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McFadden Brothers #1-4
Arkansas
The four McFadden brothers put their lives-and love-on the line. When Jake sees Brandi Delaney stranded in a rushing stream, he knows he has to save her. Will his act of mercy change both their lives? Clint is compelled to rescue Jessa Sykes from a burning cabin. Will his heart get singed in the process? Holt is attracted to Megan Watson, a woman struggling to atone for her dead husband's crimes. Will her ugly past ruin Holt's political career? Cade is asked to help Annalisa Davis find her sister. If Cade takes the case, will he lose his heart? Dare these Ozark Mountain brothers risk their hearts for love?
457 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2006
6 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Christine Lynxwiler
29 books65 followersAward-winning author and past president of American Christian Romance Writers, Christine Lynxwiler has numerous novels and novellas published with Barbour Publishing. She and her husband, Kevin, along with their two daughters, four horses, and two dogs live in the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains in their home state of Arkansas."
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 23, 2009
The first story in this anthology of Christian romance is called In Search of Love. Its about a woman who at 17 was separated from her infant sister by children's services when their mother died. 7 years later she is still searching for her. She's also working as a cook on a ranch for troubled boys with its handsome owner Cade, who also happens to be a private investigator. She took the job hoping to get him to look for her sister but he flatly refuses, saying that the child is probably with a loving family and he won't tear another family apart (back story with the hero). The moral of this story is that you aren't in control of your destiny: God is. And sometimes that means making the hard choices to let someone or something go that you WANT, because it isn't what God has planned for your life. There is an HEA and its a sweet one.
The second story is called Patchwork and Politics and its about a woman with a "checkered" past who meet and falls in love with a politician. He is instantly smitten with her but she rebuffs him time and again because she knows her past will ruin his aspirations of being Governor of Arkansas. (OK this just made me laugh thinking of a previous AR governor) It was a little on the "oh woe is me" side but the end was nice and there was a sweet teary moment during the HEA involving the heroine's daughter. Overall, a decent read.
The third story is called Through the Fire. Its about a firefighter who saw his best friend get killed fighting a fire and can't let seem to overcome it. He blames himself. The heroine in this is a woman who was very sheltered as a child because of an illness and now rebels in every way possible. Both are trying to control their lives instead of letting God be in control. I didn't much care for the heroine - she was very self centered.
The fourth story is called Longing for Home and ties with with the 1st story for the best of the lot. This is about a professional baseball player who is threatened with retirement after a shoulder injury and a woman who comes back to Arkansas to take care of her family after living "on the go" most of her life. One likes the traveling lifestyle and the other doesn't. I could easily relate to both characters, although I thought the female lead was being a bit overbearing at times and needed a lesson in "when to keep your opinions to yourself".
Overall it was just an OK read. I found it a good way to pass the time between books or when I needed a small dose of Christian fiction as opposed to an entire book. The book itself is not preachy but there is a heavy Christian element to each story.
The second story is called Patchwork and Politics and its about a woman with a "checkered" past who meet and falls in love with a politician. He is instantly smitten with her but she rebuffs him time and again because she knows her past will ruin his aspirations of being Governor of Arkansas. (OK this just made me laugh thinking of a previous AR governor) It was a little on the "oh woe is me" side but the end was nice and there was a sweet teary moment during the HEA involving the heroine's daughter. Overall, a decent read.
The third story is called Through the Fire. Its about a firefighter who saw his best friend get killed fighting a fire and can't let seem to overcome it. He blames himself. The heroine in this is a woman who was very sheltered as a child because of an illness and now rebels in every way possible. Both are trying to control their lives instead of letting God be in control. I didn't much care for the heroine - she was very self centered.
The fourth story is called Longing for Home and ties with with the 1st story for the best of the lot. This is about a professional baseball player who is threatened with retirement after a shoulder injury and a woman who comes back to Arkansas to take care of her family after living "on the go" most of her life. One likes the traveling lifestyle and the other doesn't. I could easily relate to both characters, although I thought the female lead was being a bit overbearing at times and needed a lesson in "when to keep your opinions to yourself".
Overall it was just an OK read. I found it a good way to pass the time between books or when I needed a small dose of Christian fiction as opposed to an entire book. The book itself is not preachy but there is a heavy Christian element to each story.
July 27, 2011
I borrowed this book from the library because it seemed like a very interesting romance novel to read, not knowing it was a Christian Romance. Normally I like a bit of smut so when I realized this I wasn't sure if I'd like it or not...but I honestly came away from reading this book with a much happier heart that I do when I read any other romance book with smut. So I've already requested a few more Christian Romance novels from the library. I've since loaned it to a friend who I think will enjoy it. :-) Each of the stories in this book are a little over 100 pages each, so you can quickly become interested in a story and easily finish each story in a day.
January 14, 2011
A great collection of stories that pulled me in with their simplicity... purity... and honorable values!
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One of those books that really hit the spot when it needed to... I took it with me on my recent trip to Argentina as a back-up book/2nd run. Started it there, or maybe just on the trip home, can't recall really...
As it's broken up into 4 separate (yet interweaving) stories... I was able to break up the reading sessions myself!
Finally finished it yesterday and am ready to pass along the love to someone else!
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One of those books that really hit the spot when it needed to... I took it with me on my recent trip to Argentina as a back-up book/2nd run. Started it there, or maybe just on the trip home, can't recall really...
As it's broken up into 4 separate (yet interweaving) stories... I was able to break up the reading sessions myself!
Finally finished it yesterday and am ready to pass along the love to someone else!
August 26, 2014
Awesome storytelling. This book has 4 stories of 4 brothers an unexpected encounter that leads to true love and a renewed faith in God. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an inspirational story of love, faith, and family.
August 27, 2008
Again, I love books like this, four different stories with common characters that intertwine and have a Christian message through out the book.
May 15, 2013
I've read it three times now! Love, love, love this book!
February 28, 2024
I enjoyed this book mostly because it is in familiar Arkansas, but it really wasn't really evident except for a few references to Arkansas. The author is from a small central Arkansas community called McFadden; the main characters have that surname even though they are fictional characters.
As I said, the locations in the story aren't that relevant or noticeably different than if it was set elsewhere. One of the main characters is from California, having really only spent her freshman year in Arkansas before her family moved there to take over a Bed & Breakfast. Brandi had a bad high school experience there and carried the weight with her for 8 years before coming back to Arkansas for a while to help out with the B&B. There she meets Jake McFadden--one of the 4 McFadden brothers. That is the 4th story in this book--the first 3 describing each one of Jake's older brothers and their life.
It was pretty simplistic writing with some phrases repeated that were a little irritating like "her heart thumped against her ribs". But, I appreciated the love stories without the characters having to jump into bed with each other; their love proceeded as they got to really know each other.
As I said, the locations in the story aren't that relevant or noticeably different than if it was set elsewhere. One of the main characters is from California, having really only spent her freshman year in Arkansas before her family moved there to take over a Bed & Breakfast. Brandi had a bad high school experience there and carried the weight with her for 8 years before coming back to Arkansas for a while to help out with the B&B. There she meets Jake McFadden--one of the 4 McFadden brothers. That is the 4th story in this book--the first 3 describing each one of Jake's older brothers and their life.
It was pretty simplistic writing with some phrases repeated that were a little irritating like "her heart thumped against her ribs". But, I appreciated the love stories without the characters having to jump into bed with each other; their love proceeded as they got to really know each other.
June 29, 2017
Didn't enjoy the last story as much as the first three but enjoyed the book overall!
December 6, 2020
I enjoyed each story of the four brothers falling in love. Each had great faith in God. I look forward to reading more of Christine Lynxwiler's books.
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August 29, 2021Four pretty decent Christian Romance stories. I really enjoyed them and think they were just what I needed to stay just a little above a reading slump.
August 27, 2023
In Search of Love (5 stars)
Cade is so sweet and gentle, and I love Annalisa's determination. While I've read all four stories before, it's been a while, and I was feeling in the mood for something sweet and heartwarming, and this was certainly that. At the moment I want to say Cade is my favorite brother but that's probably because he has a heart for hurting kids and runs a ranch, and how can you go wrong with that combination. I definitely got choaked up a couple times in this story. it was just so sweet, and heart felt. And I loved how much both Cade and Annalisa looked to God for help and guidance and comfort.
Cade is so sweet and gentle, and I love Annalisa's determination. While I've read all four stories before, it's been a while, and I was feeling in the mood for something sweet and heartwarming, and this was certainly that. At the moment I want to say Cade is my favorite brother but that's probably because he has a heart for hurting kids and runs a ranch, and how can you go wrong with that combination. I definitely got choaked up a couple times in this story. it was just so sweet, and heart felt. And I loved how much both Cade and Annalisa looked to God for help and guidance and comfort.
May 24, 2012
So much cheese and poorly written. Sounded like a good high schooler writing under the impression that it was brilliant. The plot was soooo predictable and the nice Christian morals, which are fine and what I expected from a Christian romance, basically whacked you in the face. There is no subtlety in any sense in the book. There were plenty of phrases that were very awkward and sounded like a grandma trying to sound hip. But...for some reason I wanted to keep reading. So I guess it was a little bit of a guilty pleasure. It wasn't a total waste of time, but I wouldn't really recommend it.
March 20, 2007
Great read. The stories were well written and kept me involved through the whole book. I'm a huge fan of novellas-christian romances with 4 stories in one book. I've read and own over a 100 of these novellas and this one was a definate favorite.
January 27, 2009
This was passed down to me from my Aunt. I normally don't choose Christian books but this author can really write well and keep you interested in her stories. I am a fan of short story books due to my ability to stay in a book unless I really love it!
July 9, 2013
I love reading Christian Fiction. These types of books that have four short stories with recurring characters in each storyline is a joy for me to read. It was nice to read about four different brothers struggles set in the state of Arkansas.
November 22, 2008
I loved this book and would read more by this author.
February 5, 2010
The stories were heartwarming with very clear christian values, which i appreciated, but the author was kinda cheesy quite a bit.
September 19, 2010
I'd give it a 3 1/2 if possible. The stories were good and the messages were nice.
November 9, 2012
This was a cute book, I liked it.
April 2, 2014
really enjoyed it...predictable in ways but heartwarming
April 4, 2013
I've finished the last brother's story. His didn't hold my interest as much as the others. All in all though it was a good book.
August 8, 2013
Light and cheesy.
May 22, 2015
Great Book
May 15, 2015
click lit: light read
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews