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Heartland Cowboy Christmas #9
Heartland Faith
She made a mistake and married the wrong man.
Once the vows were said, she had to keep them. After all, they were said to God just as much as to her loser, neglectful husband.
And so for fifteen years and four children, Carmen Davis stayed true, kept her word and did her level best to love the man she married.
But she never forgot the man who could make her heart race and whose life was as straight and true as it had promised to be in high school.
Preston Emerson would never love another. He wasn’t the kind of man who could fall for anyone. And it was better to stay single than to be married to one woman while he constantly fought off thinking about another.
After all, the woman he’d fallen in love with had married another.
He could stay away from her, but he couldn’t keep from helping her.
But then one day a single decision changes their lives. The past comes back. Secrets come out and in the virtual storm a love that had been dormant bursts to life.
Will they bank on faith and take a second chance at love?
Once the vows were said, she had to keep them. After all, they were said to God just as much as to her loser, neglectful husband.
And so for fifteen years and four children, Carmen Davis stayed true, kept her word and did her level best to love the man she married.
But she never forgot the man who could make her heart race and whose life was as straight and true as it had promised to be in high school.
Preston Emerson would never love another. He wasn’t the kind of man who could fall for anyone. And it was better to stay single than to be married to one woman while he constantly fought off thinking about another.
After all, the woman he’d fallen in love with had married another.
He could stay away from her, but he couldn’t keep from helping her.
But then one day a single decision changes their lives. The past comes back. Secrets come out and in the virtual storm a love that had been dormant bursts to life.
Will they bank on faith and take a second chance at love?
Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 17, 2022
I really have enjoyed reading every book I have ever read by this author but I had a little bit of a hard time with this story. While I agree that so many who make marriage vows don't take them seriously enough, I do not agree with allowing abuse, of any kind to exist and continuing to stay in a marriage where that exists. I feel like it damages not only the abused spouse, but also the children who witness that abuse.
Carmen had married the wrong man. She knew it as soon as she stood at the altar and said I do. But, she had made vows and she was determined to keep those vows, no matter what. After 15 years of emotional abuse, neglect, and meanness from her husband, her husband is dead and she can finally move on with her life.
Preston has loved Carmen from afar for all of the fifteen years of her marriage. He was determined to accept the decision she had made but to be there to support both her and her children through a difficult time. He had stepped back when he thought Carmen didn't want him, rather than stepping up to let her know how he really felt for her. He had always regretted that decision and saw what Carmen had to live with once her decision was made. He admired her for her determination to live up to the vows she had made but it also had made him sad.
Was it possible for Preston and Carmen to get a happy ending or would the damage that had been caused during Carmen's marriage destroy any future happiness for her and, by extension, for Preston?
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Carmen had married the wrong man. She knew it as soon as she stood at the altar and said I do. But, she had made vows and she was determined to keep those vows, no matter what. After 15 years of emotional abuse, neglect, and meanness from her husband, her husband is dead and she can finally move on with her life.
Preston has loved Carmen from afar for all of the fifteen years of her marriage. He was determined to accept the decision she had made but to be there to support both her and her children through a difficult time. He had stepped back when he thought Carmen didn't want him, rather than stepping up to let her know how he really felt for her. He had always regretted that decision and saw what Carmen had to live with once her decision was made. He admired her for her determination to live up to the vows she had made but it also had made him sad.
Was it possible for Preston and Carmen to get a happy ending or would the damage that had been caused during Carmen's marriage destroy any future happiness for her and, by extension, for Preston?
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
March 9, 2022
How will God reward them for their obedience and faith? God allows difficult things in our lives. Carmen made a mistake and married the wrong man. She treated him like Jesus because she had made a vow before the Lord, even when the world said to leave him for his treatment of her and their children. Her faith wouldn’t permit her to do anything but stay and love her husband. Preston had loved her since before her marriage but never told her. Helping when he could, he prayed for her for 15 years. Neither prayed for escape, but to do the right thing. Lovely story of God’s faithfulness to those who do what is right.
Received ARC and this is my honest review.
Received ARC and this is my honest review.
March 10, 2022
I’m just so thrilled that Preston and Carmen finally have their story!!! Their faith in God was so very strong and it remained that way even though they admitted to having their human doubts. They both had to overcome so many difficulties throughout their lives, but they let God show them the way. This story was so inspiring and filled with an unfailing love for God and each other. Jessie has outdone herself with this one.
September 28, 2022
AMAZING Story, Important Information
Heartland Faith is a bit of a departure from Jessie Gussman's usual gentle style and characters, but it has a lot to teach about faith--specifically faith in Jesus. All of her previous books deal with "God" or "the Lord", but this book not only mentions Jesus by name, it features a main character who dares to fight conventional wisdom by staying married to a selfish man who doesn't love her or their children, praying every day that his heart would soften and that he would be saved.
Her husband, Michael, is not only selfish, but a cheater. His girlfriend's father is the supervisor of the warehouse where he's stopped, and he's too angry during a walk around the lot to see the forklift that runs into him and crushes his chest.
Carmen visits him in the hospital, praying without ceasing, a practice that he mocks. That night, during a dream or near-death experience, he finds himself in a silent, vacant room. He is attacked by demons, tortured, and sent down to hell long enough to regret his selfish life and remember the name Carmen used to mention so much: Jesus. In an instant, his hospital room is filled with light and beeping machines, and he can hear the TV on his roommate's side. Jesus is there, too. Michael apologizes for his sins and Jesus tells him he'll be with Him the next day, so Michael knows he won't survive his surgery. When Carmen visits him the morning of the surgery, he doesn't tell her about his trip to hell or his encounter with Jesus, but she senses an unusual friendliness in him.
The next chapter takes place at Michael's funeral, where Carmen is worn out by a multitude of well-wishers and is advised to rest by Miss Matilda. Who promptly says he'll drive her four kids home? Preston Emerson, the man who has loved her since before she got married and is single because he knows she won't break her vows, no matter how badly Michael treats her. Preston knows it's too soon to begin talking to Carmen, though his brothers Levi and Shawn disagree.
Rochelle, the girlfriend, shows up at Carmen's with his two children by her, and doesn't believe that Michael is married. She hints that she will sue for the full life insurance benefit, even though half of it is needed to pay for the funeral. She repeats the skeptic's line, "If you want to believe in that book of fairy tales [the Bible] go ahead! I won't stop you." Carmen lays out the Gospel--not a vague story about pleasing God, but the full story about God providing the solution to the problem of sin's cost being death. Rochelle shrugs, but Carmen sees a spark of interest.
If the Bible is a "book of fairy tales", Rochelle chooses to act out one of them (Joseph and Potiphar's wife) by trying to seduce Preston, then making it look like he tried to rape her and she kicked him out. Knowing his character, Carmen doesn't believe Rochelle, but her son JR does and is furious with Preston, who is "just like Dad". Later JR hears Rochelle and Carmen talking about her performance, realizes he was wrong, and apologizes to Preston, who offers to mentor him in Bible study.
Preston tells Carmen that he wants to give his extra income to her daughter Francis for the trip to Europe she earned but couldn't pay for because Michael had spent it on "necessities" like beer rather than groceries. Carmen protests, but Preston points out that the money is for Francis, so she's not in a position to refuse it.
Preston's brother Levi tells him he should have fought for Carmen in high school, when Michael appeared and stole her from her friends, including him. He also says that Preston is nice to everyone, so Carmen doesn't think she's special to him, then or now. Shawn tells Preston that he and Carmen would make a great couple and be "useful to God". This gives Preston food for thought.
After a miserable double shift on her night job, Carmen sobs at the church's altar. When Preston greets her in the dark sanctuary, she opens up to him about knowing right after she said "I do" that she'd made a mistake by marrying Michael while she still loved Preston. He had made her think she wasn't special to him, so when Michael showed interest she let him carry her away. In return, he confesses that he loved her before her marriage and never even dated anyone while the woman of his dreams was married to a man out of a nightmare. She asks him to marry her, and they agree that Rochelle will have to move out to guard against a later situation with Preston. (Rochelle is a "baby Christian" by now but is prone to relapses.)
I was surprised by this book's villain (Michael) and horrifying depiction of hell . Carmen is an enviable heroine, and Preston is a hero I'd fall for if I wasn't rooting for him to marry Carmen! I adored this book and recommend it very highly to anyone, wherever you are in your faith journey!
Heartland Faith is a bit of a departure from Jessie Gussman's usual gentle style and characters, but it has a lot to teach about faith--specifically faith in Jesus. All of her previous books deal with "God" or "the Lord", but this book not only mentions Jesus by name, it features a main character who dares to fight conventional wisdom by staying married to a selfish man who doesn't love her or their children, praying every day that his heart would soften and that he would be saved.
Her husband, Michael, is not only selfish, but a cheater. His girlfriend's father is the supervisor of the warehouse where he's stopped, and he's too angry during a walk around the lot to see the forklift that runs into him and crushes his chest.
Carmen visits him in the hospital, praying without ceasing, a practice that he mocks. That night, during a dream or near-death experience, he finds himself in a silent, vacant room. He is attacked by demons, tortured, and sent down to hell long enough to regret his selfish life and remember the name Carmen used to mention so much: Jesus. In an instant, his hospital room is filled with light and beeping machines, and he can hear the TV on his roommate's side. Jesus is there, too. Michael apologizes for his sins and Jesus tells him he'll be with Him the next day, so Michael knows he won't survive his surgery. When Carmen visits him the morning of the surgery, he doesn't tell her about his trip to hell or his encounter with Jesus, but she senses an unusual friendliness in him.
The next chapter takes place at Michael's funeral, where Carmen is worn out by a multitude of well-wishers and is advised to rest by Miss Matilda. Who promptly says he'll drive her four kids home? Preston Emerson, the man who has loved her since before she got married and is single because he knows she won't break her vows, no matter how badly Michael treats her. Preston knows it's too soon to begin talking to Carmen, though his brothers Levi and Shawn disagree.
Rochelle, the girlfriend, shows up at Carmen's with his two children by her, and doesn't believe that Michael is married. She hints that she will sue for the full life insurance benefit, even though half of it is needed to pay for the funeral. She repeats the skeptic's line, "If you want to believe in that book of fairy tales [the Bible] go ahead! I won't stop you." Carmen lays out the Gospel--not a vague story about pleasing God, but the full story about God providing the solution to the problem of sin's cost being death. Rochelle shrugs, but Carmen sees a spark of interest.
If the Bible is a "book of fairy tales", Rochelle chooses to act out one of them (Joseph and Potiphar's wife) by trying to seduce Preston, then making it look like he tried to rape her and she kicked him out. Knowing his character, Carmen doesn't believe Rochelle, but her son JR does and is furious with Preston, who is "just like Dad". Later JR hears Rochelle and Carmen talking about her performance, realizes he was wrong, and apologizes to Preston, who offers to mentor him in Bible study.
Preston tells Carmen that he wants to give his extra income to her daughter Francis for the trip to Europe she earned but couldn't pay for because Michael had spent it on "necessities" like beer rather than groceries. Carmen protests, but Preston points out that the money is for Francis, so she's not in a position to refuse it.
Preston's brother Levi tells him he should have fought for Carmen in high school, when Michael appeared and stole her from her friends, including him. He also says that Preston is nice to everyone, so Carmen doesn't think she's special to him, then or now. Shawn tells Preston that he and Carmen would make a great couple and be "useful to God". This gives Preston food for thought.
After a miserable double shift on her night job, Carmen sobs at the church's altar. When Preston greets her in the dark sanctuary, she opens up to him about knowing right after she said "I do" that she'd made a mistake by marrying Michael while she still loved Preston. He had made her think she wasn't special to him, so when Michael showed interest she let him carry her away. In return, he confesses that he loved her before her marriage and never even dated anyone while the woman of his dreams was married to a man out of a nightmare. She asks him to marry her, and they agree that Rochelle will have to move out to guard against a later situation with Preston. (Rochelle is a "baby Christian" by now but is prone to relapses.)
I was surprised by this book's villain (Michael) and horrifying depiction of hell . Carmen is an enviable heroine, and Preston is a hero I'd fall for if I wasn't rooting for him to marry Carmen! I adored this book and recommend it very highly to anyone, wherever you are in your faith journey!
August 19, 2022
A la Jessie Gussman style, Heartland Faith is another star! In fact, it’s a 5 star! ⭐️ Carmen married Michael, the wrong man for her, trying to make Preston jealous, but Preston thought she was in love with him and he didn’t want to stand in the way of Carmen’s happiness, for he loved her.so.very.much! Fifteen years and four kids, and such an awful marriage later, with much marital infidelity on Michael’s part, he is killed in a truck wreck. But, Carmen is by his side at the hospital. Michael is dreaming about demons dragging him off to hell, and he envisions that he’s going to have a surgery the next day that he won’t recover from. He knows he needs to meet this man Jesus whom Carmen has loved and worshiped since before their marriage. He asks the Lord to please come into his heart and save his soul and then he is at peace. They lose him the next day, as he only lives a short time after the surgery. Preston was there to take the kids home from the hospital to get rest. Just like always, he was there for her children, but kept his distance from Carmen. After the funeral, a car pulls up in her driveway with a young woman, a toddler and an infant in it and she demands to see Michael. Carmen is so weak her eyes are barely open and she can barely walk but she stops and says, “I’m Michael’s wife, and this is his house, but I’m sorry, we just buried him. Is there something I can do for you?” The young lady yells at her and says “He hasn’t been to see me in nearly two weeks so I had to track him down! His wife!?! He’s not married! He’s with me and he’s behind on giving me money to take care of my rent and buy food for our babies and I need to talk to him!” So begins the saga of Rochelle and Michael’s two children, his second family that Carmen knew nothing about and Rochelle knew nothing about Carmen or his significant family. The girl has nothing and nobody, so being the kind of Christian she is, Carmen invites Rochelle to move in with them. Even though they can’t afford it and don’t have room for them. Anyway, so, so many noteworthy events take place hereafter that you MUST read about, but I can’t just TELL you about them all, so you will have to read the book to find out how God blesses Carmen’s family for her faithfulness to her husband, and loving him like Jesus, and how he blesses her children, and even Rochelle and there’s even more!! 🤗🤗🤗 It’s really awesome the way God works all things for the good for Carmen and her family and Preston, because they love the Lord and are called according to His purpose! (paraphrase of Romans 8:28) Please get this beautiful book 📕. You won’t be sorry! 🙏♥️
August 31, 2022
Heartland Faith is a story of a man's unconditional love that lasted for 15 years. Preston has loved Carmen since high school. But when Michael, an older boy swoops in and has all the right words Carmen married him. She felt she was making a mistake when she was marrying him but Preston had not acted like he was going to fight for her. So she married a man she didn't love who became a truck driver. Away from home for long periods of time and when he was home he treated Carmen like a servant. But Carmen would not say anything in front of her 4 kids about their daddy, they could see it on their own. Carmen felt he was probably cheating on her being the type of boy he was in high school. Carmen refused to leave the marriage as she made her vows to him and the Bible says "For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?" Carmen kept going back to 1Corinthians 7 :16 every time it was so bad she didn't think she could stay any longer. If staying could save him, it would be worth it.
Michael gets injured at one of the warehouses where he had a load to drop off. Carmen went and held his hand and sat with him in the hospital. She kept remembering I Corinthians 7:16 and hoped he might save his soul before it was too late. He told her he had a bad dream and thought he was in hell. After seeing hell he remembered Carmen talking about Jesus and he was in his dream too. He dreamed he saved him. Carmen thought it was worth 15 years if he was saved. He had a turn for the worse and died. She couldn't feel any sadness or tears, even at the funeral. They didn't go to the burial and Preston helped Carmen get the kids home. A surprise was in Carmen's driveway when she made it home. It would change all that they thought about Michael. Would this cause Carmen to never try to give Preston a chance at love?.
I received an advanced copy to give my honest opinion. This story is worth more than 5 stars as it has a twist I would never thought of. Great job Jessie Gussman!
Michael gets injured at one of the warehouses where he had a load to drop off. Carmen went and held his hand and sat with him in the hospital. She kept remembering I Corinthians 7:16 and hoped he might save his soul before it was too late. He told her he had a bad dream and thought he was in hell. After seeing hell he remembered Carmen talking about Jesus and he was in his dream too. He dreamed he saved him. Carmen thought it was worth 15 years if he was saved. He had a turn for the worse and died. She couldn't feel any sadness or tears, even at the funeral. They didn't go to the burial and Preston helped Carmen get the kids home. A surprise was in Carmen's driveway when she made it home. It would change all that they thought about Michael. Would this cause Carmen to never try to give Preston a chance at love?.
I received an advanced copy to give my honest opinion. This story is worth more than 5 stars as it has a twist I would never thought of. Great job Jessie Gussman!
March 15, 2022
After reading the other books in this series, and discovering Preston’s acts of service to his family, his neighbours and his community, I really wanted to know his story. Preston is a man of steadfast faith who truly holds material things in little regard. The only woman to claim his heart married another man fifteen years ago and had four children with him. He never stopped loving her and praying for her happiness in her marriage and life in general. Like his brothers who have found love, he has loved only once and he will love Carmen until he dies and maybe beyond. Carmen knew she made a mistake in marrying Michael, but her faith and constant prayer kept her in the marriage and faithful to her husband. He was not a man of God, enjoyed belittling his wife and children, and was unfaithful. After an accident takes her husband’s life, Carmen’s faith is tested once again when she is forced to face the secrets he kept from her. Preston steps up to help Carmen and her family as he would for anyone in need, though a glimmer of hope, of finally being able to tell Carmen of his love at a future date, is now within his heart. He witnesses Carmen’s compassion and generosity to a stranger who was also wronged by her husband, as well as her loving support of her children. Time and reflection bring them both the certainty that God’s path for each of them now leads back to the other.
The characters and their storyline are truly inspiring and engaging. Jessie always provides words of wisdom, faith and insight to her readers and this book is no exception. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The characters and their storyline are truly inspiring and engaging. Jessie always provides words of wisdom, faith and insight to her readers and this book is no exception. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 15, 2022
Finally Preston got his happy ending! I just love Preston who has been in the background of the books in this series. He has helped get many of the couples together. But he had his heart broken years before when the woman he loved married someone else. He has watched from the sidelines as she endured marriage to a horrible man who was very selfish. Even though he couldn't have the woman he loved, he tried to help her out where he could without bringing attention to himself.
Carmen Magnus knew she had made a mistake soon after her marriage but she was a woman of integrity and she loved the Lord so she kept her vows year after year despite her husband's neglectful treatment.
When her husband suddenly died after a work accident- Carmen had no feelings of sadness at his death. She had always suppressed her regrets and thoughts of the man she should have married instead. But Preston was right there trying to help her out where he could.
Was it possible after so many years that Preston and Carmen would finally have a second chance at love? Could Preston convince Carmen that his care and concern for her was more that just being his helpful self?
Carmen Magnus knew she had made a mistake soon after her marriage but she was a woman of integrity and she loved the Lord so she kept her vows year after year despite her husband's neglectful treatment.
