Chestnut Ridge Acres

Kristen Heitzmann is a talented author who really captures the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Honors Pledge will keep you into the book and not wanting to put it down. It's a book that you'll want to read more than once.

I have really enjoyed Kristen Heitzmann's first book and series. She does excellent character developement and plot twists that emotionally wraps the reader. What I liked best is that her books are not predictable. You'll never know what she would put upon you next. Young Abigail Martin is a headstrong, determined, feisty and tomboyish woman who loves to call Rocky Bluffs, Colorado her home. She meets aristocratic and sophisticated Montgomery Farrel from South Carolina who stirs the romantic fires in her heart. So dashing the hopes of her long-time childhood friend Blake McConnel, Abbie sets her cap for the handsome gentleman. Little did she know that Monte had a pledge to fulfill, a pledge that will forever change the relationship between her and Monte. Abbie must learn to let things work out to God's timing instead of her own. Through devastation, murder and the terror of being kidnapped by ruthless outlaws, Abbie grows up to become a changed young woman as she surrenders her destiny and fate to God. Monte will learn also the grace of God and that all things work out good together for those who love God. Though the book is a bit boring in the beginning but you must read on because there is descriptions of the lovely Colorado plains and rugged mountains, the people who struggled to make a living there, the Indians in the Post-Civil War era. I definitely recommend reading this book and the series if you have enjoyed first Kristen's DIAMOND OF THE ROCKIES and Twilight. I am looking forward to reading and enjoying her latest book, A Rush of Wings.

I found Honor's Pledge bascially dull and unexciting for the first three-fourths of the book. The author spent a great deal of time developing Abbie and Monte's mutual attraction to each other and not enough time developing their characters. After Monte marries someone else because of his honor's pledge, the book suddenly gets eventful. The last fourth of the book contains all the plot development and excitement, including a murder, a kidnapping, a surprising rescue, encounters with Comanches, a scarlet fever epidemic, and a gold strike. I had originally planned to give the book three stars, but added one just because of the last part of this book. Overall, however, I've read much better Christian historical romances, and I hope that the next in this series will improve on plot and develop the characters more fully.

Abbie and Monte are wonderful charctors. Abbie is such a adventureous girl and Monte a fine gentleman. I liked Abbie the best because even though she gets into scrapes she trusts God. Keep it up Kristen!

This book wasn't what I had expected, but it was good. Not too long, it has a good plot and clean writing. The characters are realistic and you can sympathize with their problems. I look foreward to reading more by this author.