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Slocum Family #1
Winter's End
After growing up in foster care, nurse Kayla Doherty's finally found a faith to rely on and a job she loves. But that's all put to the test when she's called to care for surly Marc DeHollander's dying father. Marc's struggling to keep his cattle farm afloat while dealing with his father's illness. He doesn't have time to fall for the beautiful hospice nurse. But as the frigid New York winter turns to spring, can he find a place for Kayla—and the Lord—in his heart?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
38 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Logan Herne
132 books506 followersMulti-published, award-winning, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of being a published author and having the time of her life doing it. Born to a poor family in Rochester, NY, Ruthy draws on her early years and her many years of dealing with today's young families and businesses to create beautiful, heartfelt small-town stories of faith, hope and love... while adopting her favorite non-Scripture quotes "Plenty of time for rest in the grave" (Ben Franklin) and "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." (Eleanor Roosevelt) and one can always depend on Yoda "There is no try. There is do or do not." Succinct... and true. :) She loves chatting with readers on facebook at Ruth Logan Herne or follow Ruthy on Twitter, visit her website or stop by Seekerville (www.seekerville.blogspot.com) or pop by the Yankee Belle Cafe where Ruthy and several lovely authors share recipes, facts, photos and just plain old life! (www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 5, 2018
Contemporary romance at its best! I read this book in 2011 and enjoyed it just as much the second time around. It's got a ton of heart and just as much soul. Bring on those realistic challenges! Recommended for lovers of romance with solid heroes and smart heroines.
November 7, 2017
"She'd eat, she'd smile, she'd chat back and forth like nothing was wrong in Kayla's world. It was an act she'd perfected over years of practice. No one did it better."
Home health nurse Kayla Doherty grew up in foster care after a mostly horrendous childhood. Though she keeps it hidden, she still lives with fears. But she has found faith in Christ and is moving on with her life. When she is called to tend to the dying father of Marc DeHollander, she faces more obstacles. Marc is running himself ragged tending his beef cattle farm and a feed store, loaded with anger that he has never dealt with about his mother and has no time for God. Two people with hurts so deep, you think they'd never see the light of day again. Will they allow the grace and strength of God to penetrate those hurting hearts?
This was a powerful novel, one that I read in just a day because I couldn't tear myself away from it. People do odd things when they've had hurt in their hearts for a long time. But the truth is, there is a loving God who sees everything and wants to bring healing to our lives. Ruth Logan Herne captures this perfectly.
Herne writes with heart! That's the best way I can describe her books. You see great depth in the pages of a Ruth Logan Herne book. I always love everything I've read of hers. And I discovered her later so I have a lot to catch up on! I highly recommend this novel.
Home health nurse Kayla Doherty grew up in foster care after a mostly horrendous childhood. Though she keeps it hidden, she still lives with fears. But she has found faith in Christ and is moving on with her life. When she is called to tend to the dying father of Marc DeHollander, she faces more obstacles. Marc is running himself ragged tending his beef cattle farm and a feed store, loaded with anger that he has never dealt with about his mother and has no time for God. Two people with hurts so deep, you think they'd never see the light of day again. Will they allow the grace and strength of God to penetrate those hurting hearts?
This was a powerful novel, one that I read in just a day because I couldn't tear myself away from it. People do odd things when they've had hurt in their hearts for a long time. But the truth is, there is a loving God who sees everything and wants to bring healing to our lives. Ruth Logan Herne captures this perfectly.
Herne writes with heart! That's the best way I can describe her books. You see great depth in the pages of a Ruth Logan Herne book. I always love everything I've read of hers. And I discovered her later so I have a lot to catch up on! I highly recommend this novel.
November 7, 2017
"She'd eat, she'd smile, she'd chat back and forth like nothing was wrong in Kayla's world. It was an act she'd perfected over years of practice. No one did it better."
Home health nurse Kayla Doherty grew up in foster care after a mostly horrendous childhood. Though she keeps it hidden, she still lives with fears. But she has found faith in Christ and is moving on with her life. When she is called to tend to the dying father of Marc DeHollander, she faces more obstacles. Marc is running himself ragged tending his beef cattle farm and a feed store, loaded with anger that he has never dealt with about his mother and has no time for God. Two people with hurts so deep, you think they'd never see the light of day again. Will they allow the grace and strength of God to penetrate those hurting hearts?
This was a powerful novel, one that I read in just a day because I couldn't tear myself away from it. People do odd things when they've had hurt in their hearts for a long time. But the truth is, there is a loving God who sees everything and wants to bring healing to our lives. Ruth Logan Herne captures this perfectly.
Herne writes with heart! That's the best way I can describe her books. You see great depth in the pages of a Ruth Logan Herne book. I always love everything I've read of hers. And I discovered her later so I have a lot to catch up on! I highly recommend this novel.
Home health nurse Kayla Doherty grew up in foster care after a mostly horrendous childhood. Though she keeps it hidden, she still lives with fears. But she has found faith in Christ and is moving on with her life. When she is called to tend to the dying father of Marc DeHollander, she faces more obstacles. Marc is running himself ragged tending his beef cattle farm and a feed store, loaded with anger that he has never dealt with about his mother and has no time for God. Two people with hurts so deep, you think they'd never see the light of day again. Will they allow the grace and strength of God to penetrate those hurting hearts?
This was a powerful novel, one that I read in just a day because I couldn't tear myself away from it. People do odd things when they've had hurt in their hearts for a long time. But the truth is, there is a loving God who sees everything and wants to bring healing to our lives. Ruth Logan Herne captures this perfectly.
Herne writes with heart! That's the best way I can describe her books. You see great depth in the pages of a Ruth Logan Herne book. I always love everything I've read of hers. And I discovered her later so I have a lot to catch up on! I highly recommend this novel.
July 5, 2017
Although this one doesn't read as much as some of the other Love Inspired books, which is a blessing in and of itself it still doesn't have the gumption to actually attract the reader. Instead you find yourself in a long and almost never-ending repeat of the story while you just want to shake the characters to pieces.
Furthermore what made it harder for me to enjoy the read was the fact that the characters were so flat. Kayla started off seeming like she would be a great character as well as Pete and Jess but then it just seemed like after the primary introduction there was no more need by the author to work on character development while for the most part Marc was a complete loss.
There truly could have been potential but there was just too much missing....
Furthermore what made it harder for me to enjoy the read was the fact that the characters were so flat. Kayla started off seeming like she would be a great character as well as Pete and Jess but then it just seemed like after the primary introduction there was no more need by the author to work on character development while for the most part Marc was a complete loss.
There truly could have been potential but there was just too much missing....
March 19, 2010
Ruth Logan Herne's debut novel is a touching story of hope and healing. Hospice nurse Kayla Doherty is tender yet tough, her own heart bruised by a painful past. Facing the imminent death of his father from lung cancer, Marc DeHollander must come to terms with unpleasant truths about the mother who deserted them and its effects on what's left of his family. The story is told with a depth and grace not often found in series romance. Expect more endearing stories of love, hope, perseverance, and faith from this outstanding debut author.
October 13, 2012
Well written, contemporary romance book that confronts hard issues--end stage cancer, neglect, bitterness, and loving people in spite of their wrong choices. Character's are flawed and realistic, lovable and three dimensional. Ruthy's trademark snarky humor sparkles in her heroine's dialogue.
I would recommend this book to anyone. Especially someone caring for an elderly or terminally ill relative.
I would recommend this book to anyone. Especially someone caring for an elderly or terminally ill relative.
January 14, 2011
LOVED it, Ruthie!!! Great job by one of my favorite people! Definately on my favorite book list.
November 24, 2018
Kayla and Marc's story. Hospice nursing (a gifted person) because I've tried for a season and left. I do have an aging mum in home care. I'm in Australia so the setup is different.) The story line was a difficult one but believable. The story brought out memories and emotions and that is the author's ability in her writing. This is an ebook from the library, as its a past book still available to be read. There are a few more titles for me to read, so on to the next story.
April 27, 2019
Very good book with some mystery, lots of angst, love and a HEA ending.
June 24, 2022
I really liked this book. The characters were great.
March 29, 2011
Kayla Doherty is a hospice nurse, accustomed to helping her patients and their families deal with terminal illness. She’s had a difficult past – losing her mother at an early age to violence, and having grown up in the foster care system. She’s looking forward to leaving the North Country, where she’s lived for many years (it seems like it’s always winter and she’s always cold), but then she meets the DeHollander family and her work with and love for them – particularly Marc DeHollander (initially aloof, independent, and somewhat hostile toward her) – makes her reconsider her decision.
This is an inspirational romance, and references to Kayla’s faith and being a woman of faith and seeking the same in her partner steadily increase over the course of the story. Kayla’s relationship with Pete DeHollander (her patient, who is in the final stages of lung cancer) becomes more complicated when she learns that his ex-wife (and a major source of contention in the family) was also one of her patients – the woman who brought her back to God and inspired her. It’s a sweet romance, and a fast read, but there’s a lot of repetition – the doubts Marc and Kayla have about their feelings for one another (Marc is conflicted because Kayla is stylish and polished like his mother – not at all a country girl – and Kayla has other plans for her future), the faith references, etc. This novel’s strengths are in its descriptions of Kayla’s work and interactions with the DeHollander family. The romance seems a little awkward and rushed, especially considering Marc’s initial animosity toward Kayla. Not bad, but not my cup of tea.
This is an inspirational romance, and references to Kayla’s faith and being a woman of faith and seeking the same in her partner steadily increase over the course of the story. Kayla’s relationship with Pete DeHollander (her patient, who is in the final stages of lung cancer) becomes more complicated when she learns that his ex-wife (and a major source of contention in the family) was also one of her patients – the woman who brought her back to God and inspired her. It’s a sweet romance, and a fast read, but there’s a lot of repetition – the doubts Marc and Kayla have about their feelings for one another (Marc is conflicted because Kayla is stylish and polished like his mother – not at all a country girl – and Kayla has other plans for her future), the faith references, etc. This novel’s strengths are in its descriptions of Kayla’s work and interactions with the DeHollander family. The romance seems a little awkward and rushed, especially considering Marc’s initial animosity toward Kayla. Not bad, but not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2011
Kayla Doherty is a hospice nurse who is looking forward to completing her contract in the North Country and moving south to warmer climes…moving away from memories of her childhood that need forgetting, or at least burying. She has one last contract to fulfill before she can leave, that of easing Marc DeHollander’s father’s last days on earth.
Marc is having a hard time accepting his father’s impending death, which means the nurse’s intervention in their lives is unwelcome and awkward.
Marc would also like to not be falling for her. She’s not his kind of girl. She wears cute shoes instead of practical ones in the dead of winter. And she’s hiding secrets. Secrets that seem to come from Marc’s own past.
Ultimately, Ruth’s humor does come through in the story, even in the midst of tragic circumstances. Her personal experience dealing with hospice for her own mother is evident in her command of the story details, leaving her imagination free to populate the novel with a unique cast of characters.
Marc is having a hard time accepting his father’s impending death, which means the nurse’s intervention in their lives is unwelcome and awkward.
Marc would also like to not be falling for her. She’s not his kind of girl. She wears cute shoes instead of practical ones in the dead of winter. And she’s hiding secrets. Secrets that seem to come from Marc’s own past.
Ultimately, Ruth’s humor does come through in the story, even in the midst of tragic circumstances. Her personal experience dealing with hospice for her own mother is evident in her command of the story details, leaving her imagination free to populate the novel with a unique cast of characters.
January 15, 2021
Home for Family
Marc and Kayla were introduced in the previous book in this series, and Craig and Sarah appear in this story often. The author includes difficult subjects of abandonment, trauma, and death as this rocky romance develops. Marc and Kayla meet during home hospice care. But their love story is strengthened by a depth of caring and tenderness that develop. The harsh climate of the North Country is a fitting backdrop for what these characters live through and become stronger from as a result. Herne's story of Faith and Forgiveness through adversity is one of her best.
Marc and Kayla were introduced in the previous book in this series, and Craig and Sarah appear in this story often. The author includes difficult subjects of abandonment, trauma, and death as this rocky romance develops. Marc and Kayla meet during home hospice care. But their love story is strengthened by a depth of caring and tenderness that develop. The harsh climate of the North Country is a fitting backdrop for what these characters live through and become stronger from as a result. Herne's story of Faith and Forgiveness through adversity is one of her best.
January 20, 2016
Amazing book exactly when I needed it
My Dad is dying of cancer and hospice is coming in and really helping well. I am struggling to keep my spirits up to give Dad all the love I can before he goes home to Jesus, but the child in me doesn't want him to go. This book helped relieve the struggle for awhile and that's all I hoped for.
My Dad is dying of cancer and hospice is coming in and really helping well. I am struggling to keep my spirits up to give Dad all the love I can before he goes home to Jesus, but the child in me doesn't want him to go. This book helped relieve the struggle for awhile and that's all I hoped for.
May 5, 2010
Sometimes you need a Christian romance with a little different setting, a little different style in order to hear the message it sends. Winter's End definitely delivers! Can't wait for the next in Ruth Logan Herne's series.
November 22, 2020
Beautiful
What a beautiful series. All three of these books are full of faith, hope and the belief that with God, all things are possible...definitely worth reading. Great job by the author 🙂
What a beautiful series. All three of these books are full of faith, hope and the belief that with God, all things are possible...definitely worth reading. Great job by the author 🙂
April 20, 2021
Kayla and Marc
This a story that stirs the heart from Pete and his death, to the return of Kayla to the farm. The epilogue makes up for all the loss and makes it all come together. Believe me when I say, I loved this book.
This a story that stirs the heart from Pete and his death, to the return of Kayla to the farm. The epilogue makes up for all the loss and makes it all come together. Believe me when I say, I loved this book.
July 9, 2010
Emotionally gripping with well-crafted characters and a beautifully constructed narrative. I found this story very touching and truthful. I cannot wait to read more work by this talented author!
March 1, 2021
Winters
I thoroughly enjoy reading all the stories by this author. She gently weaves life issues with biblical references that makes me a continued believer of God's love.
I thoroughly enjoy reading all the stories by this author. She gently weaves life issues with biblical references that makes me a continued believer of God's love.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews