If he wants her, let him come and prove it•.Fleeing her idyllic home in Sonoma, California, Carina Maria DiGratia journeys to the mining town of Crystal, Colorado. Clinging to hopes of a new life, she finds reality has a harsh welcome for her. Overrun with men seeking their fortune and women bound by circumstance, the town hosts both dreams and nightmares, with little surety for tomorrow. But at least here Carina is far from the betrayal that still pierces her heart.
Early on, two men vie for her trust, but neither is what he seems. Will Carina discern the truth and confront the turmoil hidden in her own heart in time to prevent tragedy?
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My introduction to Kristen Heitzmann was through her most recent contemporary romantic suspense novel The Edge of Recall
and I loved it. When I found out that she also had previously written a series in my favorite genre of Christian Historical Fiction I added it to my TBR list. Then I discovered that Bethany House was going to re-release the series
with beautiful new covers and I could not wait to get my hands on the series! After reading the first novel, I am glad that I did. Originally published in 2000, now being re-released in 2010.Carina Maria DiGratia is a high class Italian transplanted with her family to Sonoma, California. After her heart is broken, she runs away to make someone work for her love. It is after she gets to her destination that she starts a journey of learning that maybe it is God's will but for different reasons than her own. Through this story we get to know Carina and also a less likely character of Quillan. Getting to know his history explains some of her own and God is definitely working in Carina's life in mysterious ways.
This is a story of romance, redemption, vengeance and love. It ends with a string that causes a reader to have to get the next book
(ordered my from PaperBackSwap thank you very much) and on the edge of your seat you want to know what comes next. I recommend this story, and I'm certain will recommend the series. *Thanks to Jim Hart of Bethany House Publishers for providing a copy for review.*
CBD
 | The Rose Legacy, Diamond of the Rockies Series #1 (rpkgd) By Kristen Heitzmann / Bethany House Driven by hope and vengeance Carina Maria DeGarcia, an Italian heiress, sets out for a new life in a Colorado mining town. But she soon finds out the "dream house" she purchased through the mail is already inhabited and the town called the "diamond of the Rockies" is anything but luxurious. Two men vie for her trust, but neither is what he seems. Will Carina learn the truth--and confront the deep secrets hidden in her heart--in time to prevent tragedy? |
 | Sweet Boundless, Diamond of the Rockies Series #2 By Kristen Heitzmann / Bethany House Awakening to a new landscape, Carina DiGratia Shepard is as transformed as the home she has embraced. The mining town of Crystal, Colorado, has lost its evil stranglehold, its surface cleansed by a devastating flood, its people both shattered and revitalized.Carina, too, now strolls its boardwalks a different woman. Married, though in title only. The habits of her rogue husband's solitary life still reign--Quillan Shepard has left without word of his return, haunted by the parents who'd given him a name he despises and a heart unable to love. |
 | The Tender Vine, Diamond of the Rockies Series #3 (rpkgd) By Kristen Heitzmann / Bethany House Carina DiGratia Shephard longs to leave behind the painful memories represented by the town of Crystal, Colorado, and start anew in the California vineyards of her youth. With Quillan bent on proving his devotion, Carina dares to open her heart to this rogue husband who has brought both pain and passion--and together they attempt to resurrect the tattered remains of their relationship and create a marriage where love truly reigns. Yet the journey itself and their arrival at the DiGratia estate are not what they expect. Rocked by a confrontation with the past and shunned by the entire family, Quillan faces yet more rejection in his life. But his determination to prove his worth will be tested beyond what any of them had imagined.... |
2 comments and creative thoughts:
I loved this book (read it in November) and am looking forward to book 2!
Wow, November was a while ago. I need to get cracking. SO much to read!
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