Wish for Love by Daria White
Author Daria White has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and I've only read one of her books thus far. However, I was introduced to her via her podcast Writer in the Making a few years ago. It's quick and helpful tutorial episodes of how to become a better writer through her own lessons in the author world. She includes free writer resources, giveaways, encouragement, how to build your own author podcast, and more.
Best of all, you get to hear it in her soft, comforting voice. Most are quick snapshots that give you the information and don't detour into the frivolous. She's someone who inspires me as well as someone I've come to respect and appreciate over the years I've listened or befriended her via Twitter.
She is a sweet romance, Christian fiction, cozy mystery writer who lives up to the genres she's sharing. Her books have already been on my to-read list, and over the holiday break, I was able to read Wish for Love and have The Wedding Report coming up on the list. Her story was a pleasant surprise, and I enjoyed it more than I can say. Well, I'll try to tell you all I can below in this blog review, but first, I want to share as much about the talented and kind Daria White first. 
Now, here's a snippet of what Wish for Love is about:
I love how Leah sets out to learn more about herself, how she tries new things, steps out of her comfort zone, and takes a hiatus from the dating world. Her desire to take time for herself and do things she's wanted to do and put off or was too afraid to do is encouraging. Giving her a fresh outlook, positive direction, and attainable goals shows her level-headed side. It gives her substance and a practical side. It shows how you can be hurt and still survive. It allows us to see an example of being unhappy and sorrowful without allowing yourself to become overwhelmed by those emotions. She becomes a positive role model.
Best of all, you get to hear it in her soft, comforting voice. Most are quick snapshots that give you the information and don't detour into the frivolous. She's someone who inspires me as well as someone I've come to respect and appreciate over the years I've listened or befriended her via Twitter.
"Daria has lived in Texas for most of her life. She never liked reading as a kid. In fact, she almost hated it. However, as she grew up that all changed. Though she received her degree in healthcare management, Daria kept her writing as a hobby. She meant it to be private and her own way of expressing herself. It never crossed her mind to publish until she was in college. She took a chance and published. It worked!" ~Amazon
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Find out more about Daria and her work on:
Now, here's a snippet of what Wish for Love is about:
Be careful what you wish for...
"Leah loves her hometown, runs her own boutique, and has a boyfriend who will propose any day now. Then he dumps her claiming they want “different things.” Thinking she needs to reevaluate what she wants, Leah takes a break from dating. Should she take another chance, she doesn’t want to make the same mistakes. It’s time to try new things. Salsa lessons, Pilates, highlights in her hair, and horseback riding. She may think about the last one a little longer.
Cole returns home to open his own photography studio. He’s set on making a name for himself in town, but seeing Leah again at church brings back memories of his high school friend. Then she requests his photography services, wanting to take her business to the next level. Old feelings that he never expressed to her resurface.
Wishing for Love is a standalone romance novel that gives you a clean and wholesome read. It delivers on the spin-tingling shivers, independent female lead, and realistic life choices without being over-the-top in drama and nonsense. Basically, it's a warm and quick read that will leave you picking up the next book by this talented author.
"Leah loves her hometown, runs her own boutique, and has a boyfriend who will propose any day now. Then he dumps her claiming they want “different things.” Thinking she needs to reevaluate what she wants, Leah takes a break from dating. Should she take another chance, she doesn’t want to make the same mistakes. It’s time to try new things. Salsa lessons, Pilates, highlights in her hair, and horseback riding. She may think about the last one a little longer.
Cole returns home to open his own photography studio. He’s set on making a name for himself in town, but seeing Leah again at church brings back memories of his high school friend. Then she requests his photography services, wanting to take her business to the next level. Old feelings that he never expressed to her resurface.
As the pair rekindles their friendship, Leah sees more in Cole than the friend who took her to her senior prom. She must now deal with the wariness to be in another relationship. He wasn’t part of her plan, but Cole won’t let her slip away. Not again." ~Amazon
Numeric Breakdown:
1: didn't like it/skip it
2: it was okay/not for me
3. liked it/worth a read
4. really liked it/loved it
5. it was amazing/must read
A sweet romance, inspiring story, and relatable protagonist win the day!
Now, for those of you who know me and have read my blog reviews before, you're aware my go-to genre is usually historical mysteries (Irina Shapiro), thrillers (Riley Sager), noir crimes (Sabrina Flynn), and detective whodunits (Agatha Christie, Georgette Heyer, or Patricia Wentworth anyone?). A few of these subgenres might overlap and connect, but the bottom line is: I want something to solve.
However, ever so often, I find another genre to try. Whether I feel it's a must-read, loved it, thought it worth a try, or concluded it just wasn't for me, I respect the authors who put their hearts into their work and their writing into the public's hands. I've tried some great new authors this way, tasting the inner worlds of Space Opera, Action and Adventure, Religious Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Horror, and even Contemporary Romance.
In college, I even attempted some Regency/Victorian/Historical Romance (Georgette Heyer, Celeste Bradley, the ever present Jane Austen). I've also read a Christian Romance writer whose books I loved: Author April Erwin. So, it's not as if this genre is unknown to me, but I read it more often in high school and college. As I've aged, I've come to enjoy other books as well and some have become favorite, pick-up-first genres.
With all of this said, I've been wanting to read Daria White's books and see how her voice comes across in her sweet Christian romance. They're on my Goodreads Shelf, and I've taken the opportunity to read one which stood out to me first. I'm glad I gave it a try. ;)
Beginning with Leah, the mc of Wish For Love, there are so many reasons I love this character. She's realistic and loveable and inspiring. Leah's love of classic movies like Pillow Talk with Rock Hudson and Doris Day, and I'm a super fan of the oldies; black & white or not, there are some wonderful old actors and actresses. In fact, I just listened to a marathon of The Thin Man with William Powell and Myrna Loy on New Year's Eve. She enjoys classic movies She likes reading and attempts to get through more of the classics (Emma! Scarlet Pimpernel!). I, also, appreciate how she loves the book, Emma, more than the movie(s) -- I concur, friend! All these details make her feel lifelike and as if she's a long-lost friend.
Her desire to complete new goals is understandable. Her penchant for fashion, the development of her business, organizational skills, goals to read more, ride a horse, take pilates, and salsa dance make her a well-rounded and fun character. I enjoyed that the plot didn't just revolve around men and her thinking about them nonstop.
The characters are anchored by their interests and developing personalities. Her family and friendships are well-established and show the care, consideration, and respect the characters share with one another. I love how her dad calls her "sweet pea," and it reminds me of how my aunt Mae used to call me "sweetie pea" -- a great connection.
I love how Leah sets out to learn more about herself, how she tries new things, steps out of her comfort zone, and takes a hiatus from the dating world. Her desire to take time for herself and do things she's wanted to do and put off or was too afraid to do is encouraging. Giving her a fresh outlook, positive direction, and attainable goals shows her level-headed side. It gives her substance and a practical side. It shows how you can be hurt and still survive. It allows us to see an example of being unhappy and sorrowful without allowing yourself to become overwhelmed by those emotions. She becomes a positive role model.
One of my favorite moments was when she rode a horse, Molly, for the first time. It made me think of the first time I rode a horse and how scared I was but how proud I felt for doing it afterward. Another was when she went to the animal shelter to visit the animals and ended up taking a puppy home with her. It was too adorable for words and brought to mind my own pups and how happy I was when I got them.
Leah's independent spirit is inspiring, but I love her compassion, good friendships, and consideration of others. Her faith is a solid foundation, and I enjoy her conversations with God when she's debating situations and ideas in her mind. It's good to have a personal relationship with Him and allow that to motivate you to be yourself.
Leah's independent spirit is inspiring, but I love her compassion, good friendships, and consideration of others. Her faith is a solid foundation, and I enjoy her conversations with God when she's debating situations and ideas in her mind. It's good to have a personal relationship with Him and allow that to motivate you to be yourself.
Coming back to the fact that this is a romance, I enjoyed how the author handled the crushes, new men, and old friendships which evolved this story. Her high school best friend, Cole Parsons, comes back to town, and it's as if something new has developed once they rekindle their friendship. The conflicts which pop up as they navigate these old/new feelings is well-done. I can appreciate the lack of excessive, extreme, and extravagant drama. It gives us just enough doubts, questions, and complications without making them overshadow the whole situation and take forever for resolution. It was mature, honest, and thoughtful. One of the very best Christian Romance novels I've had the opportunity to read. It's why I gave it a 5/5 rating.
These are only a few of the reasons I highly recommend this book and this author. Please do yourself a favor and check out her work! Even if you're not a fan of sweet romance, Christian fiction, or cozy mysteries, this book might just change your mind. Plus, there's always her podcast, Writer in the Making, to listen to if you're an aspiring author. Either way, Author Daria White is someone you want to get to know. ;)
Thank you for joining me, and as always, Happy Reading!! :)
~Rebecca Reddell, Author
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