Do you love books that are in a series? I’ll admit that I adore a good series. I love being able to follow characters from one book to the next (even if they’re not always still the main character) and keep up with their lives, like they’re my friends. (True story, some of my best friends live only on the pages of a book. I’m guessing since you’re here at InspyRomance, you can relate to that rather than thinking it’s sad.)
Since I love series so much, it’s only natural that I *write* them. And I do. And so do a lot of other wonderful authors. And sometimes it’s tricky to try and decide what series you should pick up and start. Which is why I love boxes like the one I’m talking about today.
We’ve Only Just Begun is a set of seven series starters (say that really fast five times!) from some wonderful authors of contemporary romance and contemporary romantic suspense. I was so delighted to be included! My contribution to the set is book 1 of my Taste of Romance series, A Splash of Substance.
Here’s the blurb:
She doesn’t vote. He works for a Senator. Is it a recipe
for romance or disaster?
Paige Jackson has always stayed out of politics, leaving it to God to govern the world. She has enough on her plate as the owner of a catering company founded on convictions to buy local, sustainable fare. Jackson Trent works on Capitol Hill for Senator Carson, putting his beliefs in action to help shape national policy.
Hoping to find high-end clients to keep her business afloat, Paige bids on a contract to cater the Senator’s next fundraiser. Shake-ups in the Senator’s staff leave Jackson grudgingly in charge of the event. After Paige is chosen as caterer, she and Jackson must work together despite opposing beliefs on how God calls Christians to participate in government. As Paige introduces Jackson to sustainable fare, it’s not just the food that piques his interest.
When Senator Carson becomes front-page news in Washington, Paige is sucked into the whirlwind of scandal. Can Jackson convince Paige he wasn’t complicit and win her back or has politics burned his chance at love?
In this series, in addition to being fun contemporary romance, my characters explore some of the social issues facing Christians today.
The other books in the box are:
- Where There’s Smoke by Susan May Warren
- Deadly Hunt by Margaret Dailey
- This Time with Love by Kimberly Rae Jordan
- Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh
- Raspberries & Vinegar by Valerie Comer, and
- Know You More by Jan Thompson
I loved getting to read all of these books – and I know I’ll be finishing up some of the series that I hadn’t already read. Let me know which of these you’ve read, or which you’re excited about reading, for a chance to win your very own copy of the set. I’ll choose a winner after 5:00 p.m. Eastern tomorrow, October 15th.
You can get We’ve Only Just Begun wherever e-books are sold.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks
Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.
I can’t wait to read this series! Congratulations, Elizabeth. Thanks for sharing an excerpt…you got me hooked.
Thanks for sharing, I have read a few of these and they were great. Cool to have them put together in one… yours has a very catchy title:)
This is great! The only one I have read is A Splash of Substance, and that was when you released it. These other books look great and I look forward to reading them!
Hi Elizabeth. Since being retired, I enjoy reading the inspiring romances in boxed sets and now have time to read series from my favorite authors. Thanks for sharing your A Splash of Substance blurb. A relevant title about the dilemmas in our political times. I would enjoy receiving a copy of We’ve Only Just Begun, with the fun and applicable title for the set. I am only familiar with one author’s series in the set. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the cooler weather and God’s bounty and beauty during this season.
Yay :) there are some great books in this set.
I’m glad you like the title! I always agonize over them. Are you one who would get a set even if you already have a few of the books in it? That’s been something I’ve wondered since I was asked to be in the box.
Oh Yay! There are some great books in here that I just know you’ll love.
I’m glad these are mostly new series for you!
I love series books but I don’t generally like box sets with multiple authors just because most of the time the novellas are so short and leaves you disappointed. Not all the time sometimes they are wrapped up nicely but the last one for example basically stopped int he middle of the story.
The only one I’ve read so far is This Time with Love. Where There’s Smoke is probably the one I’d read next. All of the others look like great books as well!
Oh gosh! That novella sounds like maybe the author was having trouble. The books in this box are all full-length novels, not novellas (just in case you missed that :) )
I loved Where There’s Smoke — great choice!
