About the Book
Book: Shut the Front Door
Author: L.M. Karen
Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction
Release date: July 15, 2021
The zany story of an alpha male pursuing a headstrong woman and the hilarious entanglements that follow.
Maddy’s dating profile couldn’t be more together. Maddy, however, feels utterly not together when Derek is in the room. She thought living next to her best friend Brittany, (who happens to be married to her brother, Matt) would be the best move of her life; not realizing it came with the complication of Brittany’s older brother Derek. Their undeniable chemistry and passionate personalities make it hard for Maddy to continue ignoring his determined pursuit. This is a feel good romantic comedy with a hint of excitement.
MY THOUGHTS: At first, I was a little thrown by the style of writing the author uses in this book, but I quickly adjusted and ended up loving it. The way she tells the story draws you into it and keeps it moving. It is a very “now” way of telling the story.
I also enjoyed the fact that her characters are not perfect. It’s great to see non-perfect Christians living life, because that’s what we all are. And the chemistry between Maddy and Derek is undeniable which is great for a book heavy on the romance.
My issue with the book stems from the character of Derek. I like him, and I don’t have a problem with alpha male types in stories. There is, however, a line between alpha male and inappropriate behavior. The fact that he is willing to do what even he states in the story is borderline stalking behavior in the name of protecting the woman he has feelings for crosses that line for me. The first time he comes over to her house, she doesn’t want him there. His reaction didn’t sit right with me, and his behavior went downhill from there.
This line crossing comes out most when he’s concerned about her safety. The rest of the time, Derek is caring and thoughtful. But to make matters worse, he is a cop. Having a man who should be trained to recognize this as inappropriate behavior basically being unapologetic for it made what would have otherwise been a fun and entertaining story less so for me.
I give this one three stars.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
LM Karen writes contemporary Christian fiction romance. As a longtime lover of words, she can generally be found behind her laptop or with a book in her hand. A graduate of Toccoa Falls College, her heart is in the mountains. She eventually made use of the voices in her head by putting them on the page.
More from LM Karen
I like writing characters who are flawed but are loved anyway. Who have maybe made a mess of things, or are consumed by fear, or have some growing to do, because isn’t that all of us? All of my characters get happy endings because as Christians we all get the happy ending. We are flawed, we are human, we are sinful, but we are loved. We are forgiven.
One of my favorite things about Maddy in Shut the Front Door is that she is fearless. She is bold and unapologetic about who she is. But even Maddy with all her confidence still has insecurities about being accepted, and just wants to be loved at the end of the day. She just wants to know that she will be received for all she is by the one person she loves the most. I think that’s a very relatable desire and what we all really want. One of my favorite things about Christian fiction is that we are reminded within the fun and sweeping nature of romance that we are always and eternally loved by God.
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 10
CarpeDiem, November 10
Texas Book-aholic, November 11
Genesis 5020, November 11
Inklings and notions, November 12
Living’ Lit, November 13
For Him and My Family, November 13
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 14
deb’s Book Review, November 15
Where Crisis & Christ Collide, November 15
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 16
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 17
Kayem Reads, November 17
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 18
Wishful Endings, November 18
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 19
By The Book, November 19
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 21
Remembrancy, November 21
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 22
Simple Harvest Reads , November 23 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, November 23
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, LM is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/13399/shut-the-front-door-celebration-tour-giveaway
The Conversation
Shut the Front Door sounds like a great romance for me and I am looking forward to reading it! Thanks for sharing it with me and have a wonderful holiday season!
Happy reading! I hope you enjoy it!
This looks so good! Thanks for sharing!
I hope you enjoy it!
Looks like an interesting book.
Thanks for the contest.
Thanks for stopping by!
Congrats on your recent release of Shut the Front Door, L.M.! Your books sounds like a splendid read for me and I am looking forward to reading Maddy and Derek’s story! Thanks for sharing it with me and I hope the tour was a success! Good luck with your book! Thanks Heather, for sharing your thoughts! Have a wonderful holiday season!