Wednesday, December 10, 2014

"swept away" by laura v. hilton & cindy loven

When her aging grandmother hires a random stranger to make repairs around the house, Sara Jane's life changes in ways she never imagined.


Sara Jane doesn't think she wants love. But her grandmother has other plans.

Sara Jane Morgan is trying to balance teaching with caring for her ailing, stubborn grandmother. When school lets out for the summer, the plans are for Grandma to teach Sara Jane to quilt as they finish up the Appalachian Ballad quilt Grandma started as a teenager. But things don't always go as planned.

Andrew Stevenson is hiding from his past—and his future. He works as a handyman to pay the bills, but his heart is as an artisan, designing homemade brooms. When Sara Jane's grandmother hires him to renovate her home, sparks fly between Drew and his new employer's granddaughter.

Still, it doesn't take Sara Jane long to see Drew isn't what he seems. Questions arise, and she starts researching him online. What she discovers could change her life—and her heart—forever.

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.

Swept Away combines romance, faith, and family drama into a compelling novel. It's a quick read that immediately sweeps the reader into Sara Jane's world.

What I appreciated most about this novel was the very clear presentation of the gospel. Sometimes the faith element of a novel seems forced, yet here it was an integral part of the novel and completely fit into the story.

Drew is a fascinating hero who battles both self-esteem issues and his feelings for Sara Jane. I found it refreshing to read about a hero who struggles but remains likable. I also enjoyed Sara Jane, who discovers much about life and love through the course of the novel.

One thing I couldn't get past was Grandma. I understand that she was in the early stages of Alzheimer's and was going through some personality changes, but it sounds like she was never a very nice woman, and it was hard for me to feel sympathetic towards her. She did provide some great comic relief, but overall I didn't like her.

There are also a few things never explained fully (or fully enough for my liking), such as why Drew feels no woman would want him, why Sara Jane feels her parents' death is her fault, and Grandma's spiritual state. I often felt like I was missing something as I read—it was like the authors had created a back story for the characters that wasn't fully explained on paper.

Ultimately, I very much enjoyed Swept Away, but the aspects that bothered me keep me from giving it a hearty recommendation. 3 stars.

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Buy the book.
Read my reviews of other Quilts of Love releases.

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning author and a professional book reviewer. A stay-at-home mom and home school teacher, Laura lives with her family in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. Cindy Loven is active in the church and writes from her home in Conway, Arkansas, where she lives with her husband and their son.

Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven. November’s QOL release is a spark of romance and fun just in time for the holidays.

Enter to win a Kindle HDX, and RSVP for the “Merry Quilted” Quilts of Love Facebook party on December 9th. 
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One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven
  • Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll
  • Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey
Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 9th. Winner will be announced during the "Merry Quilted" Christmas Facebook party on December 9th. RSVP today and connect with some of the Quilts of Love authors (Jodie Bailey, Laura V. Hilton, Cindy Loven, Cathy Elliott, and Gina Welborn) for a "merry" evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, prizes, and more!
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{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on December 9th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. 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."

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