Showing posts with label Becky Wade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Becky Wade. Show all posts

Monday, May 23, 2022

Book Review & Giveaway: Turn to Me by Becky Wade




About the Book:


His promise will cost him far more than he imagined.




Guilt has defined Luke Dempsey's life, but it was self-destructiveness that landed him in prison. When his friend and fellow inmate lay dying shortly before Luke's release, the older man revealed he left a string of clues for his daughter, Finley, that will lead her to the treasure he's hidden. Worried that she won't be the only one pursuing the treasure, he gains Luke's promise to protect her until the end of her search.

Spunky and idealistic, Finley Sutherland is the owner of an animal rescue center and a defender of lost causes. She accepts Luke's help on the treasure hunt while secretly planning to help him in return--by coaxing him to embrace the forgiveness he's long denied himself.

As they draw closer to the final clue, their reasons for resisting each other begin to crumble, and Luke realizes his promise will push him to the limit in more ways than one. He'll do his best to shield Finley from unseen threats, but who's going to shield him from losing his heart?




Read an excerpt from Turn to Me by Becky Wade on the publisher's website.


My Thoughts:

Turn to Me by Becky Wade finishes the Misty River Romance series with a story that made me smile, cry, and pray. Wade’s smart, polished writing drew me into the characters’ lives immediately. Finley, especially, captured my admiration. She’s passionate and unafraid to speak truth. Initially, I cringed at her plan to rehabilitate Luke, but her heart for healing and restoration overcame my reluctance. Luke, the handsome, broken hero juxtaposes Finley’s character in several aspects, making the romantic chemistry between them delectable.

Being able to identify with Finley’s recent loss of her father and Luke’s deep sense of guilt made Turn to Me an especially powerful story to me. On page 204, Finley declared, “None of the love He [God] has for you is conditional. It doesn’t hinge on your actions or my actions. And thank God for that. You’re loved by Him. And you’re forgiven.” I needed that quote. Turn to Me possesses several good themes, but that one made me put down the book to sob and pray. A case of reading the right book at the right time.

Turn to Me by Becky Wade will likely land in my top ten reads of the year and stands as my favorite novel in this series. 5 Stars!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.


Giveaway:

Author Becky Wade is running a lovely giveaway that includes: a $50 cash card, a paperback copy of Turn to Me, a “Georgia” candle (which represents the book’s setting), a Willow Tree figurine (which represents the heroine’s profession), orange blossom scented soap (the heroine’s soap!), and a custom 5×7 sign (with Turn to Me’s theme verse).


Enter at: https://beckywade.com/home/turn-to-me-giveaway/


Sunday, December 5, 2021

Book Review: You and Me by Becky Wade

About the Book: 

Easy-going, artistic Connor Bryant fell hard for his friend Shay Seaver when they were both in the seventh grade. Sixteen years later, he's returned to Misty River. She's finally between boyfriends. And his crush on her hasn't wavered. Now's his chance.

He tells Shay that he's found someone he wants to date and is in need of a makeover when it comes to his appearance and dating strategies. He asks if she'll serve as his consultant -- in hopes that he'll learn how he can become her ideal man. What he doesn't tell her? That she's the one he wants to date.

Sporty stationery shop owner Shay immediately agrees to Connor's request because he's one of the best guys she knows. However, she quickly realizes she's in over her head. She's pledged to help him win the affection of another woman -- even though she dearly wants to claim his heart.

It's Christmas in the mountain town of Misty River! This sweet contemporary romance novella, penned by Christy-winning author Becky Wade, can be read alone or paired with the other books in the series.


My Thoughts:

You and Me by Becky Wade brings Christmas festivities to Misty River. This easy-to-read novella fits in between the second and third novels of Wade’s Misty River Romance series. Characters from the full-length books cameo, but You and Me works as a stand-alone story.

You and Me features a cute, clean romance between Connor and Shea, two old friends who happen to be perfect for each other. While this novella had less character development than Becky Wade’s full-length novels, I enjoyed watching Shea and Connor’s relationship progress and adored the reveal of Connor’s interest in Shea.

To me, the shining element of You and Me was its Christmas season feel. Something about the way Becky Wade wove sparkly lights, a live nativity, and a message of hope with a sweet romance made this a lovely story. I recommend You and Me to readers who have enjoyed Becky Wade’s contemporary romances and want a novella with plenty of Christmas spirit.

