When she left town to chase her dreams, she crushed his.
Robert Winters is a small-town sheriff who is acutely aware of his role as the third wheel. He can't let go of the past, no matter how hard he tries. He’s only been going through the motions for the last five years since his almost fiancé left their small town to chase her dreams.
Jessie Sorenson Pendleton takes a broken heart to New York City, knowing she'll never love like that again. Affection for an attractive man is the best she could hope for. Unfortunately, the charismatic and persistent investment broker who sweeps her off her feet turns out to be controlling and abusive. Now, Jessie is back, running from the abusive husband who vowed to kill her if she ever left.
Robert has promised to protect her and her secrets, but he isn't sure he can do so without falling in love with her all over again. And when Jessie's husband turns out to be more persistent than Robert expected, both of their lives are in danger.
(Content Warning: Victims of domestic violence may find some scenes in this book disturbing.)
Jill Burrell is an author of sweet, small-town romances full of faith, hope, and family.
She has always been an avid reader, and romance has always been her favorite genre. If she’s not writing or folding laundry her head is usually in a book.
When her father told her, “I’ve got a story I want you to write,” she didn’t think she’d ever actually do it. But after twenty years of being a stay-at-home mom with seven children, the idea of writing and publishing a book sounded less terrifying than entering the workforce again. Boy, was she wrong!
I was curious to see how this author handled romance after a backstory of domestic violence. (If you like this theme/trope, you might want to check out Protecting His Heart.) I have it say, it was pretty well done. I think it’s a delicate balance, when you have a heroine as abused as Jessie was, to put her back into a potential romantic situation. It helped that she and Robert were a couple for 8 years prior, and of course it helped that Robert was unbelievably perfect. I could believe the reasons for their separation five years prior, as young adults yearning to try their wings and not having the maturity to see how their decisions affect their futures.
With Robert’s help (largely), Jessie regains her self-esteem/worth. Some of the violence is fairly detailed, yet there’s a big piece that I felt was missing, and that was the sexual part. As a ‘sweet’ romance, the most we read here is longing/aching. Which would have worked for me until we find out she’s pregnant by her abuser. In my mind, if you’re going to go there, there needs to be emotional fallout related to the sexual aspects. Instead, it seemed as if this plot twist was mostly to show how wonderful (again) Robert was, as he intends to raise the child as his own. And frankly, it wasn’t necessary; the climactic scene was enough (although a bit cliché).
The story was good, don’t get me wrong, but I think it lacked some depth, possibly because of the ‘sweet’ constraints.
Jessie never thought she would be moving back to town not only as she had big dreams of the art world, but also as she knew she broke Roberts heart when she left, but now she is back, a little broken and Robert is the one helping put her back together again. My heart breaks for all the self blame that Jessie goes through, however I know it is part of the painful process she has to go in order to come out the other side a new a stronger person than she was and thankfully she has Emily to help guide her as well as the support of any others to show she isn't alone especially after a twist she wasn't expecting. Jessie isn't the only one struggling with her being back in town and after thinking he would never see her again he finally has to work through his feelings and either move on or fight for her and while doing that try and stop Jessie's cray cray husband from getting to her as his attempts escalate. This has heart break, learning to love yourself again, finding your home, fighting for love (the right kind of love that is!), learning to lean on others and the gift the friends and family are.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
she had childhood boyfriend but wanted to leave the small town to ny met for her art he stayed behind and became sheriff
she married a man who abused her. finally after breaking her wrist she left him and went back to her childhood home. her mom asked the sheriff to look after her he still loved her
he put her in his cabin away from town but the husband found her. the sheriff came just in time and arrested him. he claimed excessive force which was later found not founded
he moved her to the family farm. she filed for divorce which enraged her husband. he is also having trouble at work. he donated $10,000 to the sheriffs opponent to get re elected. he is determined to get her back and make her pay
she found out she is preg, she had 2 miscarriages before, one after him beating her
she got a job as art teacher in the hs. she loves it
husband kidnapped her he shot sheriff, she shot husband, he got arrested sheriff ok
they are going to get married and live in the house he built for her
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Jessie Sorenson Pendleton left behind a man who loved her to follow her dreams in New York. She met someone she could settle for and thought would care for her, but he turned out to be an abusive, controlling husband who threatened to kill her if she tried to leave him.
Jessie escapes with some help and returns to her home town. Can Robert Winters, the Sheriff and the man she had left 5 years ago, protect her from the evil man who is coming for her? Has she put both of them in danger by coming back here?
The third book in the Finding Providence story was all I hoped for and more. This one had me on the edge of my seat more than the other 2, which is saying something. I loved that we finally got to see Robert get his happy ending. I feel a little bad for Debbie, she is obviously lonely and doesn’t do a good job of expressing herself, so I hope she finds someone one day. I loved watching Jessie heal from the years of abuse and Robert learning to trust her with his heart again. A beautiful conclusion to a great series!
When Jessie left 5 years ago for her big art dreams she took Robert's heart with her. As much as he tried to move past the pain and build a life for himself in his hometown, the hole was always there. Then one day Jessie's mom comes into his Sheriff's office and says Jessie needs his help escaping from her abusive husband.
This second chance romance hits hard with the themes of abuse, past hurts, tense situations, finding healing, and reclaiming love.
Great read. Love the suspense. Would recommend to other suspense loving readers. Looking forward to reading about Daniel and Rileigh but really hope the widow wheeler finds her a match.
I recommend to other suspense loving readers. Looking forward to reading about Daniel and Rileigh. also waiting to see widow Whee!we find her match.
This book carries a warning to that covers domestic abuse. And that part is awful. But well written, in that abuse is so much more that bruises or broken bones. The total loss of self was well written. This was the last of the brothers/ cousins, Robert. And it was the best of this trilogy.
Robert and Jessie had been sweethearts in school. When Jessie’s mother shows up to ask him to go with her to rescue Jessie from an abusive husband, he goes. Will they get a second chance or will her husband make good on his threats to kill her?
This whole series has been about recovery from some trauma or another. The stories are well written, the characters and community engaging, and the ending is always good. I found reading the books to be useful in the information and ideas provided. They are deep and meaningful in a good read. A great series so far.
I enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting and I liked getting to know them. It was also nice to read about main characters who exercise self-control. (The whole series has been good for that!) If you’re looking for a clean, inspirational, suspense romance, try this one.
Jessie left Providence 5 years ago to pursue her dreams of being an artist in NYC. She also left behind her first love, Robert. He is now the sheriff in Providence. Jessie had married, but Patrick was abusive. It's been 5 years and she takes herself to the hospital and presses charges. Her mom comes to get her and take her home to Providence. Robert knows he has to protect her, but he doesn't want to fall for her again if she's just going to leave. As he has to protect her from her crazy ex, he decides to let his guard down and love her anyway.
Wonderfully fantastic... The book was amazing... It had a lot of details and juicy scenes to it... The characters and their personalities match them perfectly... The plot and the storyline were very descriptive and amazing...
I love this series! I love to get involved with the characters in books! Jill’s writing made me feel part of the story! My kind of writing! I can’t wait to read more of her books!
These books have really kept my attention and I have read them in quick succession. Jessie and Robert have each been through so much. What fear Jessie has dealt with and what courage it takes to escape. There is so much suspense in this book.
This book was really good! I loved the characters, I cried for Jessie. I loved following the family, catching up with them was wonderful. Jill, the author, did an amazing job with the storyline. The story grabbed me from page 1.
Warning: This story includes spousal abuse and stalking. The story was well written considering the topic along with a mentally out of control husband. Hopefully Jessie and Robert can make it through the many struggles an become the family they were meant to be.
Excellent series and the author is truly gifted in her ability to make you feel all right the feels....only disappointment is that there's no book number 4!
Clean Standalone Romance Interconnected Series HEA
Best if read in order but can be read as a standalone. Robert and Jessie had been in love years ago, but she chose to leave town to follow her dream. Now she's returning and needs protection from an abusive husband and a divorce. Will he be able to keep her safe? What happens when her husband comes to town? Is she going to stay this time? How does her husband handle the outcome?