AT BLUEBONNET LAKE - Amanda Cabot

#1 in the Texas Crossroads romance trilogy

WARM AND INSPIRING - 4 stars

Plot - 4 stars - Kate is convinced by her grandmother to take a vacation together to a quiet spot in Texas. Although Kate is a busy ad executive, she is very close to her grandmother, so she agrees. She's pretty disappointed when she arrives because the place is run-down and badly managed. Her grandmother, however, is thrilled to go back to where she and her late husband spent such a happy time. Soon they are both involved with the few other guests as well as becoming interested in the small town. The love story between Kate and Greg is slow and steady. Although I'm used to contemporary romances where the main characters jump into bed within the first few pages, this was a nice change. It didn't seem too slow--just peaceful and very sweet.

Writing - 4 stars - Despite my trepidation about a book labeled Christian fiction, I was pulled into the story right from the first page. Cabot grabbed my attention with her well-built characters. Then the setting became an integral part of the plot--I could really see it in my head from her descriptions. Very enjoyable.

Characters - 4 stars - This is where the story shone for me. The characters are personable and attractive yet flawed--very real. Kate was raised by her grandparents after the death of her parents and is following in her grandfather's footsteps as an ad exec. Her goal is to make partner like he wanted. Her job is very demanding, so she makes the extra effort to check in daily with her boss despite the fact that there's no cell reception and slow internet. Grandmother Sally is in her 70's with uncertain health. She's planning to stay for a month to revisit some wonderful memories, sharing them with her granddaughter. She's definitely unhappy with Kate's work schedule and wants her to spend more time looking for romance and less time with work. Greg is a software billionaire who is searching for his next challenge and feels that he has been "directed" to this place to find it. He is friendly and warm and a very appealing hero. Roy is a friendly local whose wife has died, so he takes his meals at the ranch because of the excellent food. He finds more than food there this time. Secondary characters of Carmen (the cook), and the rest of the townsfolk add depth to the setting.

Title - 4 stars - Fairly straightforward, although I like the addition of the word "at" which means the characters (and the reader) is placed right into the setting rather than reading "about" it.

Cover - 4 stars - Gorgeous cover with jewel-toned colors, an attractive couple on the front, and a sense of fun.

Overview - 4 stars - This is a strong 4-star read for me. I was skeptical at the beginning, especially when Greg began by saying that God had sent him there to find his way. The Christian genre is not usually in my comfort zone. But as I read, I found that aspect merely enhanced the story. Greg's strong faith was an attribute, placing the focus on his plans and goals rather than on his "things." He didn't try to push his beliefs on anyone, he just used them to help him find his direction. And though Greg is a strong and excellent hero, his broken relationship with his father and lack of confidence in his abilities made him seem much more approachable. Kate, as a workaholic, has entered this vacation time much more unwillingly. But the enforced break has allowed her to relax and examine her life, giving her the peace she needs to reevaluate her choices. All in all, the book projected a warm and feel-good perception without being preachy. The kindness of the characters and their generosity renewed my belief in the general goodness of everyday people.

Synopsis:

Her life is set to warp speed. His is slowing to a crawl. But love has its own timing.

Marketing maven Kate Sherwood's world is fast-paced, challenging, and always changing. The last thing she wants to do is grind to a halt at Rainbow's End, a dilapidated resort in the Texas Hill Country. Still, she cannot deny her ailing grandmother's request to visit the place where she and her deceased husband spent one glorious week fifty years ago. There, Kate meets Greg, who appears to be the resort's unassuming handyman. But there's more to Greg than meets the eye--billions more, in fact.

Kate isn't looking for romance, but she can't deny the sparks of attraction that fly every time she and Greg are together. Could there be a future there? Or will Kate's long-sought promotion take her back to the big city?

The last thing Kate Sherwood needs is a man, so why is she so drawn to the handsome handyman at the Rainbow's End resort?

Amanda Cabot invites you to step into a place away from the pressures of the day. You might be surprised by what you find at Rainbow's End. (Goodreads)

Review:

The characters are well developed and well rounded. Kate is someone who thrives at her job and the fast pace. But when her grandmother asks her to take time off and visit the resort, she cannot say no. I enjoyed reading about the relationship between Kate and her grandmother. Greg is someone who would rather take life day by day and is not in a hurry. They could not be more opposite, but you know what they say, opposites attract. Kate’s grandmother and Roy were also characters that I enjoyed getting to know and I felt they added a lot to the story.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the story I felt like I was right there watching all the action taking place and listening in on conversations. I felt like I could visit Bluebonnet Lake and the Rainbow’s End resort and it would be relaxing and peaceful.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted Christian Romance that is not preachy. This book has a great setting, great characters and a sweet romance that you do not want to miss.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Revell for the opportunity to read and review this book.