Virginia Hearts: Three Modern Couples Find Love Along Unexpected Avenues

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (9/06) "Virginia Hearts" is a compilation of three short stories by Tamela Hancock Murray: The Elusive Mr. Perfect (Copyright 2001), More Than Friends (Copyright 2004), and The Thrill of the Hunt (Copyright 2004). All three of the contemporary romance stories are inspiring and will pull at your heartstrings. The setting for all the stories is scenic Virginia, and it is Ms. Murray's hope that the reader will smell the falling leaves, see the crystal blue skies and feel the warm Virginia sunshine. Reading "Virginia Hearts" left me feeling uplifted and positive. The stories all have a common thread of an obvious love for children and the knowledge they need tender, firm, and loving guidance by a caring adult. There is also an undeniable love of the Lord present in all three stories. God is working in all the characters' lives; they just do not always see it at times. By the end, we are assured that God is in control. In "The Elusive Mr. Perfect," we find Joelle scanning the Virginia Christian Singles Personals for a suitable date. Lloyd leaves Joelle holding the bill, Dexter's mother arranges and joins the couple on their date, Wilbert is actually looking for a housekeeper and gardener, and Freedom lives in a commune. The second story, "More Than Friends," finds Lexie meeting up with an old college boyfriend by the name of Theo, after she has moved back to an area where she previously lived. Lexie now rooms with her old college roommate, Kassia. As much as it feels like "old college days," circumstances have changed for everyone. It is not until tragedy strikes back home that Lexie realizes how much she misses her young daughter, Piper. And finally, in "The Thrill of the Hunt," we learn Aunt Agnes has recently died and left the young and lovely Enid with a key to give to Agnes' nephew, Reece. The stipulation is that Reece must first read through the entire Bible before Enid is to relinquish the key. Enid and Reece soon learn that Agnes has left a trail of clues for the young couple to decipher in order for Reece to learn of his inheritance. It seems Aunt Agnes was quite a knowledgeable elder, and to the surprise of Enid and Reece, quite the matchmaker too. The antics of four-year old Connie add to the puzzle fun. I recommend "Virginia Hearts" to all who love to read contemporary Christian romance. This book is great fun to read, for the characters are energetic, fun loving, and seek God's will in their lives. And unless you already live there, you may be lead to plan a visit to beautiful Virginia.