Book Review: Hope’s Gentle Touch by Laura Hodges Poole

After her abusive husband’s death, Misty Stephens returns to her job as a nurse and volunteer at a women’s shelter. She intends to put her life back together and has no intention of ever being vulnerable to a man again. But when an abuse victim dies in her care, Misty finds herself consoling the girl’s brother … and fighting attraction.

Adam Jenkins sees Misty’s heart for the oppressed and implores her to help build Hope House, a women’s shelter, in honor of his sister. Though grieving, Adam is drawn to Misty. But he approaches romance the way he does ranching—quick and decisive—an almost disastrous mistake. While dealing with family fallout and troubles at work, this new project and Misty become a light shining into Adam’s grief.

A common purpose binds them together, and Misty’s heart starts to open to Adam. But she finds it much harder to lower her defenses than she imagined. Can any man be fully trusted—especially a powerful, wealthy rancher? When the past rears its ugly head and her reality starts to crumble, Misty’s trust in God and hope for a bright future are put to the test. Will hope’s gentle touch finally bring the love Misty’s heart needs to heal?

Hope’s Gentle Touch is a journey through grief and heartbreak where the pain is palpable to the reader. I was drawn in right away, and the author didn’t disappoint as she developed multi-dimensional characters with impossible odds. The romance is genuine, not forced, and beautiful as it unfolds. For readers who know the wounds shared in Hope’s Gentle Touch, I believe they won’t just find an entertaining book, but hope and healing. I definitely recommend.

Julie Arduini

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