Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter

Aloha Rose
by Lisa Carter
Quilts of Love series, Book 12
Christian Fiction / Contemporary / Romance
Available November 2013
Abingdon Press
240 pages

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About the Book
Can searching your past create a new beginning or just new frustration? 

When Laney Carrigan sets out to find her birth family, her only clue is the Hawaiian quilt—a red rose snowflake appliquéd on a white background—in which she was found wrapped as an infant. Centering her search on the Big Island and battling fears of rejection, Laney begins a painstaking journey toward her true heritage. Kai Barnes, however, is determined to protect the people he’s come to regard as family. He thinks Laney is nothing more than a gold digger and blocks every move she makes toward her Hawaiian family. As their conflict escalates, it puts at risk the one thing that Kai and Laney both want most—a family.

My Thoughts
With winter fully upon us now, who wouldn't want to read a book set in a tropical paradise? The cover alone had me feeling a bit warmer as I snuggled under three blankets to read Aloha Rose! I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Hawaii through Lisa Carter's eyes. She made the islands come alive with her use of Hawaiian words, traditions, and culture. While I didn't initially like Laney or Kai very much (they were a little hard to connect with), I eventually liked them a lot. As their "issues" came to light and explained their actions, I understood them better and really rooted for them to overcome their pasts.

As much as I wanted to love this book, I didn't. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the read, but there were several flaws that kept it from being great (for me). The romance moved really fast. The beginning of the romantic relationship between Laney and Kai came out of left field and then stopped and started a lot. It was just confusing. The end came together really quickly—too quickly. There was a ton going on throughout the book. For 240 pages, I felt like it was too much. And the end had a really intense arc that just didn't mesh with the rest of the book. Finally, there were many places throughout where the phrasing was ... odd. I caught myself reading and re-reading whole paragraphs trying to make sure I understood what was being said. It was just confusing.

If you're looking for a quick read or a romantic story, you might enjoy this book. Especially if you're looking for an armchair vacation to Hawaii! [3 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from Abingdon Press and CFBA in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author
Lisa Carter is the author of Carolina Reckoning and Aloha Rose, and a writer and teacher whose articles have appeared in FamilyFun, Thriving Family, MomSense, and Christian Parenting Today. She is a frequent speaker and vocalist at women’s ministry events and has taught at the collegiate, high school, and middle school levels. Lisa is a member of ACFW, RWA and Sisters in Crime. When she isn't writing, Lisa enjoys traveling, quilting, and researching her next romantic adventure. She and her husband have two daughters and make their home in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Lisa Carter Online
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