Can two broken paths–and broken hearts–lead toward God’s redemption? When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have 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. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on … barn on his great-great-grandfather’s farm–and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.
They also carry the burden of past experiences that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict residing in court-ordered rehab. Holding fast to the belief that addicts can never be cured, Ashley has promised herself she will never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible–but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? Or will her brother’s mistakes and the pain of her past jeopardize her future with Ben?
Cross My Heart threads together a contemporary love story with the heartwarming tale of Ben’s great-great-grandfather, Andrew Henning–reminding us that God’s Word is timeless and that His promises are new every morning.
This sweet split-time read is a standalone novel, though it can be read as a part of the Legacy of Faith series.
Book one: Who I Am with You
Book two: Cross My Heart
Book three (coming in 2020): How Sweet It Is
Book length: approximately 79,000 words. Includes a reading group guide.
“Hatcher writes with realism and compassion about how hope and healing can grow from our deepest wounds.” –Beth K. Vogt, Christy Award-winning author
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Cross My Heart, book two in the Legacy of Faith series, is another home run by Robin Lee Hatcher. This is a highly engaging story filled with very relatable characters going through very real issues. I loved every minute spent with Ben, Ashley, Andrew, and Helen, and I am sad my time with them is over. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment of this series!
A dominant issue in this novel is addiction and how it harms not just the one addicted, but his or her loved ones too. Of the characters in Cross My Heart, I relate the most to Ashley, the older sister to an alcoholic, drug-addicted brother. In a frustrating moment, Ashley vents to the reader how strange it is to be able to love and hate someone at the same time. Ashley states, “No, hate was too strong a word. She didn’t hate Dylan. But she resented all that he had done to their mom, and she resented the way his addictions had altered her own life too. Sometimes she wished she would never have to see him again, never have to talk to him again, never have to talk about him again.” This seems really harsh and uncaring if you are lucky enough to have never dealt with a loved one suffering from an addiction. But, if you have someone close to you who was or is an addict, I bet Ashley’s sentiments resonate. They most assuredly did with me.
I don’t resent my brothers any more, but I did once upon a time. All of my brothers have addictive personalities and have run the gamut where drugs and alcohol are concerned. For a long time, they made life miserable for just about everyone they knew especially my parents. I resented them for many reasons: for wasting the lives God had blessed them with; for the fear they made me feel on a regular basis (there were a few years I believed they would not make it through their addictions); for how much they hurt my parents both emotionally and financially — a mother’s heart can only take so many midnight calls from the cops; for their narcissism and abject selfishness; for their meanness (some of the drug/alcohol combos exacerbated their ability to be downright vicious); and, most of all, because they’ve never apologized. Not one time have any of my brothers said they were sorry for their behaviors while under the influence. I’m hoping they’ve apologized to our parents, but as far as I am concerned, I’ve never heard the words, “I’m sorry.” There were many years I wanted NOTHING to do with my brothers. But I, like Ashley in Cross My Heart, learned that I had to forgive them. I had to give to God all of my feelings — my sadness, anger, disappointment, resentment, and fear. I had to let God do His work in them, and let it all go. It wasn’t easy, but I’m glad I did because now I can appreciate the men my brothers have become. Men with amazing wives, fantastic children, and very interesting jobs. They have become the brothers I knew they always could be, and I am very proud of them. Their positive changes are 100% God’s doing, and I am so grateful to Him for His good works.
Cross My Heart is a wonderful story that made me cry one minute and cheer the next. It is a lovely story about finding God through the tough times, learning to trust and let go, and forgiving others. This is a novel and series I heartily recommend.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Hatcher writes with realism and compassion about how hope and healing can grow from our deepest wounds.
This book is amazing. Why have I not found this author before? She lives in my state. The characters are well developed – both generations. This book is a history lesson on what life in the United States has been in my whole lifetime. This book is so good that I bought copies and had them sent to friends who have worked in horse and child rehabilitation.
Kathy
A Christian Special Educator and Equestrian
My Review:
Genre: Romance, fiction, Christian fiction.
My Rating: 5 stars.
My Recommendation: 16 up for mentions of drunkenness and drugs but that’s about it.
My Favorite Character/s: Hmm, Ben! Both of them to be truthful. But (the main character) Ben was such a great guy, I loved getting to see his struggles and accomplishments. He was so good to Ashley and I loved seeing him with his grandfather. I also liked that he still tried to reach people he harmed…
My Verse for Ben is Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (King James Version.) And this verse is all because of Ben’s grandparents…
Ashley was just slightly under him in place for my favorite character but only because I loved the character growth in Ben throughout the book, it was harder to see the growth in Ashley.
