January 29 2020
"Maybe, just maybe, living in Oklahoma would help them remember the good times, ease their pain and remind them all that God had his hand on their tomorrows." (p 17)<br /><br />Well, my heart definitely belongs in Oklahoma as long as Mitch is there. :-) I fell head over heals on page 21 and there's no looking back. Move over, Daisy, I'm after your fella! He's a fixer and a planner with a sideline in trying to micro-mange God though that's not working very well -- especially after Daisy enters his life (and his heart, though there's no way he's going to admit that!) But, oh that stubborn man has to work on his obstinate streak. Especially when it comes to living in the past. As one coworker puts it: "...once he figures out that the future ain't the past, he'll be ready to handle today." (p 124) Which is a pretty profound concept I'm still mulling over.<br /><br />So now that we've established I'm one of Mitch's groupies (he has many fictional and otherwise!) I guess I should mention the heroine (and my arch rival for Mitch's affections) Daisy. A city girl gone wide-eyed with wonder over country life. Suddenly becoming guardian to five (yes, five!) orphaned nieces and nephews as put her personal dreams on hold as she struggles to rebuild their lives. Small town Rebel is their new start and hunky police chief Mitch Rainbolt is there to roll out the welcome wagon and guide her through the intricacies of small town living. :-)<br /><br />This is the first book in Radcliffe's Hearts of Oklahoma series and she has done an amazing job of introducing the town and a host of secondary characters but also has given readers a peek into the Rainbolt siblings' lives -- hellooo -- Mitch has two brothers and a sister and they are all going to get their very own stories! And one of them -- Tucker (book three) is a vet who rescues animals! Eeeeep -- yes, this is me fangirling over Mitch's brother after just declaring he's the man for me, but then I'm fickle like that when it comes to book boyfriends.<br /><br />Finding the Road Home is the perfect mix of funny and teary and exasperating and utterly satisfying. I'm super excited about this series!!!!<br /><br />My thanks to the author for gifting me with a copy of this book.
January 15 2020
'Police Chief Mitch Rainbolt, micromanaging God. Why am I not surprised?<br /><br />Sometimes you read a book that just sparks joy in your heart and makes you feel good. Finding The Road Home did that for me. I read it in less than a day and now I'm sad it's over. I can't wait for the next one. Tina Radcliffe brings us the first book in her new series, 'Hearts of Oklahoma'. And it's a super good one. <br /><br />Mitchell Rainbolt is police chief of Rebel, OK, a tiny town full of extraordinarily sweet folks. Mitch raised his brothers and sisters and feels like he has to be the responsible person all the time. He hires a new deputy, Daisy Anderson, and then funds are going to be cut, so he'll have to unhire her. Daisy has just taken on her five nieces and nephews after her sister and brother in law's tragic deaths and now has them to support, plus her grandmother and a mortgage on a farm house. Can Mitch and Daisy and the rest of the tiny department come up with some creative ways to get more funding from the county? And just maybe, maybe, they can find a new life together? <br /><br />I loved every single minute of this book. I have never been disappointed in any of Tina Radcliffe's books, but this one just made my heart smile. Full of precious characters, even the secondary ones, and small town charm, this book is sure to be read again! And it's one for my keeper shelf, too! Highly recommended.<br /><br />*My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. The opinion expressed in this review is entirely my own.
