A soldier battles for a prodigal's soul...
After a devastating divorce, a bitter single mom and atheist starts her own real estate company in the nostalgic and picturesque town of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Then her young daughter’s disturbing symptoms lead doctors to discover that her leukemia has relapsed. With her new life now turned upside down, Mara Hedwig struggles to keep her business afloat. And her daughter’s worsening condition forces her to rethink her beliefs about Carter Callahan and his God. Will Mara make the return to Christian faith in the face of life’s greatest challenge? An ex-military operative struggles with the return to civilian life while coping
with his rebellious teen-aged daughter. During a house-search, Carter meets Mara, a headstrong Realtor who wants nothing to do with his God. But when Mara’s little girl is diagnosed with leukemia, the clock begins ticking for him to convince Mara to return to a life of faith. Just as he seems to be making headway, circumstances beyond his control throw his efforts into a tailspin. Can Carter learn to rest in the sovereignty of God?
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About the Author:
Best-selling author Cathy Bryant writes Christian fiction set in the heart of Texas. Her popular romance and romantic suspense novels take place in the fictional town of Miller's Creek, where folks are friendly, the iced tea is sweet, and Mama Beth's front porch beckons. Her debut novel, TEXAS ROADS, was a 2009 ACFW Genesis finalist and has been on the Amazon Best-Seller list. Since then four other stand-alone novels have been added to the series, one of which was a reader-nominated 2013 Grace Award nominee (PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE).
A native Texan, Cathy has written devotions for The Upper Room devotional magazine, two devotional books, and for online sites. She also has written two Bible studies that correspond with the spiritual themes of Miller's Creek novels. In addition to her writing, she enjoys thrift store shopping and romping in the great outdoors. To learn more about Cathy and her books, visit her website at www.CatBryant.com.
I received a review copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion No other compensation was given, and I was not asked to review this book positively. All opinions are my own.
My Thoughts:
Come to Miller Creek, small Texas town, where everyone knows each other, and love, as well as, faith in God abound.
Meet Carter - confident small town single cop, with a teen age daughter and a strong faith in God, who enjoys adventure, and dreams of moving to a bigger city and get a "real" job.
And Mara - single mom of a five year old, cancer-surviving daughter, real estate agent, prodigal - borderline atheist, who feels she can rely only on herself to take care of business and life.
As their paths cross regularly, and Carter begins to fall for this beautiful lady, his greater desire is to help Mara overcome her resistance to God and learn to rely on Him instead. Mara, grew up in church with a hell, fire, and brimstone preaching, pastor/father, whose attitudes and actions completely distorted her perspective of her Heavenly Father. Her painful life experiences added to the struggling relationship with God, broadening the breach and keeping her on the run from Him, if even believing in Him at all.
As you read about the lives of the characters in this book you will fall in love with them and the town of Miller Creek. You will feel like a part of their lives, as though for a few moments you too are part of the Miller Creek community. You will learn from their trials and grow in your faith as they grow in theirs. Oddly, you may even find yourself praying for them. (I know that sounds silly right, but a good book makes the characters come to life) Each of them, with their own set of strengths and weaknesses, which most of us can relate to - a teen with an attitude; a struggling mom portraying confidence on the outside but insecure on the inside; an adventurous fellow with a quick smile, over zealous ambitions, and deep faith; and a young girl with a life threatening illness she may not recover from, yet the sweetest love for Jesus. You won't want to put the book down until the very last page, and you will be left with a longing for more even after the story is complete.
Cathy is an amazing author with a love for Jesus and people. This book can be read alone even though it is sixth in the series, but it will also make you want to read them from the beginning so you can get to know the people of Miller Creek.
Meet Carter - confident small town single cop, with a teen age daughter and a strong faith in God, who enjoys adventure, and dreams of moving to a bigger city and get a "real" job.
And Mara - single mom of a five year old, cancer-surviving daughter, real estate agent, prodigal - borderline atheist, who feels she can rely only on herself to take care of business and life.
As their paths cross regularly, and Carter begins to fall for this beautiful lady, his greater desire is to help Mara overcome her resistance to God and learn to rely on Him instead. Mara, grew up in church with a hell, fire, and brimstone preaching, pastor/father, whose attitudes and actions completely distorted her perspective of her Heavenly Father. Her painful life experiences added to the struggling relationship with God, broadening the breach and keeping her on the run from Him, if even believing in Him at all.
As you read about the lives of the characters in this book you will fall in love with them and the town of Miller Creek. You will feel like a part of their lives, as though for a few moments you too are part of the Miller Creek community. You will learn from their trials and grow in your faith as they grow in theirs. Oddly, you may even find yourself praying for them. (I know that sounds silly right, but a good book makes the characters come to life) Each of them, with their own set of strengths and weaknesses, which most of us can relate to - a teen with an attitude; a struggling mom portraying confidence on the outside but insecure on the inside; an adventurous fellow with a quick smile, over zealous ambitions, and deep faith; and a young girl with a life threatening illness she may not recover from, yet the sweetest love for Jesus. You won't want to put the book down until the very last page, and you will be left with a longing for more even after the story is complete.
Cathy is an amazing author with a love for Jesus and people. This book can be read alone even though it is sixth in the series, but it will also make you want to read them from the beginning so you can get to know the people of Miller Creek.
**GIVEAWAY **
This giveaway is open to anyone 18 yrs or older.
The Author will provide a digital copy of the book to the winner.
To ENTER:
Leave a comment on this post answering the following:
"Miller Creek is a small town, where everyone knows your name.
Do you prefer small towns or big cities? I would love to know the why."
Giveaway ends July 31, 2015
Winner will be selected at random Aug 1, 2015
Please be sure to leave an email or means to contact you if you win.
If winner does not respond within 48 hours another winner will be selected.
I prefer small towns to big cities. I like living somewhere where everyone looks out for each other and everyone knows each other. I think that big cities are too impersonal for me.
ReplyDeleteThank you Christina for stopping in. I have to agree with you. I have lived in both. Each has its pros and cons. I miss the big city convenience, but I enjoy the small town feel and its definitely more personal.
DeleteI LOVE small towns. They are easy to get around in and the people are more friendly.
ReplyDeleteI love the non-traffic :-) especially thankful after going to the closest "big city" and sitting in a traffic jam
DeleteDefinitely on the same page with y'all! I love small towns and rural living! :)
ReplyDeleteMy aunt, Cleo, gave me a copy of your book when I visited her. She talks so fondly of you and school out in the country.
DeleteCathy, Thank you so much for taking time to stop by!! I appreciate you so much and love your books!
Deletelove small towns!
ReplyDeleteWilma thanks for entering. How can I get in touch with you if you win?
DeleteOh, small towns are best, because "everybody knows your name." Even when one doesn't see a person for a time, it is easy to reconnect on some level, and the safety and comfort level are priceless
ReplyDeleteThat's true, in good ways and bad. We always joke about how if a person wants to know what you are doing... they can just ask your neighbors. :-)
DeleteIt is necessary to have a way to contact you if you are the winner, so if you stop back by please leave me a contact route. Thank you
I love small towns. I have lived in big cities and small towns. The atmosphere in a small town is much more cozy, and easier to get to know people. Also, easier to know when someone needs help and be able to help and comfort them.
ReplyDeleteGreat point, Melissa!! Thanks for stopping in.
DeletePlease leave me a way to contact you if you happen to be the winner.
Definitely small towns as you can get to know your neighbors easily. Also, you can sit out under a nice tree and read a good book such as yours and just relax. You can also use this time to enjoy God's wonderful creation around you and meditate on His goodness. clarkkc@embarqmail.com
ReplyDeleteThose are a few things I really love about living in the country - enjoying God's wonderful creation, meditating on His goodness, and taking time to read good books.
DeleteThanks for leaving me a contact method.
Congratulations - You are the winner of the digital copy of Cathy's book.
DeleteI prefer small towns and Miller Creek would be just fine. This is an excellent book and would love to have one for my library.
ReplyDeleteCathy rocks!!!
You said it!!
DeleteShe does!!
Thanks for stopping by Linda
I moved near to a small town over 20 years ago and I love it. Since I don't live very near to family, this small community is like one big family.
ReplyDeleteThat is how I feel too. My family is not close and my community and church are my family!
DeleteThanks for stopping in.
I live in a small town in NC and I don't think I'd be happy anywhere else.I love the closeness of the people and the small church in which to worship. The only drawback is having to drive 30-60 minutes to shop for anything except groceries. Even Wal-Mart!!
ReplyDeleteI have to drive quite a little ways to Walmart too, but I guess that is one of the things that keeps our town "small"
DeleteThanks for stopping by.
How may I contact you if you win?
I love my small town. I would never live in a big city! I see familiar faces everyday! robin.christofaro@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Robin. I agree, it is so nice to have familiar faces in our day to day lives.
Delete