Review: Love in the Details by Becky Wade

Book Cover and Synopsis:

When Josh returns to his hometown of Martinsburg, Texas, to help his best friend get married, he didn’t intend to run into church wedding coordinator—and ex-girlfriend—Holly. He can’t help but pine after the girl he never got over.

Holly broke up with Josh years ago in an attempt to ensure his future success. But she loved him then and still loves him now. As she helps him plan his best friend’s wedding, she can’t help but feel horrible for the pain she caused him. And even though she longs to be with Josh, she doesn’t feel worthy of his big-time lifestyle when she is more comfortable in her small town world. Will Josh and Holly be able to keep things as they are when their true feelings threaten to surface at every turn?

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
This novella has some fun and quirky things that I thought were really unique touches to the story. These little things really added some amusement, such as a senior neighbor who always tries to get Holly to bring her things like Depends and Efferdent. I also enjoyed the pact between Holly and her friend to eat at every restaurant in town during one year. This in particular was really clever and I actually feel like a whole novel could be built around it.

As for the relationship between Holly and Josh--which is the main plot--unfortunately it just didn't grab me like I hoped. Personally I'm not a big fan of breakups that revolve around one person sacrificially doing it for the good of the other, and the basis of the story here is ultimately about the long-term effects and results of that situation. I tried but I simply couldn't get as invested in it as I previously have with the author's full length novels. I'm not sure if this is simply due to the novella length or to the overall plot, but I suspect it may be a combination of both.

Overall the novella isn't "bad" by any means, but it's just not exactly my cup of tea and I doubt it will be very memorable for me in the long run. I'm glad I read it though because I do like Becky's work and there's always something fun to be found, such as the quirky things I mentioned above. If you're a fan of Becky Wade then you should definitely give it a try. If you've previously never read any of Becky's work you can still go ahead and give this one a shot, but just remember that her full length novels are even better than this one.

My Rating: 3 stars

Thanks to the publisher (Zondervan) for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley.

Review: Meant to be Mine by Becky Wade

Book Cover and Synopsis:

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school--irresistible. When their paths cross again after college--still irresistible. This time, though, Ty feels exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be anybody's husband. As a professional bull rider, he lives on the road and can't bring himself to settle down.

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the face of the one woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to make Celia's dreams come true, to win her trust, and to prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

My source for book: Review Copy

My Thoughts:
Though my initial impression was unfavorable, I actually ended up really enjoying this one. In the beginning, the worldly feel of the first few chapters--there's not even a hint of God or faith--coupled with Celia and Ty's impulsive actions in the Vegas atmosphere was enough to give me pause about continuing on. Little Addie was the first person to really start drawing me in, with her sweet personality and innocently simple--but often correct--way of looking at life's issues.

Following Addie's lead, Celia and Ty slowly started winning me over, until I was surprised to realize how much my feelings had changed from my first impression. Celia's description of a "tarnished knight" for Ty was absolutely perfect. He seriously disgusted me at the beginning, but the well written growth of his character ultimately caused my opinion of him to do a complete 180 turn-around. No, he still wasn't perfect, with his reckless side occasionally coming out, but this only served to add authenticity. Despite his flaws, I really couldn't help but be charmed by his sense of humor, his gentleness with his daughter, and the animated way he verbally sparred with Celia.

Addie's fascination with princess stories is fun, especially when she coaxes Celia or Ty into telling her a story. The princess stories they tell her are very unconventional, to say the least, but highly amusing, as the stories ultimately end up reflecting the personality of the story-teller. It's not a large part of the plot, but I wanted to mention it because it adds a good dose of humor and at the same time offers a realistic feel--who doesn't know a little girl who loves princesses? 

Though a work of fiction, the story has some extremely powerful messages about life's tough situations. It delves into the difficulty--and resulting freedom--of offering forgiveness; I especially like how it displays forgiveness as something that requires a conscious, sometimes continual, effort. On the flipside, the effect of holding a grudge and the grip it can have on you is also explored. And as for marriage, I loved how the value of it was ultimately presented: even if the relationship is feeble and weak, God still values it much more than the world would have you believe.

I generally try to steer clear of stories that revolve around broken marriages, simply because they tend to be more of a downer than I prefer, but I'm glad that I made an exception for Meant to Be Mine. The circumstances sort of, in a way, actually make it read more like a non-married romance, despite the fact that Celia & Ty's defunct marriage is often highlighted. The interaction between them is highly entertaining, and it's something I'm glad I didn't miss out on. Though the beginning scenes were rocky, they were ultimately necessary, a pivotal plot point...it was sort of like watching something beautiful grow from ashes. Never before have I encountered a book where my opinion of the characters was so radically changed from beginning to end.... that's the result of some seriously awesome character development! 

My Rating: 5 stars

Thanks to the publisher (Bethany House) for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley.

Review: Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

Book Cover and Synopsis:

When Meg Cole's father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and tenderhearted--more interested in art than in oil--she's forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father's empire.

The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father's thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.

Bo's determined to resent the woman who's decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them--her wealth, his unworthiness, her family's outrage--and earn the right to love her.

But just when Meg begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping, their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg's past. Can their love--and their belief that God can work through every circumstance--survive?

My Thoughts:
You might think Meg has it all, having recently inherited her father's share of a multi-million-dollar company. But money and status aren't everything. The scars and mistakes from Meg's past have left her emotionally damaged, living in fear of many things and often verging on panic attacks. This could make her sound like a rather irritating character, but that is simply not the case. I actually found her emotional state quite interesting, and I was easily able to sympathize with her fears. As the story progresses she slowly begins to make progress, and it's extremely encouraging to watch as she heals and grows, gradually escaping from her shell of fear.

Bo is just about the perfect romance novel hero. Everything he does is for Meg's benefit, even before their feelings are realized. Upon their initial meeting, Bo immediately discerns Meg's emotional state and determines to be a much-needed friend and ally to her, despite the cruel fact that she is closing down the horse farm he manages. Time after time he is there for her, no matter what the circumstances. They are worlds apart in status, yet Bo can't help but care for her. And though he doesn't realize it, Bo has a calmness about him that comforts Meg's wounded heart, a tranquility that always manages to draw her back to him.

Something I really liked was how the two main characters didn't wait until the last chapter or page to admit their feelings.... though their relationship develops sweetly and very gradually, there is still about a quarter of the book remaining when they confess to having feelings! It was really nice to see past this point, instead of the book ending immediately after the "I care for you" scene, as many books seem to do. Bravo!! ;)

Becky Wade is a unique voice in the Christian fiction genre, her writing has a modern quality that is very realistic for our times. Her characters are real--just like anyone you might know--with imperfect pasts, and a variety of 21st century difficulties and concerns. Through their troubles they try to look to God for wisdom and strength, and it's extremely encouraging to see them succeed and overcome their problems. I whole-heartedly recommend Undeniably Yours; pick it up, I think you'll be glad you did!

My Rating: 5 stars

Thanks to the publisher (Bethany House) for providing me with this e-book for review via NetGalley.    

Review: My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

I know you all love a great book, and I've really got a treat for you today! If you haven't already read devoured My Stubborn Heart, the debut novel by Becky Wade, then you are really missing out. It's quite great, and highly entertaining. Check out my review, then go pick up the book! I think you'll be glad you did. :)

Book Cover and Synopsis:

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance, takes a leave of absence from her job as a social worker, and the two of them set off. 

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man her grandmother has hired to renovate the house. From the first moment she meets Matt, Kate can't help but be attracted to him--he's got a combination of good looks and charisma that draw and tug at her. But she knows there's zero chance of a romance between them. Matt's in love with his dead wife, and even if he weren't, Kate realizes that she's way too ordinary for him. For Matt Jarreau is no ordinary guy. Kate discovers that he was once a great NHL hockey player who left the sport when his wife--an honest-to-goodness former Miss America--was diagnosed with brain cancer. Matt's been hiding from people, from God, and from his past ever since. Yet Kate is absolutely determined to befriend him, to try to reach him, to help him in some small way.

No, Kate's not looking for love. She knows better than that by now. But when the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed? 

My Thoughts:
Oh my, what a great read! I loved how Kate so quickly and firmly made up her mind to befriend Matt; his withdrawn personality didn't matter to her at all. I wish I could be like her in that way! Even when Matt gave little or no response to Kate's small talk and friendly gestures, her stubborn streak didn't allow her to give up, it pushed her even to the point of embarrassing herself in her attempts to befriend him. This was amusing and very encouraging to see.

Since Kate is helping her Grandmother restore the old family home, several older characters are also a large part of the story. They're her Grandmother's quirky friends, but Kate quickly develops rapport with them as well. I couldn't help but be extremely entertained by Kate's scheming with one of the older men to get a certain older lady to go on a date with him....this whole storyline was very original, clever, and amusingly eccentric.

Now, about the humor....because YES, this book is quite humorous! I honestly didn't expect it, but I was presently surprised and very much amused by it. Everyday situations are portrayed very humorously, and things that most people don't talk about (or even think to talk about) are presented in such a way that several times I had trouble not laughing out loud! Many other times I'm sure I must've had a huge stupid grin on my face, because the situations and comments just kept striking me as giggle-worthy!

Overall, this is an exceptionally great debut novel for the Christian market from Becky Wade; I must say I'm very, very impressed. I don't want to say any more for risk of revealing spoilers, but let's just say I really enjoyed this one, and I'm sorry to have reached the end. Now I'm anxiously awaiting news of her next book.... if it's anything like My Stubborn Heart, then it's quite likely I'll be all over it! :)

My Rating: 5 stars
(I received this book courtesy of the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, a positive review was not required.)