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

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...

Fallen

This is a post that I wish I didn't have to write. Please understand that I recognize that we are all fallen; therefore, everything that we create is marred, imperfect, and tainted due to sin. What I'm exploring is what happens when there are authors or other creators who have acted in a way that harms others and there is little-to-no news of repentance or reparations being made. I'm not writing anything investigative as many skilled and brilliant Christians are already doing so. I'm more writing as a bystander who is grieved at some of the news that has come up and attempting to process it all. The first news that really impacted me was learning about the passing of Jennifer Lyell, former Lifeway Vice President, whom headlines have also called a Southern Baptist Convention abuse survivor . This hit close to home for a multitude of reasons even though prior to yesterday, I hadn't heard of her story. One of the reasons it affected me was because the professor who was...

Review: The Maker of the Mountain

I'm always on the hunt for children's books that share concepts about God in an understandable manner, so I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to read this book set in the mountains. The Maker of the Mountain by Sandra McCracken and Tim Nicholson is a story that I would be happy to share with the children in my life as it combines Bible verses with a map and delightful scenes in nature. Many thanks to Merge Public Relations for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis What is God like? Little Brown Bear is on an adventure to find the maker of the mountain and discover what he is like. Along the way, the bear meets new friends who share that the maker is like a bridge and a gate, a rock and a boat. And he’s always there to light our way home. This charming story offers: Imagery from the Bible to help young readers better understand what God is like A map of the bear’s world with corresponding Scriptures...