River Falls Books 1-3: Three Christian Romances in One Collection
C**L
Amazing Story
I’ve read several books by Valerie Bodden and this one is just as amazing as the others. I survived 12 years of Catholic education and never really believed God loved me. I read my first book by Valerie a few years ago and I actually understood and believed Christ died on the cross for me, to absolve my sins. At 68 years old, I found a God who was loving, not punishing sending me to hell or purgatory for my sins. It’s impossible to describe the joy and relief that this experience created in my life. I can finally start my journey to know a loving God who has my back. Thank you Valerie for writing the amazing stories that opened up my eyes to a loving God!💕
K**R
Good clean romance
I love book sets where it lets you get to know the whole family makes you want more of these book!!
B**R
I normally don't care for romance
Normally I would not even download or purchase romance. It often is just not realistic. But these were very well done. It include included repentance, it included Keeping up a Keeping a vows Coma There are things that religiously I don't agree with, but overall it was well written and It was not super easy to guess how it was going to end. There was usually just enough twist in the story to keep it interesting.
K**R
Love Expands the family
These stories are amazing, how different family members find love, support and faith. Each circumstance is different bringing special balance to the relationship.
L**S
Great set of Christian romantic fiction
I love these interconnected stories of small town romance. I love the Christian perspective with many scriptures and sermon quotes illuminating The answers to common life problems. It feels like it would be easy to live in this town.
M**T
Great reads
I read these books individually as they came out. Here's my reviews of each onePieces of Forever: I got to read the original novella of this book, Heart’s Healing, that was a bonus offered to those who purchased the limited edition boxed set Love’s Treasure. I liked that novella so much that I went and read all the other books Bodden had written so far. Now she has added quite a bit to the story and is publishing it as a full length novel titled Pieces of Forever.I like the characters and the way they grow and develop throughout the book. Bodden often includes a main character that has some issue that the world looks on as a disability, but then she gives good Biblical insights into the real issues involved. I like the way Ava comes to realize who she is in God’s eyes. There’s also good insights into promises made, what true love looks like, and family interaction. I love the dogs in the story too.Songs of Home: I read the previous version of this book as a novella, “Heart’s Home,” in the Love’s Treasure boxed set, and enjoyed it then. I liked this version expanded into a full novel even better. Some characters I’d met in other books by Bodden show up again, which I always enjoy. The characters felt like “real people,” and I felt the plot moved at a good pace. She has good insights on finding home, belonging, and dealing with past hurts.Memories of the Heart: This is the third book in Bodden’s River Falls series. If you are able to read the earlier books in the series, it is helpful in figuring out the various characters who show up in this one, the story of Simeon Calvano and his wife Abigail. Their love goes through a lot (but I don’t want to mention details because that would give away some major plot twists). It is gut-wrenching and tense at times. There are great insights into what true love is and how it is lived out in a marriage. There were times I didn’t want to keep reading because I was afraid of what was coming, but thankfully Bodden resolves things well and in a believable way.
S**H
Great collection of books
Pieces of ForeverI had an Advance Readers Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Valerie Bodden explores facial disfiguration from a fire in this book. Ava had promised forever to Joseph, but that was before the fire. Eight years have passed and Joseph is now back in town and still loves her. Can she overcome her insecurities and feelings of inadequacy enough to love him back? I would highly recommend reading this book. Songs of HomeI had an ARC copy of this book, but this is my honest and voluntary opinion. After a public breakdown, Country singer Lydia St Peter ends up in River Falls with step family she had not known about. She rents an apartment from Liam who lost his wife to cancer and is raising his teenage daughter. The plot includes themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and growing closer to God. A great read. Memories of the HeartI had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Abigail married Simeon after a relatively short time knowing him. She thought it was her chance to start over, but after an accident leaves her with amnesia, she doesn’t remember him or anything about her past. As she gets to know him again she falls in love all over. She also doesn’t remember her past sins or the miscarriages she suffered. Simeon is a Christian counselor, but is not able to help his wife and he sets them up with a friend for counseling. A great book about relationships, dealing with past sin, and forgiveness.
S**N
Another emotionally satisfying series
These stories are so well written with such real and heartwarming characters you feel you know them. I particularly loved Simeon whose love for Abigail never wavers. The messages in these stories are full of hope and forgiveness. I highly recommend this author!
S**R
Grace in The Family.
Wow! I want to read all. Valerie handles hard issues in a beautiful way, showing the grace of God in all situations. I have no hesitation in recommending her books to anyone wanting something to really delve into and learn from.
B**S
Great lessons learned
This series follows a group of young adults. The author brings in big challenges for some individuals and teaches excellent Biblical lessons. Makes reader want to know the story of every person.