‘A Cowboy’s Touch’ by Denise Hunter – Book Review

I enjoy discovering new – for me! – authors. The latest that fits that description is Denise Hunter. I just had the fun of reading her latest release, ‘A Cowboy’s Touch.’

Here is the synopsis of this novel:

Abigail is just in Moose Creek, Montana for the summer to temporarily care for her great aunt.

But a tender-hearted cowboy beckons her to stay.

Abigail Jones intends to spend just one summer in middle-of-nowhere Montana with her Aunt Lucy. Time away from her job is just what Abigail needs to reassess her life. The slow pace has her breathing deeply for the first time in years. And the majestic scenery encourages her to get reacquainted with herself…and God.

What she didn’t count on was the handsome widowed cowboy who owns the ranch where her aunt lives. When the rancher loses his daughter’s nanny, Abigail decides to lend a hand for the summer.

Wade Ryan can’t help being attracted to Abigail. But he’s given up everything to protect his daughter, and he’s about to risk it all on a pretty face.

Under Abigail’s care, Wade’s home and daughter strive. And with Wade’s touch, Abigail’s heart feels at home at last. But Abigail knows this elusive rancher is hiding something. Will her own secrets separate her from the cowboy who finally captured her heart?

Here is the biography of this author:

Denise Hunter is the award-winning and best-selling author of several novels, including Sweetwater Gap. She lives in Indiana with her husband Kevin and their three sons. In 1996, Denise began her first book, a Christian romance novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since; among her titles are 'Surrender Bay,' 'Finding Faith,' 'Mending Places,' 'The Convenient Groom,' 'Seaside Letters,' and 'Driftwood Lane.' Her books often contain a strong romantic element, and her husband Kevin says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Here is Denise Hunter discussing this book:

I enjoyed Mrs. Hunter’s writing style. Here is an example of a section that was particularly well-written. It also showed the Godly worldview of Wade, and helped Abigail came to a realization:

Abigail thought of her father when she thought of God. Of his faithfulness. He’d taken them to church, and Abigail had even asked Jesus into her heart as a child. But she’d been so busy the last, well, ten years.

“Maybe so,” she admitted. “It’s easy to let God fall by the wayside when there are so many distractions.” Like work.

“Out here it’s easier to avoid the hectic schedules and the trappings of religion. It’s just you and God’s creation.”

“Never thought of it like that.” Her mom had called her restless, but Abigail hadn’t seen it at the time. Her busy life in the city had disguised it. But the slow pace of life here had made the truth apparent. She was restless.

If she was honest, she had to admit it had been a long time since she’d felt anything resembling peace. Not since…. Her mind traveled in reverse searching for a moment of tranquility. (p. 107)   

I loved the string of redemption/forgiveness that was woven throughout this book. Here is Abigail telling Wade that there is forgiveness from God:

“You think you’re defective or something,” she said. “I refuse to believe that. You’re a good man, Wade. Do you think God made you incapable of having a healthy relationship? He wouldn’t do that. You’re believing a lie.”

He hadn’t thought of it like that. He wanted to believe her – she’d never know how much. He’d tried so hard to protect others – Maddy, other women…. Abigail. (p. 222)

I also loved the description of the Big Sky Country in Montana. I’ve visited that beautiful state years ago, and this book makes me want to return. Yellowstone is a “can’t miss;” I’d love to go there with my husband, Fred, and our two Cocker Spaniels, Shelby and Sammy.

The next title from Mrs. Hunter in her ‘A Big Sky Romance’ series is ‘The Accidental Bride,’ which will be released in January, 2012. I am sure it will be just as much of a great read as was this book! Here is the brief ‘blurb’:

Two high school sweethearts, a wedding reenactment, and one absentminded pastor… Is it a recipe for disaster or a chance for a new beginning?

You can order ‘A Cowboy’s Touch’ here.

This book was published by Thomas Nelson Publishers and provided by The B & B Media Group for review purposes.