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Heartland Cowboy Christmas #2
Heartland Cheer
They got married in secret then her prison sentence came between them. Can they recapture what they once had?
Braxton Emmerson was born and bred in the heartland. He loves his farm and his family, but he was willing to give it all up for the woman who stole his heart.
But she didn’t want to give up her career and insisted on keeping their romance a secret. But then her business partner doubled crossed her and she ended up with a prison sentence for tax evasion.
Now she’s out and she’s much wiser. Family is more important than her career. Unfortunately, she’d hurt Braxton deeply and the only reason he’s coming to see her is to give their daughter a Christmas with her mom.
Will two weeks and a little Christmas cheer be enough to help them see they’ve always been meant for each other?
Braxton Emmerson was born and bred in the heartland. He loves his farm and his family, but he was willing to give it all up for the woman who stole his heart.
But she didn’t want to give up her career and insisted on keeping their romance a secret. But then her business partner doubled crossed her and she ended up with a prison sentence for tax evasion.
Now she’s out and she’s much wiser. Family is more important than her career. Unfortunately, she’d hurt Braxton deeply and the only reason he’s coming to see her is to give their daughter a Christmas with her mom.
Will two weeks and a little Christmas cheer be enough to help them see they’ve always been meant for each other?
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2021
359 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
September 26, 2022
Heroine was selfish
She left her daughter with her Father and went to prison for fraud which she was innocent. But she hasn't bothered to ask or see her daughter for three years or her husband. She said it was parole but he called her bluff on that one. She was very selfish. He deserved better. They were both faithful but they had been separated for years. I did like the ending but they could have compromised better.
She left her daughter with her Father and went to prison for fraud which she was innocent. But she hasn't bothered to ask or see her daughter for three years or her husband. She said it was parole but he called her bluff on that one. She was very selfish. He deserved better. They were both faithful but they had been separated for years. I did like the ending but they could have compromised better.
February 13, 2022
Jessie always writes heartfelt stories that pull at your heartstrings! I enjoyed this story of 2nd chance love!
November 22, 2021
Another great book by Jessie Gussman and narrated by Jay Dyess.
Braxton married Krista years ago but she was the star in a tv show that was called Single in the City and she needed to keep it quiet that she wasn't single anymore. Braxton never even told his family that he had married her. She had told him to leave and he had. Then when he received the phone call to to come and get his daughter, he had, and brought her to the ranch.
Now she has come back into his life. Will things work out this time. Check out the book and you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I listened to the book on audio and it was fantastic. As usual the combination of Jessie's writing and Jay's narrating I just could not stop listening.
Braxton married Krista years ago but she was the star in a tv show that was called Single in the City and she needed to keep it quiet that she wasn't single anymore. Braxton never even told his family that he had married her. She had told him to leave and he had. Then when he received the phone call to to come and get his daughter, he had, and brought her to the ranch.
Now she has come back into his life. Will things work out this time. Check out the book and you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I listened to the book on audio and it was fantastic. As usual the combination of Jessie's writing and Jay's narrating I just could not stop listening.
October 28, 2024
I have to admit that the premise behind the story was a little odd but overall, it was a nice one.
May 25, 2022
Another Gussman Winner!
I always enjoy reading Jessie Gussman's books, and this is one of her best! I got so involved in Braxton and Krista's story, I found myself getting angry with them for misunderstanding each other's actions, even while rooting for their happy ending and an intact family life for their tween daughter, Arian.
Braxton, an Iowa farmer introduced in the first book as Bridget's neighbor and surrogate older brother, left the family farm and returned with a six-year-old daughter and no explanation of where she came from or who her mother is.
Five years later, Arian's mother writes to Braxton, asking to see her daughter over Christmas. She's an actress, filming in Toronto, so Braxton suggests they meet up at Niagara Falls to make travel less onerous for all of them. While there, he jumps into the river to rescue a dog that fell off the railing; he saves the dog (which happens to belong to his wife, Krista, wink-wink) but spends the next 24 hours in the hospital for hypothermia, then in jail for going into the river so close to the Falls.
Krista and Arian settle in at the house Braxton rented outside of town--Braxton can't bear to be where lots of people can see him right when he walks out the door--and wait for his return. One of his three brothers, Levi, bails him out and tells Krista that he's the handsome and charming brother; Braxton just appears impressive because he's older.
Braxton himself arrives, and affectionate brotherly teasing ensues. Krista, a former foster child with no memory of a family, much less a large, joking one, wonders how she can get that kind of warmth. The answer is simple: move back to Iowa with Braxton and Arian. They never divorced, so it would be a simple move. But it would be a big adjustment for her, her husband, and their daughter. Krista spent time in jail herself, for tax evasion that was the fault of a deceptive assistant. Her imminent arrest is what caused her to send for Braxton to take Arian, and while explaining the situation to a sixth grader isn't easier than telling a first grader, if helps not to have her witness her mom taken away in handcuffs. Braxton knew, of course, but he respected Krista's wish to tell Arian herself, in her own way and in her own time.
Arian, to her credit, doesn't ask the one question they're both dreading: "Why don't you live together with me?" Krista had been in a reality show requiring its cast members to be single, so she insisted on keeping their marriage and daughter a secret. Arian was born near the end of the show's hiatus, so the audience and production staff didn't see her looking pregnant, and their wedding took place in a tiny chapel in a tiny North Dakota town, where no one would tell tales about an out-of-town farmer and a TV star getting married. It would have been news in Prairie Rose, Iowa or in Toronto, but there it was just another pair of newlyweds exiting the church.
Snow falls, and falls, and inundates Niagara City. To Braxton and Arian, accustomed to harsh Iowa winters, it's no big deal. To city girl Krista, however, it's terrifying. Then the lights go out, and scary time turns into fun family time near the fireplace by candlelight. After Arian goes to bed, her parents spend time talking about the past, the cost of regrets versus learning lessons from your mistakes and being grateful for the wisdom you've gained from those mistakes. If they hadn't been apart for so long, for example, maybe they wouldn't appreciate a night like the one they had together--it would have been "normal", just another family night.
Each adult does some serious thinking about life; the past, present, and future; choices of career versus family (Krista believed, after years in the foster care system, that if she didn't take care of herself then nobody would, and she essentially told Braxton that she didn't need him--that she'd be fine on her own with Arian, and he'd listened to her like the gentleman he was); forgiveness of those who don't deserve it (like Krista's dishonest assistant) and those who do (like Braxton's three brothers, all of whom claim to be the handsome, charming one!); and what's going to happen when the roads are cleared and the airport is flying planes again. Will she turn down the role of a lifetime to move to a farm near a small Iowa town so that Arian can live with both parents while the uncles and grandmother and neighbor (yes, Bridget makes a couple of appearances) teach Krista about "family"? Will he brave the big city with Arian so that she can live with both parents in Toronto while her mom's acting career takes off? The answer to these questions lies near the end of the book, and before then a phone conversation between Krista and her agent complicates matters, the question of who gets the bed versus the floor mimics the discussion between Shawn and Bridget on the same topic, and a traditional farm Christmas gives Krista a hint of what might be in store for her in future years. Wonderful! Highly recommended.
I always enjoy reading Jessie Gussman's books, and this is one of her best! I got so involved in Braxton and Krista's story, I found myself getting angry with them for misunderstanding each other's actions, even while rooting for their happy ending and an intact family life for their tween daughter, Arian.
Braxton, an Iowa farmer introduced in the first book as Bridget's neighbor and surrogate older brother, left the family farm and returned with a six-year-old daughter and no explanation of where she came from or who her mother is.
Five years later, Arian's mother writes to Braxton, asking to see her daughter over Christmas. She's an actress, filming in Toronto, so Braxton suggests they meet up at Niagara Falls to make travel less onerous for all of them. While there, he jumps into the river to rescue a dog that fell off the railing; he saves the dog (which happens to belong to his wife, Krista, wink-wink) but spends the next 24 hours in the hospital for hypothermia, then in jail for going into the river so close to the Falls.
