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.

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,

At Home in Wishing Bridge by Ruth Logan Herne

From the Back Cover:

The right place an mend your heart.

Ruth Logan Herne, the bestselling author of 

Welcome to Wishing Bridge, invites readers back to 

the small town where big dreams come true.

After surviving the streets of South Philly, Thea Anastas never thought she'd wind up working in rural New York. But a call from a friend in need convinced the nurse practitioner to make the trip. Now her temporary position is making a difference in Wishing Bridge--though Thea can't afford to make a difference, to fill a gaping hole in the sweet, small town. After all, the current medical practice is being dissolved in three months, and bigger opportunities are luring her away...

Her partner, Dr. Ethan Brandenburg, has his own struggles: caring for his orphaned niece and nephew and holding firm to his decision to leave Wishing Bridge for a prestigious job in Chicago. Though Thea's no-nonsense advice in the office has been good for business, her compassion in Ethan's personal life has been good for his heart. But how can he offer a commitment to a woman when they're both about to say goodbye?

Wishing Bridge may be surrounded by forests and farms, but Thea is starting to realize that friendships and family form its heart--and that what she wants in life and love may be right in front of her eyes.

My Thoughts:

This book is the second book in Ruth Logan Herne's "Wishing Bridge" series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone book. I can honestly say that while I loved the first book in the series, I loved At Home in Wishing Bridge even more. I think it is because I felt more connected to Thea who worked in the medical field. But I also had a soft spot in my heart for Dr. Ethan Brandenburg because of how he was caring for his niece and nephew. Ms. Herne created such realistic characters that pulled at my heartstrings. Both Thea and Ethan came from difficult backgrounds and had a lot of scars they needed to overcome. But in Ruth Logan Herne fashion they overcame difficulties and rose above their pasts to bring them into a promising future.

If you enjoy reading sweet small-town romance novels, I would highly suggest you pick up a copy of At Home in Wishing Bridge. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

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

I would like to thank the author for my copy of At Home in Wishing Bridge. 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,

Her Secret Daughter by Ruth Logan Herne

Her Secret Child

Josie Gallagher has plenty of reasons to be wary of Jacob Weatherly--considering he's working for the hotel chain that's forcing her restaruant to close. But when he shows up there with a little girl by his side--her little girl--she's dismayed. How has ths bachelor wound up with custody of the baby Josie placed with a married couple six years ago? The handsome jotel executive has no idea that Addie is Josie's biological child, and Josie can't afford to tell him. As he jelps save her business, Josie and Jacob unecpectedly grow closer. But will her secret stand in the way of their happily-ever-after?

My Thoughts:

Author Ruth Logan Herne has a gift of writing stories revolving around family and relationship issues set in small-town America. Her characters are realistic and believable. Her newest novel for Love Inspired books is Her Secret Daughter and it embodies all of these characteristics.

Set in the fictional town of Grace Haven, Ms. Herne has created a story that for all purposes seems unbelievable but her talent of creating believable characters pulls the reader into the story and before long you are not only believers but you find yourself falling in love with the town and all its characters.

Josie Gallagher, the heroine, has a self-sacrificing heart. Not only did she give her daughter up at birth but she also came to Addie's rescue several years later. Jacob Weatherly, the hero, loves Addie and is very protective of her. Having adopted her after his sister passed away he has grown to be a loving and caring father.

Ms. Herne is a master storyteller with the gift of creating engaging and believable characters that keep the reader invested in their story and well-being. 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-told story with heart and a happily-ever-after.

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

I would like to thank the author for my copy of Her Secret Daughter. I received my complimentary copy with no expectations of 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,

Welcome to Wishing Bridge

Three friends converge in a small town after one of their lives takes a wrong turn.

Kelsey is on her way to a life do-over. And it's not the first time. Abandoned by her drug-addict mother as a teen, she landed in a foster-care group home where she experienced faith and community--and met her best friends, Jazz and Theadora. The trio stuck together like sisters and vowed to make their lives mean something.

