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Chasing Her Dream
She needs his help…but can she trust him again?
After she inherits her uncle’s mismanaged ranch, single mum Rheanna Stone’s not sure she can also handle saving abused horses from a nearby property. So when rancher Dave Brewster offers to stay in town to help, she can’t say no — even if he left her once before. As they grow closer, old secrets are uncovered…but can they heal past heartbreak to give themselves a new beginning?
Mills & Boon Love Inspired — Heartfelt stories that show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives.
After she inherits her uncle’s mismanaged ranch, single mum Rheanna Stone’s not sure she can also handle saving abused horses from a nearby property. So when rancher Dave Brewster offers to stay in town to help, she can’t say no — even if he left her once before. As they grow closer, old secrets are uncovered…but can they heal past heartbreak to give themselves a new beginning?
Mills & Boon Love Inspired — Heartfelt stories that show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2021
7 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Slattery
43 books97 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 3, 2021
Happy Sigh. Rescue horses and second chances...with a cowboy! I read the back blurb and knew I had to read this book. Besides, it's another Slattery storytelling wonder and shame on me for not picking it up on the strength of her name alone....but I do love reading the descriptions. I know some readers don't, but I hate going into a story blind. And I love the anticipatory glee those tag lines and summaries give. Kinda like savoring the smell of a delectable meal before diving in. :-) Okay, this is getting weird...back to the review.
Love the parallel in the second chances theme -- for both the horses and the hero and heroine. I got all the feels over both. Heartbreak and hope and a few teary moments beside. This author knows how to wring every last emotion out of her characters and her readers!
Plus there's a cute, talks-a-mile-a-minute kid to melt my heart -- and Dave's too. His heart still belongs to Rheanna even after years apart but when he meets little Amelia, he's a goner all over again. Loved the way this reunion romance developed. Gentle and tender fueled with wary uncertainty. But, oh, that pull of memories grows stronger the more time they spend in each others company! Cue the toe-curls, but grab a hankie because that also means the pain of past hurts rise to the surface all over again.
I also love this caring Texan community! Solid secondary characters who know what it means to be a neighbour and live out their faith in service and prayer. Elevates this reunion romance to a whole other level!
Love the parallel in the second chances theme -- for both the horses and the hero and heroine. I got all the feels over both. Heartbreak and hope and a few teary moments beside. This author knows how to wring every last emotion out of her characters and her readers!
Plus there's a cute, talks-a-mile-a-minute kid to melt my heart -- and Dave's too. His heart still belongs to Rheanna even after years apart but when he meets little Amelia, he's a goner all over again. Loved the way this reunion romance developed. Gentle and tender fueled with wary uncertainty. But, oh, that pull of memories grows stronger the more time they spend in each others company! Cue the toe-curls, but grab a hankie because that also means the pain of past hurts rise to the surface all over again.
I also love this caring Texan community! Solid secondary characters who know what it means to be a neighbour and live out their faith in service and prayer. Elevates this reunion romance to a whole other level!
August 23, 2021
I enjoyed this inspirational romance for many reasons. First, I appreciate a Christian worldview that shows rather than preaches. While faith is a priority for the characters, it is not part of every conversation or scene. Their conversations, emotions, and conflicts are realistic and define the folks well. Spiritual lessons are gently demonstrated. The church is portrayed as a true family, helping those in need without seeking anything in return.
Rheanna, mother of 6-year-old Amelia, has had many challenges in her life. She grew up without a father, her mother’s priorities were her boyfriend of the month, and she spent summers with the great-uncle she thought never cared about her. As an adult, she was betrayed by her now ex-husband. Still, she is a strong believer in God. She recently inherited her great-uncle’s horse ranch. Due to his early-onset Alzheimer’s and mismanagement by former staff members, she is trying desperately to save it. She needs a way to pay the IRS for past years. Rheanna’s friend Ivy, who came to Texas with her, is spending more than she’s earning or contributing with her new business.
Rheanna never planned to run into Dave again. At a teen, he had been her best friend at the ranch, second only to her beloved horse, Bella. He made promises, then when they were 16, without a word, he and his parents moved away amid terrible crises in her life. He is in town now for a wedding and has little to do until spring flood waters recede from his Wyoming ranch. Much of his herd was washed away, and he could lose what he had put so much into.
