Movie Review of Miracle in East Texas- In Theatres 10/29

 

Miracle in East Texas is…

• Inspired by a true story
• An American tale of entrepreneurship
• The story of the biggest oil strike in US history
• A great opportunity for homeschoolers to learn about some Texas history, oil, entrepreneurship, the power of forgiveness, and even some math!
• FREE downloadable homeschool curricula available at https://www.sorbostudios.com/homeschool-packet
• A story about hope and redemption
• A movie with a good message on forgiveness and its blessings.
• FREE downloadable discussion guide for book groups available at https://www.sorbostudios.com/group-packet
• Sorbo Studios produces films that uplift and entertain.
• Stars Kevin Sorbo (also director), John Ratzenberger, Lou Gossett Jr., Tyler Mane
• Also starring and produced by CC mom Sam Sorbo
• With CC homeschool graduate Braeden Sorbo.

   To Purchase Tickets

Enter the Giveaway for FREE TICKETS! https://www.blessedfreebies.com/miracle-in-east-texas-giveaway.html

My Review

Two con-men during the Depression sold shares to oil wells. Dad Everett and Doc Boyd have always produced dry wells.  By some miracle, the oil well became the biggest oil strike.

Dad Everett and Doc Boyd, facing jail time for swindling of widows, all of a sudden find themselves with a conscience and want to do the right thing.

The storyline is about healing and the miraculous power of the Lord to change someone's heart. An inspirational and uplifting tale inspired by a true story.  It's a heartfelt and compassionate film about forgiveness and hope.

The film is typical of the films produced by Kevin Sorbo and comes with a powerful message.  There are times of uplifting laughter, soul-searching, and redemption.  This is a film you don't want to miss and will have you running the gamut of your emotions.  Highly recommended. 

 

 

New Release- Review of The Warmth of Snow by Heidi Eljarbo

 

There must be a way to thaw a heart long frozen. Can she help him, or does he have other plans?

Sweden 1810.
August Brandell, the count of Linborg, has returned home after four years of war against the French Empire under the direction of Napoléon Bonaparte. Wounded and downtrodden, he is a meager shadow of the man he used to be.

One day, a lovely young woman comes calling. She’s strong and bright and, unlike the rest, seems unaffected by his wealth and unfortunate disability. He soon discovers he wants more than a sweet friendship, but a life of caring for him would not be fair to such a beautiful soul. Oh, how dearly, deeply he loves her and secretly wants her to stay, but he cannot and will not ask such a sacrifice from her…especially not when it’s out of pity for him.

Erica Gustava Ebbesdotter has primarily been left to herself since she was orphaned at an early age. Although grateful to her aunt and uncle for taking her in, they pay her no attention and even keep her in the dark about her parents.

Hearing about Count Brandell’s unfortunate fate on the battlefield, she knocks on the door at Castle Linborg to leave him a card of encouragement.

Meeting Count Brandell changes Erica’s entire world. Falling for him is utterly unexpected. Soon, he fills her heart, but he is far above her station. How can a man like him see beyond her less refined clothes and past? Worst of all, he is already betrothed.

This is a sweet and wholesome historical romance—a hauntingly beautiful tale of two hearts meant to be together.

Perfect for fans of Regency romances from Julianne Donaldson, Sarah M. Eden, Jennie Goutet, Laura Beers, and Sally Britton.

To Order

My Review

The Warmth of Snow is a well-written story about Erica Ebbesdotter who lives at Holst Manor in 1810, Sweden. She lives there with her aunt and uncle, who took her in when her parents died. Although, grateful, she feels lonely despite being surrounded by family.

The story is full of secrets, mystery, and healing. It kept me intrigued the whole time as I followed Erica's life. Her life becomes complicated when she becomes friends with Count August Brandell of Castle Linborg. The count is dealing with his own ghosts from the war and a war injury.

The story was full of surprises, characters that kept me engaged, and beautiful descriptions that brought me into the storyline. A lovely inspirational and uplifting story of courage, faith in God, and a happy ending. Everything you would want in a historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. A positive review is not required and all my opinions are my own.

