Is Jason Jordan really who he says he is? Everything in Nicki’s life depends on the answer. Oregon, 1887 When her husband dies in a mysterious riding accident, Nicki Trent is left with a toddler and a rundown ranch. Determined to bring her ranch back from the brink of death, Nicki hires handsome Jason Jordan to help. But when William, her neighbor, starts pressing for her hand in marriage, the bank calls in a loan she didn’t even know about, bullets start flying, and a burlap dummy with a knife in its chest shows up on her doorstep, Nicki wonders if this ranch is worth all the trouble. To make matters worse, terrible things keep happening to her neighbors. When her friend’s homestead is burned to the ground and William lays the blame at Jason’s feet, Nicki wonders how well she knows her new hand…and her own heart. A desperate need. Malicious adversaries. Enticing love. Step into a day when outlaws ran free, the land was wild, and guns blazed at the drop of a hat.
LYNNETTE 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.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is the second book of the Shepherds Heart series. Even though the story is predictable the characters still hold your interest. The message of Christ is very definite throughout the book. The main character have to rely on peace and strength from God. One interesting concept I will take from this book is putting Jesus in the flesh and doing for others the way Jesus would want you too. I am looking forward to reading the third book.
This is the second book in a series about the Jordan family. Jason Jordan was a minor character in book 1, Rocky Mountain Oasis, although this book can be read without having read the previous one. In this story, Nicki Trent has to figure out a way to save her ranch after her husband was killed in a supposed accident. She hires Jason as a ranch hand, just as suspicious events start occurring on her ranch. When the bank calls in her loan, Nicki is about to give up but Jason is determined to save her ranch, even as someone is determined to sabotage it. The spiritual content in this story was strong and woven throughout the book as both Nicki and Jason try to rely on God when all seems hopeless. They have a sweet but restrained romantic relationship and there is some action towards the end of the book. The reader knows who the villains are but the mystery is in how they will be caught. Although the plot is a little predictable, it is still a nice clean read. I listened to this as an audiobook but did not really connect with the narrator. For readers who’ve read book 1, Sky and Brooke have several scenes in this book and Rocky and Victoria in book 3, Fair Valley Refuge, also make appearances in this book.
definitely a page-turner but also a wonderful testimony to God’s love
This second installment in the series takes it up a notch. Drama, romance, suspense - and through it all you see guiding hand of God that Ms. Bonner is so good at portraying. The novel deals with hard issues of life and death (a child dies so if it’s a trigger, be careful) , of unscrupulousness and greed, of murder and theft, etc. However, it’s fine with either frankness bathed in gentleness. There is love, compassion, and understanding in how issues are brought up and solutions are presented. God’s word is clearly proclaimed, his faithfulness reassured. The novel has a well-developed plot, extremely relatable characters, and beautiful language. The multiple POVs and reappearance of past characters- as well as introduction of the new - make for a very satisfying read.
I listened to this audiobook because I enjoyed the first in the series. But in my opinion, this one is better. I agree with other reviewers that mentioned how this story was predictable, but there was something about Jason and Nick that held my interest.
Ms Bonner unashamedly laces the story with the message of faith, trust and how we should care for one another.
There was more romance between the main characters in this book than the first one. But I wish there was more.
Narrator: I also enjoyed Anne Johnstonbrown better in this book than the the first one. Her natural voice is beautiful, but the characters’ voices are not my favourite.
Even though nothing in her biography states she has lived in central and Eastern Oregon, Ms Bonner writes as if she was native to the area. Her writing style is clean, clear and very descriptive. I kept searching my mind for the exact area she was talking about and then had to do a mental head shake to remind myself that this was a work of fiction. This is the 2nd in the series and I look forward to reading them all. Bonner has become one of my favorite authors.
In the words of the psalmist David "Yea though I walk through the valley of the show of death. Bonner spins a wonderful tail of fiction around Oregon's Cattleman's Associations attempts to push all small time homesteaders and others off their free range empire. This is a clean read, but the mature theme and historic details of their treatment of the small ranchers and farmers is not for the very young. It has definitely inspired me to remember who is control even "in the valley of the shadow of death", In this time of Covid-19 it was indeed a timely read for me.
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series I applaud Lynnette for how she shares her Christian witness throughout her stories. First with the plan of salvation then how that decision to accept Christ will influence the rest of your life. The stories are filled with many varied and interesting characters and circumstances that add a lot of 'meat' to them. They are hard to lay down which explained why I stayed up last evening until 3:30 AM!!
