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Her Texas Hero
Restoring Romance
Seeking a fresh start, single mom Audra Marshall uproots her family to a home she's purchased sight unseen. But she hadn't counted on the house needing major repairs. Enter handsome neighbor Carter Cooper. Fixing houses is Carter's job, but it turns into more than business when Audra allows him to help her rebuild her home. Carter's soon falling for the sweet mom and her delightful kids. But Carter's always been hesitant of opening his heart to love. As the cautious duo work together to transform her home, will they also find a love to last a lifetime?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2016
20 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Kat Brookes
37 books19 followersAward-winning romance author Kat Brookes is a 4-time RWA Golden Heart finalist, American Title III finalist, Winner of both the National Readers’ Choice Award and Harlequin's Great American Romance Novel contests. She has written for Amazon Publishing, Kensington Publishing, Harlequin and Harpeth Road Press. She's married to her childhood sweetheart, her hero, with whom she has two beautiful daughters.
Check out Kat's website: www.katbrookes.com
Check out Kat's website: www.katbrookes.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 9, 2018
I received this book from a different friend than the one who's given me so many of the Love Inspired books in the past.
I liked the opening, with the Lone Ranger references. I know that's a little dorky, but that's the sort of references the kids have made in this family, too, and I could just see that happening.
In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed the funny statements and antics of the kids. I felt like Kat Brookes did well portraying children realistically. I had to chuckle aloud at some of them. I could picture kids saying those things in their own kind of kid-logic.
The plot line meandered along, partly "wish-fulfillment" literature, but much of the romance genre is. And some of it was predictable, but well done.
"But few men realize that one way to a woman's heart is with a puppy. Especially one that fills her children with such tremendous joy." I found that an interesting comment because I recently read the Love Inspired "Small Town Nanny," by Lee McClain where the couple also bonded over a dog and a child. But to me, the plots were too similar on this point. It made me wonder if that's a common romance plot devise.
Every now and then something was said that bordered on being sexist, but it wasn't dwelt on.
Nitpick: Lizzie's mother said, "The good Lord never gives us more than we can handle." That's actually a common misquote of Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:13, only speaking of temptation. In fact, Paul later wrote "We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life to make us rely not on ourselves but on God Who raises the dead." - 2 Corinthians 1:8-9. To me the difference is significant because it validates the suffering of those who have felt they have had more than they could endure - and people do die every day.
Here's an article about why God sometimes gives us more than we can handle:
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/...
This one's a caution: If I were a single mom, I would be more wary of a man, even a "Christian" man, taking such an interest in my children. Too many tragic, inappropriate things happen in real life. Real, genuine, child-friendly men do exist, (I'm married to one), but that caution and going more slowly are advised.
One of my friends would comment that although the characters in this book are "Christian," they don't really state much about what they believe about God. So they could be anything from Jews (except they did attend church) to Deists (those who believe in God the Father, but not in Jesus' divinity) to Christians.
All in all, the book was thoroughly enjoyable, and much better than most of the romances I've read. In fact, the writing was so well done that I wondered why Kat Brookes was writing for Love Inspired. I think she could've gone with a different, better publisher.
Favorite quotes:
"So, you're giving her a used door as a housewarming gift?"
"Are you passing judgement on someone you've never met?"
"Darlin', I'm a man. We need answers plain and simply put. We're not real good at trying to read between the lines." Finally a romance novel that commends straight-forward communication instead of mind-reading, "just knowing" things, or "just understanding" them!
"No one, not you, not I, not our wondrous Lord above, can help a sinner if he or she refuses to be helped." I liked this quote because it's a reminder that I can only do so much, and that it's not really me that changes hearts. It is God. Jesus did die for us before we even knew that we needed Him - before we were even born. And He does move in hearts to draw us closer to Him, so He has done and will do much more than we can ever do for those who are refusing. He brought Saul to faith, who was a persecutor of the church, not open-minded about Jesus at all, and who was intent on murdering Christians. God brought Saul to a sudden, startling belief during a dramatic Damascus Road experience. (Acts 9:1-7). Every time one of us believes, it is nothing short of one of God's miracles in us, so don't underestimate His power to work within us. But, yes, there are still people who refuse God's help, too. Obviously, not everyone turns to Jesus.
"I know Momma raised us to share, but that's not happening in this case. You're gonna have to go find your own women to propose to."
I liked the opening, with the Lone Ranger references. I know that's a little dorky, but that's the sort of references the kids have made in this family, too, and I could just see that happening.
In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed the funny statements and antics of the kids. I felt like Kat Brookes did well portraying children realistically. I had to chuckle aloud at some of them. I could picture kids saying those things in their own kind of kid-logic.
The plot line meandered along, partly "wish-fulfillment" literature, but much of the romance genre is. And some of it was predictable, but well done.
"But few men realize that one way to a woman's heart is with a puppy. Especially one that fills her children with such tremendous joy." I found that an interesting comment because I recently read the Love Inspired "Small Town Nanny," by Lee McClain where the couple also bonded over a dog and a child. But to me, the plots were too similar on this point. It made me wonder if that's a common romance plot devise.
Every now and then something was said that bordered on being sexist, but it wasn't dwelt on.
Nitpick: Lizzie's mother said, "The good Lord never gives us more than we can handle." That's actually a common misquote of Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:13, only speaking of temptation. In fact, Paul later wrote "We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life to make us rely not on ourselves but on God Who raises the dead." - 2 Corinthians 1:8-9. To me the difference is significant because it validates the suffering of those who have felt they have had more than they could endure - and people do die every day.
Here's an article about why God sometimes gives us more than we can handle:
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/...
This one's a caution: If I were a single mom, I would be more wary of a man, even a "Christian" man, taking such an interest in my children. Too many tragic, inappropriate things happen in real life. Real, genuine, child-friendly men do exist, (I'm married to one), but that caution and going more slowly are advised.
One of my friends would comment that although the characters in this book are "Christian," they don't really state much about what they believe about God. So they could be anything from Jews (except they did attend church) to Deists (those who believe in God the Father, but not in Jesus' divinity) to Christians.
All in all, the book was thoroughly enjoyable, and much better than most of the romances I've read. In fact, the writing was so well done that I wondered why Kat Brookes was writing for Love Inspired. I think she could've gone with a different, better publisher.
Favorite quotes:
"So, you're giving her a used door as a housewarming gift?"
"Are you passing judgement on someone you've never met?"
"Darlin', I'm a man. We need answers plain and simply put. We're not real good at trying to read between the lines." Finally a romance novel that commends straight-forward communication instead of mind-reading, "just knowing" things, or "just understanding" them!
"No one, not you, not I, not our wondrous Lord above, can help a sinner if he or she refuses to be helped." I liked this quote because it's a reminder that I can only do so much, and that it's not really me that changes hearts. It is God. Jesus did die for us before we even knew that we needed Him - before we were even born. And He does move in hearts to draw us closer to Him, so He has done and will do much more than we can ever do for those who are refusing. He brought Saul to faith, who was a persecutor of the church, not open-minded about Jesus at all, and who was intent on murdering Christians. God brought Saul to a sudden, startling belief during a dramatic Damascus Road experience. (Acts 9:1-7). Every time one of us believes, it is nothing short of one of God's miracles in us, so don't underestimate His power to work within us. But, yes, there are still people who refuse God's help, too. Obviously, not everyone turns to Jesus.
"I know Momma raised us to share, but that's not happening in this case. You're gonna have to go find your own women to propose to."
February 10, 2017
This is book one in the series called Texas Sweethearts.
Audra Marshall has moved to a house she bought over the internet; and once at the house it is in worse shape then she realized. She is determine to DIY making this house a home for herself and two children, Mason and Lily.
Carter Cooper is one of the owners of Cooper Construction; dealing with the loss of his parents and sister in law during a tornado a couple years prior at Christmas time. He and his two brothers, Mason, co-owner of Cooper Construction and Logan, landscaper; but willing to help his brothers at any time.
Carter ends up rescuing Audra when her ladder starts to fall as she is hanging off the edge of the roof. Audra is not looking for love; she just wants to fix her house her way, by herself, so she and her children can have a home. Audra; finally gets to the point where she is overwhelmed with fixing the house and needs help; and reluctantly asks Carter for help. As Carter works on the house; he falls in love with Lily and Mason, and slowly with Audra. The journey to true love and happiness is not smooth for either Carter and Audra.
As I was reading this book; I could see that house with the roof in disrepair; and see the dust, dirt throughout the house. But I could also see the potential of this house. I admired the fact that Audra wanted to do it herself. But at times you do have to set aside pride and ask for help. through out the book; you could see God's work on both Audra and Carter.
Audra Marshall has moved to a house she bought over the internet; and once at the house it is in worse shape then she realized. She is determine to DIY making this house a home for herself and two children, Mason and Lily.
Carter Cooper is one of the owners of Cooper Construction; dealing with the loss of his parents and sister in law during a tornado a couple years prior at Christmas time. He and his two brothers, Mason, co-owner of Cooper Construction and Logan, landscaper; but willing to help his brothers at any time.
Carter ends up rescuing Audra when her ladder starts to fall as she is hanging off the edge of the roof. Audra is not looking for love; she just wants to fix her house her way, by herself, so she and her children can have a home. Audra; finally gets to the point where she is overwhelmed with fixing the house and needs help; and reluctantly asks Carter for help. As Carter works on the house; he falls in love with Lily and Mason, and slowly with Audra. The journey to true love and happiness is not smooth for either Carter and Audra.
As I was reading this book; I could see that house with the roof in disrepair; and see the dust, dirt throughout the house. But I could also see the potential of this house. I admired the fact that Audra wanted to do it herself. But at times you do have to set aside pride and ask for help. through out the book; you could see God's work on both Audra and Carter.
November 27, 2022
A mostly cute, completely angst-free book about finding love. It's cute in the beginning, falters in the middle, and ends sweet again. Definitely worth picking up.
I did have a few complaints.
First, Audrey is 5'3. Cooper Carter (or Carter Cooper or whatever the heck his STOOpid name is) is a 'veritable giant' and over six foot. Take a look at that cover. Plus her ponytail swings long in the first chapter. If hair *pulled up* is swinging long? It's LONG. HAIR. Why can't artists read at LEAST the first few pages?!?!
Second, the author says she works full-time as a church secretary. She also says that Audrey works 35 hours a week - that's *NOT* full-time. Then she adds that Audrey has health insurance FOR THE FAMILY thru the church. What small-town church *A.N.Y.W.H.E.R.E* can afford health insurance for a PART-TIME employee AND FAMILY? And why would they need her 35 hours a week, anyhow...??? That's so unrealistic, it's unbelievable.
And why are all ex-husbands in 'Love Inspired' books named Brad/Bradford/Bradley? What is that? I'd even settle for a Leon or Dirk, hello...
Then there's the pie bake-off... which Cooper/Conner/Carson/Carter God-please-let-these-LI-authors-stop-with-the-last-names-that-begin-with-'C'-as-first-name... wait, tangent. Okay, so 'C'-man tells her that since she's going to be baking, he'll pick up this chicken dinner for supper so she doesn't have to cook, and they get into it over how he shouldn't have to pay for her AND her kids' meal, but he's down with it, and it's okay...
... just for us to find out a few pages later that C-man FUNDED PICNIC BASKETS for a box social following the pie-bake-off, and he's already got everything paid for, set up at the tents, and... WHAT WAS THE POINT OF THE CHiCKeN DiNNeR THING???? It's like Brookes forgot what she was writing and changed plot directions in the dang middle of the dang book! GAH!!!
Then we're told that Audrey's pie was baked by Audrey, Mason, Lily, and Katie... and directly after this is announced TO THE ENTIRE TOWN... C-man buys her pie for $300 - a hundred dollars for each person who made it. THERE WERE FOUR PEOPLE, HELLO!!!!!!! GAHHHHHHH!!!!!
Okay. Sorry. I just... get irritated. But *MOSTLY* this is an amazing book. I took a star for... um, all of the above rant points... but the rest made up for it. So you can still read/enjoy this. Other than the aggravation in the middle...
I did have a few complaints.
First, Audrey is 5'3. Cooper Carter (or Carter Cooper or whatever the heck his STOOpid name is) is a 'veritable giant' and over six foot. Take a look at that cover. Plus her ponytail swings long in the first chapter. If hair *pulled up* is swinging long? It's LONG. HAIR. Why can't artists read at LEAST the first few pages?!?!
Second, the author says she works full-time as a church secretary. She also says that Audrey works 35 hours a week - that's *NOT* full-time. Then she adds that Audrey has health insurance FOR THE FAMILY thru the church. What small-town church *A.N.Y.W.H.E.R.E* can afford health insurance for a PART-TIME employee AND FAMILY? And why would they need her 35 hours a week, anyhow...??? That's so unrealistic, it's unbelievable.
And why are all ex-husbands in 'Love Inspired' books named Brad/Bradford/Bradley? What is that? I'd even settle for a Leon or Dirk, hello...
Then there's the pie bake-off... which Cooper/Conner/Carson/Carter God-please-let-these-LI-authors-stop-with-the-last-names-that-begin-with-'C'-as-first-name... wait, tangent. Okay, so 'C'-man tells her that since she's going to be baking, he'll pick up this chicken dinner for supper so she doesn't have to cook, and they get into it over how he shouldn't have to pay for her AND her kids' meal, but he's down with it, and it's okay...
... just for us to find out a few pages later that C-man FUNDED PICNIC BASKETS for a box social following the pie-bake-off, and he's already got everything paid for, set up at the tents, and... WHAT WAS THE POINT OF THE CHiCKeN DiNNeR THING???? It's like Brookes forgot what she was writing and changed plot directions in the dang middle of the dang book! GAH!!!
Then we're told that Audrey's pie was baked by Audrey, Mason, Lily, and Katie... and directly after this is announced TO THE ENTIRE TOWN... C-man buys her pie for $300 - a hundred dollars for each person who made it. THERE WERE FOUR PEOPLE, HELLO!!!!!!! GAHHHHHHH!!!!!
Okay. Sorry. I just... get irritated. But *MOSTLY* this is an amazing book. I took a star for... um, all of the above rant points... but the rest made up for it. So you can still read/enjoy this. Other than the aggravation in the middle...
March 16, 2018
Even though I knew it was a romance book and that Audra and Cooper would get together in the end, I still liked the story and I didn't see as many of the cliche plot points that dominate this genre. Yes, both Audra and Cooper were a bit gun shy about long-term romantic relationships, but the author gave them both good reasons to be in their backstories and she didn't belabor the point during the story.
I'm not sure that in most contemporary towns someone like Cooper and his brothers would offer to help someone with household repairs at such a discount. It just doesn't seem the way any longer, and that's a bit sad to me. But it was sweet that they did.
And of course, there's the built in sequels for both Cooper's brothers whom I'm sure will eventually be finding loves of their own--I do wonder if Logan's will be the Holly that was mentioned in this book (Even though she supposedly moved to San Francisco--but in the romance world, people are always moving back to their hometowns so it's not out of the question.)
I'm not sure that in most contemporary towns someone like Cooper and his brothers would offer to help someone with household repairs at such a discount. It just doesn't seem the way any longer, and that's a bit sad to me. But it was sweet that they did.
And of course, there's the built in sequels for both Cooper's brothers whom I'm sure will eventually be finding loves of their own--I do wonder if Logan's will be the Holly that was mentioned in this book (Even though she supposedly moved to San Francisco--but in the romance world, people are always moving back to their hometowns so it's not out of the question.)
August 23, 2018
Enjoyed the humor in this story!
October 23, 2016
can't wait for next one
December 1, 2017
Romance books that veer heavily on the religious side can make for difficult readings if you’re an atheist…especially if you’re an atheist who’s actually read the Bible. Anyone who peruses the so-called Good Book will find tales of polygamy, incest, prostitution, gang rape, stonings, child abuse, et al., and all at the behest of a God who’s angry, manipulative, controlling, murderous, vain, domineering, vengeful and proud of it.
So it’s irritating to read about people who have come through truly horrific times that destroy human life and actually praise God for their survival. The people in this book don’t credit God for a F4 twister that kills people and leaves a child crippled for life. The divorcée doesn’t find God responsible for saddling her with a Christian husband who abandons her and his two children to re-marry a younger woman. No, Audra Marshall blames herself for walking away from a drunken, indifferent husband and ignoring her marriage vows and thanks God for sending a man who saved her from falling off a roof.
So we get a story that’s liberally sprinkled with people thanking the Lord for the good luck that’s randomly fallen into their laps and absolving themselves of human agency. No one is responsible for being good in such a mindset; only the Lord gets the credit.
Of course, in such a novel there is no hanky panky before sex. Given that the Bible is filled with the aforementioned sexual shenanigans, it’s a wonder that anyone associates its teachings with chastity and sexual abstinence. But in a romantic novel where people are always bringing up the Lord internally and externally (talking to the Lord when you’re alone apparently isn’t seen as weird), sex is off the table. You can have sexual feelings but they’re alluded to in such a vague way you might as well be reading a child’s story of Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail.
Audra and her Lone Ranger rescuer settle in to play house (she is a great cook and he’s handy with tools). Having stepped into traditional old-fashioned niches, there’s really nothing to add here. Happily ever after is achieved. Praise the Lord.
So it’s irritating to read about people who have come through truly horrific times that destroy human life and actually praise God for their survival. The people in this book don’t credit God for a F4 twister that kills people and leaves a child crippled for life. The divorcée doesn’t find God responsible for saddling her with a Christian husband who abandons her and his two children to re-marry a younger woman. No, Audra Marshall blames herself for walking away from a drunken, indifferent husband and ignoring her marriage vows and thanks God for sending a man who saved her from falling off a roof.
So we get a story that’s liberally sprinkled with people thanking the Lord for the good luck that’s randomly fallen into their laps and absolving themselves of human agency. No one is responsible for being good in such a mindset; only the Lord gets the credit.
Of course, in such a novel there is no hanky panky before sex. Given that the Bible is filled with the aforementioned sexual shenanigans, it’s a wonder that anyone associates its teachings with chastity and sexual abstinence. But in a romantic novel where people are always bringing up the Lord internally and externally (talking to the Lord when you’re alone apparently isn’t seen as weird), sex is off the table. You can have sexual feelings but they’re alluded to in such a vague way you might as well be reading a child’s story of Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail.
Audra and her Lone Ranger rescuer settle in to play house (she is a great cook and he’s handy with tools). Having stepped into traditional old-fashioned niches, there’s really nothing to add here. Happily ever after is achieved. Praise the Lord.
August 9, 2016
Carter Cooper is certainly my hero. One of the things any romance reader wants from a male lead character is that he treat the heroine right. Carter fulfilled all my expectations. I was privileged to have an advance copy of Her Texas Hero by Kat Brookes, and blew through it in two days, turning pages faster and faster, immersing myself in the story of Audra and Cooper. The book has a permanent place in my library, and I’ll be reading it again soon.
The meet-cute is just about the cutest meet I’ve ever read, between Audra dangling from the edge of the porch roof and Carter’s adorably clueless question: “What are you doing up there anyway?”
Audra and Carter, predictably, have problems with commitment, but their situations are realistic, and any reader can understand and sympathize with them. Their faith comes across as natural and heartfelt, which doesn’t happen in every inspirational romance.
I loved worrying along with Audra when her tumbledown house starts to tumble down around her ears, and I loved it even more when Carter stepped in to help. The pie contest was not only familiar and nostalgic, it served as a perfect backdrop for Audra’s evolving feelings about Carter.
I’m giving this book five stars because from beginning to end, Her Texas Hero satisfied all my criteria: likeable characters, believable plot, easy humor, just the right amount of tension, and a perfect resolution. Best of all? Between Carter’s extended family and Audra’s new friends, I have hope for many sequels from Kat Brookes.
The meet-cute is just about the cutest meet I’ve ever read, between Audra dangling from the edge of the porch roof and Carter’s adorably clueless question: “What are you doing up there anyway?”
Audra and Carter, predictably, have problems with commitment, but their situations are realistic, and any reader can understand and sympathize with them. Their faith comes across as natural and heartfelt, which doesn’t happen in every inspirational romance.
I loved worrying along with Audra when her tumbledown house starts to tumble down around her ears, and I loved it even more when Carter stepped in to help. The pie contest was not only familiar and nostalgic, it served as a perfect backdrop for Audra’s evolving feelings about Carter.
I’m giving this book five stars because from beginning to end, Her Texas Hero satisfied all my criteria: likeable characters, believable plot, easy humor, just the right amount of tension, and a perfect resolution. Best of all? Between Carter’s extended family and Audra’s new friends, I have hope for many sequels from Kat Brookes.
September 9, 2016
This author has a great future if all her books are this well written. Her children are realistic and adorable while being realistic. Any mother can identify with them. Being old enough to remember the Lone Ranger, that little touch when Cooper first meets Audra and her children, made me laugh out loud and want to read more to find out what happens next. The author delivers all the way with a story of two people drawn together, but resisting because of what has happened in their lives before. The pace is just right. She managed to make this reader fall in love with both Cooper and Audra. I found myself rooting for them and Audra's children, who are looking for a father that will love them forever as they deserve. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
August 27, 2016
Her Texas Hero by Kat Brookes is a Texas Sweethearts series. This was a very good book. I was laughing a lot reading this book. So cute at times. Single Mom Audra Marshall moves to a small town. She bought a house over the internet in an auction. When Audra and her two small children got to the house she found it to be in need of lots of repair. A neighbor Carson Cooper stops by one day when Audra needed help. Carson is a contractor and ends up making repairs on her house. A love happens between the two but funny things happen when they are children involved. A very good read.
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October 11, 2016received 5 stars @ Harlequin.com as of 10/10/2016
Miniseries: Texas Sweethearts
Miniseries: Texas Sweethearts
Read
September 2, 2016Miniseries: Texas Sweethearts
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