Love Is a Battlefield

I loved the themes in this book: forgiveness, trust, and true love. This book really shows that God can take our mistakes and bad choices and turn them into something wonderful. But only if we let Him. If we choose not to forgive and keep that bitterness in our heart, then we are keeping God from using turning it around. I loved Ace and Kristy and all the other characters. I'm really looking forward to the next books in this series.

I received this book from LibraryThing's First Reads program. Kristy O'Neal loves being a park ranger. She especially loves being a park ranger at Shiloh National Park in Tennessee. She's been there for years and when she quit two weeks ago because she was getting married, she was sad, but looking forward to getting married. Now, two weeks later, she's still single and jobless and her position has been filled, so she doesn't even have hope of getting her job back. Ace Kennedy may be handsome, funny, and smart, but he's the one who took her job, so Kristy is determined not to like him. She is struggling in her life and doesn't have faith in love or much in people at all. She is a half-empty kinda girl. This book was a sweet and simple read. It centers around faith and our reliance on God and His plan. Secondly, it deals with forgiveness. Sometimes we need to forgive not just for the other person, but to move on in our own lives. I enjoyed the messages in the book and it didn't seem overly preachy. It actually was a bit of a slow transition into the Christian message of the book. Kristy was a very real character that seemed to react to thing in a genuine way. As for the other characters, I felt they were on the edge of flat--no growth for anyone but Kristy. This is the first in a series called "A Walk In the Park." I could see a bit of a setup for more books, but nothing that left me feeling empty at the end of the book like some books in a series. It can be read as a standalone book and never pick up another in the series, but I intend to read more in the series when they are available. This is a good, sweet romance and perfect for a Sunday afternoon read.

This won't be the best review I have ever written, nor will it be very long, but when you love a book as much as I loved Love Is A Battlefield, there is just not that much to say. So, please excuse me while I rave about this book for a moment, but I loved it! I mean I really loved it. This is one of those books that was always a pleasure to pick up and read. There is nothing, not a thing, I would change about it. The story was a cute one, but there were a few subplots that really fit well into the story and made it much more interesting and kept the story moving at a nice pace. I loved the setting of the story, Shiloh National Military Park in Tennessee. This new A Walk In The Park series is a wonderful concept and I can't wait to read the next one. The only problem with this book is that it had to end. I really enjoyed the writing and the characters and the story as a whole. If you are looking for a nice, relaxing book to read, pick up a copy of Love Is A Battlefield. It is a really enjoyable story with a very solid, positive Christian message. I look forward to reading more of Annalisa Daughety's books; she is truly a talented writer and story teller. This book will always have a special place on my `favorites' shelf.

After being left, publicly, at the altar, Kristy returns to work as a park ranger, only to find her job already filled by a handsome stranger. She reluctantly accepts a seasonal position, and hopes that somehow, something permanent will show up before the end of the summer. Ace Kennedy is working as a park ranger in Kristy's job, but is really at the park to do research about his ancestors for a book he's writing. As he grows to care for Kristy, she learns to open her heart and trust again. I enjoyed this. Although nothing stellar, it's simply an enjoyable, light read. Subplots could be distracting, but do add to the story and set up the next one. Light Christian, easily recommended. My first reaction was that a military park makes an interesting setting for a romance novel. However, on the book's dedication page, the author thanks her former co-workers at Shiloh National Military Park, so her knowledge is first-hand. Since I've always loved National Parks though, I thought this was a fun behind-the-scenes story. The first of a series, the second follows next year, and is set at the Washington Monument.

Annalisa Daughety's "Love is a Battlefield" is a beautifully written and touching story of a young woman jilted at the altar on her wedding day and the Civil War battlefield that she loves more than the man who abandoned her. Kristy gave up everything for Mark. The most devastating sacrifice was her job as a Park Ranger. When her boss told her that she would have a job when she returned from the trip that should have been her honeymoon, she never expected that it wouldn't be her old job. Having already hired a new full-time Ranger to replace Kristy, the only position left is a demotion to a seasonal summer Ranger slot, giving Kristy three months to figure out her next career move. And it turns out to be a full summer. Someone is vandalizing monuments in the park. Her mother is trying to play matchmaker for her. She is reluctantly getting to know the handsome young Ranger who replaced her. And she is coming to terms with her breakup and the choices she regrets making as a result of her relationship with Mark. This book is a charmer from the witty title and front cover artwork to the very last word. The story is easy to read and completely enjoyable. The Lord plays a strong supporting role throughout the plot, unlike many Christian fiction novels that seem to feel mentioning that a character attends church is enough. This novel addresses church attendance and prayer and how we human beings tend to either draw nearer to God or further away from Him when we face life's challenges. This is truly a thought-provoking read. And the "one-question game" that Kristy plays with Ace through the book is a terrific idea for getting to know someone - or yourself! I think I'll even use that game as a technique to get to know God better. I'm thrilled to know that this is Book One in a series, and can't wait to read more of this and other tales by refreshing newcomer, Annalisa Doughety.