The Truth About Us

From the Publisher: Aaron and Eden’s nine-year-old son almost dies from a hit-and-run. Both parents are frantic as they fear the worst, and they attempt to do everything in their power to ensure they don't lose their only child. In the process of doing this, hidden truths are suddenly revealed like an open can of worms, and both Eden and Aaron deeply wish they could get the worms back in the can, as their marriage stands in great jeopardy with these deep revelations. Can their marriage survive this threatening ordeal?

Narrated in two voices, THE TRUTH ABOUT US is a short but gripping read about betrayal, loss, and the true concept of love and forgiveness.

My Review: Aaron has been hit with a blow that almost destroys him, and it's not that his son is lying in a hospital bed fighting for his life.

Eden made a mistake right before their marriage. She never thought it would come to light, although she knew deep down there was always that possibility. She wants to make it right. She wants to explain everything to Aaron, but he's not having any of it. She is devastated. How can she make him understand that she made a huge mistake? He won't listen to her. She has to find a way, but the path won't be an easy one. She'll do anything to put her family back together, but will it be enough?

Now that the truth is out, will Aaron and Eden be able to work it out and save their marriage, or will Aaron's pain be too much and will he walk away for good? He loves his son and will be there for him, but how can he trust his wife again after this massive lie? You'll have to get the book and find out.

Overall I liked the story. It never seemed to drag or lose my interest. It has a good story line that will grip you in the beginning and keep you intrigued until the end. And it has a real-life feel to it, not like some stories where the plot seems a bit far-fetched. As I was reading, I could see this playing out in real life. Maybe that's partly because this is something that does happen more often than most people think, but that's another post for another blog ;) But the dialogue was real, the situation was real, and it was a good book. I recommend it!

Also, I need to point out that there were quite a few grammatical and punctuation errors, so keep that in mind when reading.

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                                                        ****4 Stars I liked this book! 

The Color Of Home

From the Publisher: A love story for today, an open and striking look into the private relationship of a musician and chef living in New York City.

Can two people stay connected for a lifetime and each know the complete truth about the other? When New Yorker Nick Satterborn falls in love with Sassa Vikander, he’s convinced the answer is yes.

Nick Satterborn. Songwriter. Dabbler on the spiritual path. Survivor.

Sassa Vikander. Stunning chef. Seeker on the path of most resistance. Survivor.

Contentment percolates for a time, until the two are hurtled into a life of uncertainty, self-evaluation, and growth. Each dreams heroic dreams of overcoming his/her past, rising out of sadness, rediscovering home, finding peace. Their worlds dissolve and reform. People and events threaten to tear them apart.

The Color of Home is a story of love, of loss, of digging deep down to the bottom of things until maybe, just maybe, Nick and Sassa find the strength to become whole. Their journey offers a unique, honest glimpse into the life and love of a palpably rare relationship of our time.

My Review: This novel is one that you will not soon forget. The way Marcello tells a story is just beautiful. The opening line grabbed me (which is exactly what you want out of a book) and kept me there until the end.

This is a love story, but one that is more true to how real life is than most novels portray it to be in fantasy. The Color of Home is a wonderful story of two people, Nick and Sassa and their journey to grow, trust, deal with their past, and ultimately, love.

At first, their relationship seems like one that will last. Nick falls for her quickly, and from Sassa's point of view, she seems to feel it too. But there is something about it that keeps her from going all in. Nick, on the other hand, goes back to something his mother told him when he was younger. Basically, she told him, "If after sex, you feel that you are home, then that's the girl for you." He felt that with Sassa. He longed to know if she felt the same about him, but he was too afraid to ask. He didn't want the knowledge of her not feeling the same to ruin what he felt they had, and he didn't want to end it if she didn't.

They date for about a year, and during that time, Nick is in his own world with his feelings, the feeling of her being "home" to him. He knows Sassa loves him, but how much? So, unknowingly, he starts pulling away. He works late, isn't as attentive as he used to be. Sassa notices and thinks he might be cheating on her. She seeks the advice of a friend, and we learn that there is a "one year rule" in place. After one year, Sassa ends a relationship. She feels that by doing this, she is saving herself a lot of heartache since she can't grasp being with someone for fifty years. She doesn't understand how couples can be married, and stay happy for a long period of time.

