Friday, January 12, 2018

The Texan Twins

GIVEAWAY
NAVARRO, JOLENE
THE TEXAN TWINS

Big Texan Reunion

Between providing for her five-year-old twins and achieving her dream of running a wildlife sanctuary, Danica Bergmann has no room for anything -- or anyone -- else. So when the wildlife volunteers she's taken on turns out to be Reid McAllister, her secret husband, who disappeared before she got a chance to reveal she was pregnant, it flips her world upside down. Six years ago he wasn't worth chasing down, but Danica can tell Reid's a changed man -- and he's still the only man she's ever loved. It's a long road to redemption, but can Danica learn to trust Reid with their children...and their future?

Lone Star Legacy: Big Texas sides, bigger Texas hearts

My Review:

It can be tricky to make the 'secret baby' trope work for me so it takes some fancy footwork for an author to convince me that I'm going to  buy into the heroine's reasons for keeping her baby a secret from the father. I'm prepared to dislike said heroine from the very first page -- if I even end up reading the book! Yes, I'm that opinionated on the subject and I know a lot of other readers who are too. But guess what? Jolene Navarro did a brilliant job winning me over! And she's a new-to-me-author to boot! So I guess the moral of the story is never say never -- there's an exception to every rule.

I totally get why Danica hasn't told Reid about their twins. That drama plays out quietly in the beginning pages of the book as Navarro delivers a deeply emotional insight into Danica's backstory. And even when Reid shows up on the scene and it would make total sense to tell him about their girls I understood why she held back. I didn't like it. I didn't agree with it. But I felt it. All the emotions that are hitting Dani fast and furiously. The way it all starts spiraling out of control until she can't seem to catch her breath. And either could I.

This is a tentative second chance love story full of missteps and poignantly tender moments. It's about God's grace and the fact that forgiveness is an action. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to wring some necks, gag some of Danica's family members and purse whomp some holier than thou secondary characters. A totally awesome emotional roller coaster of a read!

GIVEAWAY OPPORUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Texan Twins leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday January 14 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck.

21 comments:

  1. You just have to love a book that is published by Love Inspired and have kids on the cover, and twins at that. Thank you for the chance to in.

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.
    countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

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  2. I am the same way. I have never been a fan of the secret baby trope and don't understand why it is best to keep it a secret! I'm intrigued that you found this one a bit different. lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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    1. Yes -- it can make the heroine seem so self-centered and shallow. But -- this is totally different and brilliantly done. And a great story all round. Good luck,Susan.

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  3. Ah, yes. The secret child plot always has me a bit on edge, too. But most of the books with this plot I’ve read so far have been pretty good. This one looks like a good one!

    mindyhoung AT msn DOT com

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    1. This one is really well done. I could totally see it happening in real life. Good luck, Mindy.

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  4. when it comes to our children, trust at second chances are ify at best. this sounds like a great book.
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

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    1. Yes, those sweet little girls make the possibility of a second chance romance all the harder -- but definitely more rewarding. Good luck, Lori.

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  5. Sounds good. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom

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  6. What an adorable cover. Thank you for the chance.
    leliamae54(At)aol(dot)com

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    1. It is, isn't it? Love Inspired always does such a great job with their covers. Good luck, Lucy.

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  7. Awe So Cute
    Love The Cover and The Twins
    Thank you
    iamabho AT gmail DOT com

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  8. I feel the same Kav! Secret baby/child is not one I particularly care for. Ruth Logan Herne's latest one "Her Secret Daughter" is an example of how to write one well where your readers fall in love with it (see my review on Goodreads if you wish) Based solely on the author did I read it :-) And there is a legitimate reason WHY the heroine never said word one about the child in question, it just makes you feel all the feels and sympathize with her. I know you have that on your TBR pile so don't cringe when you get to it...lol! I think you will love it, I did.

    That being said, I have this on my shelf. Jolene is also a new-to-me author even though I follow her on Facebook, but I've not read anything by her yet.

    It still will take quite a bit of convincing me that secret baby is a good prose...if ever...lol! It takes a special kind of author to pull it off.

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    1. We're kindred reading spirits,Trixi. And yes, Ruthy's a must read no matter what the storyline. I'll be interested to hear what you think about this one once you've read it.

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  9. Absolutely loved your review! Now you have me sold on Big Texan Reunion and I can't wait to read it.

    Thanks for the chance to win a copy so I can fall in love with this second chance romance as much as you did!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  10. I agree with you, Kav. Secret baby trope is not my favorite, but love your review and will add this one to my list. I love discovering new authors. Thanks for your review. I'm looking forward to reading The Texas Teins. (I have twin granddaughters and can't imagine keeping them a secret!!)

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    1. I am thrilled to add Jolene Navarro to my 'must buy' list now. I really enjoy her storytelling -- secret babies notwithstanding. Good luck, Pam.

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