🐎🌳💗 “The Cowgirl’s Redemption” (Hope Crossing #1) (2022) 💗🌳 🐎 – Blog + Review Blitz
Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for The Cowgirl's Redemption by Mindy Obenhaus, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Cowgirl's Redemption She came home to make things right
Will she be given a second chance?MY REVIEW
Thank you in advance to the author, Mindy Obenhaus, for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Publicity Tours. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
I have come to expect that when I see a Mindy Obenhaus book – there is going to be a dramatic, emotional, and fascinating story inside the beautiful and stunning cover. And, I’m usually right. In this case – I was right.
I’ve read the last book of her Rocky Mountain Heroes series (I have books #1-#4 on my TBR list).
And, as most people know, I was born in Texas – so, stories featured in Texas are a top draw. Her last series was Bliss, Texas and I enjoyed meeting the characters and seeing their progression of that series.
This is the first book of her new series, and I was delighted to read it. I absolutely LOVE her books; despite the times she’s made me cry.
This does have some sad elements – a diagnosis of cancer (my mom had endometrial/uterine) and Francie needs a hysterectomy – so that was very close. There is also the mention of a traumatic divorce and being forced to give a child up for adoption.
For being a small book, and a “first-in-the-series”, Obenhaus introduces us to quite the cast, but in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the reader:
👩🏻🦳 Francine
“Francie” – Gloriana’s Mom
📺
Gloriana – “prodigal daughter” returned home
👨🏻🦳 Bill
– Francie’s fiancé
🏡 Justin – ranch manager
🍪 Kyleigh – Justin’s adopted daughter
Obenhaus doesn’t gently guide us into the book – she throws
us right in with:
“Gloriana Prescott had made a lot of mistakes in her life, and there were dozens of wrongs she needed to make right, but she wouldn’t let her mother battle cancer alone.”
Obviously, it is clear right off that Gloriana has a past and she is now willing to come back and make up for it. But, there are some who are determined to not accept that.
One is Francie’s fiancé Bill and ranch manager Justin.
What they don’t know is that Gloriana quit her job when she was denied leave to care for her mom
In addition to what is going on with the ranch and Francie, Justin is also worried about the rodeo event which has had its share of bad years. It is an event special to Gloriana. The problem is that unless this year is a success, it could all end.
Gloriana offers to help and it is clear that with the time-table they have – they’re more behind than ahead. Justin agrees her ideas are good.
After an event at the hospital involving her mom, and Bill’s “tale” of it – Justin doesn’t believe he can rely on Gloriana and states he doesn’t need her help.
Justin soon realizes that Gloriana’s ideas and connections are what the rodeo needs – if the board agrees – which they do, reluctantly.
That isn’t all – Kyleigh’s coach is moving and she wants Gloriana to coach her. Justin is concerned about Kyleigh getting too close to Gloriana, despite the closeness the young girl has with Francie. He’s also still grieving and feeling responsible for the death of his wife, Barbie.
Justin soon weakens his harsh opinion of Gloriana as she proves to be invaluable in not just coaching Kyleigh, but in helping with the rodeo. He’s also beginning to have feelings for her and seeing her in a new light. She isn’t the same person that left Hope Springs.
Gloriana begins to slow win the trust of those around her as she makes amends for the wrongs of her past.
But, it is soon shattered when Gloriana reveals a truth that deeply impacts Justin in a plot twist that had me stunned. And, Gloriana looks towards moving on yet again when a job offer comes around.
As typical of Obenhaus’ books – she keeps the readers reading until the very end for the happy ending.
The Cowgirl’s Redemption was heart-breaking, vividly raw, and realistic. I was in tears towards the end. This was so easy to read, and I jumped right in. It was definitely hard to put down and I read it the same day no less. There were a few typos here or there, but nothing that detracted from the story.
I love how the author worked in the use of social media to promote the rodeo. Within the past 5-10 years, social media has definitely helped businesses and events with promotion and followers.
It was sad that during a hospital incident with Francie that Bill reamed Gloriana a good one. It was clear the incident wasn’t her fault and Bill’s treatment of Gloriana was unacceptable. He did apologize later on, but it was a bit of a rough stretch for me.
There was a moment in the beginning of the book (or rather chapter two) where Justin felt he should’ve stayed in bed – I’ve had days like that myself to be honest. And, I LOVED how his favorite drink was Dr. Pepper. Being from Texas, I often say it is the unofficial drink of the state.
Kyleigh was a delight in that she loved cooking and baking. I can’t wait to see more of her in the series.
As this is a Love Inspired title, there will be elements of the Christian faith in it. This book is a bit stronger with those themes. More so when Gloriana replies to one character’s question of “what got into you” with “Jesus got into me”. There were bible quotes and tones of forgiveness and redemption. Some might consider this “too” much – but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Fans of the author definitely will want to add this to their TBR (to-be-read) stack.
I am eagerly (and very impatiently awaiting) my next
visit to Hope Crossing.
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;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching the Hallmark Channel.
Connect with Mindy by visiting MindyObenhaus.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.TOUR GIVEAWAY
(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Cowgirl's Redemption and $20 Amazon gift card.
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 7, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 14, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only except books available internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read
ReplyDelete