Redemption is possible ( )

Title: A Texan’s Choice (The Heart of a Hero Series #3)
Author: Shelley Gray
Pages: 320
Year: 2012
Publisher: Abingdon Press
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
Rosemarie Cousins has spent the better part of her life being ignored by her family unless they need something from her. They have held her responsible for the death of her younger brother several years ago. Her father has just died a couple of hours ago, and there is a strange man dressed in all black, claiming he owns their broken-down ranch. He claims he won the deed in a poker game about a month ago. Her mother verifies her father’s signature on the deed and begins to clear the house of any items of value, leaving Rosemarie next to nothing. She has been told by her mother and older sister that she is not welcome to come and life with her sister. Only her mother will be given that option. Rose is left to fend for herself. Maybe the new owner needs a housekeeper or a cook? If she doesn’t manage to get him to hire her, she will have no where to live and no means to survive.
Scout Proffitt is tired of being a hired gun. He has a reputation as a mean as a snake killer for hire. He just wants to be left alone now. However, the little piece of his heart that is left can’t bring himself to tell Rose to leave. The local preacher stops by and won’t let them continue to live in sin, even though Scout is sleeping in the barn and Rose in the house. He doesn’t want a wife. Rose isn’t really sure she wants to be married to a killer. Scout has been sure his soul is lost, but with Rose in his life he begins to remember the faith he had as a boy. He misses his big brother and sister but isn’t sure if he’s ready to see them yet. A few members of his old gang arrive and tell Scout of an opportunity that could change his life. Will he truly be given a second chance or is this some trick to capture the well well-known killer?
This was a wonderful love story between two people, as well as between God and his everlasting love for his children. Both Rose and Scout felt unloved and unwanted unless someone needed something from them. Over time, they learn that when God is in the mix, love can happen in the least likely circumstances and that God gives his children second chances and third chances and fourth chances, etc. This series was a joy to read. So, order your copy of the series today for a marvelous trip to the West in the mid-1870s for romance, faith journeys and much more!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )

Title: A Texan’s Choice (The Heart of a Hero Book #3)
Author: Shelley Gray
Pages: 320
Year: 2012
Publisher: Abingdon Press
What a palatable tension builds in the last book of this series, it was terrific! All three novels are stories of hope and redemption when all seems lost, broken and the characters despair of life in dire situations. The tale starts with the first novel in the series A Texan’s Promise continues with A Texan’s Honor before winding up parts of the story in the final book reviewed today. One of the many things I enjoy about stories and authors is the many differences in writing style, plot, characters and themes. Shelly Gray wraps up the novel series by tying up some loose ends in the books while leaving some unfinished, left to the readers imaginations.
I was captivated by the books, characters and the way the writer shows how faith can play such a huge role in life. Usually fictional plots, characters and more is taken both from the imagination of the author along with experiencing and watching human beings. Readers will be able to relate to the characters as they think on their pasts along with choices that they made and the probable consequences thereof both short and long term.
Shelley Gray does a wonderful job of showing us through her novel series that while we tend to assume others think one way about us, it is not usually how they really do. A couple of her characters were afraid of moving forward in contacting people because of letting their assumptions dictate their choices. Yet, in a real climactic moment the walls of hearts come down in the characters and as a result they see how so much alike they are really alike when all is said and done. A bunch of the men longed for new beginnings but feeling unworthy of such a leap from how they currently were living lawless lives to normal ones seemed impossible. Therein is the picture of what faith is, being convinced of what is hoped for along with knowing that without the Lord truly new beginnings aren’t possible.
I hope during this summer you take some time to read and appreciate the various adventures and fictional people introduced in all three books. The author did a splendid job and I am glad to have found these books and stories!
My rating is 5+ stars!


Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Texans-Choice-Heart-Hero-Book/dp/1426714653/ref=sr_1_1?ie=...
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 ( )

The author, Shelley Gray, did an excellent job on this series of stories. I liked them all and also loved the covers on these books. This story kind of brought a lot of the characters from all the books together. You can easily read it as a stand alone, but you miss out on a lot of background by not reading the other two first.

Scout Proffitt arrives in West Texas to take over a farm he won in a gambling game. He is a known hired gunslinger who just wants to put his past behind him and live a normal life. When he arrives he finds the family (a mother and two daughters) getting ready to bury the husband who has just past away. The mom and one daughter leave and because of bitterness in their heart, leave behind also the one daughter, Rosemarie, to fend for herself. Scout is now stuck with a woman who is very determined to stay and help him out around the farm. It was a very tender endearing part of the story to see these two people fall in love and each help the other one through their doubts and fears.

There was also other stories going on in this book, and all three situations come together as you keep reading. There is Miles Grant who is trying to run his ranch, keep rustlers from harming his animals or men and keep his housekeeper happy by finding a wife. Then there is Russell Champion and his friends who are trying to find Scout and do a job that would finally free the men from being "wanted" by the law.

There was a lot going on in this story, but I thought it all came together very well and thoroughly enjoyed myself reading all three stories in this series. Can a hired killer turn around and make something of himself. Sure he can. It helps though if he has someone who believes in him and truly cares for him. It also helps that he has family that never gave up on him and prayed for him. God does answer prayer, but sometimes it just takes a little longer than we had hoped. Saddles up, sit back and enjoy the ride! ( )

This is the third book in the Heart of a Hero Series, and I would recommend you read all of these books, but you can read this one without. Enough information is provided to allow you to know what is going on.
We start this book in 1874 West Texas, and if you think you have had a bad day, Rosemarie Cousin's would probably win. She has just lost her Father, and her Mother and Sister have left her. Then a man shows up to claim he owns her home and ranch....Scout Proffitt won the property in a card game from her Father.
You will feel sorry for Rosemarie right from the beginning. When she was eight and her brother was four, he drowned while she was watching him. Her family has blamed her ever after. Some family!
Scout Proffitt has lived his life as a gunslinger and has been on the run. When out of the blue an offer appears, he will not be able to turn down.
We follow along as other characters we have learned to love a reintroduced, and we wonder if all will survive, or will we say goodbye?
What happens between Rosemarie and Scout is sweet, and although unexpected, we hope for Rosemarie. Ah, she deserves to be happy, but can she find it with a gunslinger?
We find that a lot of these people need to find forgiveness, and the Lord surely leads them. Enjoy this great read...you won't be able to leave this one alone once you start.

I received this book from Pump Your Book Virtual Tours, and the Publisher Abingdon Press, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )