Novels in series are always an interesting thing. There are some series that follow siblings, some that have the main characters in each of the stories, and others that simply share a common theme. I can’t think of any other series that starts out at the same spot and then moves in three different directions–each one following a separate sister. The idea of this series certainly intrigues me and I was quite interested in giving one of them a try.
**I received a copy of this book from Harvest House and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**
The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man faster than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they’re about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.
Anne-Marie, the middle sister, is saved by Creed Walker, a Crow warrior. It’s loathing at first sight, but with bandits on their tail and a cache of gold to hide, Creed and Anne-Marie need each other. Will they learn to put aside their differences and trust each other—and God? And can their growing faith turn their lives around?
“God doesn’t ask that we understand, only that we accept what is entrusted to us.”
-AnneMarie McDougal, My Heart Stood Still
Characters: For some reason, I found the characters of this book quite hard to relate to. Creed seemed very sullen and serious most of the time and he never really seemed to open up. AnneMarie was quite the opposite, but she felt kind of flighty. Most of the time I just didn’t feel like the characters felt quite as developed as they could be to make this novel really shine.
Storyline: The concept of this series of books is so fun! This particular story definitely had me intrigued. The characters definitely found themselves in one tough spot after another. With so much trouble, it made this book move along quite quickly.
My Thoughts: There were times that I enjoyed the book, but there were definitely a couple of things I did not enjoy as much. The relationship between Creed and AnneMarie never really feels like it develops too much further than initial physical attraction. Second, the comments about faith and the times we see a character pray don’t feel like they come through in the story quite as naturally as they normally should. The book definitely had it’s good moments overall, and I did find some enjoyment within the pages.
The way that these books are set up, I don’t think they need to be read in any particular order. I understand that the first book has some opening scenes that are relevant to the following books in the series. I read this one without having read the first and I don’t think it hindered my ability to enjoy the story.
About the Author:
Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters.
Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995, after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market.
Lori is the author of more than 100 titles, both historical and contemporary fiction. With more than 3 million copies of her books in print, she has developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She has been honored with the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books’ Best Seller award. In 2000, Lori was inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame.
Lance and Lori are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work through School to the Nations.
D.L. Kamstra 
Hi Kamstra, I have nominated you for an award! 🙂 see more at https://swongs1126.wordpress.com/2015/04/13/my-first-nomination-for-an-award/
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