High Desert Haven: A Christian Historical Western Romance (The Shepherd's Heart Book 2)

Nicki marries a stranger to help her family, but within a few years finds herself widowed and under threat from greedy men who want her land; Jason hires on as her ranch foreman, and quickly throws himself all in to help and protect her. Notes from June 2019: Plot and Setting: 3.5 -- More emphasis on the suspense-type elements of the plot, while the romance just kind of happens (quickly for Jason, with more resistance from Nicki). Lots of action, less depth. The historical basis for The Association is interesting. Some inconsistencies in plot points and timeline. Characters: 3.7 -- I didn't really connect with Nicki (her stubbornness, especially as it related to William, irked me), and only partially with Jason (I love how he's transformed since book 1, now that he's turned his life back over to God, but most of that growing apparently happened in the time between the 2 books, not in these pages). Minor characters are appropriately developed for the most part; some deeper emotional realism related to these smaller characters. Mechanics and Writing: 2.7 -- Decent writing. Scattered word and punctuation errors, mostly rather minor, though a few are more serious inconsistencies. I didn’t enjoy the use of a semi-universal third person POV. Redeeming Value: 4.2 -- Cruelty, destruction, and murder are dealt out by The Association to satisfy their own greed. I appreciated the neighborly spirit that arises in the community as they support each other in the face of these difficulties. Some good lessons in following God's direction, surrendering control to God, etc. Personal Enjoyment: 3.5

This is the second book in a series about the Jordan family. Jason Jordan was a minor character in book 1,

This story begins with sweat and toil for Dominique, or Nicki as she was called. As a consequence, she marries a man she doesn't even know or love. She knows he has cattle, but he is gone from early morning until late. When she finds out he has been killed and is told that it is an accident she doesn't know what she will do. Jason, who lives just accross the mountain is urged by his mother to go over and see if he can help this woman. She wants to keep the land but it seems everything is gone. Jason keeps checking until he finds a valuable asset, providing it can be reigned in and sold. He calls in Law Enforcement friends from his valley in the town of Shiloh. He doesn't trust the men here in Nicki's valley. There are those who do not want his intrusion and try to eliminate him. They will do anything to get their hands on all the land, even kill. This is a clean, sweet romance, as well as a lot of mystery, fighting, and intrigue. It's a good story. I'm going to buy the next in the series.

Dominique Trent finds out her ranch is mortgaged after her husband mysteriously dies in a riding accident. She has no idea how she can possibly come up with $5,000.00, but Jason Jordan, the new ranch foreman she hired to help her, vows he will come up with something. In the meantime, someone shoots at Nicki, attempts to do in her two hired hands, tries to get the drop on Jason, and starts terrorizing the neighbors' small spreads. If that isn't enough trouble, William, a rich rancher, keeps pressuring her to marry him as her feelings for Jason grow. The only thing she knows to do is lean on her faith to see her through. This is a well-written novel. The only grammatical mistake I found was "...with Conner and I." In the prologue, Nicki expects her father to be arrested for not being able to pay his debts, but they live in California, which was a state then. In the U.S. you can't be arrested for debts. All your property can be taken, but you can't be arrested. The book was still quite a treat to read. In places the writing flowed beautifully. Lynnette Bonner's novels always have a strong element of faith in them, and I like that. Sometimes, however, her plots seem rather dark, as only bad things happen to her characters until the ending. I look forward to her books, however, because they contain characters I can empathize with, a plot that keeps the tension high, and a story that's almost impossible to put down.

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series I applaud Lynnette for how she shares her Christian witness throughout her stories. First with the plan of salvation then how that decision to accept Christ will influence the rest of your life. The stories are filled with many varied and interesting characters and circumstances that add a lot of 'meat' to them. They are hard to lay down which explained why I stayed up last evening until 3:30 AM!!

This is the second book in the Shepherds Heart series. I read the first one and reviewed it and highly recommend if you haven't read the first one you should. This book stands alone and is highly entertaining. I read it all in one setting. I didn't want to put it down and when it was over I was wishing it wasn't. But unlike most reviewers I pride myself on giving you the pastor's view on Christian fiction. So with that let me give you the skinny on High Desert Haven. This book takes on several different "moral" lessons and could have been quite preachy but it isn't. Yet it helps the reader want to live a life of integrity by the example of the Male and Female MCs. It deals with forgiveness and listening for God's leading in our everyday life decisions. There are examples of mans depravity and God's offer of forgiveness. There is a sub-theme of you reap what you sow as well. Finally it also tackles being in the author's own words "being Jesus with skin on." Yet all of these are wrapped in what is a great western and suspenseful romantic read. Not once did it feel like I was being preached to the messages were just a honest result of the characters life. I know Lynette has at least two more books in this series and I for one will be buying them. When I do I will review it for you as well. PG

I read Lynnette Bonner's first book in this series, Rocky Mountain Oasis, which led me to buy this book. I love that while reading the story I felt closer to God. As the characters communicate their prayers and faith I found myself reflecting upon my own relationship with God. I also really enjoyed the authors rich historical descriptions which allowed me to imagine what it may have been like to live during that time. Reading the series in order is always important to me since I like to be a part of the author's storytelling journey as they develop the characters. However this series is written such that they could be read independently. Speaking of series books, I like when authors keep the characters of a prior book deeply involved in the following storyline. I want to see their relationship grow, their involvement in family dynamics, and how the new story impacts their lives. So, if an author is reading this and feels the need to write a series, I would be happy to support you by buying every book!

When I downloaded this book I didn't pay any attention to the fact that it was the second in a series, but it didn't matter in the end. The book stood alone just fine and I found it to be a pretty enjoyable read. The descriptions are A+ and the author seems to have a good sense of how the characters would have lived and behaved in that era. I really liked the main character and her growth over the course of the novel. The beginning of the book may light a few fires under the particularly strict religious folks who read this, but as I am not one of them, I was able to enjoy the story without too much consideration of the idea. What I liked most about this was the action. There is always something waiting around the corner for the reader to discover and enjoy. Just when you think the dust is about to settle and there is nothing else going to happen in the current chapter, the author surprises you once again. I would definitely read other books by this author. I enjoyed this much more than I had expected I would after reading and eye rolling over many other books in this same genre. This is one worth checking out.

Nicki Trent is a true heroine from the very first page, willing to sacrifice herself in order to save those she loves. Thus she is separated from her family and soon finds herself raising a toddler while her husband does a poor job managing their ranch. When he is killed in an `accident', Nicki rejects an offer to marry a neighbor, though it seems unlikely she can make the ranch profitable. Jason Jordan answers her ad for a foreman, and from the first moment on, realizes that Nicki is battling more than the natural elements. This book has villains who are based on actual figures from history, and more than once, they made my blood run cold! Nicki is an amazing character and an inspiration in every way. In moments of incredible suspense, I could only hold my breath and speed read, but Nicki doesn't give in or give up - she continues to fight back. I've read all four books in this series, and this one is my absolute favorite!

Dominique (Nicki) Noel Trent stands at her husband's graveside in dismay. Even though theirs had been a loveless marriage, she is left, because of John Trent's mysterious accidental death, with a toddler to raise and a rundown ranch to bring back from near ruin. When she hires Jason Jordan to manage her ranch, unusual events begin to happen. Bullets whistle through her yard. A dummy that's about her son's size appears on her doorstep with a knife through its heart. The Stockman's Association meets in secret. William, her neighbor, urges her to marry him. A neighbor's home burns to the ground. The bank calls in a loan that she didn't know existed. Is Jason the evil adversary that William implies he is? And is William the romantic protector that he seems? HIGH DESERT HAVEN, a historical romance set in eastern Oregon, will hold your interest from start to finish. It's a western romance with all the wonderful ingredients to make you sigh with regret when you read "The End."

Nicki marries a stranger to help her family, but within a few years finds herself widowed and under threat from greedy men who want her land; Jason hires on as her ranch foreman, and quickly throws himself all in to help and protect her. Notes from June 2019: Plot and Setting: 3.5 -- More emphasis on the suspense-type elements of the plot, while the romance just kind of happens (quickly for Jason, with more resistance from Nicki). Lots of action, less depth. The historical basis for The Association is interesting. Some inconsistencies in plot points and timeline. Characters: 3.7 -- I didn't really connect with Nicki (her stubbornness, especially as it related to William, irked me), and only partially with Jason (I love how he's transformed since book 1, now that he's turned his life back over to God, but most of that growing apparently happened in the time between the 2 books, not in these pages). Minor characters are appropriately developed for the most part; some deeper emotional realism related to these smaller characters. Mechanics and Writing: 2.7 -- Decent writing. Scattered word and punctuation errors, mostly rather minor, though a few are more serious inconsistencies. I didn’t enjoy the use of a semi-universal third person POV. Redeeming Value: 4.2 -- Cruelty, destruction, and murder are dealt out by The Association to satisfy their own greed. I appreciated the neighborly spirit that arises in the community as they support each other in the face of these difficulties. Some good lessons in following God's direction, surrendering control to God, etc. Personal Enjoyment: 3.5

This is the second book in a series about the Jordan family. Jason Jordan was a minor character in book 1,

This story begins with sweat and toil for Dominique, or Nicki as she was called. As a consequence, she marries a man she doesn't even know or love. She knows he has cattle, but he is gone from early morning until late. When she finds out he has been killed and is told that it is an accident she doesn't know what she will do. Jason, who lives just accross the mountain is urged by his mother to go over and see if he can help this woman. She wants to keep the land but it seems everything is gone. Jason keeps checking until he finds a valuable asset, providing it can be reigned in and sold. He calls in Law Enforcement friends from his valley in the town of Shiloh. He doesn't trust the men here in Nicki's valley. There are those who do not want his intrusion and try to eliminate him. They will do anything to get their hands on all the land, even kill. This is a clean, sweet romance, as well as a lot of mystery, fighting, and intrigue. It's a good story. I'm going to buy the next in the series.

Dominique Trent finds out her ranch is mortgaged after her husband mysteriously dies in a riding accident. She has no idea how she can possibly come up with $5,000.00, but Jason Jordan, the new ranch foreman she hired to help her, vows he will come up with something. In the meantime, someone shoots at Nicki, attempts to do in her two hired hands, tries to get the drop on Jason, and starts terrorizing the neighbors' small spreads. If that isn't enough trouble, William, a rich rancher, keeps pressuring her to marry him as her feelings for Jason grow. The only thing she knows to do is lean on her faith to see her through. This is a well-written novel. The only grammatical mistake I found was "...with Conner and I." In the prologue, Nicki expects her father to be arrested for not being able to pay his debts, but they live in California, which was a state then. In the U.S. you can't be arrested for debts. All your property can be taken, but you can't be arrested. The book was still quite a treat to read. In places the writing flowed beautifully. Lynnette Bonner's novels always have a strong element of faith in them, and I like that. Sometimes, however, her plots seem rather dark, as only bad things happen to her characters until the ending. I look forward to her books, however, because they contain characters I can empathize with, a plot that keeps the tension high, and a story that's almost impossible to put down.

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series I applaud Lynnette for how she shares her Christian witness throughout her stories. First with the plan of salvation then how that decision to accept Christ will influence the rest of your life. The stories are filled with many varied and interesting characters and circumstances that add a lot of 'meat' to them. They are hard to lay down which explained why I stayed up last evening until 3:30 AM!!

This is the second book in the Shepherds Heart series. I read the first one and reviewed it and highly recommend if you haven't read the first one you should. This book stands alone and is highly entertaining. I read it all in one setting. I didn't want to put it down and when it was over I was wishing it wasn't. But unlike most reviewers I pride myself on giving you the pastor's view on Christian fiction. So with that let me give you the skinny on High Desert Haven. This book takes on several different "moral" lessons and could have been quite preachy but it isn't. Yet it helps the reader want to live a life of integrity by the example of the Male and Female MCs. It deals with forgiveness and listening for God's leading in our everyday life decisions. There are examples of mans depravity and God's offer of forgiveness. There is a sub-theme of you reap what you sow as well. Finally it also tackles being in the author's own words "being Jesus with skin on." Yet all of these are wrapped in what is a great western and suspenseful romantic read. Not once did it feel like I was being preached to the messages were just a honest result of the characters life. I know Lynette has at least two more books in this series and I for one will be buying them. When I do I will review it for you as well. PG

I read Lynnette Bonner's first book in this series, Rocky Mountain Oasis, which led me to buy this book. I love that while reading the story I felt closer to God. As the characters communicate their prayers and faith I found myself reflecting upon my own relationship with God. I also really enjoyed the authors rich historical descriptions which allowed me to imagine what it may have been like to live during that time. Reading the series in order is always important to me since I like to be a part of the author's storytelling journey as they develop the characters. However this series is written such that they could be read independently. Speaking of series books, I like when authors keep the characters of a prior book deeply involved in the following storyline. I want to see their relationship grow, their involvement in family dynamics, and how the new story impacts their lives. So, if an author is reading this and feels the need to write a series, I would be happy to support you by buying every book!

When I downloaded this book I didn't pay any attention to the fact that it was the second in a series, but it didn't matter in the end. The book stood alone just fine and I found it to be a pretty enjoyable read. The descriptions are A+ and the author seems to have a good sense of how the characters would have lived and behaved in that era. I really liked the main character and her growth over the course of the novel. The beginning of the book may light a few fires under the particularly strict religious folks who read this, but as I am not one of them, I was able to enjoy the story without too much consideration of the idea. What I liked most about this was the action. There is always something waiting around the corner for the reader to discover and enjoy. Just when you think the dust is about to settle and there is nothing else going to happen in the current chapter, the author surprises you once again. I would definitely read other books by this author. I enjoyed this much more than I had expected I would after reading and eye rolling over many other books in this same genre. This is one worth checking out.

Nicki Trent is a true heroine from the very first page, willing to sacrifice herself in order to save those she loves. Thus she is separated from her family and soon finds herself raising a toddler while her husband does a poor job managing their ranch. When he is killed in an `accident', Nicki rejects an offer to marry a neighbor, though it seems unlikely she can make the ranch profitable. Jason Jordan answers her ad for a foreman, and from the first moment on, realizes that Nicki is battling more than the natural elements. This book has villains who are based on actual figures from history, and more than once, they made my blood run cold! Nicki is an amazing character and an inspiration in every way. In moments of incredible suspense, I could only hold my breath and speed read, but Nicki doesn't give in or give up - she continues to fight back. I've read all four books in this series, and this one is my absolute favorite!

