Paperback Reader

Not good, not good at all. Especially when I consider that these books didn’t have much to recommend them in the first place.

Wendy: Bittersweet, freezer burn, front end…Christian romance? Is it another oxymoron or can a genre largely geared to titillate work god into the relationship between hero and heroine? Inspirational romance has been around too long to question the legitimacy of its existence or perhaps even ponder the necessity of mixing faith into a genre famed for its carnality. But what appeal can Inspirationals have for a readership not interested in finding a morality play intertwined with their foreplay? If Fair Warning, the latest offering from the husband and wife writing team known as Hannah Alexander, is any indication, not a lot.

File under: better late than never Hanukkah reviews.*

So, yeah, a while back, the discussion turned to holiday books and possible holiday book reviews. While I didn't say it then, I'll say it now: I pretty much hate holiday themed romance novels. There's something about the forced conflict, the fake celebrations, and general shoving of square pegs into round holes that make these books feel contrived. Or, maybe to put it another way, rather than the holiday serving as an organic plot element, it sticks out like a certain reindeer.

Without the cute song and generally inspiring message.

I sort of decided to punt on the whole holiday book review thing, and, if I do say so myself, did a fairly good job. Until the niggle. It's always the niggle, you know? A few years ago (has it really been that long?), I reviewed two inspirational romances with Christmas themes. Both books, written by different authors, were distressingly similar -- and equally unsatisfying. To the point where the romantic and inspirational elements were paint-by-numbers interesting. In fact, if I recall correctly, I lamented the genuine lack of faith reflected in most so-called inspirational romances.**