Tag Archive | Heartwarming Inspirational Romance

Klondike Hero…. a book review

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! 8266064._UY400_SS400_

Season of Joy… a Book Review

Sometimes you just click a book because of its title… Season of Joy was one of those relatively lucky finds. I was hunting for Christmas and Christmas related books and DVDs for the kids and this popped up with its pretty winter cover. Season of Joy is another in the Love Inspired romances, this one is by Virginia Carmichael. 

Season of Joy centers around an inner city shelter in Denver run by Grant Monoham, unrecognized son of one of the wealthiest (and most unscrupulous) men in the state. Enter CEO and new Christian Calista Sheffield who is determined to make a difference where it counts in her life and recreate herself and her life. Her first choice in this venture – volunteering at the shelter. 

This light romance has a bit of a mystery around Grant’s father, the shelter and the future. Calista is at a crossroads and is managing her life as a CEO and as a volunteer. There are broken hearts, damaged spirits and lonely souls in this story. Faith is tested as is pride and personal strength. 

I did enjoy that in this story there was two strong independent souls both just trying to be better than they have been. Of course there is a definite fight against love and a fear of commitment on one side or another. It is seasonal of course… lovely Christmas spirit and the ending is equally sweet. 

So, a bit of a change from the single parent… baby dropped off.. etc story. There ARE children in the shelter’s daycare and amazing volunteers/staff to meet. I really did enjoy the location of this book (well the main location). I found the issues with the estranged father a little out of my taste for my light reading but it was nothing too extreme. All in all a good read. 51pO3or8KFL._SX314_BO1,204,203,200_

Jingle Bell Bride… a book review

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!51N2I9KWmwL._SX314_BO1,204,203,200_