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10 December 2015

Noela reviews Manila Marriage App: Passport to Romance by Jan Elder

Manila Marriage App

Manila Marriage App
by Jan Elder
Pelican Ventures Book Group (White Rose Publishing), April 17, 2015

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

An engaging and entertaining romance!

A few chapters into this delightful story and I was so thankful I’d embarked upon this adventure to steamy Manila in the Philippines. This was not a journey I wanted to come to an end!

Shay Callahan travels to Manila upon answering an ad for a potential bride to a missionary. But the questionnaire she had completed leaves her shaking her head at the arrogance of this man. Desiring to get away and enjoy a paid trip while taking down this imperious, chauvinistic, though extremely good-looking guy a peg or two, Shay sets off on her tropical adventure.

I think I fell a little in love with this enigmatic missionary man called Timothy Flynn. Though seriously, what wasn’t to love about him? When Shay begins to see beyond the misleading veneer of egotistical jerk, he was not only devastatingly handsome but kind, strong yet vulnerable, godly, charitable, and basically everything her ex-boyfriend wasn’t. So what was behind the strange questionnaire? And what happens when Shay’s ex turns up in Manila? What began as a lark is beginning to challenge all her expectations and beliefs.

This was a surprise story for me and I would definitely read more by this author! It was humorous and witty, the characters were refreshing and engaging, and the romance was of the sweep-you-away variety. Get those passports stamped because this novella promises an entertaining journey!


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Blurb from Amazon for NEW RELEASE‘A Semi-Precious Christmas’ by Jan Elder

On a bright, crisp December morning, jewelry store manager, Peridot Keaton-Jones, arrives at work expecting to find her beloved uncle, Marty. Instead, she’s greeted by the muzzle of a gun pressed to her temple. When thugs assault her, threaten her life, and steal thousands of dollars worth of jewelry, Peri can only pray her uncle is late to work for the first time in his life. Christopher Lane is a TV news cameraman in the right place at the right time. He witnesses the heist, calls the police, and offers help when Peri needs it most. She can't deny her attraction, but is he really her hero, or is he just after a story? And with Christmas right around the corner, can Peri and Chris avert a holiday disaster?
Click on the title here to buy: A SEMI-PRECIOUS CHRISTMAS by Jan Elder
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*You can find MANILA MARRIAGE APP: PASSPORT TO ROMANCE at these and other places: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble

GIVEAWAY: Jan Elder is generously donating TWO books for giveaway- An ebook for 'Manila Marriage App' and an ebook for her newly released 'A Semi-Precious Christmas'!
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33 comments:

  1. justcommonlyDecember 10, 2015 at 1:11 AM

    Ok, what was in the questionnaire? And do they still have mail-order brides now? Not exactly mail-ordered, but responding to this ad? Hmmmm....I am intrigued.
    Great review, Noela! Please throw my new in the hat. Annie, justcommonly (at)gmail (dot)com. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. justcommonlyDecember 10, 2015 at 1:11 AM

      It is *name. Please throw my name in the hat. Lol.

      Delete
    2. UnknownDecember 10, 2015 at 9:10 AM

      A very intriguing premise in the modern world don't you think, Annie! I felt the same before I read this novella, too. Brave no matter what era, even with questionnaire's etc. Your new is in the name, I mean your name is in the hat, ha!

      Delete
  2. Caryl KaneDecember 10, 2015 at 8:42 AM

    NOELA, thank you for this delightful review! I am ready to embark on this journey! *wink*

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    1. UnknownDecember 10, 2015 at 9:12 AM

      Haha and don't forget your passport, Caryl! ;) This is such a great little novella that packs a lot of heart and entertainment into it!

      Delete
  3. Elizabeth DentDecember 10, 2015 at 9:02 AM

    Oh me , sounds like 2 delightful books I would love to read .would love to win ,please put my nMe in . Thanks for the chance .
    lizd225(at) gmail (dot) com

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    Replies
    1. UnknownDecember 10, 2015 at 9:14 AM

      You're in the draw dear Elizabeth! I hope you get to read these two very delightful books soon!!

      Delete
  4. Diana FlowersDecember 10, 2015 at 10:20 AM

    SQUEEE! I just love your review and HAVE to read this one, NOELA, my sweet cohort! When though? I need two heads - one reserved just for reading! ;)

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    1. UnknownDecember 10, 2015 at 6:51 PM

      Oh boy, do I ever know what you mean Diana!! :-) Being a novella however, means at least it's a fairly quick read and being such a captivating story means you will fly through it, so grab a copy girlfriend and enjoy!! :-)

      Delete
  5. Mrs TinaDecember 10, 2015 at 2:32 PM

    Great review Noela!
    I have read Manila Marriage App. Loved the characters Shay and Timothy. And don't forget Clark and Lois!

