Better Than First

A Contemporary Christian Romance

By: Kari Trumbo

Narrated by: Emmalyn Miles

Nothing will distract Isla Flores from her Paralympic goals.

Her world is work and training, nothing else matters. When her coach and best friend Duncan challenges her to make a 10-item bucket list, she's forced to think about life off the track.

The more time she spends with Duncan, the more value she sees in everyday life...and love.

Duncan Schmitz went from homelessness to his dream job as a youth pastor.

The only problem is that he's loved Isla from afar for as long as he can remember. He's taken it upon himself to remind her what life is like off the track. And maybe also remind her he's not just her coach, but the one who's cared about her the longest.

Get this sweet, heart-warming, friends-to-lovers romance by best-selling author Kari Trumbo that sounds like a Hallmark movie.

Other Contemporary Books by Kari Trumbo:

• Whispers in Wyoming
• Heartstruck and Heavensent
• Temptation and Tenderness
• Sensitive and Secure

©2018 Kari Trumbo (P)2018 Kari Trumbo

Love comes First

Infirmities do not define a person. This wonderful narration of Ms. Trumbo's story comes to life to remind us all that God's plan is the best plan. Even if that means injuries, deformities, and mental challenges have happened.

Always push forward, but understand that God has it under control. Even if it isn't what you originally thought you wanted.

An Ambitious Young Lady!

I really liked this story with its two main characters, who, over the years really get to know each other and cannot for their own reasons admit to their love.
Kari Trumbo has written a delightfully inspiring story weaving in trust, hope, ambition, near tragedy, love and romancing just to name a few things. I mean, what more could one want in a story?
Emmalyn Miles read it very nicely and I enjoyed this combination of author and narrator. Its a fitting story for this time of the year.
I listened to an audiobook version and my unbiased review above is given voluntarily.

Better Than First

This is a short sweet story of how Duncan shows Isla there is so much more to life than coming in first.

Another well written story by Kari Trumbo.

Lovely narration by Emmalyn Miles.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

Bucket List

What are the twelve most important things on your bucket list?
Lovely, sweet, feel good romance that makes you feel like dancing (at the prom)!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.

A clean Christian romance

This is a clean Christian contemporary romance about two individuals that have been friends since their youth.
Duncan Schmitz was homeless and Isla Florez’s family took him in.
Isla, has been in a wheelchair all her life and obsessed about entering the paralympic games with the help of Duncan as her coach.
Both are attracted to each other , but neither has wanted to take the chance of losing what they have.
When Duncan encourages Isla to write a bucket list, it gives them a chance to spend together away from training , and allows Isla an opportunity to see that life isn’t only about proving herself through her competition.
I have to confess that while I enjoyed Duncan as a caring , and dedicated individual, Isla came off a tad selfish and self-centered.
That said, it was thought provoking and I would definitely listen and/or read additional stories by this author. I did find that the narrator went too fast and had little intonation.

Better than first

And now another great book I haven’t read or now listened to different types of books lately and really enjoyed the story all the challenges we face and the belief that we can make it through even the roughest times. Thank you again for another great read!!!

sweet story

this was both a new to me author and narator. I liked the story a lot, not really preachy while still mentioning god and praying and church. which is what I prefer, like, it's there, but it's not all the story is about. as someone who has spent some time in a wheelchair, I loved the story itself, of how Duncan was always there. I don't want to spoil the story, but it was so adorable in places.

the narator was a little dry for me I wouldn't say robotic, but it felt more like she was just reading words, not really trying to bring the story to life. I won't avoid her going forward, buy not my first choice either

Being a first place winner under any circumstance.

I enjoyed listening to this story. Wonderful characters who show true love as they reach out to help others.

Such A Sweet Story!!

I am writing this review in March, and even though this is a book focused on Christmas you can listen to it any time of year.
Isla and Duncan are both the sweetest main characters. They have been friends for years, but they are afraid to let the other know they have deeper feelings as they don't want to mess up their friendship.
All Isla cares about is racing and Duncan is a youth pastor. Duncan tells Isla to make a list of 12 things she wants to do. He will try to make as many of them happen as he can. I won't give away anything else.
This book is perfect for those who love Hallmark, super sweet romances, friends to lovers, Christmas inspired books, etc.
I will listen to this story and over and over as it is so sweet! I will be trying other books by this author as I just loved this story.
The narration was nice as well. I felt like I was in the characters heads instead of listening to a narrator.
I received this audiobook at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Struggles

A beautiful story of the struggles of a handicapped woman trying to prove that she is strong. While training to earn a coveted gold medal in the Paralympics and secretly in love with her best friend Duncan, a youth pastor her obsession will put a toll on their friendship and their blossoming love. I received a complimentary audio and this review is voluntary.