Book Review: Meant to Be Mine

Meant to Be Mine is Becky Wade’s newest novel, and is wonderful just like her other two [click here for my reviews of her other books]. I was sent a complimentary copy of this novel as part of Bethany House Publishers‘ book review program.

Here is a description of the book from the publisher:

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school–irresistible. When their paths cross again after college–still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel. 

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia’s ready to be Ty’s wife, but Ty’s not ready to be her husband. He’s a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he’s long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he’s known since childhood. 

Five and a half years pass. Celia’s buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty’s achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn’t forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia’s trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime? 

As usual, my five point review:

• This is the second book in a series about the Porter family, and it was just as precious, romantic, and indulgent as the first! I love how the author makes her characters come alive. I always walk away from a Becky Wade novel in a happy mood [and not because I read this one on the beach last month!]. I feel like the characters are friends, and not every author can create consistently endearing characters, novel after novel.
• One thing that impressed me about this book was its unpredictability and uniqueness. First off–what wasn’t unpredictable: that Celia and Ty will fall back in love. That’s the premise of ALL these books, and I’m sorry if I ruined anything for you. 🙂 But anyways…the book begins with Ty’s proposal to Celia…and it’s not written in retrospect. See? Unique. What book does that? The rest of the novel is a series of unpredictable choices and plot twists all related to the way Celia and Ty rekindle their relationship. It is adorable the way that Ty works to redeem himself in Celia’s eyes. Adorable AND inspirational. If only we could be so dedicated to someone we love!
• I also appreciated the secondary characters in this book. Addie, Celia and Ty’s daughter, is great. She’s five but wise beyond her years and serves an important role in the story. She is precious and shy, with a big heart, love for fairytales, and cowboy boots. Celia’s uncle has a big personality and is an amusing foil for Addie’s seriousness, and his role as protector of his girls is awesome. He’s the kinda guy you want on your court!
• My least favorite character is Ty’s “other woman,” Tawny. She sounds exactly as her name makes her sound [and my apologies to the nice Tawnys out there… tv and books just give that name a bad rap, imo]. What was a bit disturbing about her was her pursuit of Ty as a married man. I wish this had been more denounced in the book–though Ty’s refusal of her affections was pretty strong.
• This book was just great. Another unique love story by Becky Wade, with a setting just as great [a small Texas town]. I wish I lived in one of the charming Victorians described in the book. Oh, and for you foodies… Celia is a baker and has a sweet gig in the local bakery. Becky, you did good with this one! 🙂 Thanks for another good read. Hope you guys all check it out!

What are you reading lately?

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own. Thanks to Bethany House for the chance to read this great book!