Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter - REVIEWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Aloha Rose Abingdon Press (November 19, 2013) by Lisa Carter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A word from the author:

I am a wife and mother. My husband and I have two daughters and make our home in the beautiful state of North Carolina.

I am a teacher. With a Master’s degree in history, I have taught at the university, high school and middle school levels. After years of church involvement as a soloist, choir member and worship leader, I also teach music.

I am a writer. Delighted by the rhythm and musicality of words, I have been writing since childhood. In 2001, I won the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) Story Writing Contest that re-ignited a lifelong love of writing.

I am on a journey of faith. My ultimate desire through my life and my writing is to proclaim the truth of God’s Word, His redeeming love as seen in the life of Jesus Christ and to help others know for themselves this great, awesome God of all comfort and wisdom. He is enough for every need.

ABOUT THE BOOK

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:

“I’m so tired of being everybody’s mistake,” she whispered."  (p. 128)

Even though Laney whispers these words, this statement serves as a pretty accurate description of how Kai feels about himself too.  Actually, this book sort of directs the reader one direction then another as each character faces their own struggles.  As each character finds a measure of healing, God uses them to share light with someone else who is struggling to find their way – even if they don’t realize the struggle.

Aloha Rose is a romance in the Quilts of Love series, and the relationships that develop encompass more than just romance.  There are familial ties made, bonds of friendship forged, and yes romance.  I’ll admit, I was put off by some of the rather cliché descriptions of Kai and his “blue orbs”.  Sorry, that was a bit much.  But, he IS supposed to be some dashing, hard-to-resist, cowboy-type, so I got past it.  And romance isn’t typically my choice of reading material right now anyway, but this series has been composed of some really stellar stories, so I didn’t want to miss this one. 

I wasn’t disappointed in the end.  The couple in this story has some pretty huge obstacles to overcome.  So please, pick up your copy today.  It will make a fabulous gift for the reader on your list, and will be perfect for a cozy afternoon by the fire. 

If you would like to read the first chapter of Aloha Rose, go HERE.