Melissa Wardwell

The Unexpected Gift by Melissa Wardwell is part of the Suamalie Islands series and is a Christian Contemporary Romance. Affordable weddings on the Suamalie Islands are the desire of Kiana, Lulu, and Meilani. But when their first bride insists that her future brother-in-law needs to come help with the wedding plans, Kiana finds her world turned upside down.

Kiana plays games online with a cowboy from Texas who croons Elvis songs that make her melt. But when her gaming world and reality collide, it takes a while for her to realize it. But I loved getting to know Beau, Kiana, Luly, Meilani, and the rest of the cast of characters. This book drew me in and kept me reading.

I loved the care Beau demonstrated for his brother, future sister-in-law, and Kiana and her family. Truly, he shows the reality of being the hands and feet of Jesus. This Christian island romance will keep you reading.

So, if you enjoy Christian Contemporary Romances, check out The Unexpected Gift by Melissa Wardwell and the rest of the books in the Suamalie Islands series. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (mere)

What I think you should know:
An Unexpected Gift by Melissa Wardlaw is the Seventh book in the Suamalie Islands series. The series is Contemporary Christian Fiction set on a fictional set of Islands in the Pacific. The series is written by several authors with stories that have the common connection of the Islands. In this book we go to Le Cadeau Ile to meet Island resident Kiana and visitor Beau.

What I think about this book:
This is such a sweet and interesting story. I love the characters and the premise of the story. Kiana is an island resident who has spent years working for a high price bridal shop that most of the locals can't afford. It was very interesting to see the dynamics between her and her business partners. They seem like they would be a fun friend group. Beau was neat, he is used to a hard day's work and not content to just sit around. It was nice to see Beau's opinions change as he grew to know Kiana. I am a huge fan of Wardlaw, so I don't say this lightly, An Unexpected Gift is my favorite book that I have read from her so far! I cannot wait to see what happens next for the characters in this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (mere)

Three friends who have been working in a bridal shop together make the decision to launch their own company. Each partner will get a chance to use their unique skills as they plan weddings.
Kiana is a wedding consultant who helps her parents navigate their health challenges. She loves gaming and the people she meets on-line. Most recently there has been a certain someone she wants to learn more about.
This is an intriguing novel, that has a mystery, sweet love story, and a few unanticipated twists and turns. It reminded me of a charming Hallmark TV movie.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required… (mere)

I am so glad to be back on the islands and reading another story that is light hearted, filled with faith and characters that I easily fall in love with. After reading several books from this author, I have noticed her writing style has increased in details and flows so smoothly throughout the book. It is something to watch the growth of a writer and see them blossom. This author has definitely achieved that.

The story is a great illustration of following your dreams and stepping out in faith. Kiana and her friends take the plunge and open their own bridal shop. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be married on a tropical island complete a with scenic background, cuisine native to the island and a wedding that any bride would be over the moon about? With opening a new business there will be a few hiccups. Kiana and her team find out way too soon. Venues that suddenly aren’t available, a bride’s mother who is difficult and a guest that is distracting make for an enjoyable adventure.

Kiana has other things on her mind as two men fill her head with confusion. First is the guy she has been texting back and forth. They have never met but their connection is undeniable. They get along well and look forward to each message sent. Kiana is starting to have feelings for him until a certain guest comes to the island.

Beau is there to help make the wedding smoother for his brother who happens to be the groom. He does seem a little bored until he steps up to help Kiana’s father with chores around their house. That made me like him even more because it showed what a big heart he has. The attraction between him and Kiana is there but something is holding them both back.

With a little take on a popular movie this story is fun, surprising and endearing. There is an emotional scene in the story that made me cry. Nothing warms my heart more than when someone blesses another. This gesture is beautiful in the story and opened my eyes to something. How many times have we missed an opportunity to help someone ? I loved this quote from the book, “Because when people we love are hurting, God gives us an opportunity to shine light in a dark world.” The author also gives us a reminder of how we need to learn to trust God with everything. He has a plan for each of us and Kiana and Beau find their path cross in a beautiful way. Oh my the ending is wonderful and surprising at the same time. I hate to say goodbye to Kiana and Beau but I know that God has big plans for them.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (mere)