Adoro romance histórico, e este, embora se passe no século XIX, no Oregon (EUA) me fez lembrar o interior do Nordeste brasileiro no início do século XX, com muita violência e a ganância de quem já tinha muito ameaçando que tinha pouco, uma luta injusta e nem sempre bem resolvida. Gostei a protagonista deste livro, de como ela luta para manter não apenas sua terra, mas também sua sanidade e sua fé. Muito bom!
Loved this book!!! I have a new fave author. I was so impressed at how well the story was written. The main characters are endearing, the hero Jason is smart, brave, strong and is a man of honour and character despite his past. The heroin Nicki is a strong woman who has had so much adversity come against her in her life, yet learns how to rest in and trust in God as crisis engulfs her threatening to take her life. And of course the good guys win which is always essential IMHO
A new author and book series to me. I enjoyed this story as it was the 2nd book in the series featuring a character from the 1st book. Story is written in the late 1800’s in the Wild West. This is a sweet love story complete with mystery and suspense that keeps you turning the page to see what happens!!
Good story, great details describing the times. Some details seemed unlikely - like making a lemon meringue pie. More likely to have made an apple pie if you’re miles from a town especially a large one. And, most 18 month olds don’t speak in sentences. Just some examples.
Im sorry but i disliked how the author tried to state it was God's will that Jason go for the job. The family pushed it and then meddled on plans rather than allow his mind and God's to meet and allow him to bring it up b4 they *help*. The rest was enjoyable though.
I did enjoy this book. However, during this time period, the only English Bible was the KJV. It was strange she used a more modern version. Also, Dominique is the French form of the name Dominica. Not likely the Spanish speaking family would use a French name.
After losing her husband, how will she be able to run a well needed ranch with repairs. Deceit and a dishonest man wanting her hand in marriage for her ranch, causes problems. Placing her faith and trust in God, brings hard decisions for her.
This book is set out West in a very rural area. It has a smattering of God, which can't hurt, and a very good story. Love, as always has its twists, but in the end, it comes home to the heart of the characters.
Beautifully told history with mystery, intrigue, doubt and God's mysterious works. Engaging and believable people who have flaws and sin, but God reigns in spite of it.
I love the way this writer places her characters in the story. The stiry is not a rehash of a love story typical and is quite believable and enjoyment to read.
Keeps you on your toes while falling in love with the characters and their stories. This is one series that truly makes you feel a part of the “Old West”!
Excellent!!! Lynette Bonner is a great story teller Made me cry, and laugh, and was so happy for families to stick together!!!! An absolutely wonderful book!!! Love this series
This is the second book in the series, I really enjoyed the first and this one is about what happens next with Jason Jordan after he recommits himself to his faith. The Lord leads him to work at a ranch in need of help, falling for the widow and her son as much as he tries not to. Her ranch is threatened, and Nicki isn't sure who she can trust. It's suspenseful as we watch their story unfold.
Just as sweet as the first! A wonderful western book that will make you sigh at the romance and gasp at the action. The characters are so real you can nearly touch them (which really comes in handy with Jason's kisses... LOL). The setting is incredibly lifelike and I am continually learning new things in the author's note at the end. I adore the sweet romance and the heart-pounding action. The faith is wonderful as well, though I noticed it wasn't as strong as it was in the previous novel. I love how she portrays her characters. The good guys (and gals) kind and sweet, yet with weaknesses of their own. And the bad guys vile and cruel, and yet with a touch of humanity. I'm not sure if this story made me laugh (though I certainly did chuckle), but I know it made me cry. Which surprised me. Any fans of Mary Connealy or Karen Witemeyer will love this series. (*SPOILER ALERT!!!*) Goodness gracious, Jason is so different in this one than he was is Rocky Mountain Oasis, that I couldn't even put them together! My mental image of a fat, belligerent drunk suddenly now a lean, self-controlled cowboy was just too much for me to process. I still can't put them together. Jason the respectable cowboy was simply amazing – and so much more than just respectable. No, he was handsome, and brave, and kind, and sweet, and loving, and funny, and romantic, and awesome, and strong, and... oh, stink, I'm running out of adjectives! He was great. Nicki was sweet. She was kind and gentle and easy too relate too. She was just... good. She was willing to go with John because of her family, willing to sacrifice her own happiness for their futures. She was kind and generous to those around her. She was the perfect mama to Sawyer, and I know she'll be the perfect wife for Jason. ;) (I found out that she was pregnant way sooner than she did.) Sawyer was the cutest little munchkin ever. A naughty troublemaker and an irresistible sweetheart all at the same time. He was the classic baby with his sweetness and his mischievousness. I thought the goodbye to the flowers part was simply adorable. William was a jerk. At first I didn't think he was that bad. I mean, he obviously was; he killed John. But I kind of saw him more nice. Not sure why. Maybe because he seemed to actually care for Nicki (quickly discovered that he didn't at the party in Portland). I just couldn't really see him as the underhanded, thieving, womanizing murderer he was. Roland, on the other hand, was easy to see as the outlaw. He immediately came off as cruel and selfish. Though I was glad it made him somewhat human as well. That part with Vanessa was sad. The Jefferies. They were all so sweet. With Rolf, and Brenda, and John, and Bobby, and May. And that was so, so sad when May died. The family's grief was just so real. Made me cry. Ron and Connor were great. I was so glad Ron trusted Jason – I knew he would. Connor and Tilly are adorable. I hope they end up getting married. Janice was so sweet. I loved how she blabbed on and on. It was so cute! I'm glad she has her own cowboy now to listen to her. Sky and Brooke have a baby! So cute! They are just as I remember them in the previous novel – absolutely amazing. Rocky and Cade were great too. I can't wait for Rocky to lasso Vanessa. And for Cade to realize that pretty Sharyah's all his if he'd just notice. I loved that moment when Jason walked in on Jeff and Marquis. That was so classic! Can't wait for the next one!
This is my first book from this author and wow, I love it! High Desert Haven takes readers back to the 1800's Oregon Territory, a historical setting I love reading books about. Imagine being bought by a strange man, and volunteering to go because you want your family to be debt free. This is just what Nicki did, not knowing if she would ever see her precious parents and family again. Life was not so bad, until her husband died from an accident and left her alone with someone trying everything possible to take her land from her. What Nicki didn't realize was that God had a young man all set to come and rescue her. But then so much happens, and can Jason really find out what is going on and protect Nicki from someone who wants her dead?
This book captured me in the first few pages, and I couldn't put my Kindle down until I finished it. Took me less than one day to read this wonderful book! Lynnette Bonner creates a cast of characters that are interesting and intriguing, some that you grow to love, and some that are really difficult to even like. A lot goes on between the pages of this book, there are so many twists and turns to keep your eyes glued to the book to see what is happening next. And I really appreciate the way Lynnette stresses putting God first in our lives, and letting Him have control. This is what it’s all about, and I am always encouraged to read fiction stories like this. Don’t get me wrong, these characters had more than their share of heartaches and difficult situations, but when they kept their eyes on the Lord, they had peace that the Lord would see them through.
I highly recommend this book for you to read and enjoy. And if you are a historical fiction buff like me, this is a must read! You will be very glad you read it! I didn’t read the first book in the series, but it was ok as a stand alone. I do encourage you to read the entire series by Lynnette Bonner, The Shepherd’s Heart.
On and I forgot to mention, the detailed and vivid descriptions of the setting, first California, then the Oregon Territory was amazing. I could feel the dusty dry sand, the beautiful scenery and the feel of historical living during that time. This book is not only a great read, but a great history lesson!
I want to thank the author, Lynnette Bonner and FIRST Wildcard Tours for providing a copy of this book for me to read and review. The opinions in this review are mine only. I was not required or expected to write a positive review.
It's July 1883 and seventeen year old Nicki Vasquez can't help but worry about the situation her family is in. Her parents owe money and if they don't pay her father will have to go to jail, so she prays for a solution. When a man named John Trent stops for water he sees Nicki and wants to buy her. While her parents are against it Nicki sees it as a way to help her family and agrees. She winds up going to Oregon Territory with John where he buys a ranch. They eventually have a son, and while she doesn't love John he has been good to her. When John is killed in a suspicious accident, Nicki decides to stay and run the ranch. but will need help. She has an offer of marriage from a neighbor who wants to run the ranch but she isn't interested,instead she hires Jason Jordan to help out. She soon learns that the bank holds a note on the property, and not only that strange things start to happen, not just to Nicki but to her neighbors as well, someone is trying to scare off the ranchers but why? Just who can Nicki trust?
Vivid descriptions and details along with a very likable cast of characters made this a great historical fiction tale. I was pulled in from the beginning because Nicki was such a selfless character willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of her family. She had a strong sense of faith, and never wavered from it.I also enjoyed the secondary stories that went on . I thought the story line that revolved around Brook and Sky was great, the love they shared, which was something that Jason hoped to have someday. I thought Jason's sister Marquis and her husband Jeff also added another element to the story. For me there was never a down time, the plot moves along at a brisk pace, filled with rich detail, along with a strong faith filled message that was very well done. Overall a very well written historical romance with a faith based theme that has suspense,and romance that easily pulled me back in time, and leaves me anxious for the next book in the series. While this book is the second in the "Shepherd's Heart " series it can easily be read as a stand alone work, although I enjoyed this story so much I fully intend to go back and read the first book in the series.Historical christian fiction fans shouldn't miss this one!