November is the month of Thanksgiving, and we’ve chosen three inspirational romances that are filled with the spirit of the holiday and are sure to brighten the days as they grow chillier.
A FAIRY-TALE ROMANCE
In her latest novel, The Silent Songbird, award-winning author Melanie Dickerson transports readers to medieval England. Beautiful Evangeline, the illegitimate granddaughter of a late king and the ward of her cousin King Richard, has been kept sequestered and closely guarded in a royal castle for her entire life. When Richard announces he has betrothed her to the much older Earl of Shively, a man she instinctively despises, Evangeline flees the castle. Together with her longtime companion, she joins a group of travelers led by Westley le Wyse. The men are returning to the Glynval estate, held by Westley’s father.
Evangeline is drawn to Westley’s handsome face, but even more so to his kindness. Once they arrive at Glynval, he makes certain Evangeline and her companion are employed and set to work. Over the coming days and weeks, Evangeline struggles to adjust to her new position as a peasant, yet finds her freedom—and Westley—intoxicating. But the Earl of Shively will stop at nothing to find her and force their marriage. He has plans for Evangeline that are more complicated than being his spouse, plans that threaten the very life of her cousin, King Richard.
This charming, fairy-tale romance is the author’s retelling of The Little Mermaid. The hero is strong and handsome, the heroine beautiful and brave of heart and the villain appropriately evil. Readers will cheer for Evangeline, as well as for Westley as he celebrates her many talents.
INN WITH LOVE
Tennessee author Liz Johnson will make readers fall in love with Prince Edward Island, Canada, in her novel Where Two Hearts Meet. Caden Holt creates amazing food in her kitchen at Rose’s Red Door Inn on the Island, but she doesn’t realize how fabulous her creations are nor how much her friends value her. All that changes when reporter Adam Jacobs arrives at the inn. Traumatized by the death of his friend in Afghanistan, Adam suffers from writer's block. His editor has sent him to the Island to rest, recover and reconnect with his writing muse.
The combination of peaceful surroundings, wonderful local food and congenial fellow guests begins to heal Adam, but it’s the connection with Caden that truly makes a difference. Her unselfish support and warm, caring nature draws him into her orbit, and before long, Adam can’t imagine a life without her. Caden, too, finds herself falling in love for the very first time, and Adam’s support makes her stronger and more willing to step outside her shy reserve. Both of them are unaware, however, that Adam’s need to conquer his writing block and Caden’s need to help the inn succeed have put them on a collision course.
This story resonates with authentic struggles for the hero and heroine, both in their personal lives and their spiritual walk. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Prince Edward Island and enriched with intriguing secondary characters, the tale is certain to delight readers.
LOVING AN OUTSIDER
Until I Love Again is the second installment in Jerry S. Eicher’s St. Lawrence County Amish series. Young Amish woman Susanna Miller is reaching the end of her Rumspringa, the period of time between childhood and adulthood when experiencing life outside the community is allowed. Now her parents are pressuring her to settle into marriage and her place in their world. But Susanna isn’t attracted to the man they want her to marry. She prefers her friend, Joey Macalister. Joey, however, isn’t Amish and thus, any connection to him is forbidden for Susanna.
Susanna struggles with her feelings for Joey and her need to please her parents. When a long held secret about her past is revealed, however, Susanna must make a choice that breaks her heart. Can she live in two worlds? Can hard work heal her wounded soul? How will she ever balance her love for both Joey and her parents?
The insight into the world of the Amish is fascinating—Eicher grew up in an Amish community—and the heartfelt struggles of the characters ring true. Readers will be riveted with Susanna’s emotional and spiritual journey.
Lois Dyer writes from her home in Port Orchard, Washington
