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SWEETER THAT TEMPTATION - Linda Hudson-Smith Harlequin Kimani/Arabesque October 2006 |
SYNOPSIS: Pastor Joshua Renoir has set his spiritual sights high, and it seems Rain Madison is determined to test him on all counts. He's falling hard for this strong-minded woman with a face like an angel and a devilish glint in her eyes.
INSPIRATIONAL ROMANCE: |3| Betty Dowdell
REVIEW: Houston substance abuse counselor, Rain Madison locked
eyes with tall, dark and handsome Joshua Renoir on his first day as new
pastor of New Life Christian Center despite her intentions to put him in
his place. Rain won’t throw herself at the man like all the other women
congregants, she has other things on her mind like getting her car
repaired, an eleven-year-old client off meth and a sister out of her
pockets. Joshua Renoir isn’t just the run of the mill Texas preacher,
he’s also a mechanic, who not only helps repair Rain’s car, but the riff
between her sister and a more divine view of romance
As their relationships develop, Joshua discovers that Rain has perched
him on a pedestal so high he can’t help but fail her. Once he falls off,
will she see him for the man he is or will her prejudice keep them
apart?
Need a chocolate treat save the calories? Hudson-Smith, African-American
fairy tale may be sweet enough to do the trick. She builds this romance
with an orthodoxy that compliments most Christians’ worldviews.
However, it comes across too preachy in spots, and not fulfilling in
others. Joshua’s confession of love to Rain isn’t experienced, but
written in a reverie. Why? The Meth/drug theme doesn’t fully develop.
Too many characters take away from the simple beauty of this romance.
reviewer@romanceincolor.com |5th November 2006