Second Chances for Trampled Hearts

Bear Creek Saddle #1

by Shoshanna Gabriel

A handsome rancher who lost his faith along with his young wife...
A waitress, abandoned by her cheating ex, and looking for a fresh start...

Allie Crawford buys half-ownership of the cowboy’s diner in the small mountain town of Bear Creek Saddle, Idaho. It’s all she can afford, and it’s about as far from Miami as she can get. Will it be far enough?

“Big Bad Bill” inherited the town’s infamous old diner from his great-uncle, who insisted it stay in the family. Bill knows cattle, not the restaurant business—so he’ll foot the bill to get it going again, and let the woman champing at the bit for her own restaurant handle running it.

Then Allie needs his help with renovations, and Bill finds he can’t stay away, after all.

Neither expects the friendship that blooms between them. But even beautiful evergreen trees and soaring mountain peaks can’t soothe the pain of betrayal and loss.

Faith may be the only thing big enough to heal their trampled hearts, and give them both a second chance at love...

Second Chances for Trampled Hearts is New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Shoshanna Evers’ first inspirational romance writing as Shoshanna Gabriel.

NOTE: A different version of this story was originally released in 2015 as “I Am Not Your Melody” (written as Shoshanna Evers). Even if you’ve read that one…this new short novel is the way the book was meant to be all along. God bless!

Genres: Christian

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2017

About the author

Shoshanna Gabriel was previously known as Shoshanna Evers, a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author who wrote over
twenty-plus secular romance novels and novellas from 2009-2015. At the end of 2015, after much thought and prayer, Shoshanna changed her life and career path completely,
giving up a new six-book contract and literary agent for the privilege of writing for God's glory as Shoshanna Gabriel.

No one expected a Jewish erotic romance author from New York to move to the country and find Jesus, least of all Shoshanna herself--but God has a sense of humor, and that's what happened.

She took 2016 off from publishing to raise her new boy/girl twins, and started writing sweet Christian inspirational cowboy romance novels set in north Idaho, where she lives with her husband, homeschools their three kids, wrangles three big dogs named after flowers, and takes in the wonder of the incredible evergreen-covered mountain landscape.
For a detailed explanation of this big change, read her blog post “Saying Goodbye to Erotic Romance" at bitly.com/GoodbyeErotica

While published as Shoshanna Evers, Amazon had listed her as one of the “Most Popular Authors in Romance,” as well as one of the “Most Popular Authors in Contemporary Romance”. Reviewers have said Shoshanna has “…beautiful writing, and a truly imaginative and wonderfully descriptive storyline” (Night Owl Reviews) with stories where “the plot is fresh and the pacing excellent, the emotions…real and poignant.” (The Romance Studio).
She hopes to bring the gift of storytelling that God blessed her with to her new inspirational books written under the Gabriel name.

Faithfully Ever Afters.... ShoshannaGabriel.com

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet rewrite of Shoshanna's book written as Shoshana Evers. I received an ARC copy for an honest review. I must say that I wish she had just started fresh and not tried to sweeten it up. I enjoyed "I'm Not Your Melody" and I enjoy sweet novels also. But this didn't quite hit the target. I encourage Shoshanna to keep writing, I'm looking forward to seeing more from her, but hopefully from a completely fresh perspective.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances for Trampled Hearts: Sweet Inspirational Cowboy Romance (The Bear Creek Saddle Series Book 1) by author Shoshanna Gabriel is a Christian romance set in northern Idaho. Allie Crawford wants to get away from Florida after her heartbreaking marriage annulment. She accepts an offer to purchase full rights to an apartment and fifty percent ownership in a diner, all sight unseen. Allie has been making the arrangements and finalizing details through emails with the owner, Bill Edwards. She arrives in Bear Creek Saddle, Idaho with little money and a heart full of dreams for her future. She knows it will take many hours of hard work, but she is ready.
Bill Edwards is the owner of Melody Ranch and part owner of the diner he inherited from his beloved uncle. He recently accepted a new partner to come in and renovate the old diner and get it started back in business for the small town of Bear Creek Saddle. Bill has been hiding from life since the accidental death of his wife, Melody. He and Melody had drifted apart and were barely speaking together before her death. Bill has many regrets and lately his only relief from his quiet days has been the emails with a person wanting to relocate and purchase half of the diner, Allie Crawford.
As the story begins Allie is put at a disadvantage when she meets Bill for the first time. I won’t post spoilers, but when Allie sees what she has sunk all of her money into as an investment and source of future income, she is devastated! Read the story of the reluctant owners to come to terms regarding the renovations of the diner and the unexpected attraction they feel for each other.
A modern day romance for readers who enjoy stories of faith and hope and of course, a second chance for love! (previously published as "I am Not Your Melody")
• I appreciated the authors note to the readers. It takes uncommon courage and faith to change your genre of writing, change your brand, and deal with all of the events which follow such a decision. May God Bless you with love, joy, health, and much success as you follow your heart!

[Vera mallard · Rating 4 out of 5]

STORY-LINE SECOND CHANCES FOR TRAMPLED HEARTS BY SHOSHANNA GABRIEL:

In Miami, Allie has a dream of owning her own diner. Bill's Uncle Fred owned a diner; after his death Bill inherited the diner and closed it down. Deciding to reopen the diner on a 50/50 partnership, he will fund all the repairs and renovations, and the partner will handle the day-to-day operation. Allie and Bill email back and forth; becoming close friends and a partnership's formed.

Allie invested very cent she had into the partnership. With rent due, she heads across country to Bear Creek Saddle, Idaho and Bill. However, she's arriving almost out of gas, down to her last few pennies, and 2 weeks early. To say their first meeting did not go well would be an understatement. Allie can not afford to back out of the deal at this point, but upon seeing the run down nasty diner, sparks fly between Bill and Allie.

God has a plan for these two broken people. With faith, love, and God on their side, Allie and Bill could have something wonderful. Will they grab on and not let go? My inspirational romance book reviews of Second Chances For Trampled Hearts follows.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Shoshanna Gabriel created a fire cracker of a story in Second Chances For Trampled Hearts. The sparks fly around Bill and Allie as they square off; sparks of attraction, disappointment, and anger. I loved Bill's characters; his dry humor was so much like my son-in-law. Allie's always primed and ready to explode at the drop of a hat. What a feisty woman! When she goes off on Bill, which she did over and over, I laughed and giggled. My husband would never stand still for what Allie dished out to Bill.

Each had their own point of view. Allie did not hesitate telling Bill what she thought; she had a dream of what the diner could become. Each had strong opinions and they butted heads often. Bill's determined to have his way while Allie's determined to bring him around to her way of thinking; making the reader wonder if compromise is in their vocabulary. I loved watching them spar and dance around each other. In addition, I loved that Shoshanna Gabriel gave Bill and Allie morals and standards. It was wonderful to find they would go no further than kissing unless united in marriage.

Faith and a personal relationship with God's the backbone of this story; opening up new avenues of confidence and security. Bill and Allie need each other, not only for the renovations on the diner. Both are in need of healing spiritually and emotionally. Each had a tragic relationship in their past and issues to face. Gabriel expertly showed the feelings of unworthiness and insecurity of one-sided love. As well as, the fear of starting a new relationship and the pain which could result. Gabriel slowly built the romance in Second Chances For Trampled Hearts giving Bill and Allie time to face their emotional issues and forge new beginnings. Including a crisis which tests Bill's resolve, Gabrielle brought Second Chances For Trampled Hearts to a finale full of fan-fair.

MY OPINION:

I found Gabriel's writing flowed smoothly making this an easy book to read and enjoy. Her scenes transitioned smoothly and she brought the plot threads together with skill. Creating a well-written story with well-developed characters, Gabriel's held my attention from the first page. I read until the need for sleep forced me to close my E-reader. Depicting small town life perfectly, she shows the closeness of small communities. As well as, the nosiness, gossip, and willingness to help and support each other.

This is a story of second chances in life, love, and relationships. With expert plotting and pacing, I found myself carried along with Bill and Allie as they explored new feelings and forged a new beginning. I became involved in their lives; feeling their pain and hesitancy, the highs and lows and all the emotions in-between. Gabriel crafted a sweet clean romance containing angst and real-life problems. She slowly brought Bill from doubting to realization of God's continued love and care. Suitable for anyone who loves a solid inspirational romance, I would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or a friend. As I read the last sentence, I closed my E-reader with a sigh of contentment and satisfaction.

Additionally, I received this book from the author and chose to voluntarily review the book with honest romance book reviews. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. Furthermore, ARC's do not affect my voluntary romance book reviews.

SECOND CHANCES FOR TRAMPLED HEARTS RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4


SPECIAL INFORMATION:

A different version of this book was published in 2015 under the title, I Am Not Your Melody by Shoshanna Evers. As a secular author, Shoshanna Gabriel wrote under the name Shoshanna Evers. As stated by Shoshanna Gabriel:

"Even if you've read that...this new novel is the way the book was meant to be all along".

What a wonderful story to begin her new career as a clean inspirational author.. Please be sure to read her testimony on her website; her transition from a secular romance author detailing the struggles, decisions, and obstacles she faced. As well as, her relationship with God, and the many ways God blessed her.

I ask you, dear reader, remember God in His infinite wisdom wants only the best for His children. To achieve a successful and happy life, we only need to accept Christ as our Savior; include prayer for God's guidance into your life, follow His voice with faith and conviction, and reap the benefits of His love and grace. Congratulations, Shoshanna, for standing up and following God's counsel.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two people, looking for fresh starts after heartbreak, exchange emails and become business partners - each having half ownership of a diner in the small Idaho town of Bear Creek Saddle. Allie Crawford is from Miami, a city girl who wants to leave her cheating ex-husband and to achieve her dream of running a diner. She certainly didn’t expect her new partner, rancher “Big Bad Bill” to be so gruff, brusque and handsome - nor for the diner to be in such a dilapidated state! Can they work together to get the business restarted? Will Allie be able to help Bill to live again?

This is a lovely clean romance. Sparks fly between Allie and Bill - and they aren’t only sparks of attraction, they’re also both determined and stubborn with strong opinions! The small town community is depicted brilliantly, packed with other great characters (especially Ginger) for readers to get to know alongside Allie. It is a story in which faith plays a key part as Bill journeys from the depths of despair back up into the light of belief in God’s love. I don’t think the Christian aspects of the story would inhibit non-Christians from still enjoying the story. It is a delightful and inspirational story that I enjoyed escaping into - I’ll certainly look out for more in this series in future!

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet , clean and heartwarming story about two individuals who have been hurt before and are not looking for what they think would be another heartbreak.
As frequently happens, both Bill’s and Allie’s past experience, cause them to be cautious .
The main characters as well as the town , are likable.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can trust be found again after major betrayals in the past? Can friendships turn into something more? In this heartwarming story, the characters make decisions and choices while dealing with uncertainty and memories of the past. I enjoyed this story very much. I received a copy of this story from the author and this is my honest personal opinion.

[Vickie Raynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming romance that involved two healing hearts. Friendship blossomed over emails and took off from there. Obstacles from their past made it struggle. The amazing townsfolk and ranch hands made this more enjoyable and personal. I loved this book! Book gifted to me.

[Kelly Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clean romance

I wavered between giving this three stars vs four. If I could pick 3.5 I would have. While I admire the author's change in genres due to her conversion (yay!) I had trouble liking these characters and the story line. The dialogue for the guy was written in shortened words/dialect instead of leaving it to the reader's imagination. I understand that he's a cowboy but let me decide how I hear his voice in my head. Even though the story premise is that these two had an email relationship before they met in person they were first and foremost business partners and that was their ultimate goal at first. The fact that the characters were already flirtatiously touching when they were just beginning to get to know each other in person didn't seem realistic. And the hayloft scene. It would have been more believable to me if he had just stopped her in the door of the barn. But no he had to say he was going to haul her up to the hayloft. Who does that? Especially when you're business partners? I honestly didn't feel the conflict in this book nor did I feel like as a reader we got to see the relationship progress. The characters never had dinner together or argued over the diner. We were told about these events that happened off camera. And finally, there were missing words and/or extra words. This book needs a good editor to tackle it.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book as a FirstRead.

Allie Crawford has always dreamed of owning her own diner, so when she has the chance to move to northern Idaho to own half of a small-town diner, she jumps at the chance. Allie and Bill Edwards hit it off right away while conversing via e-mail to formalize their agreement about the diner, but when Allie shows up two weeks early, she quickly finds out why the townspeople call him “Big Bad Bill”. Both have sworn off relationships – Allie after her husband leaves her for another woman after only a few months of marriage and Bill after his wife dies – but they can't help but feel pulled toward each other.

This book was originally released as as traditional romance, but after the author's conversion, she re-wrote it to be a Christian romance. There were definitely a few parts of the story where I thought, “that doesn't seem like something you would normally see in a Christian story.” It stayed clean beyond a few kisses, though. It was a cute, short read. I look forward to checking out some of the author's new books that aren't re-written from her old career.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chances for Trampled Hearts is an audacious story of forgiveness (between the two partners who made the partnership over the internet - if you could believe it.), Restoration (when you have two people who have been so greatly damaged by their pasts bill by the death of his wife and Allie with her annulled marriage when her husband she cheated on her), femininity (how Ellie excludes what just comes naturally to her and Bill is falling for it slowly but surely or is he? Is it turning him off?), Forthright is how Bill is speaking his mind so abruptly and speaks gruffly at that with the thought for your feelings.) Faith is what is out there for them to grab onto. I hope I get the opportunity to get the chance to read the authors next book because she did a great job. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed with the wonderful writing style of Shoshanna Gabriel. The story kept my interest and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed Allie's witty humor. It was fun seeing if a city girl from Miami could manage in the wild country of Idaho.

Allie's dream to be a cafe owner comes true when she becomes part owner of a diner. But little did she know that everything wasn't quite what she expected. Her partnership with Bill turns into something she isn't prepared for. Can two hearts that are carrying past baggage learn to love again or is the hurt too much for them?

The book is a roller-coaster ride of emotion. Heartbreak, guilt, forgiveness, fear-can they overcome them all? It was entertaining to read to find out. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a Christian inspirational love story filled with down to earth everyday struggles.

[Katrina Swaim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting Shoshanna at a writing event recently, and after hearing her story of giving up her brand as a successful erotic romance novelist to reconcile her writing to her newfound faith, I had to give her first inspirational romance novel a try.

Second Chances for Trampled Hearts is a sweet story of two broken hearted people who find hope and healing in each other. I enjoyed meeting the colorful residents of the fictional Idaho town of Bear Creek Saddle, not least because, as a resident of beautiful North Idaho, it seems familiar to me in all but name. I'm a transplanted Southerner myself, so the main character's adjustment to Idaho life and weather rang true for me (including the scary education in winter driving!) I am looking forward to reading more in this series, following the adventures of Allie and Bill and seeing into the stories of each of the lovable characters who run the Bear Creek Saddle Ranch.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is another new author for me and I honestly have to say the best part of the whole book for me was the author's introduction. She explains how she has become a Christian and how that impacted her writing switching from erotic writer to Christian. She mentions she was extremely successful as an erotic writer and that it was a very big step for her to switch over. I wish the author much success in her new genre but honestly for me this first effort just did not do anything for me. It seemed very stilted for me in trying to read it and trying too hard for the main character to be a cowboy and speak "cowboy". I didn't care for Allie and thought she wasn't very Christian like many times when she was wanting her own way. I don't want to bash the author I am sure she is a very talented writer I just didn't see that in this book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book of second chance love in a small town. The main characters both had heartbreak in their past and weren't looking for love. Allie needed a fresh start and bought a partnership in a cafe with Bill. Arriving from Florida she finds what really is a bar in very sad shape. Sparks fly between Allie and Bill as she tries to turn the place into what she dreamed it could be. As the work progresses they get to know each other better and by the time the place is ready to open they're wondering if God brought them together so they could heal and love again. A sweet romance.

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Chances for Trampled Hearts is the first book in the Bear Creek Saddle series. This book was previously published as I Am Not Your Melody, however this version is a bit different due to writing style changes. Both Allie and BIll have pasts that cause them to be cautious . Life had given them both the chance to have a better future. As their friendship blossomed, they were not sure if that would be enough to heal the pains of their pasts. This was a good story.

[Diana Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story

This story was well written and engaging. I loved that the faith elements were believable but not overwhelming to the story. It was just perfect. I especially enjoyed Allie becoming stronger and seeing her confidence grow. And the changes in Bill were inspiring. Can’t wait for Zach’s story.

[Linda Rimer-Como · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this delightful book! It has a well written story line and the characters have unique chemistry from the start. Two souls, each hurt by love, must work together while denying their attraction. Is being together in God's plan? Great story, talented author, don't miss this one!

[Karen Roma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second Chances for Trampled Hearts is a sweet romance and my first read by this author. While I enjoy the concept of the story, it was a little too sugary for my tastes, which obviously reflected the author’s change in genre. I’m sure many readers will find this to their liking.

[Kierney Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this book when it was a secular romance called "Not your Melody." I loved it then and I love it now even more with the spiritual element. It is so refreshing to read really well written wholesome romances. I can't wait for the next in the series.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely tale of two "trampled Hearts" that help each other heal in spite of themselves.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I really enjoyed this book. The story and characters are very good. It is a well written book. I will definitely be looking for others written by this author.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great clean read

It was a great read. It was a second chance read along with it being a good life easy read.

[Karon Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet start for a new series. It was refreshing to see the characters work through their insecurities to rebuild their lives. This was a goodreads giveaway that was really worth reading.

[Hilda Etherton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a young lady who has bought half of the only restaurant in the town, and has invested all her savings for a new start. Allie Crawford arrives two weeks early and meets Big Bad Bill, the owner who sold her a half interest in the restaurant. Allie has left Miami and her old life, for a new start. Bill lost his wife and cannot get away from his guilt with the ranch named after his wife, Allie sleeps at Bills home while Bill spend the night at the apartment, fixing it up so Allie can move in and he can have his home back. There are confrontations between them, most of the time they talk it out and settle the disagreement.

If you want to know what happens, buy the book. You will enjoy it. I won this book and it was enjoyable.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read such a great book.

Hilda

[Linda R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bill Edwards, owner of Melody Ranch in northern Idaho, blames himself for the death of his wife. Bill has inherited his uncle's diner in town. Not having the desire or time to renovate and run it, he advertises for someone to do the job for him and split the profits fifty-fifty.

Allie Crawford, a waitress in Miami, believes her husband ran off with his secretary because of her. Allie purchases half of a diner based on e-mail pictures only, telling the owner she has renovation and business experience, to fulfill a dream of having her own place.

Turns out the photos Bill sent to Allie were of the restaurant when his uncle was still alive and the only work Allie has done is help paint her sister's walls and wait tables. Despite the guilt they both feel over the loss of their spouses and vowing to never love or need anyone again, they are forced to work together to get the diner restored and opened.

Second Chances for Trampled Hearts, Book 1 of Shoshanna Gabriel's Bear Creek Saddle series, is this author's first inspirational romance and my first time reading her work. Shoshanna had previously written this novel for the secular market and the changes made are too obvious. I also could not "picture" this couple together or as individuals. An excerpt for the next book was included and contained topics I was not interested in. I will not be continuing this series or any future stories by this author.

I won a copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed Second Chances for Trampled Hearts from the Kindle Unlimited program.

Allie Crawford, takes a big chance to start over and make her dream of owning a diner when she takes all of her savings and purchases half of a diner in Bear Creek Saddle, Idaho and becomes partners with 'Big Bad Bill' Edwards in 'Freddy's Diner.

Allie's ex-husband left her for another woman a few months into their marriage and Bill's wife died in a car crash. Neither of them wanted to get involved by after working closely together to renovate the diner they both discover good intentions can go by the wayside when Second Chances for Trampled Hearts is what God has intended for Allie and Bill. This is a sweet romance full of emotion and love of God, community, and for each other.