Book Review: A Ranger’s Trail by Darlene Franklin

After her husband was murdered by a mob during the “Hoo Doo Wars” in Mason County TX, Leta Denning struggles to piece her life back together and take care of her son and brother despite the unrest in the area. A Texas Ranger starts looking into the murder again, and Leta must guard her heart to avoid getting hurt again.

Buck Morgan is a free spirit who doesn’t like to stay in one place. Upset that he was too young to fight during the War between the States, he later decides to join the Texas Rangers. Buck is assigned to look into the unrest going on in Mason County, particularly the year-old murder of a man named Derrick Denning. Buck was always taught to take care of widows and orphans, and in the process of helping out and looking for answers, it looks like he maybe cares a little more than he intended for the lovely widow.

A Ranger’s Trail is the fourth book in the Texas Trails series. I enjoyed it as much as I have the rest of the books in the series, and can’t wait to read the next book. It is a story of hurt, misunderstanding, restitution and reconciliation. The characters make mistakes and learn from them, and two families learn to get along during a difficult time in history. If you have enjoyed any of the books in the series you will love this one! It stands alone but definitely ties into the first book in the series. I would recommend this book to readers of fiction.

I received this book for free from the publisher through the Moody Publishers blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Book Review: The Prodigal A Ragamuffin Story, by Brennan Manning and Greg Garrett

Jack Chisholm had a seemingly wonderful life as a big church pastor. He had a well paid position, a huge church body with much financial support, a beautiful wife and daughter, and frequent TV appearances. Then, in one fell swoop it was gone. On a sponsored visit to Mexico he had one night of indiscretion with his pretty assistant, and within days his dream life was stripped away. In the midst of his solitude and despair, the estranged father he had rejected a decade ago returned to take him home.

The Prodigal is a story of redemption. It isn't a story about regaining what was lost, but about God’s redemptive grace. This is a story that all can learn something from, because regardless of our situation, we have all sinned and fallen short. Yet we have a loving Father, waiting for us to cry out for forgiveness so He can take us home.

Years ago, I read another book by Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel. This book works as a companion piece to it, teaching through a story. People learn truths better when presented in story form, whether because those truths are presented in context or simply because stories hold our attention better. I truly enjoyed The Prodigal, and appreciate how realistically human the main character is. He doesn't suddenly turn his life around, but works at it, fails, screws up, and is encouraged by those close to him to try again. It is also clear through the story that God is able to use whatever situation we are in to His glory. He brings joy through pain, and good through evil. I highly recommend this book!

I received this book for free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255