Book Review - Back in the Saddle

I am a city girl, but I felt at home on the Stafford Ranch.  Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne introduces us to Cole Stafford, Sam Stafford and Angelina Morales.  Cole Stafford did not feel the ranch was his home so he left many years ago.  He became successful at a Wall Street investment firm instead of the cowboy he was raised to be.   Cole is the son of Sam Stafford who has made the Double S ranch successful. Their relationship is strained to say the least.  The last thing Cole wants to do is go back to the ranch when he has financial trouble.

When Cole returns, he discovers that his dad is different.   It takes time for Cole to understand that Sam Stafford has changed for the better.  Sam's housekeeper, Angelina, reminded him what is most important and that the Lord should be first.   Angelina is so much more than a housekeeper.  She is tough and sweet and is hiding from her past.  Cole and Angelina are attracted to each other, but their budding romance is challenged by their past and what the future might hold for the both of them.

Cole's return is like the story of The Prodigal Son as described on the back cover of this book.  Another story also came to mind while reading Back in the Saddle.   I was reminded of the Christmas Carol because Sam Stafford was like Ebenezer Scrooge.    He did not treat people right as he climbed the ladder of success.   After he started following God, he was trying to figure out how to make amends with his family and the community.   

I enjoyed this story, the characters, the romance and the ranch.  Yes, even the ranch seemed inviting to me.   The long days and the hard work does not sound that exciting, but it was real and wholesome.     The romance was sweet and learning how to trust in the Lord by everyone was honest.  A better definition of success was realized by Cole.  It is not measured by the amount of money you make, but by loving others and committing to their success.  I am definitely reading the second book about Cole's brother, Nick.

You can read more about the author, Ruth Logan Herne on her website.

Rating: 3 stars

I received this book from Blogging for Books for a review.

Book Review - Arkansas Weddings

Romance, Arkansas sounds like a lovely, romantic place to meet and fall in love.    It is for three couples in Arkansas Weddings.    The road to “happily ever after” is not smooth, but the journey is worth it.  Did you know that Romance, Arkansas is a real place?   It is a town located near the center of Arkansas. 

According to Wikipedia, the Romance post office is popular for postmarks that people want for Valentine’s Day and wedding invitations.  This fact was included in the second story.

In a small town, everyone seems to know everybody and that holds true in the town of Romance. The three stories are all connected based on past and current relationships.  Those connections make the book more interesting because you are able to catch up the life of the couple from the previous story.

The first story is about Adrea, a florist and Grayson, a grieving pastor.   Adrea was betrayed by a former boyfriend.  Somehow, she still manages to make beautiful floral creations for happy couples.  Grayson has a church to take care of, but his heart is still broken over the loss of his wife.   Valentine’s Day ties Adrea and Grayson together in ways that they cannot imagine when they first meet.   Grayson has been ordering flowers for his wife every Valentine’s Day.  Adrea has been arranging the flowers, but never met Grayson because she always worked in the back of the shop.  Adrea’s brother, Mark takes a job at Grayson’s church which puts them in regular contact.

Can you really move on when you lose someone so precious to you?  Can you trust anyone when your dreams have been crushed by betrayal?  Adrea and Grayson find out that they both can heal and move forward with God’s help.

The second story is centered around a man taking caring of his nephew and a woman who was reluctant to come back to her hometown.  The relationship starts as an employer and employee. Then it gets complicated as their feelings start to grow for each other.

In the third story, you can read about a woman with a bad reputation who thinks too much has happened to change other people’s opinions about her.  Her latest renovation project has her working again with a former boyfriend.   He recently found out that he was adopted and is trying to figure out if wants to reveal his true identity to his family.

All the stories are tied together well.  God is part of each story line.  I like that you get to visit Romance, Arkansas three times through all of these romances.  

Rating: 3 stars

This eBook was provided to me from NetGalley.

This review has an affiliate link through the book image.

Book Review - Damaged: A Violated Trust

I was reminded that I am so glad my days as a teenager is over while reading Damaged: A Violated Trust by Melody Carlson.  This book has the typical high school drama that you might expect.  You have the normal divide of popular kids v.s. the not-so cool kids.   Hayley comes to a new school to live with her dad.  She is estranged from her mom because of her ultra-conservative views.  Moving with dad seemed like the best choice for more freedom.

Haley is the artistic type so becoming a part of the jock crowd was never part of her plan.  By chance she ends up sitting with the popular kids and starts to crush on Harris, the star football player.  Harris is obviously popular, dates the perfect girl and has the perfect life.  Haley has zero chance with him or so she thinks.  The king and queen of the school break up and Harris starts paying attention to Haley.

Haley starts to live her dream life when her and Harris become a couple.   Things are perfect despite the haters and the warnings about Harris.   The warnings must be coming from those that are jealous..right?!  Eventually Haley's dream becomes a nightmare when Harris does the unthinkable.

There are no surprises with this book.  It seems like a movie I saw on Lifetime.  Despite being able to predict what was going to happen I recommend sharing this book with a teenage girl.  It will help start a necessary discussion about date rape.   

This post contains an affiliate link.

Rating: 3 stars

Book Review - A Home For My Heart

A Home for My Heart by Anne Mateer describes the plight of orphans and Sadie Sillsby’s desire to see their lives filled with love.   Sadie is an assistant at the Raystown Home for Orphans.   She understands these children because she was also a resident of the Home. Throughout the story, you will see her try her best to distance herself from her background which landed her at the Home in the first place.

Sadie is in love with Blaine.  Their love was built on friendship and a mutual understanding of what it is like to come from unstable family situations.   Sadie receives a wonderful opportunity to become the matron of the Home because the current matron decides to get married.   The matron must remain single to stay in the position.  Sadie is torn between a life with Blaine and “this calling” to the children.  She accepts the position which drives a wedge between herself and Blaine.

The new job seems like a natural fit for Sadie.  She loves the children at the Home and wants their life to improve with a forever family.   The position of matron comes with more responsibility than expected - managing staff, soliciting donations and writing up expense reports.  She would rather play baseball with the kids and tuck them into bed at night.

Sadie has difficulty determining what is real or fake.  Is her newly hired assistant, Viola right for the job?   Does Earl, a representative from The Children’s Aid Society have the best interest of her and the Home at heart?  Has Blaine really moved on without her?  Mrs. Fore is the wise cook that seems to truly understand the nature of people.   Miranda is the housekeeper who is misunderstood, but is an undiscovered jewel.

Through prayer, Sadie eventually understands who and what is most important.   As she matures, she makes decisions to follow the will of the Lord.   That decision has wonderful results for herself and her community.

I liked this book.  It was a sweet story with a young main character who was passionate about her work for children, but grew to be more concerned about God’s will.

Rating: 3 stars

I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for my opinion about this book.

This post contains an affiliate link. Read my disclosure page.