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Heroes of Freedom Ridge #17
Running to the Hero
Spending Christmas with a reclusive grinch isn’t exactly what this runaway bride had in mind for her honeymoon.
Felicity Keaton didn't even bother to shed her wedding dress when she left her hometown in the rearview mirror. As if it weren't already the worst day of her life, an accident lands her in the ER in an unknown town - where the handsome doctor is as mysterious as she is.
Jude Palmer tries to keep to himself, which is easier said than done in the small town where everyone knows your business. Living in a tourist hotspot at Christmas is difficult when you would rather be in seclusion.
When Felicity dives into the community in full holiday spirit, she drags Jude along with her. He’s determined not to enjoy it, but Felicity makes that nearly impossible.
Jude knows if he tells her about his past, she will run again. Can Felicity convince him he’s been the hero all along?
Felicity Keaton didn't even bother to shed her wedding dress when she left her hometown in the rearview mirror. As if it weren't already the worst day of her life, an accident lands her in the ER in an unknown town - where the handsome doctor is as mysterious as she is.
Jude Palmer tries to keep to himself, which is easier said than done in the small town where everyone knows your business. Living in a tourist hotspot at Christmas is difficult when you would rather be in seclusion.
When Felicity dives into the community in full holiday spirit, she drags Jude along with her. He’s determined not to enjoy it, but Felicity makes that nearly impossible.
Jude knows if he tells her about his past, she will run again. Can Felicity convince him he’s been the hero all along?
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2022
86 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 9, 2022
I have loved all of Hannah Jo Abbott's books, and this one was exactly the kind of wonderful story I expected from her. The characters were unique and vulnerable in a way that pulled me in from the start. Plus, she did a great job of bringing the reader INTO the town of Freedom once again. I loved every word.
April 23, 2024
This book is a sheer delight. Jude and Felicity are characters to adore as they each grow in their understanding of Jesus and pursue Him first in their lives. Their prayers, their hearts, and their budding friendship all make this story such a special one. In many ways, their story feels so realistic that I couldn't help but see my own love story in theirs. I definitely appreciate all the themes that Hannah Jo Abbott touches on, including a relationship with God versus good works, forgiveness, people's expectations versus God's will, and so much more.
Not only is this a captivating romance, but the characters also reveal the faithfulness and sovereignty of God through His perfect timing. The family interactions show the messy and difficult side of life, making it even more relatable. Though Christmas is the backdrop to the characters’ time together, the true meaning of God coming to earth to be with us is much more pronounced. Everything flows together in Running to the Hero, and it is a quick read that will surely bring a smile to readers.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
Not only is this a captivating romance, but the characters also reveal the faithfulness and sovereignty of God through His perfect timing. The family interactions show the messy and difficult side of life, making it even more relatable. Though Christmas is the backdrop to the characters’ time together, the true meaning of God coming to earth to be with us is much more pronounced. Everything flows together in Running to the Hero, and it is a quick read that will surely bring a smile to readers.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
November 23, 2022
I loved this book! It's a well written, fun, faith-filled, small town romance. Felicity Keaton is on the run, in her wedding dress. She just can't go through with the elaborate wedding that her parents have planned. Not knowing where to go, she drives until a car accident stops her, in the small town of Freedom. Ending up in the ER, she is intrigued by the handsome doctor, Jude Palmer. Realizing she will be staying in Freedom until her car gets fixed, she gets a room and a temporary job. After running into Jude numerous times, she coerces him into doing all the Christmas activities that the town has to offer. He's pretty much a loner and doesn't realize all that he's been missing, including someone special in his life. As their feelings for each other grow, Felicity realizes that before she can go forward, she needs to return home for Christmas and make amends for the mess she left behind. She encourages Jude to do the same. Will she come back to Freedom so they can have a future together or has this just been a vacation fling? I hope you take time to read this book. I highly recommend it and think you will enjoy this sweet Christmas book. I was given an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion and review.
December 26, 2022
Felicity Keaton was a runaway bride. She had agreed to marry the man her parents chose for her. She agreed to the career her parents chose for her. She agreed to the house her parents bought for her. She was done being agreeable. She was taking matters into her own hands and starting to live her life on her own terms. As she was running, she was in a traffic accident that landed her in the emergency room in Freedom Ridge, Colorado. There she met Dr. Jude Palmer. He was a different kind of runaway. He was running from his family and his past. He was an introvert who knew how to communicate with his patients but otherwise avoided being around people.
Jude felt an unusual connection to this patient. It was foreign to him but also felt right. Felicity wanted to experience all that Freedom Ridge had to offer leading up to Christmas. She had two weeks and she was going to use them to the fullest extent and bring Dr. Grinch (Jude) along with her.
I love this Freedom Series of books. This was a wonderful addition to the series. As always, the books are clean and wholesome and guaranteed to put a smile on your face and always has a happy ending.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Jude felt an unusual connection to this patient. It was foreign to him but also felt right. Felicity wanted to experience all that Freedom Ridge had to offer leading up to Christmas. She had two weeks and she was going to use them to the fullest extent and bring Dr. Grinch (Jude) along with her.
I love this Freedom Series of books. This was a wonderful addition to the series. As always, the books are clean and wholesome and guaranteed to put a smile on your face and always has a happy ending.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
November 24, 2022
This was such a sweet, romantic story. The book grabbed my attention from the first page. I liked the interesting beginning to the story and how it pulled me in as Felicity ran away from her wedding and fled the town with no destination planned. She ended up in Freedom, Colorado because of circumstances.
I liked how she and Dr. Jude Palmer became friends, each bringing out the best in the other one. It was fun to watch the grumpy doctor become more friendly and outgoing. He had been too busy working to have fun and become a part of Freedom. I also liked how both characters opened their hearts to Jesus and he saved them. Their lives changed for the better. It was an inspirational story about finding "true freedom."
I enjoyed the story being set during Christmas so I could enjoy the many, fun activities that Freedom had to offer its residents. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I liked how she and Dr. Jude Palmer became friends, each bringing out the best in the other one. It was fun to watch the grumpy doctor become more friendly and outgoing. He had been too busy working to have fun and become a part of Freedom. I also liked how both characters opened their hearts to Jesus and he saved them. Their lives changed for the better. It was an inspirational story about finding "true freedom."
I enjoyed the story being set during Christmas so I could enjoy the many, fun activities that Freedom had to offer its residents. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
November 16, 2022
This was the sweetest book I've read in a long time. Just a feel good book. Felicity is running away from a marriage that was arranged for her. She finds herself in a car accident....in her wedding dress.
Jude is the ER doctor on call. Jude is reclusive and not really an outgoing person. He is taken with Felicity and her story - it is strange to see a bride in her wedding dress in the ER.
Felicity decides to stay in Freedom, CO for a couple of weeks to find herself. Her parents have always told her what she would do. I loved her spunk and fun. Such a sweet person. She ends up doing most of the Christmas activities with Jude. She brings him out of his shell.
They both discover a closer walk with Jesus and learn to forgive family members that have hurt them. You will just sigh when the book ends. I really wanted to keep reading. Such a feel good book!
Jude is the ER doctor on call. Jude is reclusive and not really an outgoing person. He is taken with Felicity and her story - it is strange to see a bride in her wedding dress in the ER.
Felicity decides to stay in Freedom, CO for a couple of weeks to find herself. Her parents have always told her what she would do. I loved her spunk and fun. Such a sweet person. She ends up doing most of the Christmas activities with Jude. She brings him out of his shell.
They both discover a closer walk with Jesus and learn to forgive family members that have hurt them. You will just sigh when the book ends. I really wanted to keep reading. Such a feel good book!
November 16, 2022
Loved Jude and Felicity's story!! Felicity runs away on her wedding day. When she's involved in an accident, she's taken by ambulance to the ER and meets Dr. Palmer, who ends up giving her his business card with his number on it. Jude doesn't know why he gave Felicity his card and number, but there was something about her. When they run into each other again, they talk a little, but at their next meeting, someone makes the suggestion that they two of them become a team. The more time they spend together, the more they are drawn to each other. They both come to have real, personal relationships with Christ, which then opens up an even better relationship together. Love that both of them wanted to be better people for the other!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
November 13, 2022
A fun edition to the Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series. The "recluse" doctor coming out of his shell and the Felicity learning to stand up for herself. I enjoyed how they became friends, and it just naturally lead to more. Enjoyed the fast paced faith arc in the story, the restoration they each seek and their desire to walk with Jesus.
