Welcome to Friday Reads!
You can enter to win a book due from the author: a print copy of Chasing Her Dream and a print copy of Unshakeable Unbreakable Joy (a 10-week Bible study). (US ONLY) Click To Tweet You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends October 1, 2021.) If you’re the chosen winner, I’ll contact you for your information to pass along.
About the book…
Can love for two little matchmakers unite their reluctant hearts?
Worried that Noah Williams is still the reckless bull rider she remembers, Kayla Fisher is convinced he isn’t the right person to care for their orphaned niece and nephew. Now she’s back home, determined to fight for custody. But Noah is a changed man, and he intends to prove it. When Noah and Kayla start falling for each other, could raising the children together be the perfect solution?
Chapter One
Rheanna sat staring at the Literary Sweet Spot while her car engine quietly ticked. “What if we made a mistake, Ivy?”
Her friend clutched her binder to her chest. “Adding paleo options? I know we might not get many sales among Sage Creek’s meat-eating ranchers. But I have no doubt coffee shops and naturopathic stores in Austin will be all over these things.”
“I’m not talking about your health food business.”
“Our business. We’re in this together.”
Only because Ivy had nagged and cajoled Rheanna into saying yes to the venture. And because Rheanna had lacked the courage to move her and her daughter to Sage Creek, to run a ranch of all things, by herself. Besides, Ivy had stood beside her during some really tough times. When Rheanna learned of her husband’s affair, Ivy had been a rock through that heartbreak and the subsequent divorce.
Still, Rheanna’s primary goal was to save the ranch. Everything else came second. “I’m talking about the horses. What do we know about managing stock and boarders?” Clearly not near enough, considering their stalls were over half-empty, their foal sales pathetic, and they couldn’t seem to keep reliable staff.
“That, my friend, is why we’re here.” Ivy grabbed the job posting flyers from the back seat and handed them to Rheanna. “I’m certain there’s at least one strong, capable cowboy needing work in this town. Besides, that’s why we need to pour our energy into our protein bars. Once our health food business takes off, it’ll more than compensate for all our financial concerns.” Loaded down with samples and promotional material, she got out with a grin.
Rheanna stepped out from her vehicle and into the midsummer, Texas humidity. In this heat, thinking about all the chores waiting for them back at the ranch made Ivy’s suggestion to focus more on the health food project and less on the horse business appealing.
They hurried into the busy, air-conditioned café and waited for Leslie, the new owner, to finish with a string of customers. Then, while Leslie and Ivy met back in her office, Rheanna found an empty table near a magazine rack to sip her chai latte.
She had a sinking feeling her and Ivy’s plans were way too complicated. Two women running two different businesses from the same location and using, in many ways, the same funds, often robbing one business to pay the other business’s expenses.
“Hey, little lady.” Mr. Farmer, an older man who lived ten miles outside of town, came up beside her. “Saw your flyers. You’re looking for more help?”
She sighed. “New help.”
“What kind?”
“We need a riding instructor.” Preferably one who also knew how to train foals or could supervise those who did.
“What happened with Geoffrey?”
She suppressed a snort. “He got in another bar fight and the other guy pressed charges.”
“Sure wish he’d man up soon.” He pulled a toothpick from his shirt pocket and placed it in his mouth. “If I hear of anyone horse-handy in need of a job, I’ll send them your way.”
If she had a dollar for every time someone had said that to her, she’d have enough for that stable roof repair she needed. Were all the cowboys happily employed, or had the ranch’s reputation scared everyone off? Unfortunately, she suspected the latter, a reality not helped by the fact that her great-uncle, whom she’d inherited it from, had been such a crude crab apple.
She would cut her losses and sell the place, if she and Ivy hadn’t banked everything on making this work. And Rheanna had uprooted her six-year-old daughter, an act that caused a good deal of tears. She couldn’t disrupt her world again.
The door behind her chimed, and she turned to see a much-too-familiar-looking cowboy walk in. Her pulse hiked a notch when his light brown eyes met hers.
Bearing a striking resemblance to Chris Evans, Dave Brewster stood maybe six foot three inches, and his frame, which had always been on the muscular side, had filled out considerably. A dusting of sable-colored whiskers covered his square jaw. Based on the way his eyebrows shot up when his gaze met hers, he was shocked to see her, as well.
She stood, immediately transported to her sophomore year and her cancer diagnosis. She hadn’t heard of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma before. Her mind had struggled to make sense of it all—the long battle that lay ahead, the lifetime of follow-up appointments, the ongoing risk of secondary cancers. In a moment, her entire world had shifted. Oh, how she’d longed for someone to stand beside her, someone to lean on. She’d felt so very alone.
Dave had abandoned her, with little more than a goodbye, when she’d needed him most.
“Rheanna. It’s been a spell, huh?” He wore faded jeans, a snug T-shirt and cowboy hat.
“Yeah.” She swallowed, fighting back feelings of rejection that surged as fresh as the day he’d left. “How have you been?”
He studied her for a moment, as if debating how to answer. He gave a slight shrug. “I’m hanging in there.”
“I… Are you… I thought you moved? Are you back?”
Another pause. “I’m here for the Mooney wedding.”
He and Will had stayed in touch? Her stomach soured to think he’d maintained contact with someone he’d barely considered a friend, but not her, whom he’d once claimed to care deeply for. Yet more confirmation that she’d truly meant nothing to him.
My review…
I’ve been reading Love Inspired books for years, and they never fail to delight. Slattery’s latest is no exception.
I’ve always loved horses, so I was drawn in by the abandoned horse component of this story. The characters are realistically drawn, and their struggles are relatable. The complex family dynamics may resonate with many readers. The romance between Rheanna and Dave didn’t feel rushed. I really enjoyed how everyone pulls together to care for each other. I would’ve like a bit more about the IRS inquiry. It felt like that was left hanging. While some things are a bit predictable, this story with themes of forgiveness, faith, and hope is an enjoyable read that fans of sweet romances will likely enjoy.
A favorite scene/quote:
“We learned that in VBS. That God wants us to use our hands and our mouths to be nice to each other.” (A reminder we all need from time to time!)
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
About Jennifer…
Jennifer Slattery is a writer and national speaker who has addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast and maintains devotional blogs found JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com and on Crosswalk. As the founder of Wholly Love Ministries she and her team partner with churches to facilitate events designed to help women rest in their true worth and live with maximum impact. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall dates with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband. Contact her through her website to book her for your next women’s event.
Rules for giveaway can be found here.
I love the setting and you mentioned horses–my favorite animal since ever. I enjoy that this author has such a strong faith in Jesus and I know it will shine through her work.
Danielle, this sounds like a book you’ll really enjoy. Good luck!
They sound very intriguing. Thanks.
You’re welcome, Nancy. Good luck!
It sounds like a sweet story. I like that he is caring for his niece and nephew. Thanks for the chance.
You’re welcome. Good luck, Lynn!
Winter time is always my reading time.
I agree, Allison! Perfect timing. Good luck!