The Cowgirl's Sacrifice by Tina Radcliffe

I fell in love with "The Hearts of Oklahoma" series from the very first book, Finding the Road Home. But while the four books that make up the series are all wonderful reads by themselves, reading them as a series makes this final book, The Cowgirl's Sacrifice, the icing on the cake. 

The four books are about the Rainbolt family which is made up of three brothers and a sister.

This book is Kate Rainbolt's story.

Kate was a rodeo cowgirl but due to injuries, she decides to go back to the Rainbolt Ranch to recuperate and accept the job as ranch foreman that her brothers had offered to her months earlier. However, when she arrives home she comes face to face with Jess McNally, her ex-boyfriend, who just so happens to have been hired as the foreman which leaves only one open job and she will have to work for Jess. From their first meeting, the electric sparks between them fly. 

When Kate was very young her father deserted their family. She made it her goal as a rodeo cowgirl to check every crowd at every rodeo to see if he was there. Unfortunately, she never saw him in the crowds. This was one of the reasons she stayed with the rodeo.

This book deals with issues of feeling abandoned, being emotionally scarred, forgiveness and feeling not worthy of love. All the Rainbolt's, as well as, Jess had to face some of these issues along the way. I loved the way the Rainbolt brothers were all so involved with Kate's healing. Both mentally and physically. 

There are scenes that made me cry, some made me smile and a couple gave me a great laugh. One of my favorite scenes is when Jess and his niece Olive decide to teach Kate to cook...in a crockpot so she wouldn't burn anything. But the one that brought tears to my eyes was on page 153 when Kate tells Jess's mom about a special gift she is going to give her. I couldn't stop crying as it touched my heart deeply.

I would highly recommend The Cowgirl's Sacrifice to anyone who loves Love Inspired Romance novels and just good sweet romance.

Definitely a 5-Star read!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of The Cowgirl's Sacrifice. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Cindy

 

His Holiday Prayer by Tina Radcliffe

I love reading a good love story and Tina Radcliffe's newest book His Holiday Prayer was even better than expected. This book is the third offering in her "Hearts of Oklahoma" series and in my opinion, it is her best. The series follows the lives of the Rainboldt siblings in the town of Rebel, Oklahoma.

His Holiday Prayer is Tucker Rainbolt's story. He is a widower raising twin daughters and owns Rebel Vet and Rescue along with his partner Jenna Harper. He has decided he needs a change of scenery for himself and his daughters so he accepts a job in Texas.

Jenna tends to lien to being the shy quiet type and has always let Tucker be the voice of their business but once she learns Tucker is leaving she decides she needs to start taking over the business now before he leaves. As she starts stepping out, she blossoms, and people start taking notice. Even Tucker.

I loved seeing Tucker's and Jenna's feeling move from friendship into something beautiful.

Since it is a series, the reader is reacquainted with Tucker's brothers Mitch and Reece along with their families. Also, the fourth book in this series will be the brothers' sister Kate's story. I can hardly wait. Now, even though it is a series, this book can be read as a standalone book. I highly recommend reading Tucker and Jenna's story...especially if you love animals and Christmas.

On a 5-Star scale - 5 Huge Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author, Tina Radcliffe, for my copy of His Holiday Prayer. I received my copy for free with no expectation of a positive or negative review.  The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Finding the Road Home by Tina Radcliffe

Finding the Road Home is the first book in Tina Radcliffe's "Hearts of Oklahoma" series and it is small-town reading at its finest! The story is set in rural Rebel, Oklahoma where the town is small enough that everyone knows you and your business. 

Imagine a young woman becomes an instant mother to her five nieces and nephews when they lose their parents. Then she moves them to a new town where she buys a fixer-upper house and takes on the job as a deputy in Rural. With that said, what I took away from this book was love, hope, and dreams being fulfilled. 

I love stories that take place in small-town America where your neighbors love you and help you through the hard times. You will find a lot of that in this book. Friends helping friends, neighbors helping neighbors. This is a great feel-good story.

Finding the Road Home is a March release for Love Inspired books and I would highly recommend picking up a copy. Ms. Radcliffe is great at creating believable characters with all their quirks and nuances. I guarantee you will fall in love with several, if not all of the people in Rural. 

On a 5-star scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of Finding the Road Home. I received my copy for free with no expectation for a positive or negative review. The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

A Hopeful Heart by Ruth Logan Herne

Every time I pick up a book with Ruth Logan Herne's name on it, I know it is a book I will fall in love with and never want to put down. Her newest Love Inspired book, A Hopeful Harvest, did not disappoint. This book was released in January but you can still buy it online and I would highly recommend it.

The story is about two people living with deep wounds from the past. Wounds, that at first, appear as if healing them would be insurmountable. However, Ms. Herne has a talent for taking the insurmountable and making it happen. I felt so many different forms of emotion while reading this book. I cried, I laughed, and I cried some more. When a book can draw out those kinds of emotions from me I know it is an excellent book.

While Libby and Jax are the main characters and I loved them both, I fell in love with little Cee Cee and Libby's grandpa, Cleve. Their storylines touched my life on such deep levels.
Cleve is battling Alzheimer's Disease while Cee Cee is just being a cute little girl trying to help her single mom, Libby in their apple orchard. Jax, well, he is battling PTSD. Add all these things together and you have one wonderful heartfelt book.

One thing that really touched me personally occurred on page 165 when little Cee Cee is talking about she helped two classmates, Henry and Dottie. My husband's first name is Henry and my precious mother's name was Dottie. I couldn't help but smile.

I know I have mentioned this already, but I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good 'feel-good' book.

On a 5-star scale - 5 HUGE Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of  A Hopeful Harvest. I received my copy for free with no expectation for a positive or negative review. The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Healing the Cowboy's Heart by Ruth Logan Herne

If you love horses, kids and romance you should definitely enjoy Ruth Logan Herne's newest Love Inspired book, Healing the Cowboy's Heart which comes out in July 2019.

The lead character, veterinarian Charlotte Fitzgerald is an extremely strong character honed by her past. The male lead, Isaiah Woods is a rancher, breeder of Appaloosa horses and the guardian for his niece and nephew. Isaiah is also a strong character battling issues of his past. When these two characters meet magic happens. I loved their interactions and I absolutely fell in love with JJ and Liam, Isaiah's niece and nephew.

To be honest, I found myself shedding tears several times. Especially when the love of Rising, a family dog, was conveyed so well through the tears of little Liam. I won't say more because I don't hand out spoilers. However, when you pick up the book please see the top of page 88. You just may shed a few tears too.

Once again, if you love romance, horses, kids, and stories of forgiveness you'll love this book.

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Ruth Logan Herne for my copy of Healing the Cowboy's Heart. I received my copy for free with no expectation for a positive or negative review. The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,


Back Cover:

A perfect match...or sworn enemies?

Only time will tell at

Shepard's Crossing.

Horse breeder Isaiah Woods can't believe his only ally in helping a neglected mare is the descendant of his family's bitter enemy--veterinarian Charlotte Fitzgerald. Despite the feud, Charlotte risks everything to save the horse. But as she falls for Isaiah--and the orphaned niece and nephew in his care--the mare isn't the only one who needs saving.

Her Last Chance Cowboy by Tina Radcliffe

She came seeking family...

Will she find love 

at Big Heart Ranch?

When pregnant single mother Hannah Vincent shows up professing to be the half sister of the Maxwells of Big Heart Ranch, horse trainer Tripp Walker is wary. Wounded before, he doesn't trust easily. If only Hannah and her feisty five-year-old daughter weren't so impossible to resist. Now, despite his doubts, joining this little family is quickly becoming the cautious cowboy's greatest wish.

My Thoughts:

The author of Her Last Chance Cowboy, Tina Radcliffe, definitely saved the best for last. in her "Big Heart Ranch" series. This is the fourth and final book in the series. This is Tripp Walker's story and I loved it!