A clean read (no blushing required, physical aspects of the relationship are left to marriage, no swearing, nothing crude/rude). A standalone story with recurring characters from the Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series, you don't need to read them in order or have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. All the authors in this multi-author series are well worth reading!
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of the book
A clean read (no blushing required, physical aspects of the relationship are left to marriage, no swearing, nothing crude/rude). A standalone story with recurring characters from the Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series, you don't need to read them in order or have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. All the authors in this multi-author series are well worth reading!
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of the book
December 2, 2022
Great Christmas Cheer
I waited 3 days after finishing this because I didn’t have the words to say how much I enjoyed it. I still don’t have the words, but here goes!
Felicity is a treat, perky, smart and loves people in spite of her parents and hoping to please them. That led her to the wrong man that suited her parents. Jude also struggles with acceptance on top of his demanding job. Their meeting was like glitter and light falling into grey nothingness and it light up and warmed Jude quite well.
A few twists and turns in this delightful story that makes me wish there was a real Freedom Ridge that I could move to! This could be read as a stand alone book but read the entire series for a richer experience, you’ll be ready to move too!
I waited 3 days after finishing this because I didn’t have the words to say how much I enjoyed it. I still don’t have the words, but here goes!
Felicity is a treat, perky, smart and loves people in spite of her parents and hoping to please them. That led her to the wrong man that suited her parents. Jude also struggles with acceptance on top of his demanding job. Their meeting was like glitter and light falling into grey nothingness and it light up and warmed Jude quite well.
A few twists and turns in this delightful story that makes me wish there was a real Freedom Ridge that I could move to! This could be read as a stand alone book but read the entire series for a richer experience, you’ll be ready to move too!
July 24, 2023
Sweet Romance
I love romance and this was a really good one. What I enjoy most about a book is when the characters are transformed because of their relationship with Christ. This story is about that transformation and doing things that are really hard, like forgiveness, and being at peace with those who have hurt you, relying on Christ to give you strength. It’s not an easy read because it makes you question if there are hard things in your own life you need to confront that you conveniently push aside to avoid. That it does so, makes this a book that helps you grow yourself, and that is the best kind.
I love romance and this was a really good one. What I enjoy most about a book is when the characters are transformed because of their relationship with Christ. This story is about that transformation and doing things that are really hard, like forgiveness, and being at peace with those who have hurt you, relying on Christ to give you strength. It’s not an easy read because it makes you question if there are hard things in your own life you need to confront that you conveniently push aside to avoid. That it does so, makes this a book that helps you grow yourself, and that is the best kind.
November 11, 2022
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
Felicity wasn't physically abused, but she was trapped in a life not her choosing. She finds herself in Freedom... and she finds friendship and love.
Jude was hiding in his work. He's lived in Freedom for years, but rarely interacts with the residents unless they come to the emergency room. Until Felicity.
For their relationship to last beyond her short planned stay, they both need to step further out of their comfort zones and take a leap of faith.
What a great story!
Felicity wasn't physically abused, but she was trapped in a life not her choosing. She finds herself in Freedom... and she finds friendship and love.
Jude was hiding in his work. He's lived in Freedom for years, but rarely interacts with the residents unless they come to the emergency room. Until Felicity.
For their relationship to last beyond her short planned stay, they both need to step further out of their comfort zones and take a leap of faith.
What a great story!
March 5, 2024
Excellent continuing story in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series. The story was believable and the characters heartwarming. A small amount of suspense led to justice as expected. However, the details were unexpected to me, and I enjoyed the ride! Lessons learned included forgiveness and restoration, as well as understanding when there's a time to acknowledge that crime is being committed, and the courage to take appropriate actions. I was able to read a copy of this book via Overdrive, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2024
Love love love this story! The chemistry and connection between Jude and Felicity is so sweet and fun. They both has issues to work out and I love how Hannah Jo Abbott works salvation and faith into the story. One was raised in church, but never truly surrendered to the lordship of Christ. The other grew up occasionally going to church for Christmas and Easter, but didn't understand what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus. Abbott does a great job sharing the Gospel in a relevant but not judgmental or preachy way.
This is one of my absolute favorite stories in this series!!!
This is one of my absolute favorite stories in this series!!!
July 10, 2024
A run-away bride finds Jesus and independence asan ER doctor finds Jesus and joy
Felicity has followed her parents plans until her wedding day. Admitting they are not right match, she runs away. An accident in Freedom puts her in the ER, where Jude treats her. She finds acceptance in the town and Jude begins to interact with the Christmas activities she suggests. Felicity finds a devotional book that leads her to know Jesus. As she shares with Jude, he realizes he really hasn’t known Jesus. Both realize they need to ask forgiveness from their families.
Felicity has followed her parents plans until her wedding day. Admitting they are not right match, she runs away. An accident in Freedom puts her in the ER, where Jude treats her. She finds acceptance in the town and Jude begins to interact with the Christmas activities she suggests. Felicity finds a devotional book that leads her to know Jesus. As she shares with Jude, he realizes he really hasn’t known Jesus. Both realize they need to ask forgiveness from their families.
November 17, 2022
Wonderful Christian romance. Jude is drawn to Felicity from the moment he sees her in the ER. Great story filled with both Jude and Felicity’s acceptance of a personal relationship with Jesus in their lives. Very emotional scenes portraying this acceptance. Freedom is a great place for Felicity and Jude to fall in love and find personal freedom for themselves.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
November 23, 2022
Running to the Hero
Felicity runs away from her wedding to only end up in an emergency room dressed in her wedding gown. Dr. Jude Palmer tends to Felicity in the emergency room. He has been a recluse since inheriting his cottage from his grandmother and working at the hospital but Felicity has caught his eye. They end up experiencing Christmas together in Freedom and finding more than either of them could imagine.
Felicity runs away from her wedding to only end up in an emergency room dressed in her wedding gown. Dr. Jude Palmer tends to Felicity in the emergency room. He has been a recluse since inheriting his cottage from his grandmother and working at the hospital but Felicity has caught his eye. They end up experiencing Christmas together in Freedom and finding more than either of them could imagine.
November 24, 2022
Felicity is running from her wedding as she realises she can't marry someone no matter how nice, just because her parents want her to. Ending up at the tourist destination of Freedom Ridge, she falls in love with the small town community. Jude was the ER doctor that treated her, and as he gets to know he, he begins to see his town through her eyes and for the first time appreciates the community. Another enjoyable read in this multi author series. I received an ARC but this review is my own.
Read
December 6, 2022I wasn't certain I would enjoy reading this one when I realized it was a runaway bride story, but I couldn't have been more wrong. This book had everything from a swoon-worthy hero to an elderly woman clutching a worn bible. There were several salvation stories included. The novel showcased the importance of found families and close friendships.
Definitely make sure to give this one a read.
I didn't offer a rating since I write in the same series.
Definitely make sure to give this one a read.
I didn't offer a rating since I write in the same series.
June 12, 2023
Best of the bunch
This beautiful Christmas romance was wonderful. The story, the characters and the setting are nicely pulled together. The star of the story is the redeeming love of Jesus. HJA has weaved all the threads together two make a beautiful tapestry. This book embodies everything I love about Christian Romance and has everything I was missing before I found this subgenre. Praise God for loving us so much.
5 stars
-ncv
This beautiful Christmas romance was wonderful. The story, the characters and the setting are nicely pulled together. The star of the story is the redeeming love of Jesus. HJA has weaved all the threads together two make a beautiful tapestry. This book embodies everything I love about Christian Romance and has everything I was missing before I found this subgenre. Praise God for loving us so much.
5 stars
-ncv
January 21, 2024
Running to the Hero is a sweet romantic runaway bride story that takes place in Freedom Ridge with characters introduced earlier in the series. This series has a consistent thread: as the characters start trusting in the power of their loving God, they experience breakthroughs. This story doesn’t disappoint: it offers a good storyline with great character development including their relationships with each other, their families and community and God.
January 10, 2023
freedom ridge is truly freedom
Felicity ran from a wedding she didn't want, a man she didn't love and ran straight to Freedom. Little did she know it offered her the freedom she was looking. Jude found freedom in the eyes of Felicity, and together they found the freedom in Christ. Thank you for writing such a story about God's love and his plans.
Felicity ran from a wedding she didn't want, a man she didn't love and ran straight to Freedom. Little did she know it offered her the freedom she was looking. Jude found freedom in the eyes of Felicity, and together they found the freedom in Christ. Thank you for writing such a story about God's love and his plans.
January 24, 2023
Running to the Hero
I really enjoyed this Tory. This couple found each other through Felicity having an accident. The ambulance came, took her to the hospital where she met her future, Jude. Best part of this story is when they each found Jesus, really found HIM with their hearts.Enjoy.
I really enjoyed this Tory. This couple found each other through Felicity having an accident. The ambulance came, took her to the hospital where she met her future, Jude. Best part of this story is when they each found Jesus, really found HIM with their hearts.Enjoy.
July 15, 2024
Loved this
I really enjoyed this romance between two people unsure if relationships in life. I enjoyed the crazy meet in the hospital in her wedding gown. It was fun to see them experience Christmas together and I liked that they gave each other courage to deal with their families.
I really enjoyed this romance between two people unsure if relationships in life. I enjoyed the crazy meet in the hospital in her wedding gown. It was fun to see them experience Christmas together and I liked that they gave each other courage to deal with their families.
July 30, 2025
Love this book!
I love the story of Jude and Felicity! When they each made the decision to change their lives they had no idea of what that actually meant and what their future would be! I especially enjoyed the way Jude and Felicity handles their reconciliation with their families and the outcomes!
I love the story of Jude and Felicity! When they each made the decision to change their lives they had no idea of what that actually meant and what their future would be! I especially enjoyed the way Jude and Felicity handles their reconciliation with their families and the outcomes!
November 5, 2025
Finding True Love
Felicity ran from her former life and barreled into a totally new one. Jude, the extremely handsome doctor from the emergency room was just the beginning. It's a sweet story of forgiveness, true love, finding out one's true priorities and relationship with Jesus over religion. Beautiful ending for the happy couple.
Felicity ran from her former life and barreled into a totally new one. Jude, the extremely handsome doctor from the emergency room was just the beginning. It's a sweet story of forgiveness, true love, finding out one's true priorities and relationship with Jesus over religion. Beautiful ending for the happy couple.
November 25, 2022
Loved this story! How Dr. Jude and Felicity meet from her accident, and how they found both their joy and freedom in Jesus and each other as they came from hurts to joy in the Christmas season. Can't wait for the next one!
November 27, 2022
I love runaway bride stories, better to get wise a little late than not at all or when it might become dangerous. Felicity Keaton has been keeping the peace by placating her parents and keeping a job, fiancé and life that she doesn’t like. ER doctor Jude Palmer had been running also but he was hiding in plain sight and relying on hard work to keep him occupied. Hannah Jo Abbott has given us a story with humor, romance and some life advice. I really liked this story.
June 10, 2023
Great read
I love your writing and Christian based book. You have helped be get close to god as well as our paste and my bible and
The prayer app. I always look forward to your next book.
I love your writing and Christian based book. You have helped be get close to god as well as our paste and my bible and
The prayer app. I always look forward to your next book.
August 22, 2023
Such a Blessing
This book combined not only a wonderful romance, but also a devotional. It was a great book, but the devotional just filled my heart. I had to stop and immediately say a prayer. The whole book was a total Blessing.
This book combined not only a wonderful romance, but also a devotional. It was a great book, but the devotional just filled my heart. I had to stop and immediately say a prayer. The whole book was a total Blessing.
March 7, 2024
I was hooked from the start with Felicity running from her wedding and right into a car accident. Felicity ends up in Freedom Ridge and an interesting story unfolds with Christmas fun, romance, and inspirational moments. Overall great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews