Review of "Falling for You" by Becky Wade

So here's what I've decided: I seriously hate it when I learn that Becky Wade has a book coming out, and then when I get it, I dread starting it, because I know once I start reading #thatmeansitwillbeoverWAYTOOSOON. It won't last forever and I won't be able to put it down and I will be sad when there is no more of this Becky Wade book to read! This series is especially a favorite so far, so you can see how even CHECKING TO SEE WHEN HER NEXT BOOK COMES OUT IS A CONUNDRUM.

Forgive my run on sentences and blog yelling, but I'm sure you get the point. However, let's get to the review:

The second in the Bradford Sisters series, in this installment we learn primarily about oldest sister Willow. Willow is a well known model who is taking a break to run her parent's B&B while they are on a mission trip. She was introduced in the first book, "True to You", where she saw her former boyfriend at a party - and it did not go well. Willow has always been the obedient one; she has a good heart and may have a slight housewares shopping problem, and no one gets her riled up like Corbin. And although Willow really loves Jesus, she may be harboring some unforgiveness in her heart towards Corbin.

Corbin Stewart is a former NFL Quarterback (he was a really good one, but was forced to retire due to a career ending injury). He is in the area to recover and is also remodeling his house. Corbin has never forgotten Willow, and when his niece Charlotte asks for his and Willow's help to solve a family mystery - let's just say Corbin would love nothing more than to have lots of reasons to see Willow.

The author slowly reveals the reasons for their breakup, and also includes a great substory with fans and the family mystery. She does not use any "typical" ways to bring them into each other's space, and I found the choices intelligent and well executed. The supporting characters are clever and fun, and all of them make sense with the overall story and series. I also loved the author's use of newspaper articles, text conversations, emails, phone transcripts - in some of the chapters; she has truly mastered context as she paints the picture of this story. I really did have a hard time putting it down, I definitely laughed out loud multiple times, and there were some IT was intriguing and thought provoking and fun and frustrating all at once.

In case you haven't figured it out yet I am wholeheartedly recommending this book. Hey, I flat out recommend anything by Becky Wade. I will also say that if you have not yet read "Then Came You" (novella) - essentially a prequel ebook, and last I checked it was free on Amazon - as well as the first book, "True to You" I would start there. Although this could probably be read alone, you will have much greater context and enjoyment if you start from the beginning.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Review of "Just Let Go" by Courtney Walsh

I was eagerly waiting for this book to come out, and I was definitely not disappointed. Besides being a great story, this novel shares a valuable lesson about how one can grow in forgiveness - even when the person who harmed you isn't even sorry.

Perfectionist Quinn Collins has just become the proud owner of the local floral shop (that her estranged mother used to own). She's sure that making it a success combined with winning a big floral design competition will be the key to finally winning her mom's approval - or even acknowledgement  - once and for all. The shop needs renovating, which leads her to connect with....

….Olympic Skier Grady Benson. Grady thinks he is just passing through the quaint town of Harbor Pointe for some food, but when he gets into a fight (one of many in his life) part of the consequences include community service, to be served right there in Harbor Pointe. This presents a huge problem for Grady: he has been in a pretty rough patch but is determined to make it on this years' Olympic team. By the time he is done in Harbor Pointe, there will only be one race left. And if he can't win there and make his comeback, then who is he really?

Both Quinn and Grady are hurting deeply, albeit in different ways. They are complete opposites, yet complement each other beautifully. If they can just get past some misunderstandings and take a chance ("let go")...will they make something beautiful together?

I was provided a free copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.