Within My Heart

By Tamera Alexander

This is the story of Rachel Boyd and Dr Rand Brookston. Rachel is a young widow who is struggling to keep her promise to her late husband and keep their ranch afloat while raising two small boys, one of whom has been causing much mischief. Though getting by with the help of this small community, Rachel is still hanging onto deep-rooted fears.

Rand Brookston is a doctor who has come west to set up a medical clinic in this small town, while hiding from his own fears.

Brought together by a medical emergency, these two must begin to learn to trust one another.

Set in post-civil war Colorado, this is a beautifully written piece of historical fiction. The characters are well developed and believable. The storyline draws you in and holds you until the end. The book was clearly very well researched and the struggles of the pioneers are brought to life.

I would have liked to have seen more Christian faith come through in this book, but overall it was a great story.

I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes, but that in no way influenced my opinion of it.

Take Three

Take Three is the third book in the Above the Line series. This is the continuing story of Christian filmmakers Keith Ellison and Chase Ryan. While their first film was a success, family problems and budget issues threaten the project.

This is a brilliantly written story that tugs at your heartstrings. The characters draw you into their lives and come alive to you. The issues they handle are issues that face many Christians and Kingsbury handles them in a biblical way that will encourage you in your walk with the Lord. The strong thread of faith weaves through the story just as Kingsbury readers have come to expect. 

For long time Kingsbury readers appearances from the Flannigans and the Baxters give you a glimpse into their continuing stories. However, if you have not read Karen Kingsbury previously, keeping track of all of the characters might prove to be difficult.

Overall, this was another homerun by Karen Kingsbury.

I must mention that I did receive a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.