Rival Hearts by Tara Randel

Molly and Ben are magazine editors for the same publishing group. Molly conceived of and now heads a successful quilting magazine. Ben's the relatively new editor of the company's outdoor magazine. When the publisher needs an editor for a new magazine, he conceives of a competition between Molly and Ben. Molly will have to kayak and Ben will have to quilt. Each will write an article about their experiences and the winner will be named the new editor.

This novel was fun. Molly, sheltered from outdoor activities when young because of severe allergies, enlists the help of her macho brother. Ben feels out of his element holding needle and thread when all he's ever done is write about sports.

The competition goes along pretty well until Molly and Ben each begin to have feelings for the other. But just when it looks like romance is on the way, it appears Ben has sabotaged Molly's chances for success. The sparks fly and and it looks like both will lose, no matter who wins.

I really liked the characters in the novel. Molly is a gutsy woman and doesn't hesitate to show what she is made of. Ben turns out to be a deeper man than he would have others believe. Both characters grow through the competition experience to reveal hidden qualities.

In addition to a good romance, the author had added other issues to the novel, such as women working together to help each other, supporting women in need of a safe place, and restoration of family relationships. These all work together to make for a rewarding novel. I really enjoyed it.

You can find out about other books in the series at http://www.quiltsoflovebooks.com/. 

I am taking part in a blog tour of this book and you can read other reviews here.

Tara Randel is the author of five romance novels and a member of ACFW. She is the lead author of the new Annie's Mysteries series. She lives in Port Richey, Florida.

Abingdon Press, 176 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Litfuse Publicity for the purpose of an independent and honest review.