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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Every time I read Ms. Hatcher’s books I read something that obviously God needs me to hear. In her latest novel, she weaves a tale of forgiveness, letting go, and letting God lead your path and way. Even when we have made poor choices, God can use our experiences to produce good that benefits others. This story continues from her previous book from the Legacy of Faith series with Andrew Henning’s life. This is a split time book. Readers start in the late 1930’s with Andrew and his family at the brink of WWI. During our current time, readers meet Ben, Andrew’s great-great-grandson. Ben has inherited the Henning farm and is wanting to transform it into an equine therapy ranch. He finds several people interested in investing and is beginning to transform the farm. He is told to contact Ashley who rescues horses. She has the contacts to help him find horses to fill the needs of his ranch. His goal is to help others. Ben has his own fears due to what he considers his failures of the past. Ashley has her own fears due to issues from her past as well. Together they instantly become friends, but can they work through their fears to discover if there is more to their relationship? This book is a fantastic read! I highly recommend this book and the previous book in the series, Who I Am with You. You can read both as stand-alone books, but you will enjoy both.
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.
Love the redemptive quality of this story. Ben Henning is a new Farmer whose dream is to start a program with horses for those who have been hit with trauma at any stage of life. Ashley Showalter is a Horse Rescuer who is helping Ben find horses for his program. As this lives intersect, they find they have a lot more in common then they thought. This book also continues the story of Andrew and Helen Henning in the 1940’s during WW2. The hardships they faced and how they dealt with someone that they loved who went off to fight are lessons we can still apply today. Powerful story and definitely excited for the next installment!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A lovely book
Great book, can’t wait for more
Faith lived out. Patience of main character.
I enjoyed every minute of this book!
I’ve been trying to figure out how to describe this book. I think the best description is unrushed.
You meet the hero and the heroine right away, then the story just sort of meanders to the end. There’s not a lot of action. There aren’t any real subplots (a few are mentioned, but nothing comes of them — they just sort of figure themselves out). It’s just Ben and Ashley slowly making their way to their happily ever after.
There’s a dual timeline with Ben’s great-great-grandfather, but I’m not really sure how it ties in with the main story; it could have been left out without taking anything away from the plot.)
The story kind of reminded me of watching an episode of the Waltons. If you enjoy that slower pace and simplified storyline, this might be the book for you.
Will she choose the pain of the past…or love…?
I’ve always read Robin Lee Hatcher’s historical romances until the A Legacy Of Faith series. I think part of the original attraction for me was that this series is set in southern Idaho and northern Idaho is a familiar landscape to me. North and south are different, but, hey, it’s still Idaho. I also wanted to give the author’s contemporary novels a chance as well.
I was so happy to discover that this series was so much deeper and went far beyond the average contemporary romance, instead dealing with tough issues like infidelity and forgiveness, and in Cross My Heart addiction and trust. The characters quickly become real as the reader is able to personally identify with their many struggles, in one way or another.
Robin Lee Hatcher has penned a beautiful story of finding your way through the hurts and messiness of life. It’s a poignant story in many places, and, believe me, Cross My Heart is a story that will not soon slip from your memory.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
This second book in “A Legacy of Faith” series touches on so many issues. We learn of the impact that addiction has on everyone. We learn how hiding secrets can be harmful to the soul. But we also learn about the benefits of equine therapy and see it in action. We also learn of the saving grace of God, and how He guides even the reluctant ones to a relationship with Him. This is a romance without all the gushy sex. It lets you feel the emotions of Ashley and Ben. The historical story of Andrew and Helen takes us through the strain and strife of WWII. And that war doesn’t always have a happy ending. This book can be read alone, but it’s more like a story that you want to keep reading. I’m glad I read “Who I Am With You” first. It lays the ground work for this book. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I reviewed the first book in this series last year, and enjoyed it a lot. This author never disappoints, so I jumped at the chance to review this second book in the Legacy of Faith series. I’ll be honest: when I read a book like this that goes back and forth between the past and present, I tend to focus on the present story more than the past one….but I did enjoy the historical one also.
The historical/past part of the book centers on ancestors of the male protagonist, Ben, in the present part of the story. The historical part is set during World War 11, and Hatcher did a great job of portraying the family and what life may have been like then.
The present focuses on the great grandson of the couple from the past. I did find the past part interesting, but Ben and Ashley’s story was even more interesting. It is a romance, but between two unlikely people. I liked both characters, but Ben was such a cool guy. Though fictional, it was encouraging to read that recovery from alcoholism is possible, especially with God’s help.
The most fascinating part of the story was the equine therapy part. Hatcher wrote about that in a way that was really interesting, and grabbed my attention at the possibilities. It is not the first time I have heard of it, but this novel dealt with it in more detail.
As with these kind of books, you know the guy will get the girl, but the story woven around that was a great read, and I appreciated the focus on recovery from something like alcoholism, and the equine therapy.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
There’s just something special about the writing of Robin Lee Hatcher, and Cross My Heart continues the trend of spiritually uplifting stories with rich, complex characterization and emotional depth. This story of addiction, grace and redemption moves at a steady pace that allowed me to be enveloped in the rural Idaho setting and life of Ben and Ashley, as well as Andrew and Helen of generations past. Although number 2 in the series, this story easily stands alone.
Hatcher excels at crafting stories that entertain while conveying a relevancy through situations and struggles that connects with all readers in some way. Ben is a recovering alcoholic who knows the grace of God firsthand, resulting in a peace, steadiness, and certainty of purpose. Ashley has been touched by addiction through her brother and is understandably guarded, trying to “fix” or control everything in her life by herself. The physical, emotional and spiritual connection between these two propels the storyline in a most satisfying way.
Horses make great heroes and the field of equine therapy – broken horses helping broken people – is fascinating. Ben’s response to Ashley’s question as to why he wanted to open an equine therapy barn simply conveys it all … “The short answer to your question is God told me that’s what I’m supposed to do with the farm. Make it a place where spirits get healed and hope gets restored through the use of horses.”
Faith themes are a natural part of the story, just as they should be. The “Legacy of Faith” series title is reflective of the overarching theme of a legacy of faith, exemplified in Andrew Henning’s Bible. The story of Andrew and Helen Henning in the 1940s during World War II is continued as two sons enter into the fighting, and his sustaining faith is shared when the current possessor of his heirloom Bible feels spiritually led to pass it on to another family member.
Whether it be with animals or humans, rescue, healing, recovery, and the gaining/giving of trust is a slow process, and I appreciated how the reality of this process is conveyed. Cross My Heart is a wonderfully engaging story of forgiveness, healing, second chances, letting go of and not being defined by our past. I really can’t say enough good things about this story.
Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This new book by Robin Lee Hatcher features a dual timeline with present day Ben Henning and his great-great grandfather Andrew Henning. As I alternated between Ben and Andrew’s stories, I was reminded that even as we face struggles and heartaches there is always the hope that our future will be better. There is mention of both alcohol and drug addiction and the ability to overcome them is explored, along with forgiveness and redemption. A Bible that belonged to Andrew Henning is a part of this faith-filled story and I love how God’s Word is shared through this family heirloom.
Horse lovers will appreciate that Ben Henning and Ashley Showalter are involved with horse rescues and an Equine therapy program and the budding romance between the two of them will definitely appeal to romance fans. Cross My Heart is an enjoyable book and I recommend it to all who like Christian themed novels.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and I have chosen to share my honest opinions in this review.
Another great book by Robin Lee Hatcher! I loved how Ben Henning turned his life around and now wants to help others through his equine therapy program! We need more young men like Ben! I don’t usually like dual time lines but the story of Ben’s great grandparents during World War II is interesting too! I recommend Cross My Heart to others. I received an advance copy of Cross My Heart from the author and Thomas Nelson. This is my honest opinion.
This is by far my favorite series by this author! A split time series with a family Bible that is the link between past and present is a terrific idea, and I love the stories that have been created.
This has a wonderful plot, a slow moving relationship, terrific characters and just a really sweet story…both of them so touching. The angst and horror of war with faith as an anchor; a sordid past with faith getting him through each day. Reading the notes written by the man who relied on his faith through the war and beyond.
This book will go on my forever shelves next to the first in the series.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
CROSS. MY HEART. Robin Hatcher
Ben had not lost the belief that God had given him the vision of a farm, the
reality of having was when. A way to help others, and to make amends for
what he did to his best friend. The name Ashley was given to him as someone who could help him. Meeting, and asking if she believed in God, which she
did. She also believed in the healing of the spirit that horses give. Was
interested in his equine project, and to see his set up, being agreeing to help.
She knew the owners and places for the different type of horses he would need As they worked together,would forgiveness and healing from the past come. To soften hearts and love, a shared goal of helping others with horses.
Beautiful story that flows with the love of God that these two share.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley
and Thomas Nelson.
I love being back with Grandpa Andrew Henning’s Bible and how he continues to touch the lives of his decedents.
The book does flash back to the time leading up to and continuing into WWII, and we are with those who are the family of the current day relatives.
The book does touch on some tough topics, and then with the help of those that have met the same challenges find healing. We put faces on these individual through the words of this author, and in the end, I wanted to go and volunteer at the ranch.
There is a little bit of sweet romance here, a scare because of greed, and a love one ending up in jail, and now I am wondering who the next recipient of God’s Word will be?
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.
What a wonderful story that captures the hearts of two people dealing with their past and trying to make a fresh start.The author does a great job of giving us characters that are easy to relate to and scriptures that fill your soul with hope. It is easy to fall in love with Ashley and Ben as they find common ground with love of horses and wanting to help hurting people. I loved the story and the message of hope and forgiveness. The story is also a time slip which gives us a glimpse into a war that took many lives. Come join the author as two generations collide on a journey to freedom and unconditional love.
I received an arc copy from the author and publisher. The review is my own opinion.
“Follow God and you will never lose your way.”
Once again after reading a Robin Lee Hatcher book I have come away feeling refreshed and renewed in faith and spiritual well being.
This book is amazing! The characters held my attention and before I knew it I had read the whole book.
This is the second book in the Legacy of Faith series. It is a time split novel and once again the family bible has a strong connection between past and present, what a wonderful idea!
Ben has forgiven himself through his faith for a reckless time period when he was younger, his ex-best friend is bitter and does not have a strong faith and can not forgive him.
Ben through his faith has turned his life around and now wants to give back to troubled and disadvantaged people through his equine program he has started on the farm he has inherited from his grandfather.
Ashley Showalter is his contact person to get the process started. She doesn’t have the room on her property to keep many horses but she rescues and rehabilitates them. After this Ben comes in and trains them for his equine program. These two tender hearts come together in partnership with the horses but can God bring them together for a lifetime partnership ?
Sweet tender romance,the words flowed beautifully in this book!
Expected publication: June 25th 2019 by Thomas Nelson
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
The story alternates between WWII time to present day with the changes to the Henning Farm and society. In current day, Ben inherits the Henning family farm that has been in his family for generations and wants to turn it into a rescue horse farm/rehab center for people struggling with addictions. He meets Ashley, who also loves and works with rescue horses, to pitch his idea about the farm and that he feels God is leading him to do that kind of work.
Both characters have their personal struggles and similarity of struggles as they try to build a future without letting the past define them. I liked reading about the progress of the Horse Farm and Ben’s goals and determination to make it work so he could help others.
“Cross my heart” is book 2 in the “Legacy of Faith” series and covers hard topics like abuse and addiction. Clean Christian romance. I enjoyed reading this story which can be read as a stand alone book.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Cross My Heart was such a touching story of triumphing over addiction, forgiving others, and moving forward.
Although it is the second book in the Legacy of Faith series, it can be read as a stand alone. Both Cross My Heart and the first book in the series, Who I Am With You, have two storylines within each book. There is the modern day plot and the historical tale, connected through a Bible that is passed down through the generations.
I enjoyed the setting of this novel, on the family farm in both storylines. The characters had a lot to deal with and work though emotionally, both in the present and in the past. I was intrigued from start to finish.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.