My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade, Book review

Synopsis:

A Sensational CBA Debut in Contemporary Romance!  This summer author Becky Wade makes her CBA debut with a fun -- and funny -- contemporary romance.  Amidst the light-hearted banter and laugh-out-loud moments is a compelling spiritual journey of one woman's choice to listen to God and wait on him.  Filled with humor and authentic romance, My Stubborn Heart is shaping up to be the hit of the summer.

Kate Donovan is burned out on work, worn down by her dating relationships, and in need of an adventure. When Kate's grandmother asks Kate to accompany her to Redbud, Pennsylvania, to restore the grand old house she grew up in, Kate jumps at the chance.

Yet, she discovers a different kind of project upon meeting the man hired to renovate the house. Matt Jarreau is attractive and clearly wounded -- hiding from people, from God, and from his past. Kate can't help but set her stubborn heart on bringing him out of the dark and back into the light... whether he likes it or not.

My thoughts:

After a couple of minutes into the book I realized I misunderstood the resume and this novel did not deal with teenagers. Covers rarely reflect the actual contents and one should not judge a book by its cover...I guess I missed that class!

In 'My Stubborn Heart' author Becky Wade introduces her protagonists and sub characters to allow the reader to understand the behind the scene emotional context but this was much more a romance story than a Christian novel.

Because of adult thematic language and references, I would like to clarify this is for mature readers only. I realize of course the author never claimed otherwise since it is clearly labeled 'Contemporary Romance' but clearly this is not YA material.

At times funny, at others indulging and slightly overdone, 'My Stubborn Heart' lacks a little finesse and I will admit I winced at the first chapter: 

'Kate Donovan entered the town of Rosebud, Pennsylvania, for the first time driving a car packed with her seventy-six-year-old grandmother, a comprehensive set of encyclopedias on American Antiques, three sacks of non perishable groceries, and enough pink luggage to give  Mary Kay fits of jealousy.' 

Pish Posh...

In lieu of entertainment the author leaves us to ponder on raging hormones, money gambling and drinking Jack Daniels etc...which does not reflect God's trust or purpose for us. Character fitting? Normal talk betwixt adults? Hardly and not necessary!
Neither a prude or a Bible thump-er, I prefer to see life through rose coloured lenses as a dreamer of course and as a believer...


Noting the 31 year old heroine feeling the need to pray for a husband since fourth grade and was now tired of waiting did not help the over all image the plot created as I continue to read.
The Lamborghini didn't improve the picture either, never mind the peculiar descriptions of dating seniors. 

Pish Posh...


Are we really so shallow? Self centered? Is our language so loose and manners so free? Again, this is clearly a novel I would hesitate to pass along.
Readers like to identify themselves in characters, in which they see one or more personal traits and I'd prefer to say 'pass'.

Finally despite a happy ending, in the end the overall effect dims the message of faith the author intended for this novel to reflect surely,  and doesn't do much justice to her writing skills. 

Of course this is just my opinion and I suggest you check it out for yourself.


I give it 3 stars.

About the Author:

 During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She's been a fan of all things romantic ever since.

Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky's passion for reading turned into a passion for writing.

More (here).

FOR MORE ON THIS BLOG TOUR AND ADDITIONAL REVIEWS SEE BELOW:

http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13491775/beckywade

AND NOW FOR BECKY'S GIVEAWAY... 

Celebrate with Becky by entering her My Stubborn Heart Giveaway and connecting with her during the Author Chat Party on 5/24!

One fortunate winner will receive:

• A Brand New Nook Simple Touch™ with GlowLight™
• A $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Certificate
• A copy of My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on May 24th. Winner will be announced at the "My Stubborn Heart" Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/24. Becky will be hosting an book chat, testing your trivia skills and giving away some great prizes!

So grab your copy of My Stubborn Heart and join Becky on the evening of the May 24th for a chance to meet Becky and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 24th!

I received this book free from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.