A perfect match…or sworn enemies? Only time will tell at Shepherd’s Crossing. Horse breeder Isaiah Woods can’t believe his only ally in helping a neglected mare is the descendant of his family’s bitter enemy–veterinarian Charlotte Fitzgerald. Despite the feud, Charlotte risks everything to save the horse. But as she falls for Isaiah–and the orphaned niece and nephew in his care–the mare … his care–the mare isn’t the only one who needs saving.
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This is a fantastic book! Ruth Logan Herne expertly drew me into the story with the plight of Ginger, the neglected horse, then made me fall in love with the characters. All of them, but especially book-boyfriend-worthy Isaiah with his good looks and kind heart.
Char, a woman in a traditional man’s job, must earn trust in her chosen reputation, but how to do this when she has been black-balled by the veterinarian who’s been around Shepherd’s Crossing for years, still fighting a feud that has long since been put to rest? And how can she make room for Isaiah in her heart when she must be tough and show unfailing strength as she attempts to gain the trust of the ranch community.
Isaiah struggles with grief as he takes over raising his orphaned niece and nephew while running the horse breeding ranch established by he and his brother before his untimely death. The same kind heart that attracts Char’s attention won’t let Isaiah turn his back on the neglected horse that he loved as a child, despite the repercussions within his family and community.
Ruth Logan Herne has never failed to enthrall me with one of her books and Healing the Cowboy’s Heart is no exception. I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligation to post a review
‘She’d let her foolish head get filled with those silly fairy-tale dreams she never should have let herself entertain because she knew better.’
Ruth Logan Herne takes her readers back to Shepherd’s Crossing in Idaho where we have the story of horse breeder Isaiah Woods and veterinarian Charlotte Fitzgerald, two who should have been sworn enemies. Charlotte is determined to be a good vet and take care of the horses around the area, even when the long time veterinarian makes it known she is not welcome.
Herne once again proves she writes straight from the heart. There are good lessons to be learned here from this book and the characters who allow God to guide them. Well done!
*My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
When large animal vet Char shows up in town, it is rancher Isaiah’s worst nightmare and biggest blessing. This book is full of characters that will inspire you, anger you and give you hope. I love how the power of forgiveness brought characters back together. Fabulous book!
Ruth Logan Herne takes us back to Shepherd’s Crossing in Idaho for another charming story with realistic and endearing characters. Main characters, Isaiah and Charlotte, both have past hurts and scars but are trying to move on with their lives. I loved seeing them grow and progress as they interacted and strengthened their relationship. With a stellar cast of secondary characters, some from other Shepherd’s Crossing books, Herne’s book makes for a delightful read. The diversity in her books, the obvious knowledge about her subjects, and the inspirational threads add to the enjoyment. Forgiveness, faith, and hope feature prominently in the pages of this story and bring a deeper dimension to it.
The nuggets of wisdom are ones we all can use. “And that’s the thing about life. . . Dreams don’t always come true on our timeline. But that doesn’t mean they won’t. Sometimes they’re just different dreams. Ones we hadn’t hardly thought of.”
“Maybe normal isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Maybe the normal you’re searching for is an illusion. Which means maybe you’re searching for the wrong things.”
I would recommend Healing the Cowboy’s Heart to those who enjoy heartfelt contemporary stories. 4 1/2 stars rounded to 5
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
“We all make mistakes. We own them, learn from them and go on. A smart guy taught me that.”
“Feeling sorry for yourself gets you nowhere.”
Another amazing, heartfelt story from Ruth Logan Herne that brought the past to fruition with facing past hurts, thoughts and learning to accept change. Isaiah Woods and Charlotte Fitzgerald was like oil and water at times with their past. Charlotte confronted the current vet about one particular neglected horse with Isaiah and her joining forces to save the horse through their own care and vet knowledge from Charlotte. Isaiah’s family heritage was often brought to his attention by his mother’s own hidden secret of a tragedy but Isaiah wanted peace even where the Fitzgerald’s family was concerned. The beauty of relationships, forgiveness, love and God’s goodness will shine when truth is revealed.
I received a complimentary paperback copy from the author. I was under no obligation to post a review but have expressed my own sincere thoughts.
Author Ruth Logan Herne scores another blue ribbon winner with this book set in the charming Idaho town of Shepherd’s Crossing!
