Issac's List by Logan Carrington

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 3, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1494342731
• ISBN-13: 978-1494342739

This book is also available as an e-book.

Issac Reed is in love with the beautiful Brenna McConnell. But Brenna, who's troubled past haunts her, is afraid to become involved in a relationship with the handsome and intriguing, Issac Reed. Mrs. Edie O'Malley, an elderly widow who lives across the hall from Issac, is sympathetic to his plight and persuades him not to give up on the elusive, yet spirited young woman. Following her advice, Issac becomes determined to show the woman he loves that she has more to offer than she realizes and decides to play a game with her. Only, Brenna doesn't understand the game and refuses to play. But Mrs. O'Malley knows how to play the game so she decides to enlist the help of Jackson Bradley and Matthew Broussad to spice it up a little. And everything was going according to plan, until Matthew decided to "improvise."

My take on this book:

Brenna McConnell is carrying secrets from her past and is so full of hurt and anger over what happened that she has shielded her heart.  Issac Reed also has his share of secrets, but that doesn't stop him from falling for Brenna,but no matter what he does he can't seem to make her see that he loves her. He decides to play a game called the twelve gifts of Christmas hoping to open her eyes to the many blessings around her. From the get go she doesn't understand the game and becomes frustrated, that's when her elderly neighbor Mrs. Edie O'Malley decides to get involved, enlisting the help of her friends Jackson Bradley and "step-son" Matthew. When Matthew gets some ideas of his own though things go downhill fast and it looks like Brenna and Issac's pasts are about to collide with the present. Will they ever get over their past and find happiness together? Read Issac's List by Logan Carrington and find out!

There were actually two love stories going on with Issac's List. We had the story of Brenna and Issac. Brenna's ex-fiance wouldn't leave her alone, but Issac had a bigger secret than that! The authors descriptions really brought the apartment building as well as the characters to life. I could just imagine people stomping up and down stairs, or spying on their neighbors. There is plenty of shouting and spats going on that really made me think of the tenants in this apartment building as being one big family. They cared about each other. Brenna's past was holding her hostage, and I couldn't help but wonder about Steven's appearance,but in the end it made perfect sense. Issac was so kind and caring, his patience with Brenna was sweet, although the sparks did fly and the feelings between them were totally charged! The sincere way he cared for his elderly neighbor Ms. O'Malley was great, although I did wonder if he wasn't wooed more than a bit by her scrumptious cooking. Some of the characters were a bit quirky to say the least. Liz and Frank Fisher were different, but really added to the story. The part that Matthew played in the story moved at lightening speed, sometimes so fast I had to actually reread some pages just to make sure I understood what was going on. There is a bit of suspense woven into this one as well as a bit of mystery as to what Matthew was really doing, and why Brenna's ex continued to show up. While there are a few sex scenes they are tastefully done, and really flow well with the story. Anyone who enjoys a contemporary read, that deals with hurt and healing and the promise of finding true love will certainly enjoy this one. While it's a story that takes place at Christmas I would recommend it any time of the year! Oh, I did say there were two love stories going on in this one didn't I, well you're just going to have to read the book to find out who else finds love in Issac's List by Logan Carrington. 

Reviewed for Readersfavorite.com