This was a very different inspirational romance, and better for it. Though it won't release until October, I wanted to share my review with you so you can watch for it. First, tell me what’s not to love about that cover? Covers absolutely influence buyers. And this cover wins!
Let’s begin with the summary:
Past promises will be tested as new ones are given...
When Clayton Proffitt, foreman of the Circle Z Ranch in Texas, discovers Vanessa Grant crying in the barn late one night, he first thinks she’s gotten herself into another scrape. But when he spies the marks on her back and hears about her stepfather’s advances, Clayton knows he must spirit Vanessa away to safety.
As they make their way west, it becomes apparent that there’s something special between Vanessa and Clayton— far more significant than mere friendship or his sense of duty. Unfortunately, also heading west are Vanessa’s brother Miles and her stepfather Price Venture. Price wants Vanessa back for obvious reasons; Miles wants to earn his stepfather’s respect. Eventually, unexpected confrontations reach a harrowing conclusion. As their family begins to heal, their journey and trials they've faced helps them realize their future is in God's guiding hands.
When Clayton Proffitt, foreman of the Circle Z Ranch in Texas, discovers Vanessa Grant crying in the barn late one night, he first thinks she’s gotten herself into another scrape. But when he spies the marks on her back and hears about her stepfather’s advances, Clayton knows he must spirit Vanessa away to safety.
As they make their way west, it becomes apparent that there’s something special between Vanessa and Clayton— far more significant than mere friendship or his sense of duty. Unfortunately, also heading west are Vanessa’s brother Miles and her stepfather Price Venture. Price wants Vanessa back for obvious reasons; Miles wants to earn his stepfather’s respect. Eventually, unexpected confrontations reach a harrowing conclusion. As their family begins to heal, their journey and trials they've faced helps them realize their future is in God's guiding hands.
And now, my review:
The author’s means of naming her characters did not go unnoticed. Price Venture is the conniving antagonist, and he is rightly named.
But, let’s begin at the beginning. I was immediately hooked in the first lines and remained committed the entire story. This is the first in a series, which is very exciting. Can’t wait for the rest.
From their first scene, the hero is in kind, affectionate, protective mode with our heroine. These two have a history, which lends itself to the story in beautiful ways. Usually we have to wait through 75-90% of the story before the hero can use endearments—not here. Since they had a history, he used them right from the beginning. Loved that! The author’s method here helped us see the hero’s motives, the heroine’s safety, and their past. Well done.
There were two specific acts of violence committed around the story, but both happened off screen. One of the things that I respect about this author is she handled them tactfully, without glorifying them. She even brought her characters healing despite their hardships, an inspirational element readers will appreciate.
I will be watching closely for books two and three in this series. If you like something a little edgier, with a heavy dose of romantic tension, you’ll love this one. I did.
Highly recommended.