 


Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.


Friday, May 14, 2021

First Line Fridays: Let It Be Me by Becky Wade

Happy Friday!

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today, I'm sharing the first line from Let It Be Me by Becky Wade.

"Mom and Dad are not my biological parents."

Have you read Let It Be Me? If not, check out the book blurb below and read my review here.

What are you reading this weekend? I'd love for you to share your book's first line!

Happy reading!



About the Book:

The one woman he wants is the one he cannot have.

Former foster kid Sebastian Grant has leveraged his intelligence and hard work to become a pediatric heart surgeon. But not even his career success can erase the void he's tried so hard to fill. Then he meets high school teacher Leah Montgomery and his fast-spinning world comes to a sudden stop. He falls hard, only to make a devastating discovery--Leah is the woman his best friend set his heart on months before.

Leah's a math prodigy who's only ever had one big dream--to earn her PhD. Raising her little brother put that dream on hold. Now that her brother will soon be college bound, she's not going to let anything stand in her way. Especially romance . . . which is far less dependable than algebra.

When Leah receives surprising results from the DNA test she submitted to a genealogy site, she solicits Sebastian's help. Together, they comb through hospital records to uncover the secrets of her history. The more powerfully they're drawn to each other, the more strongly Sebastian must resist, and the more Leah must admit that some things in life--like love--can't be explained with numbers.

First Line Fridays hosted by Hoarding Books

Friday, May 7, 2021

Book Review: Let It Be Me by Becky Wade

About the Book:

The one woman he wants is the one he cannot have.

Former foster kid Sebastian Grant has leveraged his intelligence and hard work to become a pediatric heart surgeon. But not even his career success can erase the void he's tried so hard to fill. Then he meets high school teacher Leah Montgomery and his fast-spinning world comes to a sudden stop. He falls hard, only to make a devastating discovery--Leah is the woman his best friend set his heart on months before.

Leah's a math prodigy who's only ever had one big dream--to earn her PhD. Raising her little brother put that dream on hold. Now that her brother will soon be college bound, she's not going to let anything stand in her way. Especially romance . . . which is far less dependable than algebra.

When Leah receives surprising results from the DNA test she submitted to a genealogy site, she solicits Sebastian's help. Together, they comb through hospital records to uncover the secrets of her history. The more powerfully they're drawn to each other, the more strongly Sebastian must resist, and the more Leah must admit that some things in life--like love--can't be explained with numbers.


My Thoughts:

Let It Be Me by Becky Wade mixes spiritual themes, a love triangle, a family mystery, and fabulous C. S. Lewis quotes. I appreciated that the author designed a believable love triangle without a villain and created fulfilling depth in the story as the characters experienced emotional and spiritual wrestling.

Sebastian, a determined pediatric heart surgeon, and Leah, a math genius, have unique personalities. At times I found it hard to relate to either of them, especially when Sebastian’s pining for Leah turned a bit angsty. However, Leah and Sebastian complemented each other perfectly. They communicated openly, if not bluntly, with honesty and humor. Their romantic tension and chemistry led to swoony kissing scenes that pleased my romance-loving heart.

Let It Be Me stands as the second novel in Becky Wade’s Misty River Romance series. This contemporary romance works as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading the novels in order as characters do reappear. I look forward to reading Luke’s story in the final novel.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.


Friday, May 29, 2020

First Line Fridays: Stay With Me by Becky Wade

Happy Friday! 

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today, I'm sharing the first line from Stay With Me by Becky Wade:

"The hallway floor jolts downward beneath my feet, throwing me off balance."

Have you read this book? Book blurb below and you can read my review here.

What are you reading this weekend? I'd love for you to share your book's first line!

Happy reading!



About the Book:

Loving her is a risk he can't afford . . . and can't resist.

When acclaimed Bible study author Genevieve Woodward receives an anonymous letter referencing her parents' past, she returns to her hometown in the Blue Ridge Mountains to chase down her family's secret. However, it's Genevieve's own secret that catches up to her when Sam Turner, owner of a historic farm, uncovers the source of shame she's worked so hard to hide.

Sam has embraced his sorrow, his isolation, and his identity as an outsider. He's spent years carving out both career success and peace of mind. The last thing he wants is to rent the cottage on his property to a woman whose struggles stir his worst failure back to life. Yet can he bear to turn her away right when she needs him most?

