
Oceans Apart by Lesley Ann McDaniel This is the Inn at Crescent Cove's biggest weekend since Lily Duarte bought it last year—a wedding. Now if only she can stop dwelling on the last wedding she planned then called off at the eleventh hour…her own. When an employee quits and handsome best man Matthew Case steps in to help, Lily’s thoughts of what might have been start to fade away.
The Lifeguard, the Abandoned Heiress, and Frozen Custard by Carol Moncado Adam Wilkerson is looking forward to a summer of fun working at the Serenity Landing Aquatic Center. Gwendolyn Cranston-Schmidt is looking for a fresh start. Can they see past both of their secrets to find their way to a real relationship?
Flight 259 by Staci Stallings It was only a chance occurrence. When Jenna Davis happens to sit next to Dr. Scott Browning and his young son on the plane to Newark, she has no idea how that one chance decision will change all of their lives forever.
Smile for Me by Jan Thompson A workaholic assistant principal who meticulously plans his schedule months in advance meets an easygoing potter and art teacher with no sense of time, living her life as the seasons come and go. Crossing paths again at the Summer-by-the-Sea Day Camp sponsored by his church in the Bahamas, how can they work together if they cannot see eye to eye?
The Other You by Marion Ueckermann Five years spent searching for her identity brings photojournalist Taylor Cassidy no closer to the truth. When Taylor is sent to South Africa to uncover the story behind winegrower Armand DeBois’s flagship wine, Aimee Amour, their meeting raises questions that demand answers—for them both.
6/30/16: Oh my stars! Thank you, Stacie Stallings, for releasing your 20-yr old Baby, "Flight 259"! I just finished and am sitting here in tears. What a book! Jenna, Scott, Lane...what a precious story. All that their young lives have been through is heart wrenching, so tender, and even breathtakingly beautiful! I loved reading their story...and am more than excited for the sequel. Thank you for writing with such passion and emotion!
I can't wait to read the rest of this set. Off to start on JoAnn Durgin's "Gentle Like the Rain"!
7/1/16: "Gentle Like the Rain" by JoAnn Durgin was such a sweet story. I loved the gentle leading of the Lord. Sydney's heart and compassion were so tender. Isabella's spunk when around Sydney was adorable. A beautiful story of love directed by Papa God! Highly recommend! 7/3: I believe it is no irony that I read this book this week, nor that it is gently raining today. Papa God's timing is always perfect. This morning during worship there was such a heavy presence of Papa God's love. And at one point our worship leader said something to the effect of soaking in His love, that He desires to lavish His love on us. All I could think of was His love is gentle like the rain. My Papa God is gentle like the rain. I just thank you, JoAnn. Thank you for the earthly example you shared through your book, allowing me to see and feel and know His love today. It was much needed and I am grateful.
7/3/16: Jan Thompson's "Smile for Me" was a beautiful read. Not only the romance but the location. I looked up many of the flowers and trees from the Bahamas mentioned in the story...and oh my word. It gave me such a vivid picture if the scenery, as well as some of Tina's clothes. And speaking of Tina, what a precious spirit...her heart for the class, her love for her brother, her giving heart, and her fun scatterbrained ways...yes, precious. Byron, so locked to his schedule and order. Oh how they needed one another...each one possessing what the other didn't. Very sweet story of love, family and friends...and oh that scenery!
7/6/16: Leah Atwood's "Not This Time" was so endearing. A sweet summer romance, continued years later. I can picture Amie and Drew sitting on the dock, Drew in the parade, Aunt Sallie in her lavender dress...very well descriptive bringing the whole book to life...a life of second chances! Such a precious ending, too, but I don't want to spoil it! I highly recommend!
7/10/16: Christina Coryell is a new-to-me author, but if the rest of her books are anything like "Overture and a Prince" then I'm a new fan for certain! What a fun book! I love musicals anyway, but add to the reading one of my favorites and we have a winner. "Belle" is absolutely fun, quite comical, yes a bit quirky, but oh so sweet. And once you get to know the real her, she steals your heart. And Ethan...oh my! Swoon-worthy right there! Truly a fun, comical, sweet, surprising story to read! I highly recommend!