The sheriff volunteered Dave to drive Rheanna and her horse trailer to assist in the rescue of at least 20 abused, neglected horses. While they and other ranchers rounded up the horses, unbeknownst to Rheanna, her friend volunteered the ranch to place the horses at. Stunned, there is no way she can begin to afford the veterinary care and special needs of the rescues. She was assured that the town would pull together to help if she can house them until adoptable.
Rheanna hires Dave as a riding instructor and trainer until they find a long-term hire. Whether they can set aside their feelings to work together will be interesting, especially when six-year-old Amelia begins to grow attached to Dave. As friends at the church help Rheanna prepare for a major event at the ranch that can pave the way to its future, secrets from the past slip out, as secrets tend to do.
Twists and turns change or add to the conflict. The author is gifted, especially at writing the perspective of each character. I admire Rheanna for taking on the ranch, not having had run one before, and Dave staying to help out. I really enjoyed every aspect of the story, especially when secrets escape and Dave and Rheanna have to rein in emotions that have simmered for many years. Whether they can save the ranch and at least be friends is a tale only they will show us. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate inspirational romances with realistic challenges, emotions, and faith.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Rheanna, mother of 6-year-old Amelia, has had many challenges in her life. She grew up without a father, her mother’s priorities were her boyfriend of the month, and she spent summers with the great-uncle she thought never cared about her. As an adult, she was betrayed by her now ex-husband. Still, she is a strong believer in God. She recently inherited her great-uncle’s horse ranch. Due to his early-onset Alzheimer’s and mismanagement by former staff members, she is trying desperately to save it. She needs a way to pay the IRS for past years. Rheanna’s friend Ivy, who came to Texas with her, is spending more than she’s earning or contributing with her new business.
Rheanna never planned to run into Dave again. At a teen, he had been her best friend at the ranch, second only to her beloved horse, Bella. He made promises, then when they were 16, without a word, he and his parents moved away amid terrible crises in her life. He is in town now for a wedding and has little to do until spring flood waters recede from his Wyoming ranch. Much of his herd was washed away, and he could lose what he had put so much into.
The sheriff volunteered Dave to drive Rheanna and her horse trailer to assist in the rescue of at least 20 abused, neglected horses. While they and other ranchers rounded up the horses, unbeknownst to Rheanna, her friend volunteered the ranch to place the horses at. Stunned, there is no way she can begin to afford the veterinary care and special needs of the rescues. She was assured that the town would pull together to help if she can house them until adoptable.
Rheanna hires Dave as a riding instructor and trainer until they find a long-term hire. Whether they can set aside their feelings to work together will be interesting, especially when six-year-old Amelia begins to grow attached to Dave. As friends at the church help Rheanna prepare for a major event at the ranch that can pave the way to its future, secrets from the past slip out, as secrets tend to do.
Twists and turns change or add to the conflict. The author is gifted, especially at writing the perspective of each character. I admire Rheanna for taking on the ranch, not having had run one before, and Dave staying to help out. I really enjoyed every aspect of the story, especially when secrets escape and Dave and Rheanna have to rein in emotions that have simmered for many years. Whether they can save the ranch and at least be friends is a tale only they will show us. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate inspirational romances with realistic challenges, emotions, and faith.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
September 23, 2021
3.5 stars
I've been reading Love Inspired books for years, and they never fail to delight. Slattery's latest is no exception.
I've always loved horses, so I was drawn in by the abandoned horse component of this story. The characters are realistically drawn, and their struggles are relatable. The complex family dynamics may resonate with many readers. The romance between Rheanna and Dave didn't feel rushed. I really enjoyed how everyone pulls together to care for each other. I would've like a bit more about the IRS inquiry. It felt like that was left hanging. While some things are a bit predictable, this story with themes of forgiveness, faith, and hope is an enjoyable read that fans of sweet romances will likely enjoy.
A favorite scene/quote:
"We learned that in VBS. That God wants us to use our hands and our mouths to be nice to each other." (A reminder we all need from time to time!)
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
I've been reading Love Inspired books for years, and they never fail to delight. Slattery's latest is no exception.
I've always loved horses, so I was drawn in by the abandoned horse component of this story. The characters are realistically drawn, and their struggles are relatable. The complex family dynamics may resonate with many readers. The romance between Rheanna and Dave didn't feel rushed. I really enjoyed how everyone pulls together to care for each other. I would've like a bit more about the IRS inquiry. It felt like that was left hanging. While some things are a bit predictable, this story with themes of forgiveness, faith, and hope is an enjoyable read that fans of sweet romances will likely enjoy.
A favorite scene/quote:
"We learned that in VBS. That God wants us to use our hands and our mouths to be nice to each other." (A reminder we all need from time to time!)
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
July 4, 2021
“She needed to wisen up before that man broke her heart for the second time,” Rheanna reminded herself in Jennifer Slattery’s novel, Chasing Her Dream.
~ What ~
Part of the Love Inspired Inspirational Romance series, this two-hundred-and-eighty-eight-page paperback targets those who like contemporary Christian romances. With no profanity, topics of divorce and animal abuse may not be appropriate for young readers.
In this current-day tale set in a small Texan town, divorced Rheanna is ready to start over when she inherits a rundown ranch from her uncle. With her six-year-old daughter and close friend in tow, she feels overwhelmed at the disarray and disfunction of the horse ranch that had given her so many fond memories as a teen, especially when it came to a boy named Dave.
When Dave arrives in the same town for a wedding and sees his long-lost love Rheanna, he has changed for the better due to his relationship with Jesus and his adoptive parents. After being asked to board many abused horses, they agree to work together for the love of the animals. They quickly learn there is more behind the emotional toll their past played out years ago for them to start anew.
~ Why ~
This is a fast read about forgiveness, faith, and hope between two broken protagonists who have to move on to understand how their pasts affected them and others. I enjoyed learning about the care and love of quinines. Forgiving others and oneself is a hard lesson to learn at any stage of life.
~ Why Not ~
Some may not like romantic stories about small town living and horse ranches, but the story moves fast as the main relationship is tested. Others may not enjoy books that include horses or their care. The story is very predictable with few surprises.
~ Wish ~
I wish the eternal plan of salvation were explained more in depth.
~ Want ~
If you are looking for a short relaxing weekend afternoon read, this cowboy story will have you chasing one girl’s dream of rekindled love.
Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Thanks to Love Inspired and the author for this complimentary book that I am freely evaluating.
~ What ~
Part of the Love Inspired Inspirational Romance series, this two-hundred-and-eighty-eight-page paperback targets those who like contemporary Christian romances. With no profanity, topics of divorce and animal abuse may not be appropriate for young readers.
In this current-day tale set in a small Texan town, divorced Rheanna is ready to start over when she inherits a rundown ranch from her uncle. With her six-year-old daughter and close friend in tow, she feels overwhelmed at the disarray and disfunction of the horse ranch that had given her so many fond memories as a teen, especially when it came to a boy named Dave.
When Dave arrives in the same town for a wedding and sees his long-lost love Rheanna, he has changed for the better due to his relationship with Jesus and his adoptive parents. After being asked to board many abused horses, they agree to work together for the love of the animals. They quickly learn there is more behind the emotional toll their past played out years ago for them to start anew.
~ Why ~
This is a fast read about forgiveness, faith, and hope between two broken protagonists who have to move on to understand how their pasts affected them and others. I enjoyed learning about the care and love of quinines. Forgiving others and oneself is a hard lesson to learn at any stage of life.
~ Why Not ~
Some may not like romantic stories about small town living and horse ranches, but the story moves fast as the main relationship is tested. Others may not enjoy books that include horses or their care. The story is very predictable with few surprises.
~ Wish ~
I wish the eternal plan of salvation were explained more in depth.
~ Want ~
If you are looking for a short relaxing weekend afternoon read, this cowboy story will have you chasing one girl’s dream of rekindled love.
Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Thanks to Love Inspired and the author for this complimentary book that I am freely evaluating.
August 25, 2021
I was drawn in by the abused horses needing a home. Rheanna had just inherited her uncle's ranch when a herd of abandoned horses are sent to her ranch. She wants to help them but is overwhelmed with figuring out her uncle's finances and why the IRS wants money. But she can't turn her back on the horses that have nowhere else to go. Dave agrees to stay long enough to help care for the horses until somoene is hired, but he'd run out on her before. Can she trust him to stay this time? She's used to people leaving her, Dave, her father, her ex-husband. Will this time be different? She'd promised to never let anyone hurt her like that again. But will she learn something about love and trust from the abused horses she's taken in?
Dave is ready to go back to Wyoming. His ranch had been flooded. But he can't leave Rheanna, or her daughter Amelia. He believes God will turn all things to good. He's waiting to see how that will happen. When he has to do the unthinkable to save one of the rescued horses, what will that mean for his future? Will he lose his ranch and the woman he loves?
My favorite scene is when Amelia and Dave are spending time together and they draw kindness hands. Amelia states, "We should teach the horses that word, too. Don't you think, Mr. Dave? That way they can all be friends and won't act mean to one another. We learned that in VBS. That God wants us to use our hands and our mouths to be nice to each other." If only we could all show kindness to one another.
Chasing her Dream is an engaging story of community and love, and seeing how forgiveness can change your life.
I received a free copy in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Dave is ready to go back to Wyoming. His ranch had been flooded. But he can't leave Rheanna, or her daughter Amelia. He believes God will turn all things to good. He's waiting to see how that will happen. When he has to do the unthinkable to save one of the rescued horses, what will that mean for his future? Will he lose his ranch and the woman he loves?
My favorite scene is when Amelia and Dave are spending time together and they draw kindness hands. Amelia states, "We should teach the horses that word, too. Don't you think, Mr. Dave? That way they can all be friends and won't act mean to one another. We learned that in VBS. That God wants us to use our hands and our mouths to be nice to each other." If only we could all show kindness to one another.
Chasing her Dream is an engaging story of community and love, and seeing how forgiveness can change your life.
I received a free copy in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
August 24, 2021
A gentle, rekindled romance with the sweet addition of a young girl. The story between the main characters was a relaxing, feel-good read that ended precisely as I wanted it to. I loved how the community came together, hesitantly at first as one would expect with the history, but wholeheartedly as they realized things were different.
Near the end, the author does a time jump much like an epilogue, bypassing the resolution on the IRS and the persnickety hand, as well as smoothing the difficulties between best friends. While these were minor, they left some lingering questions that I would have liked to read more about.
DETAILS AND IMPRESSIONS
Time Period & Place: Contemporary romance with a western feel
Characters: A town full! But the author does an excellent job of adding in the feel of a lot while limiting the story to only those critical to the storyline.
Complexity: Middle of the road—complex enough to drive the story forward without diving deep.
Overall feel: Positive. Even in the tougher moments, the author keeps the story on the hopeful end.
Pace: Gentle and consistent
CONTENT
Scripture/Theology: Light
Sexy Stuff: Light
Questionable Habits: None I remember
Crude Language: None
Violence & Scariness: The worst is the rescue of severely neglected horses near the beginning. One hand is gruff and portrayed with the potential for violence, but this never happens.
BOTTOM LINE
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this light-hearted romance. The author handled some difficult topics with care and concern for both her characters and her readers. Love Inspired fans will devour this book.
Near the end, the author does a time jump much like an epilogue, bypassing the resolution on the IRS and the persnickety hand, as well as smoothing the difficulties between best friends. While these were minor, they left some lingering questions that I would have liked to read more about.
DETAILS AND IMPRESSIONS
Time Period & Place: Contemporary romance with a western feel
Characters: A town full! But the author does an excellent job of adding in the feel of a lot while limiting the story to only those critical to the storyline.
Complexity: Middle of the road—complex enough to drive the story forward without diving deep.
Overall feel: Positive. Even in the tougher moments, the author keeps the story on the hopeful end.
