cherryblossommj
Written on Dec 1, 2007
A Place to Belong is the first section in this book of four novels. It is fabulous. The story is about a young girl who has one thing in common with her father, they both lost her mother and brother in childbirth. He left and the girl, Maggie, was raised by her paternal grandmother. Years go by with bitterness left unresolved until the father tries and tries again to win over the love of his missed daughter. Only on his deathbed does he start to get through to her with his dearest friend and basically adopted son, Garrett Lucas; and then Maggie begins to find love both in the eyes of her father, the arms of Garrett Lucas, and in the heart of God.
Perfect Love is the second novel and the continuing story of A Place to Belong. Here Maggie's best friend from childhood Lillie is starting out her life of a perfect marriage, with a perfect husband, a perfect child in her womb, and just all around perfect love. Things begin to happen quickly, first Lille's husband becomes a Christian and she feels that she is losing him to a God that is not worth her money. Then she does lose her husband and her child. Lille thought she had it all and it is only when she is completely humbled and losing all material things, that she can see what she is missing. Here is where Dr. Monroe, a friend of Garrett's comes in... A widower of a wife lost in childbirth and an estranged Christian he understands Lillie's pain. It is by divine providence that they are both brought to the New Mexico ranch and both given second chances on life. Second chances through love, and forgiveness as each has their own struggles and burdens to pass. In this story, a reader is able to experience the necessity of actions that God allows so that his will maybe done. When you think you have something wonderful, it is hard to believe that sometimes God has something even better in mind for you, if you will just listen.
Tender Journeys is both a prequel to both of the first two stories as well as a caught up sequel as of chapter 12. Here you learn the story of Jenny and her past where her family was viciously murdered and she was left to live with a despicable woman of greed. Also, is the story of David and how he came to the ministry and New Mexico. They meet and learn to love each other and then make a life. From one escape and then to heart break three times, to Jenny being kidnapped and David being set up for another heart break that could be his ultimate chance of healing... Both Jenny and David have to deal with the past and things that they thought they were past and had forgiven. How many times can something be taken from you before you break? Can you ever be truly whole? Things are all things that are explored in this tale.
The Willing Heart completely tops all of the other stories in this set. Although, it has nothing to do with New Mexico as it is based in Colorado and Missouri. Here a woman, still a child as well as big sister, is set in a similar situation as the biblical Job. A man comes along appearing to all to be their hope and salvation, while only Alexandra knows the truth. The amazing power of God is fully shown in this story as Zandy can work through the evil skin of this man and find his innocence and help him find God. [a:Tracie Peterson|27788|Tracie Peterson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1296327966p2/27788.jpg] did an amazing job with this story making you really hate the evil and not the person. The empathy is amazing as you just strive to believe what is true, and what just cannot happen. This story was fabulous and so far my complete favorite. It was bold and daring, and quite enjoyable through the end.