Love and a Little White Lie (State of Grace) Kindle Edition by Tammy L. Gray

 Book Excerpt:

"January Sanders grew up believing karma was more reliable than an imaginary higher power, but after suffering her worst heartbreak in 29 years, she's open to just about anything, including taking a temporary position at her aunt's church. Keeping her lack of faith a secret, January is determined to use her photographic memory to help Grace Community's overworked staff, all while scraping herself off rock bottom.

What she doesn't count on is meeting the church's handsome and charming guitarist, who not only is a strong believer but has also dedicated his life to Christian music. It's a match set for disaster, and yet January has no ability to stay away, even if it means pretending to have faith in a God she doesn't believe in.

Only this time, keeping secrets isn't as easy as she thought it would be. Especially when she's constantly running into her aunt's landscape architect, who seems to know everything about her past and present sins and makes no apologies about pushing her to deal with feelings she'd rather keep buried.

Torn between two worlds incapable of coexisting, can January find the healing that's eluded her or will her resistance to the truth ruin any chance of happiness?"

Title:  Love and a Little White Lie

Author:  Tammy L. Gray

Publisher:   Bethany House Publishers 

Series:  State of Grace

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Love and a Little White Lie" by Tammy L. Gray

My Opinion:  

'Love and a Little White Lie' was a read that would be hard to put down. I felt sorry for January Sanders in the way she had been raised by a mother who was an atheist. So, it wasn't surprising that January [Jan] had problems understanding God in her life. And with what had happened between the two sisters,[ her mom and aunt Doreen] and with what had happened with Jan's ex-boyfriend, it was understandable why religion had not been discussed with Jan. But to have a job working in a church as Jan had undertaken due to her aunt's help was something in how she now had begun to seemed somewhat happy. Now, why was that? It was interesting seeing Jan grows in this story where starting as a nonbeliever. Meeting Cameron, Dillon, and others from well-developed secondary characters added quite a bit to the story. The reader will find out from picking up 'Love and a Little Lie' is that the title tells the whole story. What will happen when this 'little white lie,' which had been a big secret in Jan's life, comes out? After all, is said and done, the romantic relationship that switched was made proving to be what it is to be will be, giving the reader a truly 'gripping, thoughtful, and romantic' story.  

Cinnamon Kisses: A Christmas Novella (The Bakery Romance Series Book 7) Kindle Edition by Cecelia Dowdy

 Book Excerpt:

"♥ The Bakery Romance Series ♥

What would you do if you caught your fiancé cheating on you?

After Kelly Richardson walks in on her cheating fiancé, she makes some drastic changes in her life. At thirty years old, she moves away from home for the first time, desperate to escape her controlling father. When she volunteers for her church’s Christmas homeless ministry, she’s stunned when she discovers that Jamal Jennings, her first love, has also volunteered to feed the homeless.

Jamal Jennings has returned to Baltimore to care for his sick mother. He’s determined to stay in the area and open up his own bakery, and it appears that Kelly can help him fulfill his dream. But, when their dormant feelings from long ago are reawakened, Kelly admits that she is not emotionally ready to face their deep attraction.

During the Christmas season, can Jamal and Kelly find the courage to fulfill their dreams?"

Cinnamon Kisses is an emotional sweet romance. Download today!

Books in The Bakery Romance Series
Loving Luke (A Christmas Novella) - 0
Raspberry Kisses - 1
Shades of Chocolate -2
Sweet Dreams - 3
Sugar and Spice (A Christmas Novella) - 4
Southern Comfort - 5
Sweet Delights - 6
Cinnamon Kisses (A Christmas Novella) - 7

Title:  Cinnamon Kisses:  A Christmas Novella

Author:  Cecelia Dowdy

Publisher:  Divine Desserts Publishing, LLC    

Series:  The Bakery Romance Series Book 7

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Cinnamon Kisses" by Cecelia Dowdy

My Speculation:

I enjoyed this story, "Cinnamon Kisses," which brought the series The Bakery Romance, featuring Kelly and Jamal.  For poor Kelly, I know it was quite something seeing your fiance in another women's arms, and I could understand her feelings all the way from her own father and ex-fiance.  It just so happens that an old boyfriend shows up, and the story takes quite a turn, especially when it came to Kelly's father.   As I said earlier, I could understand why Kelly felt the way she did, and thank God that comes into her life helps her make the change she needed to make.  Yes, there was a time for 'love, friendship, happiness, thankfulness, forgiveness, and above all, trust' that both Kelly and Jamal needed in their lives.  Will these two get to that happy place?

This is where I say you will have to pick up "Cinnamon Kisses" to see how well this author will bring it all out to the reader.  I enjoyed the whole series!

Chocolate Dreams (The Candy Beach Series Book 1) Kindle Edition by Cecelia Dowdy

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Book Excerpt:

"Overnight, Monica Crawford finds her neatly organized world turned upside down. Her sister abandons her blind son, Scotty, leaving him on Monica's doorstep. Caring for a child was not in Monica's carefully-laid plans, after all, she's working on her MBA while pursuing a marketing director position. However, caring for a handicapped child brings unexpected conflict-but unexpected joy as well. When John French volunteers to tutor Scotty, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Monica. But John and Monica are very different. She is a strong believer, determined to live her life for Christ. John is an agnostic who wants nothing to do with God. Will John see the light? Will Monica realize that sometimes letting go of a dream is the way to achieve it? Only in full surrender will either of them be happy- whether they end up together or alone."

