Lawfully Redeemed

The Lawkeepers - Hoopes #3

by Lorana Hoopes

Suspect or man of her dreams?

Dani Higgins was looking for adventure when she joined the K-9 unit, but she never expected her first case to leave her stranded in the snow and pinned under a tree. Nor did she expect to develop feelings for the handsome stranger who cares for her. Will she be able to forget her past and give love another chance?

Calvin Phillips just wanted his brother to turn from drugs, but somehow he ended up smack dab in the middle of a police investigation when he rescued Dani from hypothermia. Will he be able to convince her he's innocent? Even more importantly, will he be able to open his heart and tell her how much he cares? Or will the fact that she's after his brother doom their relationship before it has a chance to start?

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Christian Fiction

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2018

About the author

Lorana Hoopes is an inspirational romance and children’s author originally from Texas. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three children. When not writing, she can be found singing or acting on stage or kickboxing at her gym. You can also find her hosting her show Write the World where she interviews authors and writers.

Reviews

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

BROUGHT TOGETHER BY A DRUG ADDICT

I enjoyed this clean Christian based story that is an addition to the contemporary Lawkeepers series and also one of the K-9 stories. There is a great cast of characters along with two special people and some of their personal issues that will become involved in a relationship. This story has strong Christian principles and faith in God. It isn’t preachy.

The Phillips brothers faced adversity early in life, losing their Dad to cancer and shortly after that, their mother to an automobile accident. But as with anything in life, it is how you handle the situation. Calvin was in school working to become an EMT, and when his father became ill, he dropped out. His younger brother, Chris, was also attending college. Calvin returned to computer programming, but Chris went down a dark road, partying, and getting involved in drugs. Just like most people, it started at simple, with smoking marijuana but then progressed to harder drugs. Now Chris can’t hold a job, pay his bills, and is constantly seeking financial assistance.

“Ignorance wasn’t really blissful, but it kept him from going completely crazy with guilt. He wished he could be a brother instead of his brother’s keeper. Lord, please reach Chris. Help him get clean and see the error of his ways before he ends up dead.”

The plot of the story will have Chris showing up wanting money, but instead, Calvin will feed him and send him on his way. But then the police and K-9 show up at his home, looking for Chris.
What may be a long shot, Calvin goes to the family cabin in hopes of finding Chris and arriving just before a snowstorm hits. But, by the dust and condition of the cabin, no one has been there for quite some time. He will just stay for a few days, riding out the storm, and see what happens.
Meantime, Dani and her partner discover that the Phillips family owns a cabin and in the process of locating it, things go wrong. Now one officer is injured, and the other most go and try and find help. The smart K-9 will be a hero and help her partner find assistance from Calvin.

Dani must decide if she believes that Calvin is innocent or is he mixed up in the drugs his brother, Chris is involved with. There is one dead man and too many unanswered questions. No matter what has happened in Calvin’s life, he finds peace in trusting the Lord and praying. Dani’s childhood wasn’t great, and then her fiancé cheated on her, and she turned away from God. What is with the attraction these two seem to have for each other? Are they crazy for entertaining a romance?

Will the faith and attitude that Calvin possesses help open Dani’s eyes back to God? Good times, bad times, and times of trouble has Calvin lifting up his concerns and burdens to the Lord in prayer. He never makes excuses for his brother and knows that Chris needs help. Has God sent the answer to his prayers in the form of a K-9 officer named Dani? Will the situation be an eye-opener for Dani that she shouldn’t turn away from God because of one person who did her wrong?

With all things, good and bad, seek the Lord. The story has a happily ever after ending and shows that things happen to Christians, to the just and the unjust. But that no matter what, God is still there.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying both the historical and the contemporary stories in this Lawkeepers series! There are a lot of them but the ones I've read are so good! I really enjoy the books by Lorana Hoopes. This one is especially fun because it has a K-9 in it and those are fascinating to me! The two main characters are very interesting too. At first, I don't see how the situation can be "redeemed" satisfactorily but Ms. Hoopes does it! It's a great story about the power of sibling love and the power of God without being too preachy. Because I live in the Northwest, I enjoyed the scenes in the Washington mountains with all its snowy "isolation" and beauty! The legal case was interesting and the solving of it was good too. With the constraint of having to keep the story to a certain number of words, Ms. Hoopes does a great job of telling the story without rushing it but still letting us know the characters.
I would recommend this story - I think anyone would enjoy it! I was given a complimentary copy by the author but the opinions are completely my own!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawfully Redeemed: A K-9 Lawkeeper Romance
The Lawkeepers
By: Lorana Hoopes, The Lawkeepers

