Read an excerpt from A Match for Emma by Pepper Basham (Review, Excerpt & #Giveaway)


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A Match for Emma
(Mitchell's Crossroads #3)
By Pepper Basham
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 340 Pages
November 21st 2019

Summary

Emma Mitchell may enjoy sprinkling romance into the lives of others, but her own plans involve a single first-class ticket to culinary school in Europe.

When her best friend, Jon Noble, suddenly moves back to Ransom, Emma’s fairly certain her life can’t get any better…until her matchmaking schemes nosedive, her culinary future falls flat, and a life-long friendship begins to teeter on the brink of something unexpected.

With a little inspiration from Jane Austen’s classic and a touch of Blue Ridge charm, will Jon and Emma discover that what they need the most may be the last thing they’re trying to find?

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My Review

A MATCH FOR EMMA is a fun and sweet retelling of Jane Austen's Emma. Readers will fall in love with this small town, the close family relationships and friendships, and especially with these charming characters. Recommended to fans of Christian contemporary romance.

Oh my goodness! I loved falling into this story! Emma and Jon were so adorable, especially with all their teasing, ribbing, and close friendship. I also loved how close their families were, as well as the charm of Daphne's cafe and the town. I could feel the love between these characters. I loved Liam and how he mixed things up a little for Emma and Jon. When the chemistry starts ramping up, I could feel that too. The author obviously is talented at conveying emotions and in writing complex characters, which I benefited from in this story. I think I pretty much just smiled nonstop through most of this. There were also some moments of heartbreak, as well as a few things these characters needed to work through that helped in making the story not too sweet. Then the ending... so perfect.

I had a few minor issues with the story. As I haven't read previous books in the series, I was a little lost in figuring out who some of the characters were, so a little more background there would have been helpful. It didn't quite work for me how easily the thief was able to steal without actually breaking in. I'm not sure I really liked the whole subplot with the thief honestly. I also don't like it when stories go overly dramatic into feeling unrealistic and there were a few moments here, particularly with Molly. The other thing was when things were just tied up too perfectly with all the conflicts in the story, and when forgiveness and belief in God occurred almost instantly. I LOVED the ending and how things worked out for Emma, but it was the other subplots that felt too forced.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I really enjoyed reading this one and would love to go back and read the previous two books in the series. The characters were just wonderful. Add in small-town charm, a sweet romance, and a girl who rediscovers who she is to God, and you have an overall winning story!

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from through JustRead Publicity Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Excerpt

“How is it you knew what groceries we needed and where to place them all?”

She stopped in front of him on her way back to the last few items. “I know what wasn’t in your cupboards from cleaning last week, and you guys have kept your groceries in the same places for decades.”

“Wait.” He caught her before she could slip away. “You cleaned the house? We paid your mom.”

Her eyes widened as her palm went to her hip, as if the two motions were attached. “I helped sometimes.” She shrugged and turned back to her work. “It always makes me feel closer to you when I’m here.”

Her words, muttered as an afterthought, dug into his conscience like an unyielding knife.

Jonathan had known his leaving had wounded Emma, as it would any two friends separating, but...well, he’d never considered how deeply. He studied the back of her head, working through questions he’d never posed because he’d been so focused on making plans, starting a business, adjusting to his new life. His stomach dropped. Too busy running after a dream.

What did it feel like to be left behind in this friendship?

“Don’t look so distraught.” Emma smacked a loaf of bread against his shoulder. “Just because I love your dad more than you doesn’t mean you’re not on my top ten list.”

“Top ten, eh?”

“Yep, right under Narnia.”

He caught his laugh. “Glad to know that I fit somewhere near your cat.”

“Hey.” She pointed a jar of peanut butter at him. “Someone had to take over your spot on the couch on movie nights."

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her most recent historical romance, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge, showcases her Appalachian heritage and family history, as well as her love for humor and family.

She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her upcoming release, A Match for Emma, is the third book in her popular Mitchell’s Crossroads series.

Pepper loves getting to know readers and other authors through social media. You may also learn more about her on her website!


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