Where to start? With the amazing characters, including adorable kiddos? With the charming setting of a hope-infused small town? With the gentle faith-filled messages tucked inside the pages? Or with the heart-thumping romance? I loved it all!
Veterinarian Charlotte (Char) Fitzgerald has arrived in Shepherd’s Crossing to join her older sisters at Pine Ridge Ranch which they inherited from their uncle. With her new circumstances as a horse doctor with a van set up as a mobile veterinary clinic, she hopes to find the normal life she never experienced.
Native American Isaiah Woods is working hard to successfully run the Appaloosa horse breeding ranch he started with his brother. He struggles with doing the best for his recently orphaned niece and nephew and with the effects of old family secrets.
A great romance awaits the couple as they work through old rivalries and issues of trust. As they give in to their mutual attraction, they exchange a heart-racing first kiss. But hold on to your saddle! There are complications on the trail ahead for these two.
Tucked among the pages you’ll find moments of tears and joy, some thoughts on faithful living, a satisfying sweet romance, and many “just right” bits of Ruthy wisdom. I highly recommend any book by Ruth Logan Herne, and Healing the Cowboy’s Heart is another great one. You’ll close the book with a warm heart and a contented smile!
Favorite quotes:
“Because in the end, love conquers all…..We deal with the rough patches in life and we celebrate the good times.”
“Dreams don’t always come true on our timeline. But that doesn’t mean they won’t. Sometimes they’re just different dreams. Ones we hadn’t hardly thought of.”
*I was given a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m honored to express my honest opinion.
“God had given him a chance to fix an old mistake. One way or another he was going to make up as much of that error as he could.~pg 22”
Isaiah is raising his niece and nephew after the tragic death of his brother and his sister-in-law. He’s also of native American heritage breeding some of the best Appaloosa horses around. Char moves to town following her two sisters at the bequest of her uncles will and to try to save a business going under due to her late father’s foolish decisions. Already positive changes are happening and it seems business on the ranch is beginning to thrive once again. When a group of abandoned and neglected horses are found and Char insists on saving them, it opens old wounds and sheds light on family secrets. Will Isaiah have strength enough to face them head-on in order for healing to come?
Ruth Logan Herne writes some of the best family themed books around! I love the diversity she incorporates with each story. Her spiritual wisdom and practical advice come out in the form of her character Corrie, who raised the sisters after tragedy struck when they were but children. She’s the glue that binds this make-shift family together! I think she has to be my favorite character of this series.
“Did you ever wonder why when things go well, we call it coincidence, but when things go bad, folks blame God? God brought us here child. All of us. Through the generosity of your uncle, yes, but it wasn’t an accident. It was a blessing.~pg 97 & 98”
“Healing the Cowboy’s Heart” is heartwarming & emotional. Herne fills it with family drama, faith that fuels strength to the soul, a growing love to stir the heart, the binding of people who stand strong in life’s storms, and learning to lean on the Lord who holds them up. Hope for a future and beauty from ashes!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions are mine. *
Healing the Cowboy’s Heart (Shepherd’s Crossing) by Ruth Logan Herne …This is my first book by Ruth Logan Herne and it will not be the last. Thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book. This book touched my heart.. I read it in two days and only put it down to eat and sleep when I couldn’t keep my eyes open… Isaiah Woods and Charlotte “Char” Fitzgerald are both caring and dealing with their own demons… then add in J.J. and Liam (Isaiah’s brother’s orphaned children he is raising) and both their families and dogs, horses and sheep, guilt and hurt feelings from the past, laughter, tears, misunderstandings, tragedy, love and forgiveness and you get a heartwarming story of love that leads to a very HEA. I plan to go back and read more of the SHEPHERD’S CROSSING series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This was a wonderful book to read. I loved the characters and the many different references that the author provided. Isaiah and Char were two perfect imperfect characters. They blended well together. I adored Isaiah’s niece J.J. and nephew Liam a great deal. This book had a great many conflicts and the biblical references were perfect for each conflict.
I loved the dual POV format that the book was written in. Getting inside the characters’ thought process was wonderful for me. Getting to see their thoughts allowed me to identify and understand them so much better.
I highly recommend this book to anyone. This is a sweet and clean book.