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Sweet River Redemption #1
The Broken Trail
Katherine Grant takes the job at Sweet River Christian Academy hoping a small town in the wilderness of Maine will be a vacation from her high-powered career and a break from the emotional toll of the secrets she has buried deep. With the school director on a power trip and evidence of shady dealings, there’s nothing relaxing about it. Maybe it would be easier if she wasn’t so distracted by Captain MacAlister, the local cop she can’t get along with, yet can’t get out of her head. She didn’t trek up to the middle of nowhere to lose her heart.
Mac doesn’t need the kind of trouble he believes Katherine will bring. He’s got enough to deal with from poachers to drug crime. Mac has rules to maintain his faith, like avoiding the pull of an attractive woman who doesn’t fit his life. But when he meets Katherine, he’s drawn in by her intelligence and strength, despite getting burned by her quick temper.
When near tragedy strikes, Katherine reveals her feelings, and Mac doesn’t hesitate to respond. If only their scars, both seen and unseen, didn’t threaten to tear them apart. Two wary hearts must soften and two steel wills bend if they have any hope of making it down the broken trail to love.
Mac doesn’t need the kind of trouble he believes Katherine will bring. He’s got enough to deal with from poachers to drug crime. Mac has rules to maintain his faith, like avoiding the pull of an attractive woman who doesn’t fit his life. But when he meets Katherine, he’s drawn in by her intelligence and strength, despite getting burned by her quick temper.
When near tragedy strikes, Katherine reveals her feelings, and Mac doesn’t hesitate to respond. If only their scars, both seen and unseen, didn’t threaten to tear them apart. Two wary hearts must soften and two steel wills bend if they have any hope of making it down the broken trail to love.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2016
466 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Christa MacDonald
6 books21 followersChrista MacDonald is a 2017 Carol Award finalist for contemporary Christian fiction. She began her writing career at the age of eleven, filling a sketchbook with poems and short stories. After publishing a few short pieces in her college's literary magazine she took a long hiatus during which she embarked on a few different careers, got married, had three kids, and renovated an old barn masquerading as a house. The Broken Trail, published by Mountain Brook Ink, was her debut novel. Her second novel, At The Crossroad, released in October, 2017.
When not working or writing Christa can be found ferrying her kids around, reading, or attempting something crafty. She and her family live along the coast of New England. Connect with Christa at www.christamacdonald.com
When not working or writing Christa can be found ferrying her kids around, reading, or attempting something crafty. She and her family live along the coast of New England. Connect with Christa at www.christamacdonald.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 2, 2018
I'm still somewhat undecided about this book. I liked it, but at the same time there were some things that made me not like it as well.
Characters:
Pete, Katherine, Mac–they were all well done, and I liked Pete from the start. Katherine and Mac both had issues. They were each dealing with their own troubles and pasts and were like two kids fighting with each other at first. I liked them both, but there were some times when I just wanted to shake them!
Setting:
Having the story set in Maine was quite delightful. The town seemed like it might be lovely, though I didn't get to feel like I knew much about it except there was only one church (seems very unlikely since this is a modern story) and only one school–a Christian one (also seems highly unlikely). The school had me confused since there were boarding students and these all seemed to be foster kids. Huh? How can foster kids be sent away to boarding school? Maybe I read something wrong, or maybe they do things differently in Maine, but I've never heard of anything like that.
I also had a hard time swallowing the fact that a man, shot in the stomach could somehow evade the police and game wardens for over a month! And then when they found him, he went right to jail. Hmm, either the author forgot he had been shot, or he healed really quickly.
My biggest issue was that the story, while it had a good message of forgiving, seemed a bit vague. There was no mention of reading the Bible that I recall, unless it was once. The first half of the book really didn't have much mention of anyone praying, though they "went to church" but it gave the impression, to me at least, that everyone was a "Christian." Toward the end of the book Mac stars praying, and he and Katherine realizes that they have made decisions without even praying about them. Overall I was left with a confused impression about the Christianity.
There is a time when Katherine is sick and Mac takes care of her until her mom arrives. Nothing happens or is mentioned, but it might be an issue for some people.
Characters:
Pete, Katherine, Mac–they were all well done, and I liked Pete from the start. Katherine and Mac both had issues. They were each dealing with their own troubles and pasts and were like two kids fighting with each other at first. I liked them both, but there were some times when I just wanted to shake them!