Now Kelsey's pushing thirty, and her life has taken a wrong turn. Pregnant and alone after loving the wrong man, she's on her way to making another life-changing decision when a wicked blizzard strands er outside the sleepy town of Wishing Bridge.

After being rescued from a snowbank by a handsome cop, she's embraced by the welcoming village, but she still feels upside down. Fortunately, her frantic SOS brings her besties rushing to help sort things out. They soon find that Wishing Bridge has as many secrets as Kelsey does--and she's connected to it in ways she couldn't have imagined.

My Thoughts:

Ruth Logan Herne's newest book, Welcome to Wishing Bridge is the first book in her new series and is Christmas and small-town America at it's finest.

With a cast of well developed quirky characters, the reader is drawn into the story from the opening line, "Don't do it." and is held captive in the quaint town of Wishing Bridge, a town where everyone knows everyone...or do they.

The heroine, Kelsey McCleary, had a rough childhood, with only two friends that she considers family. As the story begins, we find her in a difficult situation. Pregnant and driving in a blizzard, she winds up in a snow bank and in labor. To her rescue comes the hero of the story, Hale Jackson, former NFL star turned sheriff. He calls for help and rescues her just in time. As a side note, Hale is quite swoon-worthy.

As the story develops we see the character's flaws and realize how totally real they seem. Ms. Herne has created a cast of characters that are lovable even with all their flaws. 

Welcome to Wishing Bridge is a heartwarming novel that would make a wonderful Hallmark movie. It is full of Christmas miracles, romance, and a little mystery, as well as, a cast of characters you won't want to say goodbye to.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romantic novel set during Christmas.

On a 5 Star scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank the author for my copy of Welcome to Wishing Bridge. I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Smiles & Blessings,

Peace in the Valley by Ruth Logan Herne

I truly love reading book series, especially when the author is someone I truly admire. Ruth Logan Herne has just released Peace in the Valley, the third book in her "Double S Ranch" series and let me tell you, it was the 'icing on the cake' to this series. The first two books in the series, Back in the Saddle (read my review here) and Home on the Range (read my review here) were excellent, but Peace in the Valley, well let's just say, it was definitely worth the wait.

About the Book:

ADDING THE NEXT VERSE TO AN UNFORGETTABLE LOVE SONG

In spite of their differences, Trey Walker Stafford knows he owes his life to cowboy and legendary rancher  Sam Stafford--the uncle who rescued him after his parents' death. Trey left the Double S Ranch to purse music against Sam's wishes, but returns to central Washington when he learns he's the best match for a procedure that could same Sam's life. Although Trey's found country music fame and success, he's also endured the tragic loss of his wife. He croons about love, but struggles with a yawning emptiness he can't explain.
     Overwhelmed by a growing list of challenges and mistrustful of Stafford men, single mother Lucy Carlton reluctantly accepts Trey's help to revive her crumbling farm when Sam instructs him to repay the overdue debt to her family.
     As the two grow close, Trey slowly begins to open his heart to this beautiful woman and strives to let go of the grief he's held for years. Lucy has a complicated history of her own. Can Trey accept her as she is, learn to forgive the past, and find the elusive peace he's sought for so long?

My Review:

To be perfectly honest, I hated to see this series end. The three Stafford boys were as cowboy as cowboy can be. They were kind and gentle and all of them are 'swoon worthy'. But Trey stole my heart in the second book and never let it go. This is a character that you would want to introduce to your daughter, or sister, or niece or your best friend. He's genuine, authentic and yes, 'swoon worthy.'

Lucy Carlton has had a lot of tough breaks and has an issue with trust and well so does Trey. Together, through God's grace, they learn to trust God, each other and other people as well.

There is a young girl named Ashley that I would love to see get her own story. She is actually Lucy's sister-in-law. I would love to see her three "uncles" take her under their wing and anytime a young gentleman came courtin'... Well, like I said earlier, I hate to see this series end and would love to see maybe one more book...Ashley's story. 

If you enjoy a good clean read with a little bit of cowboy and country music mixed in, you will love this book. I guarantee it. While it can be read as a stand-alone, it is best you read all three books in order.

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

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

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,

Silent Night, Star-Lit Night by Ruth Logan Herne

I love Christmas stories, I love novellas, and I love any book with Ruth Logan Herne's name on it. Silent Night, Star-Lit Night, written by Ruth Logan Herne is one of three stories in the "Second Chance at Star Inn". The other stories are Room at the Inn for Christmas, by Mary Connealy and Do You Hear What I Hear by Margaret Brownley.

This story is a wonderful sweet Christmas story set in an old Bed and Breakfast during a nasty blizzard. Mia O'Loughlin is a widow and close to nine months pregnant when she is beckoned home to her ailing grandfather. Jeb Taylor, her childhood friend, is sent to the west coast to drive Mia home to Roslyn, Washington. Along the way, they encounter a nasty winter storm and when their car comes across a snow bank in the road they strike out walking, following a bright star. That star leads them to the Star Inn Bed and Breakfast where 'magic' happens.

While I absolutely loved this story, I wanted more. Why? Because I fell in love with Mia and Jeb and would love to delve further into their story. These two characters both are strong willed, full of hurts from the past but with God's love and a little Christmas magic they overcome their hurts.

I would highly recommend this wonderful Christmas story to everyone.

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

I would like to thank the author, Ruth Logan Herne, for my e-copy of this wonderful novella. I received it for free in order to read and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

The First Gift by Ruth Logan Herne

Oh. My. Stars! Ruth Logan Herne has written another book that captured me from the first page and held me until the last page. I shed quite a few tears along the way but it was an excellent read!

BLURB FROM BACK OF BOOK:

FIVE-YEAR-OLD CASSIE CARRUTHERS fends for herself while her father drinks himself into a stupor. But her isolation has not gone unnoticed as a northern Appalachian community works to rescue the neglected little girl. Kerry McHenry, the kindergarten teacher, sees her own tough upbringing in Cassie's dire situation. As she throws herself into helping Cassie become everything God wants her to be, she finds herself torn between a commitment-phobic doctor and a widowed deputy sheriff still angry with God. As the stakes grow ever higher and the characters' lives intersect in unexpected ways, each will face a true test of faith--and come face-to-face with indisputable evidence of God's love.

MY THOUGHTS:

The First Gift is a book that will settle in and stay awhile even after you turn that last page. In fact, the book has haunted my thoughts ever since I finished it and I mean that in the nicest of ways. Why? The subject matter makes me want to step in and help children like Kerry McHenry did in the life of little five-year-old Cassie. These two characters were so very real to me. I can imagine there are situations in the Appalachian community very much like the one in this wonderful book.

Kerry McHenry is a kindergarten teacher who takes her job seriously. When she meets Cassie Carruthers for the first time she is reminded of her own rough childhood and her heart breaks for this little girl. She wants to help Cassie in every way possible, however, there are laws that keep her from extracting the child from the run-down and dirty home she lives in with her drunken father. 

The two male characters in the book, Dr. Ryan O'Donnell and Deputy Jake Slattery were as different as night and day.  I disliked the doctor right away but then grew to like him a little as the story progressed. The deputy however had me at hello. His charm and wit won me over and I was rooting for him. Kerry had a difficult decision to make. The doctor or the deputy? I wish I could share her decision but that would spoil it for you. You'll just have to pick up a copy of The First Gift and find out if she chooses either one.

I truly appreciate that Ruth Logan Herne took on this subject matter and presented a story so well written that you almost feel like this is a true story. I guess it probably is as close to a true story as it can be. I would highly recommend this picking up a copy of this wonderful book.

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

I would like to thank the author for my copy of The First Gift. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

Home on the Range by Ruth Logan Herne

When I pick up a novel to read, it is with the hope that I will be swept away by the characters and can become one with their world. It is rare to find an author who can do that, let alone, do it consistently. Ruth Logan Herne is one of those authors that can consistently create a world of characters that pull you in and let you become one with the story. Her newest book, Home on the Range is the second book in her "Double S Ranch" series and it pulled me in from the very first page. The first book in the series, Back in the Saddle (read my review here), was without a doubt the best contemporary novel I read last year and Home on the Range is the best contemporary novel I have read this year.

Back Cover Blurb

CAN THE BROTHER LEFT BEHIND and A WOMAN WITHOUT HOPE WORK TOGETHER for THE GOOD of TWO PRECIOUS CHILDREN?

Nick Stafford stayed in central Washington, working his family's large ranch after his brothers left to pursue other passions--but his toughest job is being a single dad. As a child he watched his father fail at marriage and parenting, so Nick was determined to show him up. He'd be a better husband, father, and ranch manager than Sam Stafford ever was. Despite that commitment, three years after Nick's wife left him, he has a daughter in trouble at school and both of his girls are facing issues that force him to rethink his stubborn plans.

For Dr. Elsa Andreas, life fell apart when tragedy caused her to abandon her family therapy practice and retreat to the backwoods of Gray's Glen. Her school principal sister believes Elsa can guide the Stafford girls and that working with kids will draw Elsa out of her protective bubble.

Summer on the Double S teems with life and adventure. Amid the bounty of God and land, will Nick and Elsa find the courage to build futures based on faith rather than fear?

My Thoughts

I loved this book. From start to finish the characters captivated me and pulled me into their story. Nick was a character I met in the first book of the series. I can honestly say I didn't get the warm fuzzier about him in the first book but as the author allowed him to reveal his issues and hurts in this book my heart melted and I grew to love him. Elsa, I liked right away, especially when she started working with the girls, Cheyenne and Dakota. She was sweet yet firm and allowed us to see deep into her hurts and issues as well. Now the girls were special. They had me wrapped around their little fingers right off and I didn't want to say goodbye to them.

Another thing I find rare in an author's work is when they can write in such a way that it engages all five senses in the reader. Ruth Logan Herne did just that in this book. There is a scene on pages 130 -133 that engaged all my senses. Elsa takes the girls into the forest to a small bog. On the way you will hear birds chirping and frogs croaking. You will smell the dampness and earthy smell of the forest. When we get to the bog, we will hear the sound of the Spring Peepers...tree frogs. The characters sit down and listen and it is amazing how I was so transported into this scene that I could feel, hear, see and smell everything that was occurring in that scene and I felt at peace, just as the characters did. This to me is a true gift of story telling and Ms. Logan Herne has truly been blessed with this gift.

I could go on and on about this wonderful book, but I don't believe in giving out spoilers. I will say that this book can be read as a stand-alone book but if you haven't read the first book in the series you might want to pick up a copy and read it first. I would highly recommend both books in this series. Home on the Range, releases on September 17, 2016.

I am looking forward to the third book in this series, Peace in the Valley, which is due to be out in March 2017. This will be Trey Stafford's story and I'm anxious to learn more about him.

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

I would like to thank the author Ruth Logan Herne for my copy of Home on the Range. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.

Smiles & Blessings,

Her Unexpected Family by Ruth Logan Herne - with Giveaway!

I am a huge fan of Ruth Logan Herne's work. When I saw her newest Love Inspired book, Her Unexpected Family, I grabbed it up quickly and could hardly wait to read it. Imagine my surprise when I received an autographed copy in the mail from this very generous author. I was excited and told her since I had purchased a copy I would offer that to one of my readers. So if you would love to have a copy of this wonderful book to read for yourself, please read to the end of this post so you will know how to enter the giveaway.

Blurb from back of book:

A Family to Love. 

Emily Gallagher and Grant McCarthy are planning a wedding together--just not their own. Emily's well-structured life is turned upside down when her company is hired to help Grant put together his deployed sister's nuptials. Because as Emily spends more time with Grant and his adorable twins, she can't help but daydream about being at the altar herself. But Emily's ex-beauty-queen status brings Grant memories of his children's appearance-obsessed mother--a woman who walked out on their family. For a future with Emily, can Grant escape the confines of his painful past? If he can, the next wedding they plan could be their own.

My Thoughts:

Welcome to the town of Grace Haven. As the author writes, "A town full of heart, happiness and home". I picture a very small town environment in which everyone knows pretty much everyone living in town. The author has created an ideal place in which this reader would love to live. 

As mentioned in the blurb above, the main characters are Emily and Grant. Both of these characters have issues with trust and forgiveness but they learn to overcome and the outcome is quite beautiful. I would love to tell you about how they overcome their issues but that would ruin your experience in reading this wonderful bool. Ruth Logan Herne has a gift in creating living breathing characters that seem to reach out from the written page to grab the reader and pull them into their world. I love it when an author can do that and Ruth Logan Herne does it well.

Her Unexpected Family was released this month and it flew off the shelves at my WalMart so I have a feeling it may have flown off the shelves at other stores as well because Ruth Logan Herne offers beautiful stories about everyday life in small town America within her Love Inspired books. If you can't find it in the stores, you can always order it through Amazon (follow this link). Or you can enter my giveaway and win a copy of your own.

I would highly recommend Her Unexpected Family for anyone who loves a good clean book. I guarantee it worth your time to read this wonderful book.

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

I would like to thank the author for my copy of Her Unexpected Family. I received my copy for free to read it and give my honest review.

*********************  GIVEAWAY INFORMATION  *********************''

To be entered to win a copy of this book, you simply have to leave a comment telling me you would like to be entered to win. I would love it if you would follow me on Google Connect or by email//but it is not a requirement. So please leave a message and good luck! Contest ends on 08/31/16.

Smiles & Blessings,

Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

The last book I read in 2015 was without a doubt the best contemporary novel I read last year. Ruth Logan Herne's book, Back in the Saddle, is the first book in her "Double S Ranch" series for Multnomah Books. It is a contemporary western, set in a small town in Washington state.

It is on a rare occasion when I pick up a book to read and the author's words paint such a beautiful picture I feel like I am watching a movie unfold before my eyes. That is exactly the experience I had when I read Back in the Saddle. I had a clear and vivid image of each of the characters and the ranch and town. It was a wonderful experience seeing the story as well as reading it.

This is the story of Colt Stafford. As the story begins, he has just left his career on Wall Street due to some stock market issues that have hurt him financially. He has come home to the family ranch in Gray's Glen, Washington to help out as his father is ill. As he enters the house, he encounters the ranch house manager, Angelina Morales. Angelina is a 'spitfire' that takes her job seriously and Colt finds himself at the other end of a gun questioning which of his father's gun it just might be and who is on the other end of it. 

Colt has personal issues he needs to deal with and a relationship he needs to mend with his father and brothers. Angelina has a secret she is hiding and only Sam, Colt's father, is aware of it until Colt starts snooping around. Can Colt get over the past hurts from his father and make amends or is it too late? Will Angelina let down the walls she has built around her heart to let Colt see who she really is? 

This is a story about forgiveness, trust and growing beyond the hurt and pain.  I thoroughly enjoyed watching the characters develop and open up to each other. I hated to say goodbye to them. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.

Back in the Saddle is a sweet story that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good read. I absolutely loved this book and as I said at the beginning, it is without a doubt the best contemporary book I have read in 2015. Be sure to pick up a copy when it released on March 15, 2016.

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

I would like to thank the author, Ruth Logan Herne, for my copy of Back in the Saddle. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,