Dare to Love Again (The Heart of San Francisco, Book 2) by Julie Lessman

 

 

    To say I was thrilled when this book arrived early on my door step would not not be an exaggeration!  I couldn't wait to start reading it, knowing that I had a good read in my hands.  Julie Lessman hasn't let me down and is a wonderful & talented writer.

I do have to say that when I received her newsletter and read her statement "...this sweet and funny love story that I will warn you, is the sweetest, least passionate of all my books, which means there are very few kisses, but LOTS of romantic tension!", I was curious as to how this story would play out, but never fear it is absolutely delightful!

 



    Dare to Love Again is sweetly exciting and such a wonderful story! As usual there are great characters that just come to life and jump right off the pages and into your heart.  Lessman is a pro at providing not only a hero and heroine that steal your heart but a whole cast of characters as well. For fans of Lessman's Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change Series, this new series is sure to be a hit!

 

    I really loved Allison and Nick's romance, that had at times tempers and tongues a flying (in smart and witty ways), a blossoming attraction and of course love soaring... Lessman kept it interesting!   Logan and Cait's story continues to enthrall you, leaving you eagerly anticipating more. I read several hints at future books that have me excited and so ready to read their stories! 

 

Bravo Lessman, another novel that's a keeper!

The Wedding Game: a novel by Amy Matayo

Amy Matayo's first novel is a success!  I loved the wit, the humor, the characters and the story.  I absolutely devoured this book last night and stayed up way too late to do so, but I just couldn't put it down.  I wasn't sure how I would like a book about a reality show marriage but Matayo made this not only interesting but one that pulls you in and has you rushing to the end, all the while wanting to slow down because you don't want it to end.  I am still thinking about this story today! Yes, it was that good.

This is a Christian fiction novel.  That said, it isn't a preachy book, nor one where it is a predominant theme.  However, faith, God, and prayer are all mentioned intermittently throughout the book. 

I so thoroughly enjoyed this read that it seems torturous now to have to wait for her next novel!  Buy this one but be prepared to not want to put it down once you start. 

The Kindling (Age of Faith, Book 4) by Tamara Leigh

I just finished reading The Kindling and have to say, as excited as I was for it to be released, I am even more excited having finished it.  My only regret is that it is over; try as I might to savor and slow down while reading it, it was just too good to not speed through. 

Leigh is delightfully, wonderful at weaving a tale of love, suspense, faith and romance.  Her characters are so well written and I love the interplay between them.  The character development (spiritually, morally and emotionally) and the relationships are well thought out and engaging, bringing the story more depth and life. 

I don't even know what else to say, except read it!  I am as pleased as punch that I did. (wink)  Now, I am eagerly awaiting Book 5 - yay!  This series has been SO good and it seems to only get better!

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

Against the Tide is the first book I have read by Camden.  I believe it was a good start!  This read was informative, interesting, with well done characters and plot.  Camden delivers nicely part intrigue, suspense, and romance, with characters that come to life.  All the while teaching us about Naval history, orphans and the early and legal use of Opium in our Country's history. 

I have to say I would love to see Camden continue Admiral Fontaine's story in another novel!  All the way around a good read.

The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

The Captive Maiden is a retelling of the Cinderella story but without the magic.  If you have read my previous posts on Dickerson's fairytale based books you will notice that they have all been favorable.  I am loathe to say it, but this one just wasn't as good.  I found it to be really cheesy and not as realistic as the other stories but more over the top.  Since this is the first paperback copy of Dickerson's writing that I have purchased, I can not speak to the other e-novels I read, but I noticed after finishing this book, on the back cover it says it is Teen Fiction.  This may explain the lean towards cheesy and perfectionist type characters.  As a Teen book maybe this is more in line with that age group.

I did find that Dickerson was quiet handy at retelling the tale and that part was interesting.  My issue was more with the characters and how I felt that the Author continued to try to impress upon you, their perfection.  Perfect hero, perfect heroine and perfect ending.  I did not like how I was continually reminded of the hero's goodness and his strengths.  I would rather let the story and his actions within tell me that, than it be written in repeatedly. 

The only fault that was put in, was the hero's battle with pride.  Not haughty pride but that he was prideful in wanting to always be the best and in wanting to rely on his own strengths and not God.

Don't get me wrong, I like a good romance and a little mush is fine but I love character development!  Seeing the characters in their weaknesses and strengths.  Seeing the development and growth of not just their relationship/romance but also of themselves.  I just didn't really find that in this novel. 

For some out there this might just be the perfect read for you... For me it left me wanting more.

All for a Story by Allison Pittman

You may have noticed I haven't posted much lately.  I have been reading... some books just did not inspire me to post on them at all and some I have want to mention but have been too busy and traveling, so have put it off till now.  So please forgive me as I post on this book and the next few, since it has been a few weeks since I read them.

I have to say that I liked this book but not as much as the previous book (All for a Song).  The story was a little slow going at first but still enjoyable, further into the book it does pick up pace.  Along with the pace, the humor and draw of the characters lure you further in. Monica is a fun loving, witty and at times reckless "Monkey".  She encompasses a dame, who thoroughly enjoys the roaring twenties.   Max, who you will really like, is a good, strong male character.  He is steady, honorable and has a heart of gold. 

The story ends well, but not in a - everything is wrapped up nice and pretty bow.  Pittman leaves some things to be worked out  in your imagination but with hope that all is good forthcoming. 

Pittman nicely touches on the topics of identity, grace, sacrifice, salvation, family and more, all without being preachy but thoughtful.  A good read.

All for a Song by Allison Pittman



    Great storytelling from Pittman, both engaging and fresh!  Pittman brings life to both her characters, the story and the time period.  I eagerly poured over the pages, looking for hints as to the outcome of Dorothy Lynn's choices.  Where would Dorothy Lynn end up? And with whom?  Is she vainly chasing after the wind or is there a bigger purpose being served in all of this?

   This is a story of faith, love, and hope.  One where our heroine questions life, her purpose, her dreams and the desires that tug at her inside.  She seems to be always hoping and eager for more; all the while craving the safety of the known world she lives in.  As you progress through the story there are many interesting things to ponder.  One good example being the choices we make or the paths we choose.  Some paths seem to be clearly lite and some seem to be dark (right and wrong), however there are some paths that are not as easy to discern.  When facing these multiple choices, what do we do?  Do we pray and go to God's Word? Do we go where our desires are?  The bible does say that the heart is deceitful.  So what or in Whom do we trust? 

    We are gifted with abilities and talents but how we use them is part of what this story is about.  We can be faced with choices that both seem to be good.  Both can be used of the Lord.  However, God knows the purpose He created us for.  Is our longing from Him?  Or is our longing pride wrapped up to look nice? These are all wonderful truths that this story pulls out to examine.  

    I have to say that I am still thinking about this story a day after finishing it.  Thinking about not just the main characters but some secondary ones as well.  I would love for this story to continue.  I am starting Pittman's book, All for a Story next and wondering if any of these other characters will make an appearance!  I would be delighted ... if not could there be another book?! May I just suggest - All for a Dance, has a nice ring to it!

Wishing you enjoyable and reflective reading!