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The Matchmakers #1
Love Remains
Can the historian learn to leave the past in the past?
Zarah Mitchell, who's worked at the Middle Tennessee Historic Preservation Commission for more than a decade, is about to face a piece of history that could ruin the life she's built in Nashville: Bobby Patterson--her first love and the reason her father kicked her out fourteen years ago.
Nashville native Bobby Patterson has just returned home after many years away to take a position with the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit. His new job: lead a task force investigating potential real estate fraud connected with the Commission.
When Bobby realizes Zarah is part of his investigation, he is tempted to use his grandmother's not-so-subtle setup as a way to learn if Zarah is involved in the fraud.
Zarah, at her grandmother's suggestion, tries to put the pain from the past aside to see if any love remains between her and Bobby. But when she learns he's been investigating her, will she be able to forgive him a second time?
Zarah Mitchell, who's worked at the Middle Tennessee Historic Preservation Commission for more than a decade, is about to face a piece of history that could ruin the life she's built in Nashville: Bobby Patterson--her first love and the reason her father kicked her out fourteen years ago.
Nashville native Bobby Patterson has just returned home after many years away to take a position with the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit. His new job: lead a task force investigating potential real estate fraud connected with the Commission.
When Bobby realizes Zarah is part of his investigation, he is tempted to use his grandmother's not-so-subtle setup as a way to learn if Zarah is involved in the fraud.
Zarah, at her grandmother's suggestion, tries to put the pain from the past aside to see if any love remains between her and Bobby. But when she learns he's been investigating her, will she be able to forgive him a second time?
315 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2010
22 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
About the author
Kaye Dacus
19 books225 followersKaye Dacus is a professional editor, author, and educator who has been writing fiction for more nearly forty years. Pursuing her passion for writing, she earned a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. Kaye lives in Middle Tennessee, where she is a training documentation specialist in the IT industry and volunteers teaching writing in the community. She writes contemporary and historical romances; and while her contemporary romances are out of print, her historicals are available at most major retailers. To learn more about Kaye and her books, visit her website at kayedacus.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 10, 2013
I want to start off with just a note: This is a Christian Author, and is written with church and faith based characters. So, if that is something you have no interest in reading then I would suggest not picking this book up. That being said, I don't have a problem in reading faith based stories as long as they aren't preachy.
The underlying story in the book is a group of Grandmothers who are trying to get their grandchildren married so that they have great-grandchildren running around soon. I found the Grandmothers had the right intentions, although I probably wouldn't like my Grandma meddling in my love life.
The other big story in this book is Zarah Mitchell and Bobby Patterson. They have a history, which is unclear exactly what that is when you start the book. Bobby just moved back home and is trying to get adjusted to a new job and social group along with rejoining his church from his youth. Zarah moved to town after a falling out with her father, her Grandparents live in town. It is set in Nashville, and even though I've never been there the descriptions are so good that I was able to picture how things were. The characters while having a strong faith have their faults and are by no means perfect, which is nice cause it's hard to read a story about someone who is almost too good to be true. I was surprised to find that there was a good mystery element to this story. It was interesting. I enjoyed reading about the two getting back together without all the drama, they seemed very grown up about it.. wanting to clear the air and get everything straight. I really enjoyed this book and will be reading more from this author.
The underlying story in the book is a group of Grandmothers who are trying to get their grandchildren married so that they have great-grandchildren running around soon. I found the Grandmothers had the right intentions, although I probably wouldn't like my Grandma meddling in my love life.
The other big story in this book is Zarah Mitchell and Bobby Patterson. They have a history, which is unclear exactly what that is when you start the book. Bobby just moved back home and is trying to get adjusted to a new job and social group along with rejoining his church from his youth. Zarah moved to town after a falling out with her father, her Grandparents live in town. It is set in Nashville, and even though I've never been there the descriptions are so good that I was able to picture how things were. The characters while having a strong faith have their faults and are by no means perfect, which is nice cause it's hard to read a story about someone who is almost too good to be true. I was surprised to find that there was a good mystery element to this story. It was interesting. I enjoyed reading about the two getting back together without all the drama, they seemed very grown up about it.. wanting to clear the air and get everything straight. I really enjoyed this book and will be reading more from this author.
February 15, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
I had such high hopes for this book. The story was fantastic. Really enjoyed the intriguing plot. Characters were lovable, especially the matchmaking grannies. But I was disappointed at one random mention of "we thought she was gay." To me, comments such as these don't belong in Christian fiction novels. It's like having one expletive in a book or movie; it tarnishes the entire thing. Not what I prefer in either medium, though I ignore it as best I can when I see/hear it. But I expect Christian novels to rise to the challenge of maintaining a clean reputation.
Hopefully the next book in the series will be even better than this one.
I had such high hopes for this book. The story was fantastic. Really enjoyed the intriguing plot. Characters were lovable, especially the matchmaking grannies. But I was disappointed at one random mention of "we thought she was gay." To me, comments such as these don't belong in Christian fiction novels. It's like having one expletive in a book or movie; it tarnishes the entire thing. Not what I prefer in either medium, though I ignore it as best I can when I see/hear it. But I expect Christian novels to rise to the challenge of maintaining a clean reputation.
Hopefully the next book in the series will be even better than this one.
September 24, 2021
3.5. Quick, pretty laid-back, enjoyable read. A couple of things I didn’t agree with here and there, but nothing more than a line or two. I feel like there’s several things set up in the beginning that were never fulfilled, though it’s more of as-I-think-back thing, it didn’t really hamper the plot or anything.
May 27, 2012
Talk about boring..... ugh I skipped about 70%.... who am I kidding, 90% of this book. It was really slow, the characters weren't interesting (more like annoying) and there wasn't any real chemistry between the Zarah (a name I don't like) and Bobby (whose attitude I really didn't like because he couldn't stand any of the women at his church for the simple fact that most of the them were blonde and he assumed they all wanted him.... please!). The reviews on the book said that it was witty and funny..... um what? I must have missed that part. Anyways don't buy this book there is no substance to it and I usually like laid back not too deep story lines but there was just no story at all.
February 12, 2015
What a great start to a series! I really enjoyed this! It was a little hard seeing Zarah's lack of self confidence but it was also very understandable given her background. My only complaint is I wish the father aspect was developed more. Like why was he so hateful towards her?? There was never an explanation of that. However, minor to me. I loved this book! It had romance and a little mystery and fun meddling grandmas! :D can't wait to read book 2!
September 8, 2019
This was an enjoyable story. Zarah was an admirable character; I wanted to cry for her a couple of times, but her faith and her friends saw her through. Her dad was guilty of emotional abuse in my opinion. An investigation with a conflict of interest and discovering the truth about a past relationship makes this one worth reading.
August 6, 2025
Fun!
This story had some fun and interesting parts.
I liked the tension between the main characters.
The grandparents were entertaining.
This is a new author for me to read.
This story had some fun and interesting parts.
I liked the tension between the main characters.
The grandparents were entertaining.
This is a new author for me to read.
October 29, 2010
When Bobby Patterson's Mamm gets together with Zarah Mitchell's Kiki - their grandmothers - things get interesting. What these two matchmakers don't realize is that their grandkids have a volatile past.
Bobby moves back home to Nashville to be closer to his family and work on his life-goal of finding a wife. Unfortunately, one of the first people he comes across in Nashville turns out to be the woman who threw away his love twelve years ago - Zarah.
Zarah is happy with her life, her job, and being a leader in her church's single's ministry. At least that's what she tells herself. But when she runs into Bobby, she knows she is not over the man who left her to fend for herself all those years ago.
Between a couple of matchmaking grandmas and well-meaning friends, Bobby and Zarah will have to find God's true plan for their lives. The question is: will they end up together?
One of the things I loved most about this book was the taste of Nashville that the reader is treated to throughout its pages. You almost feel as if you are *there*, transported through carefully crafted descriptions of local locations. These don't overwhelm the story at all, rather they are just a part of what you experience as you read this book.
