BONNIE REVIEWS
'HER UNEXPECTED FAMILY' AND 'THE FIRST GIFT'
BY RUTH LOGAN HERNE
5 STARS EACH BOOK
'HER UNEXPECTED FAMILY'
When ex-beauty-queen Emily Gallagher is hired to plan a wedding for Grant McCarthy's deployed sister, Christa- losing her own heart isn't a part of her plans. An over-protective single parent of toddler twins, Timmy and Dolly, Grant struggles with his faith and holds bitterness towards the appearance-obsessed mother of his children and a father who deserted him when he was a child. Divorced from a rich, self-absorbed husband, Emily relies on her faith and past experiences to put her life back together.
'Her Unexpected Family' is a beautiful story of love, hope, forgiveness, redemption, second chances, and faith. Tim and Dolly stole my reader's heart while Emily and Grant's story gave me inspiration!!
The story of 5 year-old Cassie Carruthers, from a northern Appalachian community, who is verbally abused and neglected by an alcoholic and drug-addicted father, 'The First Gift' is also the story of 27 year-old Kerry McHenry, the kindergarten teacher and woman of faith who sees her own past in Cassie's present and is attracted to two men: self-absorbed doctor of oncology, Ryan O'Donnell and widowed Deputy Jake Slattery who hasn't forgiven God for the accident which claimed the life of his wife and left him with two small children to raise. When the lives of Kerry, Ryan, and Jake intersect in an effort to save the life of Cassie - Kerry is forced to make some life-altering personal decisions of her own.
Ruth Logan Herne is one of those gifted authors who borrows from her own past experiences in the writing of her stories - filling them with gut-wrenching emotional scenes, real-life situations, and endearing characters. 'The First Gift' includes heart-pounding suspense and addresses the subject of racial diversity. Through it we are also reminded of God's grace and love and the impact one person can have in the life of a child. A beautiful story that captured my heart from page one with it's characters - who remain there!!
Bio and Purchase links:
Multi-published, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of writing sweet books that make people smile and sigh and sometimes cry... but they're good tears! She loves stories of forgiveness and redemption with unforgettable characters from beginning to end. Friend her on facebook/Ruth Logan Herne where she loves to chat and pray with folks, and on Twitter she's @RuthLoganHerne... or visit her website at http:ruthloganherne.com or visit her at these fun blogs: www.ruthysplace.com, www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com or over in Seekerville at www.seekerville.blogspot.com
Giveaways: Ruthy will provide two copies of Her Unexpected Family and one copy of The First Gift as giveaways on Bonnie’s reviews! Thank you Ruthy! Winner's choice in all three if in the U.S., e-Book if international.
I have not yet read any of Ruth's books, but I look forward to reading them.
ReplyDeleteOh, Becky - you have such a reading treat in store with Ruth's books. 'Her Unexpected Family' and 'The First Gift' will each tug at your heart - beautiful stories!! Thanks for your comments!!
DeleteBecky, please leave your email address for contact purpose, should you be the winner of one of our giveaways. Thank you!!
DeleteBecky, so nice to meet you! Thank you for stopping by today, and I hope you get a chance to read some of my stories... If your local library doesn't have them, they can order them in and you can give me a test run!
DeleteMy email is lelandandbecky at reagan dot com
DeleteThanks, Bonnie, for stepping up to the plate with these wonderful reviews! And thank you, Ruthy, for the giveaways! These look like great stories!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Carrie - it's always an honor to read and review books by such gifted authors!! The children in these 2 stories will steal your heart, the lessons in faith are wonderful!!
DeleteCarrie, I'm so glad you girls are letting me hang out here. Thank you! I brought some chocolate chip muffins (I'm experimenting for Yankee Belle Cafe) and I'd love to share them... and I love that Bonnie shares my love for children/kids in real-life romance situations... heroes that don't love, love, love kids... well... I kick 'em to the curb! :)
DeleteRuthy, I hope I have the opportunity to visit your farm and sample some of your delicious baking. You sure get my taste buds stirred up with all those beautiful pics you post online of your baking!! And you're so right- there's nothing I love more than a book featuring children in real-life romance situations. You always capture their emotions and antics perfectly in each of your books!!
DeleteThe covers on Ruthy's books are always so enticing, BONNIE, as are your reviews! Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Diana!! The covers are beautiful, aren't they?? I love them all, however, my favorites are each of the Franciscan novels and WM's 'Home on the Range'.
DeleteDiana, hi!!! You know, the art team for Love Inspired... and Candlelight Studios who did the work for Franciscan... they're marvelous. Candlelight captured the essence of Cassie's and Kerry's stories in that beautiful fall cover... and the picture of Emily and Grant and those twins, starting life anew... PERFECT!!!!! I love happy endings!
DeleteWould love to win! jarning67(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteAnd we would love for you to win one of these beautiful books, Joan - Ruth is such a gifted author!! Thanks for commenting!!
DeleteJoan, hey! Nice to meet you and I expect they're putting extra sticky tape on your name... (Okay, they don't use sticky tape, but I've watched too many DORA episodes!!!)
Deletesounds like a wonderful book. Shelia Hall sheliarha64(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI think you will love both 'Her Unexpected Family' and 'The First Gift', Shelia - good luck in the drawing and thanks for your comments!!
DeleteShelia, hello! Okay, do you pronounce your name like the "Sheila" spelling is pronounced? Because I know a Shelia who does... but when I see it spelled that way, I think "She-lee-uh".... Tell me what's right, and thank you for stopping in today!
DeleteThese sound like great books! fallingfan at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThey're both winners, and "keepers" for your reading library, Emily!! Thanks for stopping by!!
DeleteEmily, nice to see you here! Thanks for stopping over!
DeleteWonderful reviews Bonnie! The books sound like great stories.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Tina
Thank you, Tina!! If you haven't read any of Ruth's stories, these 2 are perfect to begin with. Beautiful, heart-warming family stories of romance and faith you will love!!
DeleteTina, I'd love for you to get a sampling of my work. I am so blessed to be doing what I do... and I love writing stories of faith, hope and love... and forgiveness, such a key element to a faith-filled life!
DeleteThese both look like great books. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of one of them.
ReplyDeletesusanmsj at msn dot com
Hi, Susan!! Both books will touch your heart and inspire you!! Thanks for your comments!!
DeleteSusan, thank you! I'm so glad you took the time to stop by. I love these guys at Overcoming With God because he is the best way to overcome anything life throws at us!
DeleteBless you!
Amen, Ruthy - we love you too and are always thrilled to have you visit us at Overcoming With God!!
DeleteThese both tug at me -- thank you for the review and giveaway chance. cmcfaithingod(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteChristine, "tug" is the perfect description of both 'Her Unexpected Family' and 'The First Gift' as they will "tug" at your heart. I'd love for you to win a copy of one of them, but if not - please purchase them, as well as Ruth's many other books. All such beautiful heart-warming, family stories of love, realistic redeemed characters, and faith!!
DeleteChristine, so nice to see you here! And I'm so glad that Bonnie loved them, her good heart has an eye for great stories... so I'm always thrilled when she gives me the thumbs up!!!
DeleteAnd you have many "great" stories to choose from, Ruthy - thank you for using your writing gift for Him, and for blessing readers with your work!!
DeleteThese sound like great books! I have never read any books by Ruth, so looking forward to adding her books to my to read list! jdennis298(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteJ Dennis, You have plenty of books to choose from then as Ruth has sold over a million books and writes books for at least 4 publishers in addition to self-publishing books. I guarantee you will find some that will grab your reader's heart - so I'm excited for you to have the opportunity to try them. If you aren't lucky enough to be one of our 3 winners, please purchase and try one of Ruth's books. Each one is a beautiful family story of love, redemption, and faith with realistic life situations and characters!! Thanks for your sweet comments - good luck!!
DeleteJ Dennis, you stopped over at Yankeebelle, too! It's so nice to meet you! And if you don't win, give me a try at your local library. If they don't have the books, they can get them, at least some of them, into your system and that's a great way to sample me and see if you love the stories! I'd love to have you on board. What an honor!
DeleteI would love to read Ruth's books. I always enjoy the Love Inspired stories and The First Gift sounds like a very interesting story also.
ReplyDeletemarypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann
Maryann, I can't tell you how deeply 'The First Gift' touched me - and if you enjoy the Love Inspired books, you'll love 'Her Unexpected Family' also - it's a beautiful story. It sounds as if you may be new to Ruth's books?? If so - please give yourself a gift and reading treat by purchasing one of them, if you aren't fortunate in winning one. You won't be disappointed - they're all winners!! Thanks for your comments!!
DeleteBonnie, I'm so glad you loved The First Gift... Me, too. It's a story of heart and soul and Franciscan Media was wonderful with that story. They were the best encouragers on all levels! And it was so wonderful to twine Cassie's story with Kerry's because a loving teacher/scout leader/neighbor can literally save a child's life... heart and soul! Kindness goes a long way! Maryann, we're tucking your name in, and I'm so glad you stopped in today!
DeleteIt touched me deeply, Ruthy - I'm sure part of the reason was it's realism, having read your personal testimony. Having somewhat of a turbulent past myself, I've always had a heart for children and their needs.