Tripp's story was definitely worth the wait. He appeared in the other books and we saw just enough to know that his story needed to be told. It was obvious he had been hurt in the past because the walls were built solid around his heart. Solid until a pregnant Hannah Vincent and her adorable daughter, Clementine, came on the seen. She was filled with a spirit that when she met Tripp the sparks flew. These two characters challenged each other and it was pure delight to see their story unfold.

As for the rest of the family and friends of Big Heart Ranch, I loved them all. I truly hate to see this series end but I know it must. Though I would love a story sometime in the future with Dub and Clementine as a grown-up couple living and working at Big Heart Ranch. 

I  would highly recommend this book of second chances to anyone who loves a good story that tugs at your heartstrings.

On a 5-Star scale = 5 stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author, Tina Radcliffe, for my copy of Her Last Chance Cowboy.  I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

A Cowboy in Shepherd's Crossing by Ruth Logan Herne

From bachelor to daddy...

Shepherd's Crossing is

full of surprises

Cowboy bachelor Jace Middleton was ready to leave Shepherd's Crossing for good--until he learns his family's unspoken secrets. Now Jace finds himself not only caring for his twin baby nieces, but working with beautiful, strong-willed designer Melonie Fitzgerald to renovate his grandmother's run-down estate. Love wasn't part of the plan...but Jace soon finds himself wishing Melonie could become part of his unexpected family.

My Thoughts:

"Sleep stole up on her like a summer sunset. Nothing hurried about it. And when she finally closed her eyes one last time--and the bottle went lax in her mouth--he stared at the absolute miracle he held in his arms." (Page 64)

This is just a small moment in this wonderful book where Ms. Herne brings the story to life to the reader. I saw it. I felt it. And I loved it. Ms. Herne has created another wonderful story in her Shepherd's Crossing series. A book that the reader can step into and become one with.

The hero, Jace Middleton, has his life turned upside down at the same time he meets the heroine, Melonie Fitzgerald. Who, by the way, has had a shake-up in her life as well. I must say these two characters had sparks flying throughout their story. These two special people come from definite cultures and Ms. Herne paints their relationship beautifully. 

I have to say that besides the two wonderful twins that showed up in Jace's life, I loved Gilda. She was a curmudgeon that was trying to make things right. I truly believe that what happened in Jace's distant past was a loving thing that Gilda had a part in. I don't want to hand out a spoiler so you'll have to read this wonderful book to find out just who Gilda is.

If I were to say anything negative about this book, it would be to say that I really wish that they had included the twins on the cover with Jace and Melonie. But in my mind's eye, I see them there.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a feel-good story.

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author, Ruth Logan Herne, for my copy of A Cowboy in Shepherd's Crossing.  I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Christmas with the Cowboy by Tina Radcliffe

From the Back Cover:

Home for the holidays

A second chance at love 

on Big Heart Ranch

Former Navy SEAL Zach Norman has been avoiding his ranching roots--and the woman he couldn't have. Back to visit his brother's widow, Emma Maxwell Norman, and her adorable toddler twins, the bah-humbug cowboy is roped into helping prepare the ranch for the holidays. Working side by side, can Emma and Zach overcome their troubled past...and receive the greatest Christmas gift of all--love?

My Thoughts:

The third book in the Big Heart Ranch series by Tina Radcliffe was an absolute joy to read. While it is the third in the series it reads just fine as a stand-alone and to be honest it is my favorite so far. Of course, that could be because it is set during Christmas, there are adorable twin girls, and then there is six-year-old Dub Harris who appeared in the first book, Claiming Her Cowboy who makes a return visit. I fell in love with him then and almost squealed when he made a brief appearance in this book. In fact, he appears on page 188. Emma is sad and Dub comes in and asks his Aunt Emma if she is okay, when Emma lets him know how she is feeling he goes over to her and puts his arms around her to give her a big hug and Emma says, "Aw, thanks so much sweetie, Dub hugs are the best." With that, he asks her "Do you want me to pray for you?" Oh my, my heart squeezed. It was so precious. Ms. Radcliffe does a great job in creating characters but her kids are so very cute and sweet they can't help but steal your heart.