7/19/16: Valerie Comer's "Secrets of Sunbeams" was truly an inspirational read. The way Valerie weaves her faith into the story was simply beautiful and thought provoking. Such incredible lessons, though done subtly. Eden is absolutely precious, needing some sunbeams in her life. And Jacob is just the one to shine them her direction. I love how they work out their differences and enjoyed their quick romance. Such a good read! Thinking I need to find more of Valerie's books!
7/29-7/30/16: "The Other You" by Marion Ueckermann... such an incredible read with twists I did not see coming by a new-to-me author. The scenery was so vivid that I felt like I was there. Taylor was fun with lots of spunk, determination, and such a sweet spirit. Armand's heartache, oh how I could feel it. His shock meeting Taylor then his courting her was simply beautiful and oh so romantic. I will definitely be looking for more by Mrs. Ueckermann! I highly recommend this one!
8/1: I enjoyed Adam and Gwendolyn's story in "The Lifeguard, the Abandoned Heiress, and Frozen Custard" by Carol Moncado. I was surprised by the early plot twist, but fell in love with Adam's humbleness and sincerity. He was so precious. A sweet story. (Tried to leave a review for this on Amazon, but the box set is missing. I will look for the individual book.)
8/3: "A Change of Heart" by Kimberly Rae Jordan was very difficult to put down. A lovely book. I truly enjoyed watching Ethan and Makayla's relationship grow. Ethan's care of his sister was near heroic, so precious and protective. Such a tender love story. I look forward to reading more about the Callaghan and McFadden's, and anything else by Ms. Jordan.
8/15: "Homestands" by Sally Bradley took me a little longer to read as life took place in there making me put it down. I'm not really a baseball fan, even though my husband is a Royals fanatic, but I enjoyed Mike and Meg's story of second chances. I loved the change in Mike and the sweet romance he showed to Meg. I think I could understand Meg's hesitation. I liked the bit of mystery, intrigue and suspense tossed into the story. Truly a well rounded and good read. I'll be looking for the next in the series.
Two more to read to finish this set. :)
8/16/16: "Teapots and Tiaras" by Autumn Macarthur was such a sweet read. I loved the likeness to Pride and Prejudice. I loved the self discovery of needing Jesus. Anita's story spoke volumes to me as so much hit close to my heart. Matthew's discovery of love was precious and priceless. And sweet little Daisy in the midst. What a great story that I read in one day. I laughed, I lifted my chin right along with Anita, and I cried. Highly recommend. (Now I want to read more from Ms Macarthur.)
8/17/16: I would love to visit the Inn at Crescent Cove. What a precious story in "Oceans Apart" by Lesley Ann McDaniel, and the description of the Inn just begs a visit. The ocean view, a sightseeing cruise, and lunch on the quiet porch...count me in. Lily with her lists reminds me of an earlier me, loving to make list after list and checking them off one by one. Her love of hospitality and making things just so is also right up my alley. Enter Matthew, hunk I could clearly picture from such detailed description, and we have a beautiful complete visit to the Inn. Their chemistry from first sight is reminiscent of my own husband of 25 years. Yes, such a sweet and fun story. I highly recommend.
What an incredible box set. Each book, each author, unique and wonderful. I look forward to more from these authors.
What an amazing deal this boxed set was!! I have only read one book from this set, but it was so stinking good,that I had to leave a review NOW. I read Homestands from Sally Bradley. She had me hooked from the first page. The story had mystery and romance that kept me turning the pages. My heart went out to the heroine, Meg. I can't even imagine the pain she went through with her marriage. My heart also went out to the hero, Mike. He made some stupid, stupid decisions that caused so many consequences in so many lives. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster with the twists and turns. However, there was redemption and forgiveness that only God could offer to take away shame and guilt. He is a God of second chances. Ya'll, I loved this story and I highly recommend it.
