Betting on Hope

Four of Hearts Ranch #1

by Debra Clopton

One clutzy advice columnist. One champion cowboy. And an entire small town rooting for love. Advice columnist Maggie Hope never dreamed she’d be shaking hands with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan over a high-stakes bet, especially one that involves horses. And saddles. And everything else a city girl like Maggie feels uncomfortable around. But after filling in for a coworker and interviewing the handsome cowboy, she finds herself doing just that. Anything to save her advice column. Despite Maggie’s two left feet, Tru is bound and determined to bring out her inner cowgirl by teaching her to ride a cutting horse, trained to separate cattle from the rest of the herd. While her riding improves, their attraction intensifi es, but Tru knows he can never let her into his heart—for her own good. In Wishing Springs, a community full of meddling but well-meaning townsfolk, Maggie discovers the home she’s always longed for. But she’s holding something back—a secret that could destroy her reputation and any future she’s ever hoped for with the cowboy she mightust love.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Westerns, Christian, Fiction, Christian Romance

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2015

About the author

International Bestselling Author and Kindle All Star who has sold over 3 million books worldwide and been translated into 3 languages.
Debra Clopton writes wholesome contemporary women's fiction, romance, and contemporary western romances set in Texas and on the beaches of Florida. Her awards include: The Book Sellers Best, Romantic Times Magazine's Book of the Year the Readers Choice Award, and many more. She's also a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Finalist, and a triple finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award.

A sixth generation Texan, Debra lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband Chuck. She loves to travel and spend time with her family. She has written for Harlequin and Harper Collins Christian and now with DCP Publishing. She is thrilled to write for DCP Publishing and see her books being sold worldwide. On any day she usually has books on the Top 100 list and ranks on 80 to a 100 retailer Bestseller list in the USA and around the world.
She loves helping people smile with her fun, fast paced stories.

Visit Debra's website at http://www.debraclopton.com
Check out her Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/debra.clopton.5
Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/debraclopton
Contact her at Debraclopton@yamil.com
Sign up for Debra's newsletter and contests at http://debraclopton.com/contest

COMING AUG 27 AND winter 2020 heartwarming women's fiction

1 WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
2 WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
3 WHAT HOPES ARE MADE OF


SUNSET BAY ROMANCE 2019
1 LONGING FOR FOREVER
2 LONGING FOR A HERO
3 LONGING FOR LOVE
4 LONGING FOR EVER AFTER
5 LONGING FOR YOU
6 LONGING FOR US

Ransom Creek 2018
1 HER COWBOY HERO
2 THE COWBOY'S BRIDE FOR HIRE
3 Cooper: CHARMED BY THE COWBOY
4 Shane: THE COWBOY'S JUNK-STORE PRINCES
5 Vance: HER SECOND CHANCE COWBOY
6 Drake: THE COWBOY AND MAISY LOVE
7 Brice: NOT QUITE LOOKING FOR A FAMILY

WINDSWEPT BAY SERIES 2017 & 2018
1 FROM THIS MOMENT ON (FREE)
2 SOMEWHERE WITH YOU
3 WITH THIS KISS short story
4 FOREVER AND FOR ALWAYS
5 HOLDING OUT FOR LOVE
6 WITH THIS RING (FREE)
7 WITH THIS PROMISE
8 WITH THIS PLEDGE
9 WITH THIS WISH
10 WITH THIS FOREVER
11 WITH THIS VOW