Setting:
Having the story set in Maine was quite delightful. The town seemed like it might be lovely, though I didn't get to feel like I knew much about it except there was only one church (seems very unlikely since this is a modern story) and only one school–a Christian one (also seems highly unlikely). The school had me confused since there were boarding students and these all seemed to be foster kids. Huh? How can foster kids be sent away to boarding school? Maybe I read something wrong, or maybe they do things differently in Maine, but I've never heard of anything like that.
I also had a hard time swallowing the fact that a man, shot in the stomach could somehow evade the police and game wardens for over a month! And then when they found him, he went right to jail. Hmm, either the author forgot he had been shot, or he healed really quickly.
My biggest issue was that the story, while it had a good message of forgiving, seemed a bit vague. There was no mention of reading the Bible that I recall, unless it was once. The first half of the book really didn't have much mention of anyone praying, though they "went to church" but it gave the impression, to me at least, that everyone was a "Christian." Toward the end of the book Mac stars praying, and he and Katherine realizes that they have made decisions without even praying about them. Overall I was left with a confused impression about the Christianity.
There is a time when Katherine is sick and Mac takes care of her until her mom arrives. Nothing happens or is mentioned, but it might be an issue for some people.
September 16, 2016
I loved this story as the author explored the many facets of forgiveness, trust, and finding peace. The two main characters, along with a few others, were so prickly at the beginning of the story that I simply thought something had to change. My favorite character was Pete. He portrayed the type of person that I would like to be as he could so gently but wisely help others see how they were totally missing things that were right in front of them. Even when his message was tough, he did not shy away from it nor did he charge in like a bull in a china shop. As is often the case, there was at least one person that I could not abide and wanted her to go away. She was miserable and wanted to share that with everyone else. To see how the story plays out for Katherine, Mac, Erin, Brittney, Jake, Stephanie, and Pete, I recommend you read the book. It includes action, romance, and some good moral lessons. Not all choices in the book are good ones but most of the characters learn from their bad choices. Broken trails do not have to remain broken. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
February 2, 2017
This is a book by an unfamiliar author that I ended up being thankful I tried. I can’t wait to read Christa’s next book! Her underlying themes of anger, brokenness, and forgiveness are wonderfully woven throughout this book. My favorite quotes are: “The good kind (of brokenness) keeps your heart open & your pride humbled…It helps you be more like Jesus & less like a sinner…The bad kind keeps the hurt alive; it keeps you cautious…” And, in her author notes: “Holding onto the pain inflicted on us will keep the hurt ‘EVERGREEN’ .” And: “When we fail to forgive those that wrong us, we invite bitterness in & it sets up shop, poisoning our happiness, stealing our trust in others, & building a wall between us & God. Brokenness, the good kind, is what begins to break down the bitterness, but what kills it off is forgiveness." The 3 main characters –
Dr. Katherine Grant, (Captain) Mac(Alister), and Pete Coleman are well developed. Pete is such an endearing character and is my favorite. This is an easy, enjoyable, and captivating read!
Dr. Katherine Grant, (Captain) Mac(Alister), and Pete Coleman are well developed. Pete is such an endearing character and is my favorite. This is an easy, enjoyable, and captivating read!
March 20, 2018
I am so glad I found this free book and read it today! The main theme running through the book, for me, was the brokenness and weakness of humans and God's Patience and Sweet Grace in not only forgiving and healing us but helping us to forgive those who hurt and wrong us.
My favorite character in the book was Pete. There were a lot of hints dropped about his past hurts and how he learned peace, forgiveness, patience, and wisdom. As well as the years he spent "not stepping foot in a church either"... I would dearly love for the author to write Pete's story!
My favorite character in the book was Pete. There were a lot of hints dropped about his past hurts and how he learned peace, forgiveness, patience, and wisdom. As well as the years he spent "not stepping foot in a church either"... I would dearly love for the author to write Pete's story!
July 11, 2023
I have found a new author!
While this book was not perfect, it was so gripping. The characters were flawed and complex. Some aspects of the storyline took a while to crystallize for me, so perhaps another edit would have been helpful, but overall, it was a lovely read. One of those that induces a book hangover.
Can't wait to read the other books in this series!
While this book was not perfect, it was so gripping. The characters were flawed and complex. Some aspects of the storyline took a while to crystallize for me, so perhaps another edit would have been helpful, but overall, it was a lovely read. One of those that induces a book hangover.
Can't wait to read the other books in this series!
November 19, 2016
A wonderful story. The author brings the characters to life. I felt like I knew the characters personally. This story includes trust, love and faith and more. I enjoyed this story very much.
Want to read
March 21, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/21/2018)!💝
May 22, 2019
This is going to be an anomaly; I didn't quite finish the book, but I'm still giving it two stars. The reason is that from what I saw, the author handled a difficult and touchy subject well and biblically, but the subject is one that I rarely read fiction about and just don't tolerate well for the most part. I think the subject is important and needs to be addressed; it's just not something I'm usually comfortable reading about.
October 30, 2017
I happened upon this book, and didn't mean to read it, but before I knew it, I had read it! It just pulled me in. The story had a mind of its own.
I enjoyed the unique story of someone helping with reforming failing schools, the topic of teen pregnancy, sex before marriage, corrupt churches, foster children, and other issues were brought up in this fascinating tale. While not too deep or hard of a read, those topics were just briefly touched on, enough to make you think.
I enjoyed it so much, I bought the sequel.
I enjoyed the unique story of someone helping with reforming failing schools, the topic of teen pregnancy, sex before marriage, corrupt churches, foster children, and other issues were brought up in this fascinating tale. While not too deep or hard of a read, those topics were just briefly touched on, enough to make you think.
I enjoyed it so much, I bought the sequel.
December 4, 2017
Now that I've read The Broken Trail, I can understand why it has such great ratings. Romances are not my normal choice of reading material, but when offered a copy by a friend, I decided to give it a try. I'm SO glad I did. I tend to think of romances as typically sappy and sentimental, but this book came across as amazingly realistic and enjoyable. Great characters and enough of a plot aside from the romance itself to hold my interest. I'm not sure every male reader would enjoy it, but I'll bet a number of them would.
April 1, 2018
What a sweet read!
This book is bittersweet. Old wounds can fester, leaving scars we don't even realize are there. When Katherine takes a job in a small town in Maine to root out problems in a local school, she little realizes that GOD is using it to remove her own private anguish. This book is a wonderful reminder that walking in the path HE sets is often hard, but ultimately perfect for us. Thank you, Ms MacDonald,for a great reminder. Looking forward to the next in the series.
This book is bittersweet. Old wounds can fester, leaving scars we don't even realize are there. When Katherine takes a job in a small town in Maine to root out problems in a local school, she little realizes that GOD is using it to remove her own private anguish. This book is a wonderful reminder that walking in the path HE sets is often hard, but ultimately perfect for us. Thank you, Ms MacDonald,for a great reminder. Looking forward to the next in the series.
August 26, 2018
I simply fell in love with this story and can hardly wait to read the next one in this series. Katherine and Captain have different types of scars they must face head-on and be cleansed in order for their relationship to make it. When two stubborn, hardheaded, hurt people meet and the attraction to one another is undeniable, there must be some heart issues resolved and some heavy homework done. Is there a chance for this couple with the help of their friends,, Pete, Heather, and Erin? I laughed, cried, and stayed up too late reading, but thoroughly recommend this book!
March 21, 2018
Involving and real characters
I typically prefer historical novels to contemporary, but I enjoy well-written characters in any genre. Christa Macdonald's novel Broken Trail avoids many of the pitfalls in contemporary Christian romances, (too-perfect people or climaxing in rapid spiritual conversion), and makes me really care about the characters. Good pacing and flow, overall a satisfying read.
I typically prefer historical novels to contemporary, but I enjoy well-written characters in any genre. Christa Macdonald's novel Broken Trail avoids many of the pitfalls in contemporary Christian romances, (too-perfect people or climaxing in rapid spiritual conversion), and makes me really care about the characters. Good pacing and flow, overall a satisfying read.
December 30, 2018
Broken Trail. Broken people.
This was the first book I've read by this amazing author. She writes with both humor and an understanding of the brokenness that can trap the human heart; the kind of brokenness that only God can fix. And she does it in a way that is not "preachy", but loving, so that you actually love the characters' because of their flaws, not in spite of the flaws.
