Customer Reviews

The Shepherd's Voice: A Novel

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4 star:		(1)
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"Capturing the essence of the early 1930s, author Robin Lee Hatcher crafts an endearing story about a young shepherdess who rescues a wayward soul in her latest work, THE SHEPHERD'S VOICE. At first heroine Akira Macauley simply has pity on the penniless vagabond she finds collapsed on the road. Gabriel--a man accused and convicted of murder by his own father many years before--responds like a shriveled plant coming back to life under her care. As Gabriel is returned to his childhood faith and is healed from the scars of the past, Akira begins to realize the "diamond in the rough" she's found. To Hatcher's credit, the reader not only gets a strong sense of the Depression era's severity, but in contrast, an impression of a woman of faith who persists in believing against all odds. This is a romance rooted more in earthly realities than fairy tale fantasies, as trials come to test the faith of both Akira and Gabriel, with injustices of the past beginning to arise and Gabriel facing possible imprisonment once again. Hatcher has a real warmth in her writing style and the relationship between the characters comes across as natural and honest, rather than contrived and superficial. There is an authentic luster to the story, which gives the reader a genuine feeling, together with a plot that is suspenseful enough to keep the pages turning until the very end." --Christian Retailing (8/19/00)

Robin Hatcher's THE SHEPHERD'S VOICE is a sober portrayal of Depression era realities with spiritual truths entwined through her well-developed characters.

Akira Macauley believes God answered her prayer for hired help on the sheep ranch her grandfather has left her in Ransom, Idaho, when she finds a penniless vagabond collapsed on the road. With trust in that belief, she hauls him back to the ranch and helps him to regain not only his health, but also his lost faith. The unfolding story of Gabe's tainted past, his life as a convicted murderer, and his struggle to regain his lost faith holds the reader captive. The plot twists and turns test the faith of both Akira and Gabriel and challenge their growing relationship while presenting, with brutal authenticity, a picture of life during Depression years.

Hatcher builds the romantic relationship between Akira and Gabe Talmadge's through worldly realities to a credible happily-ever-after ending in a way that every romance reader will find endearing. Some readers may be discomforted by Robin's strong presentation of Akira Macauley's faith or Gabe's struggle to regain a relationship with God, but her genuine warmth and distinctive writing style make that faith a believable, integral part of their story. Your heart cannot help but be touched by the romance, the spiritual truths, and historical setting. After reading The Shepherd's Voice, you'll understand why this author has received so many writing awards.

I've always loved Robin's work but this has got to be her best piece ever. Full of vivid, well defined characters that pop out from each page, The Shepherd's Voice is one of those books that draws the reader into the presence of the storyline and holds them there until the very end. Readers finds themselves experiencing the same emotions as the hero and the heroine all the while contemplating the stark realities of The Great Depression. Robin captures the essence of this era, as well as the harsh atmosphere our hero must endure to find happiness and a love he so desperately needs and desires. I've always thought Robin's storylines were so strong, her characters utterly vivid - but none more so than with this book. The Shepherd's Voice is a book that is worth reading again and again. For any woman who loves a great romance, an intriguing storyline, and well fleshed out characters - this is THE book to read!

Convicted for a crime he didn't commit, Gabe Talmadge returns to his hometown of Ransom, seeking the love denied to him by his father Hudson Talmadge. Instead of finding the love of his forsaken father, he finds the love of Akira Macauley, owner of the sheep farm, Dundreggan. Gabe also discovers the love of another father, his Heavenly Father. Akira teaches Gabe about love and faith, and he realizes his biggest mistake was forsaking the Lord, several years ago. When he's again mistakenly arrested for a crime he didn't commit, his faith in God is tested, and he learns that it's imperative to always lean on the Lord.

Akira Macauly lives a simple life on a sheep ranch she inherited from her grandfather. Life is simple and uncomplicated until one day she discovers a hungry and exhausted hobo, whom she takes in and nurses back to health, despite the objections of many around her. Akira shows such Godly love to hobo and ex-con Gabe Talmadge that something happens to him that hasn't happened in years. He begins to feel gratitude and love, and finds grace and redemption, rather than anger and hate. Akira also finds out that Gabe is not the hobo she first thought he was. Lose yourself in life on a sheep ranch in the early forties, renew your spirit with the faith that Akira shows to all around her, and revel in the love that begins to grow between two totally different people. Settle in by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa and a warm comforter and enjoy until the end!

Robin Hatcher adds yet another compelling story to her growing body of works in The Shepherd's Voice. Gabe Talmadge is the wandering soul in search of a home and a place to belong and he finds it in the heart of every reader who reads this enthralling tale, a story that proves that God's redemption is available to all who ask. Hatcher's proven skill at writing compelling, best-selling romance is enriched and enlarged in The Shepherd's Voice.
Patricia Hickman author of Katrina's Wings

The Shepherd's voice it a terrific read,that draws you in and makes you really care about the characters. You can't help but love the heroine and the hero Gabe,who has a heartless sociopath for a father.
The story is beautiful and heartwarming,and romantic,but there are also some sad parts and strong tension in the parts with Gabe's Father.

It is an exciting,fast-paced read,but those who complain about books being 'too preachy' might as well skip this one,because it definitely has that element,which I love.

i loved this book was well written, and I couldn't put it down until I finished.

The Sheperd's Voice is a Christian romance following Gabe Talmadge and Akira Macauly. Gabe is a man with a troubled past and son of the ruthless and powerful Hudson Talmadge. Gabe returns to the town of Ransom after serving 10 years in prison for the "murder" of his brother, he is looking for work during the depression. His father, Hud Talmadge, refuses him help in "his" town and kicks him out. Gabe collapses on the side of the road where he is found by Akira, a sheep rancher, who takes in this broken man to work on her ranch.

Akira's strong Christian faith guides her on a path of spiritual and personal growth as she and Gabe work side by side on the ranch. Gabe struggles with his past and slowly rekindles his faith in God. Meanwhile Hud plots revenge against his son and Akira, vowing to own the land the ranch stands on.

This was my first Robin Lee Hatcher book and I will read more. It was a fast read and good to the last page. It reinforced trusting God completley in my life.