Sunday, January 24, 2010

Jenna's Cowboy

If you've been visiting my blog for awhile, you've probably read a time or 20 that I love me a book set in Texas! So I was tickled when the opportunity came to read Jenna's Cowboy by Sharon Gillenwater, even though I don't own a single pair of cowboy boots!

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Can you ever get a second chance at your first love?

Jenna Callahan Colby thought she was content. A partner on her father's successful ranch, she is surrounded by family and friends. But she never expected to see Nate Langley back in town--the first guy she ever noticed, the one her father sent away all those years ago.

And she never thought the attraction they felt would be as strong as ever.

Jenna's cowboy has some healing of his own to do, though, after two tours of duty in the armed forces. With the help of good friends, strong faith, and a loving family, he hopes to put the horrors of the past behind him--and become the man Jenna deserves.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sharon Gillenwater was born and raised in west Texas, and loves to write about her native state. The author of ten novels, she is a member of ACFW and Romance Writers of America. When she's not writing, she and her husband enjoy spending time with their son, daughter-in-law, and adorable grandson. Visit her website to learn more - and to see some beautiful Texas bluebonnets!

MY THOUGHTS:
This is a touching and timely story. Jenna and Nate both have scars; hers stem from being tossed aside and abandoned by her first husband, left to raise their son, Zach, alone. As for Nate, he's trying to resume a normal life after being in Iraq, but the flashbacks and dreams tormenting him seem bent on destroying his sanity. The depiction of Nate's post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is touching and provides a much-needed perspective on the often unrealized sacrifices our soldiers make to ensure our freedom. I appreciated the balanced portrayal of the importance of spiritual counseling as well as the validation of the role of properly prescribed medications in the management of PTSD. This is a great book for anyone, but returning soldiers and their families will especially find hope and healing within its pages. I look forward to book #2 in this series, Emily's Chance which is due to be released in September.

You can find information on purchasing this heartwarming book here.

Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Many thanks to Revell for providing me with a copy of this book for review.


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9 comments:

quilly said...

This book sounds like an excellent read. I generally find it easier to connect to a story when the conflict is based on real life tensions, emotions and needs. After sitting up for nights on end with my cousin after he came back from Viet Nam, I can probably relate to this.

Andrea said...

Thank you for the recommendation!
andrea

sara said...

this book sounds good.

but what got me was the amazing picture of the blue bonnets! I really miss those!!! Maybe I can get Alyssa to visit UT while they are blooming!!!

Becky said...

I just found your blog through Texas Blogging Gals and I love it!! Love your inspiring posts - especially the book reviews. Most of your reviews this month are books I have marked that I want to read!! I can't wait to read Jenna's Cowboy...and I just ordered Becoming Lucy from Christianbook.com. I look forward to following your blog daily...love from a fellow Texan!

Gay Vaughan said...

Just catching up after a weekend trip. Thanks for following and your sweet comment. I am following you now;)

Anonymous said...

I just finished reading The Hour I First Believed which dealt with the PTSD, also. These type books help us civilians to recognize, understand, and treat the good folks who are debilitated by this horrible demon. I will definitely pick up this book.

Cathy said...

Sounds like another great book. How in the world do you get time to read so many of them. I can't read that fast.

Kim said...

Megga Dittos my friend! I'll be posting my review later this week.

Lisa Spence said...

Oh, the bluebonnets! What a beautiful picture! I miss them, lo these many decades that I've been gone!