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.

Book Covers: Do They Need to Pull You In?

Every week Coffee Addicted Writer hosts the Book Blogger Hop. Participants answer a question and then visit other blogs of fellow participants to chime in on the discussion. This week's question is:

“Do covers pull you in?”

My answer: Absolutely!  If there's something stunning about the cover, I'll check out the back cover to see if I'm interested in the book.  Conversely, a dull or amateur-looking cover will put me off even if the synopsis sounds interesting.

Here are some eye-catching covers of books that I've read recently (or at least semi-recently):

 Hmm... I think I see a trend. Yes, a lovely evening gown is sure to catch my eye.

And here's one cover that I think is exceptional sans-evening gown:

Something about the model's smile looks genuinely happy and it makes me want to find out the reason for her happiness.  :)

What about you?

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."