The Strength Of Love is one book that isn’t simply defined by the words written about it. While reading this story, I found myself feeling things I didn’t know possible. This story is one of faith, above all else. Even when faced with the toughest situations that life has to offer, this book prevails. As a young woman about to enter the world on my own, this book shows me the true value of strength. Life isn’t all roses and happy times; we are reminded that tough times are inevitable. But it is how we face those tough times that define us, and this book proved that in spades. As a fellow writer, I couldn’t help but appreciate the intricate writing style that Ms. Ross exhibited. She not only helped me visualize each scene, she took me on a detailed adventure throughout the entire book. This book has my highest praises, as well as Ms. Ross. If you’re looking for a good cry, this book is for you, and I promise, you will feel every single sentence as though it’s your own story to be unfolded. My life was forever changed by this book.

As a blogger I read a lot of books, but I can honestly say that I have never read a more compelling and beautiful story than this one. It really made me not only stop and think about all the trials and tribulations that the main character was going through, but it made me feel and I mean really feel!! I felt every emotion reading this book, all the good, all the bad, and all the holy cow what just happened? The author told a story that will make you really think about how much we have to depend on faith to get us through all the trials of life. I don’t usually cry in books, but this book had me in tears from about 45% on. Some were tears of joy, some were tears of sorrow, but all in all this book is just one of those books that I believe everyone should read. It will break your heart over and over and then it will put the pieces back together again. This is one book you don’t want to miss! To say it is fantastic is a gross understatement!! This book deserves way more than just 5 stars!!! I was lucky enough to beta read this book.

First I got this book on netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have never read anything by this author I chose it because I liked the book description. This is not a fairy tale romance. This to me was a fiction story of things that happen in real life and real relationships. You have to fight for the love of your kids and relationships and that is what this story is about. You will laugh, cry and feel many more emotions while reading. The biggest one you feel is hope. Thank you for letting me read about Rachel and Brooks. True inspirational read.

Every once in a while a book comes along that takes the reader on an emotional journey, for me that book is The Strength of Love.

In The Strength of Love, author G.L. Ross weaves a poignant and inspirational tale of love, loss, and second chances. Set in Texas, the reader is easily drawn into the story of twenty-six year old middle school counselor Rachel Thompson. Rachel is always the bridesmaid, but never the bride. With all of her friends falling in love, getting married, and having babies, Rachel dreams of having her own happily ever after. When Rachel is given a chance at true love, her life becomes picture perfect, that is until the eve of her wedding when tragedy strikes, and her life is suddenly turned upside down. As Rachel struggles with her grief and trying to move forward, she embarks on an emotional journey to start her life anew, one filled with trials and tribulations that will test her strength and faith, and unexpectedly give her a second chance at love and happiness.

Oh my goodness, The Strength of Love is a compelling and beautifully written story that simply tugged at my heartstrings and stirred my soul. I was easily drawn into Rachel's emotional journey as she learned to deal with the trials and tribulations in her life with faith, hope, strength, and the wonderful support of her family and friends. This is a realistic story that anyone can relate to, it will make you sit up and ponder what you would do if you were Rachel's shoes. As the reader follows Rachel on her journey, they will experience the full gamut of emotions, you can't help but cheer her on as she grieves, heals, and receives a second chance at love and happiness.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how lovely the book cover is, and how symbolic the rose petals and piece of wood perfectly describes Rachel's mixture of delicacy and strength.

The Strength of Love is an amazing and timeless story of love that will resonate with you for a very long time.

I loved this romantic story. From sad to amazing. I even cried the last 2 pages! Awesome. Keep up the good work!

I loved this book! You really don't want to put it down. You will experience every emotion, as it deals with so much more than just romantic love. Faith, family, hope and strength are ever present throughout this compelling story. I highly recommend it!

Haven't read a fiction book in many years. This one took me from a list of "to do's" on Sunday afternoon to completely ignoring everyone and everything. Finished over coffee Monday morning! Great read - recommended, if you like love, healing and second chances!

What a spectacular roller coaster ride!! From word one this bright and beautiful novel pulled me in and grabbed my heart. Rachel and Brooks’ love story is for the ages. But it is just the beginning. I laughed and cried and gasped at the twists and turns. The author builds a timeless story of love and loss and grief and healing all with the healing power of God’s love. Of course, friends and family have their own parts to play. It is well done and not sappy. The characters are developed with care and each character is fully developed. Each new character is developed with the same care. I have not shed so many tears while reading a book for a while. But tears are cathartic and this book provides a lot of catharsis. The writing is excellent and I will hold these characters in my heart and remember them forever…and always. Please take a chance and read The Strength of Love. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I really enjoyed reading this story and have to say that this is an ugly cry book! Oh the tears that I had but you feel every emotion. There are so many raw emotions that will run in this book and you will feel them as if it was real, this book just feels so real as if it was someone's life. This book will touch your heart and stay there. It's such a heartfelt book and I believe the author did an amazing job writing this story.