When her husband suddenly died after a work accident- Carmen had no feelings of sadness at his death. She had always suppressed her regrets and thoughts of the man she should have married instead. But Preston was right there trying to help her out where he could.
Was it possible after so many years that Preston and Carmen would finally have a second chance at love? Could Preston convince Carmen that his care and concern for her was more that just being his helpful self?
August 24, 2022
I love all books by Jessie Gussman, but I think this is one of my favorites. Carmen and Preston loved each other in high school, but Carmen married Michael and regretted it for the fifteen years they were married. She didn't divorce him even though he abused her and was unfaithful. She believed if she stayed true to her vows that God would save Michael and He did just before Michael died from an accident. Preston never got married and never stopped loving Carmen but kept his distance until after the funeral. He helped her and her four children especially when a woman showed up with two small children who happened to be Michael's children that Carmen knew nothing about until the day of his funeral. The characters are great especially Carmen and Preston who not only believed in God but went above and beyond in helping those in need and putting others before themselves. I highly recommend this heartwarming clean Christian romance. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 30, 2022
Heartland Faith by Jessie Gussman (5 stars)
I’ve been waiting for a while for Preston and Carmen’s story. I have wondered how the author would resolve the issue of a living husband and a woman committed to suffer through that marriage for as long as it took. As well as the issue of a man repressing his thoughts and feelings for said married woman.
Well, the author took care of it in a very authentic-feeling, but dramatic way. Things don’t tie up into a pretty bow right away, though.
More hurtful secrets from an already hurtful husband are revealed and Carmen’s commitment to God is tested even more.
But in the end, our intrepid and faithful couple are able to get together and finally allow the love, that they had both not allowed themselves to feel, take solid root and blossom.
No guessing about whether these two can make it work out..they will have the most amazing marriage ever! They’ve both sacrificed for so long and followed God’s will so completely that when He brings them together, at last, they will never take one another (or Him) for granted.
I’ve been waiting for a while for Preston and Carmen’s story. I have wondered how the author would resolve the issue of a living husband and a woman committed to suffer through that marriage for as long as it took. As well as the issue of a man repressing his thoughts and feelings for said married woman.
Well, the author took care of it in a very authentic-feeling, but dramatic way. Things don’t tie up into a pretty bow right away, though.
More hurtful secrets from an already hurtful husband are revealed and Carmen’s commitment to God is tested even more.
But in the end, our intrepid and faithful couple are able to get together and finally allow the love, that they had both not allowed themselves to feel, take solid root and blossom.
No guessing about whether these two can make it work out..they will have the most amazing marriage ever! They’ve both sacrificed for so long and followed God’s will so completely that when He brings them together, at last, they will never take one another (or Him) for granted.
February 12, 2023
4.71
351 ratings71 reviews
She made a mistake and married the wrong man.
Once the vows were said, she had to keep them. After all, they were said to God just as much as to her loser, neglectful husband.
And so for fifteen years and four children, Carmen Davis stayed true, kept her word and did her level best to love the man she married.
But she never forgot the man who could make her heart race and whose life was as straight and true as it had promised to be in high school.
Preston Emerson would never love another. He wasn’t the kind of man who could fall for anyone. And it was better to stay single than to be married to one woman while he constantly fought off thinking about another.
After all, the woman he’d fallen in love with had married another.
He could stay away from her, but he couldn’t keep from helping her.
But then one day a single decision changes their lives. The past comes back. Secrets come out and in the virtual storm a love that had been dormant bursts to life.
Will they bank on faith and take a second chance at love?
351 ratings71 reviews
She made a mistake and married the wrong man.
Once the vows were said, she had to keep them. After all, they were said to God just as much as to her loser, neglectful husband.
And so for fifteen years and four children, Carmen Davis stayed true, kept her word and did her level best to love the man she married.
But she never forgot the man who could make her heart race and whose life was as straight and true as it had promised to be in high school.
Preston Emerson would never love another. He wasn’t the kind of man who could fall for anyone. And it was better to stay single than to be married to one woman while he constantly fought off thinking about another.
After all, the woman he’d fallen in love with had married another.
He could stay away from her, but he couldn’t keep from helping her.
But then one day a single decision changes their lives. The past comes back. Secrets come out and in the virtual storm a love that had been dormant bursts to life.
Will they bank on faith and take a second chance at love?
March 13, 2022
Carmen's marriage has been far from happy, but she's stuck to what she vowed before God. But it's been hard. When her husband dies, the freedom she feels in contrast to the near-slavery of her marriage makes her reluctant to consider remarriage, however she might feel about Preston. Can Preston show her what he failed to show her all those years ago: how much he really does care for her? And can he reassure her enough to make her willing to try again?
I think this is probably my favourite book by the author to date. Something about Carmen's journey of obedience and trust really touched me, and to see her reward was amazing. There was one scene that felt a little odd (her husband's dream/vision), but otherwise this was a great story, with a very satisfying ending. Highly recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
I think this is probably my favourite book by the author to date. Something about Carmen's journey of obedience and trust really touched me, and to see her reward was amazing. There was one scene that felt a little odd (her husband's dream/vision), but otherwise this was a great story, with a very satisfying ending. Highly recommended.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
March 16, 2022
If I could rate higher than 5 stars, I would! This was such a powerful book. The depiction of hell and the torment lost souls endure there was something everyone should read! I have serious respect for Author Jessie Gussman for not only coming up with the words to relay that to her readers, but the courage to put it in a published novel.
The story of Preston and Carmen is one that I have waited with baited breath for as long as I heard them mentioned in an earlier book in this series. Carmen was so mistreated by her husband it made my heart break for her and her children. She kept the sanctity of marriage through everything even though it would have been so much easier to get a divorce.
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Grab it, read it, and soak in the teachings throughout it! It is exactly what our current society needs to hear! I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. That in no way incluenced my review. All opinons within are my own.
The story of Preston and Carmen is one that I have waited with baited breath for as long as I heard them mentioned in an earlier book in this series. Carmen was so mistreated by her husband it made my heart break for her and her children. She kept the sanctity of marriage through everything even though it would have been so much easier to get a divorce.
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Grab it, read it, and soak in the teachings throughout it! It is exactly what our current society needs to hear! I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. That in no way incluenced my review. All opinons within are my own.
March 21, 2022
Finally, Carmen and Preston's story. Preston had loved Carmen since school, but he, in his slow pased attitudes missed his opportunity and she married another. Carmen, made the mistake of dating and marrying the wrong guy. Now, she was living with a selfish bully. To keep peace she did whatever he wanted. The only real peace she and her kids got was when he was on the road as a truck driver. Preston and Carmen showed love of the Father in every page. Preston praying for Carmen, her kids and her husband daily. Carmen keeping her wedding vows and living God's love to this unlovable husband she married. I gasped as things unfolded, fussed at choices made and ranted at an ungrateful character. (I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll leave it at that'.) If you like clean inspiration stories full of Godly examples, I highly recommend 'Heartland Faith'. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
March 12, 2022
This book is the long-anticipated story of Preston and Carmen who have been introduced in earlier books in the series. (This book is not dependent on your reading the other books.) I dare say that you have never read anything quite like it. Preston and Carmen were two people who coped with the pain in their lives by pressing in closer to God and trusting in His care and His word despite their circumstances. They had a radical faith and loved lavishly even those who were totally undeserving. They looked out for the interests of others even when it cost them. It was a hard book but an inspiring book that challenged me to examine my priorities and attitudes in the very best ways. Unforgettable! I will be thinking about it for a long time. I highly recommend it! I received an ARC and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
March 12, 2022
Wow! I was not expecting that! Carmen married the wrong man. We've seen her pain throughout this series. And we've seen what Preston has been going through. Carmen has stayed in a horrible marriage because she made a vow - for better or worse. Preston does not want to covet another man's wife, so he prays for Carmen and does little things to make her load lighter. He also doesn't marry. What occurs in this book - with all of its surprises has lifted me up. Carmen's faith and faithfulness, as well as Preston's, her forgiveness and kindness. She does not have to do what she does, but what an amazing example of Christlike love. I was in awe at the descriptions in this book and the perspectives of the characters, even the children. Thank you, Jessie Gussman for blowing it out of the park once again!
May 7, 2022
A prayer answered a soul saved…
After fifteen years of marriage and four children, Carmen expects nothing from her husband and he gives nothing to her or their children. Regardless of his actions and neglect, Carmen remains faithful and prays for God's grace in his life, and will not walk away from the marriage.
Preston has loved Carmen since they were children but when she married Michael, he put his feelings aside and devoted his life to helping others, realizing that any other woman would be a poor substitute. Now, Michael is dead and Carmen is a widow. Can Preston and Carmen rekindle the love they once had?
This clean, Christian romance gave me hours of enjoyment. Jessie Gussman is one of my favorite romance authors! I can always count on her to deliver a book that will bring me joy and encourage my faith.
After fifteen years of marriage and four children, Carmen expects nothing from her husband and he gives nothing to her or their children. Regardless of his actions and neglect, Carmen remains faithful and prays for God's grace in his life, and will not walk away from the marriage.
Preston has loved Carmen since they were children but when she married Michael, he put his feelings aside and devoted his life to helping others, realizing that any other woman would be a poor substitute. Now, Michael is dead and Carmen is a widow. Can Preston and Carmen rekindle the love they once had?
This clean, Christian romance gave me hours of enjoyment. Jessie Gussman is one of my favorite romance authors! I can always count on her to deliver a book that will bring me joy and encourage my faith.
August 14, 2022
I usually give Jessis's books a five star, but I just could not do it this time. I did contact her, and she said to go ahead and post an honest review.
I found the first part of the book was extremely depressing. I had a hard time getting past that part. I have friends and family who have been in similar situations. But my biggest concern is the unrealistic responses of Carmen. Yes, she behaved in a very Christ-like manner, but no woman would be able to go thought her experiences with that much grace. I know the Holy Spirit helps us, but her attitudes and responses went beyond the human ability. I found much of the book to be very “sermony” and “preachy.” Both Carmen and Preston were way “too good to be true.”
I received a free copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
November 29, 2022
Carmen and Preston's story was inspiring. While married to a man who cheated on her and neglected her and their children, she remained faithful. Faithful to her husband but also faithful to God. While we as humans think we have a way of getting away with things, God sees all and ultimately we will pay for our errors. Carmen's husband ended up being killed in an accident, but she stood beside him in the hospital and prayed for him to know and accept Christ before he died. Talk about faithfulness and commitment!
Preston knew Carmen was married and while he didn't chase after her, he always made sure she and her children had what they needed because he knew her husband was neglectful. Being a true man of character, Preston was finally given the chance to show Carmen that he truly cared for her and that all men are not the same. A true story of love and best of all, second chances!
Preston knew Carmen was married and while he didn't chase after her, he always made sure she and her children had what they needed because he knew her husband was neglectful. Being a true man of character, Preston was finally given the chance to show Carmen that he truly cared for her and that all men are not the same. A true story of love and best of all, second chances!
August 20, 2022
Great addition to the series.
Carmen and Preston finally get their story!
Fantastic, strange characters and storyline.
Carmen has been unhappily married for several years. Her husband makes many demands on her or their children any tenderness or care. She has prayed fervently for God to end this situation. But she knew that wasn’t God’s will.
Preston has loved Carmen for years but they missed their chance years ago. Both know God wouldn’t bless them being together as long as she is married. He has done things behind the scenes to help her for several years but always stayed away from her.
Will Preston be able to help her through her loss, or will they fear public opinion?
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.
Carmen and Preston finally get their story!
Fantastic, strange characters and storyline.
Carmen has been unhappily married for several years. Her husband makes many demands on her or their children any tenderness or care. She has prayed fervently for God to end this situation. But she knew that wasn’t God’s will.
Preston has loved Carmen for years but they missed their chance years ago. Both know God wouldn’t bless them being together as long as she is married. He has done things behind the scenes to help her for several years but always stayed away from her.
Will Preston be able to help her through her loss, or will they fear public opinion?
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.
August 23, 2022
Love from a helping hand.
When the love of your life is lost to you in death or marriage in this case the despair and pain it causes can be truly hard to endure but when you find out that this person is having such a difficult time you may feel the need to give a helping hand. The one thing the heroine forgot was that vows made are broken when either party does not live up to them. Her husband did not keep his vows and the fact is you can lead a horse to water but cannot make them drink. I think the author did a splendid job of showing true human emotions and feeling in this book. She showcased both the good and bad that even the best people have in them. This was an excellent book and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
When the love of your life is lost to you in death or marriage in this case the despair and pain it causes can be truly hard to endure but when you find out that this person is having such a difficult time you may feel the need to give a helping hand. The one thing the heroine forgot was that vows made are broken when either party does not live up to them. Her husband did not keep his vows and the fact is you can lead a horse to water but cannot make them drink. I think the author did a splendid job of showing true human emotions and feeling in this book. She showcased both the good and bad that even the best people have in them. This was an excellent book and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 24, 2022
I find this story very inspirational for me. Carmen shows unconditional love for her husband who treats her so poorly. Of course, he is not saved so his selfishness abounds. But she prays hard for his salvation & her example of love toward him has convicted me of my shortcomings in this area. I found the dream he had about being in hell something I have never read in a book. It scared me to death & I don't have to be concerned about my going there. Later in the story, she shows great love for another person who is very selfish. I am glad she receives her HEA. I listened to this book on Ms. Gussman's Youtube channel. Mr. Dyess has the perfect voice to read books. I enjoy listening to him very much.
August 25, 2022
I have read many of Jessie's books and have loved all of them. In each of her books I not only find a great story, but within that story Jessie shows how a Christian is to live their life. This book, however, really was an eye opener. If anyone can read the first couple of chapters and not immediately run to Jesus, I would be surprised. When Carmen married Michael, she took her vows very seriously because she also made them to God. Even though she was miserable for 15 years, she continued to pray for her husband's soul. Like all of Jessie's stories, this one caused me to look at myself and how I live my life. Jessie gives me so much to think about and causes me to aspire to be a better person. There may be some who won't like it, but everyone needs to read this book. Thank you, Jessie.
March 10, 2022
I had the privilege of reading an advance copy for my honest opinion.
For those of us who have been reading from the beginning of this series Carmen and Preston have been along the way. This is their story and definitely worth the wait. A story of faith. Quiet devotion to God and friends and doing what’s right when it’s the hardest. There’s some unexpected surprises in Carmen life. The Grace she bestows onto others through the challenges that are tossed her way, leaves you wanting to be a better person. The kindness and thoughtfulness of Preston done on the down low to help others he cares about gives a deeper meaning to Christ Like love and Patience.
Definitely worth the time to read.
For those of us who have been reading from the beginning of this series Carmen and Preston have been along the way. This is their story and definitely worth the wait. A story of faith. Quiet devotion to God and friends and doing what’s right when it’s the hardest. There’s some unexpected surprises in Carmen life. The Grace she bestows onto others through the challenges that are tossed her way, leaves you wanting to be a better person. The kindness and thoughtfulness of Preston done on the down low to help others he cares about gives a deeper meaning to Christ Like love and Patience.
Definitely worth the time to read.
March 11, 2022
Another Jessie Gussman great... so many take home messages from this book, it is hard to be concise. I loved how the story focuses on doing things that please God, but not necessarily the flesh, but sticking to it because God is faithful, God is good and if we can't see that well it doesn't make it not true. So we can stand on His truth on the hard days, guard ourselves with His truth and that's what Carmen did. She honoured God. She focused on eternity and esteemed another higher than herself. Beautifully written story, relatable characters, squeaky clean romance that is definitely worth reading.
* I received an ARC copy fo the book for an honest and voluntary review.
* I received an ARC copy fo the book for an honest and voluntary review.
March 12, 2022
What a touching story! Carmen married the wrong man even though she loved someone else. Believing in her faith, she stayed with him for fifteen years even though he was never there for her. She raised four children without any help. Preston, the man she loved, was always there to help her in any way possible. Preston and Carmen believed in their Christian faith so strongly that it helped guide them into doing the right thing. The children are wonderful. Join Carmen as she travels through this heartbreak journey. This was a great Christian read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2022
I waited for Preston and Carmen to get their love story and I was not disappointed.
Preston has loved Carmen since high school but lost his chance by waiting too long. She married someone else, a man who doesn’t appreciate her, doesn’t treat her with love, and doesn’t have time for the family.
For years he’s watched from afar helping the family in ways that won’t compromise his faith or hers.
After her husband is killed in an accident he might just get a second chance but there are more surprises along the way.
I was given an ARC courtesy of the author and this is my honest review.
Preston has loved Carmen since high school but lost his chance by waiting too long. She married someone else, a man who doesn’t appreciate her, doesn’t treat her with love, and doesn’t have time for the family.
For years he’s watched from afar helping the family in ways that won’t compromise his faith or hers.
After her husband is killed in an accident he might just get a second chance but there are more surprises along the way.
I was given an ARC courtesy of the author and this is my honest review.
August 10, 2022
If you have been reading the Heartland books, you are going to be really glad that Preston’s story has finally been written. If you haven’t been reading the series, it is still an amazing stand alone book.
An incredibly faith filled book that includes the theme that God can redeem past mistakes. That doing what is right, even when it is incredibly hard can produce some pretty miraculous results. And that no one is so fallen that God can’t forgive them, or so lost that God can’t save them
Each new book by Jessie that I get to read seems better than the last.
Huge thanks to the author for providing an ARC for me to proof and review.
An incredibly faith filled book that includes the theme that God can redeem past mistakes. That doing what is right, even when it is incredibly hard can produce some pretty miraculous results. And that no one is so fallen that God can’t forgive them, or so lost that God can’t save them
Each new book by Jessie that I get to read seems better than the last.
Huge thanks to the author for providing an ARC for me to proof and review.
March 10, 2022
I had an ARC copy of this book, but this is my honest and voluntary opinion. Carmen Magnus stayed with her emotionally abusive husband for 15 years and 4 children hoping to bring him to salvation. Preston Emerson has loved her since high school and has tried to help her in any way he can. When her husband dies following a work accident, she learns he had been unfaithful to her. Preston stands by her and further befriends her. A great story about love, honoring commitments and God, and forgiveness.
March 19, 2022
Vows........
Reading this story, I felt like a failure over and over again. Carmen isn't a real person that I have ever met in any world - defiantly stronger than myself. Her faith and forgiveness seem unreal to me.
Her children are human - shows emotion, are honest in their thoughts, actions, words, feelings and more. This also describes Preston, while very true to his faith, he was still human to me and those around him. I know people talk about others for what they think should happen, but so different for what is right in front of them than hearsay.
Reading this story, I felt like a failure over and over again. Carmen isn't a real person that I have ever met in any world - defiantly stronger than myself. Her faith and forgiveness seem unreal to me.
Her children are human - shows emotion, are honest in their thoughts, actions, words, feelings and more. This also describes Preston, while very true to his faith, he was still human to me and those around him. I know people talk about others for what they think should happen, but so different for what is right in front of them than hearsay.
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