I don’t know about you, but I’m a big fan of books that take me places I might never get to go in real life. As much as I love to travel (and my hubby and I try to get out and about as much as possible), there’s only so much money in the bank and time in a year. And, well, sadly there are things that have to get done right here where we live (pesky little things like jobs, that sort of thing ;) )
So I was pretty thrilled to stumble across Pelican Book Group’s Passport to Romance line. Christian Romance? Check. Travel to places far and wide? Check. Novella length (so you can read it in one lovely sitting if you want)? Check. Even better? My critique partner is who introduced me to the concept because she was working on a submission.
That submission turned into this month’s Passport release, Manila Marriage App. The book is a delightful take on the mail order bride idea – but our would-be groom gets so much more than what he bargained for! Timothy Flynn is a shy professor at a Christian college in Manila (The Philippines). He has a heart of gold, but approaches his quest for a mate like the academic he is. His interview for prospective brides includes things like current weight and a picture of your mother. Shay Callahan is a feisty gal who bristles when her sister suggest she apply but then figures hey, why not? When she makes the cut and Timothy invites her to come meet him, she accepts, thinking a trip to the Philippines might be the perfect shake up for her life. And if she gets to take Timothy down a few pegs in the process, well that’ll be a bonus.
I have loved reading and re-reading this book (since it was written by my critique partner, I’ve been in on it since the get-go) and if you’re a fan of sweet romance in far off places, I think you’ll definitely enjoy your time in the Philippines with Shay and Timothy.
You can read the first chapter on Jan’s website (and keep up with her there as well!)
And, just for grins, tell me what the #1 location on your bucket list is and why and I’ll choose a winner to get a copy of Manila Marriage App. For me? I’m desperate to get to Scotland – it was our plan to go this fall for our 20th wedding anniversary. Alas, the house needed a new roof so we’ve had to postpone. I’ll get there yet!
What about you?
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.
The #1 location? You mean I have to choose just one? Sad day.
I’d love to go to Scotland and visit the many castles, and then hop over to the Emerald Isle and do some genealogy research. I’ve mapped my ancestors back to an unknown Murphy who came over in the early 1700s. Obviously, I’ve been thinking about this for a while, but alas, like you, other things require our time and money. ;)
I want to go to Ireland but I doubt I will ever make it so I read stories about being there or going there and I like a little mystery thrown in. I would like to include Scotland on my journey. It sounds like a fascinating place. I hope you get to go soon. Have a blessed day.
I would like to go to Ireland and Italy. Ireland because I can trace my family roots back to there, and Italy because I have studied so much about its history in college.
Oooh – can we go together, Ginger? :) I’d love to go back to Ireland.
Ireland is so lovely – you can definitely do some good armchair traveling there (shameless self-promotion here, have you read my novella Kinsale Kisses? It’s set on the southern coast of Ireland.)
I’d love to go back to Italy and actually get to see Florence. When my family traveled there when I was in high school, we were in Florence on a Monday and everything was closed. Bad planning on our part! What I’d really love to do is a walking/eating tour of Tuscany. I had a friend do that a few years ago and she said it was incredible.
Wow! That is a hard question. I would say some place tropical. Hopping the Hawaiian Islands sounds pretty good. :)
Oooh – Hawaii is on my list too! Though it’s admittedly a bit lower than most people usually put it – I turn crispy in the sun entirely too easily to really love the beach. :) Still – all that fresh pineapple? mmmm.
#1 location…..IF money was no object & IF we had the time, would be Germany! Why? Because our last name is actually a name of a little town there and we think it would be awesome to visit our namesake :-) And plus, my husbands descendants are from Germany…I think it was his great, great, great grandparents who immigrated here. My husband also speaks enough German that he could hold a decent conversation with anyone. I know a little bit but I’d probably ask for the bathroom when I meant a restaurant or something, lol!
And the food….oh my word! I think we’d gain 20 pounds in just one sitting alone, it is THAT good :-) Not to mention the architecture and landscapes are quite breathtaking! So now you have why this would be our #1 choice!
Barring all that, a good book can transport you to anywhere without cost or travel time! I’ve often started reading a book and felt like I was right there in that city/country or time (I love historicals)! I really don’t like coming back to reality when that happens :-D But you do have to eat or go to sleep at some point…haha!
Oh, I’d love to go back to Germany, too. The castles! And the food! (You’re so right – the FOOD!) :)
But yeah, barring that, books are good :)
I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand/Australia. I hear New Zealand is beautiful from its mountains to its beaches, and Australia where during the day you can go rugged in the outback with the kangaroos and at night dress up and go to the Sydney Opera House (and lets not forget those lovely accents!).
Oh yes! New Zealand is on my list too! (Honestly, I should just tell what’s not on my list :) ) I have a friend in NZ who I’ve never met in real life but I’ve totally adopted her as my sister and I’d love to see her in person as well as where she lives. :)
Plus, Lord of the Rings nerddom!
Don’t know if you’re aware that my Passport to Romance will take you to Edinburgh. Just saying. :)
Oh! I read it a few weeks ago – it was lovely!