Dominique (Nicki) Noel Trent stands at her husband's graveside in dismay. Even though theirs had been a loveless marriage, she is left, because of John Trent's mysterious accidental death, with a toddler to raise and a rundown ranch to bring back from near ruin. When she hires Jason Jordan to manage her ranch, unusual events begin to happen. Bullets whistle through her yard. A dummy that's about her son's size appears on her doorstep with a knife through its heart. The Stockman's Association meets in secret. William, her neighbor, urges her to marry him. A neighbor's home burns to the ground. The bank calls in a loan that she didn't know existed. Is Jason the evil adversary that William implies he is? And is William the romantic protector that he seems? HIGH DESERT HAVEN, a historical romance set in eastern Oregon, will hold your interest from start to finish. It's a western romance with all the wonderful ingredients to make you sigh with regret when you read "The End."

The author of this book has done a beautiful job of creating characters in realistic situations from the western history of the United States. A true Christian adventure that I had a hard time putting down from start to finish. It's nice to read books that are filled with true romance AND decency instead of trash! I look forward to reading other books from the series and keeping up with the lives of the many wonderful characters in the series!!! This author is a jewel!!!!!

Nicki's family reluctantly sells her to John Trent at the beginning of the book. But after a brief marriage, John meets with an untimely death. Nicki is left with one young toddler and a huge run-down ranch. There are ulterior forces at work here as a greedy banker along with a group of unscrupulous business men in the nearby town want Nicki's ranch and others' as well. Beside all this; Nicki's nearest neighbor William asks Nicki to marry him almost as soon as she buries her husband. Enter Jason, her new ranch manager, who stirs feelings within her that she has never had in her life. Stir it all up and you have a great story. It has just romance and mystery to keep one guessing til the end. A great read which I highly recommend.

It's been a while since I read this book, and I can't immediately recall everything that happened, but this is what happened. I read Book 1, and I couldn't stop. I think I stayed up to read Book 2, then proceeded to round out the series within a few days. Ms. Bonner, you're an inspired writer, and each of your characters stand on their own. I especially loved that both males and females were not made out to be saints and dealt with their desires, physical and otherwise, their frustrations, their fears, their burdens, and their responsibilities biblically and totally organically. I could see myself in each of your characters. God bless you and looking forward to more awesomeness from you. I will post this on all four books but believe me, I loved your books. Danke!

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is the second book of the Shepherds Heart series. Even though the story is predictable the characters still hold your interest. The message of Christ is very definite throughout the book. The main character have to rely on peace and strength from God. One interesting concept I will take from this book is putting Jesus in the flesh and doing for others the way Jesus would want you too. I am looking forward to reading the third book.

A good old fashioned western with a damsel in distress. Nicki Trent's had a rough life and marries out of necessity. When her husband dies leaving her responsible for a rundown ranch and a toddler she needs a man to help her pull off a miracle. Jason Jordan's just the guy she needs. He's good looking and an gentleman who knows ranching. But the odds are stacked against them as the town villain seeks to get the ranch for his own through dastardly measures. The plot takes me back to older westerns with good guys wearing white hats but it's still a fun read and is well written. An enjoyable romance.

This book was everything I was hoping for in a Christian historical romance. Add some adventure. Really enjoyed it. Highly recommended.

I have read two of Lynnette Bonner's novels. Her foundations of faith is solid so I can enjoy the story line. Easy read, mystery line and pace is good. Keeps the reader interested. Young adult up with a Christian faith could enjoy this book with interest in the 1800- early 1900's.

I enjoyed this book tremendously. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I was hooked from the very first page!

This was an exciting story with all the elements of the old west. Greedy men who will stop at nothing to get what they want. Thank God they had men who stood up to help those in need even if they had to die doing it. Where would Dominique and Sawyer be if Jason had not followed his and his grandma's leading from God. I am sure the next book will be interesting as well. I would tell anyone who likes reading about the west to get this series and they will have a good read.

This is one book you. Wont want to ever lay down because you know you ll miss something. A wonderful Christian romance.

I didn't realize this was based on historical facts. The characters were True to life! I loved the strength of Nicki the main character. It was a book I had hard time putting down. Their faith was strong and Biblically sound.

What a great book! It is an interesting plot that will hold your attention to the very end. It's a beautiful story of the joy in following and depending on God every step of the way. And added to all that, it's a lovely romance!

This was the second book in The Shepherd's Heart series. Although this was a good book, I did not feel as connected to the main characters, Jason and Nicki, as I did to Sky and Brooke, in the first book. I was also disappointed in the ending. It was a happily-ever-after ending, but it seemed lacking somehow. Maybe it was because there wasn't an epilogue. All in all, it was a good book. Moving on to book 3 ....

Great read. Hard to put down! Two thumbs up in my humble opinion. Get the book or ebook on your ereader.

I very much enjoyed the first book in series and eagerly awaited this one. While the first remains my favorite, I enjoyed this one very much. It was great to see the story of a prodigal who returned home and continued to grow in relationship with Christ. The love story between Jason and Nicki was sweet, but was overshadowed by the story line and hence lacked desired development for the reader. I would recommend the whole series for fans of both Christian and historical fiction.

What a great story. I could not put it down. I especially liked the foundation based on the truth of God's Word. Shows me you don't have to have all the explicit sex scenes to have a good story, butt instead they ruin a good story. I have read #1 and it was just as great. Lynnette is quite the story teller. Blessings

When I looked at the reviews, I was surprised to see such a difference in the rankings--5 stars to 1 star. I guess this is to be expected when all of us have different tastes and some seem to have noticeable biases against any Christian story, but when I read the comments of the lowest ranking raters, I was hard pressed not to roll my eyes. Things like "chickens don't lay in February without artificial lights" (mine do without artificial lights, and in cold weather), and comments about the use of Spanish, when the main character grew up in a Spanish-speaking home seemed a little arbitrary. From my perspective, High Desert Haven was an enjoyable read. I've read books that deserved a one- or two-star ranking, but this is not one of them. I liked the first book in the series, Rocky Mountain Oasis, well enough to continue with this one. The opening scene established the extreme hardships under which the main character's family lived. It was within the context of this setting that John Trent appeared and offered gold for Dominique. She sacrifices herself so that her large family, who faces destitution and starvation, can live. This theme can also be found in the classic, Les Miserables. The characters were both believable and likable, and the plot was interesting enough that I could overlook a couple of probable inconsistencies. I do plan to read the next book in the series, as well as other works by this author.

Five stars because of the story and characters who were not afraid to keep the word of God and to listen to the voice of their love. Amazing to read nice clean stories of faith. Thank u Mrs Bonner.

Important history of how people settled in the country and all the characters are so real. Felt as if I could easily be their friend. I love how God’s Word and presence is closely woven into the fabric of this story. Can’t wait to read more.

I really enjoyed reading this second book by Lynnette Bonner. It has adventure, romance based on a Christian background. Her characters seem so real. A very touching story.

