🏡 🥧 🚓 🐎 "Finding the Road Home" (Hearts of Oklahoma #1) (2020) 🐎 🚓 🥧 🏡 - Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Hearts of Oklahoma (Book #1)
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (February 18, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 01335488014
ISBN-13: 978-01335488015
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“Some paths need courage to follow…
Can they find their fresh start with roadblocks around every corner?
To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?”
Can they find their fresh start with roadblocks around every corner?
To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?”
Thank
you in advance to the author, Tina Radcliffe, for this WONDERFUL birthday gift.
A positive review was not required or requested, and all words are my own.
A quick
(and rather cute) story here –
I had
originally won this book as part of another author’s contest (again, no
obligation to leave a review was ever required). So, I was REALLY looking forward
to reading this when I could. I love to explore new-to-me authors, and
Radcliffe is one such one – though she won’t stay “new” now.
Then, I
won a contest of Tina Radcliffe’s – it was a 2-in-1book of reissued stories.
Since it was on or around my birthday, I thanked the author as it was
definitely a special win.
As a
bonus, she sent an autographed copy of this book. I gave the other copy to my
mother, who ended up reading hers before I could read mine.
While
it is rare for my mom and me to read the same books or even genres, my mother
had nothing but praise for this book! She loved it. She isn’t much of a
reviewer, but she was telling me I HAD to read it. And, I knew I would have to –
that’s why I wanted it.
I
decided – as I am doing a review for the second book in this series, “Ready to
Trust” – it was time to read this book.
And, I
can see why my mom raved about it. She doesn’t do that often, so it is VERY
high praise and definitely one that left an impression on her. By chapter 2, I
was solidly hooked. I was reading so fast it was hard to take notes to be honest.
As this
is the first book in the “Hearts of Oklahoma” series, it is a standalone read,
but after reading it … you’re going to want book #2, and then book #3.
The
couple on the cover are absolutely darling – and I LOVE Daisy’s red, curly
hair. I was SO jealous!
And,
speaking of the characters – right off I truly adored Daisy given everything
she was dealing with. The issue with the mouse reminded me of myself to be
quite honest. I could, like Daisy, probably be a patrol officer … bugs,
rodents, creepy things – not my deal.
This is
Mitch’s story of the series as it focuses on the Rainbolt brothers.
Mitch is the angst ridden older brother – had to raise most of his younger siblings after their mother’s death, feeling guilty over a sibling’s death, in charge of everything along with being the sheriff. Right off I LOVED his relationship with Daisy’s nieces and nephews. Both Mitch and Daisy were so realistic (the 9 year age difference didn’t bother me), I felt like they could be my neighbors if I moved to a small town.
Mitch is the angst ridden older brother – had to raise most of his younger siblings after their mother’s death, feeling guilty over a sibling’s death, in charge of everything along with being the sheriff. Right off I LOVED his relationship with Daisy’s nieces and nephews. Both Mitch and Daisy were so realistic (the 9 year age difference didn’t bother me), I felt like they could be my neighbors if I moved to a small town.
Reece,
Mitch’s brother, is also featured heavily in his. At one point, Mitch teases
Reece about love which I found hysterical. Reece is the next book’s victim,
err, his story is “Ready to Trust (Hearts of Oklahoma #2)”.
I LOVED
the family aspect of the story, the small town help (my mom laughed about the “working
for pies” running gag), the sweet romance, the family feel.
This
story is as close to perfection as you can get. True, you always want the
characters right off to realize they love and need each other, but, where is
the fun and journey in that?
The
writing was just beautiful! It didn’t slug along, but it didn’t seem to have a
hurried pace either. I was happily reading along, chapter after chapter, and
never wanted to put it down. Devoured it in a day! It was like I was watching a
sweet romantic movie, or TV series. It definitely had that small-town, cozy
vibe. I loved the witty banter and missing cherub. There is a LOT going on in
this little story and it all works without feeling cluttered.
Watching
Daisy learn to accept help with others, and being included in a family was
heartwarming. And, watching her and Mitch come together was definitely a treat.
Roscoe
was another surprise. To say he was a “character” is putting it mildly.
Radcliffe
knows how to craft a beautiful, complex, and inspirational story that anyone
can relate to. She can also craft characters that are people we want to know or
do already, and settings that are absolutely beautiful.
As it
is a Love Inspired romance from Harlequin – there will be light Christian/faith
themes – references to prayer, bible quotes, and references to God. It isn’t
preachy nor does it put those themes as a central part of the story. This is a
beautiful, delightful, sweet, wholesome romance.
Fans of
the author, as well as the Love Inspired line are sure to enjoy this book. And,
I am eagerly heading into book #2 in this series.
You
want to know how REALLY great this book and series is?
My
mother REALLY wants book #2 (which I’ll get at the end of this month on
payday), and we’ve pre-ordered two copies of book #3 which features Tucker.
Although,
since the first two books are autographed by the author; I’d LOVE to get an
autographed copy of #3.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating
explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tina Radcliffe has been dreaming and scribbling for years.
Originally from Western New York, she left home for a tour of duty with the US
Army Security Agency stationed in Ausburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa,
Oklahoma. Her past careers include certified oncology RN and library cataloger.
She recently moved from Denver, Colorado, to the Phoenix, Arizona area, where
she writes heartwarming and fun inspirational romance.
You can
follow her on the following social media accounts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinaradcliffe/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TMRadcliffe
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