Friday, January 3, 2020

Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher


Here is the book summary:
Can two broken paths—and broken hearts—lead toward God’s redemption?
When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Both were raised by single moms. Both want to help where they see a need. And both work with horses in the Boise valley. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great-grandfather’s farm—and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.
They also carry the burden of past experiences that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict residing in court-ordered rehab. Holding fast to the belief that addicts can never be cured, Ashley has promised herself she will never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible—but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? Or will her brother’s mistakes and the pain of her past jeopardize her future with Ben?
Cross My Heart threads together a contemporary love story with the heartwarming tale of Ben’s great-great-grandfather, Andrew Henning—reminding us that God’s Word is timeless and that His promises are new every morning.
This sweet split-time read is a standalone novel, though it can be read as a part of the Legacy of Faith series. 
Book one: Who I Am with You
Book two: Cross My Heart
Book three (coming in 2020): How Sweet It Is 
And now, my review:
Book 2 in this series by Robin Lee Hatcher is Cross My Heart which I found to have a wonderful weaving effect of real-life situations brought alive through fiction.  She brings faith into it a lot and I really appreciate that while I’m reading.  Being a person who enjoys horses, I enjoyed her descriptions of them.  Bringing the therapy into it was top notch with the healing it brought.  The two main characters had a hurtle to jump to come together and have a relationship.  It was a delight to see how this author brought that about.  I’ve read both book 1 and 2 in this series and I think they could stand alone but they are both wonderful reads so why not read them both.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Heart-Legacy-Faith-Novel/dp/0785219307/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=cross+my+heart&qid=1578073659&sr=8-2

https://www.christianbook.com/cross-my-heart-robin-hatcher/9780785219309/pd/219309?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cross-my-heart-robin-lee-hatcher/1129853334?ean=9780785219309#/

More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer

More Than Words Can Say (A Patchwork Family Novel Book #2) by [Witemeyer, Karen]
Here is the book summary:
After fulfilling a pledge to a dying friend, Zacharias Hamilton is finally free. No family entanglements. No disappointing those around him. Just the quiet bachelor existence he's always craved. Until fate snatches his freedom away when the baker of his favorite breakfast bun is railroaded by the city council. Despite not wanting to get involved, he can't turn a blind eye to her predicament . . . or her adorable dimples.

Abigail Kemp needs a man's name on her bakery's deed. A marriage of convenience seems the best solution . . . if it involves a man she can control. That person definitely isn't the stoic lumberman who oozes silent confidence whenever he enters her shop. Control Zacharias Hamilton? She can't even control her pulse when she's around him.
When vows are spoken, Abigail's troubles should be over. Yet threats to the bakery worsen, and darker dangers hound her sister. Can she put ever more trust in Zach without losing her dreams of independence?

And now, my review:
I just love it when a book makes me laugh-out-loud and this book delivered some laughter all right!  My favorite quote from the book was from chapter 2 which said “Choosing a husband was much like choosing a good baguette.  One looked for a strong outer shell, a tender interior, and most importantly, a tractability of dough to hold whatever shape the baker deemed appropriate.”  I found myself reading this out loud to anyone who would listen 😊  If you want to laugh and enjoy some great light-hearted fiction, this is the one!!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.




Verity by Lisa T Bergren

Verity (The Sugar Baron's Daughters Book #2) by [Bergren, Lisa T.]
Here is the book summary:
After leaving England behind for a new life in the West Indies with her sisters, Verity Banning wants something to call her own. Her affinity for animals inspires her to set up a business importing horses, as well as other goods in demand by the island residents. But when she arrives in the Colonies to purchase her goods, unexpected news of Captain Duncan McKintrick awaits her--as does the captain's handsome brother, Ian--whose sympathies lie with the fledgling Patriot cause.

As the great-granddaughter of a British general and friend to many Loyalists, Verity believed all she wanted was a peaceful resolution. But both the Patriots and the impassioned Ian McKintrick are steadily laying claim to her heart. When faced with the decision of what--and for whom--she will fight, can she set her feet on a new path despite the danger that awaits?

And now, my review:
Another amazing book in this series by Lisa T Bergren.  I loved book one along with this one.  The picture of life on the sea, on an island, and on the mainland of the states was well painted.  The war depicted quite the historical suspense and intrigue that makes a great plot.  I just had to keep reading!  The romance was lovely.  Bravo to this one!  I can’t wait to read it again.  I highly recommend this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review.