Sammie Carpenter understands how a uniform influences behavior. Wearing her Army fatigues puts her in the mindset of a soldier and donning her Class-A Uniform always helps her shift into Captain Mode. So what harm could come from her dressing like a saloon girl and strutting through the streets of Tombstone? She didn't know how to flirt to save her life, and she wasn't getting any younger.
When she met the lonesome stud cowboy, Jimmy, she knew he was the one. So why was their communication always so awkward? Couldn't he see that she was interested in him? No matter how hard she tried to win him over, she couldn't seem to get him to see past his first impression of her. But Sammie didn't give up easily. Somehow she would make him see that they were meant to be together, but how can she do that when all of her plans keep falling apart?
EXCERPT
She headed in the direction of the Birdcage Theater, her pace now a bit slower as she glanced around. Maybe she was looking for someone. Or maybe she'd gotten turned around and was heading in the wrong direction.
She tapped her lower lip, and after a few seconds started walking at a brisk pace, which caused her barely restrained chest to bounce. His thoughts strayed to places they shouldn't, so he forced himself to get better control of his mind. And just in case some drool had seeped out, he wiped his mouth.
Even after some firm self-talk, did he stop? No. To his shame, he kept staring. The habit went beyond mere attraction. He could not get enough of her.
Something about her fascinated him. Something beyond her beautiful hair and delicate face. Something beyond the alluring figure she attempted to hide as she tugged on her corset.
He never understood how some men found ultra-skinny women appealing. As he continued to study her he realized that she looked a bit shy when she smiled at people who passed by. She also appeared more than a little bit nervous. Maybe that was what had intrigued him. Maybe his first impression of her had been wrong.
Her demeanor made him think of a librarian, not a saloon girl. Her extreme attempt at modesty made her that much more attractive to him. So why did she dress like that?
A chuckle escaped him as she adjusted her top again. She didn't have the part of a brazen woman figured out and even wore her boa wrong, as if trying to cover herself.
"I think this is an excellent example of realistic romance today... Christian romance doesn't need to be limited to a peck on the cheek. This is the kind of book that would be wonderful to share with a non-believing friend - or someone who thinks Christian romance is boring. Just don't forget to bring the cold drinks, and be ready for anything. You never know where the conversation could lead. :o)"
"Michelle is one of those authors that really touches you because she understands the importance of being real. Yes, the book is fiction and fun to read, but it deals with real issues that are usually not addressed in such a straight-forward, understandable way...I loved this book and think that Sutton is just getting better and better as a writer. I look forward to seeing the amazing ways that God will continue to use her writing to reach people."
"First Impressions is not the first book I have read by Michelle Sutton and I sure hope it won't be my last! I thoroughly enjoy Michelle's writing. Michelle writes stories that are closer to reality than a lot of Christian fiction. The edginess of the story makes it believable. I am not a big fan of unrealistic "everyone is perfect" Christian romances so this book is just perfect for me. I loved the two main characters and found them easy to relate to... like people I could actually know in real life. First Impressions is a well written, fun, and quick read...This is the first book in the Tombstone Treasures series and I look forward to the next book coming out. I would definitely recommend ALL of Michelle Sutton's books!"
"Sutton's writing is fluid and immediately pulls the reader in Sammie and Jimmy's world... Both Sammie and Jimmy are full of complexities, but it's Sammie who really grows in the novel as she discovers the Lord's word... Watching these characters evolve was a delight. ...First Impressions is a romance that will stir the reader's heart.
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