A Strong Independent Woman And
The Wayward Husband
WIN, LOVE, OR DRAW : STORY LINE:
Author Crystal Barnes takes us on a journey to 1877 Cater Springs, Texas in Win, Love, or Draw (Book 1 Marriage & Mayhem). Here we find an emotional adventurous love story between Catherine McGarrett and her husband Samuel.
Catherine, aka Cat, has prayed and looked for the return of her absentee husband for almost 6 yrs; she and her son, Benin, have prayed for him every night. Suddenly she looks up and spots him down the street. Has the wayward husband finally returned after running for almost 6 years, what will he find waiting for him? How will Catherine react to his sudden appearance?
Catherine has secrets she has told no one; all she needs is the return of the wayward husband to complicate matters even more. Can she trust him or will he run again at the first hint of controversy and trouble?
Come along with Cat, Sam, Benin, and the citizens of Cater Springs as they traverse the ups and downs of love, faith and second chances. As a result, it is quite a journey; full of adventure, outlaws, secrets, mystery, love lost, misunderstandings, faith in God, and a community united.
WIN, LOVE, OR DRAW : CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, AND DEVELOPMENT:
First, Author Crystal Barnes has penned a faith-based novel that will hook you from the first page to the end of the novel. She skillfully shows Christians as we really live; saved by the grace of God, sinning daily, but forgiven by our Heavenly Father. Also, Ms. Barnes never preaches or pushes the reader to believe, rather she incorporates her Christian beliefs into the story-line without detracting from the story. Consequently, her writing style is clear, clean, and concise.
Secondly, Cat is a strong independent woman surviving on a horse ranch as a wife and mother with an absentee husband. Cat’s character growth is skillfully; she must come to terms with her own failings, walk closer with God, and travel the road of learning towards forgiveness and love. Can she forgive and move forward to a loving marriage or has Sam damaged, beyond repair, her heart and faith in him as a husband?
Meanwhile, Sam’s portrayal as a man with deep regrets is touching; he must face the decisions he made, why he really made them, and the life he has led for the past 6 years. That life has followed him home; he will have to make decisions led by his faith, convictions, and need to protect. Will Sam stop running or revert to old ways?
Also, the secondary characters, in Win, Love, Or Draw add elements of depth to the story as well as set the stage for future books in this series. I found Ms. Barnes portrayal of this small town community skillful as she reveals the closeness of small town, USA. We see returning characters in this story. I love books that have continuing characters and story-lines.
In concluding my review of Win, Love, or Draw, Crystal Barnes’ plotting, timing, descriptions and pacing were top-notch; as a result, she does not give away the resolutions too soon nor does she full her pages with fluff. Also, Ms. Barnes story-telling skills are evident; she had many threads and several plots in this story, skillfully woven into a wonderful tale. As a result, she included everything needed for a success novel: mystery, adventure, intrigue, faith, community and love.
WIN, LOVE, OR DRAW: RECOMMENDATION: 5+ STARS
In conclusion, I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a clean, well-developed, solid western romance. I look forward to the next book in this wonderful series.
Finally, I received this book from the author in return for an honest book review. All book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion; consequently, all book reviews on line, on my blog and under my name are my opinion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR OF WIN, LOVE, OR DRAW
PHOTO & BIO PROVIDED BY AUTHOR
Crystal Barnes born and raised in Texas is a western girl. Also, she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an award-winning author who loves old-fashioned things and the Lord. She also has a degree in computer science. Meanwhile in her spare time she knits, crochets, sews, and watches old movies/sitcoms. If you would like to contact Ms. Barnes, click on the link below.
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