Review: A Family For Faith by Missy Tippens

A Family for Faith
by Missy Tippens

Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Cost: $5.50

What I Liked:
Well, it's easy to figure out where I should start with this review: what I liked the best. Gabe. Wow. I've read several of Missy Tippens' books (I think everything she has out, now), and I know she writes good heroes. But none of them have been quite like Gabe. ::sigh:: This is the kind of man I think we all long to meet, if we're single and Christian.

Of course, the book itself was excellent, as well. Faith is a great heroine, and her journey as a character is fulfilling and engaing. But the highlight of this book is Gabe. Ahhh, Gabe. ::sigh:: If you're a Harlequin fan, a series romance fan, a Missy Tippens fan, an inspirational romance fan... or just a fan of really amazing heroes, you have to go read this guy. You will absolutely fall in love with him from the first page, with his protective care of his daughter and his hurting heart that wants to open to love. I love it when authors break the rules (starting off in the hero's pov, no meet-cute on the first page) and it works. This one works. Phenomenally.

Go forth, do likewise. Or just buy the book and read it. :) This man is worth knowing. Excellent work, Missy Tippens. As usual, another home run!

Book Blurb:
When Faith Hagin sees widower cop Gabe Reynolds every day in her coffee shop, she can't help but feel for the struggling single dad. She's raised a teenager of her own—and sadly, knows what not to do. But thanks to his matchmaking preteen daughter, Chelsea, the whole town's praying for Gabe to find a wife! Even though Faith thinks she's content being just friends, spending time with him and Chelsea starts to feel like a fresh start at having a family. And their love may be the answer to everyone's prayers.

~ Rebecca Lynn

Review: His Forever Love

His Forever Love
by Missy Tippens

Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Series Romance
Publisher: Harlequin (Steeple Hill)
Cost: $4.12

What I Liked:
I really enjoy Missy Tippens' voice. It's very conversational and accessible. Her storytelling drew me in to this story right away. Of course, I've read a lot of Steeple Hill Love Inspired books, now, and this is definitely one of my favorites. I love the Southern small town setting, and the two main characters. Especially the hero. Love the whole sexy, brainy guy angle. That's definitely something new for me in a romance novel.

I really like the second-chances stories, and this is definitely a great one. The hero and heroine don't seem perfectly matched from the start, which I also like. They sort of evolve into each other--even though you know, of course, because it's a romance novel, that they'll end up together. But the things that keep them apart feel real, and when they do get together (I hope I'm not ruining the surprise), it's satisfying.

I've never read a book by Missy Tippins before, but this definitely won't be my last. She's definitely got the best of what is great about Love Inspired books. Her voice has an ease to it, her characters are engaging, and the story is satisfying. If you like Love Inspired books, I recommend this great love story.

Book Blurb:
In Magnolia, Georgia, local legend says that a couple who holds hands around the "forever" tree will have an unending love. Even so, Bill Wellington held Lindsay Jones's hands around that tree years ago...and then left her behind. He chose the big city, and now he wants to bring his grandmother there. But to his amazement, he finds that Granny has a boyfriend--and a vibrant life. A life that includes Lindsay, Granny's caregiver. Bill never thought he'd want to come home, yet Magnolia clearly has its charms. As does Lindsay, who makes him long for a second chance at forever love.

~ Rebecca Lynn

Review: Love Thine Enemy by Louise M. Gouge

Love Thine Enemy
by Louise M. Gouge

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Cost: $4.12

What I Liked:
I liked this book much better than its sequel (which I read first). It was a little slow-going for me in the beginning, but once it picked up, it was really excellent. The love story between Rachel and Frederick was inspiring and beautifully written. The conflict between them was real, and well-done. And of course, it introduced Jamie, who is the hero that I loved so much from the second book in the series.

But Frederick was a different kind of hero. I still enjoyed him, but he was different. Where most are dashing, Frederick is steadfast. Where most are flamboyant in their alpha-ness, Frederick is cautious and true. His character is without reproach, and even when he betrays Rachel's ideals, he thinks he is doing the right thing. And who is to say that he wasn't? Just because we won the war doesn't mean America was "right" and England was "wrong", although I do think the author might disagree. But he followed what he believed to be his moral compass, and so did she.

That's what made this book so interesting. Two highly devout characters in love, with two completely opposite interpretations of morality. Very interesting to me. Of course, he comes around to her way of thinking in the end, but it's an American book, what do we expect? I think I would have been more interested if they would have been able to maintain their differences and still be together. Any relationship where you cannot maintain difference is not a real relationship. Still, the way he turned his mind to agree with her was beautiful, in the end, and although I still felt like it was a betrayal of his character, I can see how he loved her more than he loved his ideals. And there's something to that.

All in all, Rachel Folger was a solid heroine, but it was Frederick who really made this book. He was a hero unlike any other I've read, and I mean that in the best of ways. He didn't have to rely on his physical superiority or his extreme handsomeness (although I believe he had both) to win out in the end. It was his moral fiber, his devotion, and his devoutness that made you love him. He was really fantastic.

Would I rather read Jamie's book again? Probably. Even though I didn't like the book itself as much, I highly preferred Jamie as a hero. But Frederick was a little like Edward Ferrars in S&S. You just can't help but be drawn in by the depth of his character. Fantastic.

Book Blurb:
The tropics of colonial Florida are far removed from America's Revolution. Still, Rachel Folger's loyalties remain with Boston's patriots. Handsome plantation owner Frederick Moberly's faithfulness to the Crown is as certain as his admiration for Rachel—but for the sake of harmony, he'll keep his sympathies hidden. After all, the war is too far distant to truly touch them...isn't it?

A betrayal of Rachel's trust divides the pair, leaving Frederick to question the true meaning of faith in God and in country. Inspired by Rachel to see life, liberty, and love through His eyes, Frederick must harness his faith and courage to claim the woman he loves before war tears them apart. (from the author's website)

Review: The Rancher's Promise by Jillian Hart

The Rancher's Promise
by Jillian Hart

Genre: Inspirational Romance (Contemporary)
Publisher: Harlequin
Cost: $4.40

What I Liked:
I've been on a Love Inspired kick recently and have pretty much enjoyed everything I've read. Or I thought I had, until I read The Rancher's Promise. Because if that's what it is to enjoy a book, then everything else has just been time wasters.

Okay, maybe that was a bit dramatic. But this was just such a fantastic book.

I'm always a little skeptical when I see "Recommended Read" stickered on the cover of a book. To me, that means "please buy this", and I'm very uninterested in marketing. But I loved the picture. It reminded me of home. And I've been on an LI kick, so I figured, "why not?"

So thankful I bought this book in the end. By the time I got to the "please subscribe" postcard in the middle, I was in can't-put-this-down mode. And I finished it all right there (but not before stopping to fill out the please-subscribe card, haha). I thought, "if this is the indication of the quality of Love Inspired books now, I need to subscribe immediately." And I did.

The story. Aaah, the story. Well, first of all, Jillian Hart created a superb story here. The characters felt real, they had real things at stake. Their relationship made sense to me, but also the reasons they couldn't be together made a lot of sense. It was very interesting to see two strong Christians in a story together for once, and in a way that wasn't annoying or preachy. I really enjoyed it.

But the best part, by far, was the hero. He was fantastic. He's the kind of guy we all hope is really out there somewhere. A guy with standards, a strong constitution, (a great body, hello, but that's not even really important when the rest of it is there with this guy), a soft heart, and a little bit of woundedness. Oh, boy. This one is a keeper. No library shelf for this one. I'm gonna read this again someday, and I want to have it around to inspire me later.

Book Blurb:
Rancher Justin Granger hasn't seen his high school sweetheart since she rode out of town with his heart. Now, "too good for this small town" Rori Cornell stands on his doorstep, seeking a job as his cook and housekeeper. He can't turn her away, not with the sadness and worry in her cornflower-blue eyes. He'll just have to avoid her between meals. But when Justin discovers that Rori's big dream has always been him, he finds his heart softening. And an old promise yearning to be kept.

Review: Hometown Princess by Lenora Worth

Hometown Princess

by Lenora Worth

Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance
Publisher: Harlequin/Steeple Hill
Cost: $6.25

What I Liked:
I have to admit that I had never heard of Lenora Worth before, but when I opened the cover of the book and saw that she'd published over 40 books for HQ/SH, I was already impressed. Since I've been trying to read lots of SH/Love Inspired books lately, I just picked it up because it was on the shelf. But Lenora Worth definitely knows what she's doing. She's not one of the flukes out there who can write maybe one good book. If she's been writing for that long, and published that many books, she's got some kind of ability.

And I just adored this book. This is probably the best-written Love Inspired book I've read yet. The characters were deep and the conflict believable. The Christian interactions were a little over-the-top, but not *too* over-the-top. I sort of expect some over-the-top-ness, but I was pleased to see that there was some restraint. The love story was definitely the focus of this book.

Plus, I just have a soft spot in my heart for books about rural people. This town was definitely more hip and with it than most of the small towns I know, but not in an unbelievable way. Just something unique about it. I loved the heroine. She definitely made this book for me. The hero was great, but the heroine was my favorite part, and that's really unusual for me with romance novels. I often have a hard time connecting with heroines in romance novels. But not this one. No problem at all!

I look forward to reading more of Lenora Worth's books (previous and future, I hope). Truly a pleasure!

Book Blurb:
All Cari Duncan has ever wanted is family. Yet her late father chose his new young wife's children over Cari. Surprised—and hopeful— when he bequeaths her the old house she grew up in, Cari moves to Knotwood Mountain, Georgia. But she and her stepmother clash the minute she arrives. How can Cari make a fresh start in the small town? The handsome businessman next door, who happens to be the most eligible bachelor, claims to know exactly how. But following Rick Adams's time-tested advice means opening her heart…to faith, family and her very own Prince Charming! 

Read an excerpt here.

Review: Gold in the Fire by Margaret Daley

Gold in the Fire
by Margaret Daley

Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance
Publisher: Harlequin/Steeple Hill
Price: $5.20 (together with Light in the Storm)

What I Liked:
Every time I read a romance novel about a firefighter, I'm increasingly impressed with myself (I had a bad experience...). And I have to say that both the ones I've reviewed here have made my foray back into the world of firefighters and romance a pleasant experience. First, Dee Henderson, then Margaret Daley. I was impressed with how much I enjoyed this book. I found Joshua (the hero) to be both believably good at his job and believably interesting as a hero. I found Darcy (the heroine) to be worthy of his attentions, and someone that I would want to be friends with. (Those are sort of my criteria for whether or not a heroine is worth reading.) Joshua was decidedly unsexualized, which I always find to be sort of a turn-off when I'm reading romance novels, because I have a hard time believing that men, being as visual as they are, no matter what their faith background, will not have some kind of struggle with sexual feelings (especially at the age Joshua was in the book). Yet, still, he managed to be someone that I believed as real, and someone that I would want to spend time with. Those are both good things. The sort of suspenseful element was interesting and well-done. All-in-all, a well-done inspirational romance novel. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this volume.

Book Blurb:
On the job firefighter Joshua Markham has no problem taking risks, leaving his fate in God's hands. But opening his heart to young widow Darcy O'Brien requires a far greater leap of faith.

Review: The Captain's Lady by Louise M. Gouge

The Captain's Lady
by Louise M. Gouge (website)
Inspirational Historical Romance (Love Inspired, March '10)

Book Blurb: "He devoted his life to his country... and his love to a British lady." From the book cover.

Heat Level:
On a scale of Vanilla to Dark Chocolate, this book is very Vanilla. Exactly what audiences of Steeple Hill Love Inspired expect from their books.

Eye-Roll Factor: 7/10
Some of the God-interactions were frustratingly unemotive and unnecessary. At times, it felt like faith was an unnecessary addition to the narrative, instead of the foundation undergirding it all. However, there were glimmers where the characters' interactions with God were believable and engaging, and drew me farther into the story instead of pushing me away. In general, much better than I expected.

The Cosmo Factor: 19/25
Marianne, as a heroine, shows signs (at times) of Anne Elliot's brilliance (from Austen's Persuasion), and in general, this book felt very Persuasion-esque. With the characters obviously in love from the beginning, but kept apart by outside circumstances and inner perceptions. Where Marianne failed as a heroine, she also succeeded. Her persistence was both endearing and slightly annoying. So while I appreciated her in the areas where she mirrored Anne Elliot (truly my favorite sea-faring heroine of all time), I don't think I could stand to sit down at a table with her for very long. In the Persuasion language, she was more of a Mary than an Anne. Not quite an Elizabeth. But definitely not Anne. All in all, she was engaging and readable, but did not make me want to know her on a personal level, nor read the book again.

The Dining Room to Bedroom Factor: 22/25
Jamie Templeton might be my new favorite sea-faring hero (although, if I"m honest, my heart will always belong to Frederick Wentworth). I so appreciated his character, his integrity, and his struggle. He was engaging as a hero, and on a level that I appreciate. There's nothing that frustrates me more than when romance novel heroes lack substance (i.e. they are nice to look at, but not much fun to be with). This was definitely not the issue with Jamie Templeton. He is a man of substance, and a man that I would as easily want to have staring into my eyes as I would want to listen to him talk (or talk while he listens to me). This is the kind of hero that really makes women want to read romance novels, in my opinion. The one that you want at your side as much as in your bed.

The Braveheart Factor: 9/10
Definitely consistent with what I know of this historical time period. I appreciated that it wasn't the same-old-same-old Regency story. I loved that it was set in England during the American Revolutionary War. A new twist for me, as a reader. One thing that really (and I mean, really) bothered me was that in a book with a main character named Marianne, there was also a character named Emma. I realize that not everyone is a Jane Austen freak the way I am, but as I saw those names, I immediately went to Austen. It's not like Persuasion, which is relatively unknown. I could read a story about an Anne and a Mary without immediately thinking Persuasion. But Marianne and Emma are just such unique names and are so attached to specific Austen characters... it was a distraction for me. Perhaps not for everyone, though.

The Nostalgia Re-Read Factor: 7/10
I may end up reading this again to get to spend some more time with Jamie Templeton in all his interpersonal hotness. But in general, this is not a book I plan to read again. I will, however, pass it along to my local library so others can have the pleasure of reading it. It was a good book, after all, so I give it points for that.

The Skim Factor: 9/10
Not much skimming going on. I will admit to skimming toward the end, out of impatience to find out what happened, but what I really appreciated about this book is that there was always something at stake. I never got lulled into a sense of boredom that necessitated skimming. That's a hallmark of good writing. Nice work to Ms. Gouge. It's difficult to hold someone's attention for 279 pages entirely, especially when you know from the beginning that they're both in love. Or mostly from the beginning. But it was great.

The Little People Factor: 8/10
Unlike the shorter Steeple Hill books, the Love Inspired Historical line has about 25,000 more words to it, so that tends to provide for more development of the minor characters (which is usually my biggest complaint about the shorter LI lines). I appreciated the extra length in this book. I still felt like it could have benefited from another 25,000 words to be really well-developed, especially when it came to some of the minor characters who played major roles in the plot. But all in all, I felt like this category was well-done. None of them stick out in my mind, though... which is not a good thing. Still... Jamie... aaaahhh... :-)

Overall Evaluation: 81/100
What really made me stop and look at it in the supermarket was the cover. Isn't that beautiful? Sometimes when you pick up books with beautiful covers, it's like buying a new computer because it looks pretty... you end up with a really beautiful-looking lemon. But that was definitely not the case with this book. This was a good Christian Historical Romance novel. For those of you who don't subscribe to Love Inspired Historicals, and instead pick them up randomly at Wal Mart, KMart, Target, or the supermarket or bookstore, I would suggest going out and getting this one. It's a very cool spin on a time period that I don't see much in historical fiction. If you enjoy this type of book, I think you'll spend a few good hours with Louise M. Gouge in The Captain's Lady.