I’ve read Valerie and Kimberly’s books but not the entire series. I’ve had Susie’s on my wish list and yours too. So many books, so little time.
Indeed. That is a common problem :) but for 99 cents it’s an east way to have them nearby when their time comes.
I love series!! Love to read about all the connected people’s lifes developing! I am especially a fan of love inspired suspense!
I love seeing characters return and keep on with their lives as well. That’s definitely the best part of series!
I have read almost all of these. The first 3 were rereads and I enjoyed them again. Elizabeth, I wanted to read your story which is why I originally bought this. Only $.99 and I get to read yours and try 3 more authors. What a deal! I need to get back to it and finish it soon.
Oh Yay! It’s definitely a great deal if any of the books are new to you. And I really enjoyed revisiting some of the stories in here as well. :)
I’ve read and enjoyed three of these books. I love series. It seems to give some depth to the stories.
I love series. I enjoy getting to know a character and not having to say goodbye to them, getting to see what happens next. I’ve not read any of these and would love to! Especially Deadly Hunt by Margaret Dailey and Leaving Carolina by Tamara Leigh. Yours A Splash of Substance would be super fun to read. A nonvoter and a he works for a senator? Gotta be fun!!
I’ve not read any of them but would enjoy reading them all.
I know it helps me write when I know there are more to come. I can layer in hints that don’t have to be immediately finished.
Those are great picks — I enjoyed both of them. And yeah, Paige and Jackson have some issues :)
I don’t think any would disappoint you!
I love series but it’s always nice to throw in some stand alone novels for variety. These sets are nice for finding new authors and since these are the first of series, picking your next read is easy peasy. Great for recommendations.
I love boxes for that reason too. I’ve found some favorites in various box sets. :)
I’ve read Kimberly’s, Valerie’s, and yours, and have Tamera’s on my Kindle waiting for me. I’d love to read Where’s there’s Smoke.
This box set looks amazing! Lots of great authors there!! I need it!!
Oh, it’s so good!
It really is a wonderful box!
I’ve already read Val Comer’s (and loved it), and “This Time with Love,” so I wouldn’t buy the boxed set. However, if I *won* it, I’d take it :-)
We’ll just have to cross our fingers then :) out of curiosity, if you’d only read one of the seven would it be a worthwhile investment of your $0.99, or do you prefer not to duplicate at all?
This is a great collection. I’ve loved This time with love and I just got Deadly Hunt which I really wanted to read. I’ve had Where there’s smoke in my list for a while and I’m looking forward to read it along with A splash of substance… and so on.
I also like series with independent books, in which we get a glimpse to the characters in the following books, but I am not much a fan of continuing series in which you don’t get the end of the story and have to wait until the next book (I have some of those, but they take a lot of investment).
Oh I’m with you! Each book in the series has to have an ending. I don’t like when the story doesn’t really end until the end if the series.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for commenting!
Deadly Hunt sounds intriguing but I’d enjoy any or all of them to read.
Deadly Hunt is great — very suspenseful!
Elizabeth Maddrey, I have only read Valerie Comer’s, it was in another boxed set and that was how I was introduced to her and have read most of her books. I hope to win the set, but if not I would buy the set for 99 cents. Six new novels for 99 cents is still a bargain @ 17cents per novel. Can’t go wrong. The only problem this time of year is all the good boxed sets – in the last few months I have downloaded 7 boxed set with 60 great romances by talented authors and have 3 more ordered for another 35 romances. But winter is coming. Too much to read and to little time.
I like all of these authors and this collection sounds so good.
Love to read,Thanks for a chance to win
There really are so many good boxes his time of year! It’s a dilemma.
Thanks!
Thanks for dropping by!
What a clever idea for a package of books! I’ve read one or two by Susan May Warren, always good, and really want to start something by Valerie. I think I might have one on my Kindle already but can’t seem to get around to it.
I might buy the set if I’d already read one. Depends on who the authors are, and how many books I’ve bought recently :-)
Ha. My book budget is always stretched. So I can relate!