Contemporary Books

anything Rochelle Alers writes is a masterpiece... all the books from this series makes you wish for a family like this...they are beautiful all around. thank you ms. Alers...

This is a good read, great plot and characters. Nice to catch up with the first generation of the Hideaway Legacy. I like the cultural references to the Native American culture in this series - quite educational. However I did not understand Sara's reason for breaking up with Salem you would think 2 people were not involved in the bedroom so why did she not take some responsibility especially after promising his mother that she would never hurt him, she breaks up with him cos he forgets to use a condom! Fickle woman! (I roll my eyes)
Anyway I look forward to reading Christopher and Emily story its quite obvious since Harvest moon they gonna get together-:o)

"Just Before Dawn" is Sara Sterling's and Salem Lassiter's story. Sara's much deserved vacation back home on her parents' ranch turns out to be much more than she ever envisioned. Sara and Dr. Salem Lassiter began casually dating, which later turns into a serious venture.

Although, Sara has been dating other men, it has been a while since Sara has thought of actually becoming involved with a man. After having overcome an "eyeopener" involving the man she was engaged to be married to, Sara has shied away from becoming emotionally involved.

The romance department has not treated Salem any better. He has been "burned" by love, but is it now time to throw water on the ashes and smother the fire, then go on and find new love? Can that new love be with Sara?

Salem and Sara seemed to be drawn to each other, their lives seem to be entwined. A new and greater love awaits for them, but they must first overcome some mishaps in their lives.

Sara has learned some things about Salem's past, but she must determine the truth involving them. Also, Sara's life is not free from obstacles. Her life is embroiled in danger and intrigue. Can they survive the dangers that await them and live a life of true love that awaits them "Just Before Dawn"?

Another great one, Ms. Alers!

"Just Before Dawn" is Sara Sterling's and Salem Lassiter's story. Sara's much deserved vacation back home on her parents' ranch turns out to be much more than she bargin for. Sara Sterling is a woman who has it together inside and outside of the courtroom. Salem Lassiter is a preimer vet. when they bring their dynamte lives toghether what can you expect accept for an expolsion.

So go ahead and turn off your phone and put the kids to sleep and get ready for a ride u will never forget.

Wow! I am definitely not taking this book to the resale book store!

Rochelle is a great writer. I love the way that she weaves the historical and cultural information into the stories.. I have already checked into visiting New Mexico and Arizona.

Previously I did not read romance novels.They turned me off because I thought that they were a sappy waste of pulp. But.... I was looking for much needed interracial fiction one day, and the book Vows popped up. I read a few pages and was immediatelly hooked. I then had to get another and another. I finally found my way to Just Before Dawn. By theis time, I felt that I knew the characters. I felt that they could have been my relatives.. I started to see myself in some of their personalities.

Plus, the sexxxy Salem character had me hotter than pepper pudding by the time my husband got home from work.

Now, he buys Rochelle Alers books for me!

Favorite scene with Cynthia/Cyn-
Discovering the password and being caught and all that follows.

Favorite scene with Jake-
Emotional, thinking Cynthia/Cyn may be dead.

Together-
Hiding behind the crates and making love while trying not to get
caught.

LIVE A LITTLE--Nancy Warren

Cynthia Baxter decides to spice up her life, so she buys a copy of Raunch magazine's fantasy issue and surprises her fiance with handcuffs and a fantasy. Unfortunately, her fiance--soon to be her ex-fiance--gets a call and rushes out, forgetting her. That's how Jake Wheeler comes to find her naked, handcuffed to her bedposts. Jake needs help...a sexy little account is just what the FBI needs. And Cyn? Well, she might be just what Jake himself needs.

Nancy Warren's Blaze Romance, Live a Little, will occasionally have you laughing more than a little as she spins a hot tale of love.

Accountant Cynthia Baxter would like to learn to live a little. Her six year engagement to a doctor more concerned with patients than his personal relationships drives her to desperate measures. She purchases the September issue of Raunch Magazine, which categorizes its fantasies into Boudoir Beginners, Intimate Intermediates, and Erotically Advanced. She'd even highlighted her favorite fantasies. But Walter leaves her naked and handcuffed to the bed while he leaves to deliver a baby. Hours later, a neighbor finally comes to the rescue. But meeting FBI agent Jake Wheeler under such conditions does not fulfill her fantasy.

At first, Jake Wheeler assumes Cynthia's prone position resulted from a working girl's day gone bad. Her trash looks juxtapose an oddly innocent expression in her eyes, driving his libido over the edge, even if he has sworn off wild women with revolving bedroom doors. However, when he realizes that Cynthia's an accountant, Jake convinces her to volunteer to help him crack a drug smuggling operation by accepting a new job with his quarry. Cynthia leaps at the opportunity for change and excitement. She transforms herself into Cyn the Bold and prepares to plunge into the world of black ops, spies and danger. Even as Jake suspects that the sophisticated sex-pot routine is fake, it's too late to withdraw from a very dangerous situation-both undercover and under the covers.

Now this is what a Blaze should be! Sexy, daring, and bold with a dash of levity, LIVE A LITTLE! lives up to my highest expectations. The heroine doesn't waste time protesting her innocence, the hero doesn't struggle over needless issues, and the plot never slows. Indeed, the dangerous plot echoes the dangerous eroticism of a handcuff fantasy, resulting in a terrific read. Pleasing, tempting and erotic, LIVE A LITTLE! comes very highly recommended.

Cynthia Baxter decides to spice up her life, so she buys a copy of Raunch magazine's fantasy issue and surprises her fiance with handcuffs and a fantasy. Unfortunately, her fiance--soon to be her ex-fiance--gets a call and rushes out, forgetting her. That's how Jake Wheeler comes to find her naked, handcuffed to her bedposts. Jake needs help...a sexy little account is just what the FBI needs. And Cyn? Well, she might be just what Jake himself needs.

Nancy Warren's Blaze Romance, Live a Little, will occasionally have you laughing more than a little as she spins a hot tale of love.

I was surprised to read all of the wonderful feedback for the book. I'm all for fairy tales but this was so way out there even I couldn't believe it. I am fairly certain that no FBI agent would enlist the services of a complete novice because they hoped said novice would sleep with the boss and discover his secrets. Nevermind that the FBI agent has completely misjudged Cyn, the main character, forming the opinion that she is faast and loose simply because he had to rescue her while she was handcuffed naked to her bed (OK - that was good). I enjoyed reading about Cynthia's change from reserved to sexpot, that was fun. Unfortunately, the context in which it played out was ridiculous. Igave this 3 stars for the well written sex scenes (and there are quite a few) but the plot? 1 star would be pushing it.

Philadelphia to be exact - in this case, the city of Sisterly love!

Oh My! what an erotic book! and yet it had just the sweetest love story!

From hospital corridors to not so private sex near the softball diamond this book has it all!

Thirty year old Bren is attractive, thoughtful and introspective, she has a fulfilling job directing the rare books department at Temple University but has never been in a long term relationship.

Twenty-seven year old Candace, a model pretty blonde, has a high stakes job as a self-employed commodities trader who lives and loves in the moment.

Thirty-five year old Liz Ramsey is a medical attorney who is lovely inside and out.

The three met during their college days and have been fast friends since. Totally supportive of each other but that doesn't mean that they know all each other's secrets.

And gorgeous thirty-one year old orthopedic surgeon Dr. Reilly Danvers is a joy to read.

As a bonus for her readers the author has nice appearances from characters from her excellent novel 'Love's Tender Warriors'.

If you liked this novel you will also enjoy these tiles by the author -
Fated Love
Tomorrow's Promise
When Dreams Tremble
Passion's Bright Fury
Turn Back Time
Love's Melody Lost
Love's Masquerade
shadowland

Once it ended. Friends thought I had disappeared for a day when I started reading this book and made other plans! Seriously though, great book, intriguing characters, sex-surprisingly not all that much, but enough to really keep you interested. Anyway, Radclyffe proves that whether weilding a pen or a scalpel, she can cut to the heart of a her readers and her characters alike.

This is another one of Radclyffe's that I couldn't put down. Excellent story. Excellent characters. Great portray of true genuine friendship. It was good that there were three different storylines going on all at the same time, yet all linked together.

I really liked Bren. The soft spoken friend (well it appeared that way at first). I hope there is a sequel to this one. I would like to read more about her character in the future.

As usual I am never disappointed when it comes to Radyclyffe.

