Keeper of the Stars (A Kings Meadow Romance)

Litfuse Publicity Group: I received a copy in exchange for a review. Thank you.I was drawn to the title of the book. I'm not sure if that's weird or not but that's how I roll. I guess I could blame that on all the times I would roam the aisles at the library while looking for books to read. I really love the cover of this book. I love the font and the silver is just perfect. You have to see it in person to appreciate just how pretty this book is.This should appeal to people who like to read certain books during each season of the year.This just screams read me during winter. I don't really do that because I just recently was able to find the third book of a trilogy that I read during the summer because I was finally able to read all three books. I do admit that I want her gloves and her hat. I also think this book cover is a perfect example of why I want to become a book consultant. There's no sign anywhere on this book that this is the third book in a series.Don't worry it can be read as a stand alone but I prefer to read books in order although some books are more flexible than other books. I won't read fantasy out of order.I can only speak for myself but if I'm checking out a book I don't typically look inside the book to see if the book is part of a series. You can see the list of her books and it does show this as the third book. The only time I've opened a book to peek inside is to check to see which number a book in a series that I was currently reading was called because so many series out there aren't numbered which I find annoying. I can't be alone in my annoyance. It could just be as simple as putting a 3 on the top of the spine and a three beneath the name of the series. Since the name is smaller I would imagine most people aren't going to take a good look at it while they are deciding on whether or not to read this book.This is the first time I've read a book by Robin. It all starts with a funeral so I'm assuming this is picking up where the last book left off. It does start in a way that it feels like a stand alone. Maybe I'm strange but usually when I do end up reading a book out of order because I wasn't able to read the other books in the series I can often feel it while I'm reading the book if that makes any sense at all. I didn't get that when I picked up the book and started reading. I also like that the character that died stays a part of the book in flashbacks. This is the story of three people who are suffering the loss of a loved one and their struggle to get on with their lives. I will be reading more by this author.[...]

What an inspirational story full of new beginnings, uncertainties, and yes, heartaches and forgiveness! I'm particularly taken with how the author, Robin Lee Hatcher wrote the relationship between Brad (the deceased brother of Penny) and his father, Rodney, and how it relates to the budding mentor/men-tee relationship between Rodney and Trevor. It's enlightening in many aspects. Brad's story doesn't end at his death. His familial relationships and his faith were promptly display through flashbacks, which I find endearing and ties into Trevor's start in his spiritual journey. It not only displays Brad's insight and faith, but also God's grace in using Brad to plant the seedsMany deal with grief differently, and we see several ways in Keeper of the Stars. I feel for Penny's grief and understand how anger and denial are also ways to cope. Healing can be personal, as well as communal, as long as you let the One that can give you peace come in.Keeper of the Stars isn't just a romantic novel, it's a story of love with family, with each other and with God. It's a story that shared with us the vulnerabilities of a new faith, as well as those who have been a Christian for some time. "And remember, following Christ is a lifelong journey. Christians are foot solders, so to speak. Always on the march. Always learning. Always growing stronger." (101). Sometimes to get stronger, you might need a little reminder.Pick this one up, even if, like me, you haven't read the other stories in the series. You won't have a problem getting into it. I'm sure the cover also makes you warm and fuzzy too! And if the cover, the synopsis, the name "Robin Lee Hatcher" or my review doesn't get you interested, I'll let you in on another big secret. You're going to love what Trevor says on page 276. It will melt your heart. *sigh.Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

This story introduces the Cartwright family, only two remain now of this precious family, Rodney and his grown daughter, Penny. Rodney lost his wife when the children were young and the only son, Bradley just a few years ago. Rodney has the peace of God, but worries over Penny and her bitterness towards the one she blames for the death of her younger brother. This story deals with real life situations that most readers have experienced in a very edifying way. It is a story of God’s redemptive power, of grace, peace and love that comes after an individual chooses to forgive. It is beautifully written and the characters are so precious and easy to relate to. I love this book, which is a Christian fiction, but is based on real life. It is a clean romance, which I appreciate. I love this inspirational series and this talented author.

Robin Lee Hatcher writes good books. Truth. I have been reading her books a very long time and will continue to read each one she writes. This one is in her 'King's Meadow' series. I won't give a synopsis because it's been done. Hatcher knows how to develop characters that get under your skin, characters will real emotions and real problems, characters that don't always do the right thing.I loved every moment of this book. It ministered to me. We can't always hold things against people when we're the ones who need to take a look at our own life.My favorite of all her books is 'The Shepherd's Voice' because it touched me greatly during a rough period in my life. I've read it more than once and it still remains a favorite. (less)

Robin's books are a delight to read.