Finding Stefanie

Noble Legacy #3

by Susan May Warren

Everyone around Stefanie Noble is content, but it seems that her “happily ever after” has passed her by. Then two troubled girls and their older brother, Gideon, show up in town and clearly need help. Could they bring the fulfillment that Stefanie has been searching for? Hollywood hotshot Lincoln Cash has made a life playing the role of an action hero, basking in the laurels of his fame, fortune, and adoring fans. But when he's diagnosed with a debilitating disease, he knows that life will soon be over. He only has a small window of time to start a new career, one that will earn him legitimate filmmaker kudos. He soon heads to Phillips, Montana, to put his plan into action. Not everyone is pleased with the movie star's arrival, especially not Stefanie Noble. She's even less enamored when he accuses Gideon of arson and tries to run him out of town. But what Lincoln and Stefanie don't know is that neither the fire nor the other strange things that have happened around town are really accidents. Someone is out to get them . . . but who? And who is the real target?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Fiction, Contemporary, Christian Romance, Contemporary Romance

354 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 2008

About the author

I can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.

I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.

Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.

Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.

Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.

Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.

I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.

I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.

God Bless and Happy Reading!

In His Grip,
Susan May Warren

Reviews

[Loraine]

The third book in the Noble Legacy series focuses on the youngest and only daughter of the Noble family, Stefanie. She has been the only child to stay at home on the ranch after their dad passed. Now that Nick and Rafe have returned, found their soul mates, and settled down, is it Stefanie's turn for life and love? This book has it all: strong spiritual content and a wonderful plot containing a Hollywood movie star, the Noble family, and a threesome of orphaned children. As always Warren's books are character driven with realistic characters who are filled with all the strengths and weakness of everyday humans. With a touch of romance, a thread of mystery, and lots of caring people, Warren shows that life has its pitfalls and problems; and with a strong faith, forgiveness and second chances are always available. Definitely loved this series and it's my favorite series so far of 2018.

[Arya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: Do not read this book unless you have time to finish it in one sitting. You will not want to put it down.

A drop dead gorgious movie star...and a determined, stubborn Stefanie Noble. Mix it with spicy romance and heart-stopping action and you have the next Susan May Warren masterpiece. I absolutley adore this authors work. The perfect combination of adreniline and sweetness, her books are sure to delight. People who enjoyed the O'Mally series by Dee Henderson will love Susan May Warren's Noble Legacy Series.

When Lincoln Cash drives up to his ranch in Montana for a much needed escape from the limelight he arrives to find...not what he expected. A quiet retreat from his star status, rest and relaxation? More like arson, if not life threatening than at least career threatening one and a fiesty Noble sister are only a few of the things that await this Hollywood star up in the big sky state. Wih a returning cast of fun characters including: Piper, Nick, Lolly, John a.k.a. B. J. King, Kathrine/ Kitty, Rafe and of course Stef this is a lovely book full of twists and turns. If you enjoyed the first books in the Noble Legacy don't miss this finale installment. If you haven't read the first, you need to. Ms. Warren is a wonderful author whose books insnare the senses and capture the heart. Don't miss it!

[Sarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5

I flew through this story. The mystery around Linc and Stef's pasts, the stalker and Gideon and his 2 sweet sisters, added so much to my enjoyment of this story.

The story was so much about forgiveness and extending grace to others, as well as not judging people based on their pasts but giving them the benefit of the doubt that they changed and are better versions.

The heartbreaking opening scene with Stef pulled me right in, and the explosive confrontations between Linc and Stef kept me smiling and reading to see how their relationship will develop. They both had a lot of healing to go through and especially Stef who had to realise past mistakes do not define your worth.

The mystery/suspense kept me guessing right till the end. The author did a great job of providing two possible characters with back stories which both could add to the stalker. And right till the end I was not 100% sure who the stalker is targeting. But when it was finally revealed, my guess of who it was and why was totally on track!

I enjoyed following Piper and Nick's relationship development as well.

I loved this series and would recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.

There is actually sort of a novella which is more about CJ 10 years later and part of the Montana Fire series, but where the Noble family does appear and you can catch up with them.

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINDING STEFANIE, the third book in the Noble Family Legacy series was a great read. We’ve gotten to know Stefanie briefly from RECLAIMING NICK and TAMING RAFE but we really got a closer look at her and the struggles she has faced in life in FINDING STEFANIE.

When Lincoln Cash, Hollywood heartthrob decides to put down roots in Phillips, Montana, Stefanie wonders if they might be able to pick up where they left off when Lincoln was in town shooting Unshackled the previous year. But, when a drifting teenager – with his two sisters in tow- accidently burns down the ranch Lincoln purchased, Stefanie realizes the Lincoln Cash she previously met is not the same man who’s moved in next to her family ranch. We follow Stefanie as she takes in three runaway kids, convinces herself Lincoln is not the man for her, and questions her life and where it is going.

Several story lines converge making FINDING STEFANIE a fast-paced read. The plight of Gideon and his sisters, Lincoln’s attempt at hiding his condition from the world, and Stefanie feeling dissatisfied with the way her life has turned out has you turning page after page to see how each of these people find resolution. Throw in an overprotective preacher sheltering his teenage daughter and a stalker bent on getting revenge and you have the perfect makings of a romance/suspense novel that you will not want to put down.

FINDING STEFANIE was my favorite out of the three books in the series. And though I am an avid PBR (Professional Bull Riders) fan and thought I would swallow up TAMING RAFE, FNDING STEFANIE hit a cord with me. There is a little cheesiness here and there as Stefanie refers to Lincoln as a superhero and a few places that I was screaming at Stefanie to stop being so self-depreciating, but other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stefanie noble feels like she is missing out on life. Both her brothers have someone to love and care for but all she has is the ranch and her love of horses someone to love but not someone to speak back to her. Then 3 runaways come to Montana and she finds herself being their protector. Along with them comes the one person she didn't expect to see again in Montana...Lincoln cash the movie star, but here he is and maybe to stay...she is skeptical. She tries to guard her heart from him, but finds herself unable to resist his allure.
Lincoln has a desire to protect Stefanie from the runaways especially Gideon. He sees alot of his past in Gideon. A past that he regrets and one that hurt people. Gideon has hurt people by making bad decisions to steal a car and then let his friends drive drunk hitting and killing a father and daughter. The wife comes to Montana to extract revenge on Gideon. Thefts and vandalism happen around town causing the blame to land on the newcomer Gideon. Then poisoning of dogs. The ultimate is Karen's script to kill off Gideon and his family Stefanie, but LIncoln figures out what is happening and comes to the rescue.
Stefanie and Lincoln plan to marry and adopt Macey and Haley and giving Gideon a place to call home.
Gideon proves his real character when he puts himself at risk and protects Libby from two that would do harm to her. He ends up in the hospital and that is when social services comes and takes the girls. then rest of the action comes when the premiere for Lincolns movie is in full swing.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great way to end the Noble series! I loved Nick and Rafe's stories and it was nice to see what was in store for Stefanie. As with the other Noble books, I loved the suspense part of the story and how there was someone just a little crazy in each book, who was causing trouble for the main characters. :) Plus, like the others, I liked how Stefanie struggled with and had to overcome her past, all while Lincoln had to deal with his past and his illness. The only down side was that I would have liked to have had Rafe be in more of the book, besides just the end. Other than that, another great one by Susan May Warren!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now read for the second time I I loved coming back to these characters.
I love how the message of identity, contentment and more was woven into this story. Susan may Warren has this ability to make characters relatable and real feeling.
Loved it.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It was good from the beginning! The ending was kinda the same in all 3 books but I still liked it!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Noble Legacy series. It was my favorite of the three. Another enjoyable read!

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Restless with her life, Stefanie Noble wonders if there could possibly be more for her life than a future as just a ranch hand on her family's estate. Lincoln Cash has lived the dream life of a Hollywood actor, but with a devastating diagnosis of MS he escapes to Montana to reflect on what his future might hold. Both Stefanie and Lincoln's lives are interrupted in very different ways by the arrival of three runaways creating tension between them. Lincoln sees trouble and wants the threesome out of town; Stefanie, however, has compassion on the siblings and serves as a surrogate mother. As Stefanie staunchly stands in the gap for the kids against Lincoln, she begins to unfold the real reasons for his brash actions and finds tenderness in her heart for the struggling actor.

I had a hard time getting into Finding Stefanie. Lincoln basically acted as though he was from Jerk City until later in the book. I also had a hard time believing that Stefanie and Lincoln would become a couple. Hoped for more.

This review contains my own thoughts and opinions. I have not been compensated in any way by the publisher or author.

[Tammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this entire series 💖💖

[K P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Stephanie is the final entry to Susan May Warren's Noble Legacy series. While her brothers Nick and Rafe have left their family
home to make something of their lives, Stephanie Noble has stayed behind trying to keep things afloat on the ranch. She has spent a lot of her free time rescuing wounded and abandoned horses; so when Sunny, the first horse she rescued, suddenly dies, Stephanie feels an emptiness left behind. Stephanie sees herself as a defender of the oppressed, so when she sees the brokenness in the eyes of three young people, who seem to have nowhere to call home, she cannot resist opening her home to offer them a safe place to temporarily reside!

Stephanie came upon Haley and Macey, as well as their older brother, Gideon, outside a burning building. These three had been using this unoccupied house as a place to stay warm and had accidentally started the fire. Unfortunately, they did not know that the new owner, Lincoln Cash, Hollywood star, has just appeared on the scene to see his home, on the ranch he just purchased, go up in smoke! Lincoln had just received the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, so he was looking forward to relocating to his new, quiet home in Montana. Now he is left with a mess to clean up!

As you watch Lincoln and Stephanie work together to build a safe world for Haley, Macey and Gideon, you will also see sparks beginning to form. While Lincoln and Stephanie learn to deal with hurts from their past, you learn of a dark force working against them. One moment you think Lincoln has a crazed fan from his past stalking him; however, you soon learn that Gideon's past is coming back to haunt them all. Hang on for this wild ride!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

eBOOK
Finding Stefanie - eBook
Susan May Warren
5 Stars Out Of 5
Great conclusion to a great series
April 6, 2015
Quality:
0 Value:
0 Meets Expectations:
0
Finding Stefanie Book 3 of Susan May Warren's Noble Legacy series.

Stefanie Noble is the only daughter of the owner of the Silver Buckle Ranch. Her brothers leave home and after leaving college, she is left to help her father take care of the ranch. She starts to question her life and thinks of her dream that was given up.

Lincoln Cash is an actor cast to play in a movie based on a book written by a local author. Health issues force Lincoln to question his future. Having purchased a ranch neighboring the Silver Buckle, he makes the decision to move to the ranch with plans to change the ranch into a tourist attraction.

Gideon North takes his sisters Macey and Haley from a home in South Dakota and they end up squatting on Lincoln's ranch until tragedy strikes. The North children are brought into Stefanie and Lincoln's lives for a reason. In the process Lincoln and Gideon find their way back to the Lord.

Characters are built through out the 3 books and lives are changed. The Noble siblings were all affected by the death of their mother at a young age and all have memories of their father and his walk with the Lord. I really likes this series.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

POV: 3rd person: Stefanie, Lincoln, Gideon, Libby, "bad guy"
Romance: Kisses
Mystery/Suspense: Average

Stefanie Noble is the only single Noble left. Her brothers have found their mates and are making lives of their own. She feels a bit left behind and stuck. She gave up her dream of becoming a vet years ago because she felt so much guilt over poor choices she had made.
She finds some hope when 3 orphan kids arrive in town and need help. She takes them in and attempts to help and save them.
When movie star Lincoln Cash arrives in town, he isn't very happy about the 3 kids because they chose his house to squat in and accidentally burn down. But Stefanie is the kind of woman he wants to get to know, so he opens his heart a little to them.

This book really is about healing and accepting your past and decisions that you have made. Both Stefanie and Lincoln need to accept who they are and what they want. They need to feel confident in who they really are and what they can do in their lives.

I liked the overall message of the book, but didn't love all the elements of the story. The "mystery" of the book was odd and didn't come together as well as I would have liked.

Overall, a good ending to the Noble series and a happy ending/beginning for all.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I take away from this book is that sometimes you might feel lost in the life that you are in. Wondering, how you got here - or is there any way to change it.. Sometimes all you need is a nudge and you can see that things can be good - that it often depends on your attitude or how you look at it. I enjoyed this journey into Stefanie Nobles life as a cowhand/ranch hand come horse whisperer of sorts. Living on her family ranch where it seems alot of the running of it has been left to her after her Dad passed away. She's a strong capable woman who doubts her own abilities. Along comes a family of 3 runaways - running from social services and the foster care system. Throw in a big time movie star hiding from the truth about his health - in the neighboring ranch - and a LOT of suspense and 'Finding Stefanie' is set up for a great story. Enough inspirational writing for me, but may feel over done if you are not a fan of Christian fiction. Great read, would have preferred to read book 1 & 2 first, but since I just picked it up in the library - not knowing it was part of a series - couldn't be avoided.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Susan May Warren’s books, and Finding Stephanie was no exception. I was so excited to read the final book in the Noble Legacy…to read Stephanie’s story after reading Nick’s and Rafe’s story.

The side stories of Gideon and Lincoln made me love this book all the more. The central theme of forgiveness was beautifully portrayed throughout the whole story. I really wasn’t sure how the story of Gideon and his sisters was going to work with the story, but it really added depth to the story. Lincoln’s MS diagnosis was a wonderful addition and didn’t sugar coat the disease and how debilitating it was. It added depth and strength to Lincoln above and beyond being a “strong” man physically.

Stephanie’s story of sadness and loss made me want to cry for her. Dealing with all the loss set a great stage for taking care of the kids and horses in order for them to find healing too.

The mystery of the accidents was well written with a twist that was not seen coming.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stefanie's chance at love,and some knee-weakening kisses!
Finding Stefanie is a great conclusion to the Noble Legacy series. I liked Stefanie throughout this series in her two brother's books,and I was looking forward to reading her own story. As someone else said,and I agree,Stefanie is the most 'noble' of the Nobles. I'm so glad the author gave her such a beautiful chance at love. Lincoln Cash is a great guy for her.
The secondary love story with Gideon and Libby is also great,though I thought her pastor father was a real jerk and sorely lacking in pastor(even Christian) qualities.
This is a story that will tug at your heart,and like the other two in the series "Reclaiming Nick,and "Taming Rafe" there is plenty of suspenseful tension in this novel as well.
You will enjoy reading about the community of Phillips,Montana,and the folks out at the Noble family's Silver Buckle ranch.

[Tressa (Wishful Endings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephanie feels like she has been left behind, managing the family ranch. She is strong, but tender-hearted and sometimes that gets the better of her. Such as when she sticks her neck out for three kids who are trying to make it on their own. Lincoln is trying to get away from the spotlight as a big movie star and moves in next door where the same kids have been living, much to his dislike. Stephanie and Lincoln liked each other the first time they met several months ago, but this time around the kids cause friction between them and it will take some work on Lincoln's part to win Stephanie over.

I enjoyed this last book of the series. I thought the characters were very likable and realistic and I liked how openly Stephanie tells Lincoln about her religious standards.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third in the Noble series. This author writes a good story. Unexpected twist at the end. I would have made it a four but find some of her concepts on religion way different from mine and it spoils a good book.
Stefanie Noble has been a ranch hand on her family ranch since her mother died. Now, at 24, she is wondering if life should hold more. What about her dreams of being a vet, working with horses and children who need help?
Lincoln Cash, movie star, decides to host a film festival on his new ranch, neighboring the Noble ranch. A house fire threatens those plans.

[Strawberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good as the first two. Now that Nick and Rafe are settled, Stefanie must find her place and love. Return of characters from the previous books, plus new arrivals to add to the adventure. Movie Star Action Hero Lincoln returns to town and what's to see if there's still a connection with Stefanie, but he expected a much different reunion. For the first time he has to romance a woman to get her to like him. Someone is out for revenge and I was surprised by who it is and who her target was.

[Aletha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book from a character connection, suck you in, read in one sitting perspective. That is one thing that I almost always find in Warren's work. Stefanie was a strong female protagonist and Cash possessed a different kind of strength as her male counterpart. I also like the secondary plot of Gideon and his sisters. Some moments of faith were a little over done, but worked overall. One of the better novels in this series.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

An ok book. Two and a half stars. It had 3 stars but the ending was just so out-of-control-cheesy, and everyone-lives-happily-ever-after, very nauseating, lots of eye rolling on my part. I'm happy to be done with the series. This is officially my last book to be checked out at the Provo Library. On to Texas, hopefully they have a fabulous library system there.

[Leslee Breene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan May Warren takes the reader on a romantic yet suspenseful journey in her Rita award-winning contemporary novel, Finding Stefanie. I grew to really admire Stefanie and found hero Lincoln Cash a more complex man than he first appears. Although the characters came across as naive in a few scenes, their goals are truly admirable. The climax and resolution to this novel are worthwhile.

[Rachelle Sperling · Rating 3 out of 5]

See my profile for my star rating system...

It was a good book, but I would have liked it better without the "villain." The plot and characters with their histories and struggles were more than enough to carry the story and would have made the book more believable if they had stood on their own.

[Neilesha Dedier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good christian romance book. This was the first romance book that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It makes me want to read more christian romance books and even other books from the author. This is also the first of her books that I have read. By the time I was half way through the book I couldn't put it down.

[Carli · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, light read--great for after-work-chill-out time. This trilogy is primarily set in the west on a ranch, and each novel tells the story of one of three siblings. The author's character development with each sibling is well done, making for three enjoyable tales.

[Cathy Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by author Susan May Warren (see interview with Susan on November 24, 2008), but it won't be the last if I have anything to say...

Read the rest of the review at http://wordvessel.blogspot.com

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this book at Family Christian Stores I thought I could buy it and read it while i picked up my sister. Little did I know I wouldn't put it down till midnight! At first I was skeptical about the story line but man was i wrong. Susan May Warren NEVER ceases to amaze me.
100% Laura

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hoketastic! I thought I knew what I was getting into: I'd read this author's stilted writing style before, but I wanted some fluff reading. It was a three star book until the last 50 pages or so. The end was way too far over the top for me to say I liked it.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hands-down one of the best books I have ever read. Susan May Warren delivers yet another heart stopping adventure full of grace and redemption that shows we can be weak in body but strengthened in Christ.