The Deconstruction of Christianity: what is it and how can Christians respond?

This month’s Bible study focused on the recent phenomenon of deconstruction. Over the last few years, big names in Christian community announced that they have deconstructed their faith and essentially walked away from God and the church. Hearing their stories, I felt empty, then angry and dismissive. Sadly, there are many false teachings, abuses and hurts done within the church that have led people to doubt God and His word. I also realized that I did not know what deconstruction even was and there are multiple definitions. Two well known Christians in apologetics wrote a book on this very subject and I decided it was the perfect time to study this topic. I read the book as well as went through the study guide for Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett’s The Deconstruction of Christianity. The in-depth and detailed investigation into what deconstruction means. How are doubts and questions dealt with within deconstruction and in the faith? What is biblical faith?  

What is deconstruction? There have been many definitions being used by those who claim to be deconstructing as the individual is the authority. One definition is simply the process of dismantling an individual’s accepted beliefs. It is questioning the Bible when it doesn’t align with the culture and the Bible is seen as a tool of oppression to be rejected. Today’s culture likes to redefine words, making clarity unclear and communication confusing. Many deconstructionists have “the same vocabulary but they are using a different dictionary” (page 21). Childers and Barnett define deconstruction as “a post-modern process of rethinking faith without regarding Scripture as a standard” (page 26). Essentially deconstruction is about a question of authority. The Bible tells us to evaluate our faith, our beliefs with discernment (Hebrews 5:14) to seek understanding (Proverbs 2:2-5), to abound in knowledge (Philippians 11:9-10) and holding onto what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:2). However, deconstruction is at odds with Christianity because it has little to do with achieving a correct theology. It is about tearing down doctrine that is morally wrong to an individual, to match one’s own internal conscience, moral compass with a never ending cycle of skepticism. Deconstruction also seems to focus on the evangelical label as they lump it together with white supremacy, Christian nationalism and Western civilization. Therefore, they seek to “decolonize” one’s theology and try to delegitimize the authority of the Bible. To many deconstructionists, Biblical interpretation needs to be subjective or it is to be rejected. 

The origin of deconstruction begins in the Garden of Eden and Satan as he postulates to Eve the question: Did God really say…? As well as to deny God’s word and twist the meaning of His word. Doubt enters into our human minds all the time, especially in terms of our faith and God himself. Childers and Barnett quote a pastor who says “Doubt drives you in one of two directions. It either pushes away from God or it pushes you to run toward God (page 84). God welcomes our questions. He doesn’t rebuke us for our doubts, he wants us to come to him with every question, doubt and insecurities. The most famous doubter that comes to mind is John the Baptist. In Matthew 11, John is in prison and he hears the stories of what Jesus is doing, so he sends his disciples to ask “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (verse 3). Jesus gave his answer to John and told him to look for the objective evidence (verses 4-6). The main picture here is Jesus can handle our doubts. He didn’t belittle John for his question or say how dare he doubt me! He even complimented John for his question (verse 11). Doubts can lead to a reformation, a moving back. If someone comes to you with a question, it is acceptable to say “I don’t know.” However, it is important to follow through with “but let’s find the answer together,” by using Scripture as a guide.

Deconstructionists also like to state that faith is irrational, self-oriented and not truth based. However, that is not the case. Biblically, faith is built on reason as it is a response to evidence, not a lack of it. A “saving faith is active trust based on the evidence” (page 173) as seen in “signs, wonders, and various miracles” (Hebrews 2:4). Faith is belief in a future occurrence based on the evidence of the past. However, having faith doesn’t mean doubts disappear. In Matthew 8:26, Jesus rebukes the disciples, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Here were men who saw amazing miracles and yet were afraid in a storm. It is proof that faith is in flux. It can easily go from confident to shaky and back again. I have been a Christian for almost thirty years and my faith isn’t always confident. There are times when I doubt, when I am afraid and uncertain what the future holds. I keep to the faith that God will keep His promises despite my doubts. What is the faith? The faith, a genuine Christian faith, is objective reality. It is true regardless how we believe or feel about it (page 162). The example Childers and Barnett uses is that someone can deny gravity but will still fall to the ground when he jumps. Gravity is true regardless of the individual’s beliefs. The genuine Christian faith is based in the truth of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. 

In conclusion, The Deconstruction of Christianity goes into much more depth and topics within the deconstruction movement that I can write about here. Deconstructionism is nothing new. It is a reaction to and motivated by sin. And our questions and doubts do not mean a lack of faith. God welcomes it all. Doubts and questions are not a lack of faith and sometimes necessary on the path to spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity involves understanding the difference between biblical truths and extra biblical religiosity and we do so by asking questions. After finishing this study, I am reminded that behind every deconstruction is a very real person. A person with complex wounds, desires, triggers, hurts and experiences. Each one is seen and loved by God and we need to be loving, kind and compassionate when and if they come to us with questions. And to remember that we do not change their minds. Only God can open minds and heal broken hearts. 

Night Angels: historical fiction based on the remarkable true story

Night Angels by Weina Dai Randel is a historical fiction based on the remarkable true story of a diplomat and his wife and the risks they took on the eve of World War II. In 1938, Dr. Hi Fengshan is the consul general of China posted in Vienna with his Chinese-American wife, Grace. Grace is shy and unsure of herself with the societal obligations of a diplomat’s wife. She is an outsider in a beautiful city as the atmosphere turns ugly as the Nazis sweep through with their policies. When Grace forms a friendship with Lola Schnitzler, she sees firsthand at the ugliness of the Nazis against Jews. She is warned to keep her distance as the Third Reich is keeping them under a very vigilant eye. As the brutal pogroms increase, Dr Ho decides to help thousands of Jews escape Vienna as war is about to explode. 

I loved Weina Dai Randel’s The Last Rose of Shanghai and looked forward to reading Night Angels. Exploring the risks individuals took in order to save lives and the love and friendships formed in the face of a growing evil, Night Angels is, in a sense, a prequel to The Last Rose of Shanghai. I eagerly started the story as I expected an emotional, moving story. However, I was quickly disappointed as the story was very slow going. The chapters were fairly short and chopped up the flow. The characters were flat. It wasn’t until after I finished the story and looked more into the historical Dr Ho and while Night Angels is historical fiction, there were a lot of liberties taken that Dr Ho was not recognizable as the hero he was in real life. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and do not recommend Night Angels. 

Night Angels is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Scholar: two broken people find love, healing and made whole together

The Scholar is the third book in the Emerson Pass Historical series by Tess Thompson. Theo Barnes has been in love with Louisa Lind since they were kids. However, she fancied his twin brother, Flynn. When he returns to Emerson Pass after studying at medical school, Flynn is married and Theo’s love for Louisa burns brighter than ever. Louisa feels she’s not worthy of love and marriage. A past that still haunts her, she feels she is too broken. However, after tragedy strikes her family. Louisa finds herself at the Barnes charity and tender, gentle attention of Theo and her heart begins to wonder if love and marriage is possible. Their road to marriage is rocky with obstacles, doubts, and wounds of the past. Can they find a way to heal together and build a life, love and marriage worthy of them both? 

I love the Emerson Pass series so far and I think Theo is my favorite Barnes family member. Even from the first book, I eagerly awaited his story and The Scholar does not disappoint. Deeply haunted by his memories of his childhood and the Great War, he comes home from medical school hoping to find his purpose and maybe even love. His ongoing love for Louisa is sweet and endearing. I cheered as she started to see him for the strong and loving man he had become. It is a clean romance with only references to sex and fade to black scenes. Overall, I loved this story. There were sweet, tender moments, heartbreaking moments and moments that tears fell freely. I am looking forward to the rest of the Barnes children’s stories. I highly recommend The Scholar and the Emerson Pass Historical series. 

The Scholar is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Parisian Dancer: a promise made during dark and dangerous times

The Parisian Dancer by Doron Darmon is a World War II historical novel based on a true story. Paris, 1939. Helena Fotticelli is an aspiring stage actress in the bohemian quarter of Paris. Forced to flee her homeland, she dreams of stardom while dancing at the infamous Folies Bergère night club. She befriends Marek and Annette Oppenheimer, a young Jewish couple who live in the apartment above her, along with their two young sons. One day, Marek disappears and everything changes. Helena finds herself vowing to keep and protect the boys as if they were her own. As the Nazis strengthen their grip on Paris, she learns that even the best of intentions may not be enough to protect them. Will her promise cost her her life? 

I thoroughly enjoy World War II stories. I was intrigued by the premise of The Parisian Dancer and looked forward to reading it as it appeared on my TBR list. However, the writing style was hard to get through, the story itself was dull and the characters were completely unlikeable. I particularly did not like Marek and Helena, especially Helena. She is supposedly risking her life to protect these young boys and yet, she really doesn’t. There were gaps in the timeline with little or no explanation. The alternating points of view were distracting and confusing. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I have read other World War II books that did a much better job with a similar premise. I do not recommend The Parisian Dancer. 

The Parisian Dancer is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Charmed Friends of Trove Isle: friendship, healing and finding home again

The Charmed Friends of Trove Isle by Annie Rains is a story of friendship, healing and finally finding home again. Ten years ago, Melody Palmer left her hometown of Trove Isle after a tragic accident. Now she returns when she learns she has inherited her great aunt’s thrift shop, Hidden Treasures. There she discovers a charm bracelet that was lost so many years ago. A bracelet she shared with her sister, Alyssa, and her two best friends, Liz and Bri. While Melody fled, Liz stayed behind, working in her parents’ bakery, putting her dreams aside. For Bri, the consequences of that tragic accident led her on the road to self-destruction and a prison term. As she is set to be released, can Trove Isle feel like home again? Can Melody, Liz and Bri find peace about the past and look to a brighter future?

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants with an adult twist, The Charmed Friends of Trove Isle is a story of friendship, healing and resilience. The story runs the gambit of emotions from anger to grief to love and tears. I loved the characters of Melody, Liz and Bri who were all relatable and worthy to cheer for as they dealt with the moment that changed their lives forever. I also loved the secondary characters of Rose, Liz’s little sister, Matt, Liz’s love interest, and Christopher, Melody’s love interest. The romance is subtle and did not overpower the story of the three friends. Overall, I loved this story and devoured it quickly. If you love strong female characters, a small town setting with a story of healing, forgiveness and friendship, I highly recommend The Charmed Friends of Trove Isle. 

The Charmed Friends of Trove Isle is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Wild About You: grumpy sunshine young adult romance along the Appalachian Trail

Wild About You by Kaitlyn Hill is a grumpy sunshine young adult romance. Natalie Hart is loud, unfiltered and she won’t apologize for it. However, at the end of her freshman year of college, she loses her merit scholarship and gains an anxiety diagnosis. She is hesitant to take out student loans and discovers an interesting way to get the tuition funds she needs. In a race through the Great Outdoors, Wild Adventures is a reality show a la The Amazing Race. While she prefers to pamper herself rather than roughing it on the Appalachian Trail, complete challenges and compete with other college students. Finn Markum becomes her partner and he is outdoorsy with a Capital O with a growl that would scare a bear. When the friction between them turns flirtatious, Natalie realizes that she’s in more of a wild adventure than she bargained for. 

Wild About You is a fun, young adult romance with an outdoorsy adventure. Filled with a grumpy-sunshine pair, enemies among the other contestants and a life changing experience. Along with the fun adventures along the trail, the story deals with heavier topics of anxiety. Despite her lack of experience, I’d admired Natalie’s determination to give the Wild Adventures her all. She was a bit annoying at first but I enjoyed seeing her growth by the end of the story. Finn was grumpy and standoffish at first, yet with Natalie on the trail with him, begins to lighten up. He was very unlikeable at first as well. Grumpy and unlikable doesn’t always go hand-in-hand. I’ve read some grumpy characters who were likable. Finn definitely had some walls and reasons behind his unlikability. Overall, I enjoyed Wild About You. If you enjoy young adult romances, I recommend Wild About You. 

