The Bachelor's Perfect Match by Kathryn Springer

The Bachelor's Perfect Match: After agreeing to help Aiden Kane find his long-lost sister, librarian Maddie Montgomery is surprised at her instant attraction to the daredevil. As they uncover the truth, Aiden pushes Maddie out of her comfort zone—but he never imagined that in solving the puzzle of his past, he’d find the only woman he can imagine a future with.

Heidi here. Okay, y'all know I enjoy Love Inspired, but Kathryn Springer is my favorite and The Bachelor's Perfect Match doesn't disappoint.

The character's are deep and very opposite of one another. Maddie likes to read, never takes chances, doesn't do anything outside, whereas Aiden prefers the outdoors and is always, always on the move. Except, while Maddie attempts to help a small group of high school students, she discovers the only thing that interests them is Aiden and his adventures. We meet Aiden while he is impatiently mending from a car accident, and he is super unhappy about sitting still.

Maddie thinks no one like Aiden would ever like, like her, she is too boring. And Aiden, like his brothers, isn't looking for love. So when he finds it, he is surprised and none to thrilled.

Another great read by Kathryn Springer!

Going in Circles by Jodie Bailey

Going in Circles: Sometimes you have to go where you've been to get where you're going. 

Public relations manager Samantha Dellinger spends her days making stock car drivers shine while keeping her own imperfections well hidden. If only good PR could fix what's wrong with her soul. After a scandal threatens the Dellinger racing team, Sam can't afford to take any more chances. But that's exactly what their new driver, Nate Thomas, wants her to do… take a chance on him. As the two grow closer, the idea seems ever more appealing, but Sam has a secret she can't risk exposing. Even if Nate could accept her past, Sam isn't sure she'll ever be free of it. And when that secret shows up at her door, eager to tempt her back into his arms, will she fall back into old ways, or will she finally confront the past and risk her future for the kind of love she never dreamed existed? 

Heidi here. Oh my, reading Going in Circles by Jodie Bailey was such a treat! Jodie has written a number of suspense novels with Love Inspired, but Going in Circles is all romance💓

The first book of the Dellinger Racing Series, Going in Circles gripped me from the very start. When I first met Samantha and Nate they were both so very broken, and that emotional baggage endeared me to them from page one. That brokenness and honesty from both characters kept me flipping pages wanting to know how their story ends. The author writes in first person, has an amazing sense of humor, and a marvelous storytelling voice.

The settings were amazing. I felt like I was sitting with Sam on her swing overlooking the lake. And in her basement apartment with her father living above her. And in the backseat of the car while Sam and Nate were together or when Sam and Ryan, her cousin, tooled around. The house Nate bought in the middle of the book, I want to live there! Oh, and last but not least, I want to eat at Mervin's because Shirley sounds like the funniest waitress😀

The plot involved car racing, which I am not very familiar with, but I found that world quite fascinating. Though I must say, car racing took a backseat to the romance Jodie Bailey built in this novel.

Suffice it to say, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Going in Circles and can't wait for the second in the series, Stalled Out, to release! 

Amish Christmas Twins by Patricia Davids

With Christmas just around the corner, widow Willa Chase will do anything to retain custody of her twin girls and unborn baby—even if it means escaping to her childhood Amish home. After her grandfather turns her away, Willa finds herself stranded at the home of blacksmith John Miller. A widower, John buries himself in work—until Willa's vibrant twins become impossible to ignore. And before long, John is smitten with their beautiful mother, too. But when Willa's past secrets are revealed, will they prevent John's Christmas wish for a happily-ever-after from coming true?

Heidi here. Patricia David's newest novel, Amish Christmas Twins starts with a strong premise that leads Willa Chase right into the arms of John Miller, even though neither one is looking for romance.

The conflict for the main character is deep and believable enough to last the entire novel. The romance builds nicely, moved forward from time to time by John's mother, a great secondary character.

And, I simply loved the twins! The girls were so unique and not the same at all, definitely three-dimensional characters. Grab your copy of Amish Christmas Twins today! 

The Bachelor's Twins by Kathryn Springer

Anna Leighton's eight-year-old twin daughters think they've given their hardworking single mom the perfect birthday gift. But the family canoe trip with outdoorsman Liam Kane is far from relaxing. Their rocky shared past—and the secret Anna's been keeping—means she's given Liam a wide berth for ten years…until now. Liam may be bowled over by his former high school crush's beauty, but these days he's a die-hard bachelor who's building a cabin for one. But the rugged Liam underestimates the power of an unstoppable force: two little girls who want a daddy.

Heidi here. The Bachelor's Twins was an excellent read. Kathryn Springer never disappoints. Back in Castle Falls we meet hardworking single mom Anna Leighton and her twin daughters, Cassie and Chloe (who kind of steal the show, they are super cute and matchmakers to boot!). The hero, Liam Kane has a past with Anna, but it isn't what you'd expect. They weren't high-school sweethearts, not by a long shot. But the conflict between Liam and Anna is real, yet both remember that pivotal night differently ~ which is why the conflict is able to be sustained for an entire novel.

I also liked the little subplot of her running the ice cream store because she was expected to and because it was in the family, but her dream and passion was making jewelry. Fun and quick read, page-turner. I'd highly recommend!

A Father's Second Chance by Mindy Obenhaus

Heidi here. I enjoy reading Love Inspired novels and A Father's Second Chance, by Mindy Obenhaus, is yet another keeper!

Businesswoman Celeste Thompson has one goal: to make her restaurant and hotel a success. She doesn't need any distractions, even from handsome contractor Gage Purcell and his two adorable little girls. Besides, single dad Gage is just biding his time before a big job at the mines comes through. But as Celeste's project springs to life, their arguments transform into attraction. Gage isn't looking for romance, especially not with another career-driven woman like his ex-wife. But openhearted Celeste is more than just another work-consumed client. She might just be his happily-ever-after.

I really enjoyed this novel. The main characters, Celeste Thompson and Gage Purcell, backgrounds were deep and layered, making them come to life on the page. Gage’s children, Emma and Cassidy, were adorable and a joy to read about. Their cute antics frequently pitted the main characters against each other, as Gage and Celeste both had long term plans that didn’t involve marriage or even a serious relationship. A page-turner and great plot, but the one downside to this book is that Celeste makes homemade cinnamon rolls. She bakes them frequently....And I craved them each and every time she took them, steaming and wafting of cinnamon gooiness, out of the oven ;-) But if you can get past the craving, pick up AFather’s Second Chance for an awesome read!

Review: All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes

What a fun little romance! Betsy St Amant's characters, Kat Varland and Lucas Brannen, are best friends who are afraid to admit they love each other for fear of ruining their friendship.

High school football coach Lucas decides to take charge and show his love for his baker-chef girlfriend--by entering her in a nationally televised cupcake competition.

Once she gets over the shock and fear of the idea and looks into the competition better, Kat discovers she's allowed to bring a helper. Guess who?

Betsy has a great writing style--easy to read and visualize. The characters are lovable, the story is cute and fun, even if it is a bit predictable. 

If you're hunting for a light read, All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes is a good one!

~~~~

About Betsy:

Betsy St. Amant has a heart for three things – chocolate, new shoes and sharing the amazing news of God’s grace through her novels. She lives in Louisiana with her adorable story-telling young daughter, a collection of Austen novels, and an impressive stash of Pickle Pringles. A freelance journalist and fiction author, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and is multi-published in Contemporary Romance via Love Inspired and Harper Collins (Zondervan). When she’s not reading, writing, or singing along to a Disney soundtrack with her daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing. Betsy is proud to be represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency.

Falling for Texas by Jill Lynn

Raising his orphaned teenage sister isn't easy for Texas rancher Cash Maddox. The girl tests his parenting—and patience—at every turn! But when he asks new teacher Olivia Grayson for help with his sister's grades and attitude, Cash realizes he's facing the toughest trial of all. He made a promise that he wouldn't date and get distracted from his mission of being a good father figure. Yet Olivia's quick wit is drawing him unexpectedly closer to the caring beauty every day. Could it be time to make a new vow…one that'll last a lifetime? 

Heidi here. Falling for Texas was an AWESOME debut novel, actually it would have been a great fifth novel as well, that's how good Jill Lynn is at writing active prose.The characters were deep and had very real problems that I truly cared about. Those elements made this book a page-turner. And the active writing kept me on the edge of the seat.

I can't wait for her next novel!

This is the very same writer who co-wrote Just Show Up with Kara Tippetts. Though non-fiction and much more serious, the writing style is the same ~ simply awesome!

Have you read Falling for Texas or Just Show Up?

Welcome to Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong

She's learned you can't count on anyone--but she didn't count on landing in Last Chance.
The red warning light on her car dashboard may have driven Lainie Davis to seek help in the tiny town of Last Chance, New Mexico, but as she meets the people who make this one-horse town their home, it's her heart that is flashing bright red warning lights. These people are entirely too nice, too accommodating, and too interested in her personal life--especially since she's on the run and hoping to slip away unnoticed.

Yet in spite of herself, Lainie is increasingly drawn into the small-town dramas and to a handsome local guy with a secret of his own. Could Lainie actually make a life in this little town? Or will the past catch up to her even here in the middle of nowhere?

Heidi here. I read a bunch of novels over Christmas and this one was a pleasant surprise. It isn't new, I've had it awhile, but finally organized my kindle books over the holiday.

Lanie is very likable with a sketchy past that chases her throughout the story. All the characters in the book are very hard workers, perhaps illustrating small-town life. All the people and elements of this story intertwined, but didn't feel forced at all. I especially liked Ray, the male character. His background was deep and his dream was huge. The location of his cabin was vivid, I wished I could have spent more time there!

Right now this novel is FREE on both the Kindle and the Nook, so grab it if you don't already have a copy!

Postmarked Ever After: A Review

Who doesn’t like a good cozy? Those stories set in small town Americana with enough tension to keep us interested and leaving us with a warm fuzzy feeling of satisfaction. Mary L. Ball’s Postmarked Ever After is such a book. It’s a romance, not a cozy mystery—you know, those dealing with murders—but it does revolve around a secret.

Set in a small coastal town in North Carolina, the story presents its heroine, Serena Gray, with a unique dilemma when she receives a letter. Her deceased husband had a child he never knew about. Then strange things happen, drawing Serena to that child and her widowed father, Adam.

As her relationship with Adam deepens, Serena fears her secret will hurt the two people she loves. Her struggle in deciding how to reveal the secret tests Serena’s spiritual strength, while giving her the chance to love again.

The kindle version had a few editorial errors, but that in no way detracts from Mary’s smooth, easy writing style. The characters are well developed and descriptions are woven in so as not to draw the reader out of the story.

 

This is a feel good story that contains enough intrigue to keep you guessing and leaves you believing in love ever after.

A delayed letter and a message from afar unite two hearts.

Recently widowed Serena Gray battles the daily drama of the emergency room, as well as her grief. When a mysterious letter arrives, it raises questions about a past she’d only heard her beloved husband speak about. While on hospital rounds, a child has a brush with death and recounts a vivid dream that bears a message. Will she risk happiness for the truth or keep a secret from the past?

 

Mary L. Ball writes Christian fiction. She lives in North Carolina and weaves stories about real life problems, blended with romance. Mary hopes to encourage people to see the wonder of love and divine guidance. When she’s not working on her latest story, she enjoys fishing, reading, and singing with her husband at various functions. Mary is on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Giveaway Alert!!! Comment any day this week and win a copy of Amber Schamel's Days of Messiah. See Monday's Wrap-up for details.