Honoring a family vow…

He never expected love

When veterinarian Hank Hopson returns to Three Springs, Texas, with his five-year-old son, he’s determined to honor his wife’s last wish to heal family wounds. Taking a job at the local animal hospital, he’s paired with Gwen Bayer, the spitfire cowgirl working as his vet tech. She plans to get back on the rodeo circuit once her horse’s injury heals, and he’s headed for the city. But as their friendship deepens, it becomes impossible to deny their growing connection. How will they decide between the lives they’ve worked for—and the love that could change everything?

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

My Review and Reflections

This book was so enjoyable that I breezed right through it! Stopping to highlight memorable moments only made me enjoy this more. I don’t always stop to highlight or make notes, but I just couldn’t help myself when I saw myself crying, smiling, or remembering characters fondly.

There was just something about Gwen Bayer that I really connected with. Maybe it was her love for her grandfather, her desire to please, or the fact that she couldn’t separate her dreams from the dreams others had for her. No matter what it was, it clicked. There were times when she reacted without pausing or hearing all the facts that made me laugh and got Gwen into some slightly embarrassing conversations.

A single father like Hank Hopson gets me every time. He kept thinking that he could only focus on being a father and any romantic relationship would interfere with that. I have often wondered what my life and my children’s lives would be like if I had focused more on just being a single mom and rejected all possible relationships so that my entire life went into the children. Luckily for me, and in this case Hank, we spared our children from 24/7 unending attention. Hank also slowed down his career for the same reason. I love his dedication to his child, especially since as a widower Hank is the sole caregiver, but I could also see how these decisions could take an emotional toll and create a different kind of stress.

Of all the things in this book, the thing that drove me to tears was not the romance between Hank and Gwen but Hank’s relationship with his father. Seeing the relationship mend and heal in such an organic way was really touching. It really made me think about forgiveness and second chances in family and friend relationships. They can be just as healing and life-changing as romantic ones.

If you love heartwarming stories about cowboys, cowgirls, and building relationships, then you’ll enjoy this book. While this is the second book in the series, you can jump in at any time and not feel lost. With that being said, I do feel like the relationship between Hank and his dad would not have resonated so well with me if I hadn’t read the first book. You’ll also enjoy this book if enjoy small town romances, single parent tropes, and blended family dynamics.

More in This Series

About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb lives in Florida with her husband. She’s been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent’s 70 year marriage and her parent’s marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn’t always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

Connect with Cari by visiting carilynnwebb.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.