Review: The Christmas Playbook

The Christmas Playbook book cover on blue background

This is the first book that I chose for the HQN Shameless Romantics Library Reading Challenge this month. Not only is the challenge new to me, but the author is as well! The Christmas Playbook by Lisa Carter is a great way to continue my Christmas reading while introducing me to American high school football, which I also have very little knowledge of. Combined with a pastry chef, this story will transport you to a small town bakery that'll make you want to pair this book with a tasty treat.

Many thanks to Harlequin Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

When the goal is love

it’s time to break the rules…

When her football coach father has a sudden heart attack, Maddie Lovett finds help from an unlikely source: her high school crush, Tanner Price. Back in town to care for his mother, former star athlete Tanner agrees to step in temporarily. As he leads the team to the state championships, Maddie’s support helps him see her as more than just the coach’s daughter. But when a family crisis occurs, Tanner knows his time in Truelove is limited. With his Christmas departure quickly approaching, can Maddie convince him to stay...for more than just football?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

How do you love and help a family member who is struggling with a debilitating condition? That's one of the questions that this book seeks to address. With Tanner Price coming home for a brief stint around Christmas after working on the oil rigs, he struggles to do what's best as he faces the worst from his family. At the same time, he's not alone as he leans on the residents of his small town to provide support while stepping in to take care of another community member. As he deals with some harsh realities, Maddie Lovett is there to ease his burdens and provide much-needed sunshine in his life. After meeting her, I have to say that she is probably a character I would want to meet in real life as she has such a servant heart and kind demeanor.

I love that amid the football in this book, it's more a story about how to restore what has been broken. It's broken people trying to point others toward the God who can fix lives, hearts, and relationships. It's seeing the potential that is within people and leading them toward a future that can be brighter than what they've faced. I truly enjoyed the impact that Tanner and Maddie made on others, just by being who they were in Christ. If you're looking for a heartwarming Christmas story about renewed relationships and fresh beginnings, The Christmas Playbook is a hopeful foray into how God can make all things new in His timing.

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Comments

Review: The Road Unveiled - Bicycle Adventures #2

If you've had the opportunity to read The Persistent Road by Tim Bishop , The Road Unveiled is the second book in the Bicycle Adventures series where you can follow along for an up-close look at trekking across America with nothing but the wind and the open road. It's a book that will keep you guessing until the end as you get to enjoy the scenic beauty of American national parks. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : violence, assault, kidnapping, removal of clothing (not main characters) Book Synopsis Two wounded hearts. Long, winding roads. And second chances neither saw coming. Lauren Baumgartner pedals toward Yellowstone National Park, anticipating a grand celebration when she reaches the Atlantic Ocean. But when her wedding plans collapse, old wounds resurface—and a haunting secret still holds her heart hostage. Traveling alone with bear spray and a ...

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. 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, you’ll receive powerful in...

Review: A Heart to Treasure - Searching Hearts #1

There can be a genteelness to Regency books that allows for reflection while reading about the hardships that people faced during this time in history. A Heart to Treasure by Dienece Darling probes both the heart and the mind, allowing readers to be immersed in an era where trust in God is required when circumstances appear bleak. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis The vicar’s son and the draper’s daughter have fought against all odds to be together, but a storm is coming. One that will shatter everything. Life hasn’t been easy for Obadiah Howard, especially after that misstep at Oxford which nearly obliterated his chances of joining the church. Added to that, he fell in love with the draper’s daughter. But a miracle revived his dreams of having a curacy and his strict father allowed his betrothal to Miss Hill. Only, what if there was no miracle? What if all of Obadiah’s br...