DeleteOh these books sound so good !!! You know Ruth I need to get to come see you sometime and have coffee with you !!!! Very nice reviews for both books ! Inspiring !!! Now I have to add to the TBR pile !!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Linda Marie Finn
faithfulacresbodysoulspirit@gmail.com
Are you ready for the snow Ruth ? It was a nippy day today here in Red Creek NY !!!
DeleteTime to Bake I say !!! Hugs
Hi, Linda - you will love both of these books, I love the inspiring faith elements in each of Ruth's books!! And that baking sounds delicious to me, however, I think Ruth keeps her baking going all year long. Oh, how I'd love to have a sample - I'm beginning to think there isn't much she doesn't know how to do, baking or otherwise, as I've viewed the online pics this year of her farm wares, house painting, building of waterfalls, landscaping, chick raising, daycare, decorating, and so much more. And let's not forget those numerous books she produces each year - amazing!! Thanks for your wonderful comments, Linda - good luck in the drawing!!
DeleteLinda, thank you so much for stopping by! And Bonnie, the fun thing about all those tasks and nametag and hairnet jobs is that I can then use them in stories... and sound real! :) I love keeping busy, for sure, and that can be most annoying to my family... So they might have a slightly different POV, for certain! Laughing!
DeleteThat's so true, Ruthy - and you've used them to good advantage in all those many wonderful storylines you've written!! My mother is much like you, continually wanting to stay busy - it's possible there have been times I could have identified with your family: when she just had to get one more flower planted, or one more "whatever" task completed before taking a break, LOL. However, I'm glad she has interests she is passionate about that keep her going as she ages and deals with the disease of Alzheimer's.
DeleteThese look like real winners. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteJoanEC128[at]AOL[dot]com
"Winner" is the operative word for each of these beautiful stories by Ruth Logan Herne, Joan - good luck and thanks for your comments!!
DeleteJoan, thank you for being here! Best of luck to you!!!
DeleteThank you for the opportunity to win these books.
ReplyDeleteMarionMPC[at]AOL[dot]com
You will love each of them, Marion!! Thanks for stopping by!!
DeleteThank you, Marion! The cover credit goes straight to the wonderful publishers I'm blessed to work with... And I'm so happy with the work they do!
DeleteThese books look so interesting. I love the covers. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMarilynDKC[at]AOL[dot]com
Ruth has some beautiful book covers, Marilyn - the stories within are even more beautiful!! Hope you have the opportunity to read them very soon!!
DeleteMarilyn, thanks so much for taking the time to be here! Welcome!
DeleteI love the sound of both books.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I think you will love each of the stories, the characters will take up residence in your heart, Mary. Cross your fingers for a win - thanks for commenting!!
DeleteMary, waving to you!!!! So glad to see you here!
DeleteThank you Bonnie for these wonderful,interesting reviews! Must admit I haven't read too much of Ruthy's work,thank you so much for bringing more of her stories to my attention. Also want to send my thanks and my appreciation to Ruthy for writing these stories and for the giveaway!lynnefeuerstein(at)aol(dot)com
ReplyDeleteLynne, you must definitely make it a point to read more of Ruth's books - she's such a gifted author!! These two are tear-jerkers, especially 'The First Gift' - you won't soon forget them. However, they also contain heart-warming family scenes, romance, cute kid antics, suspense, realistic characters, accurate portrayal of life struggles, forgiveness, redemption, and inspiring lessons of faith!! I always appreciate your sweet comments and yes - Ruth has a generous, giving heart in addition to her many other wonderful talents and qualities!! Thank you!! Hope you have the opportunity to read these 2 beautiful books very soon!!
DeleteLynne! Hello again! Did you get my e-mail that you won "Home on the Range" at Yankee Belle Cafe? I didn't hear back from you so you were on my list to re-contact... Congratulations and I hope you love it!
DeleteThe covers are beautiful and they sound like they will really be good books. Thanks for having this giveaway!
ReplyDeletegrandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com
Yes, Ruth has some beautiful book covers, for sure. So glad you commented and will have the opportunity to win one of these beautiful books, Brenda - thank you!! You will enjoy both, so please give both a try and good luck in the drawing!!
DeleteBrenda, so nice to see you here! Welcome!!!!
DeleteBONNIE, your reviews are SPECTACULAR!
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138 at gmail dot com
You are too kind, dear Caryl - but thank you!! I pray they entice readers to try Ruth's books - she is such a gifted writer and has so many beautiful heart-warming, faith-filled stories of lessons learned, love, and God's grace!! Thanks for your sweet comments!!
DeleteCaryl, hello! I love Bonnie's reviews, and Noela and Carrie... this wonderful group goes above and beyond to promote Christian fiction and I'm so glad to be part of it... They bless so many people, authors and readers alike!
DeleteThank you for your sweet comments, Ruthy - we love Christian Fiction and yearn for all readers to experience the joy and inspiration found in the books we've read. You're one of the many gifted authors whose writing we've been blessed by - thank you for using and sharing the gift He has given you!!
DeleteBoth seem like good reads, but I'm drawn to The First Gift. I would love to read it.
ReplyDeleteDebsbunch777(at)gmail(dot)com
I think you will love it, Debbie - especially since your grandchildren are so special to you. You will probably experience a gamut of emotions, among them: anger, heart-wringing, joy, and inspiration. Thanks for your comments!!
DeleteChappyDebbie, I love this name! Another western lover??? I'm having so much fun with all of my work, but I'm particularly in love with my western series for Waterbrook... And the gals are featuring "Home on the Range" here next week! I love cowboy stories, but not just because of the cowboys, but because of the work and faith ethic that goes along with it...
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
The First Gift sounds like it might needs tissues to go along with it! Am I right? Both sound like fabulous reads! Another great job Bonnie!
ReplyDeleteWell it certainly did with me, Nancy - however, all readers aren't as emotional as me, LOL. Anyone who loves children will be touched by Cassie's story - add to that the romance, suspense, realistic characters, real-life situations, forgiveness, redemption, and faith elements - it's truly a beautiful story!! The romance and children's antics and problems in 'Her Unexpected Family' are a joy, as well. Thanks for your sweet comments!!
DeleteMaybe a FEW TISSUES... but I love a book that draws me in so much that I feel the emotions the writer conveys... not just read them, but feel the joys and the pains... Nancy, I hope you give it a try, and those keys of forgiveness and righteousness are a wonderful baseline for great stories... Thanks for being here!
DeleteI can never wait to try my hand at giveaways with Ruth's books. They are usually pre-ordered as soon as they show their covers on Amazon. In fact, The First Gift showed up on my porch in the middle of August after I had forgotten I even ordered it. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Terrill!! Ruth's books are all such beautiful stories, aren't they?? I'm sure you loved 'The First Gift' - having worked with abused children, I found it especially touching. Do you have a copy of 'Her Unexpected Family' also?? Thanks for your wonderful comments and your support!!
DeleteTerrill, thank you so much! Did you know that publishers pay close attention to who's books get pre-ordered or are listed as "auto buy" for Amazon or other booksellers? It means a lot to them because these are guaranteed sales... and of course they love that!!!
DeleteI have not read any of Ruth's books yet but they sound wonderful. I can't wait to read them!
ReplyDeleteSusan, I'm always thrilled when my reviews prompt readers to try an author's work for the first time. Christian Fiction has so many gifted authors, I don't feel it's recognized as often as it deserves. Enclosed within Ruth's many beautiful, inspiring books and storylines are numerous enticing writing elements - you're sure to find some you will love, so enjoy!! Thanks for your great comments.
DeleteSUSAN - please leave us your email address for contact purposes, should you be one of our winners. Thank you!!
DeleteThese look great! I have never read anything by Ruth, but I will def have to check her out! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteAnother reader new to Ruth's work - so glad you stopped by, Connie!! I'd love you to have the opportunity to become acquainted with Ruth's beautifully inspiring writing. Warning: reading one of her books will entice you to read them all, LOL. Please give them a try - good luck in the drawing and thanks for your comments!!
DeleteCONNIE: please leave us your email address for contact purposes, should you be one of our winners. Thanks!!
DeleteWould love to read this book.
ReplyDeletemindyhoung AT msn DOT com
I think you will enjoy both 'Her Unexpected Family' and 'The First Gift', Mindy - as well as Ruth's many other beautiful stories!! Good luck!!
DeleteSounds like a great read!
ReplyDeletekarenskrayons(at)gmail(dot)com
They are both beautiful, inspiring stories that will warm your heart, Karen!! Thanks for commenting!!
DeleteI haven't read any of Ruth's books yet but they sure do look like great ones! Thanks for the reviews and giveaways. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com
ReplyDeleteYou've missed out on some reading treats from Ruth's pen, Donna - there's no better place to start than with these 2 beautiful stories!! Thanks for your wonderful comments!!
DeleteThanks for the reviews of Ruth's books, Bonnie. I have some of hers. I would love to be a winner. I especially love stories about twins. My oldest great-granddaughter was expecting twins and I was so excited. Would be my first great-greats, but GOD must have had other plans. Doc said they are no longer viable. So sad. Thanks for a chance to be a winner. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your great-greats, Maxie - but I do feel you will see and have the pleasure of knowing them in heaven. Haven't heard from you recently, so hope you are doing well.
DeleteAs you already know, Ruth is a gifted writer - you will love both her inspiring, touching stories in 'Her Unexpected Family' and 'The First Gift'!! As always, thanks for your beautiful comments - and your support!!