interracial romance – Diversity Between the Pages

Book Review: The CEO’s Companion

Published on January 24, 2022January 23, 2022 by NicoleLeave a comment

Happy Monday, friends! Today I am thrilled to share my thoughts on The CEO’s Companion, the fourth book in Rose Fresquez’s Caregivers series.

Have you read any books by Rose Fresquez yet?

ABOUT THE BOOK

Despair held him captive. Can her love break his chains?

After a deadly fire robbed him of his wife and children, billionaire Eric Stone clings to God and buries himself in work to distract himself from his grief. But when a mysterious illness takes away his ability to work, Eric must retreat to his childhood home to rest and recover. Grief-stricken and hopeless, he is irritated by his new care taker’s enthusiasm for life. But against his will, her sunny outlook makes inroads.

Joy Musana got a new lease on life after beating cancer four years ago. Now, she lives every day to serve God and others. In her opinion, the grumpy CEO she is caring for doesn’t need her sympathy—but making him smile is her priority.

When she asks him to attend a wedding with her to avoid the matchmaking efforts of her roommate, Eric surprises himself by agreeing to pose as her fake date to shield her from a pushy suitor. As unexpected sparks fly, Eric’s and Joy’s hearts are trapped between what’s fake and what’s real. Could this weekend be their chance for a new beginning?

This is the fourth standalone book in the caregiver series. Each book can be read in any order.

Books in the series

1. The Doctor’s Nanny

2. The Entrepreneur’s Nurse

3. The Physician’s Helper

4. The CEO’s Companion

5. The Investor’s Wife

6. The Soldier’s Trainer

7. The Realtor’s Attendant

MY THOUGHTS

In The CEO’s Companion, author Rose Fresquez creates another beautiful faith-filled contemporary romance that will draw readers closer to their faith. With an engaging storyline and authentic characters, this heartwarming tale of finding one’s purpose and discovering true love is a delight to read.

After the struggles and heartache CEO Eric Stone has faced in his life, it would be understandable for him to doubt his faith. However, despite difficult times, his trials have eventually helped strengthen his faith and his desire to help others realize God’s grace. The romance between Eric and Joy develops at a realistic pace and allows readers to experience the journey along with them.

The CEO’s Companion is recommended for readers of inspirational contemporary romance.

I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR/PUBLISHER AND WAS NOT REQUIRED TO WRITE A POSITIVE REVIEW.

ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MINE.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rose Fresquez is a stay-at-home mom, with a husband and four kids. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors with the family, sing gospel music and plotting her next writing project.

Rose’s writing projects include both Christian non-fiction and Christian fiction.

Book Review: The Physician’s Helper

Published on October 25, 2021October 22, 2021 by Nicole3 Comments

Happy Monday, friends! Today I am thrilled to share my thoughts on The Physician’s Helper, the third book in Rose Fresquez’s Caregivers series.

Have you read any books by Rose Fresquez yet?

ABOUT THE BOOK

He was in love with his best friend but she got engaged to his brother.

Just when Lucas Matthews was about to reveal his secret feelings for his best friend Britt, his brother beat him to the punch and proposed to her— forcing Lucas to take desperate measures.

Lucas rocked Brittney Young’s world when he challenged the status of their friendship. Sealing his confession with a melting kiss left no room for confusion, but by the time Britt got over her doubts, Lucas had left town. Not only had she lost a best friend, she ended her engagement. The only thing she didn’t lose was her job as Lucas’ Grandma’s caregiver.

With each passing day, Britt realized that her own feelings for Lucas went beyond friendship.

Ten years later, when Britt’s ex- fiancé’s wedding brings Lucas back into town, she’s not prepared for the way her blood sizzles in his company.

Could this be a second chance to renew their friendship and find something more? Can Lucas risk giving his heart again to the woman who crushed it?

Books in the series

1. The Doctor’s Nanny

2. The Entrepreneur’s Nurse

3.The Physician’s Helper

4. The CEO’s Companion

5. The Soldier’s Trainer

6. The Investor’s Wife

7. The Realtor’s Attendant

MY THOUGHTS

Ever since I discovered Rose Fresquez’s books, I have enjoyed her sweet interracial romances and always look forward to her upcoming releases, but she really steps up her game in The Physician’s Helper. With engaging characters and a fun storyline of former childhood friends reconnecting, The Physician’s Helper is definitely my favorite novel of hers.

If you are new to Rose Fresquez’s books, you can definitely jump right in with this novel. The Physician’s Helper, book three in The Caregivers series, can be easily read as a standalone, but fans of the series will enjoy some cameo appearances from characters they met earlier in the series.

The spiritual thread was weaved perfectly into the storyline with the hero Lucas’s recently discovered faith and the heroine Brit wanting to learn more about God herself. I especially liked how the hero and heroine are forty and almost forty years old, now that I’m getting older myself (even though I hate to admit that I will turn forty next year)! Lucas and Brit are highly relatable characters and refreshing to read, when many other characters in Christian fiction are often in their twenties. Fans of kissing scenes will enjoy the romantic moments between Lucas and Brit.

The Physician’s Helper is recommended for readers of inspirational contemporary romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rose Fresquez is a stay-at-home mom, with a husband and four kids. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors with the family, sing gospel music and plotting her next writing project.

Rose’s writing projects include both Christian non-fiction and Christian fiction.

Book Review: Stand Out

Published on August 25, 2021August 17, 2021 by NicoleLeave a comment

Happy Wednesday, friends! Today I am thrilled to share my thoughts on Stand Out, the fourth book in Rose Fresquez’s Eron Romance series.

Have you read any books by Rose Fresquez yet?

ABOUT THE BOOK

He’s her boss. She’s off-limits. One road trip might change all the rules.

After a miraculous recovery from a tragic accident, Brent Wise is back to running the billion-dollar company. With the board criticizing his decisions, the last thing he needs is his assistant to get under his skin. When Keisha talks him out of a profitable deal and the angry board members demand answers, he’s left no choice but to invite her to an out-of-state meeting.

Keisha Freeman is forced to face her insecurities when asked to advocate for her friends’ homes that are about to be demolished and replaced by a fancy hotel. Her extremely handsome boss might be a hothead and intimidating, but unlike her family, Brent treats her like the adult she is. Her mission is to prove to him that she’s more than his enemy’s little sister. She starts by defining the conditions of the trip: No private jet—just a simple road trip with a stop at every homeless shelter along the way.

On the ride of their lives, sparks fly as their love-hate sizzle continues to heat into attraction for one another. When family intrudes on a perfect romance, will they hold back or fight for their love story?

Stand Out is a sweet Christian romance that will take you on a heartwarming journey with memorable characters and an inspiring story of trust, acceptance, and following your heart.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS

“It didn’t matter how a person felt or how they looked on the outside, what was more important was how their actions stood out.”

Stand Out, the fourth installment in author Rose Fresquez’s Eron Romance series, is a beautiful tale of acceptance, faith, and finding love. This novel is one of my new favorites of hers. I always look forward to this author’s new releases, and this book is no exception.

Rose Fresquez creates a realistic storyline with Brent and Keisha’s path to romance. Readers will love the diversity of Rose Fresquez’s characters and her sweet Christian romances. She is definitely an author I would recommend for readers of inspirational contemporary romance.

I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR/PUBLISHER AND WAS NOT REQUIRED TO WRITE A POSITIVE REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MINE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rose Fresquez is a stay-at-home mom, with a husband and four kids. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors with the family, sing gospel music and plotting her next writing project.

Rose’s writing projects include both Christian non-fiction and Christian fiction.

Book Review: Short Sighted

Published on July 5, 2021July 4, 2021 by NicoleLeave a comment

Happy Monday, friends! Hope everyone had a wonderful Independence Day weekend. Today I am thrilled to share my thoughts on Short Sighted, the fourth book in Rose Fresquez’s Buchanan series.

Have you read any books by Rose Fresquez yet?

ABOUT THE BOOK

She needs a job. Her enemy is hiring.

After losing her job as an elementary school gym teacher, Laura Buchanan is thrilled to find work at a nonprofit organization—until she realizes that her new boss is the smug boy who crushed her dreams in middle school. He’s more handsome than ever and loaded with an attitude that could extinguish her again if she’s not careful.

Growing up in a group home, Ray Mbolino needed to develop a tough, confident shell to survive. Winning on the basketball court was all he had. Now a pro basketball star, he’s trying to get his new children’s foundation off the ground. Nothing is going to drain his confidence, not even the opinionated brunette, who’s sort of gorgeous when not scowling.

Despite their constant bickering, the chemistry is undeniable, but love’s not a possibility. Can they set aside their friction-filled battles to achieve a common goal?

Short Sighted is the fourth book in the Buchanan Stand Alone series.

Read the other standalone books in the Series

1. First Site

2. Something Right

2.5. New Light

3. Bright Side

4. Short Sighted

GOODREADS | AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS

With a sweet interracial romance, perfectly placed banter between the hero and heroine, and an engaging plot, author Rose Fresquez creates a wonderful novel that readers will not want to put down. Short Sighted, book four in the Buchanans series, can be easily read as a standalone and is one that readers won’t want to miss.

The hero’s previous experience in foster care plays an important role in shaping his current outlook in life and his desire to give back to others. The resolution of regrets and grudges from the past as well as the characters’ faith journey throughout the novel leave the readers with feelings of hope for the future.

Short Sighted is recommended for readers of inspirational contemporary romance.

I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR/PUBLISHER AND WAS NOT REQUIRED TO WRITE A POSITIVE REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MINE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rose Fresquez is a stay-at-home mom, with a husband and four kids. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors with the family, sing gospel music and plotting her next writing project.

Rose’s writing projects include both Christian non-fiction and Christian fiction.

Book Review: The Entrepreneur’s Nurse

Published on April 5, 2021March 30, 2021 by NicoleLeave a comment

Happy Monday, friends! Today I am thrilled to share my thoughts about The Entrepreneur’s Nurse, the second book in Rose Fresquez’s Caregivers series.

Have you read any books by Rose Fresquez yet?

ABOUT THE BOOK

His trip to Africa is strictly business. Her attraction to a tourist is a prescription for heartbreak.

As a successful entrepreneur, Brady Sharp is always on the lookout for the next profitable venture. When he learns of a tourist resort for sale in Uganda, he boards the first available flight, ready to strike that deal—until he falls off a motorcycle taxi and misses the contract and his flight back home.

Being the sole owner of the only clinic in a Kampala suburb, Ruth Kirabo treats a variety of illnesses—from malaria to minor surgeries, you name it. After she stitches an incoherent tourist she rescues from the roadside, she doesn’t expect to see the white man again.

When Brady goes to thank the gorgeous nurse for saving his life, she’s on her way to the village, and he offers to tag along. Each day spent with her creates a deeper attraction—a threat to his long-term goals of becoming the next billionaire. Treating a bunch of locals, handling poisonous snakes, and digging wells—surely all must be temporary.

But why does his heart ache when she says goodbye? Is Ruth willing to risk her heart for a long-distance relationship? Soon Brady must make a conflicting choice: pursue his ambition or take a chance on love.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS

The Entrepreneur’s Nurse, the second book in Rose Fresquez’s Caregivers series, takes readers on an incredible journey to the country of Uganda in Africa. This beautiful tale of finding true love and rediscovering faith is sure to become a favorite of Rose Fresquez’s readers. Her vivid descriptions of the sights and sounds of daily life in Uganda allow the readers to feel like they are taking the journey through the villages and towns right along with Brady and Ruth.

The Entrepreneur’s Nurse is recommended for readers of inspirational contemporary romance.

I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR/PUBLISHER AND WAS NOT REQUIRED TO WRITE A POSITIVE

REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MINE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rose Fresquez is a stay-at-home mom, with a husband and four kids. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors with the family, sing gospel music and plotting her next writing project.

Rose’s writing projects include both Christian non-fiction and Christian fiction.

Book Review: An Uncommon Beauty

Published on July 22, 2020July 21, 2020 by Allyson AnthonyLeave a comment

Happy Wednesday! Today’s book review is An Uncommon Beauty (Abiding Love Book 2) by Kari Trumbo.

ABOUT THE BOOK

WHAT’S A SHERIFF TO DO WHEN LOVE TEMPTS HIM TO BREAK THE LAW?

