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Kirkwood Lake #1
The Lawman's Second Chance
Love In Bloom
After losing his wife to cancer, Lt. Alexander Steele vowed he'd protect himself and his children from that kind of loss again. But that was before he laid eyes on Lisa Fitzgerald. She welcomes him to town and immediately connects with his shy daughter, Emma. Yet Lisa is a cancer survivor herself, and so a reminder of everything Alex and his family suffered. Will a relationship with her be too much for him to bear? With their love growing even faster than Lisa's beautiful gardens, Alex has to decide whether he can risk his heart once more.
After losing his wife to cancer, Lt. Alexander Steele vowed he'd protect himself and his children from that kind of loss again. But that was before he laid eyes on Lisa Fitzgerald. She welcomes him to town and immediately connects with his shy daughter, Emma. Yet Lisa is a cancer survivor herself, and so a reminder of everything Alex and his family suffered. Will a relationship with her be too much for him to bear? With their love growing even faster than Lisa's beautiful gardens, Alex has to decide whether he can risk his heart once more.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
45 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Logan Herne
132 books506 followersMulti-published, award-winning, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of being a published author and having the time of her life doing it. Born to a poor family in Rochester, NY, Ruthy draws on her early years and her many years of dealing with today's young families and businesses to create beautiful, heartfelt small-town stories of faith, hope and love... while adopting her favorite non-Scripture quotes "Plenty of time for rest in the grave" (Ben Franklin) and "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." (Eleanor Roosevelt) and one can always depend on Yoda "There is no try. There is do or do not." Succinct... and true. :) She loves chatting with readers on facebook at Ruth Logan Herne or follow Ruthy on Twitter, visit her website or stop by Seekerville (www.seekerville.blogspot.com) or pop by the Yankee Belle Cafe where Ruthy and several lovely authors share recipes, facts, photos and just plain old life! (www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 22, 2015
When Alex meets Lisa, he never expects in a million years to fall in love -- again.
But when he discovers that she is recovering from breast cancer -- the same heinous disease that took his wife from him -- will he stay? Or will he do what he vowed to do . . . run away!
If you want to know, you'll have to read the book for yourself. Please let me assure you, it's worth your time. It's an awesome story . . . of love, joy, pain, and loss.
Ruth Logan Herne pursues a subject many authors avoid -- cancer is a very difficult thing to write about, but Ruth does a superb job telling Lisa's story, and Alex's story.
This is such a worthwhile subject – and story . . . and the characters are definitely up to the task. They’re delightful, entertaining, and loveable.
Don’t miss this exciting series, found in the wonderful (fictional) place of Kirkwood Lake.
Happy Reading!!!
June 25, 2023
A second Chance
In The Lawman’s Second Chance, author Ruth Logan Herne has taken two subjects—one she loves, gardening, and one she hates, cancer— and woven them into an amazing story. It is a story of fear and faith, of perseverance and patience and of second chances for both the hero and heroine. Enhancing the story are three precious children who have to adjust to a new way of living, and a grandmother who finds happiness in life is still possible. Based on her dear friend, Lisa’s, battle with cancer, this book is written with grace and compassion, but with a firm conviction that we all must join in the fight to win the war against all cancer. Readers will be moved and inspired by this book.
In The Lawman’s Second Chance, author Ruth Logan Herne has taken two subjects—one she loves, gardening, and one she hates, cancer— and woven them into an amazing story. It is a story of fear and faith, of perseverance and patience and of second chances for both the hero and heroine. Enhancing the story are three precious children who have to adjust to a new way of living, and a grandmother who finds happiness in life is still possible. Based on her dear friend, Lisa’s, battle with cancer, this book is written with grace and compassion, but with a firm conviction that we all must join in the fight to win the war against all cancer. Readers will be moved and inspired by this book.
September 27, 2024
Excellent Story
This is a great story of how people of different ages and places in life deal as survivors of the effects of breast cancer. Lt. Alex Calhoun, police officer, and his 3 children who lost their wife/mother (Jenny) and have moved to this small town for a new start away from painful memories. Jenny’s mother who was left behind when the family moved. Lisa, a breast cancer survivor who helps her father run a nursery. Ruth Logan Herne shows us how each person has been affected in their own way and how they learn together how to continue to live and grow as survivors. I will re-read this book often and recommend it highly.
This is a great story of how people of different ages and places in life deal as survivors of the effects of breast cancer. Lt. Alex Calhoun, police officer, and his 3 children who lost their wife/mother (Jenny) and have moved to this small town for a new start away from painful memories. Jenny’s mother who was left behind when the family moved. Lisa, a breast cancer survivor who helps her father run a nursery. Ruth Logan Herne shows us how each person has been affected in their own way and how they learn together how to continue to live and grow as survivors. I will re-read this book often and recommend it highly.
September 7, 2023
Books that are Heaven Blessed
I've enjoyed several if Ruthy's books and can't wait to make my way through every one she gifts us with. To know her is to love her and the God given gifts she shares so willingly. Her characters are always engaging and you can't help but get involved in their lives. Any book that honors God's gifts so beautifully is worth your time. Settle in with a nice cup of tea and be prepared to be swept away to a beautiful place!
I've enjoyed several if Ruthy's books and can't wait to make my way through every one she gifts us with. To know her is to love her and the God given gifts she shares so willingly. Her characters are always engaging and you can't help but get involved in their lives. Any book that honors God's gifts so beautifully is worth your time. Settle in with a nice cup of tea and be prepared to be swept away to a beautiful place!
December 7, 2018
I have not read a book before that tells the experience of breast cancer. and for those who are in recovery find that relationships can go pear shaped because people are scared. I have a neighbour who has been treated for 8 months now, I find it difficult to make conversation around her treatment. two yearly mammogram gets my grumble. thankful for the research.
August 20, 2017
Fluffy and cute. Usual love inspired book.
Read
August 22, 2019Breast Cancer Awareness....Jennie fought but lost.....Lisa fought and is 5 yr survivor....
Location is Fairport, NY to the Southerntier Wellsville/Olean area...
close to home.
Location is Fairport, NY to the Southerntier Wellsville/Olean area...
close to home.
February 7, 2025
This is my second book by this author. It is excellent. It is well-constructed and the characters are well-developed. I'm impressed by her writing skills.
The problem is a dicey one. Alex lost his wife to cancer. Lisa is a cancer survivor. Is it fair to Alex's children to risk losing another mother to cancer? Or should they all live their lives, knowing there are no guarantees in life for good or bad, including no guarantee that Lisa's cancer will return?
The problem is a dicey one. Alex lost his wife to cancer. Lisa is a cancer survivor. Is it fair to Alex's children to risk losing another mother to cancer? Or should they all live their lives, knowing there are no guarantees in life for good or bad, including no guarantee that Lisa's cancer will return?
May 7, 2013
The Lawman’s Second Chance
By: Ruth Logan Herne
I loved this book!! Trust in the Lord, no matter what. Sounds simpler than it really is, but this is exactly what Lisa Fitzgerald must learn how to do. She has had breast cancer, her husband left her, and her mom just passed away. Her story will encourage everyone who reads this book!
Alex Steele’s wife has died from cancer and he has moved with his three children. Can he trust enough to allow himself to fall in love with Lisa even though it might open his heart up to more pain? Could his kids handle going through that all over again?
Ruth Logan Herne does a wonderful job combining caring, vulnerable characters facing a life-threatening situation. She will draw you into the story and the characters’ struggles with faith, trust, and hope. Psalm 27:14 speaks of the message of this story: Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Lisa and Alex can run from their feelings for each other, and let fear guide their steps, or they can have hope and trust in the Lord to lead and guide. Anyone who loves a great romance, or feels that life is too overwhelming, pick up this book today and be encouraged in the Lord!
By: Ruth Logan Herne
I loved this book!! Trust in the Lord, no matter what. Sounds simpler than it really is, but this is exactly what Lisa Fitzgerald must learn how to do. She has had breast cancer, her husband left her, and her mom just passed away. Her story will encourage everyone who reads this book!
Alex Steele’s wife has died from cancer and he has moved with his three children. Can he trust enough to allow himself to fall in love with Lisa even though it might open his heart up to more pain? Could his kids handle going through that all over again?
Ruth Logan Herne does a wonderful job combining caring, vulnerable characters facing a life-threatening situation. She will draw you into the story and the characters’ struggles with faith, trust, and hope. Psalm 27:14 speaks of the message of this story: Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Lisa and Alex can run from their feelings for each other, and let fear guide their steps, or they can have hope and trust in the Lord to lead and guide. Anyone who loves a great romance, or feels that life is too overwhelming, pick up this book today and be encouraged in the Lord!
November 10, 2015
The first book in the Kirkwood Lake series has set a high bar for the rest of the books. I hope the author can follow through! This book really tugged at my heartstrings as I watched three children struggle to move on after their mother's death and adjust to all the changes their father made to try to adjust himself. I really liked all the characters, and the fact that the author let the kids be kids - brats at times! That's normal! I also liked their thought process when the children were not being angels - we all go down those lines in a never-follow-through sort of way.
The book was heart wrenching at one point I was endeared to a certain scene involving the father and middle daughter. I can't say how many times I wanted my absentee father to just hold me like this father did his daughter! That was absolutely precious!
I really liked the romance in this too. I can't say much less I give away too many details, but the relationship between Alex and Lisa was very special - and they showed their affections. It wasn't a "hands off - you could die of cancer" sort of relationship. It was an accepting fate kind of relationship, and I was very happy about that.
The book was heart wrenching at one point I was endeared to a certain scene involving the father and middle daughter. I can't say how many times I wanted my absentee father to just hold me like this father did his daughter! That was absolutely precious!
I really liked the romance in this too. I can't say much less I give away too many details, but the relationship between Alex and Lisa was very special - and they showed their affections. It wasn't a "hands off - you could die of cancer" sort of relationship. It was an accepting fate kind of relationship, and I was very happy about that.
February 20, 2014
Such a sweet story of healing.
Spunky Lisa Fitzgerald struggles to keep her lawn & garden business afloat while fearing her defeated breast cancer might coming back.
Lt. Alex Steele is starting over after his wife died of breast cancer and left him alone with his three adorable, out-of-control children. A new town, new house, new job... Maybe he can get over the past if he can avoid reminders.
Then comes the pink. It's in bloom. It's everywhere. Of course, what did he expect from a gardening store during breast cancer awareness month?
When Alex's daughter's 4-H project requires Lisa's gardening expertise, and equipment goes missing from her store, the wounded warrior and warrior-ess are forced to work together to bring healing to his children and a thief to justice.
Add to the mix the heartwarming support and matchmaking schemes of a small town and this story is set to make you smile. And maybe cry. And augh. And definitely sigh. :)
Spunky Lisa Fitzgerald struggles to keep her lawn & garden business afloat while fearing her defeated breast cancer might coming back.
Lt. Alex Steele is starting over after his wife died of breast cancer and left him alone with his three adorable, out-of-control children. A new town, new house, new job... Maybe he can get over the past if he can avoid reminders.
Then comes the pink. It's in bloom. It's everywhere. Of course, what did he expect from a gardening store during breast cancer awareness month?
When Alex's daughter's 4-H project requires Lisa's gardening expertise, and equipment goes missing from her store, the wounded warrior and warrior-ess are forced to work together to bring healing to his children and a thief to justice.
Add to the mix the heartwarming support and matchmaking schemes of a small town and this story is set to make you smile. And maybe cry. And augh. And definitely sigh. :)
August 25, 2016
Ruth Logan Herne tackles a topic rarely seen in romance novels: breast cancer. Her heroine, landscape architect Lisa Fitzgerald is a survivor of the disease and her hero, Alexander Steele, is a widower who lost his beloved wife to the disease. They meet when his daughter Emma asks for Lisa's help with a 4-H gardening project.
It's a good background to the developing feelings between Alex and Lisa. Can Alex love again, knowing that he might lose Lisa as he did his wife? Can Lisa trust that Alex won't run away from her as her fiance did, knowing that she carries a disease that may one day prove fatal? There's a rather silly subplot about some of Lisa's equipment being stolen, which Alex tries to help with, but the better parts of the story are watching Alex and Lisa slowly come to terms with loving each other and loving again. Highly recommended.
It's a good background to the developing feelings between Alex and Lisa. Can Alex love again, knowing that he might lose Lisa as he did his wife? Can Lisa trust that Alex won't run away from her as her fiance did, knowing that she carries a disease that may one day prove fatal? There's a rather silly subplot about some of Lisa's equipment being stolen, which Alex tries to help with, but the better parts of the story are watching Alex and Lisa slowly come to terms with loving each other and loving again. Highly recommended.
June 6, 2013
I normally review supernatural books but this was given to me to give an honest opinion. I must say that it was a very emotional roller coaster for the characters. You have a family that looses their mother/wife to cancer and then you have another still fighting the good fight but was left to do it alone by her husband. I don't want to give anything away about the book but it was simply sweet and rewarding. In situations like these you have to have something bigger to believe in. It doesn't matter if it's religion, family, or love. This book teaches you there is hope and to never stop believing in it. Always fight your way throw it and never give up. It was a great book and I actually look forward to reviewing more.
January 13, 2014
I really liked the story content and the writing was excellent. The struggle Alex had with Lisa being a cancer survivor overshadowed his compassion for the disease itself, being that he was a widower of two years from cancer. It was nice to see how God changed his mind. I was just confused in a few spots where the name Corey came up which I'm guessing was really Josh? So maybe the name was changed and the editor forgot to change it a couple of places and then I thought Lisa's mom died in an accident but towards the end of the book it was gearing to where she was sick. I could be very wrong, but other than that the story was very good and I will look for more books by this author.
June 7, 2015
It looks like this is a series of books. Lisa lives in a small town in NY. She is almost 5 years cancer free. She has also faced a failed marriage along with the loss of her mother. She is helping her father with his grief while running the family gardening center. She meets Alex when he brings his daughter to the garden center so that Lisa can mentor Emma for a 4-H project....and the story continues!
January 8, 2024
New beginnings
This is a great story of emotional turmoil that w II men go through when having breast cancer. Ms. Herne weaves an excellent story of the highs and lows of this reality.
This is a great story of emotional turmoil that w II men go through when having breast cancer. Ms. Herne weaves an excellent story of the highs and lows of this reality.
Read
December 29, 2014Miniseries: Kirkwood Lake
Category: Inspirational Romance
Category: Inspirational Romance
Read
December 29, 2014Miniseries: Kirkwood Lake
Category: Inspirational Romance
Category: Inspirational Romance
July 3, 2013
Excellent book!!! I really enjoyed this story which deals with cancer, survivors and learning how to go on with life!
July 15, 2013
I loved the history behind the author's choice of subject matter. Knowing that the experiences in the story were drawn from real life made it even more special.
February 9, 2016
really great book about cancer victims and love.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews