Bonnie K. Winn

A friend (MH) sent me this book in a box of books.

This book begs the question: "do we ever really know someone else?" Paul, Laura, and the Manning parents all viewed Jerry differently.

I liked the Russell family--once we got to know them. Paul seemed a bit off-putting at first, but as we got to know him better, I began to like him better.

I feel a bit like Laura in that all it takes for me to do something is for someone to tell me "you can't" and I'm determined to prove them wrong. She's show more pretty brave to uproot herself and her children to go learn her husband's business.

Possible trigger warnings for readers: abusive relationship, controlling relationships, death of a parent, custody battle. show less

I think the author described this story the best in the "Dear Reader" letter at the end of the book: "Wounded. A word that conjures up sympathy, empathy and pain. But to Emma Duvere and Seth McAllister, it is something that draws them together, erases barriers and sets them on a path to love. In the small town of Rosewood, Texas, the healing begins." I thought the way Emma and Seth got to know each other was endearing and well done. I would love to find a town like Rosewood and move there; I show more wonder if there is such a place these days, a small town that knows everyone and cares about everyone. Owning a costume shop was also unique, and very believable. I look forward to reading more in the "Rosewood, Texas" series.

The description of the story on the back cover of the book: "Her world shattered by tragedy, Emma Perry thought she'd never survive the murder of her husband and child, let alone regain her faith and ability to trust. But the Witness Security program took her to Rosewood, Texas, where a caring community and belief in God gave her the strength to rebuild her life. And the compassion to reach out to others - wounded souls like Seth McAllister, Emma's embittered neighbor, who was struggling with the death of his own child. Together, Seth and Emma began to open their hearts to love. But when the still-obsessed killer picked up Emma's trail, would Seth's prayers be enough to pull them through?" show less

Widow Olivia Gray’s son, Joey, has been getting into trouble at school lately, and after he’s caught stealing he gets assigned to do community service at local veterinarian Zeke Harrison’s ranch. Olivia knows that Joey could use a male influence in his life, but since the murder of her husband, Olivia doesn’t see herself in another relationship again. Things just might change, however, when she meets the handsome veterinarian.

This was a very sweet and heartwarming inspirational show more romance with a sympathetic cast of characters. I liked how Olivia and Zeke’s romance took its time to grow the more time they spent together. I liked Olivia’s son, Joey, and I enjoyed how he took to working at the ranch and his attachment to one very cute puppy. The small-town setting of Rosewood, Texas, was nice—the kind of place where everyone seems to know everyone else and they all look out for each other. I enjoyed reading about Zeke’s veterinary practice and I admired his dedication to the animals he took care of. The story took an exciting turn as wildfires drew near to Zeke’s land and the subsequent rescue efforts to save the animals and the ranch. A strong sense of community was always felt throughout the story. A nice, quick, enjoyable read. show less

A quote from the author in her "Dear Reader" letter at the end of this book: ". . . there can be no greater fear than that of losing a child. For Leah Hunter, it's a loss she's lived with for eight long years. But when the search for her child brings her face-to-face with Matt Whitaker, it will take divine guidance to separate fear from fact - and one little boy from two people who love him with all their hearts."

I appreciated the way Leah Hunter handled herself after finding her little boy show more after eight long years of searching. And I liked the love both Leah and Matt had for little Danny and how they would each do anything for his best interest. A tender love story set in Rosewood, Texas, a town where folks still care about each other and reach out to help those who need it. show less