Wild About You is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

All That Really Matters: a story of finding one's purpose, faith and what really matters

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese is the first book in the McKenzie Romance series. Molly McKenzie has a bright personality as she gives trendy fashion and beauty advice on social media which has earned her an impressive following. When her manager-turned-boyfriend says she has an audition to appear as host on a makeover show that nominates underprivileged youth, her dream of a bigger following with greater fame is about to come true. However, she has very little experience interacting with underprivileged youth. To gain the experience, she partners with a local organization and begins volunteering with The Bridge, a young program, for the summer. Silas Whittaker is the program’s director who challenges her at every turn. It isn’t long before she begins to truly care for the kids and Silas. Molly wrestles with what she thought mattered, the lies she tells herself and realizes there is more to life than fame and followers. 

All That Really Matters is a slow and yet engaging story as Molly searches for herself in the world of fame and yet finds it among the underprivileged youth she is trying to inspire. Silas is a man who has worked hard to provide a stable home for those who have aged out of the foster care system and still need the skills to help them be productive adults and out of trouble. Every character was real and relatable. The last quarter of the story was filled with emotions, drama and the tears poured down my face as Molly faces the truth she has long pushed aside. Faith and God were handled with truth and reality as there aren’t always the answers we want or the outcomes we hope for and yet the strength to keep trying. I can’t wait to read more in this series. I highly, highly recommend All That Really Matters! 

All That Really Matters is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Shadow of War: a historical fiction that puts readers in the middle of the tense moments of 1962

The Shadow of War by Jeff Shaara is an in-depth fact-based historical fiction about the heart-stopping moments of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Opening with the failed Bay of Pigs invasion as President John F Kennedy deals with its fallout. From Washington to Moscow to Havana, readers are taken along the tension-filled rooms and offices as destroyers circle Cuba as Soviet subs lurk beneath the surface and U-2 spy planes running recon from the sky and CIA operatives on the shores of Cuba. The question becomes who will make the first move, a wrong move and set off a war. We may know how the events played out but do we know the behind the scenes actions leading to those thirteen days in October 1962? How close was war? 

Jeff Shaara has been the name in fact based historical fiction for decades with his trademark "you are there" immediacy. His story definitely puts the readers in the middle of the historical events with realistic details. The Shadow of War holds to this standard as the opening chapter puts the reader right smack into the middle of the Bay of Pigs and does not let up as the pieces move quickly in this real life game of chess and cat mouse with fingers itching near the trigger. Even though I knew the outcomes of these events, Mr. Shaara has a way to write the events as if we are experiencing the tensions firsthand. If you enjoy historical fiction with political intrigue, I highly recommend The Shadow of War. 

The Shadow of War is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Oye: a coming of age through family drama

Oye by Melissa Mogollon is one young woman’s story as she deals with family drama among high school drama and an incoming hurricane. Luciana is the baby of her very large Colombian American family. She is usually pushed to the sidelines; however, she suddenly finds herself front and center as the voice of reason during an unexpected crisis. As South Florida residents are ordered to evacuate as a hurricane heads their direction, Luciana is left to deal with Abue, her eccentric grandmother, who refuses to leave. When a crushing medical diagnosis forces Abue to move into Luciana’s room, the two find themselves on a personal journey neither wanted. Forced into the role of caretaker, translator and keeper of Abue’s secrets, Luciana finds herself facing adulthood and ready for the challenge. 

Billed as a “coming-of-age comedy. A telenovela-worthy drama. A moving family saga. All in a phone call you won’t want to hang up on,” I found the premise of Oye to be intriguing. With an eye-catching cover, I could not pass on this story. However, I was quickly confused as the story is told mostly as a one-sided phone conversation and series of voicemails. I could not find the comedy, the telenovela drama or the family saga. Perhaps I am simply not the audience for this story to fully appreciate its unique format. While labeled as adult fiction, I feel it belongs in the young adult category. Overall, I found it hard to enjoy this story. However, if you think you may enjoy a story told in an unique and unconventional format, I recommend giving Oye a try. 

Oye is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Travis: sometimes you need to lose it all to gain a brighter future

Travis by Mia Sheridan is a follow up story to Archer’s Voice. Travis Hale has it all. He enjoys his role as the chief of police in Pelion, Maine. He has built a relationship with his half-brother, Archer, his wife Bree and their three children. Despite a past filled with regrets and misguided choices, he is looking into the future with eagerness. Until he discovers his girlfriend in bed with a new guy in town. Travis immediately begins to plot his revenge, that is until he meets Haven Torres, the new guy’s smoothie-making, plant loving woman from California. Haven is not his type at all and she’s only in town for the summer. Haven left behind a painful past in California, she and her brother have been on the road, only staying in a town for a few months before moving on again. She and Travis form an unlikely friendship that soon turns complicated. 

Travis takes place a few years after the events of Archer’s Voice. While Archer and Bree make the occasional appearance, and it was sweet to see them still living their happily ever after, this story is all Travis as he deals with the fallout from the previous book and trying to rebuild his life. Overall, I enjoyed this story. I loved Travis’ personal and emotional journey. I loved Haven’s growth as well. These were two broken people who come together and heal together. It was beautiful. I loved seeing Travis truly confront his family’s past, his past in order to build a brighter future for himself. The only person I felt really bad for is Gage Buchanan, the other eligible bachelor in Pelion. I think he deserves his own love story. If you haven’t read Archer’s Voice, I highly recommend reading it before reading Travis. If you enjoyed Archer’s Voice, you will enjoy Travis as well.

Travis is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Every Time We Say Goodbye: confronting the past and facing the future in post war Europe

Every Time We Say Goodbye by Natalie Jenner is the third book in the Jane Austen Society series. In a story of love and art, of grief and memory, and of confronting the past and facing the future, it opens in 1955, as Vivian Lowry faces an uncertain future. After a poorly reviewed play that threatens her career as a dramatic playwright, she takes a job as a script doctor on a major film shooting in Rome’s Cinecitta Studios. There she finds a movie filled with rising stars, acclaimed directors and famous actors. The cast and crew find themselves torn between the past and a possibly brighter future, between the liberation of the post war cinema and the restrictions imposed by the Catholic Church. On a personal note, Vivien begins to learn the long-buried truth of what really happened to her deceased fiancé during the war. 

As a fan of The Bloomsbury Girls, I was looking forward to Every Time We Say Goodbye. I enjoy stories that feature life in the postwar world. Unfortunately, the story fell flat very quickly. The opening prologue was captivating and I was eager to discover more. However, the story that followed left me confused and lost. There were just so many characters. It was hard to keep track of who was who without stopping every other page to take notes and took me out of the story every time. I didn’t care for Vivien. I found her harsh and lacking any warmth or likability. I did enjoy learning about the famous Cinecitta Studios and the classic American movies that were filmed there. If you enjoyed Ms. Jenner’s The Jane Austen Society and The Bloomsbury Girls, I suggest giving Every Time We Say Goodbye a try. You may enjoy it more than I did. 

Every Time We Say Goodbye will be available 

in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook May 14, 2024

Rednecks: the West Virginia Mine Wars and an origin of the term "rednecks"

Rednecks by Taylor Brown is an historical fiction based on the West Virginia Mine Wars between 1920 and 1921 culminating in the Battle of Blair Mountain. An army of 10,000 coal miners fought back against mine owners, state militia and the United States government in the largest labor uprising in American history and largest armed conflict since the Civil War. A powerful story of rebellion against oppression, in a land where coal companies used violence and intimidation to keep workers in line. Told from the perspectives of “Doc Moo” Muhanna, a Lebanese-American Doctor, who witnesses the blood toll and injustice occurring in the mining camps, and Frank Hugham, a black World War I veteran and coal miner, takes the dramatic steps to lead a miners’ revolt. Many historical figures make appearances as their roles in the conflict from the fiery Mother Jones, labeled as “The Most Dangerous Woman in America” to the sharp shooting police chief “Smilin’ Sid Hatfield. 