First Line Fridays hosted by Hoarding Books

Monday, April 27, 2020

Book Review: Stay With Me by Becky Wade

About the Book:

Loving her is a risk he can't afford . . . and can't resist.

When acclaimed Bible study author Genevieve Woodward receives an anonymous letter referencing her parents' past, she returns to her hometown in the Blue Ridge Mountains to chase down her family's secret. However, it's Genevieve's own secret that catches up to her when Sam Turner, owner of a historic farm, uncovers the source of shame she's worked so hard to hide.

Sam has embraced his sorrow, his isolation, and his identity as an outsider. He's spent years carving out both career success and peace of mind. The last thing he wants is to rent the cottage on his property to a woman whose struggles stir his worst failure back to life. Yet can he bear to turn her away right when she needs him most?




My Thoughts:

Stay with Me stands as a prime example of why Becky Wade rates as one of my favorite contemporary romance writers. So many elements worked together to form this beautiful story. It had Pride and Prejudice quotes, laugh-out-loud humor, emotional drama, family secrets, and an unfolding romance. The story held my attention as the characters dealt with tough issues such as prescription drug addiction, trauma, and following God’s leading. To me, the story didn’t feel dark or heavy, but I recognize that it could be more difficult for those who know someone struggling with prescription drug addiction or have fought that battle themselves. Thankfully, there is so much hope and truth in Stay with Me.

As I reviewed my notes on Stay with Me, I found seventeen topics or issues that the novel touched on. There are probably some that I missed. Though the story taps so many issues, it focuses in on only a few and wraps up beautifully in the end. I recommend Stay with Me to readers who enjoy contemporary romances with plenty of character development and spiritual truths.

Stay with Me by Becky Wade debuts as the first full-length novel in the Misty River Romance series. There is a prequel, Take a Chance on Me, in which Sam appears as a minor character; however, it is not necessary to read the prequel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this ebook by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Sunday, April 21, 2019

Book Review: Sweet on You by Becky Wade

About the Book:

Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.

Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who's spent the past 18 months traveling the world. He's achieved a great deal but still lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him--Britt's heart.

When Zander's uncle dies of mysterious causes, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. But while Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.

As they work together to uncover his uncle's tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light?


My Thoughts:

In Sweet on You, Becky Wade delivers a beautifully written friends-to-lovers novel filled with a unique mystery, laugh-out-loud humor, stirring character development, and sizzling romance!

The friends-to-lovers trope worked especially well in Sweet on You because Britt is such a well-developed character. Her personality is complex as are her reasons for avoiding romance with Zander. Beyond fear of ruining their friendship, much of Britt's reluctance to be more than friends derives from her life experiences and personality. She undergoes a character transformation as the novel progresses, but especially near the end of the book. It is only through these changes that the she finds faith to trust God and open her heart more fully to Zander.

Sweet on You caught my attention at the beginning and I read it in two nights. In some ways, it felt like an ode to chocolate and love. However, not everything was light and sweet. Embedded in the plot and character development are themes about trusting God, God's faithfulness, and letting go of one's pride and abilities. The novel also addresses the short-term and long-term effects of trauma. I loved the combination of sweet romance with deeper themes and issues.

Lastly, Sweet on You is the third and final novel in Becky Wade's Bradford Sisters Romance series. I enjoyed reading Britt's love story and the follow-up glimpses into Nora and Willow's lives. Though Sweet On You by Becky Wade could be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the series in order. They're all good and Falling For You is my personal favorite of the three.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. 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."

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Reading Journals: Out with old, in with the new!


A few years ago, my thoughtful sister-in-law gave me the My Bibliofile reading journal. It has all kinds of cute prompts in it, recommending reading lists, and space for jotting notes about books read. Prior to My Bibliofile, I used only GoodReads for keeping track of what I'd read. I recently finished off My Bibliofile with an entry for Sweet on You by Becky Wade.

Since I love being able to flip back and peruse the books I've read, it was a no-brainer to continue on with another journal. I chose this tan and beige Paperworks journal. It feels sturdy and I expect it to be durable. It has a bookmark, which is always a plus, for me. It's a bit bigger than the My Bibliophile and the lined pages provide more space for writing my notes.

I've found that jotting down notes while reading a book or directly after finishing makes it easier for me to write a thoughtful, quality book review.

So, how about you? Do you keep a reading journal? What attributes do you look for in a journal?

And here's a bonus:




This is my box of unused journals. Current count is 22. I haven't bought journals in years, but my family and friends know I like them and give them to me as presents.


Sunday, March 3, 2019

Expected March 2019 Reads

It's been awhile since I did an TBR stack update, so today I'll share a bit about the books I expect to read this month.

1. Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews -- I'm currently reading and loving this novel!

2. Sweet On You by Becky Wade -- I was thrilled when I got the email saying I would be part of her launch team. I've loved her books since I read My Stubborn Heart and can't wait to read her newest novel!

3. Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson -- The March pick for my local book club. It will be my first read by this author.

4. Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton -- I read The Wood's Edge last month and have been awaiting the chance to return to the series, but I'm not sure if it will happen this month or not.






What will you read this month?

Friday, June 29, 2018

The 2018 INSPY Award Winners!!!

Yes, the 2018 INSPY awards winners have been announced! Visit the page to see which books won.

I’ve only read True to You by Becky Wade! (Winner of Contenporary Romance / Romantic Suspense.)

How many of the winners have you read?

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Falling for You by Becky Wade


Model Willow Bradford has traveled internationally, gained wealth, purchased a home in LA, and dated famous men. But for now, she's taking a reprieve from public life and managing her family's bed and breakfast inn. Corbin Stewart, Willow's ex-boyfriend and a former NFL star, abruptly disturbs her peaceful respite when he arrives with his preteen niece and her unusual request for help. Determined to maintain distance from Corbin and cognizant that she has none of the skills needed to help, Willow graciously refuses. Yet, shortly after her initial refusal, she finds herself agreeing to help! Can Willow and Corbin maintain distance while they work together? Will they finally lay the past to rest and find peace? Read more in Falling for You by Becky Wade.

Falling for You is the second full-length novel in Becky Wade's Bradford Sisters Romance Series. It works fine as a stand-alone if you have not read the prequel, Then Came You, and the first novel, True to You.

Falling for You opens with a decades-old mystery and heavy tension between Willow and Corbin. This captivated my attention immediately and I stayed interested throughout the story. The tension, witty banter, and underlying passion was spot on for Willow and Corbin. I enjoyed watching the characters develop and mature, paralleling the development in their complicated relationship.

Between the mystery and the romance, the plot moved steadily, never dragging, constantly drawing me back even though I had to read it over several days. Falling for You felt like a fairly light read, but it had some tense, difficult, and heavy moments. Becky Wade also added in a strong Gospel message as well as promotion of core Christian principles (which I won't name because I don't want to get to close to giving spoilers).

I recommend Falling for You by Becky Wade to all fans of Christian romance. If you like other Becky Wade books, you will probably like this one as well. I'm already excited for the next book!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free from the publisher via netgalley. 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."

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

True to You by Becky Wade

Nora Bradford is proud of her success as a historical village owner, enjoys her work at the library museum, and is seriously in-love with her favorite tv show. If those things don't occupy her time sufficiently, she has books, Facebook, and her smart phone to help her avoid certain emotions and circumstances. Then John Lawson enters her life, needing help to find his birth mother. Nora's focus shifts to John's search and ultimately to the man, himself. As the pair traces John's ancestry, they grow closer until an unexpected and dark truth from the past clouds their relationship. Will they rise above the past and find light after darkness? Read more in True to You by Becky Wade.

True to You is the first full-length novel in Becky Wade's Bradford Sisters Romance Series. The prequel, Then Came You, complements the story line, but is not essential to True to You. I thoroughly enjoyed Nora's character development. In the beginning, I didn't really like her and stuck with the story because the ancestry search was interesting. However, by the middle of the book, I was cheering for her and staying up much too late so I could finish “just one more chapter.” And then came the unveiling of past secrets. Wow. I absolutely adore how the author carried both John and Nora through that. I can't say more without giving a spoiler, but it was excellent.

I would rate True to You as a PG-13 book. There's some innuendo by one of Nora's co-workers that really wasn't necessary and I wouldn't want my young child absorbing. For older teens and adults, the story is entertaining and the message of redemption is lovely.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."


