THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE by ROBIN LEE HATCHER

Title: The Shepherd’s Voice

Author: Robin Lee Hatcher

Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1st edition (July 18, 2000)

Pages: 384

This is the second book I’ve read by ROBIN LEE HATCHER in less than a few weeks. When I was just halfway through the first, I ordered THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE. Just after finishing THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE, I began reading TROUBLE IN PARADISE. You might say I’ve become an instant fan of MS HATCHER’S.

As a writer I tend to edit stories as I read. When I don’t, it says a lot about the author. That there work – in my eyes – has all that is needed for a great story. A wonderful plot, perfect pace, amazing character with a faultless beginning, middle and end.

Being a leader in the prison ministry through my church, the second I realized THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE involved a man that had been incarcerated, I had to read it. I love the whole twist on a prodigal son. Oh how I loved the hero and heroine. All the characters are so well developed. MS HATCER does an amazing job in doing the unexpected. One would certainly not call it predictable.

Gabe Talmadge spent years in prison for a crime his father was all too quick to convict him of. At his wits end, Gabe heads back to his father’s home in hopes of food, shelter and work.

Akira Macauley doesn’t hesitate to help a man she finds in desperate need of help. When it becomes clear he needs food and a place to stay, she offers him a job. Though others may find her too trusting, Akira puts her trust in God, and does as He calls her to do.

Looks like I have many more books to catch up on reading of MS HATCHER’S. 

THE BISHOP’S SON (THE AMISH OF BEE COUNTY) by KELLY IRVIN

Title: The Bishop’s Son (The Amish of Bee County) 

Author: Kelly Irvin

Publisher: Zondervan (September 29, 2015)

Pages: 368

Amazing or not I review each book I read, so I know it was in error that I somehow missed reviewing THE BISHOP’S SON (THE AMISH OF BEE COUNTY) by KELLY IRVIN. I am a HUGE fan of MS IRVIN’S in spite of the fact that I am not an Amish reading fan.

So with that said, and it having been several books that I have read since then, I can only tell you that I do recall loving it. That the writing is great, the plot excellent, and characters you will fall in love with. All common of MS IRVIN’S writing.

From the back cover:

Two men offer Leila two very different futures. Will she choose with her heart or with her faith?

Leila Lantz has been in love with Jesse Glick from the day she first saw him at his father’s store, but she can’t make sense of his intentions. One day he wants to come courting, the next he seems to be putting distance between them.

Jesse may be the bishop’s son, but his faith has been wavering of late. If he is so unsure, is it fair to give Leila false hope for a future he doubts he can provide?

Then there’s Will, Jesse’s cousin. He has been trying to keep his feelings for Leila a secret, but he also knows Jesse is wrestling with his faith. Would declaring his feelings for Leila be in her best interest or simply serving his own selfish desires?

Leila knows she can choose Will and be secure in her own future. But when her heart speaks, it’s Jesse’s name she hears. When will God make His will known to her? Could leaving everything she knows—even her own faith—be a part of God’s plan?

HER GUARDIAN RANCHER by BRENDA MINTON

Title: Her Guardian Rancher

Author: Brenda Minton

Publisher: Love Inspired (December 20, 2016)

Pages: 224

Too much time passes between new releases of BRENDA MINTON books. Each time I am aware of a new one coming out, I anxiously await its arrival. Needless to say, once it is out and in the stories I immediately purchase it. If I am currently reading a book, which is typically the case, I have a hard time not thinking about getting through my current read to begin MS MINTON’S book.

Daron McKay made a vow to his dying army buddy that he would watch over his wife and child. It wasn’t a surprise that he’d keep his promise. What he hadn’t anticipated was falling in love with her.

Emma Shaw is a struggling mother. Daron McKay came into her life due to a sense of duty, mixed with guilt. If only he could set aside both, perhaps she could allow her heart to love him.

As is true to MS MINTON’S stories, HER GUARDIAN RANCHER is well written, with three dimensional characters that you will fall in love with. It is not uncommon for me to fall in love with the hero, but MS MINTON has a way of drawing you into the heroine’s character as well. Not only the main characters, but ALL the characters. The plot is wonderful, not lacking in anything. As typical of MS MINTON’S writing, HER GUARDIAN RANCHER is peppered with original humor and great one-liners.

A quick and easy read. Can’t wait for the next. Would love to read Lucy’s story.