2017
She has released 13 books in Enhanced Editions with extra audio clips and photos inside of her Texas Matchmakers series set in her world of Mule Hollow. These Christian Romances will soothe your heart and tickle your soul.
(Previous titles listed)
1 Dream With Me Cowboy (The Trouble with Lacy Brown)
2 Be My Love Cowboy (And Baby Makes Five)
3 This Hearts Yours Cowboy (No Place Like Home)
4 Hold Me Cowboy (Dream a Little Dream)
5 Be Mine Cowboy (Meeting Her Match)
6 Marry Me Cowboy (Operation: Married by Christmas)
7 Cherish Me Cowboy (Next Door Daddy)
8 Surprise Me Cowboy (Her Baby Dreams)
9 Serenade Me Cowboy (The Cowboy Takes a Bride)
10 Return To Me Cowboy (Texas Ranger Dad)
11 Love Me Cowboy (A Mule Hollow Match)
12 Ride With Me Cowboy (His Cowgirl Bride)
13 Dance With Me Cowboy (A Mother for Mule Hollow)
The Turner Creek Ranch (Men of Mule Hollow) 1 1 TREASURE ME COWBOY (Lone Star Cinderella)
2 RESCUE ME COWBOY (Her Forever Cowboy)
3 COMPLETE ME COWBOY (Cowboy For Keeps)
4 SWEET TALK ME (Yultide Cowboy)

What readers are saying:
Debra always delivers...
Couldn't put it down!
Debra gives readers what they want.
I've read every book Debra Clopton has written and as usual I couldn't put this one down!


Follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/#!/debraclopton

Reviews

[Aimee (Getting Your Read On) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is it with swoony cowboys? I don't know but I sure like it. Tru is swoony. A little dense sometimes, but swoony for sure. And loyal. And hardworking.

Maggie will capture your heart. I loved her from the beginning and I loved her even more by the end. Life and it's challenges has made Maggie empathetic and compassionate. She is strong but not in an overbearing and forceful way. I like that about her.

One of the things that I loved about this book was the developing stories within the story. The romance was slow moving but provided that pull and tension between characters. Both Maggie and Tru have stories that unfold as they go along. The author did an excellent job of allowing me to get to know characters in a gentle and real way. It all felt good.

This book hit the spot for me. I was in the mood for a clean romance, a handsome cowboy and an overall satisfying story that went a little deeper than the usual fluff. (don't get me wrong though. I LOVE fluff!!) This is a Christian Fiction book, I would say light on the Christian. I'm really looking forward to reading about the brothers in future books.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishing for allowing me to read and review this title for them.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I ended up really enjoying this one!

When I saw my friend Aimee's review mention swoony cowboys I had to give this one a try. This was a sweet contemporary western. I liked the overall plot and the characters were great.

Maggie has had a hard life, but is always able to see the positive in things. She has taken this talent and become an advice columnist. She was an easy character to like and relate to. I liked how even though she had experienced a rough upbringing, she was still a caring person. She went out of her way to help others and was always lifting up those around her. I loved that.

Tru Monahan was a true cowboy. He is hardworking and loyal and takes care of those he loves. He has to fight his attraction to Maggie, but still ends up doing a good job of courting her despite his intention to leave her alone. They have good chemistry together and I enjoyed watching their relationship evolve. I like that they were able to become friends and that Maggie was able to turn to Tru when she needed him (drives me nuts when heroines refuse to go to the hero for help), it was refreshing to see her actually trust him, especially after everything she had been through. It was a big move for her.

I also enjoyed the side-story of Jenna, which touched a little close to home. I am on the opposite side of adoption, I was blessed with a sweet little boy almost five years ago. I often think of his birth mother and the amazing sacrifice she made to give him up and to a loving family. I know that Heavenly Father sends extra blessings to these birth moms who are able to help a couple have a baby when they haven't been able to on their own. Adoption is truly a wonderful thing and even though I can't imagine how hard that sacrifice is, I know being on the receiving end is truly a miracle. I thought it was handled well in the story.

Overall, a charming read! I enjoyed the setting and am looking forward to reading Bo and Jarrods story, I'll be keeping my eye out for more in this series for sure!

Content
Romance: Clean
Other: Mild talk of Jenna and Maggie's past, nothing graphic
Religious: Mild, very little religious content and not preachy at all

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[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is going to be a doozey of a series. I love the way Clopton creates an unforgettable community of living, breathing characters. Makes me want to visit Wishing Springs but it's not on the map. I checked! I'm already lamenting that there are only three Monahan brothers because I want this series to go on for a long time. And just for fun, fans of this author's Love Inspired books will appreciate the nod to Mule Hollow found within these pages.

The fantastic first meet totally drew me in. I love a klutzy heroine -- especially when a dashing cowboy comes to her rescue. I could hear the rumble of fireworks over that first glance and couldn't burrow into the story fast enough. Clopton is a comedic genius and her scenes just flow with love and laughter. Mind you, there's plenty of angst to work through for both Tru and Maggie and I loved the way the plot took a few unexpected turns that kept it fresh and compelling.

There are times when secondary characters steal the show -- Clara Lyn and Reba from the Cut Up and Roll Hair Salon are on the top of my list of favourites. They are unrepentant busybodies with hearts of gold and bring an added warmth to this inspiring tale. There's also a secondary plot involving a pregnant teen that further enhances the underlining theme of the hope that comes from sacrifice. Again, it has a couple of surprising twists and enough of an emotional punch to keep my nose buried in the book until I reached the end.

A stellar start to a promising new series.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/06/08/b...

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the small town of Wishing Springs, TX, Betting on Hope is the first novel in Debra Clopton's Four of Hearts Ranch series featuring the Monahan brothers. It is an overall sweet and heartwarming love story that fans of Christian fiction are sure to enjoy.

Maggie Hope is an introverted advice columnist who is out of her element when she is forced to step in front of the camera when she fills in during an interview with Tru Monahan. She is also a little clumsy and her first meeting with Tru includes several embarrassing mishaps. Her nervousness during their interview leads to a surprising challenge that neither of them plan to act on but Maggie's boss and Tru's sponsor think that the bet would garner both of them some much needed publicity. City girl Maggie is like a fish out of water on Tru's ranch, but with both their careers on the line, she sets aside her apprehension and concentrates on winning the bet.

Maggie has not had an easy life but she has an optimistic outlook and sunny disposition. She is also very kind-hearted and compassionate and this shows in the advice she gives to her readers. Maggie lacks confidence in unfamiliar situations and this coupled with her fears makes her very uneasy about having to follow through on the bet. However, the biggest obstacle that Maggie must overcome is her longstanding trust issues.

Tru is a hardworking cowboy whose finds his reputation as ladies' man rather embarrassing. He, along with his brothers Bo and Jarrod, inherited the family ranch after their parents' death and unbeknownst to anyone, his father had mortgaged it to the hilt. All three men have been working hard to pay off the massive debts, so Tru has to do what his sponsors ask of him. He gently encourages Maggie to overcome her fears but he remains frustrated by her continued lack of confidence in herself.

Tru and Maggie harbor misconceptions about each other but they quickly and easily clear up some of their early misunderstandings. They share a mutual attraction, but for the longest time, they avoid acting on it. When Tru receives devastating news, he pulls back from Maggie, which leaves her understandably upset and confused since he refuses to give her an explanation. Maggie also has a secret she has been keeping, but when she is threatened by someone from her past, she turns to Tru for some much needed advice.

The small town setting is perfect for the story and it is quite enjoyable getting to know its residents. The townspeople are quite colorful and a little eccentric, but they are very likable. They are a little nosy and over involved in each other lives, but it is also quite obvious they genuinely care about their friends and neighbors.

Betting on Hope is a lovely romance with a very appealing cast of characters. Debra Clopton does an excellent job keeping the storyline fresh and unpredictable with a few unexpected plot twists. It is an overall wonderful beginning to the Four of Hearts Ranch series and I am very much looking forward to reading Bo and Jarrod's novels.

[Gina Burgess · Rating 2 out of 5]

MY REVIEW



This novel started out so well, but dribbled to a rather predictable storyline. There was immediate sexual tensions. That's is not a bad thing, but it was very heavy-handed, almost forced. The thing is mostly Tell rather than Show, but Clopton did a great job raising questions in the readers' minds without coming out and telling the reader what the questions are supposed to be. That is rare these days.

Character development is cliche and heavy handed. There is little subtlety in this novel, and it is so predicable. I was yawning by chapter 5.

The main character is difficult to discern at first because there is so much back story given for 3 characters: The columnist, the cowboy, and the pregnant girl. Where should my attention be directed?



I blame the editor for a lot of this. In the attempt to show, not tell, a lot of backstory is given for the pregnant girl. This is very confusing at the beginning because you think she's hiding in the back of the truck driven by someone from the ranch, but it's not so. Everything sorts out later, but there is just so much confusion that a reader can take before getting fed up with a book.



Keep reading and there's still not one character that grows or is transformed or developed by what happens. Souls are not stretched, it is just a series of happenings. Again that is not necessarily a bad thing, but frankly I would much rather pick up bread crumbs along a winding path than be ramrodded down an Interstate highway.

ABOUT THE NOVEL



Maggie Hope is an advice columnist whose background leaves her with little advice to give . . . and it's beginning to show. When Maggie fills in at an interview with champion horse trainer Tru Monahan, the on-camera chemistry between them is undeniable.
Maggie's bosses know this is the opportunity she's been looking for to launch her career-and their bank accounts. In order to save her column, Maggie takes Tru up on the bet that he can teach her to ride a quick-stepping cutting horse like any cowgirl, despite the fact that she has never been on a horse. And in the meantime, she can get the scoop on the man under the cowboy hat.

Tru has been on the competition circuit for longer than he'd like, but he knows it's the only way he can afford to keep the Four of Hearts Ranch that means so much to his ailing grandfather. So when his sponsors see the opportunity for Tru's fans to get to know the star on a more intimate level, he knows he must oblige. To his dismay, Maggie not only invades his small town of Wishing Springs, but she also invades his heart, and that is something he cannot let any woman do-for her own good.

In Wishing Springs, Maggie finds what she has always been looking for: a community and a home. But when her past catches up to her, it threatens everything, even the tender hope that this town holds all of her heart's desires.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is a combination of a wonderful romance and a deep story of people dealing with intense issues.

Betting on Hope is set in a small town, filled with a plethora of fun and quirky characters. These people just made the place feel so very real to me. The two main characters Maggie and Tru are definitely opposites, yet they end up drawn to each other right from the start. Maggie is a strong woman, yet she struggles with self-doubt, guilt, and some clumsiness. Tru seems to have it all together. He is definitely a confident champion, but there are things weighing him down, as well. I loved watching their interactions and learning more about both of them.

Jenna is another side character in a very complicated and scary situation. She and Maggie’s paths cross and I really loved the friendship that grew between the two. This storyline was such a beautiful part of the overall book.

I loved this book from start to finish and I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through Litfuse Publicity, in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at enter a Kindle giveaway (through 3/8/15) at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[JoJo Sutis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debra Clopton’s Four of Hearts Ranch Romance series is off to a spectacular start with “Betting On Hope”!

Champion horse trainer Tru Monahan and clutzy advice columnist Maggie Hope shine in this heartwarming small-town romance.
Tru is trying to keep the family ranch afloat and Maggie is determined to save her advice column. A misspoken word turns into city girl Maggie spending the next two months with Tru- training her to ride a horse. With an entire town watching, can Tru and Maggie find their happily ever after?

This story is so sweet and cute and fun and funny. The characters just took me into their world from the start. I love the town of Wishing Springs and am thrilled to know that there are more books coming. The love of family shines through Tru’s interaction with Papa…a character who touched my heart deeply, and Jenna- this entire side-story was just brilliant!

These are not just your typical cookie-cutter characters…Maggie is struggling with a secret from her past and Tru has a secret of his own that will affect his future. I loved watching the relationship develop between these two. The author kept me riveted until the very end.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 star

This is my second Debra Clopton book & I really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to reading the 2nd book in this series when it comes out next month.

Poor Maggie, what a disastrous interview! But she handled it, most of it :), with humor. It would not be pleasant to be pushed out of your comfort zone the way she is in this book. But she grew from the experience, & learned to ride. It turned out well for her & Tru. I liked how Maggie helped Jenna & then went back to check on her & befriended her. I really liked Jenna and ached for the choice she had to make. I really hope we get to see more of her in the rest of the series.

Tru was a good character. I didn't like the way he was constantly sending mixed signals. I understand though that he had a lot on his plate. I loved his utter devotion to his grandfather. Caring for someone with Alzheimer is a difficult thing. And I loved it when he went in & took care of a problem for Maggie. That was a great scene. I wish though that he would have just explained earlier, to Maggie, what was holding him back.

A good clean western/cowboy story.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first look, it seems like beautiful Maggie and heartthrob Tru have everything going for them- in the career department at least. But under the surface they each have tragic backgrounds and current struggles that run deep. It was the harder themes that got to me with this book rather than the romance. The author dealt with them in a gentle manner yet didn't shy away from the reality of the situations portrayed in the story. Dysfunctional family members, family loyalty, Alzheimer's, homelessness, unwed pregnancy, adoption, infertility, gambling, fame... but even with the heavy themes it's still uplifting and inspiring. I especially appreciated the different perspectives in the adoption storyline since we adopted both of our daughters. Don't get me wrong- there are plenty of funny and sweet moments too, and there is a strong cast of secondary characters that rounds out the hometown feel of this novel.

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing and BookLook Bloggers for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

[Gennie Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs an Epilogue!

I loved this story. It didn't fall into the usual romance book tropes. I thought several times I knew what was coming, but I was wrong and I LIKE that. The only reason I took off a star was that when the story finally resolved, it was the last page! I need a little more, just a taste to know everything is all right. Make sense?

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe how much I loved this one. I was just looking for an easy, fluffy read. Didn’t expect to so randomly pick a winner. But somehow I did!

I listened to the audio book, and I think that was a big part of it. This reader does the best voices and the greatest Texas drawl. It added so much to the story and brought so many of the small town characters to life. I laughed out loud continually. Then there were cowboys, so you know...swoon.



And I LOVED THE END.



This book may be shelved as Christian fiction, but on my 5 point preachy-meter scale, I give this a 0.5. Just good and clean and an emphasis on trust, hope, and family. No preaching. And to that I say, hallelujah!

Can’t wait to listen to book 2!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. The narration repeated over and over how standing in each other’s presence made the two leads all jittery and dim witted. I’m not much on swooning, and it bothered me a little that Tru kept on thinking how he was barely able to stop himself from grabbing and kissing her, as if it never occurred to him she may not want to or might stop him even if she did. I also wasn’t thrilled with a couple of Maggie’s ideas: her reaction to the adoption, and the article she printed about the firefighters. I think the author wanted to give Maggie flaws to create some tension, but it just didn’t work for me. Still, the characters had backbone, and I’m a sucker for a love story, so I enjoyed it anyway.

[Kristi Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m such a sucker for the city girl falls in love with the country & the cowboy trope. 👌🏼🔥❤️

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betting on Hope
A Four of Hearts Ranch Romance 1
By Debra Clopton

The last thing Maggie Hope wants is to conduct an interview with Tru Monahan. But Tru's sponsors want this and the powers that be have ordered Maggie to fill in for the reporter scheduled to conduct the interview.

But Maggie is totally out of her element, after all she's an advice columnist not a reporter. And the interview goes from bad to worse with the highlight being Tru stating he could teach anyone to ride and Maggie betting him he couldn't teach her. Unfortunately for both Tru and Maggie both the station and his sponsors see opportunity in their "bet".

Maggie and Tru are given two months to fulfill their bet. And they have no choice in the matter - Tru's sponsors see $$$$, the network sees ratings, and the future of Maggie's column depends on her accepting the bet. But will the small town of Wishing Springs, Texas ever be the same after Maggie gets done with it?

Maggie is determined to avoid Tru's charm and becoming the newest tabloid fodder. Tru is determined to keep any and all women at arm's length for their own good. But Maggie's constant presence just may make that a tad difficult, especially if she can't overcome her klutzy ways.

Betting on Hope is both humorous and emotionally moving as Maggie and Tru fulfill their obligations while dealing with issues from their pasts. The various residents of Wishing Springs add to the richness of the story, adding both a depth and dimension that will make you want to revisit Wishing Springs.

I was provided with a copy of this book through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie Hope writes an advice column and now she has been ordered by the boss of her paper to go to Wishing Springs and do a TV interview with a champion horse trainer Tru Monahan. She also has questions that her friend wrote out for and is the host normally but has the flu. When she arrives she falls and drops the pages and as the interview begins she gets nervous and there is some dead air but Tru puts his hand on hers and that seems to calm her, so she can ask some of her own questions, but also there is a spark between them. The show then moves out doors where the talk is about teaching anyone to ride a horse and when he takes his out of the trailer she ends up falling again this time on her back side. She gets up walks to her car and leaves. So embarrassed that she does not want to see Tru again. The problem with that is someone recorded her fall and posted it on you tube and because of all of the hits they are sending back out there for Tru to teach her how to ride a horse. When she arrives back out there they each begin to find things out about each other and the more she is getting closer to Tru she does not know if he will still want to be with her when the truth about her back ground comes out. What she did not expect was her friend and all of the people in Wishing Springs being there for her. She did not have that growing up, and when Tru goes after her father because he is still wanting to cause problems for her she realizes that maybe just maybe this will all work out. A good story and not just a love story. I got this book from net galley. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Tressa (Wishful Endings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a soft spot for cowboys. They're rough, rugged, charming, strong, and normally gentleman (at least in fictional stories). Tru definitely fit the mold although he has been painted as less in his past. Maggie on the other hand is a single city gal with a rough past that she feels guilty about. They were an interesting combination and as they fell for each other, I fell for them and this small town full of fun and interesting characters with some interwoven stories of their own.

I felt a little pulled from the main story of Tru and Maggie at first when we learn about Jenna and about some of the other characters from the town separately, but the author had a plan and it all comes together beautifully in the end. I really loved being out on the ranch with the main characters and getting to know Tru's brothers and Pops a little more. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the consequences of the town being in the spotlight and what romance comes to Tru's two brothers: Bo and Jarrod.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with an inspirational element that felt natural and wasn't too pushy, then I'd definitely recommend Betting on Hope. I enjoyed the story thoroughly. There were some heartbreaking moments, some that definitely curled my toes and made me sigh, and some that were just sweet. I got behind these characters and cheered them on and felt a smile form on my face when I came to the end.

Content: Clean
Source: I would like to thank the publisher through Litfuse for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie Hope is a journalist and the author of a popular advise column. When her friend needs her to fill in on a TV interview with horse trainer Tru Monahan, Maggie agrees because she knows what it could do for her column. When she makes a bet with him on camera, her producers and his sponsors want it to happen. Maggie never dreamed she'd go from having never been on a horse to entering a competition in just a few short weeks. Yet Tru's a good teacher and she soon finds her heart being drawn to the handsome cowboy doing all he can to save his family's ranch. Will Tru be able to see into Maggie's heart and that she really does belong in Whispering Springs?

I've read quite a few of Debra Clopton's Love Inspired Books over the years and I always enjoyed them. So when I had a chance to review this full-length novel, I was thrilled.

I loved how Maggie had to step out of her comfort zone to do something she wasn't sure about. I also loved how patient Tru was with her. I loved how he was determined to do whatever he had to do in order to save his family's ranch.

The cast of minor characters were delightful and I look forward to the stories featuring Tru's brothers.

I found the book to be a very quick read. It was filled with humor. I think I giggled all of the way through it.

I received this book for free from Booklook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Janice Thompson, Love Inspired, cowboys, romance, Debra Clopton

Rating - 4 stars

[Ann Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Hope as overcome a rough childhood to write an advice column. When her friend who helped her obtain her job and a better life becomes sick and unable to give a television interview to Tru, a champion cowboy horse trainer, the company decides Maggie needs to go and give the interview with the hopes of increasing the popularity of her columnn. Tru's dad died leaving him and his brothers a pile of debt they must overcome to keep their ranch.

During the interview, Tru and Maggie spar themselves into a bet that he could not teach her how to ride a quick-setting cutting horse. The chemistry between the two is apparent, but Maggie and Tru fight it every step of the way when his sponsors and her boss demand that they workk together for two months to see who willl win the bet.

Maggie meets a young girl walking along the road and takes her to the home for unwed mothers. Jenna's life has similarities to Maggie's and Maggie's heart goes out to the pregnant teen-ager as they both come to love this small community, but Maggie has some dark secrets that threaten to be revealed. Tru had cancer as a child and has some health issues which may threaten his ability to have a woman be in a relationship with him.

I appreciated reading this inspirational romance story which I received from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts: BETTING ON HOPE is a great read. I enjoyed getting to know Maggie and Tru. Maggie is insecure, klutzy, and second-guessing herself. Not to mention, terrified of horses. Tru on the other hand is confident, wary of reporters, and a well-seasoned cowboy. I couldn’t help but fall in love with both of them.

There is a secondary character, Jenna, in the book, whose situation is heartbreaking. I cried. Maggie’s story is also sad, but she—and Jenna—struggle to rise above their history and make something of themselves—to do what it takes to succeed.

The book is fairly predictable. I knew what was coming long before it got there. But it was still a good read and I loved the chemistry between Tru and Maggie, I enjoyed watching them fall in love, and I didn’t want to put the book down. Ms. Clopton is one of my favorite cowboy authors and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Counting on a Cowboy, coming August 2015.

Don’t miss BETTING ON HOPE.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any story about cowboys I am all for reading. So of course I jumped at the opportunity to read this book! I have read one previous short story by Debra so I was excited to read this story. This is a fun story that starts with an awkward interview that ends in a rather amusing way. From this the story continues to tell about Maggie learning how to ride a horse and trying to get along with famous cowboy Tru. You can only imagine what happens from here it is rather predictable. There is a side story about a young teenage gal who is pregnant that I think I enjoyed reading about as well.

For a fun very light romance read this is a great book. At times I wish there was a little more depth but still enjoyable.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review".

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say 4 stars, but I enjoyed the ending so much I'm going with 5 stars.

For me, this was an easy read with lovable characters and swoon worthy Cowboys. Maggie steps in for a friend who is sick with the flu to interview the hunky Tru Monahan. During the interview Maggie who is a writer, not a TV personality, is so nervous that Tru takes her hand, rubbing small circles with his thumb. Mega chemistry. Maggie jokingly bet Tru that he could not teach someone as clumsy as her to ride a horse, much less compete in a cutting competition.

The secondary characters are a hoot. Tru's brothers equally swoon worthy. Good story line. Great ending. Im looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
Pure, enjoyable, escapist fiction. A story to get lost in briefly without feeling deep emotional upheaval...mostly well-written, except for some explanation hiccups at the beginning (characters got a little jumbled in my head at one point.) Maggie and Tru are thrown together by chance and their publicity groups; he's got to take this klutzy beauty and turn her into an accomplished horsewoman in a rediculously short amount of time, and it quickly blossoms into a romance.
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a solid, sweet romance. It's written from a Christian standpoint, but the only real mention is that they go to church and say "Thank God"....no big spiritual lessons here, so definitely no "preachiness".

[Britney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love cowboy stories and was quickly captivated by Betting on Hope! Debra Clopton brings the small town of Wishing Springs and its residents to life. It’s a place you feel like you’ve been and would love to revisit again and again. I loved Maggie Hope and Tru Monahan! Their chemistry was perfect and such fun to read. Humor, hurt, heartache, love, and romance are just of few of the elements that comprise this wonderful story! I loved Betting on Hope and can’t wait to continue this series!

My thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first novel by Debra Clopton and I really enjoyed it.

Maggie is a city girl with a rough start that has a chance meeting with cowboy Tru in small town Texas. Their journey was one about letting your heart guide you.

I particularly enjoyed the message from the novel about not trying to make decisions for others. That is so easy to do and truly we can only guide others to what we think makes the most sense, but in the end it is their life to lead.

Secondary character Jenna added a great deal to the novel and I hope we'll continue to hear about her in the second novel. Betting on Hope is part of a series and I look forward to reading the next one.

[Tammi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first Debra Clopton book I've ever read and it was great one! I am certainly looking forward to more stories from the Four of Hearts Ranch series. :)

[Em Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’ve read quite a few romances over the past three years. A pandemic does that to a girl. This is quite possibly the worst romance I’ve ever read.

The exposition and description are all over the place and are either packed full with information or skips an entire soliloquy that the character is giving and sums it up in one line.

The characters are dull and yet at the same time have so much trauma and background crammed into one person that we’re still finding out information in the last chapter about these characters. Also, the main character was so annoying in her insistence and her belief that she is always right that I wanted to grab a pillow and scream into it.

The romance is incredibly lacking. It’s entirely sexual tension, there is rarely any emotional connection, and I don’t understand how this can be labeled a Christian novel. Just because somebody says that they’re going to pray twice does not mean that it’s a Christian novel especially when neither one of the characters establishes their faith other than the fact that they go to church. They’re so consumed with lust for each other rather than love for the Lord.

All in all, I wish I could regain the eight hours I spent reading this.

[Grace Tolman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a long time to get into this book. Which was surprising since it had a hunky cowboy in the story line. I am not sure if it was the writing or I just wasn't that interested in getting to know Maggie and Tru right away.
But anyways, the book started getting interesting when they had their first kiss and how past experiences and existing fears from both caused the kiss to be more of a regret than a happy moment. I liked the little town and the characters in there. I know that if I continue to read the rest of this series that I will see what happens to them. I am also very intrigued by Tru's brothers. They all sound very hunky and such gentlemen.
Over all it was a good read. Probably not one that I will reread but it was a good one nonetheless.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betting on Hope

by Debra Clopton

Thomas Nelson--FICTION

Thomas Nelson



Romance, Christian

Pub Date 17 Feb 2015

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of Betting On Hope through the publisher and Netgalley:

Maggie Hope is an advice Columist, soon Maggie is filling an interview with Champion horse trainer Tru Monahan soon it is obvious they had some kind of Chemistry.

Tru is not sure he wants to see Maggie, but he does not wish her any ill-will.

Maggie is a city girl, and Tru is a country boy, a champion horse trainer with a passion for country living.

Maggie spends most of her adult life trying to run away from her past, but a young girl Jenna reminds her of her own youth when her Mother told her she was not wanted.

Betting On Hope is a story of love, hope and redemption, it's a story of forgiveness and of second chances, but it is also a story of love and of faith.

I give Betting On Hope five out of five stars.

Happy Reading.

[Amy S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Modern western (well, Texas so...) romance with a light sprinkling of Christian beliefs.
The characters were interesting and engaging. The plot is kind of fun and could have been amusing. The story was sort of "choppy" and the style could use some smoothing out. One of those stories where love-at-first-sight happens for both main characters but then the 'deep dark secret' on both sides keeps them from allowing the romance free reign.
Happy ending.
Violence, no sex, no swearing.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed an audiobook copy of this book from the local library and thoroughly enjoyed the book. Maggie Hope who writes an advice column has to interview cowboy Tru Monahan and ends up in a bet that he can teach her to ride a cutting horse. Both her publisher and his sponsors push the bet and give them 2 months to complete it. It includes themes of teenage pregnancy, and infertility. An interesting book!