After reading the first book in this series, I was really looking forward to the next one. Some difficult topics, addition and recovery, are handled with grace and thoughtfulness. I am not a horse lover, but I really was captivated with how they were used for equine therapy. I loved watching Ben’s faith in action and even in moments of despair, seeing prayers answered. His approach to Ashley is kind, patient, and genuine. I love that he did not gloss over his past and stood firm in his convictions. His steadfastness is what allowed him to be there for Ashley and her family during a critical time. The dual timeline, or flashbacks, to Ben’s family in WW2 is just as captivating and tells a powerful story of faith in the midst of really hard life circumstances. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Ben Henning has a passion for helping people struggling with addiction, he is inspired by his own past to start a farm where people can work with horses as part of their therapy. Everything is falling into place the only thing is that he still needs the horses. Ben is gifted his great-grandfather's Bible, and the story also follows the great-grandfather and his children at the dawn of WWII.



Ashley Showalter has an acreage that isn't nearly big enough to house all the horses that she wants to help. She is passionate about rescuing abused and neglected horses. She agrees to keep an eye out for good horses for Ben's farm, and they can incorporate rescue horses into his farm.



The second book in a series, Ben and Ashley's story in the modern day stands well on it's own, while the parallel story of great-grandfather Andrew picks up right where the previous book in the series left off.



Ben is passionate about helping others, he had a troubled childhood laced with addictions of his own. He and his Grandfather as very close, and they go to church together every Sunday. His grandfather is wise in his faith and is excellent counsel to Ben.



I loved Ashley's willingness to help Ben and her passion for helping horses. She had a rough upbringing and has always had questions about God, as they get to know one another it opens a door for deep conversations. She had worked hard for her acerage, taught herself everything that she knows about horses. I admired her motivation and love for her family.



I also really enjoyed the continuation of Andrew Henning and his family many generations earlier. It was really cool to see him reading and praying over the very same Bible as Ben decades later. His adopted son Ben dreams of taking to the sky as a pilot, but with the war looming he knows that his son will be faced with horrors and he must trust him to God.



Overall, I loved how the two stories generations apart were told side by side, as Ben and Andrew find their faith tested. Ben's grandfather is an excellent source of wisdom and good advice, and I loved Ben and Ashley's passion for helping others through horses. Stellar storytelling, great characters, and strong faith. I really enjoyed the premise and setting, it was also great to see characters from the previous book make appearances. Definitely recommend!



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Equine therapy is a fascinating subject! I loved the parallel between the Ben's story and Ashley's brother's life. Recovery through faith is strongly emphasized. The ending was rather predictable but the concept of therapy was moving.

This book was an enjoyable read, though I found it slow paced compared to the first book in the series. The storyline wasn't totally clear in areas and it was hard to follow at times. I also found the ending abrupt and like it was missing a few key details.
It was cleverly written in how the bible/journal followed from the first book to this book, but I found it detached from the main story and it didn't quite make sense.
I will be interested to see what happens in the next book in the series and if any of my questions get answered.

This series so far has two wonderful books. I was also lucky enough to read the first book in the series and they are both so good. This one was a contemporary book with sections of it that would go back to the years of WWII. This brought the generations together to see where they were and where they now are.

The book dealt with problems that are often seen in present days regarding addictions, recovery and all that goes with that.

It is interesting to read about the rescue horses and how the horses were helped and in turn helped their riders who also needed them as well. It was a beautiful story with love, understanding, spiritual growth and a great Gospel message. It was a good, realistic story that you won't soon forget.

I received an ebook copy from the author and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

Cross My Heart, the second book in award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher’s Legacy of Faith series, continues the storyline of an heirloom Bible being passed on throughout the generations of the Henning family. The recipients of Andrew Henning’s Bible are instructed to keep it until they feel that God tells them to pass it onto another family member. Robin Lee Hatcher creates an incredibly powerful dual timeline novel that deals with relevant issues in today’s society such as alcoholism, opioid addiction, and how these addictions can change people’s lives forever.

In the contemporary storyline, Ben Henning receives his great-great grandfather’s Bible from his cousin Jessica, whose story was told in the first book in the series (Who I Am With You). Ben decides to start an equine therapy program with the assistance of Ashley Showalter, who rescues abused and neglected horses. The verses in the Bible help strengthen Ben’s faith during this challenging time in his life as he attempts to make amends for past mistakes. The historical storyline follows Ben’s great-great grandfather Andrew Henning and his family through the years of World War II while two of his sons fight in the war.

Cross My Heart is a story of redemption, healing, and discovering God’s grace and purpose for our lives. Robin Lee Hatcher seamlessly switches between the contemporary and historical storylines, which allows readers to easily follow the journey of the Henning family through the years. Even though this is a slower-paced novel, readers will be thoroughly invested in the storyline and will be rooting for Ben and Ashley to get their happy ending. With relatable characters and real-life issues, readers will be captivated by this inspirational novel of forgiveness and hope.

Cross My Heart is highly recommended for readers of contemporary romance, especially those who enjoy books by authors such as Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, and Rachel Hauck. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Don’t you love it when you finish reading a book and you can sit quietly and bask in a satisfying closure? That’s how I always feel upon completing a book by Robin Lee Hatcher. Her words carry a soft cadence, her story pulses strongly, and the love conveyed warms my soul.

Ben is easy to love. He’s a strong guy with a big heart and a dark past. I immediately connected with Ashley. The two go into business together, rescuing animals and providing equine therapy to those in need. But their clients and horses aren’t the only ones that need rescuing.

There is also a historical aspect to this story, involving Ben’s ancestors during WWII. It gives the story more depth and importance, and Ms. Hatcher does a wonderful job of weaving the two eras together.

I sank into this sweet story with ease, and feel as if I’ve spent an extended vacation at the Henning farm. I love the slow-build in the story. Not rushing makes it all feel authentic, and ultimately satisfying. And--it’s always a thrill when you reach that part in the book that mentions the book’s title. *Swoon*

I enjoyed these entwining, compassionate stories and the thread of faith throughout. You’ll enjoy them too—cross my heart.

First Line (Prologue): Ben Henning showed his cousin Jessica into the kitchen of the old farmhouse.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive review.
#RobinLeeHatcher
#CrossMyHeart
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'People failed. Horses didn't. Horses never lied.'

Ben Henning and Ashley Showalter have a lot in common, one thing being they both love horse, so when Ben wants to get an equine therapy barn up and running, Ashley is very willing to help out. I loved this aspect of the story. Ben has been through a very rough time and Ashley has problems with trust, so they can both benefit from the equine therapy. Both stand in need of God's grace. He bestows that grace on His children every day. Hatcher weaves together a story of God's redemption that is heartwarming nd full of faith. Interspersed with short vignettes told by Ben's great great grandfather, this family settles into your heart and will nourish your spirit as you read.

*My thanks to the publisher for a preview copy of this book via Net Galley. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

I was very anxious to read Cross Your Heart, the second book in the Legacy of Faith series. First, I want to say I enjoyed the story. It was a faith-filled, tender story; however, the people were a little too perfect. Of course, I’ll be the first to admit, maybe I need to strive harder in my Christian walk, so the problem may lie in me rather than the book. The contemporary story involves completely new characters. The only person to make an appearance from the first book is Jessica, Ben Henning’s cousin. And it is just an appearance. She hands off great-great grandfather’s Bible and is gone. The other story line is a continuation from the first book about Andrew Henning and his family - where the Bible originates. This story is the one that is most emotionally compelling. I would definitely recommend this as a wholesome read.

4.5 stars!

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of many novels, but the first that I picked up was Who I Am With You, book one in the A Legacy of Faith series. And I quickly fell in love with Hatcher's writing style and her beautiful characters. So, of course, I was anxious to read book two!

Our main characters, Ben Henning and Ashley Showalter, are both unique and engaging characters. Ben is quite the gentleman, although he's not one of those too-perfect love interest characters. In fact, he has quite the backstory. I quickly fell in love with him and his kind heart. Ashley took a little longer, as she is just so different than me, but soon I loved her too, and was rooting for both of these characters and their story.

The storyline is fairly slow moving, but regardless it kept my interest and I found myself wanting to just keep reading where other books with similarly paced storylines would have left me bored. There's just something about Hatcher's writing style and the setting of her stories that makes me want to go spend a day--or a while--with these characters in small-town Idaho. The author also does a fabulous job incorporating the dual-time period. I'm not usually a fan of those types of stories, but I love Hatcher's unique take on the idea!

I also loved the representation of equine therapy that was featured in Cross My Heart; it is a subject that has always interested me and I've done a lot of reading on it. It is clear that Hatcher has done her research on the subject, for which I give her kudos. Similarly, the redemptive themes and themes of faith included were incredibly well done. So often I feel like Christian authors have the tendency to force that aspect and it becomes "preachy." Not so with Hatcher; it is just a natural and beautiful addition to the story.

The only complaint I have is that this was too short! I wish the climax had taken place a little sooner in the book, therefore leaving more time for wrapping up. But really, that is just a minor issue.

All in all, I greatly enjoyed this addition to the A Legacy of Faith series! I highly recommend this series to lovers of sweet, contemporary romance with deep themes. I will be eagerly awaiting book three!

In book two of Robin Lee Hatcher’s Legacy of Faith Series, God shows how He takes two broken hearts and puts them together again. Ben Henning, a recovering alcoholic and Ashley Showlater, who tries to fix her life and her family’s life on her own. I loved how the author used real world problems in her book. This book is about forgiveness and letting go of the past. It is also about healing and I love how the author intertwines the Equine therapy as a form of healing mental and physically in the story. I believe the author, Robin Lee Hatcher, captured the emotions perfectly in this book to show that even though our past is not perfect and we still make mistakes, God is perfect and He knows what He is doing in our lives at all times. Ben and Ashley come together for a bigger purpose. God’s purpose. This story draws you in from the first chapter and once you start you do not want to put it down. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read the third one!!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cross My Heart, the secind book in the series, is a dual time story that takes the reader back to the Henning family.
In contemporary time, Ben is making amends for a mistake he made many years ago. That mistake had taken his life off course, but by giving his life over to Christ, he repented and started again. His dream of starting a horseback riding program for physically, emotionally, and mentally challenged individuals is becoming a reality. Although things don't always go easily, people placed in his life allow him to better appreciate the blessings he has been given.
Dual timing takes us back to WWII and the impact it had on the Henning family. Young Ben is a fighter pilot flying dangerous missions in Europe. Oscar, runs off from home at 17 to join the fight. He is stationed in the Pacific on a ship that sees quite a bit of active battle. The Henning family lived far from the war in Idaho, yet still felt its effects and prayfully waited for the time their sons would be on American soil again.
I loved this novel. Both stories captured my attention, especially the WWII parts. Well researched historically and also the contemporary background dealing with the horses being used for therapy. Definitely a book to read!!

Wow! This book was amazing. I sat down and was only planning on reading a few chapters. And stopped reading three hours later after I finished the book.
There was so much emotion jam-packed into this novel and it left me with a good feeling inside. This was my first introduction to a novel by Robin Lee Hatcher, and I know that I will be reading more.
Cross my Heart is told in two time periods, one during World War II and the other in the modern day. There was not much of a connection as I was expecting, but it offered a unique perspective on the struggles of a parent during the war.
The highlight of this book was the characters. They are put through so much and come out stronger because of it. I really came to care about all of them and the stories they had to tell.

Rating: 5 Stars
Content: 4.5 Stars

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I enjoyed Cross My Heart, the second installment from A Legacy of Faith series. I give it four stars.

Sometimes you just read a book that sticks with you, and likewise, the Henning Family Bible has stuck with me. The redemption story of Ashley and Ben as they navigate the new, unfamiliar realm of equine therapy is so heartwarming and real! They have a long road to travel before they can find the relationship they desire, both with God and with each other. I love the connections that are made between Ben’s family and his great-grandfather Andrew Henning, whose Bible he reads. There are essentially two stories woven into one, and we get to revisit Ben’s ancestors during WWII. My tears were flowing so freely at one point that I had to stop reading! This story will be a blessing to anybody who reads it, and I can hardly wait to see where the Henning family Bible travels next! I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and was under no obligation to leave a review.

Cross My Heart is a beautiful story. The second book in the Legacy Of Faith series, Cross My Heart follows two new main characters but also continues the historical story of the Henning family. This modern-day story is woven together by threads of the past and the history and faith of a family across multiple generations. Cross My Heart is a relaxing and restorative read.

Ben Hennings is starting a horse farm, hoping he can help others through equine therapy, just as he was once helped. When looking for horses, he is directed to Ashley Showalter, who helps rescue horses. They both have a love of horses and helping others in common. What they don’t know is that they also share a history touched by addictions, Ben personally and Ashley through her brother’s addictions. When this is revealed, Ben and Ashley must decide if their pasts and fears should determine if they have a future together.

I love the way Robin Lee Hatcher weaves together two stories, past and present. While Andrew Henning and his family face World War Two and the sacrifices of their family for their country and freedom, Ben and Ashley are starting a horse farm for equine therapy, learning more about each other, exploring a possible romance and discovering the past hurts and truths they must face if they want a future together.

I have always loved stories about equine therapy and horse rescue. It is such a powerful and wonderful thing and Robin Lee Hatcher brings it to life so well. I love both Ben and Ashley’s passion for their horses and the way they can heal and bring people together - even the two of them. The romance between them is genuine and heartfelt. They connect and yet also dig deeper to strengthen that connection.

Ashley’s faith journey is a large part of Cross My Heart. As Ben and his grandfather share and demonstrate their faith, Ashley is curious to explore further. She takes her time and makes the decision rationally, but there is no denying the joy she feels and I loved how Hatcher brings this to the page.

Overall, I really enjoyed Cross My Heart. It was utterly delightful to read and hard to put down. I look forward to continuing Andrew Henning and his family’s story of the past and the new story of two hearts coming together in the present in book three and I highly recommend books one and two.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Robin Hatcher continues the journey of Grandpa Henning’s Bible down through the next generation. The ways God speaks personally through it to each owner are beautiful. This is a slow, sweet story of how God weaves our lives together for His and our good. Hope, healing and second chances are woven through these lives that have been hurt and damaged.
I appreciate this novel most for its reminders in scripture that God has a plan for us and His ways are always better than our ways.
“It was as if he heard God whisper to him, “Dedicate it to Me, Leave it to My care and then worship Me.” “For these things I have prayed Lord.” He said into the silent room. They are dedicated to You, Lord and I leave them in your care. Amen.”
“For ye have not passed this way heretofore.” No, they hadn’t passed this way before but God not only knew the way. He was the way. God was both walking with them and He waited at the destination, wherever it was.”
I received a complimentary copy to read by NetGalley and Thomas Nelson (thank you) but the opinions are entirely my own.

This book had a fantastic, realistic plot. I really liked how Hatcher used real life issues that many people face in this book. These characters faced family and personal issues that are very prevalent in today's society.

In addition to this she also included a faith thread that was seamlessly interwoven into the story and not at all preachy. I loved how Ben approached his faith throughout the book.

This book was so redemption focused and really was a breath of fresh air that no matter what happens everyone deserves a second chance.

I also loved how Ben used his life experiences to start an organization to help people.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

I was not disappointed in this book! I can always count on Robin for a good story and she definitely delivered.

In fact, when I opened it I was delighted to find Andrew and Helen were included because when we left off on the first book they still had a story to tell!!

I was also delighted to learn that my grandparents lived in this time period as well. They were wonderful storyteller. I miss them greatly!!
Ben and Ashley remind me of me and my husband. We too have many things in common. Ashley is a girl after my own heart for her love of horses and wanting to help.
I think it is neat that God gave us animals to help us heal. It truly amazes me how animals sense these things.
Ben is cool. I love how he turned his life around. Too often, I see many men who don't want to help themselves.

I strongly recommend this book! You'll be taken away by this story and won't want to come back to earth so to speak! I received a copy of this book from Netgalley. No compensations were received. All opinions are my own!!

Ashley & Ben share many similarities and common interests - both have single moms, both have experienced the pain of alcoholism in their families, and both love horses. Both are also hesitant to trust others - especially with their hearts. The process is long, complicated, and very true to life. Ashley and Ben both have to learn to trust God and accept HIS forgiveness and love. REALLY good book--difficult to put down!