"crossing values" by carrie daws--review and giveaway

About the book (from the back cover): For years, Amber traipsed around the Northwest, avoiding the skeletons in her closet. Job-hopping every few weeks, she refused to let anyone get close to her as she slowly made her way east. As winter plants itself firmly across the Rockies, she decides to take a chance on a job at a logging company with a family different from any she's ever known before.

Watching the family interact creates more questions than answers for Amber. Feeling like she's entered the happily-ever-after written at the end of fairytales, she watches for cracks in the facade. Surely as the days pass, the play-acting will cease and the real family will emerge.

Or could she be wrong? Could they truly be genuine? Could Faye understand the trauma from her past or Peter think of her as more than just the winter office help? Could this family really hold the key to what she's seeking?

My take: I have mixed feelings about Crossing Values. On the one hand, it's a quick read with an intriguing plot, and it's something even pre-teen girls could read, as it contains nothing objectionable. On the other hand, I didn't buy into the romance. I applaud Daws for writing a G-rated romance—but I wish more actual romance had been involved! I didn't sense a connection between Peter and Amber. Their relationship progresses very quickly following a pivotal plot point, and both say they're in love, but I couldn't figure out why.

As much as I disliked the romance, I did enjoy other aspects of the story, such as Amber's interaction with Peter's family. And the plot reminded me of a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie—except with a real biblical basis—and I love those movies! I just wish it had been a bit more romantic. 2-1/2 stars.

For more on Crossing Values, including a free 7-day companion devotional, go here. You can buy the book here...or you could win a copy! See the info at the bottom of this post.

About the author: Over the years, God rewrote Carrie’s dreams to include being a stay-at-home mom and a writer. Originally writing weekly devotions as a way to share what she learned with women from various military bases, Carrie decided to enroll in the Christian Writer’s Guild. While there, seeds were planted and cultivated.

After almost ten years in the military, Carrie’s husband medically retired and they now live in central North Carolina with their three children. Besides writing fiction novels, she stays busy with homeschooling, working part time, and volunteering within two military ministries.

More than anything, Carrie strives to write clean fiction, happily-ever-after stories that gently advocate Biblical values and truths. For more information, visit carriedaws.com.

About the giveaway: Carrie Daws has graciously given me an autographed copy of Crossing Values to give away to one of my readers! To enter, simply leave a comment with the answer to the following question: Crossing Values takes place during the Christmas season. What is your favorite movie to watch at Christmas? Entries will be accepted until Wednesday, July 11, at 11:59 p.m. CST. The winner will be chosen through a random number generator and will be announced in a post on this blog on Thursday, July 12. The contest is open to residents of the United States and Canada.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” I am part of the CWA Review Crew.