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Welcome! For up to date happenings of Life On CT Farm, visit and follow my Facebook page under "CT Farms"...I will only blog when I get the itch to write or when I am reviewing books or feel inspired in some other way. So, come. Explore. Enjoy your visit!!

Thursday, March 31, 2016

"On Lone Star Trail" Book Review

Former professional pianist Gillian Hodge comes to Dupree, Texas to get some R&R and to regroup after an accident rendered her right hand too injured for the concert stage. While en route to Rainbow's End resort, Gillian encounters a man and his motorcycle and the emotional wounds that had been healing were reopened.

TJ Benjamin is a man grieving his past and lost in hope for a future. A broken motorcycle land him at Rainbow's End, thanks to an insistent woman.

Gillian and TJ find that they both are searching to gain footing and direction in life and their future. With timing that can be none other than God-directed, Gillian and TJ find themselves in situations that leave them questioning and learning to trust themselves and God. But will a rival for Gillian's affection, unexpected career opportunities, and a wayward teen strengthen Gillian and TJ or weaken their fragile faith?

This is the final book in the Texas Crossroads trilogy by Amanda Cabot. I read the second installment of "In Firefly Valley" previously. "On Lone Star Trail" picks up where "In Firefly Valley" left off. The characters of Kate and Greg are wonderful secondary characters that were introduced previously, as well as The Matchers, Sally, Marisa, Eric, etc. However, more characters are added with the addition of a subplot with the RV residents in Firefly Valley.

The characters of Gillian and TJ are developed. Though different in there psychology, the underlying theme of uncertainty is a common thread for both. How they navigate through the uncertainty is unique and encouraging in both lights.

The subplot of the senior center and the nightly campfires are a good twist. Add to those some teenage angst, meddling friends, love interests and you get a sense of real life struggles--something we can all relate to.

The pace is a little slow and frustrating at times, but to speed Gillian and TJ's story line wouldn't have done them justice in the long run. So, the wait is worth it!

My only real complaint is the same with the last book, and its probably just a matter of writing style. But I don't like the use of the double helping verbs, like "had had". I see it several times throughout the book. Surely, there is a less redundant way to express the thought.

Overall, the book was enjoyable and well-thought out. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

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Gone But Not Forgotten...

Even though you may be gone from this earth, you will always live on in our hearts!

Roscoe

Roscoe
A good walking buddy and awesome frisbee catcher! Life cut short by a brain tumor.

Tuffy

Tuffy
If ever there was a candidate for Dog Heaven, it would be Tuff. Tuff was put to rest December 7, 2012. At almost 14 years old, he threw the longevity curve for dogs of his breed-makeup and size. He battled 2 types of cancer and Cushing's Disease as well as arthritis. Faithful to the end and never grumpy, depite the constant care and nagging from me. Always the protector, gentleman and companion--you will be sorely missed by all who had the opportunity to know you.

Cranky Thomas

Cranky Thomas
Ever wonder why it's called "Life On CT Farm"? The horse you see in the pictures is Cranky Thomas, a registered quarter horse gelding. He was born May 5, 1980 in Galion, Alabama and passed away August 3, 2004 on CT Farm--his farm. He originally belonged to my husband, but I adopted him and I think he adopted me. We competed together in contest classes at local horse shows. But, an old injury finally slowed him down and I retired him in 2000. He was a loving and patient being that I completely trusted and admired. There will never be another like him, never. He meant so much to me that I named our farm after him as well as my company, Cranky T. LLC. He's gone now, but is still with me and now you.

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