contemporary romance

Together with You by Victoria Bylin

April 12, 2015 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

Dr. Ryan Tremaine has determined to make the most of this summer while he is in charge of his three children. In an effort to become closer to the two sons he’d had while married and his daughter who was conceived during the affair the ending his marriage, Ryan struggles to mark the items off a sink or swim (SOS) list he created. Penny creates her own unique challenges as she has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and her mind does not operate like that of a normal child. When his daughter goes missing at the mall and is found with one of the workers, he is determined to hire the woman as Penny’s nanny.

Carly Mason has her own regrets and guilt. An ex-social worker due to getting to close to one of her charges, Carly fears getting too involved again and puts distance between herself and others to protect her heart. She knows that working for Dr. Tremaine and spending time with Penny and his sons may likely break through those walls she’s so carefully placed. But when it comes down to it, Penny needs Carly. As does Ryan Tremaine and his boys.

This tale of a little girl with a big heart who doesn’t understand why she’s the way she is and two adults who are so filled with guilt and remorse from the past is heartwarming. And hard to put down. Clinical and rigid, Ryan Tremaine isn’t all that likable at first but his love for his children is evident. I grew to love him right along with Carly. The sections of the book written from Penny’s perspective are a wonderful element to this book. It gives readers a little insight into the confusion and chaos that is her world. Carly is bold and confident in many areas but her struggle with accepting forgiveness for that one thing in the past makes her human. All of the characters in the book were human—flawed—and that is what made the story so enjoyable. It is only by God’s grace we are forgiven and that we forgive. Only He is perfect.

Available now in stores or online.

****Bethany House Publishers provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

On a Ring and a Prayer by Sandra D. Bricker

March 26, 2015 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

Jessie Stanton’s life as she knows it is over. When her husband of over a decade cancels her credit cards, sells their house out from under her, and cancels the lease on her BMW, Jessie is left shell shocked and without a way to support the elaborate lifestyle she’s become accustomed to. Her best friend suggests she hire a private investigator to find her husband. Danny Callahan is a laid back, easy going, detective who enjoys surfing and working with his hands—worlds apart from his newest client. In order to support herself (and pay for Danny’s investigative services), Jessie is forced to sell the one asset she has left—the ring on her left hand. Through trials and several divine circumstances, Jessie finds a way to stand on her own two feet, to become a woman who rises above her circumstances. With Danny’s support and friendship, she grows in strength, wisdom, and pluckiness.

Bricker’s cast of characters is lovable (even those who are questionable at first redeem themselves after a while). Between Jessie’s love of designer fashion, Danny’s enjoyment of the simple things and helping others, Rigg’s unique lifestyle, Amber’s excitement and ambition, and Piper’s friendship, I was disappointed when I reached the end of the book. The good news? There will be two more books. Which is a good thing because there were still a few unresolved items at the end of A Ring and a Prayer.

Find your copy at your local bookstore or order online today.

***Abingdon Press (via Netgalley) provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

When Dawn Breaks by Jennifer Slattery

December 23, 2014 by Suzie Waltner Leave a Comment

“Adele slumped in her seat and faced her window while the riot within Gavin raged. How he longed to believe his mother’s words, to trust that everythign would be okay, but he knew better.” –When Dawn Breaks, Jennifer Slattery

A hurricane and a job bring three people to a small town. Jacqueline Dunn moves in with her estranged daughter, hoping and praying to build that relationship from the ashes. When she begins to volunteer at a church that is housing hurricane refugees, her heart is drawn to fourteen-year-old Gavin and his two sisters. Through sometimes humorous circumstances, she also meets Jonathan Cohen, a man she quickly begins to consider a friend. Is God giving Jacqueline a chance to redeem her past failures with her own daughter? Or is he giving her a second chance at finding love? Will she have to give up one to have the other?

Jennifer Slattery weaves the stories of three people together seemlessly. It’s a nice change to read about two adults who have lived a little life–one who has already found and lost a love and another who never had it. Gavin’s perspective adds dimension to the story as well. These characters are real–they’ve made mistakes, they deal with real issues, they struggle with their faith and what God calls them to do. Jonathan’s sister’s antics are humorous as are the first few times Jacqueline and Jonathan meet. A nice, heartwarming read.

Order your copy from Amazon

****New Hope Publishers provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.