Sassa and Nick separate. They put a time frame out to reconnect in one year, every year to catch up and find out how the other one's year went. No judging, just come together as friends and see how life has been treating them.

As you can imagine, the first year was hard for Nick. He didn't want to lose Sassa. He loved her and she loved him. But she needed to spread her wings and grow more. He let her go. During that year, and the years to follow are what makes this story one that stay with you for a while. We follow them on their journey and realize that, even though we're rooting for them to be together, there was a lot that they needed to learn.

With the help of a few key people, they do just that. But will it come at a price? Will Nick and Sassa find "home" in someone else or will their paths lead back to each other in the end? You need to get the book to find out! :)

This book was wonderful! It's one of those stories that you can see a bit of yourself in a character and you think "I wonder if I had it to do over again, if I would have done it that way..."

I do want to point out that there were a few typos and punctuation errors, so know that going in. Otherwise, you will not be disappointed at all!

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                                                  4.5 Stars! I really, really liked this book!

Flames Burn Hotter in Texas: The Trilogy Boxed Set

From the Publisher: Blush has fought tooth and nail to get out of her dusty old hometown and into the city where things move faster and evolve in the blink of an eye, a place that would keep up with her ambitions. When she finally returns home to visit her father, she experiences the benefits of a slower pace. Meanwhile, an old romance is rekindled in a way that stirs both her emotions and her sexuality so powerfully that she is now forced to choose between small town life and the high-tech playground where she now resides.

My review: Blush Kinkade is a woman in her early twenties that has come home to visit before starting her new job in the big city of San Francisco. Her plans are to spend time with her father and enjoy the slow pace of life the small town of Sagebrush, TX. Well, that was her plan until one evening her dad urged her to go to the local soda shoppe in town. That's where her plans changed.

As she was ordering her not-so-expensive coffee (one of the perks of a small town), she noticed an older man sitting at a table. It was Jesse Masters, Cade's father. Being raised right, she went over and spoke. He looked older, fragile, and not in good health. She sat and they talked a while. During their conversation, Jesse spoke of Cade and mentioned that he hadn't seen him in years due to the fact that he left the family farm, and asked if Blush wouldn't mind going to talk to him. Of course, she had reservations of doing this. The last time she saw Cade was at the lake, back when they were in high school, and a rush of feelings came flooding back.

She agreed, after all, curiosity got the better of her. She went to the Double-D BBQ joint in town, only to be greeted with "We're closed!" But as soon as the voice saw who was walking in, it changed it's tune. Cade Masters stood in front of Blush, just as handsome and sexy as the last time she saw him. And he was thinking the same thing about her. Well, needless to say they talked about old times, shared a bite to eat and then, got down to business. And I'm not talking about the business she went there to attend to. I'm talking about sex! Yup. They wasted little time doing what had been pent up in their system for so many years.

When it was over, and they were sitting on the floor sharing a post-sex beer together, Blush brought up the reason she really dropped by. She told him of his father, and how ill he looked. Cade was furious. He accused her of just coming by to have sex and butter him up just so she could talk him into going back home. This really made Blush mad so she stormed off and left.

The next day, Cade apologized and things heated up once again. The feelings they both had for one another in high school came back up to the surface and they just couldn't seem to get enough of each other. But, along with that came the realization that they both wanted more. However, Blush had a new job waiting for her in just a few weeks and her time in Sagebrush was limited. Cade vowed to do everything in his power to get her to stay, and be with him. He couldn't bear to lose her again.

One day, Jesse had a heart attack and the doctors said along with this not being his first heart attack, he also had been drinking too much and needed to go to rehab. Once he finished with that, he would be able to go home. But the catch? He couldn't stay by himself any longer. Cade would have to move in with him. During all of this, Blush learns that his family farm is in trouble and is close to being foreclosed on. She makes it her mission to fix that! One day, while waiting on Cade to get off of work, she is sitting at a table eating when a few young cowboys come and sit just a table away. She talks to them and learns that they just came from a job on a dude ranch and that sparks an idea! However, it also sparks something else in her. Will Blush and Cade be able to save his family farm? And will Blush leave her job to stay and start a life in her sleepy hometown with the man she has dreamed about for so many years? You'll have to get the book to find out!

I will say that this is a "cowboy erotica" story and there is plenty of sex! However, there were parts of the story that I, personally, did not like at all, and wish that either the author would have made them come to light with the other characters or resolved it somehow, instead of just leaving it. That's all I'm going to say, and I know it's really vague but I don't want to spoil anything! So forgive me :) And along with this being an honest review, I need to say the "southern" talk was a bit too much. I am from the south and it seemed a little over the top even for me :)

Also, there were quite a few instances where a parenthesis was missing, so I had to go back and re-read a sentence with the knowledge that was somebody talking. And there were a few typos as well. So know that going in.

All in all, I liked this story. And yes, I read all three books. They are only eight chapters a piece and the story was engaging which is always a plus :)

Click here to purchase on Amazon.

****4 Stars I liked it!

  

Wrecking Crew

From the Publisher: Eric Stone is trustworthy, easy-going and friendly – he’s your all-round nice guy. His first rule in life was always “Don’t get involved,” but when he discovers the shocking truth behind his friend’s death, he feels compelled to act. Hidden behind the walls of power, the corrupt and materialistic businesses, and the convenient death of every inconvenient whistle-blower, hides a secret organization. For years The Wrecking Crew have been manipulating businesses and empowering Governments. They don’t care what they do or how they do it, as long as the price is right – but this time they have gone too far. Now one man is on a mission to stop them. Stone is no stranger to risk, but The Wrecking Crew is the most dangerous adversary anyone has ever faced. Soon he and his friends are dragged into a desperate race for survival, where no one can be trusted. Can Eric Stone destroy The Wrecking Crew, or will he become their next victim?

My review: I don't know about you but I love a good mystery. At first I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but as I continued reading and got deeper into the story, the more I realized how much I was loving it. I would push aside other tasks at hand to read, and stay up late to for "just one more chapter." Ha!

Charles Rathbone is a man who is being hunted. In England, he started what was called "True Democracy" which is basically a "None of the above" approach. If someone didn't like the list of candidates, then they didn't have to vote for them and they wrote in who they wanted. It really took off with the public and, unfortunately, that it didn't bode well for Charles. In more ways than one.

Eric Stone learned at a very young age that there are other ways of dealing with conflict than violence. So, his goal in life is to try another approach and if that doesn't work, then the last resort is violence. Once he hears of his dear friend Charles' death, he is shocked and confused. However, knowing what was going to happen, Charles had sent Eric a card that held a small computer chip. On it was a video that Charles recorded explaining everything and it also held files to start Eric on his way and also a list of people he could trust. Once he figured out what Charles was wanting, he gets to work and comes to grips with the fact that there will be violence and there will be no getting around it. He has to do this for his friend. He has to right the wrong that has been done. He goes in search of the people that did this to his friend. They are called "Wrecking Crew" and their name says it all. They wreck people's lives. But the thing about them is, nobody knows who they are and there is no trace of them.

One day, while checking out a lead, Eric meets a woman who, it seems, he falls instantly in love with. Her name is Linda Smart and she is feisty, beautiful and witty! Everything he finds attractive in a woman. He can't resist. They get close very fast, and he brings her in on the investigation.

With the help of Linda, an ex-cop named Ed, and a computer whiz named Megan, the team comes together and finds clues that lead to this mysterious crew. But sniffing them out and bringing them to justice is not going to be easy. Will they come out safe and destroy the crew or will the crew find them first and silence them all for good?

