The Forgiven Duke by Jamie Carie

I have absolutely adored this series! From the covers to the stories beyond the cover, these are great reads! 

Here’s the summary:

Tethered by her impulsive promise to marry Lord John Lemon—the path of least resistance—Alexandria Featherstone sets off toward Iceland in search of her parents with a leaden heart. A glimpse of her guardian, the Duke of St. Easton—the path less traveled by —on Dublin’s shore still haunts her.

Will he come after her? Will he drag her back to London, quelling her mission to rescue her treasure-seeking parents, or might he decide to throw caution to the wind and choose Foy Pour Devoir: “Faith for Duty,” the St. Easton motto. The Featherstone motto Valens et Volens: “Willing and Able,” beats in her heart and thrums through her veins. She will find her parents and find their love, no matter the cost.

The powerful yet wing-clipped Duke of St. Easton has never known the challenge that has become his life since hearing his ward’s name. Alexandria Featherstone will be the life or the death of him. Only time and God’s plan will reveal just how much this man can endure for the prize of love.

And now, my review:

Our heroine is still in pursuit of her parents. She’s gotten herself into quite a predicament, but the duke is also in pursuit, and because of the letters these two have exchanged, the duke is personally invested and motivated to find her. And the chase continues. 

I liked watching the duke grow through this story. His isn’t an easy journey. First of all, his hearing continues to fade in and out. Imagine experiencing his adventures without the benefit of hearing. He’s lived a privileged life, but suddenly, in pursuit of our heroine, he’s out in the world, away from the protection of his castle and his country. Self-entitlement is beaten out of him as he faces down the enemies who want to capture and harm Alexandria. 

Jamie is very adept at keeping us guessing where she’s going to take us. Readers who have waited through book one for certain key elements will not be disappointed. The romantic thread in this book is very satisfying, just what you’d expect from Jamie. I’ve read her work before and really enjoy her voice, her characters, and her romances. Cannot wait to read the third book in this series: A Duke’s Promise.

Highly recommended.

 

  (print)      (e-book)

The Director's Cut by Janice Thompson

Ever wonder what it's like behind the scenes of a Hollywood sitcom? Janice Thompson's Backstage Pass series gives us a glimpse. Director's Cut is the latest in this series.

Let’s begin with the summary:

Tia Morales is used to calling the shots. She's the director of the popular sitcom Stars Collide, and her life on set is calculated and orderly. Well, most of the time. But her life outside the studio is another matter. If only she could get her family to behave as well as her stars do! When she starts butting heads with handsome camera operator Jason Harris, it's enough to send a girl over the edge. Will she ever learn to let go and take life—and love—as it comes?

Full of the humor and crazy family dynamics Janice Thompson fans have come to love, this colorful story gives readers an inside look at Hollywood and a healthy dose of romance.

And now, my review: 

I like seeing behind the scenes in Hollywood. That setting has always fascinated me. Janice has been there. She’s been a screenwriter. So reading about her characters gives us an inside glimpse. Her characters are fun to watch, and she carries off an ensemble cast very well. 

This is a light read, as many rom coms (romantic comedies) are. The perfect escape. However, I felt the pace moved slowly as did the romance. I did like how the story is classified as a romance, but is written entirely in first person. She’s done this before in this series, and I like it. She makes it work.

I liked the theme of control—the fact that control is a myth, that we can't really control every element of our lives. The heroine is the director of a sitcom, but she can't control (direct) her own life. Her family is out of control. Her love life isn't all she wants it to be. She'll have to learn that God alone is in control. A great theme. 

The story has relatable themes without bearing the heaviness of some stories. If you enjoy a light read, an escape, you'll appreciate this book.

(print)             (e-book)

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

There has been a lot of buzz about this book, so I was very curious to read it.

Let's begin with the summary:

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance, takes a leave of absence from her job as a social worker, and the two of them set off. 

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man her grandmother has hired to renovate the house. From the first moment she meets Matt, Kate can't help her attraction to him--he's got a combination of good looks and charisma that draw and tug at her. But she knows there's zero chance of a romance between them. Matt's in love with his dead wife, and even if he weren't, Kate realizes that she's way too ordinary for him. For Matt Jarreau is no ordinary guy. Kate discovers that he was once a great NHL hockey player who left the sport when his wife--an honest-to-goodness former Miss America--was diagnosed with brain cancer. Matt's been hiding from people, from God, and from his past ever since.

Yet Kate is absolutely determined to befriend him, to try to reach him, to help him in some small way. No, Kate's not looking for love. She knows better than that by now. But when the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?

And now, my review:

This review challenged me because on the one hand, this was one of my favorite books this year. On the other, the publisher and author included offensive language that jarred me out of the story on a few occasions. 

I’d heard, ahead of reading the novel, that there were specific words included. So I was curious about why and in what context. How far would they go? If they allowed bad language, would they include sexual situations? Is this publisher breaking into another market now? As an avid reader of Christian fiction, I’ve come to trust I won’t run into degrading slang terms and swear words, etc. Most of the time character realism is expressed through implication. Honestly, after that first instance in the book, I debated reading on. The choice to include that language made me question my previous trust of this publisher, as well as questioning what direction the story would go. But if you can ignore/overlook the few instances of offensive language, you’ll be rewarded with a very good story by a fresh voice in Christian romance. 

The hero’s brooding, wounded approach to life immediately had my interest and sympathy. Maybe we would see behind the scenes. Gain understanding. I watched the heroine’s interactions with him and wondered how she’d get anywhere with her quirky personality and determination to break through his walls. Oh, that was fun to watch.

I liked the secondary characters, how the author used some of them as a mirror of Matt’s and Kate’s relationship. 

Their fiery attraction kept me turning pages. The remodeling of the old house was a good metaphor for Matt’s revamped life, and though we’ve seen this setup before, it worked as a setting and vehicle for forcing our characters together. 

As I mentioned, I liked the author’s fresh voice. I believe the story would have been just as strong without the jarring language choices. Characters can be realistic without being crass. This book would have gained a lot of buzz based on the well-done story alone. 

(print) (ebook)

A Texan's Honor by Shelley Gray

The first book in Shelley Gray’s The Heart of a Hero Series was so good, I was excited to see this one come out. And now I can’t wait for book three.

Here’s the summary:

Texas, 1874. Years ago, Will McMillan had fought in the open, next to his Captain, Clayton Proffitt. Now, in book 2 of The Heart of a Hero series, he’s waging another war undercover, pretending to be a member of the notorious Walton Gang.

But when a hostage situation goes awry and an innocent woman is in the middle of the fray, Will knows he must protect her no matter what happens. Even if they risk being killed by his gang or by the lawmen on their trail. Even if the woman he’s risking everything for will never love him back. Even if all he's left with is his faith.

And now, my review:

I liked our heroine—very strong and courageous, yet believable. This author has a way with heroes. She gets into their heads in her characterization and shows their strengths, doubts, and weaknesses, and especially their hope. I like how honorable they've been.

This book offered two heroes for readers to follow, two story lines that intersected. After the author got us established firmly in Will’s and Jamilyn’s POVs, she introduced Scout Proffitt (the brother of the hero from book one). We followed him through his adventures and learned that this historical hitman character wasn’t all bad. 

The author explored themes like honor and whether or not people can change. Scout really wonders if he can change. When he meets up with an abused woman who asks for his help, he finds that just maybe he can. 

The story included some off-screen sexual assaults, as in book one, and some on-screen murders, but for the most part (and I’m a sensitive reader), I don’t believe those incidents should deter anyone.

Shelley has a way with story. She kept me engaged the entire time, while always avoiding the cliché story lines. Just when I thought she’d go one way, she went another. 

This book stands alone, though for maximum fun, I’d recommend reading book one (A Texan’s Promise) first. 

I’m guessing book three will center on Scout, and I can’t wait to read more of his story.

(print format)  (e-book format for Kindle)

The Perfect Blend by Anita Higman

This was a recent Kindle freebie and because Anita is so well-respected, I snatched it up. Glad I did!

Here’s the summary:

The Café Rose is a place for great coffee and falling in love. Jacques, the owner and matchmaker of the Café Rose, seats his friend, Hamilton Wakefield, with loner Kasey Morland. Her business life is a mess, and since Hamilton is an entrepreneur, he lets Kasey know he's just the man to straighten her out. Sparks fly, coffee is poured, and romance is in the air. Will their clashing personalities turn into a bitter brew, or will Hamilton and Kasey discover they are instead, the perfect blend?

And now, my review:

I enjoyed getting a chance to read one of StoneHouse Ink’s books. And reading a novella by Anita Higman was a delight. She is so good with story structure, characterization, prose and romance. 

Her writing is strong. She knows where she’s going, and readers gladly tag along for the ride.

It’s challenging to get a believable romance out of so few words, but Anita helps us experience this couple’s journey. My favorite character? Jacques! He owns the coffee shop where our hero and heroine meet. He’s so much fun, always matchmaking. I liked the setting of this story as well. 

Every now and then, you need a good rom com (romantic comedy). Anita provides just such a light, fun read.  There were aspects of the story that transcended the fiction experience where I could immediately apply the subtle truth to my life. That’s what distinguishes good fiction from okay fiction. And somehow, in this little story, Anita managed to include some nuggets. Sometimes her prose is so much fun, I had to highlight it. Like this:

“Yes, another dimwitted thing had flown out of his mouth, buzzed around his head, and called him an idiot.” Fun, huh?

Enjoy this delightful read!

(only available as an e-book)

Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

You won't often see writing how-to books featured on Net's Book Notes, but I couldn't resist since this one is such a great tool! It's free SATURDAY, JUNE 9TH FOR KINDLE at this link: http://amzn.to/KaOxrA

Here's a note from the author:

Dear Novelist: Would you like your readers to live your stories, not merely read them? Deep Point of View anchors your readers inside the point of view character(s) of your novel. This handbook shows you how to perform the transformation from ordinary narrative to deep narrative in clear, easy-to-master steps. I invite you to sweep your writing to the next level with a technique that creates immediacy and intimacy with your readers and virtually eliminates show/don't tell issues. My Best to You, Jill

And now, my review:

This book is like Fiction 101 where POV is concerned. So helpful! Jill breaks down the basics and goes beyond that to give you key lessons in deep POV. She makes sense out of distant POV. And the book offers workbook-type pages where you get to practice the lessons. She also gives plenty of examples to illustrate her pointers. Plus, you can get through the book in one sitting because it reads very fast. 

As a writer and an editor, I haven’t seen a book on POV like this before. I will be recommending this one to clients and writing buds for a long time to come. I’ve already recommended it to my current client and critique partners. Thanks, Jill, for such a comprehensive tool!

Highly recommended to writers and editors!

(Kindle/e-book version, free 6/9/12)  (paperback copy)

Sixty Acres and a Bride by Regina Jennings

I had heard a lot of buzz about this book, so I was excited to read it for review. Let’s begin with the summary:

With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to Texas and the family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have only three months to pay.

Though facing eviction, Rosa can't keep herself from falling in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. Learning the American customs is not easy, however, and this beautiful young widow can't help but catch wandering eyes. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, to what lengths will Rosa go to save her future?

And now, my review:

This story is obviously loosely based on the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz in the Bible. As I began reading, I expected a romantic storyline to keep me engaged. When that didn’t immediately happen, and I found multiple editorial errors, I lost interest and stopped reading for a while. The back cover copy indicates the story isn’t categorized as a romance, but I was hoping for one given the potential in Ruth’s story in the Bible. 

Then, a few weeks later, I felt a nudge to give it another try. I still found a lot of errors, but knowing readers (not editors) are the target audience, I wanted to share how I found the story.  The story is very well crafted. The author included some wise, well-worded prose that helped explain the buzz I’d been hearing/seeing about this book. 

I am glad I finished this novel. There was a lot of originality in the story. The author had a good handle on what it must have like for Ruth to enter a new culture and feel compelled to prove herself. Very believable and I sympathized with her. I liked the character of Weston as well, and a romance most assuredly developed between the two. I think because the book didn’t follow everything the formula dictates, the novel was designated as historical fiction, rather than historical romance. But if lovers of romance will stick with it, they’ll find much romance to enjoy.

Readers who don’t mind head-hopping and/or out of place (time setting) jargon will enjoy this book. The story itself is strong.