3 stars

Kyle is a war veteran who lost a leg in Afghanistan. Sara is a victim of childhood abuse who has a lot of love to give. They get to know each other while working for a new school for at-risk teenage boys. Sara tries to overcome her adversity and shows her love through cooking and serving others. Kyle is bitter because of the physical damage he has suffered, but Sara softens his heart.

I totally loved the rural Canadian setting: beluga whales, snow and ice, polar bears and Northern Lights. The boys attending the school were sweethearts (a little unbelievable for troubled teenagers, but okay). The cast of characters were likable and well-developed.

One thing I didn’t like was how lost and unsure of herself Sara was. Sara’s actions showed her as well-adjusted in society but the author wrote her thoughts as self-doubting at every turn. It seemed contrived.

I did like the love story and how slowly the relationship grew. I thought it was realistic for two people afraid of taking a risk on another person. Though predictable, I enjoyed the emotional push and pull until the Happily Ever After.

North Country Hero is a Love Inspired Christian Romance, so expect a lot of talk about prayer, God, faith, and the Bible. Most of it was written in naturally but there were a few hokey, Pollyanna instances that evoked an eye-roll. Christianity was an integral part of the plot and main character.

My sure sign of a good book is one that makes me laugh and cry. North Country Hero had my heart bursting and tears flowing.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

–Calliope

Buy It Now North Country Hero