Valentine’s Day – Book Titles with Love

 By Kelly Bridgewater 

Of course, it is Valentine’s Day again. Time to share titles that have to do with Love or a Heart since that was easier to find. (All images come from Goodreads.)

 Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

 

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

 

To Steal a Heart by Jen Turano

What about you? Think of any other titles that include "Love" or "Heart" in the title? Please list them below. 

 

Heroes who are Hockey Players

 By Kelly Bridgewater

 I am a HUGE hockey fan. My team is the Colorado Avalanche. I have been following them since the 95-96 season. I became really excited when Susan May Warren wrote in It Had to Be You in the Christiansen family as the first Christian fiction story that I ever read that featured hockey players. If you are interested in hockey stories, here are some that I have come across: (All images come from Goodreads.)

 Wyatt by Susan May Warren

 

It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren

 

Carolyn Miller Original Six Series: The Break-up Project

 

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

What sport do you enjoy reading about in stories? Please tell me about them and share some cover love for these stories. 

Becky Wade: Turn To Me

 By Kelly Bridgewater

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?

My Thoughts:

Fans of contemporary romance, rejoice. Fan favorite Becky Wade has crafted another contemporary romance novel for fans of the genre and Wade’s stories. The story has a hint of a mystery with the treasure hunt that Finley has to go on. A little bit of a risky adventure. But since this is a contemporary romance, the whole story centers around the romance between Finley and Luke. From their first encounter, Finley and Luke start having feelings for each other. They spend the rest of the story trapped together trying to solve the treasure hunt pieces and working together at the animal rescue place, so they are in constant contact, so of course, their attraction to each other becomes center stage. As for Finley, the heroine, she did seem a little flaky and pushy. What kind of person would demand her employees take home a brand-new puppy, even though they persisted that he did not want to take one? After a horrible week with the dog, he still had feelings for her. I found this hard to believe. I would not like someone that forced a snake or something on me. Puppies are hard to handle just like a new baby. While I found the plot a little too unbelievable, I believe that fans of contemporary romance might completely disagree with me and enjoy the hint of the romance with the “mystery” element. Overall, Turn to Me by Becky Wade does fit nicely into the contemporary romance genre, but it was not to my liking. Not my type of book.

I received a complimentary copy Turn to Me by Becky Wade from  Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own. 

My Rating:  3 out of 5 stars

Purchase Turn to Me

Romance Couple Covers

 By Kelly Bridgewater

Romance. 

Valentine's Day. 

Two years ago, I did a blog post around this time for year for my favorite couples. Then last year, I did a blog post for couples that really should not have been written together. 

This year, I thought I would write a blog post that had cute romance couples on them. 

I thought this would be easy. 

Boy, was I wrong. 

Most novels feature the heroine or a setting. Some even have the hero on the cover. 

But to have both of them on the covers . . .

I didn't find many. 

So without further ado, here are the few romance couple covers that I did enjoy . . .

(All images come from Goodreads.)

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

Her One and Only by Beck Wade

It Had to be You by Susan May Warren

The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

What about you? Any covers that feature both the heroine and hero?

Most Anticipated for Summer 2020

By Kelly Bridgewater

It is that time again.

Another edition of where I show you the books I can't wait to read in the coming months.

This time the books cover from May 1 to August 31, 2020.

Enjoy!

(All Covers come from Goodreads, unless noted!)

Stay With Me by Becky Wade

 

 Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano

 

The Heart of a Hero by Susan May Warren

 

 

A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden

 

The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey

 

Relative Silence by Carrie Stuart Parks

 

The London Restoration by Rachel McMillan

 

 

Acceptable Risk by Lynette Eason

 

Are any of these books going to be read by you this coming summer? Summer is when I hibernate and read tons of books, so I plan to knock out some of these books in no time. Can't wait!!!

Becky Wade: Stay With Me

By Kelly Bridgewater

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?

From Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Becky Wade crafts masterful characters who are truly hurting. In her latest novel, Stay With Me, which also happens to be the introduction to her new Misty River Series, Wade's heroine struggles with pain pill addiction throughout majority of the novel. Wade made her struggles realistic and haunting. As someone who has personally never seen someone go through withdrawal but read books and watched movies with this type of scene, I believe Wade did a good job at allowing Genevieve succeed but still crave the pills. The romance is enduring and  formulaic for the fans of contemporary romance. The plot was different and captured my attention from the first page. I really liked the side story that Natasha and the heroine worked on. I was curious what the messages meant to. Overall, Stay with Me by Becky Wade has hauntingly realistic hurt characters who work through their struggles to find purpose and love for their loves. A definite must-read for fans of Wade's other works and contemporary romance fans.

I received a complimentary copy of Stay With Me by Becky Wade from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Purchase Stay With Me

Becky Wade: Sweet On You

By Kelly Bridgewater

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?

