MY REVIEW:
I thoroughly enjoyed Caryl’s first novel, “Vow Unbroken” so I eagerly accepted her offer of “Hearts Stolen” to review and hoped it would be as good. I was not disappointed. “Hearts Stolen” was every bit as good and even included several characters from the first book. Of course a few of them had grown up a bit. I especially liked catching up with the adult versions of the featured children of “Vow Unbroken”. It took me a bit to make the connection (too many books read in between) but when I did I loved it!
Sassy had been a captive and wife of Indian chief Bold Eagle for nearly five years when she was rescued by Texas Rangers. During the long trek back home, she and Levi Baylor fall in love, although she assumes she still has a husband waiting for her return. Both Sassy and Levi fight their attraction and faithfully honor her marriage vows despite temptation to do otherwise. I have to admit that once again the primary characters were upstaged by a child. Sassy’s four-year-old son Charley who is such a hoot!
I loved everything about “Hearts Stolen”. The plot engaged me from the very beginning and held my interest until the end. Ample drama, danger, and romance filled its pages along with more than a surprise or two – not all good ones. I admired the integrity of both Sassy and Levi and the fine example they provide for the reader.
I look forward to the next installment of this excellent series. I am thinking seriously about purchasing printed copies of each of the books to add to my keeper shelf. Somehow a digital copy just won’t do. Caryl has definitely been added to my growing list of favorite authors.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Unbeknownst to loved ones, a headstrong young wife is snatched off the prairie by two Comanche braves, carried north of the Red River, and traded to their war chief for ponies. After five years, a small detail of Texas Rangers rides into camp, and she determines that day will bring freedom or death. She’ll remain captive no more.
Sassy Nightengale almost gives up hope until a company of Texas Rangers rides into Bold Eagle’s peace camp. She learns they’ve come for the negotiated exchange of stolen white women, except her name isn’t on their list. Purposing in her heart to escape captivity with her blue eyed, four- year-old that day, she does everything she can to be noticed. Famed Texas Ranger Levi Baylor spots the red headed beauty and agrees to the war chief’s price adding his personal horse and weapon to the Republic agents’ offerings.
The trade propels the couple on a trail of joy and sorrow. Sweet love blossoms but must be denied. His integrity and her faith in God keep them at arm’s length, not allowing even a kiss. Sassy’s still married to her son’s father, and Levi’s honor bound to deliver her home—to her husband. Can their forbidden love be made holy? God hates divorce. Is it wrong to hope, expect Nightengale to relinquish his wife and son? Will Sassy and Levi find the redemption they seek for their troubled souls?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Caryl has always loved to write and is excited with her first historical Christian romance VOW UNBROKEN from Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, set in 1832 Texas. For every good blessing – including 10 children (4 by birth, 6 by marriage) and 14 grandchildren – she gives God the glory. Caryl lives a country-life with Ron, her husband of forty-six years and four grandsons, outside Clarksville, Red River County Seat, located in far Northeast Texas
