Falling in love isn't on her to-do list.
Managing a two-hundred acre campground and guiding whitewater trips are enough to fill Hailey White's lonely days. When acts of vandalism threaten her home and business, she's forced to ask for help. Her best friend's brother is the last person she expects to come to her rescue.
Angry voices in his head, survivor's guilt, and a busted leg make Walker Carriker wish he were dead. When a roadside bomb ends his career as a Marine, he's forced to stay with family in the remote mountains of North Carolina. His sister's best friend is the last person he expects to help him find a reason to live.
She's bubbly and optimistic, with a smattering of sarcasm.
He's angry and bitter, with a heaping dose of cynicism.
time they spend together, the more they heal.
When he's lost all faith, can Hailey show Walker there's Hope on the Horizon?
I have been waiting ever so patiently for Kathryn McNeill Crane to release another book. Her writing is always so beautiful, her characters are as strong as they are sweet. Kathryn's storytelling is truly special, she makes you feel all warm and fuzzy while tackling really important issues.
Hailey and Walker are the medicine and the balm that they both don't know they need. Hailey is running a business, alone, and Walker is recovering after being injured by a roadside bomb. Hailey needs help to uncover who's sabotaging her business and Walker needs to recover and reassess his future. Walker would love for Hailey to stop talking and Hailey, well I honestly believe she just wants the best for Walker. She wants him to heal physically and mentally. Her character comes across as one who cares deeply, the walls she's built to protect herself are evidence of that.
After all that Walker has been through it's no surprise he suffers from PTSD. I thought the author handled every aspect with compassion, integrity, and respect. Especially highlighting the special relationship between Walker and his dog Samson. I don't think enough credit is given to the amazing powers of service/therapy animals. I can't give enough praise to Kathryn for how all of it was portrayed. We didn't know a whole lot about PTSD when I was growing up. My father's "issues" were absolutely because of PTSD and there was nowhere near enough resources to help him or us.
As if this isn't enough to make you grab a copy, there's plenty of mystery and suspense in here too! Lots of suspects in this small town as to who is vandalizing Hailey's equipment. With lots of twists and turns, I was actually surprised with how it all turned out.
Hope on the Horizon is the perfect winter weekend read. So if you're looking for a great read, grab some hot cocoa, a warm blanket, and snuggle up! You won't be disappointed.