What happens when your drug addicted brother is wanted for a crime? Do you turn him in? Calvin is faced with this dilemma when his brother is being sought after by the police. When Calvin goes to search himself, he finds K-9 trained officer Dani, trapped under a tree. Even though he saves her life, there are still questions about Calvin's involvement in the crime. Will she search for the truth? Will their attraction get in the way? Hoopes realistically portrays a family's struggle with a member who has an addiction problem. From personal experience, I can sympathize with Calvin and his difficult decisions. It's hard to separate the addict from the person you love, and Hoopes delicately works through this. I love Dani, and her struggle being a woman on the force. It's tough working in a men's field, and she proves her worth. This couple has some obstacles, but with faith and love, Hoopes finds their happily ever after. Another fantastic narration by Lorana and an addition of the K-9 Lawkeeper series that is pure enjoyment.

[Timothy Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. All of the characters in this book made it an enjoyable read. It didn't feel rushed and it ended well not leaving me hanging. Calvin Phillips and Dani Higgins are the two main characters in this book. But the supporting caste helps to make this an enjoyable book. Of course there was Chris Calvin's brother and it because of him that Calvin and Danni meet. And, there was Aaron and Margaret Dani's friends.

There is three things that stand out most in the book for me.

One. When Dani is questioning Calvin about his faith. One of the statements that is moving to me is "... one thing I do know - that God is in control - or I go crazy and lose my faith in everything."

Two. Was when Calvin said he would go where God led him.

Three. Was when Chris said, "Dani is amazing. I hope I find a woman like her soon." "you will, "Calvin said, "... you have a new job, a new home, a church, us, and most importantly God on your side. He will send you the right woman when it's time."

Chris. Now there is a story waiting to be told. I look forward to it.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, clean contemporary romance.

Dani was a K-9 police officer who, along with her partner, had been called out to investigate a homicide and find the killer. In the process, she met Calvin. Calvin's brother, Chris, was a person of interest in the case. When Dani and her partner further investigated the possible sites that Chris could be hiding out, they were caught in a snowstorm where Dani was injured. Calvin found Dani injured and needing help. In the time they spent together, they began to develop feelings of friendship and maybe something more. Was there a possibility of a future for them when this case was solved?

I was given a complimentary copy of this book to read. I enjoyed the book very much. This was a quick read but I felt the characters were fairly well developed and told a sweet romantic story.

[Lokdyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is another great story as part of this wonderful series. This is a love story, but not exactly what you might think. It also involves the love of one brother for another and the consequences of that love. Calvin Phillips and Danielle “Dani” Pascale Higgins are the hero and heroine of the story, but other major characters include Calvin’s brother, Chris, and Dani’s partner, Aaron, and Dani’s K-9 partner, Sydney. I loved the attraction between Calvin and Dani grow after he saves her life. Then there is an amazing happy ending for all the characters in the story. This story is uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable, which is why I would strongly recommend it to others. I received an advance reader copy of this book, which I have voluntarily reviewed and given my honest opinion.

[Jaycee Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet, feel-good romance

The Lawkeepers series is shaping up to be perfect summer reading. During the summer, I want books that aren’t overly long yet still pack plenty into their pages. I want sweet stories that are plausible, even if they might be a little glossier and simplified than a real life situation might be. I also want lots and lots of happy with a dash of humor. This addition to the series ticks off every single box on my list.

Dani and Calvin have solid chemistry, even if the electricity thing is a bit cliché, but they’re a good match and trust each other through a tough situation. His kind heart watching over her pretty much made the book. A truly sweet romantic hero.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clean , touching contemporary Christian romance .
Calvin Phillips and Dani Higgins met when Dani, a K-9 officer , and her partner go to Calvin’s home looking for his brother, Chris. A brother who has gotten himself in trouble with the law and is a drug addict.
When the officers go to Calvin’s family cabin looking for Chris, and Dani gets hurt, Calvin rescues her, a friendship develops between these two.
As the plot develops, we see how Dani, who has given up on her faith, begins to reconsider her believes and starts having faith in God and in his work.
In the end, it’s a story not only about faith, but also about family.
I must add that the narrator/author did a good rendition of the voices.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Lawfully Redeemed very much. The addition of the K-9 dog, Sydney, added an extra interest to the story.

The relationship of the main characters, Dani & Calvin, started on shaky ground but with God controlling things, it turned into a beautiful positive union. Calvin's brother, an addict and in trouble was also showed Christian love and I love how his life was changed.

Another wonderful story by Lorena Hoopes, an author who takes on the tough subject as a storyline and lets God's love shine through the pages.

I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Anne Wingate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Your Usual Meeting

Calvin scarcely knows what to think when suddenly two cops with dogs are in his house hunting his brother.
Dani knows the man is hiding something.
She and her partner and both dogs set out to go to his cabin, where they suspect his brother has holed up.
But a tree falls in the snow and Dani is trapped under a heavy branch. Her partner goes for help when their phones can't reach anyone.
Calvin finds Dani and takes her to the cabin, where they are snowed in and Dani's partner is snowed out. And Dani has broken ribs.
Not good.
But good comes of it.
Recommended for all readers of clean Christian romance.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calvin refused to give Chris money for hard drugs. He was hungry would he give him food. Chris had turned on the game when Calvin came in with sandwiches he had made. Would his brother ever want help to get clean.
The police come thinking Chris had committed a crime. Calvin going out to their parents cabin to find him He finds Dani pinned under a tree, she was part of the K-9 team looking for Chris. A plot unfolds of which brother is guilty, and Calvin faith is strong. Will Dani find God and real love when she is with Calvin Given ARC audio with good narration by the author for my voluntary readers and my honest opinion

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it flowed and the character development was really good. I also enjoyed that there wasn't really any angst (get tired of it especially if it is silly and takes a while to resolve) but enough tension to keep me reading. Loved the Christian influence and wrote this quote from your book down "I take solace in the one thing I do know - that God is in control, or I go crazy and lose my faith in everything." Awesome quote. The sovereignty of God keeps me from despair.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is now my new favorite book by Lorana Hoopes. It is short and sweet and full of action. You cannot help liking Calvin Phillips and Danielle Higgins. I like how their relationship progressed even though there were several obstacles like Calvin's drug addict brother. Danielle is a police officer. so their relationship was surprising. because she was looking for Calvin's brother. The story ends with God being back in all their lives and gives you hope. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a free copy of this book, but this is my honest and voluntary opinion. Dani Higgins and her K-9 question Calvin Phillips about his brother’s activities. Dani and her partner follow Calvin to a family cabin, but she gets hurt in a snowstorm on the way. While her partner goes for help, she is found by Calvin and taken back to the cabin until he can get help. Their interactions show them they would like to know each other better. An uplifting book dealing with drug addiction, and overcoming past hurts.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lawfully Redeemed quickly grabs the reader’s interest and keeps it throughout the story. The pacing is perfect for this book. I liked all of the characters, especially Sydney the K-9 officer. I loved the scenes in the snowy mountains. I rejoiced when Dani’s faith was restored. There is a sweet HEA. My only complaint about the book is its length—I would have preferred it to be longer. I will definitely read more of Lorana Hoopes’ work.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet, clean, quick story that features K-9 officers. I love that the Lawkeeper in this book was a woman. It was a nice change from all of the macho men in the other books. Very good romance with lovable characters. I've read several of Ms. Hoopes' books and have enjoyed all of them. Can't wait to read more!

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about this story is that it shows how addiction affects more than the person who is addicted. The dangers and consequences of getting involved with the wrong people. Canine officer Dani follows Calvin to his cabin trying to arrest his brother. An accident has him taking care of her. Now they have to decide to work together to find his brother and find out the truth before he gets killed.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dani was a new recruit in the K-9 unit and she was naive about how a drug bust would go down. She didn’t expect to develop feelings for the suspect’s brother. Nothing Calvin has done has made his brother Chris give up drugs and now someone is dead and Chris is on the run from the law. Dani is afraid Calvin is an accomplice and Calvin just wants to save his brother and get him the help he needs. Sweet story about overcoming expectations and finding love.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book flowed nicely and I was finished before I knew it. I love a book that touches your heart and reminds you what God's love and grace looks like through the love each character brings in it's different forms, love of a brother, love of a potential spouse, love of a work colleague. Dani and Calvin met under circumstances that could have kept them apart but love prospered. This book touches on addiction and how it affects those around the person who is struggling with it.

[Emily F - Seriously Sweet Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and sweet

This was a fun, cute and sweet read. I liked the k-9/police aspect, and although there were Christian elements, I don't think they were overbearing. This was sweet and clean, I'd rate it PG, maybe PG-13, for references to drugs, drug use, and drug-related violence. All in all, great addition to a series I'm enjoying and a author I look forward to seeing more from!

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have not been reading the Lawkeepers series, you need to start. You can start with this book. It is a well written story that contains real feeling characters. The Lawkeepers series offers both historical and contemporary stories. Clean, easy and enjoyable reads. I love that this one featured a K-9 (some of my favorite books to read!!) The author always writes such amazing stories. You will not be dissapointed.

I received a copy of this book through the author - all thoughts are my own

[Jan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorana Hoopes pulled me in immediately with Lawfully Redeemed: A K-9 Lawkeeper Romance. This short listen is full of endearing characters, realistic emotions, and faith. I liked how Calvin and Dani developed their relationship in this book. Not often is the author and narrator one in the same, it definitely works in this book. The characters each had their own voice which was easily distinguished. I really enjoyed this sweet, clean listen.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this audio book for an honest review. This was a sweet, christian story about tough love for a family member & finding love in the misst of it all. The characters are well written & the storyline is great. Addiction affects not only the one who is addicted but all of their loved ones. I have enjoyed the Lawkeeper Romance series and look forward to Lawfully Promised & Lawfully Pursued.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though Calvin and Chris are brothers, they are complete opposites. When trials come, Calvin remains true to his faith in God and Chris turns to drugs and alcohol. Their journey is not easy, Dani, a K-9 officer lends her help to the brothers. Love, forgiveness, family, and romance win in the end.

Once again Ms. Hoopes gives a stellar performance of narration.

I listened to this book on YouTube. Ms. Hoopes has a number of books there; subscribe for notifications of new books available.

[Marie Pinkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely short story by Lorana Hoopes, an author I can always count on for great stories. This book, part of a series about historical and contemporary lawmen (and women), is as good as the ones before it. As always, I look forward to the next book from Lorana. I received a copy of this book from the author, my review was voluntary, and the thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawfully Redeemed

I love books with dogs in it and this one has K-9 officers. Dani’s dog helped her be found in the snow after being hit by a tree. Her partner had gone for help. Calvin finds her. The police are also looking for his brother. I really enjoyed the growing relationship of Dani and Calvin. I received an advanced copy of the book from the author.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've lost track of how many amazing books/series I've read by amazing/prolific Christian author Lorana Hoopes. No matter what genre she writes in the story is always excellent. If there's a problem it's that the stories are often so short. You want them longer so you can enjoy them for a longer time.

[Nethanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani was looking for Chris, Calvin’s brother, who was on the run for the police. After saving Dani’s life Calvin helped Dani to find her way back to God. But what will happen when Chris shows up again, will he stands between the 2 who has fallen in love, or will he better his life too?
This was a fun story about family and redemption. When you love Christian romance you will love it.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another sweet story by Lorana Hoopes. The title is very apt. The story is about both love and redemption. No need to cover the blurb details. The characters are all realistically portrayed. The characters are multi-faceted. The story will keep your interest. Once I started reading I had to finish the book before anything else got done!

[Lynn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lawfully Redeemed

Sweet clean romance. Dani was a K-9 cop and her first case was the murder involving drugs. Calvin was a Christian man that wanted to help his brother get off drugs. Sparks fly when the meet, but Dani is looking for his brother can the build a relationship with everything hanging over their heads.