I LOVED reading Smitten by Colleen Coble, Kristen Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt. The four authors did such a good job merging four stories together; it did not feel like you were reading a book by four different authors! Before reading, I read their introduction to the story. The authors decided that they would write about four friends, each with personalities similar to their own. This idea was unique in and of itself and made me more intrigued to read the story. I had only read one other story by Colleen Coble, and truly enjoyed it. As I was reading Smitten, I related most to the characters that Colleen Coble and Diann Hunt wrote about, Natalie and Reese. This also made it more interesting to read, figuring out which character I was most like!
The four girls are best friends in the story. Their town, Smitten, is “going under”. The mill where many people in town worked is closing down and the town looks as if it has no hope for a future, until the girls and the town decide that they can use the name of their town, Smitten, to get tourist there. They are going to turn their town into a romance destination. Each girl has a man in their life. Natalie and Carson are both town members and help decide things for Smitten, Shelby and Nick are really good friends of about 4 years, Julie and Zac are high school friends and Zac and Julie’s brother are best friends, and Reese and Griffen are childhood friends.
The romance between the couples is a little bit predictable, but still very enjoyable to read! Also, the authors did a great job incorporating scripture and prayer into each story. I found myself taking a moment to say a prayer for my own life several times while I was reading. When this happens, I know the book is hitting home!
I enjoyed reading Smitten! Thank you Booksneeze for yet another wonderful opportunity!
I received a copy of Smitten from Booksneeze. I did not receive compensation for my thoughts.
Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs was written prior to Mine is the Night. I read Mine is the Night first and FINALLY had the opportunity to read Here Burns My candle. These are two books that I will definitely be reading again. They are written so well and the characters are developed very nicely. It is easy to get right into the story. Liz Curtis Higgs does a wonderful job incorporating historical fiction into her writing. She engages her readers from the very beginning.
As I mentioned in my previous review for Mine is the Night these books do not have to be read in order, however, Here Burns My Candle does set up the next story. It was nice this time to be able to have some of my questions answered and to have more background information for some of the Scottish History. I have read many historical fiction books and it is always nice to view different locations and the history that is present there.
I highly recommend both books!
I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest opinon of this book.
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