My Stubborn Heart, Becky Wade's debut novel, is a delightful
contemporary romance that is slightly "edgy" at times, but filled
with well-drawn characters and humor.
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 Stubborn Heart is an enjoyable romance with some
surprisingly deeper elements, as Matt struggles with grief over his beloved
wife's death three years before this story begins. The setting of Redbud,
Pennsylvania provides a rich backdrop as Matt and Kate work to renovate her
grandmother's family home.
Spiritual
themes are woven into the narrative in a quiet, but ever-present way. Matt's
grief gives voice to the universal struggle to understand suffering, and Kate
comes to appreciate how God works through His children when He brings someone
into another person's life.
One
of my favorite parts is the group of seventy-something "seniors," friends
of Kate's grandmother, who add humor and depth. These secondary characters are
endearing and quick to offer advice. The romance between Velma and Morty is
especially fun to watch.
The
only negative for me was the use of a few words that lowered the standard from
what I expect from Christian fiction. I'm not sure why they were chosen - maybe
to stretch the boundaries or to come across as more realistic? While mild by
ABA standards, I would have just preferred other word choices and skipped over
some parts because of it.
I
really liked this novel overall and would recommend it to those who enjoy a
good romance, maybe starting at an older teen level. Becky Wade is an author
worth watching. Her next novel, Undeniably
Yours, is out now and begins the Porter family series.
Becky Wade
Becky's
a California native who attended Baylor University, met a Texas boy, and
settled in Dallas. She published historical romances for the ABA, then put her
career on hold for several years to care for her three children. When God
called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention
to Christian fiction. She loves the kind of books she's writing now! Her CBA
debut, My Stubborn Heart, has been
named a finalist for Romance Writers of America's 2013 RITA Award. Her new
contemporary romance, Undeniably Yours,
is available now.
To
learn more, visit Becky's website at beckywade.com.
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