Finding Joy (Love’s Compass Book 5)
Sometimes, what looks like a dead end, is really a new beginning.
A horrific accident changed everything for Parker Wilson. The beautiful new employee his mom hires is the last thing he needs and he’ll do whatever it takes to make the girl quit and regain the peace and quiet he prefers.
Nothing short of desperation would force Chelsea Blake to work on a local cattle ranch. She may not be cut out for ranch life, but her determination to succeed is stronger than her handsome employer’s efforts at forcing her to leave.
Unprepared to discover all they have in common, if they set aside their initial dislike, they might find joy beyond measure.
my point of view:
This is the first book I have ever read from Melanie Snitker, and I am a goner! I absolutely adored her writing, setting, scenario…and especially the characters! Everyone from the hero and heroine, to the sisters, mom, brother in law….well, you get the idea. I am so glad that I found this story of Finding Joy….for that is exactly what I found when reading this book – Joy!
Parker Wilson is a scarred man, inside and out. While he likes to place the blame on the visible scars he carries as his reasoning for keeping anyone new from getting close to him, as you read this story, you will learn it is the inside scars that are causing the true insecurities he is dealing with. Once Parker is forced to deal with new people and situations, he comes to release maybe his past friendships need to be re-evaluated as well.
I can only fantasize about ranch life, being a city girl, myself, so I would be as much a fish out of water as Chelsea was, which naturally endeared me to her. I can also relate to her nervousness about starting a new job, making a good impression, and wanting a permanent position somewhere. Not to mention having parents who are too involved in maintaining their own happiness to even know their daughter for who she is. Poor girl, she really has a lot of confidence issues to deal with!
When these two main characters come together, it is one adventure after another! Watching them deal with their own misplaced feelings of unworthiness and dance around one another while trying to deny their mutual attraction makes for very entertaining reading! The story line moves along nicely, not too quickly to too slowly, lol, just right! Melanie takes both characters through believable situations and time frames.
Naturally, they are each focused on the wrong goal…. once we center our focus on God, all things come together for the good, right? I, too dealt with emotions and circumstances, and other people’s negativity making me feel less than worthy in people’s eyes. It wasn’t until I realized the only eyes that matter are God’s and how He sees me that everything in my life changed for the better. That is the wonder of God, isn’t it? He sees all our flaws, all or insecurities, knows all our heart’s desire, and still he pursues us relentlessly and love’s us no matter what!
About the Author:
Melanie D. Snitker writes inspirational romance novels, including the Love’s Compass series. She has enjoyed writing for as long as she can remember. She started out writing episodes of cartoon shows that she wanted to see as a child and her love of writing grew from there. She and her husband live in Texas with their two children who keep their lives full of adventure, and two dogs who add a dash of mischief to the family dynamics. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys photography, reading, baking, computer games, and hanging out with family and friends.
Melanie has been so kind as to offer a giveaway for our readers on this post! Simply comment on this post and tell us where you find your joy to enter! Contest will run for one week from today and winner will be notified by email!
Well written Paula! As I haven’t read the book yet, you have you make me want to grab it and start right in.
Thank you for your words and pointing out who it is we should focus our insecurities on. In fact, all of our life.
Melanie, it sounds like you have written a story that relates to many of us, and will touch our hearts.
Thank you, Melanie and Paula! This is a great article.
Blessings
Kathy
You are, as always, so kind, Kathy! I appreciate your support so much! I hope you get a chance to read this wonderful story!
Hi, Kathy! Thank you so much for your kind words. This book was a lot of fun to write, both because of the story itself, but also the hands-on research involved.
Paula, thank you so much for writing such a wonderful post. <3
Thank you, Melanie, for writing such a lovely story!
Thanks very much for the opportunity to enter a giveaway! Looks like an interesting book, one I’d like to read. Would love to win a print copy! The joy of the Lord is my strength! Getting in His Word daily, my consistent prayer time, and morning Bible devotional is what makes a difference in my day, joy, and trust in the Lord, because of His promises in God’s Word (KJV), especially seeing Him actively answer prayers.
Amen, Lual, I could not function without my Bible time as well! Thank you for sharing and best of luck in the giveaway!
Thanks so much for sharing where you find Joy, Lual.
Thank you for a terrific review. I love it when a reviewer says they’ve never read the author but was hooked. That says a lot and especially since it’s book 5 in a series.
I know, right? I am looking so forward to reading more of her books now!
Thanks for commenting, Perrianne! And you, too, Paula for taking the risk and reading a new book from a new author.
I really liked writing this book because I got to revisit Tuck and Laurie from the first in the series. It’s always hard to leave behind characters at the end of each book, especially with this particular series. lol
I find my joy in my Grandchildren!!!
That is precious, Vickie! I would too, if I had any!!
That’s wonderful, Vickie! I’m sure your grandchildren find great joy in spending time with you as well. My mom recently moved to our area, and my daughter especially just loves every moment they spent together.
This sounds like a great book. Am looking forward to reading it. It sounds as if it will be a great encouragement to anyone who is going through tough times. Thank you for this opportunity.
Thank you for stopping by, Barbara! I found a lot of encouragement from this story!
Thanks so much for commenting, Barbara. I hope that, if you choose to read it, you’ll enjoy it!
My joy is found in reading books not e-books but “real” books.
I know what you mean, Janet, I still love holding a book in my hands too – but I have also grown to love my Kindle books just as much! I fought it for a long time, but now I am sold! LOL
I love to have and read real books, too, Janet. I find I do read more on my Kindle app, though, simply because I have to snatch those few minutes of free time here and there, and they are usually when I’m not expecting them. Ha!
Thanks for the chance to win!
I find joy in knowing my Savior.
I use reading as my “escape” to try to keep my mind off of heart aches, sorrows, etc.
Amen, Terry! We can all find joy in our Savior!! Thank you for sharing and best of luck in the draw!
Our Savior is most definitely our biggest source of joy, Terry!
I haven’t read this one yet… but it looks awesome!
grins.. I put it on my wish list today.
I hope you enjoy! Thank you for stopping by!
Thanks, Jackie! I hope you enjoy it!
My joy is in the Lord and he is my strength in the tough times as well. He’s showed my so much joy in little things so much. Just like a peaceful evening at home. And when I was able to shop alone, sometimes I catch myself humming to myself. So many things to find joy in. Since I’m battling MS, the little joys mean so much more.
I have been learning to appreciate the little blessings more as well, Nancy! Prayers for your health!
You are so right about those little joys, Nancy. And we can truly find a little joy in just about anything around us if we take the time to look!
I find joy in God, friend’s, and family. 😊 And Paula, I know you…you are amazing! You make me laugh at your sassy stories and gurl…you can cook! And there’s so much more! 😘 Love you bunches!
Love you too, girl!!
All of those – God, friends, and family – are definitely huge sources of joy. Thanks for responding, Crystal!
I find my Joy in The Lord and my children and their families Thank you for this wonderful giveaway!
Thanks so much for sharing where you find joy, Sarah.
Thank you for sharing, Sarah! Best of luck in the giveaway!
This sounds like another great book by Melanie D. Snitker. I find joy in the children I teach. They are so precious!
That’s wonderful that you enjoy teaching so much. I’m sure you are a joy to your students as well!
How wonderful! I had always wanted to be a teacher… thank you for caring for our children!
My niece is one of my joys. Her prayers, laughter and our conversations make me appreciate her 3 year old joy of life.
She sounds like a sweetheart, Sonnetta! Blessings to your family!
That’s wonderful, Sonnetta. I’m so glad you get to spend time with her!
Would love to win a print copy of this book! I find my joy in Jesus. he has been with me through it all and will never leave me nor forsake me!
Amen to that, Vivian! Thank you for dropping by and sharing!
So very true! Thanks for posting, Vivian!
I would say in the Lord! Although, sometimes it’s very hard… but He is always faithful!
Very true, Natalya, He us always on our side!
It’s true He’s always there, even when we’re going through something particularly hard and can’t see it all until we’re looking back at it.