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The Shepherd's Heart #4
Spring Meadow Sanctuary
He broke her heart.
Now he's back to ask for a second chance.
Heart pounding in shock, Sharyah Jordan gapes at the outlaw staring down the barrel of his gun at her. Cascade Bennett shattered her dreams only last summer, and now he plans to kidnap her and haul her into the wilderness with a bunch of outlaws…for her own protection? She'd rather be locked in her classroom for a whole week with Brandon McBride and his arsenal of tricks, and that was saying something.
Cade Bennett's heart nearly drops to his toes when he sees Sharyah standing by the desk. Sharyah Jordan was not supposed to be here. Blast if he didn't hate complications, and Sharyah with her alluring brown eyes and silky blond hair was a walking, talking personification of complication.
Now was probably not the time to tell her he'd made a huge mistake last summer….
Two broken hearts. Dangerous Outlaws. One last chance at love.
Step into a day when outlaws ran free, the land was wild, and guns blazed at the drop of a hat.
Now he's back to ask for a second chance.
Heart pounding in shock, Sharyah Jordan gapes at the outlaw staring down the barrel of his gun at her. Cascade Bennett shattered her dreams only last summer, and now he plans to kidnap her and haul her into the wilderness with a bunch of outlaws…for her own protection? She'd rather be locked in her classroom for a whole week with Brandon McBride and his arsenal of tricks, and that was saying something.
Cade Bennett's heart nearly drops to his toes when he sees Sharyah standing by the desk. Sharyah Jordan was not supposed to be here. Blast if he didn't hate complications, and Sharyah with her alluring brown eyes and silky blond hair was a walking, talking personification of complication.
Now was probably not the time to tell her he'd made a huge mistake last summer….
Two broken hearts. Dangerous Outlaws. One last chance at love.
Step into a day when outlaws ran free, the land was wild, and guns blazed at the drop of a hat.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2012
379 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Lynnette Bonner
66 books398 followersLYNNETTE BONNER, the daughter of missionaries, was born and raised in Malawi, Africa, graduated high school from Rift Valley Academy, a boarding school in Kenya, and attended Northwest University in Washington, where she met her husband, Marty. A few years after their marriage, they moved to Pierce, Idaho. While studying the history of their little town, Lynnette was inspired to begin The Shepherd’s Heart Series with Rocky Mountain Oasis.
Marty and Lynnette have four children and currently live in Washington, where Marty pastors a church.
Marty and Lynnette have four children and currently live in Washington, where Marty pastors a church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 21, 2014
Another winner from Lynnette Bonner! I just finished the audio version and my favorite narrator in this series is Anne Johnston-Brown.
Sharyah and Cade have been "a long time coming" to everyone. Everyone, that is, but to Cade who has always seen Sharyah as his little sister. That slap from her hand last summer and a few unexpected "incidents" are about to open his eyes to a whole new perspective. One where her alluring blonde curls and knack for getting in trouble take everything in him to keep her safe. His heart, however, has never been more unsafe or awake than now. Maybe a little competition is what it takes for Cade Bennett to really see. Or, was that feel?
Spring Meadow Sanctuary is the finale in The Shepherd's Heart series. We have grown to love the Jordan family and their friends in Shiloh. It is sad to come to the end. But, happy in seeing everyone married and settled with children. Does that make us feel like parents? LOL
Enjoy with the rest of us.
Sharyah and Cade have been "a long time coming" to everyone. Everyone, that is, but to Cade who has always seen Sharyah as his little sister. That slap from her hand last summer and a few unexpected "incidents" are about to open his eyes to a whole new perspective. One where her alluring blonde curls and knack for getting in trouble take everything in him to keep her safe. His heart, however, has never been more unsafe or awake than now. Maybe a little competition is what it takes for Cade Bennett to really see. Or, was that feel?
Spring Meadow Sanctuary is the finale in The Shepherd's Heart series. We have grown to love the Jordan family and their friends in Shiloh. It is sad to come to the end. But, happy in seeing everyone married and settled with children. Does that make us feel like parents? LOL
Enjoy with the rest of us.
February 23, 2025
Shariah can’t believe that Cascade Bennett is back in her life. Why the only reason she moved was to get away for everyone’s pity and him. But here he is and she has no choice but to trust him this time. Cade thought he was right last summer but he soon realized he had made the biggest blunder of his life. Telling Shariah Jordan that he did not love her. He thought he had lost her. But maybe God is giving him another chance. If he can get out of this big mess alive that is.
I enjoyed this story though I would have liked like talk about how one person felt. I really did not like Kat and could not believe she was able to do all the mean things she did. I was glad to see that Sam was not swayed by her twisted thinking.
I enjoyed this story though I would have liked like talk about how one person felt. I really did not like Kat and could not believe she was able to do all the mean things she did. I was glad to see that Sam was not swayed by her twisted thinking.
May 25, 2022
Audiobook ***
I truly enjoyed the first two books of this series, but I have mixed feelings about this one. There were too many pages filled with nothing. It’s like Ms. Bonner pad the pages out with unnecessary side stories to make the book longer. Her gift with words is undeniable, but the story was cut in pieces as she added sidelines. I found myself fast forwarding a few times.
Vitoria never had curiosity about the doll and the necklace. And the fact that they lasted for almost two decades without ever being lost, broken, etc was too much for me.
Hanna never told Victoria who she was and that is another thing that made the book weak for me.
Narrator: best work of the three.
I truly enjoyed the first two books of this series, but I have mixed feelings about this one. There were too many pages filled with nothing. It’s like Ms. Bonner pad the pages out with unnecessary side stories to make the book longer. Her gift with words is undeniable, but the story was cut in pieces as she added sidelines. I found myself fast forwarding a few times.
Vitoria never had curiosity about the doll and the necklace. And the fact that they lasted for almost two decades without ever being lost, broken, etc was too much for me.
Hanna never told Victoria who she was and that is another thing that made the book weak for me.
Narrator: best work of the three.
January 29, 2024
A page-turning Western Romance with a clear picture of God’s goodness.
It’s the last installment and it sure wraps it all up nicely! It does have more violence (death, killing, outlaws’ life as well as an allusion to rape - do if it’s a trigger, be advised ) but again, in Ms. Bonner’s style done with gentleness.
God’s faithfulness and compassion and goodness are clearly shown through out the difficulties and challenges the MCs experience.
Multiple POVs, a well-developed plot, and a beautiful language.
It’s the last installment and it sure wraps it all up nicely! It does have more violence (death, killing, outlaws’ life as well as an allusion to rape - do if it’s a trigger, be advised ) but again, in Ms. Bonner’s style done with gentleness.
God’s faithfulness and compassion and goodness are clearly shown through out the difficulties and challenges the MCs experience.
Multiple POVs, a well-developed plot, and a beautiful language.
October 24, 2019
It was another Lynnette Bonner read I did not want to come to an end. It was looking back to a time that I can only imagine. I have great respect for all the difficulties the people faced and overcame especially when in the wilderness. It was like watching my grandparents thru another eyes. Read with your mind opened and imagination working.
May 12, 2020
In this 4th book of the Shepherd's Heart Series, based on the 23rd Psalm we come to the story of Case Bennett and Sharya Jones. These two grew up like brother and sister, but being younger Sharya has had a crush on Cade forever. This is an exciting tale of stage coach roberies, outlaws, and more. In the end when all seems list these 2 find God's Mercy and Goodness spread out before them forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2024
Why, oh why?
Why is it that our heroines can’t just remain in safety once in a while? I really thought Shar was smarter than that. And I’m not quite sure I understood why she wasn’t a little more excited when the man of her dreams finally declared his love to her. But, all things aside, I enjoyed the story and loved the budding romances maybe yet to come.
Why is it that our heroines can’t just remain in safety once in a while? I really thought Shar was smarter than that. And I’m not quite sure I understood why she wasn’t a little more excited when the man of her dreams finally declared his love to her. But, all things aside, I enjoyed the story and loved the budding romances maybe yet to come.
March 5, 2018
I loved everything about this book. I didn't want it to end! The romance was beautiful and the suspense thrilling.
April 28, 2018
Real characters
These stories jump off the page like you're reading someone's journal, unearthed from the depths of your Grandma's attic. Fantastic!!
These stories jump off the page like you're reading someone's journal, unearthed from the depths of your Grandma's attic. Fantastic!!
May 10, 2021
Great book
This series has been fun. I enjoyed this one as much as all the others. I can highly recommend this book and the whole series.
This series has been fun. I enjoyed this one as much as all the others. I can highly recommend this book and the whole series.
May 25, 2023
I enjoyed the book! There was a lot of drama and suspense before coming to a happily ever after ending. The book is part of a series but can be read stand alone.I highly recommend reading this book!
June 4, 2023
True love never dies.
Love this series of books. Easy to read and hard to put down! So much excitement and suspense to each novel. True love wins in the end.
Love this series of books. Easy to read and hard to put down! So much excitement and suspense to each novel. True love wins in the end.
August 12, 2023
Excellent end to the series! The only thing: we want Smith and the widow's story! Cade and Sharyah will be Brandon's step brother and sister and wouldn't that be fun!
April 28, 2024
Loved this series by Lynnette Bonner. Can't get enough of her books.
October 31, 2024
great wrap up
A great finish to the series. Enjoyed all four books. Each book stands on its own and this one settled my mind. Now let’s imagine what happens to Smith…
A great finish to the series. Enjoyed all four books. Each book stands on its own and this one settled my mind. Now let’s imagine what happens to Smith…
March 16, 2025
Excellent!!!!
Lynette Bonner delivered again!!!!
Enjoyed this beautiful book, the writing is exquisite
Love how the characters depend on GOD
Looking forward to Lynette Bonner's next series
Lynette Bonner delivered again!!!!
Enjoyed this beautiful book, the writing is exquisite
Love how the characters depend on GOD
Looking forward to Lynette Bonner's next series
December 29, 2025
Captivating!
I enjoyed every minute reading this book. I usually read before bed, and I had a hard time putting it down to sleep.
I enjoyed every minute reading this book. I usually read before bed, and I had a hard time putting it down to sleep.
December 6, 2022
Really cute, clean Christian read.
July 1, 2025
Excellent series!
I read all four books in this series in just under two weeks! Would have been much less time if I didn’t have 10-hr work days. If you love Christian historical fiction, these have to be on your list to read.
I read all four books in this series in just under two weeks! Would have been much less time if I didn’t have 10-hr work days. If you love Christian historical fiction, these have to be on your list to read.
October 15, 2024
This is an enjoyable western series. During the previous book, there's conflict between Sharya and Cade, that leaves you wondering. As the author unpacks what happens next in this book, I would've liked a little more backstory about what happened between them, but she moves right into the mystery and adventure of spying on a band of outlaws, who have Sharya in their sights. Everything is tied up at the end, so it's a satisfying read.
January 23, 2016
SPRING MEADOW SANCTUARY is the fourth installment in The Shepherd’s Heart series, but easily enough can be read as a standalone novel. I have not read the previous three and was able to keep up without having too many questions.
Sharyah Jordan had her heart broken by Cascade Bennett. But that is the past. She is now a school teacher in Beth Haven, and even though she is counting the days until the year is over, she convinces herself she is better off there than anywhere Cade Bennett might be.
Cascade Bennett doesn’t see a problem infiltrating the Rodale Gang. He’ll go in, get proof of their rustling, convince Sam Perry’s sister, Katrina, to come with him, and get out. What he doesn’t anticipate is that to get Sam Perry’s attention, the Rodale gang plans on kidnapping the new teacher in Beth Haven, knowing Sam’s sweet on her. But, Cade is utterly shocked to find out the teacher is Sharyah. Kidnapping Sharyah isn’t a problem. Keeping her safe will be.
As Sharyah and Cade struggle with their feelings for each other, Sharyah continues to be the target of the Rodale Gang and Cade has to go to extremes to keep Sharyah alive. Sharyah refuses to fall for the cowboy that already broke her heart once. But Cade now realizes he made a mistake pushing Sharyah away.
SPRING MEADOW SANCTUARY was an enjoyable book. Never reading anything by Lynnette Bonner before, I didn’t know what to expect. But, since SPRING MEADOW SANCTUARY had all the key ingredients I look for in a book- cowboys, romance, and suspense, I gave it a try. I’m glad I did. The characters were warm and likable. A few situations I felt were a bit over the top, but overall, a good read.
Electronic book provided for review purposes.
Sharyah Jordan had her heart broken by Cascade Bennett. But that is the past. She is now a school teacher in Beth Haven, and even though she is counting the days until the year is over, she convinces herself she is better off there than anywhere Cade Bennett might be.
Cascade Bennett doesn’t see a problem infiltrating the Rodale Gang. He’ll go in, get proof of their rustling, convince Sam Perry’s sister, Katrina, to come with him, and get out. What he doesn’t anticipate is that to get Sam Perry’s attention, the Rodale gang plans on kidnapping the new teacher in Beth Haven, knowing Sam’s sweet on her. But, Cade is utterly shocked to find out the teacher is Sharyah. Kidnapping Sharyah isn’t a problem. Keeping her safe will be.
As Sharyah and Cade struggle with their feelings for each other, Sharyah continues to be the target of the Rodale Gang and Cade has to go to extremes to keep Sharyah alive. Sharyah refuses to fall for the cowboy that already broke her heart once. But Cade now realizes he made a mistake pushing Sharyah away.
SPRING MEADOW SANCTUARY was an enjoyable book. Never reading anything by Lynnette Bonner before, I didn’t know what to expect. But, since SPRING MEADOW SANCTUARY had all the key ingredients I look for in a book- cowboys, romance, and suspense, I gave it a try. I’m glad I did. The characters were warm and likable. A few situations I felt were a bit over the top, but overall, a good read.
Electronic book provided for review purposes.
November 30, 2012
Spring Meadow Sanctuary
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I really enjoyed this trip back to the 1800s Wild West and Sharyah and Cadefs story. After Cade broke Sharyah's heart, she never expected to be kidnapped by him and having to depend on him for her life. The struggles they endure throughout the story is intriguing and heart-wrenching as we watch Cade do everything he can to keep Sharyah safe. But will Sharyah give her heart away a second time to Cade? Or is she afraid of another heartbreak? And Cade finally realizes that he made a big mistake and it may be too late for a relationship with Sharyah.
Spring Meadow Sanctuary is my second book by author Lynnette Bonner and I really enjoy her writing style. She is very gifted in writing historical stories and you can tell the depth of her research in the vivid details of the setting, the people and lifestyle of the era. I love historical fiction and was excited to be able to read and review this one.
Overall, in this story you get to experience the wild-west at its best, with gangs and outlaws, guns and fighting, good guys and bad, action and excitement, and with a healthy dose of romance that will grip your heart and keep it long after you finish the story.
I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of Spring Meadow Sanctuary to read and enjoy. And while you are at it, pick up the first three books in The Shepherd's Heart series.
This book was provided by the author through FIRST WildCard. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The review here is my opinion only.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I really enjoyed this trip back to the 1800s Wild West and Sharyah and Cadefs story. After Cade broke Sharyah's heart, she never expected to be kidnapped by him and having to depend on him for her life. The struggles they endure throughout the story is intriguing and heart-wrenching as we watch Cade do everything he can to keep Sharyah safe. But will Sharyah give her heart away a second time to Cade? Or is she afraid of another heartbreak? And Cade finally realizes that he made a big mistake and it may be too late for a relationship with Sharyah.
Spring Meadow Sanctuary is my second book by author Lynnette Bonner and I really enjoy her writing style. She is very gifted in writing historical stories and you can tell the depth of her research in the vivid details of the setting, the people and lifestyle of the era. I love historical fiction and was excited to be able to read and review this one.
Overall, in this story you get to experience the wild-west at its best, with gangs and outlaws, guns and fighting, good guys and bad, action and excitement, and with a healthy dose of romance that will grip your heart and keep it long after you finish the story.
I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of Spring Meadow Sanctuary to read and enjoy. And while you are at it, pick up the first three books in The Shepherd's Heart series.
This book was provided by the author through FIRST WildCard. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The review here is my opinion only.
May 3, 2016
Having read the series, this final installment is one I highly anticipated. It was very much worth the wait. I find that narratives in which the hero finally 'gets a clue' that the lady is the one for him can be tricky, but Bonner made it believable for me. In fact, she took it farther by giving me the enjoyment of having Cade suffer a bit of the same long, drawn out waiting game that Sharyah has endured as she's kept hoping he would fall in love with her. His process of coming to realize the extent of his feelings is nicely done, but due to circumstance and the fact that Sharyah won't allow her heart to be easily broken a second time, he doesn't get to immediately express those feelings in full. But he proves to be tenacious and patient at the same time. When the proposal finally comes, it's oh so perfect.
There's plenty of action and other story elements, all nicely paced, so that I was eager to keep reading to see how everything would end. Very nice to be able to revisit with Jason and Nicki during this tale. As a personal note, I'll confess that I think the "talk" by the side of the barn was one of the most enjoyable heart-sharing and almost-kiss scenes that I've read in a long, long time.
The entire Jordan clan has won a place in my heart. I know these are books that I'll return to, repeatedly, when I need a lovely bit of fictional escape and happiness.
There's plenty of action and other story elements, all nicely paced, so that I was eager to keep reading to see how everything would end. Very nice to be able to revisit with Jason and Nicki during this tale. As a personal note, I'll confess that I think the "talk" by the side of the barn was one of the most enjoyable heart-sharing and almost-kiss scenes that I've read in a long, long time.
The entire Jordan clan has won a place in my heart. I know these are books that I'll return to, repeatedly, when I need a lovely bit of fictional escape and happiness.
November 29, 2012
I love historical fiction, and when it takes place in the wild west, with characters that touch my heart then the story is even better, and when the author can create a page turning plot that has to be read in one sitting well then that's great, and that's just what I found inside the beautiful cover of this book!
Sharyah Jordan's and Cascade Bennett were childhood friends, and while Shar developed romantic feelings for Cade, her heart and hopes were dashed when he informed her that he didn't think of her in that way. When fate brings them back together, will love finally bloom for them?
While this was the fourth book in The Shepherd's Heart series it can easily be read as a stand alone work. The author does an amazing job of weaving a faith based message into this story without it feeling overwhelming. The characters are easy to like, and the historical setting came to life for me as the story unfolded. I was captivated from the beginning when the author describes some of the pranks that were going on in her classroom. Historical fiction fans that enjoy a nice clean romance along with a faith based message will certainly enjoy this one. If you have never read anything by Lynette Bonner you're certainly missing out on a wonderful experience.
Sharyah Jordan's and Cascade Bennett were childhood friends, and while Shar developed romantic feelings for Cade, her heart and hopes were dashed when he informed her that he didn't think of her in that way. When fate brings them back together, will love finally bloom for them?
While this was the fourth book in The Shepherd's Heart series it can easily be read as a stand alone work. The author does an amazing job of weaving a faith based message into this story without it feeling overwhelming. The characters are easy to like, and the historical setting came to life for me as the story unfolded. I was captivated from the beginning when the author describes some of the pranks that were going on in her classroom. Historical fiction fans that enjoy a nice clean romance along with a faith based message will certainly enjoy this one. If you have never read anything by Lynette Bonner you're certainly missing out on a wonderful experience.
November 15, 2012
Cascade Bennett mascarades as Cade Schilling, notorious outlaw, in an attempt to discover where his friend Sam Perry's cattle are disappearing. He has no idea that the leader of the rustlers will have him kidnap the one woman who will not leave his heart alone, Sharyah Jordan.
Meanwhile, Sharyah has taken a teaching job in a town far enough away from Cade that he cannot break her heart another time--or so she thinks. She strikes up a friendship with Sam, knowing his heart will never be hers and that she will never allow her own heart to be broken again. Sam should make a safe husband, not demanding more affection than she has to give.
And then the day comes when Cade breaks back into her life by hauling her off to the hills to an outlaw stronghold. He demands that she call him by the wrong last name. And the other woman at the stronghold--there's something odd about her.
So much confusion, so little information. To find out what happens, you'll have to buy the book, available on Amazon now and will be on Barnes and Nobel or Lynn's website in a few weeks.
Meanwhile, Sharyah has taken a teaching job in a town far enough away from Cade that he cannot break her heart another time--or so she thinks. She strikes up a friendship with Sam, knowing his heart will never be hers and that she will never allow her own heart to be broken again. Sam should make a safe husband, not demanding more affection than she has to give.
And then the day comes when Cade breaks back into her life by hauling her off to the hills to an outlaw stronghold. He demands that she call him by the wrong last name. And the other woman at the stronghold--there's something odd about her.
So much confusion, so little information. To find out what happens, you'll have to buy the book, available on Amazon now and will be on Barnes and Nobel or Lynn's website in a few weeks.
November 18, 2012
I stumbled upon this series while browsing my "recommended for you" list in the kindle library. I was pleasantly surprised to find a new favorite Christian author. I love historical romance novels, but I don't appreciate gratuitous sex. Also, I don't like it when the book is either so preachy that I get uncomfortable or when the book is so squeaky-clean you don't even get to read about the main characters kissing and all of a sudden, she's pregnant.
This series was not the case on either end of the spectrum. Bonner did a great job at balancing romance and tender moments with action and some uplifting passages as well. My favorite thing about this author, though, is that her characters are all very well fleshed out. Even the secondary characters have motives and backgrounds, without going off into any unnecessary tangents. My favorites were the first and the third, but all four were extremely well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
This series was not the case on either end of the spectrum. Bonner did a great job at balancing romance and tender moments with action and some uplifting passages as well. My favorite thing about this author, though, is that her characters are all very well fleshed out. Even the secondary characters have motives and backgrounds, without going off into any unnecessary tangents. My favorites were the first and the third, but all four were extremely well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
November 17, 2012
Having missed the second and third books in this series, I had only the first, which I loved, to compare it to. I must say Lynnette Bonner has done it again, created a wonderful western with a cast of interesting characters and a page-turning plot. I liked the sparks between Cade and Sharyah. I liked that he finally realized he loved her. I liked his sense of humor as well. I was a bit put out that it took her so long to see it. Hard-headed females in stories do this to me. The drama of the plot worked well with the story. However, I had a hard time following the rather drawn-out scene around the stagecoach. That said, I also had to keep guessing whether or not the sheriff was straight or crooked. My only regret in the story was in not knowing what happened to them after their wedding, but that is my personal taste. Overall, a great Christian Romance with a historical setting.
November 19, 2012
Another amazing book by Lynnette Bonner. I have come to love all her characters and will miss them now that the series is over. Did not want to put the book down until I was finished with it. I enjoyed the story line as well as the writing style. The story flowed quite nicely and it was good to revisit all the characters from the earlier books. When I read previously that she was going to turn Cade into an outlaw I wondered how she could possibly do that because he was such a likable character, but she did an amazing job of giving us a lovable outlaw. The story also kept my attention the whole time wondering if Sam was going to pull himself up and be a good guy or turn out being a bad guy. There were a few surprises thrown in too. You'll have to read it to find out. :)
December 7, 2013
While I did like this book because of the characters I have grown to care about, I was not impressed with the storyline. It could have been so much more. I feel that the pages were filled with many uninteresting facts and information that had little to do with the progress of the story. For me, Books 1, 2, and 3 moved slowly and this book moved slowest of all. That may very well be because I did not care for the storyline and the minute details that added little to the book and impeded its momentum.
I would recommend this book because I would not want to discourage you into missing the final book in this series.
I would recommend this book because I would not want to discourage you into missing the final book in this series.
May 11, 2013
I'm happy and sad about this book. Happy to be reading Cade and Sharyah's story, and sad that this is, to my knowledge, this final book in the series. Good story and sweet romance. A little disappointed that we did not see more of Sky, Rocky and their families, but enjoyed visiting with Jason and Nicki. The ending was (sigh) very sweet; although, I am disappointed not to have an epilogue detailing the lives of all the characters in the four books. That would have, in my opinion, been the icing on the cake. I would recommend not only this book, but the first three books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews