What do you think?
Rate this book
Colorado Runaway #3
When Two Hearts Meet
Janelle Mowery ( When All My Dreams Come True and When Love Gets in the Way ) concludes her popular Colorado Runaway series with another adventurous story of faith, hope, and love in the Wild West. Rachel Garrett finds that attaining her dream of becoming a nurse is fraught with peril. A deputy sheriff with a wall around his heart doesn't help matters, but when she learns why Luke Mason has barricaded his heart, her desire to heal confronts an even greater challenge. Her need of his protection from an unknown assailant might be the force that sends his wall crashing down around them. Luke became a deputy in order to find the men who killed his father. He turns his back on God, only to run into the fiery Miss Garrett, who is a constant reminder of his lost faith. As Luke hunts for Rachel's attacker, he finds she has snared his heart. Faced with the fear of losing another loved one, he must decide whether he can learn to rely on God to save her--or run from the love both offer.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
5 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Janelle Mowery
17 books40 followersJanelle Mowery became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the year 2002 and is an active member in one of their critique groups. She has written a number of historicals, one which finalled in the 2003 Noble Theme contest. In 2004, she had a short story titled ‘A Fair Chance’ published in the e-magazine, Romancing the Christian Heart. In 2005, her third novel, entered in the San Gabriel Writers’ League ‘Writing Smarter’ Contest, won first place. Also, the author’s fifth novel made it to the top ten finalists in the Noble Theme contest. She signed her first contract with Barbour Publishing in their Heartsong Presents Mysteries line in 2006. Where the Truth Lies, which she co-authored with ELIZABETH LUDWIG, is scheduled for release in spring 2008.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 27, 2020
Pretty good for a fun read.
February 18, 2023
When Two Hearts Meet
Colorado Runaway, Book 3
Hearts of the West, Book 5
By Janelle Mowery
Feb 18, 2023
5 stars
Christian Historical Romance
Lots of roller coasters in this story. Love, hate, danger, calm, joy, fear, but it's also a story full of God's grace and mercy, second chances, and love worth living for! A great way to wrap up this anthology.
Colorado Runaway, Book 3
Hearts of the West, Book 5
By Janelle Mowery
Feb 18, 2023
5 stars
Christian Historical Romance
Lots of roller coasters in this story. Love, hate, danger, calm, joy, fear, but it's also a story full of God's grace and mercy, second chances, and love worth living for! A great way to wrap up this anthology.
April 5, 2020
Many Bible verses, more, more.Two puzzles for deputy Luke: Who runs still? Who tries to kill his Rachel?
July 4, 2024
Had trouble figuring out half of who was behind the threats to Rachel in the stories. Always enjoy being stumped in solving the mystery.
December 9, 2011
WooHoo!! I am telling you, Janelle Mowery knows how to write a good book! This is the conclusion of her Colorado Runaway Series and When Two Hearts Meet is a really good ending:) Of course, I would be hard picked to decide which one was my favorite. I have had the blessing of reviewing all three and they are all great! I think this one would probably be my least favorite but that is my personal preference.
This book opens with Luke, who is a deputy in town, and he is trying to take care of some moonshiners. All of a sudden a stagecoach pulls up and a lady comes flying out trying to be there for anyone who needs nursing care. And you guessed it:) The moonshiners get away:D From that point on, Luke and Rachel are at odds. Luke's mother is a real sweetheart and she has a very sweet spirit.
There are two ladies, chuckle, who are throughout this book. I had real fun reading about them and how they are. These sisters are real characters! No, I don't mean like real people, but they are such a hoot! From some real interesting soup to going at each other like they are enemies at opposite ends of the house. They had me cracking up:D
The topics dealt with include many things. One topic in this book include a widow remarrying whose son does not want her to get married again. I know how he feels but at the same point, I understand her loneliness and want of another man in her life. Janelle does a great job of showing both viewpoints. I have friends who are adamant about never remarrying while others are on opposite sides. This is a hard thing to deal with and is really up to personal preference in somebodies life.
