Review of Playing for Keeps by Mandi Blake

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Playing for Keeps by Mandi Blake is a sweet second chance Christian romance that is short enough for a quick read but manages to pack a lot of depth in the characters in that short time. 

In the small town of Redemption Ridge, Caroline Taylor is sweet in every sense of the word—right down to her bakery. She loves the Lord and she’s able to see the best in everything except her failed secret relationship with Justin McKinnon from her past and that drives her relationships in the present. 


When Justin comes back in town as a police officer and her small business is attacked, Caroline is forced to face those feelings for him that she’s never let go of.


This book has a few time hops to the past so you can see snippets of Justin and Caroline’s early relationship. With those flashbacks it also reveals the growth and maturity that both have had. They’ve gone from sneaking around behind their parents’ (who were feuding) backs and jumping into a relationship instantly to wanting their families to be involved and taking more time to make sure this is the direction they should go. 


There is lots of kissing but it never even insinuates more than that. There’s also lots of faith and a little bit of a mystery. This is a fun holiday read and though it is part of a whole series of Christmas in Redemption Ridge books, it can be read as a standalone. 


Get the book here.


Read the blurb below:


He let her get away once. Now he’s back, and he’s playing for keeps.

Twelve years ago, Justin McKinnon fell in love with the girl next door—Caroline Taylor—but their families had hated each other for decades, and no one was interested in putting the bad blood aside. What started as a spur-of-the-moment kiss at a barn dance turned into a forbidden, secret romance that would rival Romeo and Juliet.

Caroline Taylor has everything she ever wanted. She owns the best bakery in town, has a loving family, and she’s friends with everyone. So why did she just break up with the perfect guy because he kept dropping hints about proposing. How could she marry him when she’s still hung up on her first love?

When Justin got the chance to get away from his abusive dad and support his elderly grandparents, he took it, but it meant leaving Redemption Ridge—and Caroline—behind.

Now, Justin is back in town and ready to remind Caroline that they belong together despite the family feud hanging over them. Can she trust the man who once broke her heart?

Visit Redemption Ridge, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series of Christian romance.

This series is a spin-off continuation of the best-selling Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series with all new characters and traditions, but the same magic of community and romance readers love.


Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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