Into the Fire

Sweet on You by Becky Wade is the third novel in "A Bradford Sisters Romance" series. Since there are three sisters: Nora (True to You), Willow (Falling for You), and Britt (Sweet on You), this could be the final book in this series. 

Of all the fabulous men in the Bradford sisters' lives, Zander Ford is the most intriguing. That's saying a lot since Nora's John is a former Navy SEAL, Willow's Corbin was a successful (retired due to injury) NFL QB, but Zander has written a bestselling first novel, has a photographic memory, and can beat Britt at almost every competition in which they engage much to her frustration and respect. Plus he's drop-dead gorgeous with dark longish hair and lake blue eyes. At the end of Falling for You he'd taken off for a world tour. In Sweet on You he's returned after 511 days of a starved absence from Britt Bradford, master chocolatier. I loved Zander.

The reason for Zander's return is the unexpected death of the uncle whose wife and he poured out their love to his brother and him when they were removed from his drug addicted mother. In his uncle's home with his two cousins (daughters) there was never once demonstrated anything but love and acceptance of the two boys even though it had to strain the family's finances. 

When there's something unsettling about where his uncle is found dead in his car from a heart attack, the mystery begins and puts Britt and Zander on the search to find satisfactory answers for the family. Little did they figure it would also put them in danger although Zander began to consider those thoughts as they got further into their research. 

Okay, if I've said it once (which I have) I've said it multiple times: Becky Wade is the current Queen of Romance in Christian fiction. She understands the thrills and chills of falling in love and she's not afraid to tackle all the nuances of different personalities, both male and female, as they confront the scary and intense attractions to one another. Britt and Zander have been best friends for 14 years, but if you could corner Zander he'd admit he's been in love with Britt since those 14 years began.

The pain he suffers from denying his desires for fear of alienating his "best friend" is sending his emotional meter into overdrive. His love is deep and loyal, and his efforts to suppress it are wearing thin as a bald tire.

Britt has conducted her life with the kind of thoughts that suggested she didn't need men to fulfill her and she could always count on Zander's true friendship without the complications of commitment to a romance and a lasting relationship. Oops . . . 

This well-written romance has everything it needs to present a mostly enjoyable adventure into the youngest Bradford sister's independent efforts to take life on under her terms alone. Zander knows what he's up against, but he's all in whether he wins the battle for love or not. The battle between them, however, can be tedious at times with Britt fighting her tilting outlook and Zander unsure of how far to push with this love thing. 

Touching, unique, and heartwarming.

Father, please continue to fill Becky's heart and soul with the stories you have just for her to tell. Encourage her as only you can do. Bless her in your abundance. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.