February 27 2020
Finding the Road Home is a beautiful start to a new series. The author did a great job of creating a small town that the reader cannot help but wish they were a part of. The town is populated by caring people that are a true community, there for each other in every way.<br /><br />Mitch and Daisy are so likable and have circumstances in their lives that are similar. I appreciated the way Mitch took Daisy and her children under his wing, knowing what they were going through and the challenges they were facing. The growth of love between Daisy and Mitch was perfect, but not without challenges to overcome.<br /><br />I am really looking forward to reading more books in this series!<br /><br />I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.<br /><br />You can read this review on my blog:<br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.com/2020/02/27/review-finding-the-road-home-by-tina-radcliffe/">https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...</a>
July 29 2020
Loved the cover of this Love Inspired book. A beautiful story about two people who seemed to have much in common with each other. It was a fast and easy read and had a good ending. What I appreciate about Love Inspired Romances is that they are Inspirational without bedroom scenes or bad language. To this reader that means a lot.<br />Police Chief Mitchell Rainbolt hired Officer Daisy Anderson to work for the Rebel police department. He hadn't expected her to be so beautiful and was immediately attracted to her. Daisy found her new boss to be very handsome but she wasn't looking for a relationship at this Time in her life. After all she had five children to take care of. Who would want to be involved with a women who had all those children? No, she had no time for romance in her life. The kids after all where the most important thing to her. <br />Chief Mitchell Rainbolt had raised his five siblings from the time he was twenty one. They were grown up now and he sure wasn't going to fall for someone who had five kids. His days of raising kids was finished and he sure didn't intend to go down that road again. So why was he so drawn to his pretty new police officer? There really couldn't be anything more than friendship because he was the Chief and it was against the police departments policies for a boss to date an officer who worked for him.<br />If you like contemporary romance and Love Inspired books you will enjoy this cute story. It's a very heartwarming story that I enjoyed very much.<br />I won a paperback copy of this book in a giveaway by the author, <br />Tina Radcliffe. I was not asked to write a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
March 23 2020
I love Tina. Always!<br />4.5/5 stars (full review to come)
February 18 2020
Finding the Road Home is the first book of a new series by Tina Radcliffe and it introduces readers to Mitchell Rainbolt, one of four siblings who live in Rebel, Oklahoma. Mitch is the police chief and an all-around good guy but he is carrying a load of guilt that he just can't let go. A new gal in town, Daisy Anderson, is also carrying a load---she is now the guardian of her five nieces and nephews and she's hoping that she and her own grandmother can make a home for these children who've recently been orphaned by the deaths of their parents.<br /><br />The characters in this story are amazing. Daisy is determined, positive (most of the time), and a real go-getter! Mitch proves to be the a man that small children can love and look up to and he has known the challenge of providing a stable environment for his younger siblings. There are also great secondary characters that I hope to see in future books. Deputy Roscoe can't help but offer advice and Grandma Alice is both practical and encouraging!! She also has great vision because she recognizes the spark and connection between Mitch and Daisy long before they do.<br /><br />Finding the Road Home has moments of laughter but it also touched my heart. As Daisy relishes her life in small-town Rebel and gets to know Chief Mitch, she realizes that 'Every day her life became more and more tangled in his, and she wasn't sure it was a good thing to put all of her trust in this one man.' (p. 161) Then, in a moment of clarity, Daisy knows that she must walk away because 'She was a mother of five, in love with a man who didn't have room in his heart for her or her family.' Is it possible for Mitch to let go of his past and somehow convince Daisy that they might have a future?<br /><br />If you enjoy lovable children, wise grandmothers, steadfast friends, and two people who seem to be perfect for each other, you will enjoy Finding the Road Home. Tina Radcliffe has once again given readers great Christian contemporary romance and I can't wait to meet another Rainbolt sibling in the next book of the Hearts of Oklahoma series. <br /><br />I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review wasn't requied and I was not compensated in any way. These are my own opinions.
September 02 2020
I thought this was the most adorable story! I am fairly certain this is my first read by Tina but it won't be my last. I am already looking forward to the rest of this series and finding her earlier books. She has a new fan in me!
February 17 2020
A great start to a new series!<br /><br />Finding the Road Home simply made me smile! It is everything a sweet romance should be. Heart-warming. Funny. Sweet. Add just a pinch of conflict and there you have it!<br /><br />I loved Mitch! This cowboy-police chief had sacrificed himself to raise his five younger siblings when their mom died and he was only twenty-one. Though he made plenty of mistakes, his heart was in the right place. He was, unbeknownst to himself, the town's most eligible bachelor and had no plans on changing that status. Until, of course, Daisy entered his life.<br /><br />Daisy was the tomboy twin who had never thought about more domestic activities. Her sister was a natural mother. Yet when her sister died, leaving her five children, Daisy couldn't help but step up to care for them. (Sound familiar?)<br /><br />Both Mitch and Daisy had loving hearts and yet they were each so stubborn! Mitch was a bit of a control freak - Daisy even accused him of trying to micromanage God! He needed to learn that he couldn't wrap everyone he loved in bubble wrap to protect them. He had to trust God to be sovereign.<br /><br />The folks in the town of Rebel were precious! I loved the way they embraced Daisy and her family, ready to help and to bless.<br /><br />Many things made me laugh throughout the story. The clever business name - Beep Jeep Tours - for one. The trip, where Mitch taught the oldest nephew and niece to fish and the conversations they had. So cute and so funny!<br /><br />And the swooniest part had to be when Mitch asked Daisy to dance. Awww!<br /><br />I've come to realize that Tina Radcliffe is so good at writing witty repartee. Her dialog is sooo good and very natural.<br /><br />If you enjoy sweet romance with a Christian flavor, you are sure to be blessed by this lovely story!<br /><br />Read my full review at <a href="http://amongTheReads.net/finding-the-road-home-by-tina-radcliffe-book-review-preview" rel="nofollow noopener">Among the Reads</a><br /><br /><br />I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own."
February 03 2020
<i> This was what her sister's children deserved. Green grass as far as they could see. Trees to climb. Adventures to be had. Maybe, just maybe, living in Oklahoma would help them remember the good times, ease their pain, and remind them all that God had His hand on their tomorrows.~pg. 17</i><br /><br />I fell in love with Rebel, Oklahoma! It definitely has it's small town charm and citizens who take care of each other in all circumstances. I loved how they took Daisy, Gran (Alice) and all five kids under their wing and invested time & money to meet their needs. And how they pulled together to come up with and support ways for the PD to win that much needed funding. It just goes to show you how small town dynamics can have a big impact! <br /><br />I admired Daisy for never questioning taking her five nieces and nephews under her care after her twin sister & brother-in-law died in a car accident. With the help of her Grandma Alice, they start a new life in a new town to help ease their grief. When the department funding is threatened, she doesn't hesitate to roll up her sleeves and fight for herself & the kids future. I loved her determination and tenacity in the face of hardship. Her faith in God never wavers, and Gran's wisdom helps her remember what He has done in the past and how He has her future in His hands. I loved her the best, I think! The voice of reason and Godly wisdom. <br /><br /><i>Friendship is a solid foundation for a long-term relationship.~Gran (pg. 174) </i><br /><br />Police Chief Mitch is a charming southern gentleman through & through. He not only cares for his employees but also has a soft heart for Daisy and her kids. He does what is needed to make sure they are taken care of. Even though his brothers relentlessly tease him about liking her as more than his deputy, he takes it all in stride. When it comes to his heart, his own grief has held him from getting close to anyone, including a chance at love. It takes a near disaster for his wake-up call and remind him that the Lord is in charge of his past and future. <br /><br /><i> I'm glad you and your family found your way here. This town has a way of healing the soul.~ pg. 24 </i><br /><br />I think Tina Radcliffe perfectly sums this up in her “Dear Reader” section in the back:<br /><i> This is a story of heartaches and hope. Like Mitch and Daisy, we too must turn our burdens over to the Lord and receive the healing power of His love. </i><br /><br />A story of true love, family ties, healing, and hope for the future. <br /><br />*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
February 24 2020
Tina Radcliffe has a gift in creating small towns full of unique characters, charm, and neighborly camaraderie that has you wishing you could live there, and she's done it again with this new series in Rebel, Oklahoma. Daisy is a newcomer to the small-town, having relocated from Denver with her five nieces and nephews who were just orphaned. Mitch is the police chief of the small town, locked in the past with his regrets and mistakes. They both have a lot to learn about relinquishing control and living the full life of faith that God desires. As their jobs and small town life intertwine, they discover much about themselves as they do about each other. The plot is well-delivered with a good pace, the writing is easy to follow, the characters are lovable, and the romance is sweet and tender. I can't wait for the next book in the series!<br /><br />I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.