Nurse Lana Smith gives herself a gift for Christmas, a fresh start in a small town. After escaping a dead-end relationship with a celebrity, she avoids her patient's grandson, a pro football player. When Arturo gradually thaws her frozen heart, can her Christmas wish for family and affection come true?
Football is Arturo De La Vega's life, but he returns to his hometown to help his ailing grandfather. Lana challenges Arturo to reach for stars of faith and love. Is Arturo's quest for glory worth crushing Lana's dreams and sacrificing his heart's true desire?
Alexa Verde writes feel-good small-town romances with a smile. She'd love it if you subscribed to her newsletter https://dl.bookfunnel.com/gitieu15ex. Every subscriber gets a free Christian romance after confirming the subscription as a thank-you gift. She penned her first literary "masterpiece" (a rhymed poem) at the ripe age of eight, and since has had over forty books and 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. Over 60 million pages of her books have been read worldwide. She has bachelor's degrees in English and Spanish, a master's in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters from diverse cultures. She's worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, assistant, model (even one day counts!), and caretaker, but thinks that the writer's hat suits her the best. She hopes and prays that her stories will bring joy to her readers. Heartfelt thanks for your interest in her books!
It has been such a long time since I have read just a Christian romance--I am glad this is the one I started with after my hiatus! So full of sweetness, hope, and faith, I found myself getting lost in the story and enjoying it as it unfolded. Each character adds something special to the story, and I loved seeing what happened to them along the way--this story wasn't just about one set of people, but about a group of people who have a common bond--the town they live in. I highly recommend this book!
I was provided an ARC of this book by the author. No review was required and all opinions are my own.
Season Of Miracles by Alexa Verde is a sweet contemporary Christian romance that is perfect for any time of year. The main theme is that of identity. We need to know who we are in God. Our identity is not to be found in our job or in the eyes of others. Our identity is to be found in being the unique person that God created us to be. Manipulation of others is always wrong. It is a form of bullying that diminishes a character's view of themselves. When self worth is rock bottom, we need others to build us up. "Another part of the wall surrounding her heart came down." An air of love pervades the story. We always blossom when we are loved. [She] "talks to me and listens to me. She makes me feel important." Seeing the individual is key. Within the book, age is more than just a number. With age comes wisdom. Season Of Miracles shows you are never too old to begin to live and love again. There are some huge hearts within the novel. Beautiful friendships blossom in spite of a difference in ages. Searching to belong is another theme. Earthly parents may abandon us but our heavenly Father adopts us and says we are loved. Our veterans have given us so much. The novel shows the importance of remembering this and of helping our ex servicemen and women to feel wanted. We all owe them a debt we cannot repay - which reminds the reader that we also owe Jesus a debt we cannot repay. Season Of Miracles is positively delightful. It will warm your heart and soul as you sink into this wonderful tale. I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
A wonderful clean romance. It took much effort and faith in God to realize that Lana Smith was worthy of true love. Both she and Arturo had to put their faith in God. Both had troubled childhoods and both had to overcome many obstacles. I think the best character of this book was Arturo's grandfather. He was such a strong man of faith.
Season of Miracles ( Rios Azules Christmas Book #1 ) By: Alexa Verde
Season of Miracles is book one in Rios Azules Christmas series by Alexa Verde. This is Verde’s first Christmas novel and also her first Christmas Contemporary romance. She writes a very heartwarming romance story that will capture your heart and not let go till the end. Her Hero is Arturo De La Vega a pro football player who loves his football and his grandfather. He has come home to check on his grandfather who has nurse Lana , who comes in and checks him on him . Lana is trying to start her life over after a very bad relationship with a celebrity . She wants to stay out of the lime light and hopes Arturo will not recognize her .Will she be able to do that? She did not have a good childhood life. At times I was laughing and other times I had tears in my eyes and holding my breath . Alexa Verde writing about faith, love, hope , and happiness . Does Lana have the faith she needs to start over? Grandfather Vega will touch your heart , I loved him. Wow, I cant wait for book two in this series. I really enjoyed Season of Miracles and I am sure you will too. I was given a complementary ARC copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All options are my own.
Season of Miracles, written by Alexa Verde, is the first Christian Christmas Romance book that I've ready by this author. It's a lovely Christmas treat! Verde introduces us to the main character Lana who had a challenging upbringing. She's dealt with some tragedy from the first day of her life until present...just like it could be in any reader's life...Verde shows how this character has had struggles, but through the grace of God she is able to focus on Christ to get through those struggles rather than on "poor Lana". The male main character is Arturo who is a professional football player and the grandson of one of the patients that Lana takes care of in her home healthcare position. Arturo also has had a tough upbringing and has gotten away from the Lord in the process. Both of these characters, Verde shows how they have had struggles yet through it all they can lean on the Lord and be thankful for the grace He alone provides to get them through those tough moments. This is a great Christmas read especially if the reader is struggling and having a hard time finding hope. I was gifted this book by the author. I was not expected to give a favorable review. All thoughts in this review are my own.
SEASON OF MIRACLES 1st book in the RIOS AZULES CHRISTMAS Series This series is starting off to be another great series for Alexa Verde, the author. Having read the "Secrets of Rios Azules" ,I was looking forward to this. We meet Lana, a nurse, giving herself the gift, of a fresh start, in a small town. Going to the home of a client, she enters,and everything, bag, glasses, and herself,fall in different direction. Great way to meet the pro football player, and grandson of her client. I love Alexa description of her looking like a mousy gray cat. There is no way she wants love, the ex she had stole her ID, and she wants it back . Anyways, Arturo always has had the pick of beautiful women. This story has a lot of messages. Being open to change, learning something new ( like football and enjoying it ). Arturo, also challenges her to reach for the stars, that she is worthy of love, and so much more...Great read, a little suspense, and watching new love grow. Given my voluntary review of an ARC by author, and my honest opinion.
Great charactors, suspense, and romance wrapped up with faith make A Season of Miracles a great book to read this holiday season.
There were many charactors I loved in this book but grandpa was my favorite. He kept the faith and loved God even through all his trials. He was proud and loved his grandson. Always wanting the best for him.
I can't forget Lana though either. I was impressed with the way she worked through her problems and her bravery.
This book reminds me that no matter what trials we go through in life, God is always there for us.
Although this is the first of the series you can read this alone. After reading the Epilogue though I would love to know what happens next!
A great read!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Season of Miracles is a heartwarming holiday tale! I have enjoyed each of Alexa Verde’s Rios Azules suspense stories, and it was a pleasure to revisit this south Texas town for a little Christmas romance. Each of the characters embodies their own particular charm, and I enjoyed their interactions and the development of their relationships. Lana and Arturo’s story is delightful and a recommended Christmas read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.
I have read this author's Christian Suspense and loved them. She did not disappoint with her first contemporary romance. Season of Miracles is well written with a great plot and cast of characters. One of my fav characters was Mr. Grumpiest. If you enjoy good clean romance I recommend this book. I received an ARC which in no way influenced this review.
Book 1 of the Rios Azules Christmas books is an Inspiritional romance of faith, love, hope, and happiness. I loved the characters and the small town setting. The theme of foster kids finding their value in God's love is very refreshing. I love this author's style of writing. I highly recommend this book and the author. I was given a free copy, but the honest review is my choice.
I read this beautiful Christmas story as part of Christmas Blessings. This is a beautiful romance showing the true meaning of Christmas by showing faith , hope and love. I look forward to the next book by this writer.
Eh, this was just ok. It seemed like the only thing that kept the two main characters apart was their fear. They kept thinking the same things over and over again. If this happened in real life, they might’ve actually gone down this way, but I wasn’t really drawn in.
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful story. Lana and Arturo had a bumpy road to a relationship and it was a good read. Nicely written and engaging from the beginning. Highly recommend.
My review today is on the romance, Season of Miracles. This is book one in the Rios Azules Christmas Series. This is a really great romance. It was sent to me by the author. I do so enjoy her work. This story is delightful, well written, and heart warming. Faith is the foundation. I know you are going to love it.
Lana Smith is a nurse. She has moved to Rios Azules to start over. She has a close friend who lives here and has asked her to come after her disastrous relationship with a famous actor. She has become a home health care provider. One of her patients is an older man they call Mr. Grumpiest. His grandson has come to visit. Lana is drawn to the man but he is a famous football player. She refuses to do another celebrity romance. Why is she always drawn to the wrong man? How is he able to breakdown the walls she has erected.
Arturo De La Vega is a professional football player, football is his life. He has come home to try to talk his grandfather to move to Houston with him so he can care for him. He tries to melt the nurse's frozen heart. He needs to talk her into helping him talk his grandfather into the move but she has other plans. He is drawn to this woman but he doesn't want a relationship. She is the marriage, picket fence kind of girl, not his type.
A delightful journey of two heartbroken souls drawn to each other. Both want to help this diabetic old man but neither wants a relationship. God has a plan for them, when they trust God they learn He has a hope and a future for them. God has a plan for you too; a good plan and not for evil. Give Him your heart, trust Him, and watch Him turn your life around.
We all have self-doubt and feelings of being unworthy of love. In this book by Alexa Verde, she has covered these issues and a few more. This is a sweet story of love and acceptance where the characters fight their feelings for each other because they feel it’s an impossibility that they could work out all their differences. Lana is a young woman whose life literally started out in a trash-can. She feels unwanted and when she finally reaches out to others, they use her and leave her. Arturo is a young man who seems to have everything. He’s a pro-football player and is moving up in the world, yet he is missing something in his life. He cherishes his relationship with his grandfather because he feels, he’s the only one who truly loves him. Can these two find the love they desire, or will they let complications and struggles keep them from finding the truest love there is? A quote from the book which touched my heart is: “You’re God’s perfect creation. Who are you to question God?” This is something we all need to remember and ponder. Alexa Verde never ceases to amaze me with her writing. She brings characters who are real and situations which we can all relate to. Plus, she gives us wonderful words of God’s amazing love. I highly recommend picking this book up. It will be an added blessing to your collection. I was given this book by the author for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
Lana's tired of being someone she isn't for a man who doesn't appreciate it. She relocates to Rios Azules, Texas and returns to nursing. One of her patients is Amaro de la Vega, whose grandson, Arturo, is a football star.
Lana has to deal with her past disappointments--it seems like every time she is about to get a family, something happens and she's left out in the cold. Arturo has to deal with his distance from God and his desire to play football.
I have to admit, I kept expecting there to be a career-ending injury for Arturo as part of the plot. (That didn't happen in the way I thought it might and it was more of a dénouement since they'd already decided to work out their lives together.
Though it's not gone into in much detail, apparently Lana did have sex with Michael while they were dating/engaged, even though she would have preferred to wait until they were married. She claims she gave in to him because she loved him (or at least thought she did at the time). It's obvious that she learned from her mistake, but I wish the author hadn't added that detail to Lana's character.
This was much more than a heartwarming, endearing and sentimental Christmas story. Yes, it was all those things, but not completely .... by that I mean it also was a story of growth, overcoming insecurities and learning to trust.
When life only hands you lemons, it's hard to know how to squeeze the juice out, add just the right amount of sugar and make lemonade. But that's exactly what Lana and Arturo have been faced with all their lives. Their journey to wholeness could easily be real life. They both face challenges. One grew up in foster care, the other reared by grandparents due to the mother's depression and father's addiction to alcohol. And as life's traumas inch their way into adulthood, Lana and Arturo learn to lean on a power greater than themselves to be free.
Life is full of choices.... some we make and others are made for us. Lana and Arturo made good and bad choices. At times they got in their own way, they tripped and fell. But, they kept getting back up and learned that the journey was not what was important, the real importance would be found in the destination.
Lana Smith had led a troubled life being a foster child with the hopes of being adopted only to be shifted to another family. As she grew up, she found someone she thought would be her love for life, but his only goal was to make her over to compliment him in his fame with no real promise for a future. Trying to start a new life was what she thought was the answer to her problems. She felt like she would never be good enough for any man to truly love her as she was. Moving to a new place and going back to being a home health nurse for seniors where she could just go about life unnoticed was her decision but one that brought renewed hope! My favorite character was Grandpa De La Vega or Mr. Grumpiest. This veteran had it altogether and knew what was best for Lana and her future as well as his grandson, Arturo. There were many characters in this sweet book that showed how faith and love can heal past hurts and broken hearts.
Loved Lana and Arturo's story!! Lana has been Arturo's grandfather's home health nurse. When Arturo returns to Rios Azules to be with his grandfather, he's attracted to Lana. The more time they spend together, the more they fall for each other. Arturo sees that he's let things that were once important to him slide, and has let football become not just his profession, but his identity. The more time he spends with Lana, the more he sees that that needs to change. Lana keeps pushing Arturo away, until she has an epiphany and realizes that she's pushing him away because she doesn't feel she's worthy of God's love or Arturo's. When she finally realizes she's worthy of their love, she can finally embrace a future with Arturo.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
This was a great read. The story of love and faith was well written as well as received. I know some people think that the mention of God does not mean anything but it does. It just goes to show that someone can love and loose if not careful in how they perceive some things. Lana was a lost sole and had a hard time believing that she could be loved for herself even though she did not know her parents. Arturo was a great influence and learned to love her without knowing anything as she was such a great person and loveable with her treatment of his grandfather. This was a free arc read and another great one that I have read. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Love the Title, Love the Cover, Love the Story! A wonderful story centered around Lana’s longing for family and love, and not feeling worthy of the football star Arturo’s love. One of my favorite quotes is: “Never let worry about what other people think stop you from doing what YOU think is right.” This is the first story that I have read from this author, and I really look forward to reading more – especially about the other characters in this book - Dylan & Kelly. I first read this in Christmas Blessings: Seven Inspirational Romances of Faith, Hope, and Love.
Season of Miracles by Alexa Verde is the first book I've read by her and I will be reading more! It is listed as a 'sweet, clean, and heartwarming romance' and it is indeed all of the above. The characters are lovable, especially Grandfather, even though he's slated as being Mr. Grumpiest! The story moves quickly and kept my interest as Lana and Arturo begin their relationship and work through obstacles to solidify their faith in God and to find love and acceptance. I look forward to reading more in the Rios Azules Christmas series and other books by this author.
Lana Smith had enough of men, and especially rich, famous men after spending several unhappy years with a famous actor where she couldn't even keep her own name or her own nursing career. She takes back her own name and moves to a small community where she begins a new life doing home-care nursing - and then comes Arturo. He's amazing, but oops - he is also very rich and popular as a well-known football player. Interesting characters, a caring community and lots of compassion and love.
Sweet, clean, but characters are half developed, story plot is good, but unfolds in a jerky fashion...emotional revelations repeat, as if for the first time...amnesia? Lana reschedules her day so that gramps is the last patient of the day then leaves after seeing him, to go see her next patient....several mistakes like this should have been caught before publishing.
A sweet story, has a lot of good elements and likable characters. However, I didn't feel a lot of chemistry, so the emotional context lacked for me, I would have liked to have seen a more dramatic resolution with the ex-boyfriend/fiance, and ultimately there was very little tension or hardship between the two main characters, what was there seemed forced and was resolved very quickly each time.
Not bad, truly, and it WAS sweet and cute. Just not quite enough to set my heart racing.
Arturo and Lana's romance is just perfect enjoyment to read. They're great characters, likable and well-developed. I love Mr. Grumpiest, a.k.a. Grandpa de la Vega. Lana is his home health nurse. There are some great humorous lines in the book. Here's one of my favorites--she was about as happy to meet him as a mouse would be on the way to the cat's stomach. There are some definite bumps on the way to the HEA, but it's absolutely worth the trip! I highly recommend this great Christmas romance.
A throwaway girl meets a all American football player
This is a story about a girl growing up in foster care and some of the friends she met along the way. She is a nurse and her patients grandson comes back to town and then the sparks begin to fly. The characters are very well rounded and easily understood. The plan is simple they meet they fall in love and then the trouble starts.
I loved the characters in this book. They seemed real. The small town and the older people in the book added a lot . I hated that the main character tore his acl. I look forward to reading about the other people in the book. With all the money he had, he could have found lana's mother.
well written and interesting story. In the midst of uncertainty and indecision, Arturo and Lana pray for guidance and direction. They live totally different life styles and need to surrender the differences to the Lord if they are to become husband and wife in a forever kind of love
One of the best Christian Fiction Romances I have read
Alexa's books are wonderful. I have laughed out loud reading them. I love when books affect me that way. I could really identify with some of the characters in her books. Very good story Thank you for writing this book Alexa, I look forward to my next read of another of your books.