Review: Running to the Hero - Heroes of Freedom Ridge #17

Running to the Hero book cover on blue background

Running to the Hero by Hannah Jo Abbott is just the type of runaway bride story that brings a smile to your face after learning about all of the pressures that Felicity has faced leading up to her wedding day. Her escape to Freedom, Colorado lands her among friends in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series.

Book Synopsis

Spending Christmas with a reclusive grinch isn’t exactly what this runaway bride had in mind for her honeymoon.

Felicity Keaton didn't even bother to shed her wedding dress when she left her hometown in the rearview mirror. As if it weren't already the worst day of her life, an accident lands her in the ER in an unknown town - where the handsome doctor is as mysterious as she is.

Jude Palmer tries to keep to himself, which is easier said than done in the small town where everyone knows your business. Living in a tourist hotspot at Christmas is difficult when you would rather be in seclusion.

When Felicity dives into the community in full holiday spirit, she drags Jude along with her. He’s determined not to enjoy it, but Felicity makes that nearly impossible.

Jude knows if he tells her about his past, she will run again. Can Felicity convince him he’s been the hero all along?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This book is a sheer delight. Jude and Felicity are characters to adore as they each grow in their understanding of Jesus and pursue Him first in their lives. Their prayers, their hearts, and their budding friendship all make this story such a special one. In many ways, their story feels so realistic that I couldn't help but see my own love story in theirs. I definitely appreciate all the themes that Hannah Jo Abbott touches on, including a relationship with God versus good works, forgiveness, people's expectations versus God's will, and so much more.

Not only is this a captivating romance, but the characters also reveal the faithfulness and sovereignty of God through His perfect timing. The family interactions show the messy and difficult side of life, making it even more relatable. Though Christmas is the backdrop to the characters’ time together, the true meaning of God coming to earth to be with us is much more pronounced. Everything flows together in Running to the Hero, and it is a quick read that will surely bring a smile to readers.

Book Summary

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

Comments

Theological Backgrounds

Have you ever wondered about the theological background of authors? I am sometimes curious, especially if there are things that pop up in their books that make me pay attention (either positively or negatively). What I've found is that it's not always easy to find out. Some authors will openly share what church or denomination they belong to, whereas others don't seem to mention it—which for privacy concerns, I completely understand. In terms of how important this information may be for readers, or not at all for some, it does make me think about the role that this could play when deciding which books to read and buy. On the one hand, I think not specifically knowing which theological stream an author comes from but still being aware that they fall within the broader evangelical umbrella is fine with me. There's so much to learn as believers and I wouldn't want to be limited to only simply what I know. On the other hand, not knowing much beyond "Christian"...

Review: Rebuilding His Trust

This is the third book that I chose for the HQN Shameless Romantics Library Reading Challenge this month and this time, I get to read a new-to-me author. Rebuilding His Trust by Jenna Mindel intrigued me as I am largely unfamiliar with equine therapy; however, after reading about it, it sounds like a fascinating field to work in. I love that we get to meet little Tommy and see how Pete and Bella—the horses—play just as important a role in this book. Many thanks to Harlequin Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Their surprising connection could be the key to a second chance. Jace Moore has been afraid to love since losing his parents as a teen. But when he meets equine therapist Meredith Lewis and her horse Bella, something shifts inside him. Soon, constructing her indoor riding arena turns into volunteering with her therapy program j...

Not Much Left

I recently heard a sermon at church that left me pondering what my time on earth could look like, especially after I am no longer here. One of the phrases that was used that made the strongest impression on me was "not much left" and it was in the context of a family member who had passed away and didn't have many material goods to disperse to their descendants. What impacted me most was that this family member was so invested in the lives of other people for eternity's sake that what remained was just the bare essentials and some good books that could be passed on. Ever since I heard these three little words, I've been thinking about what I want to leave behind. The idea of there not much being left seems like such a gift rather than having lots of material possessions that others have to organize and make decisions on. I touched on this thought a little earlier on when I wrote about how finding books is like going on a treasure hunt , but since that time, I...