The reason why this is my least favorite out of the three is that at times, it is hard to like Rachel at times. I know she feels like it is her job to nurse others, but she outright goes against what Luke asks her to do. I understand where she is coming from, and believe me, I have heard nurses say this, but it is hard to have her in trouble, when it wouldn't have happened if she has obeyed his wishes. Just kind of hard to deal with:) But again, this is personal. Not that there is anything wrong with someone like this. Some men like a feisty woman:D
There are almost two subplots through this book. This does end the main mystery that was intertwined through the previous two books. But I also enjoyed how Rachel stands up to a younger man who is interested in her. She does not flirt with him but treats him as an adult who is a friend. Luke also has similar problems he has to deal with. I liked how these were done. Not mean spirited or anything.
Since this is the conclusion to the Colorado Runaway series, I am wondering what is in store for Mowery's readers? Another western series? Or maybe something completely different:) I am awaiting hearing about her new release. This book was published by Harvest House Publishers so I am guessing the next one will be through them as well. Will let you know when I hear about it!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes from Harvest House Publishing. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
This book opens with Luke, who is a deputy in town, and he is trying to take care of some moonshiners. All of a sudden a stagecoach pulls up and a lady comes flying out trying to be there for anyone who needs nursing care. And you guessed it:) The moonshiners get away:D From that point on, Luke and Rachel are at odds. Luke's mother is a real sweetheart and she has a very sweet spirit.
There are two ladies, chuckle, who are throughout this book. I had real fun reading about them and how they are. These sisters are real characters! No, I don't mean like real people, but they are such a hoot! From some real interesting soup to going at each other like they are enemies at opposite ends of the house. They had me cracking up:D
The topics dealt with include many things. One topic in this book include a widow remarrying whose son does not want her to get married again. I know how he feels but at the same point, I understand her loneliness and want of another man in her life. Janelle does a great job of showing both viewpoints. I have friends who are adamant about never remarrying while others are on opposite sides. This is a hard thing to deal with and is really up to personal preference in somebodies life.
The reason why this is my least favorite out of the three is that at times, it is hard to like Rachel at times. I know she feels like it is her job to nurse others, but she outright goes against what Luke asks her to do. I understand where she is coming from, and believe me, I have heard nurses say this, but it is hard to have her in trouble, when it wouldn't have happened if she has obeyed his wishes. Just kind of hard to deal with:) But again, this is personal. Not that there is anything wrong with someone like this. Some men like a feisty woman:D
There are almost two subplots through this book. This does end the main mystery that was intertwined through the previous two books. But I also enjoyed how Rachel stands up to a younger man who is interested in her. She does not flirt with him but treats him as an adult who is a friend. Luke also has similar problems he has to deal with. I liked how these were done. Not mean spirited or anything.
Since this is the conclusion to the Colorado Runaway series, I am wondering what is in store for Mowery's readers? Another western series? Or maybe something completely different:) I am awaiting hearing about her new release. This book was published by Harvest House Publishers so I am guessing the next one will be through them as well. Will let you know when I hear about it!
I received a copy of this book for review purposes from Harvest House Publishing. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.
February 8, 2012
Rachel Garrett knows that relocating to Colorado in the late 1800s is going to be difficult. She doesn't know anyone there and the territory is quite a change of pace from her life back in Missouri. She knows that you can't really run away from problems, but she needed a change of scenery after being blamed for the death of a patient. She's barely had a chance to catch her breath from the ride into Rockdale and meet her new boss, Dr. Barnes, when she's enlisted to help in several home emergencies, including a home delivery and a sprained ankle. But disaster strikes on her third home visit when she finds a pregnant woman bleeding and near death. Regrettably the woman, after suffering her fourth miscarriage, dies shortly after Rachel arrives at the house. Rachel feels bad about the woman's death but knows that there was nothing she could do to stop it.
As Rachel settles into Rockland, she focuses on her job, finds a new church family, and begins to learn her new neighbors. As she begins to feel comfortable with her new life and work, she also helps Dr. and Mrs. Barnes with their two small children, as well as start a small Sunday School program for the kids at the church. Through all of her ups and downs in life Rachel turns to her faith to sustain her and prays that it will be all she needs in order to survive.
Luke Mason is a good deputy sheriff but he no longer attends church or believes in God. His mother is the church pianist and prays that Luke will return to the faith of his youth. As Luke tries to maintain law and order in his town, he witnesses the strength of Rachel's faith and finds it attractive, especially when it appears that her life may be endangered. Just when it seems like he knows who the culprit is, tragedy strikes. Can Luke survive losing someone else that he's grown attached to or will he be able to save Rachel from harm?
When Two Hearts Meet is a nice and fast-paced inspirational, historical romance. The characters are well developed and the action somewhat expected for a Western romance but realistic. The intrigue is primarily what kept my attention throughout as it appeared that Rachel might have numerous enemies and as soon as one was cornered, another would appear. Both Rachel and Luke gain lessons of faith, hope and love as their friendship slowly turns to romance. There aren't any steamy scenes, but Ms. Mowery has done an excellent job of providing a hopeful, happy-ever-after, inspirational romance.
As Rachel settles into Rockland, she focuses on her job, finds a new church family, and begins to learn her new neighbors. As she begins to feel comfortable with her new life and work, she also helps Dr. and Mrs. Barnes with their two small children, as well as start a small Sunday School program for the kids at the church. Through all of her ups and downs in life Rachel turns to her faith to sustain her and prays that it will be all she needs in order to survive.
Luke Mason is a good deputy sheriff but he no longer attends church or believes in God. His mother is the church pianist and prays that Luke will return to the faith of his youth. As Luke tries to maintain law and order in his town, he witnesses the strength of Rachel's faith and finds it attractive, especially when it appears that her life may be endangered. Just when it seems like he knows who the culprit is, tragedy strikes. Can Luke survive losing someone else that he's grown attached to or will he be able to save Rachel from harm?
When Two Hearts Meet is a nice and fast-paced inspirational, historical romance. The characters are well developed and the action somewhat expected for a Western romance but realistic. The intrigue is primarily what kept my attention throughout as it appeared that Rachel might have numerous enemies and as soon as one was cornered, another would appear. Both Rachel and Luke gain lessons of faith, hope and love as their friendship slowly turns to romance. There aren't any steamy scenes, but Ms. Mowery has done an excellent job of providing a hopeful, happy-ever-after, inspirational romance.
August 28, 2016
"When Two Hearts Meet", by Janelle Mowery, is a rousing, action-packed and faith-filled historical western romance! The hero and heroine are a well-matched, strong-willed pair who found love when it was least expected. Nurse Rachel Garrett leaves behind her home in Missouri to flee the unpleasant aftermath of a patient's unavoidable death. She accepts a nursing position with Dr. Barnes in Rockdale, Colorado with the hopes of a new start to a long and fulfilling medical career. What she didn't expect on her first day in town was to drawn into the area of a shootout and to come face to face with the very handsome and stern Deputy Sheriff Luke Mason. Sparks fly from their first meeting, and they have one adventure after another in the little wild west town! Luke is embittered by the murder of his lawman father years before, and he questions the religious faith of others. Despite their many differences, there is a definite attraction, and Rachel finds herself filled with compassion for Luke's hurting heart. When Luke comes to care for Rachel in spite of his own misgivings, he comes roaring to her defense when it becomes obvious that someone means to cause her grievous harm. Once the barriers between them begin to tumble down, Rachel and Luke discover each other's mischievous sense of humor and they have fun with teasing one-up-manship. This was a very interesting story line on numerous levels: the Old West crime-solving techniques, the 1800's medical practices, and the loss and renewal of deep and abiding faith. "When Two Hearts Meet" is the conclusion of Janelle Mowery's "Colorado Series". I look forward to reading the first two books: "When All My Dreams Come True" and "When Love Gets in the Way".
April 14, 2012
Nurse Rachel Garrett comes to Rockdale, Colorado to begin anew. She's in town for less than a day when she's thrust into her nursing role. Deputy Sheriff Luke Mason's first impression of the pretty nurse is the best. After all she'd placed herself in harms way to assist someone who may be injured and as a result caused him to miss the men he'd been tracking. But as they get to know each other, he's having to admit he misjudged her. Her faith has him questioning his own rebellion since his father was killed. When she's abducted, he will do anything in his power to save her and finds himself seeking the God he abandoned.
I've never read anything that Janelle Mowery has written before. This is the 3rd book in the series, but you don't have to read the others to know and understand this book. Within pages, I was completely captivated. It's funny, romantic, and has a strong faith in it. I was thrilled to be able to read a light-hearted book. I honestly didn't want to put it down, so I finished it instead.
Rating - 5 stars.
I've never read anything that Janelle Mowery has written before. This is the 3rd book in the series, but you don't have to read the others to know and understand this book. Within pages, I was completely captivated. It's funny, romantic, and has a strong faith in it. I was thrilled to be able to read a light-hearted book. I honestly didn't want to put it down, so I finished it instead.
Rating - 5 stars.
March 8, 2012
A very tender story with lots of hassles for nurse, Rachel garrett. Her introduction to deputy sheriff, Luke Mason, as she arrives in town I truly loved.
All of us struggle with hardships. Some handle them like Rachel and Luke's Mother. Then others handle them like Luke.
The title is truly the beginning of this story.
If you've ever walked through troubles or the death of a loved one, you'll find encouragement.
The book is one that is hard to lay down.
There are discussion questions at end which makes this a perfect book for book clubs.
All of us struggle with hardships. Some handle them like Rachel and Luke's Mother. Then others handle them like Luke.
The title is truly the beginning of this story.
If you've ever walked through troubles or the death of a loved one, you'll find encouragement.
The book is one that is hard to lay down.
There are discussion questions at end which makes this a perfect book for book clubs.
April 20, 2012
Cute story! Kind of goes along the same lines as the other two I have read by this author. Boy meets girl, they fight attraction to each other for one reason or another, one of them usually needs to find God, and yeah. Disaster brings them together, Happy ever after. I guess I am a sap...cause I keep reading these types of books!
Rachel is a nurse in a small town. Luke is a deputy in that same small town. The story is about the two of them learning to get along while someone is threatening Rachel's life.
Rachel is a nurse in a small town. Luke is a deputy in that same small town. The story is about the two of them learning to get along while someone is threatening Rachel's life.
April 19, 2013
One wonders how much misfortune can befall one person...Rachel Garrett has 3 different people out to get her:first she kidnapped, then she's shot, then she's held hostage, and then she's shot at again! In addition, a snake was put in her medical bag, a nail in her horse's reins, and a wire was strung across the steps, causing her to fall and be battered and bruised. Yet being a good Christian fiction book, in the end it all works out and Rachel lives happily ever after. Yeah for fiction!
April 12, 2014
Enjoyable read. I loved the character dynamic throughout. There was maybe a little too much happening to Rachel for realism sake, but I did like the way that it tide into the central theme of learning to trust God through any circumstance.
August 20, 2012
Book 3 of 3
March 10, 2015
There were a couple of minor things that I didn't particularly like about this book, but nothing super important. Overall, it's a very good book & I really enjoyed it!
March 24, 2014
I love this book!!! Adventure, Romance, God and the West!
August 5, 2014
Another great book by Janelle Mowery. :)
November 16, 2014
Good book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews