Books

Review: “Who I Am With You” by Robin Lee Hatcher

Robin Lee Hatcher has become one of my go-to romance writers. The lowest star rating I’ve ever given any of her books is 3-1/2, and I’ve rated most of her books 4-1/2 or 5 stars. They’re always excellent! Who I Am with You is different from the other Hatcher books I’ve read in that it’s a split time (dual timeline) novel; those are often hit or miss for me, so of course I was hopeful that this one would be a hit!For these two broken hearts, the first step toward love will be a huge leap of faith.Jessica Mason isn’t looking for love when she meets Ridley Chesterfield. Instead she is still reeling from the tragic, unexpected loss of her husband and daughter—and awaiting the arrival of her unborn child. Harboring the secret of her husband’s betrayal, her pain is deeper than anyone knows.Ridley Chesterfield is hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho, avoiding a political scandal and the barrage of false media headlines that have tarnished his good name. The last thing Ridley wants is a relationship—but when fate leads Ridley to form a friendship with his reclusive and pregnant neighbor, he wonders if this small-town hideout might be more of a long-term destination. When Jessica begins to read her great-grandfather’s Bible, she finds a connection with a man she never knew. Somehow the verses he marked and the words he wrote in the margins open her heart to healing. And as Ridley and Jessica help each other forgive the people who have broken their hearts, they must decide if the past will define them or if they will choose to love again.Who I Am with You weaves together a modern-day romance with Jessica’s great-grandfather’s story from the 1930s, reminding us that some truths can cross generations and that faith has the power to transform families forever.Who I Am with You is the first book in Robin’s new “A Legacy of Faith” series.Who I Am with You is a split time novel—it takes place in the present and in the 1930’s. At first, I cared much more for the present-day story involving widowed Jessica and political pariah Ridley. But the farther I got into Jessica’s great-grandfather Andrew’s story, the more I appreciated it! I loved how, though the details were vastly different, Jessica was dealing with hurts very similar to what Andrew went through decades prior.This is a quick, romantic read concerning secrets, lies, infidelity, and forgiveness, and I loved reading it! I also love that it sets up a new series where Andrew’s Bible will factor into each story. 4 stars.Buy the book.Read reviews of Hatcher’s Thunder Creek books You’ll Think of Me (4 stars) and You’re Gonna Love Me (5 stars); her Kings Meadow books A Promise Kept (5 stars–not “officially” a Kings Meadow novel, but set there), Love Without End (4-1/2 stars), I Hope You Dance (3-1/2 stars), and Whenever You Come Around (4-1/2 stars); Beloved (4-1/2 stars); and The Heart’s Pursuit (4 stars).Enter the giveaway.Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 75 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Robin is an ACFW Carol Award winner and an eight-time finalist and has won two RITA Awards and been a finalist eleven times. Her numerous other awards include the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. She is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review through Read With Audra. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”