3 stars. Nice story overall, but I didn't LOVE it. Very strong Christian theme, but not overly preachy.Unfortunately though, I think this will be a rather forgettable story, especially by this year's end, if not before. I originally had received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review..

A private eye investigating the leading lady? So intriguing but bound to be trouble! I loved every minute of it. This aspect of the romance was very well written and kept me hooked throughout.

The difficult relationship between a mother and daughter was well written. It’s been a while since I read this book (about six months; I’m way behind on reviews at the moment), but this aspect stood out enough for me to jot a note about it.

I wasn’t sure how the journal (historical thread) connected to the contemporary thread for the longest time. It was rather fun how Emma discovered the journal, but I would have liked to see a stronger connection from one era to the other throughout the story. Otherwise, it can feel like two stories were slapped together instead of being written in two separate books.

The solid sense of community stood out to me. Definitely a highlight for me when community is featured. This is so needed in society right now.

Faith, family, and contentment were strong themes in this story—a trio of my favorite things!

It was neat to see how these characters struggled through the Great Depression and with the loss of a child. So well written!

Content: alcohol, drugs mentioned, overdose mentioned, drunkenness

Six years after a terrible divorce that upended her life, Olivia Ward's life is once again upturned when she learns that she will receive custody of her daughter Emma, whom she has not seen for years. Will she be able to reconnect with her daughter despite the years apart?

A heartfelt and faith filled read about a mother and daughter's reunion, as well as the tale of a young mother 100 years before and her struggles through the unknowns trying to hold her family together during the Depression.

A lovely story with heartfelt characters, struggling to do the right thing and make sense of where they are at. I loved Millie's journal entries, at first they seemed to no have anything to do with the main story but as the story progressed the connection was more clear. Tyler is a great guy, who finds himself caught between duty and his growing friendship with Olivia and Emma.

Overall, this was an enjoyable smalltown read set in a few places that may be familiar if you are a fan of Robin Lee Hatcher like I am. I liked the honesty of the characters, they were flawed, but easy to cheer for just the same. I especially liked the strong message of faith and trusting God through the storms.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Like the Wind by Robin Lee Hatcher is a story of second chances between a mother and her daughter.

Olivia Ward arrived in Bethlehem Springs destitute and devastated. Her wealthy, powerful ex-husband divorced her and took everything from her, including their 9-year-old daughter, Emma. He didn't really want his daughter, but he knew keeping her would hurt Olivia the most. Olivia has visitation, but finances keep her rooted in place. When her ex moves across the country, Olivia is limited to Facetime with Emma, which Emma has begun refusing. Six years have passed, and Emma is now 15 and in a private boarding school when Olivia gets a call from the school that changes her world. Emma will be coming to live with her. Can Olivia erase the years her ex stole from them and regain the loving daughter she used to have?

Tyler Murphy has seen the worst of family life. Growing up in foster care, he spent much of his time there trying to protect his little sister. He overcame his start in life, but she died from her addictions. Now, he works as an investigator specializing in child custody cases. Hired to investigate whether Olivia is fit to parent Emma, he is surprised by the compassionate, beautiful woman he finds. As he gets to know her, he sees that his employer's perception of her was skewed by the manipulative, vindictive words of her ex-husband, and are nowhere near the truth.

As Emma begins to settle into her new home, she takes an interest in the community drama program. Too late to win an actual role, she's thrilled to be part of the crew. Discovering an old diary in the props box piques her interest, and as she begins reading about Millie's life, her perspective on her mom begins to change. Could her mom have been as much a victim of circumstance as Millie seemed to be?

I loved how Ms. Hatcher wove the two stories together to make a beautiful whole. Each present-day chapter is followed by two or three short diary entries, which give glimpses into life during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl eras of US history.

Readers who love family drama with some romance and a bit of history thrown in will love Like the Wind. Robin Lee Hatcher writes Christian romance at its best.

This book speaks of Christian values and accepting God's will in our lives.

Olivia's ex-husband had taken away the marriage she had hoped would last forever and her young daughter, too. She had a hard time trusting after so much loss and heartache. Now, her daughter has returned to her as a teenager and they have some stuff to work through.

Tyler is an investigator and his client wants him to investigate a woman that he is beginning to want to be around on a more regular basis. He also had a hard life growing up and had disappointment and loss and he is trying to open himself up to the possibilities. Would secrets that he holds be the one thing that destroys the possibility of a happy ending?

The story is beautiful and difficult but through it all, there is hope of a brighter day. There is a journal that Emma, Olivia's daughter, found that lends itself to the notion that people throughout history experience difficulty and hardship and challenges but we can all trust that God will make it right in the end.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

Like the Wind, by Robin Lee Hatcher, is an interesting read using the dual timeline format. Olivia Ward first came to Bethlehem Springs, Idaho, about six years ago. At that time, Olivia was destitute and distraught after her wealthy, ruthless husband Daniel took everything away from her, including custody of their daughter, just because he could. Over the course of time, Olivia has taken charge of her life, opened her own computer design company, purchased her home, and is recovering from so many setbacks.

As the reader is introduced to Olivia, she is contacted by her daughter’s boarding school and told that her ex-husband had been killed in an accident. They asked Olivia to come get her daughter as there were no provisions in his will to keep Emma at the school. In fact, his corporation owned all assets and there was no legacy for Emma.

The first few weeks back in Idaho are difficult, with Emma angry and grieving. A perceptive Olivia takes advantage of Emma’s theater interest by taking her daughter to a local production which leads to Emma meeting people and getting an opportunity to try out for a walk on part in the next production. This opportunity also comes with finding the diary of an earlier era local settler in the props that gives Emma a new focus and perspective.

It is also at the play that Olivia and Emma meet Tyler Murphy. Tyler had a hard childhood in the foster system, but unlike his sister, Tyler had turned his life around and now worked as an investigator for a large legal firm. Although the company office is in Boise, two hours away, most of his work is done from home or requires travel. His current assignment, however, is local. He is investigating Olivia but his growing attraction is interfering with his work.

This is a well written story about rebuilding one’s life for each of the main characters. It is an enjoyable read and I do recommend it.

Well, this is a Christian novel. I'm not mad about it, just wish it would have been included in the description. I understand that this was an ARC, but the publishers logo on almost every page and they it displaced the text made this very hard to read. Cute, quick, clean read. I was more invested in Millie's story via the diary than I was in Olivia's story but still a good read.

This was a story that brought peace to me. I loved it.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

A wonderful story of second chances, rediscovering one's faith and understanding one's role in this world, Like The Wind by Robin Lee Hatcher manages to capture our attention from the moment the story starts and keeps us hooked in the lives of all the characters who form the main framework of this story.

There are two stories running in parallel - one is between Olive and her daughter Emma and the other being a diary written by a woman during The Great Depression, in which she writes about her life during those hard times. Emma reads the diary and it helps her find her way back to people she thought didn't care for her and understand herself as well. The author has managed to touch my heart with these people's stories and their journey in holding to their faith inspite of all these adversities.

This book is a must read for you if you are into Christian stories which make you think about yourself and your relationship with the Almighty along with telling a sweet story of second- chances.

This is quintessential Robin Lee Hatcher! A sweet story and quick read I finished in just a couple days.

Interspersing the diary entries with the present-day story was a creative way to prompt character growth, pique the reader's interest, and flesh out the story suitably. The book felt shorter than its 330-odd pages, and I felt it could have actually been a bit longer--especially around the climax; a character's about-face seemed a little rapid given the circumstances.

But, I still very much enjoyed the read, and would certainly pick it up again (and happily). Hatcher's books always feel like a nice cozy blanket, very comforting and sweet (and yet, she also doesn't shy away from life's challenging issues, either!).

4/5 stars.

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

I loved the premise of this novel, and I am a huge fan of split timelines. I was more engaged and interested in the diary, it's story and characters. Overall, I enjoyed this novel, but I didn't care too much about the characters in the present day

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

This is the first time that I have read anything by this author, but it will not be my last!

I enjoyed the amount of Scripture that is in this story and the prayers by the different characters.

This is another dual timeline with a diary involved and left me wanting to find out how the story would end.

Tyler, Emma and Olivia were my favorite characters.

Thanks souch to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

Like the Wind by Robin Lee Hatcher is a remarkable novel told in two time periods. Olivia struggles to connect with her teenage daughter and finds love along the way. The small town, the cast of characters— there’s so much to love about this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

“A strong March wind buffeted Olivia Ward’s back as she climbed the steps to the deck of her friend’s cabin.”

I was so excited to win this one from goodreads, I really liked this one!

What I liked:
- Quick and easy
- The journal entries

Meh:
- The climax was much shorter than I had anticipated. It didn’t feel very realistic to me. I wish I could say more but it might be a spoiler.

This book have two stories first from present day and other from another century provide from a diary. In present day Emma a teenage who must move with her mother find this diary, it is get her attention because the writer want to be actress too.

Both stories have their own struggle, question God, find God again. It is beautiful story here. I enjoy Bethlehem Springs scenery.

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#LikeTheWind #RobinLeeHatcher #ThomasNelsonFiction #NetGalley #ARC

Overall quite good:
This book was quite emotional at times and it tugged at my heartstrings, especially as I witnessed Olivia battling to reconnect with her estranged teenage daughter. I liked the powerful Christian message and my spirit felt uplifted from reading this book.
However I personally preferred the contemporary story more than the 1930s dual timeline part as I found it jumped a bit and the flow was disjointed. Also there was a slow to develop, later in life relationship between Olivia and Tyler and I would have liked to see less of an abrupt change of heart from her as she only really came around right at the end after struggling with trust issues.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Like the Wind by Robin Lee Hatcher is a most interesting read with strong Christian values, filled with grace and love. A book that holds your attention. It shows that if we are faithful in not being filled with wrath and vengeance when we are done an injustice we can come out on the top side. Olivia Ward lost everything when she requested a divorce from her controlling wealthy husband. Not just her marriage but her career and her daughter, Emma. Her ex didn't really want the child but being the hateful person he was, he didn't want Olivia to get custody. Then he ships her off to a wealthy boarding school. After her dad is killed in an accident, Emma is returned to her mother. She is angry, resentful, and sullen. Missing the wealthy school and her friends, she is very unhappy. Olivia is at a loss in how to reach her daughter, a daughter she no longer knows. A delightful read with a great ending.....I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wow! This story grabbed me almost from the beginning. I was sad for it to end. Almost like parting with old friends.
Marriage did not turn out the way Olivia had hoped and dreamed. Her divorce was long and left her broke financially, broken hearted and without custody of her young daughter, Emma. That is what money and power can sometimes do. Even worse, was when Daniel moved himself and Emma to Florida, putting much distance between Olivia and Emma. As time passed, distance grew between Olivia and Emma. Who knew what Daniel was telling the child?
Olivia lives in Bethlehem Springs, Idaho renting a place from her very good friend, and eventually purchasing it.
Emma is now fifteen years old and living in an expensive boarding school when she was told her father had died. Her world is now turned upside down as she is forced to move to Idaho and live with her mother. Daniel had left absolutely no provisions for his daughter. How could he do that to her?
Emma is very sad and angry. Life as she knew it is over. The chasm between mother and daughter is quite wide.
I appreciated that Olivia was very careful to not speak ill of Emma's dad to her. That is so easy to do and parents have no idea the damage that is done to a child through that.
Tyler Murphy works for a law firm as an investigator and has been hired by Daniel's father to investigate Olivia and see if she is a fit mother for Emma. Daniel had cut his own father off, and he never had the opportunity to meet either Olivia or Emma. During Tyler's investigation he soon realizes that Olivia is indeed a fit mother and a wonderful person. Uh, oh. Do you see where this is heading?
I hope I haven't given away too much of the story. I can't say enough what a fantastic story this is! I thoroughly loved it! I also loved all the scripture throughout the story.
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Thomas Nelson through Netgalley. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.

I had a hard time with this book. First I misplaced it and then had a difficult time following the book when I finally located it. Really a very rough draft with too many distractions added in the middle of the paragraphs making it difficult to follow.

Interesting story regarding the divorce of a woman from a rich vindictive man who took their daughter because he could. After his death in an car accident the things he didn’t do that affected his daughter’s life in a negative way. The difficulties the mother and daughter had adjusting to each other because of this vindictive man.

Six years ago, Olivia’s husband divorced her, leaving her with nothing, not even custody of their daughter, Emma. But Daniel is now dead, forcing Emma to leave her friends, her school, and her home in Florida to live with her mother in Bethlehem Springs, Idaho. Predictably, there is a lot of conflict between Olivia and fifteen-year-old Emma. Olivia is an excellent parent, and never criticises her dead ex-husband no matter how easy that would have been or how much he deserved it, but there is still tension between the two. After all, they are virtually strangers.

Tyler Murphy grew up in foster care, and now works for a law firm, investigating families to make sure the children are being protected. Conveniently, his newest case is in his home town, hired by Peter Ward to investigate the daughter-in-law he’s never met. That was an obvious set-up for future conflict, and was perhaps a little too predictable.

And, given this is a contemporary romance, there is the obvious building relationship between Olivia and Tyler, and Tyler’s inevitable big reveal that goes exactly as well as I’d expected. I have to admit that I’m not a fan of plots where there is a big secret that you know is going to go down like a lead balloon when it’s revealed. Yes, I know we want to see some tension in the novel, but I still want to be surprised.

That all made sense. What didn’t make as much sense was the inclusion of journal extracts from an unnamed woman writing in the 1930s, as the Great Depression took hold of California. It wasn’t clear who was writing the journal until around the halfway point. As such, I didn’t find it nearly as interesting as the contemporary plot … and I probably thought it detracted from the overall plot for most of the novel.

As it turned out, the journal was an excellent choice for showing the story’s spiritual arc, as the journal writer shared her thoughts on and struggles with God in mini sermons. While I still preferred the contemporary arc, I do think the journal was a clever literary device.

Overall, Like the Wind was a strong contemporary romance with excellent writing and lots of strong characters. It’s also nice to see an older couple in Christian romance (Tyler is forty and never married; Olivia is a little younger).

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.