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Dawson's Valley #1
Hometown Hero
She’s writing books her mama wouldn’t be proud of. He won’t risk his heart. But when matters of faith have them at odds, will love triumph?
Madison agrees to a last-minute writers’ retreat. But with her anxiety at an all-time high, she seeks out quiet the only place she’s sure to find it, the stables at the Dawson Creek Dude Ranch. While grateful for the solace, she can’t afford to rekindle her past with the sweet, handsome cowboy who keeps meeting her there. They are opposites in every way and she’s a fish out of water in his world.
Cowboy Randal has to think about his future and his own ranch. His goals don’t include getting attached to an author, especially a feisty one who challenges him. And though he begins to hope for more, their instalove can’t last.
As their week together draws to a close, can Madison and Randal find their common ground and risk a love for the ages?
Hometown Hero is the first book in the inspiring Dawson's Valley contemporary Christian romance series. If you like natural and flawed characters, emotional journeys, and compelling faith-filled romance, then you’ll adore Kari Trumbo’s touching story.
Buy Hometown Hero , a reader favorite, today!
This book was originally sold under the title Heartstruck and Heavensent
Madison agrees to a last-minute writers’ retreat. But with her anxiety at an all-time high, she seeks out quiet the only place she’s sure to find it, the stables at the Dawson Creek Dude Ranch. While grateful for the solace, she can’t afford to rekindle her past with the sweet, handsome cowboy who keeps meeting her there. They are opposites in every way and she’s a fish out of water in his world.
Cowboy Randal has to think about his future and his own ranch. His goals don’t include getting attached to an author, especially a feisty one who challenges him. And though he begins to hope for more, their instalove can’t last.
As their week together draws to a close, can Madison and Randal find their common ground and risk a love for the ages?
Hometown Hero is the first book in the inspiring Dawson's Valley contemporary Christian romance series. If you like natural and flawed characters, emotional journeys, and compelling faith-filled romance, then you’ll adore Kari Trumbo’s touching story.
Buy Hometown Hero , a reader favorite, today!
This book was originally sold under the title Heartstruck and Heavensent
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2020
59 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Kari Trumbo
127 books424 followersKari Trumbo is a writer of historical and contemporary Christian romance and romantic suspense. She's a mom to four wonderful children. When she isn't writing or editing, she loves to read, sing, and knit. Kari loves curling up with a fluffy blanket when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband of over twenty years, two daughters, two sons, many cats and one sweet bunny.
She also writes women's fiction under the name Teri Blake.
She also writes women's fiction under the name Teri Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 28, 2017
This book is a favorite of mine. I am reading this series and loving it. Kari Trumbo is a fantastic Author. She knows how to write romance. Her style is perfect. Randal is working on the Broken J ranch, trying to earn money to fulfill his dream. Madison is a woman who has left her family behind and become a Romance writer, a fact that she keeps hidden from the world. She isn't happy and he is not fulfilled. They both want love and forever. This book is about how they come into their dreams and live a happy life together. It is about the romance, and the learning to be together as one. It is sweet, clean and lovely. I read it quickly because the characters were so well developed and they called to me to see what was next! You will love this book as much as I did.
October 22, 2023
Kinda boring.
November 20, 2018
A story of love and rediscovering faith. A cowboy with a heart of gold, a gentleman who is looking for the one to compliment him, a quiet librarian who savors the quiet, desires more but is lost. Two souls who find that there is a greater power that brings two hearts together. I loved that the story pulls you in without the need for the obvious physical side of a buying romance, the build is just as exciting, the thrill of new love and discovery makes the heart flutter just as strong. A wonderful story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2017
So sweet! I loved their stolen moments! I especially enjoyed how the cover matched a scene from the book!! I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys wholesome Christian romance! While not preachy, this one is definitely a book you can share with your Mom, or your daughter!!
October 15, 2017
This book was about a romance author who falls for a sexy, real-life, swaggering, sweet talking cowboy--what all western romance heroes are made of. I FLOVED this book. It had emotion, laughs, a great secondary character in Danica, and quite the swoony hero! Goodness, but Randal was sexier without TRYING to be sexy than some of the "sexy heroes in sexy books" I've read recently.
Dang, there's just something about a man taking care of a woman that gets my motor running! Madison was confused and a bit judgmental, which is why this book doesn't get 5 stars, but Madison has a change of heart the allows for the love she's been seeking all along.
Another great read by Kari Trumbo!
Dang, there's just something about a man taking care of a woman that gets my motor running! Madison was confused and a bit judgmental, which is why this book doesn't get 5 stars, but Madison has a change of heart the allows for the love she's been seeking all along.
Another great read by Kari Trumbo!
October 16, 2017
God see's your heart.
This story made my heart sing. God sees everything, encluding a lonesome heart. Once again the characters in this series is very wholesome. Make you pray that out there is someone for you. Loved the character Danica ! 😉
This story made my heart sing. God sees everything, encluding a lonesome heart. Once again the characters in this series is very wholesome. Make you pray that out there is someone for you. Loved the character Danica ! 😉
September 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this inspirational and fun clean christian romance. This is my first time reading this author and while I do love me some romance I do sometimes tire of reading the intimate scenes that authors feel the need to sometimes overload their reads with. These ladies decide to have a writers retreat which leads them to a dude ranch in Wyoming. Yeah trust me it gets better. One of them is a christian and as the others have their come to Jesus moments things get interesting.
Heatstruck and Heavensent
The first of the series comes from a christian background but has moved away from those roots and her family until she's forced to look at the reason why. The author carefully constructs this into a great read not filled with preaching moments but inspiring moments that let both of them do some personal soul searching.
Temptation and Tenderness
She was all about romance, well in her books but her life was a mess of one night stands and hook ups. When she gets an invite from a previous hook up she figures why not go back to Wyoming and have some fun. What she gets is something different. When life throws her knee deep in new territory she has to step back and regroup. The problem she has to believe that redemption and forgiveness begins within.
Sensitive and Secure
A stalker sends her into hiding. Hiding sends her back to Wyoming and right into his lap. Trust isn't given easily but earned. His faith is in limbo, her's is non-existent. Both have plenty to fear and more to loose. Breaking down walls meant to protect their hearts and navigating slippery slopes, these two lost souls find their way to peace, redemption and each other.
Heatstruck and Heavensent
The first of the series comes from a christian background but has moved away from those roots and her family until she's forced to look at the reason why. The author carefully constructs this into a great read not filled with preaching moments but inspiring moments that let both of them do some personal soul searching.
Temptation and Tenderness
She was all about romance, well in her books but her life was a mess of one night stands and hook ups. When she gets an invite from a previous hook up she figures why not go back to Wyoming and have some fun. What she gets is something different. When life throws her knee deep in new territory she has to step back and regroup. The problem she has to believe that redemption and forgiveness begins within.
Sensitive and Secure
A stalker sends her into hiding. Hiding sends her back to Wyoming and right into his lap. Trust isn't given easily but earned. His faith is in limbo, her's is non-existent. Both have plenty to fear and more to loose. Breaking down walls meant to protect their hearts and navigating slippery slopes, these two lost souls find their way to peace, redemption and each other.
June 29, 2020
HOMETOWN HERO is the first book in the Dawson’s Valley series. It was also the second book in the multi-author Whispers in Wyoming series. Each book is expected to be a stand-alone sweet romance.
This story is inspirational and is a fun, sweet, clean, Christian romance.
I loved the growth of Madison and the patience of both Randal and Danica as Madison sought her answers and became an even sweeter version of herself.
This is one of three books that Kari Trumbo released in the Whispers in Wyoming Series. I look forward to reading/listening to the other two. Perhaps there will be even more. Listening to this while doing chores and running errands made the time so much more enjoyable.
Narration: Melie Williams gives great voice. She does a beautiful job with pause and inflection and her tone is soothing.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy via StoryOrigin, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: HOMETOWN HERO
Series: Dawson’s Valley #1; Whispers in Wyoming #2
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 16+
Listenability: OK for most ears
Received from: Kari Trumbo (as an Audible gifted copy)
This story is inspirational and is a fun, sweet, clean, Christian romance.
I loved the growth of Madison and the patience of both Randal and Danica as Madison sought her answers and became an even sweeter version of herself.
This is one of three books that Kari Trumbo released in the Whispers in Wyoming Series. I look forward to reading/listening to the other two. Perhaps there will be even more. Listening to this while doing chores and running errands made the time so much more enjoyable.
Narration: Melie Williams gives great voice. She does a beautiful job with pause and inflection and her tone is soothing.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy via StoryOrigin, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: HOMETOWN HERO
Series: Dawson’s Valley #1; Whispers in Wyoming #2
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 16+
Listenability: OK for most ears
Received from: Kari Trumbo (as an Audible gifted copy)
May 5, 2021
A delightful read!
I enjoyed my first Kari Trumbo novel, and was drawn into Madison and Randal's story which sets up the cast for the rest of the series.
Ms Trumbo's writing style is vibrant and fresh, and I loved the edgy line she toed for Christian romance. Her characters weren't one-dimensional, and they dealt with issues like most Christians do (but tend not to talk about... which is a real sad fact). How to approach romantic and intimate relationships is something we all deal with, and normalising the internal tug of attraction and how we choose to behave is important. (Rant over - apologies!)
I admired Madison's willingness to finally open herself up to a relationship despite her career challenges, past hurts and familial differences. Often people return to Christ because someone in their life has loved them regardless.
I thought Randal was gorgeous with his attentiveness, kind heart, and thoughtfulness. Definitely a man perfect for the pages of a romance novel, and rather reminiscent of my hubby (if I do say so myself 😉).
A wonderful story... and the teaser for book 2 is a doozie and NOT what I'd expected (cos I have an inkling where this is going, peeps!).
I enjoyed my first Kari Trumbo novel, and was drawn into Madison and Randal's story which sets up the cast for the rest of the series.
Ms Trumbo's writing style is vibrant and fresh, and I loved the edgy line she toed for Christian romance. Her characters weren't one-dimensional, and they dealt with issues like most Christians do (but tend not to talk about... which is a real sad fact). How to approach romantic and intimate relationships is something we all deal with, and normalising the internal tug of attraction and how we choose to behave is important. (Rant over - apologies!)
I admired Madison's willingness to finally open herself up to a relationship despite her career challenges, past hurts and familial differences. Often people return to Christ because someone in their life has loved them regardless.
I thought Randal was gorgeous with his attentiveness, kind heart, and thoughtfulness. Definitely a man perfect for the pages of a romance novel, and rather reminiscent of my hubby (if I do say so myself 😉).
A wonderful story... and the teaser for book 2 is a doozie and NOT what I'd expected (cos I have an inkling where this is going, peeps!).
January 31, 2022
Hometown Hero by Kari Trumbo is book one in the Dawso's Valley series. This is a well written contemporary inspirational romance. This is an enjoyable story to read that shows that in times of stress people often seek out comforting things from their past. Madison does not talk about her past and does not stay in touch with her family. But when she is struggling she turns to spending time around the horses at the ranch and calls to talk with her mother.
The things that stands out most to me in this story is that Madison has hidden her career as a steamy romance author from her family, even thought they know, they never talk to her about it. I really liked the part in the story where she talks with a Christian romance author. Another thing I liked about the story is how hard works to be able to affords to build his dream of building a ranch that will help others. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, I was not required to write a review.
The things that stands out most to me in this story is that Madison has hidden her career as a steamy romance author from her family, even thought they know, they never talk to her about it. I really liked the part in the story where she talks with a Christian romance author. Another thing I liked about the story is how hard works to be able to affords to build his dream of building a ranch that will help others. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, I was not required to write a review.
November 23, 2022
Ok, first of all I got this for free, so I'm not going to b*tch about it just for the hell of it...
Now, there are a few things I like to know before I add a book to my looong list of "to read", you might too so here it goes:
Is it a standalone? Yes
Does it have a cliffhanger, in case it isn't? ———
Does it have a HEA? Yes
Now here's what's I think of this book (and happened to me):
Is it the best book I've ever read? No
Is it the worst? Nope
Did it make me smile? Yes
Laugh? Yes
Cry? No
Did it annoy me? I don't think so... okay, maybe just a little bit...
If I knew what it was like first-hand, would I read it? I think so... 1st of all it had the happy ending, so that alone makes me not regret it ;) and it was a sweet little story so even though I didn't connect, as much as I wanted, with the characters I still enjoyed their story, I just wish there was more to it, more depth maybe (?)
Now, there are a few things I like to know before I add a book to my looong list of "to read", you might too so here it goes:
Is it a standalone? Yes
Does it have a cliffhanger, in case it isn't? ———
Does it have a HEA? Yes
Now here's what's I think of this book (and happened to me):
Is it the best book I've ever read? No
Is it the worst? Nope
Did it make me smile? Yes
Laugh? Yes
Cry? No
Did it annoy me? I don't think so... okay, maybe just a little bit...
