Having lived through her parents’ endless string of “matrimonial bliss gone wrong,” Cassidy Starr knows when the odds are not in her favor. Divorced and humiliated, her faith on rocky ground, Cassidy is through with love. She’s been bucked off that horse far too many times. Instead, she returns to Wishing Springs, Texas, and the rundown farm she’s inherited from her great aunt Roxie. She’ll reopen the strawberry farm and a bed & breakfast and follow in her aunt’s footsteps, remaining forever-independent, happy . . . and single.
Rancher Jarrod Monahan’s hands are full running the ranch, looking after his ailing grandfather, and chasing down a group of rustlers on the loose. He’s pushed his longing for a family to the bottom of his list of priorities. Besides, he was in love once but ran scared and lost his shot at happiness. But suddenly, the biggest regret of his life has moved in next door with a wounded heart, determined to become a spinster . . . and that’s a challenge that Jarrod can’t pass up.
Jarrod sets his mind to breaking down the walls around Cassidy’s stubborn heart. How can he show her that a cowboy’s kiss lasts forever? For the good folks of Wishing Springs, falling in love has never been so much fun to witness.2/23
My thoughts: Debra Clopton writes an entertaining contemporary story, and this third in the series was awaited with anticipatory thoughts of fun and relaxed reading. I was not disappointed on that level. I knew with a title such as "Kissed by....." that it might entail more kissing than I like for my reading and reviewing. But I do enjoy Ms. Clopton's stories, so I dove into reading it.
The story is warm and entertaining and the characters realistic, charming, quirky, lovable. The little town has a bit of everything and a heaping dose of friendliness and caring.
Cassidy has returned to the home of her beloved aunt deceased for several years. Seeking a new life in a new place following her divorce after eight years married to a man who has been grossly unfaithful to her, she desires to establish a Bed and Breakfast and small business on this inherited property she loves. It is close by the ranch of the man who previously broke her heart prior to her marriage.
So Cassidy is dealing with the aftermath of divorce, refurbishing and refitting the property to ready it for her dreamed future, and trying to convince everyone she is not interested in a new relationship with a man. But then there is a whole lot 'o kissing going on.
This is not a story I would particularly want to pass along to a teen. While it is not truly offensive, some things you just need to keep a bit low key.
GIVEAWAY
Begins February 9
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Begins February 9
God gave me a second chance when He sent Jesus to die for me so I can have eternity with Him :-) I think that's the greatest second chance there is!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Trixi! So glad you are His now.
DeleteFor all alcoholics and addicts to seek the Lord and Celebrate Recovery or twelve step groups to learn how to live without the substance - it is a miracle for one addict to not pick up for one day - a second chance that only God can lead one to.
ReplyDeleteI believe each new day is a second chance at life. We can't change the past but we can start fresh today.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Trixi. My second chance came with my acceptance of Jessus' sacrifice for me. He gave me the ultimate second chance.
ReplyDeleteSo glad, Terrill R. Our salvation is definitely the ULTIMATE second chance.
DeleteOh! I'm loving these comments! Bless you!
ReplyDeleteFor second chances...adopting a foster child.
ReplyDeleteI think everytime we wake up in the morning is another chance to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have met my husband now first. He is the love of my life. I am so blessed Jesus led me to him and we have been together 14 years now.
ReplyDeleteI always appreciate reading your thoughts on books. There is always such wisdom in your recommendations. Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week!
ReplyDeleteTina
Tina, thank you so much for your kind remarks. I try to share my opinion which is based first of all on my love of God and my Savior, Jesus Christ. Secondly my opinions are from living a fairly long life and raising 5 children and working in Christian education (from an administrative standpoint).
DeleteIt is really obvious that you put the Lord first in your reading and reviewing and that your life has given you much wisdom. I'd love to chat with you in real life over a cup of coffee some day! I know I could learn a lot. I love having you as a part of Booknificent Thursday each week!
DeleteTina
Thanks for the honest review and the warning about not passing the book on to teens. I agree with you that we need to be vigilant in not awakening love before the time (Song of Solomon). Thanks for sharing at the #LMMLinkup.
ReplyDeleteMy second chance is my divorce for now I am learning who I am again and what I like instead of what we liked.
ReplyDeleteSecond chances are an amazing way of learning about God's grace. My husband is the king of second chances -- he always forgives me when I say something hurtful.
ReplyDeleteI think that everyone can have a second chance at love.
ReplyDeleteI got a second chance at my marriage, we were divorced and a hot mess! We both decided to accept God that day & work at our marriage & we have never been happier.We don't argue & fight like we use, life is good & God is so good!
ReplyDelete