Earlier this week I wrote an article on Questionable Language in Christian Fiction and also visited blogs and forums which told the horrible truth that most “clean” Christian Fiction are dull, unrealistic, and just not up to par with others. This does not mean that secular writers have it going on- many don’t.
Which is why when I read “My Stubborn Heart” by Becky Wade, I was pleasantly surprised. It has been many moons since I’ve read a good Contemporary Romance infused with Christian ideals and still love it. Here’s a brief review from my article about this book:
“Kate Donovan, 31, has had one bad relationship after the other and prays for God to send her a husband. Then one day her grandmother invites her to Redbud, Pennyslyania to a little town called Chapel Bluff to renovate her childhood home. It is there Kate meets the guy who will be renovating- the chocolate dreamy eyed ex- ice hockey player Matt Jarreau.
Matt, 32 is still grieving over the death of his lovely wife. It has been three years and the only way he can somehow cope is to help people with fixing their homes, retrieve to his dark home and brood around others.
That is until he meets, spunky, waif, and witty Kate Donovan. Meeting Kate can seem to be like getting hit head on by a train. The author is careful with word choice to really communicate Matt’s torrent of emotions as his heart and spirit wrestles with one question: Why am I still attached to my wife who would want me to move on?” (Read more on Examiner)
I never thought I could actually read a Christian Fiction Romance without putting it down and even now I have to reflect back on why didn’t I put it down? I think this is why:
- The character of Matt Jarreau was described as physically gorgeous but had eyes that were a deep, deep unusual brown, it is telling of the tragedy he endured- this hooked me.
- Kate is 31 and never been in a stable relationship. She resembles Audrey Hepburn and wear black ballet shoes or “flats” as she calls them. I like how she isn’t the typical 31 year old – whatever that means.
- The setting was different and fictional- Redbud, Pennyslvania.
- An old family home being renovated so I had the pleasure of reading about Kate’s love for antiques and watching the Antique Road Show.
- Cooking! The foods they ate in the book sounded absolutely delicious!
- There was overt mention of church, God, and faith- but Matt really needed these things and the author kept the plot realistic. No one gets over their dead spouse easily and Matt made it hard for Kate’s faith and care to pierce through.
I can’t say enough how excited I am about Becky Wade and I am anticipating another good love story from here. Visit her website for deleted scenes and other fun extras!
Also stay tuned for a post about why I am such a versatile blogger. In other words why am I knee deep in sensual fiction, action, erotica and still talk about Christian books like “it ain’t no thang”…And who else will be receiving this award? See you soon!
