🎄 🎁 ☃️ "His Holiday Prayer" (Hearts of Oklahoma #3) ☃️ 🎁 🎄 - Book Review

 

MY REVIEW

 

 

Series: Hearts of Oklahoma (Book #3)
Paperback: 172 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired [Harlequin Books] (December 3, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335488553
ISBN-13: 978-1335488558
⬅️ Click Picture for Purchase Information
 

“A new beginning could be closer than he thinks.

What he wants for Christmas…

may not be what he needs.

 After receiving an unexpected job offer in Texas, widower Tucker Rainbolt decides he and his twins need a fresh start. But moving on means leaving his best friend, Jena Harper, and their vet clinic behind. For the first time, Tucker sees Jena as more than a buddy. What if leaving isn’t the answer? Maybe what he’s been missing has been right beside him the whole time…”

 

Thank you in advance to the author, Tina Radcliffe, for providing a complimentary copy. A positive review was not required in any way, nor was it requested. All words are my own.

My goodness! There was SO much goodness in this one! This series is one of the first I’ve read of the author’s despite her previous “Big Heart Ranch” series.

 

This is book three (#3) in the “Hearts of Oklahoma” series, and is Tucker’s story. Tucker is one of four surviving Rainbolt siblings, one was killed in a car crash prior to the events in the first (1^st) book, “Finding The Road Home”. And, although this book could be a standalone read, it is MUCH better to read these as close together (and in order) as possible. 

 

Like the other covers – this draws the reader in with a handsome cowboy. Add in a puppy, gift, and snow? This makes for a cute Christmas read.

 

Even better is how absolutely gorgeous Tucker is. Definitely my kind of guy except too young – 6’ 2”; blue eyes; dark hair. An “ordinary” guy who is stubborn, annoying, and clueless. But, still good looking!

 

I could definitely identify with Jena and her dislike of “peopling” along with her “book boyfriends”.

 

I also liked that the author brought back some of the other characters from the first book, even if it was only a paragraph here or there. Reece and Mitch return in this novel though not quite as much as I would’ve liked.

 

This was an adorable plot, despite being a bit annoyed with Jena at times. There were times I thought she was being far too unfair to Tucker who was merely trying to do right for him and his kids.

 

Like the previous two – this was perfection! I just kept reading it and didn’t want it to end. I was drawn in by the “what we want vs. what we need”, something I have REALLY come to learn this year.

Right off, I should’ve known this was going to be an emotional read with the introductory bible passage Matthew 6:34 “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof”. I first heard a version of that in 1992 “do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself”. And, since that time, it has been my go-to bible quote.

 

Jena’s background story might be a bit triggering for some people or heart-breaking given that it is surrounded by a teen pregnancy, and she adopted the child out.

 

After reading that, I should’ve seen part of the story coming. And, I am sure eagle-eyed readers will too. It definitely added character and depth to the story.

 

It also had an interesting side story involving Jena and new hire; Dee. Despite Dee’s age – she comes with a lot of wisdom. She is looking to be on her own, and is not on good terms with her adopted father. Jena starts having an interesting feeling about her by the end of chapter three (3); it is like she almost picks up on something. Tucker certainly does and gets to the heart of it in chapter seven (7).

 

Due to Tucker’s news that he is leaving, Jena is desperate to save the clinic and more importantly, the rescue. She steps up and starts organizing a fund raiser to keep it going. It was good to see her step up, although she did need to accept help along the way – or needed to learn to accept the help and not just advice.

 

One of the fund-raiser ideas involved Tucker and a rescue animal, which leads to a funny conversation regard Tucker eating dog biscuits. I laughed far too hard at that one.

 

Along the way, Tucker has doubts about what he wants, as does Jena. And, it is natural given how close the two were and are. It was nice to see Tucker’s kids appreciate and love Jena just like she did for them. The romance was slow, methodical; but not drawn.

 

I loved the varying characters – from Dee’s youth and wisdom, to Nolie’s wisdom. Each character really added charm to this and kept it all connected. You could feel the community and family vibe going on in this one.

 

This was a beautiful, emotional story that was full of love. I even cried in a few places, which was about the only bad thing about the novel. Next time, please send Kleenex with the swag!

 

I would’ve liked a little more resolution with Dee’s character and her father, along with how she was doing following her news.

 

Overall, Radcliffe also did a terrific job of going into what a rescue needs. The bank manager irritated me with how he acted towards it. Sadly, there are those people in the world, but thankful for people like Jena and Tucker. And, the author brought up what could be a dream job for some – kitten cuddler. Awwww! That’s a job I wouldn’t be good at, I’d smuggle the littles home and I definitely don’t have room for them!

 

Since this is from Harlequin’s Love Inspired line, there will be some references to God and bible quotes. This definitely had themes of forgiveness and second chances. I also loved the reinforcement of trusting the good Lord, which is a “do or do not” situation.

 

Fans of the author (and genre) will LOVE this read. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series, if there is one …

 

And, I will definitely read her other series as soon as the TBR stack is manageable. 

 

Hint –> there is another Rainbolt baby! You’ll have to read this book to find it though!

My mother loves this series so I have her copy of this book on pre-order!

 

 

 

 

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)

 

 

 

Other books in the series:

 

 

Series: Hearts of Oklahoma (Book #1)
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (Feburary 18, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 01335488014
ISBN-13: 978-01335488015
⬅️ Click Picture for Purchase Information

 

“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?”

 

 

Series: Hearts of Oklahoma (Book #2)
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired (July 21, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 01335488324
ISBN-13: 978-01335488329
Click Picture for Purchase Information ➡️

 

“Proving he’s a changed man could be his biggest challenge yet.

 Rancher Reece Rainbolt’s shocked to learn he’s inherited half of Claire Ballard’s family farm—and that he’s a father. Now Claire’s determined to break ties with the man who once left her behind. But Reece will buy her half only on one condition: she must stay in town to help with the harvest…and let him get to know his little girl.”

 

 

 

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:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinaradcliffeauthor/

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinaradcliffe/

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TMRadcliffe

 

Website: http://www.tinaradcliffe.com/

 

 

 

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