Books & Spoons Review for THE COWBOY'S EASTER FAMILY WISH by Lois Richer

24/3/2017

His Unexpected Family

After a heartbreaking tragedy, youth pastor Jesse Parker stopped believing he had anything to offer kids. Working with the boys at Wranglers Ranch, he's slowly beginning to trust himself. And when he meets widow Maddie McGregor and her young autistic son, his connection with little Noah and his pretty mom is instant.

Maddie's heart is as guarded as his own, but as he spends time with the McGregors--helping Maddie in his gran's quilt shop, caring for rescued puppies, and bringing mother and son closer together--he rediscovers his purpose...including an Easter holiday surprise of renewed faith and love.

A touching tale of life, love, parenting, and growing in faith and learning to trust in God.
Mixed in the tender and sweet story of getting a second chance in love the author has skillfully, in a heartfelt way, inserted a poignant sermon of trusting in God with every aspect of our lives, and what that means in praxis. With an inspiring and uplifting manner, by using encouraging examples of the characters lives, the author manages to touch many questions most of the people might struggle with when it comes to their faith in God.
I liked the instant connection that was formed between Jesse Parker and Maddie McGregor and Noah. They were on the same wavelength, they shared the same concerns, they had the same goals, and they all loved Granny Emma, and were willing to do anything to help her out. The romance and attraction grew much slower and later and was set on a fitting timeframe considering rest of the plot.
Jesse, Maddie, and Noah were all broken souls and had issues of their own they were struggling with. Leaning on each other, sharing their wisdom, listening to each other, and helping with the everyday matters, they all experienced a remarkable character development through the story, as people and with their faith in God.
I don't know enough about autism to be able to say anything about Noah's condition and the changes with it. I found the events in a story a source of joy, and will not question if it would be medically possible to happen to an autistic child.
Love Inspired stories from Harlequin are Christian faith-based stories about life and love and families. Few times I have commented on the stories that I wished the opportunities for the characters to share their faith and struggles with it, would have been used more. But with this story that wasn't a case at all, as the author boldly and beautifully intertwined every aspect of the story back to the character's faith in God.
A story filled with life and faith lessons, many great points made, and several issues left on the back burner to simmer a bit more, as I digest the message of the tale. Truly an inspirational and thought-provoking story.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side