"Hearts in Defiance"

(Romance in the Rockies: #2)

by Heather Blanton
GIVEAWAY!

Description

MEN MAKE MISTAKES. GOD WILL FORGIVE THEM. WILL THEIR WOMEN? Charles McIntyre built the lawless, godless mining town of Defiance practically with his bare hands … and without any remorse for the lives he destroyed along the way. Then a glimpse of true love, both earthly and heavenly, changed him. The question is, how much? Naomi Miller is a beautiful, decent woman. She says she loves McIntyre, that God does, too, and the past is behind them now. But McIntyre struggles to believe he’s worth saving … worth loving. Unfortunately, the temptations in Defiance only reinforce his doubts.

Billy Page abandoned Hannah Frink when he discovered she was going to have his baby … and now he can’t live with himself. Or without her. Determined to prove his love, he leaves his family and fortune behind and journeys to Defiance. Will Hannah take Billy back or give him what he deserves for the betrayal?

Gritty and realistic, this is the story of real life and real faith in Defiance.

~~ The sequel to the highly acclaimed, best-selling western romance A Lady in Defiance!

Biography

I love Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets me write about strong, pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Romance is always a strong element in my stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God, and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. My stories aren't preachy or cheesy, but I hope they are inspirational, heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense. I am a huge researcher, as well, and you will find hints of historical romances inspired by true stories in my novels!

I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. My most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to my daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! I love exploring out West, especially ghost towns and museums. I've walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in my hand.

"I believe Christian fiction should be messy and gritty, because the human condition is ... and God loves us anyway." -- Heather Blanton

My thoughts ~

The second book in the Romance in the Rockies series is a continuation of book #1. You'll definitely want to read this series in order since they build upon one another. Back in time to the Old West the bawdy town of Defiance is the sin city of the west, worse than Dodge. Wyatt Earp even makes an appearance.

There are numerous characters, well developed and distinctly different. As three young women run a well respected hotel and attempt changing the scoundrels in Defiance, most characters, and I do mean "characters," aren't interested in  the Christian way of life. This is a town of brothels, gamblers, drunks, prostitutes and lawlessness, and the residents like it that way.

There is no end to adversity or complications throughout the lives of those who dwell in Defiance. Relationships, suspense and intense drama continue to heighten throughout this book, which I'm sure will continue into book #3.

I had no difficulty sorting out characters in this novel because they were so well developed in book #1. I did, however, find this book was slow moving for me. The plot was well done, but I found it difficult to get as personally involved with this particular part of the series.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network's For Readers Only program in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

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