from NoveList PlusSparks, N. (2008). The lucky one. New York: Grand Central Pub.

ISBN: 9780446579933

Rating: 3Q4P

Readers' Annotation: Logan believes a photograph saved his life.

Summary:  After returning home to the United States, Logan goes on a quest to find the woman he believes saved his life.  While serving his country in Iraq, Logan found a photograph of Elizabeth.  A friend and fellow soldier convinces him the photograph is his good luck charm and the reason he survived his tours.  He walks from Colorado to North Carolina where he finally finds her.  When he meets Elizabeth he knows he should tell her the story of the photograph, but he has no idea where to begin.  Logan fits himself into her and her family's life, but will he be allowed to stay when she finds out the truth.

Evaluation:  Nicholas Sparks does what he does best--makes readers believe that true love is possible against all odds.  Sparks crafts an emotional story of love and loss.  Fans of his novels will gobble this one up.  The movie may inspire new readers as well.

Genre:

• Chick Lit
• Romance

If you liked The Lucky One try...

• Other books by Nicholas Sparks
• Scrooge Wore Spurs by Janet Dailey
• Sunday's At Tiffany's by James Patterson

from NoveList PlusQuick, A. (1999). I thee wed. New York: Bantam Books.

ISBN: 9780553100846

Rating: 4Q4P

Readers' Annotation: Emma Greyson meets Edison Stokes; he convinces her to help him catch a thief.

Summary:  Emma Greyson is a ladies companion who isn't afraid to speak her mind, which sometimes leads to employment issues.  She believes her current employer Lady Mayfield is her last chance at earning enough money to survive.  Emma has invested all of her money in what now seems to be a failed endeavor.  She accompanies Lady Mayfield to a week long event where she meets Edison Stokes.  Edison and Emma team up after running into one another in a compromising situation.  Edison needs Emma's help locating the thief of an ancient book of potions.  In agreeing to do this Emma finds her life in danger; fortunately for Emma Edison is usually there to save her.

Evaluation:  Romance readers who like an independent female lead will be drawn to Emma.  I Thee Wed has it all: romance, suspense and intrigue; readers won't be able to put it down.  I'm usually not a fan of Regency Romance Novels, but Quick hooked me early on with witty banter between Edison and Emma.  Besides, Edison I found the male characters to be flat and forgetabble.  Quick breathes life into her female characters, and even now, I can picture Lady Mayfield sitting in bed waiting for Emma to help her get ready for the day.

Genre:

• Romance - Suspense
• Romance - Historical
• Romance - Regency

About the Author: Amanda Quick is Jayne Ann Krentz.  Krentz writes under three names depending on the genre of her books.  As Jayne Ann Krentz, she writes contemporary, romantic, suspense stories.  As Amanda Quick, she writes historical, romantic, suspense stories.  As Jayne Castle, she writes futuristic/paranormal romantic suspense stories.  For more information on Jayne Ann Krentz visit her website.

from NoveList PlusHenderson, D. (2000). True devotion. Sisters, OR: Palisades.

ISBN: 9781576736203

Rating: 3Q4P

Readers' Annotation: Kelly Jacobs finds love again with her and her husband's best-friend, Navy SEAL Joe "Bear" Baker.

Summary:  Kelly Jacobs' continues to mourn the death of her husband, a Navy SEAL even though it has been three years. Their best friend, Joe "Bear" Baker is also a SEAL.  Kelly has feelings for Joe, but doesn't know if she can handle the emotional stress of being in a relationship with another SEAL.  After a couple strange, life-threatening events, Joe realizes they are related to Kelly's husband's death.  Joe realizes he must protect Kelly at any cost because he loves her.

Evaluation:  Readers will find themselves cheering for Kelly and Joe's relationship.  Their love seems so pure, rooted in friendship.  At times the novel is predictable, but that won't stop readers from enjoying and reading on to see what happens next.  The author does a good job of weaving Joe and Kelly's love story together with they mystery surrounding the death of Kelly's husband.  It is very evident that this is a Christian novel.  Both Kelly and Joe are Christians and refer to their faith often.

Genre:

• Christian Fiction - Romance
• Christian Fiction - Suspense

Series: Uncommon Heroes

1. True Devotion (2000)
2. True Valor (2002)
3. True Honor (2002)

cover art from NoveList PlusGibson, R. (2010). Nothing but trouble. New York: Avon Books.

ISBN:  9780061579097

Rating: 2Q4P

Readers' Annotation:  Chelsea Ross takes on the care of an angry hockey player after a car accident ruins his career.

Summary:  Chelsea Ross puts her acting career on hold to earn enough money for breast reduction surgery.  She moves in with her sister in Seattle, Washington where her sister connects her with a job that if she sticks with it, she will earn a bonus of $10,000.  Chelsea meets Mark Bressler, a hockey player whose career is ended because of a nearly fatal car accident.  He has already scared off multiple home care nurses.  Initially Chelsea is motivated by the money and reminds herself constantly of it.  As Mark realizes Chelsea is not leaving, both begin to see one another differently.

Evaluation:  Contemporary romance readers will enjoy the relationship that Chelsea and Mark develop in Nothing But Trouble.  Author, Rachel Gibson, sprinkles the right amount of humor and heart in the novel to keep readers interested even when Chelsea and Mark are at each others' throats.  As with many romance novels, the characters fall in and out of love very quickly and I suppose this is the appeal because it is unlike real life.

Genre:

• Romance - Contemporary

Series: Hockey Romances (Note: I read Nothing But Trouble without realizing it was a part of a series. I did not realize until I finished the book that it was a part of a series and did not feel like I missed anything by reading it out of order.)

1. Simply Irrisitible (1998)
2. See Jane Score (2003)
3. The Trouble with Valentine's Day (2005)
4. True Love and Other Disasters (2009)
5. Nothing But Trouble (2010)
6. Any Man of Mine (2011)