Protected Hearts

This is the sort of book I've searched for: Wonderful, dimensional characters that grab you from the beginning and don't let go. I love the town of Rosewood that the author's created -- it compares with Jan Karon's Mitford. I was so caught up in the story that I stayed up all night to finish the book. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys inspirational fiction and loves romance. It's a truly beautiful story.

Emma Perry's life was turned right upside down in an instant when her late husband and child were both killed in a housefire. She never thought she would survive the tragedy of it all, much less be able to trust anyone again. The Witness Protection Program took her into a new area, Rosewood Texas to start anew. But she must never reveal anything about her past to anyone. Emma started making new friends and opened a shop, Try It On, which became successful. In fact, it needed more growing space finally, and this is where Seth comes into the picture. He is her next door neighbor, and also a designer/contractor. Emma seeks his advice reluctantly on building on to her shop, and it is then that the two of them might become more than friends. But Seth is struggling with his own pain from the loss of his son years ago from cancer, and has not been able to deal with his pain anymore then Emma. When Toby comes along, who is a kid without a home, he tugs at both their heartstrings. Seth especially, feels connected to the boy, and as the story develops, new relationships will form and become stronger. Especially when another unexpected event takes place.

From the back cover: Her world shattered by tragedy, Emma Perry thought she'd never survive the murder of her husband and child, let alone regain her faith and ability to trust. The Witness Security program took her to Rosewood, Texas, where a caring community and belief in God gave her the strength to rebuild her life and the compassion to reach out to others - wounded souls like Seth McAllister, Emma's embittered neighbor, who was struggling with the death of his own child. Together, Seth and Emma began to open their hearts to love. But when the still-obsessed killer picked up Emma's trail, would Seth's prayers be enough to pull them through? *********************************************** One of the things I like about Love Inspired stories is that they offer hope through even the most dismal circumstances. This book starts off rough, with the murder of innocent people by a deranged man bent on revenge. The lone surviver Emma, who was the intended target, tries to begin a new life in Rosewood, a wholesome small town with endearing residents with whom she bonds to form wonderful friendships. She sets up a cozy new home but she still grieves the loss of her family and all that was familiar to her, and she still lives in fear that the killer will find her. Her new neighbor Seth is also a guarded man trying to move past his own personal tragedies. The two come together as their paths cross often in this tightly-knit community. As they help one other heal, their love for each other blossoms. But Emma isn't free to move on to a new relationship, yet she cannot reveal her past without compromising her security and that of the people around her. This story packed a lot of punch. Emma and Seth were strong, principled characters and excellent role models for community's children. I particularly enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the shop windows Emma decorated and the costumes she designed in her beautifully quaint shop.