Saturday, May 28, 2016

Her One and Only by Becky Wade

Having grown up with three older brothers, Dru knows how to hold her own in the midst of conflict. After serving as a Marine, earning a black belt, and honing her shooting skills, she excels as an executive protection agent until one case goes very wrong. Now she's been assigned to protect NFL tight end Gray Fowler and she needs to do it well to recoup her professional standing. Determined to find his stalker, end the danger, and restore her reputation, she refuses to be drawn into any sort of romantic relationship, though Gray seems intent on dissuading her. The more time Gray and Dru spend together, the more they are drawn to each other. Can Dru discover Gray's stalker in time to preserve his life... and her heart? Read more in Her One and Only.

Her One and Only by Becky Wade is the fourth and final novel in the Porter Family series. This novel probably could stand alone, but Meg and Bo (from Book One, Undeniably Yours) feature prominently and I think it might feel a bit disconnected if I hadn't read the previous books. My favorite part of Dru and Gray's story was the tension and sizzle of their personalities. The obvious attraction and issues between them held my attention. The plot was nicely paced and the climax was not what I expected, making it even better. I'll definitely keep this novel and likely reread the entire series in the future. Readers who've enjoyed any of the Porter family series, thus far, will likely enjoy Her One and Only as well.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Love in the Details by Becky Wade

Eight years ago, Holly broke up with Josh, the love of her life, to free him to pursue his passions and goals. Josh's status as best man in his friend's wedding has brought him back to Martinsburg, Texas, and face-to-face with Holly. Josh and Holly's affections rekindle quickly, but both have their reasons for holding the other at a distance. Josh is only in town for the month before the wedding. Is one month enough time for Josh and Holly to fall in love again? Is there a way for their relationship to survive once Josh returns to work? Read more in Love In the Details by Becky Wade.

Love In the Details by Becky Wade is the November installment in the Year of Weddings Novellas (second series). I usually avoid novellas, but I have always enjoyed Becky Wade's novels and decided to give this a try. The novella is classic Becky Wade – one super rich and attractive character falls in love with one not so rich, but attractive and talented character. The length is obviously shorter than her normal stories, but the characters had issues to work out which provided sufficient depth to the natural progression of their relationship and kept the story from being easily forgotten as many novellas are to me. I enjoyed Love In the Details and I recommend it to readers looking for a sweet story of second-chance romance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."

Monday, May 11, 2015

New from Becky Wade | ‘A Love Like Ours’ $100 Cash Card and Prize Pack Giveaway

Fall in love with Becky Wade's new book, A Love Like Ours, a story of healing, romance, and cowboys. A glimmer of the hope Jake thought he’d lost returns when Lyndie lands back in Texas, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?

To celebrate the release of her new book, Becky is giving away a $100 cash card and a book-inspired prize pack!

lovelikeours-400 

One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A $100 cash card
  • A copy of A Love Like Ours
  • A copy of the Secretariat DVD
  • A scarf
  • A dog-tag/cross keychain
  • A pair of earrings
  • A Scarf
  • A Texas-shaped cutting board
  • A Jake Porter mug
love like ours - prize pack 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 26th. Winner will be announced May 27th on Becky's site.

lovelikeours-enterbanner

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

About the book: A Love Like Ours (Bethany House, May 2015)

Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake's childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion's reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake's will, Lyndie's sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he's built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he'd thought he'd lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?


My thoughts:


A Love Like Ours is Becky Wade's third book featuring the Porter brothers of Holley, Texas and it is my favorite. It works fine as a stand-alone story, but Undeniably Yours and Meant to Be Mine are good as well, so I recommend reading them before A Love Like Ours.

Wade's writing style is good as usual. At no point did the plot drag or rush. Jake and Lyndie are well-developed characters with flaws and strengths that make them authentic, but still remarkable. However, the story is what really enchanted me with this book. I felt like cheering as Lyndie took Silver Leaf out to attempt his first run. Lastly, I appreciated the compassion with which the author treated Jake's PTSD. As someone who's been there, I felt Wade did an excellent job in dealing with the issue without making it too tidy, too easily fixed.

I recommend A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade to fans of clean, Christian romances. It's a keeper for me as I have no doubt I'll read this series again in the future.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1R9Tv8p


Enter the giveaway: Details here


About the author: 


Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, took time off to raise her children, then felt God nudging her to pursue contemporary Christian fiction. Becky's work has been a finalist for both a RITA and an INSPY Award.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Top Reads of 2014




I'm happy to say that this year, I fulfilled my goal of reading at least 26 books!  That would have been an easy goal for me a few years ago, but ever since my daughter was born, I have to intentionally set aside time to read.  I'm not complaining though, I love my munchkin!

               

My top five books of the year were:

1.  In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews - Read my review here.
2.  Meant to be Mine by Becky Wade - Read my review here.
3.  Balanced by Tricia Goyer - Read my review here
4.  Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund - Read my review here.
5.  Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers - Not reviewed.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade

Celia Park always had a thing for handsome Ty Porter, but he's always had a thing for someone else. When they meet up in Las Vegas, a crazy romance develops, culminating in a hasty marriage at a wedding chapel. The next morning, the fun is over and Ty's certainly not ready to be married to Celia. Celia leaves with a broken heart and wounded soul. Ty, while perhaps less cognizant of his own pain, is no less wounded. Over five years later, Ty insists on meeting Celia for a final time to apologize and move on. A left-behind bracelet leads him to Celia's home and to the child living with her – his child. Ty cannot abandon his child, no matter what his feelings are toward her mother. As Ty and Celia co-parent their daughter, romance begins to simmer. But can Celia ever trust Ty? And will Ty be willing to sacrifice his long-held dreams to be the husband Celia needs?

Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade was hard for me to put down. Seriously. When I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking of certain parts of the story I'd read or wondering how everything was going to turn out. Wade certainly knows how to craft a story and keep it moving. I've liked Wade's writing style since I read My Stubborn Heart and I still like it now. With a twist on the old “one-night-stand-produces-a-child-that-only-one-parent-knows-about” storyline, the story still felt mostly original as plenty of unique circumstances were added. Ty and Celia's chemistry and subsequent romance were delightful. The supporting characters were engaging and complemented the story.

While Meant to Be Mine is a clean romance, I would still recommend parental guidance for teens. There are a few questionable messages throughout the book. However, I see these as good opportunities to have a conversation. For instance, what constitutes faithfulness in marriage? Is it simply not engaging in a sexual act with anyone except your spouse? Is flirting outside of the marriage relationship considered okay? How about being in love with someone other than your spouse? I won't give away any spoilers, but I will say that my definition of faithfulness in marriage does not line up with marital faithfulness as defined by certain characters. I'm sure there will be different opinions and, like I said, it is an opportunity to start up a conversation.

Lastly, Meant to Be Mine is a stand-alone novel that includes a handful of characters from Wade's previous book, Undeniably Yours, but all necessary background information is supplied.

I recommend this book to fans of Christian romance. It's a keeper for me and I'll definitely read it again!

Read an excerpt from Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

Meg Cole is the reluctant heiress of the multi-million dollar family business, Cole Oil. Completely unprepared to take over her late father's position and haunted by her painful past, she heeds the advice of others and determines to shut down her father's Thoroughbred racehorse farm. Bo Porter manages the horse farm and is equally determined to pay off the farm's debts and turn a profit before Meg closes it down in six months. As circumstances and desires draw Meg and Bo together, romance blossoms and faith grows. When Meg's past catches up with her, will their relationship survive? Read more in Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade.

I love Becky Wade's book intros. They are sweet, memorable and expertly catch my interest. Like My Stubborn Heart (Wade's previous book), Undeniably Yours had a great hook that caught and held my attention. I enjoyed how the author took a blossoming romance and made it so much more than two people falling for each other. There were clear spiritual themes about trusting God, finding God's will, and reaching out to others. The plot had some twists and turns that gave a refreshing originality to the story. Some things I saw coming, some things were unexpected. I like that. Overall, I would recommend this book to fans of Christian romance, but I would add that it's for late teens or older due to a particular scene. (Nothing sexual, just something that some Christians may find morally questionable. Parental guidance suggested.)
I'm participating in a blog tour for Undeniably Yours and there is an exciting giveaway going on right now:

Enter Today - 5/11 - 5/29! undeniably yours becky wade kindle fire Giveaway

Also, don't forget to visit other blogs hosting the tour and read what they have to say about Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."

“Undeniably Yours” by Becky Wade | Kindle Fire Giveaway and 5/29 Facebook Party!

Becky Wade is celebrating her latest swoon-worthy novel, Undeniably Yours (Bethany House), with a Kindle Fire giveaway and hosting an Author Chat party on Facebook {5/29}!

UndeniablyYours

One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Undeniably Yours and My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 28th. Winner will be announced at the "Undeniably Yours" Facebook Author Chat Party on May 29th. Connect with Becky for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Becky will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Undeniably Yours and join Becky on the evening of May 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!