Skip to main content

Review: Off the Record

Off the Record book cover on blue background

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: 👍
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review: Sowing Hope - A Gathering of Mercies #2

I am quickly discovering that if there is an author who can take historical details and pique a reader's interest and provoke thoughtful reflection at the same time, it is Heather Wood . Sowing Hope is the next book in A Gathering of Mercies series , and it embodies the title in a way that we desperately need in a broken world. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Encounter the True Story of Abolitionist Editor Elijah Lovejoy Patrick Gallagher has done all he can—and it hasn’t been enough. Now in his mid-thirties, he battles discouragement over his inability to make a difference in eradicating slavery. Longing to regain the hope and passion that once fueled his calling, Patrick sets out from his home in Maryland to meet his hero, Elijah Lovejoy, an anti-slavery editor in Missouri. Anna Markland actively serves her community and those traveling on the Underground Railroad. But her efforts feel smal...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: The Biblio Diet

Over the years, I've had the joy of reading many books on health and nutrition, partly a product of some studies I've done on it and also due to personal interest. As a result, I'm always intrigued when there is a Christian perspective on this subject. I'm grateful that I learnt about The Biblio Diet by Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe after having previously read Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe. Many thanks to Worthy Books for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis In this breakthrough book, New York Times bestselling authors and nutrition experts Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe offer a simple and holistic plan for building strength, health, and longevity. Based on the ancient wisdom of the Bible and confirmed by modern science, The Biblio Diet’s intuitive and easy-to-follow plan invites you to experience a breakthrough in the health of your entire family by learning to eat and live God’s way. In this book, y...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Someone to Trust - Laurel Ridge #1

This is such a sweet story that starts off with quite the embarrassing encounter. From there, it can only go up, right? That's the case with Megan in  Someone to Trust by Lesa Henderson , the first in the Laurel Ridge series depicting a small town that acts as a refuge for visitors. Book Synopsis Megan McCormick doesn't leave Atlanta looking for love. Far from it. She runs to the mountain town of Laurel Crest to flee from her past and a broken heart. When she's knocked over by Lee Grainger, handsome veterinarian and lover of small-town living, Megan's life takes an unexpected turn. Tired of fast-paced city life, Lee is considering a permanent move to the mountains. His run-in with Megan has him believing he's in Laurel Crest for more than a partnership in an animal hospital. After a case of mistaken identity is cleared up, Megan and Lee strike up a friendship. Lee is everything Megan ever wanted—smart, loyal and dedicated to his faith. But Megan has experienced dee...
2 comments
Read more