"Unexpected"

Unexpected is a modern-day romance novel, primarily set in Salt Lake City, Utah. The story follows single mom Natalie Forrester and successful bachelor Ross McConnell, two very different people. After two failed marriages, Natalie has three children, two teenage girls and a son on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and she barely stretches out a living by cleaning houses. In contrast, Ross couldn't be more successful as an attorney. However, he's 37 and single - a horrid crime to his family. Ross and Natalie have many unique encounters that lead to an unexpected relationship as they both search for long-desired happiness in their lives.

Since I adored Karen Tuft's first novel, Reality Check, I was eager to jump into her latest novel. It was definitely different from Reality Check, but not in a bad way. I enjoyed the change of pace - most of the romance novels I read are about young lovers without kids. I especially liked Natalie's character because she's so real. She is hilarious at times, yet she also has a vulnerable side because of all of the heartache she's been through.

I was also impressed with the writing. I was able to vividly see the emotions of the characters through the language she used. Tuft's leading man came to a neat closure that the beginning left unfinished. I don't want to give it away, but you'll know what it is once you read it. It's so cool.

The Last Word: Another great read from Karen Tuft, well done!

"Code Word"

Navy SEAL Jay Wellman is a member of the Saint Squad, a portion of the larger squad that killed Osama bin Laden.  Jay suffers emotionally when his part of the mission doesn't go exactly as planned.  Carina Channing's family and past still haunt her years after her mother was murdered.  She can't change the fact that she's been born into the Chicago Mafia by virtue of her father.  As a young adult, she's given up her own dreams to protect the dreams of her two younger sisters.  Carina's life has a very fragile balance and it's put in jeoprady when one of the members of "the Family" arrives.  Carina and Jay happen to meet and become acquainted through Carina's youngest sister.  When trouble comes knocking on Carina's doorstep, Jay is immediately there for the Channing girls and takes it upon himself to keep them safe.  As they spend more time together, Jay and Carina begin to develop feelings for one another, but must consider the circumstances, as well as their beliefs.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading every Traci Hunter Abramson book I've read, this one included.  I love the way she combines romance, action, mystery, and religion into one novel.  This one in particular had a larger mystery element, so that was entertaining to read.  It's fun reading all of her books because they're nearly all intertwined, too.  You can find updates on characters from a previous novel in her newer novels.  Her characters are very likeable and their relationships seem real.  If you like LDS fiction that includes some good action, I think you'll like this novel.

The Last Word:  Suspenseful read, more action than romance

"Second Chances"

In Second Chances, author Melanie Jacobson tells the story of Louisa Gibson and her newest career ambition.  Because of the horrid singles life in Huntington Beach, she decides to create an LDS version of "The Bachelor" online.  When her "bachelor" falls through at the last minute, Louisa must turn to her ex-boyfriend, movie star Nick.  As the show progresses, she's forced to face her own feelings...

"What if Mr. Wrong is really Mr. Right?"

Though I enjoyed reading this book, I didn't like it as much as The List or Not My Type (from the same author).  I think the main reason is because the main characters are returning to an existing relationship instead of a new one and there isn't as much interaction between them as I would like, so that makes it seem a little slow.  However, it was still a good read. :) You get to know the characters pretty well and it isn't too predictable - for me, at least.  If you're a fan of "The Bachelor" and LDS romances, then I bet you'll like Second Chances.

The Last Word:  Cute LDS romance, but lacking consistent spark

Edenbrooke

Edenbrooke is a regency romance novel written by debut author, Julianne Donaldson.  Set in England, the story follows a seventeen-year-old girl named Marianne Daventry.  Marianne longs to be anywhere but Bath after her mother's death.  When her twin sister, Cecily, invites her to spend some time at Edenbrooke, the beautiful estate of their mother's former friend, she eagerly accepts the invitation.  On the way to Edenbrooke, she meets Philip, a handsome man who loves to tease and holds many secrets.  Marianne experiences a roller coaster of emotions and must face her fears as time goes on.

This book is now tied with Reality Check for my favorite book!!  It's such a good read.  I read it on the road home from Florida in one day!  I absolute LOVE Philip.  If I find a man like him someday, I will be forever happy and in love.  The viewpoint of the story allows for a complete look into Marianne's thoughts and feelings.  I found that it was easy to connect with her as the main character; I think that contributed to my liking of the book.  I also really enjoyed the style of writing Donaldson uses.  Though Edenbrooke is set in the Regency Era and does include stylistic evidence of the time, it isn't thick and hard to understand like I've found Jane Austen's writing to be.  She uses the perfect balance between modern, understandable writing and historic writing from the time period.

The Last Word:  Perfect Regency Era Romance Novel

"An Unexpected Love"

I took this book, An Unexpected Love by Michele Ashman Bell, with me on a road trip a week ago to pass the time in the car.  I got it for Christmas a year and a half ago, but it's just been sitting on my bookshelf - until now!

An Unexpected Love tells the story of Alex McCarty, a star in the fitness world.  She lives in California and makes a living by speaking at conventions all around the country and by filming workout videos.  Alex has had problems with an eating disorder in the past and her manager is concerned with her current weight.  So when her sister, Jamie, is pregnant, Alex's manager forces her to go spend a couple of weeks in Idaho with Jamie and her husband, Steve, to take a break and hopefully gain several pounds.  She isn't thrilled with the idea, mainly because Jamie and Steve are both Mormon, and she wants nothing to do with the "crazy" religion.  While in the small town of Island Park, Idaho, Alex meets Rich Greenwood, a good friend of Jamie and Steve.  They enjoy spending time with one another and there are possibilities of their budding friendship turning into something more.  With many trials and hardships coming her way, Alex must face important decisions and learn how to deal with hard situations. 

Overall, I liked reading An Unexpected Love. (It is another LDS romance, so of course I liked it!) I love Rich - he has really admirable qualities and a great personality.  I struggled to connect with Alex, the main character, because she's anorexic.  I'm basically the opposite of anorexic - I LOVE food! :) It was also a little strange for me to envision Rich finding her attractive because she was so deathly skinny.  However, I love Rich for loving Alex, despite her eating disorder.  This book was a little heavier than some of the other LDS romance novels I've read, but it's still a pretty good read.  I liked that the author wrote a lot about Alex's struggle with religion - it helped me to ponder more on my beliefs and was a good reminder of why I believe what I do.  I've definitely liked other LDS romances better than this one, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't read it!

The Last Word:  Interesting new perspective, above average read

"Reality Check"

Warning: I LOVE cheesy romance novels (especially by LDS authors), so you'll be reading many reviews on books of this genre in the future!

I just finished reading Reality Check, by Karen Tuft last week.  I couldn't put it down - I loved it!  The book is somewhat based on the TV show, "The Bachelor."  In Reality Check, the main character, Lucy Kendrick, ends up on a reality TV dating show called "Soulmates."  It wasn't her idea to be on the show and she doesn't have expectations of making it very far.  However, things change and she finds herself developing feelings for the "Soulmate," Ethan Glass.  I can't say much more, or I'll give away the book!  The author, Karen Tuft, is LDS so some of the characters are LDS and one of the main morals of the story is standing up for what you believe in.

I really enjoyed reading Reality Check because, though it is fiction, I connected with Lucy.  She's put into situations where she's the only person with high standards, but she sticks up for herself anyway.  I look up to her because she takes risks of sharing her beliefs with others and then she benefits in the end.  The only thing I didn't like was the first chapter of the book - it isn't very well-written.  It almost seems like the author wrote the first chapter a few years ago before she polished her writing style.  But once you get past the first chapter, it's fabulous. :) I will for sure be rereading this book! (This one isn't too cheesy, by the way)

The Last Word: Perfect, clean, modern romance novel