02/13/2017
Hatcher, award-winning author of more than 75 books, (The Shepherd’s Voice) once again takes readers on a journey of hope, patience, and love with her story of a deeply wounded woman who has no choice but to return to her childhood hometown. Brooklyn ran away and eloped at 17 with Chad to escape her abusive father. After Chad left at the first sign that she was pregnant, Brooklyn spent years scraping by, waitressing and living with her daughter, Alycia, in a run-down apartment. When Chad dies 10 years later, he leaves behind two letters: one for Brooklyn and Alycia, willing Alycia his family’s acreage, and one for his childhood best friend and next door neighbor, Derek, explaining he can’t sell the family property to Derek as they’d planned and requesting that Derek be a father figure to Alycia. Both Brooklyn and Derek must now confront changes to their expectations and hopes for the future. Derek is crushed, not only because his dream of expanding his farm is up in smoke but because proximity and Chad’s request mean he must now spend time with Brooklyn, whom he never liked. These characters, and the reader, are in for a heartwarming journey of redemption, forgiveness, and embracing the future. (Apr.)

A heart-warming story of love, acceptance, and challenge. Highly recommended.

With two strong, genuine characters that readers will feel compassion for and a heartwarming modern-day plot that inspires, Hatcher’s romance is a wonderfully satisfying read.

03/15/2017
When Brooklyn Meyer's estranged husband dies, leaving his house to their young daughter, Alycia, Brooklyn reluctantly returns to her Idaho hometown, which she fled as a 17-year-old eloping bride. Yet instead of judgement and scorn, she finds the support and help she needs to begin healing. Her new neighbor happens to be her late husband's best friend, Derek Johnson, who had disapproved of his marriage to Brooklyn. Taking the time to get to know Brooklyn changes Derek's initial opinion of her for the better, and the two form a bond that slowly develops into love. The small-town setting and supportive and caring characters create a feeling of peace and serenity. The protagonists' troubled pasts are not delved into in great detail, adding to the sense of calm that is a hallmark of the author's writing. VERDICT Hatcher's (Keeper of the Stars) tranquil tale of loss, love, and faith is the perfect inspirational read for those who favor gentle stories.