Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.
When Lyndie James, Jake's childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion's reluctance to run.
Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake's will, Lyndie's sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he's built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he'd thought he'd lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend? (*While this is the third book in a series, it is written as a standalone. )
My thoughts: This was a fun, relaxing read yet packed with insight into family life, family loving, friendship over the years, family trials, and PTSD of veterans.
All this is wrapped in the colorful life around a Texas horse farm, horse racing, and sweet romance. It is well written with characters you will want to wrap your heart around or give a stern look of reproach. You'll ride with Lyndie on a beloved horse. You'll grieve over the pain of a family in the throes of a child's incurable physical condition. You'll love on them and silently urge them into those golden, wonderful relationships you know is waiting just around the corner for them.
Healing is elusive but healing is there. The healing of the Spirit is just as important and necessary as the healing of the body, mind, and emotions. Jake has the need for much healing.
Things to look for..... life around the thoroughbred horse farm and racing, small town Texas life, dealing with PTSD, developing relationships, and coming to terms with the issues of life.
A "special," good read set in contemporary Texas and with a good Spiritual emphasis.
GIVEAWAY
Begins May 6 & ENDS May 20 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT.
I have a loved one who served in the military and suffers from a minor case of PTSD. It is heart breaking to watch them struggle with the emotional effects of war. I cannot imagine what it must be like to live with it, but I have learned to be patient and shower them with God's love. I am looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI don't know a lot about PTSD, but would love to learn more. I love the story line of "A Love Like Ours", and can't wait to read it - I've read wonderful reviews!! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!!
ReplyDeletebonnie roof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I don't know anyone who has struggled with PTSD. My brother was in the Air Force, and a brother in law currently is in the AF, but neither have seen combat.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review and giveaway!
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
My mom continues to suffer at times because she was in the camps in the Czech Republic, such as Nowy Kestrany and Strakonice during WWII as a teenage girl. As a child I remember her screaming in the night as she was having nightmares from it.
ReplyDeleteI've known several people in the military but none who I know suffer from PTSD. But I have read heart-breaking stories of those who do! It's got to be hard on both the sufferer and the loved ones or caretakers! What a nightmare they must go through every day. I am glad that there are qualified and caring counselors who help individuals to cope with every day life & support groups for both them and their families.
ReplyDeleteThank you for tackling this issue in your book. I think there needs to be more understanding and available help to those who need it! They NEED a good support system (counselors, caring friends or family members and others who can help).
Also for the chance to win a copy of "A Love Like Ours". Blessings!
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
I do know a good bit about it because my husband is a retired Marine and suffers from PTSD. I appreciate Becky telling a story that addresses an issue so many veterans are facing.
ReplyDeletemo1202007ATyahooDOTcom
My former husband suffered from PTSD. It changed our lives, not in a good way. I don't really want to talk about it. I am looking forward to reading A Love Like Ours since I've read and enjoyed all of the other Porter family books.
ReplyDeleteI know a lot about it as I got that diagnosis because nothing could be found physically wrong at the time. It was a bit confusing, yo, because I had no traumatic event. Eventually I was diagnosed with dystonia, received DBS, and can now walk! :) I didn't for ten years.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any experience with PTSD or know of anyone how has been through it. Thanks for having the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI've learned a lot about PTSD from several family members and friends who are veterans. I am really looking forward to reading this book.
ReplyDeletepost traumatic stress it affect the military and the one who are there and some at the station seeing thing that go on around them there are groups like taps.org that will help the fmaily if they lose there love one the man and women who serve are in more stress than they have been in years
ReplyDeleteI've heard such great things about this book. I'm looking forward to reading it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts at Booknificent Thursday!
ReplyDeleteTina