Radclyffe does her best work when she writes her stand alone novels. Unlike her series, which sell books, but have gotten rather mundane, this book has a fresh concept. It's not often that a lesbian novel features a central figure who is pregnant and alone. While Liz and Reilly are the major focus of the book, the most interesting character might be Bren, who has a couple of secrets she's kept from her best friends. Any of these characters could have carried the book and that makes them stronger than is usually seen in this genre. This is what Radclyffe excels at when she writes her stand alone novels. She should stick with it. The Lonely Hearts Club is a good read.

I have to preface this review by saying I'm a HUGE fan of Radclyffe's books. I think I have only rated two of her books 4, while all the others have been 5. Her last several books have really teetered on the edge for me, but this one is a strong comeback for my favorite author.

Here, much in the style of Saxon Bennett, the author delivers a variety of different women in a single plot. Even with the large cast, all are well-developed and their individual stories are tied together with skill and artistry.

I won't take the time to rehash to story here because the back cover text is pretty descriptive. However, I will tell you just how happy I am to finally see a Radclyffe book that is worthy of her talent and capability. This one is a don't-miss, absolutely.

Okay, I think I'm starting to get it. This is my 5th Heyer, and my favorite so far--the first one I've absolutely loved.

Prudence and Robin Marriot have returned to England in advance of their father, "the old gentleman." Their father is a con artist, and they're used to living a masquerade. This time, Prudence is dressed as a man, and Robin is dressed as a woman. I'm not quite clear what this is supposed to accomplish, but there's some danger relating to the Jacobite rising... Nevermind. It's not important.

Anyway, they're in disguise at their father's orders, and the plan was to lie low, but at an inn they run across Letty Grayson, and rescue her from a disastrous elopement, just in time to send her home with family friend Anthony Fanshaw, who she thinks her father wants her to marry.

Robin, as Kate, befriends Letty and eventually falls in love with her. Meanwhile, Anthony takes young Peter (Prudence) under his wing, and she falls in love with him, but she's apprehensive because he seems all too perceptive.

And they're thrust into the middle of London society, drawing far more attention than they'd intended, and Peter/Prudence is getting into scrapes that Anthony just happens to be on the spot to rescue him/her from.

Then their father arrives and announces he's a Viscount, the lost heir to the title, and things get even more topsy-turvy.

It took me a while initially to realize what was going on--that Prudence = Peter and Robin = Kate. It's not directly stated in the beginning, and while on the one hand, I was confused when it's first revealed--Peter was attracted to Sir Anthony? I didn't realize Heyer was that controversial--on the other hand, the masquerade was delightful, and once I got my bearings, I liked the way it was revealed.

The style is different from modern novels, at least most of the ones I read, and the reader doesn't get much of the characters' internal thoughts. Still, from their actions and dialogue, it's easy to discern what they're thinking and feeling. I'm beginning to see why so many authors love Heyer's work, and that ability to show emotion rather than just telling it.

I know I have one, possibly two more Heyers in my TBR pile that a friend gave me. Once I read those, I'm going to have to start buying my own. I surrender--I'm hooked.

I was extremely suprized by this Georgette Heyer book. It is way different than Fridays Child, The Nonesuch, or Cotillion. I have read many of her books, but this one was more of a mystery laced with romance. Initally the first several chapters in this book were hard to understand, there is a very involved plot, and it was hard to figure out what was going on. So after my intial read, I re-read it and I loved it! Filled with dangerous plots, mystery, a brave heroine, and romance. This book will keep you at the edge of your seat!!!

If you like witty fun stories, this is for you!

And, as in most Heyer novels, you will get an informative glimpse into the lives of your ancestors in England several hundred years ago.

This is one of the last Georgette Heyer novels that I got round to reading - it seemed hard to get hold of at local libraries. Having now read it, I can't understand why it is not more popular as I believe it's one of Heyer's better books. Although in some ways it bears similarity to Powder & Patch in terms of language (and I wasn't too keen on that book), the plot is far more enjoyable and twisted.

It helps to know that the two characters we meet at the beginning, Mr Peter Merriott and Miss Kate Merriott, are actually sister and brother in disguise. "Peter" is actually Miss Prudence and her brother, who was involved in the Jacobite rebellion and is therefore in some danger, disguises himself as a woman. Heyer gives us a few clues as to how this is successful - Robin (the brother) is unusually short for a man, it's the era when women painted their faces, he wears tight corsets, but overall this is a slight weakness in the plot, as is the thought that a woman dressed in man's clothes would pass for a man over a period of several weeks. One just glosses over it, however, and enjoys the fun of the masquerade as Prudence, dressed up as Peter Merriott, gets involved in London society and visits Gentlemen's clubs, challenges a man to a duel and finds herself in love with a very tall man who has befriended her - as Peter. Her brother Robin also falls in love with a young lady he rescued and it's the tortuous ways in which the young couple perform their masquerade which adds to the fun. Their father appears who is the mastermind behind their plans, and claims that he is a Viscount; there is much humour in the scenes with him as he is such an egocentric character.

The highlight of the book for me is the interaction between Prudence, disguised as Mr Peter Merriott, and Sir Anthony Fanshawe, with whom she falls in love. These two characters are well-portrayed and come across as well-suited when the final unmasking takes place.

I heartily recommend this book for a great fun read with interesting characters set in a fascinating period of English history.

It might be of interest for readers to know that Heyer wrote this book while she was living in Africa with her Husband in 1927/8. She was only 25, had been published for the last 6-7 years but still had very few novels under her belt (and still had not discovered her talent for Regency period) - and finally she was away from the resources she could use to check out her information

despite this book is still excellent and is based around the fall out of the second attempt by the stuarts to gain the throne of England in the Mid eighteenth century.

It centres on a brother and sister Robin and Prudence, who have been sent to England by their father, 'the old gentleman' to pave the way for his coming home. they have been sent in disguise and the first difficulty in this novel is realising that their father has had them BOTH cross dressing - so Robin is dressed as a woman and Prudence as a young Buck. they are quickly tested in their guises when coming across a young girl Letty Grayson who has mistakenly eloped. They save her and escape and run into the second character who will dominate their future adventures, the Man-Mountain - Sir Anthony.

This is Georgian England in all its excesses - the drinking, gaming, sword fighting, derring-do, plotting, conniving and romance. They must survive so that their father can reappear and reclaim his true identity, without being discovered and uncovered as Bonnie Prince Charlie's supporters of the past (which would mean they would need to flee the country for their lives) and must find the letter which condemns their family for its sympathys.

Written with alight hand, although I have found Heyer's georgian novels sometimes a little jarring in their use of slang - it is one of her better ones, and this really paves the way for her Regency romances which followed soon after. If you haven't read Heyer before, start with something light and frothy like the Grand Sohpy or The Corinthian - but don't ignore this one if you haven't read it yet - nice good humoured fun

The Casa Dracula books are crisply written with great vivid characters--best of all it's laugh out loud funny.

Can't wait for the next installment!

From eccentric & sometimes annoying family members, to cryptic ceremonies, to boyfriends disappearing (even if it is for a good cause), to the return of a fabulous lover, to a tabloid journalist & a washed up heartthrob, Mrs. Acosta does it again in her sequel to Happy Hour at Casa Dracula. Her character development and story telling ability is spectacular. Marta is definitely one of a kind. Her writing is sexy & spicy, yet witty & charming. The lead character, Milagro de los Santos, is a beautiful Latina grad from an Ivy League school, trying to find her way as an author in a world she never would have believed in if it hadn't jumped out and bit her. Literally. Secrets & lies and even Mil's life being threatened as to where she has to hide away at an upscale desert resort, the impending chaos ensues. Will Mil get her happy ending? Pick this book up...you will not regret a single page!

Midnight Brunch is just as satisfying as Happy Hour. I loved the new cast of characters and the emotional vampire/actor at the resort. Marta's characters are very real and relatable and she infuses her knowledge of literature (like a previous reviewer I too squealed at the Northanger Abbey reference)and pop culture (heiress, self absorbed actor.) As a writer, I love to read Milagro's struggles with her career path. Again I love how Marta turned Vampire stereotypes upside down and tries to reinvent them. I can't wait to read Bride and I already pre ordered the book.

I loved Midnight Brunch, I couldn't put it down, just like the first book, Happy Hour at Casa Dracula! The characters are well
developed and you can almost feel the emotions.I simply could not put it down! Highly amusing, sexy, and exciting at the same time, a perfect combination! I can't wait for the next book.

One of the funniest books I've ever read, a combination of social satire, romance and amiable camp. It still brings a smile to my face. A new, inventive spin on the vampire myth with engaging, lovable, offbeat characters. Read the sequel.

After 17 years of marriage, Elise (sister of Daphne and Michael Thorne) and Garrett Taylor have fallen into a rut. Work, kids, no time for themselves and one of the dirtiest words in a relationship - secrets, have gotten in the way of their loving marriage.

So, time together on a remote exotic island sounds like the perfect opportunity spend some quality time and rediscover one another, right? Maybe...but will it work?

Again, Ms. Savoy delivers. The love scenes and passion (especially when it's being rekindled) were wonderful. The chemistry between Garrett and Elise and how they fell in love will make you melt.

To get the full gist of the Thorne/Ward family, first read "Always" featuring Michael and "Once and Again," which tells Daphne's story. You won't be disappointed! Much respect, Ms. Savoy.

Elise and her husband Garrett have always had a solid marriage but now there seems to be a problem. Both Elise and Garrett have secrets they need to share but for some reason they are not revealing them. Is there something going on in their lives that could destroy their happy marriage or will a much needed vacation help them rekindle the flame? First read "Always" and then "Once and Again" they are the first two books in this continuing series.

This book had me holding my breath. You knew their relationship was headed for trouble if they did not fix things. Their lack of attention towards each other and communication are the main things that lead other marriages to divorce court. Keeping secrets did not make things better. Taking a trip together was just what the doctor orderd. Helped them find their passion, but most of all it helped them learn about themselves as individuals and as a team. This was a wonderful book!... Hoping she writes on about Elise's father finding his next love of his life. That would make for an interesting story.

When a marriage is on the brink of falling apart, what do you do? You depend on your family to come up with something crazy to make you realize how much in love you are.

Elise Taylor and Garrett fell in love in college and that love flurouis for over fifteen years until things get in the way and make the two of them unsettled about their futures.

The story is a good read and make you understand why communcation is important in a relationship.

Midnight Magic by Deidre Savoy Midnight Magic is about love and secrets. Secrets are harmful in the best of marriages, what can they do to a marriage already in trouble?Elise could not believe what her doctor had just told her. How can she tell her husband? They are already having problems in their marriage although neither will admit to it. Surely this will be the one final straw to destroy this almost 20 year old once happy marriage. Elise Taylor is a successful interior designer, her husband Garrett is a successful pediatrician, but Garrett is more than that to Elise. He is her hero who had come to her rescue in college more than once. But there is nothing he can do to save her from the news she has just received from her doctor. In her husband's eyes, she has always been young, beautiful and vibrant. What will he see now? Garrett Taylor had come up through the ranks to reach this comfortable stage in his life. While in college he was popular but not as popular as his friend Randy, nor did he come from "right" background. But there was something about him that made young Elise sit up and take notice. When she found out that Garret had no family to speak of, she invited him to her home for Thanksgiving break and he had been in her life ever since then. Now years later, their eagerness to succeed and long office hours has taken its toll on them and their marriage. And, for the first time each one holds a secret from the other. Elise is determined to fix her marriage by regaining what they once had. A plan to rekindle passion plus a trip to a Caribbean Island at Christmas time may just be what the doctored ordered. But first Elise and Garrett must connect mentally and physically by opening up and sharing their feelings and their secrets. Just when Elise and Garrett are rediscovering the passion they thought they had lost forever, distraction comes by way of a beautiful, slender "twenty something" looking for Garrett. Midnight Magic touches on how our own fears and insecurities led us to pull away from those we love. Vannie(~.~)

Great historical book of the middle east telling the every day life of families life during war which you never hear in the news or history books and very historically correct. The region now is still very much this way and its not too mushy of a romance so great for men to read also.

Don't expect this love story to go where you think. Amin Maalouf unfolds a tale of hopes, joys and disappointments, in which the deserving stumble and fall, the undeserving rise up - or is it the other way around? Just when you are ready to catch your breath, his story line diverts you down a different path. The narrative within a narrative shows how the human will can struggle against overwhelming odds. The tribulations of star-crossed Muslim-Jewish lovers - Ossyane and Clara - keep the drama on edge, right to the very end.

This is the third novel of Amin Maalouf which I have completed, first was Samarkand and second Leo the African , I cannot really rank them may be because there is no comparison and all of them are written in different historical perspectives.
Ports of call is a love story of Ossyane, an ottoman muslim by blood, born in Beirut and Clara a jew both of them meet in France in second world war days at a comrades home and this single meeting becomes a cornerstone for their marriage which takes place much later, they live together for a very brief period and then live for decades with new drawn boundaries between them, to meet again only. I read this novel continuously to complete it but then at last ten pages I left it for one more day because I did not want to finish this beautiful story so quickly.
It is one more very well written novel by Amin Maalouf.

When I bought this book I was sure that Amin Maalouf wasn't going to be able to write something as good as "Leo Africanus"; I was wrong!!! Even though these two books are totally different, the author managed to make something brilliant out of a love story.
The author wrote the story in a really simple and exciting way; He permits the reader to imagine everything in a clear and perfect way.

This is the most outstanding of all the Maalouf novels I have read- and I must tell you I read almost all. This is probably also because the novel starts at my birthplace Adana, a southern town in Turkey. The novel is loaded with overflowing emotions. Not only I read it once every year but also I have gifted it at least 3-4 times.

Tonya writes with a gentle rawness that comes from her heart. Her honesty and passion make Seasons of Her a worthwhile read. You'll find her writing an inspiration, something you'll find yourself coming back to.

Tonya Marie Evans is a talented and spirited writer who has captured the reality and beauty of being a woman. Every season of a woman's life should be celebrated. Tonya's books is just that, a celebration of life. "SHINE ON" my poetic sister.

Tonya is a powerful poet! Must read for those who love poetry!

Tonya's poetry touches the soul. Life and poetry in seasons...definitely real and in line with the moods brought on by daily living, season after season. Summer is my favorite "season"! This is a great bedside book...for all reading pleasures! Continued literary success, Tonya!

In reading Seasons of Her (as well as seeing the Diva perform LIVE in Atlanta), Tonya Marie Evans' ability to touch my inner spirit through her God given GIFT eased many of my fears and doubts about my own gifts as a WOMAN and as a writer. Tonya relates to the woman, striver, achiever, nurturer and lover in all of us.

Although a complex species... (WOMAN) Tonya simplifies it all by proving through emotional and reverrant poety, that love of self, finding that place within YOU and creating that 'space' of love, peace and creativity in this world is what we are meant and were created to do.

Whether I wanted to Find My Own Shine or not, the fire that her poetry starts within, and her ability to paint pictures of her soul as well as the readers, will illuminate a light so brightly that even YOU won't be able to stop or stand it!!!

BUY this book, read it... and FIND YOUR OWN SHINE!

Both of Patricia Vaughn's books were great. Very sophisticated and she's a great story teller. I wish she would write several more. I'd buy every one!

If you enjoy reading romance novels; then you won't be able to stop reading this deeply affectionate,loving story by Patricia. I've never read any of her books but, this one caught my attention by the Subtitle. I didn't want to put it down. If you haven't purchased it yet, I recommend you purchase a 'used' one because it's out of print. Unfortunately, I loaned this book(h/c) out & forgot to whom I allowed to borrow it, they nvr rtnd it..sigh...

I loved this book, although it was a bit too long. I really enjoyed it and I thought it was worth the extra pages. I also learned a few things reading this book. I wish there were more historical authors out there besides Patricia Vaughn and Beverly Jenkins.

Shadow s on the Bayou is a wonderfully book that is sure yo keep you up all night reading it. The story is about a young woman named Sylvia Dupont . She lives in New Orleans and because of her mixed heritage, is part of the placage system of being "sold" to a rich creole gentleman as his mistress;however, she falls in love with aJustin, an ironworker and must defy her mother and break sociity's rules jsut to be with him!How does the book end? You must read to find out! True, the book is long but, you will never become tired of reading it. Kudos to Mrs. VAughn for yet another well written masterpiece!

Why are her books so riveting? Despite what one reviewer said about Ms. Vaughn's latest work, I believe that this book was POWERFUL! It was very well researched and although the plot was long, you'll never become bored and the book was very well written. The author really does have a writing style that makes you feel like you are watching the story of Sylvia and Justin's love unfold. Although classified as a romance novel, this book is so much more. It provides a little known history of the "Selling" of women of mixed blood in New Orleans to wealthy Creole planters as mistresses, a part of history that wouldn't be found in a textbook. The characters are great and I wish that Mrs. Vaughn would write another novel. We need more authors like her who can write romances that have life lessons and moral twists too. I am throughly convinced that ANY Patricia Vaughn novel can stand up against a Beverly Jenkins novel, any day of the week. And in some cases, can beat them!! You know I only tell the truth, what have I to gain by lying about it? Kudos to Ms. VAughn! She's done it again!!

