Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school–irresistible. When their paths cross again after college–still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.
The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia’s ready to be Ty’s wife, but Ty’s not ready to be her husband. He’s a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he’s long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he’s known since childhood.
Five and a half years pass. Celia’s buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty’s achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn’t forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.
How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia’s trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?
Review
Being an avid reader of Christian romance, I will say that most Contemporary Christian Romance novels have a tendency to feel contrived to me. Problems usually feel created. But not so with Becky Wade! I love her writing and My Stubborn Heart is one of my favorite novels of all times. But, now, here are my thoughts for this one:
What I liked:
The beginning. It completely pulled me in and allowed me to become totally invested in Celia. Rarely, and I do mean rarely, do I connect with a heroine as much as I connected with Celia. Even Ty couldn’t pull me all the way over to his side.
The premise. It is not often that you have in a Christian novel, hidden babies. I was super excited to see it here even though there really isn’t a good reason to hide a kid from his/her dad. But, it worked here! I got why Celia didn’t tell Ty about their daughter.
I love stories that deal with parents falling in love with their children. Watching Ty get to know his daughter was so sweet. I also liked when the Porter clan was introduced to his daughter.
Ty. I liked that Ty was not like other heroes. He didn’t make up his mind right away about Celia and that really added some extra anxiety to the story.
The romance. It was slow, but it had a nice simmer to it. And I must say, love is nicely portrayed in a Becky Wade novel. It’s giving, it’s compromising, it’s putting someone else first. Beautifully done.
Spiritually, there is this great theme of forgiveness and what that really looks like. I thought Celia’s learning to follow God and letting go of the past was realistically portrayed. Her reactions came across as genuine and really understandable. There’s also something to be said about obedience here. I think Ms. Wade does a wonderful job with the spiritual message of not being too subtle as to have you wonder if this is a Christian novel, and yet the messages are not so overpowering so as to not fit the tone of the novel.
What I didn’t like:
Ty. This might be confusing because I liked that Ty was different. But, he was so confused about his feelings about Celia. And it’s not that that is a bad thing per se, but I didn’t trust him anymore than Celia did. I liked Ty, I just didn’t understand Ty.
Romantic scale: 9
Overall, very cute, original, fun, and romantic.
**I received this novel from Netgalley. My opinion was not affected in anyway.**
Fabulous review! You really nailed what is so great about this book! Well done 🙂
Thank you! I take it you’ve read this one too? 😉