Review: Love Without End by Robin Lee Hatcher

Title: Love Without End by Robin Lee Hatcher
A King’s Meadow Romance Series Book One
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Contemporary, Christian, Romance
Length: 305 pages
Book Rating: A+ & A Recommended Read

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Chet and Kimberly have both failed when it comes to love. Will they risk their hearts to love again?

Chet Leonard’s life was forever changed when his seventeen year old son died and then, soon after, his wife walked out on their family. Over two years later, all he wants to do is hold onto his horse ranch and raise his remaining sons to be honorable men.

Kimberly Welch, widowed mother of Tara, a rebellious fifteen-year-old, has reached the end of her finances and nearly the end of her rope. She and Tara come to King’s Meadow to try to piece their lives back together again. Kimberly has no intention of become involved with the residents of this remote mountain community and certainly not with any man.

When 84-year-old Anna McKenna returns to King’s Meadow and to the Leonard ranch, she becomes an agent of change and healing for the two hurting families. With her help, Kimberly and Chet’s families at last discover a love without end.

The Review:

It is a rare storyteller who can completely captivate a reader, but Robin Lee Hatcher does so with ease in her latest release, Love Without End. This incredibly well-written romance has an impeccable storyline, an outstanding cast of characters and a beautiful setting. The novel is, quite simply, a spectacular and riveting read that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys faith-based fiction.

In the beautiful mountains of Idaho, two people who have suffered terrible losses must decide if they are willing to risk their hearts again. Chet Leonard is deeply rooted to his family owned quarter horse ranch while newcomer Kimberly Welch is planning to leave as soon as she finds a job back in the city. Both have survived tragic losses and are now raising their children on their own. Chet was dealt a double blow when he lost his son, Rick, in a car accident and his wife, Marsha to divorce. He has his hands full running the ranch with the help of his two teenaged sons, Sam and Pete and a couple of ranch hands. In the aftermath of her husband’s sudden death, Kimberly discovers their lavish lifestyle has, quite literally, bankrupted her. A good friend offers Kimberly and her fifteen year old daughter Tara a place to stay while she gets back on her feet. The unexpected gift of a horse brings the two families together and love begins to bloom between Chet and Kimberly, but will their fears keep them apart?

Chet is a man of strong faith who is very committed to his family. He is a loyal friend who can always be counted on to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it. His divorce devastated him and has left him doubting whether he is husband material. So when Chet finds himself drawn to Kimberly, he is uncertain whether he should invest his heart in another relationship.

Kimberly is pretty much a big mess for much of the novel. She lets her fears rule her life and she is quick to lash out when faced with change. She clings tightly to her certainty that small town life is not for her and despite the positive changes in her life, she still plans to leave when a better opportunity comes along. Kimberly also has some trust issues that stem from her marriage and she is very reluctant to date Chet despite her growing attraction to him.

Equally intriguing is honorary grandmother Anna McKenna’s story. She, too, has a somewhat tragic past, but in spite of her hardships, she remains upbeat, positive and very young at heart. Through flashbacks, her life on the Leonard ranch comes vibrantly to life and it is fascinating watching her maintain her faith and express appreciation for all of the blessings she has received.

Love Without End is an exceptionally heartwarming novel of healing and love that is incredibly riveting. The storyline is well developed and quite compelling. The characters are multi-faceted with realistic strengths and weaknesses and true to life obstacles to overcome. Robin Lee Hatcher’s engaging writing style draws the reader into the story, which makes it very easy to become emotionally invested in the novel’s final outcome. It is a timeless romance with a gentle undercurrent of faith that fans of inspirational fiction are sure to love.