Rachel finally found love when she didn't think she ever would find someone. She meets Brooks and it was instant love, someone she could spend the rest of her life with. Everything she dreamed and prayed for was coming true until one night it was all taken away from her. Brooks was taken away and she was left with nothing except a gift that she would take care of for the rest of her life. Rachel moves forward with her life and then more tragedy comes at her and she doesn't understand why. Rachel has the support from her family & friends and they won't let her down nor have her give up. With having the support, Rachel is able to continue praying and be hopeful that things will turn out for the better.

So what do you do when you think everything you have worked for, prayed for and hold onto has a chance to be taken away? For Rachel, she prays and goes back to the one person she always had a connection too and hopes that he will be able to help her. She still feels Brooks and now she needs his help more than ever. This book had me thinking of "She Talks To Angels" song while reading through and it goes with the book too.

Rachel never expects to ever have someone replace Brooks. She thought that she would be lonely for the rest of her life until she meets Marcus. Marcus is so different from Brooks but in a good way and when she has him by her side as well, she knows that she must not give up hope.

This book is so dang amazing. I don't think 5 stars does it justice as it needs more than that. If you don't mind feeling raw emotions and having tissues, you won't regret reading this story. This is on my favorites list for this year.

Trust in Your Faith, & in Love

Thank you for the review!

"Rachel has watched her friends get married, and watched some have children, and wondered when she would have her happy ever after. When her friend introduces her to Brooks, Rachel knows he's The One. Everything could not be better for Rachel and Brooks, as they make plans to get married. When tragedy strikes, Rachel is heartbroken, and thinks her life is over. As she begins to heal, something unexpected happens that lifts her spirits and gives her a reason to live. Years later, Rachel is faced with a new challenge, that she knows will be difficult to get through. With the love of family, friends, and her guardian angel, she finds the strength to trust in God, that He knows what is best and will make it happen in His own way, in His own time. This was a very moving story, and I loved it." 4.5 Stars

Couldn't Put It Down. This book is an incredible mix of faith, love, and hope. The characters seemed as though they were real and I was living my life right along side of them. I could not put it down and read it in one setting...leaving me with the feeling of true joy. I recommend this book to anyone who understands that life throws us all hardships at times but it's in the trusting that it will all work out for the best that we find true happiness in our lives. 'Thank you G.L.

June 9, 2016

A 5 Star Review:
This was a truly awesome story. Not your normal romance. I laughed at times and cried a lot for Rachel and all life was throwing at her. But she still keeps her faith and with the help of all who love her Rachel keeps going on including keeping her faith. The only thing I even had a little problem with is at times the story was a little slow, but so much is going on most of the time it wasn’t a big thing. As the plot was great and the story inspiring and well written. I loved the characters especially Rachel and all the twists and turns her life had and she still made it. I highly recommend.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.

Another good read by GL Ross!! The Strength of Love, just like life is filled with twists and turns, trials and challenges. As the story unfolds faith, hope, perseverance and the power of love prevails.

Rachel is sick and tired of always being the single one. She sends out a prayer to find her someone to grow old with. Her best friend takes her to a rodeo and when Rachel sees Brooks she's sold. It is love at first sight. Finally she has found her other half. Rachel is ready to love her cowboy forever.

Brooks knows he has found his future wife the second he looks at Rachel. He is everything a woman could ever ask for. He is sweet, kind and gorgeous. He loves Rachel very much and it isn't long before he asks her to spend the rest of her life with him. Life is looking great until a devastating tragedy strikes.

Rachel is heartbroken and doesn't know how to overcome her pain and sadness. After sixteen years of picking up the pieces and taking care of herself and her son tragedy strikes again. What she has to endure is the nightmare of every parent. Will they have the strength to stand tall and face what is coming head on?

The Strength of Love is a beautiful and heartbreaking story about love, loss and second chances.
I can't remember ever crying so much while reading a book. This story really touched me and moved me in many different ways. Rachel is so strong and shows enormous strength. I was really proud of the way she handles everything that happens to her and her loved ones.

This story does have some very serious subjects, but it also shows how the sun will be able to shine again if you just keep believing. I'm very sure that The Strength of Love will touch your heart just as it has touched mine and this story will stay with me always and forever.

Best Book I've read in a long time! Finished reading the entire book in two days because I simply could not put it down! Ross has a way of writing that makes you feel attached and personal with her character as if they were your closest friends. I laughed, I cried and did not want The Strength of Love to come to an end! This is the first book in a long time that I felt made an impact on the reader in so many ways. It can help you cope and get through a break up or loss of a loved one because of the hope this book gives! It can help you muster up the courage to keep going no matter what life throws your way! It can even bring that little bit of fantasy and adventure in your love life that you are longing for! After reading this book, I immediately went and bought more books from this author because I simply can't get enough!