About the Book

Book: Glitter and the Grouch (Romance in Valiant Book Three. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: Mary Pat Johns

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: September 3, 2024

Silas and Nat don’t get along. Neither can they leave each other alone. When a prank goes terribly wrong at their workplace, they face an impossible choice.

Either they compete in a canoe race to prove they can work together or forfeit their futures at Peeps. Quitting isn’t the norm for either of them. Good thing, because their boss isn’t backing down an inch. He assures them they can accomplish anything they set their minds to, even if it’s 3 days and 260 miles of river.

There’s only one catch—they’ll have to be in the same boat.

Will they reach deep inside to find out what they’re made of? Or will they succumb to the physical rigors of the event and the machinations of Nat’s controlling ex?

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About the Author

Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from years of teaching speech and writing. She’s written devotions for an online publication and had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul. She currently writes a weekly faith column for the local newspaper. Countin’ On Jesse, her first novel debuted in 2023, and book 2 of the Valiant series, Lovin’ On Red, released in release in 2024. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war.

She lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded with her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book.

More from Mary

I wrote Glitter and the Grouch for two reasons. The first reason was peace of mind. LOL. Two minor characters from Books 1 & 2 of the Valiant series INSISTED on having their own story. Rather, Nat insisted and Silas grudgingly followed. He hated the idea at first, but all’s well that ends well.

The second reason is I absolutely LOVE the Texas Water Safari and follow it every year. When I talked to a friend who competes, he wasn’t sure how I would write a book about it. When I explained it would be a story about two people who fall in love during the race, he grinned from ear to ear and said that scenario had happened a few times.

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed this lighthearted story where two people must learn to work together. Nat and Silas are always pranking each other . When one prank goes too far at work they face reprimand by the boss.

Nat is fun and full of determination to get promoted at her job. After her shenanigans she might have lost her chance to advance. I loved her relationship with her brother Jesse. He is always looking out for her. I loved when he told her, “Let the right man come to you Nat. Forget about all the others. Watch God bring him right to you.” Those words are comforting to Nat as she tries to forget about her ex boyfriend.

Silas has been working hard at the same place Nat works at. He is really good with children who may be developmentally challenged. His patience is sincere and the smile on those sweet faces of children who need extra help bring him joy. He is now ready to take on new responsibilities at his job, but that could change since the silly prank Nat and him were involved in.

They soon find out their punishment when they are ordered to work together in a canoe race that will test their strength, faith and teamwork . I liked how knowledgeable the author was about canoes and the race that that calls for endurance and teamwork.

The story follows these two on an inspiring journey that has a bit of intrigue in it. Obstacles will come their way, but as they learn to trust each other, they build a bond that grows slowly. The race is fun to follow and I loved how Nat and Silas showed growth not only in trusting each other but God as well.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.