Rocky Mountain Oasis: The Shepherd's Heart, Book 1 (The Shepherd's Heart - Christian Historical Romance) Paperback – June 1, 2015

The never-ending, unconditional, faithful love of God toward the undeserved, imperfect, willful sinners. The Book of Hosea and this first book in the series have that much in common. So, go read it.The story also have an incredible page-turning plot, beautifully written characters, a clear Gospel presentation, and a sweet and clean romance.Again, the author doesn’t sweet under the rug difficult issues like physical and emotional abuse, theft, murder (so if it’s triggers, be aware!) but they are down with gentleness and understanding.The development of love between MCs is pure beauty.

An easy to read, sweet story about love in a convenient marriage. Great plot and I liked the characters. Good.

This was an excellent book. It was very relatable, wonderful about the thoughts and feelings of each character. I enjoyed it immensely. I stayed up until midnight reading it because I didn’t want to wait until this morning to find out what happened. Every person needs a Skye in their lives as a friend or as a husband, as well as in-laws like Brooke had. Despite that, I am so glad to be living now. This was very well written; you were “there” on each page. I can’t say enough good things about this book. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author!

This a very nice book to read. It is written by Lynnette Bonner. There is love, murder, mystery in this book. A young man buys a young woman from his cousin and marries her. This woman has been abused by her uncle and my a man she was going to marry. A man is murdered for what reason? Mystery is who done it and why. A very enjoyable book to read.

Rocky Mountain Oasis by Lynnette Bonner is based on real events. Bonner did her research with that. Unfortunately, she didn't do her math.Now I’m no mathematician myself, but anyone can research how fast a horse moves at a gallop and the impact of a moving object hitting an unmovable one. Online calculators are just an Internet search away. So in chapter twenty when Brooke, our heroine, riding 30 mph, collides her head with a branch, you can calculate the force to basically being hit by a 12 ton truck. That’s major head trauma. She should have been decapitated, not waking up a few hours later with a “large gash on her forehead.” That she survived is a miracle. And while we’re at it, Bonner could have also discovered, had she done her research, that nowhere on the human torso can a bullet enter without shattering bones or doing major damage. But I’m willing to forgive the gunshot-to-the-shoulder device because I liked the hero. I’m willing to wink at most anything if I like the character. The problem is I didn't like Brooke.There are two blunders an author can make that bring my enjoyment level way down. The first is an implausible antagonist. Bonner’s antagonist is written kind of thin, but if you think about it, his motives makes sense without her having to resort to the old insanity cliché, so that’s okay. The other is a protagonist who does stupid things, just to advance the plot. Fiction is all about identification, and when the protagonist believes who the reader knows she shouldn't believe and trusts who the reader knows she shouldn't trust – in other words, does just the opposite of what common sense is telling the reader – that’s unforgivable. Whatever made Brooke believe the antagonist would leave them in peace if she just kept her mouth shut? Couldn't she see they’d have a much better chance if she spoke up? Oh well. She’s not alone. Grisham made the same error in The Client and that got made into a movie.On the plus, Bonner’s mama did her job, and the story is well-edited. Kudos to her. And as a Christian novel, it’s got everything the Christian reader would want: prayers, Scripture quoting, a little sermonizing, and everyone who should get saved getting saved. It all unfolds as you’d expect with the only question being whether the villains will stand trial and be convicted, or be killed beforehand. As a romance, it also unfolds according to expectations. Those who aren't bothered by the kinds of things that bother me will probably like this book.

I loved how the story followed and I loved all the characters. The story was believable, realistic and well developed. I like that it was free from bad language and had Christian themes.

I've read several books encompassing plots that include a battered woman aspect. In my experience, more often than not, authors get it wrong...the woman's reactions are all off, or they overcome their violent pasts so fast as to almost trivialize them. In this instance, I'd have to say that Ms. Bonner's writing demonstrates a superior grasp of the issue of domestic violence, and all that it entails. Her understanding is so pervasive, I could easily believe that Ms. Bonner either has experience with DV, whether personally or through someone close to her, or she has taken the time to extensively research the issue. The end result, is a poignant story about a woman who has known nothing but violence at the hands of men, who finally finds her God appointed soul mate...a man who helps to heal not only her heart, but also her soul.Brooke is desperately afraid when she is told by her uncle that he has sold her as a mail order bride. Terrified of being under the control of yet another man, she makes the strenuous six month journey west, via wagon train. Through Divine intervention, Brooke finds herself married to a wonderful, loving, God fearing man. One who shows her that not all men are evil monsters, and teaches her that she is worthy of love...no matter what her past. Brooke's internal struggle as she tries to overcome her fears and learn to trust her husband is so realistic. But that is only the beginning of Brooke's difficulties, as she must also learn to forgive herself and accept that she is worthy of God's love and forgiveness.This book encompasses a thoroughly dynamic plot, with three dimensional characters who come to life within its pages. As if the romance isn't enough, intrigue is added to the story with murder, revenge, and kidnapping. I have to say though, the murder plot involving the Chinese men kind of overshadowed the romance in the latter half of the story, which is why I only rated the book 4 stars instead of 5. Nevertheless, this was an extremely good read. I happily recommend this book.

Eine schöne Lektüre, freundliches, hoffnungsvolles Buch, Lynnette Bonner ist guter Erzähler, es war Freude es zu lesen, feines Englisch, danke für die schöne lesestunden..

This was an excellent book that I had a hard time putting down. I loved how the plan of salvation was explained so clearly and simply and the suspense kept me turning the pages. I am definitely going to read the rest in this series. Thank you Lynnette for sharing your God given talent in such an exceptional book.

This is the second book I've read by Lynette Bonner, and now I know that she can write fantastic historical fiction as well as contemporary. This book has everything to make an excellent and beautiful read. The characters are interesting, well drawn and very appealing (well the ones who are meant to be). Their faith is very real, deep and authentic. The development of the relationship between Brooke and Sky is wonderful to watch as we see how Sky gently treats Brooke with love, respect and tenderness, and she comes to a place of wholeness and healing from her past. Then there is the intriguing story of events in the town, which are, in part, based on true historical happenings.I just didn't want this book to end, and, having fallen in love with Sky and Brooke, I really wanted to know more about what happens to them next. I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series and highly recommend Lynnette Bonner and her books.

Great story...... love it that there is some truth to the fiction. I enjoyed the characters. A good read.

Although I am not a lover of romance novels I gave this one a go and was pleasantly surprised. It's a good story and well written.