Review: Stranded with the Hero - Heroes of Freedom Ridge #4

Stranded with the Hero book cover on blue background

Prepositions make such a difference, don't they? As someone who learnt English as an additional language (or English as a second language as it was called in my day), I sometimes get tripped up by knowing which proposition to use in a sentence. I'd like to think I've come a long way, but if I had to point to something I can keep working on, it would be this. It probably explains why in my head, I kept calling this book Stranded by the Hero, which of course would not be a romantic read at all. Regardless, I'm grateful that when I write, I have the chance to edit 😄 Hannah Jo Abbott's Stranded with the Hero is much more swoony because Carson doesn't strand Nicole! (That would be a bummer for the fourth book in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series!)

Book Synopsis

Her solo adventure leaves her alone for the holidays, until her handsome rescuer steps in.

Nicole Simmons planned a romantic weekend getaway in the mountains. She just didn’t expect to be going alone. Leaving her cheating ex-boyfriend and her usual cautious approach behind, she is determined to enjoy her unexpected adventure.

Carson Leavey became an EMT to help people. When he meets a tourist stranded for the holidays after an unfortunate skiing accident, he does what comes naturally. He never expects to fall for the feisty woman he is trying to help.

Alone and injured at Christmas in an unfamiliar place should be a miserable combination, but can the charm of Freedom Ridge and a certain thoughtful EMT have Nicole dreaming of a future she never expected? Or will Carson’s own fears put an end to this holiday romance before it even starts?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Hannah Jo Abbott's book was a delight to read! I appreciated having a further glimpse into the life of an EMT, and better understanding the emotional challenges that come with this profession. I also thought it was neat timing that this book was released during the pandemic with the concept of having to work from afar. It was refreshing that work was a predominant theme in the book, as it felt much more realistic with Carson and Nicole navigating a work/life balance with their burgeoning relationship.

The spiritual themes in Stranded with the Hero were well-developed and point all the glory back to God. Having Him be credited for the workings of the characters’ lives felt natural and normative in this book. The inner transformation that takes place for both Carson and Nicole was impactful, especially in the context of loneliness. Living at Freedom Ridge Resort sounds like it would be a dream; who wouldn't want to read books all day while looking out at a snow-capped mountain?!

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Comments

Review: The Call of Living Water - Refuge #1

Be still, my missions-loving heart! This is hands-down, one of the best fictional books I've read on this theme, and I cannot gush enough about it. The Call of Living Water by Alexis M. Melvin is a new book that will be released on August 23, 2025 and if I had to suggest a Christian fiction title that could make a difference in your walk with God this summer, it would be this one. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : tribal sacrifices, martyrdom Book Synopsis When the God of Living Water calls, will Suái be willing to risk her life and the lives of everyone she loves to answer? Deep in the jungle of Paraguay, Suái’s tribe worships indifferent gods who withhold the life-giving rain unless their worshippers make costly sacrifices. However, when a missionary arrives speaking of the loving God of Living Water, Suái’s curiosity leads her down a dangerous path. Thrust into a new life with p...

All the Cheese

I've been coming across content within the past several weeks that has stereotyped Christian books (and other mediums) as being cheesy on Christian accounts. While this isn't a new label or even a new topic, what has surprised me somewhat has been seeing more Christian authors jump into this conversation who wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. Although some authors will name others whom they believe are writing non-cheesy fiction, I feel as though the damage has been done by repeating this blanket statement. While readers have freely been engaging in this type of commentary for some time, it's been interesting to see authors chime in, where in some cases, there seems to be an emphasis on self-promotion over reflection. I'm not stereotyping and saying that all authors or even the authors I'm connected to respond with this tactic (because I really don't think they do!), but there are a few out there from my limited experience who seem to respond to this disc...

Review: No Stone Unturned - The Bluestocking Society #1

Seeing so many glowing reviews about No Stone Unturned by Jenelle Hovde after it was released, I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to still read a copy while it was available. Not only did the cover captivate me, I'm thrilled that its content was just as engaging as I envisioned it would be. Many thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis She wants to uncover the past. He wishes to build a future. In this Regency romance set in rolling hills of West Sussex, two opposing wills discover their fate may lie in the common ground. Miss Bridget Littleton’s passion for history and antiquities defies most social conventions, even in her small village nestled in the beautiful English countryside. When a local farmer discovers an elaborate mosaic buried in his field, Bridget dreams of making a name and future for herself by excavating the Roman r...