8/31/16 - Homestands (Chicago Wind Book 1) by Sally Bradley 4.5 Stars! Bradley quickly drew me into Meg and Mike's story; and once I started this novel I did not want to stop! Fans of Bradley's first novel, Kept will not be disappointed. We have real hurt and pain here, and circumstances that are not easy to brush away. I felt the pain and even the anger along with Meg. Of course, I was quicker to forgive than her (wink). This story felt authentic and brought forth so many truths.
We in Christ, are called to forgive. It is easy to say but sometimes hard to do. While Meg might have taken longer than I liked, I was glad to see the struggle, it made the novel and her character more real. I enjoyed seeing Mike grow and work through things in this novel. He was determined and kept coming back, despite how difficult Meg made things.
I do not want to say too much and ruin the story for you. I enjoyed the struggle, the relationships developing and even the touch of suspense added in. This was a well written and captivating novel, and one I definitely recommend.
I read this as part of the Whispers of Love: 12 Christian Romance Novels bundle. I have noticed that it is set to be released on its' own on September 5 and will be available with Kindle Unlimited.
Oct.9-10, 2016 - A Change of Heart by Kimberly Rae Jordan 3+ Stars I read A Change of Heart as part of the Whispers of Love collection, (12 Christian Romance Novels). I found it to be an enjoyable read. There are some wonderful family dynamics and a wholesomeness to the overall read. There are faith elements tied in to the lives of the characters and seeing how their faith is lived out in varying circumstances. While this is a good read, it just did not fall under the heading of Romance for me. I felt that this was more about the positive and negative aspects of family. A good deal of the story evolved around the drama with Ethan and his sister, and the rest between the Callaghans and McFaddens. Makayla and Ethan really seem to dance around each other more than not. What interactions there are between them just did not prepare me for the end of the story; which felt too rushed. That said, I did find many of the secondary characters of interest and would like to see their stories develop. I feel like there is a a good deal of potential for the rest of the series.
Oct. 13-14, 2016/ Not This Time: A Contemporary Christian Romance (Love at the Lake Book 1) by Leah Atwood 3 Stars
When I mark that I've read this book, so far I have only read the first of the included titles, A Change of Heart by Kimberly Rae Jordan. That novel was the reason I purchased this book, and the other 11 stories were just nice bonuses, which hopefully I will get around to reading soon. For now though, my rating and review are of A Change of Heart.
I love Kimberly Rae Jordan's books. And I loved returning to the Callaghan-McFadden family. We first met them and saw the joining of their families in A Handful of Flowers. It is so nice to return to this large, loud and loving family. The kids are grown and Makayla, the eldest girl, is our protagonist for A Change of Heart. She is working at her father's construction firm when Ethan is hired on. She is unsure of the change and dreads more uncertainty in her life. But she could never dream of the changes and uncertainly Ethan himself is facing. As she works with Ethan and glimpses a little more into his life she can't help being moved by this quiet man who has so much to carry on his shoulders.
This is a charming romance, as well as a tale of family and friendship. Ethan is caring for his younger sister in the absence of loving parents. But the uncertainly about the permanence of his job and Makayla's initial feelings of distrust mean Ethan isn't sure he can move ahead in securing both his own and his sister Sienna's future. Add to that his growing feelings for Makayla and seeing for the first time what a loving family looks like, and Ethan has a lot on his plate. He is a wonderful character, as are all the characters in this book. Family, romance, faith, friendship, fun summer days and trying emotional times, this book has it all.
I really enjoyed reading A Change of Heart and can't wait for the next book in the Callaghans & McFaddens series, which is to be Bennett's story.
This review is only for the books I've read so far.
Homestands by Sally Bradley: My first book by this author but definitely not my last! A moving story of forgiveness and second chances. I had a hard time putting it down and kept coming back as soon as possible. Eagerly waiting for the next book in the series!
Secrets of Sunbeams by Valerie Comer: Great start to a new series, I loved Pansy (the goat) and all her adventures! There are plenty of new characters, plus a return of some of the characters from the Farm Fresh Romance series. Eagerly waiting for book two!
