One of the contemporary Christian fiction books I've enjoyed returning to again and again is Off the Record by Elizabeth White, who also publishes books as Beth White. Off the Record is part of the Kincaid Family Series, and introduces us to Laurel Kincade and Cole McGaughan where secrets and political intrigue imbue their story in Alabama.
Book Synopsis
Ambition is on a collision course with a secret from the past...
Judge Laurel Kincade has it all---brains, beauty, and an aristocratic Old South family to back her up. A political rising star, she's ready to announce her candidacy for chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.
Journalist Cole McGaughan has ambitions too. Working as a religion writer for the New York Daily Journal, he longs to become a political reporter. Then his old friend Matt Hogan, a private investigator, calls with a tip. The lovely young judge may be hiding a secret that could derail her campaign. Would Cole like to be the one to break the story?
Cole sees a clear road to his goal, but there's a problem. Laurel's history is entangled with his own, and he must decide if the story that could make his career is worth the price he'd have to pay. Can Cole and Laurel find forgiveness and turn their hidden past into a hopeful future---and somehow keep it all off the record?
Source: Book Cover
Book Thoughts
I'll be honest; in terms of incredibly romantic books, this one is pretty high on my list for being swoony (and that was before I knew that term!). Having two highly ambitious characters who try to balance career with family and faith along with a hint of mystery and suspense creates a fresh reading experience each time. As much as I love discovering new authors, I also enjoy returning to familiar ones, and Elizabeth/Beth White is one of those authors for me. Although I've never been to the Deep South, her books easily transport me there, granting me cultural and historical insights into a part of the world that is largely unfamiliar to me. With Laurel and Cole's story, the added layer of the judicial system is written in such a way that outsiders can still peer in and comprehend what's happening, and what's at stake.
It's hard to categorize this book through tropes as it was written quite some time ago, and because Laurel and Cole are larger-than-life characters who go through so much to get to where they are. Their chemistry is palpable through the pages and their funny banter gives the impression that being in their relationship is like walking on a tightrope, taking you on quite the journey. Laurel and Cole's interactions are memorable and lasting, coupled with their individual desires to seek God's will for their lives. Whenever I need a pick-me-up, Off the Record delivers just that by telling the story of two strong characters who only become stronger with God's help.
Book Summary
- Format of book: 📖
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Recommendation: 👍
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