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Kings Meadow Romance #3
Keeper of the Stars
2017 RITA Award Finalist!
She blames him for her brother's death. Can she let go of resentment and open her heart to love?
Penny Cartwright found it difficult to understand why her younger brother would choose to join a country singer’s band rather than return to Kings Meadow after college . . . and the separation strained their relationship. Then a car accident made certain her brother could never return.
Trevor Reynolds has chased stardom in Nashville for more than a dozen years, but it remains out of his reach. After an accident kills his young drummer, Trevor goes to Kings Meadow to keep a promise—and perhaps to discover what truly matters in this life.
Thrown together by circumstances, Penny and Trevor must learn to give and receive forgiveness. And if they do, perhaps something beautiful can rise from the ashes of heartbreak.
She blames him for her brother's death. Can she let go of resentment and open her heart to love?
Penny Cartwright found it difficult to understand why her younger brother would choose to join a country singer’s band rather than return to Kings Meadow after college . . . and the separation strained their relationship. Then a car accident made certain her brother could never return.
Trevor Reynolds has chased stardom in Nashville for more than a dozen years, but it remains out of his reach. After an accident kills his young drummer, Trevor goes to Kings Meadow to keep a promise—and perhaps to discover what truly matters in this life.
Thrown together by circumstances, Penny and Trevor must learn to give and receive forgiveness. And if they do, perhaps something beautiful can rise from the ashes of heartbreak.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 26, 2016
About the author
Robin Lee Hatcher
121 books2,857 followersRobin Lee Hatcher is the author of 90 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.
Be sure to follow Robin on BookBub so you'll receive new book and special deal alerts:
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November 23, 2018RITA® Award finalist
I loved telling Penny's and Trevor's stories. I can't help thinking this was a great way for my time in Kings Meadow to draw to a close.
I loved telling Penny's and Trevor's stories. I can't help thinking this was a great way for my time in Kings Meadow to draw to a close.
February 6, 2016
Keeper of the Stars incorporates some unique elements that really made this book stand out for me. For starters, Penny’s brother Brad remains an extremely compelling secondary character, despite the fact that he’s… well… dead. Robin Lee Hatcher wove his perspective into the story through the use of flashbacks that give the reader such poignant insight into his relationships with Penny, Trevor, and God. Glimpses into emails exchanged with his father Robert added depth to their relationship as well.
Perhaps the most powerful flashback is our picture into Brad’s final day and the prayer on his heart. But what touched me most deeply were the scenes between brother and sister – their close friendship evident even from young ages. It reminded me of my relationship with my own brother and enabled me to see Penny’s grief in a more empathetic way than I might otherwise have done.
Another thing I loved about Keeper of the Stars is the mentoring that takes place between Robert and Trevor. So often in Christian fiction, we see male leads of either solid, mature faith or brand-new faith. Both of those are great, of course! But we rarely see the growth process. I can think of a couple of other examples (Varina Denman’s Justified, Victoria Bylin’s Until I Found You) but it’s rare. Here, we are able to watch Trevor as he navigates the newness, with Robert building off what Brad started – which I find to be just the sweetest thing ever. THE FEELS!
Finally, the romance is a slow build. Another rarity in romantic fiction in general, but one I found refreshing. (Don’t get me wrong … I do adore the intensity of “instant attraction” but occasionally I like the change of pace.) One could argue that it had been going on since even before they met, albeit one-sided. And that just added to the melt-into-a-happy-little-puddle factor for me.
Bottom Line: This final book in Robin Lee Hatcher’s Kings Meadow Romance series is a beautifully composed harmony of forgiveness, faith, and falling in love. With elements to the story that you don’t see in every other book, Keeper of the Stars provides a unique read that still leaves you wrapped in a comforting cloak of familiarity. If we must say goodbye to Kings Meadow, Trevor and Penny’s story – and Brad’s too, in a way – is the perfect farewell.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Perhaps the most powerful flashback is our picture into Brad’s final day and the prayer on his heart. But what touched me most deeply were the scenes between brother and sister – their close friendship evident even from young ages. It reminded me of my relationship with my own brother and enabled me to see Penny’s grief in a more empathetic way than I might otherwise have done.
Another thing I loved about Keeper of the Stars is the mentoring that takes place between Robert and Trevor. So often in Christian fiction, we see male leads of either solid, mature faith or brand-new faith. Both of those are great, of course! But we rarely see the growth process. I can think of a couple of other examples (Varina Denman’s Justified, Victoria Bylin’s Until I Found You) but it’s rare. Here, we are able to watch Trevor as he navigates the newness, with Robert building off what Brad started – which I find to be just the sweetest thing ever. THE FEELS!
Finally, the romance is a slow build. Another rarity in romantic fiction in general, but one I found refreshing. (Don’t get me wrong … I do adore the intensity of “instant attraction” but occasionally I like the change of pace.) One could argue that it had been going on since even before they met, albeit one-sided. And that just added to the melt-into-a-happy-little-puddle factor for me.
Bottom Line: This final book in Robin Lee Hatcher’s Kings Meadow Romance series is a beautifully composed harmony of forgiveness, faith, and falling in love. With elements to the story that you don’t see in every other book, Keeper of the Stars provides a unique read that still leaves you wrapped in a comforting cloak of familiarity. If we must say goodbye to Kings Meadow, Trevor and Penny’s story – and Brad’s too, in a way – is the perfect farewell.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
February 12, 2016
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/1KL99qL
A beautiful setting that is 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 people 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 snuffed out the night her brother died. Trevor, a kind guy who was solely focused 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 previously 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 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.
A beautiful setting that is 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 people 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 snuffed out the night her brother died. Trevor, a kind guy who was solely focused 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 previously 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 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.
December 29, 2019
This one’s just a beautiful story about love and forgiveness and it has reappearances from other favorite Kings Meadow characters...I wasn’t ready for this series to be over, but seeing I read two of the books in a single day, that didn’t stop me from binging on it. Delightful contemporary with a good Christian message woven in carefully.
March 21, 2016
Lovely conclusion to the Kings Meadow series.
The entire series is highly recommend to fans of Kathryn Springer and Beth Vogt.
The entire series is highly recommend to fans of Kathryn Springer and Beth Vogt.
February 9, 2016
I have really liked the King’s Meadow Romance series and am sad to see it end. Keeper of the Stars is a great addition to the series, yet can stand alone, as well, for those who have not read the other titles.
One portion of the book that I ended up really liking was something that I originally wasn’t sure about. Every few chapters, the reader gets to see a little glimpse back in time from Brad’s perspective. Brad was Penny’s brother who had recently passed away. I thought that reading these segments might make me very sad, however, the opposite was true. The flashbacks were from different points in time in Brad’s life and served to help me feel that I really “knew” Brad, both the boy he had been and the young man he became. I ended up loving this method of connecting me with this character!
Speaking of loving and connecting…I really did connect with the two main characters, Penny and Trevor. I felt so sorry for Penny and how hard life had become for her because of her grief. She harbored such anger, not only toward Trevor, but also toward her deceased brother, and even toward God. It was very powerful to see her move beyond that anger.
And Trevor was a great character. I liked him right from the start and admired his patience and understanding toward Penny. I loved the way he fit right in to the family and the way he connected with Penny’s dad. It was very moving to learn about the kind of upbringing he’d had and to find out how much of a spiritual impact Brad had had on Trevor’s life.
This story was packed with interesting characters and situations and I enjoyed it from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through Litfuse Publicity, in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
One portion of the book that I ended up really liking was something that I originally wasn’t sure about. Every few chapters, the reader gets to see a little glimpse back in time from Brad’s perspective. Brad was Penny’s brother who had recently passed away. I thought that reading these segments might make me very sad, however, the opposite was true. The flashbacks were from different points in time in Brad’s life and served to help me feel that I really “knew” Brad, both the boy he had been and the young man he became. I ended up loving this method of connecting me with this character!
Speaking of loving and connecting…I really did connect with the two main characters, Penny and Trevor. I felt so sorry for Penny and how hard life had become for her because of her grief. She harbored such anger, not only toward Trevor, but also toward her deceased brother, and even toward God. It was very powerful to see her move beyond that anger.
And Trevor was a great character. I liked him right from the start and admired his patience and understanding toward Penny. I loved the way he fit right in to the family and the way he connected with Penny’s dad. It was very moving to learn about the kind of upbringing he’d had and to find out how much of a spiritual impact Brad had had on Trevor’s life.
This story was packed with interesting characters and situations and I enjoyed it from start to finish.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through Litfuse Publicity, in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
March 5, 2016
I've read and reviewed all of the books in this series plus A Promise to Keep which introduced the small mountain town of King's Meadow. I am sorry to see this wonderful series end. Such great characters with such real struggles and often a parallel story from the past.
Well, I loved the hero in this romance, Trevor Reynolds, a musician who's lived on the road for years but never made it big. After a life-altering event, a fatal auto accident, he has reevaluated everything. He comes to his friend's funeral and is attacked by the friend's sister, Penny Cartwright, the local librarian.
Robin Lee Hatcher knows how to make the differences between people real and compelling. Penny has a lot of preconceptions of how her brother should have spent his short adult life. And as usual, we humans don't see the eternal plan--just what we want. That's Penny's blind spot.
I once told my mother --"All of us have blindspots. Things about ourselves we can't see but are sometimes painfully obvious to everyone else."
Penny bravely begins to see her blindspot and in doing so, she becomes prepared to love and be loved.
I loved her father's kind leadership and good heart too.
If you haven't read the King's Meadow Romance series, why not?
I received this book from the author and have written an honest review.
Well, I loved the hero in this romance, Trevor Reynolds, a musician who's lived on the road for years but never made it big. After a life-altering event, a fatal auto accident, he has reevaluated everything. He comes to his friend's funeral and is attacked by the friend's sister, Penny Cartwright, the local librarian.
Robin Lee Hatcher knows how to make the differences between people real and compelling. Penny has a lot of preconceptions of how her brother should have spent his short adult life. And as usual, we humans don't see the eternal plan--just what we want. That's Penny's blind spot.
I once told my mother --"All of us have blindspots. Things about ourselves we can't see but are sometimes painfully obvious to everyone else."
Penny bravely begins to see her blindspot and in doing so, she becomes prepared to love and be loved.
I loved her father's kind leadership and good heart too.
If you haven't read the King's Meadow Romance series, why not?
I received this book from the author and have written an honest review.
December 27, 2022
Picked this book up from the library as a "secret wrapped book" only knowing a genre of Contemporary Romance and was not expecting 300 pages about God. I suppose if you're interested in Christianity, you'll go in with realistic expectations, but this was definitely the worst book I've read in 2022. The storyline would've been more bearable if every other sentence wasn't about religion.
February 5, 2018
Just when you think a person is totally beyond hope of forgiving other people, God works and they are able to finally forgive. Sometimes only God can help us to do that. It makes sense, considering that He has forgiven us of so much!
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
January 30, 2017I got frustrated because I kept getting confused how much time had passed. Between one chapter and the next it said two months, but the next chapter made it sound like only a couple of days. I have enough to read without getting frustrated like that. I also found it odd to have a character that is dead at the beginning of the story, have whole chapters dedicated to their flashbacks.
February 29, 2024
Think I found a new favorite author
March 22, 2016
I found this novel to be a little on the slow side; particularly in terms of the romance, which didn’t really take off until the second half of the novel. I liked the basic plot, but without any secondary plots woven into the story it felt thin, and I wondered whether it wouldn’t have been better as a novella. Instead, it seemed to be padded out with lots of character introspection, internal monologues, and scenes that didn’t move the story forward in any significant way.
The novel opens with a prologue that takes place at Brad’s funeral, followed by a scene from Brad’s point of view in 2003; the day Penny and Brad's mother died. Brad’s point of view recurs throughout the novel, showing brief scenes from his life (in chronological order) that marked steps on the journey that eventually took him to Trevor Reynolds’ band and the accident that took his life. It was an interesting way to reveal Brad’s story but, again, it didn’t move the story along, and so added to the feeling that this was a slow-moving book. It did fill in some of the backstory from Brad’s perspective (particularly his relationship with Penny and his reasons for joining the band), but most of that could have been related through conversations between various living characters quite naturally.
Penny’s father is also a point of view character in this novel, another departure from the traditional hero/heroine focus of the story. I thought this was a more effective inclusion than Brad’s point of view but it allowed us to learn a lot via character introspection and internal monologue rather than conversations with either Penny or Trevor. The latter would have made for a more dynamic reading experience.
When the romance did finally come along I found it a little on the cheesy side, but we had at least been able to see how Penny had progressed from blaming Trevor for Brad’s death, to realizing that he was a decent guy, to falling in love with him. Trevor also grows as a character during the novel, coming to terms with some issues he had with his own father, but as I said at the opening, it didn't feel like there was enough meat to either of their stories to make a full length novel.
All in all, this was a bit of a take-it-or-leave-it read for me. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either.
I received a complimentary copy through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. This is the third in Robin Lee Hatcher’s King’s Meadow Romance series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel.
The novel opens with a prologue that takes place at Brad’s funeral, followed by a scene from Brad’s point of view in 2003; the day Penny and Brad's mother died. Brad’s point of view recurs throughout the novel, showing brief scenes from his life (in chronological order) that marked steps on the journey that eventually took him to Trevor Reynolds’ band and the accident that took his life. It was an interesting way to reveal Brad’s story but, again, it didn’t move the story along, and so added to the feeling that this was a slow-moving book. It did fill in some of the backstory from Brad’s perspective (particularly his relationship with Penny and his reasons for joining the band), but most of that could have been related through conversations between various living characters quite naturally.
Penny’s father is also a point of view character in this novel, another departure from the traditional hero/heroine focus of the story. I thought this was a more effective inclusion than Brad’s point of view but it allowed us to learn a lot via character introspection and internal monologue rather than conversations with either Penny or Trevor. The latter would have made for a more dynamic reading experience.
When the romance did finally come along I found it a little on the cheesy side, but we had at least been able to see how Penny had progressed from blaming Trevor for Brad’s death, to realizing that he was a decent guy, to falling in love with him. Trevor also grows as a character during the novel, coming to terms with some issues he had with his own father, but as I said at the opening, it didn't feel like there was enough meat to either of their stories to make a full length novel.
All in all, this was a bit of a take-it-or-leave-it read for me. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either.
I received a complimentary copy through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. This is the third in Robin Lee Hatcher’s King’s Meadow Romance series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel.
February 15, 2016
*My Thoughts*
Yay! Another fabulous fiction author to add to my to-read list...just what every reader needs right?!?! Especially me! This was my first by RObin and I must say, I broke "The rule". I judged a book by it's cover. Sort of. I'd never read her before & I looooooooved the cover.
And yes, I can do that because the content was just as good, if not better then the cover! I have a strange infatuation with couples that start out as arch enemies. (Also, dark, brooding guys changed by a sunny female!) This one definitely fulfilled my fangirl sighs! Their romance was well thought out, not too fast or slow, and just a fun thing to watch unfold. I was in heaven.
The main character, surprisingly, seems to be well...not living. Penny's brother Brad has a huge influence on the book and the readers heart strings! Robin gives beautiful flashbacks of the charming brother and then brings us back to "real life" to see the effects that the situation had on the other characters.
Keeper of the stars is more then a beautiful love story. This book teaches lessons...valuable, Godly lessons on forgiveness and love. It shows the impact every conversation has on a person and our life and how important it is to live for God, in the moment, because we don't know what tomorrow holds.
This "romance" has a beautiful message and fits the "inspirational Christian romance" category perfectly. Robin, you've written a treasure and I'm privileged to review such a story.
____________________________________________________
*My overall thoughts*
Keeper of the Stars is absolutely not leaving my shelves. In fact, look for it in my top books of 2016 because this one truly is a well written "keeper"!
_______________________________________________________
*My Rating*
I give Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher...
5 stars!!
_______________________________________________
*I received this book from the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.
Yay! Another fabulous fiction author to add to my to-read list...just what every reader needs right?!?! Especially me! This was my first by RObin and I must say, I broke "The rule". I judged a book by it's cover. Sort of. I'd never read her before & I looooooooved the cover.
And yes, I can do that because the content was just as good, if not better then the cover! I have a strange infatuation with couples that start out as arch enemies. (Also, dark, brooding guys changed by a sunny female!) This one definitely fulfilled my fangirl sighs! Their romance was well thought out, not too fast or slow, and just a fun thing to watch unfold. I was in heaven.
The main character, surprisingly, seems to be well...not living. Penny's brother Brad has a huge influence on the book and the readers heart strings! Robin gives beautiful flashbacks of the charming brother and then brings us back to "real life" to see the effects that the situation had on the other characters.
Keeper of the stars is more then a beautiful love story. This book teaches lessons...valuable, Godly lessons on forgiveness and love. It shows the impact every conversation has on a person and our life and how important it is to live for God, in the moment, because we don't know what tomorrow holds.
This "romance" has a beautiful message and fits the "inspirational Christian romance" category perfectly. Robin, you've written a treasure and I'm privileged to review such a story.
____________________________________________________
*My overall thoughts*
Keeper of the Stars is absolutely not leaving my shelves. In fact, look for it in my top books of 2016 because this one truly is a well written "keeper"!
_______________________________________________________
*My Rating*
I give Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher...
5 stars!!
_______________________________________________
*I received this book from the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.
February 14, 2016
KEEPER OF THE STARS was a beautiful and rich story about a family dealing with the aftermath of a tragedy and the man who seeks to keep a promise. Trevor was the leader of Penny's little brother's band and the one Penny blames for his death. Their first meeting is anything but cordial. Thank goodness there is her father, Rodney to ease the situation and to see that his family are not alone in their pain. There were so many touching moments, some of heartbreak, some of introspection, some of hearts opening to God and others, and some romantic. It was enjoyable and heartfelt. Definitely a story for Christian romance readers.
I liked the characters and how the author let them struggle and grow. There were flashbacks to the younger brother's memories, as well as POVs from Rodney, Penny, and Trevor. For this story it all worked rather well and gave insight to what each was feeling. Penny I struggled with a little bit because she is so stuck on her plans, both in the past and the future. She really pushed her brother away as well as others, but acts like everyone else is to blame for what happened and she is the injured party. Thank goodness she eventually figures things out. She ended up growing on me. I really liked Trevor. He was such a good guy and so willing to pitch in and work hard. I loved Rodney. He was just a fabulous character and really held everything together.
The overarching theme is forgiveness with some focus on a change of heart, accepting God, being willing to change plans, and being open to love. I liked how easily the characters conversed with God, how simple it was for them, and how open they were to trying to do what they should. I also liked the small-town setting. Then there was the slowly-building romance, a relationship that started rocky, then turned to friendship and respect, and finally to the possibility of more. Which is just how I like it.
Overall, this was another enjoyable release from Hatcher. I'm looking forward to her next one!
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy for review via Litfuse Publicity for tour purposes, which did not affect my review in any way.
I liked the characters and how the author let them struggle and grow. There were flashbacks to the younger brother's memories, as well as POVs from Rodney, Penny, and Trevor. For this story it all worked rather well and gave insight to what each was feeling. Penny I struggled with a little bit because she is so stuck on her plans, both in the past and the future. She really pushed her brother away as well as others, but acts like everyone else is to blame for what happened and she is the injured party. Thank goodness she eventually figures things out. She ended up growing on me. I really liked Trevor. He was such a good guy and so willing to pitch in and work hard. I loved Rodney. He was just a fabulous character and really held everything together.
The overarching theme is forgiveness with some focus on a change of heart, accepting God, being willing to change plans, and being open to love. I liked how easily the characters conversed with God, how simple it was for them, and how open they were to trying to do what they should. I also liked the small-town setting. Then there was the slowly-building romance, a relationship that started rocky, then turned to friendship and respect, and finally to the possibility of more. Which is just how I like it.
Overall, this was another enjoyable release from Hatcher. I'm looking forward to her next one!
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy for review via Litfuse Publicity for tour purposes, which did not affect my review in any way.
January 7, 2016
3.5 rounding up
I picked this book up on NetGalley because I was drawn to the story from the blurb. Well, the blurb and the cover. It is the third book in this King's Meadow series, but each book can stand alone and is not dependent on the other.
Penny is battling resentment and hurt and those things can make any person act ugly sometimes. Penny definitely has her ugly moments but she can only resist Trevor Reynolds for so long. He is always there and always proving her wrong so she has no choice but to battle the demons of the unexpected loss of her brother.
For me, Trevor and Penny's dad stole the show. I loved Trevor's journey toward better things and how he was so patient in the journey. He didn't expect changes overnight, he just remained consistent and allowed himself time. Penny's dad was the kindest of the kind. He is what I hope to be one day. Solid, generous and did I mention kind?
It does seem to me that Trevor and Penny would need to talk the whole accident and brother going to Nashville thing out a little more than they did. It seemed the resolution was a bit glossed over especially when Penny acted so nasty at times, but overall I enjoyed this story and it's characters. I liked the flashes back to Penny's brother. It really helped me gain a sense of who he was and why he did what he did.
This is a Christian fiction book so it was filled with talk about God. It is clean and the romance is slow evolving and sweet.
I picked this book up on NetGalley because I was drawn to the story from the blurb. Well, the blurb and the cover. It is the third book in this King's Meadow series, but each book can stand alone and is not dependent on the other.
Penny is battling resentment and hurt and those things can make any person act ugly sometimes. Penny definitely has her ugly moments but she can only resist Trevor Reynolds for so long. He is always there and always proving her wrong so she has no choice but to battle the demons of the unexpected loss of her brother.
For me, Trevor and Penny's dad stole the show. I loved Trevor's journey toward better things and how he was so patient in the journey. He didn't expect changes overnight, he just remained consistent and allowed himself time. Penny's dad was the kindest of the kind. He is what I hope to be one day. Solid, generous and did I mention kind?
It does seem to me that Trevor and Penny would need to talk the whole accident and brother going to Nashville thing out a little more than they did. It seemed the resolution was a bit glossed over especially when Penny acted so nasty at times, but overall I enjoyed this story and it's characters. I liked the flashes back to Penny's brother. It really helped me gain a sense of who he was and why he did what he did.
This is a Christian fiction book so it was filled with talk about God. It is clean and the romance is slow evolving and sweet.
February 12, 2016
Keeper of the Stars transports the reader to idyllic King’s Meadow in Idaho. This time, the story focuses on Penny Cartwright who’s life was upended when her brother is killed in a car accident. There is so much left unsaid between them that she transfers her grief and guilt to the man who was the reason her brother was driving. Trevor Reynolds doesn’t know why, but he is compelled to keep a promise to his dying drummer Brad Cartwright. He finds himself in King’s Meadow, not exactly sure what he should do or why. Rodney Cartwright isn’t sure either, but he’s willing to be a part of whatever God has in mind.
This is a story that pulls you into a tight knit community and the broken lives of two independent people. One just wants to help while the other just wants him to leave. This is a story of finding healing even when you aren’t sure you want it or you’re not sure how to proceed. This is a story of the sweet grace God weaves into our lives that we don’t always see in the moment. It’s a story that illustrates how God puts the pieces together in His perfect timing and way.
Keeper of the Stars is a great novel for those who love contemporary stories of love that point to the greatest Love of all.
This is a story that pulls you into a tight knit community and the broken lives of two independent people. One just wants to help while the other just wants him to leave. This is a story of finding healing even when you aren’t sure you want it or you’re not sure how to proceed. This is a story of the sweet grace God weaves into our lives that we don’t always see in the moment. It’s a story that illustrates how God puts the pieces together in His perfect timing and way.
Keeper of the Stars is a great novel for those who love contemporary stories of love that point to the greatest Love of all.
February 16, 2016
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
As with all the preceding Kings Meadow stories, I thoroughly enjoyed the new trip to the small-town Idaho that Keeper of the Stars provides. Penny Cartwright and Trevor Reynolds meet as a result of a tragic accident and both mourn the loss of Penny’s brother, Brad. In a place with a strong sense of community and faith, these two characters wrestle with all sorts of emotions, including guilt, anger, grief, and bitterness, and as expected, grow in spiritual maturity, as well as their relationship with one another. It’s a heartwarming and emotional read that will not leave Hatcher’s fans disappointed. I recommend it and certainly look forward to reading more from Robin Lee Hatcher in the future.
Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of Keeper of the Stars and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
As with all the preceding Kings Meadow stories, I thoroughly enjoyed the new trip to the small-town Idaho that Keeper of the Stars provides. Penny Cartwright and Trevor Reynolds meet as a result of a tragic accident and both mourn the loss of Penny’s brother, Brad. In a place with a strong sense of community and faith, these two characters wrestle with all sorts of emotions, including guilt, anger, grief, and bitterness, and as expected, grow in spiritual maturity, as well as their relationship with one another. It’s a heartwarming and emotional read that will not leave Hatcher’s fans disappointed. I recommend it and certainly look forward to reading more from Robin Lee Hatcher in the future.
Thanks to LitFuse Publicity Group, I received a copy of Keeper of the Stars and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
March 10, 2016
What a beautiful story of grief and healing. The characters in this novel react to the loss of one amazing young man in vastly different ways, yet all are impacted by not only his life but the lives he touched. The story is told from multiple perspectives- Trevor, Penny, her father, and flashbacks from the life of her brother. The author skillfully weaved them all together in a way that shows the journey of each and the ties that bind their relationships together. Penny's anger and sorrow is realistically portrayed, as well as the process of letting go. Trevor is not exactly sure why he feels prompted to continue to help the family, but his spiritual growth quickly becomes the reason he stays. While Penny and Trevor eventually form a friendship, once it turns to romance I thought things moved rather quickly in order to wrap up the ending. Themes of regret, forgiveness, community, and searching for purpose bring depth to the struggles of a grieving family.
(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
September 5, 2016
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.
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.
January 10, 2017
I have to admit, while Kings Meadow is a quaint place, I have been avoiding this author until she finished this series. I own almost all her books. Except the Kings Meadow. I bought the first one and just didn't like it very much. I have read the last few through the library. I might buy them to have all her books. If I can find them marked down. Like, way down.
This one was good though. It was predictable as romances usually go. I honestly liked both characters. I know there were tons of other characters I should have recognized. I guess I just forgot each book after I read it.
I do look forward to reading more from this author. "Ribbon of Years" is still one of my top ten books of all times. I just hope the next series isn't so horsey.
This one was good though. It was predictable as romances usually go. I honestly liked both characters. I know there were tons of other characters I should have recognized. I guess I just forgot each book after I read it.
I do look forward to reading more from this author. "Ribbon of Years" is still one of my top ten books of all times. I just hope the next series isn't so horsey.
February 12, 2016
I loved this book so much. Penny's story of anger after losing her brother hit very close to home for me and I felt I could relate with so much of what she was feeling. When Trevor stepped into town, I could just feel something special was going to happen to him. Watching both Penny and Trevor let God take control of their lives was almost magical. I loved being a part of their story and the things God did in their lives. This is a must-read. *I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*
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October 26, 2016The pacing was slow and the writing style didn't engage me. Also, knowing nothing about this author or her work, I was surprised to find this was heavily religious only after I started. Overall, this didn't work for me and it was a DNF.
October 16, 2018
A random find at my new library so why not? The cover is cute, the title unique, and the summary had promise. Alas…you cannot win them all.
The story follows Penny and Trevor. Penny’s brother has died and she is bitter. She is sad. She is angry. Trevor was a bandmate of Penny’s brother. Penny blames Trevor even though Trevor didn’t do anything. We get to see some of the brother’s POV here and there. Which was fun.
I really need to go to Goodreads first before picking up and reading any books. This was just sitting in the ROMANCE section so I was not aware that this was a Christian Romance. The genre isn’t bad, but it really isn’t my cup of tea unless written really well. But yes as I was reading this it dawned on me that this was not just a winter-time Romance with some heavy story of forgiveness. So much God talk.
Normally I can handle some and it can add to the story, but this drowned out the story. I had a hard time enjoying the characters and their story. Too much God talk. It really overtook the story. Which is a super bummer.
Penny and Trevor were meh. I wasn’t a fan of them. They were not BAD, but they were boring. They annoyed me especially Penny. Yes, yes, I get she is full of grief but it really wasn’t fair of her to blame Trevor.
This wasn’t for me at all, but I held on as long as I could. Sadly, I skimmed so much just to get the end to see what happened. I’ll stamp this with 2 stars. Not horrible, but SO not for me.
The story follows Penny and Trevor. Penny’s brother has died and she is bitter. She is sad. She is angry. Trevor was a bandmate of Penny’s brother. Penny blames Trevor even though Trevor didn’t do anything. We get to see some of the brother’s POV here and there. Which was fun.
I really need to go to Goodreads first before picking up and reading any books. This was just sitting in the ROMANCE section so I was not aware that this was a Christian Romance. The genre isn’t bad, but it really isn’t my cup of tea unless written really well. But yes as I was reading this it dawned on me that this was not just a winter-time Romance with some heavy story of forgiveness. So much God talk.
Normally I can handle some and it can add to the story, but this drowned out the story. I had a hard time enjoying the characters and their story. Too much God talk. It really overtook the story. Which is a super bummer.
Penny and Trevor were meh. I wasn’t a fan of them. They were not BAD, but they were boring. They annoyed me especially Penny. Yes, yes, I get she is full of grief but it really wasn’t fair of her to blame Trevor.
This wasn’t for me at all, but I held on as long as I could. Sadly, I skimmed so much just to get the end to see what happened. I’ll stamp this with 2 stars. Not horrible, but SO not for me.
February 14, 2018
This is the third book in the Kings Meadow Romance Series, but can be read as a standalone. I love Robin Lee Hatchers' way of writing and the way she can make you feel like you are a part of the story with no problem.
This story is about Penny and Trevor, and Brad as much as it is hard to believe a dead character can play a vital role in this story. Penny is Brad's sister. Trevor is a musician that is trying to make it in the world of music and Brad is his drummer. When and accident occurs and Brad is killed, Trevor never stops feeling responsible for Brad's death, neither does Penny.
When Penny and Trevor run into each other years later, they have one thing in common and that is still trying to get over Brad's death. Penny is angry and doesn't really know how to deal with her anger. Trevor is very patient with Penny when she shows this anger and tries to help her work through some of it. When sparks begin to fly between these two, will they be able to overcome Brad;s death to find what they really want with each other? You will have to read and see how this ends.
I thought the storyline in this book was very well thought out and that the characters were well developed. I am going to have to go back and read the rest of the Kings Meadow Romance from Robin Lee Hatcher. I can't wait to see what is next from this author for her readers!
This story is about Penny and Trevor, and Brad as much as it is hard to believe a dead character can play a vital role in this story. Penny is Brad's sister. Trevor is a musician that is trying to make it in the world of music and Brad is his drummer. When and accident occurs and Brad is killed, Trevor never stops feeling responsible for Brad's death, neither does Penny.
When Penny and Trevor run into each other years later, they have one thing in common and that is still trying to get over Brad's death. Penny is angry and doesn't really know how to deal with her anger. Trevor is very patient with Penny when she shows this anger and tries to help her work through some of it. When sparks begin to fly between these two, will they be able to overcome Brad;s death to find what they really want with each other? You will have to read and see how this ends.
I thought the storyline in this book was very well thought out and that the characters were well developed. I am going to have to go back and read the rest of the Kings Meadow Romance from Robin Lee Hatcher. I can't wait to see what is next from this author for her readers!
May 20, 2017
Beautifully written, drawing you in and feeling all the emotions that Perry Cartwright expresses as she lays to rest her brother, Brad. Her sorrow so blinding that she’s unable to see thru the anger that she’s forgetting to live life. Her Dad, Rodney is worried about his daughter and looks for guidance from the only place he knows to ask and hope he’ll be able to help him help her..
Trevor Reynolds always had THE dream all singer want, fame, fortune and hearing the applause. He’s been chasing this dream for so long, he doesn’t know what else he wants. His chance meeting with Brad Cartwright was his game changer. Trevor is fulfilling a promise to Brad and he finds himself in Kings Meadow trying to figure out what he’s suppose to do. What he discovers is unexpected and pleasantly welcoming. Very enjoyable and heartwarming read.
Trevor Reynolds always had THE dream all singer want, fame, fortune and hearing the applause. He’s been chasing this dream for so long, he doesn’t know what else he wants. His chance meeting with Brad Cartwright was his game changer. Trevor is fulfilling a promise to Brad and he finds himself in Kings Meadow trying to figure out what he’s suppose to do. What he discovers is unexpected and pleasantly welcoming. Very enjoyable and heartwarming read.
April 16, 2018
I can always count on Ms. Hatcher’s books to get me out of a reading funk. This isn’t the first of her books that I have read but it might go down as my favorite.
Penelope Cartwright is in pain. Emotional pain from the loss of her brother recently. She feels
guilty living her life when her brother can’t live his. The local library director helps her father around the ranch and does the job expected of her. She feels she needs to take care of her dad and put her dreams on hold. Kings Meadow will always be her home.
When a person from her brother’s life shows up in Penny’s hometown, she is upset.
How dare he show his face? The story that comes from her anger and the power of forgiveness and grace knit a beautiful story about life and the unexpected paths God nudges us down.
When you pick up this book, be prepared to visit your local library or favorite book store to acquire more of Ms. Hatcher’s books.
Penelope Cartwright is in pain. Emotional pain from the loss of her brother recently. She feels
guilty living her life when her brother can’t live his. The local library director helps her father around the ranch and does the job expected of her. She feels she needs to take care of her dad and put her dreams on hold. Kings Meadow will always be her home.
When a person from her brother’s life shows up in Penny’s hometown, she is upset.
How dare he show his face? The story that comes from her anger and the power of forgiveness and grace knit a beautiful story about life and the unexpected paths God nudges us down.
When you pick up this book, be prepared to visit your local library or favorite book store to acquire more of Ms. Hatcher’s books.
January 22, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book very much and am a fan of Robin Lee Hatcher's books.Its about Penny Cartwright who just lost her younger Brad brother in a car accident.He had left to join the singing band of Trevor Reynolds as a drummer.Penny did not want him to do that so she blames Trevor for her brother's loss. Trevor shows up in there hometown after making a promise to her dying brother he would go to meet Penny and her father.Trevor has his own baggage as well.Its a story about how they both deal with the loss as they both cared about Brad.
January 23, 2019
This book really lifted my spirits. As a born again Christian, I’ve had a difficult time taking in certain material as it has been conflicting with my soul. As I read this book, I was delighted to see that God was revered and not mocked. I was joyful to see how scriptures from The Bible were part of the conversations. I enjoyed the Christian support and community. Also, to see how people offered help, prayed to God in their thoughts throughout the day, and the lesson on forgiveness. And of course, the love story! Every girl loves a good love story!
August 9, 2019
This was a good book, and it was sad to say goodbye to the characters in the series as it was really awesome to get to know all about so many different people. I am a huge lover of country music and I am and I am read that all of these titles or after some of my favorite songs. The characters in this book are definitely real and if you have not read any of this authors books you really ought to do so
December 1, 2016
I've read all of Robin's novels set in Kings Meadow. They are excellent reading: A Promise Kept. Love Without End. Whenever You Come Around. Novella: I Hope You Dance. Keeper of the Stars.
Robin Hatcher's writing is Spirit filled, tasteful, just so very enjoyable. Thanks Robin Lee Hatcher for your beautifully crafted romance novels.
Robin Hatcher's writing is Spirit filled, tasteful, just so very enjoyable. Thanks Robin Lee Hatcher for your beautifully crafted romance novels.
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