Save The Date by Jenny B. Jones is a very interesting Christian Romance fiction, and I find it rather delightful. The story is about Alex and Lucy who pretended to be engaged. You see, Lucy needed money to save the girls’ home that she’s been running, while Alec needed a pretend fiancee so that he could build a good reputation for himself while he’s campaigning to win the congress.
Things goes well until both of them fell in love with each other. At some point, I thought the story would be too Harlequin-ish, but boy was I wrong. Various messages was interwoven in it. One of it is letting go of the past as well as forgiveness, both on Alex’s and Lucy’s part. And like most Christian fiction, Save The Date also shows us how God makes things right again even when we thought that everything is upside down.
Anyway, I enjoyed reading this book, and I highly recommend this to those who are in need of a good fiction to read. Save The date too will make a fantastic Valentine’s Day gift if you’re looking for the perfect gift to give your loved ones.
From the back of the book:
When Alex and Lucy pick out wedding invitations, they wonder if they can be printed in vanishing ink.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received this ARC free from Thomas Nelson Publisher, and I was not required to write a positive review for it. I also did not receive any monetary benefit for writing this review.
One good thing about being a reviewer is that you get to receive and keep free books that’s yet to be released by the publisher. I’ve requested this Wintergreen by Jennifer Greene-to be released somewhere in February 2011 and I’m very pleased to say that despite of the fact that I somewhat dislike contemporary romance, I could actually stomach Ms. Greene’s books.
Wintergreen by Jennifer Green is all about a mother’s sacrifice and the search for her own happiness. It’s really a heartwarming and romantic story though in the beginning, the story really makes your blood boil. You know, the distrust and prejudice towards the protagonist and all.The characters are imperfect, but that’s what makes Wintergreen unique and close to home.
I like this story. It reminds me that sometimes, when we live, we not only live for ourselves, but we also live for those who depended on us. And while sacrifices ought to be made and the burden of motherhood is inescapable, we should not stop being ourself and stop pursuing our dreams and happiness.
Anyway, Wintergreen is about Lorna Whitaker who will do anything for her nine-year-old son, Johnny-even if it means asking his late father’s family for help. Cast out by the Whitaker clan after her husband, Richard, accused her of being unfaithful, Lorna has been struggling to make ends meet as a single mom ever since. But desperation finally forces her to turn to Richard’s older brother, Matthew. Things gets messy from that point onwards.
Matthew Whitaker is struck by the reappearance of his brother’s former wife, and the very un-brotherly feelings Lorna inspires in him. Though he’s eager to explore the new chemistry between them, he still can’t trust her-and he still doesn’t believe Johnny is his nephew…
Nice book, I rate this 4 out of 5 stars. It’s one of those books you would like to curl with under a blanket.
I received this ARC from Carina Press via Netgalley, and I was not required to give a positive review for it, nor did I received any monetary benefit for writing a review.
Initially I did not want to request Can’t Say No to review, but I can’t help myself when the cover scream temptation. Well, what else do you call a book cover where a woman making a hush hush sign and putting on her lips while a man kiss her shoulder anyway?
Anyway, like most Jennifer Greene books, Can’t Say No is also a contemporary romance where alot of issues is explored in it. This one is about soul-searching and following what your heart’s desire. And somehow, I can relate to this book at a personal level. It makes me think alot on the choices that I’ve made in my life, and it also makes me think that sometimes, we ought to take control of our life instead of being a marionette on a string, dancing to the tune of the puppeteer just so that we can please others, whom…cannot be pleased, no matter what we do.
Can’t Say No is about Bree Penoyer’s feelings of guilt leave her speechless-literally after a certain tragedy strike.
Her solitude is immediately disrupted by her new neighbor, Hart Manning, a sexy but arrogant rogue who doesn’t seem capable of taking no for an answer. The last thing Bree wants is an affair, especially with a self-proclaimed womanizer like Hart.
Bree is an amazing and strong character, and somehow, I wish I have the courage to follow my heart like her.
I received this ARC free from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions are 100% mine.
When I first requested this ARC, Silver and Spice by Jennifer Greene from Carina Press, I thought it’s really a naughty book, considering the suggestiveness that’s portrayed by the cover, where a man and a woman is locked in a compromising position along with discarded clothes lying around messily.
But boy, was I wrong. This book is nothing like your regular ‘wham-BAM- thank you Maam’ kinda romance, and I find the the story rather sweet and cute though it’s pretty suggestive along the way.
This book tells the story of love lost and found, and building trust in the one that you loved. Excellent story telling. It tells the story of Jake Rivard.
He had been back in Grosse Pointe for only twenty-four hours, and already banker Anne Blake’s well-ordered world is in chaos. Again. Every time the man with the sexy silver-gray eyes shows up, she falls into bed with him. And every time he walks away, there’s an ache in her heart she can never ease. Now that she has the stable life she’s always craved, Anne’s not about to let him seduce her again. No matter how much she wants him to. She knows better this time around.
But then there’s a problem. There’s always a problem, isn’t there? What’s a story without a conflict or two. Jake’s not leaving this time without Anne by his side. He’s determined to do the right thing and marry her, despite her insistence that their relationship doesn’t work outside of the bedroom.
All he asks is that she spend two weeks with him in Idaho’s Silver Valley, managing his finances. And if it will prove to her that they have more in common than lust, Jake’s prepared to keep his hands to himself for the whole trip.
But is two weeks enough time to convince Anne that the only thing standing between them is the wall she’s built around her heart?
Absolutely a cute story. Recommended for those who are looking for a sweet romance. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, and it’s definitely suitable for a V-day present.
I received this ARC free from Carina Press via Netgalley, and I was under no obligation to write a positive review for it. I was also not paid for this.
Naughty and Nice is a collection of stories by various authors:
Holiday Sparks
By Shannon Stacey
House-sitting for her parents seemed like a good idea, until the microwave blew up and the lights went out.
Now Chloe Burke thinks upgrading the electrical system of her childhood home while they are away would make the perfect Christmas gift. Fortunately, there’s an electrician in town who can get the job done by the holidays.
Scott Quinn has wanted to get his hands on the Burkes’ wiring for almost as long as he’s wanted to get his hands on their daughter. Chloe didn’t notice Scott back in high school, but she’s noticing him now, and soon they’re indulging in a little festive fun: no strings, no expectations. After all, Chloe plans to get out of this goldfish bowl of a town and back to her real life in Boston by New Year’s.
But Chloe and Scott discover they enjoy each other’s company just as much out of bed. Could their holiday fling turn out to be the real thing?
All She Wants For Christmas
By Jaci Burton
Big Star, Small-Town Christmas
Country singer Riley Jensen would never have returned to her small Missouri hometown if her publicist hadn’t come up with the scheme to tape a Christmas special there. So she never would have known that the man who broke her heart at eighteen-causing her to flee to Nashville-was now a widower with a seven-year-old daughter. Riley has ten years of angst-filled hit songs and Grammy awards to prove she doesn’t need Ethan Kent. But suddenly, she can’t help thinking of all she gave up by running away…
Ethan Kent knew Riley had the talent and the drive to make it as a singer. He also knew she wasn’t going anywhere if she stayed in their nowhere town for him. Then one night and one huge mistake sent her running on the road to fame. Which doesn’t mean he ever stopped loving her…
But with so much separating them, can Riley and Ethan find their way back together one magical country Christmas?
Unwrapped
By Megan Hart
Naughty is Nice
Newlyweds Leah and Brandon Long are finally taking a honeymoon. But just a few days into their Christmas-in-Vail vacation, Leah takes a tumble on the slopes, severely spraining her ankle. Being stuck indoors isn’t so bad though: the luxurious chalet boasts a hot tub and cozy fireplace. Besides, sitting with her feet up while Brandon serves her in every way a man can serve a woman is exactly how both of them like to spend their time.
Leah would be in heaven, if only Brandon didn’t insist on playing with the dynamic of their relationship. With kinky sex and deep conversation the only things on the agenda, Leah can’t avoid the discussion of how things might change. Will she be ready to take their marriage to the next level in the New Year?
Believe
By Lauren Dane
Their First Christmas, Bound Together…
All Jude wants for Christmas is Rori, all to himself. It’s their first holiday season as a couple, and staying home, seeing friends and family, means they’ll be surrounded by the memory of Rori’s late husband. It’s time for Jude and Rori to create their own traditions. Time for them to fully explore their most intimate desires to dominate and submit.
Rori is thrilled when Jude whisks her away to a luxury resort in the mountains. Spending Christmas away, just the two of them, is the perfect time to show him she’s ready to give herself to him completely…
My say on the collection of the stories in Naughty and Nice? Well, let’s just say that this book surely will sizzle up your winter or rainy day. It is so nice to know that some naughty romance is not just dead yet in the world. Naughty and Nice is not for children though the tales in it have the happily ever after in it. Naughty and Nice is both for the naughty and nice, and it’s really a funny and heartwarming read. This book makes you want to believe in romance and sedction again if your mundane life lacks such element. Thumbs up for the authors of naughty and nice, and I certainly enjoy this book. It’s very hard to put down and really sensational. Perfect as gifts during winter and Valentine’s day.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, and I received this ARC free from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a gleaming review for the ARC that I’ve received.
Undeniably yours sends out this equation: One night stand+2% condom failure rate=?
Undeniably Yours is a contemporary, romantic fiction, and it tells a tale of lust and sheer luck. Undeniably yours is about a bar owner known as Kevin Kowalski who is used to women throwing themselves at him.
As of late he’s more interested in finding a woman to settle down with. And so when he managed to lure Beth into his bed for a night of passion and managed to get her pregnant despite of the fact that they took precaution, Kevin started to warm to the prospect of settling down with her.
His only problem? She doesn’t want him and would do anything to stay away from the man, pregnant or not pregnant. She’s strong and independent, and why would she wants to trouble herself with a man like Kevin, anyway?
I find this story heartwarming and rather funny, but like most typical romance, it gets rather predictable. However, the story is well developed, and the plot was rather concrete from the beginning til the end. Good for a lazy Sunday read. I rate this book 3.5 stars our of 5 stars, and highly recommended for those who are in need of a 2 hour romance read.
I received this ARC free from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write positive review for it.
I’m still having my holiday depression cum blues, and therefore, I did a little fiction marathon last night. Picked up an ebook. This time it’s Stroke of Midnight by Bonnie Edwards is a very sexy and steamy read.
This book is about a hardworking single mom Jaye Sinns who happens to meet a younger playboy Alexander Carmichael.
The sexual chemistry between them is undeniable and unable to resist temptation, Jaye gives in to her lust and allows him to whisk her away for her first-ever vacation. Two glorious weeks of no inhibitions, no strings and no responsibilities.
Now… she’s expecting a no strings attached, but after two weeks with her, Alex is not just satisfied with just two weeks. He wants forever, and something more solid. He’s tired of being a playboy and wants what Jaye has, and therefore…his seduction begins. But then again, he’s not the sort of guy whom Jaye would want to be involved in for long term commitment, and for the first time in his life, Alex feels as if he couldn’t seduce a woman or buy a woman’s affection.
Okay, generally, I like this story. All the element for a good romance story is there. The fantasy, the escapism, the romance, the steamy sex scenes. Everything is good, but I found it rather short. I think this book is just about 30k words. Quite below my standard for a full fledge novel. However, the character was well develop, so I guess though it’s short, this book is good enough to satiate my cravings for some romantic stories.
I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I received this Advance Reader Copy as my reading pleasure, a courtesy of Carina Press through Netgalley.
Cleffairy: Thank you Mamarazzi a.k.a Mamakucing and Smallkucing for sharing Netgalley with us readers. You’re a real gem.
Softly and Tenderly by Sara Evans and Rachel Hauck is a very thought provoking and inspiring book. but a little bit too draggy for me, though. It is about having faith and forgiveness in things that happens in life. This book is a sequel of ‘Sweet by and By’. I did not read ‘Sweet By and By’, but I think this book can be read as a stand alone. The story is concrete and solid even on it’s own.
Softly and Tenderly is about Jade, a woman whom have moved on from a bitter past and into a bright future. However, her trust has been broken by a man that she loved and she decided to run away from all of it. How can you forgive a man who is your husband when he told you that he had an illegitimate child and he wants to raise the child in your own home?
Well, I am not quite sure what I’d do if I’m in jade’s position, but this book makes me think alot. It’s really a thought provoking book for a Christian fiction. The author brings up the issue of faith, divorce and reconciliation as well when other Christian fiction would not bring it up so boldly.
Overall, I like this book though the pace is a bit slow. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. It’s indeed a gripping fiction.
I received ARC free from Thomas Nelson publisher. I was not required to write a positive or beaming review for it. All opinions are my own.
I’ve been feeling under the weather these few days, and I have no mood to do anything apart from curling up with a few good book. Got to take advantage of the rainy weather. It gives me the mood for fiction. A dark fiction, that is. Initially I wanted to write about something else, but since what I had in mind is rather depressing, I think I’d spare you folks from my whiny, intolerable complaints a while longer and share with you what I’ve read today, since it’s Wednesday- my book review day.
All right, folks, if you’re into paranormal, good girl likes bad guy fiction, then this book is for you. It’s about a normal teen girl and a fallen angel.
Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick if a very intriguing story. For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She’s never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.
But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora’s not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can’t decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen – and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.
CHECK OUT THE BOOK TRAILER
My say: Very thrilling and exciting read with some psychological queries thrown in. Teenagers and young adult probably will love this to bits.
Tempted to read this? Well, email me for a ..pdf browsing copy of it or leave your comment here.
Cleffairy: Hush Hush reminds me abit of my own book, Royal Masquerade. Fallen angels, devils and stuff. But of course, my main character Narcissus does not exactly revel in tormenting his love interest the way Patch did.
I’ve been under the weather these few days, and is definitely in no mood for anything except for lying on the bed and read. I’ve been devouring God knows how many romance books and the repetition in the plots started to get to me. And so, deciding that I had enough of the mush, I thought that it is time for me to have my daily dose of Bible reading. (You see, I’ve been making a point to read the Bible randomly before I sleep these days since I received the Children Bible from Booksneeze. Hopefully, this will become a habit).
I remembered that Bible have loads of beautiful romance to tell as well, and so, I flipped to the Book of Esther in the Old Testament. It tells the story of Esther, the Biblical Queen. The story of Hadassah, or rather Esther has always fascinated me as a child. The story is filled with intrigue, romance, bravery, and honor.
The book of Esther tells the story of a Queen who became the savior of her people through a curious mix of fate and charm. It is also a story of remarkable love, faith and devotion.
According to the Bible, Esther was a Jewish Queen of the Persian King Ahasuerus (identified in the history as King Xerxes I). The story of Esther started with King Ahasuerus, who held a 180-day feast in Susa. He ordered his Queen, Vashti, to appear before him and his guests wearing no veil to display her beauty. This act is considered dishonourable, and therefore, Queen Vashti refused the King.
King Ahasuerus was enraged at her refusal to obey his command and so, the king asked advisors what should be done.
One of them said that all the women in the empire would hear that “The King Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the Queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.” Then the women of the empire would despise their husbands and started to act in defiance. And this would cause many problems in the kingdom. Therefore it would be good to depose her.
And so, he divorced Queen Vashti and she was exiled and he began searching for a new queen to take her place at his side. To find a new Queen suitable to King Ahasuerus, it was decreed that beautiful young virgins be gathered to the palace from every province of his kingdom. Each woman underwent twelve months of beautification in his harem, after which she would go to the king.
When the woman’s turn came, she was given anything she wanted to take with her from the harem to the king’s palace. She would then go to the king in the evening, and in the morning go to the harem where the concubines stayed. She would not return to the king unless he was pleased enough with her to summon her again by name.
Esther was then introduced to King Ahasuerus and he fell in love with the lovely and graceful Esther. She was chosen as his wife and queen. Esther was an orphan and was raised by her cousin Mordecai. She was born ‘Hadassah’ and received her name ‘Esther’ upon entering the royal harem. Her name was a form of the Persian name Satarah, which means ‘star’.
Through Mordecai’s instincts of caution and warning, it was not revealed to the king that his new bride was Jewish in origin.
It’s rather romantic, love at first sight. Esther had no idea at this point of her life that she shall soon be a saviour to her people.(Esther 4:14 ). Esther was told not to disclose her Jewish origin.
