Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Refuge of the Heart

GIVEAWAY

HERNE, RUTH LOGAN
REFUGE OF THE HEART

District Attorney Mitchell Sanderson wanted for nothing and lost everything in a tragic accident. A dogged worker, Mitch’s conviction rate earned him respect and trust. Now up for re-election, Mitch’s law-and-order persona makes him a shoo-in candidate. But when faith, conscience and love of a troubled refugee ripple the smooth waters of his existence, can Mitch risk everything for love?

Magdalena Serida fought her way out of the terrors of a government-quelled insurgent uprising in Chechnya. The church-sponsored refugee knows the horrors of war first-hand. Now in America with her five-year-old sister, Lena is uncertain who to trust. Her Christian faith has maintained her through the loss of her family, but when Mitch Sanderson shows interest, Lena longs to take a chance. Should she open herself up to this man of law and order, a man who imprisons women like her? Or slip quietly back into the shadowed fringe of anonymity?


My Review:

Herne ripped my heart out and stomped all over it during this read. It's back in place now, but still tender and fuller somehow, like the Grinch's heart that grew three sizes too big. Because that's the kind of read this is -- transforming. Opens your eyes and your heart, fills you with compassion. Urges you to walk a little taller, be a whole lot kinder and leave judgements up to God.

As a priest tells Magdalena: "But Lena, child, we're never alone...Our actions and those of others entwine. Each candle that's lit, each ripple in the sea, changes the world around us." (p.262) Refuge of the Heart changed my world and I'm sure its ripple effect will be felt for some time to come.

Lena is easy to love, to worry about, to hurt for. She bears herself with a quiet dignity that masks the agony of a dark past. Tenacious, determined, devoted to her little sister, she's trying to look ahead to a better future. One that doesn't include a man -- especially a District Attorney.

Mitch is a complicated and sometimes contradictory hero. Set the swoon meter to overload because his measured pursuit of Lena is a toe-curling delight. But, as in all her books, Herne doesn't shy away from the grit of realism. Characters lives are messy, they are honest products of their upbringing and life experience. That makes them act in ways that will test a gentle reader's heart. I actually closed the book and set it aside at one point. Washed my floors and cleaned the bathroom so I could avoid picking it up again and all the while my throat burned and my chest felt like it was in a vice-grip.

 I alternately wept copious tears and cheered myself hoarse over the course of this novel. Stunning and compelling and definitely unforgettable.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Refuge of the Heart please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday September 20 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

44 comments:

  1. What a fabulous review, Kav! Wow! This book received high praise from one of our reviewing team as well recently! I would love to read it...not to mention my floor needs to be mopped and my bathroom cleaned as well! ;) Thx for the opportunity to win this!

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. I do what I can to encourage good housekeeping practices across the world. LOL It's really an astounding book, Diana. Good luck.

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  2. Sounds wonderful! Glad it doesn't shy away from the troubles of real life.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. It definitely doesn't -- my battered heart is proof. Good luck, Patty.

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  3. My bucket list for new author just keeps growing and I love it opens up a whole new world for me.kamundsen44(at)yahoo(dot)com.

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    1. Isn't is exciting when you find a new-to-me author? And Ruth Logan Herne is a prolific writer with lots on the horizon as well. Good luck, Kim.

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  4. Awww ... I do love this author - but your review is the final push. I want to read this book soon. rrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom

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    1. And so you should. Seriously, what's not to love about Ruth Logan Herne?! Good luck, Becky.

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  5. Wow, this sounds like an eye opener.
    karenskrayons(at)gmail(dot)com

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  6. I've read a novella by Ruth Logan Herne, but not a full length novel. Refuge of the Heart sounds like it should be the book I read that changes that. Thanks for this review and the chance to win.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Oh, you're in for a treat, Pam...a lot of treats actually. She's written a lot of books. Good luck.

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  7. WOW! Awesome review Kav. I love reading "transformational" fiction.

    psalm103and138[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Thanks, Caryl. I love a story that starts me thinking outside my comfort zone. Good luck.

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  8. Would love to read this book after hearing your high praise for it, Kav. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  9. Oh, another Ruthy book.....one of my favorite writers! She is such a jewel, and I try to read all of her books!
    Thanks for the giveaway, Kav!!
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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  10. Your review left me in awe of this book! Emotions so raw it's almost too much for my tender-heart, but at the same time, making me want more! I love a story that can make me FEEL a whole gamut of emotions, pulling my heartstrings one way or another. Leaving me breathless and raw but changed somehow :-) A definite must read, Kav, thank you!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. I'm still filling slightly pummeled. :-) But so worth the read. Good luck, Trixi.

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  11. I love the cover of this book, it makes me want to read this book, please enter me in this giveaway. sonflower277 at gmail dot com

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    1. It's such a meaningful cover too. Good luck, Karen.

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  12. Oh Kav, this one sounds wonderful! Thank you for the opportunity.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  13. You have caught my attention with this story line, would love to win a copy!

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  14. thanks for the opportunity to read this novel, kav

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  15. Amazing review, Kav, of an amazing book. I've read Refuge of the Heart, and your words are perfect to explain the power of this story.....yes, "transforming" in all those ways you mentioned. I was cheering for these hurting people and tears fell down at their suffering. ......However, I did not start cleaning. ;)

    Thanks for your perfect review. You always find that special element in a story, then express the thought so well.

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    1. Thanks so much, Sherida. Still a tad weepy over this one.

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  16. What a fantastic review! Thank you so much for the giveaway, Kav. I would love to read this story!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  17. Thank you so much for reminding me of this book, Kav! I put it on my tbr earlier this summer and subsequently forgot. I am BLOWN away by Ruth Logan Herne. I read a couple interviews this summer with her and the way she loves the Lord shines through with the clearest transparency. I am also very excited for her new series, Double S Ranch. I love, love, love the cover of Back in the Saddle. It's very simple, but full of cowboy swoon! :) - Terrill

    tlhcoupon (at) hotmail (dot) com

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    1. I agree -- what a lethal combination, Ruthy and cowboys! LOL I think that first one comes out in March. I'm watching out for it too. And you'll love this one, Terrill. Her heart for the Lord is on every page. Good luck.

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  18. I'm totally the opposite when it comes to a gripping novel, I can't make myself put it down for anything! Sounds like I better clear my schedule and make sure there's cereal for supper before I start this one ;)

    Lea
    ladepooh At hotmail dot com

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    1. LOL -- love it -- yes cereal for supper is definitely a necessity for this read. And you'll definitely reach a point of no return. Good luck, Lea.

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  19. Sounds like a roller-coaster ride read. Those are the kinds you can't put down, no matter how much you may want to!

    It's so fun to hop over to your blog and enter these giveaways. Whether winning or not, I enjoy getting to know about new books I haven't read, as well as new authors.

    Thank you for sharing.

    amylsmith at bledsoe dot net

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    1. Thanks, Amy. I enjoy talking about books and sharing them. Good luck.

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  20. This is a rich story line! With characters who have endured so much. I am so glad to get a heads up about this book. It is one I definitely want to read!

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    1. You won't be the same after the read. Good luck, Sue.

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  21. I'm a little late but better late than sorry, right? Gosh oh gosh Kav, that review has to be the most stunning and compelling one I have EVER read!!! Do you give lessons out? Please say yes!! :) Oh, just so you know, I would love to win a copy of this amazing book by Ruth!! Thanks for the chance!

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    1. LOL, thanks, Noela. I just call 'em like I see 'em. Good luck.

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  22. Your review was great and certainly makes me want to read this!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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