Review: Always You by Jennifer Rodewald

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

They made a pact of friendship. Love was not supposed to be part of the deal.

Lauren is desperate to escape the massive shadow of her father’s and sister’s political careers.

Matt is running from the biggest disappointment of his life.

After a messy meeting in a snowbound airport, they launch a new friendship, founded on a mutual love for the Lord and an agreement of respect. They find themselves working together at the Lake Shore Resort, thankful to have each other as they each carve out a fresh start. But as the winter season wears on, and through a few interesting predicaments, one begins to feel more, and the other... well. Maybe neither knows what they really want. Already wounded from the things they’ve left behind, Matt and Lauren wrestle with what comes next. Afraid to move forward. Not wanting to go back.

Each must face a dilemma that only the hand of the Potter can smooth into a hopeful, promising future. Can they surrender past hurts, as well as their future hopes and plans and trust the good intentions of the God they both love?

My Review

What an unforgettable meet-cute! I loved the instant rapport Matt and Lauren have with each other, and friendship looks good on them. They are each at a crossroads in their lives, and the respite they find at the lodge and with each other allows them to step back and reevaluate their lives. The chemistry between them is strong, but with Matt's dysfunctional unrequited love between them, they struggle with moving forward int heir relationship. There is plenty of self-reflection, angst, and spiritual awakening as they each learn to choose the path that God has in store for them. This is a fun story with depth and great dynamics!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: When I Come Home Again by Jennifer Rodewald

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

When a family crisis calls him back to Big Prairie, will Craig Erikson be able to work through past mistakes and the tragedy that had sent him searching for a new place to call home?

Brenna Blaum had been sure of three things in her life—her brother, her running, and her dad’s star receiver. But in a matter of a year’s time, everything she’d counted on fell apart, leaving her devastated. Seven years later, she’s stable again. She has a supportive boyfriend, fulfilling career, and close friends. She keeps her past heartache where it belongs—in her rearview mirror. Until the man who broke her heart finds his way back to Big Prairie.

Craig Erikson had it all—popularity, success, and the love of his high school coach’s daughter. But after a year of mistakes that ended in a tragic accident, he’d left Big Prairie—the place he’d thought to always call home—hoping that without his antagonizing presence, Brenna would be able to heal. Now his mother desperately needs him, as do two young boys in her care. Craig has little choice but to return for good.

Unsure that she can forgive him, Brenna does her best to avoid him. Irritated that she ignores him as if they’d never meant anything to each other, Craig becomes determined not to allow it.

Life in a small town forces their interaction, making them confront their unresolved issues and igniting emotions that have smoldered for seven years. As Craig and Brenna are pushed together, can they endure the hard places still littering their lives? If so, is it possible to find their way back to love and home again?

My Review

I've never been so happy to have a happy ending! I enjoyed the characters and the complex dynamics of their relationships, but holy angst! Craig's reappearance in town and promptings from her psychiatrist boyfriend bring long-repressed emotions to the surface, even though Brenna does not want to deal with them. I've learned that fighting against feelings makes life even more difficult, and it's not until Brenna acknowledges that she needs to process them and seek the healing of forgiveness that she begins her journey towards peace. Craig is struggling with so much change in his life- a new job, his mother fighting cancer, and becoming the father-figure to two foster children. Memories from their past filled with both joy and heartache are revisited and revealed throughout the book and the reader gradually sees how strong their connection was, and the mistakes both made that tore them apart. The message of forgiveness and redemption is strong and the story is full of emotion as Craig and Brenna find their way back to each other slowly.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

#TFBRC LOL

Great characters and funny moments made this novella one to remember! I've read it three or four times now, and just re-reading my review makes me want to pick it up again! The e-book is only $2.99 and well worth it.

Synopsis

My name is Kirstin Hill. I'm a simple girl trying to figure out life in a small town. There are a few things you should know about me before we begin. I grew up in the city. I'm a teacher--a first year teacher, (some of you understand that significance). And, finally, when it comes to cooking, I'm a disaster. Maybe none of those things seem story-worthy, but trust me, I have a story. I call it The Cupcake Dilemma, and it literally changed my life. How? I'm glad you asked.

It all started with an extra assignment delegated to me at school right before Valentine's Day... but before we get too far, let me begin by stating this clearly. I was voluntold.

My Review

Oh-so-cute! I loved this light and funny novella with a sweet romance that made me want to read it again as soon as I finished it. (So I did) ;) Kirstin's voice is a perfect blend of humorous and vulnerable that makes her easy to relate to and enjoyable to read. Ian was fun and unexpected, and I loved his reactions to Kirstin. They have a fun friendship with potential for more, but they are both playing it cool. Awesome romantic tension and even better when things get really interesting! This is one that's going on my "get-me-in-a-better-mood" list :)

Join the challenge here!

Review: The Cupcake Dilemma by Jennifer Rodewald

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

My name is Kirstin Hill. I'm a simple girl trying to figure out life in a small town. There are a few things you should know about me before we begin. I grew up in the city. I'm a teacher--a first year teacher, (some of you understand that significance). And, finally, when it comes to cooking, I'm a disaster. Maybe none of those things seem story-worthy, but trust me, I have a story. I call it The Cupcake Dilemma, and it literally changed my life. How? I'm glad you asked.

It all started with an extra assignment delegated to me at school right before Valentine's Day... but before we get too far, let me begin by stating this clearly. I was voluntold.

My Review

Oh-so-cute! I loved this light and funny novella with a sweet romance that made me want to read it again as soon as I finished it. (So I did) ;) Kirstin's voice is a perfect blend of humorous and vulnerable that makes her easy to relate to and enjoyable to read. Ian was fun and unexpected, and I loved his reactions to Kirstin. They have a fun friendship with potential for more, but they are both playing it cool. Awesome romantic tension and even better when things get really interesting! This is one that's going on my "get-me-in-a-better-mood" list :)

(I received a copy of the book from a giveaway; all opinions in this review are my own)