Ok after my whole author is larger than title mini rant what do I do when I go to the library and pick a random read? Why go for the Jillian Hart book BECAUSE I recognized her name… ok her name being BIGGER than the title. Have I ever mentioned I am horrible with names???

Anyway, Klondike Hero is a contemporary faith based romance set in Alaska. In fact, the main character Karenna has driven all the way to Treasure Creek in her wedding dress to start over after being dumped at the altar. All because of a rather marriage and romance driven article in a magazine depicting this Alaskan town as a haven for marriage minded. While not ready to dive in on marriage so soon after a crushing end to her previous, Karenna is ready to make friends and find a way to be productive in this gorgeous Klondike town.

Stranded and single she is helped by jaded bachelor Gage who is currently responsible for his brother’s infant son with the assistance of his grandmother. What better than for Karenna to become the nanny and help this family out with faith, hope and compassion.

There was one aspect of the story that confused me – the disappearance of the brother leaving his child for all intents and purpose abandoned. I understand it as a plot element but it just seemed so beyond immature and dangerous. But that was a personal preference for a slightly more thought out plot twist. 

If you are looking for beautiful scenery descriptions and lovely character development this could be the book for you. Once again faith is a strong element as usual. This is on of the Alaskan Bride Rush series. I cannot say I would hunt out more of these but a random pull… could happen! 

Book covers really are a double edged sword. I honestly look for books that have everyone well clothed (personal preference) and try not to let it colour my views too much. But let’s be honest, we all look! Jingle Bell Bride by Jillian Hart had a a bit of a contradictory draw to me. I love the pretty Christmas scene and am a sucker for a pretty white dress. BUT I was a little concerned by the fact that the author’s name was THREE times the size of the title. In fact, I honestly read the book as Jillian Hart first when I was just skimming books at the library.

Thankfully my concerns were unnecessary. I really rather enjoyed this adorable contemporary Christmas romance. Perfect for a bit of seasonal reading and an escape from a world that seems a little too full of hate and anger. Escapism reading at its finest.

Set in snowy Wyoming in a town named Summer of all things, Chelsea McKaslin is back home after completing her studies to become a pediatrician. Still mourning from the loss of her mother the year before, she, her sisters and father are all simply trying to embrace a holiday that meant so much to the woman they love and lost. Stung by a failed love and committed to her plans and lists Chelsea is not ready for widowed father Dr. Michael Kramer and his adorable daughter Macie. But then again, neither is he.

With snowstorms, and memories and two grown adults dead set against love, this story is all sorts of sweetness, faith and love. There are children battling terminal or potentially terminal illness but there is light there too. OH and sleigh rides, Christmas lights and presents! All in all a lovely read in a series about the extended McKaslin family!

Well, I think I am finally on the downswing of my fluffy reading binge. Or just not grabbing books from the library (still randomly) that completely tickle my fancy. Yuletide Baby by Deb Kastner bypassed Thanksgiving right into Christmas. 

I have a couple loves with this one – the name of the town – Serendipity, Texas; the name of the abandoned baby in the church – Noelle. Who wouldn’t want to live in a town named Serendipity and if you know anything about my baby name choices (Emanuel, Echo, Trinity), well Noelle fits right in on that one. 

Now for what I had trouble with – this is another foster parent book. As mentioned previously a baby is abandoned in a church in the Christmas creche. There is a history of abuse with the female main character Heather and both she and the male lead Shawn (part time pastor full  time rancher) hold onto guilt for situations they could not control. 

There really is not much of a focus on the people in town around the two main characters, possibly because they are really both two wrapped up in their own emotional turmoil. You get a lot of back history in this story on both sides and most of it is tragic. This has caused a strengthening of faith with one and almost a fear of the church and God with the other. 

The ending has a rather dramatic climax that includes Heather’s foster children (and myself a tiny bit confused as to where Noelle was during all of this). The ending is lovely and wraps everything up with a Christmas bow. This is a seasonal contemporary Christian romance with a bit of a gritty under belly. In reading the author’s note to the reader I realized there are multiple books set in the town of Serendipity so the potential is there for more faith journeys in small town Texas. I think I simply prefer my light reading a little less angst filled.