MOOSE RIDGE: ENDING TO BEGINNING
Inspirational Fiction/Family Saga Series from Champagne Book Group
MOOSE RIDGE: ENDING TO BEGINNING
Inspirational Fiction, Women's Fiction, and Romance.
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All beginnings have an ending, but some endings bring beginnings.
New York princess and Harvard MBA grad Jazmine stands in a small drab rental home in rural Wyoming. The letter she holds can’t be real. He’s gone? He dumped her? The love of her life she came to this foreign land to be with, has abandoned her. A place where everyone drives pickups, wears flannel shirts, cowboy boots, and what’s with the hats.
Jazmin’s life hasn’t been the dream they promised her. Born to an affluent New York family with a diamond-encrusted golden spoon in her mouth, her mother died when she was five, and her father was financially ruined and went to prison when she was twelve. Having to leave her private schools and mansions behind, she grew up in foster care, a ward of the state. Now, as she thought happiness was within her grasp, life has yanked her dreams away, again. Not able to take anymore, she withdraws in depression and self-loathing, knowing she must be unlovable.
Dragged from her despair by an incessant knocking at the door, she opens it to find a local, complete with cowboy hat, and his monstrosity of a truck parked out front.
Life is about to float another dream of happiness at Jazmine. Will it be another mirage which evaporates like a puff of smoke, or the beginning of the life she always dreamed of and more. She must risk her badly abused heart to find out.
Why I wrote MOOSE RIDGE: ENDING TO BEGINNING: http://ow.ly/k96M30rXXNh
My interview on Fiction Finders: https://www.fictionfinder.com/author_interview/read/interview_with_craig_hastings
My interview on the Because Fiction podcast: https://becausefictionpodcast.com/episode-102-a-chat-with-author-craig-hastings
Reviews
Dan W. Dooley on Amazon
When it seems we have it going good, and it seems our direction is on the right path, life comes along and smacks us down. How many of us have felt like we've taken two steps forward and three steps back? Or maybe four steps back.
Jazmine felt like she knew rock bottom. But now she has the chance for a new life. But it can't be real. It's too good to be true. Good things don't last. Well, I've been there too. But now she finds herself afraid to even think about trying again. Once betrayed, it can happen again.
But it's a story about second chances. And about learning how faith is important in good times or bad times.
The author writes a compelling story. It seems more real than fiction. And for anyone who has suffered major setbacks in life, it's an encouragement to not stay down when we've fallen. Or been knocked down.
MC Harrison on Amazon
What I liked best about this book was not the plot but the hidden theme. Often the only thing a person needs to do to help someone else is to be his or her friend. Jazmine's experiences told a tale of being forsaken. Her mother died. Her father was sent to prison. She was forced to leave her school and placed into foster care. The foster parents treated her like unpaid help. Then, during her college years she found a friend, Michael. However, this fellow's friendship was insincere -- happy to share her apartment, her financial help, and her dreams. In the end, Michael abandoned Jazmine, his promises and her dreams. Upon learning of Jazmine's plight, a prominent, elderly woman in a small Wyoming town, Sadie, did one thing. Sadie offered Jazmine Christian friendship. In this novel and in so many real life experiences, friendship means more than anything else a person can do to help others. Just open your hand and your heart.
LeighAnne C. Review on Champagne Book Group
Jazmine is having a tough day. Forget that, Jazmine is having a tough life!
In Moose Ridge: Ending to Beginning, the reader tumbles right into the main character's heart-break, set against the backdrop of Wyoming's rugged beauty. Jazmine isn't allowed to wallow in her self-pity for long, no matter how well-deserved. Sadie, an older lady who's Jazmine's closest neighbor, welcomes the new-comer with open arms and an open door. Soon, Jazmine must examine her past hurts - of which there are many - and her current situation. She learns that, despite her fears to the contrary, she isn't unlovable. Indeed, in Glenrock, she finds love on so many levels.
The Moose Ridge ranch comes to life in this book, as do the characters who carry the story from Jazmine's devastating arrival to the satisfying conclusion of the book. Throughout Jazmine's journey from one ending to a new beginning, Sadie witnesses to the young woman through words and actions, allowing Jazmine to learn of God's love on so many levels. Although the reader gets all the feels from the book and is left with a satisfying conclusion, the author leaves the door open to delve further into the lives of Jazmine and the other citizens of the small Wyoming town of Glenrock, Wyoming.
EWA review on Goodreads
Very interesting book, details oriented bring you joy to read. If you looking for sweet and clean story don’t miss this one.
It was sad and emotional beginning but swiftly move to very happy part. Sadie is something else. Force in the community that nobody better mess up with her but she is first to help. Her meddling, oh boy.. she perfect this .
Jason so oblivious what is in front of him.Jazmine, wonderful character with spine of steel and heart of gold.
If one door close another opens, that is storyline.
The story is very well written, definitely recommended.
Laurie W.review on Goodreads
Heartbroken and alone, Jazmine finds herself living a life she never expected. It's not long before she is embraced by her neighbor, the feisty and lovable Sadie. Her new community embraces her as well. With some playful manipulation by Sadie, Jazmine finds herself spending time with the town's most handsome veterinarian.
This slow-burn romance is beautifully written. The author pulls you into Jazmine's life and her new community. I became very invested in all the characters, but especially Bob the puppy and Stanley the Mountain Dew loving bearded dragon.
Highly recommended for a sweet escape.
Cheryl S. review on Goodreads
The beauty of this book is in the detail. Everything painting a picture in my head and my heart and I highly recommend this. I won't give the plot away, but I will say to find some quiet time to read as you'll just sink into the pages when you do.
Laurie H. review on Amazon
Well written and utterley captivating.
Heartbroken and alone, Jazmine finds herself living a life she never expected. It's not long before she is embraced by her neighbor, the feisty and lovable Sadie. Her new community embraces her as well. With some playful manipulation by Sadie, Jazmine finds herself spending time with the town's most handsome veterinarian.
This slow-burn romance is beautifully written. The author pulls you into Jazmine's life and her new community. I became very invested in all the characters, but especially Bob the puppy and Stanley the Mountain Dew loving bearded dragon.
Highly recommended for a sweet escape.
Kat C. review on Amazon
Excellent!
This is a story of how God works in mysterious way. My favorite character is Sadie who is God's facilitator through several generations.
Jazmine thought life was over when she got to a small town in the middle of nowhere. But as she puts grief behind her she finds friends, a job, and most importantly, the love of her life.
Very well written story. Mr. Hastings handles the tragedy in Jazmine's life, taking her from what she thinks is the end of everything to the beginning of a new life. I can't wait for the next in the series!
Marie J. review on Amazon
A life changed by love.
The main character in the story could be so many people's story. A bitter broken lady driven to be self-protective, finds acceptance and love in a place where faith is the undercurrent of the changes in her life.
mesontag review on Amazon
The author does a great job of bringing his characters to life, especially Sadie, the grandmother! The POV, a woman, also jumps off the page and I quickly found myself rooting for her. Hastings takes her through believable changes that don't seem forced, as she battles with feelings of insecurity, abandonment, and loss. I had a little bit of a slow start, but once Grandma entered the picture, I was hooked. A fun read.
Cheryl B. Review on Champagne Book Group
Superbly written
The devil is in the detail, many say. Well, in this book, the Devil is squashed as the details are what make the lines of this book sing. I won't give anything away, but I will say to give yourself some quiet time to read and totally be immersed in this book and the complexities of life, and love, within its pages.
Marie J. Review on Amazon
The main character in the story could be so many people's story. A bitter broken lady driven to be self-protective, finds acceptance and love in a place where faith is the undercurrent of the changes in her life.
Patti S. Review on Amazon
A story of hope and new beginnings
Jazmine Strake finds her dreams shattered when she arrives in a small town in Wyoming and learns the love of her life has moved on without her. Her crushed heart struggles to find any reason for joy or hope.
The townspeople embrace her into their community, but it is Sadie, grandmother of the veterinarian Jason Withers where she takes a job, who shows her the kindness and compassion she craves.
Moose Ridge: Ending to Beginning is a slow developing romance fueled by a hefty dose of scheming, prayer, and intervention by grandmother Sadie.
The characters in Craig Hastings’ story are unique and engaging. In addition to the main characters, I particularly enjoyed the part the puppies and Stan, the Mountain Dew drinking lizard, played in this delightful novel.
If you enjoy romance with a different twist, you’ll find this a fun read.
Love Or Lies
Pen It Publication is publishing my Christian Romance, Love or Lies.
Check back for more information as it is available.
Questions deserve answers, but as her personal life in San Francisco crashes around her, El must return to her small hometown in New Mexico to settle her late aunt’s estate. She finds nothing is what she expects and searches for answers, but struggles to even know the questions. Her aunt and the bad boy she dated in high school are not the people she remembers. But this is only the start as she uncovers the family secrets and lies they’ve hidden for her entire life.