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Saturday, January 24, 2009

Win an autographed copy of Sweetwater Gap by Denise Hunter!

To enter your name for a chance to win simply post a comment about the review and tell me if you have read any of Denise's books. Make sure to leave me a way to contact you if you win!



About the book:

A story of love and second chances. She wished she could go back and change things . . . but life doesn't give do-overs. Could anything but good-byes be waiting on the other side of Sweetwater Gap?

Josie Mitchell's sister Laurel thinks she's come home to pitch in with the apple harvest and save the family orchard. Her brother-in-law Nate thinks she's there to talk the overworked, very pregnant Laurel into finally selling the family business. The orchard's new manager Grady Mackenzie just thinks she's trouble with a capital T. They're all right . . . and all wrong. Because no one really knows what drove Josie from home in the first place. Why she's never come home before, even for her own father's funeral. Why she pushes herself so hard... and what she's running from. And nobody, not even Josie, is prepared for the surprising new fruit she'll find on her last trip home.

My review:

My, my, Sweetwater Gap was a heartwarming romance that went well beyond my initial expectations. Denise Hunter writes great romance novels--and I expected that--but this was her best yet. Few authors do allegories well, and if you look at Sweetwater Gap and Surrender Bay from a purely allegorical point of view, it's impossible to not be impressed with the amazing job the author did with both of them.

I have never read a story with a more emotionally effective and believeable plot that exemplifies Christ's redemptive work on the cross related to our utter unworthiness of his sacrifice. Sweetwater Gap drives that point home in a fresh way and does so in a very effective and memorable manner. All I can say is...WOW. I can see why the Women of Faith picked up this book. It's perfect for that type of inspirational conference.

What amazed me most about this novel was the author's ability to take an utterly selfish and self-condemning act and make the reader totally see their own heart through the story. The character was sympathetic despite what she was doing. NOT an easy task. Ms. Hunter executed that perfectly. The story slowly revealed the conflict and at the same time revealed a little bit more and a little bit more of her heart, thus making for perfect characterization. And the slowly developing trust in their romantic relationship was so believeable and gratifying it will make you want to sigh as the hero and heroine take baby steps toward each other and risk their hearts. He had valid reasons for not trusting women, but it didn't feel contrived like it does in some romances. His issues seemed totally valid, as did hers.

In short, Sweetwater Gap was powerful, emotionally evocative, and the type of story that will not only touch your heart, but have you wanting to talk to your friends about the story because it was so incredibly well done. This is a book that I could even *gasp* read twice, and still enjoy every page. Did I mention that Denise Hunter writes amazing kissing scenes? They are always SO heart-engaging that they sweep me away EVERY time. Highly recommended.

Sweetwater Gap was published by Thomas Nelson and released in December 2008.

37 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey! i'm here from Shoutlife!
I'd love to read more of Denise Hunter!i've only read Surrender Bay, which i Loved!

darbyscloset said...

I had no idea what this book was about yet I've always liked the title, and I had no idea she was a good writer of kissing scenes!!!
I may be the only one out here that doesn't know these things because I have not had the chance to read her books yet! Agasp!
Thank you for filling me in and I'd love to win!!!
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Michelle,
Your review of Sweetwater Gap only wets my appetite to read the book. It sounds like a soul stirring story but then Denise's stories always are.

And Yes, I have read her New Heights Series and both books in the Nantucket Series and can't wait for the next one to come out.

I would love to have my name thrown in the hat for Sweetwater Gap.

Thanks,
Sherry K
love2stitch(at)hotmail(dot)com

Martha A. said...

I loved this book! i would love to own it! It was a book when i finished it, you get that contented sigh.....and are sorry it is over. It was so real life, the heroine had some huge issues
Anyhow, please enter me!
martha(at)lclink(dot)com

Martha A. said...

I really loved this book, it was one when I finished it, you sigh, because it was so good and you wish the story could go on. I would love to own it!
martha(at)lclink(dot)com

Grateful Gramma said...

I don't believe I've read any of her books yet, but this one sounds interesting.

donnas said...

I havent had the chance to read any of her books yet but your review makes me want to read this one asap.

Tracy said...

Hi Michelle! I haven't read any of Denise Hunters books yet and would love to read this one. Missed you at CWOW on Sat. hope to see you in March. Blessings!

Unknown said...

Appreciate the interview and the opportunity to be included in the drawing.... tho the name sounds familiar and my Old Timers prevents me from remembering some things... I don't believe I have read any of Denise's books... I will add her name and web site (if I find one) to my authors bookmark folder....

cedson76255(at)yahoo(dot)com

Thanks again....

Alyce said...

I like romance novels with a good message. I would love to read this!
akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com

Becky said...

I can't believe that I have never heard of these books. I usually make a point to stay on top of the latest and greatest books. My latest favorite book is titled, "Elijah's Coin: A Lesson for Life," by Steve O' Brien- A touching story about an angry, anti-social boy who has suffered a tragic loss and spiraling out of control, and gets the help he needs. Ever since reading this book, I have been trying to find another book to fill it's void. I am going to give a few of your suggested books a try- thanks!

Merry said...

I read The Convenient Groom by Denise Hunter and really enjoyed it. Your review of Sweetwater Gap puts it on my "must read" list.
worthy2bpraised{at}gmail{dot}com

Anonymous said...

I have not read any of her books but I have heard such amazing things about this book and would love to read it.


crittyjoy at gmail dot com

Blessings.

Kaye said...

I have never read Denise Hunter before but your review made the book sound so wonderful. Another gasp! I have some books I have read 3 times. they are few and far between, unfortunately. Please enter me in the contest.

florida982002[at]yahoo[dot]com

Leslie said...

Now I want to read Sweetwater Gap even more. I've only read one of Denise's books (The Conveniant Groom) but adored it.

Carole said...

The title alone draws me to Sweetwater Gap, and I haven't read Denise Hunter's books yet. I enjoy Women of Faith books, so that puts this one even higher on my list. Very helpful review, Michelle. And it's nice to know the kissing scenes are good!

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Anonymous said...

I have read all of Denise Hunter's Heartsong Presents novels and really enjoyed them. Of her other novels I've read The Convenient Groom (wonderful book) and Mending Places. This new book Sweetwater Gap sounds interesting. The family aspect sounds good and books where the hero and herione do not like each other at first give you some unpredictableness.

Samitude{at}hotmail{dot}com

Sherri said...

Denise Hunter is a wonderful writer. I have read Surrender Bay and The Convenient Groom, both of which I loved. I have been looking forward to reading this one.

hbarnette@va.metrocast.net

Annie1 said...

This book sounds just beautiful!

I would love to win, read and pass it on.

Thanks


nancyrobster@gmail.com

Marla said...

Sounds like a good book. Please include me in the drawing. Thank you.
koinonia572001@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I've read all her books. They are just awesome.
rachelmarie42@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I really love her books. They're hard to put down. Please enter me.
di88wllmnn@yahoo.com

Simply Stacie said...

I love these kind of stories that touch you deeply and leave a lasting impression. I haven't read any of Denise's books yet.

stacie_vaughan@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Please include me, I haven't read any of Her books!

Nise' said...

I've read The Convenient Groom and Surrender Bay and am looking forward to this one!

Anonymous said...

I haven't read any of Denise's books, but this sounds like a great book!

Anonymous said...

I haven't read anything by Denise Hunter yet - what drew me to the post was the name of the book - I used to live on a street called Sweetwater Lane. I also like to donate Christian books to my MOPS group after I have read them!

kherbrand at comcast dot net

Anita Yancey said...

Great review! I have not read any of Denise Hunter's books, but this one sounds really good. I would love to read it. Please enter me.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Stormi said...

I have never read any of her books and I would love to try this one out and see if it is as good as you say it is. :o)

Stormi
ladystorm282001[at]yahoo[dot]com

Jennifer said...

I have heard nothing but good reviews about this book and your review confirms that I need to read this book. Thank you for the chance.

knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

Peggy Blann Phifer said...

Hey, girl, great review! Wish I had that gift. You do it so well.

I have read only one Denise Hunter book: Surrender Bay - and loved it.

If this contest is still open, enter me! You know where to find me. (hehehe)

Anonymous said...

I haven't read any of her books yet but I have wanted to read this one. I have seen many good reviews. I am always in the mood for a good romance.

Grace
Grace2133(at)yahoo(dot)com

apple blossom said...

No, I've never read any of Denise's books.

Anonymous said...

Hi Michelle! I've read and enjoyed Denise Hunter's SURRENDER BAY. I'd love to read her next one.:-)
Nancy
backtonan(at)aol(dot)com

Ivÿ said...

wow, this book sounds like a very romantically exciting read. Love the review, by the way.

thanks for sharing.

ivan[dot]girl25[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Generally your reviews on books are very close to my own opinions on books. I really appreciate your honest book reviews. You tell us what you think, how you liked it (one can't love every book read), but you are always fair.

Please enter me for a chance to win!

ldneuhof at hotmail dot com

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

And the winner is...

Stacie

stacie_vaughan@hotmail.com

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