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

Becky Wade created a sweet and loving love story with Sweet On You. This story reminds me so much of the story of God's love for us. He has pursued each of us for years. God's love is shown in all his actions whether us humans want to see it or not. With Sweet On You, Wade crafted a love story between Zander and Britt that I have been waiting on since reading True to You. I really enjoyed the struggle internally for Zander. Most romances feature the hero as unrealistic and hopeful, but not to my liking. Something about Wade's creation of Zander struck realistically with me. She is one of the few contemporary romance authors that I enjoy. The plot had a mystery with a hunt for Zander's Uncle's past, and I liked that twist to the story too. Overall, Sweet on You by Becky Wade is a wonderful love story mirroring God's love for us. I enjoyed spending time with Britt, Nora, and Willow as well as their husbands. Fans of contemporary romance should pick this book and series up.

I received a complimentary copy of Sweet On You by Becky Wade from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Purchase Sweet On You

About the Author:

From Amazon

Becky is the Carol and Christy award winning author of heartwarming, humorous, and swoon-worthy contemporary inspirational romances.

She loves to connect with readers via her web site, www.beckywade.com, and via her Facebook author page, www.Facebook.com/AuthorBeckyWade

During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She's been a fan of all things romantic ever since.

These days, you'll find Becky in Dallas, Texas failing to keep up with her housework, trying her best in yoga class, carting her three kids around town, watching TV with her Cavalier spaniel on her lap, hunched over her computer writing, or eating chocolate. (Taken from Amazon.)

Second in Series

By Kelly Bridgewater

The first Friday in August, I wrote a post entitled First in Series. I mentioned a number of authors who grabbed my attention when I read their first novel and have LOVED them ever since.

This month, being the second Friday in September, I want to share some of my favorite authors who grabbed me with their second book.

Without further ado: (All images come from Amazon unless noted.)

The Rook by Steven James

 

A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad

 

Meant to be Mine by Becky Wade

www.goodreads.com

A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

 

What about you? Have you ever picked up a second book written by an author and been wowed by their writing? Just enough that you went and purchased the rest of their books and still buy their stories?

Becky Wade: Falling For You

By Kelly Bridgewater

Famously beautiful model Willow Bradford is taking a temporary break from her hectic schedule to work as the innkeeper at her family's small-town bed-and-breakfast. She was enjoying the peace of her hometown, Merryweather, Washington, right up until she came face-to-face with Corbin Stewart, the man she loves to hate. A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin--and suffered the consequences when it all fell apart.

Former NFL quarterback Corbin is forceful, charming, and accustomed to getting what he wants . . . except where Willow Bradford is concerned. Unable to forget her, he's never stopped regretting what happened between them. When their paths unexpectedly cross again, he's determined to make her give him a second chance.

When a decades-old missing persons case finds Corbin and Willow working together, they're forced to confront their past and who they've become--and whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

Falling for You by Becky Wade is the second book in her Bradford Sisters Romance series. In the first book, I learned about Nora and her life. In the second book, we are introduced to Willow, the oldest sister, and the sister with the most to lose.  I was introduced to her in the first book and couldn't wait to see her story. Wade does not disappoint. With the inception of Willow's story, Wade drew me into the plot pretty quickly. I liked Willow and seeing her hurts. They stuck out to me as I watched her struggle with her identity, past forgiveness, and love. Willow transforms by the end of the novel, which is what I enjoy seeing from my characters. As for Corbin, he transformed before the pages of this story started. He already transformed to the man Willow needed. This story flows like a contemporary romance with a predictable ending, but I do enjoy how Wade dives deep into her character's hurts and make them relatable. I had a really hard time putting down the book. I finished it in one day. As an added bonus, Wade threw in a mystery with a hunt for a missing person. As an avid suspense reader, this captured my attention too. Fans of Wade's other works or contemporary romance novels might enjoy this book. I sure did. Can't wait to read the third sister, Brit's story.

I received a complimentary copy of Falling for You by Becky Wade from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Becky Wade: True To You

By Kelly Bridgewater

After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he's diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother.

The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John's already dating someone and Nora's not sure she's ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they're seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another.

From Amazon

 My Thoughts:

True to You, Becky Wade's latest novel and introduction to her Bradford sisters series is an interesting look at how God is working at the big picture even though we don't understand it. With a meek, bookish Nora Bradford, Wade created a picture o the middle child who shows the ability to be ignored. While John, on the other hand, is a strong ex-Navy Seal who believes in God, wanting to discover the identity of his parents. As walls crumble, Nora and John seek out the Lord and ask for the ultimate forgiveness. My favorite part of the entire novel is the sections where Nora and John surrender to God. It brought a little mist to my eyes. I enjoyed the novel but had a hard time believing a number of passionate internal thoughts from John. It sounded like a girl's thought not a man. Fans of Wade's previous novels should try this story.

I received a complimentary copy of True to You by Becky Wade from Bethany House Publishers, and the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Romances are pretty predictable, follow a pattern genre. Do you agree? Do you still find them interesting? Why or why not?