I enjoyed this first book in this matchmakers series of books. The story line was interesting and the romance was a good example of how true love never dies. A story of putting the past in the past and forgiving people who have hurt you and keeping the lines of communication open.

Zarah Mitchell has not had an easy life. Her mother passed away when she was younger, her father kicked her out of the house when she was 18, her boyfriend (Bobby Patterson), has left her for the military (or so she was told) and she ends up finding her mother’s parents and moving in with them while she finishes up her college education and becomes an employee for the Historic Preservation Commission for Tennessee. She is now living in Nashville, has a pretty good job, friends who are always there for her and a ministry at her local church.

So when Bobby Patterson walks back into her life by moving to Nashville for a new job and starts attending her church, both Zarah and Bobby must deal with their past and come to terms with the lies each of them were told by Zarah’s father. Plus, Bobby finds out that his first new assignment with the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit is to see who is involved in a real estate fraud where Zarah works. Life can get pretty complicated.

I thought the author did a good job of keeping the story interesting, and the close friends that Zarah had were really special and fun to be around. I look forward to reading more in this series. ( )

I want to start off with just a note: This is a Christian Author, and is written with church and faith based characters. So, if that is something you have no interest in reading then I would suggest not picking this book up. That being said, I don't have a problem in reading faith based stories as long as they aren't preachy.

The underlying story in the book is a group of Grandmothers who are trying to get their grandchildren married so that they have great-grandchildren running around soon. I found the Grandmothers had the right intentions, although I probably wouldn't like my Grandma meddling in my love life.

The other big story in this book is Zarah Mitchell and Bobby Patterson. They have a history, which is unclear exactly what that is when you start the book. Bobby just moved back home and is trying to get adjusted to a new job and social group along with rejoining his church from his youth. Zarah moved to town after a falling out with her father, her Grandparents live in town. It is set in Nashville, and even though I've never been there the descriptions are so good that I was able to picture how things were. The characters while having a strong faith have their faults and are by no means perfect, which is nice cause it's hard to read a story about someone who is almost too good to be true. I was surprised to find that there was a good mystery element to this story. It was interesting. I enjoyed reading about the two getting back together without all the drama, they seemed very grown up about it.. wanting to clear the air and get everything straight. I really enjoyed this book and will be reading more from this author. ( )

I normally hate Christian fiction. Too schlocky, annoying and preachy. I couldn't hate this. Its a cute love story and the characters were really engaging. I recommend it. ( )

www.breesabookworm.com

This book was written by Kaye Dacus and released last year. It is a Christian Fiction Romance. I got this copy through a galley grab!

This is the first book in The Matchmaker's Series. Basically, a group of grandmothers want their grandkids married so they can get them some great grandkids.Their role in the book is minimal, though, as this book focuses on Zarah and Bobby.

I love stories like this. Like where a past love is rekindled. Zarah and Bobby were in love and soon to be engaged fourteen years ago, but a misunderstanding occured and they parted bitterly. However, neither ever got over one another, so when they end up going to the same church and running in the same circles all those years later...things get interesting!

The love story is not the only thing going on this book. There is also a crime to be solved, and as Bobby is an investigator, we get to follow along as he tries to close his case, which somehow involves Zarah...the question is, is she guilty or not?

The romance itself is very sweet, and I love the way it is written. The book is in third person with both Bobby and Zarah's points of view.

There are also best friend's of Zarah: Flannery and Caylor, (um, yes, those are for real the names of the main girls in this book!). I imagine future books will focus on each of them...they made for great side characters, so I look forward to their stories of love. :) ( )

Love Remains is the first book in the new Matchmaker series by author Kaye Dacus. When I think of matchmakers, I normally don't picture them as the type who are found in this series. The matchmakers in these books are a group of grandparents who are plotting to find suitable mates for their recalcitrant grandchildren.

As the grandparents of Zarah Mitchell (a long time employee of the Middle Tennessee Preservation Commission), and Bobby Patterson (who has just returned to Nashville after many years in order to work for the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit), plot to bring their grandchildren together, they are totally oblivious to the fact that Zarah and Bobby are not strangers; in fact, they have a secret past that few people are aware of - a past that could prevent them from ever being more than just members of the same singles group at their church.

To further complicate matters, Bobby's first assignment in his new position is to investigate a case of fraud in the very same Commission for which Zarah is employed. Even though the spark that has lain dormant for many years is quickly reignited when Zarah and Bobby come face to face, Bobby's hands are tied because he is being forced to include Zarah in his investigation.

I enjoyed reading Love Remains and also enjoyed the writing style of Kaye Dacus. This was the first book I have read by this author and I will be looking forward to reading many more. There were some elements of the story that I felt were too easily resolved and some elements that I felt were too vague and needed a bit more explanation. For fear of revealing too much of the plot, I won't give any more detail about those particular portions of the story. Overall however, I would recommend this book and I think you will find it to be both enjoyable and inspirational. ( )