Book Review: Can’t Buy Me Love by Andrea Christenson

Can’t Buy Me Love
by Andrea Christenson
Book 2 in the Deep Haven Collection
Rating: 4/5
Release date: March 16, 2021
Purchase here.

Who doesn’t love a good Cinderella retelling? LOL. The romantic in me just loves the idea and I must say that Andrea Christenson does a good job of blending a contemporary love story in a classic fairytale complete with a “glass slipper”.

Spurred on by the tragic death of her mother, Ella Bradley is someone who wants to make a difference and has found a way to do that with the cleaning products she developed. She sets out to make a deal with the hotel conglomerate she owns a half-share in but is thwarted by a malfunctioning elevator. However, she finds the hour or so stuck with a handsome stranger a big plus until she finds out his true identity is not just Roger but Adrian Roger Vassos, the notorious but charming son of the man she plans to make a deal with. Meanwhile, Adrian’s lie may have long-lasting consequences if he wants to pursue a relationship with the beautiful and intelligent Ella Bradley, who he can’t seem to get out of his mind. His waterpark resort proposal must pass so he can prove to himself and his father that he is not a failure. When Ella discovers he plans on building that monstrosity of a waterpark in her own town of Deep Haven, she gets even more frustrated with the man. Misunderstandings and circumstances ensue and bring the two back together to do some community service in Deep Haven while Adrian and Ella try to convince each other that their own ideas are better. However, spending so much time with each leads to heartfelt conversations and realizations, which neither could confront before. Will misunderstandings continue to plague this would-be relationship? Can Adrian find his true purpose for being in Deep Haven? Can Ella escape the shame of her past and find a way to pursue her dreams?

Wow. I always love a good Deep Haven story. I was excited to receive an advanced copy of this new book. Although Andrea Christenson is a new author to me, I felt she did a good job of writing the beautiful love story with its fun quirks and antics. I found the spiritual parts not quite as emotional as Susan May Warren’s writing but they still held really good biblical truths that were relevant and genuine. I loved getting to know her new characters as they were introduced to the magic of Deep Haven. The misunderstandings that occurred with Ella and Adrian were hilarious as each just kept getting worse and worse. I enjoyed reading about the beauty of Deep Haven and the different activities available to tourists. (I wish I could go visit this beautiful place).

Highly recommend if you enjoy clean, Christian romance with humor and heart.

My thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Book Review: Manor for Sale, Baron Included by Esther Hatch

Manor for Sale, Baron Included
by Esther Hatch
Book 1 in A Romance of Rank series
Rating: 4/5
Release date: February 25, 2021

Wow. This book was such a great rom-com that also managed to have so much heart and made me cry. I was excited to receive an advanced copy and it did not disappoint.

When Lord Farnsworth must sell the only place that ever meant anything to him and his beloved mother, he finds himself trying to figure out a way to get it back from the fascinating Sally Duncan, former owner of Vermillion Textiles. Not only is she beautiful, but Sally is smart and different from any lady that Lord Farnsworth has ever met before. Convinced that he must marry Sally in order to get the manor back and keep his tenants, Lord Farnsworth sets out to make Sally fall in love with him. As shenanigans ensue, Sally is only annoyed by the former owner and determined never to marry a baron only interested in her money. When she starts renovations on the manor she bought for her younger sister, Victoria, Lord Farnsworth must find a way to distract her before she ruins his mother’s manor. Befriending and teaching Victoria boxing becomes his way into Sally’s presence. When Lord Farnsworth starts having real feelings for Sally, he must choose what he is willing to do for love?

The romance was so hilarious. The main characters had their pasts and insecurities. They had that instant chemistry and banter. The story flowed very well and didn’t feel clunky. The supporting characters also brought more depth and understanding to the main characters and the plot. I really loved the lightheartedness of the story but it also had a few moments that made me cry. (I know. I cry a lot.) Definitely worth reading!

Highly recommend if you enjoy clean rom-coms with swoon-worthy heros and sassy heroines with heart!

My thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Book Review: A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

A Dance in Donegal
By Jennifer Deibel
Historical Romance
Rating: 4/5

What a lovely story! It’s been awhile since I’ve been taken back to Ireland and I was not disappointed. Not only does this historic romance hit all the spots but there’s some mystery thrown in that had me guessing till the reveal.

Moira Doherty grew up listening to stories about dancing at the halla in Ireland from her mother, and after the death of her mother, Moira is hired to start teaching in the town her mother grew up in. An American to her core, Moira must navigate the differences in rural living with her city upbringing and their superstitious beliefs with her spiritual ones. However, the more she grows to enjoy her time in the quirky village, the more she begins to feel out of place except when she’s with one man, Sean McFadden. The townspeople treat her poorly and gossip about her because of her mother. Can Moira discover the truth about what happened and find a way to save her reputation?

There’s so much more to this story than on the surface. The characters are ones I’d loved to visit again. They made me laugh, cry and want to throw things. As someone who always tries to give someone the benefit of the doubt, I struggled with some of the characters. Other characters were amazing examples of how God loves us and chooses us. Lots of tears were shed near the end (but I’m a crier lol).

Note: there’s a glossary at the end to help with all the Gaelic.

Highly recommend if you enjoy Christian historical romance with a hint of mystery.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.