From New York Times and USAToday bestselling romance author Jean Brashear, another emotional story set in beloved Sweetgrass Springs, Texas…
The most reviled man in Sweetgrass Springs, Tank Patton lives on the razor’s edge of control, locked down and solitary by choice, keeping himself apart the only way he knows to avoid the legacy of violence handed down from his father. When he meets a young … meets a young mother in dire straits, he gives her and her winsome children the immediate help they need, intending to give her wide berth from then on.
Chrissy Daniels desperately hopes she can make a new life for herself and her children in Sweetgrass Springs, and that means being strong and self-reliant, no more leaning on men who are losers or worse—yet she finds herself touched by the bone-deep loneliness she senses in the man everyone has warned her is a brute and not to be trusted.
Despite his intentions, Tank finds himself drawn back to Chrissy’s warmth and the sweetness of her children, yet he knows that to truly care for them means keeping his distance. Chrissy battles her long history of choosing men unwisely, yet she finds herself unable to turn away from this man she’s beginning to suspect is more decent than anyone believes—including Tank himself.
But can a man who’s never trusted anyone and a woman who’s trusted all the wrong men defy the odds and open their hearts to each other?
“Jean Brashear’s distinctive storytelling voice instantly draws in the reader. She writes with warmth and emotional truth. The depth of her understanding of human nature marks her as a writer to watch, a writer to read and a writer to enjoy.”~#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber
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I love listening to this audible. Tank and Chrissy slowly develop a sweet romance. Although, the various residents “warn” Chrissy about Tank, she sees a different side to Tank. He treats her and her children with kindness and respect. He grew up in a house of physical abuse and took beatings from his father so that he could protect his mother and little sister. Tank had some “rough edges” to his persona. During the development of Chrissy and Tanks romance, the reader is treated to a second relationship, and it’s ups & downs. This second relationship is the story of Chrissy’s sister and brother-in-law. I also enjoyed updates on Scarlett and her new family, and other familiar residents of Sweetgrass Springs.
I received a complimentary audible from the author. I have chosen to provide an honest review.
Jean Brashear has created an all time favorite series of mine. It was so great to read Tank’s story. Chrissy was perfect for him. I teared up and laughed, was frustrated and smiling wide throughout this book. Tank needed love. Chrissy’s kids were heartwarming and her sister and brother in law brought much to the story as well. I just love this town.
Eric Dove did an excellent job once again! He has such a great voice and such talent as a narrator. Definitely one of my favorites.
Audiobook Review: Texas Strong (The Gallaghers of Sweetgrass Springs #8) by Jean Brashear (Author), Eric G. Dove (Narrator)
She needed something to believe in. He gave her a reason to hope. Chrissy and Tank met at the lowest points in their lives. Both lonely, broken and trying to make a fresh start. They find strength in each other. He gives her hope. She helps him heal. In the midst of their tragic circumstances, love forces it’s way in. Can two people who don’t easily trust, find the courage to risk everything on a happily ever after kind of love? Texas Strong takes root in the soul. Brashear brings the rain, before she lets the sun shine in. Dove gives voice to heartache with a dash of courage and a ton of hope. Hanky tested, heart approved.
I listened to the audio version of this book.
The narrator of this book really makes you feel for Tank. I could pick up the anguish in Tank’s voice and his thoughts. Living with the constant fear of possibly being like his father, waiting for the other shoe to drop, being afraid to open up to anyone, feeling like you had no future, and forget about the possibility of anyone loving you. No wonder Tank was so angry.
I loved the way Tank interacted with Chrissy’s children. I could feel Tank’s pain while he struggled with feeling like he was not good enough. I thought it was really sad that for once, the community of Sweetgrass Springs was not there for Tank when he was a kid, and held things from his childhood against him as an adult.
I will admit that based on the first book where Tank had a role, I didn’t think he was redeemable or that he was sympathetic.
Not only was the story in itself good, the narration served to only enhance the story. There were updates about Ian and Scarlett, Ian’s parents, and Jackson and Veronica. There were also new additions to Sweetgrass Springs.
There was still all of the romance, family, love, loyalty, and friendship that we have come to expect from this series.
I voluntarily listened to and reviewed this audio book.
I really enjoyed the double stories in this one. And I was so glad to see Tank get his own book. I knew he couldn’t be as bad as everyone thought. Anyone who would take the beatings meant for his mother and sister couldn’t possibly be. I really enjoyed Chrissy’s children, too. And the side story of Chrissy’s sister and husband was an added bonus. Eric G. Dove does a fantastic job of narrating the Audible book.