Showing posts with label Christian fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian fiction. Show all posts

Sunday, June 21, 2015

In Good Company: A Review

 
 
 
Summary:
After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well-received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.

Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he's desperate for competent childcare. Will they find they are the perfect company for each other?

My Thoughts:
I loved this book even more than book one. I loved Millie from the first book, and I was really excited to read her story. She's fun, strong, and quirky. She carries around a dictionary and misuses words, and it's funny and endearing. I really like how both books in the series have strong women who influence men to do the right thing. It's not the man rescuing the woman like so many romances. Instead, they are both strong characters who balance and encourage each other. I think that's why Jen Turano is quickly moving up my favorite author lists.
The plot moves quickly and has some twists and turns, making this book a must-read!
 
I received this book in exchange for my review, but my thoughts are my own. 
 

A Love Like Ours: A Review

 
 
What I loved:
The complex characters. I love that Becky Wade didn't treat PTSD as an "easy fix" where Jake finds love and suddenly has no issues/problems.
I really liked Lyndie. She's strong and independent.
I LOVED seeing the characters from the two earlier books in the series--catching up with old friends.
I thought the faith element was solid and added to the story.
What I didn't like:
Ty is described throughout the series as very good looking. However, in this book, he is married. YET, Lyndie's friend (and side story in the book) gets flustered around him because he's so hot and comments/notices his good looks too many times. It had an uncomfortable feel to it.
Overall, this is a great book. Becky Wade is a fantastic writer, and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
 
 

Monday, June 15, 2015

After a Fashion: A Review

 
 
Summary:
Miss Harriet Peabody dreams of the day she can open up a shop selling refashioned gowns to independent working women like herself. Unfortunately, when an errand for her millinery shop job goes sadly awry due to a difficult customer, she finds herself out of an income.

Mr. Oliver Addleshaw is on the verge of his biggest business deal yet when he learns his potential partner prefers to deal with men who are settled down and wed. When Oliver witnesses his ex not-quite-fiance cause the hapless Harriet to lose her job, he tries to make it up to her by enlisting her help in making a good impression on his business partner.

Will Oliver and Harriet discover that love can come in the most surprising packages?

 
My Thoughts:
This is the first book by Jen Turano, and I loved it.
Harriet was spunky and strong, and the rest of the characters were unique and just as interesting. Even the dog added to the fun of the story.
The plot is quick--things happening on every page, funny mishaps and serious social implications.
Everything is tied together in a neat little package at the end and presented as a fun, lighthearted read.
I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
 

Sunday, May 10, 2015

A Love Like Ours: A Review

 
Summary:
Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. 
 
Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?  
 
My thoughts:
What I loved:
The complex characters. I love that Becky Wade didn't treat PTSD as an "easy fix" where Jake finds love and suddenly has no issues/problems.
I really liked Lyndie. She's strong and independent.
I LOVED seeing the characters from the two earlier books in the series--catching up with old friends.
I thought the faith element was solid and added to the story.

What I didn't like:
Ty is described throughout the series as very good looking. However, in this book, he is married. YET, Lyndie's friend (and side story in the book) gets flustered around him because he's so hot and comments/notices his good looks too many times. It had an uncomfortable feel to it.

Overall, this is a great book. Becky Wade is a fantastic writer, and I can't wait to see what she writes next. 
  
 
 
 
Note: A portion of the proceeds from A Love Like Ours pre-orders and post-release sales through May 17 will go to support the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF), which builds centers on U.S. military bases to aid veterans in their recoveries from combat injuries. Wade selected this charity because IFHF goes beyond addressing physical rehabilitation, also helping with traumatic brain injuries and psychological health conditions. 
 
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
 

Thursday, April 30, 2015

From the Start: A Review

 
 
 
Summary: Kate writes romance movie scripts for a living, but she's stopped believing “true love” is real. Could a new friendship with former Nfl player Colton Greene restore her faith?
 
 
My thoughts:
 
This is a solid romance story. All the elements are there and done well. Tagg is a great writer.
Although the family dynamics are outstanding and I look forward to reading more about this town and family, this book didn't stand out to me as much as Tagg's other books have. I can't put my finger on why exactly though....maybe because everyone was too nice/supportive/kind/etc. The only "rebel" is a young, coffee store owner, who I really hope shows up again. I liked the foster care element--that was my favorite part of the book.
This is a sweet, satisfying read. I recommend it to fans of Susan May Warren and those who like series surrounding a strong family.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
 
 

Thursday, July 24, 2014

When I Fall in Love: A Review

 

Summary: When Grace Christiansen's family buys her a trip to Hawaii for a cooking retreat, she never thought she'd end up paired with Max Sharpe, her soon to be brother-in-law's former hockey teammate. Sparks fly, but when the timid Grace starts to spread her wings, Max pulls back. Will he let a unsure future ruin a beautiful present?
 
My thoughts:
I love this series. The family is so real. I love that while they love Jesus, they are still human, making mistakes and figuring life out. Grace is no exception. She's stronger than she knows, and I loved seeing her figure it out.
I also liked that Susan May Warren tackled a tough topic--a terminal disease. If you knew your time was limited, how would you live? Keep everyone away or embrace every moment.
Readers were also introduced to Raina and Casper, who I guess will be featured next. I can't wait to see what the author does with them.
 
Fans of Christian fiction will love this book. You don't have to read the series in order, but it does help get to know the characters better--and you'll love them. 
 

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

It Had to Be You: A Review

 

Susan May Warren creates terrific characters, and this book gives us the lovely Eden, who is a mother hen to her hockey-playing brother. When she meets his teammate Jace, sparks fly, but Eden knows better than to fall for hockey's bad boy enforcer.

I love the Christiansen family that Susan introduced us to in book one, and it was fun getting to know Eden. I really liked her and her struggle of finding her way in a family of stand-out siblings. And even though Jace had fame, he was still struggling for a sense of family and belonging. They were cute together.

I really liked the side story of Jace's friend Sam, who is struggling to keep his business afloat and care for his daughter who is rejecting her heart transplant. It was a beautiful story of a father's love for his child, and I kinda wish Sam had gotten his own book.

Fans of Christian fiction will love this addition to the Christiansen saga. Can't wait for the next one!

I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
 
 

Friday, June 27, 2014

A Broken Kind of Beautiful: A Review

 
 
Summary from Amazon: Fashion is a fickle industry, a frightening fact for twenty-four year old model Ivy Clark. Ten years in and she’s learned a sacred truth—appearance is everything. Nobody cares about her broken past as long as she looks beautiful for the camera. This is the only life Ivy knows—so when it starts to unravel, she’ll do anything to hold on. Even if that means moving to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line—an irony too rich for words, since Ivy is far from the pure bride in white. 

There are authors who tell a great story, and there are authors who write beautifully. Then, there are authors who do  both. Katie Ganshert is one of those authors. Her words and light and airy while packing a punch if that makes sense.

Ivy Clark is gorgeous and aloof, but Ganshert makes her likeable even when she's being a brat. Davis is wounded but strong. I enjoyed the journey each character took on themselves, and although I liked Davis and Ivy together, I thought perhaps the best part of the story was the relationship between Ivy and Marilyn as they each found in the other the mother/daughter relationship they'd always wanted.

Ivy's journey is broken and messy and sometimes sad, but it was beautiful.

I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
 
 

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Just 18 Summers: A Review

 
 
 
I don't have kids, but I enjoyed this book's message of soaking up every moment you have with those you love. Following four families dealing with change--a new baby, the death of a spouse, children going off to college/getting married, and the busyness of a career, Just 18 Summers shows the realness of parenting.
 
All of the characters were realistic and interesting. I loved Martin, the groom-to-be who isn't the one his bride's parents would have chosen until they see his heart. Helen, who grew up poor and spends all her time focusing on giving her kids what she doesn't have to point of having no relationship with her kids, reminds me of a lot of parents I see.
 
My favorite character was Ava, the eight-year-old girl whose mom passed away. I loved seeing her and her father figure out their way together.
 
I love how all four families' stories weave together to tell the story of family.

 
 

Saturday, May 24, 2014

A Stillness of Chimes: A Review

 

When Laura comes home to settle her mom's estate, the past is waiting for her. Her high school boyfriend still loves her, and her dad who disappeared when she was a child may still be alive.

I loved the hero of the book, Sean. He's strong and steady despite an abusive father. He's still in love with Laura, and I wished the book would have delved into why a little more. It had been a long time since she broke his heart and moved away. What was so special about her?

I liked Laura too, and I think the author did a great job exploring Laura's feelings about her parents and their weaknesses.

The plot is slow and steady at the beginning and then a rush of action at the end to a satisfying conclusion.

I recommend this book to fans of Christian fiction who enjoy a mystery with more character development than action.

I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.

 
 
 

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Princess Ever After: A Review

 
 
 
I'm conflicted on this book. I love Regina, the tough car-fixing Southern girl. She's strong and confident. And while I liked Tanner, the minister of culture sent to the US to find the heir to the throne, it was hard to gloss over his past. His reasons for what he had done tainted him some for me.
 
However, I loved the flashbacks to Regina's grandmother's journal, and I especially loved the ending where Regina finds what was hidden for all these years.
 
The princess part is fun, and fans of the first book in the series will enjoy this one as well.
 
I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
 
 
 
An Interview with Rachel Hauck, 
Author of Princess Ever After
The best stories show ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and Rachel Hauck has captured that very essence in her new novel, Princess Ever After 
(Zondervan/February 4, 2013/ISBN 9780310315506/$14.99). The second book in the Royal Wedding series tells the story of an ordinary girl who finds out she's a princess, a revelation that changes the life she's created for herself.


Like many of us, Hauck is enamored with the idea of royalty, and while she hopes readers are entertained and drawn to the modern fairytale of Princess Ever After, she has a deeper desire for this book and the entire series. "I pray readers find hope and encouragement," she says. "Most of us are not going to discover we are long-lost princes or princesses in this life, but we are most sincerely princes and princesses in His kingdom. Right now! Let's live like it and love as our King loves."

Q: In Princess Ever After, your heroine, Regina, is happy with the life she's created for herself. When God intervenes, she feels unprepared, yet He's provided all she needs. How have you seen God's direction and provisions in your own life?

I'm the anti-Regina. After I graduated from college, I realized I'd never be happy unless I was sold out to the Lord, so I told Him I was 100% available. It's a surrender I've never, ever regretted. I know me. I like too many things in life to feel confident in committing to any one career. I was terrified I'd marry the wrong man. But like Regina, I had parents and mentors who encouraged me in my teen years and helped me choose a good path.

Q: It's not uncommon for our past mistakes to alter our life's course. What would you say to those who feel their past mistakes hinder them from moving on?

Get over it. Can I say that? In love? Seriously, if we don't allow ourselves to be defined by our success --- meaning we give all glory to the Lord --- then we can't allow ourselves to be defined by our failure. Give that to Him, too. If you really believe in God's forgiveness and love, there's no point in stagnating in past mistakes. Believe that God can and will heal your heart and move on.

The trick in letting go of past mistakes is Romans 12:1. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." We have to surrender our emotions and thoughts to the Lord. In doing that, we will approve of His will. Good, acceptable and perfect.

Q: Do you think God views us differently or withholds his blessings because of the mistakes we've made?

Truth? No. If that were the case He'd never be able to bless us. We quantify sin. He does not. To Him, a lie or lustful thought is the same as a "bigger sin" like adultery. The consequences vary, but sin is sin. The difference is the condition of our hearts. If we have a "yes" in our heart to Him, repenting of our sin, His grace is sufficient. But if we have a "no" in our heart toward Him and continue in sin without repentance, I think we can move outside His blessing.

In reality, we have no idea of His heart toward the rebellious. Isaiah 55:8 is a familiar verse, ". . . my ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts." But go back a verse. God is talking about the rebellious. "You don't know my thoughts toward them," I think God is saying. God is love and mercy. But He's also judgment and wrath. It's a divine paradox. We cannot build a "rule" on how He blesses us.

Q: Your leading man must overcome a fear of failure. Is that a fear you have faced yourself, or have you conquered another fear? How were you able to overcome your fear?

I've dealt a lot with fear and anxiety. After college I was hit with small panic attacks and anxiety. I had to travel for my job, and boarding an airplane, which I did all the time, kept me awake the night before. The idea of being trapped on a plane made me claustrophobic. But I leaned into the Word, into the Lord, and never ever let my fears win. I got on the plane anyway. And I made it. Even enjoyed the 15 hours from LA to Sydney.

I overcame by believing what God said about me instead of my fears. I devoted my heart and mind to the Word and prayer. I did the Romans 12:1-2 thing. I just didn't see where the Lord had called me to walk a life of anxiety and fear. He and I had a lot of conversations about it. I'm here to report prayer and the Word work! You just have to stay in the battle. Recently I've had "joy attacks" where I felt His presence in a tangible, joyful way. I need more of those!

Q: One important theme in Princess Ever After is obedience. Why is obedience important for healing and restoration, and how can you know you're actually doing what God has asked you to do?

Obedience is better than sacrifice. We know Him by reading His Word. When Regina found the fairytale her great grandmother had written to her, Tanner said, "This is your gram speaking to you in this book. Hear what she's saying!" God is speaking to us through His Son, through the Holy Spirit and through His written Word. We have to believe He loves us enough to show us His will.

Obedience is required because our human hearts are too weak to do good on our own. Obedience actually trains us to know Him. In our weakness, we choose to hate people who wrong us. But God says forgive. If we obey, we reap the benefits of His blessing! And I love in John 10:27 where Jesus assures us, "My sheep hear my voice."

Q: In many ways, becoming too comfortable can be one of our greatest difficulties to truly fulfilling our purpose. How did that familiarity come into play in this story, and why was it important for your characters to be pushed out of their comfort zones?

I'm pushed out of my comfort zone with each book! Stories are about imperfect people doing extraordinary things. That's exactly what an author has to do: harness our weakness, overcome and write a good book.

For characters in fiction, there is no story if characters are not challenged and pushed to the limit. I write with the idea that my stories are about people dealing with a wound-lie-fear that must be confronted. In the end, they come to truth. Most of the time people do not willingly confront their wounds and fears. It's my job to set up a situation that drives them to face those fears --- and ultimately find peace and happiness.

Q: Your books usually include some kind of symbolism that relates back to the Gospel message. Will readers find that trademark of your writing in Princess Ever After?

Oh yeah, in a couple of places. First, in the fairytale gifted to the heroine by her great grandmother. It's symbolic of the message God has given us through His written Word. Hebrews 4:12 tells us His Word is living and active. It speaks. Yesterday, today, tomorrow. Also, Regina sees something in the forest. At first she's the only one (I can't say more or I'll ruin the surprise), but this light is symbolic of the light of the Lord. When we follow the light, we gain insight, revelation and understanding. "In Him we live and move and have our being."

Once Regina found the Light, she discovered valuable truths that enabled her to accept her divine destiny.

Q: Princess Ever After is the second book in your Royal Weddings series. What is your favorite part about a romance with a royal twist?

Royalty! I found it fun to create the world of a royal. Have a coronation, a ball, servants and protection officers. Also, to make folks bow and curtsey. Ha! Actually, there were a lot of challenges to creating a believable, modern royal world, but I had a great time giving it a go. With Regina, it was fun to sneak up on a common girl and tell her, "You're a royal princess."

Q: What's the most surprising tidbit you've learned about English royalty through your research?

How much space do we have here? One of the biggest things I learned was the relationship between the European royals. The cousins George V, Wilhelm II and Nicolas II --- all descendants of Queen Victoria --- were in power at the beginning of World War I, after which only the UK's George V remained. The royal houses of Europe fell after the first World War, and it changed the face of Europe.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from Princess Ever After?

As always, I hope readers are entertained and drawn into a modern fairytale. But I also pray they find hope and encouragement. Look, most of us are are not going to discover we are long-lost princes or princesses in this life, but we are most sincerely princes and princesses in His kingdom. Right now! Let's live like it. Love like our King loves.

Q: Both Once Upon a Prince and Princess Ever After take a look at refocusing on God's plans rather than our own. Is that a reoccurring theme in all of your writing or an idea specific to the Royal Wedding series?

Good question. I'm not sure if I'm doing it on purpose, but the very idea that two ordinary American women find themselves becoming royalty lends itself to God redirecting our plans. There's also the underlying theme that when we give our lives to the Lord, we are faced with a royal reality we never knew before. God's plans were unknown to us before we knew Him. Once we are His, we have the choice to follow His will or our own.

For Regina, once she knew her true identity, she couldn't go back to her old life.

Q: What can readers look forward to in the third installment of the Royal Wedding series? How are all of the books tied together?

There will be a third book, How To Catch A Prince. It's Prince Stephen's story, brother of King Nathaniel, and Corina Del Rey, a Georgia-Florida girl.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

A Promise Kept: A Review

 

When Allison told her husband to choose the alcohol or their family, she never expected him to walk away. No alone in the beautiful cabin left to her by her great aunt Emma, Allison's on a journey to find herself. Emma's journals show a parallel struggle to Allison's, a struggle between expectations and God's will and timing.

This book is a slow read, and by that, I mean that it takes its time, weaving back and forth between Emma and Allison's lives, weaving in bits and pieces of the backstory while keeping up with the present. Although I liked Allison, I enjoyed Emma's story more. I don't know why. Perhaps Emma had a little more fire under her whereas I found Allison a little boring.

The story is beautifully written, and I think it will resonate well with those who have been divorced and wonder what happened to God's plan (although I'm sure we all wonder that, divorced or not). I also seeing it being a comforting novel for those who have loved an alcoholic.

I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Bookmarks and PDFs

 
 
I turned in my final edits for Worth the Wait, which is a little nerve-wracking but even more exciting!
 
I have bookmarks to giveaway to anyone who would like a few.
 
Also, I'm preparing a list of reviewers. If you'd like to receive a PDF file of Worth the Wait in exchange for an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, or some place like that, please email me at laurajacksonwrites at gmail dot com. I just need your first and last name and the email address where you'd like the PDF sent.
 
 
I know I did a call for influencers earlier, and I'm thankful to those who responded. I have your emails saved and will send you a copy of the book, along with some bookmarks and pens, when the book releases.
 
This option is for those people who would like an electronic copy and promise to write an honest review the book.
 
 
In other news, Happy New Year's Eve. I hope it's a fun one. I have no plans and am happy with that.....I think. 



Sunday, December 29, 2013

February Bride: A Review

 

Allie is good at running away. Just like her mother and grandmother before her, she bailed on her groom Marcus just before walking down the aisle. When they're thrown together a few minutes later for a mutual friend's wedding, Allie learns sometimes, love is worth staying for.

This novella is cute. I liked the characters although I sometimes grew frustrated with Allie's inability to commit. Sometimes it's hard to evaluate a novella for character development because they're so short, but I loved seeing Allie grow from a confused girl to a confident one, sure of her worth in Christ.

The romance is sweet, and while the ending was predictable, it was an enjoyable ride to the end.

Fans of Christian fiction should definitely check out this author's other books.

I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.


Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Redeeming Love: A Review

 

Even though I read this book years ago, I still stayed up until 3 a.m. on Christmas morning to finish it because the story grabbed me once and again and wouldn't let go until the last page. What perfect timing---reading a fictional example of the great love Jesus has for us.

Redeeming Love is one of the all-time best Christian fiction books. A retelling of the story of Hosea, Michael and Sarah/Angel/Amanda are beautiful characters. Sarah's written so realistically that my heart hurt for her, especially as I remembered the thousands of girls just like her being sold and used today in America and around the world.

With great heartache as Sarah runs from Michael's love over and over, the story could become melancholy and a little depressing, but hope fills the story....just like our own life stories.

Fans of Christian fiction will love this book. It's an amazing story of love, redemption and hope.

I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.


 
 

Monday, December 23, 2013

A December Bride

 
 
Usually when you read a marriage of convenience story, it's a historical novel. After all, why would someone have to get married these days? But Denise Hunter does a great job pulling it off.
 
Layla blames Seth "Murphy" for her fiancé running off with her cousin. So, when they're thrown together and Murphy says their engaged to save Layla some embarrassment, it opens the door for a huge job opportunity for Layla....if she can just pretend to be in love for a few weeks.
 
Murphy is a fantastic character. I wish he was the main character in a full-length novel. He's steady and calm, balancing Layla's frantic desire to build her company on her own.
 
Although it was short, the story didn't feel rushed or the characters un-developed. It's the perfect holiday quick read.
 
Fans of Denise Hunter as well as fans of contemporary Christian fiction will enjoy this novella.
 
I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
 
 
 
 
 

Dear Mr. Knightley: A Review

 
 
 
Over the years, I've taught several kids in foster care and mentored two seniors in foster care as part of a PAL program, so I loved the characters of Sam and Kyle. Their raw emotions were strong and pulled me into the story. Although foster care situations can be horrible, the author handled such events with realistic hope, keeping the book from being melancholy or trite.
 
Sam has the chance to go to college, to make a future for herself, if she'll write monthly letters to her mysterious benefactor. Needing someone to listen, she pours out her heart, never hearing a response. Through the course of letters, readers see Sam blossom as she discovers people can be trusted.

 
I enjoyed the characters, especially Kyle, who I pictured as so many boys I taught. I also enjoyed the set-up of the story being told through letters. The author's voice is fresh, and the book is well written.
 
The only disappointment is the ending. I could see it coming, and I hoped I'd be wrong. It wasn't a bad ending....just not as strong as the rest of the book. 
 
Overall, it's a great book with strong characters. I look forward to reading Katherine Reay's next book.
 
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
 

Friday, December 6, 2013

Another Chance to Win!

 
 
 
Check out my friend Mary's blog for a chance to win a prize and enter to win a Kindle.
 
Good luck!
 

Monday, November 25, 2013

Unspoken: A Review

 
 
 
A few friends told me that they didn't really enjoy this book, so I went into with low expectations. However, I really enjoyed it. It's different than Dee's normal books. There's not a lot of suspense, but there's plenty of character development.
 
Charlotte was the victim of one of a nationally known kidnapping. After her rescue, she forged a new identity for herself and refuses to speak about her ordeal. When her grandfather leaves her a fortune, she's determined to give it away. Bryce is a coins dealer who takes on part of Charlotte's inheritance of coins. When a term of the will requires they work closely, more closely than they expected, they are thrown together. Will Charlotte trust him with her past so that they can find the last kidnapper who has been on the loose for twenty years?
 
 
It took me a little while to get to like Charlotte, but I liked Bryce from the beginning. I loved his strength and patience with Charlotte's quirks. They both grew as characters and were sweet with each other.
 
I also liked the coins aspect. I learned a lot about coins and thought it was an interesting addition to the solving an old kidnapping storyline.
 
I think what confused some readers was that the back cover mentions a reporter doing a story on Charlotte, and that storyline is very minor in the book.
 
So, ignore the back cover and just enjoy the storyline!
 
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.


 

Monday, September 30, 2013

Fifteen Minutes: A Review

 

Zach loves Reese, singing, and Jesus. When he gets a chance to compete on the TV competition show Fifteen Minutes, he's convinced it's God's plan for him. When fame pulls him away from his faith, and Reese is drawn to London to continue her work as a therapeutic horse instructor, Zach and Reese are torn between their dreams and their love for each other.

As with most Karen Kingsbury books, Fifteen Minutes is full of heart-wrenching emotion. Love, loss, and loneliness plague the main characters, making them authentic and likable. I wanted to see both Reese and Zach happy and pursuing their dreams.

However, the plot was often stalled with what seemed like lectures on the wiles of fame and Hollywood. Page after page was filled with characters bemoaning the evil that came with being a celebrity. It got old and even took away from the great story going on.

I was a little surprised by the ending, but it was fitting and a solid conclusion.

Karen Kingsbury's faithful fans will enjoy Zach's story, but after being one of those faithful readers for so many years, I'm growing weary of the celebrity/fame story lines. I'd much rather read about real people dealing with real issues---the life changing fiction that made me count down to the next Karen Kingsbury book!

I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
'