The main characters, Emma Maxwell Norman and Zach Norman have a past and Zach is the half-brother of her deceased husband. They both have past hurts that they are trying to overcome. I loved watching how they grew closer as the story progressed.

If you love the Love Inspired romantic fiction line of books and you love cowboys, kids and Christmas, I guarantee you will love Christmas with the Cowboy. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good clean read and it is currently on the shelves.

I would like to thank the author for my copy of Christmas with the Cowboy. 

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of Christmas with the Cowboy. I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,

Her Cowboy Reunion by Ruth Logan Herne

A new life...an old love. 

Can she risk loving him again in 

Shepherd's Crossing?

With her family in disgrace, Lizzie Fitzgerald never imagined she'd end up at an Idaho ranch. Fortunately, she's working with horses she loves--even if it means dealing with her old sweetheart Heath Caufield. The widowed father of an adorable boy, Heath hasn't forgiven Lizzie for their past. But even a stubborn cowboy can't stop the heart's ability to forgive...or love again.

MY THOUGHTS:

I love a feel-good story, especially when small children and animals are involved. So it was very easy for me to fall in love with Ruth Logan Herne's newest Love Inspired novel, Her Cowboy Reunion. This is the first book in her "Shepherd's Crossing" series which just released this month.

It is obvious the author has been around children a lot as she writes their characters so well and their speech is all so real. I really love that about her work.

Her Cowboy Reunion is about reuniting with past loves, forgiveness of others, and forgiveness of oneself. It is also about getting past the anger of the past in order to make room for joy in the future. I loved how the author allowed us to be part of the process.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read feel-good stories. I guarantee you will fall in love with a little cowboy dude named Zeke.

On a 5-Star scale - 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author Ruth Logan Herne for the complimentary copy. I received my copy for free with no expectation for a positive review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Falling for the Cowgirl by Tina Radcliffe

Back Cover:

She won the job...

Can he win her heart?

Hiring Amanda "AJ" McAlester as his assistant at the Big Heart Ranch isn't foreman Travis Maxwell's first choice--but his sisters insist she's perfect for the job. And AJH's determined to prove she's just as qualified as any man. But with money on the line, AJ and her innovative ideas could put him at risk of losing everything...

including his heart.

My Thoughts:

I fell in love with Big Heart Ranch when I read the first book, Claiming Her Cowboy, in Tina Radcliffe's "Big Heart Ranch" series. I could hardly wait for book two, Falling for the Cowgirl, and I wasn't disappointed.

Big Heart Ranch is in need of an assistant foreman to help owner/foreman, Travis Maxwell in running the ranch. Travis is a conventional rancher wanting to hire a cowboy but his two sisters, who are also owners, insist that applicant A.J. McAlester is just right for the job, so much to Travis's dismay, his new foreman is A.J. who just happens to be a woman.

A.J. was raised on a ranch and has worked on many other ranches but due to the fact she is a woman she has never been taken seriously. This has made it very difficult for her to prove herself. She is bright, ranch savvy, bull-headed, independent, and spunky. Travis believes in the "old school" way of men running the ranch and is quite bull-headed about it. However, when things begin to happen around the ranch A.J. proves she is the right person for the job. It was fun to watch the layers of both characters fall away and reveal their true hearts.

Ms. Radcliffe has written a heartwarming story that had me laughing, crying, and cheering the characters on. I am anxiously awaiting book three in the series.

Highly recommended! 5 Stars!!!!!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Smiles & Blessings,

The Lawman's Yuletide Baby by Ruth Logan Herne

Her Holiday Hero

Corinne Gallagher's plans for a peaceful Christmas with her kids go astray when longtime crush Gabe Cutler moves in next door. As if having the hunky state trooper in snowball-throwing  distance isn't distracting enough, Gabe suddenly has custody of an orphaned infant--and is in need of Corinne's help! She agrees, but her heart draws a line--she can't fall for another lawman. After a devastating loss, Gabe has avoided fatherhood and love. Yet filled with Corinne and the children, his new house is starting to feel like home. Will Gabe run again, or finally fulfill his secret Christmas wish for a family?

MY THOUGHTS

I love Love Inspired books set during Christmas, especially when the book also has the name Ruth Logan Herne on the cover. The Lawman's Yuletide Baby is Ms. Herne's November release from Love Inspired and I LOVED it.

The main characters are Corinne Gallagher, a widow with two young children and Gabe Cutler, a state trooper who has loved and lost as well. Gabe also is a coach in the community and Corinne's kids love him. Corinne and Gabe are both afraid of getting involved for fear of being hurt again. But their journey is worth taking as the walls are stripped down and they learn to love again. This is truly an inspirational story and I loved it. 

The characters are all quite believable and I found myself caring more and more as I turned each page. Ms. Herne has a true talent for creating believable characters and places them into a setting that makes the reader want to become a part of the story. Grace Haven is a town that anyone would love to visit. 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean read!

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of The Lawman's Yuletide Baby. I received a complimentary copy with no expectations for a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smiles & Blessings,

Their Surprise Daddy by Ruth Logan Herne

To read a book with the name Ruth Logan Herne on it is pure delight for me. From her contemporary love stories to her cowboy stories, this author always delivers a book that is filled with tender moments, learning experiences and sweet love. Also, a few little ones may be tucked into the cast of characters which always brings more warmth and love to the story.

Her newest book for Love Inspired is Their Surprise Daddy. It is the third book in her "Grace Haven" series, and while it can be read as a standalone book, I know you will want to get the two previous books, An Unexpected Groom and Her Unexpected Family. The books tell the stories of the Gallagher sisters. In this third book in the series we meet Rory Gallagher, a small town girl with a big heart for disadvantaged kids. I guarantee you will fall in love with her as soon as you meet her.

Cruz Maldonado did not win me over for at least a few pages. Here is a man who has made his mark and money in Manhattan and now he finds himself back in his hometown tending to an issue that requires him to become one of the caretakers to his cousins two young children. I must admit I was holding my breath for awhile in the hopes of loving his character. I didn't have to wait long until I was envisioning his character as good looking Antonio Cupo (who plays in a lot of Hallmark movies) and his personality and tenderness for his two young charges melted my heart.

The author knows how to create a wonderful small town atmosphere where everyone knows everybody in town and are protective of their own. Her towns make you want to visit them and maybe hang out for awhile. Which of course, you can do, by picking up a copy of this wonderful book. I highly recommend it!

On a 5-Star Scale - 5 HUGE Stars! I loved this story!

I would like to thank the author, Ruth Logan Herne, for my copy of Their Surprise Daddy I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

A Baby for the Rancher by Margaret Daley

As an avid reader, always look forward to books written by Margaret Daley. Her book, A Baby for the Rancher was released in March by "LoveInspired" and it was the sixth and final book in the "Lonestar Cowboy League" series which was written by six wonderful authors. I must admit, I haven't read the first five books in the series but references are made within this sixth book that keeps the reader in the loop as to what has happened in previous books.

This is the story of Ben Stillwater, a bachelor cowboy and Sheriff Lucy Benson. As the reader begins the book, Ben has just awakened from a coma to find that he is a father to a toddler. The myriad of emotions that Ben goes through is created very well by Ms. Daley. 

Ben was quite the ladies man prior to the injury that placed him in the coma, but now that he has recovered a major change has cause him to change his ways. 

Lucy has known Ben for many years and finds it hard to believe that Ben could change as much as he appears to have changed. She also doesn't know if the change will last.

With cattle rustlers on the loose, Lucy has her hands full, but will she be able to find time to open her heart up to Ben and will Ben see her as more than just an old friend? Those questions are answered in this wonderful conclusion to the "Lone Star Cowboy League".

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading good clean romantic fiction.

On a 5-Star Scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author, Margaret Daley for my copy of A Baby for the Rancher. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,