Pace: Gentle and consistent
CONTENT
Scripture/Theology: Light
Sexy Stuff: Light
Questionable Habits: None I remember
Crude Language: None
Violence & Scariness: The worst is the rescue of severely neglected horses near the beginning. One hand is gruff and portrayed with the potential for violence, but this never happens.
BOTTOM LINE
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this light-hearted romance. The author handled some difficult topics with care and concern for both her characters and her readers. Love Inspired fans will devour this book.
August 9, 2021
I want to start off by saying that as a foster parent of almost a decade, whenever I see foster care or adoption mentioned in a book, I cringe because they get it wrong 98% of the time. Jennifer is in that 2% who didn't. I don't think I've ever seen it portrayed quite as accurately in a work of fiction before. It was an incredibly refreshing thing to see. From timelines to Reactive Attachment Disorder, she hit the nail on the head!
That's something I appreciate about her writing in general, it's incredibly real and something you can see happening. She doesn't shy away from financial struggles, hurt feelings, and complex family emotions. I felt like this book was done incredibly well and loved it overall.
My only critiques are that I would have liked to have seen some resolution with the entire IRS situation, there were some characters built as villains and I would have liked to see that resolution. And, I would have liked more spark between Rheanna and Dave.
Otherwise, I loved it and thought it was incredibly well written and engaging from beginning to end.
That's something I appreciate about her writing in general, it's incredibly real and something you can see happening. She doesn't shy away from financial struggles, hurt feelings, and complex family emotions. I felt like this book was done incredibly well and loved it overall.
My only critiques are that I would have liked to have seen some resolution with the entire IRS situation, there were some characters built as villains and I would have liked to see that resolution. And, I would have liked more spark between Rheanna and Dave.
Otherwise, I loved it and thought it was incredibly well written and engaging from beginning to end.
August 20, 2021
This was a sweet story. I wondered how these two would work things out and who would give up what to make it happen. Of course Amelia made the story even sweeter.
I was hoping for a bit more an explanation about the IRS inquiry. I felt like that kind of left me hanging, I was waiting for a big ball to drop regarding that and the men that helped Rheanna’s uncle in the past and it never really happened.
But I loved the community feel of this story and how everyone pulled together to take care of each other. I also appreciated the real tension between Ivy and Rheanna, it was very true to life, even Ivy’s reaction to everything.
If you enjoy Love Inspired romances I am sure you will enjoy this read.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author. All opinions are my own.
I was hoping for a bit more an explanation about the IRS inquiry. I felt like that kind of left me hanging, I was waiting for a big ball to drop regarding that and the men that helped Rheanna’s uncle in the past and it never really happened.
But I loved the community feel of this story and how everyone pulled together to take care of each other. I also appreciated the real tension between Ivy and Rheanna, it was very true to life, even Ivy’s reaction to everything.
If you enjoy Love Inspired romances I am sure you will enjoy this read.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author. All opinions are my own.
November 5, 2021
Jennifer Slattery writes a heartwarming story of a second chance for love. She has well developed characters, a sweet child, and the rescue of abused horses. Rheanna Stone inherits her uncle’s ranch. She needs a new riding instructor, more horses to board, and riding students, to keep the ranch afloat.Dave Brewster returns to Sage Creek, realizes the woman he once loved needs his help, especially when some abused horses are left on her ranch. Rheanna trusted Dave once before and he just left. Can she trust him again?
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October 21, 2021I don't think I've met a Love Inspired story I haven't liked, and this one by Jennifer Slattery is no exception. While I love strong cowboys, I also loved this story about a strong cowgirl and the man in her life. They face rough times both from the past and the present, but through it all, they fight for what they believe in.
I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of review. The above is my honest opinion.
I received this book from the author/publisher for the purpose of review. The above is my honest opinion.
September 10, 2021
Awesome book
October 4, 2021
Good read filled with tough situation s and a reminders on who is to handle them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2022
I could not finish this book. The characters were so self absorbed, especially Ivy.
December 15, 2021
Totally awesome read!!!
What a great story line that keeps toy reading, wanting more! The reading is uplifting & believable. I definitely like happy endings
What a great story line that keeps toy reading, wanting more! The reading is uplifting & believable. I definitely like happy endings
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews