Books & Spoons Review for HEART OF A COWBOY by Kristin Vayden

26/12/2017

A stubborn cowboy has sworn never to forgive or forget—but one special woman may find a way to change his mind . . .

Hospice nurse Laken Garlington helps people face the end with peace and dignity, surrounded by their loved ones. But the son of her new patient didn’t come home to reunite with his dad. So why is Cyler Myer back in horse country? It’s clear the sexy, six-three hunk with the steely eyes has a score to settle, and Laken doesn’t plan on being collateral damage . . . no matter how irresistible she finds the prodigal cowboy.

Dying is too good for the father Cyler will never forgive—not in this lifetime.
Showing up at his family’s Washington State ranch is the first step in his plan. But revenge takes a back seat to desire when Cyler meets a bossy beauty who arouses feelings he isn’t ready to face. As they work together to save an ailing mare, Cyler realizes he must decide where his true destiny lies. With
darkness . . . or with the woman who offers the promise of redemption with every kiss

A touching story of forgiveness and love, life at its lowest lows and its highest highs, a heartwarming story about family, redemption, and soul mates finding their way to each other.
The realistic picture of dying and death and the mental work, pain, and sorrow everyone involved has to go through, it not only demonstrates the development of the characters in the story, but it spoke to me personally of the beauty of letting go peacefully, moving on gracefully, and death as a natural part of the circle of life.
The blurb focuses on the romantic relationship developing between Cyler Myer and Laken Garlington yet there is so much more to the story with Cyler's father preparing himself for losing the battle against cancer, and the past mistakes that he wants to correct before it is too late. The relationship that develops between Laken, her patients Jack, and Cyler is beautiful in its raw roughness at the last moments of Jack's life. Everything that happens in the story develops from those poignant last attempts to make things right, giving all the emotions a deeper, profound foundation.
Past sins, misunderstandings, and faults in life had alienated Jack and Cyler long time ago. What seems like unforgivable actions on Jack's part had driven them apart. Now facing each other again Jack and Cyler have to decide how they want to cross that one point in life where there is no return from, with angry revenge in mind, or with forgiveness and fond memories.
Laken is one of those people who can connect with nearly anyone, yet the connection she feels for Cyler is different. The sparks are flying, the passion is tangible, the possibilities reflect in their eyes, but Cyler being Laken's patient's son could cause some problems down the road if they act upon their budding feelings and took the step to a more personal relationship either of them were prepared to take.
The story does have a rather heartrending undertone that is lightened up with a delightful banter and jokes, romantic interludes between Cyler and Laken, and Jack's always ready to argue attitude. And while Laken and Cyler's love story is a beautiful and passion-filled tale of finding your soulmate at an unexpected time in your life, the way Jack prepares himself to leave the life, to die, had something very delegate and graceful in its breathtaking beauty and respect towards life.
This new author to me left me in awe of the depth of the emotions she draws out through the story, going from morose to wonder and delight, with her words, painting the beauty of life at each of its states.
A compassionate and tender story that truly touched my heart with its uplifting message of hope and love
~ Five Spoons

Published December 19th 2017 by Lyrical Caress
eBook edition $2,99

Kristin's inspiration for the romance she writes comes from her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. With five children to chase, she is never at a loss for someone to kiss, something to cook or some mess to clean but she loves every moment of it! She loves to make soap, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and gluten free muffins. Life is full of blessings and she praises God for the blessed and abundant life He's given her.