Book description:
She's desperate to keep her job.
He's desperate for solitude.
What is God's plan in this complicated situation?
Ruby Shepherdson has worked hard to secure her job as a reporter for The Horizon Herald. After a costly mistake, Ruby’s unforgiving boss gives her an ultimatum to either interview the handsome and reclusive Jake Lynton—or lose her job. But each time Ruby has attempted to obtain an interview, Mr. Lynton has refused. Why would anyone who has saved the lives of four people deny recognition? And why does she find herself drawn to the man?
Jake Lynton just wants to be left alone. Haunted by the past, he runs from both guilt and God by leaving home and somehow finding himself in Horizon, Idaho. His hopes of living as a recluse are foiled when a pesky, but beautiful reporter insists he allow her to interview him about a good deed gone awry. Despite Jake’s efforts, Ruby Shepherdson persists, soon endearing herself to him while somehow remaining endlessly annoying.
Jake’s story isn’t the only one Ruby seeks to publish. When rumors of ill dealings come to her attention, she sets forth to uncover the truth—truth someone does not want revealed. As danger emerges and an unanticipated enemy determines to keep Ruby silent, will Jake fit the pieces together in time to rescue her? Or will he lose the woman who has found a place in his heart?
My review:
I have come to really enjoy this author's books, and am always happy to read one. And this one did not disappoint in the least.
Ruby and Jake were both great and likable characters, but especially Jake. He blamed himself for his brother's death, and his father also blamed him. On the run from his family and filled with guilt and self loathing, he was an unkempt hermit....pointed out a couple times by Ruby. I won't give spoilers away, but there is a very emotional and poignant scene in the book that was a highlight of the book.
The plot was really good, and enjoyable...but what truly made the book for me was Jake's journey back to God and his family from a pit of guilt and despair that had turned him into a very miserable guy. Not all Christian fiction must have truths and lessons like that in them, but I enjoy it when an author weaves things like that throughout a story.
To me, Zeller's books are a bit reminiscent of Janette Oke's earlier books, but not as sedate and slow moving. Most of her books have some element of suspense with bad guys in, which always makes a story more interesting to me, and this one had that. In fact, our hero and heroine get into a tight spot at one point.
I loved the conclusion to the story...including Gus, and am looking forward to the next and final book in the series.
Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
About the author:
Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith-filled happily ever afters and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. Her books feature tender romance, steady doses of humor, and memorable characters that stay with you long after the last page.
While she has had a love for writing since childhood, Penny began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.
Today Penny is a multi-published author of over two dozen books and is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, birdwatching, reading, running, and playing volleyball.
Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers at her website at www.pennyzeller.com, her blog, www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com, and her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks where she posts faith, funnies, writing updates, and encouragement.
Book #1
