A Horseman’s Heart + Giveaway

“A book with heart that will steal yours” North Carolina’s a long, long way from Texas, but horse trainer Kip Lorimer needs to get out of town fast, because the woman who long ago destroyed his last remnants of trust has just caught up with him—again.

Special-ed teacher Sheridan Cross has trust issues of her own, so when Kip shows up with a horse to donate to the family’s equine therapy program, she can’t help but be suspicious. A cowboy a thousand miles from home and living out of a horse trailer? What’s wrong with this picture?

When Sheridan’s mother offers Kip a job as barn manager, Sheridan decides she’d better stick close enough to keep an eye on things, never expecting she’ll soon have eyes only for the handsome cowboy. Can they trust their hearts and find true love, or will their troubled pasts come crashing down on their dreams?

My Review:

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book by Myra Johnson so when I discovered this one being released as a brand new audiobook, narrated by the author, I was auto buy all the way! And this story reminded me of exactly why I love Johnson’s storytelling. But now, she’s beguiled me with her narrating skills as well.

What a captivating listening experience, and I don’t mind saying I was a little wary of an author-narrated audio book. I’ve tried a few in the past and found the delivery to be quite monotone and unexciting. Hallelujah, that is not the case with Myra Johnson’s narration! She has a pleasant tone and injects emotion into the characters’ voices which really helped bring the story to life. Loved her pacing and the feeling I got that I was reading with someone who was enjoying the story as much as I was! 🙂

And, oh my, this story!!! Sheridan and Kip get off to a rocky start and I loved the way their relationship slowly developed between the two. They both have issues from the past and are wary for different reasons and it was very much a case of two steps forward, one step back all the way through. Just the right amount of angst, lightened by some humorous moments. Loved the depth in characterization and the way their imperfect faith saw them through. So relatable!

The equine therapy program and the overall ranch setting is so well developed. This city girl could totally visualize everything and my childhood horse fangirling self enjoyed all the equine details.

A deliciously captivating inspirational romance with the kind of heartwarming touches that add extra depth to a reader’s enjoyment.

A Steadfast Companion + Giveaway

Offering a helping hand…could give him everything he needs.

Fighting his way back from a troubled past, handyman Angus “Witt” Wittenbauer needs refuge. When do sanctuary owner Maddie McNeill needs someone to fix her kennel’s roof, it seems like the answer to his prayers, especially when he’s reunited with his long lost dog, Ranger. His growing friendship with Maddie hints at the promise of something more, but will Witt ever feel deserving of love again?

K-9 Companions

My Review:

Oh my — gobsmacked over this emotional romance that tugged at my heart and buoyed up my spirits. I got teary-eyed on page 24 and that wasn’t the only time during this read. Witt’s story is so…gah, I can’t say anything without sharing spoilers so all I will say is you’d have to have a heart of stone to not feel a connection with this hero!

And the whole idea of a dog sanctuary, where aging, ailing or ‘unadoptable’ dogs can find a fur-ever home. Well, there goes the waterworks again! But Maddie has been struggling to bounce back from some losses and the sanctuary is perilously low on funds. She needs a miracle and that might just be Witt. You’ll have to read the book to find out.

This Love Inspired features ‘older’ (than the norm, anyway) characters. Witt is fifty-one and Maddie is in her mid forties or so. I was surprised at how much depth that brought to the story because that’s a lot of life lived, mistakes made, struggles to overcome…well, it just made this romance that much richer. And the redemptive faith thread is so beautiful.

Absolutely stunning addition to the multi-authored K-9 Companions series.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Steadfast Companion, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 25, 2023. Offer open to International Readers.