Charly by Jack Weyland

Like many great romances, this is the story of a uptight young man won over by a charming free spirited woman. Sam is a computer science major when he meets Charly who rattles his world and takes him on a wild ride (including one on a Ferris wheel where she announces that they’re engaged) and teaches him how to live life. Despite her spontaneity Charly sees something in Sam that is missing in her life. It is a story about two characters who learn that through change great love can grow. Be prepared for tears and heartache in this short, warm, funny and touching story. If you’ve seen the movie, now read the book. Want more? “Charly’s diary”, is now available for those wanting to know more about Charly and the follow up “Sam.”

DVD of the movie adaptation also available.

Watch the trailer here

Goodreads rating 3.09 stars

Amazon rating 4.6 stars

Citation : Weyland, Jack. Charly, Salt Lake City, Utah : Deseret Books Co. 1980.
Photo credit : www.amazon.com

Emma: A Latter-Day Tale by Rebecca H. Jamison

In this modern day Mormon take on the Jane Austen classic we meet Emma, a life coach, on a mission. But this mission is not so much to do with the church but finding love and doing what she does best, meddle in people lives. This light-hearted tale takes us on her journey to find Mr. Right for her lonely client Harriet, a nanny. In her zeal to help others she runs into all sorts of mischief, and fails to see what’s really going on. You will fall in love with Emma and she will drive you crazy with her misadventures all in the name of good. For those who love Jane Austen or would love her, but find her language intimidating this is a great fun read to start.

Rebecca H. Jamison has written two more light-hearted LDS adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels “Persuasion,” and “Sense and Sensibility,” both of with are great fun reads. 

To watch the trailer and read an excerpt  follow this link

Goodreads rating 3.4 stars.
Amazon rating 4 stars.

Citation : Jamison, Rebecca H. Emma : A latter day tale, Springville, UT : Cedar Fort Inc.,2013
Picture credit :  http://rebeccajamison.blogspot.com.au/

The Guardian (Gables of Legacy saga) by Anita Stansfield.

This book, set in Australia, is the first book in the Gables of Legacy series by Anita Stansfield, and a continuation of her earlier Hamilton Family Saga. Tamra Banks now find herself on a property in Australia after returning to the US from missionary work in the Phillipines,  after being rejected by her mother.  She lives on the farm of the Hamilton family who are absent, but is son joined by their long lost son Jess. Tamra finds she has feelings for Jess, but is torn as she finds out that he has a dark secret. Anita Stansfield is a giant of the of LDS Romantic fiction a place she has held for two decades. Her popularity comes from her heartfelt depiction of her characters, and not flinching from controversial issues, and you too will find the lives of her characters unforgettable. This story is a great introduction to LDS Romantic Fiction from one of the greats set close to home.

Goodreads rating 4.04 stars
Amazon rating 4.5 stars

Citation: Stansfield, Anita . The Guardian, Utah : Covenant Communications,  c2002.
Photo credit : www.amazon.com

Magic in the wind by Christine Feehan

For those like their romance mixed with the paranormal this is the tale of Damon a scientist who seeks to escape in the seaside village of Sea Haven. When there he hears whispers about the spirit of Sarah. This romance mixed up with a suspense story as Damon finds himself pursued by two men eager to find his secrets. They get more than they bargain for with the secrets of Sarah who hides in in the shadows Damon’s haven. This is another great novel by Christine Feehan who has published over 40 books including her famous Ghost Walkers series. This is a departure from her usual vampires and witches characters and introduces the seven Drake Sister’s, each with their own powers who live in the shadows of the town of New Haven.  Her specialty is paranormal romance which is a genre she has made her own. If you enjoyed the Twilight novels then this is the book for you.

Goodreads rating 4 stars.
Amazon rating 4 stars.

Click Here to read the first chapter.  

The City of Sydney Library has many Christine Feehan books including the paranormal romances "Deadly Game," and "Dark Wolf." 

Citation: Feehan, Christine. Magic in the Wind, New York: Berkley/Jove 2005.

Image: http://www.christinefeehan.com/