Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin

Julia Dare is trying to run her own business, raise her young son, Max, and help her widowed mother. Her biggest worry, though, is keeping Max's father from being a bad influence while still allowing the boy to spend time with his dad. When an account from her event-planning business sends her to Caliente Springs resort, she's shocked to encounter Zeke Monroe, her college sweetheart. 

Zeke is determined to keep Caliente Springs running despite financial trouble. When Julia walks back into his life, he's surprised at the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client's wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. With Zeke and Julia both pushed to their limits, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?

Publisher: Bethany House, 2016

Genre: Contemporary Romance

My Review

Someone Like You is a standalone Christian romance novel set in southern California. 

Julia Dare, a single mom and new business owner, stays busy in her life as a new Christian, living with her mother away from the toxic situation she created with her son's father, and ex-fiance, Hunter. Now she's reunited with her college sweetheart Zeke Monroe, general manager of Caliente Springs, a resort Julia is scouting for one of her clients. Despite their ten year separation, their hearts gravitate to each other once again, rekindling a flame they'd thought long extinguished. 

With an ornery pet goat, a famous country singer, a last-minute wedding, and a jealous ex-fiance, Julia's time at Caliente Springs is always eventful.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance and second chances. I gave this book 4 stars!

_____________________________________________________________

Learn more about Victoria Bylin and her books at www.victoriabylin.com. 

Surprised by Love by Julie Lessman

She can turn the head of the man who spurned her—

but can she turn his heart?

When Megan McClare left San Francisco to study in Paris, no one would accuse her of being poised and pretty. But on the other side of the Atlantic, this wallflower blossomed into a beauty with big dreams. When she returns to California and accepts an internship at the district attorney’s office, she’s thrilled that her life is taking shape. But the exciting opportunity quickly loses its glow when she discovers she’ll be working alongside Devin Caldwell, who mercilessly mocked her at school—and with whom she was hopelessly enamored.

Bram Hughes is the best friend to whom Megan has always turned for support and advice. But when she seeks his counsel about working with Devin Caldwell, Bram’s vision is clouded by his sudden unwelcome attraction to a girl he had always thought of as a little sister. He advises forgiveness, but can he forgive himself for pushing the woman he loves into the arms of another man?

Author: Julie Lessman

Publisher: Revell, 2014

Cover Photography and Design: Brandon Hill

My Review

Surprised by Love is the third novel in Lessman’s “The Heart of San Francisco” series. This story was sweet, torture. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time two love triangles battled for the best man to win. Lessman had a magnificent way of making me root for all the men, until their secrets are revealed. And there were a lot of dirty secrets. Then I was nail-biting to see if the wreckage could be salvaged. Another strong and lovely romance from Lessman with a goose bump-worthy moral. I’m definitely putting the rest of this series on my “to read” list. I give this book 4.5 stars!

____________________________________________________

Award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series, Julie Lessman was

American Christian Fictions Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and voted #1 Romance Author of the year in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards. She has also garnered seventeen RWA and other awards and made Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction. Her book A Light in the Window is an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Reader’s Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner. You can contact Julie and read excerpts from her books at julielessman.com.