Discover this heartfelt romance by Jill Lynn, part of the uplifting Colorado Grooms series. She’s their first priority… Could a shared love for little Honor unite their reluctant hearts? Nothing will stop Ryker Hayes from giving his neglected five-year-old niece the stable home he never had. But to gain custody, he must move to Colorado…and prove to Honor’s wary foster mother, Charlie … mother, Charlie Brightwood, he’s more than just responsible. As his visits with Honor and Charlie begin to feel more like family time, might Charlie become another reason to stick around for good?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness, and hope.
Colorado Grooms:
Book 1: The Rancher’s Surprise Daughter
Book 2: The Rancher’s Unexpected Baby
Book 3: The Bull Rider’s Secret
Book 4: Her Hidden Hope
Book 5: Raising Honor
more
I’ve looked forward to reading Raising Honor by Jill Lynn since being introduced to Charlie Brightwood in Her Hidden Hope. In Raising Honor, Charlie, a straightforward, single, car mechanic, has decided to become a foster mom. Her first placement is a little girl named Honor.
Honor’s uncle, her mother’s half-brother, doesn’t know his sister has drug trouble, but as soon as he learns Honor has been taken from her mother due to neglect, Ryker Hayes leaves everything behind in order to rescue his niece. Only, once he arrives in town and sees Honor, he loses his control and has a nasty confrontation with the woman he learns is Honor’s foster mom.
After such a beginning, watching the story unfold made me love it. Charlie is one of my favorite female characters. She’s so real and relatable. She is also a wonderful foster mother to Honor, wishing only the best for her temporary charge. Ryker has a lot to prove after his outburst at the beginning of the story, but the outburst comes from a place of love and the desire to protect his niece, and perhaps a bit of self-incrimination for not noticing his sister’s addiction before things reached the point of removing Honor from her home.
Despite the challenging topics of foster care, abuse, and family troubles, Raising Honor stays buoyant thanks to sweet little Honor and the positive attitudes of the adults in her life. And the attraction bouncing between Charlie and Ryker is more in the background as they focus on the girl that brought them together. It’s a wonderful blend of real and sweet and I enjoyed it immensely.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
My first Jill Lynn book, this is a sweet story about a caring foster mom and the uncle of her first foster child.
Charlie isn’t your typical heroine (a mechanic with short hair), and Ryker isn’t the typical hero (interested in getting custody of his niece, not pursuing the girl). Their rough first meeting evenutally turns into friendship which turns into something more. Their mutual love for Honor brings them together, but it’s their attraction that keeps them together.
Overall, a fun, sweet story. Personally, I would have liked to see more of Kaia (Honor’s mom) on the page. When she comes back, it’s a BIG deal, but it’s sort of rushed through. I understand that LI books are restricted by word count, but it would have been nice to see a bit more of that part of the story developed.
Rated G/PG.
RAISING HONOR by Jill Lynn is the fabulous, heart-tugging story of Honor Sloan Delaney as her foster Mom, Charlie Brightwood, and her uncle, Ryker Hayes, try to do what’s best for this precious 5 year old.
Charlie had always dreamed of doing the typical family events – meeting someone, getting married and then having a family. However, those dreams have always alluded her. At 30, the pull to motherhood led her to investigate the foster care system and eventually to Honor. It doesn’t take long for Charlie to fall in love with and to feel protective of this precious, shy, and reluctant to talk child.
Honor’s mother had lost her job, turned to meth and ended up abandoned Honor. Her brother and Honor’s uncle, living in another state, was unaware of their situation. Once he found out, he drove straight through to find his niece and to try to get her out of the foster care system and to care for her. After all, he is family and kids are always better with family – right? Exhausted and upset and feeling helpless, his first meeting with Charlie was a disaster. He found them unexpectedly in a park and acted like a madman startling Charlie.
Can Charlie’s heart fall deeply in love with a child and then give it back to its Mom or other relative and survive? Can she keep “what’s best for the child” foremost in her mind? Can Ryker prove to Charlie and the courts that he’s not the man he first portrayed himself to be on that first meeting in the park? What does he have to offer Honor, since he moved unexpectedly with no job or income and no home? Can he achieve all the steps required to gain custody of his niece? Along the way can Charlie and Ryker find out they have more in common than the best interest for Honor? Will their mutual love for Honor be a strong enough building block to build a relationship on? Can Ryker get past having been told he was unworthy repeatedly as a child in order to feel he deserves a future? Is it possible for Charlie to have that family she’s always dreamed of?
In RAISING HONOR, Jill Lynn writes an amazing story that will not only pull on your heart strings, but will have you falling in love with this odd mixture of people that eventually fit together like the pieces of a wonderful puzzle. She guides her characters to putting the jagged edges of their individual lives together blending them into one fabulous family picture. Along the way she has you feeling all your emotions – sadness, anger, frustrations, hope, laughter and love. The thread of faith is inspiring and uplifting. I most definitely recommend RAISING HONOR to everyone that loves an amazing story that will have you believing in a happily ever after even when it seem impossible. I give it 5+ stars and will looking for more books by this author!
What a sweet story!
I loved how the hero and heroine complemented each other so well. Neither were perfect but instead helped draw out and lift up the other. Their interactions with Honor, Charlie’s foster child and Ryker’s niece, were humorous and tender. I’m a fan of this author’s gift with words, humor, and the way she makes her characters so realistic and likeable.
I’m excited to read the next book in the Colorado Grooms series!
Each book in Jill Lynn’s Colorado Grooms series has been such a treat to read. I love the setting in small-town Colorado, and the characters are so endearing and realistic. Raising Honor is the fifth book in the series and is just as charming and delightful as the others. Charlie Brightwood is a spunky, capable heroine who has just started fostering children with Honor being her first placement. Ryker Hayes stole my heart as the loving uncle who dropped everything to move to Colorado and give his niece a stable home. Honor steals the show as the adorable niece who has been neglected by her mother, Ryker’s sister.
While it’s not hard to guess the ending to the story, there are enough unexpected twists and turns that it kept my interest throughout the tale. I loved the growth that the characters made, although they both had baggage from the past to overcome. This is a wonderful addition to a great series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
If that book cover doesn’t melt your heart, little Honor and her situation will.
Charlie is strong, independent, and business savvy, but she also dreams of motherhood. And that dream is what leads her to foster care. When she is entrusted with Honor, her heart is on display for this little girl. She’s willing to do difficult things if it means bringing Honor even a moment of happiness.
And the hardest thing Charlie must do is share Honor with her uncle. Ryker explodes into town, not leaving a very favorable first impression, and must prove he’s a good man to care for his niece.
Jill Lynn takes readers through the roller coaster of emotions foster parents must go through. From the joy of caring for a child and celebrating the small victories to the heartbreak of them returning to family. While the romance between Charlie and Ryker is fraught with questions, uncertainty and moves fast, it also is believable.
In the end, it’s Honor who steals the show, but the entire book is a wonderful read.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Charlie Brightwell is an unusual woman who I admired greatly! Charlie has not only followed a non-traditional career as an auto mechanic but has become a single foster mother! Honor has barely arrived at Charlie’s home when her uncle Ryker shows up, makes a scene and begins paperwork to gain custody of Honor! It turns out Ryker and Charlie both want what is best for Honor but can they work out their differences. Raising Honor gives you a look at the sometimes difficult decisions Social Services must make. I recommend Raising Honor to others. I received an advance e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this book!
I liked Charlie in the previous book in this series and was thrilled that she got her own story! Charlie is a female mechanic and a good businesswoman, however she longs to be a mother and after turning 30 she wasn’t sure she’d get married. She feels that God has lead her to fostering and Honor is her first foster child. I thought the single mom aspect was realistic and well-written.
Ryker burst on the scene in a dramatic way, but I appreciated how he and Charlie quickly became a team for Honor’s sake. It seemed realistic that they could develop a relationship given their relationship with Honor.
Honor pulled me in right from the start. I loved the scene where she wanted to sign up for a school play and the resolution to that. I enjoyed watching her blossom throughout the story.
This is the fifth book in the Colorado Grooms series, however it can easily be read as a stand alone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you are looking for a story that shares the heart of love that is the fostering of a child, Raising Honor is a very good choice. The author was able to share what Charlie grappled with as she gave her heart to taking care of Honor. She hoped she was doing enough to help her, and worked hard to make sure she felt secure, yet Charlie knew that the goal was placing Honor with family, if possible.
Ryker, Honor’s uncle, was such an intriguing character. He carried the weight of his turbulent childhood with him even as an adult. He battled feelings of unworthiness that came from a verbally abusive background, yet he knew that God saw him as worthy. I liked that both Ryker and Charlie were not perfect. Although they both had Honor’s best interests at heart, there were times that they messed up or read a situation wrong. It made them feel very real to me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I was so excited to read Jill Lynn’s latest book Raising Honor which is part of her Colorado Grooms series. Jill Lynn never disappoints. This sweet story involves Charlie,our heroine, Rykar, our hero and a sweet foster child named Honor. The story has fabulous characters who are interesting and real which made them so endearing. I was rooting for both Rykar and Charlie and loved watching their lives unfold.
As someone who is an adoptive mom and also has siblings through adoption, I am very critical when I read a story about foster parenting or adoption. I felt like Jill did a tremendous job being true to the process, reflecting fostering in a positive yet realistic way, and she was respectful to all who were involved. (foster parents, birth parents, relatives, case workers, and the children ) It was a pleasure to read such a well written and realistic story.
I highly recommend Raising Honor and believe you will be glad that you read it.
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review.
I am so happy to have gotten to know Charlie Brightwood better in this novel! She appears in previous Colorado Grooms Series books and so when I saw she was the main character for this story, I was delighted. And Jill Lynn once again did not disappoint. THE ENDING THOUGH! It has to be one of my most favorite endings of all time! I was cheering so hard, my family thought I had lost it. No spoilers though, so you’ll have to go read this delightful book yourself. It is full of tender moments, gut-wrenching raw pain, and shining moments of grace with a healthy dash of humor. As Charlie and Ryker navigate their way through fostering the most adorable, Honor, the reader is taken on the roller coaster journey along with them. At a time when the world if full of crazy, Raising Honor was a breath of fresh air. Another winner!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher. My opinion is my own.
I loved this 5th book in the Colorado Grooms series. Charlie has been one of my all-time favorite characters, and I loved getting to see her story. Also—that ending!! I won’t spoil it, but it was also one of my all-time favorite endings. Charlie and Ryker’s story reminds us that God can help us overcome a tough childhood and other painful experiences—and any bad first impressions. And God can meet our heart’s desires, sometimes in ways we didn’t expect.
Beautiful characters that melted my heart. This is such a beautiful story that hugs your heart. The ups and downs of life especially the past reflected on the characters. The author does a fabulous job of bringing out the hurts that reflects in the characters personalities. This book had my emotions in my throat at the healing and love that comes about with hard work and relationships with others. A mesmerizing book that pulls you in and holds you captive until the last page!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
This is a great read about family and fostering children in need. This is Ryker and Charlie’s story. Charlie is a first time foster mom. Ryker is an uncle looking for his niece. Through an unfortunate mishap, he must prove he is capable of providing a good home for his niece. Ryker isn’t good with relationships, and neither is Charlie. They are both trying to provide a stable environment for a five year old, who’s behind in school, and dealing with abandonment from her mother. Sprinkle in extra homework, a school play with lots of lines, and two people who only want the best for her and you have Raising Honor. This is an awesome book about the most important things in life, children.
This was a very sweet, heartwarming story! I read it in one night because it was easy reading with great characters and intriguing story line.
Charlie was a great character-strong, patient, full of love, willing to fight to protect a child who was practically a stranger. I liked reading about her journey with becoming a foster parent, which obviously had joys and struggles, especially when Uncle Ryker comes to town.
Faith based story which included elements of neglect, abuse, foster care, addictions-all very real struggles people face today. The story and characters were realistic and relatable which drew me in and kept my interest. I liked reading how the horses helped Honor open up and start healing. I know animals can be a great healing tool and therapy for others!
I really enjoyed reading this sweet story and highly recommend. I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
I have loved each and every one of Jill Lynn’s books, Raising Honor included! I was so intrigued by Charlie, whom we were introduced to in a previous Colorado Grooms story, so I was hoping she would have her own story. I am so glad she did because this is probably my favorite of the series.
Charlie is a mechanic and she is also the foster mother to 5 year old Honor, who is the niece of Ryker. Ryker comes from Texas to Colorado to try and gain custody of Honor. I loved how Jill handled this highly emotional situation that, if written differently, could’ve made you dislike either Charlie or Ryker. Instead, all the reader feels is empathy for both of them as well as Honor. Charlie and Ryker are both wonderful giving people. They worked together and were both selfless in this tense situation. It was a pleasure to read their story.
The biggest thing I took away from this story was the power of words and how they can have such an impact on a person’s self worth either for the good or the bad.
Don’t miss this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I couldn’t put this book down. These characters grabbed ahold of my imagination and my heart and I just couldn’t possibly walk away. 5-year old Honor completely stole my heart. I wanted to reach inside the book and give her a big hug and then snuggle in for an epic story time.
I spent 5 years working in foster care. These children are near and dear to my heart. Author Jill Lynn did a fantastic job pulling the reader right into the heart of these children and families.
Ryker Hayes and Charlie Brightwood each have their own painful history, and like most of us that history effects the decisions they make. Learning to identify what that is and to rise above it knowing the truth of who they are is a testament to each of us. A reminder that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by our loving creator.
I enjoyed my time with these wonderful characters and look forward to reading more from Jill Lynn in the future.
(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.)
‘Why would someone else believe in him when he couldn’t believe in himself?’
A woman who wants a child so badly she becomes a foster mom and a man who’s been put down so much, he can’t believe in himself a bit. Charlie Brightwood doesn’t believe in herself enough to believe a man would want to marry her. So she takes in a 5 year old girl to foster. Then Honor’s uncle shows up wanting custody when he finds out his sister is in rehab. Can Charlie and Ryker work together to give this little girl a stable environment? And might they just work things out and make a couple? Both have serious issues from their pasts and it’s going to be a difficult road. If not impossible.
I’ve enjoyed Jill Lynn’s series so much and this one just touched my heart a lot. She has created such wonderful characters and deep emotions. I recommend this one very much.
*My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. The review is my own opinion.
Raising Honor
By: Jill Lynn
A heartwarming story about a young five year old girl who is put into foster care. The author did a great job on this one. I love the story and the characters, both were well written. The young girl , Honor, is Ryker’s niece and Charlie is Honor’s foster parent. I like both of them. I think either one would be a good parent. I could not read fast enough to see what was going to happen next. The author captures you at the start and you are hooked.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.