Remember Hope

This was such an emotional book for me to read! Both characters, Ethan and Daisy, had very emotional and physical journeys to pass through and as I read this, I couldn't help being so grateful for the body that I have and take forgranted at times! Ethan lost his leg in Afghanistan to a land mine and had a very difficult time, at first, dealing with the aftermath. Daisy runs a counseling service using dogs to help people with difference problems and she knows Ethan is a broken man. Daisey herself lost both her limbs so she is uniquely qualified to help Ethan but that doesn't always help. I loved the journey that they both took. The insecurities they had and how they helped each other. The secondary characters were also fantastic. Yes, I cried in places! Be ready to root for this couple and cheer them on to a forever relationship!

This was pretty cute, I don't think there was really any faith content or bad content, I just read it when I couldn't sleep and enjoyed it enough to read through and rate on here.

Quality character development is so important. Unfortunately, it was sadly lacking in this book.

TO FIRST IMPRESSIONS<br /><br />What an amazing start to a new series, Healing Hearts, a clean contemporary and extremely emotional tale. I loved the characters, the angst, and the honest discussions, along with the chemistry and interactions. The people are broken, but with encouragement, friendship, and the added benefit of animals, it is the beginnings for healing.<br /><br />Ethan Minter is stationed in Afghanistan, and while sweeping for land-mines, he will step on one, losing his left leg, ending his military career, and facing new challenges as an amputee. For ten years he has served, including being with his best friend, and now he is alone, trying to cope, accept what fate has dealt, and bitter. It will be recommended he seek counseling, and that will be the change he needs.<br /><br />Daisy Greenwell understands challenges, grief, anger, and acceptance, she is a double amputee, losing both legs. But she picked herself up, went back to school, and with the help of a beloved beagle, got her degree and works as a counselor using the aid of animals. She helps people with physical and mental disabilities, and with her animals, it offers to heal.<br /><br />“Not everyone was the same she found—some scars were external—and some were internal. Every single scar was a wound—regardless of where it was located on a person. Grab normalcy where you can find it—the peace and acceptance come later when you are ready.”<br /><br />Ethan’s bitterness and resentment for what has happened makes it hard for him to reach out and it will take weeks before he attends Shamrock Pups—with a motto of ‘we are good luck for when you are stuck!” It will be with the positive outreach from Daisy that he will finally take the leap of faith and attend—where he will be placed with a beagle puppy named Baxter. What a shock when Daisy is so caring and beautiful. Her personality and vivacious attitude pulls him in and is the beginning of healing, both physically and emotionally.<br /><br />“Maybe he’d been led to her door for another reason? Not just to heal but to gain a new friend—or possibly even love? I’m not going to let this chance pass me by.”<br /><br />The chemistry between Ethan and Daisy is electric, and their attraction to each other is evident. He will ask her out, and she quickly says yes, and it is the start of them dating—something they both need and want. But she has mixed emotions that she is wrong to do so being his counselor, so he will find a new one because he doesn’t want to give up what is developing.<br /><br />“I don’t want to ruin anything but rather than just change the relationship. If you need me to see someone else for sessions—I’d be happy to—but I’m not giving up on this.”<br /><br />But what happens when emotions are high, words aren’t spoken, and misunderstanding happen? Ethan is trying to move forward in his life, and Daisy feels he is doing so without her. Not being open and honest leaves two people broken. Will they find their way back to each other before it is too late?<br /><br />“I wanted to make this special because what we are building is a miracle to me. It’s been a long time since I have felt so complete and I think it’s because of you.”<br /><br />Words of wisdom from a friend and mentor will help Ethan understand that maybe Daisy needed to hear more than he was saying to her. Will Daisy be receptive to his words?<br /><br />“Fight for what you need the most in your life—your friends and your loved ones. You’ve already conquered one battle, it’s time to win the war.”<br /><br />“I would do anything for you. Our meeting was different, our friendship was extraordinary, and our love is breathtaking. Everything about us is so unexpected and spontaneous.”<br /><br />The story is an emotional roller coaster ride of feelings and does end on a happy note. While not a cliffhanger, it does have a segue into the next book, Remember Love, with Colin Wilkes and Ava Richardson.

Another quick read. Although it was confusing because I read remember home first, I think Amazon made a mistake with the order of the books. This book was interesting to me because it had characters like me (similar to my circumstances although in a wheelchair by birth) I can't wait to read the next one

You know you will get swoony with any Ginny Sterling book<br /><br />Positive thoughts:<br />I loved how the time frame felt real, when you get a character that is damaged physically, it doesn't take him a week of a few months to accept and heal, it take a long time. And Ethan took a long time to accept he needed to start healing. Even with all the help he was getting, accepting is a real thing and it's hard.<br />It appreciated all the obstacles both our characters go through in their day-to-day lives, even when you adapt to your new condition, there are still things that can go wrong. It was fascinating learning how an amputee lives.<br /><br />Negative thoughts:<br />His appearance was not touched much (did I miss it?) we know he lost interest and grew his hair and beard, but did he ever trim it down for her?<br /><br />Overall:<br />It is a clean and proper read, with a lot of emotion (as we know we will find in Ginny's books).<br />It's a short and quick read, great for a train/plane ride (careful to hold back the tears though).<br />Although it touches on a very sensitive subject, it was a light-medium read, Ginny did a great job in balancing the growing love of our main characters and the subject of their legs.<br /><br />TW: Amputee from the knee down on both characters.<br /><br />Romance: 3/5<br />Swoon: 3/5<br />1st kiss: -+45% in the book<br />Spice: 0/5 (it's a clean one y'all)<br />Chemistry: 2/5<br />Foul language: 0/5<br />Humor: 1/5<br />Cry factor: 2/5<br /><br />Tropes:<br />- wounded MC<br />- wounded FC<br />- support group<br />- puppies<br />- military MC<br />- broken MC

Thank you for writing such a touching story. Ginny did an amazing job with some very tough topics and did it so tastefully. It just shows that you can't look at a person and tell everything going on in their life. This makes me appreciate the sacrifices our military make for us to keep us safe. More definitely needs to be done for our heroes. Keep up the great writing and I can't wait to read MORE of this series. This is the fourth one I've read so far and they just keep getting better. I love the way you involve past characters from previous books in the stories. I encourage everyone to read this series.

<strong>A good story of surpassing pain and letting love take over</strong><br /><br />This story starts with Ethan who last half of his leg due to an unexpected ied. He stepped on it and was saved by the man in charge whipping off his belt and working it into a tourniquet. Of course he is sent home to be repaired into a prosthetic. He meets Daisy who had both legs cut as poison was eating her up. She has put together a therapy that is tied to the loving dogs which helps a lot. The story continues to the two realizing their love and leads to their happy ever after.

<strong>Heart touching, eye opening, whimsical love filled. </strong><br /><br />I enjoyed getting to know these characters and their friends. This story was emotionally hard sometimes yet so rewarding and instructive. Made me want a dog. I kept thinking though that this or that would have been a good place for a prayer or spiritual insight or reflection on Biblical truth. The story would have been richer for it.

<strong>What a Wonderfully Uplifting Series</strong><br /><br />It combines a story that could be a Hallmark movie with a military theme. This is the second book in the series I have read but can't wait to read others. It is nice that the characters from the first books come out to visit in the other books.