BOOK REVIEW: "A Moment in Time" by Tracie Peterson

BOOK REVIEW: "A Moment in Time" by Tracie Peterson

I've only read one Tracie Peterson book before this, and I want to thank Bethany House for allowing me a free copy of A MOMENT IN TIME in exchange for my honest review.

The premise for the story was wonderful. Tracie Peterson creates characters with deep thoughts and a strong desire to do good before God and do goodwill to others. I appreciate and admire that. Christians are supposed to desire these things. There are many faith-based books on the market where "Christians" act the same way as the rest of the world. Please understand me: I recognize that we all fall short, and no one is perfect. But if we look exactly like the world, do we really look like Christ? So, thank you, Tracie Peterson, for your godly characters' examples.

So, the premise and characters' faith were good; however, I didn't feel the premise was fully successful in its actual execution. I explain in the paragraphs below.

This book started strong, with suspense in the first chapter. I was immediately drawn in by the mystery of Mr. Smith and the heroine's impending danger. This structure led me to believe the entire book's tension would build from that point; however, it tapered off for a few chapters, while we were given several pages of backstory and inactivity. I found this section hard to slog through. I understand that the backstory we were given was very important to setting up the story (especially the information about how she got her scar and what happened with her mother) . . . the problem is that, in the current fiction market, the pace/tension needs to continue to build. I feel the backstory in A MOMENT IN TIME would've been better received if it was given in snippets rather than several paragraphs, in conversation rather than author intrusion.

And due to the back cover copy, I assumed this was a romance. And it was . . . though it started quite late. Again, my expectations are set by other inspirational fiction currently on the market. A story isn't a romance until the hero and heroine meet, and these two didn't meet until several chapters in. I confess I felt disappointed each time a new chapter began and the heroine hadn't headed to Texas yet to meet the hero.

So, all in all, I think the book was fine--though not my particular preference. I tend to lean toward books that build their tension from the first chapter. But if you like a calmer pace, strong faith messages, and tender romance, you will probably enjoy this book. I know Tracie Peterson has been a well-received author for many years and undoubtedly has a faithful fan base. They will probably enjoy this story!

BOOK REVIEW MONDAY: Here to Stay

Here we are, Book Review Monday. And have I got a treat for you this time!

 

Melissa Tagg's

 

HERE TO STAY



HERE TO STAY is seriously one of the best books I've read this year. Simply lovely. If you like Christian contemporary romance--with some laugh-out-loud moments along the way--you'll love this book as much as I did.

This book receives:

5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis from Back of the Book

After playing nomad for five years, Blake Hunziker has finally had enough of adventure. Not sure what receptions he'll get from everyone back in Whisper Shore, he's stunned at not only a warm welcome from his hometown but also a job offer. The job is his if he can successfully pull off the annual Christmas festival. If only he knew the first thing about coordinating events . . .

If there's one thing Autumn Kingsley knows, it's Whisper Shore. For years, she's been stuck running her family's inn when all she wants is to see the world. Now she has a visit scheduled from a potential investor who could take over the inn, as well as a dream job over in Paris. But with just two weeks to whip the inn into shape, her chance at escape is a long shot.

The Hunzikers and the Kingsleys may not get along, but Blake knows Autumn's the only one who can help him. She agrees to a trade--she'll help with the festival and he'll help with inn repairs. But what was meant to be a simple deal quickly becomes much more than that when the guy who's done running away joins forces with the girl who can't wait to leave.


My Expectations as a Reader (and if They Were Met)

I've read this author's debut novel, MADE TO LAST, which I also loved, but this book blew me out of the water. I know I sound a bit over-dramatic, but it seriously met all my expectations . . . hilarious moments, toe-curling romance (while still acceptable to recommend to conservative readers), realistic characters, and a perfectly-orchestrated plot.


My Expectations as a Writer (and if They Were Met)

Melissa Tagg's writing is strong and witty. Her voice is excellent for contemporary romance. Her characters deal with real issues and real pain. Not everything is wrapped up in a neat bow at the end, but enough is to make this hopeless-romantic reader sigh with content.

Trust me, you won't want to miss HERE TO LAST, and I am SO looking forward to Book #3!


** This book was given to me by Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and comments are my own. **