Review: Forgiven by the Hero - Heroes of Freedom Ridge #6

Forgiven by the Hero book cover on blue background

One of the things I have really appreciated in reading the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series is the opportunity to discover new authors. Tara Grace Ericson is a name I've seen pop up from time to time, so I'm delighted that I could finally read my first book from her. Forgiven by the Hero is the sixth book in this series, which means that I am a third of the way to being done!

Book Synopsis

They weren’t searching for love, but a snowstorm might help them find it.

Megan Warren is secretly Marcus Warner, best-selling author of adventure thrillers. Hiding away in a remote cabin near Freedom, Colorado is the perfect escape to meet the looming deadline from her publisher. Her peace and quiet keeps getting disrupted by the gruff Search and Rescue Officer using the mountain as training grounds, but she doesn't mind the interruptions.

Derek Held trusts dogs more than people, and his life revolves around training the best Search and Rescue dogs in the country. When he meets a mysterious woman holed up on the mountain, the Christmas season in Freedom suddenly looks a lot cheerier, until her evasive answers send up red flags.

An unexpected snowstorm shuts down the mountain, Megan and Derek are stranded in her tiny cabin, with only her secrets and his suspicions to keep them company. Can he learn to trust and let her rescue his heart?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Not only does this book explore the theme of a secret identity, but the secret identity belongs to an author! What better way to swoon over books than with a character who writes them? In addition to this fun plot, readers have the opportunity to learn more about what goes into training Search and Rescue dogs. This book has an element of adventure from both Megan and Derek's work, making it an engaging read. Beyond the characters' occupations, we catch a glimpse of what drives them in their life based on how they approach work. Derek's cautious nature coupled with Megan's desperate need for privacy clashes, bringing them to question what they know about each other.

Tara carefully balances this conflict with the need for spiritual guidance and prayer, making the characters relatable in their vulnerability. Both Derek and Megan discover the meaning of forgiveness at Christmas and the power of trusting in God. Their story is so well-crafted that it has me wanting to read a Marcus Warner book! With this book being Tara's first in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series, I definitely look forward to the next two that she has written. If you're looking for a cozy read set in a mountain cabin as a writer's retreat, this book is a real treat!

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...

Diverse Stories

One of the things I've been challenging myself to do this year has been to read more Christian books written by authors from other countries. I love that the body of Christ spans the four corners of the world and that we get to benefit from hearing so many different perspectives. I've also appreciated getting to know some amazing authors and readers online from other nations and continents as it's enriched my understanding of how Christians experience life. It helps me realize that the views I take for granted may only be limited to where I am situated, geographically and culturally. I haven't read all of the authors below yet, but here are a few Christian fiction authors who write from outside of North America if you're interested in reading more: Africa Ivy Emerson Enewerome Anna Jensen Tope Omotosho Asia Joanna Alonzo Joy Crain Australasia Narelle Atkins Liz Chapman Iola Goulton Jessica Kate Bessie Le Couteur Carolyn Miller Jennifer Mistmorgan Honey Stone Jessica...