At the beginning of the book, I was a little concerned if the romantic conflict with the H/H's misunderstanding of the past could really hold up all the way through to the end, but the author handled it very well and in turn, the resolution that the characters came to was satisfying.
Dacus uses a mix of light-hearted banter, close-knit friendships, family bonds, unique setting and a tender romance that left this reader very satisfied. I'll definitely be looking for book two in this series!
Recommended!
Bobby moves back home to Nashville to be closer to his family and work on his life-goal of finding a wife. Unfortunately, one of the first people he comes across in Nashville turns out to be the woman who threw away his love twelve years ago - Zarah.
Zarah is happy with her life, her job, and being a leader in her church's single's ministry. At least that's what she tells herself. But when she runs into Bobby, she knows she is not over the man who left her to fend for herself all those years ago.
Between a couple of matchmaking grandmas and well-meaning friends, Bobby and Zarah will have to find God's true plan for their lives. The question is: will they end up together?
One of the things I loved most about this book was the taste of Nashville that the reader is treated to throughout its pages. You almost feel as if you are *there*, transported through carefully crafted descriptions of local locations. These don't overwhelm the story at all, rather they are just a part of what you experience as you read this book.
At the beginning of the book, I was a little concerned if the romantic conflict with the H/H's misunderstanding of the past could really hold up all the way through to the end, but the author handled it very well and in turn, the resolution that the characters came to was satisfying.
Dacus uses a mix of light-hearted banter, close-knit friendships, family bonds, unique setting and a tender romance that left this reader very satisfied. I'll definitely be looking for book two in this series!
Recommended!
February 19, 2011
Title: LOVE REMAINS
Author: Kaye Dacus
Publisher: Barbour Books
August 2010
ISBN: 978-1602609891
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance
Zarah Mitchell has worked at the Middle Tennessee Historic Preservation Commission for fourteen years. But when Bobby Patterson returns home, Zarah finds herself facing a history that could ruin her life. Bobby was her first love and the reason why her dad kicked her out.
Bobby Patterson has spent the last decade out west, working in criminal investigation. Now he’s home leading a task force investigating a potential real estate fraud associated with the Commission.
With Bobby’s and Zarah’s grandmothers trying to match them up, Bobby is tempted to take advantage of that to investigate Zarah’s involvement in the fraud. But when Zarah learns the truth about Bobby’s position it could destroy her dreams--again.
LOVE REMAINS is the first book in Ms. Dacus’ Matchmaker series. The book starts out with five elderly women worrying in church about one of their peers becoming a great-grandmother before they do. They determine to see if they can’t marry of their grandchildren before their friend has great-grandchildren.
The book reads fun; I loved some of Ms. Dacus’ descriptive phrases she used in the book. I also enjoyed the bits of klutziness that Zarah displayed around Bobby. It helped to make her a much more real character. The ending is very sweet. If you like contemporary romances you won’t want to miss Kaye Dacus’ LOVE REMAINS. $12.99. 320 pages.
Author: Kaye Dacus
Publisher: Barbour Books
August 2010
ISBN: 978-1602609891
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance
Zarah Mitchell has worked at the Middle Tennessee Historic Preservation Commission for fourteen years. But when Bobby Patterson returns home, Zarah finds herself facing a history that could ruin her life. Bobby was her first love and the reason why her dad kicked her out.
Bobby Patterson has spent the last decade out west, working in criminal investigation. Now he’s home leading a task force investigating a potential real estate fraud associated with the Commission.
With Bobby’s and Zarah’s grandmothers trying to match them up, Bobby is tempted to take advantage of that to investigate Zarah’s involvement in the fraud. But when Zarah learns the truth about Bobby’s position it could destroy her dreams--again.
LOVE REMAINS is the first book in Ms. Dacus’ Matchmaker series. The book starts out with five elderly women worrying in church about one of their peers becoming a great-grandmother before they do. They determine to see if they can’t marry of their grandchildren before their friend has great-grandchildren.
The book reads fun; I loved some of Ms. Dacus’ descriptive phrases she used in the book. I also enjoyed the bits of klutziness that Zarah displayed around Bobby. It helped to make her a much more real character. The ending is very sweet. If you like contemporary romances you won’t want to miss Kaye Dacus’ LOVE REMAINS. $12.99. 320 pages.
April 20, 2011
I really wanted to like this one more than I did. It was fun to see a lot of the places in Nashville that I know - especially the church which is modeled after the author's real church that I happen to attend as well.
But I felt like a lot of the story lines were only partially developed. Nothing ever really happened with the singles class after the minister made his proclamation (which I wanted to punch him for). And the FBI training was kinda glossed over. Kaye had all these devices to set up stories that she didn't chase. Maybe it will go further with the next book...only time will tell.
It's a great idea for a story, but it just feels a little slammed on the page. The story probably should have been given a little more time to age and work out where it wanted to go instead of being chopped up and forced into the mold.
But I felt like a lot of the story lines were only partially developed. Nothing ever really happened with the singles class after the minister made his proclamation (which I wanted to punch him for). And the FBI training was kinda glossed over. Kaye had all these devices to set up stories that she didn't chase. Maybe it will go further with the next book...only time will tell.
It's a great idea for a story, but it just feels a little slammed on the page. The story probably should have been given a little more time to age and work out where it wanted to go instead of being chopped up and forced into the mold.
April 10, 2016
After reading the book summary, I had high hopes for this book. How cute would it be for a couple of southern grannies sitting around drinking tea and plotting up ways to marry off their single grandchildren? Crazy, right? I still thought it would be a different twist to my regular romance reads.
Love Remains is the first book in The Matchmakers series and the first book that I've read by Kaye Dacus. I tried to get into it, but it did not hold my attention well. Sure there were parts that I enjoyed, but I found myself skipping ahead a few pages just to get to the good parts.
I did like Zarah and Bobby. I thought they made a great couple and loved that they were getting a second chance at a HEA. Their romance was sweet but it was drawn out a little bit too much for me.
Love Remains is the first book in The Matchmakers series and the first book that I've read by Kaye Dacus. I tried to get into it, but it did not hold my attention well. Sure there were parts that I enjoyed, but I found myself skipping ahead a few pages just to get to the good parts.
I did like Zarah and Bobby. I thought they made a great couple and loved that they were getting a second chance at a HEA. Their romance was sweet but it was drawn out a little bit too much for me.
April 2, 2011
Review published at: Library of Lights
Review date: 7th February 2011
Review link: http://mykindaland.com/?p=94
I'm not sure if it's just me, but Love Remains by Kaye Dacus reminds me of Jane Austen's writing, especially Persuasion. It's all about two awkward people who are in love with each other and wanted to marry but were forced to be separated under unfortunate circumstances. The characters and plot were well developed though I thought more action ought to be thrown into the story.
I would recommend this book for those who likes rather innocent kinda books and those who enjoyed leisurely read.
Overall, this is a good read. I rate this book 3 stars out of 5 stars.
Review date: 7th February 2011
Review link: http://mykindaland.com/?p=94
I'm not sure if it's just me, but Love Remains by Kaye Dacus reminds me of Jane Austen's writing, especially Persuasion. It's all about two awkward people who are in love with each other and wanted to marry but were forced to be separated under unfortunate circumstances. The characters and plot were well developed though I thought more action ought to be thrown into the story.
I would recommend this book for those who likes rather innocent kinda books and those who enjoyed leisurely read.
Overall, this is a good read. I rate this book 3 stars out of 5 stars.
January 20, 2020
When I picked this book up at the store, I had no idea how much I would come to enjoy this love story. I haven't read any books by this author before. I am certainly a fan of Kaye Dacus now! This story took a little bit to get into but once it got to the rich mystery, I couldn't put it down. I liked how easy it was to relate to the characters. My favorite part was discovering that I had visited some of the same places that the main characters Zarah and Bobby were visiting. I am looking forward to reading the other stories in the Matchmakers series!
-Kirstin
-Kirstin
July 26, 2011
Loved this book! Kaye Dacus has such an inviting voice. I fell in love with Bobby and enjoyed Zarah. The secondary characters really added to the mix, too. And the plot had a dash of suspense to keep the romance lively. Excellent!
May 18, 2018
This was my first read from Ms. Dacus and I liked it.
I give this a solid 3.5.
What I liked about it:
I thought that the story was interesting. It wasn't just about romance/love, there was some family drama and mystery too.
I found the backdrop of Tennessee to be interesting. I've never been there so seeing that place through this book was enjoyable. It makes me want to visit that place soon.
I also liked the description of Bobby's job. It's not your typical detective job that I've seen on TV, it focuses on paper trails and researching financial accounts but I still think it is fascinating.
I liked that Zarah was portrayed as heavy set. I think that media portrays "beautiful" people to only be a certain weight and having a book talk about a beautiful and accomplished slightly heavy set girl makes me happy that at least they're some heroines that are not so typecast.
What I did not like:
-I could not get over the weird names. Especially of the three best friends. I've never heard of Zarah, Caylor and Flannery. I understand that this is a fiction piece but it is not a fantasy one. Let's put real life names in contemporary pieces please.
-Sometimes I struggled understanding Zarah. She seemed like a "go-getter" since she has accomplished so many things in her life. She is after all a PhD plus a professor in a couple of universities plus her high ranking day job. And yet she is portrayed as timid and somewhat invisible in the church functions. How can someone be both? I can't believe that she is that motivated and "go-getter" in her professional life and those attitudes not spill out in her social life. It just didn't make sense to me.
Over all I thought this book was interesting and it has some very relatable characters.
I give this a solid 3.5.
What I liked about it:
I thought that the story was interesting. It wasn't just about romance/love, there was some family drama and mystery too.
I found the backdrop of Tennessee to be interesting. I've never been there so seeing that place through this book was enjoyable. It makes me want to visit that place soon.
I also liked the description of Bobby's job. It's not your typical detective job that I've seen on TV, it focuses on paper trails and researching financial accounts but I still think it is fascinating.
I liked that Zarah was portrayed as heavy set. I think that media portrays "beautiful" people to only be a certain weight and having a book talk about a beautiful and accomplished slightly heavy set girl makes me happy that at least they're some heroines that are not so typecast.
What I did not like:
-I could not get over the weird names. Especially of the three best friends. I've never heard of Zarah, Caylor and Flannery. I understand that this is a fiction piece but it is not a fantasy one. Let's put real life names in contemporary pieces please.
-Sometimes I struggled understanding Zarah. She seemed like a "go-getter" since she has accomplished so many things in her life. She is after all a PhD plus a professor in a couple of universities plus her high ranking day job. And yet she is portrayed as timid and somewhat invisible in the church functions. How can someone be both? I can't believe that she is that motivated and "go-getter" in her professional life and those attitudes not spill out in her social life. It just didn't make sense to me.
Over all I thought this book was interesting and it has some very relatable characters.
January 25, 2018
This was a pleasant read, especially to escape from my own little world, and am seriously considering reading the next two in the series for the same reason: to escape.
This novel is about Grandmothers conspiring to have their grandchildren marry, but that really is just the background to the story. The forefront of the story are the heroine and the hero, of course, and how they finally get together in the HEA.
The hero was very likeable of course, and the heroine had the obligatory sad backstory, but her character was overall too perfect. I had some trouble relating to her throughout the story, because she seemed like superwoman, everything she accomplished was just too unbelievable, and she didn't have much in way of character development/arc by the end of the novel.
I recommend this book if you're into Christian contemporary romance novels, and would like something nice to read.
This novel is about Grandmothers conspiring to have their grandchildren marry, but that really is just the background to the story. The forefront of the story are the heroine and the hero, of course, and how they finally get together in the HEA.
The hero was very likeable of course, and the heroine had the obligatory sad backstory, but her character was overall too perfect. I had some trouble relating to her throughout the story, because she seemed like superwoman, everything she accomplished was just too unbelievable, and she didn't have much in way of character development/arc by the end of the novel.
I recommend this book if you're into Christian contemporary romance novels, and would like something nice to read.
July 30, 2023
Love Remains is my favorite in The Matchmakers series(Love the series as a whole, but this is my favorite!). I loved how the characters had a past history that didn't end well which made them hesitant to come together again, but neither could deny the attraction and feelings that still lingered between them after all these years. They both fight for each other and care for each other and know things about each other that no one else would know, and eventually work through the things that separated them in their past to make a relationship work between them. I just love the development of their stories and relationships! I have read this multiple times throughout the years and will continue to read it in years to come!
June 20, 2019
This was a wonderful book, the words are not enough to appreciate it I think. Love prevailed, after such a long time for the two main characters. I tell you that I had tears from sadness and the pain from one of the characters in this book and then tears of joy for both of them and their emotions of the past and the present. Have a box of Kleenex with you, esp. if you are a major cry easy person. It turns out good of course, but not before a lot of emotions, fear, doubt and wonder and prayers, etc. I loved this book dearly and can't wait to read more in the series. Now I am gonna go take a break and try my tears for real... Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
September 5, 2020
Good mix of romance, mystery and Christian values. Stronger second half of the story about a couple who meet fourteen years after a heartbreaking breakup, only to learn that what Zarah’s spiteful father told each of them was not the case.
May 2, 2021
True Love Never Dies
Zarah and Bobby were each surprised when they saw each other at their friend Patrick's home. It had been 14 years since the last time they saw each other. Red this book and find out how they handle their live. Very goid book.
Zarah and Bobby were each surprised when they saw each other at their friend Patrick's home. It had been 14 years since the last time they saw each other. Red this book and find out how they handle their live. Very goid book.
June 21, 2017
love the size 14 mid thirties ACOA main character!
February 14, 2018
Content: clean. Just OK for me - did not keep my interest and the story lagged a lot.
March 25, 2020
This was a delightful read.
June 12, 2023
Not great writing, but pretty cute story!
August 30, 2023
Cute book
April 19, 2024
fun stories with enough twists to keep it interesting
August 8, 2025
This was a good book, with humor and romance.
It had interesting characters.
The dialogue was fun.
It had interesting characters.
The dialogue was fun.
May 4, 2012
I give this 3.5 stars.
This is the first in a series that deal with 4 grandparents(Grandma’s) who want to see their grandchildren married. This story is about Zarah and Bobby. These two had a relationship 14 years ago that ended badly. Now Bobby has moved back home to Nashville and soon runs face to face into Zarah. It does not take long to figure out that the reason for the break up all those years ago are seen differently from both sides.
Zarah likes to blend into a crowd and see’s herself as a helper. Her father never treated her very well so her self esteem is low. Seeing Bobby again also brings back a lot of memories about her father.
Bobby has never forgotten Zarah or forgiven her for how she left him. He is also working on a case that requires him to do some investigating into Zarah’s life which soon revels things that make him question how the break up happened and also how Zarah is reacting to him now. Will these two find a happy ending or will the past be to much to over come?
I enjoyed this book. I always enjoy a romance when there is tension between the couple or when there has been a past relationship. This book deals with some issues such as self esteem and parental rejection. I really felt for Zarah because her father treated her so poorly. I wish the outcome on that front has ended a little better but it was a realistic story line and pulled at the heart strings. Zarah deals with a low self esteem due to her father. As her character grows in the book you start to see her become more sure of her self which I enjoyed. I like when a character grows in a book like that.
As Bobby gets to know Zarah again he becomes aware of her self esteem issues and pushes her to over come. He really did not have any thing himself to over come other then the break up from the past. I liked him but did not feel as connected to him as I did Zarah. I also enjoyed Zarah’s friends and look forward to the books about them.
Over all a good book and I am looking forward to the rest in the series. The story line did not grab me as much as I had hoped and there where times where I kept thinking it was taking to long for Bobby and Zarah to actually talk about the past. The mystery part of the story was good and well written along with the romance. A lot of books either focus on the romance or the mystery and I felt this book did a good job of balancing the two.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.blogspot.com/
This is the first in a series that deal with 4 grandparents(Grandma’s) who want to see their grandchildren married. This story is about Zarah and Bobby. These two had a relationship 14 years ago that ended badly. Now Bobby has moved back home to Nashville and soon runs face to face into Zarah. It does not take long to figure out that the reason for the break up all those years ago are seen differently from both sides.
Zarah likes to blend into a crowd and see’s herself as a helper. Her father never treated her very well so her self esteem is low. Seeing Bobby again also brings back a lot of memories about her father.
Bobby has never forgotten Zarah or forgiven her for how she left him. He is also working on a case that requires him to do some investigating into Zarah’s life which soon revels things that make him question how the break up happened and also how Zarah is reacting to him now. Will these two find a happy ending or will the past be to much to over come?
I enjoyed this book. I always enjoy a romance when there is tension between the couple or when there has been a past relationship. This book deals with some issues such as self esteem and parental rejection. I really felt for Zarah because her father treated her so poorly. I wish the outcome on that front has ended a little better but it was a realistic story line and pulled at the heart strings. Zarah deals with a low self esteem due to her father. As her character grows in the book you start to see her become more sure of her self which I enjoyed. I like when a character grows in a book like that.
As Bobby gets to know Zarah again he becomes aware of her self esteem issues and pushes her to over come. He really did not have any thing himself to over come other then the break up from the past. I liked him but did not feel as connected to him as I did Zarah. I also enjoyed Zarah’s friends and look forward to the books about them.
Over all a good book and I am looking forward to the rest in the series. The story line did not grab me as much as I had hoped and there where times where I kept thinking it was taking to long for Bobby and Zarah to actually talk about the past. The mystery part of the story was good and well written along with the romance. A lot of books either focus on the romance or the mystery and I felt this book did a good job of balancing the two.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
http://abbiesreadingcorner.blogspot.com/
December 26, 2011
Kaye Dacus in her new book, “Love Remains”, Book One in the “Matchmakers” series published by Barbour introduces us to five grandmothers who unite to marry off their single grandchildren.
From the back cover: Can the historian learn to leave the past in the past?
Zarah Mitchell, who’s worked at the Middle Tennessee Historic Preservation Commission for more than a decade, is about to face a piece of history that could ruin the life she’s built in Nashville: Bobby Patterson–her first love and the reason her father kicked her out fourteen years ago.
Nashville native Bobby Patterson has just returned home after many years away to take a position with the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit. His new job, lead a task force investigating potential real estate fraud connected with the Commission.
When Bobby realizes that Zarah is part of his investigation, he is tempted to use his grandmother’s not-so-subtle setup as a way to learn if Zarah is involved in this fraud.
Zarah, at her grandmother’s suggestion, tries to put the pain from the past aside to see if any love remains between her and Bobby. But when she learns he’s been investigating her, will she be able to forgive him a second time?
Kaye Dacus really knows how to write a wonderful story. Ms. Dacus has filled the pages of “Love Remains” with high drama, wonderful romance and fascinating characters. It is a book about second chances as the two leads meet again after a separation of fourteen years and try to rekindle their first love. There are the themes of parental rejection and self-esteem. And, of course, there are the moments that you laugh out loud. ”Love Remains” is a lot of fun and I recommend this book highly. I am greatly looking forward to book two in the series.
If you missed the interview for “A Case For Love” , a different series from Kaye Dacus, and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Can the historian learn to leave the past in the past?
Zarah Mitchell, who’s worked at the Middle Tennessee Historic Preservation Commission for more than a decade, is about to face a piece of history that could ruin the life she’s built in Nashville: Bobby Patterson–her first love and the reason her father kicked her out fourteen years ago.
Nashville native Bobby Patterson has just returned home after many years away to take a position with the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit. His new job, lead a task force investigating potential real estate fraud connected with the Commission.
When Bobby realizes that Zarah is part of his investigation, he is tempted to use his grandmother’s not-so-subtle setup as a way to learn if Zarah is involved in this fraud.
Zarah, at her grandmother’s suggestion, tries to put the pain from the past aside to see if any love remains between her and Bobby. But when she learns he’s been investigating her, will she be able to forgive him a second time?
Kaye Dacus really knows how to write a wonderful story. Ms. Dacus has filled the pages of “Love Remains” with high drama, wonderful romance and fascinating characters. It is a book about second chances as the two leads meet again after a separation of fourteen years and try to rekindle their first love. There are the themes of parental rejection and self-esteem. And, of course, there are the moments that you laugh out loud. ”Love Remains” is a lot of fun and I recommend this book highly. I am greatly looking forward to book two in the series.
If you missed the interview for “A Case For Love” , a different series from Kaye Dacus, and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 15, 2011
Love Remains by Kaye Dacus
Barbour, 2010
315 pages
Romance; Contemporary; Christian
Read as part of Ebook challenge
4/5 stars
First in Matchmakers Trilogy
Source: Through Netgalley
While this is a dreaded reunited first-loves book, I actually really enjoyed it. I usually find Kaye Dacus's books adorable and with characters that make me happy and this was no exception.
Zarah is as shocked as anyone when she sees her first love Bobby at a church singles' event. They had shared a brief love when she was 18 and forbidden by her military father to date any enlisted men and Bobby was 20 and in the army. They were separated by her father: Zarah thought that Bobby ditched her so as not to jeopardize his career while Bobby thought that Zarah chose college over him. Each has not had any significant relationships since then but both are still hoping.
Of course they are constantly thrust together because they are active in the same church and their grandmothers are best friends. In fact those grandmothers have decided to become matchmakers in order to ensure the birth of great-grandchildren. Additionally Bobby's new job in Tennessee crime investigation brings him closer to Zarah because she is one the suspects. Besides those factors, Bobby knows he still cares for Zarah and Zarah admits to the same.
The biggest issue separating the two is how her father interfered in their relationship initially and her own father issues. Throughout her childhood, he constantly belittled her and destroyed her self-worth. Probably my favorite part of the book was when God spoke to her and claimed her as His daughter. While her earthly father lets her down, her heavenly father will always love her and be there for her.
There is somewhat of a mystery as Bobby tries to figure out who has financial improprieties under his or her belt but it's not the largest part of the story. Side characters provide additional fun including Zarah's friend Caylor who looks like she will be starring in the second book, The Art of Romance.
Overall: Another great read from Dacus!
Cover: Zarah does have big curly hair but I'm not sure this cover is the most accurate representation of the story within. I'm just not sure that I like the book being held by Zarah.
Barbour, 2010
315 pages
Romance; Contemporary; Christian
Read as part of Ebook challenge
4/5 stars
First in Matchmakers Trilogy
Source: Through Netgalley
While this is a dreaded reunited first-loves book, I actually really enjoyed it. I usually find Kaye Dacus's books adorable and with characters that make me happy and this was no exception.
Zarah is as shocked as anyone when she sees her first love Bobby at a church singles' event. They had shared a brief love when she was 18 and forbidden by her military father to date any enlisted men and Bobby was 20 and in the army. They were separated by her father: Zarah thought that Bobby ditched her so as not to jeopardize his career while Bobby thought that Zarah chose college over him. Each has not had any significant relationships since then but both are still hoping.
Of course they are constantly thrust together because they are active in the same church and their grandmothers are best friends. In fact those grandmothers have decided to become matchmakers in order to ensure the birth of great-grandchildren. Additionally Bobby's new job in Tennessee crime investigation brings him closer to Zarah because she is one the suspects. Besides those factors, Bobby knows he still cares for Zarah and Zarah admits to the same.
The biggest issue separating the two is how her father interfered in their relationship initially and her own father issues. Throughout her childhood, he constantly belittled her and destroyed her self-worth. Probably my favorite part of the book was when God spoke to her and claimed her as His daughter. While her earthly father lets her down, her heavenly father will always love her and be there for her.
There is somewhat of a mystery as Bobby tries to figure out who has financial improprieties under his or her belt but it's not the largest part of the story. Side characters provide additional fun including Zarah's friend Caylor who looks like she will be starring in the second book, The Art of Romance.
Overall: Another great read from Dacus!
Cover: Zarah does have big curly hair but I'm not sure this cover is the most accurate representation of the story within. I'm just not sure that I like the book being held by Zarah.
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