    I have not read A Semi-Precious Christmas yet.
    Blessings,Tina
    tfrice(at)comcast(dot)net

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    1. UnknownDecember 10, 2015 at 7:05 PM

      Thanks Tina, it was such a delightful story wasn't it? Just loved it! And yes, I had almost forgotten Clark and Lois lol. And do you remember George and Martha? ;)
      All the best, here's hoping you win A Semi-Precious Christmas to enjoy also!

      Delete
    2. Mrs TinaDecember 11, 2015 at 9:50 AM

      Yes Noela, I remember George and Martha.
      Have a blessed day.
      Blessings, Tina

      Delete
    3. UnknownDecember 11, 2015 at 10:23 AM

      You too, Tina! Hugs!!

      Delete
  6. Susan JohnsonDecember 10, 2015 at 6:25 PM

    Both of these books sound like they would be fun to read. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
    susanmsj at msn dot com

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    Replies
    1. UnknownDecember 10, 2015 at 7:08 PM

      Susan, Manila Marriage App is an absolute delight to read!! I've yet to read the A Semi-precious Christmas yet but it's waiting on my Kindle and mercilessly teasing me in the meantime! Can't wait to read it after enjoying Manila Marriage App so much! :-)

      Delete
  7. Mary PrestonDecember 10, 2015 at 6:31 PM

    Manila is not a setting I think I have ever read. Bonus.

    I do love Christmas reads.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. UnknownDecember 10, 2015 at 7:10 PM

      Hi Mary! It was fantastic to read about a different setting like Manila and the author Jan Elder does a brilliant job in giving you a great taste of what it's like!

      Delete
  8. PamDecember 10, 2015 at 9:12 PM

    Both books sound very interesting and I'm intrigued. Manila? Would love to read. My wish list is huge!
    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

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    1. UnknownDecember 10, 2015 at 9:32 PM

      Oh don't I know about those wish lists Pam, but do put this one near the top because I promise you'll breeze through it before you know it!! It's a story that grabs your attention immediately and is such a joy to read. All the best with your entry!

      Delete
  9. MelodyDecember 10, 2015 at 10:55 PM

    Wow, what an unusual storyline. Being a missionary myself, I can't wait to see what his perspective is for seeking a Christian bride.

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownDecember 11, 2015 at 7:04 AM

      Oh yes Melody, this story would be wonderful for you to read!! :) Here's hoping for a win!

      Delete
  10. UnknownDecember 11, 2015 at 12:05 AM

    Thanks, Noela, for the review! And everyone, the hero, Timothy Flynn, was patterned after my brother who has been a missionary in the Philippines for 32 years. And no...he's not married, in case anyone is looking. Grin.

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    1. UnknownDecember 11, 2015 at 7:09 AM

      Jan, maybe your brother should take a leaf out of your literal book and write out an ad and questionnaire to seek a bride! ;) But just check over his questions first, lol. How wonderful that he's devoted his life to people in the Philippines. God bless him!!

      Delete
  11. kim hansenDecember 11, 2015 at 10:47 AM

    Cool story. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. UnknownDecember 11, 2015 at 7:16 PM

      Hi Kim! Yes it sure is and I so hope you get to read it soon!!

      Delete
  12. AnonymousDecember 11, 2015 at 1:02 PM

    Noela, my sweet friend, thank you for this really great review! I am hooked! This sounds like a terrific book. I love the idea of the possibility of Shay becoming Timothy Flynn's missionary wife. What a life-changing adventure awaits her if she does - and I am guessing that is exactly what will take place, but will enjoy the twists and turns as God works in both of their hearts. Jan Elder will be a delightful new find for my reading wish list. Joyce - Heart"wings" joyce1510(dot)jrg(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. UnknownDecember 11, 2015 at 7:19 PM

      Her journey there is even life-changing, Joyce! :-) I sure hope you get to read this delightful story soon! All the best!!

      Delete
  13. BettiDecember 11, 2015 at 3:00 PM

    Both of these stories sound like they would be a real treat to read! I would love to win :)
    bettimace at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. UnknownDecember 11, 2015 at 7:22 PM

      Love you to win too, Betti! :-) Manila Marriage App was such an amazing read and so I have absolutely no doubts whatsoever that Jan's Christmas story will be too!!

      Delete
  14. PattyDecember 11, 2015 at 3:20 PM

    Manila Marriage App sounds like a fun read!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. UnknownDecember 11, 2015 at 7:24 PM

      It really is, Patty!! I so hope everyone gets to read and enjoy this wonderful story! God bless!

      Delete
  15. Bonnie RoofDecember 11, 2015 at 9:38 PM

    Thanks for your wonderfully enticing review, Noela!!

    "Manila Marriage App" sounds like a fun romance - I am intrigued by the fact it involves a missionary, perhaps it will yield some tidbits on life in the Philippines. My GP is from the Philippines, he and his wife (also a doctor) go on periodic mission trips to the Philippines.

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    1. UnknownDecember 11, 2015 at 10:04 PM

      Thanks Bonnie! It truly is a fun and very engaging romance. I do wish more novella romances were like this one. I would be reading a lot more of them if so! ;) Oh and yes you do get a great sense of the Philippines also.

      Delete

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