I loved reading Blessing Bentley perhaps six months or more ago, and when I recently realized I was in something of a reading slump, I chose Tempting Tait as my next book. I knew it was a good choice—even before I started reading it!—but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and now I’m feeling up for another good read! Yay! Funny how different books can affect you that way….

But yes. This one. I didn’t expect it to take nearly all of the twists and turns it did, but oh, it was so good! I loved watching Tait work through his convictions and decide to do what was right, even though it wasn’t easy, and I loved the result of his decisions!

One of my favorite things about Tempting Tait was that Tait didn’t back down from his convictions, even when it was difficult for him. He wanted life for his little girl, and he made sure that she had every chance at that—even though her birth mother would have rather just move on. I loved seeing him work through that—and then seeing him delight in her after she was born, even though she really struggled to sleep at first! And then when he realized God made wives for a reason...that was special. I also enjoyed the few mentions of his work; that was quite relatable!

It’s hard to know how to best classify this book because it doesn’t fit in many of the boxes I’m familiar with. Suffice to say that if you have a heart for the unborn, read this story. If you want to be challenged to live your life fully for Christ—and live out in principle what you believe in theory—this may be a good encouragement that way. I found the story gripping, and the plot sound. Recommended!

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it. ( )

What I think you should know:
Tempting Tate by Chautona Havig is the second book in the Marriages of Conviction series. It is set in Havig's Rockland and has a timeline that runs dual to the first book in the series Blessing Bentley. I highly recommend reading Blessing Bentley prior to reading this story so that all of the things in this story make sense.

What I think you should know:
This story does include pregnancy out of wedlock and talks about abortion.

What I think about this book:
I have been waiting for this book since reading Blessing Bentley , a year ago! It was everything I wanted and MORE! Havig wrote a book that was fun to read, but contained a VERY powerful message. Tait choose to live in a very uncomfortable situation in order to get a teen mom to carry her baby to term rather than having an abortion. I love how Havig showed how the church is often Pro Life, but more concerned with impressions than they are actually doing what it takes to save lives. This is a book that will stick with me for a very long time. Tait may very well be one of my favorite characters ever! I am so excited about the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

'At five-foot, eight inches and just barely a hundred forty pounds, Tail Stedtmann wouldn't inspire confidence in a larger child, much less a young woman.'

Tait Stedtmann doesn't seem to be hero or a lady-killer by his physical appearance but he is definitely both! Tait is a Christian who has strong beliefs about abortion and about the sanctity of marriage and he's someone we would all want our daughters to marry. How many men would be willing to save a baby from being aborted by agreeing to adopt that baby even though he doesn't have marriage, or even a girl friend, on his radar? How many Christians would actually risk their reputation to do the right thing?

Tait experiences many humorous moments with Eden and her baby, Haven, and his surprising 'marriage of conviction' and its consequences had me laughing out loud. The strength of Tempting Tait, however, is its subtle, but powerful, faith message. Author Chautona Havig has written a heartwarming, thought-provoking book and I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary Christian romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. A positive review wasn't required and these are my own thoughts. ( )

Sometimes doing what Jesus actually would do means we do something different from what others would have us to do. When Tait encounters a young woman shoved from a car and abandoned. He does what Jesus would have done. He takes the girl to the hospital, gets her the care she needs, buys her the things the needs, and allows her to stay with him once she is released.

If you were given the ultimatum to adopt someone’s baby or she will abort the baby, what would you do. I would have done exactly what Tait did, which is say I’ll adopt the baby. Two different times in our marriage, my husband and I were approached about letting someone come stay with us, and both times we said yes. But God deemed we were not the right people at the right time for those individuals. But we gladly would have given them a safe place to call home.

Having read Bentley’s story about her marriage of conviction, I was glad we get to see more of her and her husband in this story. I think that is one of my favorite things about Chautona Havig’s writing. She takes characters and tells their stories, but then if it is a series, those same individuals pop back up an grab your attention. Or you meet someone who plays a minor role in a book, and they eventually get their own book that captures your imagination.

I love the interactions, Tait and Bentley have now that Bentley is married. When Tait starts talking about finding someone to share his life and baby with him, Bentley knows just the person. Sometimes marriages of conviction based on God’s Word can lead to the greatest blessing.

I absolutely adored how Tait has his own secret life and the way the family of his future bride is weaved into the story. Someone she seems to be exactly who Tait needs. So I advise checking out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

How far would you be willing to go to help someone? I found this book a great opportunity to think this through. I loved that Tait Stedtmann was willing to help Eden after watching her foot crushed by her boyfriend’s car when he abandoned her at the rest stop. Tait took her to the hospital in his hometown, paid for the expenses, and gave her a place to stay since no one else could be bothered to or was able.

Tait is a short, geeky accountant. He does not have a lot of money. But, he pays the medical bills for Eden’s broken foot. When they discover she became pregnant just before being dumped by her boyfriend, Eden plans to have an abortion. Tait is adamant that the baby’ life matters too. He convinces her to give the baby a chance at life and let him adopt the baby.

The sweetest thing was how much Tait came to care for the baby. He tries to find a wife to help share the responsibilities of caring for the baby. It was a very cute romance. It took him time to accept his fiancé really was interested in him.

I love how the author uses uncustomary characters not typical genre characters. Tempting Tait is funny besides the inspiring parts of the story. It’s a must read!

I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own. ( )