Peace in the Valley

"Two years before, Sam Stafford had dreamed the impossible dream. To have his family reunited, here, in the lush Kittitas Valley of Washington, snugged between the rising forms of the Cascade Range. He knew it wouldn't happen. He knew it couldn't happen. He'd done to much damage in his time, and there no quick fixed in sight. Then he got sick. Illness threatened his time fame and his life and for months, he couldn't imagine how he could bring his dream about. How he could fix things just so. Make things right. Now he realized he didn't have to. God fixed things. God offered chances and choices, and this time Sam chose wisely, even when he didn't much like the offerings."

As head patriarch of the Double S Ranch, Sam has made more than a few mistakes along the way to being the successful rancher that he is. Now that two of his sons have found their way back home and begun to set up their own homes on the property with weddings in the near future, Sam believes that he has little time left to right a few of those wrongs and one of them is giving back to his neighbor Lucy Carlton, a single mother raising three young kids while her ranch, home and barn are falling into disrepair. It gets even worse, when his youngest son, Trey gets into an accident running a stop sign and totaling not only Lucy's van but her home based flower business as well. Perhaps this is just the window of opportunity Sam's been praying for. Now that Trey has come home as a liver recipient for Sam's operation, he is putting his country music career on hold for now, praying that the operation is a success and allows them both a chance at a new life.

Trey isn't looking for love when he takes up his father's plea to help Lucy will fixing up the land and ranch he had sought to buy before they did, and now feels it is only right to help in any way he can. Trey on the other hand realizes that he has to tread carefully around Lucy as she is more than cautious about letting anyone seeing her as a charity case, even when it will help not only herself but her kids as well. Now that she is also allowing her former husband's sister to stay with her, Ashley at 14, will test the very limits of her patience as not only a rebellious teen but someone who needs guidance, second chances and most importantly love that lasts and is true. Can Lucy and Trey find peace in the valley or will they allow their own stubborn pride to stand in the way of true and lasting happiness?

I received Peace in the Valley by Ruth Logan Herne compliments of Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. This is the third novel in the Double Ranch Series, and I have to say I have a special place in my heart for those true cowboys whose genteel manners and kindness like Trey's makes my heart melt, I mean, "He wanted to make her smile, See her relax and laugh. Give her the gift of time, ease her work burden." who wouldn't want a man like that in her own life. Perhaps the best theme of this novel is the simple quote Lucy keeps in kitchen, "What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you took time to thank God for today?" This is such a heartwarming story of healing, lasting love, forgiveness and second chances and blessings that come in disguise as a single mother, and a charming cowboy who loves to tip his hat to her! Not only do you get romance, but also some mouth watering recipes at the end. A win-win for me and well deserving of all 5 out of 5 stars. I am just praying that this isn't the end to the series! I just not ready for it to end yet.

For more information about Peace in the Valley, Ruth Logan Herne or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Peace in the Valley by Ruth Logan Herne 

You can find Ruth Logan Herne on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Peace in the Valley, please visit Waterbrook Multnomah Publisher's website.