Book Review

My Review of SAMARITAN by Robin Bayne

/ Dora Hiers / 8 Comments

A tender romance revolving around scrumptious goodies…
When Caterer Rachel Martin’s partner abandons their bakery to study in Paris, Rachel struggles to keep the storefront open and the stack of bills paid. Restaurateur Tim Gardner has worked hard to restore his family’s reputation and profit margin. With his parents away on an extended vacation, Tim boosts business by offering a signature dessert ~ a Rachel Martin creation. When Rachel confesses that she can no longer afford the high-priced ingredients and may not be able to fulfill their agreement, Tim considers litigation.  
I have to confess that I didn’t like Tim very much in the beginning of the story. Rachel was trying so hard, and Tim’s only focus was on his restaurant’s bottom line and his parents’ opinion of his management style. As the story moves forward and he realizes how hard Rachel is trying, his focus switches to helping each other succeed, professionally and personally. Those qualities that annoyed me about Tim in the beginning, actually endeared me to him in the end.

At 139 pages, Samaritan is a fast, gentle read, and easily finished in an evening or afternoon. Samaritan is a sequel to Prodigal, but it’s not necessary to read Prodigal first to enjoy this novella. Congratulations, Ms. Bayne.

Samaritan is available now with White Rose Publishing.

Disclaimer: The author provided a review copy in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

My review of RESURRECTED LOVE by K. M. Daughters

/ Dora Hiers / 1 Comment

Grieving and bitter, Beth Dunne blames her husband, Jack, for the death of their five-month-old son. After a three-year marital separation, Beth embarks on a pilgrimage to an orphanage in Valselo, seeking forgiveness and peace. Guilt-plagued Jack Dunne longs for reconciliation with his wife, but he gave up on God when he buried his son.

Enter matchmaking priest, Father Mark, the facilitator for the trip to the orphanage. Long-time friend, Father Mark appeals to Jack to travel with the group, claiming the orphanage needs financial support. When Jack offers to write a check, Father Mark convinces Jack to make the trip by telling him that Beth would be there.

I admit to being a little confused about the prologue. Was it necessary, and how did it relate to the story? I pressed on and was glad I did. The prologue introduced and set up a particularly sweet character that you’ll enjoy getting to know later in the story.

This is the first story I’ve read by K. M. Daughters. It won’t be my last. Resurrected Love is a beautifully crafted story of forgiveness and reconciliation with a powerful Christian theme. Congratulations from this reader! 4 Stars!

Resurrected Love by K. M. Daughters is available with White Rose Publishing.

Disclaimer: The author provided a review copy in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

My Review of AFTER THE FIRE by Clare Revell

/ Dora Hiers / 10 Comments

What a wild ride in After The Fire!
Meet Freddie Flynn, a maverick Private Investigator battling bitterness and blaming God for her broken relationship, and Jason Bryant, an ex-missionary pilot who takes a position working in “Uncle” Edwin’s private investigative firm.
Ms. Revell did a great job setting up the conflict between Freddie and Jason. Shocked to see a file showing Freddie’s name linked with betrayal and corruption within the private investigative firm, Jason determines to prove her innocence. Freddie is not thrilled that Jason is now her boss, but she likes it even less when Jason forces her to work with him on a case.
Ms. Revell created a sweet romance within a beautiful setting, but don’t let that fool you. There’s plenty of action in this book as Freddie and Jason work to uncover the truth. Just when you think you’re near “The End,” Ms. Revell pulls out a few more surprises. Five stars for After The Fire!

After The Fire releases with White Rose Publishing on February 17th.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy from the author. I received no compensation for my fair and unbiased review.