I was just reading a quote from one of those tear off calendars. It said, “some experiences simply do not translate. You have to go to know.” (Kobi Yamada — no idea who that is). This may seem like a strange way to start a review, but I’ve found that quote doesn’t hold true for Susan May Warren’s books. They pull me right into the setting and characters’ world. Finding Stefanie was no exception.

Let’s face it, as the third book in a series, it could have been a let-down. After all, it’s focused on the sister who’s made all the right choices and worked hard to keep everything afloat while her brothers did their own things. But this book was wonderful. I picked it up as soon as it landed in my mailbox and didn’t stop reading until I hit the end.

About the Book:
When she put her dreams on hold to help run the family ranch, she never imagined they would slip out of sight. Luckily for Stefanie, those dreams are about to come knocking at her door.

Lincoln Cash has gained fame and fortune on the big screen, but a crippling secret leaves him one last chance to make his mark on the movie industry. With dreams of hosting a new film festival, Lincoln intends to remodel a sprawling ranch in eastern Montana to make it the new Hollywood hot spot.

Unfortunately, a house fire threatens his plans. So does opposition from his new neighbor Stefanie Noble, who’s not thrilled about his Tinseltown changes. What Lincoln and Stefanie don’t know is that the fire won’t be the last disaster to threaten Lincoln or his future. Someone is out for revenge… but who? And who is the real target?

Stefanie has shadows that she won’t step away from, and Lincoln sees everything crashing around him. They turn against each other. The sparks fly in this book, but there’s so much more going on.

Stefanie has to learn to let go of the past and its mistakes. And the hardest lesson of all — how to forgive herself. And trust herself not to repeat the past. Each time she’s willing to step out and try, a roadblock occurs. Lincoln also has to step away from the past, but for different reasons. Isn’t that like so many of us? Instead of looking to the fullness of what God wants to do in our lives now, we’re trapped looking in the rearview mirror. As a result we miss so much and wonder why we feel stuck or forgotten.

There are a host of supporting characters who add rich layers to the book. And each has battles to fight, obstacles to overcome. Some way too close to real life.

On the suspense thread — remember this book is primarily romance…and a great romance. But the suspense thread is stronger in this book than in the prior two in this series. I figured out who was doing it early in the book, but sure missed her motivation. And even knowing who was behind all the havoc didn’t detract from the enjoyment of reading.

I am truly sad to see this series end. It was a great one…enjoyable…challenging… and great covers!

To see the other stops on the blog tour go here. And you can read the first chapter here.

And here are the details on the contest:

Grab your magnifying glass and join me on a Fact-o-Find!

Answer these questions about the bloggers on the tour and be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to the movie theater of your choice (you know so you can see some of Cash’s great movies *G*)! Email Amy your answers (amy@susanmaywarren.com)

Ready, get set, giddy-up!

1. Which blogger is adopting a girl from China?

2. This word ‘featherbunkle’ is found on which blog?

3. Which blogger is supporting the ‘Pickens Plan’?

4. Which blog is “The Cutest Blog on the Block”?

5. Which blogger is a S@HM and also a wife, daughter, sister, friend, nursery director, and woman that is just trying to keep it all together?

6. Which blogger is taking the Southern Reading Challenge?

7. Which blog asks ‘How may we serve you’?

8. Which blogger refers to her son as ‘super good big guy’?

9. Which blogger is a self-proclaimed ‘Starbucks Addict’?

10. Which blogger is a big Trekkie