If I knew what it was like first-hand, would I read it? I think so... 1st of all it had the happy ending, so that alone makes me not regret it ;) and it was a sweet little story so even though I didn't connect, as much as I wanted, with the characters I still enjoyed their story, I just wish there was more to it, more depth maybe (?)
May 6, 2021
I think this may have been the first book by Kari Trumbo I’ve read but it won’t be the last! I loved this story of two introverts who find each other, and who let their love build slowly. I loved how Kari dealt with issues and portrayed relatable people: Randal’s growing faith and concern about being yoked to a nonbeliever, as well as Madison’s social anxiety and prejudices against Christians based on some youthful experiences.
Christians should always try to love one another, be compassionate, and just, etc. But they are real people who make mistakes, who fail sometimes to live up to what they profess to believe, who sin. Danika was a beautiful example of a real Christian, not perfect, but full of grace and kindness. I loved this story so much. Gentle and real and inspiring. I read an ARC and this is my honest review.
Christians should always try to love one another, be compassionate, and just, etc. But they are real people who make mistakes, who fail sometimes to live up to what they profess to believe, who sin. Danika was a beautiful example of a real Christian, not perfect, but full of grace and kindness. I loved this story so much. Gentle and real and inspiring. I read an ARC and this is my honest review.
July 11, 2021
This was my first book by Ms. Trumbo and I really enjoyed her writing style. I read this as an audiobook, and I have to say the narrator did a great job as well. This is a sweet and clean romance about rediscovering one's self and faith. Two souls who are on different paths and leading very different lives, eventually those paths lead them straight to each other. And not just by chance, but it is clear it was meant to be. Ms. Trumbo does a nice job of creating endearing characters and pulling you right into their story. The lack of steam made this all the more an exciting love story with plenty of angst and fluttering hearts. If your looking for a sweet, heartwarming story, then look no further, this book is not to be missed! I will definitely be looking for more by this author!
I received a complimentary audiobook copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary audiobook copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
May 17, 2020
This was a sweet, Christian romance. It was my first to read/listen to by Kari Trumbo. I enjoyed the storyline and characters...mostly. Luke was unfriendly. But I liked the main characters. There were places the story seemed...forced? It just didn't flow smoothly, but overall I truly enjoyed this audiobook. I will be listening to more from her in the future.
Melie Williams did a good job as narrator. She did a great job on the female voices. She had one great male voice, the others were a bit forced. She was easy to listen to for a long period of time.
*I received this audiobook from StoryOrigin. This is my voluntary and honest review.
Melie Williams did a good job as narrator. She did a great job on the female voices. She had one great male voice, the others were a bit forced. She was easy to listen to for a long period of time.
*I received this audiobook from StoryOrigin. This is my voluntary and honest review.
April 9, 2018
Beautiful and Gripping Christian Romance
This is a wonder Christian romance, with character depth, excellent writing, and seamless dialogue. I love how the author introduces Christianity, yet doesn't deny the flaws in some humans who practice it. The heroine's awareness of her own erroneous judgement of Christians, and ability to apologise is executed gradually through the book. While a romance, it is through that romance and another friendship that introvert Madison comes to realize she has been wrong. Looking forward to book three.
This is a wonder Christian romance, with character depth, excellent writing, and seamless dialogue. I love how the author introduces Christianity, yet doesn't deny the flaws in some humans who practice it. The heroine's awareness of her own erroneous judgement of Christians, and ability to apologise is executed gradually through the book. While a romance, it is through that romance and another friendship that introvert Madison comes to realize she has been wrong. Looking forward to book three.
April 6, 2023
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. New York City romance writer Madison agrees to a writers retreat with several other women at a ranch. When looking for a quiet place to think and write, she meets cowboy Randall. He’s working long enough to go back to Kansas and purchase his own ranch. While she is there she sees Randall nearly every day and they form a relationship they don’t want to lose when she leaves, but they will need to work some things out in their lives to make it work. An interesting book about relationships, faith and misconceptions.
December 26, 2017
Madison McCartney is an author who struggles with her faith, and social anxieties. Madison is Christian but writes steamy romance novels. She feels that if people knew what she did for a living they would judge her. She meets three ladies in an online social environment and strikes up a friendship. When she ends up at the Broken J Ranch in Wyoming she meets Randal Kent a ranch hand. Touching story about overcoming fears and judgement, while learning to love and be loved.
November 24, 2018
This story was a bit different from many faith-based works I have read. In many ways, it was more realistic not sugar sweet. The author shows a young woman who turned away due to events in her life. Now fate has given her a chance to perhaps change the path she was on. This book was so good and I am so glad I downloaded it. If you like clean stories with a message that is truly beautiful this is the book for you. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it
May 16, 2020
This was a really sweet story. So good to have an author I can trust to tell a good story without inappropriate language or explicit sexual details. I've never been a quiet, shy person, so it was hard for me to identify with Madison. But her character gave me some insights about that. Randall was so sweet. He reminded me of being courted by my husband over 50 years ago. He is also a quiet soul. It worked. :-) I'm looking forward to more books from Dawson Valley.
May 17, 2020
“Hometown Hero” Dawson's Valley, Book 1 By Kari Trumbo Narrated by Melie Williams
A sweet clean contemporary romance story that is an easy read. If the description of this story has you looking at reviews, then I do believe you will like this story, too. I will be watching for more works by this author, and this narrator, too. Happy Reading ! !
Notes: I was gifted a copy of this audiobook by the author.
A sweet clean contemporary romance story that is an easy read. If the description of this story has you looking at reviews, then I do believe you will like this story, too. I will be watching for more works by this author, and this narrator, too. Happy Reading ! !
Notes: I was gifted a copy of this audiobook by the author.
August 27, 2018
What a refreshing read! The characters were so different from each other with
The exception of Madison and Randal. I love that this story shows us that as we live out our lives for God others see that. Randal was such a gentleman and treated women as a gift. It was so wonderful to read how serious he took a kiss, such a great romance . This book made me smile. Such a great read!
The exception of Madison and Randal. I love that this story shows us that as we live out our lives for God others see that. Randal was such a gentleman and treated women as a gift. It was so wonderful to read how serious he took a kiss, such a great romance . This book made me smile. Such a great read!
December 3, 2018
No-one can hurt her is she stays closed off to others. She had trusted the wrong people and now her friends have dragged her to a ranch for a break. He finds her hiding and he wonders if he should take a chance. Will her secrets stop them forming something? See if it will
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2023
Even though I didn't connect with the characters as I had hoped, I still thought it was a good, clean, and easy read. It had its smile and funny moments, and the stolen moments between Randal and Madison were my favorite. I wish the ending had a little more to it. However, it was a happy ending, so that's a point in my book.
April 15, 2025
The title does not fit the book.
It is a little preachy — good boys and girls do not succumb to temptation.
Tbh, the story did not really grab me. Nothing really happened. When Randal was injured, it was miraculously cured within a day. I felt also that I really did not get to know any of the characters.
It is a little preachy — good boys and girls do not succumb to temptation.
Tbh, the story did not really grab me. Nothing really happened. When Randal was injured, it was miraculously cured within a day. I felt also that I really did not get to know any of the characters.
November 25, 2018
A clean romance that held my attention throughout I enjoyed reading how Madison McCartney and Randal Kent's story progressed. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2021
Different from what she thought
It is possible to assume that Jesus is always harsh and judgmental because of Christian people that we know. When we see people who truly exemplify Jesus, we see an amazing difference! This is excellent!
It is possible to assume that Jesus is always harsh and judgmental because of Christian people that we know. When we see people who truly exemplify Jesus, we see an amazing difference! This is excellent!
July 27, 2021
Beautiful story of finding faith and love
Madison and Randal's story is sweet and engaging. I love how Madison rediscovered her faith with a little help from a friend, her family, and the man she loves.
Madison and Randal's story is sweet and engaging. I love how Madison rediscovered her faith with a little help from a friend, her family, and the man she loves.
February 13, 2022
Madison & Randel have very different backgrounds. That is a stumbling block to their relationship. I liked that they both came to an understanding of their relationship with God. I received a free copy from the author. This is my voluntary review.
December 30, 2024
inspiring
Not enough of these sweet and clean stories, in fact, there are many christians who have high standards and live by them but we dont hear enough about them.
Thank you for making it real!
Not enough of these sweet and clean stories, in fact, there are many christians who have high standards and live by them but we dont hear enough about them.
Thank you for making it real!
April 24, 2025
Madison is facing her spiritual crossroads, was the faith of her parents overly strict, or was it love that she didn’t understand? Meeting Randall on a dude ranch challenges all of her beliefs. Very well done story of examining people’s motives and what true love looks like.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews