The first book in Brenda S. Anderson's romance series is ready for pre-order. Although not the genre of Brenda's heart, she stuck to the general format of romance novels and kept the conflict alive almost up to the final page.
Risking Love is the story of four individuals - yes, really - who form an unlikely triangle. Not a good visual, I know. Here's why it has to be four. One of the individuals in this story is deceased which establishes the risk to love again for one of the characters (Caleb). The heroine (Lissa) in the story is as tightly wound as her 6th grade goals list requires, allowing the rules of her life to dominate every decision she makes. Playing it safe is her topic du jour of every single day. Until . . .
Caleb donates his availability for a fundraiser auction and lands a date with Lissa via her mother's "purchase". Although Caleb used to be an adrenaline junkie along with his wife (Jeanette), the sorrow of losing her and raising their toddler daughter without her has produced a significant lessening of anything wild and crazy. Lissa isn't happy about "the date" and will let this guy know in no uncertain terms she is not a risk taker. Besides, she has her eyes set on her safe, straight-laced, former boss (Haven) who intends to get together with her as soon as they can arrange it.
There are extenuating circumstances with both of the men in her life - aren't there always? And when she learns of these, she reacts in near hysteria, wondering why these guys would've kept the information from her. It takes an accident and her mother to talk her down off the cliffs of her thoughts and help her realize the heart doesn't always desire to play it safe. With good reason.
Faith is a definite part of this story, albeit fairly shallow at times in Lissa's life. She's fiercely independent and clings to legalism believing crossing all her t's and dotting all her i's according to her definition of order is the safest and best way to live her life. Until . . .
It's not. That supposed safety net she's built for herself leaves her hopeful but empty and when she comes to terms with those choices she's made, she rushes to correct them - if it's not too late.
Father, you know Brenda inside and out. You know her faith, her abilities and talents, all of them, because you gave them to her. I pray your continued blessings in her life, your refreshing of her spirit when she needs it to keep the desire strong to do what you have for her to do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.