Review of On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni

 

Cora Matthews has long wondered why her mother stopped taking her to visit her grandparents' lodge in the small Northwoods Minnesota town of Moonberry Lake. Now, after burying her mother and breaking off her engagement just two weeks before her wedding, Cora has a chance to find out. Once there, she is stunned to learn that the old lodge is her inheritance--with a surprising condition attached. Maybe some time to regroup on the shores of a beautiful lake is just what Cora needs to figure out what's next for her.

But Cora's days on the lake are anything but relaxing. The only thing that's a bigger mess than her own life is the dilapidated building she's living in. Add a cantankerous handywoman, an angry neighbor, and an elderly woman who spends all her time talking to the "residents" in the cemetery and Cora's not sure she can stick it out. But if she can, she may find a love she never expected--from the most unexpected people imaginable. This homespun tale of new friendships, sweet romance, and ordinary miracles will have you wishing you could spend a summer (or a lifetime) on Moonberry Lake.

To Purchase

My Review

On Moonberry Lake is an unusual book filled with quirky characters. Each character in the story has many layers and is important to the storyline. Cora, the main character, shows so much growth throughout the story, brought about by her new neighbors.

The story is heart-warming and unfolds beautifully, capturing my heart. I was drawn into the story within the first few pages, and continued to draw me in. It is filled with humor, laughter, joy, and a sense of belonging and love.

The setting of Moonberry Lake is magical, and the secrets, although painful, can bring about healing and peace. A wonderful story that will have you mesmerized. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it. A positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Broken Bondage Blog Tour by Carmen Peone

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Broken Bondage by Carmen Peone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Broken Bondage
Series: Seven Tine Ranch #2
Author: Carmen Peone
Publisher: Iron Stream Fiction
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: Clean/Christian Contemporary Western Romance

A Road Trip to Redemption 

Rita Runninghorse is about to marry the wrong guy. She has to get away from him. Now. She flees to a guest ranch in Eastern Washington State that offers a safe haven for women in need only to find the owner on a month-long speaking tour. 

Robert Elliot has one thing on his mind: bronc riding. The Indian National Finals Rodeo is within reach, and he’s not about to let anything ruin his chances of going pro. Not even the woman he finds asleep in the stall of their rankest horse. 

When Rita’s fiancé discovers where she’s hiding out, she takes Robert’s offer to go with him on the road and prays her fiancé gives up the hunt. Saddled together, Rita and Robert must rely on each other as they go on the road to keep her alive.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

My Review

I always know when I read a book by Carmen Peone that I will be lost in her characters and message. The Seven Tine Ranch series is my favorite.

The author tackles tough subjects in a compassionate way leaving the reader seeing a Victor not Victim. This one is a page-turner filled with action that will leave you breathless and rooting for Rita. You will think about the issue of abuse long after the last page is turned.

The story sends a message to the reader that abuse isn't an attack on one race of people, but can happen at any time to anyone. I loved the excitement of the rodeo and the message that God heals and loves us unconditionally, giving us faith and courage. I can't wait to read the next installment. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and chose to review it. A positive review is not required and all opinions are my own.

More in This Series

 

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About the Author

Carmen Peone is an award-winning author of Young Adult and Inspirational Contemporary Western Romantic. She worked with a Tribal Elder, Marguerite Ensminger, for three years learning the Arrow Lakes Language and various cultural traditions, which led to her writing career. With the love of history and the Western woman's lifestyle, she weaves threads of healing, hope, and horses into her stories that lead to happily ever after. She lives with her husband in northeast Washington and on the Colville Confederated Indian Reservation.

Connect with Carmen by visiting carmenpeone.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a signed copy of Broken Bondage, an $25 Amazon gift card, and photo cards that pertain to the series!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 10, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 17, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for prize as described. Winners outside of the US will receive an ebook of Broken Bondage only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Review of Christmas in the Crosshairs (An Elite Guardians Christmas Anthology) by Lynette Eason, Kate Angelo, Kelly Underwood and Sami A Abrams

Series: Elite Guardians Anthology
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

It’s Christmastime and love is in the air. But when these three Elite Guardians walk into the crosshairs of trouble, they find themselves fighting not just for justice, but for the lives of the men they love in this riveting thriller collection!

Deadly Holiday Hijack by Kate Angelo

“Come out to Savannah, she says. It’ll be fun, she says. Boss can be in the nativity pageant, she says,” Yeah. Great idea.

Bodyguard Christina Sherman and her boyfriend, former spec ops air commando Grey Parker just want to sneak away to beautiful Savannah, attend a Nativity Pageant, maybe set a wedding date. But when a group of terrorists take over the church and the whole thing is live streamed, they find themselves in a hometown version of a Die Hard Christmas movie. But will they make it to the happy ending?

Silent Night Siege by Kelly Underwood

Billionaire Preston Whittaker and bodyguard Laila Rabbinowitz just can’t get a break. Not only are their schedules so crazy they’ve put their relationship on simmer, but on their way to the mountains for much-needed togetherness…yep, their plane crashes. Suddenly they’re stranded on a remote mountainside in freezing temperatures, minimal food, wildlife, and no hope of rescue.

And then, the real danger starts. Someone deliberately caused the wreck, and that person is hunting them through the wilderness.

Now, it’ll take more than togetherness to survive…

Christmas Snowstorm Standoff by Sami A. Abrams

It’s finally time for bodyguard Lizzie Tremaine to tie the knot with the man she’s loved for years—fellow bodyguard Charlie Lee.

But maybe fate is still against them, because on the eve of their big day, a snowstorm hits. And, while it’s kept the guests away, it’s brought trouble in the form of a woman from Charlie’s past. More, she’s on the run from a killer…

A man who will stop at nothing to make sure Charlie and Lizzie never make it to the altar.

Now Lizzie and Charlie must battle the storm, stop the killer, and defeat the doubts that suddenly have them wondering if they are truly meant to be.

Three epic love stories. Three edge-of-your-seat thrillers. Three Christmases Caught in the Crosshairs inspired by best-selling author Lynette Eason’s Elite Guardian series.

To Purchase

MY REVIEW

Story # 1- Deadly Holiday Hijack- Bodyguard Christina Sherman & her fiance, Grey Parker, former special ops air command, go to a Nativity Pageant when terrorists take over the church. Lots of tense moments and non-stop action. It had me on the edge of my seat!

Story #2- Silent Night Seige- Laila & Preston head for a two-week vacation in Colorado. Laila is an Elite Guardian bodyguard and Preston is a billionaire client & CEO of Whittaker Enterprises. They find themselves in a bad situation. Lots of twists and turns I didn't see coming.

Story #3- Christmas Snowstorm Standoff- Lizzie & Charlie are at Wild Sapphire Ranch in Montana to relax before their Christmas Eve wedding. The Elite Guardians and family are supposed to attend, but because of snowy weather, may not make it. Things get even more complicated when they find a woman lying in the snow and shots fired. Lots of action, suspense, and twists in this one too.

All three stories had me second-guessing the outcome. Most times it was a surprise and an unlikely twist. The characters were well-developed with many layers. The action was non-stop. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all my opinions are my own.

 

Review of Creating Stories by Hank Quense

 

 

Join Us for This Tour from Sep 25 to Oct 12!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Creating Stories by Hank Quense
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction, 106 pages
Genre: Self Help, 
Publisher:  Strange Worlds Publishing
Release date:  April 1, 2017
Content Rating:  G 

Book Description:

Do you have a story in you?

Do you know how to write it or how to tell it? Creating Stories has the answers. Hank Quense, the author of more than twenty books, tells you how to do it. He believes that stories come from the melding of three elements: getting ideas, story design and story-telling. Ideas have to come from the author. Creating Stories covers the last two. The book concentrates on developing characters including such rarely discussed requirements such as a dominant reader emotion and the character's biography. Plots are also covered in depth and a number of graphics are included to illustrate complex points. Another topic discusses subplots and how to utilize them and how to nest them within the main plot. A separate chapter discusses the relationship between the plot and the emotional arcs. Other topics covered are: character arcs, scene design, point-of-view, writing voice.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
Add to Goodreads

After Creating Your Story:

Book Details:

Book Title:  Self-Publish a Book in 10 Steps: And Market It by Hank Quense
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction, 88 pages
Genre: Self Help 
Publisher:  Strange Worlds Publishing
Release date:  Dec 1, 2021
Content Rating:  G 

Book Description:

Self-publishing a book is difficult.

This book simplifies it by breaking down a self-publishing and marketing project into 10 steps. This step-by-step process will get your book published and initiate the pre-launch marketing.

Hank Quense has written and self-published over twenty books, both fiction and non-fiction. He is the author of the Author Blueprint Series of books. The Series concentrates on providing valuable guidance on fiction writing, self-publishing and book marketing. Self-publish a Book in 10 Steps is Book 6 in the series.

The book details such vital tasks as developing a compelling book description, building an author platform and getting book reviews to list a few.

Learn the ten-step process that will self-publish and market your book!

Buy the Book:
Amazon
Add to Goodreads

My Review

Creating Stories concentrates on story design and storytelling, but goes further to explain than other books on writing have. The author has a very good grasp of the basics and shares with his readers well. In some parts, he even goes into the explanations with diagrams.

Not only does he cover the main points of story writing but goes more in-depth in explaining them. The author writes in such a way and explains so that a beginner can understand.

I highly recommend adding this book to your writing library and referring to it often. It's one of the best I've read.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. A positive review is not required and all opinions are my own.

Meet the Author:

Hank Quense has self-published his books for over 12 years. His non-fiction books cover fiction writing (Creating Stories), self-publishing (How to Self-publish and Market a Book, Self-publish a Book in 10 Steps), marketing (Book Marketing Fundamentals) and author business (Business Basics for Authors).

He also lectures on these subjects in schools, libraries and on webinars.

Hank recently started https://hankquense.podia.com/ The site provides solutions to pain points (problems) for fiction writers, self-publishing authors and authors who are trying to market their books.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ X ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ YouTube ~ BookBub ~ Goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

CREATING STORIES Book Tour Giveaway

Review and Blog Tour of The Resourceful Stockman by Karen Baney

 

About the Book

 

Book: The Resourceful Stockman

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Christian Western

Release Date: January 24, 2023

Gripping western romance and murder mystery set in Prescott, Arizona Territory in 1893.

Deacon Colter was happy in his job as the stockyard vet. But when his best friend asks him to work as a livestock inspector, he must confront his own obsessive-compulsive nature to support his friend. Even though he hopes for a family of his own one day, he believes that no woman will see past his quirks. Will he find a woman who can overlook his behavior to see his true heart?

Grady Thatcher waited six long years for justice for his parents’ murder. When a strange twist of fate puts him in a position to find the killers, he must decide if he will sacrifice his budding romance with one of the Harper sisters to pursue justice. Will he choose love over justice?

Lilian and Justine Harper were two sisters who moved to Prescott to escape the abusive men their father tried to pair them with. When Lilian meets Deacon Colter, she wonders if he could ever love someone with her past. Justine falls hard for Grady Thatcher. Yet she doubts if he truly loves her or if he befriended her only to get information about the men who killed his parents. Will Lilian and Justine find true happiness with the men they love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

  My Review

Set in Prescott, Arizona Territory in 1893. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town, the characters, and the amazing tale. I felt as though I was there watching each scene unfold.

Grady has a haunting past due to the unsolved murder of his parents. Deacon's family takes him in and the two become friends. They try to solve the murder together. The storyline is filled with rustlers, chases, second chances, redemption, and reunions. I loved everything about the book and look forward to reading more of the series. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona in the late 1990s, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

Visit Karen on the web at: www.karenbaney.com

 

More from Karen

What was the inspiration behind the Colter Sons Series?

 

The Colters (Will and Hannah) are the central characters from my first series, the Prescott Pioneers. For years, I have wanted to write stories about their children. I love the idea of writing many series about several generations of the same family.

 

Nothing came of the idea until I brought back a character, Joshua, from the Prescott Pioneers who fancied Hannah before she married Will. Joshua’s unrequited love led me to write a scene where he meets Hannah and Will again after eight years. To hit home the point that Hannah had everything he always wanted, I spontaneously wrote that she had five sons. Only a few sentences sparked the idea for the entire Colter Sons Series. (Joshua’s story is in Joy for Mourning, Book 2 in the Desert Manna Series).

 

Before I mapped out a series outline or developed the characters, I wrote the introductory chapters in the first person from each of the son’s point of view. Their personalities came to life, and I eventually fine-tuned that writing exercise in Chapter 1 for each of the books in the series.

 

Where does Deacon Colter fit into the series?

 

Deacon Colter is the fourth Colter Son, and his book is the fourth in the series. Since he was a very minor character earlier in the series, I refined some of his character traits. (Don’t worry, I write each book in a series to stand on its own, so you won’t miss anything.)

 

Out of all the Colter Sons, Deacon is the most socially awkward. What made Deacon special for me was that behind his looming, large exterior lies a soft heart and fierce loyalty for those who he cares about. When under stress, his obsessive-compulsive tendencies become harder to control.

 

Do you normally write a story with over two points of view? Why write the four points of view in The Resourceful Stockman?

 

Other than my very first series, The Prescott Pioneers, I usually stick with two points of view in my novels: the hero and the heroine.

 

However, earlier in the Colter Sons Series, I wrote that Deacon Colter became fast friends with Grady Thatcher, the younger brother of the woman who married Deacon’s older brother Sam (The Reluctant Cattleman, Book 1). When it came time to outline the story, I knew Grady’s story had to be told along with Deacon’s. Doing anything else would disappoint fans and leave the story feeling incomplete.

 

Grady’s quest to solve his parents’ murder provided the perfect catalyst to force the routine-loving, obsessive-compulsive Deacon outside of his comfort zone. Because he is fiercely loyalty, he risked much to help his friend.

 

Where did the idea for livestock agents come from?

 

I initially wanted to make Deacon and Grady Arizona Rangers. However, during my research, the timing and even some duties didn’t fit either of these men. I like to stay true to history. Rarely do I take creative liberty because I want readers to learn about Arizona history. Deacon and Grady’s ages put them about a decade before the Arizona Rangers formed.

 

So, I continued with my research about brand-burning and rustling. When I stumbled on an Arizona Territorial statute to create a Livestock Commission, complete with details on what the duties entailed, I had my answer. The timing and duties fit. Many livestock agents started as veterinarians or ranchers. They had the authority to hunt down the rustlers and deal with disease outbreaks. All this fit with my characters.

 

And, yes, everything in the novel about their jobs and the livestock commission’s start is true to history, except for the names of real people.

                     Blog Stops

Alena Mentink, September 28

Lakesidelivingsite, September 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 29

Texas Book-aholic, September 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 1

The Lit Lady, October 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 2

The Book Club Network, October 3

Connie’s History Classroom, October 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 5

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 6

Bizwings Book Blog, October 7

Cover Lover Book Review, October 8

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 9

Pause for Tales, October 9

For Him and My Family, October 10

Lily’s Book Reviews, October 11

                      Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package a $50 Amazon gift card, and a copy of The Resourceful Stockman!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/282a5/the-resourceful-stockman-celebration-tour-giveaway

New Release- Chisled on The Heart: A Christmas Legacy Novella Collection

 

A Christmas Legacy Novella Collection

The Gift of a Lamb by Elaine Cooper

In 1776, 14-year-old Charlotte Hawkins and her brother, 10-year-old Elias, are still grieving the death of their parents. Their parents left instructions to be sent from their home state of Virginia to live with relatives they barely know, in Connecticut. The trip was dangerous, as war raged between the Redcoats and the Americans. To make matters worse, the churches in Connecticut don’t celebrate Christmas at all. Will this be the orphans’ worst Christmas ever?

A Lasting Legacy by Cynthia Roemer

Loudoun County, Virginia, 1814. After a disabling injury sends Daniel Hawkins home from war, he struggles how to provide for his young wife, Maggie and the child she’s carrying. As Christmas approaches, he finds a sheep his grandfather carved and attempts to carve a nativity set for Maggie. When she goes into labor during a Christmas Eve blizzard, Daniel is forced to face his feelings of inadequacy. And perhaps learn that God has a plan for his life after all.

Healing within the Pieces by Candace West

Prison shackles haunt Nathaniel Hawkins upon his return home only to discover it occupied by a woman in hiding. Bad men are no strangers to Delia Evans, but the intruder who barged into the farmhouse shrinks from her. With no other refuge, they must endure each other. But have they misjudged? When the past shadows their doorstep, is a grudge worth the price of a man’s life?

The Christmas Carving by Kelly Goshorn

Wyatt Hawkins dreads Christmas. Memories from the fatal shooting of his childhood friend on Christmas Eve, 1864, has left a bitter taste in Wyatt’s mouth toward God, the holiday season, and his former fiancée, Madelyn Cunningham. As Christmas draws near, can the star he’s carving for his family’s heirloom nativity point Wyatt back to the woman he’s never forgotten and the faith he’s left behind?

https://www.amazon.com/Chiseled-Heart-Christmas-Novella-Collection-ebook/dp/B0CGZMNN2B

My Review

Chiseled on the Heart is a great read. I enjoyed all the stories in the collection.

1. The Gift of a Lamb- Elias and his sister, Charlotte move from Virginia to Connecticut after their parents die. Their Uncle Silas takes them. With the war starting between the British & the colonists, their travel was difficult. The story is about family, the effects of war, and new beginnings. The characters were enjoyable and the storyline kept me engaged. Well written and highly recommended.

2. A Lasting Legacy- Daniel Hawkins goes to war and comes back a much different man. This is a story of coming to grips with circumstances, adjusting, and family. The faith element was woven well into the storyline and the characters were well-developed. Recommended inspirational and emotional story.

3. Healing Within the Pieces- Delia and Nathaniel's story is inspiring and heartwarming. A story of fear, redemption, and faith.

4. The Christmas Carving- Wyatt and Madelyn have a troubled past. Can they work together to repair town relationships? The story is about forgiveness and second chances. The story embraces the real meaning of Christmas. Parts of the story brought tears to my eyes from the faith and God's love to care for HIS own and bring them closer to HIM.

Highly recommended.

I received an early complimentary ARC and willingly chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

New Release- A Love Revered: A Sweet Small -Town Later in Life Christian Romance by Dora Hiers

 

What was Iris Rendall thinking renting the beautiful home in Butterfly Bend for the entire summer? The enchanting little beach town might be a popular vacation spot, but her home, her life is hundreds of miles away, and she has no business idling away the summer, doing crazy things like catching crabs and kayaking and swimming in the river with the handsome Ethan Makenna when there is plenty to do at home. When Ethan introduced himself at church, she'd recognized the immediate tug of attraction and the powerful--and unwelcome!--urge to get to know him. If her ex-husband hadn't inflicted enough emotional scars to last the rest of her life, she might be interested. But, even if she was, what man would want an old and broken woman?

After his wife's unexpected passing, Ethan Makenna realizes he made a mistake selling his realty company. Most of his buddies haven't retired yet, and he has no clue how to fill the long days or the tortuous nights. He misses the purpose and identity that came from his career and the powerful love of a good and godly woman. He had his one true love, never expects to find another this late in life, but when he meets the lovely Iris, his heart whispers that there is space and time for a second chance at love.

Can Ethan convince Iris that he's nothing like her first husband? Well, maybe he is, but he's forgiven and a changed man. He longs to be the man that shows her that true love cherishes one another, it's patient and kind, and doesn't give up or go looking elsewhere. Is their faith and love strong enough to overcome Iris's wounds? Can she forgive him for his past? Or will Iris reject a love like she’s never experienced…a love revered.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CCLJPKB2

My Review

The three sisters get together again at Butterfly Bend for Beryl & Ford's wedding. Iris' past marriage and divorce leave her bitter. Trying to be happy for her sister is harder than she thought it would be. Iris can't seem to let go of the pain from the past. She meets Ford's friend, Ethan McKenna, at the wedding.

The story of Iris & Ethan's friendship is tested. Forgiveness and Redemption stop Iris & Ethan in their tracks. They both pray for the Lord's guidance.

This story is a beautifully written later-in-life and a second chance at true love. There is a lot of faith and hope prayed for. The ending of the story was beautiful and reminded me that even the broken can be used by God and made whole again.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.