Garrett

by Jayna Morrow

"You can make plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail." Proverbs 19:21 What happens when you're living the dream and things suddenly change? Micara Lee's charming existence starts slipping away as land developers threaten the town she loves. What happens when your dream doesn't align with God's plan for your life? Garrett Hearth finds out when an injury ends his athletic career. Disenchantment and wavering faith keep him from the life he desires. Micara's beautiful spirit touches Garrett's heart... but can she help restore his faith and convince him to live the life God has planned for him? Their happiness and the legacy of Sweet Home, Texas hang in the balance.

218 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2013

About the author

Jayna Morrow is a sweet romance and cozy mystery author whose stories brim with heart, humor, and a sense of home—even if that home is on wheels.

A full-time RVer, Jayna draws inspiration from real-life campgrounds, small town festivals, and the people she meets on the road, setting her books in places readers can truly escape to.

She’s the creator of the Motorhome Mysteries series, where campfire coffee and clues go hand-in-hand as amateur sleuth Anne Marie and her road family solve crimes one campground at a time. Jayna also writes heartwarming romance books, including The Fairytale Inn and The Marriage Spell, which deliver all the feels with slow-burn chemistry, small-town charm, and happily-ever-afters.

She writes from her RV office, a cup of coffee in hand and her “Hallmark Hero” husband by her side. When she’s not plotting her next whodunit or love story, she’s kayaking, treasure-hunting in thrift shops, or sending postcards from her latest stop. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of a really good mystery or a really great kiss.

Reviews

[Kimmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It didn't take long for me to make my way through Jayna Morrow's 'Garrett'. It was an uplifting story about Garrett, Micara, and the small town of Sweet Home, Texas. Jayna does a fabulous job of painting an authentic small Texas town filled with beautiful scenery, High School football, and a community of mixed personalities. The story of Garrett's past and his journey to find God's plan for his life is one I can relate to all too well. The way God uses Micara in Garrett's life (and vice versa) is an encouraging reminder of how God uses people to touch the lives of others. I have to say, it also left me wanting to know more about Gabriel!

[Melody Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting for this book is Sweet Home, a small, quiet Texas town where development has been limited up until now.

Micara Lee is leading a crusade to save Sweet Home from land developers. She is about to lock up from the city hall meeting when she meets Garrett Hearth whose family is one of the towns founders. They begin seeing each other and a relationship ensues. Can Micara help guide Garrett back to his faith?

Garrett Hearth has lost his faith in God and is angry and bitter that his life did not take the path he had chosen. He is ready to sell his land, cash in, and get out of Sweet Home for good. Garrett can't let go of the past and the injustices he believes God should have saved him from so he could have lived his dreams of playing college and professional football and marrying his high school sweetheart. When he meets Micara Lee at city hall he is surprised that sparks fly.

This was basically a nice story but I have to say I was a bit disappointed. I think Garrett's 'woe is me' attitude went on too long and became redundant and it would have been really nice if we had some background on Gabe, why is he a single parent? When did the problems for his son begin? Why the distance between the two brothers? I felt I was left without some important background information so that I could adequately understand where they were coming from.

The book certainly has a good message that we all should follow. God knows the plans He has for us. We don't, so therefore we need to have faith that He will give us what is best for us if we allow Him to.

I do recommend this book and I will be reading the next in the series with hope that Gabe's background will be forthcoming.

[Bonnie McCune · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the first of what promises to be a beguiling series about small town Sweet Home, Texas, landscaper Micara Lee meets high school coach/teacher Garrett Hearth. Although immediately attracted to one another on emotional and spiritual levels, each bears wounds from life’s previous traumas (hers, an abusive father; his, a crippling accident) that throw barriers into their relationship. Compounding the challenge to getting together—different perspectives on the question of developing the town’s wide open spaces, the return of an old sports rival, and, finally, Micara’s deep religious belief and Garrett’s lack of the same. Will they value what each can bring to the other, making themselves stronger and happier in the process? Jayna Morrow applies her own Christian convictions to her tale to bring a fresh, blossoming romance to life.

[Danielle Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met this local author at our book club meeting. She came and told us about her series of books (This is the first and there will be five). I really liked the idea of 5 brothers and how each book will feature a brother and their story. The genre is Christian romance and I like that Garrett has some past demons that he has to work through before he is able to fully commit himself to Micara. Her faith is strong so her being there and helping him to work through his issues helps to build their relationship. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. Quick, easy fun read! Looking forward to the 2nd book!

[Penelope Marzec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrett intends to sell his property to a developer. Living in the past of what might have been, he fails to see the good things in his life until he meets Micara. She is trying to save the town and organizes meetings to convince others not to sell out. She can do nothing but pray that Garrett will see the error of his ways.

I enjoyed this sweet, Christian romance. The well-drawn characters dealt with authentic modern problems. It was a delight!