What I think you should know:
Finding Love in The Big Sky, Montana by Angela Ruth Strong is a Contemporary Sweet Romance. It is the second book in the Resort to Love series, however it can be read as a standalone. This book is set during Christmas, but I think that it is enjoyable anytime of the year!

What you might need to know:
****SPOILER*****
Paisley has diabetes
Paisley was mentally abused by her father.

What I think about this book:
This is such a sweet story of how God can use all things for His good. Josh’s world is turned upside down when he loses his fiance and his job. Paisley’s life didn’t turn out the way that she expected, but she is determined to make the best of her “new” chance. I loved getting to read more about the Lake family. It was hard to see Josh from Paisley’s perspective , but it was a great reminder that we don’t always know everything that we think that we do! I really enjoyed this story and will definitely read more from this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Sometimes God disposes of the plans men and women make for themselves. Josh Lake and Paisley Sheridan find themselves in such a situation. He finds himself laid off temporarily after someone accuses him of stealing work.

Paisley wants to start a ranch focusing on children., so when she has the opportunity to utilize Josh’s advertising expertise. Spending Christmas gives the two the chance to rekindle their high school relationship.

I loved all the extra characters in this book including Sam, Josh’s brother, and the owners of the town’s coffee shop. Many characters in the story deserve their own story including Sam. So if you enjoy clean Christian Christmas books, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Finding Love in Big Sky Montana is one of Angela Ruth Strong's Lake Family series. The characters are well-developed, vibrant, strong characters who engage in snappy dialogue that works & develops the story.
Paisley thinks she's continuing her grandfather's legacy. In reality, the legacy is building and developing Paisley.
Josh thinks he's waiting out a bad business move & will return to the high-powered life he enjoys. In reality, the life he really wants might not consist of expensive cars, expensive meals, and major ad campaigns.
Weaving humor and faith into a community you want to be part of, Strong has given us a poignant, sweet romance.
I look forward to seeing the movie version of Finding Love in Big Sky Montana. Congratulations to Angela Ruth Strong on the movie!
I appreciate Angela's writing, the pathos she creates in clean stories, and the way she shares her life with readers.

This story is a great example of two people who are emotionally lost in the world. They each seek to find a purpose for their life as they unravel their past. We may be happy where we are, but are we where God wants us to be?

Paisley has a big job ahead of her restoring the ranch with little to no funds. I liked her attitude of never giving up and opening her heart to help Josh out. The connection they had was a long time ago but maybe they can repair their friendship. At least Paisley has help at the ranch now so perhaps things will turn around for both of them.

Josh is not having a good day when his idea is stolen and everything he has worked for is gone, How will he prove that he was cheated out of a big job? Right now all he has is a car and a place to sleep at Paisley’s ranch. Oh that word pride sneaks in as Josh has no money, can’t get anyone from his company to call him back and is stuck working for free at a ranch. There is one thing that Josh says that really stood out to me. When he says, “A scar is proof that I’m stronger that whatever tried to hurt me,” that really made me think. How many scars do you carry that made you stronger? Was it the scar of rejection that helped you become more confident? Whatever those scars may be , remember that God healed those wounds and gave you freedom from whatever was trying to keep you away from Him.

This feeling of never being good enough, or wanted by anyone seemed to follow our characters. Paisley especially had this thought planted in her from something that happened to her at one point in her life. The hardest moment in the entire story is the confrontation between Paisley and her dad. The cruel things he says to her broke my heart. This was an emotional scene to read and then I understood Paisley so much more. The back and forth struggle she has had in sharing her feelings makes sense now. After the way her dad has always treated her, it is hard for her to trust anyone. The story is a sweet look at how God will direct your path and turn mourning into joy.

“When you find God’s direction, it doesn’t only bless you. It blesses others as well.”

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

I was very lucky to follow Angela Ruth Strong's facebook page at the right time. She had some copies of Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana available and I requested one. I am so glad I did. This is the first book I have read by this author, but will definitely be reading more.

Who doesn't love a holiday story, especially one with love at Christmas! Josh Lake was a driven businessman, living in Chicago. The last thing he wanted was to be running home for the holidays with his tail between his legs. Suspended from his job and allowing his ex to stay in his apartment, he leaves for home with few possession, driving his fancy, new Mercedes. After driving for 30 hours, he stops in Big Sky for a coffee break. When entering the small coffee shop, the first person he sees is Paisley, a friend from high school. Reluctantly, she is convinced to let him rest in her bunkhouse at her ranch. And then there is Paisley. What do you do when your dreams are shattered? You follow a second one. That is exactly what Paisley is trying to do. However, until money starts flowing, she could use some free labor. Running into Josh Lake just might fit that agenda.

This story shows the reader how these hurt souls heal with the love of God in their lives. They do not have to do anything to make themselves acceptable to God. They had to learn to love themselves first, before they would be able to accept God's plan for their lives. I loved that the characters in this book were real, relatable and developed. Josh and Paisley were both wounded and vulnerable. Sam, Josh's brother was a hoot and really helped bring them together, even though Paisley wanted him to shield her from her feeling for Josh. Add in two quirky coffee house ladies with an agenda all their own who are also rooting for Josh and Paisley. This is a story of forgiveness, heartache and healing. It teaches us not to hide our feelings or hold our secrets inside, but to trust and share with others in order to understand God's plan. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. ( )