Book Review: Finding My Destynee
FINDING MY DESTYNEE
Rafter O Ranch, Book 3
by
NATALIE BRIGHT
& DENISE F. McALLISTER
Holiday Romance / Country Music Romance / Clean & Wholesome
Publisher: CKN Christian Publishing
Publication Date: October 18, 2022
Page Count: 245 pages
Publisher: CKN Christian Publishing
Publication Date: October 18, 2022
Page Count: 245 pages
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True heart’s desire cannot be ignored.
Destynee Olsen has always done what her mother asked, but the road to stardom could mean leaving behind a piece of her heart.
Travis Olsen tries desperately to honor his vow to support his wife. Watching their son grow up without a mother is asking too much and his resentment builds. A marriage alone and single parenting is not what he signed up for.
The line has been drawn between a woman who has been told that her destiny to be a star is more important than she is and a cowboy who refuses to destroy his wife’s dream. Destynee and Travis have to decide what’s important. Can they discover the life they were meant to have at the risk of denying their own hearts?
I want to start off this review by reiterating that this book is part of a series but is unnecessary to read the others beforehand. I haven't read the other books in the series but never felt like I was missing something. The only thing that I'm guessing is explored more is the one sister that is studying at Baylor and doesn't come home when her father is taken down by a horse, but I could be wrong. But if that dynamic hasn't been explored yet, I think the author may have something up her sleeve.
Anyways, I found myself enjoying my time reading the story of a man battling his wants and needs and a woman fighting her wants and needs. I liked the dynamic we get from both Destynee and Travis as the book progressed. Our author did a great job of letting the reader see and feel how each of our characters dealt with different situations during the same day and time and how similar, yet opposite paths they chose.
As we were getting towards the end, I had a feeling that the ending could go in one of two ways: Either Destynee gives up her dreams and becomes a mother or they somehow made it work. I'm glad that the author chose the latter. I feel that people expect mothers to put their hopes and dreams on the back burner when they have a child, and while being a mother is an important job, I believe all women should still be supported to do what they want to do in life and that's what I really appreciated about Travis and our author.
Travis is a father and husband character that lives out in small-town Texas and it was nice having the author write him in a way where he supported his wife in what she wanted to do. He breaks a stereotype that we may see written about dads. Our author makes us feel for Travis and root for his little family more than Destine, although we find ourselves rooting for her to get out of her abusive relationship with her mother. And while we're rooting for these two people, we're wishing the worst for our antagonist, Destynee's mom. This is all to say that I found our characters to be well-written, even if I did find some choices of our characters a little questionable.
Overall, I really enjoyed this different take on a Christmas story. It's a story that we may see in different families and its characters are written in a way where we sympathize and hope for their best to shine. I give Finding My Destynee a 4 out of 5 stars.
PRAISE FROM AMAZON REVIEWERS:
"The dialog brings the story to life, and the stage scenes are intriguing and vivid as Destynee decides just how much fame is worth, and the cost to her heart and family.”
“…an emotional read about a young couple, each trying to survive their marriage. The storyline brings heartache, forgiveness, and reconciliation as God works to bring peace and contentment back to their marriage.”
“Another great read with excellent characters.”
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| Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indigo |
Texas author Natalie Bright writes novels for kids and adults that combine her passion of the American West with a small-town vibe. She calls the wide-open land and endless sky of the Texas Panhandle home, which inspires her work. Her co-author is a Georgia writer and editor. Denise F. McAllister credits a love of horseback riding and 15 years in equestrian showmanship for her heartfelt connection to all things western.
Natalie's Social Media & Author Pages
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Hooray for the happily-ever-after -- I wouldn't want it any other way, especially in a story set around Christmas. Thanks for a great review! Glad you enjoyed the book.
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