Blessings of the Heart

Writer Brianna (Bree) Walker moves to the Arkansas hills to find peace and quiet in order to continue writing her romance novels. Her wish isn't granted due to a massive thunderstorm that floods the area her cabin is in, and completely destroys the cabin of single parent Mitch Fowler and his young sons, Bud and Ryan. They, along with a bedraggled dog, head to Bree's cabin for shelter. Hilarity ensues. Hansen wrote my favorite of the Love Inspired series ("The Perfect Couple") and her sense of humor is again on display here as clean freak Bree deals with children, a dog, and her growing attraction to Mitch. The kids do come across as bratty at times, but Hansen's characters are all very human and very flawed. The issue of whether or not to have children is an interesting one, since I have many friends who've opted to remain childless. Bree's reasons for doing so relate to her homelife and watching her develop a bond for both Bud and Ryan is nice.

This was the first Love Inspired book I read, it was so good that I went out and bought 2 more Love Inspired books. The author appeals to the lighter side of love (not steamy, but filled with humor and hope), and I recommend it to anyone who likes romance but has reservations about the very sensual romances out today (which I also happen to read). When a reclusive writer opens her doors to a single dad raising two overwhelming boys, something big is bound to happen. In this case, everyone learns to work together toward making the most of a disastrous situation. Issues such as trust, faith, hope, and love are addressed in a subtle way. It also teaches that we can find blessings even when life turns your world upside down.I devoured this book every spare moment I had. This is wonderful to come home to after you had a particularly stressful day.

I don't generally read inspirational books, but this one was a jewel. The father struggling to cope with his wife-abandonned kids, the rich and prissy woman forced to take them into her picture perfect home when her newly built damn bursts and floods their vacation cabin--they were all just great. The way Hansen handles the interpersonal relationships is masterful. She even includes a scruffy dog. Don't miss it!

I haven't been impressed by love inspired books until now. This books characters are warm, funny, and well developed without feeling cliched. I also liked the fact that this book has a contemporary feel. Brianne Walker is writer who makes her home in the Ozarks (Arkansas hills), and leads a quiet and peaceful life. It all changes one night when single dad Mitch Fowler and his two young sons seek refuge from a rainy storm. Soon Brianne finds herself falling in love not only with Mitch but with the entire family. This book is so hilarious, and I absolutely loved reading it. A must read!