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The Road to Solace
**A 2017 Readers' Favorite Award Silver Medal Winner**
A man trying to overcome his past. A woman trying to secure her children's future. Can they both learn to live in the present and discover that second chances do exist?
Adam Westfield is fresh out of prison... and hope. His search for purpose and forgiveness leads him to a widowed mother of two in need of a small miracle.
Unable to find a hand willing to work for what she can afford, Sage Hammond is struggling to keep her horse ranch afloat. Adam appears to be the answer to her prayers.
As the two transition from strangers to friends and even more, someone else wants the newcomer gone, putting Sage and her children in danger. Adam finds he's willing to sell his soul to protect them. But will it be enough?
A man trying to overcome his past. A woman trying to secure her children's future. Can they both learn to live in the present and discover that second chances do exist?
Adam Westfield is fresh out of prison... and hope. His search for purpose and forgiveness leads him to a widowed mother of two in need of a small miracle.
Unable to find a hand willing to work for what she can afford, Sage Hammond is struggling to keep her horse ranch afloat. Adam appears to be the answer to her prayers.
As the two transition from strangers to friends and even more, someone else wants the newcomer gone, putting Sage and her children in danger. Adam finds he's willing to sell his soul to protect them. But will it be enough?
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2017
226 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Samantha A. Cole
99 books1,500 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author and Award-Winning Author Samantha Cole is a retired policewoman and former paramedic. Using her life experiences and training, she strives to find the perfect mix of suspense and romance for her readers to enjoy.
Awards:
Wannabe in Wyoming (co-authored by J.B. Havens) won the bronze medal in the 2021 Readers’ Favorite Awards in the General Romance category.
Scattered Moments in Time won the gold medal in the 2020 Readers’ Favorite Awards in the Fiction Anthology category.
The Road to Solace won the silver medal in the 2017 Readers' Favorite Awards in the Contemporary Romance category.
Samantha has over thirty-five books published throughout several different series as well as a few standalone novels. A full list can be found on her website - www.samanthacoleauthor.com.
Newsletter—https://samanthacoleauthor.com/newsle...
BookBub—www.bookbub.com/authors/samantha-a-cole
Awards:
Wannabe in Wyoming (co-authored by J.B. Havens) won the bronze medal in the 2021 Readers’ Favorite Awards in the General Romance category.
Scattered Moments in Time won the gold medal in the 2020 Readers’ Favorite Awards in the Fiction Anthology category.
The Road to Solace won the silver medal in the 2017 Readers' Favorite Awards in the Contemporary Romance category.
Samantha has over thirty-five books published throughout several different series as well as a few standalone novels. A full list can be found on her website - www.samanthacoleauthor.com.
Newsletter—https://samanthacoleauthor.com/newsle...
BookBub—www.bookbub.com/authors/samantha-a-cole
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
March 8, 2018
***** 3.75 Stars *****
The Friar is a romance between a religious man that paid for his sins and a strong single mother trying to keep her ranch afloat. The story is sweet and easy to read. It also has a bit of a mystery and suspense.
Overall it's a solid book. Adam was just a bit too perfect for my taste. Honestly, I didn't find anything special about any of the characters, so to me this was a bit... boring.
The Friar is a romance between a religious man that paid for his sins and a strong single mother trying to keep her ranch afloat. The story is sweet and easy to read. It also has a bit of a mystery and suspense.
Overall it's a solid book. Adam was just a bit too perfect for my taste. Honestly, I didn't find anything special about any of the characters, so to me this was a bit... boring.
May 23, 2017
Adam was a man of God and in a moment of rage, did the unthinkable! That had me hooked to read the book. This is a totally different style of book that Samantha has brought her readers. I was wondering how a romance between a Godly man and a widow would work out but Samantha nailed it. Sage and Adam are perfect together and they need each other. When things begin happening at the ranch she is trying to hold on to, she's glad that Adam is around. The story was great as there was a build up to the sexual part of the characters relationship, which I'm glad of. I couldn't put the book down once I started it. Well done!!!
June 9, 2017
"The Friar" I am happy to say was wonderfull; I should clarify I had no small amount of trepidation about reading this ; after all I love Ms Cole's Trident series, her sexy, strong , honorable navy seals all into BDSM , but I feared a book about a friar , would it ruin my love of Ms Coles writing ? Hell no ,it did not! Why you ask?
Ms Cole's Friar may not be an ex- navy seal but he is a handsome, honorable , strong and protective man with a heart of gold , so in picking her hero Ms Cole never really left her formula, she still gave me an honorable hero!
Adam Westfeikd was raised with his foster brother by a loving couple , both solid community members , their fister father a police officer who believed they needed to know he to protect themselves, which is why Adam , a friar had a black belt in Krav maga, the very skill that would protect a young boy , but land him in jail. Friar Adam, was sentenced to 10 years in prison , which he accepted to save that young boy from testifying in the accidental death of his attacker, but after five years of time served and being a model prisoner, Adam was released. Having resigned his position as a Friar he felt he could not impose on his stepbrother and his family and took to the road, picking up small jobs and moving on, finally landing in Oklahoma and the Hammond Farm.
Sage Hammond had been widowed and was now running her husband's family ranch by herself , while raising two young children ; and was in need of a ranch hand, Leary about giving an X- con a job she sends Adam on his way, until he comes to her aid and gains her trust.
As time passes Sage gets to see just how honorable , sweet and caring Adam is, he is wonderfull with her children and continually their for her and her attraction to him grows, but is it wrong to feel this way for a former celibate friar? Adm feels the same attraction, and one longer a member of the order is frets explore his attraction, but his experience is limited and over twenty years old.
These two make a lovely couple and face several challenges , a neighboring rancher trying to buy the ranch, to a barn fire, to a sniper shooting at Adam, nevermind the wagging tongues if the town gossips. Sage fears that Adam will move on, while Adam fears that Sage does not care as much for him as he does for her. Will they work out their issues? Will they keep the ranch a float?
Will you read this book? I hope so Ms Cole delivered a great read!
Arc copy supplied in exchange for an honest review.
Ms Cole's Friar may not be an ex- navy seal but he is a handsome, honorable , strong and protective man with a heart of gold , so in picking her hero Ms Cole never really left her formula, she still gave me an honorable hero!
Adam Westfeikd was raised with his foster brother by a loving couple , both solid community members , their fister father a police officer who believed they needed to know he to protect themselves, which is why Adam , a friar had a black belt in Krav maga, the very skill that would protect a young boy , but land him in jail. Friar Adam, was sentenced to 10 years in prison , which he accepted to save that young boy from testifying in the accidental death of his attacker, but after five years of time served and being a model prisoner, Adam was released. Having resigned his position as a Friar he felt he could not impose on his stepbrother and his family and took to the road, picking up small jobs and moving on, finally landing in Oklahoma and the Hammond Farm.
Sage Hammond had been widowed and was now running her husband's family ranch by herself , while raising two young children ; and was in need of a ranch hand, Leary about giving an X- con a job she sends Adam on his way, until he comes to her aid and gains her trust.
As time passes Sage gets to see just how honorable , sweet and caring Adam is, he is wonderfull with her children and continually their for her and her attraction to him grows, but is it wrong to feel this way for a former celibate friar? Adm feels the same attraction, and one longer a member of the order is frets explore his attraction, but his experience is limited and over twenty years old.
These two make a lovely couple and face several challenges , a neighboring rancher trying to buy the ranch, to a barn fire, to a sniper shooting at Adam, nevermind the wagging tongues if the town gossips. Sage fears that Adam will move on, while Adam fears that Sage does not care as much for him as he does for her. Will they work out their issues? Will they keep the ranch a float?
Will you read this book? I hope so Ms Cole delivered a great read!
Arc copy supplied in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2017
A stunning read!
Although the characters have a different background from her Trident Security Series, Samantha A Cole's characters and story line do not disappoint!
I quite enjoyed reading a bit away from her norm, and having a man of faith as a main character was great! I really enjoyed the intimate scenes being a bit more toned down than her usual erotica, it was very fitting for Adam. His restraint at times was very endearing.
Sage is one hell of a woman. She's real and tough and yet still vulnerable. Yet, she's definitely NOT a damsel in distress. She is first and foremost a mother, but she's still a woman. The duality of it makes for an extremely realistic character.
Although the characters have a different background from her Trident Security Series, Samantha A Cole's characters and story line do not disappoint!
I quite enjoyed reading a bit away from her norm, and having a man of faith as a main character was great! I really enjoyed the intimate scenes being a bit more toned down than her usual erotica, it was very fitting for Adam. His restraint at times was very endearing.
Sage is one hell of a woman. She's real and tough and yet still vulnerable. Yet, she's definitely NOT a damsel in distress. She is first and foremost a mother, but she's still a woman. The duality of it makes for an extremely realistic character.
May 29, 2017
Samantha A Cole has a way of pulling a reader into the story that makes the reader feel like the book is happening around them. Even though, The Friar, is not the usual type of book I'm used to reading from her as I was reading it it had the same effect on me.
After Adam Westfield, a former Franciscan Friar, is released from prison he wanders wherever life takes him doing odd jobs until he feels the need to move on.
That how he came to be at Sage Hammond's ranch when she is threatened by another rancher to sell her ranch. He intervened and their story takes off from there. Sage is a widow raising two young kids trying to save the ranch that has been in her husband's family for many years.
Someone wants the ranch at all cost. Adam and Sage are working hard to try to save the ranch and at the same time try to discover who wants the ranch enough to destroy others in their path.
I absolutely love the characters in this book. Adam is one of the most honorable men I know. Went to prison doing what others would consider as an act of heroism. He also kept a young kid from testifying so they would have to 'relive' what had happened.
Sage is just about working herself to the point of exhaustion after the death of husband doing everything she can to save the ranch. It would of been so much easier for her to sell. She's one very strong woman.
I like that this story didn't focus a lot on sex. Not that there wasn't any...there was plenty of sizzle. It has a strong story line that has a build up of intrigue that had me guessing on who wanted the ranch, why they wanted it and if Sage and Adam were going to survive. I love books that pull me in and don't let go.
After Adam Westfield, a former Franciscan Friar, is released from prison he wanders wherever life takes him doing odd jobs until he feels the need to move on.
That how he came to be at Sage Hammond's ranch when she is threatened by another rancher to sell her ranch. He intervened and their story takes off from there. Sage is a widow raising two young kids trying to save the ranch that has been in her husband's family for many years.
Someone wants the ranch at all cost. Adam and Sage are working hard to try to save the ranch and at the same time try to discover who wants the ranch enough to destroy others in their path.
I absolutely love the characters in this book. Adam is one of the most honorable men I know. Went to prison doing what others would consider as an act of heroism. He also kept a young kid from testifying so they would have to 'relive' what had happened.
Sage is just about working herself to the point of exhaustion after the death of husband doing everything she can to save the ranch. It would of been so much easier for her to sell. She's one very strong woman.
I like that this story didn't focus a lot on sex. Not that there wasn't any...there was plenty of sizzle. It has a strong story line that has a build up of intrigue that had me guessing on who wanted the ranch, why they wanted it and if Sage and Adam were going to survive. I love books that pull me in and don't let go.
July 6, 2017
Samantha has done it again! I have loved all of her books and each time she outdoes herself. Knowing that this book is a standalone and a different story than her normal series, I was very excited to see how she would do it. Adam and Sage are my new favorites.
Adam has been wandering around taking odd jobs after getting out of prison. Searching for where God will lead him on his journey when he meets Sage a widow with 2 young children. Is it Divine Intervention or just another stop on his journey?
Sage hasn't even been interested in other men since the untimely death of her husband Mark, Adam is an ex-con, a wayward traveler but she is drawn to him. She needs to be careful though he could be dangerous not only for herself and her children but he might just steal her heart.
A Terrific Read <3
Adam has been wandering around taking odd jobs after getting out of prison. Searching for where God will lead him on his journey when he meets Sage a widow with 2 young children. Is it Divine Intervention or just another stop on his journey?
Sage hasn't even been interested in other men since the untimely death of her husband Mark, Adam is an ex-con, a wayward traveler but she is drawn to him. She needs to be careful though he could be dangerous not only for herself and her children but he might just steal her heart.
A Terrific Read <3
May 29, 2017
OMG! What a fantastic story!! I love to read Samantha A Cole books. This one is not like her other books. The Friar she taken the readers in a totally different way. I love the storyline of this book. I could not put down the book at all. I was drawn into it more with each page. Sage is a widow trying to keep her husbands family ranch going, with two kids. While Adam is trying to find his patch again. You can understand Adam's thinking about why he did what he did. you will love the chemistry between Adam and Sage. You definitely need to read this story to find out what happened. I promise you won't be disappointed in this book. Keep up the amazing work Samantha! I can not wait to read your next story.
June 2, 2017
Absolutely Amazing!
I'm a great Fan of Samantha Cole. This Book was so different from her Trident series. It was just as enjoyable. Mystery and suspense. Lots of Intrigue. Such a great story line. Adam is a ex con and an ex Friar. After serving his time, he lands in Oklahoma. Gets a job with Save as a Ranch hand. What happens next is a wonderful story. From a True Fan... Pam James.
I'm a great Fan of Samantha Cole. This Book was so different from her Trident series. It was just as enjoyable. Mystery and suspense. Lots of Intrigue. Such a great story line. Adam is a ex con and an ex Friar. After serving his time, he lands in Oklahoma. Gets a job with Save as a Ranch hand. What happens next is a wonderful story. From a True Fan... Pam James.
December 15, 2019
Is there redemption for Brother Adam Westfield, the killer of a child molester in the midst of his Franciscan Order?
Just over five years later, Adam is out of Sing Sing prison for good behavior and overcrowded conditions. Where is he to go?
Adam ends up on a small ranch in Rosewood, Oklahoma, working for a widow named Sage. An unfriendly neighbor wants to buy her out, force her out.
Can the former Brother, who was also trained in many forms of self defense by his police officer foster father, keep Sage and her children safe? She needs money to keep up loan payments. Where is that going to come from?
ARC Received from Hidden 💎Gems
This ebook was $3.99 at the time of this review.
Opinions Expressed here are entirely my own.
Hate to break it to the Author, but Sage would have had to have an outside job in order to keep her tiny ranch going. The acreage given in the story is too small for subsistence living. She needed a thousand acre ranch or access to leasing a large acreage.
She possibly could have made a living raising race horses, cutting, or reining horses, but they would have to be big time money earners. She obviously didn't have the money necessary to promote, train, and show her horses or buy money earners in order to command decent prices for the foals.
So the premise of Sage's little world is a fantasy🐉🌈, but it's nice to think about as possible.
I liked the part about Adam finally finding his place in life, and Sage getting a second chance.
Just over five years later, Adam is out of Sing Sing prison for good behavior and overcrowded conditions. Where is he to go?
Adam ends up on a small ranch in Rosewood, Oklahoma, working for a widow named Sage. An unfriendly neighbor wants to buy her out, force her out.
Can the former Brother, who was also trained in many forms of self defense by his police officer foster father, keep Sage and her children safe? She needs money to keep up loan payments. Where is that going to come from?
ARC Received from Hidden 💎Gems
This ebook was $3.99 at the time of this review.
Opinions Expressed here are entirely my own.
Hate to break it to the Author, but Sage would have had to have an outside job in order to keep her tiny ranch going. The acreage given in the story is too small for subsistence living. She needed a thousand acre ranch or access to leasing a large acreage.
She possibly could have made a living raising race horses, cutting, or reining horses, but they would have to be big time money earners. She obviously didn't have the money necessary to promote, train, and show her horses or buy money earners in order to command decent prices for the foals.
So the premise of Sage's little world is a fantasy🐉🌈, but it's nice to think about as possible.
I liked the part about Adam finally finding his place in life, and Sage getting a second chance.
May 29, 2017
I must preface this review with a statement that Samantha's books are a 1-click for me. I have very few authors in my 1-click category. I first sample authors through KU, as this is the only option in which I can afford my reading addiction. Yeah, no, not interested in giving up this particular addiction. I have read ALL of Samantha's books. She writes about male characters who are strong, love women, but once they find the one; they are committed to her from day one. The female characters in her books are strong independent women! No fainting couch for these ladies! The Friar is a departure from her previous books. It is about a man looking for redemption who stumbles upon a strong widow. The widow, Sage realizes she is ready to move forward after the tragic death of her husband and embrace the possibility of love again. This story is about them finding each other with some twists in the story line, as always there is an element of suspense. The sign of a good author is being able to demonstrate versatility in their writing style.
May 27, 2017
Samantha A. Cole is best known for her Trident Security series and her Malone Brothers books. While the Trident series and Malone Brothers are BDSM and Domination, The Friar is a standalone book with less emphasis on sex, but still the amazing storytelling that Ms Cole is so well known for.
Adam is sent to prison for manslaughter, a former Franciscan brother, he spends time drifting until he comes upon the widow Sage Hammond. He is told she needs help with her ranch, but when she finds out he’s an ex-con, his prospects don’t look so good. But a neighboring rancher shows up with his lackey and threaten Sage into selling her ranch. Adam intervenes. Sage decides to keep him on, and he’s worth his weight in gold to Sage and her 2 children.
Events begin happening at the ranch, and it’s up to Adam to keep her safe, but who from? Ms. Cole has written another 5 star mega-hit that will keep you riveted from the very first page all of the way to the very end.
Adam is sent to prison for manslaughter, a former Franciscan brother, he spends time drifting until he comes upon the widow Sage Hammond. He is told she needs help with her ranch, but when she finds out he’s an ex-con, his prospects don’t look so good. But a neighboring rancher shows up with his lackey and threaten Sage into selling her ranch. Adam intervenes. Sage decides to keep him on, and he’s worth his weight in gold to Sage and her 2 children.
Events begin happening at the ranch, and it’s up to Adam to keep her safe, but who from? Ms. Cole has written another 5 star mega-hit that will keep you riveted from the very first page all of the way to the very end.
June 3, 2017
Wonderful Read - True Love
Adam went to prison for killing a man - although in my opinion what he did was justified - he finds himself as Sage's ranch hand and the love story from there takes off. This was a sweet romantic love story that everyone wants to read.
Adam went to prison for killing a man - although in my opinion what he did was justified - he finds himself as Sage's ranch hand and the love story from there takes off. This was a sweet romantic love story that everyone wants to read.
May 27, 2017
Amazing
Unlike any of the authors books, this is a standalone. I love reading about Sage and Adam. Hopefully, this will turn into a series
Unlike any of the authors books, this is a standalone. I love reading about Sage and Adam. Hopefully, this will turn into a series
June 2, 2017
Another fantastic story, I enjoyed this stand alone adventure.
If you are new to Samantha A. Cole this is a great way to start, soon you'll be hooked and grabbing everything she pens.
If you are new to Samantha A. Cole this is a great way to start, soon you'll be hooked and grabbing everything she pens.
April 26, 2021
3.50 / 3 Stars
It was sweet, a bit too sweet for me. I did want to continue on to see what happened, but there were some discrepancies that needled at me. I don't know all laws regarding parole and such, however one would wonder how a convicted involuntary manslaughter ex-con could just wander from state to state, nothing mentioned about parol hearings, and would an ex-con be allowed to use a hand gun or shot gun? Those thoughts were going through my mind throughout the book.
It was sweet, a bit too sweet for me. I did want to continue on to see what happened, but there were some discrepancies that needled at me. I don't know all laws regarding parole and such, however one would wonder how a convicted involuntary manslaughter ex-con could just wander from state to state, nothing mentioned about parol hearings, and would an ex-con be allowed to use a hand gun or shot gun? Those thoughts were going through my mind throughout the book.
May 29, 2017
Wow! I love this book! Sage is a strong woman and I love to read stories where the women stand up for themselves. Adam is a complicated but really good man. This story is a heartwarming story of love and acceptance. It is different from other Samantha A Cole books but very good!! Samantha is an awesome writer and storyteller!!
May 25, 2017
Adam is starting over and trying to figure out what that mean for him. He has had a rough past with a lot of pain. He only knows he has to keep going to find where he belongs.
Sage has had a painful past as well. She has to raise her kids without their dad. She has to save her farm. She also has to figure out why she is so attracted to a stranger.
This book was full of surprises. There was honestly something inside for everyone between the pages. I had said earlier that it had "heart, reverence, joy, respect, friendship, family, and sexy!" Imagine all that with suspense thrown in. Yes, I know, really makes it a must read.
***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
Sage has had a painful past as well. She has to raise her kids without their dad. She has to save her farm. She also has to figure out why she is so attracted to a stranger.
This book was full of surprises. There was honestly something inside for everyone between the pages. I had said earlier that it had "heart, reverence, joy, respect, friendship, family, and sexy!" Imagine all that with suspense thrown in. Yes, I know, really makes it a must read.
