A new beginning could be closer than he thinks. What he wants for Christmas… may not be what he needs. After receiving an unexpected job offer in Texas, widower Tucker Rainbolt decides he and his twins need a fresh start. But moving on means leaving his best friend, Jena Harper, and their vet clinic behind. For the first time, Tucker sees Jena as more than a buddy. What if leaving isn’t the … What if leaving isn’t the answer? Maybe what he’s been missing has been right beside him the whole time…
From Harlequin Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Hearts of Oklahoma
Book 1: Finding the Road Home
Book 2: Ready to Trust
Book 3: His Holiday Prayer
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“We all fall short. All of us. We accept His forgiveness and move on. Isn’t God’s grace sufficient? He forgave you. When are you going to forgive yourself?”
How I love these Rainbolt siblings. Going back to Rebel, Oklahoma for the Christmas season in this third book of the Hearts of Oklahoma series is like going to visit my very best friend. Tina Radcliffe expands her picturesque and tightly-woven town of Rebel in this book and welcomes some newcomers (who I’m hoping to see in bigger roles in future books). All of the author’s trademark qualities shine in this book – her easy-to-read writing style, the well-paced and well-crafted plot, incredibly lovable yet broken main characters, and strong thread of forgiveness, redemption, and total reliance on God alone. If you enjoy contemporary romance, you will adore this book and the series. Though it is book 3 of the series, it can definitely be read as a stand- alone.
Tucker is a fantastic vet and single father, though clueless to his own charm and oblivious to the world that spins around him. Jena is his best friend and partner at their vet clinic who has been through some tough times as a teen. They are both grieving in their own way – Tucker for the loss of his wife and his brother and Jena for the loss of her hopes and dreams. Their friendship is genuine and fun; their slow realization of their romantic love for each other is sometimes hilarious, often complicated, always sweet. I really enjoyed being able to journey with Tucker’s older brothers Mitch and Reece as they bloom in their roles of big brother, husband, and father (and if you haven’t met them yet, you will need to go back and read books 1 and 2 in the series). I can’t wait to meet their youngest sister Kate!
I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Thank you in advance to the author, Tina Radcliffe, for providing a complimentary copy. A positive review was not required in any way, nor was it requested. All words are my own.
My goodness! There was SO much goodness in this one! This series is one of the first I’ve read of the author’s despite her previous “Big Heart Ranch” series.
This is book three (#3) in the “Hearts of Oklahoma” series, and is Tucker’s story. Tucker is one of four surviving Rainbolt siblings, one was killed in a car crash prior to the events in the first (1st) book, “Finding The Road Home”. And, although this book could be a standalone read, it is MUCH better to read these as close together (and in order) as possible.
Like the other covers – this draws the reader in with a handsome cowboy. Add in a puppy, gift, and snow? This makes for a cute Christmas read.
Even better is how absolutely gorgeous Tucker is. Definitely my kind of guy except too young – 6’ 2”; blue eyes; dark hair. An “ordinary” guy who is stubborn, annoying, and clueless. But, still good looking!
I could definitely identify with Jena and her dislike of “peopling” along with her “book boyfriends”.
I also liked that the author brought back some of the other characters from the first book, even if it was only a paragraph here or there. Reece and Mitch return in this novel though not quite as much as I would’ve liked.
This was an adorable plot, despite being a bit annoyed with Jena at times. There were times I thought she was being far too unfair to Tucker who was merely trying to do right for him and his kids.
Like the previous two – this was perfection! I just kept reading it and didn’t want it to end. I was drawn in by the “what we want vs. what we need”, something I have REALLY come to learn this year.
Right off, I should’ve known this was going to be an emotional read with the introductory bible passage Matthew 6:34 “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof”. I first heard a version of that in 1992 “do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself”. And, since that time, it has been my go-to bible quote.
Jena’s background story might be a bit triggering for some people or heart-breaking given that it is surrounded by a teen pregnancy, and she adopted the child out.
After reading that, I should’ve seen part of the story coming. And, I am sure eagle-eyed readers will too. It definitely added character and depth to the story.
It also had an interesting side story involving Jena and new hire; Dee. Despite Dee’s age – she comes with a lot of wisdom. She is looking to be on her own, and is not on good terms with her adopted father. Jena starts having an interesting feeling about her by the end of chapter three (3); it is like she almost picks up on something. Tucker certainly does and gets to the heart of it in chapter seven (7).
Due to Tucker’s news that he is leaving, Jena is desperate to save the clinic and more importantly, the rescue. She steps up and starts organizing a fund raiser to keep it going. It was good to see her step up, although she did need to accept help along the way – or needed to learn to accept the help and not just advice.
One of the fund-raiser ideas involved Tucker and a rescue animal, which leads to a funny conversation regard Tucker eating dog biscuits. I laughed far too hard at that one.
Along the way, Tucker has doubts about what he wants, as does Jena. And, it is natural given how close the two were and are. It was nice to see Tucker’s kids appreciate and love Jena just like she did for them. The romance was slow, methodical; but not drawn.
I loved the varying characters – from Dee’s youth and wisdom, to Nolie’s wisdom. Each character really added charm to this and kept it all connected. You could feel the community and family vibe going on in this one.
This was a beautiful, emotional story that was full of love. I even cried in a few places, which was about the only bad thing about the novel. Next time, please send Kleenex with the swag!
I would’ve liked a little more resolution with Dee’s character and her father, along with how she was doing following her news.
Overall, Radcliffe also did a terrific job of going into what a rescue needs. The bank manager irritated me with how he acted towards it. Sadly, there are those people in the world, but thankful for people like Jena and Tucker. And, the author brought up what could be a dream job for some – kitten cuddler. Awwww! That’s a job I wouldn’t be good at, I’d smuggle the littles home and I definitely don’t have room for them!
Since this is from Harlequin’s Love Inspired line, there will be some references to God and bible quotes. This definitely had themes of forgiveness and second chances. I also loved the reinforcement of trusting the good Lord, which is a “do or do not” situation.
Fans of the author (and genre) will LOVE this read. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series, if there is one …
And, I will definitely read her other series as soon as the TBR stack is manageable.
Hint –> there is another Rainbolt baby! You’ll have to read this book to find it though!
What a sparkling Christmas romance….a “just friends” to a perfect happily-ever-after story!
Widower and father of darling twin daughters, Tucker Rainbolt has been friends with compassionate Jena Harper for a long time. They went to college together, then partnered to establish a veterinary practice in Rebel, Oklahoma. Thinking he needs a change, Tucker decides to relocate to Texas and accept a university faculty position. However, sometimes making different plans allows us to see our current situation more clearly. With Jena and Tucker, it’s fun to watch their friendship evolve through self-awareness and tender feelings, finally realizing where their hearts truly belong.
Beyond the romance, I especially loved the realistic family dynamics. Strong bonds highlight the camaraderie of family relationships….established families, beginning families, and discovered families. The Rainbolt siblings tease and joke, but unconditional love for each other provides strength through difficult times, shared joy during celebrations, and encouragement to meet the challenges of life. I’m already anticipating the next Rainbolt book featuring sister Kate!
Author Tina Radcliffe writes with humor and touches of faith as she gives readers a warm-the-heart story, filled with Christmas delights (Jingle Paws fundraiser!) and festive treats (pumpkin roll, cherry tarts, peppermint bark, anyone?). If you want to read a feel-good holiday romance, I highly recommend His Holiday Prayer!
Favorite quotes:
“We accept His forgiveness and move on. Isn’t God’s grace sufficient? He forgave you. When are you going to forgive yourself?”
“We all need a Mrs. Stewart in our life.” 🙂
*I was given a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m pleased to offer my honest opinion.
What a way to begin the holiday season! This story touched my heart so much! Jena struggles with being in front of people and is happy just to remain in the background. She loves being a vet and enjoys her partner, Tucker Rainbolt, but he’s so “larger than life” and charming that she always just lets him take the lead with everything while she quietly is in the background, doing her job. They are best friends but when Tucker suddenly decides to take a job in Texas to move away from the memories of his hometown where his wife died (he’s a single father), Jena knows she has to “wake up” and change her life because she’ll be the face of the vet clinic now. It’s hard for her! However, neither one of them expected to suddenly realize that maybe they have feelings for each other! I loved Tucker’s twin daughters and his meddlesome brothers! This has a lot of small town sweetness and charm for the holidays and just what we need to start the season off right!
This books is third in Tina Radciffe’s ‘Hearts of Oklahoma’ series about the Rainbolt family, this time featuring the youngest son, Tucker. Tucker is a widower with twin four year old daughters and runs the town of Rebel’s only vet clinic, along with vet partner Jena harper. Tucker is leaving Oklahoma to work in Texas because he feels he needs a new environment. He hasn’t figured on his newfound, or should I say, newly realized feelings for Jena?
I love this family so much! Radcliffe has done such a great job with the Rainbolts. I want to go visit Rebel and this family, she paints the town and residents so vividly. I finished this in one day. Highly recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. I was not compensated in any way and the opinion in this review is my own.
His Holiday Prayer, the third book in Tina Radcliffe’s Hearts of Oklahoma series, is a delightful tale of best friends, second chances, and unconditional love. Tina Radcliffe is my favorite Love Inspired romance author, and His Holiday Prayer is the perfect book for this Christmas season. If you have not read any of Tina Radcliffe’s books yet, I highly recommend adding His Holiday Prayer (and the entire Hearts of Oklahoma series) to your to-be-read list! You won’t be disappointed!
Handsome cowboys and the small-town charm of Rebel, Oklahoma will draw readers into this wonderful series. I love the close-knit Rainbolt family and how they are all featured throughout each book in the series. Although the charming and handsome Reece Rainbolt will always be my favorite Rainbolt brother, Tucker Rainbolt is also a fantastic hero in his own right.
As a co-owners of Rebel Vet and Rescue, best friends Tucker Rainbolt and Jena Harper’s partnership and opportunity for romance could be in jeopardy as Tucker receives an appealing out-of-state job offer. Take a trip back to Rebel, Okahoma in this highly recommended inspirational contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.