True to You (Bradford Sisters Romance #1) by Becky Wade

After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he's diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother.

The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John's already dating someone and Nora's not sure she's ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they're seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I'm excited about this new series by Becky Wade!  What a fun, classy cover on this book, don't you think?  I love the font too.

This is a contemporary christian fiction romance.  Nora starts off the book a bit mousy.  She dresses in large, bulky sweaters and focuses on her business and genealogical pursuits.  Nora is smart and I loved her passion for those things.

John is Nora's complete opposite in almost every way but he has need of her professional help and knowledge with genealogy.  As they begin working together, Nora finds herself a bit enamored with John but he has a girlfriend and of course, Nora suffers from a bit from a lack of self confidence when it comes to men.  Luckily she has good sisters to help her navigate some of the unfamiliar waters she finds herself in.  I loved how the friendship between Nora and John progressed so naturally and normally.  They slowly gained trust in each other and it felt solid and real.

I'm excited to read about Nora's sisters in future books.  This book set the stage for some stories to come!

Content:  Moderate Christian elements throughout.  Light romance.

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

True To You (Taking Chances #2) by Liwen Y. Ho

Wanted: A man with the four C’s (Chinese, Christian, Cash and Career). Ability to cure hives a definite plus.

Melanie Koo may be a physician skilled in helping others, but the one thing she can’t fix is her own love life. That’s why her mother comes up with the perfect remedy-an arranged marriage. Being the dutiful daughter that she is, she agrees to this loveless match … until a chance meeting leads her straight to the cure for her hopeless heart.

Ben Peters is everything Melanie was not looking for in a guy, but she can’t help but be drawn to his passionate and kind nature and, not to mention, those adorable dimples. For once in her life, she considers breaking parental expectations to go after what she wants. The only thing standing in her way is a five foot one traditional Chinese mother and her scheming ways.

Now Melanie has to make the biggest decision of her life. Will she stay true to her family or will she choose to believe that true love can be colorblind?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

What a fun little romance!  I was pleasantly surprised by this book and how much I liked it.  There were so many little things that made me smile throughout.  

The characters were easy to like.  Especially Ben.  I loved his attitude toward life and how he was so easy going.  He brought out the best in Melanie and that is what love should do.

It was interesting to have the Chinese culture so embedded in this story.  I loved learning about cultural ideas and phrases.  In fact, the book refers to Chinese people who act more white as bananas.  Yellow on the outside, white on the inside.  And white people who act more Chinese as eggs.  White on the outside, yellow on the inside.  I'd actually never heard of that before.  I was sitting in a college class later that day and the instructor mentioned this very thing.  It was so weird because I had JUST read about it.  At least I could say I knew what she was talking about.  Ha!  In a way, this book reminded me of My Big, Fat Greek Wedding.  Only Chinese instead of Greek.

I really enjoyed this story and I'll be looking forward to more by this author.

Content:  Clean (there is a reference to sex outside of marriage that resulted in a pregnancy but no details)