A satisfying début romance novel: My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When her grandmother asks her to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Upon her arrival in Redbud, Kate meets Matt Jarreau, the man hired to renovate the house. Kate can't help being attracted to him, drawn by both his good looks and something else she can't quite put her finger on. He's clearly wounded--hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Yet Kate sets her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not. 

When the stilted, uncomfortable interactions between Kate and Matt slowly shift into something more, is God finally answering the longing of her heart? Or will Kate be required to give up more than she ever dreamed?

MY REVIEW

Darn it! Part way into the book I was determined that I was not going to get too much into the story as it just smacks of romance, with the typical too-good-looking-for-his-own-good guy, a wounded man needing rescuing. And then suddenly I found myself swept up into the story, becoming ever-more curious about the character's lives, and laughing out loud at many parts (as an example, I loved the scene where the elderly man asks Kate for love advice. Take a peek: "And I'm sick of waiting for that woman". He began to gesture, warming to his subject. "My wife's been gone twenty years and a man has needs..." If he finished that thought, Kate was going to hurl herself into the stream"). See what I mean?

So what can I say? Here I am, a male book reviewer, admitting to you that I quite enjoyed this contemporary romance story. The book is nicely plotted, humour is used judiciously, and the characters are wonderfully developed and ones you will easily connect with, feeling their emotions including their pain and their joy. I also appreciated how the characters, and especially Kate, focus on prayer and finding out God's will for their lives, and then obey His will even when it's difficult. They set a fine example, indeed, for our need to consult God on every aspect of our lives, and how His blessings flow to us as a consequence.And did I mention that Becky Wade is a debut author? She definitely deserves extra points for that!

I strongly recommend this book to readers looking for a good contemporary romance, and award this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Becky Wade is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas. 

Visit her website at www.beckywade.com.