Rival Hearts

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Rival Hearts Abingdon Press (June 17, 2014) by Tara Randel

MY THOUGHTS:
 I enjoy the Quilter's Heart series of books. Each is written by a different author and uses a unique quilt style as a focal point of the story. 

Rival Hearts is a fun story based on a contest established by the head of a magazine enterprise. There is a new magazine starting, and he is pitting two of his best editors against each other for the coveted role of editor. Each is given a challenge to accomplish a specific task related to the OTHER'S field of expertise and then write about it. The editor of the quilting magazine must compete in a kayak race, and the editor of the outdoor adventure magazine must create a quilt.

The story is full of fun competition, funny experiences, and budding romance. I love the concept of the story, but I was a bit disappointed in its execution. At times it felt rote and stereotypical, and I was disappointed that I'd figured out the ending by page 104.

But I'd recommend it as a good beach read!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. After finding Romantic Times magazine in a bookstore many years ago, she found information about writing organizations. Soon after, she joined Romance Writers of America. She located the local RWA chapter and immediately attended her first meeting. There was no stopping her after that!

Through Tampa Area Romance Authors, Tara learned all about the business of publishing, starting with the craft of writing to behind the scenes of publishing. She served as contest coordinator for four years and served as President for one year, enjoying the organization and the lasting friendships made there.

When not writing, Tara owns a business with her husband and stays busy with her two daughters. She lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Molly Henderson and Ben Weaver have been rival magazine writers for the same publishing group for years. When both come up for the same promotion, they find themselves in an unexpected competition to win the spot. Molly, editor of Quilter’s Heart, and Ben, editor of Outdoor Adventures, must switch roles, each working for the other for one month, then submit an article at the end of their quests.

Can girly-girl Molly survive the outdoor adventures that Ben has planned? Can Ben navigate the perils of the social dynamics of quilting events without destroying a valuable quilt in one short month? More importantly, in this he-said, she-said situation, will Molly and Ben give in to their attraction and fall in love, no matter who wins?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Rival Hearts, go HERE.