Winning Over the Heiress by: Narelle Atkins

You will love this story from the cover, to the first page, to the satisfying conclusion. Can a bad boy surfer dude turn his life around? Can the woman he loves trust him?

Sean Mitchell has a past he's not proud of: gambling debts, embezzlement, drinking. He doesn't see eye to eye with his dad. Can he overcome against discontent? That's what got him into trouble before, buying things he couldn't afford. Can his faith help him to become a better person? God's grace covers his sins, but he wonders if he is worthy of God's forgiveness. Can he trust God to do a work in his life?

Julia Radcliffe knows Sean's reputation, but he says he's a changed man now. Can she believe him? Julia is searching for her birth mom. She doesn't know who her father is. She feels she has to earn God's love. She can't understand the concept that God's grace is free and no amount of works will compensate for it. If she serves on a mission field or becomes a pastor's wife, then she will feel she has earned God's approval. She feels she is a good enough person, that she has to make herself look better in God's eyes. Marrying a pastor would improve her status. How does Sean fit into this ideal she has set up for herself? He has a past, but says he's changed. Do his actions follow his words?

Julia thinks her works will make a difference in God's eyes. Sean feels he'll never be good enough for Julia. Can they learn to trust each other and God? We each have a past, but when God forgives us, that past is forgiven. Sometimes it's much harder to forgive ourselves. No one can improve their status or do enough works to pay for grace. Grace is free. We just have to accept it. Julia's story sticks out because she's always tried to do the right thing. But in God's eyes, there is no big or little sin. Everyone needs God's forgiveness and grace.

I loved the characters in this story. They pulled me right into this satisfying inspirational romance. For an encouraging, uplifting read, pick up this story today!

I received a copy of this book free in exchange for an honest review.