My Thoughts: Like the first book in this series I feel in love with the characters and loved the story, plus it had dogs and horses, what not to love? And Ben taking care of Ashley was so so so so so sweet and cute! This book was a wonderful continuance of the first with Andrew’s point of view and I look forward to reading many more of the author’s books.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review and am truly happy to provide it!
If you love horses and love stories, you’ll enjoy this winsome book. It’s a duel time novel, with part of it from WWII days, but that era informs the present story. The characters are compelling, as is the story itself, which centers on horses as rescued from abuse and horses as therapy for hurting humans.
This is an incredible duel-time novel!
I was captivated by both storylines in this book. The characters are amazingly well written and I was able to dive into their stories emotionally. I love the fact that it is a bible that connects the two time periods.
The future is the main time period. Ben and Ashley are both burdened with memories of addiction and the heartache that it leads to. They both love horses and are using that love to move on. They each need to learn how to let go of the hurt though. Their journeys intersect at many times throughout the story and I loved reading both of them. The information about equine therapy is fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about how both the horses and people can be helped.
At the beginning of the book Ben is given his great-great-grandfather, Andrew’s bible. As we move through Ben and Ashely’s story we get snippets from his life during WWII.
I’ve read a number of books set during WWII but this author has done a masterful job of expressing the emotions that surrounded this tumultuous period. She includes the feelings of parents, Jewish people living in the United States, and the young people whose lives were shaped by the war.
I absolutely loved this book and am giving it a rating of 5-stars. I highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Like any rescue person knows, you have to take things slow in order to soften the animal that needed rescuing. It takes time for them to warm up to you and not be skittish when there is a loud noise. Humans can be just as unsure when they are hurt and misused. The tenderness required when dealing with abused and hurting people, and animals, was one of the most beautiful parts of Cross My Heart.
What I think you should know:
Cross My Heart is the second book in the Legacy of Faith series however it can be read as a standalone novel. It is a time slip novel, the first story is a contemporary story, in which Ben has just inherited his grandfather’s farm. His goal is to turn into an equine therapy center. Ashley has been involved in horse rescue but does not have facilities like he does so she is happy to help him in his venture. The second story is Ben’s Great Grandfather, Andrew’s it takes place on the family farm in starting in 1939.
What you might want to know:
Ben is a recovering alcoholic and Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict, they both have scars from how what addiction has impacted in their lives.
What I enjoyed about this book:
This is a wonderful story of hope, forgiveness, overcoming your past and redemption. Ben is a wonderful example of what can happen if an alcoholic is able to overcome their past. He is a character who has had a very rough past, but is determined not to let his past overshadow his future, he also wants to help people find the freedom that he has found. Ashley is a good representation of many who have an addict as a family member, many parts of her life have been impacted by the demands of the addict. Ben’s Grandfather was a wonderful character who reminded me of my own grandfather. Robin Lee Hatcher, the author, has done a wonderful job of creating characters that are intriguing and realistic. I can’t wait for the next book in the series
Who will enjoy this book ( just to name a few):
Fans of Contemporary Fiction
Fans of Christian Fiction
Fans of Christian Romance
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
There is nothing like reading a Robin Lee Hatcher book, as when you turn the last page you feel encouraged in your faith and uplifted in your spirit. I love the time split sequences that incorporate a family Bible that has been passed down to a family member in need of it. The notes in the margins are just what is essential at that time. The difficult subjects of addictions and past mistakes are addressed in a tender and compassionate way. I was enthralled to read about equine therapy and the benefits of it as well as the behind the scenes of how it becomes a reality. Ashley and Ben are characters with depth and you will find yourself drawn into their stories and rooting for them. I found myself wiping tears in places, as it grabs your heart. Cross My Heart is book 2 in The Legacy of Faith Series and is just as engaging as book 1. You will walk away inspired and looking forward to more.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
An equine therapy startup, substance addiction, and the US’s entry into World War II all play a role in Cross My Heart, book two in Robin Lee Hatcher’s Legacy of Faith series.
On the other side of some poor choices and dark years, Ben Henning’s dream of opening an equine therapy ranch on his great-great grandfather’s ranch is coming to fruition. In need of horses for the operation, he seeks out Ashley Showalter who is best known around town for her work rescuing mustangs.
These two people, both beaten down in different ways but now paying kindness forward, find comfort in the other. Much of this book builds the connections between Ben and Ashley. With the help of Andrew Henning’s Bible, the two of them gain confidence and faith in what God intends for them.
Readers of the previous book (Who I Am With You) will appreciate the next stage in Andrew’s life. His family, his challenges and joys of as a father, his heartache, and his practice of taking it all before God resonated with me and I can’t wait to find out what’s next for the Henning family (with both Andrew and with whatever cousin we get to meet next).
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
As far as I know, Robin Lee Hatcher has never written a book I didn’t enjoy. Some have been historical while others are contemporary. A few have been rather humorous and several have probed into deep emotional and spiritual themes. The author’s latest series, “A Legacy of Faith” combines both historical and contemporary stories that feature a family Bible that has been passed down through the generations. Cross My Heart is the second book in this excellent series.
This is the story of Ashley Showalter, a young woman who rescues horses and Ben Henning, a young man whose dream is to offer equine therapy on the farm he inherited. The two of them seem to have a lot in common and find it easy to spend time together. Neither is interested in a romantic relationship due to unpleasant life experiences but as expected, they find it difficult to resist the growing attraction between them. Naturally there will be roadblocks along the way but will love and forgiveness allow them to overcome the obstacles?
Cross My Heart deals with addiction and the effects it has on both the addict and his/her family and friends. The author handled the subject realistically without judgement or condemnation and illustrated how with God’s help, renewed trust and healing of shame and guilt are possible. The contrast between Ben’s life and his great-grandfather’s life added an extra element that made the story all the more enjoyable and made the series title come to life. I highly recommend Cross My Heart as well as the previous book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Author Hatcher is one of the elite group of wordsmiths that always produces a God glorifying, uplifting, page turning novel. Always. This one was no exception. The story has been well planned and organized. The details were well researched and I learned some things about equine therapy. The duo story and time period was done flawlessly.
Christian inspiration and messages are not hidden or gingerly sprinkled, but instead given the attention they deserve. I was left feeling delighted and refreshed. This is such an encouraging tale.
Characters are unique, flawed, lovable, and realistic. The small town in Idaho was a quaint setting. Hatcher’s descriptive words brought it and the horse rescue farm to life. I felt like ai was there.
Life issues tackled are tough ones. Drug and alcohol abuse are in this novel along with recovery and healing. Forgiveness, others and oneself, helping others, redemption, salvation, trusting God, and love are all in there, too.
I highly recommend this book especially if you are a contemporary romance fan. The romance is sweet. Everything about this book is lovely. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.
Although I think horses are beautiful animals, I’ve never been a fan. I have heard of equine therapy which is a great program. I know friends who have used this particular therapy with great success. That being said it did not hinder my enjoyment from reading this book.
Both the main characters, Ashley and Ben, have a strong love of horses. Ashley takes in rescue horses and nourishes them back to health if they are not too far gone. Ben has a vision of having a equine therapy nonprofit service at his farm, given to him by his grandfather. They both have pasts to deal with and stumbling blocks along the way to their dreams. Ashley has an alcoholic brother she can’t forgive for all the trouble he’s caused, especially to their mother. Ben has a mother he’s never been close to that is trying to take the farm away from him and sell it to acquire the money for herself.
It was fulfilling to see these characters develop, especially Ashley who had never given her heart to God. As an added bonus, interspersed among the chapters was a story of another Ben, (Ben’s great great grandfather) and his family during the trying times of WWII. This was truly an enjoyable few hours for me as I was transported to Idaho and a different place and time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
One old farmhouse and the stories it can and will tell. The days of the Great Depression, the anxious times as family awaited news from the war front and now something very new.
Ben has inherited the old farm that has been in the family for many years. Equine therapy helped him learn to accept some of the poor choices he made. Could he possible transform the old farm into Harmony Barn and thus pay that help forward? Ashley has long had a love for horses, to the point where she now participates in horse rescue. This therapy has helped her work through some of the issues of her youth. Will it be possible for them both to learn to trust in the Lord and His leading in this venture?
The author has done a fabulous job of seamlessly joining the old story with the new, bringing life to the old farmhouse and giving the reader the feeling that everyone’s story just continues on. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about what is involved in equine therapy. As a horse lover myself, I can just imagine what comfort can be derived from such a gentle giant.
This ARC was received through NetGalley and CelebrateLit. These comments, impressions and opinions are my own.
Cross my heart
Ben is fixing the farm to turn into a horse therapy place. Ashley rescue horses. She helps him to get horses for his farm and project.
The story also goes back to 1944. When was during the war. This involves Ben’s great great grandfather. Who I am sure we will get to know more in later books of the series. I am looking forward to reading more.
