holiday story from Barbara Britton

 

Christmas at Whispering Creek (Christmas Holiday Extravaganza) 

Barbara M Britton

White Rose Publishing

October, 2022

$5.99 ebook

$15.99 print

264 pp

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Amazon 

Publisher

Bookshop

About the Book

All Samantha Williams wants to do is to use her teaching degree to instruct a classroom of second graders. But, after a breast cancer diagnosis at the age of twenty-three, and failed reconstruction surgery, Sam finds herself without a job and temporarily living with her parents. This isn’t the life Sam expected. When a family friend dies and leaves Sam a house and land in Whispering Creek, Tennessee, Sam must decide if leaving Wisconsin for Southern living is in her lesson plans.

Nashville native, Cole Donoven, left his family’s electrical business to write country music. When Cole’s song-writing partner and girlfriend dumps him for a country music star, Cole abandons Nashville to hole up in Whispering Creek and compose one more song. The last thing Cole expects to find in the sleepy small town is a deceased friend, estate squabbles, and a Northern beauty. Will the chaos in Whispering Creek help create a bestselling song for Cole and possibly help him find a life-long collaborator?

My Review

Echoing an achy country song, Britton’s latest contemporary inspirational holiday romance is a sweet twang of a hurting-and-healing stoked ballad set in rural Tennessee. When a down-and-out too-young cancer survivor is crushed by the loss of her beloved teaching job, and gets two more jolts in one day with the creepingly suspicious loss of her boyfriend and news of the death of Ted, a beloved influential friend, Samantha heads out for an adventure to learn the details of her inheritance. To her surprise, it comes with a house, cranky neighbors, and another handsome, hurting stray friend of Ted’s, the ultra-handsome and helpful songwriter Cole. Cole happens to be recovering from an unceremonious dumping of his glamorous partner, and appears at Ted’s country home to finish a contractual obligation for one last song. It’s chaos when he happens upon a furious contender for Ted’s estate, a beautiful damsel, and a tornado, all of which work to remind him that he’s never been the one in charge of his fate—God is, and he’d better re-learn that trust and faith practice.

Filled with lots of natural angst, a steady measure of faith, and delicious sweet romance, fans of Britton and clean romance will enjoy this loving holiday story.

About the Author

Barbara M. Britton lives in Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. Barb writes romantic adventures from Ancient Israel to Modern Day USA and especially enjoys bringing little-known Bible characters to light. She has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Barb is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. You can visit Barb online at www. barbarambritton.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Great new summer read from Mary Felkins

This I Promise You by Mary Felkins

The Heart of Moreland Manor prequel
Contemporary Christian Romance
Gardenia Press, May 2022, 186 pp
Ebook $2.99
Paperback $12.99

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Barnes and Noble 

About the Book:

What if finding your heart’s desire means entrusting it ... just once more 
... to the one who broke it?

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER ADELYN ORMOND should not have been surprised when she was jilted at the altar.

Promises are meant to be broken.

When her supervisor tasks her with galvanizing support for a local food bank, she directs her energy toward the underprivileged in her community—some of whom are her own students. Problem is, the responsibility requires her to involve CELEBRITY CHEF BRYAN J. CARLYLE, her almost-husband whose participation assures great results.

For all his success, Bryan hasn’t come up with a recipe for how to be restored to his family. Doesn’t help that abandoning Adelyn threatens to spoil his reputation and ruin his career. But when he encounters hungry children scrounging for food behind his restaurant, Bryan agrees to get behind Adelyn’s worthy cause. The collaboration might shed light on the incriminating image he’d discovered minutes before the ceremony—her lip-locked with another man after the rehearsal dinner.

With much on the line, can Adelyn trust Bryan to make good on his promise—without risking her heart? Will the love that led them to the altar be the key ingredient for reconciliation? Maybe. But his absence on the big day to which he’d committed might be beyond forgiveness.

About the Author

Mary A. Felkins is an inspirational romance author, blogger, and contributor to writer’s blogs and online publications. Her debut novel, Call to Love, is set in Hickory, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband. They have four young adult children. She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and My Book Therapy. 

Her purpose in writing is to reclaim God’s intention when he created the world–to enable readers to know his heart and experience his love.

The unmerited gift of a large, unopened bag of Peanut M&Ms® will lure her from her writer’s desk. A surprise appearance by her teen idol, Donny Osmond, would also do the trick—although she’d likely pass out.

Upon introduction, if she likes your first or last name, expect to see it show up in one of her novels.

To receive Mary’s story-style devotions, quarterly author newsletter with giveaways, and/or launch team opportunities, subscribe via email on her website, www.maryfelkins.com

Mary A. Felkins’ books on Amazon https://amzn.to/3cxll0d

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryAFelkins
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryafelkins/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/MaryAFelkins/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryAFelkins

A Brief Interview with the Author:

In This I Promise You, I enjoyed writing a modern-day twist on Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, and his willingness to forgive his offenders. The redemption of family is a theme I often include in my stories. It was a joy to bring the hero’s tragic backstory to life and give him the closure he’d been longing for.

This book features a theme of love in action, seen primarily in fund-raising efforts for a food bank that supports New Orleans parishes and practical assistance to the least of these.

The offer of a pineapple was inspired by a real situation between two brothers in Christ in our church who were in conflict. Motivated by the Spirit, one humbly offered a pineapple to the other as a peace offering. It was a joy to include a fictional representation of this real-life event and weave Biblical narrative into it.

Currently I’m collaborating with the editor for book #2, Sweeter With You, in The Heart of Moreland Manor series contracted with Elk Lake Publishing Inc. Estimated release this December.

I’m currently reading Runaway Saint by Lisa Samson and A Far Way to Run by Lori Altebaumer. Intriguing reads!

My hope is that readers will tell others how This I Promise You inspired them to love in action over words and that forgiveness covers a multitude of sins!

Mistletoe Movie Star by Stacey Weeks

 

Mistletoe Movie Star

Stacey Weeks

PBG Christmas Holiday Extravaganza

White Rose Publishing, December 1, 2020, 121 pp

Ebook $3.99

Buy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher store 

About the Book

Mistletoe Meadows is built around the magic of Christmas. As jingling sleighs cart rosy-cheeked lovers around the Mistletoe Mile, Charlene's holiday dream is more complicated than photo-edited perfection. She proposes a compassion ministry initiative called the Gingerbread House but struggles to convince the town that their need for a homeless shelter is real.

Famous for his made for TV holiday movies, Jonas longs for a happily-ever-after that isn't as neat and tidy as his scripted films. Partnering with Char to champion her ministry invigorates him with a new purpose and provides an excuse to spend time with the girl he never forgot. But when they embrace three young sisters fighting to stay together while living on the streets, their project becomes deeply personal.

Together, they must prove to a town reluctant to see anything other than holiday perfection that the greatest gift of the season isn't found under a tree.

 

My Review

When former summertime friends reunite as adults, they rekindle more than friendship.

Char, the town veterinarian is on a mission to save more than critters. The plight of the homeless has touched her soul and she proposes remodeling the unused firehouse into a shelter to the city council which gets immediately voted down.

Jonas, who’s managed to establish himself as a B movie romantic leading man, is in town to settle his late grandparents’ home farm. He rapidly loses any fight against returning to his movie star life when he realizes Char, his long-lost love, has not only settled in town, but has a heart big enough to rescue any kind of stray. Will that also include him?

As they explore their feelings and work to encourage town Grinches to grow their Christmas hearts, the plight of the homeless touches everyone in a uniquely precious way. Told in alternating perspectives, this sweet, short, inspirational holiday romance will boost your spirits.

 

About the Author

Stacey Weeks is the multi-award-winning author of Glorious Surrender (2016), inspirational romances The Builder's Reluctant Bride (2016), Mistletoe Melody (2018), and inspirational romantic suspense novels In Too Deep (2017), and Fatal Homecoming (2019). Stacey lives in Ontario where she speaks at women's conferences, teaches writing and bible study workshops, and writes about the things of the Lord. www.staceyweeks.com

Carol James and Redeeming Christmas

 

Redeeming Christmas

Carol James

PBGroup Christmas Holiday Extravaganza

December 1, 2020, Romantic Novella, 111 pp

Ebook $3.99

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Amazon 

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Publisher site 

About the Book

Novelist Olivia St. Madeleine is intrigued by a handsome and mysterious stranger she sees when she's Christmas shopping. Who exactly is he, and what is his story?

Gabriel Winter definitely has a story. One he's been running from for years. He's renovating a house next door to a friendly and persuasive grandmother, who is, unbeknownst to him, Olivia's Nana. Through Nana's insistence, Liv helps Gabe wallpaper and paint, and in return Gabe fulfills one of Liv's secret childhood dreams.

But past hurts and secrets threaten to drive them apart rather than draw them together. Will they find the courage to share their secrets with each other and with God, and allow Him to redeem Christmas?

 My review

I adore a little bit of reality check in my romantic fiction. And not mincing situational reality with saccharine. We’re all broken—all of us—and we know it. How we face it shows our true character. This author knows how to pack a lovely punch in a short story. Like your good reads in little bites around the holidays? Redeeming Christmas is a perfect fit.

 Gabe is one of those rare creatures, a humble rising star entrepreneur, while Liv is a novelist who views the world through internal description. Told through both their eyes, their budding romance starts innocently during a holiday shopping event. When they realize they’re temporary next-door neighbors, one precious grandma who’s been praying for them before they were born, takes off her velvet gloves, knows how to use a cell phone, but makes sure Liv carries her pepper spray during their home decorating adventures.

 Of course everyone is too good to be true—on the outside! That’s what makes awesome romance. It’s the twists on the inside of the heart and the depth of reality that make this charming tale more than a gooey peppermint mocha at Christmas. Absolutely delightful for the dedicated inspirational romance reader. Just right amounts of everything packed in a lovely story.

 About the Author

Streams in the Wasteland, Redemptive Romance by Carol James:

Carol is an author of inspirational fiction. She lives in Lilburn, Georgia, a small town outside of Atlanta, with her husband, Jim, and a perky Jack Russell "Terrorist," Zoe.

new contemporary Christian romance from Pam Gossiaux

Finding Hope by Pamela Gossiaux

TriCat Publishing, 231 pp, May 12, 2020; available after May 26 on BN

$4.99 ebook

$14.95 print

Buy on Amazon

Barnes and Noble 

About the Book:

An introverted horse-whisperer, a famous equine artist, and the mare who brings them together.

Tori Reynolds has never liked the term “breaking” horses to ride. Instead, she earns their trust, and can climb aboard a wild mustang the same day she meets it. Her farm, an historic bed and breakfast, sits along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan in the small town of St. Ives, and her life as a B&B owner and sought-after horse whisperer is pretty much perfect. Until a visit to New York City changes everything.

Matt Cheval is a handsome, nationally-known artist. When Tori steps into his Manhattan art show, she unexpectedly finds herself and her horse in his paintings. Angry and frightened, she is now faced with the memory of a day she has spent years trying to forget.

Tori flees back to the security of her farm and the comfort of her horse, but Matt follows to apologize for a wrong he isn't sure he knows how to fix. Torn between anger and her growing feelings for Matt, she wonders if she has wrongly judged this sensitive artist. Maybe some wounds can be healed.

But when tragedy strikes, will their hope in the future, and their faith in God hold their relationship together? Or will they lose each other forever?

My review:

Finding Hope is for horse-loving, artsy romantics everywhere. Set primarily in Michigan’s windy upper west coast, an artist and a B&B hostess never forgot their perfect day. Except she was married horse trainer and farmer, and he was getting his art career underway.

Four years later, things have changed drastically. Tori, farm B&B owner, now widowed an author of several books on horse training, and Matt, the painter, have hit new highs. Tori is stunned to find herself and her beloved farm the as-yet-unidentified subject of Matt’s most famous traveling art show when she runs across him in New York where she’s come to demonstrate horse training and sign books. The mystery woman and her horse become a hot topic in the five-minute limelight world of the insatiably curious public, and when Tori’s worst nightmares come true, both Tori and Matt’s worlds fall apart.

Told in alternating points of view, Finding Hope is a story of healing, both from the past and from present wounds, and learning to forge new paths with the ones we can trust. Lovingly framed by Tori’s beloved horse, Hope, the characters learn to recognize their strengths and weaknesses, especially through the lens of their Christian faith.

Horse lovers and painters, and those who enjoy Michigan’s historic west coast will enjoy this sweet romance with a slight twist in the happily-ever-after.

About the Author

Pamela Gossiaux the international bestselling author of the books Ordinary Girl, Good Enough, Why Is There a Lemon in My Fruit Salad? How to Stay Sweet When Life Turns Sour, and A Kid at Heart: Becoming a Child of Our Heavenly Father, as well as the highly acclaimed inspirational Russo Romantic Mystery series.

Pamela has been writing and working with writers for several decades. She has a dual BA degree from the University of Michigan in Creative Writing and English Language and Literature, and over 20 years of journalism writing experience. She teaches writing workshops and has been the editor for published books in a wide variety of genres, both fiction and non-fiction, including best sellers.

An avid horse enthusiast, she enjoys being outdoors and working in her garden. She also loves chocolate, and prefers to curl up with a good book in her downtime. Pamela lives in Michigan with her husband, two sons, and three cats. Visit her website at PamelaGossiaux.com.

Inspirational suspense set in Colorado

The Race of Her Heart

Robin Fuson

Contemporary Christian Romantic Suspense

218 pp

Forget Me Not books, Feb 14, 2020

Ebook $3.99

Paperback $8.97

Buy on Amazon

About the book

An engaged Jalyn Stewart returns to her hometown of Durango, Colorado following an accident that changed her life and Olympic dreams. A future with Timothy, her lawyer fiancé, moves forward with his new business partnership and their wedding plans. Jalyn’s part-time journalist job brings an unexpected encounter with an old flame and sparks fly. Can she believe him when he says he has changed?

Disturbing messages and threats make her realize, she's being stalked. Jalyn searches through her mind trying to discover why and who might be the stalker and does it have anything to do with her accident? Nothing points to the answers to her questions, causing more frustration. Jalyn’s faith is challenged as fear clutches her heart and soul.

An electric bicycle race takes Adam Walker to his home town of Durango, Colorado and through the mountains to the historic mining town of Silverton. His heart never got over the beautiful Jalyn after he left, hoping to be rid of the God she lived for. At their first encounter after his return, he notices she wears an engagement ring and his heart plummets. Can he accept them as friends or should he fight for more? Pride and a wager pits cycles against the mighty steam engine in an unheard-of race. Adam must conquer the mountain to win the race and the heart of the one he loves. Through overcoming dangerous obstacles is his new faith strong enough to rely on the Lord?

My review

Fuson’s new contemporary suspense in dramatic form. When Jalyn’s Olympic hopes are shattered, she returns to her touristy small hometown of Durango, Colorado, convincing her attorney fiancé to come along. Timothy sets up shop with a colleague and begins to build a clientele while Jalyn begins to integrate back into her former life of church and home and friends, and enjoys her many part-time jobs of cub reporter, summertime youth baseball umpire and wintertime ski instructor.

But home isn’t quite so friendly and familiar when Jalyn begins to receive threatening notes insinuating she was the source of someone else’s misfortunes and would pay. From then on, Jalyn feels she’s being watched and reports the matter to the local law enforcement. Durango has many attractions and happy summertime events, including the Durango to Silverton train. The train is not only famous for happy rails riding, but the subject of races of all kinds. This summer, it’s electric bicycles racing the train. Jalyn is sent to cover the intrepid bicycle riders and meets her former boyfriend, Adam, who’s made some marvelous life-changing decisions and cleaned up his act. As Jalyn’s fiancé continues to downplay her growing fears and the threats against her, oddly withdrawing more and more as their wedding approaches, Jalyn begins to turn to Adam for comfort and advice.

As Jalyn’s stalker acts out, affecting the lives of her friends and their businesses, even their lives and her own, Jalyn has many truths to face. She’s not alone. Faith, family, and friends enjoin in this gripping tale of romantic suspense.

About the Author

Robin is a Colorado native. Together, with her husband Jimmy. they celebrate with seventeen grandchildren. An award winner for romance and flash fiction. Robin is multi-published and writes stories on her blog for children. Robin is a member of ACFW, Vice President of ACFW Colorado Western Slope, and member of John316 Marketing Network. She enjoys leading a Bible study group and singing in two community choirs. Robin loves company and challenging her young guests to discover the many giraffes in the obvious and hidden nooks and crannies of their home.

Robin Fuson and her new Romantic Fiction

The Encounter

Robin Densmore Fuson

Romantic Contemporary Inspirational Novella

March 23, 2019

Forget Me Not Romances

Buy on Amazon 

Paperback $6.74

Ebook $2.99

About the Book

At first blush, fifty-two-year-old Renee Harris appears to be a confident sophisticated woman. Hidden are the scars of deep pain and fear. A meeting in an ordinary elevator will not only take Renee to the designated floor but also on a journey of discovery. Chaplain Lance Freeman’s only thought is to help a family in their hour of need though unknown to him, the woman in the elevator needs him more than the family down the hall. Elevators can be strange things. Full of ups and downs, they may be used as a vehicle to change the course of someone’s life. Renee and Lance are about to find out just how much a chance meeting can alter a person’s direction. Can real love be a part of their new beginnings? Will they allow God to lead and interrupt their lives so they can eventually find peace, joy, and love?

My Review

After I got over the shock of Renee and Lance’s first meeting and the unusual reaction Renee had to her husband’s passing, I was entranced with how Renee picked up the pieces of her life. As she slowly reveals her history, she forges a new direction and takes control of her destiny as a challenge to the childhood that had been stolen from her. Lance is one of those wonderful, fantastic people who deserve a break, and as a bonus, has Renee’s daughter firmly on his side. He finds new love in Renee, but realizes they have a lot of work to do to mend from their recent traumas. After healing, they revisit a potential relationship. Renee learns that Lance has kept important information from her, a blow to her delicate recovery. Together they explore whether they are truly meant to be together or better as friends.

About the Author

Robin recently moved to Tennessee with her husband Jimmy. Together, they celebrate with seventeen grandchildren. An award winner for romance and flash fiction. Robin is multi-published and writes stories on her blog for children. Robin is a member of ACFW, Vice President of ACFW Colorado Western Slope, and member of John316 Marketing Network. She enjoys leading a Bible study group and singing in two community choirs. Robin loves company and challenging her young guests to discover the many giraffes in the obvious and hidden nooks and crannies of their home.

Opposites on Steroids with Susan Baganz

Bratwurst and Bridges book review

Susan Baganz

Pastor Dan Wink has suffered his greatest loss. His best friend, Sharon, died a year ago. He’s ready to walk away from ministry…and life. But the men he’s ministered to over the years won’t let him. Sometimes accountability stinks! And the redhead next door, with her precocious, adorable children, brings up desires he thought had died with his wife.

Skye O’Connell has given up much to rescue herself and her kids from her ex-husband’s drug abuse. With a new career, she’s come to the Milwaukee suburbs to start over…but something about the enigmatic pastor who lives across the hall has her asking uncomfortable questions.

A man stuck in grief is challenged by a woman who is lost…can both find their way to life and love?

4.99 eBook

15.99 Print

Buy on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0744Z1CM2

Buy on BN - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bratwurst-bridges-susan-m-baganz/1126839502?ean=9781943104956

My review:

Opposites on steroids!

A man who’s so stuck in his inability to move forward and a young woman who’s trying to move past her bad choices end up across the hall from each other in a Milwaukee apartment complex. Fuzzy pink boots and two energetic kids frazzle the uptight pastor who recently lost his wife after years of being unable to have children. Coming to terms with being a forgiven daughter of the King makes the freewheeling artist wonder why she keeps falling for the wrong men. Surely a divorced woman who doesn’t play the piano is all wrong as a pastor’s wife.

Facing a life of imperfection creates strange company as two lost souls kindle friendship, support, a new sense of purpose and commitment. Then realize that two really are better than one, especially with Christ as their cornerstone.

Loving addition to the Orchard Hill series of contemporary romances. Readers new to the series will be able to perfectly follow this story; readers familiar with the characters will enjoy running into past friends. Sweet contemporary romance suitable for late teens on up. Told from two viewpoints.

About the Author

Susan M. Baganz chases after three Hobbits and is a native of Wisconsin. She is an Acquisitions Editor with Prism Book Group specializing in bringing great romance novels and novellas to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical world-view.

Susan speaks, teaches and encourages others to follow God in being all He has created them to be. With her seminary degree in counseling psychology, a background in the field of mental health, and years serving in church ministry, she understands the complexities and pain of life as well as its craziness. She serves behind-the-scenes in various capacities at her church as well as on the board of her local ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) group. Her favorite pastimes are lazy ones--snuggling with her dog while reading a good book, or sitting with a friend chatting over a cup of spiced chai latte.

You can learn more by following her blog www.susanbaganz.com, her twitter feed @susanbaganz or her fan page, www.facebook.com/susanmbaganz

The Wedding Express with Jody Day

Sequel to The Washout Express

Inspirational romantic novella

Scott West is about to marry the woman of his dreams, but when delayed grief and a life-or-death event jeopardizes their relationship, Scott is forced to ask himself what kind of man he really is. Can he own up to the truth and risk losing the love of his life? And if he does come clean, will it be enough for Bailey? Discover the power of hope, forgiveness, and love in Wedding Express.

November 2016

Harbourlight Books

eBook

$4.99

Buy on Amazon 

Buy on Barnes and Noble 

My review:

Scott takes a turn to tell his side of his romance with Bailey. He may have only met her a few months ago, but he’s had a washout engagement years past and knows this time Bailey is the right woman. Whether or not it’s the right time is the big question. When his former fiancé reenters his life in a frighteningly dependent way, both Scott and Bailey play truth or consequences for life.

This story takes up right after Washout Express. Set in a quaint Texas community, readers who love miracles and spectacular weddings will have fun with this story. It’s not necessary to read the first story to fall in love with these characters and their story in the Wedding Express. Told from multiple viewpoints, the reader is carried along by the whirlwind events of loss, a medical emergency, and surprise knots of every kind. It’s short and sweet.

Jan Elder's Love Lies and Fireflies book review

Love, Lies, and Fireflies

Jan Elder

Prism Book Group

Contemporary romance

.99

14.99

Buy on

Amazon 

BN 

Smashwords 

About the Book

Didi O’Brien is engaged—at least she was an hour ago. Now she’s not so sure. Her fiancé, the suave Kevin Cabot, has just revealed that he’s been unfaithful, and he’s not the least bit sorry. Reeling from the betrayal, with her plans for a happily-ever-after life in doubt, she prays for direction. The answer comes as a complete surprise. God has someone better in mind.

Middle school teacher, Jake Montgomery, is struggling with some issues of his own. Sadly, a year previously his fiancée had been killed in a car crash. Battling anger and despair, in a mountain-top experience, Jake wrestles with the Almighty, and is ready to live again. In his youth, he’d felt an unmistakable call to the ministry but, like the prophet Jonah, since then, he’s been running hard in the wrong direction.

Through a crisis of faith, and glimpses of mercy, Didi and Jake find each other. But can they find the strength to resolve the many obstacles that conspire to keep them apart?

My review

A woman running into a marriage with a mentally disturbed person and a man running fast and hard from his own perceptions of faithfulness find each other. The right timing, interruptions by events out of their control, and self-revelation will either make them stronger together or apart.

When Didi’s attorney fiancé reveals what a cad he is, Didi walks out on their fancy restaurant dinner not realizing she’s caught the attention of a man healing from loss. That man, Jake, has some lessons to struggle through, though, before he can accept the blessings he’s avoiding. They begin a sweet relationship even as Didi’s former fiancé spirals into criminal behavior and Jake opens his ears and heart to his true calling. They may be able to face their past mistakes and save each other, but unless they are each obedient to their first love, God, they can never move forward, either alone or together.

Love is there—maybe even too quickly. Lies—well, justifying our selfish desires, withholding information either intentionally or innocently, and simple naiveté are all shades of misleading. Fireflies are God’s way of showing off, Didi’s father always said. Didi and Jake just need to pay attention.

Told through multiple viewpoints, Elder’s tale of love gone right and wrong is a sweet one with lots of description of food and fun, friendships and everything fun about falling in love is a very nice read.

Feta and Freeways by Susan Baganz

Prism Book Group

2016

ISBN 978-1537366043

eBook $3.99

Print $13.99

Buy on Amazon, BN, Smashwords

From the Back Cover

He’d never noticed her…till now.

Nikolos Acton is the lead singer of a Christian Band, Specific Gravity, struggling to make it in the industry after an unplanned break, touring the country with their manager, Tia.

Tia Bartel loved Niko for the longest time, but it wasn’t until she stepped in to save his life that he finally realizes what has been there all along. Is it too late for him? Could a relationship between them work after years of ignoring her? How would he ever convince her he’s worthy of her trust?

As they journey on the freeway of life and love, they encounter struggles as they are forced to rely on their faith, and friends, to make it through.

My Review

I’m a big fan of outside-the-box contemporary fiction, and the Orchard Hill series steps right in to fill a rut of genre-specific romance, suspense, or mystery. Yes, these are love stories, but tales with a purpose that don’t need to be formulaic.

This fourth story from Baganz follows her general true-to-life premise that everyone has issues, everyone is broken and everyone needs the Lord as Master of his or her life. Then we need each other, and it’s the dealing with each other part that always gets tricky, even for Christians. These very faith-oriented stories are all stand-alone, but draw on characters from the other books. In this book, the person who makes everything work for a rising contemporary Christian band, Tia, prefers the shadows of anonymity to worship her hero, the lead singer Niko, from afar. When Niko receives his wake-up call after Tia’s attack by a crazed not-fan, the spotlight shines on her—both the ugly and the good sides of what she’s made of. Coming into the light is a huge risk, yet one she’s willing to take with Niko’s enlightened promises and support.

Feta and Freeways is this story of what it takes to be committed to a higher purpose, a network of people who rely on each other through faith, family, and talent offered to the glory of God. It’s not perfect, it can be messy and twisted, but through it all there’s some giggles, a number of surprises and twists, revelations and a set up for the next adventure. A truly enjoyable read with a peek into life on the road, roots and wings, and the joy of camaraderie. For those who like faith-based stories of contemporary life in sometimes not so nice places and realistic decision-making.