Book Review: Violets in February by Clare Revell

I really enjoyed the characters and action, as well as the faith message shared in this book.
Violets in February
by Clare Revell

File Size: 855 KB
Print Length: 122 pages
Publisher: Pelican Book Group (January 8, 2016)
ASIN: B01AR4ZMN8
Genre: Christian Romance, Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

When uptight missionary, Lucy Boyd is injured her only ride to the hospital 200 miles away is the scary looking guy who delivers their supplies every two weeks. Not only is he scary, he's obviously quite heathen based on the earring in his ear, the heavy metal music blasting from his truck when he pulls into the compound, and his salty language. Jed Gorman doesn't like people, especially Christians. Shuttled from foster home to foster home after the death of his parents, he's had enough "Christian Charity" to last a lifetime. The last thing he needs is that uptight missionary woman as a passenger. But when he sees that her knee is the size of a football he can't say no. It's going to be a rough ride, his truck is old, the monsoon season has hit, and there are guerrillas in the jungle...

Review:
Lucy Boyd is a straitlaced missionary doctor serving the people in Africa. She is respected by the staff and the natives. She looks down on and askance at the brash, swearing bloke who delivers the supplies, Jed Gorman. Jed is quick to taunt Lucy, needling her with his loud music and loud, salty language. Jed had a troubled past, being passed from one foster home to another, that left him with a disdain for Christians since his experience taught him they don’t life what they supposedly preach.

Lucy is the only doctor in the area for miles around. She is horrified when an injured father and young girl arrive for treatment after barely escaping from an attack by rebels in the jungle. Lucy hurts when she isn’t able to save her patients. Then an apparent rebel gang arrives with an injured leader. Lucy is reluctant to treat him but her boss reminds her that the mission is there to show mercy and grace to all in need. She treats the injury and the man is sheltered until he is able to travel again.

Lucy is exhausted from her tireless work and accidentally falls. Now that she has suffered a serious injury she is reluctant to follow the standard advice. Her boss and aides know that she must seek help at the city hospital. The only person available to get her there is Jed. He isn’t thrilled with the idea but a threatening storm leaves his battered, but trusty utility (Ute) truck as the only option.

The two slowly share about their childhood and their issues as they cope with the long and dangerous road. A washed out bridge send them off in another direction where they must try to escape the rebels.

I liked both characters in this story. They were a bit extreme but well developed with background that help shaped their personalities. I liked how Jed learns trust and faith through the ordeal while sharing a reminder to Lucy that she needs to give and seek forgiveness to settle demons from her past. The sniping opposites slowly develop a sweet romance while the action keeps the story moving at a good pace.

I am so glad that I received both book 1 and 2 in this series to read together. I enjoy the author’s clean writing style and her ability to share faith issues in real life settings. Maybe I rated the first book too harshly but I really had a hard time with the female lead, even though I recognize that the author appears to shape her characters on the extreme edge of their issues. I really enjoyed reading book 2 and think that the whole series would probably provide engaging entertainment together with good faith messages. I recommend these to readers who enjoy character driven Christian novels with a touch of suspense.

I received this title, and the first book in the series, from PBG (Pelican Book Group) Booklovers for an honest review. This qualifies for "V" in Alphabet Challenge.

Book Review: Carnations in January by Clare Revell

I like the Christian foundation of this story although I had trouble with the heroine. Fortunately she has a strong Christian suitor who shows her the worth she has in Christ.

Carnations in January
by Clare Revell

File Size: 971 KB
Print Length: 117 pages
Publisher: Pelican Book Group (December 11, 2015)
ASIN: B018DWGGVI
Genre: Christian Romance
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

After Grace Chadwick receives a surprise inheritance from her aunt—a house and a florist shop—she moves in after the funeral. While she doesn't know the first thing about flowers, she sees this an answer to her prayers—the new start she desperately needs. When Elliot Wallac drops by his new neighbor's house with casserole, he finds the house next door has problems. Damp walls and a sagging floor set his builders senses on alert. But this house needs more than a cosmetic fix, inspection reveals more extensive issues. Like Grace's spiritual life, the house is suffering from neglect at the very foundation. With God's guidance can Elliot help Grace repair her home and her faith before both are condemned?

Review:
Grace has always found it hard to live up to her name. She has stumbled a time or two and hasn’t been able to get on steady feet. Now Grace has inherited her beloved Aunt’s house and florist shop. Grace has decided to make an attempt to renew the house and revive the florist shop but she will need help. She knows nothing about flowers so she rehires the prior employees who are more than happy to show her the ropes.

She also knows little about decorating a house that has apparently suffered years of neglect … and maybe worse. Her neighbor, Elliot, steps in to help. Elliot is a handsome, Christian man who was friends with Grace’s Aunt. He is also a contractor and is beginning to suspect there are problem with Grace’s house when he visits and finds damp walls and slanted floors. Grace is struggling with restarting the florist shop and doesn't have the fortitude or self-confidence to face a set back at home. 

Elliot is committed to his faith and belief in Christ. He is attracted to Grace and continually invites her to join him at church but Grace repeatedly refuses. Grace had a bad experience in college with a professed Christian which has turned her away from church and faith. Elliot wants to show Grace that faith is not religion but relationship. He will also have to convince her that she has more strength and worth than she realizes if he wants to pursue more than a friendship with her.

I very much enjoyed the premise of this story and the faith messages conveyed in a life style and not in a preachy manner. I also liked the imagery and the easy writing/reading style. The addition of Elliott's brother and nephew add a fun element and I really like the flower theme of the series. Sadly, I did not like the doubt and pity that control Grace’s character. She dwells in negativity and self-pity to the point that I found it hard to stomach the character. Thank goodness for Elliot’s strength of faith, steadfastness and perseverance. His character and the fundamental message of returning a lost soul to the flock saved this story for me. I received book two in the series, Violets in February, and am glad to say I found that one more enjoyable.

I received this title and the second title in the series from PBG (Pelican Book Group) Booklovers for an honest review. Stay tuned (tomorrow) for the review of book two which is more favorable.