"Trapped in a mine shaft with a little girl, September Stevens prays for someone to save hem. When help arrives in the form of Army Ranger Mark Hawkins, the best friend of her late fiancé, they both feel God's hand at work. Together they help each other rebuild their lives. As they let the spirit of the holidays into their hearts, feelings of new love start to take hold. But September is afraid to risk her heart on another soldier. Until Mark offers a Christmas vow, one that could last a lifetime." When your heart is broken, you feel like your soul breaks too. This couple endures heartache in various forms all while forming a relationship that both fear is a betrayal to the memory of their friend and former love. The story takes the reader down a happy, tortured and healing path to establishing new lines of communication for the heart and soul. This is a great read any time of the year but especially at Christmas time. ( )

When heroine September Stevens is trapped in a mine shaft with a little girl, who shows up to save her (along with the search party) but her late fiancé’s best friend, hero Army Ranger Mark Hawkins. September has been numb inside since her fiancé Tim died, but suddenly Mark is making her come alive again with his kindness. Will September be able to love again?

This was a very sweet and heartwarming read. Mark was such a wonderful hero, so kind and thoughtful. He was also hurt by his best friend's death. It was nice seeing September come out of her shell and start looking forward to life again. The two made a great couple. The book was somewhat sad at the beginning while September is dealing with her loss, but very uplifting by the end. This story takes place around Christmastime. I thought it was sweet how Mark helped September out around her house and with her Christmas decorations. And I enjoyed their trip to the mall for presents and the wishing tree.

Another lovely read by Jillian Hart. ( )

It's pretty typical for a book of this type. September, the main female character, was engaged to Tim, who was an Army Ranger. He died while deployed and she's convinced herself she doesn't want to be hurt again.

It's a fairly common plot device for these types of books.

Mark Hawkins was a childhood friend of Tim and his brother and also is an Army Ranger. He's kept most women at arm's length because he doesn't think his frequent deployments are good for a close relationship. However, Tim's brother Pierce is getting married and this seems to have Hawk rethinking this idea.

I was a bit surprised that Hawk, Tim, and Pierce were all together on deployment. For some reason, I thought the military tried to keep family members separated after the time that multiple sons from the same family died because they were on the same military ship (or something along those lines). Hawk and Pierce were there when Tim died and seem to be the two who reached him first.

The Granger family ranch isn't featured much in this book. It is discussed in some of Hawk's memories of growing up with the Granger sons next door and a little bit when he is there for Pierce's wedding. ( )