Kelly McDonough Reviews

Added November 7, 2008

Christmas Wishes and Holiday Kisses

Author: Kelly McDonough
Publisher: Publish America
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: Available now
Genre: Romance/Contemporary/Inspirational/Holiday
Format: Trade paper
Price: $24.95
ISBN-13: 1-4241-4684-4
Author Email/Website: http://www.kellymcdonough.com/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Enjoy the magic of Christmas any time of the year with this endearing romance. Readers will be pleasantly surprised at the unexpected twist this tale takes. It's sort of like finding the best-ever present under the tree-one that seemed absolutely impossible to get.

Eliza is an angel. No, I don't mean that she's just a really terrific woman; she's a genuine out-of-the-sky angel sent to Earth on a very specific mission. She's supposed to help Jason, a young widowed father, find a wife, while lending comfort to his terminally ill mother. There was just one stipulation; she couldn't fall in love with Jason. Now, that would have been easier if he weren't so incredibly handsome with a sensitive and loving personality. Add to that his precocious and darling daughter who needs a mother. What's a girl-I mean, angel-to do?

Kelly McDonough has created characters with compassion and charm. The romance develops sweetly and naturally, as both Eliza and Jason enter their respective roles of nanny and employer with a mutual admiration for each other. The sadness surrounding the death of Jason's wife adds poignant moments, but as the pages turn, hope comes winging in-thanks to that angel, Eliza.

For an angel, she's humble and a bit stumbling especially when trying to prepare meals. But her heart is in the right place and that's how the dilemma starts. Eliza must complete this assignment, which will allow her to be reunited in heaven with her parents, but she also realizes that Jason needs a wife and his daughter wants a mommy. If she falls in love and stays with Jason, she will become earthbound. What she needs is a miracle.

The author writes this story with sensitivity and a deep appreciation for the spiritual side of life. Because of this, the romance develops on a higher plane and with a heavenly-designed purpose. Heartache switches places with hope, as the wonder of prayer knocks on locked doors. This book is inspiring and encouraging to anyone who knows the sadness of an earthly separation. (And I think that includes all of us.)

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Added May 9, 2005

Make-Believe Bride

Author: Kelly McDonough
Publisher: Publish America
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Romance: Contemporary
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $19.99
ISBN: 1-413-5152-0
Author Email/Website: kellymcdonough.com/
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty
Rating: 7.75 Gargoyles

It was to be a simple business arrangement. A marriage of convenience between two adults and both would benefit from the six-month contract. So why did Kelsey McClaire constantly have to remind herself their marriage was a fraud?

Marriage to Kelsey had seemed like the perfect solution to Jonathon Trent's problem. Marry the woman, convince his family and friends it was a true marriage and not only would the radio station remain his, but the wager behind his impromptu marriage would remain unknown. Given Kelsey's financial situation, she really was the perfect candidate. Yet even as he said his vows, Jonathon wished their marriage would last forever.

As the time for their marriage grows to an end, will Jonathon and Kelsey let the other know what is in their hearts? Or will Kelsey remain merely a make-believe bride?

A beautiful fairytale romance, Make-Believe Bride is fun, romantic and highly sensuous. Ms. McDonough continues to grow as a writer, bringing greater realism and depth to her characters and more sensuality to the overall storyline. Watching Kelsey and Jonathon fall in love and constantly remind the other their marriage was just for show when it was obvious how they truly felt was fun, although their repetitious actions almost became annoying.

For a feel-good read with plenty of laughs, interesting characters and brilliant family dynamics, pick up Make-Believe Bride.

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