The Battle of Blair Mountain and the West Virginia Mine Wars were quickly forgotten by the world outside of Appalachia while the people who live in the region, the memory is alive and well. Taylor Brown is an award winning novelist who brings these events to life in vivid color and reminds the world of the lengths that were taken to achieve the labor protections we take for granted today. As someone who was raised outside of the Appalachian regions, I knew of the conflicts between miners and the mine owners, however; I was shocked to learn the details of the injustices suffered, the acts of heroism, and cheered at the power of a community when they band together. I was also surprised to learn the unexpected origin of the term redneck. Redneck details the grittiness of the region and the people’s determination to stand up and fight back against all odds with realism and authenticity. I highly recommend Rednecks. 

Rednecks will be available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook May 14, 2024

Throne of Grace: an epic look into a relatively unknown historical figure

Throne of Grace: A Mountain Man, an Epic Adventure and the Bloody Conquest of the American West by Tom Clavin and Bob Drury shines light on a historical figure largely forgotten in the push West. The legendary adventurer Jedediah Smith and the Mountain Men explored the American frontier after the Lewis and Clark expedition of the Louisiana Purchase and the birth of Manifest Destiny. Stories of friendly deals and bloody battles with the indigenous tribes, the strange beasts and animals they encountered and the gorgeous landscapes before their eyes. From the Rocky Mountains to the western coast, Smith’s explorations became legendary although he fell into obscurity for seventy years after his death. Throne of Grace is a gripping narrative about an relatively underreported era in US history and brings to life one of the great American explorers. 

Whenever I am given the opportunity to read a new historical book by Tom Clavin and Bob Drury, I jump at it. They give the full view of history and its events in its reality and with honesty. Throne of Grace sets out to provide an epic narrative of America’s greatest and yet relatively unknown pathfinder in Jedediah Smith. As their standard, Clavin and Drury provide a painstaking researched story with amazing details and insights into the historical figures and events.  While it is Smith’s story that drives the main narrative, the story of settling west is told through the eyes of the ordinary and memorable men and women who witnessed it, both settlers and indigenous. If you love historical non-fiction, you cannot go wrong with Clavin and Drury’s books. I highly, highly recommend Throne of Grace. 

Throne of Grace: A Mountain Man, an Epic Adventure and the Bloody Conquest of the American West is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

One Last Shot: a marriage pact and a second chance at romance

One Last Shot by Betty Cayouette is a friends to lovers, marriage pact romance. From the moment Emerson and Theo met freshman year of high school, they were inseparable best friends. As they expressed their true feelings for each other, their lives went on different paths, not before promising each other that if they were not married by twenty-eight, they would marry each other. Emerson is an in-demand supermodel nearing her twenty-eighth birthday. When a calendar reminder pops up on her phone of her marriage pact with Theo. She realizes that this is her shot to rekindle the only love she really wanted. She learns where Theo, now a photographer, is shooting next and orchestrates her way to be a part of it. A four-day shoot in the romantic setting of Cinque Terre, Italy, Emerson and Theo find their feelings being tested as roadblocks after obstacles get in their way. Is this their last shot at love or their final goodbye? 

One Last Shot is the debut romance from Betty Cayouette and I love a good second chance, friends to lovers romance. I hemmed and hawed about reading this story as I do not care for fashion or supermodel world. But I decided to give it a chance anyway. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get into it. The main issue with this story was the miscommunication. The miscommunication trope is one of my least favorite romantic trope. Their roadblocks and obstacles could have been avoided if they just talked about it! They dance around their marriage pact, something they are both aware of as they reunite, and yet pretend they had forgotten about it. The constant flashbacks to their high school years took me out of the present events and bogged the story down. Overall, the story was okay. I think I am not the right audience for this book. If you think you may enjoy this story, I recommend giving One Last Shot a try. 