Title: Chocolate Dreams
Author: Cecelia Dowdy
Publisher: Divine Desserts Publishing LLC
Series: The Candy Beach Series Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Chocolate Dreams" by Cecelia Dowdy

My Speculation:


The author gives the reader a beautiful story of how one that had been hurt finds love in the end. I enjoyed how the story was presented with a 'Chocolate Dreams' Candy Company, which involved Monica and John that deals with her blind nephew, a crazy aunt, and a tutor. With Monica having a lot on her plate from having dealt with an ex, and now it looks like someone else may be of interest; however, there was something that wasn't right in this situation. I liked how this author gave us quite a twist in the story with the characters in how everything was finally resolved. If you are looking for a story that has a mix of faith, love of family, and then some romance, you will have a little bit of it all.

Love Walked In: 8 Romantic Short Stories (Aspiring Love Collection Book 2) Kindle Edition by Tyora Moody (Author), T. A. Beasley (Author), Jeanette W. Hill (Author), Annie Johnson (Author), Linda Leigh Hargrove (Author), Alicia Fleming (Author), Wanda B. Campbell (Author), Patricia A. Bridewell (Author)

Book Synopsis:

"Love can be so unexpected and can arrive in our life at just the right time. LOVE WALKED IN features eight sweet Christian romance short stories from veteran and new authors. Enjoy stories of characters finding love at last.

Stories include:

EYES WIDE SHUT by Wanda B. Campbell
Focused and determined, Lexi’s world is thrown off its axis by a red wig, a rubber nose, and blue clown shoes.

TROUBLE IN CHOW TOWN by Linda Leigh Hargrove
Detective Georgie Turner can handle the racial trouble in Chow Town but will it cost her a budding romance with fine Dr. Shawn Fields?

LOVE WON'T LET ME WAIT by Patricia A. Bridewell
Gospel singer, Jamila Parker’s life shatters when her ex begins stalking to win her back. Minister of Music, Nolan Spencer’s goal — Protect Jada and steal her heart.

UNLIKELY COMPANIONS by Alicia Fleming
What happens when a former lover saves a successful female entrepreneur’s life? Does she fall for him again or is it just because of his act of heroism?

THE GALA REPLACEMENT by T.A. Beasley
What was Mia Stone thinking to lie to her mother about having a date for the gala? She doesn't have much time to come up with one or her mother will match her off to an ego-driven one. 

WHEN THE PAST COMES CALLING by Jeanette W. Hill
Widowed and over sixty, Ruth Willis isn’t happy with her life. Is it possible to be too old for a new love?

REUNITED by Annie Johnson
Jazz vocalist Miranda Jones is adjusting to her new life in Paris until her ex-husband shows up at one of her performances. Will she be able to forgive him? Will they be able to reignite and reunite?

SOUTHERN DELIGHTS by Tyora Moody
Nia Michaels is an author who’s currently experiencing writer’s block. She’s delighted when she sees the perfect male character for her novel. She sure wouldn’t mind getting to know him for herself too. "

Title:  Love Walked In

Authors:  by Tyora Moody  (Author), T. A. Beasley (Author), Jeanette W. Hill (Author), Annie Johnson (Author), Linda Leigh Hargrove  (Author), Alicia Fleming (Author), Wanda B. Campbell (Author), Patricia A. Bridewell (Author)

Publisher: Tymm Publishing LLC                             

Series:  Aspiring Love Collection Volume 2 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Love Walked In"  8 Romantic Short Stories (Aspiring Love Collection Book 2) Kindle Edition by Tyora Moody  (Author), T. A. Beasley (Author), Jeanette W. Hill (Author), Annie Johnson (Author), Linda Leigh Hargrove  (Author), Alicia Fleming (Author), Wanda B. Campbell (Author), and Patricia A. Bridewell (Author)

My Rationalization:

"Love can be so unexpected and can arrive in our life at just the right time. LOVE WALKED IN features eight sweet Christian romance short stories from veteran and new authors."

Here they are:

EYES WIDE SHUT by Wanda B. Campbell
What will happen when Lexi falls for a clown?

TROUBLE IN CHOW TOWN by Linda Leigh Hargrove
What will happen when Detective Turner handles a case in chow Town while meeting
her old friend Dr. So Fine"

LOVE WON'T LET ME WAIT by Patricia A. Bridewell
What will happen as an ex stalks Jamila as it seems she may be getting involved with
the Minister of Music from her church?

UNLIKELY COMPANIONS by Alicia Fleming
What will when these two former lovers meet up again?

THE GALA REPLACEMENT by T.A. Beasley
What will happen when Mia meets up with her surprise replacement at the Gala?

WHEN THE PAST COMES CALLING by Jeanette W. Hill
What will happen when sixty-year-old Ruth meets up with a past school friend"

REUNITED by Annie Johnson
What will happen when Miranda and her ex-husband Troy come together once again? 

and

SOUTHERN DELIGHTS by Tyora Moody
What will happen as Nia meet 'the perfect male character for her novel?'

I found "Love Walked In" quite a good read that will keep you turning the pages to see what will be coming next.   To get all of these above questions answered about each of these stories you will have to pick up the good read to see how well these authors deliver their stories so well to the reader. Oh, I didn't have a favored one because I enjoyed them all.  Be ready for a little bit of mystery, hope and oh yes, love.