Lynette Bonner is a fantastic storyteller! Her stories just flow with adventure, danger, romance and faith. I love her characters, too, and I'm so glad she's written this series. Looking at the picture in her biography is like looking at one of her heroines. If her heroes are modeled after her hubby, lucky lady. I'm seventy so I can say outrageous things like that. :-)

I loved this book, the second in "The Shepherd's Heart" series. Already, I have bought all of Lynnette Bonner's books, although I have not read them all. I hope Ms. Bonner will continue writing about the Jorden family. We've already learned to love all the characters and there is plenty of room for successive generations. They are a strong, Christian family who always look out for each other (and everyone else). Please keep them coming. I only have one more in this series to read & I hate to think about not having any more. Ms. Bonner, you are an exceptional author and you have created a wonderful family. Thanks for the many hours of pleasure I've gained from your pen.

If you read this book you will love the material and the authors work! This auther is one of the best writers of Christian books; she keeps one interested and I had a hard time to even put it down! I shall keep looking for her books in this series. One of the thinks I like the best is how she has her charaters moving from one book to another to where one feels as if they are develooping a family album or diary. Her books are clean, have values, exciting, and nothing like the trash that fills the book stores - or even sent out on some of your adds. The trash availabe is hard to comprehend and one wonders at who would but such stuff?? Please keey producing the heart warming and encouageing material like this author writes.

Lynnette Bonner is a gifted author. Her characters come alive on the pages, and she builds the suspense in the last quarter of the book so that sleep is not allowed until book is finished. Her books will always have a place on my bookshelves.

Lynnette Bonner did an outstanding job on describing the dry conditions of the California landscape. I could feel the heat, the dust, the misery. Move on to Oregon and the characters became my friends... or enemies... I really enjoyed this story about Nicki and Jason, their struggles, their triumphs and their desire to serve God. The story moved along well and kept me wondering what was going to happen in the end. Not just with Nicki and Jason, which since it's their story is fairly predictable how they will end up, but there were other characters that were interesting to watch. I am really looking forward to the next installment of the series and hope to see many more books from Lynnette in the future.

This author has away of keeping you in suspense from the beginning to the end, and making you want more. Always keeping The Lord on top. Love reading her books, and they are well written without any worries as to who should read them because of age.

I enjoyed this second book in The Shepherd's Heart series just as much as the first. Seeing Jason live out his redeemed, Christ-filled nature was wonderful, and Nicki is a richly-drawn heroine with the faith, humility, and strength essential to her survival in very dangerous trials. Once again, Ms. Bonner has created an engrossing read that inspires on several levels. Eager to start book three of this great series!

A wonderful read about a young widow with a child and a ranch that just died. But wow, this lady's determination to make things work is what makes America America!!!! America was made when people who came here from all those countries wanted a better life for themselves. Historically accurate. Depending on God and doing to match that desire. Wonderful read!!!!

Enjoyed the characters! I read the first book, wanted more of this family, so purchased this book as well. It was wonderful to see what the Lord had done to restore Jason. I have also purchased book 3 and 4. Can't wait to see what other adventures will come to these beloved characters. Well written, holds my interest!

This book is the 2nd book the series and it was as wonderful as the first ones!! Lynette Bonner is an author who captures you from the very beginning. She makes you care about the characters. I couldn't put the book down, I had to know how it ended. I also love the fact that characters from the first book appear in this one!! I look forward to reading more of her books!

This is a great story that I've loved reading. There is suspense, tragedy, sadness, happiness, love and a super story connecting these all together. One of those books you don't want to put down.

An excellent read, one that is hard to put down. Suspense, comedy, romance, and drama all packed into one. Morality and Christian values are of the greatest importance to this writer and it is very refreshing in this anti-God/anything goes society.

Nicky Trent never had it easy. From the moment John Trent takes her from her family in California and settles her in Oregon, she grows in her faith. In the time after John's death, Nicky finds herself praying Psalms 23 on a daily basis. This book kept me reading. I bought it and read it all in the same day. I have both books by Lynette Bonner and can't wait to read what she has in store for me next.

Enjoyed this second in the series story with Jason much changed from the first story, and seeking a new start for himself by answering an ad for a ranch foreman. Great page turner with intrigue, romance, and even a bit of murder thrown in. Enjoyed the character development, and will look forward to more stories by Lynnette Bonner.

Another good story by Lynette Bonner. Lots of action to follow. One little downside as I did tend to loose interest for a couple of pages but then it picked up again and got very exciting. Enjoy! GAB

A very good book, keeping with my favorite theme- learning to trust in God and depending on his unconditional love. Lynette Bonner is a very good author and I will buy more of her books. The story show how life can seem utterly hopeless and we can always look to God and depend on His loving help and care.

This is another wonderful book by Lynnette Bonner. The humour is wonderful, as are the plots. We need more writers like Lynnette,, who keeps us captivated with her books. Well done Lynnette.

Very interesting read. A time that I was not aware of . The hardship of the Oregon Teritory and what the people had to go through just for survival. Would like to read a little more of that time of history in Oregon

Suspenseful and exciting. Would recommend any of their books. Didn’t know about book 4, but I will be watching for it.

Nicki is a amazing young woman. What she does to help others is remarkable. When Jason comes to work for her her life will finally change for the better. You won't be able to stop reading this book.

I really enjoyed this book. Being taken away from everything you're used to, being put in a situation you didn't choose, and having to make the best of it - these things strike a chord. The author does a good job of drawing the characters in real life color.

Ripped from a home to marry a man she doesn't love and to live away from her family Nicki adjusts to life on a ranch. When tragedy keeps striking both herself and neighbors she finds herself fighting to keep a legacy. This book has it all...suspense, danger, love, romance, faith. Hard to put down!

a nice light read

Overall I loved this story. A few things could've been expounded on more, but for an uplifting, easy, western romance it was great! I'll be reading the next two one for sure.

It's so nice to read a book with the message of Jesus' love and not have to worry about language and content being unsuitable to the Bible's teachings. The story line is great in all of this series. I would gladly recommend these books to anyone.

I read this whole series and loved it. I wasn't expecting much since the first one was free but it was great. They are new favorites for me. I love western romances that are not smutty and have a little mystery.

Loved this story, just as good as the first one or maybe better. This book has a little bit of everything. But most of all it has God.

I'm sure this might have happened, but.... This was a great read, this lady is left with lots to think about and do to get this ranch up to working/money maker! I'd recommend this for anyone who enjoys a good western romance!

I bought this series and really enjoyed all four of them! The characters are enchanting and there was a strong message woven within the storyline! I will definitely be looking for more of Lynnette Bonners books!!

Loved the book. Exciting, great Christian adventure. Didn't want it to end. I can't wait to continue reading the next book in this series.

Wow, what a book! I absolutely loved it. The story line was excellent, I felt connected with the characters and not like I was just reading about them. This is an excellent book, a must read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Character's continue to be great. I will most definitely order the last book. I have enjoyed all three books and looking forward to reading number four.

I like the entire series. I think the author develops the characters very well and I felt like I knew them. I like the plot development and the descriptive writing style. Each story was different and each theme gave me something spiritual to think about. I think this is one of the best Christian book I have read as far as character and story development.

I loved this book and I loved the series. Hated to see it come to an end. Hopefully we will see more of these characters. This author is new to me and I love her style so much that this series is the first time I've written a book review out of hundreds and hundreds of books I've read digitally.

I cannot describe how much I enjoy Lynnette B's writing. I become viewed to the book. So descriptive that I feeli

Great!! What else can I say. Moving onto the next book in the series. Rocky story was great, thank much.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading many more. Life throws some "curve balls". A good response with adventure is included.

Quick, easy read. I really enjoyed the way scripture was quoted in times of need. It challenges me to begin memorizing scripture again.

I enjoyed these books. The inward struggles of these ladies created an eye opening look into the struggles some people face.

This book is a wonderful continuation in the series! I really love these Christian books and can't wait to start the next one!

Book two is just as wonderful as the first book in this series. The story captures your heart and mind! Now I must rush off to start book 3!!!

I started reading the first book of this series since it was a free kindle book, and had to purchase the following 3 in the series. They are well written and so enjoyable I had to find out what happens with all the other characters in the story!

I feel like I know these families and people on paper. Wonderful series and well thought out. Highly recommended series.

A very good story. I realize this is part of a series but it is very good as a stand alone also. I'm not giving any secrets away when I saw William was the devil in disguise. Hey, but, that's just me.

This book has been intriguing from beginning to end. An attention grabber at best and wonderful story line whilst maintaining a good focus on Christ throughout in the main characters. Well done!!! A must read.

It was a pleasant read, but not especially thrilling. They are all different characters, but kind of the same plots!

My wife loves it. She says these are great stories and stays engrossed in them for hours. She likes the Old West stuff like this. Mommas happy I'm happy.

Enjoyed reading this book. The author did a good job of researching the time and area. It was a fast paced book. I will be looking for her other books.

It was was very good lots of action,just enough romance and a good solid Christian message. A must read for the whole series!

A good story line. Believable Characters. Would love to read more about these characters, hope there is a sequel. Looking forward to reading more of Lynnette Bonner's books.

If you like westerns you will like this. It was one I couln't put down. It is one of a series. At the end I bought the next one and it was good too.

Very much enjoyed the story

Really good book!

wonderful book

Loved how the Lord was trough the whole story. I was so carried away with the story of how love conquered everything and every one.

Very good

Love reading Christian novels, couldn't put it down!!! The author did a great job writing this story. From the beginning to the end, it was interesting not boring. Would love to read more books by Lynnette Bonner.

This author is excellent and will definitely read any other books that she publishes and I like the way she has told the stories of all the principle characters in different books.

This was a very interesting book. It kept me intrigued with every page. Love this writer and all the 3 books to this series. Haven't started #4 yet, but will definitely search for more of her books.

This is the first book I've read from this author and it will not be the last! Great story and characters. I am going to buy the next book right away!

Very good story.I would recommend it. A young woman is sold into marrriage to dissolve her parents' debts. Cowboy story

Good book....I had a hard time first getting into but as it progressed I really liked the characters and the writing.

A great page turner I couldn't put it down I can't wait to read more of this series soon .

good book

not one of my favorites. just was not really believable the actions of this woman and the other characters that compile this story.

This book had it all: mystery, romance, faith, and more! It was an enjoyable read from beginning to end. The story moved along well and was full of examples of how faith can move mountains and restore the down-trodden.

The book arrived in my kindle I have not had a chance to read it yet, but looks like it will be a great book.

Love the Christian viewpoint! Great read.

I found the four books in this series so well researched and written that I am re-reading a second time. When I am transported into the action of a book I consider it to be a 4 star.

this book kept my interest throughout the whole book.

GOOD STORY. I WOULD RECOMMEND READING IT.

This book had all you could expect for entertainment: drama, substance, suspence, love, and faith all bound together to make for a book that is hard to put down.

I really enjoyed Lynnett's writing style and have purchased the other books in the series. I will be watching for more books by this author.

Enjoyed every page and looking forward to the next book! Everyone who likes westerns will love this. Read it today

Loved it!

I love how the author intertwined historical facts with a beautiful romance. I couldn't put it down. So loved this book.

Beautiful story about how thought valley is hard, God is with you. Well written. I am ready to read the next one

GOOD BOOK

The book held my interest throughout it and I would even read this one again. Anyone who enjoys books of early western time periods would like this book and I would recomend it to them.

This series is the very first I have read of Lynette Bonner. She is now a favorite author of mine. The book was so very good and heart touching.

very good

Uplifting!!!!

Still reading it . Keeps the readers interest. Both sad and funny at the same time. Good plot Would highly recommend.

Good read.

Fun book to read.

Enjoyed the book so much! Can't wait to read other in the series.

I love ALL the books in this series. Can't put them down! The characters are well developed. The story moves quickly. These are great books for any age group.

I would recommend this book to everyone and already recommended to some of my friends as and good example how Christ helps you with everyday life. And as an good example, how men and women should act before marriage ;)

I must thank Lynnette for many late nights of reading, these books are too good to put down. The action comes alive when you read her stories.

Nice read!

Good

This was an interesting romance staged in the old west. Good read. I would recommend it to those who like old west books or christian romance readers.

Every story in the series can stand alone, but each one is getting better than the last.

It was a very inspirational book. Interesting to think about life in time gone by. Great to realize young women are believing this type of way to live today.

I love this book!!!

I loved this book.

This book kept you in the book from start to finish. I was so engrossed in the book I felt like I was part of the story I read the whole thing in one day.

I gave it that title because Nicki has been going through struggles ever since the story began. She however overcame in the end. I personally love this book because it kept me on my toes. I could hardly put this book down because of the continuous action in each chapters. It felt as if I was watching an old action packed country and western movie. I would recommend this book to any young Christian who love and appreciate reading. The book is clean and filled with faith in God. Keep writing Lynette Bonner your books are great.

I love the characters and the plot interwoven with scriptures and God's truth. I could hardly put it down! a must read for sure.

I really enjoy this type of book and will continue reading Lynette Bonner's books. Have loaded a few on my Kindle

Book 1 of this series whetted my appetite for more. I guess I am a romantic at heart and enjoy books that combine history in a story realistic to the time period. The love story is sweet and heart touching. Leaving out the vulgarity that is so prevalent today and including the Christian values Lynnette Bonner uses without apology makes this book a winner in my eyes.

Loved it! Wish the author would do another series.

Overall well-written and good interest and suspense. A little "syrupy" on occasion, but not enough to keep me from reading the whole series!

It was an enjoyable read.

It is a very intriguing series of books. Enjoyed them throughly.

LOVED IT.. VERY GOOD BOOK

Absolutely loved this series!

I am so glad that I have found these Christian western book, they are my favourites. This is the second I have read and both books were so interesting, I could not put the book down! Very well written.

Great read!

Great book!

I think the geography ruined this book for me. If you live in the "Deschutes Valley," you are NOT going to drive your horse drawn wagon to Farewell Bend for church. She does her shopping in Prineville. It's 245 miles from Prineville to Farewell Bend. The author must have meant (just plain) Bend. It's about 30 miles or so between Bend and Prineville. Farewell Bend is such a place, but not anywhere near Deschutes County. Add that to some many other inconsistencies, and sad to say I think the book had a lot of potential, but didn't come close. Did the author not have anyone take a look at this?

It is a true miracle when one star book consistently gets five. I guess people crave religious cleanness so much, that they are willing to forgive and forgo a lot. The story line has a HUGE potential. The delivery is sadly disappointing. I don't want to volunteer to proofread it for content, the writer should have it hired before publication if she wasn't able or willing to handle it herself. But I owe you - the readers of my review some reasons why I hiss so much. The very beginning is horrid. The girl is prostituting herself for the financial salvation of her family. The future husband flatly asks "how much for a girl?" Nothing else! Marriage happens way later when they are already traveling together. Maybe she was histerical in bed without the ring, maybe it was more convenient for him to be allowed with her in good hotels, we don't know. But she is NOT leaving her parents as a potential bride, but as a purchase. I don't know about you, but in my mind, a CHRISTIAN book shoud not mix God's forgiveness of prostitution with the promotion of the behavior. Next huge anty-Christian thing in a book for me is this super - superficial interpretation of "finding God" in one's life. "Conner attended services every Sunday, he truly loved the Lord". I didn't mark the page, but this IS a real quote. So this is a sampling of the "Christian" merit of this book to me. Now let us move to "historical". Nice descriptions of unspoiled nature (and I have to give credit when it is due -they were really nice), and saying that the story happens in 1887 Oregon, do not make a story "historical". All the background, the way of thinking. and acting by my heroes have to travel back in time, to BECOME the times passed. Unfortunately this author didn't take time to make that a fact. She places contemporary people into her chosen time frame and leaves them there. There is a scene where Nicky's son Sawyer, at 18 months makes a mess in a kitchen destroying eggs and flour. (BTW, Nicky doesn't have chickens.) Nicky's blasse attitude about it is so out of time, that it is just funny. Like she can just step out to the corner store and get some more, no problem. Similar description when she bakes CINNAMON buns for a poor neighbor. Really? And Nicky has money problems all her life? The little Sawyer's attitude is an example of a COMPLETELY spineless, permissive raising of SPOILED children of 21-st century. Calling him "little tyrant" while describing his tantrum "arched back" and all doesn't change the fact that it is not historical. Real Sawyer of those days at 18 months would be playful toward family, cautious, observant and very much out of site, almost hiding toward strangers. Caution was the word of the day. Feeling of entitlement was reserved for very spoiled kids of the very rich. NEVER for simple folks. I have problems with Nicky's attitude toward the dummy she found outside, left to scare her into doing what bad people wanted her to do. "She throws offensive dummy in the fire". Really? A girl with nearly no clothes on her back with a growing boy to clothe? She would save every scrap to reuse as much as possible. But what else would you expect of this full of gumption woman who "could feel the beginning of a stress headache". Her son at 18 months shouts "puppy" never seeing one before. The writer says about Nicky's significant other "he'll suggest she PLANTS few acres of hay" -really, in the wild of 1887? ...and so on... I could quote more and more, but you should have enough reasons for my hissy fit. Spicing a book with frequent references to faith and church and The Bible doesn't improve the book one bit. All is so superficial, so lacking substance. I expect way more from a writer. Otherwise I would start writing books myself, and believe you me - it is NOT a good idea.

I didn't care for this book. Very dragged out (and boring) story line. I didn't finish it. Not that interesting.

I read reviews of this series but I was disappointed by the MANY incongruities in the book. From the awkward Spanish language usage to the heroine getting eggs from a hen house in mid February (chickens don't lay in winter except under artificial lights and heating systems) to having the exotic supplies to bake lemon meringue pies in a soddy wood burning stove to serving "fresh cold milk" authoring a barn or a milk cow to making 30 mile trip to town with a wagon in the space of a couple hours. If an author is going to set a story in pioneer times she should do enough research to make her setting authentic.

High Desert Haven By Lynette Bonner {Review By Madi} Title: High Desert Haven Author: Lynette Bonner Source: Gift Number Of Pages: 332 ISBN: 9781477586488 Publisher: Createspace Publication Date: 2012 My Rating: 5 Our Of 5 Stars Description (Taken From [...]): Is Jason Jordan really who he says he is? Everything in Nicki's life depends on the answer. Oregon Territory, 1887 When her husband dies in a mysterious riding accident, Nicki Trent is left with a toddler and a rundown ranch. Determined to bring her ranch back from the brink of death, Nicki hires handsome Jason Jordan to help. But when William, her neighbor, starts pressing for her hand in marriage, the bank calls in a loan she didn't even know about, bullets start flying, and a burlap dummy with a knife in its chest shows up on her doorstep, Nicki wonders if this ranch is worth all the trouble. To make matters worse, terrible things keep happening to her neighbors. When her friend's homestead is burned to the ground and William lays the blame at Jason's feet, Nicki wonders how well she knows her new hand - and her own heart. A desperate need. Malicious adversaries. Enticing love. Step into a day when outlaws ran free, the land was wild, and guns blazed at the drop of a hat. Review: This was such a good book! Here lately I have had a bit of trouble getting into books, and I was starting to wonder if I was being just a bit too picky. I wasn't. This book caught my attention *Snap* Like that! Nicki (female lead) and her family were in a tight situation, when a dusty and dirty cowboy rides onto the family ranch. He insist on having Nicki as his wife, and is willing to pay them, or take her forcefully. Either way she was going, so she went with her head held high, proud to be able to help her family. After settling down and having a child, her husband dies in a wagon "accident". Or was it . . . ? This book was suspenseful, creative, unique and just a downright fun book! It had: Romance (not too much), Suspense, Action, and so much more! I can't recommend it enough! I now my last few reviews have been short (including this one), but hopefully this weekend I will be able to put a little bit more time into it. Thanks for reading! ~The Literary Maidens P.s, Spellcheck isn't working, so I apologize if there are any typos!

This is the second book in The Shepherd's Heart series and after reading it I want to read the first book and any that come after it. High Desert Haven is an excellent book full of love, mystery, intrigue, death and happiness. I will be adding High Desert Haven to my favorite books for 2012 and giving it a 5-star rating. To me Nicki was a very unselfish, precious follower of Jesus in this fantastic book. In every page from the first to the last Nicki puts her family, her husband, son and friends ahead of herself. After her husband dies even though she only married him to help her family and didn't really love him she cared deeply for him and wanted to keep his ranch going for their son. When the larger ranches tried pushing her off her ranch and the other smaller ranches she didn't give in. Nicki ran an ad for a ranch foreman because she didn't know anything about ranches. Then Jason, a new Christian, comes and things start happening not all for the good, but he doesn't want Nicki to give up without a fight even when the bank calls in her loan. How will she make it? Will she find how God wants her to survive? Will Nicki give in to pressures to sell and marry the next door rancher or will her heart and head win out and do the right thing? I really love this book and so glad I read it. Lynnette is such a brilliant author, I'm glad I found her writing because she is one of my new favorites. So I HIGHLY recommend this book High Desert Haven. Thank you to the Author/Publicist for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK This is my first book from this author and wow, I love it! High Desert Haven takes readers back to the 1800's Oregon Territory, a historical setting I love reading books about. Imagine being bought by a strange man, and volunteering to go because you want your family to be debt free. This is just what Nicki did, not knowing if she would ever see her precious parents and family again. Life was not so bad, until her husband died from an accident and left her alone with someone trying everything possible to take her land from her. What Nicki didn't realize was that God had a young man all set to come and rescue her. But then so much happens, and can Jason really find out what is going on and protect Nicki from someone who wants her dead? This book captured me in the first few pages, and I couldn't put my Kindle down until I finished it. Took me less than one day to read this wonderful book! Lynnette Bonner creates a cast of characters that are interesting and intriguing, some that you grow to love, and some that are really difficult to even like. A lot goes on between the pages of this book, there are so many twists and turns to keep your eyes glued to the book to see what is happening next. And I really appreciate the way Lynnette stresses putting God first in our lives, and letting Him have control. This is what it's all about, and I am always encouraged to read fiction stories like this. Don't get me wrong, these characters had more than their share of heartaches and difficult situations, but when they kept their eyes on the Lord, they had peace that the Lord would see them through. I highly recommend this book for you to read and enjoy. And if you are a historical fiction buff like me, this is a must read! You will be very glad you read it! I didn't read the first book in the series, but it was ok as a stand alone. I do encourage you to read the entire series by Lynnette Bonner, The Shepherd's Heart. On and I forgot to mention, the detailed and vivid descriptions of the setting, first California, then the Oregon Territory was amazing. I could feel the dusty dry sand, the beautiful scenery and the feel of historical living during that time. This book is not only a great read, but a great history lesson! I want to thank the author, Lynnette Bonner and FIRST Wildcard Tours for providing a copy of this book for me to read and review. The opinions in this review are mine only. I was not required or expected to write a positive review.

It's July 1883 and seventeen year old Nicki Vasquez can't help but worry about the situation her family is in. Her parents owe money and if they don't pay her father will have to go to jail, so she prays for a solution. When a man named John Trent stops for water he sees Nicki and wants to buy her. While her parents are against it Nicki sees it as a way to help her family and agrees. She winds up going to Oregon Territory with John where he buys a ranch. They eventually have a son, and while she doesn't love John he has been good to her. When John is killed in a suspicious accident, Nicki decides to stay and run the ranch. but will need help. She has an offer of marriage from a neighbor who wants to run the ranch but she isn't interested,instead she hires Jason Jordan to help out. She soon learns that the bank holds a note on the property, and not only that strange things start to happen, not just to Nicki but to her neighbors as well, someone is trying to scare off the ranchers but why? Just who can Nicki trust? Vivid descriptions and details along with a very likable cast of characters made this a great historical fiction tale. I was pulled in from the beginning because Nicki was such a selfless character willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of her family. She had a strong sense of faith, and never wavered from it.I also enjoyed the secondary stories that went on . I thought the story line that revolved around Brook and Sky was great, the love they shared, which was something that Jason hoped to have someday. I thought Jason's sister Marquis and her husband Jeff also added another element to the story. For me there was never a down time, the plot moves along at a brisk pace, filled with rich detail, along with a strong faith filled message that was very well done. Overall a very well written historical romance with a faith based theme that has suspense,and romance that easily pulled me back in time, and leaves me anxious for the next book in the series. While this book is the second in the "Shepherd's Heart " series it can easily be read as a stand alone work, although I enjoyed this story so much I fully intend to go back and read the first book in the series.Historical christian fiction fans shouldn't miss this one! A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

The first thing about this book that captivated me was the way the author made me feel immersed in the story. I was there in the dusty California heat as Nicki made a choice about her future. I saw the Oregon landscape as it stretched out before her and her new husband. I felt her confusion as she struggled to choose a path for the future. The writing excelled at drawing me into the story. With well-developed characters and a faith that underscored the entire novel High Desert Haven kept me turning the pages. My one struggle with the story arises from a purely personal preference. I avoid murder mysteries and suspense novels because I have strong reactions to images of calculated cruelty. I've encountered enough of it in real life that I prefer not to confront it in things that I chose for entertainment. The very detailed writing that I loved in this novel came back to haunt me as the author described the true to era violence (like butchering a pet) as a scare tactic to get settlers to leave. Most of the tension in this novel was confronted head on - engaging with the villain as he sets a fire and then again as he hears the results, for example. When I could connect to the struggle within the villain I was able to process the results. Yet, the side notes of violence given as brief images into the overall tension of the story caught me off guard and I might not have read the novel if I'd known it was more of a suspense novel than a romance. That said, I don't think most people would have been overly disturbed by these things. It would just be my recommendation that sensitive readers be aware of the contents of the novel before you pick it up, because once you start reading you won't be able to put it down. Personal preference aside, I'd still give the novel five stars. The style of writing, the characters, the focus of faith and the beauty of hope all made for a compelling read. I received a free digital copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. This is book 2 in The Shepherd's Heart Series. I love the name of this series, because Psalm 23 is one of my favorite Psalms. In High Desert Haven Lynnette Bonner beautifully shares the Lord Jesus' Shepherd's Heart again. I enjoy books with characters that love the Lord, so this book was a feast! In Rocky Mountain Oasis we already met Jason Jordan. Jason had given his heart to Jesus and stopped drinking. Now it's his turn to get settled. Nicki Trent gave up everything to save her family. Now she's widowed and left with her young son. They're living on a ranch and Nicki needs a ranch manager to help her out. So she hires Jason. They both feel attracted to each other from the start, but her neighbour William doesn't like Jason and is trying to push Nicki into marriage. Why is William in such a hurry to marry her so soon after her husband died? Someone is trying to scare Nicki and her neighbours away from their lands. There must be a connection to the flying bullets, fires and killing of animals. It seems like Jason has to do with it. Nicki thought he could be trusted. Was she wrong? This book has everything that I like to see in a story--love, suspense, and a fine Christian message. I enjoyed this book immensely. I love Lynnette's writing style and the stories she's sharing. I feel so at home with her characters--I loved them from the start. In High Desert Haven she already had me smiling and crying early on in the story. I hope she won't keep us waiting too long for the next book in this series!

In High Desert Haven, Book Two in The Shepherd's Heart series, Lynnette Bonner sweeps us away to Shiloh, Oregon; a rancher's paradise with it's beautiful, evergreen filled countryside, wild stallions, and verdant meadows--an untamed land full of promise. Our beautiful heroine, Nicki, has left her family in Mexico and entered into a marriage of convenience to John Trent, owner of a vast ranch nestled in a lovely valley in Oregon. Even though Nicki doesn't love John, she is heartbroken when he is killed in an accident, and she is left all alone to care for their little son, Sawyer. Her neighbor and John's friend, William, proposes to her to help save her ranch, but Nicki refuses to wed for convenience sake ever again. Jason, a handsome trail boss, answers an ad Nicki places for help, and an instant attraction occurs between the two. But can Nicki learn to trust this man she barely knows?...and is it possible that she might grow to love William as time goes on? What evil is lurking in the vast beautiful valley, and who is trying to scare people off their ranches and why?...including Nicki. Can Jason find a way for her to pay off her ranch, before it's too late? And was Nicki's husband's death really an accident? This is my first book by Lynnette Bonner and wow!--can this woman write! Her characters are well rounded and realistic, and Nicki is not afraid to show her femininity by shedding a few tears occasionally. The storyline itself was extremely credible as Ms. Bonner depicts the harsh realities that new settlers often faced. With a smattering of humor, alot of suspense, romance, a strong spiritual thread throughout, and a conclusion that made me cry, this is an absolute must read!

Nicki makes an ultimate sacrifice for her family by helping them pay their debts in a very strange way. When a stranger comes and offers money for their oldest daughter, her father adamantly refuses, but Nicki sees no way out, and does not want to see her father die saving her. This is only the first loss that Nicki will face! After being married for only a short time, her husband passes away, leaving her with a run down ranch and a small toddler. Nicki is facing serious decisions and decides to hire a foreman to help her whip the ranch into shape. She also has to decide what to do with a potential suitor on the wings as well! I really enjoyed Ms. Bonner's previous book in this series, and found this one to be engaging as well. I enjoyed how she tied in history of the area and time period into the story, incorporating a story of intrigue as well as love and romance, in the midst of sorrow. It takes a talented author to tie all those together into a good story! I thought it was interesting the facts that she had portraying Nicki's first husband, I thought he was going to be a jerk and instead, I guess, that was how he felt he could get a wife. This book has a lot of sadness in it, but you will relate to the characters and live and laugh with them as well as cry. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

First of all, I would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank you" to Lynnette Bonner and her publisher for sending me a copy of "High Desert Haven" to review for them. I am truly grateful for this generosity. I really appreciate the time, effort and expense it takes to make a reviewer copy available to me. "High Desert Haven (The Shepherd's Heart)" by Lynnette Bonner is an incredibly entertaining and inspiring read. When Nicki Trent's husband, John, dies suddenly, her life grows incredibly complicated. William Harpster, the Trents' neighbor, proposes that Nicki marry him so that he can help her run the ranch and protect her from the men he claims want to take the land from her. Instead, Nicki hires a handsome stranger, Jason Jordan, to manage the ranch. This work of historical fiction is a dramatization based on actual events. The suspenseful plot was solidly crafted. The romantic storyline was worked in harmoniously. The godly portion of the tale was not an afterthought, but an integral part of the story because this was an integral part of the characters. I particularly enjoyed reading Jason's prayers. I walked away from this fiction read with a clearer and more solid resolve that we will know other believers (and non-believers) by their fruit.

Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. The story starts back in the 1880's, when John Trent happens upon the Vasquez family in California. He sees Dominique [Nicki] and decides he wants her for his wife, and pays for her in gold. Her family is desperate and she goes with him willingly. When the story resumes Nicki is living on a ranch in Oregon. Her husband has just died and she doesn't know what she is going to do? She places an ad in the newspaper, and Jason Jordan feels that God has place it on his heart to go and work for Nicki. What an adventure, at times I almost couldn't keep reading, and was yelling no. There is a lot of things that happen, and some are so gruesome...because of some evil people. Lynnette Bonner has written a captivating story, it is filled with the love of the Lord, good vs evil. I for one did not want the story to end. I received this book from First Card Tours and the author Lynnette Bonner, and was not required to give a positive review.

I liked this book a lot, however, it had the same problem as in Book 1. It moved much too slowly. It took me several days to finish it and, at the most, it should have taken two. I had difficulty remaining focused because there was filler that was just not essential to the story. The characters' development was excellent and it was wonderful to see what the Lord had done in Jason's life. Nicki was a smart cookie but her continual belief in William, despite what others told her, went too far and made her appear none to wise. It was also nice to meet Rocky and Cade and revisit with the characters from Book 1. There was a super HEA and that I appreciated. All in all I would recommend this book and I will continue reading the series.

When I started High Desert Haven I wasn't quite sure if I'd like it (there were some Spanish words and I was thinking that if there were going to be a lot of foreign words, without interpretation, it would be hard to follow the story). Thankfully that wasn't the case. While there were times in High Desert Haven that a word or phrase wasn't explain, for the most part they were. :) Once I got a couple chapter into High Desert Haven, that is when I really got into the story! I liked a lot of the characters and the story was very interesting. Even though it wasn't really a secret who the bad guy(s) was/were in this book, there was still a lot of suspenseful moments, and that kept me clicking my kindle to go to the next page. Even though this is the second book in Lynnette Bonner's "The Shepherd's Heart" series, I haven't read the first book yet and didn't feel lost. All in all I loved High Desert Haven and definitely recommend it if you enjoy historical books. I am really looking forward to book three because I want to find out what will happen with certain characters. *I received an eBook copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions I've expressed are my own.*

I really enjoyed `High Desert Haven' the book is action packed from beginning to end. As soon as John Trent snatched poor Nicky away from her family I was hooked. He takes her to his ranch, but then dies in suspicious circumstances, leaving Nicky to run the ranch and care for their baby son. Nicky's natural instinct is to leave and return to her family, but she show true grit and decides to stay and run the ranch. She has two ranch hands but it's a big place so she advertises for more help, and along comes the gorgeous Jason. Things quickly hot up romance wise, but danger and tragedy are never far away. The author, Lynnette Bonner has a wonderful way with words. I could almost see the beautiful sunsets...feel the desert heat. Her characters are well written and believable. I certainly fell for Jason! If you enjoy a good western adventure laced with romance and Christian truths, then you will love High Desert Haven.

Even though nothing in her biography states she has lived in central and Eastern Oregon, Ms Bonner writes as if she was native to the area. Her writing style is clean, clear and very descriptive. I kept searching my mind for the exact area she was talking about and then had to do a mental head shake to remind myself that this was a work of fiction. This is the 2nd in the series and I look forward to reading them all. Bonner has become one of my favorite authors.

I have to start by saying that I'm not much of a historian, but decided to give this book a try. This book gets you from the prologue, you start wondering what's going to happen to Nicki, therefore you're not going to put it down. This is a story of a woman who starts by being sold to a man for marriage and ends up teaching us the strength of faith throughout her life. Through her story we confirmed that God will show up and show out on time in your direst moments. This book not only talks about provision. This book has action and lots of it. There were times where I had to sit up straight asking myself when are they going to catch this evil man. It also shows how God's vengeance always comes to those who are bad to his children. What I also liked about this book is that it shows what it was living in community. Now with our lifestyles we rarely get to experience that life, where neighbors would help each other and really worked together for the well being of the community. I recommend this book to any Christian, romantic, historical fiction buff. I really enjoyed it.

I chose a 5 rating because this book was exciting and used Christian principles. The author kept your interest by injecting suspense into the story. I had a hard time putting it down. The one thing I really liked about the book was the addition of historical data. There was nothing that I didn't like about the book. I would recommend this book, and the whole series to anyone who likes suspense, Christuan values and romance.

The high desert of Oregon was a rugged, desolate territory in 1887. It's not an easy place for Nicki Trent to find herself, widowed with a toddler and another baby on the way. Not only was her husband killed in a mysterious accident, but the ranch he left her is rundown and barely hanging on financially. Just when it seems things can't get any worse, the bank calls in a loan she didn't know she had. Rather than give in to the questionable proposal of her neighbor William, she hires handsome Jason Jordan to help her make the ranch profitable again. This turns out to be a good move not only for the ranch, but for Nicki's heart. Mysterious things continue to happen, causing Nicki to wonder if she's doing the right thing, and if Jason is really who he claims to be. "High Desert Haven" is filled with romance, danger, and a strong spiritual message. Lynnette's writing style will not only draw you into the story, but make you feel as if you're on an Oregon ranch in 1887. It's a captivating read.