This was the first book I've read by this amazing author. She writes with both humor and an understanding of the brokenness that can trap the human heart; the kind of brokenness that only God can fix. And she does it in a way that is not "preachy", but loving, so that you actually love the characters' because of their flaws, not in spite of the flaws.
July 4, 2023
Really good
A really great read. Loved Pete, his warmth, insight & wisdom. He made the book for me. Heather, is another one that spoke to me. I really liked Mac's rules, and Katherine's letter to Tom. Some really great lessons here. Jake was a great example of a good guy too. Loved the whole lot. Highly recommend it. Loved how it was a great length and depth story. Well done. Left me satisfied when finished it.
A really great read. Loved Pete, his warmth, insight & wisdom. He made the book for me. Heather, is another one that spoke to me. I really liked Mac's rules, and Katherine's letter to Tom. Some really great lessons here. Jake was a great example of a good guy too. Loved the whole lot. Highly recommend it. Loved how it was a great length and depth story. Well done. Left me satisfied when finished it.
August 23, 2018
3.5 stars... it was 4 until the last couple chapters.. A couple things about the way the ending played out irked me to no end.
But until then it was just my kind of book — broken characters learning to forgive themselves and others and learning to accept God’s forgiveness. Healing old wounds, of the serious, earth-shattering variety...
Will definitely read more by this author
But until then it was just my kind of book — broken characters learning to forgive themselves and others and learning to accept God’s forgiveness. Healing old wounds, of the serious, earth-shattering variety...
Will definitely read more by this author
June 25, 2023
Hearts to be mended
This was a good contemporary Christian romance taking place in a small town in the Maine mountains. She needed to escape the rugged life of being a consultant in the city schools. He wad a deputy in this small town. They didn't have a hood beginning ad he almost arrested het at their first meeting. It was very well written and I loved it.
This was a good contemporary Christian romance taking place in a small town in the Maine mountains. She needed to escape the rugged life of being a consultant in the city schools. He wad a deputy in this small town. They didn't have a hood beginning ad he almost arrested het at their first meeting. It was very well written and I loved it.
November 2, 2017
Great read
This story, though straight forward, has deep underlying currents of hurt, betrayal and lingering bitterness. The author does a magnificent job in exposing the layers and allowing healing to occur. Good story, well-written and well-edited.
This story, though straight forward, has deep underlying currents of hurt, betrayal and lingering bitterness. The author does a magnificent job in exposing the layers and allowing healing to occur. Good story, well-written and well-edited.
July 3, 2023
wow
Steve’s wife says, “New favorite author. Well written. Good word choices. Good grammar. Great editing. Character development is well rounded and real. There is no repeating the same paragraph of angst in each chapter.”
Steve’s wife says, “New favorite author. Well written. Good word choices. Good grammar. Great editing. Character development is well rounded and real. There is no repeating the same paragraph of angst in each chapter.”
September 11, 2023
I don't usually choose romance books, but Ive been reading a lot of mystery and thriller stories and was ready for something lighter. The fact that this story was set in Maine intrigued me, so I picked it up. It was a nice change.
May 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, The Broken Trail by Christa MacDonald. She creates characters that are engaging. This is the first book I have read in the Sweet River Redemption Series and there is a message for all of us in this one. I will definitely be reading more books by this talented writer.
June 18, 2017
This was a beautiful book about faith, trust and forgiveness. The author made me feel like a character in her story. I look forward to reading more of her stories.
November 26, 2017
This book was an inspiration to me. Katherine has some issues, but with a strong person by her side, even after pushing him away, she believes in God. Love always win.
August 23, 2018
Love small town romances with a HEA.
October 19, 2018
Great read!
I couldn't put it down, love the storyline. Can't wait to read Erin's story. Yes I Would recommend this book.
I couldn't put it down, love the storyline. Can't wait to read Erin's story. Yes I Would recommend this book.
June 23, 2023
Excellent read! Great characters storyline and a touch of the heart. Nice change.
June 24, 2023
Sweet read
June 28, 2023
Good story. Clean. Recommend.
July 5, 2023
Stubborn Love
Loved the writing style, the characters with depth, the romantic story fraught with real human emotions. Another author to follow!
Loved the writing style, the characters with depth, the romantic story fraught with real human emotions. Another author to follow!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews