DUAL POWER OF CONVENIENCE
All they wanted was a happily-never-after.
When Richard Danforth inherits the family estate on Merriweather Island, he doesn't have time to deal with it -- especially not from halfway across the globe. He's too busy working to become the world's newest billionaire and avoiding the women who would detract him from his goals.
Enter Lyla Santana. Fresh out of Oxford University with a degree in antiques and a relationship that nearly killed her to leave, she's eager for the isolation and treasure trove that is Danforth Hall. Lyla also is determined to avoid men at all costs. Forever.
It was supposed to be a match made on paper. With him halfway across the globe, they'd never have to see each other again.
So, what's Richard doing on Merriweather just weeks after the wedding? And how will his arrival test Lyla's faith, not to mention stretch their so-called relationship?
In a twist on billionaire romance and marriage of convenience, this "Merriweather book" kicks off a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.
The Independence Island Series: beach reads aren't just for summer anymore.
My Review:
Ha! Catch that tag line-- "All they wanted was a happily-never-after." Great play on words and exactly what this story is all about!
This is my first book by Chautona Havig, though I've become addicted to her Because Fiction podcast and I thought it was about time I sampled one of her stories...and am I ever glad I did.
WOO-HOO!!! New-To-Me-Fantastic-Author Alert!!!!!!
The first in the multi-authored Independence Island series, Dual Power of Convenience tackles popular tropes -- billionaire, marriage of convenience and a bit of mail-order bride thrown in -- with a fresh eye and a whole lot of heart.
Absolutely loved Havig's spin on them (and I am so not a fan of billionaires.) But Richard is atypical in some ways and that saved him for me. Yes, he's a workaholic and obsessed with his business, but he's also down-to-earth, anchored by his faith. Now, that doesn't make him perfect, but it does make him relatable.
Lyla is in hiding. There's no other way to describe it. She's run from a horrific ordeal, hoping to find solace and healing in her island retreat. Problem is, she can't run from her mind or her heart and that makes things so much more complicated. And I do so love the edge that complicated brings to a romance. :-)
Havig doesn't consider herself a romance writer, but I found an understated romantical-ness about Lyla and Richard's story. It's springs forth out of their texts and emails and phone conversations and truly blossoms when they come face to face. And when they are finally both on the island together for a prolong period -- oh la la -- happy sighs and a few toe-curls besides. I fell in love with them both...and together as a couple.
And, Hallelujah, here is a Christian Fiction book with a strong faith thread. These are real people with real problems and they really mess up, but they know God is with them all the way. Not that they always listen to Him, or even consult Him on important matters -- they're all too human for that which I loved immensely because it makes them just like me. Havig nevers preaches, but inspiration sparkles throughout.
I enjoyed watching this heroine and her hero grow on their journey from happily-never-after to happily-ever-after.
I listened to the audible edition of this book, narrated by Christa DelSorbo, and loved every second. She really brought the story to life and gave the characters unique voices which made me feel like was right there on the island listening in.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is paperback or ebook copy -- winner's choice
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Dual Power of Convenience, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your 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 to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winners announced on Saturday April 10 2021. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!
I've only read one book in the Independence Islands series and that's Carolyn Miller's installment "Restoring Fairhaven"....I think you would love it just as much as I did!
ReplyDeleteSo I'm up for another trip to the island! What an oddball mix of a plotline, but sounds super fun. 😊
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
It really works. And I'm sure I'd like Carolyn Miller's book as well. She was interviewed on the Because Fiction podcast as well. Good luck, Trixi!
DeleteThis book sounds different and interesting, please enter me, thanks! lclee59(at)centurylink(dot)net
ReplyDeleteYou won't be disappointed. Good luck, Connie!
DeleteChautona is very prolific from what I can tell, but I've only read two or three of her books. This sounds like a good one!
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed a few episodes of her podcast, but usually only find time to listen to them while driving in the car, and I don't do much driving for any long periods of time.
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
One of the perks of living alone is having lots of time for podcasts and audio books. :-) I'm intrigued by this author -- prolific and varies with her genres too. Definitely looking forward to reading more. Good luck, Patty!
DeleteThis sounds fun! Like you, I'm not a fan of the billionaire stuff, but do love a good marriage of convenience story! Thanks for t hff e review and the giveaway!
ReplyDeletetracey14567 at gmail dot com
Yeah, there's something about billionaires that I find totally unappealing. But Richard totally works for me. :-) He's the billionaire with the airs. Good luck, Tracey!
DeleteLOVE this author and can't wait for the opportunity to read "DUAL POWER OF CONVENIENCE"!
ReplyDeleteHappy to know you enjoyed her book. Always love the way faith is woven through her books.
Thank you for the wonderful chance to win a copy!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
Glad to hear you are familiar with Chautona Havig, Kay. I'm eager to read more by her. Good luck!
DeleteI have enjoyed reading this author's books and this one sounds like a great book! Thank you for the giveaway. golden0522ATmsnDOTcom
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Judy. Good luck!
DeleteI haven’t read any books in this series. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteIt has a really neat premise with the island setting and all the intriguing folks who live there. There's something magical about islands. Good luck, Lucy!
DeleteI've been intrigued by this series, but haven't read any yet. This one sounds really good!
ReplyDeletedmandres5 at gmail dot com
It's off to a great start. Good luck, Melissa!
DeleteI also enjoy Havig's insightful book reviews. I saw that she had released a couple of books with these covers, but I hadn't realized they were from a larger multi-author series. *rushes to Amazon*
ReplyDeletetlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com
I know, right? I need to see if more of these are on audible. Good luck, Terrill!
DeleteI have some of her books but haven't read them yet, so that means after reading your review I have some good reading to be done. This ones sounds like good one too.
ReplyDeleterrwalter34ATgmaildotcom
I'm looking forward to reading more of her books. Good luck, Becky!
DeleteHeard of her and have some of her books 📚 They sound really good but I haven't read any of them yet
ReplyDeleteiamabho AT gmail DOT com 😍😊😍
I love finding a new-to-me author. Good luck, Linda!
DeleteThanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteladysnowangelphotos(at)gmail(dot)com
You're welcome, LSA! Good luck!
DeleteNew to me author too. Marriages of convenience are always fun to read.
ReplyDeletepbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Good luck, rubynreba!
Delete