Truth is a Whisper: A Christian Cowboy Romance - Wolf Creed Ranch Book 1 - Author Mandi Blake

 

Why hadn’t Ava moved on? Why was Jameson the only one who hung around in her thoughts? She’d dated, but they’d all been so forgettable.

“Yeah. I read the Bible, but that’s not what makes me a Christian. I believe in Jesus Christ, and I’ve dedicated my life to Him.”

You know folks, sometimes I find a need to read a book where you just automatically become one of the characters--that is, you feel a connection with that person who doesn't exist, but yet, speaks as you might want to do in your own life... It doesn't even have to be of a certain genre, although I'm finding Christian books seem more important these days when there are those that are making a mockery of Jesus Christ, the Son of God...

Truth is a Whisper--a lovely title, don't you think?-- is a book such as you might choose. I didn't know that at the time I started reading, however. I read few westerns, so I didn't really know what to expect. Certainly not what happened in this book... Since mostly getting books from BookBub, I'm discovering many new authors and new series, so you might want to sign up for free and low price books there... Frankly, the title drew me in to this one. It feels, to me, at least, that Truth is no longer a normal characteristic for people you might meet, so having Truth in the title was promising... And there certainly was a wealth of Truth finally being shared which readers will find fascinating!

Mandi Blake has a lot of fan videos for her books, provided FYI to check out...

The POV moves back and forth by chapter between Ava and Jameson. This couple met while they were still teens and were immediately drawn to each other. Ava had been kept away from the Ranch owned by her mother, Linda's parents, since she was born. Ava would be there to meet her grandmother--at her funeral... She was devastated, yet drawn to family that she never knew she had. And, thus, susceptible to Jameson's kindness and concern as she was learning both of a family, but at the loss of an important one. Her mother's mother... Why had she been kept away from this beautiful ranch and wonderful people?

Indeed, when Ava met Jameson she shared that she was going to start on a degree program when they returned to Denver. However, little by little Ava instead became more attached to her mother, who was a newscaster and ultimately, Ava took a job to be her mother's assistant in preparing for the day's news. Years passed. Linda became more and more demanding of Ava's time and attention. She still lived with her mother as well.

And then one day she was contacted by her grandfather who asked that she come to visit him for a while. He noted that he'd had some medical problems, but, in truth, explained that his foreman who was retiring and planning a trip with his wife, but kept procrastinating, fearing something would happen to his boss and best friend. Ava would provide alternative attendance to him and, hopefully, the trip would begin.

That was the point of a major change to Ava's life. For one thing she would be able to get to know her grandfather who she'd visited only that one time when his wife had died. And second, Jameson was still at the ranch! Ava soon began to realize that her being asked to come was for a variety of reasons, one of which was her grandfather's awareness that Jameson and Ava had years ago developed a close relationship. One that resulted in Ava not wanting to leave him and the ranch...

Ava's grandfather had indeed had medical issues, but that had been about a month ago. Readers will realize however that during that time period, he had obviously been thinking about the future of the ranch after his death. He didn't want to be caught off guard again! And, it wasn't long before he began to share his vision for the future of the ranch... And, as she was thrilled to do, Ava soon began to be taught the part of the ranch that he was in charge of--buying, selling--all financial issues...

And, of course, Ava and Jameson were brought back together! The only issue was whether she would stay longer than the week she had planned. Readers will become totally involved in a ranch that was much more than a normal ranch. It was also in the summer, a Dude ranch where people came to take part in a wide variety of activities planned specifically for sharing the life on a ranch with horses, an acreage that was huge, and fantastic cooking... (video of a well-known ranch provided below...)

So what's the key suspense, the plot that moves the story further along, other than the normal relationship events on a ranch? Well, it center on Linda, who is quickly identified as a monster that is out of control. Her demands for her daughter to return includes threatening to kick her out of their home and later, opening her home and inviting the friend who had been taking Ava's place during her time away, to move in! But that's not all... Linda also kept a major secret that is now being questioned. As well as a villain who demands that he take over the ranch! Even though Ava's grandfather never wants to sell it... That sounds familiar! Are all rich men selfish and cruel?!

Other than the rich guy, a really great set of characters provide readers with a diversity of emotional reactions--good and bad--as daily activities take place to deal with emergencies, preparing for each meal, getting the horses in from pasture each day! Exciting for those visiting! Including Ava!

A faint vibration rumbled beneath Ava’s feet, and a cloud of dust whirled over the pasture beneath the sun rising over the mountains. “What’s that?” Grandpa lifted his cup. “They’re bringing in the horses.” The rumbling grew, and soon she could make out the silhouettes of the first riders and horses. She stood and stepped closer to the fence, entranced by the sight of the herd. There had to be dozens, all galloping together toward the stables. Soon, the pounding of hooves thundered through the valley, rattling her bones and sending her heart racing along with them. What a way to wake up. She stood near the fence, stunned at the adrenaline running through her system, despite the calm morning. When the herd slowed and the wranglers dismounted, Ava spun around to her grandpa. “Do they do that every morning?” “Yep. Guests can’t ride the horses if the wranglers don’t bring them in from the east pasture.” She took her seat beside him. “That was amazing. They’re so beautiful.”

Throw in a few quiltin' parties with the women, a few discussions and thoughts from Jameson's related to a new knowledge that Ava had never even been invited to know about going to church and Jesus... A book or two that grandfather shared with her... And readers will learn at some point Ava has started talking to God... Just like all of us who do that from time to time... LOL

I think everybody is going to enjoy this one for one reason or another... Have fun and know there is a happy every after on this one...

GABixlerReviews