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 fiancé, 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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