Bookbox; strangely I had already read the 2nd in the series. A clutzy columnist fills in for her friend in a televised interview with a hunky cowboy, and somehow during the interview she bets him that he can't teach her to ride a cutting horse. Her publisher thinks it's a wonderful idea, so here she is in Wishing Springs, Texas for 2 months to learn everything she needs to know. ( )

Set in the small town of Wishing Springs, TX, Betting on Hope is the first novel in Debra Clopton's Four of Hearts Ranch series featuring the Monahan brothers. It is an overall sweet and heartwarming love story that fans of Christian fiction are sure to enjoy.

Maggie Hope is an introverted advice columnist who is out of her element when she is forced to step in front of the camera when she fills in during an interview with Tru Monahan. She is also a little clumsy and her first meeting with Tru includes several embarrassing mishaps. Her nervousness during their interview leads to a surprising challenge that neither of them plan to act on but Maggie's boss and Tru's sponsor think that the bet would garner both of them some much needed publicity. City girl Maggie is like a fish out of water on Tru's ranch, but with both their careers on the line, she sets aside her apprehension and concentrates on winning the bet.

Maggie has not had an easy life but she has an optimistic outlook and sunny disposition. She is also very kind-hearted and compassionate and this shows in the advice she gives to her readers. Maggie lacks confidence in unfamiliar situations and this coupled with her fears makes her very uneasy about having to follow through on the bet. However, the biggest obstacle that Maggie must overcome is her longstanding trust issues.

Tru is a hardworking cowboy whose finds his reputation as ladies' man rather embarrassing. He, along with his brothers Bo and Jarrod, inherited the family ranch after their parents' death and unbeknownst to anyone, his father had mortgaged it to the hilt. All three men have been working hard to pay off the massive debts, so Tru has to do what his sponsors ask of him. He gently encourages Maggie to overcome her fears but he remains frustrated by her continued lack of confidence in herself.

Tru and Maggie harbor misconceptions about each other but they quickly and easily clear up some of their early misunderstandings. They share a mutual attraction, but for the longest time, they avoid acting on it. When Tru receives devastating news, he pulls back from Maggie, which leaves her understandably upset and confused since he refuses to give her an explanation. Maggie also has a secret she has been keeping, but when she is threatened by someone from her past, she turns to Tru for some much needed advice.

The small town setting is perfect for the story and it is quite enjoyable getting to know its residents. The townspeople are quite colorful and a little eccentric, but they are very likable. They are a little nosy and over involved in each other lives, but it is also quite obvious they genuinely care about their friends and neighbors.

Betting on Hope is a lovely romance with a very appealing cast of characters. Debra Clopton does an excellent job keeping the storyline fresh and unpredictable with a few unexpected plot twists. It is an overall wonderful beginning to the Four of Hearts Ranch series and I am very much looking forward to reading Bo and Jarrod's novels. ( )

Title: Betting on Hope (A Four of Hearts Romance Book #1)
Author: Debra Clopton

Tru Monahan, a quarter horse rider/trainer, is part owner of the Four of Hearts Ranch with his older brother Jarrod and younger brother Bo. After losing both parents in a plane crash they almost lose the ranch, due to their father’s gambling debts, but all three are working hard to pay off the debts. The brothers also are caring for their grandfather whom they lovingly refer to as “Pops”.

Maggie Hope is a newspaper writer for an advice column, a klutz, doesn’t trust men and is hiding a secret past. Covering for a sick friend Maggie has to interview Tru. Because of her nerves Maggie accidentally bets Tru that he won’t be able to train her, being the klutz she is. After seeing the chemistry between them, Maggie’s boss and Tru’s sponsors jump on the bet. Everyone is happy except Maggie and Tru.
The town and its residents are similar to those of Mule Hollow. This book deals with tough subjects like Alzheimer, teen pregnancy, a con artist, robbery, gambling, faith and whole lot more in a positive way.
Debra’s imagery is fantastic. When she is describing Molly’s attempt to mount a horse, I almost fell out of bed laughing and had tears rolling down my cheeks. If you enjoy humor in your romance novels you need to add the name Debra Compton to your list of authors to read.

Title: Betting on Hope (A Four of Hearts Romance Book #1)
Author: Debra Clopton
Website: http://debraclopton.com/
Pages: 320
Year: 2015
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Cowboys, horses and romance…can there be any better of mix for a story? Yep, and Debra Clopton found a way to bring other ingredients to the book. The ingredients like a con artist run away, robbery, faith and whole lot more! Readers will enjoy the slow unveiling of the tale between the two main characters, Hope and Tru.
Tru is part owner of the Four of Hearts Ranch with his older brother Jarrod and younger brother Bo. They almost lost the ranch, but all three are working hard to pay off unknown debts discovered after losing both parents in a plane crash. The brothers also are caring for their grandfather whom they lovingly refer to as “Pops”. Hope is a columnist for a Houston paper where she doles out advice and hides in a cubicle until she is forced to take an assignment due to her reporter friend being sick. During the interview, Hope is roped into facing her fears.
I didn’t have to read long before I was consumed with the fictional lives of the characters. In the novel, hard topics are woven into the fabric which brings depth to the plot, drawing in the heart of the audience. Here is the first installment of the series with another planned for later in 2015. I am amazed at how brilliantly and encouraging the story is when dealing with some heavy issues, including the fact that the brothers are caring for Pops who has Alzheimer’s through both good days and bad days. The bond the brothers share, the love of the ranch life and horses I felt strongly throughout the book.
I cannot wait to see what the next book has in store. I hope it shares more of Tru, Hope, horses and other characters’ futures! Great novel!
My rating is 5 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )

5 Stars ***** out of 5
Contemporary Romance

No, this is not a book about gambling, though I have been known to say that farmers and ranchers gamble every day with high stakes. The title drew me...Betting and Hope in the same breath? Even now, after I am done the book, and understand what the editor was trying to portray, I am not sure if you as my readers would pick it up. The handsome cowboy on the cover in deep concentration is irresistible, and I know the author is a great one. If you enjoy humor in your romance novels, such as Mary Connealy writes, you want to remember the name Debra Compton. She has a new fresh voice with her own brand of humor.
The novel is well written, and I thoroughly loved getting to know the people of Wishing Springs. Just as we interact with many people, each with their own issues, so do Maggie and Tru, giving the story depth and interest. I look forward to reviewing more books by Debra, and hope you grow to love her, too

Thank you to the author Debra Clopton, Amy Lathrop at Litfuse Publicity Group and TNZFiction for the opportunity to read this book. I was given a free book in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions are my own. ( )