Wednesday, September 27, 2017

THE ENGAGEMENT CHARADE by Karen First


Ellie Jameson is a widow who cooks for The Plum Cafe.  Alexander Copeland is her reclusive boss but he is quickly becoming a friend as well.  When Ellie’s in-laws threaten her, Alexander   proposes that they pretend to be engaged, in the hopes that would deter any further threat.  After losing his wife and child Alex has vowed not to involve himself in other peoples affairs.  However, he wants to protect Ellie, who is always positive, encouraging and optimistic. He just didn’t plan on his heart getting involved.   Although Ellie hates deceiving her friends, she decides to go along with the charade feeling like it will help.  She doesn’t expect to fall for her very closed-off yet protective boss. Will the charade lead to a lasting happiness or will Ellie’s in-laws get their way?

This was a great edition to the Smokey Mountain Matches series.  I enjoyed getting to know Ellie and Alexander.  I like how the author brought these two people together from very different backgrounds yet they each helped the other in very specific ways.  Alexander was an interesting character who really made a big change throughout the story.  You meet up with some folks you’ll be familiar with if you’ve read other books in this series.  Always an adventure when you head back to Gatlinburg, Tennessee and The Engagement Charade is no different. You can read this as a stand alone but there are threads of people and history that make reading them in order more organized.  I thoroughly enjoy Karen Kirst books and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

A couple favorite quotes:

She gazed at the star-studded heavens.  You hung those stars, God.  You placed the planets in the sky.  My problems seem mighty to me, but to You they’re easily managed.  Lead me, Father.  Give me wisdom.

Sometimes trials find us, and we can’t see any logical reasons why God allows them.  We simply have to trust in His divine plan and lean of Him strength.

For more information about this book or other books by Karen First I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.karenkirst.com



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Sherry's bookshelf: read

Almost Like Being in Love
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Protecting Her Daughter
The Goodbye Bride
The Rancher's First Love
Reclaiming His Past
Keeper of the Stars
Cold Shot
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Married 'til Monday
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