Enter Haman, who came into power beneath the king. This man hated all Jews and talked King Ahasuerus into allowing him to kill the Jews for they have been rebellious and is a threat to the kingdom. Haman didn’t know, as the king didn’t, that Queen Esther herself was a Jew.
Unfortunately, Ahasuerus listened to Haman and made the decree, as he thought he was just going to destroy the rebellions, and not the entire race. Mordecai was very unhappy, as was Esther upon hearing the news. She was horrified that her people would soon be destroyed and killed.
Her husband felt that Haman was his friend. In those days, no one, including the Queen, could appear before the king without being summoned. To do so is asking just like signing your own death warrant. But Esther knew that only the king could deal with Haman’s deceit and she had to risk death to get him to see this.
Queen Esther then ordered the Jewish hold a fast for three days and nights to request God’s intervention to save them and she herself would also be fasting. And after that, she shall go to the King, though she know that it is against the law for her to see the King un-summmoned.
Ans so, on day three, Esther donned her royal attire and stood in the inner court of the palace, fearing that she will be killed as soon as she saw the king there.
King Ahasuerus loved Esther very much, and so did not order her be put to death, but instead held out his golden scepter, indicating that she was free to speak to him. “What wilt thou, Queen Esther? And what is it thy request? It shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.â€
Esther’s request was that the king and Haman attend a banquet she prepared.Weird, isn’t it? Esther did not tell this man who loved her what was on her mind and in her heart at the moment.
But Esther had great wisdom and wise people know that sometimes timing is everything. She could not afford to ruin her one chance to save her people from annihilation.
After the banquet, Esther asked again for the two of them to come for dinner the following night. Haman, at this point, thought he had won the Queen’s favor as well as the King’s.
The following day at dinner, Esther finally told the king about Haman (Esther7:3)Haman begged Esther for his life and fell upon her in his dismay. Ahasuerus had gone for a walk after hearing the crimes of Haman and returned to the room and thought Haman was forcing himself on his beloved queen and ordered Haman to be hung.
This story of sublime love shows not only how a phenomenal woman can earn the lasting devotion of a loving husband, but shows also how God can and does intervene to perform immense miracles. The Book of Esther can be divided into three main sections. Chapters 1:1-2:18 – Esther replaces Vashti; 2:19-7:10 – Mordecai overcomes Haman; 8:1-10:3 – Israel survives Haman’s attempt to destroy them. The noble Esther risked her own death as she realized what was at stake. She willingly did what could have been a deadly maneuver and took on the second-in-command of her husband‘s kingdom, Haman. She proved a wise and most worthy opponent, all the while remaining humble and respectful of the position of her husband-king.
The bravery of Esther saved the Jews and the genuine love of a woman by a man gives us a story that brings tears to the most sensitive of souls.Reading the Book of Esther makes me wonder if such great love exist?
The Book of Esther shows the choice we make between seeing the hand of God in our circumstances in life and seeing things as merely coincidence. God is the sovereign Ruler of the universe and we can be assured that His plans will not be moved by the actions of mere evil men.
Feasting is a major theme of this book: there are ten recorded banquets, and many of the events were planned, plotted, or exposed at these banquets. Although the name of God is never mentioned in this book, it is apparent that the Jews of Susa sought His intervention when they fasted and prayed for three days (Esther 4:16.)
Anyway, the story of Esther never failed to warm my heart. The story of Esther was told in many ways, and have many different version. There’s also a movie about Esther, though it was ‘beautified’ in many ways and does not really reflect what the bible says. I find the movie beautiful nevertheless too. The movie is known as ‘One Night With The King’. You might wanna look this up. It’s on youtube.
Here’s the trailer.
And there’s this hauntingly beautiful song that was played in the movie during Esther’s coronation and her wedding…very beautiful that it brought me to tears as I watched the movie after reading the Bible.
The lyrics to the song:
Ziba malekeh hamra he shah ba jaho jalal
Ziba melekeh hamra he shah
Miad as rah
English translation:
The beautiful queen and king are coming in all their glory
The beautiful queen and king have arrived
Cleffairy: Vashti did not come when she was summoned, but Esther came un-summoned. The King’s love for Esther must have been so great that he pardoned her…
