Must-read inspy romances: 'To Win Her Favor,' 'Reservations for Two,' 'In Tune with Love'
To Win Her Favor by Tamera Alexander
What it's about (from publisher Zondervan):
A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.
An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He's come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he'd wagered, especially when Maggie Linden's father makes him an offer he shouldn't accept yet cannot possibly refuse.
Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance--and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder—Maggie's father, aging, yet wily as ever, makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail—Maggie must marry a man she's never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.
Why you should read it: Featuring a smart heroine who must tamp down her will and adjust her dreams to fit within the constraints of 1800s Southern society, this second novel in the Belle Meade Plantation series stands sturdily on its own. In To Win Her Favor, author Tamera Alexander creates a fresh take on the marriage-of-convenience plot by inserting an expanded view of the prejudices that so defined that era of our nation's history. Bravely allowing her heroine to be hindered in both life and love by her own gilded bigotries against those of different heritage, the author allows Maggie's eyes to be opened gradually to the hypocrisy of her views as her heart opens, little by little, to the possibility of loving an Irishman.
A vivid glimpse into Nashville's history, To Win Her Favor is excellent historical romance with a gentle faith thread that adds depth to the tale, proving once again that you just can't go wrong picking up a Tamera Alexander romance!
Reservations for Two by Hillary Manton Lodge
What it's about (from publisher WaterBrook Press):
A culinary concoction of taking chances and finding love in the most delectable places.
Food writer-turned-restaurateur Juliette D'Alisa has more than enough on her plate. While her trip to Provence might have unlocked new answers to her grandmother's past, it's also provided new complications in the form of Neil McLaren, the man she can't give up.
Juliette and Neil find romance simple as they travel through Provence and Tuscany together, but life back home presents a different set of challenges. Juliette has a restaurant to open, a mother combating serious illness, and a family legacy of secrets to untangle — how does Neil, living so far away in Memphis, fit into to her life?
As she confronts an uncertain future, Juliette can't help but wish that life could be as straightforward as her chocolate chip cookie recipe. Can her French grandmother's letters from the 1940's provide wisdom to guide her present? Or will every new insight create a fresh batch of mysteries?
Why you should read it: A wonderful follow-up to Hillary Manton Lodge's 2014 must-read A Table by the Window, this sequel serves up another helping of flavorful family dynamics, mysteries from the past, delicious romance ... and food — oh, the food!
The title of this novel paints a sweet picture while serving as a clever play on words concerning the challenges faced by those engaged in long-distance love. Including recipes for dishes that provide characters soothing comfort, delectable sweetness and a hint of spice in turn, this story builds like a good boil to an abrupt — and perfect — surprise ending that will leave readers satisfied, yet craving the next delectable course in this savory series.
Serena lingers at the table for a little Q&A with Hillary Manton Lodge …
Serena: If you could spend a month in any of the places Julia visits over the course of the novel, which would it be?
Hillary: Hands down, Chateau de l'Abeille. I could really use a stay at a Provencal castle surrounded by lavender fields, couldn't you?
Serena: Absolutely! It sounds lovely. If you visited the chateau, which character from the novel would you most want to take with you?
Hillary: Juliette's older sister, Caterina, hands down. Juliette and I are too much alike to be inspired travel companions. Caterina, on the other hand, is adventurous and savvy and a smashing cook — so she'd totally be up for exploring Montignac or a last-minute trip to Paris.
Serena: I love Caterina. She's sassy and wise, a great big sis! In the novel, Juliette cooks, eats and enjoys a wide range of cuisine. What is your favorite ethnic food?
Hillary: Moroccan, which I actually began exploring when I started doing research for A Table by the Window — one of the key characters in Juliette's past is of Moroccan descent. It's hard to find Moroccan food in Oregon — there are only two Moroccan restaurants in the Portland area, currently, but one of them in particular, Dar Essalam in Wilsonville, is a favorite destination restaurant.
Another thing I love about Moroccan cuisine, too, is that it's really approachable for the home cook. Indian food — not so much (and I've tried. Believe me). But Moroccan cuisine is fairly streamlined. There are often a number of spices in Moroccan cuisine, and it shines best when the meats have been marinated at length, but on the whole the preparation is simple and straight-forward.
In Tune With Love by Amy Matayo
What it's about (from publisher Zondervan):
April Quinn loves her sister and wants to make sure the week of her wedding is the happiest of her life, even if it means putting up with Kristin's every crazy whim. But when Kristin hires Jack Vaughn as the wedding singer, all sisterly devotion flies out the window. No way will she work with Jack after what he stole from her.
Jack Vaughn is supposed be beyond these small gigs. After all, he's on the cusp of launching his first headlining tour. But accepting the job was a spur-of-the-moment decision, and it will mean seeing April again. Surely she has forgiven him for that one lapse of judgment so long ago—the decision that shot him to stardom and left her behind, writing songs and waiting tables.
As April and Jack keep appearances for the sake of Kristen's happiness, they rediscover a chemistry that never quite fizzled out. But will they be able to rewrite two solos into a timeless duet?
Why you should read it: April Quinn is a quirky, lovable heroine, a sometime-martyr dedicated to keeping the peace in her often insulting family. She's far from spineless, however, and you cannot help but empathize with her plight and cheer on her (mostly) quiet determination. Jack, on the other hand, is a desperate sort of rascal whose tight-fitting jeans are made of star material. *wink* Although he can come off as a cocky young buck, his insecurities lead to desperation, which causes him to make the biggest — but most profitable — mistake of his life. As his star rises — thanks to that original deceit — those insecurities evolve, alongside the fear that April, whose cuteness has gained a layer of "sexy" he cannot deny, will out him as a fraud, ruin his career ... and perhaps break his heart.
No. 5 in HarperCollins' A Year of Weddings series of novellas, each penned by a different author, this stand-alone novella is a quick, fun read that will make your heart go pitter-pat (with a touch of Tennessee twang!). Taking the friends-to-enemies-to-lovers plot and adding a costly betrayal and country music celebrity angle, author Amy Matayo proves her deft hand at crafting contemporary romance. Don't miss this fun novella!
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.