Safe In His Arms by Colleen Coble - REVIEWED

About the Book:

Sometimes it takes a stranger to see you as you really are.

Born and raised on sprawling Texas land, Margaret O’Brien prides herself on her competence as a rancher. But her father believes she’s made for more than just dawn-to-dusk work. He wants her to have the love of a good man, to raise children, to build a life. But Margaret gave up such dreams years ago. She’s convinced no man would have her, that the ranch is her life now.

So when Margaret’s father hires Daniel Cutler as a new foreman, she’s frustrated and suspicious. Then an overheard conversation links him with a gang of bank robbers, and she’s downright worried. Daniel swears he’s not involved, but Margaret’s not convinced. She knows the man still has secrets. But would a criminal be so kind and talk so convincingly of his faith? As a series of tragic “accidents” threatens all she holds dear, Margaret must decide what to trust: her own ears, her best judgment . . . or what her heart keeps telling her.

From the author of the best-selling Blue Moon Promise . . . an exciting tale of danger, romance, and faith played out under Texas stars.

My Thoughts:

“She was always afraid of not living up to the standards she never really understood.” (p. 88)

For all of her confidence and bravado, Margaret O’Brien does indeed have a fragile heart.  She hides it well.  When her father brings Daniel Cutler to the ranch as the new foreman, and tells his daughter that he has willed the ranch to her cousin….well, that’s not such welcome news.  Especially to a gal that has no plans of marriage and motherhood.  Things get even more complicated when Margaret begins to suspect Daniel is something other than what he has portrayed himself to be.

In fact, I gave up on Daniel too soon.  So quickly, in fact that I almost missed what was really going on.  Okay, so I missed it entirely! That only made discovery all the more exciting and rewarding!  Colleen Coble has built a story that is part western, part romance, part suspense and just a really good, spiritually sound and challenging story.

I recognized a lot of my own frailties and faults in the character of Margaret O’Brien.  But that’s a good thing.  I went away from the story changed.  Stronger.  Great job Ms. Colleen!

About the Author:

Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA's RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

Find out more about Colleen at http://www.colleencoble.com/.