One Last Shot is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Love Blooms: a small town romance

Love Blooms by Jennifer Faye is the first book in the Bell Family of Bluestar Island series. New York firefighter Ethan Walker was injured on the job. As he prepares to return to work, he gets an urgent call that sends him to Bluestar Island. Hannah Bell has grown up on Bluestar Island and has finally achieved her dream of opening up her own bakery. But her dreams come crashing down when a water pipe breaks and destroys the building. With the island’s sea breeze and warm sunshine, Hannah and Ethan find themselves at turning points in their lives. Does Ethan go back to his job as a firefighter in New York? Will Hannah be able to fix her bakery and finally open it? As they also find themselves drawn to each other, can they find the perfect mix to make both of their dreams come true? 

Love Blooms is a sweet small town romance. It is a slow burn clean romance. I mean slow! I was bored after the first chapters. I did not care for the characters. I found Hannah to be immature and unreasonable. While I understand that she is upset at the destruction of her bakery and the set back in its opening; however, I found her reactions to certain situations a little over the top. Ethan was a decent character. There were the standard quirky small town characters. Some were fun and enjoyable while others were cringy and annoying. Overall, it was a decent story but I closed the book feeling underwhelmed. I most likely will not continue the series. While I did not enjoy the story, I know there are readers who probably would. If you enjoy small town romance, I recommend giving  Love Blooms a try. 

Love Blooms is available in paperback and eBook

The Bequest: an unexpected inheritance and a life changing decision

The Bequest by B.E. Baker is the first book in The Birch Creek Ranch series. Abigail and Amanda married the Brooks brothers but they have nothing else in common. After their husbands both pass away, they have become distant acquaintances. Until one day, when news comes to them that their late husbands’ eccentric uncle has passed away and left a cattle ranch to their children. However, they must work the ranch for one year. If they do, it’s theirs. If they do not, the ranch will be sold and the proceeds donated. At first, they both decide to turn down the offer; however, a series of events leads them both to spend the summer at the ranch with their combined six children. Could this summer prove they have no business running a ranch? Or prove that they could? 

I have enjoyed B.E. Baker’s books in the past and I was looking forward to reading The Bequest. I was excited as it appeared next on my To-Be-Read list. After a few chapters, my enjoyment faltered. I could not stand Abigail or Amanda at first. Abigail is a lawyer hoping to become a partner at her firm. Amanda is an Instagram influencer desperate for the chance to expand her brand. By the end, I did see them begin to change and evolve. The only characters I truly enjoyed were the children, especially Elijah. Overall, I did enjoy The Bequest and would like to see how Abigail, Amanda and their children continue to grow with their new lives. If you enjoy surprise inheritance and fish out of water stories, you may enjoy The Bequest. 

The Bequest is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Crossing the Line: a forbidden sports romance

Crossing the Line by Nicola Marsh is the first book in the Worlds Apart series. Mia Cresswell is tired of being good. Being known as the geek doesn’t equal fun. While at home at her dad’s tennis academy on spring break, Mia is determined to be bad and she wants the hot new Aussie player to help her do it. Kye Sheldon comes from a troubled past. His attendance at the Cresswell Tennis Academy is his last chance and he can’t afford to mess around. However, he meets Mia and he cannot get her off his mind. What starts off as a secret spring break fling becomes something more. Will they be willing to risk it all for love? 

Crossing the Line is a fast paced sports romance. From the opening chapter to the closing scene, I could not put this book down. I loved Mia and Kye together. Kye has a bad boy reputation but he hides a deeply hurting spirit and Mia helps him overcome his personal and professional demons. I’m not a big fan of tennis so I do not know the ins and outs of the sport; however, the scenes involving tennis lingo doesn’t bog down the flow of the story. There are great romantic scenes, spicy love scenes and a heartwarming grand gesture. It was a fast read and great for an afternoon of reading. If you enjoy sports romances, you may enjoy Crossing the Line. 

Crossing the Line is available in paperback and eBook