Ashley is passionate about her work of rescuing abused and neglected horses. Ben believes that God has called him to use his grandfather’s farm as a horse therapy center for lost souls. So, when friends introduce him to Ashley and her horses it seems like God has opened a door. He hopes he can also open her heart to his love.
I thought the author did a beautiful job of choosing scripture to be included in the story. It wove seamlessly into the story and really enhanced it. The story itself was a little sad and hard to get excited about sometimes. Ashley and Ben’s story runs alongside a historical story of one of Ben’s ancestors circa World War II. I actually found this story quite interesting but didn’t feel that it always connected to the present day story. This is a pleasant book and an easy way to contemplate life and the Word.

First things first, the cover on this book is just so beautiful. I love the distant mountains, big blue sky, the big red barn and the couple holding hands. It did however, give me a little too much information! I came into the story with a big idea what would happen. It left little to the imagination. So while I love the cover, I wish it wouldn't have included so much information.
Anyways, the story! The story was great. It was unique with its focus on rescue horses and horse therapy. I didn't come into the story knowing much about these topics so that was a nice treat. The characters are really likeable and well written. I love the romantic tension between Ben and Ashley from the moment they first meet. I found myself rooting for them as a couple! I love the way Hatcher balances dialogue with story. It's never too much. It comes in right at the right time and gives the reader a good feel for the characters and what is going on not only externally but internally as well. The story reads quickly and is enjoyable. Great for a slow summer evening or a cold winter day inside.
I did feel a little disconnect between the time hops. I felt like that could have been left out with no real affect on the storyline. I know people love time hops and usually I do too. Sometimes though I feel like they are a little overdone. I loved the consistency of the time hop, at the end of the chapters. They were well written and interesting... I am just not sure how much they add to the story.
Overall I loved the story. It follows suit from Hatcher's previous books. I almost wished for a little surprise. A little something unexpected. But I love Hatcher's books and will continue to read each one! They are great. I give this book 3.5 stars. I received a copy from CelebrateLit. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Robin Lee Hatcher’s Cross My Heart is a novel that goes back and forth with the past and present time. The reader gets to know Andrew and Ben starting in the 1940s and family relation, Ben Henning and Ashley in present day. Ben is working on hard to restart his life and put it to good use since God has given him a second chance. Part of his life’s plan is to start a horse therapy center in his family’s farm that has been the home to the Hennings for generations. In order to get started, Ben crosses paths with Ashley and they begin a special friendship.

This book has a strong theme of addiction and those affected by it. I connect with Ashley the most as she deals with the emotions that come when a family member deals with addiction. Ashley tries to make sense of how she knows she loves her brother and wants what is best for him. Yet, she feels frustrated that her brother is able to do so much emotional damage to her mother.

The book is part of a series but the book can be read without reading the previous books. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and seeing how there was healing for the characters as they grew. I also enjoyed learning more about equine therapy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

I received an electronic ARC of this book from Net Galley

Loved this book! Felt spiritually renewed after reading it.

Cross My Heart is book two in the Legacy of Faith Series, by Robin Lee Hatcher, but can be read as a standalone novel.
This is a very good book of forgiveness, recovery, grace and healing.
Ben Henning is a recovering alcoholic who has been sober for 5 years and spends a lot of his time helping others going through some of the same struggles that he has faced. He has inherited a farm that has been in his family for many years and is opening an equine therapy barn to help others in their healing.
Ashley Showalter loves horses and runs a horse rescue farm. Ben ask Ashley to come help him get his equine therapy barn started.
Because Ashley has dealt with a lot of trouble with her brother and his problem with alcohol, she has some major trust issues and is afraid of getting too close to Ben or any other man.
The story of God's redeeming love, power and forgiveness is such a wonderful part of this story, I did not want to put it down until I finished. I highly recommend this book.
I thank NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book with my own opinion.

Can two broken paths lead toward God’s redemption?



When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Both were raised by single moms. Both want to help where they see a need. And both work with horses in the Boise valley. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great-grandfather’s farm—and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.

They also carry the burden of past experiences that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict residing in court-ordered rehab. Holding fast to the belief that addicts can never be cured, Ashley has promised herself she will never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible—but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? Or will her brother’s mistakes and the pain of her past jeopardize her future with Ben?

Cross My Heart threads together a contemporary love story with the heartwarming tale of Ben’s great-great-grandfather, Andrew Henning—reminding us that God’s Word is timeless and that His promises are new every morning.



My Thoughts: This is such a wonderful story. The readers will love the story of Ben's family history and the wonderful woman Sashley who is all about rescuing horses. This is a story of healing, it's also about rescuing or saving those who are in a bad situation whether they be human or equine. God loves us so much that He sent His son to die on the cross for us. We are to love as He loves us and I do believe that is shown in this story. The way Andrew Henning took in 3 children to love on them as his own. It's about Ben's recovery and the forgiveness of his friend.


This story will win the hearts of its readers, I truly enjoy horses and the equine therapy is a wonderful idea for those who are hurting in any sort of way.


I look forward to more from Robin Lee Hatcher.

This is a “split time” story, and I found both parts of the book to be quite interesting. I have to admit that I liked the chapters that were set during World War II a little more than the present day chapters, and almost wished that the entire book had been centered around the earlier time period. But that being said, I enjoyed reading this book. In both time periods, there were difficult situations that had to be overcome. I appreciated the strong message of faith and trust in God during times that seemed almost impossible. I’ll be looking forward to reading more books in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Hatcher gives readers a gentle story of horse ranching life intertwined with with a good romance. Her writing style makes for an easy and satisfying novel. Most of it takes place in contemporary times while there are snatches of stories from a character's ancestors during WW II. I am not sure I understand the significance of the historical sections since they did not seem to parallel the contemporary story nor contain similar issues.

Readers who like a gentle Christian romance will like this one. There is no suspense, no unexpected twists or turns. The romance aspect is done well, with a few obstacles needed to be overcome. The serious issue of alcohol and drug dependency and the radical change that can happen when a life is turned over to Jesus are included. There is also the issue of horse rescue and how some horses are terribly mistreated.

It is a heartwarming and gentle novel I enjoyed reading.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Ben Henning is living on his great-great-grandfather's farm with a desire to turn it into an equine therapy barn. This desire comes from a tragic event in his past. While meeting those who may be able to assist in his dream, he meets Ashley Showalter, another horse lover. Ashley has a very small farm and rescues horses, but would love to have a larger place and be able to help so many more horses. She believes in Ben's dream and agrees to help him find horses for the farm.
Ben's grandfather has passed the family Bible down to Ben. The Bible belonged to the original owner of the farm, Ben's great-great grandfather, Andrew Hennings. Chapters from his life are interspersed through the book. Andrew and his wife, Helen, have a strong faith in God. They lived through many struggles including the Great Depression. Now, Hilter and another World War will send them to their knees in prayer. Their son, Andrew left to be a bomber pilot. Oscar, a younger son, became very angry when a friend was killed in the war and he desires to go to war. His reasons are all wrong, as he wants only to kill. Andrew and Helen are thankful he is not old enough to join and prays the war will end before he, too, can go. But, Oscar does the unthinkable. I'm not going to say more so as not to spoil it too badly for the reader.
Ashley has a lot of anger towards her brother, Dylan. Her mother is somewhat of an enabler to him. Imagine Ashley's surprise, horror and fear when she learns that Andrew has much in common with Dylan.
Wonderful, wonderful story of hope, forgiveness, redemption, and salvation to only name a few qualities in this book. I learned so much about equine therapy! Great characters, great story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cross My Heart, book two in the Legacy of Faith series, is another home run by Robin Lee Hatcher. This is a highly engaging story filled with very relatable characters going through very real issues. I loved every minute spent with Ben, Ashley, Andrew, and Helen, and I am sad my time with them is over. I am definitely looking forward to the next installment of this series!

A dominant issue in this novel is addiction and how it harms not just the one addicted, but his or her loved ones too. Of the characters in Cross My Heart, I relate the most to Ashley, the older sister to an alcoholic, drug-addicted brother. In a frustrating moment, Ashley vents to the reader how strange it is to be able to love and hate someone at the same time. Ashley states, “No, hate was too strong a word. She didn’t hate Dylan. But she resented all that he had done to their mom, and she resented the way his addictions had altered her own life too. Sometimes she wished she would never have to see him again, never have to talk to him again, never have to talk about him again.” This seems really harsh and uncaring if you are lucky enough to have never dealt with a loved one suffering from an addiction. But, if you have someone close to you who was or is an addict, I bet Ashley’s sentiments resonate. They most assuredly did with me.

I don’t resent my brothers any more, but I did once upon a time. All of my brothers have addictive personalities and have run the gamut where drugs and alcohol are concerned. For a long time, they made life miserable for just about everyone they knew especially my parents. I resented them for many reasons: for wasting the lives God had blessed them with; for the fear they made me feel on a regular basis (there were a few years I believed they would not make it through their addictions); for how much they hurt my parents both emotionally and financially — a mother’s heart can only take so many midnight calls from the cops; for their narcissism and abject selfishness; for their meanness (some of the drug/alcohol combos exacerbated their ability to be downright vicious); and, most of all, because they’ve never apologized. Not one time have any of my brothers said they were sorry for their behaviors while under the influence. I’m hoping they’ve apologized to our parents, but as far as I am concerned, I’ve never heard the words, “I’m sorry.” There were many years I wanted NOTHING to do with my brothers. But I, like Ashley in Cross My Heart, learned that I had to forgive them. I had to give to God all of my feelings — my sadness, anger, disappointment, resentment, and fear. I had to let God do His work in them, and let it all go. It wasn’t easy, but I’m glad I did because now I can appreciate the men my brothers have become. Men with amazing wives, fantastic children, and very interesting jobs. They have become the brothers I knew they always could be, and I am very proud of them. Their positive changes are 100% God’s doing, and I am so grateful to Him for His good works.

Cross My Heart is a wonderful story that made me cry one minute and cheer the next. It is a lovely story about finding God through the tough times, learning to trust and let go, and forgiving others. This is a novel and series I heartily recommend.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

One old farmhouse and the stories it can and will tell. The days of the Great Depression, the anxious times as family awaited news from the war front and now something very new.

Ben has inherited the old farm that has been in the family for many years. Equine therapy helped him learn to accept some of the poor choices he made. Could he possible transform the old farm into Harmony Barn and thus pay that help forward? Ashley has long had a love for horses, to the point where she now participates in horse rescue. This therapy has helped her work through some of the issues of her youth. Will it be possible for them both to learn to trust in the Lord and His leading in this venture?

The author has done a fabulous job of seamlessly joining the old story with the new, bringing life to the old farmhouse and giving the reader the feeling that everyone’s story just continues on. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about what is involved in equine therapy. As a horse lover myself, I can just imagine what comfort can be derived from such a gentle giant.

This ARC was received through NetGalley and CelebrateLit. These comments, impressions and opinions are my own.

I actually loved this book more than the first. It had appealing characters. Drama. Damage. Good hearts. It was a sweet (oh so sweet), but not painless, journey of redemption. I love the dual timeline and flashbacks. Andrew's reflections are heartfelt and honest and I would love to read notes from my great-great-grandfather. While life is ugly and we all have our scars, the book was a reminder that we are not just our experiences and with grace, we can become more than the sum of our past.

I enjoyed this sweet love story, which is the second in the series by Robin Lee Hatcher. I was especially intrigued by the equine therapy ranch that the male protagonist, Ben, is working to open on his families' farm. I think I enjoyed the parallel story of Andrew Henning and his family even more than the main storyline. We first meet Andrew in the first novel in the series as a young married man just starting a family. In this second novel, the country is in the midst of World War II, and two of his sons go off to war. Throughout both storylines, Mrs. Hatcher beautifully weaves in the gospel and learning to trust God in the midst of life's trials and triumphs. I look forward to the third book in the series

Robin Lee Hatcher does it again. This was such a great book. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with such relatable characters and a phenomenal story line, this is a page turner that you can’t put down. The quotes in this book are life changing. She leaves you wanting more page after page but totally satisfied at the end. I look forward to reading anything this author writes.

This story was too cute for words. I enjoyed how Robin presented two flawed characters who were not ashamed of their faith. Also, who doesn’t like a book about horses. Ben was my favorite character. Well done Robin.





**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley. I was not required to give positive feedback.

Cross My Heart is a touching story of faith and healing.

When Ben is given the ranch which has been in the family for many generations, he has a dream of using it to start an equine therapy program. This tenderhearted man had been helped through a similar program years earlier. I really loved his heart for the Lord and the sensitivity he had toward others.

Ashley was a mite prickly; which was understandable given the things she had endured. The walls she put up to protect herself actually drew me to her - I wanted her to be able to tear them down and find peace and healing from her pain!

There was a bit of family drama: Ben's mother trying to find a way to get money out of the ranch Ben had inherited and Ashley's brother in court-appointed rehab.

I especially enjoyed the snippets in the historical portion of the story, following Ben's ancestors through World War II. Andrew's faith and determination to keep trusting the Lord through all their uncertainties was so beautiful. Seeing him journal in his Bible and then later seeing Ben find the things he had written there was a great touch!

While I could tell at the beginning I was not reading the first book about this family, Cross My Heart was written in such a way that it easily stand alone. I am now, however, very curious about the things I missed in Andrew's life and have plans to find and read Who I Am With You.

Due to the dual timeframes of the story, readers of historical and contemporary fiction will both enjoy this sweet story.

My Thoughts:
As you may know, we have a small farm here. One of the main animals on our farm are horses. We love them! Our children love to ride them and so do we. But we also use them for Civil War reenacting which means they are well-trained animals. The thought of using horses for therapy is definitely a good one in my mind. I know that they act as therapy for myself and friends and could very well see them being used in an official capacity.

Great read. The characters were compelling. I mean you felt for Ashley and the fact that she never wants to place herself in a situation to be hurt from an addict again. But yet she wants to help addicts. She is so confused but she knows that she wants to protect her heart.

And Ben. Poor Ben. He’s a recovered alcoholic. Recently he inherited a 40-acre farm that he wants to turn into an equine therapy place. His mom calls him stupid for not selling, and on a regular basis at that. All he really wants though is to obey God in what he believes he’s been told. That’s why it hurts so much when everyone says no and closes the door to help him.

That is until he is referred to Ashley and she doesn’t immediately say no.

Robin Lee Hatcher is a wonderful author. I’ve read many of her books and knew that I’d love this one. It reads quickly and keeps you entertained. I never felt that I needed to put the book down or that I wanted to skip ahead because it was boring. It definitely wasn’t boring.

No real mystery or suspense, but a great read. A good wholesome book while also covering some of the harder parts of society today like an addiction. Mental health is a hot topic these days as people still feel shame from it but society is also recognizing it more. Equine therapy is a great thing to get out there into peoples minds though so I love that it’s a focal point.

Recommend. And while you’re reading this one go ahead and find some of her other books to read too. You’re going to love them. Clean fiction with some good clean romance. Perfect snuggle on the couch during a thunderstorm at night reading.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

'Cross My Heart' is the first book I've read by Robin Lee Hatcher and I was touched and taught wonderful things that will stay with me. The technique of switching from the present to the past centered on ancestors and a Bible was wonderfully done. I know someone who has made life choices similar to Ben's and the emotions and faith are expertly drawn. I highly recommend this book and will look forward to more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

What a beautiful story of hope, loss, salvation and grace. All the intricacies of a messy life are inextricably woven between Ashley and Ben in this second book based around the old Henning Family Bible. I could picture myself at the barn where injured souls and horses are brought back to thrive. The romance was sweet and delicately done and the faith element sensitive without hiding truth.

Highly recommend.

Cross My Heart is a very well written inspirational romance. I loved the believable plot and characters. This author never fails to deliver a great read. I highly recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital arc. This is my unbiased review.