Saturday, February 28, 2015
Old Fashioned by Rene Gutteridge- REAL romance!
We need more books like Old Fashioned. Yes, I admit I like passionate, love at first sight stories but they're just too... easy. What most likely happens next is heartache, anger and sadness. Living in the movies is not real life. Boy and girl meet, boy kisses girl, boy sleeps with girl and boy breaks girls heart is real life. Or vice versa. As a young girl I wanted to live in the movies. The romance, the music, the boyfriend, the passion. Thankfully God has blessed me with a happily ever after, but the road to get there did have it's share of bumps.
Old Fashioned is romantically refreshing. It's not your typical romance (hurrah!) because it takes a path long forgotten. Taking time to get to know your girlfriend/boyfriend, planning for a future, waiting for after the wedding, and chivalry are all there. Clay Walsh, the main character, has high standards and values yet he's paid a high price to gain them. He has skeletons in his closet and a great sadness in his heart, yet God takes something bad and turns it into good. Amber Hewson couldn't be more different than Clay! She's had her share of trials yet happy go lucky is her middle name! Clay never saw her coming- or he would have run the other way. ;) Watching their relationship evolve is delightful. Their flirtatious banter is wonderful! In the pages of this book you'll find comedy, sadness, temptation, caring and yes, REAL romance.
Old Fashioned is like no book I've ever read before. Read it. Share it with your teenager. Show them that the songs on the radio, the movies they see, the typical storylines that are everywhere are not the way to find love. They are the way to a broken heart. Pursue the path less taken and God will guide you.
*I was given a copy of Old Fashioned by Tyndale in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*
Monday, February 9, 2015
The Wishing Season- Denise Hunter has us swooning again!
The Wishing Season, by Denise Hunter, is the newest release in the Chapel Springs series- one of my favorites! Each story is based on one of the members of the close-knit McKinley family. The books can be read in any order as they stand alone but have delightful reoccurring characters. The story focused on PJ McKinley and her dreams to own a bed and breakfast and open a restaurant. I was charmed by her from the beginning when she's awakened late at night by a noise at her front door. I'll never look at a ceramic planter the same way again! Cole Evans literally enters her life out of nowhere- a handsome young man with big dreams of his own. Having been through the foster care system, Cole wants to open a home for foster kids transitioning to life on their own. The element that brings them together is a gorgeous old home that is being given away to the most worthy applicant. Competition, flirtation, drama, broken hearts, tragedy, comedy and romance ensue!
I loved the relationship between Cole Evans and PJ McKinley. They're one of my favorite couples- ever! Both driven by their dreams and to prove themselves they grow together and discover that God has even greater plans for them. I highly recommend this book. Perfect for Valentine's Day!
*I was given a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*