Ashley & Ben share many similarities and common interests - both have single moms, both have experienced the pain of alcoholism in their families, and both love horses. Both are also hesitant to trust others - especially with their hearts. The process is long, complicated, and very true to life. Ashley and Ben both have to learn to trust God and accept HIS forgiveness and love. REALLY good book--difficult to put down!

Sometimes you just read a book that sticks with you, and likewise, the Henning Family Bible has stuck with me. The redemption story of Ashley and Ben as they navigate the new, unfamiliar realm of equine therapy is so heartwarming and real! They have a long road to travel before they can find the relationship they desire, both with God and with each other. I love the connections that are made between Ben’s family and his great-grandfather Andrew Henning, whose Bible he reads. There are essentially two stories woven into one, and we get to revisit Ben’s ancestors during WWII. My tears were flowing so freely at one point that I had to stop reading! This story will be a blessing to anybody who reads it, and I can hardly wait to see where the Henning family Bible travels next! I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and was under no obligation to leave a review.

Wow! This book was amazing. I sat down and was only planning on reading a few chapters. And stopped reading three hours later after I finished the book.
There was so much emotion jam-packed into this novel and it left me with a good feeling inside. This was my first introduction to a novel by Robin Lee Hatcher, and I know that I will be reading more.
Cross my Heart is told in two time periods, one during World War II and the other in the modern day. There was not much of a connection as I was expecting, but it offered a unique perspective on the struggles of a parent during the war.
The highlight of this book was the characters. They are put through so much and come out stronger because of it. I really came to care about all of them and the stories they had to tell.

Rating: 5 Stars
Content: 4.5 Stars

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

CROSS MY HEART is the second book in the Legacy of Faith series by ROBIN LEE HATCHER, but it can be read as a stand alone. I really enjoy this author's novels - she has such a way with describing the emotional struggles of her characters, and the growth of their faith in the Lord. In fact the Christian message is very prominent in her stories.
As in the first book in the series, Who I Am With You, where we are introduced to the Henning family, Andrew Henning's bible plays an important part. It has now been given to Ben, by his cousin Jessica, at an interesting time in his life. He is back at the family farm, which he is about to turn into "Harmony Barn", a place where equine therapy will be offered to those who need it, and where abused horses will be nursed back to health.
Ashley Showalter catches Ben's vision, as she loves horses, in many ways preferring them to people! She deals mostly with horses that have been abused and starved, and helps Ben find horses for his programme.
Running in the background to this story is that of Andrew and Helen Henning and their family, who lived on the farm during the Second World War. At this difficult time, with two of their sons serving in the military, Andrew holds closely to the Lord, and leans on His promises, especially those in the book of Joshua.
Drug and alcohol abuse and the toll this takes on the families involved, forgiveness and second chances, are all themes in the book. I especially love the part that horses play in the restoration of the characters.
It is an inspirational and enjoyable read and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I am looking forward to the third book in the series.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.