Man meets woman. Man loves woman. Man marries woman. If only it were that simple...
As you all know, I absolutely LOVED the first book in this series, Jenna's Cowboy. The second book, Emily's Chance, was no different. Sharon Gillenwater created another great book with in-depth characters you can relate to. Chance and Emily have qualities that all of us have and they struggle with problems and issues, just like we do. They are likable and both are stubborn to the core (and let's face it, how many of us out there are NOT stubborn??).
Chance Callahan, a 29 year old bachelor, is ready to settle down and he knows exactly who he wants to settle down with. Problem is, she doesn't know it yet. Chance owns his own successful business building and repairing houses, while helping out at the ranch occasionally. He is a typical, good-hearted, Christian man. He's stubborn, bossy, and struggles on a daily basis with a critical and sometimes "holier-than-thou" attitude. He is just like most Christians. I'll admit that I've had a problem with having an attitude that did not stem from Christian love as it should have, just like most of you have too.
Emily Rose Denny is determined to make a big name for herself. Unfortunately, with her chosen career path, that is taking a little longer than she hoped for. Emily dreams of being a curator for a big-city museum. She wants to prove to her mother and father that she's worth something and her life was not wasted. Emily is also painted in a most human way. She has a past, and she struggles daily in her faith. Half way through the book, though we see a suttle shift in Emily's character. As the book says "her head might be determined to have a big city career, but her heart was saying that life in Callahan Crossing would bring her happiness." She struggles with the fact that God's plans might not be her plans, just like most of us do in our lives.
In the end, God's will wins out just as it should. It shows us that if we listen to our hearts, God will make his will and way clear for all of us. This was a good, sweet, romantic read just like the last one. Go, read it!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/emilys-chance-sharon-gillenwater/1102623804?ean=9781441213969
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Jenna's Cowboy
This book intrigued me from the beginning. A lot of you may be wondering why, since it's about a soldier returning from war, and my soldier didn't get the chance to come home. Well, ever since I dealt with the "horrors" of war on the home front, I've met a lot of soldiers. Most of them were suffering. They wouldn't admit it, but they were. I also did a project at school on PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and it really opened my eyes.
That being said, I read this book in about 3 days. I absolutely loved it. Sharon Gillenwater brought the characters and the issue the characters face to life in a way that made it real and believable. This book intrigued me because it was about PTSD, something I think this country needs to recognize a lot better. It didn't disappoint. The author knew her stuff and did her research on the widespread trauma that our soldiers are facing. The fact that it also portrays how God can heal your broken spirit and heart in a way that doesn't over power you is great too.
I felt I could relate to both characters, having gone through what I did. The main female character, Jenna Callahan Colby, is a beautiful mother with a broker, bruised spirit. Her husband, Jimmy Don, left her and her son. She suffered from a deep depression, which only the Lord and her son could help bring her out of. After moving back home, she never thought she would love again. I can relate to the depression and the feeling alone and helpless. When Jenna realized that there was only one person who could heal her, and that was God, I was right there with her. She has a strong faith, one which I admire greatly, and tried hard to be the mother, daughter, and woman she needed to be for those she loved.
The main male character in the book is Nate Langley, former cowboy, farmer, and Iraqi/Afghanistan war hero. He is coming home after 10 years, 2 deployments, and a severe injury in the Army to help his parents on the farm. He is also starting to noticed the signs of PTSD. I won't go in to detail about the plot of the book. Suffice it to say that the author portrays the symptoms quite well. I know because I've heard stories and witnessed it first hand in some of the soldiers I've met since my husband died. His story ends happily, while many soldiers, in real life, will not. He faces his problem and seeks what little help there is out there for him, and especially comfort from his God.
There is no action, mystery or great suspense. Just a sweet love story about healing and the power of God to make things whole. I loved this book, bought the second and third book in the series and can't wait to read them!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jennas-cowboy-sharon-gillenwater/1100376998?ean=9780800733537
That being said, I read this book in about 3 days. I absolutely loved it. Sharon Gillenwater brought the characters and the issue the characters face to life in a way that made it real and believable. This book intrigued me because it was about PTSD, something I think this country needs to recognize a lot better. It didn't disappoint. The author knew her stuff and did her research on the widespread trauma that our soldiers are facing. The fact that it also portrays how God can heal your broken spirit and heart in a way that doesn't over power you is great too.
I felt I could relate to both characters, having gone through what I did. The main female character, Jenna Callahan Colby, is a beautiful mother with a broker, bruised spirit. Her husband, Jimmy Don, left her and her son. She suffered from a deep depression, which only the Lord and her son could help bring her out of. After moving back home, she never thought she would love again. I can relate to the depression and the feeling alone and helpless. When Jenna realized that there was only one person who could heal her, and that was God, I was right there with her. She has a strong faith, one which I admire greatly, and tried hard to be the mother, daughter, and woman she needed to be for those she loved.
The main male character in the book is Nate Langley, former cowboy, farmer, and Iraqi/Afghanistan war hero. He is coming home after 10 years, 2 deployments, and a severe injury in the Army to help his parents on the farm. He is also starting to noticed the signs of PTSD. I won't go in to detail about the plot of the book. Suffice it to say that the author portrays the symptoms quite well. I know because I've heard stories and witnessed it first hand in some of the soldiers I've met since my husband died. His story ends happily, while many soldiers, in real life, will not. He faces his problem and seeks what little help there is out there for him, and especially comfort from his God.
There is no action, mystery or great suspense. Just a sweet love story about healing and the power of God to make things whole. I loved this book, bought the second and third book in the series and can't wait to read them!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jennas-cowboy-sharon-gillenwater/1100376998?ean=9780800733537
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Shattered by Dani Pettrey
Shattered
Alaskan Courage Series, Book 2
Bethany House, Jan 2013
ISBN: 9780764209833
When her prodigal brother Reef's return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.
Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon's career in jeopardy.
When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself--and whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada's rugged backcountry. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.
Alaskan Courage Series, Book 2
Bethany House, Jan 2013
ISBN: 9780764209833
When her prodigal brother Reef's return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.
Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon's career in jeopardy.
When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself--and whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada's rugged backcountry. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.
Read an excerpt.
My Review: After the agonizing wait I endured for this book to come, Shattered by Dani Pettrey, did not disappoint. Dani Pettrey is an excellent writer. She makes the characters come alive. I feel like they are real (or maybe that's just my wild imagination). I get so involved with the characters and the story she tells that I don't want the book to end. This book leads us back to the side story from book one, Submerged. Piper McKenna and Deputy Landon Grainger are the main characters in this exciting story of murder, mystery, and of course, God's love.
Deputy Landon Grainger has sworn to uphold the law, see justice done, and protect those he loves. He was "adopted" into the McKenna family and has known them for years. He is strong, protective, and honest. He is also in love, and fighting it every step of the way. I don't really know how else to describe Landon, except that I would want him fighting for me and protecting me :) (haha).
Piper McKenna is the baby of the family. She is sweet, loving, and tenderhearted woman who loves adventure, and can be independent and stubborn to a fault. Her and Landon have a unique relationship, him always trying to keep her out of trouble and from harm, and her pushing him to the limits whenever possible. I love how everyone in these two books tries to shelter Piper as much as possible. Whenever something happens, the characters first reaction is "this will kill Piper" or something to that effect. It really brings to light her character and how much everyone in the community, and especially her family, loves her.
The plot starts moving from the first page! The McKenna's long lost brother, Reef, shows up covered in blood, shortly after a woman has been murdered. He is arrested as the most logical suspect, and the evidence is unreal. It's up to Piper to prove his innocence. The twists and turns of this story will keep you on the edge of your seat, while the romance and the blossoming love will make you yearn to get to the ending (because of course, it's a happy one!). The message in this book is the same as in the first. God's love is all encompassing, and when a person REALLY, TRULY submits their lives, their hearts, their whole beings to God, they can change, no matter what they've done in the past.
I read this book in three days. THREE! That's how much I loved it. I wish the next book in the series (because there HAS to be another one) was out already! I need to know what happens between Darcy and Gage, Kayden and Jake, and then Reef! READ THIS BOOK! You won't regret it, I promise! ;)
**I was provided a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers for an honest review**
Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Submerged by Dani Pettrey
Submerged
Alaskan Courage Series, Book 1
ISBN-13: 9780764209826
Baker Publishing Group, 5/2012
A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers.
Yancey, Alaska was a quiet town...until the truth of what was hidden in the depths off the coast began to appear.
Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a small town. She's returned to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash and is determined not to stay even an hour more than necessary. But then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.
Cole McKenna can handle the deep-sea dives and helping the police recover evidence. He can even handle the fact that a murderer has settled in his town and doesn't appear to be moving on. But dealing with the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart, but she is not the same girl who left Yancey. He let her down, but he's not the same guy she left behind. Can they move beyond the hurts of their pasts and find a future together?
Alaskan Courage Series, Book 1
ISBN-13: 9780764209826
Baker Publishing Group, 5/2012
A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers.
Yancey, Alaska was a quiet town...until the truth of what was hidden in the depths off the coast began to appear.
Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a small town. She's returned to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash and is determined not to stay even an hour more than necessary. But then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.
Cole McKenna can handle the deep-sea dives and helping the police recover evidence. He can even handle the fact that a murderer has settled in his town and doesn't appear to be moving on. But dealing with the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart, but she is not the same girl who left Yancey. He let her down, but he's not the same guy she left behind. Can they move beyond the hurts of their pasts and find a future together?
My Review: I am so excited to be reviewing this book, because I know in a few days I'll have book #2 in the series! This was an excellent book, and I read it in 2 days! Submerged by Dani Pettrey is the first book in the Alaskan Courage series. It takes us to a small town Yancey Alaska (I know, who would have thought!) :p and introduces us to a range of characters, but focuses on 2 main characters: Bailey Craig and Cole McKenna.
Cole McKenna is a search and rescue diver. He also owns an adventure tourist post in Yancey. So, when the plane carrying his friend Henry and the town's most beloved "Lady Agnes" he was immediately ready to help in the search and rescue mission. As events unfold and it becomes clear that Agnes is not going to make it, his thoughts turn to Bailey. Bailey and Cole have a past. He hasn't seen her in almost 12 years, not since she broke his heart and went on a downward spiral that absolutely killed him to watch. However, 12 years have past and he's a different man. He's determined to befriend her again.
Bailey Craig is the niece and only family of Agnes. She is devastated at the news of her aunt's passing. She doesn't, however, want to go back to Yancey. She'd spent years after all, trying to forget her life there. She returns, with the intention of only staying a week, TOPS. She doesn't want to deal with her past, and she definitely doesn't want to see Cole, the one man she ever truly loved.
This book is filled with suspense, mystery, and a sweet love story. As both characters struggle to come to terms with the past and all that happened between them, we see the underlying message of the book come to life. God loves us, and when we accept Him into our lives, we become NEW CREATURES! (Let me take a minute to shout right there, HALLELUJAH!) Old things are passed away, and we become like new. It also reminds us that when we hurt, we need to run TO God, not away from Him. He's the only one who can heal the hurt.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the next one!!
About the Author: Dani Pettrey is a wife, home-schooling mom, and the acclaimed author of the romantic suspense series Alaskan Courage, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, and her latest release, Silenced. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their daughters, son-in-law, and super adorable grandson. Find Dani on Facebook or Twitter.
Scattered Petals
The first few pages of Scattered Petals, installment #2 in Texas Dreams by Amanda Cabot, was the hardest pages to get through of any book I've ever read. I will not give away any spoilers, but suffice it to say it was a very traumatic event(s) for the main character, Priscilla Morton. I though Mrs. Cabot was being a little pretentious by writing the book from 4 different points of view at first, but it didn't take away from the story at all. All the characters thoughts, feelings, and dealings were relevant to the story, so that gives her a plus for me!
We meet Priscilla Morton on her way to Lardeville, TX with her parents. Priscilla and her parents are the family of Clays' deceased wife, Patience. We learn very quickly that Priscilla loves adventure, which is why she begged her parents to make the trip. However, this was certainly not the adventure she was looking for.
Lawrence Wood is a Texas Ranger. He meets rescues Priscilla and takes her the rest of the way to Ladreville. We don't learn much about his character in this book except that he's honorable and he doesn't give up when he gives his word. Amanda Cabot has promised we will know more about this man in the next book.
Zachary Webster, known as Zach, is the foreman on Clay Canfield's ranch. He is also the best friend of Clay and Clay's father. He's made his home in Ladreville because he felt a strong pull from God to go there. Now, however, he feels like his time at Clay's ranch has come to an end. That is, until Priscilla shows up. Zach can't imagine the horrors this poor woman has gone through, and through circumstances outside of his control, he is taken back to his teenage years and the guilt and shame he's carried with him. This, and a nudging from God, causes him to marry Priscilla for her protection.
Then, we are brought to the villain of the story. In the first book, Paper Roses, we meet Jean-Michel Ladre. He is accused of stealing the townspeople's things and exiled by his father. He has sworn revenge on Zach for being the one to put him in this position.
The theme throughout this book is simple. God is showing us how he can turn our heartache and suffering to good. He never leaves us or ignores us, even when we feel God isn't listening. We feel like we're alone when we don't let God be our guide. Let Him guide you, and He'll gladly show you the way. Nothing beautiful is gone for good, as long as we have memories. We can't change the past, even though there are things we regret doing. We need to learn to live with our mistakes, accept them, learn from them, and move on. And finally, on the path of our lives, the turns in the road are easy, because they keep us on the same path, just in a new direction. It's the forks that are difficult because there are choices to be made at each one. If we let God lead our lives, the choices won't be so difficult either.
I couldn't write a lot about this book without giving too much away, and this is definitely one book I don't want to spoil for you. Read it. I promise, you won't be disappointed!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scattered-petals-amanda-cabot/1100376994?ean=9781441207395
We meet Priscilla Morton on her way to Lardeville, TX with her parents. Priscilla and her parents are the family of Clays' deceased wife, Patience. We learn very quickly that Priscilla loves adventure, which is why she begged her parents to make the trip. However, this was certainly not the adventure she was looking for.
Lawrence Wood is a Texas Ranger. He meets rescues Priscilla and takes her the rest of the way to Ladreville. We don't learn much about his character in this book except that he's honorable and he doesn't give up when he gives his word. Amanda Cabot has promised we will know more about this man in the next book.
Zachary Webster, known as Zach, is the foreman on Clay Canfield's ranch. He is also the best friend of Clay and Clay's father. He's made his home in Ladreville because he felt a strong pull from God to go there. Now, however, he feels like his time at Clay's ranch has come to an end. That is, until Priscilla shows up. Zach can't imagine the horrors this poor woman has gone through, and through circumstances outside of his control, he is taken back to his teenage years and the guilt and shame he's carried with him. This, and a nudging from God, causes him to marry Priscilla for her protection.
Then, we are brought to the villain of the story. In the first book, Paper Roses, we meet Jean-Michel Ladre. He is accused of stealing the townspeople's things and exiled by his father. He has sworn revenge on Zach for being the one to put him in this position.
The theme throughout this book is simple. God is showing us how he can turn our heartache and suffering to good. He never leaves us or ignores us, even when we feel God isn't listening. We feel like we're alone when we don't let God be our guide. Let Him guide you, and He'll gladly show you the way. Nothing beautiful is gone for good, as long as we have memories. We can't change the past, even though there are things we regret doing. We need to learn to live with our mistakes, accept them, learn from them, and move on. And finally, on the path of our lives, the turns in the road are easy, because they keep us on the same path, just in a new direction. It's the forks that are difficult because there are choices to be made at each one. If we let God lead our lives, the choices won't be so difficult either.
I couldn't write a lot about this book without giving too much away, and this is definitely one book I don't want to spoil for you. Read it. I promise, you won't be disappointed!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scattered-petals-amanda-cabot/1100376994?ean=9781441207395
Paper Roses
Paper Roses by Amanda Cabot is the first book in the Texas Dreams series. The book introduces us to Sarah Dobbs and Clay Canfield. The book is primarily written from their points of view. It is an excellent book which I have read twice now!
Sarah Dobbs has a secret, one she is not willing to share with Austin, her intended groom-to-be. She is ashamed of it. She also has a limp, one that affected her life in Boston. With her parents dead, she is now also the caretaker of her little sister, Thea. Austin said he didn't mind her limp, "You speak of your imperfections as though the rest of us bore no blemishes," and he also said he didn't mind that she was taking care of Thea, so where was he? In the beginning of the book, we meet Sarah at San Antonio Texas, waiting for Austin to come pick her up. He's almost an hour late, at this point. We learn a lot about Sarah and her character in the first few pages of the book because even though she doesn't know what she will do if Austin doesn't show up, she is determined and proud.
Clay Canfield is late. He also does not want to perform the task he knows he must, picking up Austin's bride. As it happens, Austin was murdered. In the beginning few pages of the book we learn that Clay is an angry man, and I don't blame him. In the last year, his father became crippled, he lost his wife and unborn child, and now he's lost his brother. But he's not angry at a person, he's angry at God, just as Sarah is.
Through the circumstances in this book, the friendships that are made, the budding romance between Sarah and Clay, and the learning to love and care again that each character goes through, we see the message of God's continued love, His patience in us, and His remaining true to his promise to never leave us. There are so many quotes I highlighted and noted in this book that affected me and my perception of each character, it would take me days to list them all! The main message both Sarah and Clay are left to face is that healing comes with time, and sorrow fades with time.
I do want to share one quote with you though, I won't give any spoilers away!! This is the most important sentence in the book. It's about discovering God's love and accepting it. "It's the easiest, the most difficult, and the most important thing you'll ever do. Open your heart to God. Let him fill it." I say it's the most important because that's what each and every one of us needs to do. Open our hearts to God, let Him take away the guilt, shame, anger, or whatever you're carrying. It truly is the most difficult, yet the easiest choice you'll ever have to make.
I really hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Look for book two, Scattered Petals review soon!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/paper-roses-amanda-cabot/1100375937?ean=9781441203649
Get it while it's FREE on Barnes and Noble!
Sarah Dobbs has a secret, one she is not willing to share with Austin, her intended groom-to-be. She is ashamed of it. She also has a limp, one that affected her life in Boston. With her parents dead, she is now also the caretaker of her little sister, Thea. Austin said he didn't mind her limp, "You speak of your imperfections as though the rest of us bore no blemishes," and he also said he didn't mind that she was taking care of Thea, so where was he? In the beginning of the book, we meet Sarah at San Antonio Texas, waiting for Austin to come pick her up. He's almost an hour late, at this point. We learn a lot about Sarah and her character in the first few pages of the book because even though she doesn't know what she will do if Austin doesn't show up, she is determined and proud.
Clay Canfield is late. He also does not want to perform the task he knows he must, picking up Austin's bride. As it happens, Austin was murdered. In the beginning few pages of the book we learn that Clay is an angry man, and I don't blame him. In the last year, his father became crippled, he lost his wife and unborn child, and now he's lost his brother. But he's not angry at a person, he's angry at God, just as Sarah is.
Through the circumstances in this book, the friendships that are made, the budding romance between Sarah and Clay, and the learning to love and care again that each character goes through, we see the message of God's continued love, His patience in us, and His remaining true to his promise to never leave us. There are so many quotes I highlighted and noted in this book that affected me and my perception of each character, it would take me days to list them all! The main message both Sarah and Clay are left to face is that healing comes with time, and sorrow fades with time.
I do want to share one quote with you though, I won't give any spoilers away!! This is the most important sentence in the book. It's about discovering God's love and accepting it. "It's the easiest, the most difficult, and the most important thing you'll ever do. Open your heart to God. Let him fill it." I say it's the most important because that's what each and every one of us needs to do. Open our hearts to God, let Him take away the guilt, shame, anger, or whatever you're carrying. It truly is the most difficult, yet the easiest choice you'll ever have to make.
I really hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Look for book two, Scattered Petals review soon!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/paper-roses-amanda-cabot/1100375937?ean=9781441203649
Get it while it's FREE on Barnes and Noble!
A Texan's Choice
Boy, oh boy am I behind on my book reviews! School, unfortunately, is taking up my book review time and I am none too happy about it! BUT, that's life right!!
Anyways, A Texan's Choice by Shelley Gray is the third installment in the Heart of a Hero Series and it is just as fantastic as the first two. This book is mainly about Scout Proffitt (whom we met in the previous book) and Rosemarie Cousins. There is also a side story with Scout's old gang member, but the main focus is on Rosemarie and Scout.
In the second book, A Texan's Honor, we remember that towards the end of the book, Scout met a young girl named Kitty who changed his life. His whole life he'd been trying to be like his older brother Clayton. He wanted to be worthy of his family and anyone in general. Somehow, Kitty broke through is tough and lonely existence and set him on a path of irrevocable healing. The beginning of this book marks Scout winning a ranch in a poker game and going to retrieve it. Without giving away any more of the plot, he meets Rosemarie Cousins and has no choice but to marry her. Scout never dreamed he have a wife, especially not one like Rosemarie.
Rosemarie is tired. She is tired of waiting and tired of being ignored. She, like Scout, faces a difficult time accepting that she is worthy of any one's love and affection since her family has treated her so horribly. She is, however, facing what life throws at her straight on. She is tough and determined to make her life better. She, like Scout, never thought she would find herself married, yet alone to a notorious gunslinger who acts nothing like the novels depicted him to.
I like the part near the beginning of the book that, after Scout asked Rosemarie to marry him, that says "For the first time, she took [his hand] easily. Like they were becoming a pair instead of merely two lost souls stuck on some of the worst land in the great state of Texas" because I believe this is where the true healing for each of them begins. They have to learn to rely on each other and think about each other's thoughts and feelings, when they are both so used to being alone.
The main theme, running rampart through the book, is about choices. Each person faces life with choices. That's part of God's will for our lives, the freedom to choose whether we believe or not. This book metes out past and present choices for each of the characters, ultimately ending in a happy, sweet way. "Faith and believing in a higher power? It's a personal thing. Something that can't be forced or taught."
I hope you enjoy this series as much as I did!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-texans-choice-shelley-gray/1108857094?ean=9781426714658
Anyways, A Texan's Choice by Shelley Gray is the third installment in the Heart of a Hero Series and it is just as fantastic as the first two. This book is mainly about Scout Proffitt (whom we met in the previous book) and Rosemarie Cousins. There is also a side story with Scout's old gang member, but the main focus is on Rosemarie and Scout.
In the second book, A Texan's Honor, we remember that towards the end of the book, Scout met a young girl named Kitty who changed his life. His whole life he'd been trying to be like his older brother Clayton. He wanted to be worthy of his family and anyone in general. Somehow, Kitty broke through is tough and lonely existence and set him on a path of irrevocable healing. The beginning of this book marks Scout winning a ranch in a poker game and going to retrieve it. Without giving away any more of the plot, he meets Rosemarie Cousins and has no choice but to marry her. Scout never dreamed he have a wife, especially not one like Rosemarie.
Rosemarie is tired. She is tired of waiting and tired of being ignored. She, like Scout, faces a difficult time accepting that she is worthy of any one's love and affection since her family has treated her so horribly. She is, however, facing what life throws at her straight on. She is tough and determined to make her life better. She, like Scout, never thought she would find herself married, yet alone to a notorious gunslinger who acts nothing like the novels depicted him to.
I like the part near the beginning of the book that, after Scout asked Rosemarie to marry him, that says "For the first time, she took [his hand] easily. Like they were becoming a pair instead of merely two lost souls stuck on some of the worst land in the great state of Texas" because I believe this is where the true healing for each of them begins. They have to learn to rely on each other and think about each other's thoughts and feelings, when they are both so used to being alone.
The main theme, running rampart through the book, is about choices. Each person faces life with choices. That's part of God's will for our lives, the freedom to choose whether we believe or not. This book metes out past and present choices for each of the characters, ultimately ending in a happy, sweet way. "Faith and believing in a higher power? It's a personal thing. Something that can't be forced or taught."
I hope you enjoy this series as much as I did!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-texans-choice-shelley-gray/1108857094?ean=9781426714658
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