Rec'd inspirational romance: 'Meant to Be Mine,' 'Paige Turned,' 'Here to Stay'

Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade

What it's about (from Bethany House Publishers):

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school--irresistible. When their paths cross again after college--still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He's a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he's long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he's known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia's trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

Why you should read it: This book is sweet ... with heat. It is tender and filled with touching moments, but it also has humor and packs quite the romantic punch (hellooo, kiss scenes!).

I'm usually not all that into cowboys and rodeos and whatnot, but ... allow me to introduce you to Ty Porter. He's a contemporary cowboy with a taste for fun, a definite soft spot, a solid brain, and a few surprising talents you might not expect from a career rodeo man. Consider him drool-worthy. I certainly do.

Celia has a surprisingly believable life, having tossed aside her dreams to provide for her child. They live without frills, paycheck to almost-the-next paycheck and she is a cagey, shrewd, damaged, and leery heroine who really resonates as "real."

I loved these characters and this story and I will be looking forward to the next Porter family romance from Becky Wade!

Paige Turned (Paige Alder, book 3) by Erynn Mangum

What it's about (from publisher TH1NK):

Despite her valiant efforts, Paige Alder seems stuck in chaos. Her new job as youth intern keeps her hopping from coffee shop to coffee shop all summer long, but at least she's loving the one-on-one time she gets to spend with the girls. The unfortunate side-effect is that now, four weeks of laundry fills her apartment. Plus, she barely has time to help her sister and best friend with their weddings! And even worse? Something is definitely wrong between her and Tyler. She apologized for what he thought he saw happen with Luke. Can't they move past it? Or could there be something he's not telling her—something that could change everything?

This is the third and final book in the Paige Alder series.

Why you should read it: The end of book 2, Paige Rewritten, left me expecting a love triangle with newly returned bad boy Luke, but ... nope. Luke might still be interested in pursuing Paige, but she's done a good job shutting him down and that thread is only touched on now and then. But just because there isn't any romantic competition for Paige's heart doesn't mean all is right in her world. There is still plenty to drive Paige and Tyler apart and even though I am not one of those readers who abhors the "love triangle" concept, the things Paige and Tyler must face in order to stay the course are much more believable — and relatable — than two young men fighting over the same young woman.

This is a great, clean NA romance and this series will really resonate with young Christian women trying to find their place in the world and in romance. Erynn Mangum has a great first-person voice and writes in such a way that makes it easy for the reader to consider Paige Alder a friend. Her HEA moment is pretty doggone sigh-worthy, but I'm still sad to have come to the end of this series — it has been a pleasure to read.

Here to Stay (Where Love Begins, book 3) by Melissa Tagg

What it's about (from Bethany House Publishers):

After playing nomad for five years, Blake Hunziker has finally had enough of adventure. Not sure what reception he'll get from everyone back in Whisper Shore, he's stunned at not only a warm welcome from his hometown but also a job offer. The job is his if he can successfully pull off the annual Christmas Festival. If only he knew the first thing about coordinating events...

If there's one thing Autumn Kingsley knows, it's Whisper Shore. For years, she's been stuck running her family's inn when all she wants is to see the world. Now she has a visit scheduled from a potential investor who could take over the inn, as well as a dream job offer in Paris. But with just two weeks to whip the inn into shape, her chance at escape is a long shot.

The Hunzikers and the Kingsleys may not get along, but Blake knows Autumn's the only one who can help him. She agrees to a trade--she'll help with the Festival and he'll help with inn repairs. But what was meant to be a simple deal quickly becomes much more than that when the guy who's done running away joins forces with the girl who can't wait to leave.

Why you should read it: Doesn't that cover just make you feel all warm and fuzzy? It is simply adorable, as is this second novel from author Melissa Tagg.

Building this story from a character in her debut novel, Made to Last, Tagg explores Blake's roots — and the tragedy that sent him from them — by returning him, post-celebrity scandal, to the small hometown where he grew up.

The romance grows rather reluctantly, especially on Autumn's part, and the family dynamics on both sides give it added texture. Blake is easy to root for and there are moments when you might just want to step in for Autumn and kiss him, already. *wink* (And then kiss him again, most likely!) But when she holds herself back, it is with good reason, so you can't really blame her — even if you would throw caution to the wind, were you the one faced with such a dilemma.

Melissa Tagg is a relatively new voice on the inspirational romance scene, but her relaxed rom-com style makes it easy to melt into the community of Whisper Shore. With a cute heroine, a hunky and helpful hero and an inn, town and cast reminiscent of Gilmore Girls, what's not to like? An easy weekend stand-alone read, you might just fall in love with Here to Stay.

A writer, performer and accomplished partaker of dark chocolate, Serena Chase lives in Iowa with her husband and two daughters. The first two books in her debut Eyes of E'veria series, The Ryn and The Remedy, are out now. You can find out more about her at serenachase.com.