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Resort to Love #1
Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho
Actress Emily Van Arsdale has returned to her Idaho hometown - with an entire film crew in tow! With its stunning scenery and reputation for hosting celebrities, Sun Valley is the perfect setting for Emily’s newest romantic comedy. Tracen Lake is happy to work as a stunt consultant for the movie but not as thrilled to deal with a bunch of high-maintenance Hollywood types. But Tracen is surprised to discover in Emily a down-to-earth Idaho girl who does all her own stunts and loves the outdoors. As filming wraps up and Emily heads off to her next gig, will she be able to leave Sun Valley - and Tracen - behind?
313 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2010
265 people are currently reading
1063 people want to read
About the author
Angela Ruth Strong
41 books686 followersAngela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been nominated for a Christy, won the Cascade Award, and become Amazon best-sellers. Her book Finding Love in Big Sky filmed as a movie in Montana and aired on UPtv in 2022. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at My Book Therapy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
November 13, 2015
LOVED this book! Clean, quirky humor at times, great romance, good story, memorable characters. I was a pre-reader, and this one is up for pre-order right now (releases Feb 1 2016) but I'm already looking forward to book two in the series. Don't miss this one if you love a good romance that's clean and has a gorgeous setting and fun characters.
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January 5, 2016Have you ever read a story that made you feel as if you were a part of it? That maybe you were looking at yourself in a mirror all the way to the end? I can't even describe how much I love this book!! I sure hope that it becomes a movie someday!!
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November 9, 2022
I enjoyed this book...
up until halfway through, then the conflict became a bit difficult to believe. I did like learning about Sun Valley, Idaho. Being from the East Coast, I knew nothing about it and loved traveling without having to go through airport security.
I liked the characters and that they did some unusual things. I wish they hadn't done some of the stupid things, but I'm not a risk-taker so maybe that's just me.
An enjoyable read if you're looking for something light with a tiny bit of faith thrown in (why didn't either of them turn to God when the chips were down)?
up until halfway through, then the conflict became a bit difficult to believe. I did like learning about Sun Valley, Idaho. Being from the East Coast, I knew nothing about it and loved traveling without having to go through airport security.
I liked the characters and that they did some unusual things. I wish they hadn't done some of the stupid things, but I'm not a risk-taker so maybe that's just me.
An enjoyable read if you're looking for something light with a tiny bit of faith thrown in (why didn't either of them turn to God when the chips were down)?
March 21, 2017
3.5 stars
After abandoning a very dark, disturbing and creepy book I needed to read something 'light' and this just seemed to hit the spot. Loved the location, Sun Valley Idaho, so beautiful. The hero is a Rafting guide, which is one of my passions when it comes to outdoor sports. So really, picking up this book was a no brainer. It does seem to drag a little in parts, and you are waiting for the inevitable disaster to happen between Emily & Tracen.
Blockbuster Hollywood Actress Emily Van Arsdale is back in her home state of Idaho filming a movie on the river, and rafting guide Tracen Lake is playing a major part in the filming. They find the chemistry between them pretty quickly, and despite all his doubts about getting involved with someone tied to the movie industry, their relationship takes off.
A great supporting cast, I enjoyed the complexities of Howie & Honey, and Char the make up artist adds the spunk.
I'd love to read the stories of the other Lake brothers, that continue the series.
After abandoning a very dark, disturbing and creepy book I needed to read something 'light' and this just seemed to hit the spot. Loved the location, Sun Valley Idaho, so beautiful. The hero is a Rafting guide, which is one of my passions when it comes to outdoor sports. So really, picking up this book was a no brainer. It does seem to drag a little in parts, and you are waiting for the inevitable disaster to happen between Emily & Tracen.
Blockbuster Hollywood Actress Emily Van Arsdale is back in her home state of Idaho filming a movie on the river, and rafting guide Tracen Lake is playing a major part in the filming. They find the chemistry between them pretty quickly, and despite all his doubts about getting involved with someone tied to the movie industry, their relationship takes off.
A great supporting cast, I enjoyed the complexities of Howie & Honey, and Char the make up artist adds the spunk.
I'd love to read the stories of the other Lake brothers, that continue the series.
February 29, 2020
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
3/13/2013-
“This was a fun novel. I liked the characters and all the Spiritual Content, but there were just too many kisses for a four star rating. (2/28/2020 note- I'm truly not sure if I would like this book now or even give it a 3 star rating, but I do not plan on re-reading it.)”
*Main Content-
Minor cussing: bull, dang, darn, dumb, holy cow, idiot, oh my gosh, shoot, shut up/shut it, and stupid. Curses are said but not written out;
four almost kisses & a movie's kissing scene, not-detailed kisses, barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and four semi-detailed kisses; Wanting to kiss; Remembering kisses; Touches, Warmth, Embraces, Staring, & Noticing (up to semi-detailed); A mention of going "au natural" in a Hot Spring.
3/13/2013-
“This was a fun novel. I liked the characters and all the Spiritual Content, but there were just too many kisses for a four star rating. (2/28/2020 note- I'm truly not sure if I would like this book now or even give it a 3 star rating, but I do not plan on re-reading it.)”
*Main Content-
Minor cussing: bull, dang, darn, dumb, holy cow, idiot, oh my gosh, shoot, shut up/shut it, and stupid. Curses are said but not written out;
four almost kisses & a movie's kissing scene, not-detailed kisses, barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and four semi-detailed kisses; Wanting to kiss; Remembering kisses; Touches, Warmth, Embraces, Staring, & Noticing (up to semi-detailed); A mention of going "au natural" in a Hot Spring.
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY
On shoot in beautiful Sun Valley for her newest film, rising starlet Emily Van Arsdale meets handsome stunt consultant Tracen Lake. Despite their different lifestyles, the adventurous duo shares a bond. As filming wraps up, will Emily be able to leave Sun Valley--and Tracen--behind?
REVIEW: This book closely follows the pattern of most of the other Love Finds You books. Some have a deeper plot line and others are basically sweet romance novels. I found this one fell in the second category. The main characters, Emily and Tracen, were interesting; but the way they tended to tiptoe around each other as far as being honest with one another bothered me after a while. Would recommend it as a enjoyable romance novel.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "That lesson can apply to all of us somehow. You know, like we try and try and try to do something the way we think it should be done, but if we'd just listen to Jesus and do things His way, He would work miracles in our lives."
On shoot in beautiful Sun Valley for her newest film, rising starlet Emily Van Arsdale meets handsome stunt consultant Tracen Lake. Despite their different lifestyles, the adventurous duo shares a bond. As filming wraps up, will Emily be able to leave Sun Valley--and Tracen--behind?
REVIEW: This book closely follows the pattern of most of the other Love Finds You books. Some have a deeper plot line and others are basically sweet romance novels. I found this one fell in the second category. The main characters, Emily and Tracen, were interesting; but the way they tended to tiptoe around each other as far as being honest with one another bothered me after a while. Would recommend it as a enjoyable romance novel.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "That lesson can apply to all of us somehow. You know, like we try and try and try to do something the way we think it should be done, but if we'd just listen to Jesus and do things His way, He would work miracles in our lives."
May 15, 2015
I absolutely loved LFY in Sun Valley, Id. Angela did an amazing job of making the characters, relatable, likeable, and redeemable. Emily Van Arsdale is a down-to-earth actress that falls in love with local Sun Valley rafting expert, Tracen Lake. Although the attraction is instant, Tracen fights it due to past failed relationships. But Emily's personality is so genuine and funny that he sees the true beauty in her.
Angela incorporated humor, bible studies, great secondary characters, love and romance to keep the story engaging. I found myself wishing she would do a story on Tracen's brothers. I also loved the water motif she had in the story.
It's a great read in case I didn't say it before. ;)
Angela incorporated humor, bible studies, great secondary characters, love and romance to keep the story engaging. I found myself wishing she would do a story on Tracen's brothers. I also loved the water motif she had in the story.
It's a great read in case I didn't say it before. ;)
February 18, 2012
Emily is a famous actress from Idaho. The latest film she is working on is being filmed close to her Boise home--in Sun Valley. While there, she meets river guide, Tracen, who is helping out with the film. Sparks fly, but there are some obstacles to overcome and choices to make.
I thought the characters were relatable and fun, although Tracen did get a bit possessive for awhile, which was understandable, given his history. It was fun to read a little bit about a new place, while enjoying a cute story. I'm really enjoying this clean romance series.
I thought the characters were relatable and fun, although Tracen did get a bit possessive for awhile, which was understandable, given his history. It was fun to read a little bit about a new place, while enjoying a cute story. I'm really enjoying this clean romance series.
January 31, 2018
Great start to a series!
Water, an actress and a river guide results in a comedy of errors with a happy ever after! What a fun read!!! I loved the water Bible study flowing through the story. The characters really wanted to become closer to God. Their actions and conversations were very realistic and true to life. Angela Strong has a keeper here!
Water, an actress and a river guide results in a comedy of errors with a happy ever after! What a fun read!!! I loved the water Bible study flowing through the story. The characters really wanted to become closer to God. Their actions and conversations were very realistic and true to life. Angela Strong has a keeper here!
September 22, 2017
Loved it! Tracen seemed a bit spoiled at times, but it ended up great!
February 22, 2016
With a unique storyline, Finding Love in Sun Valley, Idaho is equally character and plot driven. Emily Van Arsdale and Tracen Lake are a delightful pairing of heroine and heroine in a story that features a unique premise of Hollywood movie-making and stunts/gymnastics. Their romance is palpable, and humor abounds as they transition from friends to a couple. Secondary characters complete the lively community in this novel, with a particularly enjoyable pastor-turned-raftsman and chubby eleven-year-old who rides a unicycle. Deeper themes such as forgiveness, trust, and letting go of the past support the overall tone of humor that is prevalent in the story. I appreciated that Strong utilized these themes in Love Finds You in Sun Valley, Idaho; however, these deeper elements at times felt rushed, and I do think the humor thread is the strongest of all of them in this novel.
January 4, 2016
Finding Love in Sun Valley was a pleasure to read. It is everything I want in a novel- clean, original, and well written. The main characters, Tracen and Emily, became real to me as I read their story. I want to meet them in Sun Valley to have lunch and catch up on their lives.
This book was a fairly easy read but had enough substance that I found myself pondering the messages contained in the story. I truly benefited from reading this book and I am ready to read the next one as soon as it is released.
This book was a fairly easy read but had enough substance that I found myself pondering the messages contained in the story. I truly benefited from reading this book and I am ready to read the next one as soon as it is released.
January 19, 2016
Angela Ruth Strong has created characters readers will enjoy spending time with in Finding Love in Sun Valley. The romance is set in the context of a broader, interesting story. I appreciated the variety of characters—not all the same age as the hero and heroine. Although this book is part of a series, it stands on its own. Characters don’t magically solve their differences and problems, but the main conflict is resolved by the end. Just enough story is left open for a natural continuation in the next book. Overall, a strong story for those who enjoy reading romance.
May 26, 2012
One of my favorite "Love Finds You..." books! I discovered this author on Dee Gist's forum, before she was an author!! When her book was published I HAD to read it...and I was NOT disappointed! Very fast-paced; held my attention the entire time. I really enjoyed the characters, but especially Emily (although I feel a certain kinship with all Emily protagonists). She was so full of life and vigor. I will be watching this author for sure.
January 16, 2016
I absolutely loved this book! I enjoyed reading it so much, that I didn't want it to end. It is a captivating love story, and has just the perfect amount of humor! It also shows you the joy that comes with putting others above yourself. I would definitely recommend anyone who likes a sweet romance to read this book. You won't regret it! I can't wait to read Angela Ruth Strong's next book!
August 23, 2017
I enjoyed the story. Mostly predictable and definite insta-love but a couple twists at the end I didn't see coming. (Not in the plot line but in how it comes about). I was glad the ending showed compromise on both sides.
A bit heavy on the religion but not bad.
No sex, language or violence. Some kissing.
A bit heavy on the religion but not bad.
No sex, language or violence. Some kissing.
February 19, 2025
Such a good book!
I can vividly remember this book though it’s been more than a decade since I read it. I loved the “Love Finds You In…” books and this was one of my favorites.
When I can remember so many details about the setting and plot for a book, when I have read so many hundreds since then, it is well written! What a great deal to be able to get a kindle copy for free right now!
I can vividly remember this book though it’s been more than a decade since I read it. I loved the “Love Finds You In…” books and this was one of my favorites.
When I can remember so many details about the setting and plot for a book, when I have read so many hundreds since then, it is well written! What a great deal to be able to get a kindle copy for free right now!
May 29, 2012
Cute and Funny read. This author has a gift of comedy that shines through the story!
I loved the mishaps, but the theme and the "moral" of the story was not lost with the antics of the cast and crew.
Light reading, and worth the investment.
I loved the mishaps, but the theme and the "moral" of the story was not lost with the antics of the cast and crew.
Light reading, and worth the investment.
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November 11, 2012I really liked the Baltimore book of this series but not this one. Things just happened or fell into place or were too convenient. What I did read just felt grey - no contrast between high/low, good/bad, etc.
January 4, 2016
This was a fun story with great characters. The characters were so real to me, I caught myself cringing or grinning at the pages while I read! This was a sweet romance with enough conflict to make it hard to put down. I am looking forward to more in this series.
August 4, 2015
I definitely don't like the modern-day setting books in this series near as much as the books set in the history rich past of a real city. Also, the characters were a bit too perfect and yet silly.
September 5, 2018
Love Finds you in Sun Valley, Idaho was an enjoyable easy read that left me smiling. It is a very sweet love story between Emily and Tracen. Tracen is a raft guide who helps out some Hollywood stars as they film a movie in Sun Valley, Idaho. He was looking forward to when they left before they even came. He did not expect that the stunt-woman turned Hollywood star would be a down to earth woman he could fall in love with. Can they let go of their pasts and make this work?
This book is so sweet and I really enjoyed it. I did have a hard time for a while with Tracen. I felt he thought to much like a girl and wanted to shake him into realizing to be deeper with himself and his feelings so they could get to their happily ever after. Emily was great and I thought well written. I loved that the author sprinkled passages of scripture or bible topics throughout in amazing way. She has a style of her own and I enjoyed Emily seeing a theme of water themed scripture and that these characters were able to get closer to each other and to God.
This book is so sweet and I really enjoyed it. I did have a hard time for a while with Tracen. I felt he thought to much like a girl and wanted to shake him into realizing to be deeper with himself and his feelings so they could get to their happily ever after. Emily was great and I thought well written. I loved that the author sprinkled passages of scripture or bible topics throughout in amazing way. She has a style of her own and I enjoyed Emily seeing a theme of water themed scripture and that these characters were able to get closer to each other and to God.
July 20, 2024
Let's start with the positives. I liked the character development and wanted to know what would happen to them. I LOVED the biblical integration. I enjoyed the clean romance. And I loved that it takes place in my home state of Idaho! ;-)
I gave it two stars because I rolled my eyes a bit as a reader. The author would show me something and then tell me what she just showed me. I found myself literally saying out loud, "Yeah, I got that." OR the author would tell me everything, and I found myself saying, "You could have shown me that instead." There were actual descriptions that Emily and Tracen would make of each other (when the perspective changed) that I literally thought, "You could never know that." For these reasons, I was pulled out of the story too often. I almost didn't finish, but as I stated at the top, I really liked the characters and wanted to know what would happen.
But it was a clean, light read with some biblical integration that could inspire you to pick up your Bible, and those are pretty redeeming qualities.
I gave it two stars because I rolled my eyes a bit as a reader. The author would show me something and then tell me what she just showed me. I found myself literally saying out loud, "Yeah, I got that." OR the author would tell me everything, and I found myself saying, "You could have shown me that instead." There were actual descriptions that Emily and Tracen would make of each other (when the perspective changed) that I literally thought, "You could never know that." For these reasons, I was pulled out of the story too often. I almost didn't finish, but as I stated at the top, I really liked the characters and wanted to know what would happen.
But it was a clean, light read with some biblical integration that could inspire you to pick up your Bible, and those are pretty redeeming qualities.
June 8, 2017
Great funny charming modern Christian romance!
This story is the ideal romance book! The characters are witty and cute, yet they are hard headed and obtuse at times...just like my husband and I are! True to life, yet whimsical..a movie star meets rafting guide. And his last name is Lake, just as her movie is being filmed on a river! What I loved most was the fact that a CLEAN romance CAN be written & still be truly enjoyable! In fact, this story is better than any I've read in a long while! Not a single cuss word, yet the characters had no trouble communicating! I enjoyed the trampoline part..very cute scene! I also loved the part about a rafting ministry! We have a hunting ministry near us and it's such a great way to introduce Christ to those who won't and don't go to church! Kudos to this author! I know everyone who reads story this will love it as much as I did!
This story is the ideal romance book! The characters are witty and cute, yet they are hard headed and obtuse at times...just like my husband and I are! True to life, yet whimsical..a movie star meets rafting guide. And his last name is Lake, just as her movie is being filmed on a river! What I loved most was the fact that a CLEAN romance CAN be written & still be truly enjoyable! In fact, this story is better than any I've read in a long while! Not a single cuss word, yet the characters had no trouble communicating! I enjoyed the trampoline part..very cute scene! I also loved the part about a rafting ministry! We have a hunting ministry near us and it's such a great way to introduce Christ to those who won't and don't go to church! Kudos to this author! I know everyone who reads story this will love it as much as I did!
March 1, 2018
Rafting and romance
Emily was sweet but I had a hard time liking Tracen because he seemed so distrustful of Emily. I know he had been burned before and this was the basis of the story but I started to get tired of hearing about why he couldn't trust Emily yet again.
Having Emily be an actress who does her own stunts added some excitement to this romance as well as the fact that a movie with white water rafting was being filmed.
Some Bible stories and verses as well as the explanation of how a couple characters got saved are woven into the story.
Sex - a few kisses
Language - no swearing or profanity
Violence - none
Religion - lots of references to the Christian faith and stories from the Bible, one character is a former pastor
Emily was sweet but I had a hard time liking Tracen because he seemed so distrustful of Emily. I know he had been burned before and this was the basis of the story but I started to get tired of hearing about why he couldn't trust Emily yet again.
Having Emily be an actress who does her own stunts added some excitement to this romance as well as the fact that a movie with white water rafting was being filmed.
Some Bible stories and verses as well as the explanation of how a couple characters got saved are woven into the story.
Sex - a few kisses
Language - no swearing or profanity
Violence - none
Religion - lots of references to the Christian faith and stories from the Bible, one character is a former pastor
February 19, 2018
This is the third book from Angela Ruth Strong I have read (I read the series out of order), and without a doubt her writing is consistently engaging. She includes humor and quirky characters that are fun from start to finish.
This story is no exception. Although, I did not find Emily especially endearing early on, (I suppose I had the same preconceived ideas about her as did the hero) she experienced very real personal challenges that made her relatable. Not only did she have a personal journey, but a spiritual journey in which she desired to know about God and how He was directing her life.
A fun romance, with an entire cast of fun characters. A must read in the series.
This story is no exception. Although, I did not find Emily especially endearing early on, (I suppose I had the same preconceived ideas about her as did the hero) she experienced very real personal challenges that made her relatable. Not only did she have a personal journey, but a spiritual journey in which she desired to know about God and how He was directing her life.
A fun romance, with an entire cast of fun characters. A must read in the series.
August 27, 2019
I thought this kinda fall flat. The storyline dragged on and on with little sense. Tracen was about the most insecure and annoying man I've ever come across in a book. I know he was hurt by love once, buy dude let it go and move on. Get clearly was the problem in his first relationship and became the problem in the second one with not wanting to change or compromise. I thought Emily was pretty badass, but her pining over Tracen all the time, but especially when he was so mean was rather annoying. The story wrapped up nicely for people who wanted them to get together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2023
Emily is short, determined, stubborn, a brilliant actress,
and like the energizer bunny.
Tracen is a tall guy, a river guide, has ACHOO syndrome,
and running on an empty battery.
When a film crew arrives to shoot a movie by the river,
no one was looking for true love - or so they thought.
But will love prove stronger than their fears and individual dreams?
Only time will tell....
Come find out in Finding Love in Sun Valley, Idaho!
(Resort to Love--Finding Love line Book 1)
by Angela Ruth Strong
(This is CF contemporary sweet romance that will pull you through
laughter, frustration, tears, and a HEA!)
and like the energizer bunny.
Tracen is a tall guy, a river guide, has ACHOO syndrome,
and running on an empty battery.
When a film crew arrives to shoot a movie by the river,
no one was looking for true love - or so they thought.
But will love prove stronger than their fears and individual dreams?
Only time will tell....
Come find out in Finding Love in Sun Valley, Idaho!
(Resort to Love--Finding Love line Book 1)
by Angela Ruth Strong
(This is CF contemporary sweet romance that will pull you through
laughter, frustration, tears, and a HEA!)
July 17, 2024
I liked this story. I thought the way Tracen and Emily met and came to know each other flowed fairly naturally even though the time-line was a little shorter than I'd usually like for a romance story.
I loved that Emily knew who (and Whose!) she was for the most part and wanted to use her situation and fame to be a blessing. I liked that Tracen, even though he had troubles trusting and hoping, eventually did listen to God's leading (and the nudges of friends and family!) for his life, even though that ended up looking a bit differently than he might have first expected.
3.5 stars
I loved that Emily knew who (and Whose!) she was for the most part and wanted to use her situation and fame to be a blessing. I liked that Tracen, even though he had troubles trusting and hoping, eventually did listen to God's leading (and the nudges of friends and family!) for his life, even though that ended up looking a bit differently than he might have first expected.
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews