Captivating and Inspiring

This is such an amazing series! Cross My Heart is the second book in the Legacy of Faith series but it reads beautifully as a standalone too. Love the series title -- it captures the heart of each story since Great-Grandpa Henning's bible brings solace and hope to his descendants in a very personal way.

This time, the secondary timeline features Andrew Henning's experiences during World War II and Ben (our current timeline hero) receives the note-riddled bible at a pivotal time in his life. Hatcher expertly blends the two timelines and I love the strong sense of family and faith that anchor their stories. Honestly, there were so many inspiring quotes but I listened to the audible edition so I couldn't write them all down. You can bet I'll be getting a paperback copy for my keeper shelf so I can soak up those words of wisdom!

A recovering alcoholic, with ten years of sobriety behind him, Ben is finally looking forward to a future he's not only dreamed about, but feels God has prepared the way for. Equine therapy was an important part of his recovery and he's determined to start up a program on the farm he's inherited from his grandfather. I found all the horse details absolutely fascinating. This book even prompted me to look up equine therapy programs in my own area! I was surprised to find a number of them within the city limits!

Then we have Ashley who lives and works to support her horse rescue operation and when Ben approaches her about providing some horses for his therapy barn...well, you might say it's a match made in heaven...Except they are both holding fast to secrets that have the power to tear them apart.

I really feel like Robin Lee Hatcher was divinely inspired to write this book. It touched me on so many levels. It's a true slice of life -- raw and real and messy. A powerful testimony to the changes God can make in our lives if we have the courage to place our trust in Him. Both Ben and Ashley grapple with issues common to many of us -- extending forgiveness, finding emotional healing, understanding our worth as a child of God and letting go of the past in order to embrace a better future.

A truly captivating and inspiring read -- I can't wait until the next book in the series releases! In fact, I hope there are a whole lot more cousins who need Great-Grandpa Hening's life lessons, 'cause I sure do!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!