Playing for Keeps

Playing for Keeps (A Novel of Family and Love)  by Kate Perry has the makings of a "Hallmark Channel Original Movie"

But what struck me the most, is the main character's struggle with fear. We have all struggled with fear, but how  much do we allow that fear to keep us from achieving are dreams?  In the case of the book, that fear was keeping her from a relationship and a career, but what about you?  What's your fear?  Is it fear of getting hurt, making your self vulnerable, that inevitable rejection letter?  Or perhaps it's fear of actually succeeding, and then what?   

My fear of rejection with my writing is only surpassed by my fear of NOT writing.  For my writers out there, don't let your fears keep you from pursuing your dreams. (Today's inspirational blog brought to you by all those sappy sayings online!  I'm sure it's only temporary, and I'll be back to my cynical self in no time! ;) )

Passion's Tide

I love to read works from new authors.  This latest read did not disappoint and I see a future in romance books for this young lady.  The book is Passion's Tide by Sarah West.  I was pretty impressed with the quality of story for such a novice author.  There were a couple of side story lines that I would have liked to see developed further but I suppose they leave Ms West with potential fodder for future books.   This was a fun quick historical romance. I was so impressed that I looked up the author.  I wonder which is more delicious, the characters in this book or the food she's got pictures of on her blog?  Since I've never tasted the food, I'm going to have go with the characters!  I look forward to forward to, hopefully, future stories from her.

The marriage list

It's been a while since I lasted posted but the holiday season seemed to take me by surprise this year.  That doesn't mean though that I haven't been reading. As a matter of fact, I recently finished a sweet, quick romance called The Marriage List, by Dorothy McFalls.   This is my first read of this fairly new author's work but she seems to be off to a great start.  I'm sure as she continues evolve in her craft, we can expect to see great works in the future.  I loved that the characters weren't "perfect", though, I'm disappointed that she seemed to "fix" them in the end.  I know that one of the attractions to romance books is the "happily ever after", but every once in a while I'd like to see the characters content in there "imperfections".  For my romance readers out there; do you prefer to escape to a world where everything always works out in the end or something a little closer to reality?