Krista and Arian settle in at the house Braxton rented outside of town--Braxton can't bear to be where lots of people can see him right when he walks out the door--and wait for his return. One of his three brothers, Levi, bails him out and tells Krista that he's the handsome and charming brother; Braxton just appears impressive because he's older.
Braxton himself arrives, and affectionate brotherly teasing ensues. Krista, a former foster child with no memory of a family, much less a large, joking one, wonders how she can get that kind of warmth. The answer is simple: move back to Iowa with Braxton and Arian. They never divorced, so it would be a simple move. But it would be a big adjustment for her, her husband, and their daughter. Krista spent time in jail herself, for tax evasion that was the fault of a deceptive assistant. Her imminent arrest is what caused her to send for Braxton to take Arian, and while explaining the situation to a sixth grader isn't easier than telling a first grader, if helps not to have her witness her mom taken away in handcuffs. Braxton knew, of course, but he respected Krista's wish to tell Arian herself, in her own way and in her own time.
Arian, to her credit, doesn't ask the one question they're both dreading: "Why don't you live together with me?" Krista had been in a reality show requiring its cast members to be single, so she insisted on keeping their marriage and daughter a secret. Arian was born near the end of the show's hiatus, so the audience and production staff didn't see her looking pregnant, and their wedding took place in a tiny chapel in a tiny North Dakota town, where no one would tell tales about an out-of-town farmer and a TV star getting married. It would have been news in Prairie Rose, Iowa or in Toronto, but there it was just another pair of newlyweds exiting the church.
Snow falls, and falls, and inundates Niagara City. To Braxton and Arian, accustomed to harsh Iowa winters, it's no big deal. To city girl Krista, however, it's terrifying. Then the lights go out, and scary time turns into fun family time near the fireplace by candlelight. After Arian goes to bed, her parents spend time talking about the past, the cost of regrets versus learning lessons from your mistakes and being grateful for the wisdom you've gained from those mistakes. If they hadn't been apart for so long, for example, maybe they wouldn't appreciate a night like the one they had together--it would have been "normal", just another family night.
Each adult does some serious thinking about life; the past, present, and future; choices of career versus family (Krista believed, after years in the foster care system, that if she didn't take care of herself then nobody would, and she essentially told Braxton that she didn't need him--that she'd be fine on her own with Arian, and he'd listened to her like the gentleman he was); forgiveness of those who don't deserve it (like Krista's dishonest assistant) and those who do (like Braxton's three brothers, all of whom claim to be the handsome, charming one!); and what's going to happen when the roads are cleared and the airport is flying planes again. Will she turn down the role of a lifetime to move to a farm near a small Iowa town so that Arian can live with both parents while the uncles and grandmother and neighbor (yes, Bridget makes a couple of appearances) teach Krista about "family"? Will he brave the big city with Arian so that she can live with both parents in Toronto while her mom's acting career takes off? The answer to these questions lies near the end of the book, and before then a phone conversation between Krista and her agent complicates matters, the question of who gets the bed versus the floor mimics the discussion between Shawn and Bridget on the same topic, and a traditional farm Christmas gives Krista a hint of what might be in store for her in future years. Wonderful! Highly recommended.
August 30, 2021
This book is one that should be read all year long, not just at Christmas. It offers a sweet second chance romance and a inspiring story of redemption. Braxton and Kristin met by chance years ago and fell in love. Her ambitions and rather selfish needs took them into the glamorous world of show business where appearances are a priority, and far away from the simple, honest life in Iowa that he was accustomed to. Kristin forced Braxton to keep their marriage under wraps even when she gave birth to their child. Legal troubles and a prison term forced Kristin to push Braxton and the their daughter out of her life. Now, a child’s wish and Braxton’s generosity and empathy lead to the family being reunited for two weeks. Could this reunion be more than just temporary?
I loved the characters in this book. Braxton is steadfast, dependable and loyal. He is also a man of faith, integrity and empathy. He works hard, and loves hard with his whole heart. Even though his relationship with Kristin brought more pain and hardship than joy up until now, he still loves her and wants to find a way to keep his family together, not living separate lives. Kristin has finally learned from her mistakes and misplaced priorities. Fame and fortune are no longer her priority. She still loves her husband and daughter, and longs to reconnect with them both. But insecurities and doubts carried over from her childhood keep her from voicing her fears, her love and her dreams. Their daughter, Arian, is more than willing to help them find their way back to each other. She doesn’t harbour grudges, and openly shares her joy about being reunited as a family again. It isn’t just Kristen who had lessons to learn from her past. Both Kristen and Braxton needed to learn more about communicating, trust, and priorities. Their story provides inspiration for us all.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I loved the characters in this book. Braxton is steadfast, dependable and loyal. He is also a man of faith, integrity and empathy. He works hard, and loves hard with his whole heart. Even though his relationship with Kristin brought more pain and hardship than joy up until now, he still loves her and wants to find a way to keep his family together, not living separate lives. Kristin has finally learned from her mistakes and misplaced priorities. Fame and fortune are no longer her priority. She still loves her husband and daughter, and longs to reconnect with them both. But insecurities and doubts carried over from her childhood keep her from voicing her fears, her love and her dreams. Their daughter, Arian, is more than willing to help them find their way back to each other. She doesn’t harbour grudges, and openly shares her joy about being reunited as a family again. It isn’t just Kristen who had lessons to learn from her past. Both Kristen and Braxton needed to learn more about communicating, trust, and priorities. Their story provides inspiration for us all.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 4, 2021
Heartland Cheer is a wish come true for Braxton and Arian. Braxton had been married to Krista for twelve years and they never appeared to be married due to Krista's reality tv job in Toronto. She had always wanted to be an actress and she met Braxton while he was working on a large farm in Des Moines, Iowa. She had moved to Des Moines from New York as she seen an ad for actors and actresses at a theater in Des Moines. She was so excited to get a part in the show. After meeting Braxton he was taken with Krista. He came to all her shows and when she went to Toronto he went with her and they were married. Braxton loved her so much he gave up all his desire to farm and live in Iowa so he could be with her and Arian. But, eventually Krista ran Braxton back to his home in Iowa. Then when her accountant didn't pay her taxes she was held responsible and Braxton came to Toronto to get Arian and take her home to Iowa. Krista went to jail for the accountant mismanagement of her money and disappearance. Now that she is out she wants to spend Christmas with Arian. They met at the Niagara Falls and when he seen someone that looked just like Krista with a wiggly little dog like he bought for them right after they married jumped into the river, Braxton jumped in to save the dog. That was just the kind of man Braxton was. Little did Braxton, Krista or Arian know what would change in their lives for the two snowed in weeks they spent together as a family.
I give the characters, the story, and the emotions from reading this more than 5 stars. It is a great story.
I give the characters, the story, and the emotions from reading this more than 5 stars. It is a great story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2021
What's not to like about this story? I love Braxton Emmerson - he has been caring for others for years and they all know they can depend on him. He loves living in the heartland and the one time he left years before for the woman he loved and secretly married.... he had his heart broken when she rejected him sending him home with their young daughter. He had never gotten over her and still considered himself married wearing his wedding ring on a chain around his neck. Now he's willing to leave the heartland again to bring his daughter Arian to see her mother for Christmas at Niagara Falls.
Krista had made some decisions she regrets - pushing Braxton away was the biggest mistake. Spending time in prison for something she didn't do had kept her apart from her daughter. Staying away from the ones she loved after her release was the biggest mistake. The opportunity to spend time with Braxton and Arian was a gift. If given the chance would she make better decisions or would she let her career get in the way again?
This is a wonderful story about family and making the needed sacrifices to be together.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Krista had made some decisions she regrets - pushing Braxton away was the biggest mistake. Spending time in prison for something she didn't do had kept her apart from her daughter. Staying away from the ones she loved after her release was the biggest mistake. The opportunity to spend time with Braxton and Arian was a gift. If given the chance would she make better decisions or would she let her career get in the way again?
This is a wonderful story about family and making the needed sacrifices to be together.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
August 10, 2022
Shawn Barclay didn’t plan to stay in Iowa long. He’d only left his family and the close-knit community of Mistletoe, Arkansas as a favor to his parents. They’d asked him to help the daughter of a friend who was in an accident.
After arriving in Iowa, it doesn’t take long before Shawn invests in saving more than the woman’s farm. When he sees how the town avoids her, he decides to save her reputation, as well.
Bridget Rawlings isn’t exactly considered a catch in Prairie Rose, Iowa. In fact, the locals all but shun her and her three children. A cloud of death and disaster seems to surround both her and her farm. After all, The Bad Luck Widow has already buried two husbands.
Although she admires Shawn’s courage and willingness to help, Bridget doesn’t welcome his aid.
What if the locals are right? What if she is bad luck? She’s not willing to risk Shawn’s life and prove them right.
Then Shawn makes a very public surprise announcement. Will it solve Bridget’s problems, or break both their hearts?
After arriving in Iowa, it doesn’t take long before Shawn invests in saving more than the woman’s farm. When he sees how the town avoids her, he decides to save her reputation, as well.
Bridget Rawlings isn’t exactly considered a catch in Prairie Rose, Iowa. In fact, the locals all but shun her and her three children. A cloud of death and disaster seems to surround both her and her farm. After all, The Bad Luck Widow has already buried two husbands.
Although she admires Shawn’s courage and willingness to help, Bridget doesn’t welcome his aid.
What if the locals are right? What if she is bad luck? She’s not willing to risk Shawn’s life and prove them right.
Then Shawn makes a very public surprise announcement. Will it solve Bridget’s problems, or break both their hearts?
November 3, 2021
Braxton was a protector, depending and loyal to the core. He had married Krista because he fell in love with her and when she asked him to leave, he did, even though it broke his heart. And, when she asked him to come back to get their daughter and take her because she was going to prison, he did. Now, she has asked him to let her see their daughter again and, of course, he is going to do it because he still loves her.
Krista didn't feel worthy of Braxton's love. She had hurt him over and over again and was certain his goodness would end at some point. Was she wrong?
I was sad for the time they had lost but happy that the love was still there. I loved that Arian quickly forgave and showed her love for both parents. This was a sweet, clean story of reconciliation and forgiveness and a never ending love.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Krista didn't feel worthy of Braxton's love. She had hurt him over and over again and was certain his goodness would end at some point. Was she wrong?
I was sad for the time they had lost but happy that the love was still there. I loved that Arian quickly forgave and showed her love for both parents. This was a sweet, clean story of reconciliation and forgiveness and a never ending love.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
September 9, 2021
Have you ever had a paradigm shift in your thinking about what is truly important in life? I have and I’m kind of thankful that God answered “no” to some of the prayers of my youth. In this story, Krista is living with the fallout from some of her past and coming to recognize what really makes life worthwhile. The hero, Braxton, was an amazing one-woman kind of man who had all of the substance that makes for a good person without the flowery words. I really enjoyed the story and the implied lessons that could be learned from it as the couple meets again after being separated for a long time. If you like Christian fiction that deals with some of the real nitty gritty of life, sweet romance, and happily-ever-afters then you will probably enjoy this book. I did. I was given an ARC by the author and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
August 22, 2021
I now have a vision for Niagara Falls! A delightful book that leaves you cheering for this sweet couple and their precious daughter. An endearing storyline with great characters will keep you reading. Definitely a story of second chances, family and redemption. Did I say, FAMILY? Because I believe this book pretty much zeros in how important family can be to us, whether our own OR one with which we have bonded. The author does an excellent job portraying families with multiple boys and I can see this series heading that way. A good, clean, sweet, Christian based romance with a swashbuckling conclusion IMO!
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 19, 2021
What a Love Story!
Braxton met Krista several years before, got secretly married because of her job in reality television (you know a ratings thing), and hid the fact that they had a daughter, Aria. Then they grew apart. They had not seen each other in years when they agreed to meet at Niagara Falls so Aria and Krista could be reunited. Their little dog jumped into the swirling waters and would have drowned if not rescued by Braxton, who was arrested on the spot for jumping into the dangerous waters. With a meeting like this, could Braxton and Krista possibly get back together and raise their daughter? Read this book to find out!
I enjoyed this book by one of my favorite authors and I hope you enjoy it also.
Braxton met Krista several years before, got secretly married because of her job in reality television (you know a ratings thing), and hid the fact that they had a daughter, Aria. Then they grew apart. They had not seen each other in years when they agreed to meet at Niagara Falls so Aria and Krista could be reunited. Their little dog jumped into the swirling waters and would have drowned if not rescued by Braxton, who was arrested on the spot for jumping into the dangerous waters. With a meeting like this, could Braxton and Krista possibly get back together and raise their daughter? Read this book to find out!
I enjoyed this book by one of my favorite authors and I hope you enjoy it also.
January 24, 2022
Braxton and Krista had a whirlwind romance, got married, had a baby girl, and Krista pushed him away, out of her life. Braxton later gets sole custody of Arian when Krista goes to jail.
To be honest, I was not a fan at all of Krista. I couldn't understand what kept Braxton loving her despite the terrible treatment she dished out to him. You know, kinda like God's unconditional love for us....
As the story progressed, I realized Krista's life was not peaches and cream and there were reasons why she did what she had.
This book wasn't quite as mind blowing amazing as the first book in this series, but was still deserving of 5 stars. You won't be disappointed if you pick it up for your next read! I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
To be honest, I was not a fan at all of Krista. I couldn't understand what kept Braxton loving her despite the terrible treatment she dished out to him. You know, kinda like God's unconditional love for us....
As the story progressed, I realized Krista's life was not peaches and cream and there were reasons why she did what she had.
This book wasn't quite as mind blowing amazing as the first book in this series, but was still deserving of 5 stars. You won't be disappointed if you pick it up for your next read! I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
September 4, 2022
This is a good, clean, sweet Christian based romance between 2 people who are married but have been living apart for several reasons. They have a daughter who has been living with her dad in Iowa. Dad and daughter go to Niagara Falls to meet mom, after she asks to see Arian for Christmas.
As they spend time together, including 2 weeks in Iowa for Christmas, Krista starts to see and regret the mistakes she has made and wants to be a better wife and mother. I like how Braxton and Krista separately decide to do what they have to in order to be a family again.
With great descriptions and endearing characters in a story of family, redemption and second chances. Nice ending.
I listened to the audio version of this book and Jay did an excellent job.
As they spend time together, including 2 weeks in Iowa for Christmas, Krista starts to see and regret the mistakes she has made and wants to be a better wife and mother. I like how Braxton and Krista separately decide to do what they have to in order to be a family again.
With great descriptions and endearing characters in a story of family, redemption and second chances. Nice ending.
I listened to the audio version of this book and Jay did an excellent job.
May 4, 2023
Good story and characters. It was refreshing that Braxton and Krista loved each other enough that they could be together for their daughter without any fighting or blaming for the time they'd spent apart. Enjoyed the part about Braxton going into the Niagara River without any hesitation to rescue Krista's dog Katydid (thinking it was their old dog Cricket). It said a lot about his character. I wish there had been a little more about the dog in the book. It was nice to read a book where the two main characters (Braxton and Krista) put their daughter first and were able to spend the time together without any fighting or blaming so that Arian could have time with her mother. I will continue reading the series.
August 23, 2021
I received an ARC to review: This story takes selflessness and putting your spouse first, to a whole new level! This 2nd book in the series, so featuring some characters we've met before, is the story of Braxton and Krista and how they follow their hearts to come together again, living in the grace and forgiveness only God provides. A sweet tale, where their almost-teen daughter, Arian, features, too. The characters, whilst human and fallible, are authentic and relatable, in both moments of humour and seriousness. An encouraging and uplifting romance, nestled in the farmlands of Iowa.
Language - clean
Sex - none; marital affection is described
Triggers - regrets, estranged spouse
Language - clean
Sex - none; marital affection is described
Triggers - regrets, estranged spouse
September 6, 2021
Enjoyed Krista and Braxton's story. Krista was an actress who trusted the wrong accountant and was sent to prison for tax evasion. Braxton loved, married and took care of their daughter while she was away. Finally spending time together so their daughter can get I know her Mom. Both want to be a real couple, but both think its impossible. I laughed and fussed and stayed up way to late to read this book. Had to know how it turns out. If you like clean heartfelt stories, you can't go wrong with "Heartland Cheer". I highly recommend. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
November 19, 2021
Jessie Gussman has written a beautiful story about a man who was willing to give up everything for the woman that he loved. After circumstances drive the couple apart and time has passed, they arrange to spend some time together for the sake of their child. This was a lovely story about the power of love and forgiveness. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I recommend this story to others as it evoked both tears and laughter. Jay Dyess' narration was magical in that his portrayal added an emotional level to the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.
November 24, 2021
This review is for the audible version of the story. Braxton proves he's still in love with Krista when he jumps into the Niagara Falls river to save her dog. But she is not convinced they can be a family after her prison sentence. And she still wants a stage career while he wants to stay on the family farm. Something has to give for this relationship to succeed. A wonderful story that I enjoyed. Mr. Dyess has just the right voices for each character be it male or female. I don't know how he keeps them all straight when he has to change so quickly but he is a master at it. I was given a free copy. This is my voluntary review.
February 16, 2022
When Krista is finally ready to visit with her daughter after her time imprisoned, Braxton, her husband, does not know what her angle is. Since Krista’s career always came first, he wants to protect his daughter from feeling rejected like he once did but help her build a relationship with the woman he is still in love with…
I liked Braxton’s character, how he loves his wife and family with such deep loyalty. Being lucky to have a husband who has similar values, I understand why Krista wanted to rekindle her marriage to become a “real” wife ☺.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked Braxton’s character, how he loves his wife and family with such deep loyalty. Being lucky to have a husband who has similar values, I understand why Krista wanted to rekindle her marriage to become a “real” wife ☺.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2022
Jessie Gussman writes a heartfelt story of love, loyalty, faithfulness and family. Braxton and Krista marry in secret and then she chooses her career over him. Scripture says we reap what we sow and she did as her business partner caused her to be sent to prison for tax evasion.
Braxton picks up his daughter as Krista goes off to prison. Fast forward, she is out of prison and has finally decided that she wants to see her daughter and spend Christmas with her. Braxton , agrees to meet her for 2 weeks with their daughter at Niagara Falls. You'll have to read the rest for yourself!
Narrator Jay Dyess does a great job bringing life and fun to the story through his voice and animation.
Braxton picks up his daughter as Krista goes off to prison. Fast forward, she is out of prison and has finally decided that she wants to see her daughter and spend Christmas with her. Braxton , agrees to meet her for 2 weeks with their daughter at Niagara Falls. You'll have to read the rest for yourself!
Narrator Jay Dyess does a great job bringing life and fun to the story through his voice and animation.
August 13, 2022
Braxson Emmerson is loyal to a fault. Born and raised in Iowa, he only left the farm for a few years to learn better farming ways. He married Krista secretly when they fell in love and he followed her to Toronto where she was a star on a reality TV show. When her accountant stole her money and set her up, she went to prison. Braxson left Toronto and brought Arian, his young daughter home to the family farm in Iowa. After twelve years, Krista wants to see her daughter for Christmas and Braxson works really hard to make this happen. This sweet clean romance teaches wonderful life lessons and the characters seem very realistic.
August 24, 2021
Sweet, quick read. Drew me in from the beginning!
Krista and Braxton were secretly married and had a daughter and then she was sent to prison. They are meeting again after 6 years so Krista can spend time with Arian, their daughter. Krista’s dog break loose and jumps into Niagara River, Braxton jumps in to save it.
“If he’d go into the river for a dog, what wouldn’t he do for his family?” There is nothing Braxton won’t do for for the people he lives!
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.
Krista and Braxton were secretly married and had a daughter and then she was sent to prison. They are meeting again after 6 years so Krista can spend time with Arian, their daughter. Krista’s dog break loose and jumps into Niagara River, Braxton jumps in to save it.
“If he’d go into the river for a dog, what wouldn’t he do for his family?” There is nothing Braxton won’t do for for the people he lives!
*I received this book for free for my unbiased review.
August 24, 2021
I had an Advance Readers Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Jessie Gussman writes the best books. Her stories are always heartwarming, and interesting topics and this one is no exception. Braxton takes his daughter Arian to Niagara Falls to visit her mother Krista just prior to Christmas. They have not seen each other for several years. Included in the plot are an icy swim in the Niagara River, jail and a brother coming to bail him out, plus a large snowstorm and loss of power. Forgiveness and trust are big themes in this book. A must read.
August 26, 2021
Heartland Cheer is a sweet, second chance romance about redemption and family - recurring themes in this great series. Braxton, Krista and Arian make a wonderful family unit - but one that has been split by miscommunication and pride. I love how Braxton's heroic deed lands him in some hot water. These characters are so human and relatable. I would love to spend time with them - whether in New York or in Iowa. I love that things started to work out for this family when spouses started putting more faith in God and their spouse first. I could not put this well written book down!
August 29, 2021
I loved this book about a second chance romance between Braxton and Krista who secretly married years ago and then were separated when Krista was sent to prison for tax evasion that her coworker framed her for. They had a beautiful daughter who Braxton raised at his farm home in Prairie Rose with his brothers who he raised after their parents died. I loved the way this family supported Braxton and his daughter and helped him and Krista get back together. I highly recommend this beautiful book by Jessie Gussman. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 31, 2021
It was an excellent book.
This book will keep you guessing will they get back together? Can he forgive her? Will he leave the farm again for her? Will her career be more important than him and their daughter? This book touches on some serious issues. Things do not always go well in live but what you learn and who you learn to trust is what really is important. This is a faith-based gem that hits just the right tone. It is a Christmas season book but it is one you will read any time of the year. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This book will keep you guessing will they get back together? Can he forgive her? Will he leave the farm again for her? Will her career be more important than him and their daughter? This book touches on some serious issues. Things do not always go well in live but what you learn and who you learn to trust is what really is important. This is a faith-based gem that hits just the right tone. It is a Christmas season book but it is one you will read any time of the year. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 29, 2021
We were introduced to Braxton in the first book in this series but this story can certainly be a standalone. Braxton is a devoted single dad and a good man, although he seems to be in an unhappy rut. He still loves his wife Krista who has been out of his life for many years. Their daughter, however, wants to spend some time with her mom for Christmas. After traveling to Niagara Falls to meet up, the adventures begin. Will Braxton and Krista get a second chance for happiness? You'll want to find out.
April 20, 2023
Emotional Rollercoaster
Braxton and Krista both had terrible emotions to deal with. Krista being bounced from home to home as an orphan, had no steady love or affection shown to her making her totally independant and not knowing what to do when someone truly loved her, kept trying to stand on her own. Her trust in a good friend was betrayed when they took her money and never paid taxes, landing her in prison. Braxton remained steady but could never tell if she loved him back, but stayed due to the depth of his love for her
Awesome Read
Braxton and Krista both had terrible emotions to deal with. Krista being bounced from home to home as an orphan, had no steady love or affection shown to her making her totally independant and not knowing what to do when someone truly loved her, kept trying to stand on her own. Her trust in a good friend was betrayed when they took her money and never paid taxes, landing her in prison. Braxton remained steady but could never tell if she loved him back, but stayed due to the depth of his love for her
Awesome Read
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