ReviewsByErin

After a season of grief and bad choices, Emma Reynolds finds herself pregnant and alone in a new city. When her 20-week ultrasound reveals that her baby boy has a birth defect incompatible with life, Emma must choose whether to continue carrying her baby or cherish the short life he will live once he is born.

Emma's Hero is the story of not only Emma but also paramedic Ben and struggling high school senior Mason. Together their lives intertwine with baby Theo's in a way that none of them expected. They're challenged to look deeper, dream bigger, and love to a greater degree.

This book really touched my heart because when I was 13 my family lost a baby to a similar birth defect. Theo's story rang with authenticity since I have experienced the same with my sister. 

I am not going to spoil the story, but I will tell you that this book is about life and hope. It is hard to read about a sick baby, but Emma's Hero offers us the chance to walk in the characters' shoes and learn about the value of life along the way. If you need spoilers before you feel comfortable reading the book, please message me and I will tell you privately. No matter the outcome, this is a book that has the potential to change lives. Maybe even yours!

What a well-done debut for Carrie Walker. I look forward to more from her!

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Melinda Brewer is at a good place in her life. She's using her passion to help senior citizens as Activities Director at an assisted living facility, she has a cute cottage she's remodeled, and her loving and supportive family couldn't be better. Why does Matt Enders think he can come in and shake things up at her job?

Matt Enders is new to the town of Ruby, but he loves the small town charm and has the enthusiasm to believe he can make a positive difference at the assisted living facility. If new programs upset Melinda Brewer so much, that's her problem, not his. 

But when these two hot-blooded people get on the same side, will magic happen? Can they bless their senior citizen friends and maybe find that the sparks that fly between them can lead to something much more beautiful than arguments?

This book will challenge you to look for ways to bless those around you and stir up your spirit to follow your heart's truest desires. I loved the Ozark setting and the good intentions of the characters, even though they often got their wires crossed.

If you loved Her Hope Discovered and His Love Revealed, don't miss this third installment to the Welcome To Ruby series.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

 


Raised with wealth and privilege, Charla Winthrop has tried to live up to her prestigious last name. She quickly found that wealth did not equal peace, nor did business success relate to personal fulfillment. Having visited the Ozarks for a developmental project and being drawn to its charm, Charla decides to make a fresh start of her life. She lands in the charming small town of Ruby, Missouri, and quickly makes friends with the local citizens.

Sam Packard lost his wife more than three years ago and has begun praying that God would send someone who could share his life and help him raise his daughters. When he meets the lovely new stranger he wonders if she could be the answer to his prayer. 

Excited to discover new passions and get to know who she is apart from the things that have controlled her in the past, Charla eagerly embraces the new things and people in her life. Is it too soon to be attracted to helpful handyman Sam and his lovable little girls? Charla must navigate her budding dreams, the expectations of herself and others, and contentious family relationships in order to find out who she is supposed to be.

I don't read a lot of contemporary romance, and while I enjoyed this story, I feel like true fans of the genre would be even more enchanted by it. I'm also not a fan of several of the tropes used within the plot, which isn't the book's fault at all. I do love small town stories, and this one was especially fun because I live in the Missouri Ozarks myself and get to experience the down home charm every day. It's a wonderful part of the country.

I'd recommend this for everyone who loves cozy contemporary romance, and I look forward to more books as Herron's Welcome To Ruby series continues.