THE WRONG MAN FOR THE JOB

After failing to catch a rustling ring right under his nose, Sheriff Carl Rainer sees anger and mistrust everywhere he looks. Seeking to do right by the town, he makes an arrest that will either turn the tide or force the mayor to fire him.

THE RIGHT WOMAN IN THE WRONG TIME

Esther Greening is a woman ahead of her time. As former co-owner of an orphanage, she steps in as temporary teacher of the Albertville school when the sheriff arrests the last one for murder. However, a threat against one of her former charges sends Esther running to the girl’s rescue in direct defiance of Carl’s insistence that she keep safe.

A PAIR THAT CAN NEVER BE

With a law that forbids a white man to marry a black woman, a relationship could get either of them thrown out of town. But when a former rustler abducts Esther, Carl will stop at nothing to get her back.

What will it take for Carl and Esther to gain the support of the town and for love to conquer prejudice?

AMAZON |GOODREADS |

MY THOUGHTS

An Uncommon Beauty drew me in from the first page. It’s a story filled with romance, action, and suspense, and it’s a story about people standing beside their friends.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kari Trumbo is a bestselling author of Christian and sweet romance.

She writes swoony heroes and places that become characters with historical detail and heart.

She’s a stay-at-home mom to four vibrant children. When she isn’t writing, or editing, she home schools her children and pretends to keep up with them.

Kari loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one’s listening, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota, land of frigid toes and mosquitoes the size of compact cars, with her husband of over twenty years. They have two daughters, two sons, one cat, and one hungry wood stove

Post by Contributor Allyson Anthony

Book Review: Bright Side

Published on July 8, 2020June 25, 2020 by NicoleLeave a comment

Happy Wednesday, friends! Today I am thrilled to share my thoughts about Bright Side by Rose Fresquez. Bright Side is the third book in Rose Fresquez’s Buchanan series, her delightful interracial Christian firefighter romance series.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A firefighter burned out on romance, a single mom who sparks his interest and ignites their second chance at Love.

After his former relationship goes up in flames, Andrew Buchanan accepts a position as captain of a firehouse near his hometown. Determined to invest time with family and the new community, Andrew lets his brother reel him into coaching a kids’ soccer team. The last thing on his mind is romance…until an opportunity presents itself in the form of Bianca Perez.

She’s a single mom run ragged, but ready to step back into dating after being a widow for five years. Falling for a hot firefighter is crazy enough.

Making a fool of herself in front of Andrew Buchanan is not part of her plan—if she had a more definite plan, she would know better than to fantasize about a man who would never give her the time of day. When her fantasy unfolds to reality, they both realize how much they need a chance to love again. Will Bianca be willing to risk losing another man in the line of duty?

Bright Side is the third book in the standalone series; The Buchanans.

AMAZON | GOODREADS

MY THOUGHTS

“You look at me like I’m going to light a match and set you on fire.”

With a sweet romance, a fun family-centered storyline, and bits of humor sprinkled throughout, author Rose Fresquez creates a captivating contemporary romance novel that her readers will be sure to enjoy. Even though Bright Side is the third book in Rose Fresquez’s Buchanans series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. This wonderful interracial firefighter romance series follows the three Buchanan siblings (Ezra, Renee, and Andrew) as they discover love when they least expect it.

After a failed engagement, fire captain Andrew Buchanan is hesitant to enter a relationship again. Bianca, a widow with a young daughter, is afraid of losing another person she loves. Add in the crazy antics of coaching a youth soccer team and you have the recipe for a humorous and fun novel.

Personally, I love series that focus on close family and friend relationships, so I was thrilled that all the Buchanan siblings and their significant others played a role in this book. Readers will fall in love with this family and will want to go back and read the first two books in the series if they have not already.

Bright Side is recommended for readers of inspirational contemporary romance. If you haven’t read any books by this author yet, this is the perfect opportunity! I am looking forward to reading more books from Rose Fresquez in the future.

I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM THE AUTHOR/PUBLISHER AND WAS NOT REQUIRED TO WRITE A POSITIVE REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE MINE.

“She was not about to admit to him that he ignited a fire within her, something she hadn’t experienced since her first love, or even ever before.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rose Fresquez is a stay-at-home mom, with a husband and four kids. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors with the family, sing gospel music and plotting her next writing project.

Rose’s writing projects include both Christian non-fiction and Christian fiction.

Book Review: Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge

Published on February 21, 2020 by Carrie8 Comments

It’s Fri-yay!! I hope you’ve had a great week and have a weekend ahead full of great reads! One of my very fave authors is Ruth Logan Herne – her warmth and heart exude from the pages of her stories into a soul-deep hug. I’m delighted to bring you my review of her upcoming release, Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge! Jazz has been a prominent secondary character in the first two books of this series, and I’ve been eagerly waiting for her story.

About the Book

Creator of the bestselling “Welcome to Wishing Bridge” and “At Home in Wishing Bridge” award-winning author Ruth Logan Herne invites readers back to the little town with the big heart with “Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge”.

Being a supermodel isn’t just hard.

It can be a killer, so when international sensation Jazz Monroe answered a friend’s call for help, she’d just taken a hiatus from the job that made her a very rich woman and almost took her life. Outwardly Jazz was everything anyone would want to be. Beautiful, confident, rich and famous, and often seen on the arm of some of the world’s most eligible bachelors, Jazz knows the truth she hides. Her self-confidence is an act and the eating disorder that plagues her refuses to let her rest.

But then she and her old friend Thea are called to help a friend and fulfill a pledge they’d made a dozen years before as high school seniors. If any one of the three ever needed help, the others would come running. Last December, Kelsey made that call and her two old friends, the other members of the “Soul Sisterhood”, responded. They’re here now. Thea is practicing medicine, Kelsey has married the hero deputy that saved her life and Jazz is finding the hints of peace that have eluded her for nearly two decades. She settles into the little town, helping out at a local diner, waiting for the sky to fall.

It doesn’t. Instead, the sun begins to shine, winter fades to spring, and surrounded by new and old friends, Jazz begins to believe in herself. She loves the small town, the kindness of the locals, the warmth of the family diner and the special attention from two very different and distinct men makes her think new thoughts. Thoughts of family and picket fences and settling down.

But an unexpected attack on a wood-edged path reignites her fears and insecurities. Now she’s looking in shadows again, doubting herself and others. In Manhattan, locked elevators and a staffed entrance desk kept her safe from intruders.

Wishing Bridge has nothing like that. Here, she lives life at ground level, with no bodyguards watching out for her. But when a local contingent makes it their job to keep her safe, Jazz learns not to sell the small town short. Folks here mean what they say because that’s the kind of town Wishing Bridge is.

As Jazz rediscovers the most important things in life, she realizes that happiness isn’t about where you are: it’s about who you’re with. And who you love.

Join Jazz, Kelsey, Thea and the rest of the Wishing Bridge cast as they band together to help the town and one another because together– in Wishing Bridge– they can make anything happen.

Goodreads | Amazon

My Thoughts

First, let me say that I’m THRILLED to learn that Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge is not the last book in the series. I was afraid that, since we’ve been given a story for each of the three friends in the Soul Sisterhood, this would be our last visit to Wishing Bridge. But I wasn’t quite ready to leave yet – I enjoy the secondary & even tertiary characters and the setting so much. This town is truly a special place, albeit a fictional one, and I’m delighted that we’ll be returning there in 2021.

Now, on to the review of this book. Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge was everything I hoped it would be and more. Jazz’s story, like Kelsey & Thea’s before her, is complex and layered – a former international supermodel who realized quickly that the industry can destroy you from the inside out, finding her footing again in this sweet little town and enjoying the freedom of just being herself. Until her past comes back to stalk her – literally – and now I want Herne to branch out into romantic suspense. Because the scene snippets from the stalker’s point of view, the feeling of danger that exuded off the page whenever Jazz was alone, the protectiveness of Garrett & her other friends – it was all pitch perfect and kept me glued to the story.

Keep a tissue box handy for this read though – there are some gutwrenching moments walking alongside the heartwarming ones. One particular plot twist left me absolutely bereft, and another plot point had me blinking back tears more than once.

Another thing I love about this series are the children. Herne is nearly unparalleled in her ability to create child characters that you want to reach inside the pages and hug close. Endearing, precocious, charming… even with backstories that sadly reflect the reality for many children today. Yet, each word is penned with heart and compassion and the author’s love for children is clearly felt. In Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge, we get to know more about Emerson, whom we met briefly with his dad in the previous book. And oh my stars, what a sweetheart. He kept a grin on my face in every scene he was in – despite a little lump in my throat as well thanks to his story.

Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge is at its heart a story of friendship, faith, and the kind of family you create above & beyond the one you’re born into. Endearing, diverse characters you’ll quickly fall in love with and a charming setting welcome you to Wishing Bridge with each new book and Jazz’s long-awaited story is no exception. Definitely put this series – and the latest book – on your must-read list!

About the Author

USA TODAY bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne is about to welcome her 53rd and 54th books to book shelves in March and April, so she’s pretty stoked about romance, about love and crazy-stoked about faith!

You can friend her on facebook, follow her on Twitter, visit her website ruthloganherne.com or email Ruthy at loganherne@gmail.com She loves to chat with readers and writers and she also loves God, family, faith, friends, fun and fiction…. and add chocolate and coffee to that list!

What interests you most about Finding Peace in Wishing Bridge? Have you read the other two books in this series?

Author Interview: Rose Fresquez & Choices

Published on February 17, 2020February 16, 2020 by Carrie4 Comments

Happy Monday, everyone! I’m delighted to bring you my interview with author Rose Fresquez today, looking at a couple of her series & specifically her latest release Choices!

About the Author

Rose Fresquez is a stay-at-home mom, with a husband and four kids. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors with the family, sing gospel music and plotting her next writing project.

Rose’s writing projects include both Christian non-fiction and Christian fiction.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Interview

Carrie: Hi Rose! Thanks so much for chatting with me today 😊 Let’s start out with something fun!

Q: What’s your favorite song currently?

Rose: I have so many favorite songs, that It’s so hard for me to decide. At the moment, I will go with Mended-by Matthew West. The song, inspired my next book in the Eron Series. ‘Beyond Repair.’

Carrie: Matthew West has such great songs!

Q: What’s your favorite Bible verse currently?

Carrie: If you’re like me, it changes based on season of life lol

Rose: I agree, my favorite verses, are based on certain seasons in life, but I do have some at my fingertips all the time, and one of those is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your steps.

Carrie: I love the way you said that – having some verses at your fingertips all the time. What a great thought!

Q: If I asked your characters to describe you as an author, what would they say?

Rose: Vibrant most of the time, loves to socialize and interact with people.

Carrie: Which makes it great that you get to interact with your characters too 🙂 Before we chat about your latest release Choices, I wanted to say how much I enjoyed your Christmas short story New Light which is part of your Buchanan series.

Q: Who is your favorite character in the Buchanan series?

Rose: I love all the characters, but I will go with one of the Firefighters. Ezra Buchanan from First Site. He’s the kind of friend anybody would love to have in their life. He constantly puts his life on the line to help his friends and loved ones.

Carrie: I love that, yes!

Q: What inspired the plot of New Light?

Rose: Having written New Light during Christmas time, I thought about how Jesus brings Light in the Darkness. I then envisioned one of the struggling Firefighters, who was surrounded by a group of loving friends yet he was not willing to let them into his life. With that in mind, I wanted to portray that even in the darkest times, Jesus’ light shines through friends and loved ones. He sometimes uses them to draw us close to Him.

Carrie: You did that beautifully – very touching story! Now on to Choices, your latest sweet romance which released on February 5^th as part of your Eron Outsiders series.

Q: What can readers expect from the Eron Outsiders series as far as themes & characters, etc.?

Rose: Love triangles, fugitives, billionaires and several unique characters will be coming up in the near future. Pretty much most of the side characters mentioned in Complex and Choices, will come back with their own stories.

Carrie: Yay!

Q: Describe Eron for us.

Rose: The entire series of Eron Outsiders is an inspiration of the setting from the remote town where I grew up. Although Eron is a bigger town than my hometown, I still envisioned a peaceful town, where everyone with a busy lifestyle will want to come and settle. Being a quiet place, the residents, are always intrigued about the new outsiders to their town. Social media, is one of the main ways they spread word across the town.

Carrie: I love that you modeled it after your hometown!

Q: What surprised you about the story or the characters as you wrote Choices?

Rose: I found Chloe surprising. The fact that she had major abandonment issues was a reason enough to not fall in love with an outsider, who was always on the move and had only stopped in Eron to sell the family estate and go on his way.

Carrie: Yikes – that would be a difficult & emotional situation for her to deal with!

Q: What is one of your favorite quotes from Choices and why do you love it?

Rose: His voice was low when he spoke. “From the first time I saw you in December, I felt as if I knew you. Even the last two months while I was in the Philippines, my heart kept pulling me back to you, as if you held something I needed to know.” His soft eyes found hers, and his voice fell to a whisper. “It’s like I found a part of me in somebody else. Like I found my new best friend, and something more at the same time ‒ someone I can confide in…Thank you for coming…for going through this stuff with me.”

I have several quotes, but I chose this one, because it’s the time when they discover something unique from their past.

Carrie: “It’s like I found a part of me in somebody else.” – oh i love that!

Q: What is something God taught you while you wrote Choices?

Rose: That Life is full of choices. Every choice you make can change your life forever. The fact that God knows the future, it’s important to present my plans to Him, before I make a final decision.

Carrie: Yes, so true!

Before we close out, how can we pray for you & your writing?

Rose: That I can continue to Glorify God through my writing and to be an encouragement to my readers. More importantly, to find a good balance for God, family and writing. It’s easy to get caught up in a story, especially when I have a new story screaming in the back of my head, and I need to jot it down.

About The Book

Love By Design!

Chloe has finally returned home to stay, embracing the simple lifestyle of Eron. She opens her own fashion boutique and is contemplating a relationship with a guy who has plans to start a family. Chloe’s own plans to settle for her local suitor are disrupted when a charming doctor walks into her boutique, opening up new dating options.

Dr. Zach has never been a man to settle in one place. When Zach’s unknown grandparents leave him a house in Colorado on forty acres of land. Eron is supposed to be just another quick stop. That is until the town’s only doctor gets hurt.

When the town starts depending on him for their medical needs, Zach finds himself getting more involved in the town than he’d bargained for. Especially when he falls for the beautiful fashion designer who knows more about his grandparents than he’d expected.

Goodreads | Amazon

What interests you most about Choices and/or Rose Fresquez from our Q&A? Have you read any of Rose’s books yet?

Book Review: New Light

Published on December 20, 2019December 20, 2019 by Carrie3 Comments

Happy FRIDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS! Yay! It’s almost here!!

I know everyone is busy making lists, checking them twice, baking and cleaning and shopping and packing and wrapping and Hallmark movie-ing so today’s book review is short and sweet – because so is the story!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Desperate to keep his job after a failed drug test, Tobin Mills agrees to therapy. Just when he feels he’s beat his addiction, demons from his past catch up with him and his world starts to crumble. That’s when Eimy Castillo shows up, opening his eyes to the power of love, friendship and other things he’s never considered.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve never read anything by Rose Fresquez but that will change right now. I love the interracial and multi-cultural perspective to her stories & her characters. It’s not done just to check a box but because the author herself is passionate about these characters & the blending of their cultures.

New Light is a short story but at the same time the characters are layered and fairly well-developed for such a brief read. It presents an honest picture of addiction, how it affects everything and everyone around us, and the power of people in your corner to help you get clean and stay clean. Since it is such a short story (31 pages), the author obviously can’t touch on everything a recovering addict goes through. Still, she gives us enough of an idea to set the stage appropriately for Tobin’s journey and remind us that it’s not a quick fix or an easy one.

I loved Eimy and would easily spend an entire novel with her! Her personality and kindness are contagious, and especially at this time of year we crave that kindness in our fellow humans. She’s a breath of fresh air from the moment she enters the scene, and she remains credible throughout.

New Light has definitely whet my appetite for more from this author – so look for more reviews of her books coming from me here in the new year!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rose Fresquez is a stay-at-home mom, with a husband and four kids. In her free time, she likes to spend time outdoors with the family, sing gospel music and plotting her next writing project.

Rose’s writing projects include both Christian non-fiction and Christian fiction.

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