Must-read inspy romances: 'Dubiosity,' 'Falling for Texas,' 'At Home in Last Chance'
Dubiosity by Christy Barritt
What it's about (from publisher Waterfall Press):
Savannah Harris vowed to leave behind her old life as an intrepid investigative reporter. But when a friend raises suspicions about two migrant workers who've gone missing from the sleepy coastal town Savannah calls home, her curiosity spikes.
As ever more eerie incidents begin afflicting the area, each works to draw Savannah out of her seclusion and raise the stakes—for both Savannah and the surrounding community. Even as Savannah's new boarder, Clive Miller, makes her feel things she thought long forgotten, she suspects he's hiding something too, and he's not the only one. Doubts collide in Savannah's mind: Who can she really trust?
Why you should read it: It is easy to see why Savannah and Clive, who share similar romantic pasts, would make a great couple. However, the devil is in the details, as they say, and when certain details remain hidden from one's romantic interest, they can become weapons in an enemy's hands. That is exactly what the enemy hopes to achieve in Christy Barritt's Dubiosity.
The surrounding area hosts a number of shady characters, both privileged and not. Any one of them could be responsible for the multiple crimes affecting Savannah and her community. As clues appear, the author keeps you guessing who the villain might be right up to the end, adding several Gothic-feeling touches to drip a subtle layer of eeriness over this inspirational contemporary romantic suspense. Highly recommended!
Falling for Texas by Jill Lynn
What it's about (from publisher Love Inspired):
Raising his orphaned teenage sister isn't easy for Texas rancher Cash Maddox. The girl tests his parenting—and patience—at every turn! But when he asks new teacher Olivia Grayson for help with his sister's grades and attitude, Cash realizes he's facing the toughest trial of all. He made a promise that he wouldn't date and get distracted from his mission of being a good father figure. Yet Olivia's quick wit is drawing him unexpectedly closer to the caring beauty every day. Could it be time to make a new vow…one that'll last a lifetime?
Why you should read it: The story is driven by two realistic characters dealing with very human regrets. Both have very valid reasons to resist the pull of romance, and those reservations up the tension as their attraction grows.
Of special note is how the author gives a nod to Texas high school football, but provides a serious girl-power fist-bump to oft-ignored female athletes through the victories of volleyball coach Olivia and her star player, who happens to be Cash's little sister. Jill Lynn for the win, ladies! (And gentlemen.)
Serving just the right amount of sass to bump attraction toward love, a few knee-melting lip locks make it difficult for romance to stay on the bench for long. This book is a fun and witty read that will leave you eager to find out what new author Jill Lynn will serve up next. Grab it!
At Home in Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong
What it's about (from publisher Revell):
Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden have always had a similar philosophy of life: when the going gets tough, they get going--out of town and away from the problem. Now they are both back in Last Chance, New Mexico, and trying to start over.
Kaitlyn is working to reestablish a relationship with the seven-year-old daughter she left behind six months earlier. Steven is trying to prove to his family that he is not the irresponsible charmer they have always known him to be. As Kaitlyn and Steven find themselves drawn to one another, one big question keeps getting in the way: How will they learn to trust each other when they don't even trust themselves?
Why you should read it: The third stand-alone title in Cathleen Armstrong's A Place to Call Home series, At Home in Last Chance invites readers to be a part of the aptly named small town Last Chance, New Mexico.
If you've ever felt like the "bad seed" of your family, you will easily identify with both Kaitlyn and Steven as they try to reconcile dodgy pasts toward a more hopeful future. If you're the "golden child," but you have a "bad seed" in your family or circle of friends, this sweet and lovely romance might just help you look upon them with a bit more compassion. A very subtle faith thread rounds out the plot to a sweet conclusion of which romance readers will approve, confident this couple's happy ever after is on its way. Don't miss this one!
A writer, performer and accomplished partaker of dark chocolate, Serena Chase lives in Iowa with her husband and two daughters. Her Eyes of E'veria series — The Ryn, The Remedy and The Seahorse Legacy — is out now. You can find out more about her at serenachase.com.