LONG WAY GONE by CHARLES MARTIN

Title: Long Way GONE

Author: Charles Martin  

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson (October 4, 2016)

Pages: 320

I admit I have only read a few books by CHARLES MARTIN’S, and each time I am blown away by his amazing writing, incredible ability to create a story, the depth of emotion, and perhaps most of all by the content of the plot. 

I recently tried to figure out what it is about MR MARTIN’S writing that has me reading them at a slower pace, yet keeps me engaged until the very end. That something I discovered is pace. MR MARTIN has all the great qualities of a remarkable writer. The only thing that one could consider lacking might be the pace, and or the peaks and valleys. Yet the amazing storyline, emotion, and message holds so much weight, along with his wonderful writing, the pace seems irrelevant. 

“No matter where you go, no matter whether you succeed or fail, stand or fall, no gone is too far gone. You can always come home.”

Cooper O’Conner up and left home, leaving his father and the only life he knows behind. Yet he didn’t leave empty handed. No, he took his father’s cherished guitar and life’s savings. Sadly, it didn’t take Cooper long to lose everything. 

When Daley Cross unexpectedly shows up in Cooper’s life, he has to wonder if it’s too late to tell her the truth about his past, or if he is ready to face it himself.

What a unique telling of a prodigal son. I believe the only reason I have not read more by MR MARTIN is due to the intense plots. They will affect you right down to the very core of your being, and is life changing. MR MARTIN’S stories will remain with you long after you have read the last word. Years later and I am still affected by, WRAPPED IN RAIN.

HER GUARDIAN RANCHER by BRENDA MINTON

Title: Her Guardian Rancher (Martin's Crossing)

Author: Brenda Minton

Publisher:  Love Inspired (December 20, 2016)

Pages: 224

Too much time passes between new releases of BRENDA MINTON books. Each time I am aware of a new one coming out, I anxiously await its arrival. Needless to say, once it is out and in the stories I immediately purchase it. If I am currently reading a book, which is typically the case, I have a hard time not thinking about getting through my current read to begin MS MINTON’S book.

Daron McKay made a vow to his dying army buddy that he would watch over his wife and child. It wasn’t a surprise that he’d keep his promise. What he hadn’t anticipated was falling in love with her. 

Emma Shaw is a struggling mother. Daron McKay came into her life due to a sense of duty, mixed with guilt. If only he could set aside both, perhaps she could allow her heart to love him. 

As is true to MS MINTON’S stories, HER GUARDIAN RANCHER is well written, with three dimensional characters that you will fall in love with. It is not uncommon for me to fall in love with the hero, but MS MINTON has a way of drawing you into the heroine’s character as well. Not only the main characters, but ALL the characters. The plot is wonderful, not lacking in anything. As typical of MS MINTON’S writing, HER GUARDIAN RANCHER is peppered with original humor and great one-liners. 

A quick and easy read. Can’t wait for the next. Would love to read Lucy’s story.

OUT OF THE ASHES by SANDI ROG

Title: Out of the Ashes

Author: Sandi Rog

Publisher: Tulpen Publishing (June 6, 2015)

Pages: 302

There are a handful of things that one needs to incorporate to make a great book, and OUT OF THE ASHES by SANDI ROG certainly has a few of them. The cover is the first thing that typically catches reader’s eyes. The second the title. Both I give MS ROG five stars. Another important aspect of a great book is the ability to capture the reader immediately. Another five stars for MS ROG. OUT OF THE ASHES has one of the best beginnings I have ever read. I couldn’t stop reading, wanting to know what would happen next. 

Amelia Taylor never plans to marry. Not because she doen’t have the opportunity, but because she can’t see beyond her past family history. 

Nathaniel Ward needs a wife, but not just any wife would do. Wealth has afforded him a ray of woman to choose from, but only will do, and he means to set out to find her. 

*Please see my profile for more information on this review.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN COWBOY by TINA RADCLIFFE

Title: Rocky Mountain Cowboy (Love Inspired 

Author:  Tina Radcliffe

Publisher: Love Inspired Large Print; Large Print edition (December 20, 2016)

Pages: 288

Oklahoma Reunion by TINA RADCLIFFE is one of my favorite reads, and I will now be adding ROCKY MOUNTAIN COWBOY to the list. I was held captive from cover to cover, it’s that good. The writing and story line is amazing. I LOVE Joe Gallagher! What a great character. MS RADCLIFFE has a unique gift for pulling off a stubborn and surly cowboy that you can’t help but love. And talk about great lines. Oh my, there were many funny and unique lines.   

Joe Gallagher never expected to see the woman he loved again, and certainly not on his ranch. She may have reason to be there, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. 

Becca Anshaw Simpson doesn’t blame Joe Gallagher for being angry with her. Heck, she’s angry with herself. She’d made a mistake. A huge one. But it was time to let the past go, and head for a better future for her and her daughter. 

It goes without saying that Joe Gallagher will remain with me for some time. I'm thinking there is going to be a story about Abby. Can’t wait.

LOVE WITHOUT END, A KINGS MEADOW ROMANCE (BOOK 1) ROBIN LEE HATCHER

Title: Love Without End: A Kings Meadow Romance (Book 1)

Author: Robin Lee Hatcher

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 25, 2014)

Pages: 320

Another reviewer wrote, “THIS IS A MUST READ! But warning: You can NOT put it down!” I couldn’t agree more. This is the first book I’ve read by ROBIN LEE HATCHER. Before I completed it, I was looking up others books by her and quickly made a purchase, THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE. Involved in prison ministry, it immediately captured my attention. And guess what? I just started it and I CAN’T PU IT DOWN.

But enough about THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE, for that is a review for another day. LOVE WITHOUT END: A KINGS MEADOW ROMANCE (BOOK 1) by ROBIN LEE HATCHER is truly a must read. I have found a new favorite author in MS HATCHER. I cannot wait to devour more books by this amazing writer. If only one day I could write half as well as she.

Kimberly Welch lost her husband a few years back, and now she fears she is losing her daughter. Left in financial ruins after her husbands death, Kimberly moves in with an old friend until she can find work.

Chet Leonard lost his teenage son in a car accident, and then his wife to abandonment. Chet and his two remaining sons are getting along just fine. The last thing he needs in his life is a woman who has no intentions on staying in Kings Meadow once she finds a job in the area and lifestyle she is accustom to.

Where do I begin? MS HATCHER novel, LOVE WITHOUT END: A KINGS MEADOW ROMANCE (BOOK 1) checks off everything on my list of what makes a great story. Three dimensional characters you will fall in love with, great pace, wonderful plot, flawless writing, great beginning, middle, and end. When I read I tend to critique. You know a book is great when I forget about critiquing and immerse into the story that grabs holds and doesn’t let go.