“Montana Match” review, author interview and book giveaway!

17 Jan 2012 120 Comments

by Heather H. in Book Shelf

It wasn’t love at first sight for me when I met Parker Watson, the hero of “Montana Match” by Merrillee Whren (Love Inspired, January 2012.) This cowboy’s heart is colder than a Montana winter. The only thing that can melt this glacier is his young twin daughters.

He has reason to be bitter. Six years ago unfounded accusations and malicious gossip cost Parker his career, his reputation, his friends, and the woman he loved. Taking refuge on his ranch, Parker’s lived the life of a recluse-staunchly avoiding the town of Stockton and the residents that shunned him.

He believes he’s protecting his daughters from Stockton’s scorn by keeping them in the nest.  But when the girls’ nanny and teacher moves away, the working dad is desperate to find a replacement.

After an unexpected meeting with recently unemployed Brittany Gorman, Parker makes her a generous offer. But Brittany has reservations, she’s a former financial planner and sometimes substitute teacher, who feels ill-equipped for the challenge of schooling two energetic girls. Despite her misgivings, Brittany feels God is pushing her outside of her comfort zone, so she reluctantly accepts the position.

After a rocky start, Brittany fits in with the family, bringing fun and a fresh perspective to the lives of Parker and his girls. Brittany’s rock-solid faith in the God that Parker hasn’t had any more use for than he does the folks of Stockton has him considering that it might be time to let go of the past. Slowly Parker begins to warm to Brittany’s optimistic spirit and hardworking ways.

But his inability to forgive and forget the past, causes strife between the pair. Brittany’s determination to expose the girls to the simple joys of town life angers Parker. His icy tongue will have you reaching for a parka.

Spring is slow in coming to Parker’s heart. But seeds of hope and change take root in his life. Parker’s journey from silent and sulking to a changed creature in Christ seems as natural as a winter snowfall. By the end, even this Carolina beach girl would be willing to be his Montana Match!

I don’t think it’s too soon to say that “Montana Match” is one of my favorite books of 2012!

Montana Match is on sale now in paperback and ebook formats. Be sure to stop by Merrillee’s website at www.merrilleewhren.com

Interview with Merrillee Whren

OA:  What led you to write your first novel?

MW: I always enjoyed reading romances and decided I’d like to write one.

OA: Why do you choose to write inspirational versus secular books?

MW: I like being able to relate God’s principles in my writing.

OA: Which comes first when you write a book, the plot or the spiritual journey? 

MW: Probably the spiritual journey because that creates the plot.

OA: How do you choose which Bible verses to include in a book?

MW: I pick one that fits the spiritual journey of the characters.

OA: How do you balance showing a character’s spiritual journey without “preaching” to the reader? 

MW: It is a part of the character’s life and can’t be taken out without leaving a void in the story.

OA: This may be like asking you to choose a favorite child but do you have a favorite character or book that you’ve written?

MW: I suppose if I have to choose, I would pick my first published book, THE HEART’S HOMECOMING, since it started me on this journey.

OA: Who are some of the authors who’ve inspired you? 

MW: Karen Kingsbury and Linda Goodnight

For more books by Merrillee check out

• Hometown Proposal, August 2010
• Hometown Dad, Feb. 2011
• Montana Match, Jan. 2012

Book Giveaway ends Saturday, Jan. 21 at 11:59 EST

To enter to win a copy of “Montana Match”, simply leave a comment for Merrillee. Be sure to make sure I can contact you by email.

Bonus entries. You may leave a separate comment for doing any or all of the following (each action earns a comment entry.)

• Visit Merrillee’s website.

• Sign up for Merrillee’s newsletter (added 1/18)

• Friend Merrillee on Facebook

• Visit the Love Inspired website

• “Like” Our Advocate on Facebook (added 1/18)

• Subscribe to my blog (added 1/18)

• Tell a friend about this contest or my blog! Share on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, by carrier pigeon, word of mouth, etc. (added 1/18)

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I was provided with a free copy of “Montana Match.” I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

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