I don't want to go into anymore details but I highly recommend this book! It is the best mystery/thriller/suspense book I have read in a long, long time. It has pretty much everything that makes me jump for joy! A great story, wonderfully written characters, humor, a bit of a love story, and most of all, it keeps you on your toes the whole time! There were a few instances where I found I had to close my mouth because I did NOT see something coming. I absolutely loved this book! Loved it, and highly recommend it!

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                                             *****5 Stars I LOVED this book!

Falling Forward

From the Publisher: Cancer stole her parents. It consumed her career. And in an unexpected twist, cancer finally taught her how to live... and love. Dr. Olivia Garvin’s life turned upside down on her 42nd birthday. The man she loved and trusted for nearly 20 years proved to be unfaithful. On a whirlwind trip to Hawaii to escape the embarrassment of her husband’s arrest, she meets a younger man and her life is forever changed. Kalani Kaleo helps Olivia in her struggles to understand her old life; and teaches her what’s really important in life. They both know they shouldn't get involved, but they can't fight the fateful attraction. Together, they learn the true meaning of healing, the limitations of modern medicine, and the importance of the soul.

My Review: When I first started reading, I thought this was going to be one of those "out of body experience" stories. The first page explains how she, Olivia, dies. Not a normal start to a book. However, I kept reading and was pleasantly surprised by this book! It wasn't at all what I was expecting...but then, what book is?

Dr. Olivia Garvin seemed to have it all. A great job, a beautiful house with her dream kitchen, a husband with a successful career. But all of that came to a halt one morning on her 42nd birthday when her husband of twenty years is arrested for attempted murder. But that's  not all. She learns of an affair with a much younger woman as well. What happens next is, I'm sure, what many women facing divorce wish they could do. She and her best friend, Michelle, hop on a plane to Hawaii.

Once there, she and Michelle are taken to their hotel where a chance meeting takes place. A man by the name of Kalani, a local surf instructor and also what seems to be a local celebrity, accidentally runs over their bags with his van! That one act starts a friendship that will help Olivia on the road to healing. He helps her see her for who she really is and along the way, opens her eyes to what love can truly be. But will they have a future together or will he keep a romance from blossoming due to a secret he is keeping? You have to get the book to find out because I honestly don't want to give away any more details!!

This is such a great story of finding yourself after living in what seemed to be your own life, but after your world is turned upside down, realizing that you weren't living for yourself at all. It portrays a woman who, after a tragedy, can finally see what her life is and takes back the reigns.

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                                                            ****4 Stars I really liked this book!

Infinite Love: The Austin Series Book 6

From the Publisher: With the Campus Killer having been revealed and life changing decisions having been made by Mia, Gabe and Lexi, it should be smooth sailing for the trio. But as ever, nothing goes to plan. Much personal progress is made, but massive backward steps are also taken. Will Mia, Gabe and Lexi finally get their happy ever afters? Infinite Love is the sixth and final book in The Austin Series.

My Review: I'm a bit sad that this is the final book in this series. SO much has happened from the first page of the first book, New Leaves No Strings until the last page of the final one, Infinite Love.

This is only the second series of books I have ever read! Sad, I know, but it gripped me from the very beginning and as soon as I finished one book, I was more than ready to pick up the next to see how situations and events played out. Never once was I disappointed. Never. And that is really saying something coming from me because I am super picky when it comes to books!

Fallowfield did an absolutely amazing job with character development (even though, I really hate to even remark on that because however the author wants to develop his/her characters is totally up to them and we, as readers, shouldn't judge that. But I was happy :)).

The final book, just like the others, starts off where the last one left off. With this one, Mia was kidnapped by the Campus Killer! I really don't want to go into those details but know that it will shock you as to what happened. At least I was!

Just like I didn't want to go into detail about the kidnapping, I honestly don't want to give anything away for the rest of the book. It has so much going on that I would not do it justice to give it a measly couple of paragraphs. Plus, I'd have to give spoilers, and I don't want to do that ;)

However, I will say this book had great moments, great news for Robert and Sofia, a new business adventure for the family, Mia being as stubborn as ever on some things, Gabe being his domineering, but very sexy self,  and other things as well. But with the ups, you must have downs and boy, oh boy, did Fallowfield deliver! There were times I just wanted to reach inside the book and slap a few of these characters silly. But in the end, it was worth it. I loved how the story was concluded and I also liked that she left it a little open for Lexi and Doug to possibly have a story...hint, hint ;)

All in all, The Austin Series was absolutely wonderful and I miss reading it already! If you are looking for a series to start, then start this one. It has love, sex, humor, lots more sex, and suspense.

Click here to purchase on Amazon!

Read my other reviews for The Austin Series: Destined: The Prequel, New Leaves No Strings, Baggage & Buttons, Forever & an Engine, The Honeymoon Period, Love & Loss.

                                                              *****5 Stars!!

The Big Wide Calm

From the Publisher: A young woman’s journey to find herself and create the perfect album

Paige is a rock star. The world just doesn't know it yet. With a name like Paige Plant, how could she be anything but the future front woman of the next Led Zeppelin? She’s got the charisma, the drive, and, of course, the mega-musical skills. All she needs is to make her debut album, one that will change the world, inspire revolutions—and make her galactically famous along the way.

When John Bustin, a rich, reclusive, former semi-famous singer/songwriter offers to record Paige’s album for free, it feels like destiny, like the next step on her way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, like some strange attractor is pulling her in. Guitar in hand, Paige sets off to John’s recording compound, ready to unfold her future.

But the ever-elusive John, with his mysterious history, and Paige, a big dreamer but naïve about her footing in life, clash as much as they coalesce. Before they can change the world through Paige’s music, the improbable duo must learn to work together, and in the process, discover their authenticity.

One part coming-of-age story and retrospective, one part rock and roll epic, The Big Wide Calm focuses a lens on human nature and the complexities of love through the eyes of young and old on the journey of creating the perfect album.

My Review: Paige Plant is one awesome name! I mean, coming from a big Led Zeppelin fan, who wouldn't want that last name ;) Her dad legally changed her last name to Plant because he felt that she would go far in the music business. And she loves music. She loves to write it and sing it.

She has songs she spent years writing and just needs to get them recorded. What she doesn't realize, once she meets John, is that he has more in mind for her than just recording them. John is an older man who sees potential in Paige and he wants her to learn how to dig deep and really feel, really understand where her songs are coming from.

Paige really doesn't want to learn those things and thinks that if the songs are good, then why bother looking into oneself and finding that out? She just wants fortune and fame. She's a bit self-centered in the fact that she thinks she has it all figured out and doesn't need anyone's advice. John thinks otherwise. And even though he may be older, he sees something in Paige and takes her under his wing by offering for her to live in a room above his recording studio and she, a little reluctantly, agrees. I mean, she has no idea who this guy is, and he doesn't have much information out there about himself. But there's something about him...

They make an agreement for her to live there one year, and in that time he will help her write and record her first album. She is too excited! It's what she's wanted! They get started but it's not in the way Paige would have thought. Also, a few days in to the project a new face is added. His name is Bono...yes, named after U2's front man. Why would John bring in somebody else? Why would he offer him the same package as he did Paige? He has something up his sleeve and it seems a little fishy to Paige. But even at that, John seems to know what he's doing and she sticks with it...whether it's out of curiosity or plain stubbornness is something you will have to read for yourself.

What happens in that year with John, Bono, and others, I totally didn't see coming. So much happens with Page learning more about herself, how to love, sex, and how to trust. It is a really deep story of finding out what your made of and what fuels you. What lengths will one go to to see what they're made of and to protect the ones they love? And what drives that passion? This is a really great story and I recommend it highly! Click here to purchase on Amazon!

                                                                  ****4 Stars!

Holding Out For A Hero: A Dreamy Romantic Comedy

From the Publisher: Quinn Campbell loves romance novels and has a rich fantasy life. She's dreamed about her hunky upstairs neighbor as a Viking warrior, a stagecoach bandit, and a Scottish lord. Will Quinn ever find out if the real man can live up to her fantasies?

My Review: Jesse has been the object of Quinn's fantasies for two years. Other than the occasional elevator ride up to their respective apartments with idle chit-chat, they really have no other interaction. The first time Quinn saw Jesse, he was getting in the elevator with is posse. He's a former pro-football player and, in her eyes, a player in other areas as well. 

So one day when coming home from a hectic day of work, Quinn clumsily drops her belongings and Jesse is there to help  her. He also takes the opportunity and asks for her help. She's a well-known set decorator and he is in need of an apartment re-do since he has been asked to be the cover story of a local magazine. Quinn jumps at the chance! During the next few days, they spend a lot of time together, getting to know a little more about each other. But with that comes the realization for Quinn that she just might not measure up to his standards of women. It seems he is constantly surrounded by gorgeous women and Quinn feels that she just can't (and doesn't) measure up.  

However, during the time they are together, sparks start and it seems that Jesse might me more interested than Quinn thinks. But is this wishful thinking or does Jesse really seem to be into Quinn? Along with the sexual tension coursing between them, Jesse turns out to not only be the center of her many fantasies, but also a very upstanding guy. One that she had no idea was beneath that tough, sexy, masculine exterior. Will this be the start of something more for Quinn and Jesse or will he continue to just be the object of her secret fantasy? You have to get the book to find out! Click here to purchase on Amazon. 

Since this is a novella, I don't want to go into any more detail! But please know that this does contain adult content and is not for young readers. 

                                                                        ****4 Stars    

Love & Loss: The Austin Series Book 5

From the Publisher: Physically scarred and emotionally tormented, Gabe struggles to deal with the way his accident is affecting his future and relationship. Mia is resolved to stand by her man, no matter what, and she reaches out to her father to try and resolve some of her fears in order to move forward with Gabe. The results of their meeting are both shocking and illuminating, helping her take a major step in her healing process.

Lexi struggles with the pressures of her past affecting her relationship, as well as her University workload, and is forced to re-evaluate what she actually wants from her life.

The Campus Killer continues to evade the authorities and potential tragedy looms when he strikes too close to home.

My Review: This is the 5th book in The Austin Series and it has so much going on! I'm going to have to say right now that if you haven't read the first four books (Well, five if you include the prequel, Destined), you need to STOP reading this post HERE!!!

As with the other books, this one picks up where The Honeymoon Period left off. Mia is in the car park (parking lot to us Americans ;)) not sure what the heck is happening. The last thing she remembered before closing her eyes was somebody coming up behind Gabe and attacking him. Once she gets up enough courage to open them and help her man, she realizes the attacker is Doug! He is there to help her since he knows Gabe is not himself at the moment. He tells her to go to her apartment and he'll take care of Gabe. Of course, this is after Mia and Gabe say hurtful things to each other and Mia tells him she needs a break and for him to snap out of whatever the heck is going on or she can't see him anymore. He hears that as her wanting out for good and loses it, hense Doug stepping in since Gabe was really pissed off and grabbed Mia's arm and held it really tightly, not letting go even though she was begging him to.

This sets into motion a few days of them being apart. Mia not wanting to contact Gabe since she feels she's the reason his moods and temper have been bad and him not wanting to contact her because he feels that she wants nothing to do with him since he hurt her. But they can't stay away from each other for too long, due to the fact that they are both madly in love and Lexi and Doug stepping in since they both know Mia and Gabe are miserable without each other :) Upon getting back together, Gabe admits that he needs help with his anger and the fact that he is so possessive of Mia. She also agrees that she will continue her therapy with Dr. Jarvis to try and get over her fear of commitment and trust issues with men.

That's just the tip of the iceburg with what goes on in this book! Here are some more key highlights:

-Mia meets up with her dad and that relationship is finalized...what's the verdict? Will they reconcile and form a relationship or will it end for good?
-Gabe's father, Robert, introduces his girlfriend, Sofia, to Gabe. Will he accept her as part of his father's life, or have nothing to do with her since he can't believe his dad is dating anyone?
-Gabe and Mia move in together! Will this help ease her fears about getting married, or will she be content in her situation and not want to take that next step?
-Lexi still has commitment issues of her own. Can she put those fears to rest and trust in Doug's love enough to stay with him, or will she leave him to go back to the comfort of one night stands?
-The Campus Killer is still on the loose and no one knows who he is or when he will strike again. With Mia wanting a little more freedom to take on a part-time job, will Gabe let her out of his sight? And if so, will she be the next victim?

Those are only some of what this book touches on! I, in no way, can go into all the details of what lies in store for the reader and don't want to!! If you are caught up on the previous four books in this series, then what are you waiting for?? Get this one and start reading! You will not be disappointed, trust me. I can't believe how these characters have progressed and what a great job Fallowfield (the author) has done with this series. It's hard to believe that there is just one more book to go.

Click here to purchase on Amazon!

                                                                         *****5 Stars!

Their Tangled Hearts

From the Publisher: Emma had spent the last five years learning to cope with tragedy. She should have known that Doc had something up his sleeve when he'd talked her into taking a cooking job at a Colorado cattle ranch. Cooking was the easy part. Working with disabled children was something she was decidedly not prepared for. Throw in a tall dark mountain of a man with a voice like warm velvet and she was completely over her head! It would take God to straighten out the tangled mess she had made of her life.

My Review: Every once in a while, I like to read a book like this. It was easy, not too dramatic, and the characters were in a very realistic setting. The story itself was down to earth and not like a lot of books are these days and the love story was pure and very sweet.

Emma Winters is a young woman who knows tragedy. At her age, early twenties, she has experienced heartache to no end. When she was a little girl, both of her parents died in a car accident and she was left to be raised by her godparents, "Doc" and Martha Linden. They raised her and loved her like she was their own daughter. But, life happens and they couldn't shelter Emma from everything. One night, Emma had a horrifying experience that would change her for the rest of her life and make her shield her heart from anything, and anyone, who wanted in. She was a beautiful young woman with so much going for her, she was a songwriter and was very good at it! She chose to write under a different name to keep anyone from knowing it was her. So she uses that as an outlet for her feelings and her songs are sung by famous Country music stars. Yet with all that success, she is still unhappy.

However, when Doc persuades her to take a position at the Lazy J Ranch, she is very reluctant because she has spent so much time building up walls around her, that she doesn't want to leave the comfort of her self-made prison. When she arrives at the ranch, she is welcomed with open arms and Sue, one of the owners, explains that she will also be helping with the disabled children who come everyday. This tears at Emma's heart and she wants to run and never look back. She doesn't want to confront that demon, among many, that is staring her in the face. But why? What is it about these children that has Emma wanting to quit?

Jake Peterson is a young man, also in his mid-twenties and when he and Emma meet for the first time, it's not under normal circumstances. With everything that has happened to Emma, she has nightmares about one particular thing and on her first night at the ranch, it rears it's ugly head. She wakes up screaming at the top of her lungs and before she knows what's happening, Jake is with her and has her in his strong, safe arms. Emma likes the feeling but she can't dwell on it. She doesn't trust men but for some reason, she feels something in this strangers arms. He is so caring and gentle and in that moment, her heart starts to thaw.

Jake has had similar heartache. He lost his wife and little girl in a car accident a few years back and is dealing with his own loss. However, he is a bit of a mystery to Emma because she knows she has seen him, or at least heard his voice before but she can't place him. One day, it all becomes clear and she instantly knows who Jake really is. Will she open up to him and let him know her as well?

There is so much more to this story than what I just described but I don't want to give all the good stuff away! Ultimately, you need to get the book to see how Emma and Jake deal with what life has thrown their way and how they deal with helping each other get through it. And also, if it will bring them closer to each other in the process. It's such a sweet, innocent love story that is from a Christian perspective, not one that is filled with sex and bad words. It's a wholesome one that you won't be afraid to let your tweens/teens read :)

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                                                      ****4 Stars I really liked this book