Category: romance

Author: Kate Rizor
Publisher: Stargazer Press
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 0-9734940-8-5
Pages: 191
Price: $15.00

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On the night Tanner Thornberg told his wife, Andra, that he wanted a divorce, she disappeared. For ten years he watched and waited for any news that she had been found, and he finally gets the call he’s been both hoping for and dreading.

Andie has no memories from before her visit to the hospital after a car accident. When she finds out the man with her has intent to harm her, she flees to the streets. Now she’s living as a homeless woman, trying to survive. After an arrest for taking a bottle of cough medicine identifies her as Andra Thornberg, she returns to live with Tanner as the wife of the governor of New York.

Though both feel the flames of passion that once burned between them, they’re also wary and distrustful of each other. Andie doesn’t even know this man who calls himself her husband, yet she’s drawn to him anyway. And Tanner hardly recognizes the woman who now lives with him. But as they both get to know each other again, will they fall in love once more?

A romance in every sense of the word, The Governor’s Wife sentimentalizes the plight of the homeless, painting a somewhat unrealistic picture of those who live on the streets. Tanner’s strong attraction to his wife also seemed unexpected since he gave no indication in the opening scene that he still had feelings for her.

But overall, I enjoyed this story, as it’s always reassuring to see a marriage pulled back from the brink of divorce. The Governor’s Wife is a nice, feel-good read.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Shana Burton
Publisher: Urban Christian
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 978-1-60162-953-1
Pages: 354
Price: $14.95

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Finding herself jilted at the altar has left Vashti Hunter depressed and feeling unworthy of love. With her friend Monique’s help, she finally lifts herself out of her funk and attempts to date again, determined to wed within the year. But is she looking for love in all the wrong places?

Throughout her string of failed relationships, one man stands in the wings, watching and waiting for her to come to her senses. Will she ever realize she’s worthy of being treated like a queen, and let this man be her king? Vashti finally makes the decision to let herself be happy and her quest to be married is complete.

Vashti is a troubled lady, getting into situations and relationships she has no business being in. But there is one predicament that causes her the most difficulty, and ultimately leads to her self-destructive path. Although Vashti never tries to defend herself from his actions, I found Pastor White’s behavior immoral, unethical and most likely illegal, and it was sad that no one in the story blamed him for any of it – they simply pointed fingers at his innocent victim.

Suddenly Single is a self-discovery novel about Vashti’s struggles with finding herself and a husband, but I would have enjoyed getting to know the man she ultimately marries a little more. I’d also have liked to see more development throughout the story of their relationship growing and evolving into something more.

A disturbing book in some ways, Suddenly Single clearly shows the ways women mess up their lives, looking for true love, when they’d be better off treating themselves as a precious human being and expecting the same from their men. But at least Vashti is finally able to find happiness in the end.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: La Connie Taylor-Jones
Publisher: Genesis Press
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 978-1-58571-274-8
Pages: 250
Price: $6.99

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Some men just don’t know when to give up. Victoria Bennett wants nothing to do with marriage, but A.J. Baptiste is in love and he’s determined to woo her.

After a suspicious accident that causes A.J. injury, Victoria moves into his home to care for him as he recovers. But she has no idea how living in such close proximity will affect her, especially when he starts to become a dear friend.

Victoria has good reason to avoid men after being hurt deeply by her ex-husband, and A.J. is sensitive to her pain while encouraging her to open up to him. Rather than taking advantage of her vulnerability, he insists she be ready to give him her heart before claiming her body.

This romance blossoms beautifully between two people who want to know each other intimately as both friends and lovers, and the suspense around the accident adds even more tension to the story. Both A.J. and Victoria are caring people, striving for good in the world, and the reader will cheer for their happiness. When a Man Loves a Woman is a truly enjoyable read.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Francine Craft
Publisher: Kimani Press
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 978-0-373-86057-9
Pages: 248
Price: $5.99

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Widow Melodye Carter has turned her clothing boutique into a success while raising her rambunctious twins by herself. Deeply hurt by her late husband, she has sworn off men and marriage. Believing that her voluptuous curves make her unattractive, she’s convinced she’ll be alone for the rest of her life.

Detective Jim Ryman remembers the plus-size beauty from his youth, and he can’t help the fires of attraction that burn through him when he sees her again. Melodye’s husband’s death has now been declared murder, and Jim has been assigned to investigate it, bringing them into close contact. But he is also dealing with demons from his past, and a failed marriage that ended in his wife’s accidental death.

Though they want to remain just friends, passion consumes them as they become closer than they planned. And their match-making grandparents scheme to see them happily married. But Melodye first needs to stand up to her mother’s and sister’s unkind comments about her weight, and both women’s determination to keep her down.

Jim is a knight in shining armor for his lady, as he supports Melodye and encourages her to blossom in her own light. And Melodye allows Jim to share his deepest feelings and process the grief he still feels about his late wife. This heartwarming story reveals their growth, both as individuals and as a couple, which will surely lead them to a lifetime of happiness together.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Francine Craft
Publisher: Kimani Press
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 978-0-373-86037-1
Price: $5.99

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Theda Coles and Hunter “Brave Wolf” Davis were once young and madly in love, until circumstances ripped them apart. Now Hunter has returned to Theda’s life and threatens to turn it upside down.

Hunter has a son with his ex-wife Helena, who also follows him to Crystal Lake. Determined to get him back, she’ll stop at nothing in trying to ruin Theda’s life. Theda has always had a dream of becoming a high school principal, and Helena’s actions are threatening that dream.

Theda is still grieving the loss of her husband and Hunter’s son. She has to make a choice – does she allow herself to trust this man she once loved deeply not to hurt her, or does she turn him away forever? And will he allow Helena to continue to come between them, threatening everything Theda’s always wanted?

Francine Craft has created a beautiful romance between two very real people facing some of life’s most difficult challenges. Throughout their struggles, they are loving and intimate, while also feeling all their feelings around their problems, and being honest with each other. The decisions they must make aren’t easy ones, and the reader can empathize with their situation while cheering them on to make the right one. This is a heartwarming story, and I enjoyed reading it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger