Friday, February 12, 2016

Review + GIVEAWAY: Keeper of the Stars


Keeper of the Stars
By Robin Lee Hatcher
A Kings Meadow Romance, #3
Thomas Nelson, 2016


Summary

Because it's not always love at first sight!

When her mother died from pneumonia, Penny Cartwright was heartbroken. But now, after burying her younger brother just 12 years later, she is devastated. Anger, guilt, and sorrow cloud Penny's mind, and the last thing she wants is to be reminded of her pain---but that's exactly what happens when a stranger comes to town.

Trevor Reynolds has been chasing fame for more than a dozen years, but his musical career can't get off the ground. While on the road, an accident kills his young drummer, Brad Cartwright. Trevor wasn't behind the wheel, but he still blames himself . . . and so does Brad's sister, Penny. Now Trevor finds himself in Kings Meadow, determined to follow through on his final promise to his friend.

Still feeling the pain of Brad's death, Penny and Trevor must learn that forgiveness is the only thing that can heal their hearts. And if they do forgive, something beautiful may rise from the ashes of heartbreak.


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Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. 

The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.

Connect with Robin:  www.robinleehatcher.com, Twitter, Facebook


My thoughts

A beautiful setting vividly conveyed. Love of family. A community that helps out when needed. Guilt, grief, anger. Forgiveness. A spiritual journey of growing faith. All this and more describes the final book in Robin Lee Hatcher’s Kings Meadow series, Keeper of the Stars. But one theme rises above all the others to my way of thinking, and that is influence.

Keeper of the Stars is a lighter novel in some respects, yet it deals with some deep issues that affect most of us at one time or another, and it captured me emotionally - an ability that Robin seems to have in her writing. Rather than enjoying life, Penny was worried about her Dad and couldn’t let go of anger and bitterness, her trust in God broken the night her brother died. Trevor, a kind guy who was focused solely on achieving a successful career in country music, felt like the accident had been his fault. It was easy for me to connect with Penny and Trevor, and while I enjoyed their romance, its importance seemed secondary to the spiritual and relational themes – and that’s the way it should be.

But the main character in this story isn’t even alive – Penny’s brother, Brad – and that’s where the theme of influence that I mentioned earlier comes in. We are privileged to meet Brad through occasional flashbacks and the effect of his sweet, gentle faith in God is seen on every page. Being an only child who always longed for a sibling, I found the close brother/sister relationship between Brad and Penny very moving.

There are several messages that readers will take away – the need to simply let go and forgive, to offer up everything in our lives to God – but the importance of our witness spoke strongest to me. We don’t always see the effects of our personal witness, but Brad’s life was a gentle reminder that God is always working through us, drawing people to Him. Thank you, Robin, for the spiritual themes you always weave throughout your writing.

In the Kings Meadow series, Robin has created a community that I hate to leave. It is delightful to see previous characters pop in, but this story stands alone. If the series had to end, Keeper of the Stars is a beautiful and fitting conclusion. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review – and for making this giveaway possible.


Litfuse landing page:

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GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for Keeper of the Stars, please click on this link and share my Facebook post, then leave a comment here. Are you new to Robin’s writing or are you a long-time fan? Do you have a favorite story or series? (I’ve enjoyed several of Robin’s books, but this Kings Meadow contemporary series just might be my favorite so far.)

I try to promote on social media, but the best way to keep up with my reviews and occasional giveaways is to subscribe by e-mail in the top right corner (no pressure intended).

BE SURE to leave your name and your email address in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. E-mail required for entry. Contest ends at midnight PST on Sunday, February 21. Winner will be chosen by random.org and contacted by e-mail.

Eligibility: US residents

29 comments:

  1. amy guillaume lindermanFebruary 12, 2016 at 4:23 PM

    brand new to Robin's writing.....this sounds sooo good. i read Shelley Shepard Gray religiously. Amy Guillaume Linderman aelinderman@sbcglobal.net

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    1. Amy, Robin writes both historical and contemporary, all good. This series would be a great place to start. I enjoy Shelley's writing also, even her historical mysteries. Thanks for visiting today.

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  2. Would love to win this book! irishrose157 at hotmail dot com

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  3. Long time fan! Thanks for the giveaway and Happy Valentine's Day! :)
    vgeslak(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Vicki, I'm also a fan, but need to read some of Robin's earlier books. Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. I have shared the link and am a long time fan of your books.
    Thereadmaster(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Thank you for sharing, Virginia. Social media seems to be the thing these days and sharing really helps authors get noticed. Best wishes in the drawing!

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  5. Carole, LOVE your review. I also found Brad's witness a wonderful theme in this story. Thank you for sharing. Love this review!

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    1. Annie, I couldn't get Brad out of my mind - still can't, in fact. Little do we know how many lives we touch!

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  6. I have been following the series along and, from what I hear, this book is a nice conclusion. These were my first books of Robin Lee Hatcher's. A local librarian recommended this series after I had some books on hold that she was interested in.

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    1. Terrill, did you read the first book, A Promise Kept? It wasn't officially part of this series, but had the same setting that inspired the series. And the lead character from Love without End was in it. Anyway, A Promise Kept was drawn from Robin's personal story and is one of the best books I've ever read.

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  7. Oops, forgot my email. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com I'm sharing this post via FB. Thanks, Carole.

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  8. I've enjoyed several of Robin's awesome books, a favorite is When Love Blooms.
    I shared on FB.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. Merry, I haven't read When Love Blooms and have made a note of it. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  9. I haven't read all of Robin's books but a large number. They are all good. jarning67athotmaildotcom

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    1. Totally agree, Joan. And I've got several more to read!

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  10. I haven't read any of her books, but I am definitely adding them to my reading list. This one sounds like a really good one. abilene_nana(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Ann, I really enjoy Robin's books and they always have a spiritual element. Hope you get to enjoy her soon.

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  11. I am a long time fan of Robin's books but I really can't say which is my favorite. I haven't read this new series but it rally sounds good and I hope to read it. I will share on facebook

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    1. Stella, go back and read my comment to Terrill. A Promise Kept isn't officially part of this series, but it certainly inspired it - and it's one of my all-time favorite books. I hope you get to enjoy this series soon, Stella.

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  12. Liked and shared. New to me author, would really like to read.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Dianne, Robin has written many books, as you can see from this page: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/robin-lee-hatcher/. I believe she began writing for the general market, but now only writes Christian fiction. This series would be a great place to start.

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  13. I have read some of her books. The ones I have read were great. I shared the post on Facebook. I liked your review. It made me want to read this book now. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com

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  14. Carole, I won an audio book of hers a while back but I have yet to listen to it. I am now listening to alot more audio books though, so should be able to get to it soon. I cannot recall if I have read her in the past or not. I think this book looks so appealing.

    Keep up the good work. Shared for you!
    amylsmith at bledsoe dot net

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  15. Love reading her books!!!
    ladyinwaiting_16[at]ymail[dot]com

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  16. Read some great reviews on this one.. would love to win a copy :)
    dkstevensne [at]outlookdot[com]

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