Book Review The Reluctant Groom by Kimberly Rose Johnson

By Barbara Thompson

The Reluctant Groom by Kimberly Rose Johnson

1 March 2018

When everything goes wrong, can two friends discover true love?

When Ray O’Brien’s world is turned upside down, Katie Fairchild wants to help, but the personal cost is high. Neither desires a marriage of convenience, but when Katie blurts the first thing that comes to her mind Ray can’t dismiss her offer of marriage. It would solve all his problems except for one thing—they aren’t in love.

Can these two friends team up for the greater good and perhaps find love along the way, or are their expectations impossible?

Review

The Reluctant Groom is a delightful book I enjoyed reading. It kept my attention, the characters were unique but great and this made the book more enjoyable. The author wrote a well-written book that I encourage others to read. I highly recommend this book.The Reluctant Groom by Author Kimberly Rose Johnson is Book One of the Brides of Seattle series.

I received a copy from the publisher, but was not required to review it. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

BARBARA THOMPSON (aka barbmaci61) is an avid reader. When not reading, she likes to cross-stitch on her kindle. Reading is an important aspect of her life because she has quite a few health issues. While she doesn't have a blog she does try to promote great books anywhere she can. You can finder her on twitter at @barbmaci61

Book Recommendation ~ The Last Summer by Brandy Bruce

Book Description:

For twenty-something Sara Witherspoon and her group of friends, a perfect Southern summer includes lake-house getaways, wedding planning, outdoor concerts, and a dash of romance. But for these seven friends who love each other like family, this year, summer rolls in with changes for everyone.

Sara's longtime crush, Luke, has been her best friend for as long as she has been a part of the group. When Luke begins seriously dating another of their friends, Sara's forced to deal with her hurt and jealousy, while outwardly try to support them both.

While Sara comes to terms with her own heart and her friends' relationships, an unexpected handsome pilot from North Carolina and an old flame are thrown into the mix. Knowing her heart suddenly becomes much more complicated.

But as time unfolds and friendships begin to unravel, Sara and the others are presented with the reality of what a season of change does to old friendships and new love interests.

Does growing older mean growing apart?

Narelle's Thoughts:

I really enjoyed reading The Last Summer. The book is written in first person point of view and we journey with Sara in a coming of age story with romantic elements.

It's also a book I'd recommend to writers who are looking to study writing craft in the contemporary fiction genre. The story is written using first person single viewpoint and has compelling conflict, great pacing, tight story structure and a plot that isn't predictable. These story elements all come together to create a smooth, fun and exciting read. 

Sara has had a secret crush on her best friend, Luke, since the moment they met at the singles group at church when she moved back to Texas. She was welcomed into their tight knit and fun loving group. The seven friends support and encourage each other as they do life together. 

Their idyllic and comfortable friendship group is challenged by life changes and new relationships. When Luke starts dating Debra, one of her friends in the group, Sara struggles to cope with how the budding romance impacts her friendships with both Luke and Debra.

I loved the ensemble cast of characters who were both real and flawed. They made mistakes and had to live with the consequences of their decisions. The faith of each of the characters played an important role in the story and impacted their life choices.

I spent a large part of the book uncertain about how I'd like to see the story end. I love Brandy's writing style and I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend The Last Summer to readers who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction that's reminiscent of the 90's tv show Friends.

Learn more about Brandy Bruce and her books here.

A fun loving Aussie girl at heart, NARELLE ATKINS was born and raised on the beautiful northern beaches in Sydney, Australia. She has settled in Canberra with her husband and children. A lifelong romance reader, she found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Narelle's contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia.

Website: http://www.narelleatkins.com

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Twitter: @NarelleAtkins https://twitter.com/NarelleAtkins