Heart Of Gold - Robin Lee Hatcher

Robin Lee Hatcher is one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading each new release by her. This one, according to the author, did not come without personal challenges. In the course of writing this book she faced physical and emotional hurdles but persevered to finish. I, as a loyal fan of her books, appreciate her effort.

Shannon Adair and he preacher father have left their comfortable life in Virginia to go to Grand Coeur, Idaho where he has been called to pastor a church. Shannon, not at all used to this kind of lifestyle, finds it appalling and wonders how she will survive.

Matthew Dubois has taken a leave from his job as a stagecoach driver for Wells, Fargo to temporarily take a desk job in Grand Coeur, Idaho while caring for his sister, whose illness he finds out is far worse than she had led him to believe. Shannon, who cared for wounded soldiers back in Virginia, becomes her nurse, which puts her is daily contact with Matthew. Matthew however, is having trouble accepting his sisters illness and wonders how he can be a good role model for her 9 year old son.

Matthew and Shannon face obstacles and feelings they were not prepared to face and a test of both of their faiths. Is this a book with no problems? Nope! In the background of this story is a man named Joe Burkette, who while operating the local livery, and attempting to court Shannon, also has an agenda that wasn't clearly defined until the end of the book. His character seems to get lost in the story and possibly could have been better developed. But, as I said, that was a secondary story line.

I read this book in about 5 hours. It was that good. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story with intrigue, doubt, faith and a will to survive.

Chasing The Sun By Tracie Peterson

I have been a Tracie Peterson fan for a long time. I know when I pick up one of her books I won't put it down until it's finished, and this book was no different.

Strong willed Hannah Dandridge is valiantly trying to keep things going on her Texas ranch in her fathers absence while at the same time raising her young brother and sister. Not having heard from her father in a while she becomes concerned and asks his law partner, Herbert Lockhart, to find out if her father is okay. Mr. Lockhart however, has other ideas.

In comes William Barnett, the son of the former owner of the ranch back from the war. Not knowing his families ranch was given to the Dandridges he assumes he is "home". What ensues between Hannah and William and Herbert, not to mention the Indians, makes this a well rounded book full of suspense, intrigue, romance and faith.

I highly recommend this book which is Book 1 of the Land Of The Lone Star series. I cannot wait until Book 2! Ms. Peterson does not disappoint. You will be glad you picked up this book!