A Horseman's Mission

Hidden Veil Hometown #2

by Sandra Ardoin

She seeks healing for her son.Macie Newman believes time and tranquility—not a psychologist—will heal her traumatized son, Alex. After she moves them to the small town of Hidden Veil, she discovers the noble but disturbing plans that her new boss, Lane Becker, has for his ranch. Fearing for her son’s safety as he becomes attached to the horseman, Macie chooses to leave before Lane’s interference endangers Alex’s physical and emotional health. But she hadn’t counted on how hard that would be on her son . . . or her heart.He's looking for atonement for his brother’s death.As an equine therapy center, Lane’s property will aid veterans suffering from PTSD and honor his brother’s death in Afghanistan, hopefully, lessening Lane’s guilt. When he finds a feisty but troubled widow occupying the space he needs for the center, Lane wants to move her out. But after witnessing her son’s frightening anxiety attack, he’s convinced the Newmans are where they need to be, as long as he can control his pull toward Macie. He can’t allow himself to be distracted by a love he doesn’t deserve.How can Lane help the boy and his mother conquer their fears without jeopardizing a second person’s life?Get to know the couples who navigate the joys and pitfalls of life and love in their quaint and tight-knit southern hometown of Hidden Veil, North Carolina.A Musician’s HeartA Horseman’s Mission

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2023

About the author

Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith. Rarely out of reach of a book, she's also an armchair sports enthusiast, country music listener, and seldom says no to eating out.

Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com. Subscribe to receive updates and specials. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and BookBub.

Reviews

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in Sandra Ardoin’s Hidden Veil Hometown series focuses on Lane, a secondary character in Book 1. Further references to previously introduced characters suggest that it would be beneficial to read Book 1 (A Musician’s Heart) first, although this book is largely an independent story.
Macie accepts a position as cook/housekeeper on Lane’s ranch, bringing her problematic nine-year-old son, Alex with her, hoping that the quiet country living will benefit him. When she discovers that Lane is preparing to introduce equine therapy for military veterans, with a resident psychologist, Macie is determined to find alternative employment.
This was a wonderful story, dealing with Christian faith, parental challenges, guilt, trust, and friendship. Personal growth, evident in all the characters, is beautifully described by the author.
I received a free Advanced Review Copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Horseman's Mission” Hidden Veil Hometown, Book 2, by Sandra Ardoin
Trauma, Forgiveness, & Love
This story touched all the emotions that make me love a story. Finding the balance between smothering and caring, between pushing too hard and filling a need, life is a balancing act and too often we stumble and miss the mark. There is a lot of happy in this story, too. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story from the author via Bookfunnel.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let God take away your guilt and fear!

A story that touches the heart as Lane, Macie, and Alex maneuver their way through the hardships of life. They each must deal with fear and guilt, and learn that God is trustworthy to take these hardships and work them for their good.

There is a sweet happy ending and you feel like part of the close community of friends. A clean, wholesome story of God’s forgiveness and guidance in hard times.

I enjoyed the story and would definitely re-read it. I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions.

[Sandra Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovable characters quickly pulled me into their plight. Both the hero and heroine have believable past emotional issues that made me care about their journey, especially as it affected the boy.

I enjoyed the North Carolina small-town setting. Townspeople whom we may see again in future books make me want to continue reading the series.

An enjoyable story.

[Rhetta Yount · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I chose this partly because it's about horses. Also because earlier in life I ran a therapeutic (horseback) riding program. So I've seen for myself how horses can help people struggling with life. I loved the characters & story line as well as the horses.
This is the first book I've read by this author, but will definitely not be the last.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

A good story that includes people who experienced the death of a loved one. The author shows methods & the truths that helped them overcome bitterness, anger & disagreeable actions keeping happiness or good things from coming to them

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A "tugs at the heartstrings" beautiful story of love, forgiveness, trust, and faith. I truly enjoyed reading this story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Beverly W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2

Encouraged by this story of dealing with the loss of a loved one and understanding God's plans. A sweet love story too with Lane and Macie

[Dienece Darling]

A great contemporary western.

Lots for the two main characters to work through. Some tough topics with grief and fear, but I enjoyed the journey.