Teapots & Tiaras by Autumn Macarthur: I really liked the Pride and Prejudice hints in the story. While this is book 5 in a series it can be read as a standalone without feeling like your missing part of the story.
Flight 259 by Staci Stallings: An emotion filled book from start to finish, be prepared for tears. A powerful story of sacrifice and leaning to move on with your life after severe losses. Looking forward to the sequel!
The Other You by Marion Ueckermann: A lovely story. I really enjoyed the South African culture portrayed in this book. A good reminder of how one person’s wrong doing can have unimaginable consequences on so many people.
Flight 259 by Staci Stallings started out well with a really good situation between survivors of a plane crash. The book was slightly Christian. But the last half of the book went on for far too long, ending in a very predictable fashion. Jenna puts herself in a compromising situation repeatedly, and then resents it when Scott gets the wrong idea. Jenna has serious baggage in her background, but the romance suddenly moves very fast based mostly on hormones. I wouldn't call this plot a good model for Christians in a romantic relationship.
It's beach time,get your sunglasses, your towel,a jug of sweet tea and your favorite lounge chair and join us this holiday weekend of Whispers of Love. I loved each one of these stories, by some of the best Christian Romance authors. The settings of these stories take us all over the world to London, South Africa,the Bahamas and the good ole USA We see God's love ,forgiveness and redemption working in many lives. Thanks to each each author for giving me a memorable holiday weekend.
So far I've read the following: The Lifeguard, the Abandoned Heiress, & Frozen Custard, written by Carol Moncado, is yet another great book by this author! Gwendolyn comes to Serenity Landing to get away from life as she's known it. Adam has his own past he's dealing with...when Gwendolyn and and Adam's lives collide with frozen custard in the midst...just what can happen?! A fun read!
Smile for Me, written by Jan Thompson, has a great spiritual application.
What an incredible collection! Half of them are already authors I consider favorites, and I'm very excited to explore the ones who are new to me! I love that it is quite an international collection, with books set in various places around the globe! And I also love that each book is full of spiritual truth and encouragement - a very uplifting way to read through the summer!
Finally a collection of clean romances that there was nothing objectionable. It's hard to find good clean romances but this is a great set of them. The stories were enjoyable and did I mention they were clean. It gave me some new authors to look at when trying to decide what to read.
Excellent book. I read several books by this author. All of them have been great. Can't wait to read another one. Love modern book about green living and topics you can relate to. Fast read. Keep wanting to read and find out what happens next.
I choose vibrate this compilation of books a 5star because of how each story addresses different people and their situations with such sensitivity and showed how God through His word and people can change our lives . I would recommend this book for any one looking for a bit of love ,fun and encouragement.
So many great stories to read! Each author has a unique style. Be ready for God to show you different pieces of your own life as you read through each story!
I will not review each novel. Way too much time. The majority of these novels I thoroughly enjoyed. A couple had me staying up until the wee hours of the morning because I did not want to put them down. I found a couple had no depth at all but finished them anyway. I like a collection like this because it gives me an opportunity to read books by new authors. Some of my favorites authors were included and after completing the collection, I have a couple of new favorites. If you enjoy good clean romances I recommend this collection.
Anna's story is truly amazing. When she goes to Darling, Georgia her whole life changed. When Weston comes into the diner he never expected to be taken in by the beautiful waitress. The things that happen to Anna in this story will bring a smile to your face. This book is so good you won't be able to stop reading it. You will feel God working throughout this whole story. I had the honor to review this book for the author. This book deserves a higher rating than a five star review.
This book was amazing!!! It had so many books to read, all full length novels. It takes awhile to read it all, for me as I read quite fast it still took me 26 hours to read all of them. Best book set I have ever bought. They were all such good books, by some very good authors.
This was 12 books. Some starters for series', some stand alones. Some I started but didn't not get far in as I thought they were too teenagerish for me while others were fairly predictable in the storyline & ending & others I really enjoyed. I won't go into a review of them individually I will say one of the ones I enjoyed was The Other You by Marion Ueckermann.
This hold set of stories were joy to read. Getting a set like this let's you try different authors to find that one author that you want to read more books by.