I want nothing to do with Jesus or God.” After over twenty years of abuses from the cult-like church she grew up in, Lane Argosy has had it with God and His people. Though the Brethren try to make Lane and her family’s lives unbearable, freedom from their warped brand of Christianity is sweet. She’ll never go back… never. He just wanted to visit the country he’d explored through books. So, when Matt Rushby arrives in Argosy Junction, Montana, he expects idyllic meadows and craggy rocks towering above, old-fashioned friendliness and at least one or two cowboys. Instead, he finds familiar hatred and factions very much like the ones back home in Rockland’s inner-city gangs. The Argosy family is disillusioned, broken, and floundering. Matt knows the answer is Jesus—just Him and not the trappings of a faith He never designed. But how can Matt help them turn their hearts back to the Lord when he suspects Lane has stolen his?
My Thoughts: Lane Argosy isn't like every other girl you would meet,; and that's just what Matt Rushby found out when he stuck in a field of "ferocious" sheep. This was an interesting book to read. Not only was it a romance novel, set in Montana, but it's also a story about how some churches can become toxic to its members. It deals with how pride can come into our lives and not only hurt us but other people as well. It's a good reminder to always go to the Bible when in doubt about teachings in the church.



It's also a reminder that God is always there waiting for us no matter how far we stray from Him, that He is a forgiving father. It's also about forgiving others. Prayer is a great tool, and we should always turn to God in prayer over everything in our lives, big or small.



The characters are enjoyable and entertaining in this novel, the author really brings them to life for the reader and the added humor is something I enjoyed. This is a novel that all ages can and will enjoy!




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The author has given us a story with a sweet romance, but we also are shown how one cult was formed, and what it did to the faith these people once had.
There are some good chuckles, and loved the beginning of this read, but it did take a bit to get to the conclusion. You can picture a man terrified of sheep, and read to them, funny! The story does have good bones, but I was glad when I found the answers.
We move from rural, or ranch living to inner city and see the vast difference, but mostly we see what a cult does to friends and family, so sad.

I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

What I love most about the author's books is that she writes with her whole heart. The characters come alive and whatever issue they are facing, the author doesn't try to minimize the problem. She engages the characters with realism and readers are able to relate to them. I liked this story because it deals with a couple of things I have dealt with before. There are many churches out there who have different beliefs and some are even dare I say judgmental. It is hard to be a perfect Christian in the eyes of some of the churches. They are quick to point fingers and shun you. I have felt that exact thing in a church. It hurt me to the core and I became distant from God.

I was very intrigued by the Brethren. The history of how it came to be was interesting. It was hurtful for me to read how they treated Lane and her family. Can you imagine living in a town where no one wants your business or even to be friends with you? I admired how Lane handled it with grace. She is quite a great character with a heart that has been damaged with rejection. Of course my favorite character from the story has to be Patience. What a lovely child full of adventure and life. You can't help but love her. She radiates energy and happiness.

It was fun to see Matt come out to the sheep ranch when he wasn't wanted in town. He sure tried to impress Lane, but I think his ranching skills need a little tweaking. His time there was special and he really bonded with the entire family. I could see a little spark between him and Lane. Will Matt be able to help Lane forgive the people who have hurt her and come to understand what a real Christian is? To me the simplest way to tell someone what a Christian is by loving unconditionally, not judging and reach reach out to those who are hurting with compassion.

When Lane and Patience go to see Matt in his town, it is a little different for them. They are used to small town living. Where Matt lives, there are homeless people found on the streets and rough neighborhoods that are not safe to travel around at night. Lane gets a new perspective of where Matt grew up. I enjoyed how Matt shared his heart with Lane and opened her eyes to a different background from hers. I kept thinking that Lane may be a little sheltered from the real world and it upset me that she was appalled that a prostitute was allowed to be in Matt's church. I think being around The Brethren back in Montana may have caused her to be judgmental without realizing it.

I liked the conversation that Lane's parents had. Thank you to the author for not mixing words and calling what happened to Lane and her family "spiritual abuse." Lane's father is such a good character and I liked that he was able to open up to his wife. This has been a book that I will not forget. It is a story about a real relationship with God and knowing when you are deceived. It is about pride and being judgmental. It's also a book that takes two people that believe differently and shows us how hearing the truth can set you free.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

This is a very good book. I love how Matt and Lane meet and become really good friends. They go throug many trials to grow together. Lane and her family must learn to trust in God again. They drifted away because of pride. I like how they learn to trust again. My favorite character was Patience. She is just so sweet. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

Wonderful story (second book in the Rockland Chronicles) of the classic story about opposites attracting. Big city boy meets mountain raised gal. Ah, but in Argosy Junction, things are not 'typical'. The story is captivating right from the time Matt is stuck in the sheep field to Lane's visit to his home in the big bad city. Well written and not the usual formula type storyline. Even though this is part of a series, this book stands alone. Chautona's vivid descriptions of the Montana sky as well as the gritty sity streets makes a clear picture in the mind's eye. You feel as though you are there, and you grow very quickly attatched to the characters. Excellent book! Buy one for yourself and one for your local library ( )