I’ve been reading a lot lately (as you may have noticed). Several of my recent reads have been Christian fiction . . . and, let’s be honest, some of that genre is better than others. I’m happy to say that most of the books I’ve checked out (mostly literally, as I am a big fan of the library) have been the good kind.
First off is My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren. I love pretty much everything Warren writes, and this was no exception. Here’s the gist of the book:
Isadora Presley is {secretly} Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk show offering millions advice on love. Her new neighbor, Caleb Knight, is a war veteran and a hopeful for the town’s high school football coach. In a weak desperate random moment, he calls into Issy’s show and sparks fly – both on the air and across the fence.
The catch? Neither one realizes they’re talking to each other on the radio. And, oh yeah, they’re hiding other things, too.
Thankfully, these characters don’t play silly games and the story is heartwarming without being cheesy. And it reminded me of You’ve Got Mail, which is never a bad thing.
You can read an excerpt yourself at Susan May Warren’s website. Or get a copy of your own, which I recommend.
A few other books I’ve read lately (yes, this – as usual – does explain why I am behind on laundry and have a very large stack of papers sitting on my desk. Again.):
- Stand-In Groom, Menu for Romance and A Case for Love by Kaye Dacus. Loved them.
- Also Love Remains by Kaye Dacus. Clearly, I just like Kaye Dacus. And I do.
- Stretch Marks and Operation Bonnet by Kimberly Stuart. I liked the first one a lot and the second one a little.
- Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones was good, although I will say I liked Just Between You & Me better. But this one had sarcastic characters pretending to be a couple, which is always fun. For me.
- Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck was pretty good. I wasn’t sure when I read the description, but it was better than I expected.
- The Perfect Blend by Trish Perry was great. I really like everything Trish Perry writes, but good grief, could that cover be less appealing?
- A Heart Most Worthy and A Constant Heart by Siri Mitchell. I loved A Heart Most Worthy, but A Constant Heart was annoying. On a separate note, both covers are lovely.
About the book: My Foolish heart
Unknown to her tiny town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley spends her nights as Miss Foolish Heart, the star host of a syndicated talk radio show. Millions tune in to hear her advice on dating and falling in love, unaware that she’s never really done either. Issy’s ratings soar when it seems she’s falling in love on-air with a caller. A caller she doesn’t realize lives right next door.
Caleb Knight served a tour of duty in Iraq and paid a steep price. The last thing he wants is pity, so he hides his disability and moves to Deep Haven to land his dream job as the high school football coach. When his beautiful neighbor catches his eye, in a moment of desperation he seeks advice from My Foolish Heart, the show that airs before his favorite sports broadcast.
Before he knows it, Caleb finds himself drawn to the host—and more confused than ever. Is his perfect love the woman on the radio . . . or the one next door?
Read an excerpt here: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/novels/contemporary-romance/
Do you read Christian fiction? If so, who’s your favorite author? And what’s the best book you’ve read lately?
I was provided a copy of My Foolish Heart by Litfuse Publicity Group, but all opinions are my own. As usual.
I read something of Susan May Warren’s and a couple of Jenny B. Jone’s books from your recommendations. I enjoyed them. I’ll look into this one by Susan May Warren and Kaye Dacus. Thanks for the tips! Right now I’m reading a book by Lynn Austin – it’s good.
I don’t think I’ve read Lynn Austin before. Does she write contemporary or historical?
I know what you mean about Christian fiction! I had to give a similar disclaimer when I wrote about my favorites in that category. I haven’t kept up with Susan May Warren but perhaps I’ll give that one a try. I agree about Save the Date- very enjoyable because of the bantering characters but I liked her first one better. I’m really looking forward to her next release because it involves Ireland! I was not a fan of Dining with Joy- too many gaps and unexplained actions/motivations. The Perfect Blend popped up as a recommendation on Christianbook.com but I hadn’t heard anything about it until you. May have to give it a try! Have you read Siri Mitchell’s contemporary fiction? I haven’t read her historical stuff but The Cubicle Next Door and Moon Over Tokyo are exceptionally good.
Have you read anything by Tamara Leigh? She often makes me giggle out loud. Robin Jones Gunn is another steady favorite.
I agree – Dining with Joy wasn’t the best. I enjoyed Hauck’s other books MUCH more! And yes, I love Siri Mitchell’s contemporary books. I wish she’d write more! I do like Tamara Leigh – a lot. I will admit, though, I haven’t read anything by Robin Jones Gunn in a long time. I need to check her out again!
I also reviewed this book too and really liked it. Very inspiring! Have a super week :O)