Chaps, cowboys, surprise pregnancy – I was all in!

I read the first of the Cattle Creek series and it teased me with cowboys and love. Diving into Jake and Bryn’s story, I was hoping for an emotional connection and oh did I find it!

“How could she barely know anything about him yet pick him out of a crowd of cowboys in a heartbeat?

Fate, chance or just (good?) luck have these two strangers suddenly bound together in a way they didn’t want, didn’t need and didn’t care for. Sometimes you don’t even know what you want, what you need, until life delivers it to you in an uncomfortable package. And there was a time limit to figuring things out – about five months or so….

Like the first read, this story was brimming with drama as both Jake and Bryn deal with loss and grief in their own unique and sometimes stubborn ways. Determined to keep each other at arm’s length, they become experts at arguing yet reconciling and, at the same time, finding out who their partner in parenting really is. I wanted to feel each and every one of those moments and I happily did just that. They and the secondary characters around them were easy to like and connect with, making this an emotional time for them but for me as well.

Drama that was just the right balance of sweet and funny moments, this story has made this series a “must read”. I hope there will be many more!

A Story of Romance…Forgiveness…

Sometimes you come across a book that you’ve enjoyed so much that you feel anything you say about it just wouldn’t do it justice. That’s how I feel about Healing a Heart. I have read it three times. Each time I pick it up, I fly right through it without taking a break or putting it down. Because I’ve enjoyed it so much, I just can’t seem to find the right words to describe it. So, this is the short, sweet version of what I have to say.
It’s a wonderful story. It is a story of new beginnings and forgiveness. It has romance and humor. It will pull at your heartstrings. It will have you cheering, laughing, holding your breath, and sighing. And that pretty much sums it up. The only other thing I can add is, “Read it and see for yourself.”


***** I received a copy of this book for review with no requirement of a positive review or compensation. This review reflects my honest opinions and viewpoints.

*****Intended for mature readers.

This is the first book i have read from this author but it won't be the last. I already have ordered the first book in this series.

This was a good clean read and i Thoroughly enjoyed it. Bryn Never thought she would see Jake again, Then fate steps in....

Healing a Heart is the second book in the Cattle Creek Series by Amy Lillard, I have been given the honor of reading this book prior to its release and it is indeed an honor, not to mention I could not wait to read this continuation of Loving a Lawman. Bryn and Jake have an amazing connection on a night out. Emotions win out and the two connect and have great memories only to find out that the connection is greater than the both of them. Bryn arrives at the "Ranch" to share her happy news with Jake and his family, her announcement is met with mixed reviews. With great hesitation Bryn agrees to stay at the "Ranch" for a brief period of time so that her and Jake see if they really have a connection that can last. Bryn begins to find some missing pieces to her life and that family is so important. Can the magic spark survive? Can Love conquer all? Can being part of a real family help Jake win her heart? Don't miss this wonderful escape to Cattle Creek. Thank you Amy Lillard for the opportunity to read this amazing book.

I was so glad to be back in Cattle Creek! While I love reading series, sometimes it is so hard because you have to wait months in between each installment. The days cannot pass by fast enough for me. I’ve missed the Langston family, but I didn’t realize how much I missed them until I started reading Healing a Heart.

Before I go on, I should disclose to you that this is not a clean read. I did notice a swear word and there were a couple of racy scenes. I know you may see Amy’s name and automatically assume. However, I think you can skip over these parts (they are a very small part of the book) and still enjoy the book if you are not into reading scenes like that. I typically am not, but I thought this book was still outstanding. I loved the chemistry between Jake and Bryn. With Ms. Lillard’s vibrant writing the ranch and characters came to life like a movie in my mind. And although I would absolutely love for these stories to be made into tv movies, I think it may ruin the images in my mind of the characters, especially Jake! (Possible book crush going on here)

You know what else makes this story great? It is an absolutely believable storyline. Sometimes life doesn’t always go as we plan and we have to improvise. Both Jake and Bryn showed wonderful character growth and what it means to improvise in life. And sometimes they had to learn things the hard way, but that’s okay. It makes for a great storyline and life lesson! I do hope there is more to come from Cattle Creek. I’m hoping a story about Chase in the future!! (hint hint, wink wink Ms. Lillard!)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer jerjen

When Bryn and Jake hook up for a one night stand, that is exactly what they think it will be. One night of letting their guards down and just going with the moment. They never expected it to be the start of something that could change their lives forever, if only they will let it.

Bryn has had a lot of disappointment her in her life, losing her whole family and being alone in this world. She would like nothing more than to be a part of family, to have the love of a husband and children. But she does not think that she can get those things from Jake, and she is not willing to take the chance with him. Jake has always realized that there was something special about Bryn, from the moment that he met her. But he is afraid that he will lose someone who is close to him again, just like he lost his wife. Will they be able to put their losses behind them and learn to take a chance at finding love again?

The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really liked Bryn and Jake, both as individuals and as a couple. I could understand why they were so guarded and afraid to take a chance at love. It was great to see them work through their fears and doubts. They felt like real people to me that I could know in real life. I enjoyed Jake’s family and getting to know them. They were a close knit family and would do anything for each other. Their closeness and devotion to each other was heartwarming. I just loved Jake’s daughter, Wesley. She stole the show, in my opinion.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book, I felt like I was right there, watching everything taking place around me. I could picture the kittens, the horses and the cows in my mind. I could also smell the delicious aromas of all the fantastic food that they were eating throughout the book. The author created vivid pictures in my mind of many different things and I really liked that.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. This book was humorous, sad, heartwarming and exciting. At times I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster, which was a good thing.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted Western women’s contemporary. If you enjoy great characters with a great story to be told, this is the book for you. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

What girl doesn't like to read a great cowboy romance! You just need the right ingredients. Mix together a handsome widowed cowboy, a big city independent woman, a sweet lovable but assertive ranch family, one unplanned pregnancy, and you end up with Amy Lillard's Healing A Heart. It's book 2 in the Cattle Creek series and it is a wonderful engaging read.

Jake Langston and Bryn Talbot spend one eventful night together that results in an unplanned pregnancy. Bryn feels the need to tell the baby's father and then move on with her life and raise the baby as a single parent. However, when Jake and his family are told the news, they have an entirely different plan. Follow this couple as they try to navigate through others good intentions, common sense practices, hints of decep tion, and a growing love between the two. But will it be enough to keep them together? Treat yourself to a copy of this novel to find out what happens...you'll be so glad you did!

I received an eBook copy from Netgalley and the author in exchange for an honest review.

I have been waiting for this book since I finished LOVING A LAWMAN and I've got to say it was really worth the wait! I expected fireworks which I got, but the story had so much heart and emotion to it, and some humor too.

Since he lost his wife in childbirth, Jake Langston has devoted himself to the family ranch and his daughter, but even he has needs. So while away on a business trip, he decides to let out some steam with a willing companion but that one night stand goes horribly wrong when she shows up at his door with a surprise for him four months later.

Family means a lot to Bryn Talbot and for someone that has lost all of hers, it would be wrong for her keep her pregnancy a secret from the father, even though she only finds out his identity thanks to a magazine profile. He may be rude and annoying but he has a warm and welcoming family and she lets herself be convinced to spend some time getting to know his family.

Bryn and Jake both come with a boatload of issues. Jake still harbors guilt over his marriage and the death of his wife, while Bryn is still grieving the loss of her sister, so it's obvious that these two have their hearts on lock-down. However, the chemistry between them makes it clear that the passion they shared that one night was not a one-off thing. But is marriage to a man she barely knows the solution to their dilemma? How can they both participate in their child's life when they live on both sides of the country? Will they let themselves find happiness with each other? And can they let themselves enjoy the second chance they have - for Bryn, another chance at family and for Jake, another chance to make a success of his relationship?

This was a really great story with very enjoyable characters and my favorites turned out to be Jake's daughter and Bryn's friend. Can someone say drama overload? In a good way, of course. Jake seemed to be clueless about women (even with his mom, grandma and daughter under the same roof with him), with the way he kept his foot in his mouth all the time!

This book will make you smile and tear up lots of times and the title is so appropriate! Jake and Bryn had a lot of healing to do in order to find happiness again. Even though their relationship started out unconventionally and they did everything from the end to the beginning, Jake and Bryn will have you rooting for them to find their happy ending. This series as a whole is really a must read.

As this story opens I am reminded of the first book in this series, Loving A Lawman, and we met a rather unhappy Jake. Now these Langtson men sure must be some hunks, and now Jake has them dropping by his door, just hoping he will marry them, right!
So when Byrn shows up you can tell he wants her to hit right back on the road, but she has a good story for him, and her conscious wants her to share. To say he is flabbergasted is an understatement and he doesn’t seem to take the news very well, now it is his time to pay the piper, and our Bryn isn’t a shrinking violet, but she is very tenderhearted.
I loved staying at this beautiful Texas ranch, and I could just picture the surroundings through the eyes of the author, made me want to move there! There is also a precocious five years old Wesley, and she will melt your heart, and she does Byrn's.
These two have a lot to work out and a limited amount of time to do so, and they are both hurting, you have to hope that they will find love and new meaning for their lives in a very short period of time.
I received this book through Net Galley and the author, and was not required to give a positive review.

Amy Lillard is such a great writer that she has the ability to take a typical romance storyline and make it so much more. She adds heart and soul to her stories and creates characters that could easily be real people. She creates stories that immediately have you hooked and leave you wanting more. Healing a Heart is my new favorite from Amy.

I won’t tell you the storyline of this book but it is one that’s often found in romance novels. The difference is this book has characters that were dimensional and totally believable. I connected with the characters in this book much faster and easier than I did with the first book in the series. There wasn’t a character in the book that I didn’t like and every single one added to the story. It would have been nice to see more of Bryn’s friend Rick in the story but maybe he will make more appearances in future installments.

While this is the second book in the Cattle Creek series it can totally be read as a standalone. There is enough history provided to catch the reader up on what is going on. I would also warn readers that this isn’t a totally clean read. This one is a bit more of a spicy read from Amy that what many may be used to.

I enjoyed my time on the Langston family ranch and can’t wait to read the next installment in the series. I found this well-written book to be a quick read and one that left me wanting more. This is a book I would definitely recommend.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

Healing a Heart is book 2 in Amy Lillard's A Cattle Creek Novels. I usually read more Amish novels but since Ms. Lillard writes both I decided to try this series. I have not been disappointed. I already love that the author gives the reader well rounded characters who the reader can relate. Her story lines are well researched an developed which leaves the reader wanting to turn the pages.

The story begins by Bryn and Jake indulging in a one night stand. However, each believes they will never see one another again. As fate would have it, the one night stand brings with it a lifetime commitment. Will they be able to find a solution? I not only laughed but I cried during this story. The characters interaction was well done and very realistic. I held my breath as I turned the page to see what would happen next. You will not be disappointed. I look forward to the next installment.
I receive a copy through Netgalley. The review and my enjoyment of the series is strictly my own.

Healing a Heart by Amy Lillard is the 2nd book in her Cattle Creek series. This is a romantic story revolving around two people who each have their own heartbreaking issues, and their one night stand that changes their lives.

Bryn Talbot arrives in Cattle Creek, Texas to visit Jake Langston and make him aware that she is pregnant from their one night stand months ago. She wants nothing from Jake, only to give him the courtesy to make him aware that she is having a child. Jake at first was very rude and told her to have an abortion. He lost his wife 5 years ago, and lives on his ranch with his mother, grandmother and adorable little girl, Wesley. It will take some convincing from the mother and grandmother to get Bryn to stay a few weeks and get to know the Langston family. Jake, who blames himself for his wife’s death during childbirth, slowly regrets his treatment to Bryn. He will do everything to try and make her see she should marry him and bring the children up in Texas. Bryn begins to enjoy being surrounded by a wonderful family, especially young Wesley, who is a treasure; but she fears becoming too close to members of a family, after the death of her younger sister.
In a short time, both Bryn and Jake being to have feelings for each other, but their stubbornness at times were annoying. Bryn was determined not to stay in Texas, due to her fears, despite Jake giving her the promise of a wonderful life. Jake was really nice after the early start, but along the way, when he couldn’t convince Bryn to marry him, he makes a decision that would destroy all trust between them.

What follows was a sweet story of family, love and romance. Wesley was such an adorable child, and she is the catalyst that will eventually bring Bryn and Jake together. Bryn sees the good in Jake, and that he meant well in his earlier decision, and she decides to stay and marry him, knowing it is the best thing for all of them. Within a short period, both Jake and Bryn will put the past behind them, and their romance will blossom into full blown true love. I loved the Langston family, and there is so much more to come from the other siblings. This was a wonderful touching romantic story, with some great family dynamics, and great characters. I suggest you read the Cattle Creek series.

This was an emotionally tough book for me. Jake has been through so much. He lost his first wife in childbirth and he’s experiencing total recall in this new situation with Bryn and her pregnancy. Jake thinks that getting married is the only way to solve this “problem” but Bryn is definitely NOT on board with that plan. She doesn’t want to marry a man who doesn’t love her. But her desire for family is tugging her head—and her heart—in all kinds of directions.

The story is so good. I laughed, I loved and I wept right alongside Jake, Bryn and the rest of the Langston family. Many curve balls are thrown and this family keeps on fighting. It’s a beautiful story you don’t want to miss. Make sure you’ve got your tissues handy!

HEALING A HEART is exactly that. It’s a journey of healing with all the good, the bad and the ugly that comes along with life. I am honored to have read such a powerful and amazing story. I highly recommend the series.

***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***