This is a truly inspirational story about how God’s love can overcome even the most trying of circumstances. Tanya Hanson has written another wonderful novel with the Hearts Crossing Ranch as a backdrop. You feel as if you could walk out of your front door and Elaine Martin, the matriarch of the Martin clan, would be walking in your house for coffee and a chat! How can you not like a novel that has such heartwarming characters as the Martin family and their friends.
The novel begins with Hooper Martin’s story of surviving testicular cancer. He’s finished chemotherapy and now must regain his strength and move forward with his life. His most cherished reason for getting well is his daughter, Ella, who has just started kindergarten. Ella’s mother, Lynn, left the ranch when Ella was three months old and has never returned. Hooper’s divorce is final and he is ready to move on with his life and see what God has in store for him.
Hooper’s brother, Kenn, is getting married to Christy and guests are arriving. Kenn’s roommate from college, Brian Cameron, shows up with his sister, Mallie. Brian’s girlfriend was going to be his date, but she dumped him because of his commitment issues. Mallie is a cancer survivor too. However, Mallie’s type of cancer, GBM, recurs in a high percentage of cases. Knowing this, Mallie decides that long term relationships and marriage are forbidden. She’s decided to only have weekend flirtations. And who better to spend a flirtatious weekend with than Hooper!
As the plans for the wedding progress, Mallie gets drawn into the bridal madness. She, Hooper and Ella form their own group at all the festivities. As Ella and Hooper spend time with Mallie, Hooper realizes that it’s time for his life to go forward, no matter if it’s for a day, a week, or longer, and Mallie has to be a part of it. Will Mallie realize that Hooper is right? Will Ella grow to love Mallie?
Ms. Hanson’s descriptions of the landscape around Hearts Crossing Ranch come alive as if you are seeing it through her eyes. How can you not enjoy reading a heartwarming love story in such beautiful surroundings? I’m anticipating another trip to Hearts Crossing Ranch very soon to see what’s happening with the Martin family!
