Friday, February 17, 2017

"Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley" novella ... and a GIVEAWAY!


A word from Lee...

Thanks for having me on your blog, Leslie! I am so excited about the Arcadia Valley project, created by six authors who adore romance, faith, and FOOD! The novella collection, Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley, introduces each author’s series set in Arcadia Valley, Idaho.  From lavender farms to Mexican restaurants to whole-food bakeries, there’s something for everyone. We’re releasing a full-length novel each month, starting with Mary Jane Hathaway’s Summer’s Promise, which came out on Valentine’s Day. So if you love the town of Arcadia Valley, you’ll get the chance to visit frequently for the next year-and-a-half!

Co-creating a series like this is a lot of work—it’s a good thing we all like each other! Here’s a screenshot of just one of our scheduling documents:



Please come visit our website or like us on Facebook if you’d like to hear more news from Arcadia Valley!  


My review...

Six authors come together to create this sweet novella collection, which focuses on friends and family. Each one is set in the same town (Arcadia Valley) and kicks off a trilogy for the author. Overall, this book has a cozy feel to it, and each story contains well-rounded characters. God is a key underlying focus in each story.

Springs Blessing (Seasons of Faith) by Mary Jane Hathaway: Charlotte’s new neighbors are a handsome widower (Nico) and his adorable daughter (Elena), as well as a rabbit named Bunnicula. Charlotte is a librarian who’s always dreamed of a garden and showing her mother that she can make it on her own. Will she be able to accomplish that in Arcadia Valley? Hathaway educates the reader on subsistence farming and highlights God’s faithfulness.

Loaves & Wishes (A Baxter Family Bakery Romance) by Elizabeth Maddrey: Ruth inherited a B&B from her best friend, who died recently. That, as well as falling for a farmer (Corbin) wasn’t in Ruth’s plans, but she is determined to succeed. She wants a second chance at life and love, and she’s hoping to find both in Arcadia Valley. However, someone is looking to prevent that from happening. Will Ruth be able to figure out who doesn’t want her there? The reader may be reminded of the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi and their friendship.

Sheltered Hearts (Romance from the Heart) by Lee Tobin McClain: Alex is planning a birthday party for his abulea. However, he did not anticipate a storm putting a damper on things. Patricia is a jilted bride who shows up at his door. He realizes he is in over his head and could use her help. How will she respond when she learns the truth about who he really is? Themes of finding one’s identity in God and remembering whose we are are key.

Sow in Love (A Garden Grown Romance) by Valerie Comer: Joanna is a real estate consultant who must work with Grady, the grandson of the man who left some property to the church, to find a solution and use for the property that everyone can agree on.  The task is proving to be a bit more challenging than she anticipated. Themes of sowing God’s love run throughout this story.

The Scent of Romance (Legacy of the Heart) by Danica Favorite: Caroline’s parents want her grandmother sent to a nursing home and the farm sold, but she is determined to prevent that from happening. High-powered lawyer Hayden is called in to finalize the details. Is it possible for Caroline to convince Hayden to help her save the farm? Family bonds is a strong component in this story.

A Romance Rekindled (A Homegrown Love Story) by Annalisa Daughety: Kate left home years ago following a traumatic event. The only reason she is returning home is because her father is dying. She arrives to find Drew, her former fiancĂ©, renovating the house and the family farmer’s market office to prepare for sale. Is it possible for them to move beyond their past and look to the future? Themes of new beginnings and second chances abound in this story, which also has a focus on subsistence farming.


  
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I was not required to write a positive review.


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16 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Then you'll certainly enjoy this collection!

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by, Heather.

      Delete
  2. I love the idea of all the stories in the collection being set in the same area/town. I feel like you really get to know the town and the people in it.

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    Replies
    1. Great point, Patty! That did add to the enjoyment of this collection.

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck.

      Delete
  3. I have been wanting to read this book ever since I first saw a copy of it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I like how awesome groups of authors team together in novella collections. This one looks so good too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katie,

      I agree that the inclusion of various authors makes novella collections even better :)

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  5. Novella collection stories tend to be quick and easy reads, which is nice when I don't have much time to enjoy a book.
    Dianna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's true. It makes them convenient to fit into your busy schedule.

      Thanks for stopping by my blog, and good luck!

      Delete
  6. Yes. Especially when life is busy. jarning67(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly :)

      Good luck, Joan, and thanks for visiting my blog.

      Delete
  7. Such a great theme for a collection! I love that it's all set in the same place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kate,

      I agree. I love how they're all tied together that way.

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

      Delete
  8. Sounds like a great collection! Looking forward to reading it.

    ReplyDelete