Title: Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher
A Legacy of Faith Series Book Two
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Contemporary, Christian, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
Can two broken paths lead toward God’s redemption?
When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Both were raised by single moms. Both want to help where they see a need. And both work with horses in the Boise valley. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great-grandfather’s farm—and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.
They also carry the burden of past experiences that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict residing in court-ordered rehab. Holding fast to the belief that addicts can never be cured, Ashley has promised herself she will never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible—but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? Or will her brother’s mistakes and the pain of her past jeopardize her future with Ben?
Cross My Heart threads together a contemporary love story with the heartwarming tale of Ben’s great-great-grandfather, Andrew Henning—reminding us that God’s Word is timeless and that His promises are new every morning.
Review:
Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher is an endearing Christian romance. This second installment in the Legacy of Faith series can easily be read as a standalone. However, I highly recommend book one, Who I Am with You, as well.
Ben Hennings is a recovering alcoholic whose experiences with equine therapy have inspired him to turn his great-great-grandfather’s farm into a non-profit equine therapy center. He is relying on donations and leases to provide the horses he needs to open Harmony Barn and he is happily surprised by how many people are eager to help him. Ben’s deep faith sustains him as he maintains his sobriety and works to bring his dream to fruition. He is quite close to his grandpa Grant, but Ben’s relationship with his mother Wendy is strained. He continues to work through the steps in his recovery but his efforts to make amends to his childhood friend, Craig Foster, are rebuffed time and again. After meeting Ashley Showalter, Ben enjoys their quiet friendship, but will he be able to resist his growing feelings for her?
Ashley has turned her small farm into a horse rescue but she cannot rehabilitate as many horses as she would like. She works full-time at a local store but she is hopeful she will one day be able to expand her horse rescue. Ashley is thrilled to donate two of her rehabilitated horses to Ben and she is surprised by how much she enjoys spending time with him. She is close to her mom but their reactions to her brother, Dylan’s addiction problems, are completely opposite. Ashley considers tough love to be the best approach, but her mom continues to enable him. Due to her experiences with Dylan and her former boyfriend, Ashley distances herself from romantic entanglements. But when she realizes she is beginning to fall for Ben, will Ashley take a chance on love?
Chapters from Ben’s great-great-grandfather Andrew Hennings are sprinkled amongst present day events. Andrew and his wife Helen have survived the Great Depression, but now their lives are threatened by the looming threat of Hitler and World War II. Andrew’s faith never wavers as his oldest son Ben joins The United States Army Air Forces as a combat pilot. His comments and observations on various passages of scripture are powerful messages to Ben who is now in possession of Andrew’s bible.
With an exquisite undercurrent of faith, a realistic storyline and genuine characters, Cross My Heart is a marvelous Christian romance. Ashley’s reaction when she learns about Ben’s alcoholism is understandable and she finds unexpected comfort through her growing relationship with God. Ben is an incredibly likable character whose deep faith sustains him on his life’s journey. Andrew’s story continues to reverberate throughout the generations as his Bible makes its way to his descendants who need it most. Robin Lee Hatcher easily engages readers with her realistic storylines and thought-provoking incorporation of Scripture into everyday life. This latest addition to the Legacy of Faith series is a wonderful story of grace, love and redemption. Highly recommend to fans of Christian fiction.
