Safe in His Arms by Colleen Coble

 I have been on a reading SPREE! I can't believe how many books I've been able to read so far this year! I'm pretty excited about it, though! Here's the latest!

 Overview: Sometimes it takes a stranger to see you as you really are.

Born and raised on sprawling Texas land, Margaret O’Brien prides herself on her competence as a rancher. But her father believes she’s made for more than just dawn-to-dusk work. He wants her to have the love of a good man, to raise children, to build a life. But Margaret gave up such dreams years ago. She’s convinced no man would have her, that the ranch is her life now.

So when Margaret’s father hires Daniel Cutler as a new foreman, she’s frustrated and suspicious. Then an overheard conversation links him with a gang of bank robbers, and she’s downright worried. Daniel swears he’s not involved, but Margaret’s not convinced. She knows the man still has secrets. But would a criminal be so kind and talk so convincingly of his faith? As a series of tragic “accidents” threatens all she holds dear, Margaret must decide what to trust: her own ears, her best judgment . . . or what her heart keeps telling her.

From the author of the best-selling Blue Moon Promise . . . an exciting tale of danger, romance, and faith played out under Texas stars.

 
My Review: I devoured this book, much like I did the first one! Margaret O'Brien is a character any female can relate to. She is full of insecurities and doubts. To cover those insecurities, she's thrown herself into ranch work and earned the respect of the townspeople by her hard work and competence. She doesn't think anyone can have serious intentions towards her, not even the God she loves so much. Can Margaret overcome her insecurities to accept God's unconditional love? Daniel Cutler is the new foreman on the Triple T Ranch, much to Margaret's dismay. He stirs feelings in her that she doesn't understand because of his compassion, kindness, and loyalty. But he has secrets that he can't share with anyone. Can he do what he set out to do without destroying the woman he's fallen for?

The plot will grab your attention from the beginning. As soon as Daniel shows up on the ranch, strange "incidents" start happening. These incidents threaten all Margaret has worked so hard for and she is determined to get to the bottom of it, starting with Daniel's connection. Daniel is dismayed that he's brought danger to the ranch. As his feelings for Margaret grow, he becomes more determined to finish what he started so he can move on with his life, hopefully with the red-headed beauty. There are plot twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end and I loved every minute of it!

The message of the book begins and ends with learning to accept God's unconditional love. That's a hard message to get across in a society where love is conditional. Colleen Coble does an excellent job of weaving the message throughout the book, as she always does. She helps Margaret and the reader realize that you are safe in the loving arms of God, our father.

Overall, this was a fantastic book and I look forward to reading more from this fantastic author!

• Learn more about Colleen Coble 
• Follow Colleen: Twitter * Facebook 
• Read my review of Blue Moon Promise
• Buy this book!: B&N * Amazon * CBD

Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble

I sat down to do this review, and ended up writing a little memorial for my hero, PFC James Fleet McClamrock. I didn't feel like the review should go on the same post, so here I am! I finished Blue Moon Promise in a weekend. It was that good. I won't keep you in suspense any longer! Here's my review:

A love like Lucy and Nate’s only comes along once in a blue moon . . .

Lucy Marsh has lost everything but her determination to provide for her brother and sister. When she realizes her father’s death was no accident, she decides to accept a proxy marriage in order to get her siblings out of harm’s way. But trouble follows her to Wichita Falls, Texas, and nothing there is as she expected. Not the man she came to marry nor the family ties she’d hoped to find. Can it be true that real security is in letting go of her own strength and trusting in the One who is far stronger than she?

Nate Stanton always knew he’d marry someday, but he planned to find his own wife. The woman his father deposits on his doorstep is not the kind of wife he had in mind. She knows nothing about ranching, and she brings two siblings with her in the bargain. He moves her into a tiny cabin and expects her to run back to Chicago, but Lucy is made of sterner stuff than he imagined. And when danger moves in, he realizes he’d give anything to protect her and the children he has grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.

My Review: "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps." Proverbs 16:9
Colleen Coble is a fantastic writer. Her stories have a way of pulling you in. They don't let you go until the very end. This book is no different. While the mystery and romance are not as prominent as some of her stories, the book is still fantastic. Lucy is beautiful, strong-willed, independent, and likes to have everything under control. She is a "control freak" to a fault. When she's left caring for her two younger siblings, she'll do whatever it takes to keep them together. Even if if means marrying a man, sight unseen. Nate does not want a wife. He wants to ranch, grow his cattle business, and be left alone. That is, until Lucy comes to Stars Above Ranch. Everything changes.

The story progresses in a way that allows the author time to develop the characters we've met, while still keeping the mystery and intrigue alive.We see their struggle to let go of control and let love in. We see Lucy's strong desire to be loved. We see Nate's denial of his loneliness. We also see them both try to deny, then control the sparks that fly between them. There are still parts of the mystery that come into play. It's never far from either character's mind that trouble is coming. Little things happen that make your skin crawl! It's what Colleen Coble does best.

Overall, the story was a satisfying read. The message of the story is summed up in the "Dear Reader" note by Colleen at the beginning of the book. Who has control of your life? Let go, and let God. I absolutely loved it, and look forward to reading the next book in the Under Texas Stars series, Safe in His Arms.

More fun! with links:

• Visit Colleen Coble
• Follow her: Twitter * Facebook
• Buy it here: B&N * Amazon * Christianbook.com

Have a great week! I hope you enjoyed this review!

Upcoming review: Born of Persuasion by Jessica Dotta