I enjoy books that have two time periods. Past history of the family is very interesting.
Definitely a lot more to the book. The families of Ben and Ashley have a lot going on. Especially Ashley brother.
I received a advanced copy of the book from the publisher through the author and Celebrate Lit. This review is my own opinion.
A touching story
Cross My Heart is a touching story of faith and healing.
When Ben is given the ranch which has been in the family for many generations, he has a dream of using it to start an equine therapy program. This tenderhearted man had been helped through a similar program years earlier. I really loved his heart for the Lord and the sensitivity he had toward others.
Ashley was a mite prickly; which was understandable given the things she had endured. The walls she put up to protect herself actually drew me to her – I wanted her to be able to tear them down and find peace and healing from her pain!
There was a bit of family drama: Ben’s mother trying to find a way to get money out of the ranch Ben had inherited and Ashley’s brother in court-appointed rehab.
I especially enjoyed the snippets in the historical portion of the story, following Ben’s ancestors through World War II. Andrew’s faith and determination to keep trusting the Lord through all their uncertainties was so beautiful. Seeing him journal in his Bible and then later seeing Ben find the things he had written there was a great touch!
While I could tell at the beginning I was not reading the first book about this family, Cross My Heart was written in such a way that it easily stand alone. I am now, however, very curious about the things I missed in Andrew’s life and have plans to find and read Who I Am With You.
Due to the dual timeframes of the story, readers of historical and contemporary fiction will both enjoy this sweet story.
Read my review of Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Cross My Heart was fantastic. Book two in Robin’s Legacy Of Faith series, this story was a joy to read. I really liked Ben and Ashley and my favorite character was Grandpa Grant. He was adorable! I loved the fact that Ben is starting an equine therapy center and all the horse stuff in the book. I have a personal experience with a equine therapy center while working as a Para, and I can tell you it works. So to see it in a novel thrilled me! Robin weaves stories that just flow off the page and they are quick, easy reads with a ton of heart and story. I can not recommend this series enough!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I’ve been watching a TV series that focuses on horse, and deals with rescue horses as well, so I was excited to read this book. Ashley has been doing the best she can rescuing as many horses she possibly can, so when Ben Henning shows up at her small farm she was excited to meet him and find out that he is starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great-grandfather’s farm, and needs her help. This would mean not only helping more horses, but involving special children on the area and helping them as well.
Though this is a beautiful story, it sure has its ups and downs, along with it’s own secrets that neither are wanting to share. Robin Lee Hatcher creates amazing characters to tell their story, and I fell in love with the two main characters, Ashley and Ben. The two were a perfect fit, but as the story unfolds, ugly secrets surface causing more stress than they imagined. And Ben’s mom and Ashley’s brother were two family members each didn’t want the other to meet. Causing problems for bother, especially Ben because his equine therapy barn could suffer.
But as author Robin Lee Hatcher so expertly does, she weaves all of the goods and the bads and creates a beautiful heartwarming story that will stay with readers long after we finish this book. The cover is beautiful, the writing is uniquely amazing, the plot flows smoothly and it has an ending that will warm you within. The battles of addiction was dealt with in such a way that those reading Cross My Heart will know there is power over addiction to anything in your life. And I appreciate that the Christian life shows in the lives of the characters, in a subtel way. If you haven’t read anything from Ms. Hatcher, this could be a great introduction to her books. Why not give it a try, and be gifted with several hours of enjoyment and entertainment.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Robin Lee Hatcher’s second novel in her Legacy of Faith series with Cross My Heart is a wonderful time-slip novel showing the faith of a grandfather as he struggles and prays for his family during World War II mirrored against the present day story of Ben and Ashley as they work together to start a horse therapy farm. While the romance wasn’t over the top, the romance between Ben and Ashley moved slowly and patiently. I really enjoyed how Ben didn’t rush his feelings or rush throwing them onto Ashley when she was clearly ready for a relationship of any kind. Ben was a patient pursuer, just like God is to us. I really enjoyed the historical sections of the novel. But then again, I LOVE anything to do with World War II. Hatcher did a great job at showing how heroic this generation is. Overall, Cross my Heart was a lovely story. Definitely something to keep on my keeper shelf with the first book. I believe fans of Hatcher’s writing or Rachel Hauck’s stories should pick this book up.
I received a complimentary copy of Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I loved reading this wonderful story. I loved Abby and. Ben. These characters are both slightly broken and they help each other heal. I love the side story from the past and how it connects with the present. I did not want to stop reading this book and I hope there will be more on the family from the past in the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.