I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
Title: Cross My Heart
Series: Legacy of Faith #2
Author: Robin Lee Hatcher
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: June 25, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Split Timeline
When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Both were raised by single moms. Both want to help where they see a need. And both work with horses in the Boise valley. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great-grandfather’s farm—and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.
They also carry the burden of past experiences that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict residing in court-ordered rehab. Holding fast to the belief that addicts can never be cured, Ashley has promised herself she will never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible—but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? Or will her brother’s mistakes and the pain of her past jeopardize her future with Ben?
Cross My Heart threads together a contemporary love story with the heartwarming tale of Ben’s great-great-grandfather, Andrew Henning—reminding us that God’s Word is timeless and that His promises are new every morning.
Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of 80 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love.
Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, the Carol Award, the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. Robin is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®.
When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.
CONNECT WITH ROBIN: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Several months ago, I was introduced to book one in the newest series from Robin Lee Hatcher, Legacy of Faith Book One: Who I Am With You. I loved how beautifully written it was, weaving stories of past and present so effortlessly. I could not wait to read more. 'Cross My Heart' is book number two in this series and so worth the wait. In fact, I think it might be even better than the first one.
If you've read 'Who I Am With You', you will be thrilled to read the second installment of this series... but while I would certainly recommend it for it's fantastic story alone, it really isn't necessary to enjoy this one. They completely stand alone perfectly as well. Unlike some novels in a series where you can read alone, but you still get this feeling that perhaps you're missing something, I didn't get that impression at all here. Jessica- the female lead in 'Who I Am With You' is cousins with the male lead in 'Cross My Heart', there are brief mentions of her of course, but much like the previous book was Ashley's story, this one was completely Ben's- not a direct continuation in the story line, but simply another story written in the same style.
And what a great story it was! These days, many if not most of us have been touched by addiction and/or alcoholism in one way or another. Perhaps through a parent, spouse, cousin, or friend. Or perhaps it is something we have dealt with ourselves and are working on recovering. It is rampant... and can be oh so devastating. I have personally seen the effects of both alcohol and drugs within my own family, and from both sides too--- those who got clean and those who sadly never got the chance to do so. For many, the nature of this book in its dealing with addiction might be a tough read for that reason, bringing up those feelings of helplessness, fear and even anger. In fact, it is these emotions we see in the female lead Ashley throughout. In that though, I feel like it is a really fair telling of the story from BOTH sides. It is easy to sit and judge the addict that made the choice to pick up their drug or drink of choice to start with, and much harder to believe that there can be forgiveness and change with God's help. Ben and Ashley's story may be fictional, but it is not unrealistic at all and I truly felt it was a story that needed to be told in this manner- without judgement.
Weaved into the pages, we also see glimpses of Ben's great-grandfather's story during the time of World War II. Through the weaving of these stories we are one again reminded- as we were in book one- that our faith doesn't just affect us here and now, but can have a lasting impact long after we are gone...a legacy to be passed on through the generations. A legacy of faith.
Overall, this was a fantastic book. I could not put it down, and loved getting another glimpse into this unique family story that Robin Lee Hatcher has created. Whether you've read the first one or not, I would highly recommend picking this one up!
(1) winner will receive Book 1 & 2 of Robin Lee Hatcher's LEGACY OF FAITH series (US only) - Who I Am With You & Cross My Heart
Copy the following phrase to claim your bonus entries for this stop:
God is Love.
Each host on the tour (excluding the launch pages) has a "timeless" verse or phrase for you to enter on the Rafflecopter form for bonus entries!
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight June 21, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on June 28, 2019. 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.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
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thanks for the chance <3
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