There's just something special about the writing of Robin Lee Hatcher, and Cross My Heart continues the trend of spiritually uplifting stories with rich, complex characterization and emotional depth. This story of addiction, grace and redemption moves at a steady pace that allowed me to be enveloped in the rural Idaho setting and life of Ben and Ashley, as well as Andrew and Helen of generations past. Although number 2 in the series, this story easily stands alone.
Hatcher excels at crafting stories that entertain while conveying a relevancy through situations and struggles that connects with all readers in some way. Ben is a recovering alcoholic who knows the grace of God firsthand, resulting in a peace, steadiness, and certainty of purpose. Ashley has been touched by addiction through her brother and is understandably guarded, trying to âfixâ or control everything in her life by herself. The physical, emotional and spiritual connection between these two propels the storyline in a most satisfying way.
Horses make great heroes and the field of equine therapy â broken horses helping broken people â is fascinating. Ben's response to Ashley's question as to why he wanted to open an equine therapy barn simply conveys it all ⦠âThe short answer to your question is God told me that's what I'm supposed to do with the farm. Make it a place where spirits get healed and hope gets restored through the use of horses.â
Faith themes are a natural part of the story, just as they should be. The âLegacy of Faithâ series title is reflective of the overarching theme of a legacy of faith, exemplified in Andrew Henning's Bible. The story of Andrew and Helen Henning in the 1940s during World War II is continued as two sons enter into the fighting, and his sustaining faith is shared when the current possessor of his heirloom Bible feels spiritually led to pass it on to another family member.
Whether it be with animals or humans, rescue, healing, recovery, and the gaining/giving of trust is a slow process, and I appreciated how the reality of this process is conveyed. Cross My Heart is a wonderfully engaging story of forgiveness, healing, second chances, letting go of and not being defined by our past. I really can't say enough good things about this story.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Hatcher excels at crafting stories that entertain while conveying a relevancy through situations and struggles that connects with all readers in some way. Ben is a recovering alcoholic who knows the grace of God firsthand, resulting in a peace, steadiness, and certainty of purpose. Ashley has been touched by addiction through her brother and is understandably guarded, trying to âfixâ or control everything in her life by herself. The physical, emotional and spiritual connection between these two propels the storyline in a most satisfying way.
Horses make great heroes and the field of equine therapy â broken horses helping broken people â is fascinating. Ben's response to Ashley's question as to why he wanted to open an equine therapy barn simply conveys it all ⦠âThe short answer to your question is God told me that's what I'm supposed to do with the farm. Make it a place where spirits get healed and hope gets restored through the use of horses.â
Faith themes are a natural part of the story, just as they should be. The âLegacy of Faithâ series title is reflective of the overarching theme of a legacy of faith, exemplified in Andrew Henning's Bible. The story of Andrew and Helen Henning in the 1940s during World War II is continued as two sons enter into the fighting, and his sustaining faith is shared when the current possessor of his heirloom Bible feels spiritually led to pass it on to another family member.
Whether it be with animals or humans, rescue, healing, recovery, and the gaining/giving of trust is a slow process, and I appreciated how the reality of this process is conveyed. Cross My Heart is a wonderfully engaging story of forgiveness, healing, second chances, letting go of and not being defined by our past. I really can't say enough good things about this story.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
