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

Review: The Light of Stars - The Bluestocking Society #2

I am so overjoyed that I was able to read The Light of Stars by Jenelle Hovde as it was everything I hoped it would be, plus even more. I knew going into it that there would be suspense, intrigue, romance, crossing cultures, and science, but the way that everything came together was sheer bliss. A brilliant exposition into biblical justice without sacrificing any elements of the plot, the second book of The Bluestocking Society releases on July 14, 2026 and you'll want to add it to your TBR! Many thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : self-forgiveness; child abductions; violence toward labourers; references to debauchery, corruption Book Synopsis An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in g...

Review: A Brewed Awakening

With surnames like Austen and Dashwood, you know that the people of Wisteria, North Carolina are just itching for a romance to play out before their eyes. A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham is definitely a rude awakening for Daphne, and it's a fun journey that we get to go on as we see a small town band together to support old and new local businesses. Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : several New Age references including séances, hauntings, and manifestation; symbols of luck; mentions of speaking to and praying to deceased family members; near conflation of deceased family members to deity Book Synopsis Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival? In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings t...

Review: Not Exactly Mr. Darcy - The Silver Teapot #1

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Carolyn Miller 's contemporary books, so discovering that she was going to have an Austen-themed series out made me want to read these books even more. Not Exactly Mr. Darcy is the first in The Silver Teapot series , promising us many Pride and Prejudice easter eggs through this family of five Bennett sisters (including a mother named Elizabeth) and all things Regency-related. It's the perfect blend of Carolyn's historical and contemporary romances! Many thanks to Barbour Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Pride, Pemberley, and Second Chances When history-loving Olivia Bennett’s teaching contract isn’t renewed, she is considered her family’s logical choice to care for her ailing grandmother in a tiny English village. While there, she soon finds additional work at nearby Hartbury Hall―one of England’s great houses once used ...