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Love's Compass #3
Finding Courage
With their marriage failing, it takes courage to ask for a second chance…and even more to extend one.
For Duke and Avalon McNeil, it was love at first sight. Married within months of meeting, their feet hardly touched the ground until the reality of their haste hit home with startling clarity.
Duke's heart shattered when Avalon vanished for nearly three weeks, fleeing their arguments and misunderstandings. Now she's back. He's happy she's home and safe, but he isn't ready to risk everything again when their bond was so easily broken.
Avalon's relieved to be home. She's desperate to make peace between them, but returns with a secret. She can't reveal anything to Duke until she proves to him she came back to restore their relationship.
As outside pressure continues to threaten Duke and Avalon's fragile foundation, they must find the strength to prove to each other their marriage is worth fighting for.
For Duke and Avalon McNeil, it was love at first sight. Married within months of meeting, their feet hardly touched the ground until the reality of their haste hit home with startling clarity.
Duke's heart shattered when Avalon vanished for nearly three weeks, fleeing their arguments and misunderstandings. Now she's back. He's happy she's home and safe, but he isn't ready to risk everything again when their bond was so easily broken.
Avalon's relieved to be home. She's desperate to make peace between them, but returns with a secret. She can't reveal anything to Duke until she proves to him she came back to restore their relationship.
As outside pressure continues to threaten Duke and Avalon's fragile foundation, they must find the strength to prove to each other their marriage is worth fighting for.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2015
300 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Melanie D. Snitker
45 books291 followersMelanie D. Snitker is a USA Today bestselling author who writes inspirational romance and romantic suspense. She and her husband live in Texas with their two children. They share their home with three dogs and a variety of small animals. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys photography, reading, training her dog, playing computer games, and hanging out with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 5, 2019
Another lost brilliant review. I read on my Kindle and try and get the review done in the Kindle. But no you can't save it and come back. I was just on the last line and it just vanished so frustrating.
Evil mother in law tries driving heroine away and does but just for three weeks. She comes back and is pregnant and they try and work it out but then criminal things start happening in their property. ATVs are stolen, attempted break in, vandalism, cut brake lines and I just had to know who did it. I guessed correctly but it was still a shock to see it come true. Then his family's reaction to it was horrible. Vile, vile family. Safe read in KU and will read this author again No sex scenes, no cussing and religious content. nice epilogue but I wish I had seen what happened with his family and his wicked, hateful Mother. I was leaning toward corporal punishment or dismemberment myself. Just kidding. I am against corporal punishment! 😘
Evil mother in law tries driving heroine away and does but just for three weeks. She comes back and is pregnant and they try and work it out but then criminal things start happening in their property. ATVs are stolen, attempted break in, vandalism, cut brake lines and I just had to know who did it. I guessed correctly but it was still a shock to see it come true. Then his family's reaction to it was horrible. Vile, vile family. Safe read in KU and will read this author again No sex scenes, no cussing and religious content. nice epilogue but I wish I had seen what happened with his family and his wicked, hateful Mother. I was leaning toward corporal punishment or dismemberment myself. Just kidding. I am against corporal punishment! 😘
November 23, 2015
This is my first time to read one of Melanie Snitker’s books, so I didn’t know what to expect. Some Christian fiction is very preachy, and I feel like I’m being lectured or scolded. Others have a trite plot where a character that isn’t a believer accepts Christ as his or her Savior, and suddenly all of their problems are solved. Thankfully, Finding Courage isn’t like those books.
She painted a picture with her words, so I felt as if I were watching a movie instead of reading a book. She has great characters who struggle with problems, just like real life. I believed this story could really happen, and real people might act as and say the things Melanie wrote in the book. So when I was finished with the book, I felt an odd sense of relief, and realized I’d been worried about Duke and Avalon as if they were personal friends of mine.
Now this isn’t my usual reading choice. I customarily pick very light-hearted books, with lots of laughs. In contrast, this book has a serious theme, but the end leaves you with a feeling of hope. I would certainly read another of Ms. Snitker’s books, although I must complain that I lost sleep finishing this one. LOL
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
She painted a picture with her words, so I felt as if I were watching a movie instead of reading a book. She has great characters who struggle with problems, just like real life. I believed this story could really happen, and real people might act as and say the things Melanie wrote in the book. So when I was finished with the book, I felt an odd sense of relief, and realized I’d been worried about Duke and Avalon as if they were personal friends of mine.
Now this isn’t my usual reading choice. I customarily pick very light-hearted books, with lots of laughs. In contrast, this book has a serious theme, but the end leaves you with a feeling of hope. I would certainly read another of Ms. Snitker’s books, although I must complain that I lost sleep finishing this one. LOL
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
September 30, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the beginning pulls you in with nervous anticipation. Will Duke take Avalon back? Will he be happy to see her? They decide to work on getting to know each other better and save their marriage. It’s a rocky road dealing with Duke’s family, who are anything but happy that he married Avalon. I wanted to hug her! She put up with so much from them. Along with the sweet romance there is a little mystery thrown in as strange things start to happen around the McNeil farm. I absolutely enjoyed a character from Finding Peace making a return. Snitker’s characters are well crafted and realistic, some you love and some you love to hate. This is a wonderful story about finding the courage to admit you were wrong, to forgive and be forgiven, and to give someone a second chance. In a world where marriages fall apart regularly and people give up, it’s refreshing to read about a couple who do their best to save their relationship and renew their love for each other.
October 1, 2015
A novel about young people who are married, struggling, but married. How unique. I found this story to be engaging, wholesome and easy to read. The character building was excellent - Avalon and Duke were well-rounded and believable; Loretta was a wicked woman I wanted to slap. I enjoyed reading about life on a farm in Arizona, Duke's long, hard work days, and the sacrifices he and his family had to make to bring in a healthy harvest. The tension between Duke and Avalon, and Avalon and Loretta was palpable. I couldn't help but root for our brave young heroine. And the added tension of a pregnancy served the plot well. I received the ending I'd hoped for and look forward to reading more by the talented Melanie Snitker.
October 1, 2015
Another sweet, clean romance that I thoroughly enjoyed with a little mystery thrown in, which is always fun, and a rude, disapproving mother-in-law, who adds to the troubles going on in Duke and Avalon's marriage. Such a nice story about forgiveness and learning to trust.
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December 23, 2021Finding Courage is the third book in the love's compass series. It's about Avalon and Duke, who after a whirlwind marriage, have to decide whether or not they can truly trust each other and stick together through the trials they're gonna face.
Mrs. Snitker really conveyed the importance of trust in this book, all the while keeping us entertained with the antics of Kahnrad, and the family. I particularly liked that she brought in an aspect of faith, and wove it through the book nicely, so that it doesn't hit you in the face, and also that it was a clean read. In the beginning I wasn't sure about how she was going to pull it off with a married couple, and I am glad to say, she nailed it superbly.
Even though this book isn't perfectly written, (Then again, what is ;) ) it was a splendid read, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a little light reading with a dash of mystery thrown in.
Mrs. Snitker really conveyed the importance of trust in this book, all the while keeping us entertained with the antics of Kahnrad, and the family. I particularly liked that she brought in an aspect of faith, and wove it through the book nicely, so that it doesn't hit you in the face, and also that it was a clean read. In the beginning I wasn't sure about how she was going to pull it off with a married couple, and I am glad to say, she nailed it superbly.
Even though this book isn't perfectly written, (Then again, what is ;) ) it was a splendid read, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a little light reading with a dash of mystery thrown in.
October 6, 2021
Intense And stressful beginning
Avalon and Duke fell for one another immediately and married before meeting each other’s parents. If they had perhaps they would not be together now. Unfortunately he first meeting was disastrous and made this union more difficult by the minute. Within a very short time nefarious occurrences began which eventually were endangering Avalon’s life and that of a baby in the making. Thankfully Avalon’s brother Lance came to the rescue and in short order had cameras installed to see who was endangering their lives and their future. It begins to set aright a disfunctional family’s future.
Avalon and Duke fell for one another immediately and married before meeting each other’s parents. If they had perhaps they would not be together now. Unfortunately he first meeting was disastrous and made this union more difficult by the minute. Within a very short time nefarious occurrences began which eventually were endangering Avalon’s life and that of a baby in the making. Thankfully Avalon’s brother Lance came to the rescue and in short order had cameras installed to see who was endangering their lives and their future. It begins to set aright a disfunctional family’s future.
May 28, 2017
Slow but cute
This book drug on, especially at the beginning, but the middle picked up a bit. It was a cute story but I felt I was reading a book a teenager wrote. I find it interesting that this is a "Christian" book but never once did this couple go to church. The Bible and God's word were only mentioned once. This book also lacked creativity in descriptions or the characters and scenes; continuously using the same type of phrases for descriptions over and over
This book drug on, especially at the beginning, but the middle picked up a bit. It was a cute story but I felt I was reading a book a teenager wrote. I find it interesting that this is a "Christian" book but never once did this couple go to church. The Bible and God's word were only mentioned once. This book also lacked creativity in descriptions or the characters and scenes; continuously using the same type of phrases for descriptions over and over
May 12, 2021
Wonderful story!
A great story about finding courage to face the realities and challenges of a life together. Avalon and Duke got married really quickly. After she leaves her husband for a few weeks to give them space to think through things, she then returns determined to make their marriage work. I enjoyed reading how the two worked through their family issues and found courage to face their adversaries and triumph. Wonderful.
A great story about finding courage to face the realities and challenges of a life together. Avalon and Duke got married really quickly. After she leaves her husband for a few weeks to give them space to think through things, she then returns determined to make their marriage work. I enjoyed reading how the two worked through their family issues and found courage to face their adversaries and triumph. Wonderful.
July 9, 2017
Another sweet romance by this author
I enjoyed this book. As a reader you can sympathize with the hero and heroine with the struggles of adapting in a new marriage and relating to family . I am glad that the author chose not to rush a reconciliation. She showed that it was a process.
I enjoyed this book. As a reader you can sympathize with the hero and heroine with the struggles of adapting in a new marriage and relating to family . I am glad that the author chose not to rush a reconciliation. She showed that it was a process.
March 30, 2019
I’m still enjoying this Christian romance series, and I think the writing improves with each book. I didn’t enjoy this quite as much, mostly because I didn’t feel that It was fair of Duke to not trust Avalon for what she did, when his failure to stand up for her was part of the issue. This book had some suspense, and that added interest.
December 28, 2021
*spoilers ahead*
It was a decent story but it ended abruptly. I would have liked to read about the baby being born, why Rudy never stood up to his wife, and what happened to Loretta. I would’ve also liked to read about Duke meeting Ava’s family and would’ve liked to find out who stole the things from their house and cut the brakes if Calvin didn’t do it. The ending felt unfinished and abrupt.
It was a decent story but it ended abruptly. I would have liked to read about the baby being born, why Rudy never stood up to his wife, and what happened to Loretta. I would’ve also liked to read about Duke meeting Ava’s family and would’ve liked to find out who stole the things from their house and cut the brakes if Calvin didn’t do it. The ending felt unfinished and abrupt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2024
wonderfully told
Another wonderful story told simply. I’ve become a Snitker fan and soon to be a romantic. This whole series and others of her’s have me searching out Christian romance and fiction. At this stage in my life I need to have examples of God’s work so I can be a better man.
Another wonderful story told simply. I’ve become a Snitker fan and soon to be a romantic. This whole series and others of her’s have me searching out Christian romance and fiction. At this stage in my life I need to have examples of God’s work so I can be a better man.
May 13, 2017
This is book 3 in a series but the first one I have read. It is a stand-alone novel. It is an OK read but rather repetitive with the same things hashed out again and again. Christian aspects to the novel as described.
June 1, 2017
This was a nice story about growing up and finding your place in the world.
It's reassuring that Duke turned to The Lord in his time of need and found courage to take care of his family.
I loved this book and I recommend it to all readers of Christian Fiction.
It's reassuring that Duke turned to The Lord in his time of need and found courage to take care of his family.
I loved this book and I recommend it to all readers of Christian Fiction.
January 14, 2018
Another very good story! Characters are real-like and the plot moves does not drag.
Duke's mother is a real piece of work! I was proud of him for putting her in her place, but without the malice he felt. Then gathering his own family and moving away.
Duke's mother is a real piece of work! I was proud of him for putting her in her place, but without the malice he felt. Then gathering his own family and moving away.
May 16, 2018
FINDING COURAGE
Avalon and Duke marry quickly, then Avalon runs when things get difficult. She comes back, but they have issues. Good Christian content as they work through the problems.
Avalon and Duke marry quickly, then Avalon runs when things get difficult. She comes back, but they have issues. Good Christian content as they work through the problems.
July 25, 2019
Such a simple story with a powerful impact. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this couple find their way back together despite family members trying to keep them apart. It was a lovely story and I’m glad I took a chance on reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2021
AMAZING READS!
I am so thankful I stumbled upon your books and have heartily enjoyed reading everyone of them! I love everything about it especially the God-depth in them😁. Thank you for the beautifully done job!
I am so thankful I stumbled upon your books and have heartily enjoyed reading everyone of them! I love everything about it especially the God-depth in them😁. Thank you for the beautifully done job!
January 4, 2018
Okay
I liked it but nothing breathtaking about it... I didn’t find the connection with God to be deep enough... Also there’s a line about boys not having pink rooms.... I don’t know
I liked it but nothing breathtaking about it... I didn’t find the connection with God to be deep enough... Also there’s a line about boys not having pink rooms.... I don’t know
January 14, 2020
Another great book in the series!
January 29, 2020
Love the series so far!
These are real life stories that make the characters come alive. Can’t wait to see what comes next. Love this series of books so far.
These are real life stories that make the characters come alive. Can’t wait to see what comes next. Love this series of books so far.
October 18, 2021
I loved the first two books in this series. This one was less engaging for me.
March 24, 2024
I enjoyed this clean romance. It has an inspiring story and wonderful characters.
June 29, 2024
Read a time ago
February 13, 2025
Good book
I enjoyed this book but i had a much harder time getting into the story, compared to previous books. Even with that being said I would still recommend it!
I enjoyed this book but i had a much harder time getting into the story, compared to previous books. Even with that being said I would still recommend it!
April 3, 2021
This is a wonderful series!
November 17, 2015
I have read ALL of author Melanie Snitker's books and each one is a bit more amazing than the previous one, but no less of a favorite (if that makes sense). She is a unique author in the sense that she is able to include a message, or meaning in her words that stays with the reader long after they have finished reading the book. Her books are based on Christian beliefs, but are in no way preaching or overpowering with religion. She is a master at weaving a tale that takes readers out of their chairs, sofa's or wherever they read and straight into the fields of OK, or the dusty roads of Texas. She makes the reader forget about life around them as they frantically turn the pages of their books/e-readers and brings them to the world of Duke and Avalon and their families.
If you have read the authors previous books then you will be happy to catch up with some of her former characters, such as Lance and Lexie and mentions of some others in this book. You will also fall in love with a new set of characters! Author Melanie Snitker makes her characters completely relatable and instantly likable. Her characters suck the readers in and it seems like you are friends with them and have known them forever. It is like a childhood best friend that you see once a year but it is almost as if no time has passed at all.
Duke and Avalon are married after only knowing each other for a short time, but they know that it is love and that they never want it to end, despite the problems that they encounter. The problem is that Duke's parents are not in approval nor is his brother. Will family prevent them from a HEA? Is their love strong enough to endure? What do Avalon's parents think of their marriage? How do they make it work? All these questions and more are answered and then some in this book. It is a refreshing read that leaves the reader feeling happy, optimistic and with open eyes on their own future.
Do yourself a favor and add this author and her books to your TBR list - they are a different take on romance and life problems that happen to us all in some way. She really leaves the reader with a smile on their face and a bit of peace flowing through them. Enjoy this one and her others - you won't be sorry that you found this amazing author!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
If you have read the authors previous books then you will be happy to catch up with some of her former characters, such as Lance and Lexie and mentions of some others in this book. You will also fall in love with a new set of characters! Author Melanie Snitker makes her characters completely relatable and instantly likable. Her characters suck the readers in and it seems like you are friends with them and have known them forever. It is like a childhood best friend that you see once a year but it is almost as if no time has passed at all.
Duke and Avalon are married after only knowing each other for a short time, but they know that it is love and that they never want it to end, despite the problems that they encounter. The problem is that Duke's parents are not in approval nor is his brother. Will family prevent them from a HEA? Is their love strong enough to endure? What do Avalon's parents think of their marriage? How do they make it work? All these questions and more are answered and then some in this book. It is a refreshing read that leaves the reader feeling happy, optimistic and with open eyes on their own future.
Do yourself a favor and add this author and her books to your TBR list - they are a different take on romance and life problems that happen to us all in some way. She really leaves the reader with a smile on their face and a bit of peace flowing through them. Enjoy this one and her others - you won't be sorry that you found this amazing author!
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
February 26, 2017
Choppy
I liked the book. I loved the characters. The writing didn't flow for me. It seemed childish and choppy in a lot of places. I did love the author's ending.
I liked the book. I loved the characters. The writing didn't flow for me. It seemed childish and choppy in a lot of places. I did love the author's ending.
January 18, 2017
Duke and Avalon met as counselors at a sumer camp, and three months later they were married. Not a long time to get to know each other, let alone their families. Turns out, Duke's family is a nightmare. They don't like her and they want her gone. The story starts with an awful argument, Avalon leaving for a couple weeks, then the rest of the story is about how they make it work afterward.
Spoiler following...
The three star rating is because it bugged me...Avalon came back after leaving. She was hurt by Duke. He didn't side with her about his mother's disdain for his wife, and basically told her their marriage was a mistake.
Well good for her for walking out..she needed time away to sort things out. But Duke is a butt head and basically makes her feel guilty and nearly grovel to make up for being gone 18 days. He was at fault, but she had to earn his trust? What a baby.
I liked some of the ways they worked it out, but he should have been more understanding, as well as sympathetic towards Avalon about the way his family treats her.
Anyway, this was not horrible, but I just didn't like it.
Tell you what, if you're having marital problems, or know young people whose marriage is a bit rocky, this might be a good read.
Spoiler following...
The three star rating is because it bugged me...Avalon came back after leaving. She was hurt by Duke. He didn't side with her about his mother's disdain for his wife, and basically told her their marriage was a mistake.
Well good for her for walking out..she needed time away to sort things out. But Duke is a butt head and basically makes her feel guilty and nearly grovel to make up for being gone 18 days. He was at fault, but she had to earn his trust? What a baby.
I liked some of the ways they worked it out, but he should have been more understanding, as well as sympathetic towards Avalon about the way his family treats her.
Anyway, this was not horrible, but I just didn't like it.
Tell you what, if you're having marital problems, or know young people whose marriage is a bit rocky, this might be a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews