Favorite Christian Books

Archive for the ‘Leann Harris’ Category

About this Book:

After seeing Tessa Grant calm his storm-spooked horse, Ethan McClure is impressed. But does the new vet have what it takes to prove her mettle with Ethan’s local horse-rescue group? Ethan can’t deny her healing touch with animals…or her powerful effect on this rancher. But Tessa is busy trying to get her footing after leaving Kentucky to start over in this mountain town. When she learns a family secret that turns her world upside down, Tessa’s ready to push everyone away. Unless Ethan can help her embrace forgiveness—and forge a path to her heart along the way.

My Review

This is the third book featuring one of the McClure children and the author gives another wonderful, feel good story. Ethan McClure is a rugged cowboy with a damaged heart. When he encounters the new vet he’s does what so many people do, judge based on appearances. But he soon realizes that Tessa Grant is a force to be reckoned with.

The author did provide some surprises in this story that made it even more charming. I loved the interactions between Tessa and Doc, the senior veterinarian, who is set in his ways while Tessa wants to bring the practice into the 21st century.

There is also some drama in the story as Tessa, Ethan, and Mary deal with protecting seized horses from a local rancher who had neglected the animals.

The thing I like about this author is there is a solid spiritual aspect and it’s generally with more than one character. This story is no exception. More than one character faces his or her past and develops a deeper relationship with God.

The only complaint I have about this story is we don’t get to spend much time at the equine therapy ranch. But it’s still an enjoyable read.

Although this story has characters from the other two books it stands on it’s own.

Recommendation

I’d recommend this for anyone looking for a light, charming love story with some interesting twist. You will find that as well as a glimpse into the human heart and God’s grace in action.

Disclaimer

I did receive this book from the author, but was under no obligation other than to give my honest opinion.

More about the Author

If you would like to learn more about the author you can visit her website here.

Redemption Ranch By Leann Harris / Steeple Hill Books A former foster kid and army soldier, Tyler Lynch doesn’t trust easily. In fact, the shy mutt who never leaves his side is his sole confidant. Tyler knows what it’s like to be a child in need, so he goes to work at an equine therapy ranch. He’s instantly surprised by the way lovely volunteer Beth McClure seems to understand scared children-and stubborn cowboys. Beth’s tenderness even wins his dog’s trust. But when Tyler faces his greatest fear, it’ll take Beth’s love-and one brave boy-to open the most guarded of hearts.

Interview: Since Leann has already done my standard interview when I reviewed Second Chance Ranch  I asked her one hopefully simple question:

FCB: Leann, I loved the character Tyler and his dog.  Tell us a little more about Tyler and how you came to up with the idea of using a dog as a primary character in this story.

Leann:  Well, Holly, I was watching the Military Channel, which is where I get a lot of good story ideas, and they ran a special entitled “No Dog Left Behind”. It was about soldiers who found dogs in Iraq and brought them home. One story was about a soldier who found a pup in Iraq and kept the dog with him during his tour. He managed to send the dog to his parents and joined the dog when we got home. The dog just loved the man the way he was and the man didn’t have to explain his feelings. The dog also helped the man stay calm when he started remembering things he experienced. Another story was about an Army psychologist who found a pup and kept the dog in her tent. She encouraged the soldiers to come by and pet the dog. If they wanted to talk, she’d talk.

When I saw the special, I knew I had to do a story with a soldier who was so closed down that he could only talk to his dog. Tyler had just appeared in Second Chance Ranch, and I knew Tyler would have a dog. Dogger was an excellent judge of character. He hated Tyler’s old fiancée, who wasn’t supportive of Tyler’s feeling of sadness and guilt that he lived and his friend died.  When they came to Second Chance Ranch, Dogger made friends with Beth thus bringing Tyler and Beth together. Dogger then adopted the troubled teen Riley and guided him home. It was a fun book to write.  It also shows the healing power of animals.

FCB: Thanks Leann, it’s amazing how therapeutic animals and especially dogs can be.

Review Summary:  This is a feel good book!!!  I enjoyed the characters and the story. I found myself laughing and crying during this story.  The author returns to the Second Chance Ranch, a place where people can come and learn to ride horses and in the case of veterans they are rehabilitating from injuries.  But the healing in many cases is not just physical but emotional and spiritual. And it’s not limited to the patrons of this ranch.   This is a story of people learning to trust not only those around them but God.  I finished this book and thought “that felt good!”

Digging Deeper: This is the second book in the series, but stands independently from Second Chance Ranch.  Though, having read the first book, it was neat to see how the characters from book one have grown.  Book one featured Sophie, whose dream is to have a equine therapy center, and Zach, who lost a leg in Iraq and is struggling to adapt. His sister, Beth, drags him to Second Chance Ranch to get him the help he needs to face what has happened.

In book two, Zach’s sister, Beth, is center stage along with Tyler Lynch another veteran. Tyler has taken a job at the ranch along with the dog, Dogger, that returned with him from Iraq. Both man and dog are loners and don’t easily trust. Both Beth and Tyler carry baggage from the past but have a common goal to reach Riley, a 13 year old boy who lost his father when he was young, and just lost his brother in Iraq.

Tyler was easy for me to love.  He was hurting in so many ways.  Beth is great.  She has a love of life and the people around her. She’s not afraid to tackle tough situations with passion that overwhelms people like Tyler.  You know from the beginning they’ll end the story together, but getting them there was such a joy.

I enjoy the author’s writing style.  It’s easy to follow and makes for a quick read. She does a great job of pulling you into the story as well as painting a picture of what is happening. 

I look forward to reading more by Leann Harris.

Disclaimer: I would like thank the author for the opportunity to review this book.  I was under no obligation other than to give my honest opinion.

Give Away:  Leann has been gracious enough not only to offer one winner a copy of Redemption Ranch BUT a second winner will receive a copy of Redemption Ranch AND Second Chance Ranch.  So here’s the deal leave a comment let us know if you are a dog person or a cat person.  Be SURE to let us know which drawing you wish to be entered.  I’ll pick a winner in one week on April 25, 2012 at 9:00 PM PDT.