***This ARC copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2017
I picked this book up at the Kiss and Tell author event, after talking to Samantha. Her description lured me in and I'm so glad it did! I couldn't stop reading. It's a action packed romance, that keeps you glued. Adam was a friar, until he catches another molesting a boy. While defending the child, he knocks the other man over. A corner of a desk finished the job, but not wanting the child to suffer any more, Adam takes the heat and pleads guilty. Finally free, he roams the country doing odd jobs. When he stops in a small community, he talks to the local Reverend, he's told of a widow that might need some help in her ranch. Little does he know, his life is about to take another turn he never saw coming!
May 26, 2017
I've read nearly all Samantha Cole's books and loved every single one of them. However, with The Friar, she's taken her readers in a totally new, unexpected direction. I'm not all surprised that I absolutely loved it. What surprised me, and shouldn't have, was her versatility as an author. The prior books I've read (the Trident Security series and its follow-up series, The Omega Team) are thriller/mystery/romances that include elements of the military, law enforcement, private security, and BDSM romance. But The Friar is a complete departure. It's a romance but I can honestly say that it's a romance unlike any other I've ever read.
This is the story of Adam Westfield and Sage Hammond. As the story opens, Brother Adam, a Franciscan friar, is kneeling before the altar in a small church, dipping his fingers into holy water in front of him, over and over, praying for forgiveness. He waits, knowing what's coming. After hours on his knees, it finally arrives. The police are there to arrest him for the death of his fellow friar, Brother Armand Santiago. Adam feels his guilt deep in his soul and doesn't even consider resisting. The sad irony is that his foster brother, the man he spent most of his teenage years with, Shane Stewart, is one of the arresting detectives. This is almost as hard on Shane as it is on Adam. Adam accepts a plea deal for manslaughter, is sentenced to ten years at Sing-Sing prison. There, although he's resigned from the Brotherhood, Adam attempts to atone for his perceived sin by ministering to the inmates. He's a model prisoner, helps many in the prison, and is released for good behavior a little over five years later. But Adam has never forgiven himself. In fact, nearly everyone involved with the case feels he went to prison unjustly. Adam caught Brother Armand red-handed molesting a young teenage boy. He reacted in the heat of passion and protectiveness. To anyone else's eyes, what Adam did wasn't wrong. In fact, many consider him a hero. It was an accident. But Adam can't get past the fact that, however it happened, he'd killed a man, a man whose life he'd had no right to take. Rather than subject the young victim to a trial, Adam's guilt and remorse led him to take the plea deal and do his time.
Sage Hammond is a widow with two young children, Jenna and Matthew. Her husband, Mark, was killed in a tragic riding accident two-and-a-half years ago, and left her to run Heaven's Pastures, their horse breeding ranch. With the help of the Hammond family's long-time employees, Evan and Maddie Tanner, Sage has barely managed to keep the ranch afloat what with Mark's medical bills and the mortgage she'd had to take on the ranch to pay them. She can't afford to pay ranch hands much, and they just keep leaving, most without notice. She desperately needs help.
After his release from prison, Adam prays, asking for guidance to find his new place in life. Without a clear direction, he starts hitchhiking around the country, moving from place to place, job to job, never staying in one place for long. Then he lands in Rosewood, Oklahoma where he meets the Reverend Stephens. After getting to know each other a bit, the good reverend sends Adam to Sage's ranch. Sage needs help. Adam needs a job and a place to stay. The pay might not be much but the job comes with a small cabin. So Adam walks the six long miles to Sage's ranch to see if she'll take a chance on him. After a convoluted series of events, and with no small amount of hesitation about hiring an ex-con, Sage offers Adam the job.
From here, the story takes the reader through twists, turns, mysteries, unexpected events, people with unclear motives, and emotions of every sort. There's the wealthy neighbor with a very large ranch of his own who seems to desperately want to buy Sage's ranch, Sage's best friend who both approves of Adam but disapproves of the obvious interest between the two, a small town split between typical small town gossip and distrust of strangers and the inherent goodness of people to give others a second chance after a bad break in life. There are others with extreme motives as well. As the relationship between Sage and Adam grows from initial distrust and an uneasy truce between the two, trust, camaraderie, friendship, and perhaps even more, begin to grow. Then events take a dark turn. Someone is out to destroy the ranch and possibly even Sage and her family. Whoever is behind this appears willing to take out anyone who gets in their way. But who has motive for this? The neighbor? The best friend? Both are possible. But there are others. Who could it be? What's the motive? Where will the threats and acts of violence end? With Adam's past hanging over them like a cloud, and Sage's seeming inability to put her past behind her and move forward, do these two even stand a chance at any kind of future, assuming they can survive?
The Friar is, at heart, the story of two damaged souls seeking redemption, acceptance, and love. But it's so much more. There are mysteries, thrills, spills, twists, turns, and above all else, the affirmation of the goodness and kindness present in nearly every human soul. Despite the title and Adam's previous vocation, don't start reading this story with any preconceptions that this is strictly a faith-based story. It is, above all else, a story of human nature, love, hatred, good, evil, and every emotion that humankind can experience. It is a story of redemption but not necessarily in the ways you might initially believe. I was captivated and fascinated by The Friar. Samantha Cole, a former paramedic and police officer, has stepped into a third career as an author, at which she excels beyond belief. She is a master at her craft and I, for one, am extremely impressed with her creativity, research, expertise, and the end product she always produces. She is genuinely talented and truly amazing!
While there is a bit of sexual activity portrayed in this book, it is not explicit. There is some strong language as well. But there are no disclaimers that I need to put out there for The Friar. It stands on its own merits, and Samantha Cole has once again shown her proficiency, cleverness, and command of literary style in her latest book. I give The Friar my highest possible recommendation. Kudos Samantha! You have yet another winner on your hands, and an extremely devoted reader as well!
Thank you for reading my review and happy reading!
This is the story of Adam Westfield and Sage Hammond. As the story opens, Brother Adam, a Franciscan friar, is kneeling before the altar in a small church, dipping his fingers into holy water in front of him, over and over, praying for forgiveness. He waits, knowing what's coming. After hours on his knees, it finally arrives. The police are there to arrest him for the death of his fellow friar, Brother Armand Santiago. Adam feels his guilt deep in his soul and doesn't even consider resisting. The sad irony is that his foster brother, the man he spent most of his teenage years with, Shane Stewart, is one of the arresting detectives. This is almost as hard on Shane as it is on Adam. Adam accepts a plea deal for manslaughter, is sentenced to ten years at Sing-Sing prison. There, although he's resigned from the Brotherhood, Adam attempts to atone for his perceived sin by ministering to the inmates. He's a model prisoner, helps many in the prison, and is released for good behavior a little over five years later. But Adam has never forgiven himself. In fact, nearly everyone involved with the case feels he went to prison unjustly. Adam caught Brother Armand red-handed molesting a young teenage boy. He reacted in the heat of passion and protectiveness. To anyone else's eyes, what Adam did wasn't wrong. In fact, many consider him a hero. It was an accident. But Adam can't get past the fact that, however it happened, he'd killed a man, a man whose life he'd had no right to take. Rather than subject the young victim to a trial, Adam's guilt and remorse led him to take the plea deal and do his time.
Sage Hammond is a widow with two young children, Jenna and Matthew. Her husband, Mark, was killed in a tragic riding accident two-and-a-half years ago, and left her to run Heaven's Pastures, their horse breeding ranch. With the help of the Hammond family's long-time employees, Evan and Maddie Tanner, Sage has barely managed to keep the ranch afloat what with Mark's medical bills and the mortgage she'd had to take on the ranch to pay them. She can't afford to pay ranch hands much, and they just keep leaving, most without notice. She desperately needs help.
After his release from prison, Adam prays, asking for guidance to find his new place in life. Without a clear direction, he starts hitchhiking around the country, moving from place to place, job to job, never staying in one place for long. Then he lands in Rosewood, Oklahoma where he meets the Reverend Stephens. After getting to know each other a bit, the good reverend sends Adam to Sage's ranch. Sage needs help. Adam needs a job and a place to stay. The pay might not be much but the job comes with a small cabin. So Adam walks the six long miles to Sage's ranch to see if she'll take a chance on him. After a convoluted series of events, and with no small amount of hesitation about hiring an ex-con, Sage offers Adam the job.
From here, the story takes the reader through twists, turns, mysteries, unexpected events, people with unclear motives, and emotions of every sort. There's the wealthy neighbor with a very large ranch of his own who seems to desperately want to buy Sage's ranch, Sage's best friend who both approves of Adam but disapproves of the obvious interest between the two, a small town split between typical small town gossip and distrust of strangers and the inherent goodness of people to give others a second chance after a bad break in life. There are others with extreme motives as well. As the relationship between Sage and Adam grows from initial distrust and an uneasy truce between the two, trust, camaraderie, friendship, and perhaps even more, begin to grow. Then events take a dark turn. Someone is out to destroy the ranch and possibly even Sage and her family. Whoever is behind this appears willing to take out anyone who gets in their way. But who has motive for this? The neighbor? The best friend? Both are possible. But there are others. Who could it be? What's the motive? Where will the threats and acts of violence end? With Adam's past hanging over them like a cloud, and Sage's seeming inability to put her past behind her and move forward, do these two even stand a chance at any kind of future, assuming they can survive?
The Friar is, at heart, the story of two damaged souls seeking redemption, acceptance, and love. But it's so much more. There are mysteries, thrills, spills, twists, turns, and above all else, the affirmation of the goodness and kindness present in nearly every human soul. Despite the title and Adam's previous vocation, don't start reading this story with any preconceptions that this is strictly a faith-based story. It is, above all else, a story of human nature, love, hatred, good, evil, and every emotion that humankind can experience. It is a story of redemption but not necessarily in the ways you might initially believe. I was captivated and fascinated by The Friar. Samantha Cole, a former paramedic and police officer, has stepped into a third career as an author, at which she excels beyond belief. She is a master at her craft and I, for one, am extremely impressed with her creativity, research, expertise, and the end product she always produces. She is genuinely talented and truly amazing!
While there is a bit of sexual activity portrayed in this book, it is not explicit. There is some strong language as well. But there are no disclaimers that I need to put out there for The Friar. It stands on its own merits, and Samantha Cole has once again shown her proficiency, cleverness, and command of literary style in her latest book. I give The Friar my highest possible recommendation. Kudos Samantha! You have yet another winner on your hands, and an extremely devoted reader as well!
Thank you for reading my review and happy reading!
May 24, 2017
I've read all of Samantha A Cole's books, (frankly I'd read her grocery lists) but I've never read anything like this. The Friar was a complete departure from any of the other worlds she's created. Her voice is so complete in those other works, one might wonder would she have as clear a voice in an alternate world; one not as gritty? Never fear, Samantha does not disappoint. The Friar was wonderful.
Adam Westfield grew up in a troubled background, saved by a compassionate, strong foster family who was committed to giving back and the church. He found his calling in the ministry and committed himself to the Francisian Brotherhood mind, body and soul. He lived a life dedicated to God and others, until he killed a man while protecting a young boy. Even though the world would probably have acquitted him of the crime under the circumstances, Adam cannot forgive himself for breaking his vow to God in a moment of rage and pleads guilty, taking the prison time as his penance. Five years later he leaves prison a free man, no longer a friar and determined to start over.
Sage Hammond lost the love of her life when her husband went out riding on their horse ranch but didn't return. An accident cost him his life and may cost she and her children their future. She's struggling to keep the horse ranch that's been in their family for generations from falling into the hands of the bank, or worse the greedy neighbor next door. Having to mortgage the ranch for her husband's medical bills and unable to find ranch hands for the meager wages she's able to afford, things are looking bleak, until a handsome drifter shows up on her doorstep. Wary at first, but desperate for help, she gives the kind ex-con a chance.
When mysterious things begin happening around the ranch, Sage is happier than ever that Adam is there to help. He's proven himself to be kind and trustworthy and they grow closer by the day. The attraction between them is electric and begins to bring Sage back to life. Adam hasn't been with a women since he was a teenager but he's drawn to Sage more and more. As he grows to love she and the kids, he questions how to do right by them but losing them is out of the question. He'll do anything to protect her and the life they're building. Is this the second chance he prayed for?
I loved this book. Everything about it. Adam and Sage were fantastic characters, as were Evan and Maddie, even the kids! I definitely enjoyed the faith woven throughout the story, it's not often you see that in romance novels and it was SO well done here! He had so many questions about his faith and it resonated deeply with me, a faith based person myself, because it so true to life. We all struggle and question. Finding someone that makes us want to find the answers is a true gift.
Well done, Samantha! I loved it!!
Adam Westfield grew up in a troubled background, saved by a compassionate, strong foster family who was committed to giving back and the church. He found his calling in the ministry and committed himself to the Francisian Brotherhood mind, body and soul. He lived a life dedicated to God and others, until he killed a man while protecting a young boy. Even though the world would probably have acquitted him of the crime under the circumstances, Adam cannot forgive himself for breaking his vow to God in a moment of rage and pleads guilty, taking the prison time as his penance. Five years later he leaves prison a free man, no longer a friar and determined to start over.
Sage Hammond lost the love of her life when her husband went out riding on their horse ranch but didn't return. An accident cost him his life and may cost she and her children their future. She's struggling to keep the horse ranch that's been in their family for generations from falling into the hands of the bank, or worse the greedy neighbor next door. Having to mortgage the ranch for her husband's medical bills and unable to find ranch hands for the meager wages she's able to afford, things are looking bleak, until a handsome drifter shows up on her doorstep. Wary at first, but desperate for help, she gives the kind ex-con a chance.
When mysterious things begin happening around the ranch, Sage is happier than ever that Adam is there to help. He's proven himself to be kind and trustworthy and they grow closer by the day. The attraction between them is electric and begins to bring Sage back to life. Adam hasn't been with a women since he was a teenager but he's drawn to Sage more and more. As he grows to love she and the kids, he questions how to do right by them but losing them is out of the question. He'll do anything to protect her and the life they're building. Is this the second chance he prayed for?
I loved this book. Everything about it. Adam and Sage were fantastic characters, as were Evan and Maddie, even the kids! I definitely enjoyed the faith woven throughout the story, it's not often you see that in romance novels and it was SO well done here! He had so many questions about his faith and it resonated deeply with me, a faith based person myself, because it so true to life. We all struggle and question. Finding someone that makes us want to find the answers is a true gift.
Well done, Samantha! I loved it!!
October 18, 2017
Adam Westfield is a man who feels he has fallen from grace. Now that he has served his time for the sin he committed, he begins searching for meaning and purpose in his life since he can never return to the brotherhood he was forced to leave behind.
Sage Hammond is a woman struggling to maintain the ranch she ran with her now deceased husband. The widowed mother of two is determined to keep the ranch in her family’s name, but is struggling to make ends meet after medical bills forced her to take out a mortgage on the property.
When Adam finds himself on Sage’s land seeking work for meager wages and a place to stay, Sage finds herself reluctantly agreeing to let the handsome stranger stay. It’s not long, however, before sparks begin to fly between Adam and Sage. Adam finds himself both falling in love with a woman as well as with her children – two things he never thought he would experience in life. Sage finds herself ready to let go of her first husband’s memory in the hopes that she can once again find happiness with a man.
Fate, however, does not make this relationship easy. Misfortune seems to have found Sage’s ranch and she and her children are in danger. Will Adam be able to keep them safe while discovering the cause of the danger? Will Sage and Adam be able let go of their pasts to have a chance at a future? One click to find out!
The Friar was very different from Samantha A. Cole’s typical work, however the story was simply stunning. The characters feel so real and are very easy to fall in love with. Adam’s struggles with his past actions are heart breaking at times, and his inner character truly shines the more we discover about that one fateful night. Sage is a strong and sassy woman determined to preserve her children’s future. Watching her learn to let go of the memory of one man to have a chance at love with another was beautiful. I also loved watching Adam fall in love for the first time with not only Sage but her children. The relationship he forms with her young daughter is truly incredible to see.
The Friar is action packed with a plot that will keep you guessing where the danger to Sage and her family is coming from right up to the end. It is a well written mix of romance, sassy banter, heart breaking moments and thrills. Kudos to Samantha A Cole for stepping outside of her box!
5 stars
Sage Hammond is a woman struggling to maintain the ranch she ran with her now deceased husband. The widowed mother of two is determined to keep the ranch in her family’s name, but is struggling to make ends meet after medical bills forced her to take out a mortgage on the property.
When Adam finds himself on Sage’s land seeking work for meager wages and a place to stay, Sage finds herself reluctantly agreeing to let the handsome stranger stay. It’s not long, however, before sparks begin to fly between Adam and Sage. Adam finds himself both falling in love with a woman as well as with her children – two things he never thought he would experience in life. Sage finds herself ready to let go of her first husband’s memory in the hopes that she can once again find happiness with a man.
Fate, however, does not make this relationship easy. Misfortune seems to have found Sage’s ranch and she and her children are in danger. Will Adam be able to keep them safe while discovering the cause of the danger? Will Sage and Adam be able let go of their pasts to have a chance at a future? One click to find out!
The Friar was very different from Samantha A. Cole’s typical work, however the story was simply stunning. The characters feel so real and are very easy to fall in love with. Adam’s struggles with his past actions are heart breaking at times, and his inner character truly shines the more we discover about that one fateful night. Sage is a strong and sassy woman determined to preserve her children’s future. Watching her learn to let go of the memory of one man to have a chance at love with another was beautiful. I also loved watching Adam fall in love for the first time with not only Sage but her children. The relationship he forms with her young daughter is truly incredible to see.
The Friar is action packed with a plot that will keep you guessing where the danger to Sage and her family is coming from right up to the end. It is a well written mix of romance, sassy banter, heart breaking moments and thrills. Kudos to Samantha A Cole for stepping outside of her box!
5 stars
May 24, 2017
The Friar
Samantha Cole
5 stars
Truly amazing and not expected. I’ve read all of Samantha Cole’s stories and she never ceases to amaze me with what her imagination that goes into her books. The Friar is not like any of her other stories, and I think due to the nature of the main character being a man of God, it may offend some readers. I was somewhat prepared for the nature and therefore not bothered at all by that part of the story. This was a fantastic read, and I’m so stoked to have had that opportunity to review for Samantha.
Life for Adam Westfield changed the day he killed a man! Spending 5 years in jail for murder hasn’t changed the man, it only made him better. As a man of the Franciscan Brotherhood he has stepped back from the faith and into the “normal world”. Once released he heads to Oklahoma to find his purpose. Taking on Sage Hammond , her ranch and children will be a new life for Adam. Not afraid to work with his hands it is his heart that takes the biggest ride.
Sage Hammond lost the love her life when her husband, Mark died. Since then she is the glue that holds her family together. With that family comes a ranch that had been in the family for many generations, Sage struggles with the upkeep, foaling, and money worries that plague her daily life. But with kids Matthew and Jenna, and old friends Maddie and Evan, she does the best she can. So when Adam shows up at her ranch looking for work, it is not just the ranch he helps with. With some serious chemistry, Adam and Sage will sidestep the obvious feelings but that can only go so long. It had been 2 years since Sage felt a man, and 20 years for Adam since his last time with a woman, but together there will be fireworks.
As bad things begin to happen around the ranch in light of Adam’s arrival, Sage will find herself depending on Adam, in a story of lust, love, heart jump out of your chest, gun slinging, edge of your eBook action packed drama, The Friar had everything. Just when you thought the worst was over, a other hurdle would have to be overcome by Sage and Adam, leaving me with no other option then to finish it in one night. This will definitely be a reread for me, I absolutely loved it!!!
Samantha Cole
5 stars
Truly amazing and not expected. I’ve read all of Samantha Cole’s stories and she never ceases to amaze me with what her imagination that goes into her books. The Friar is not like any of her other stories, and I think due to the nature of the main character being a man of God, it may offend some readers. I was somewhat prepared for the nature and therefore not bothered at all by that part of the story. This was a fantastic read, and I’m so stoked to have had that opportunity to review for Samantha.
Life for Adam Westfield changed the day he killed a man! Spending 5 years in jail for murder hasn’t changed the man, it only made him better. As a man of the Franciscan Brotherhood he has stepped back from the faith and into the “normal world”. Once released he heads to Oklahoma to find his purpose. Taking on Sage Hammond , her ranch and children will be a new life for Adam. Not afraid to work with his hands it is his heart that takes the biggest ride.
Sage Hammond lost the love her life when her husband, Mark died. Since then she is the glue that holds her family together. With that family comes a ranch that had been in the family for many generations, Sage struggles with the upkeep, foaling, and money worries that plague her daily life. But with kids Matthew and Jenna, and old friends Maddie and Evan, she does the best she can. So when Adam shows up at her ranch looking for work, it is not just the ranch he helps with. With some serious chemistry, Adam and Sage will sidestep the obvious feelings but that can only go so long. It had been 2 years since Sage felt a man, and 20 years for Adam since his last time with a woman, but together there will be fireworks.
As bad things begin to happen around the ranch in light of Adam’s arrival, Sage will find herself depending on Adam, in a story of lust, love, heart jump out of your chest, gun slinging, edge of your eBook action packed drama, The Friar had everything. Just when you thought the worst was over, a other hurdle would have to be overcome by Sage and Adam, leaving me with no other option then to finish it in one night. This will definitely be a reread for me, I absolutely loved it!!!
September 21, 2017
What a wonderful story.. this was definitely something different from what I've read from Samantha and it is totally worth it!!! i was very excited to read this book, because not only is a new book from a writer that i really love but also that Adam the protagonist was a Friar, a Friar who never expected to fall in love..
Adam was a man of God, a Friar, who happened to be at the right moment to discover something very bad that eventually will change his life forever ??? (not giving any spoilers) after been in jale for a few years Adam finds his way searching for a way of living.. knocking on a few ranches doors in the area to help with what he could and earn some money.. but his ex-con status didn't help him that much to find a good job and make new friends .. until one day he walked into Sage ranch and thats when his life changed forever..
Sage the heroine of the book is a smart and strong woman who happens to be a widow with two kids and a huge depth to be pay.. who needs extra help to be able to manage the ranch and continue the legacy and dream of his Husband... Adam, you guess right, it's all that help she has been searching for, at first she was not convinced to hire him due to his ex-con status but something happens that makes Sages change her mind and give Adam a chance....
There are a lot of difficult situations that happens in the ranch that Adam and Sage have to overcome, not to mention another man who is in love with sage.. mmm i'm not saying more but be ready to bite your nails and scream plus you will never guess who is behind the things that are happening in the ranch because samantha did her best to lead us to believe the bad one was another character..
i really love this book, this is definitely a really good story that will keep you reading non stop.. in less words it is worth staying up all night and fall in love with the Friar..
Samantha, you rock!!
Adam was a man of God, a Friar, who happened to be at the right moment to discover something very bad that eventually will change his life forever ??? (not giving any spoilers) after been in jale for a few years Adam finds his way searching for a way of living.. knocking on a few ranches doors in the area to help with what he could and earn some money.. but his ex-con status didn't help him that much to find a good job and make new friends .. until one day he walked into Sage ranch and thats when his life changed forever..
Sage the heroine of the book is a smart and strong woman who happens to be a widow with two kids and a huge depth to be pay.. who needs extra help to be able to manage the ranch and continue the legacy and dream of his Husband... Adam, you guess right, it's all that help she has been searching for, at first she was not convinced to hire him due to his ex-con status but something happens that makes Sages change her mind and give Adam a chance....
There are a lot of difficult situations that happens in the ranch that Adam and Sage have to overcome, not to mention another man who is in love with sage.. mmm i'm not saying more but be ready to bite your nails and scream plus you will never guess who is behind the things that are happening in the ranch because samantha did her best to lead us to believe the bad one was another character..
i really love this book, this is definitely a really good story that will keep you reading non stop.. in less words it is worth staying up all night and fall in love with the Friar..
Samantha, you rock!!
May 25, 2017
Adam, I fell in love with completely I want him myself. Caring, loving and gracious he had spent many years helping and giving to others until someone did something that ended up changing his life's course. Freed from prison he cant go back so focuses on going forward. In looking for work he meets Sage, a widow with a ranch and two children. Struggling to make enough money to keep the ranch going she is getting a bit desperate, but after Adam turns up looking for work things start to change. Adams story touched me in so many ways, his complete lack of selfishness and the fact he served time just to save a child from going through any more than he had already. His love of God and doing right by all, even in the face of some hate or suspicion. The attraction he at first fights against, but the children and Sage are tough to fight against they are honest and loving, willing to trust him and take him into their family. This story is all about second chances both in life and love, it is inspiring and hopeful showing not everything is black and white. Just because someone has served time there may be an innocent reason why, listen give them a chance to explain. Adam is a rare and very special person, he is a character I would love to know. Sage and her family are the kind of people you would love to have as friends, very loving and loyal. This is a very different type of book to Samantha's usual ones but it is definitely worth reading, I loved it. There is some mystery and intrigue, a few twists and some true romance. A gradual build up to falling in love but an almost instant friendship and loyalty. Awesome and I am so grateful to have had the chance to read this early copy completely voluntarily, I could have gone on reading it for ages.
May 29, 2017
When Sam started writing this book I got extremely excited. I knew this was going to be THE book for me. Samantha is a phenomenal writer. Her writing is one that sucks you in and doesn't let go. The Friar is unlike anything she has ever written. And yes I agree, I hope this turns into a series.
Adam did the unthinkable. He committed a crime and paid he dues. He served his time and now it was time to face the real world. No place to go and no real friends, he begins the challenge of finding a place to lay his head and a job. But most of all he wants forgiveness. He comes face to face with Sage. A job offer turns into so much more. Sparks fly!!! I do have to say The Friar has one of the best intimate scenes Sam has ever written. Adam is definitely swoon worthy. But together, him and Sage are beautiful!!!
Sage owns a ranch. A ranch that is troubled. She tries her hardest to keep it going. What she needs is a stable ranch hand to help her. When Adam turns up on her property during a tense moment and saves her. She knows deep inside he is a keeper. But someone is bound and determined to make her life hell.
I know my review doesn't do this book justice. This is a book you will have to experience on your own. The scenes are intense! And again, you will experience one of the best intimate scenes Sam has ever written. ❤❤❤❤
This book deserves way more than 5 stars!!!!
Adam did the unthinkable. He committed a crime and paid he dues. He served his time and now it was time to face the real world. No place to go and no real friends, he begins the challenge of finding a place to lay his head and a job. But most of all he wants forgiveness. He comes face to face with Sage. A job offer turns into so much more. Sparks fly!!! I do have to say The Friar has one of the best intimate scenes Sam has ever written. Adam is definitely swoon worthy. But together, him and Sage are beautiful!!!
Sage owns a ranch. A ranch that is troubled. She tries her hardest to keep it going. What she needs is a stable ranch hand to help her. When Adam turns up on her property during a tense moment and saves her. She knows deep inside he is a keeper. But someone is bound and determined to make her life hell.
I know my review doesn't do this book justice. This is a book you will have to experience on your own. The scenes are intense! And again, you will experience one of the best intimate scenes Sam has ever written. ❤❤❤❤
This book deserves way more than 5 stars!!!!
May 25, 2017
I have had this book on my TBR list on Goodreads for a while now. Once the release date was advertised I was so excited to receive an ARC for review.
I have read all of Samantha A Cole books and loved them all. She is a very talented writer and knows how-to draw the reader into the story she is telling.
I did not know what to expect from the book as it was a standalone. Whilst I don't think it is her best (because you can't beat the Trident Security Series) it was still an amazing read. It had twists and turns to the story. Once you thought that was it, something else would happen. Keeping the story alive.
Adam was a man of god. He lived by his vows. However, one act of outrage would change the course of his life. No matter how justified the act was.
After his release from prison Adam decided to travel. Little did he know that God had other ideas for him.
Sage is a widow with 2 children. Her lively hood is on the line and she is not sure how they will survive this. When a man shows up and is looking for a job, Sage reluctantly gives him one.
Little did she know he would end up being her saviour. In more ways than one.
Follow Adam and Sage in a lovely story of second chances and faith. With a little bit of suspense thrown in for good measure.
I have read all of Samantha A Cole books and loved them all. She is a very talented writer and knows how-to draw the reader into the story she is telling.
I did not know what to expect from the book as it was a standalone. Whilst I don't think it is her best (because you can't beat the Trident Security Series) it was still an amazing read. It had twists and turns to the story. Once you thought that was it, something else would happen. Keeping the story alive.
Adam was a man of god. He lived by his vows. However, one act of outrage would change the course of his life. No matter how justified the act was.
After his release from prison Adam decided to travel. Little did he know that God had other ideas for him.
Sage is a widow with 2 children. Her lively hood is on the line and she is not sure how they will survive this. When a man shows up and is looking for a job, Sage reluctantly gives him one.
Little did she know he would end up being her saviour. In more ways than one.
Follow Adam and Sage in a lovely story of second chances and faith. With a little bit of suspense thrown in for good measure.
May 28, 2017
While this book is different than Samantha Cole's other books, she has written another great book. Adam was a Franciscan Brother when he accidentally killed another brother that was molesting a young child. Adam took a deal & went to prison rather than have the child traumatized by having to testify in court. Now that he's out of prison he's traveling around taking jobs here & there looking for someplace to settle.
Sage Hammond is a widowed mother of two trying to hang onto her husband's family ranch for her kids. She's gotten behind on her mortgage & has a neighbor bugging her to sell the place to him. Her hired hands have quit without warning & she needs help. Her minister sent Adam out to her place to help for a while.
I enjoyed these characters & the plot line. The twists in the story keep you guessing. You could sense the escalating tension between Sage & Adam. Could she get past his conviction? At its basic elements, The Friar is a story of two troubled souls finding a way to connect & begin to love again. The supporting characters add dimension to the story. Another good story by a great writer!
Sage Hammond is a widowed mother of two trying to hang onto her husband's family ranch for her kids. She's gotten behind on her mortgage & has a neighbor bugging her to sell the place to him. Her hired hands have quit without warning & she needs help. Her minister sent Adam out to her place to help for a while.
I enjoyed these characters & the plot line. The twists in the story keep you guessing. You could sense the escalating tension between Sage & Adam. Could she get past his conviction? At its basic elements, The Friar is a story of two troubled souls finding a way to connect & begin to love again. The supporting characters add dimension to the story. Another good story by a great writer!
June 1, 2017
Wowsa, where did this humdinger of an awesome book come from?
I love Samantha A. Cole’s books. You always know you’re on to a winner with any story she tells and The Friar was no exception.
Adam Westfield… what can I say about this smoking hot Friar? Apart from what an exceptional character. When Adam is released from prison, unsure what to do with his life and doesn’t know what path to take he follows his gut instinct and ends up on Sage Hammonds ranch.
Sage is still grieving the loss of her husband 2 years earlier and struggling to keep her ranch afloat. When ex-con Adam walks up her path she isn’t sure whether to give him a chance as her ranch hand but she can feel that there is something about the stranger.
You’re in for one hell of a ride with this book. Its kept at a quick pace that never leaves you feeling like you’re at a loss. The twists and turns you’re taken on keep you at the edge of you seat. I never saw half of this story coming!
Every character in this book holds their own. Each one had a part to play in making this a 5 star read and I loved every minute of it.
Like all of Sam’s books, this is a must read. A fabulous standalone that you will not be able to put down!
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**
I love Samantha A. Cole’s books. You always know you’re on to a winner with any story she tells and The Friar was no exception.
Adam Westfield… what can I say about this smoking hot Friar? Apart from what an exceptional character. When Adam is released from prison, unsure what to do with his life and doesn’t know what path to take he follows his gut instinct and ends up on Sage Hammonds ranch.
Sage is still grieving the loss of her husband 2 years earlier and struggling to keep her ranch afloat. When ex-con Adam walks up her path she isn’t sure whether to give him a chance as her ranch hand but she can feel that there is something about the stranger.
You’re in for one hell of a ride with this book. Its kept at a quick pace that never leaves you feeling like you’re at a loss. The twists and turns you’re taken on keep you at the edge of you seat. I never saw half of this story coming!
Every character in this book holds their own. Each one had a part to play in making this a 5 star read and I loved every minute of it.
Like all of Sam’s books, this is a must read. A fabulous standalone that you will not be able to put down!
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review**
June 18, 2017
This book is full of so many twists and turns it will make your head spin (in a good way). Just when you have recovered from something that happened Ms. Cole throws something else your way. Because of this I could not put this book down.
Right away we meet Adam as he is being sent to prison, yes the book starts of with a bang. Five years later when is is released he set out to find his place in the world, his mind, and his heart. Sage is struggling to keep the ranch afloat after her husbands death. When she meets Adam she dismisses him but in a moment he shows he is a good man and she hires him.
This book had and many ups and downs, twists and turns. With all of this you see the importance of family, friendship, belief, and future. If you want a book that will have you engrossed from page one with the story line and the characters this is a book for you. You will never guess what is coming next as you read it.
I voluntarily read a copy of this book for Kylie's Fiction Addiction.
Right away we meet Adam as he is being sent to prison, yes the book starts of with a bang. Five years later when is is released he set out to find his place in the world, his mind, and his heart. Sage is struggling to keep the ranch afloat after her husbands death. When she meets Adam she dismisses him but in a moment he shows he is a good man and she hires him.
This book had and many ups and downs, twists and turns. With all of this you see the importance of family, friendship, belief, and future. If you want a book that will have you engrossed from page one with the story line and the characters this is a book for you. You will never guess what is coming next as you read it.
I voluntarily read a copy of this book for Kylie's Fiction Addiction.
June 23, 2017
THE FRIAR is a stand-alone novel and not related to any series currently in production.
This is different from Samantha’s series in many ways. There is no team to rely upon. That is a completely different dynamic to write. She has done it superbly!
I loved the characters – good and evil. Each was unique with great back stories to add to the world that was being created. I also loved that I was kept guessing until the very end – who and why.
This is one of those mysteries that I wish I could read again for the first time. The thrill of discovery is perfectly paced. The romance was also perfectly paced. These are not teenagers in fumbling furious lust. Instead they are adults with consideration for themselves and each other. I thought it was perfectly done!
Note: while I was given this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: THE FRIAR
Series: N/A
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: A
Received from: Samantha A. Cole (as an ARC gifted copy)
This is different from Samantha’s series in many ways. There is no team to rely upon. That is a completely different dynamic to write. She has done it superbly!
I loved the characters – good and evil. Each was unique with great back stories to add to the world that was being created. I also loved that I was kept guessing until the very end – who and why.
This is one of those mysteries that I wish I could read again for the first time. The thrill of discovery is perfectly paced. The romance was also perfectly paced. These are not teenagers in fumbling furious lust. Instead they are adults with consideration for themselves and each other. I thought it was perfectly done!
Note: while I was given this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: THE FRIAR
Series: N/A
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Grammar/editing: A
Received from: Samantha A. Cole (as an ARC gifted copy)
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