I love reading, and I love reading romance novels even more. To celebrate this week after Valentine’s Day and my love of reading, every day this week, I’ve put together some great romance book recs for you all, along with behind the story tidbits straight from the authors !
High Country Dilemma by Dena Netherton
Fallon Hart has landed her dream job–directing the annual melodrama, Miss May’s Dilemma. But when Fallon arrives in Pine Ridge, Colorado, she finds her new apartment in flames. To make matters worse, her manager wants her to sing an impossible solo. Her family wants her to give up the theater and join the family jewelry business. And her selfish, controlling ex-fiancé wants her back. The biggest dilemma of all, though, is trying to make everyone happy.
Handsome firefighter, Lucas O’Farrell, is searching for his soul-mate, a lady who’ll share his love of the mountains, small-town living, and kids. He knows exactly what he doesn’t want: a sophisticated city girl like Fallon. But when they are cast as sweethearts in the melodrama, the attraction is hard to deny. Before he realizes it, he’s falling for her–hard–and it’s possible she’s starting to love him, too. But is love worth the risk if the she’s planning to return to Denver at the end of the season?
What inspired this story?
My husband and I used to drive up to the Colorado high country to tour the old towns that existed at least since the gold and silver rushes of the 1870s. In many of those towns, the 19th century citizens built opera houses to attract some of the finest American and European singers of the day.
On one of our auto tours, a story sprang into my mind about bringing the gold rush times into the present. How about contemporary actors and singers rehearsing a modern-day Melodrama about the gold rush people? Before long, I had come up with the main character, Fallon—the pretty modern-day director, and handsome firefighter, Lucas, who stars in the Melodrama. Lucas is ready to settle down. He’s looking for the perfect country gal for a wife, but he sure doesn’t think city girl, Fallon, is a good candidate. And Fallon can’t wait to finish her job directing the Melodrama so she can hightail it back to Denver. Neither Lucas nor Fallon has any idea that God loves romance, and He’s about to turn their lives upside down. If you like sweet romance with a hint of adventure, you’ll love High Country Dilemma!
About the Author
Dena Netherton is the author of seven published novels. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and President of Northwest Christian Writers Association. Educated as a musician and a teacher, she caught the writing bug twenty years ago and has never looked back. Her Anaiah Press romance novel, High Country Dilemma, continues to attract romance readers. All her books are available on Amazon.com and you can find more about Dena and her books on her website: https://denanetherton.me
Dena and her husband live near Cheyenne, Wyoming where they enjoy serving at church, hosting happy parties, and planting trees.
When Hearts Collide by Sara Beth Williams
One unforgivable secret could destroy their future
A reckless mistake landed Jacob “Jay” Mathews behind bars, but it was his inescapable guilt that led him to God. Upon his release, with the help of a spiritual mentor and friend, he strives to move forward with his life. Determined to graduate college, get a job, and follow God’s word, the last thing Jay needs or wants is a girlfriend. Until he meets Lacey Bennett.
When fervent prayers for reconciliation between her divorced parents go unanswered, and her older sister tragically dies, Lacey questions how God could allow such tragedies to befall her family. Turning her back on her past and God, she focuses on her future. College and theater are her ultimate goals; falling for the one type of guy she swore to avoid–a Christian–is not. No matter how much she wants to resist, Jay is irresistible.
As their relationship deepens, Jay struggles with Lacey’s unresolved anger and her unwillingness to even discuss faith. All he wants to do is reveal how God changed his life, but doing so would mean revealing his status as an ex convict. Finally, as she begins to rekindle her faith, past secrets collide, threatening to destroy everything they’ve built. Now, Jay must rely on his faith more than he ever has before. Can they learn to forgive–or is their relationship fractured beyond repair?
What Inspired this story?
I believe in writing stories with authentic characters who endure and overcome difficult circumstances to find both romance and stronger faith. I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was in 5tth grade. As I began reading adult romance in college, I began to realize that we as Christians have a much different view on romance, and I wanted to showcase that in my contemporary romance series by weaving authentic love stories with Christian values. That is what inspired me to begin writing this series.
As for When Hearts Collide specifically? This story was inspired by another YA story i read as a young adult in high school. But When Hearts Collide morphed into a story so much greater and more powerful, going far beyond the YA book I read – When Hearts Collide is a story of romance, yes, but it also takes you on a journey of discovering God’s mercy, forgiveness, and redemption.
About the Author
Sara Beth Williams is a contemporary Christian romance author, an ACFW member, wife, mother of two daughters, and dog mom of a lovable, old-lady pit and a spunky Pomeranian-Shih Tzu mix. She lives in Northern California and also works as a freelance publicist. When she’s not held hostage by the keyboard, she enjoys playing guitar, reading, and spending time with her family.
