Mars . . . with Venus Rising #Bookreview

 

This book attracted me with it cover and the quirky blurb. The aeroplane and the car and the pretty girl with the blurb that promised a lot a fun at the small town of Mars felt like a good story to relax with. I was not aware it would be a Christian romance but I have come to realise that Litfuse does offer a lot of those. No issues, I love books that highlight God as a support and guide for us.

The story is an interesting one and it deals head on with a personal tragedy that Penn has faced and along comes John who interests her, supports her and yet she hesitates to take the relationship to the next level.

John is handsome, smart and still he feels unsure at times about how to woo Penn. He is almost perfect all the time but I found his introspection lend an air of vulnerability to him making him more endearing. He manages to do pretty well in spite of the blocks she puts up, with a lot of help from her Aunts. The novel has a lot of interesting characters, especially the aunts. Even the local residents and friends make good solid characters. Many can have their own story told.

The story has a lot going and I found that even though it was fun reading about all the small town activities and festivals it was a bit too much for me. There was quite a lot going on and the love story was progressing very slowly with all the distractions.  Then the action happened with the sudden crisis that brought them closer and of course, all the baking and food was a delight to read. I am going to try out the ‘yeast rolls’, will let you know how they turned out.

What I liked about the book was John’s perseverance, his patience for Penn and trying his best so she could be comfortable with his flying. The sweet, slow love that brewed between them, giving Penn the space she needed and being her strength when required was done effortlessly by John. Penn has some issues that were handled very well by the author. Even hurt, broken people need love and she was lucky to have found John.

This is a sweet book about a girl from a small town and the romance is meant to be savoured. A good book to relax and unwind with.

(I received a copy of the book from Litfuse Publicity and this is my honest review.)

Mars . . . with Venus Rising

A meddling horse, paper bag floors and a flying saucer on the town square. The little town of Mars has it all—including a brand new resident who might spell heartache for one of its own.

Twenty-something Penn Davenport yearns for an exciting life in the big city and wants to shed the label of an orphan that she’s worn for years. To achieve that dream, she must pass the CPA exam then move away from the two aunts who reared her after her parents died in a plane crash.

When John Townsend—full of life and the joy of living—moves to town, he rattles Penn’s view of herself, her life, and her dreams . . . which isn’t such a bad thing until she falls for him and discovers he’s a pilot.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

Hope Toler Dougherty holds a Master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University as well as York Technical College. A member of ACFW, RWA and SinC, she writes for Almost an Author. Before writing novels, she published non-fiction articles on topics ranging from gardening with children to writing apprehension. She cheers for the Pittsburgh Steelers, ACC basketball, and Army West Point Football. Hope and her husband, Kevin, live in North Carolina and chat with their two daughters and twin sons through on Voo.

Comments

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  2. sulekha

    Patience is a must in love, lots of it. When you understand the fears and insecurities of your partner you can help deal with them gently. I love romance books, will give it a try once I am done with reading my 10 odd books, already in the pipeline 🙂

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