Seamless--that's the writing of Virginia Smith. This author has the ability to move me along line-on-line and chapter-by-chapter before I even think to come up for air. "How long have I been reading?" I ask myself. Actually, I don't care; I simply pick up the thread of Mayla's unconventional approach to life and dive. Smith weaves Mayla in and out of a job loss, a Florida trip to patch up a relationship, and an online tete-a-tete. Can unconventional meet conventional and survive with faith intact? With her typical candor and strength, Mayla doesn't disappoint. And neither does Virginia Smith in Sincerely, Mayla.

I still say that my favorite book is "Just As I AM". I loved how it made me look at people differently, hopefully more like Christ looks at them. So when I heard there was a sequel, I wasn't sure I'd like it. But, Mayla is so real that I was immediately swept back into her story. I laughed, cried and just enjoyed Mayla all over again! She is a friend to those who really need one, a daughter/granddaughter to love and be loved by, and someone who isn't too proud to let the Lord still work in her heart. I highly recommend you get both books about Mayla to read and enjoy!

Sincerely Mayla is Virginia Smith's follow up to Just As I Am, where we first met Mayla Strong a young and very unconventional character and watched her come to faith. Sincerely Mayla brings us this lovable character as endearing as she was in book one, though a bit tamed in her appearance, sporting fewer piercings and less colorful hair.

In the thick of winter, Mayla finds herself unemployed, on the outs with Pastor Paul who Mayla discovers she has feelings for, and the proud owner of a pet that she finds in the middle of a storm. When faced with these disasters does Mayla do what every unemployed, lovesick, pet owning woman should do? No, of course, not. This is Mayla we're talking about here. She sets off for Orlando, not to visit the big mouse, but to reconnect with her grandmother and get away from her problems. But poor, Mayla. Her problems hop on the plane or zip through emails and the telephone to make her vacation anything but restful.

As an avowed suspense and mystery lover, I rarely make time for novels outside of this genre. Virginia Smith's books are one of the few exceptions. Smith does such a wonderful job of character development. She provides the reader with a unique cast doing battle with everyday issues and marries this with the struggle to live within their faith. Wrap all of this up with humor and a fun plot and you have one must read after another.

Sincerely Mayla certainly fits this mold and is another Smith winner. Through Mayla's innocence we see the world from a different perspective. We watch her struggle with her new faith and think about how we live out our own faith. Her innocence coupled with the basic desire to do the right thing makes Mayla a very loveable character. She faces the same life issues we all face and the reader can deeply empathize with Mayla, forming a strong bond with her. Don't miss Sincerely Mayla or any other Virginia Smith novel. Buy one today, you won't be disappointed.

I thoroughly enjoy Virginia Smith's Mayla books. This is book two in the series, and Mayla is a Christian now, but she still has a world of problems. Her boss lays her off so he can hire his niece to take her place, she finds a rabbit in a blinding snowstorm and takes him home with her and he promptly tries to chew up her bedroom. Her gay neighbor blames her because his partner became a Christian and moved out, and she makes a fool of herself in front of Pastor Paul, the man she dreams about becoming more than just a friend. Overwhelmed, she decides, against her mother's advice, to go to Florida and see her grandmother. But grandmother is a train load of trouble, all by her self. Funny, touching, with a ton of very human conflict, and a strong faith message. Who could want anything more?

"I've always said if the Lord had intended His people to live in snow He would have put the garden of Eden in the middle of the North Pole." So begins Sincerely, Mayla. With these opening words from Mayla Strong I immediately related to her. And even though she's a bit younger and more impulsive than I am, I stayed with her through the whole book, feeling her struggles, laughing at her joys, rooting her on as she tries to fix things.

Nobody can handle serious subjects quite like Virginia Smith. She deals with several "hot button" topics here, but with such a light touch that it never comes off as preachy. This is just Mayla, living her life, trying to be the person God wants her to be, and hitting a few speed bumps along the way. Smith has written a funny, touching sequel to Just As I Am. If you haven't read it, you will still enjoy Sincerely, Mayla., but you'll probably enjoy Mayla's story a lot more if you know how she started.