Cross My Heart – Robin Lee Hatcher – Legacy of Faith #2 – Thomas Nelson – Published 28 June 2019

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Synopsis

Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning have so much 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. Ashley runs a horse rescue operation, while Ben has started an equine therapy barn on his great-great grandfather’s farm—and both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.

But they share something else that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with ten years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother, Dylan, is an opioid addict, currently residing in court-ordered rehab. Ashley has promised herself she would never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction—because in her mind, addicts can never be fully cured. But with God, all things are possible. Will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance, or will her brother’s mistakes jeopardize her future with Ben?

My thoughts

Cross My Heart is a beautiful story. The second book in the Legacy Of Faith series, Cross My Heart follows two new main characters but also continues the historical story of the Henning family. This modern-day story is woven together by threads of the past and the history and faith of a family across multiple generations. Cross My Heart is a relaxing and restorative read.

Ben Hennings is starting a horse farm, hoping he can help others through equine therapy, just as he was once helped. When looking for horses, he is directed to Ashley Showalter, who helps rescue horses. They both have a love of horses and helping others in common. What they don’t know is that they also share a history touched by addictions, Ben personally and Ashley through her brother’s addictions. When this is revealed, Ben and Ashley must decide if their pasts and fears should determine if they have a future together.

I love the way Robin Lee Hatcher weaves together two stories, past and present. While Andrew Henning and his family face World War Two and the sacrifices of their family for their country and freedom, Ben and Ashley are starting a horse farm for equine therapy, learning more about each other, exploring a possible romance and discovering the past hurts and truths they must face if they want a future together.

I have always loved stories about equine therapy and horse rescue. It is such a powerful and wonderful thing and Robin Lee Hatcher brings it to life so well. I love both Ben and Ashley’s passion for their horses and the way they can heal and bring people together – even the two of them. The romance between them is genuine and heartfelt. They connect and yet also dig deeper to strengthen that connection.

Ashley’s faith journey is a large part of Cross My Heart. As Ben and his grandfather share and demonstrate their faith, Ashley is curious to explore further. She takes her time and makes the decision rationally, but there is no denying the joy she feels and I loved how Hatcher brings this to the page.

Overall, I really enjoyed Cross My Heart. It was utterly delightful to read and hard to put down. I look forward to continuing Andrew Henning and his family’s story of the past and the new story of two hearts coming together in the present in book three and I highly recommend books one and two.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

More information

Category: Adult fiction

Genre: Christian – Contemporary.

Themes: Horses, equine therapy, rescue animals, farms, romance, addictions, brothers, faith.

Published: 28 June 2019 by Thomas Nelson

Format: Paperback, ebook, audiobook. 320 pages.

ISBN: 9780785219309

Find it on Goodreads