Ransomed Hope

By Deborah Pierson Dill

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick . . . " Seventeen years ago, Ashley Turner lost her father as well as Manuel Vega, the man she loved. Since then, she's been trying to make the best of a bad situation. Now a widow, burdened with the alcoholic brother who bankrupted the family ranch, and days from foreclosure, she's beyond hoping for her situation to improve. Ashley knows God allows adversity for a reason, but she can't begin to comprehend the purpose in her troubles. "But a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." When Manuel makes good on his promise to return after having been harshly turned out so many years ago, Ashley dares to hope that all is not lost. His intention is not to rescue her, however, but to pursue revenge for past wrongs. He soon discovers that his hardened heart is no match for her renewed hope.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pelican Book Group
• Release date: Dec 18, 2012
• ISBN: 9781611162493

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RANSOMED HOPE

Deborah Pierson Dill

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

RANSOMED HOPE

COPYRIGHT 2012 by DEBORAH PIERSON DILL

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or Pelican Ventures, LLC except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

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All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version(R), NIV(R), Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Cover Art by Nicola Martinez

White Rose Publishing, a division of Pelican Ventures, LLC

www.pelicanbookgroup.com PO Box 1738 *Aztec, NM * 87410

White Rose Publishing Circle and Rosebud logo is a trademark of Pelican Ventures, LLC

Publishing History

First White Rose Edition, 2012

Electronic Edition ISBN 978-1-61116-249-3

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

For Pepper, whose hopes for me have never wavered.

Other Titles by Deborah Pierson Dill

Perfect Shelter

Return to Me

Moving On

Prologue

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:12

December, seventeen years ago

As if this week hadn’t been difficult enough.

Manuel Vega’s filthy, worn boots fell heavier than usual on the wide, hand-hewn planks of the foyer floor. He didn’t stop to reflect on the bare Christmas tree in the great room, ten feet tall and still not reaching the ceiling. Regardless, the sight raised a fresh wave of grief that went immediately to war with the indignation of being called in from the feeding, summoned like a truant ranch hand to face Brandon and Mr. Cole. Seemed like this could have waited at least another few days. Until the memory of the funeral wasn’t quite so immediate.

Manuel stopped at the door, removed his hat, and quickly ran a hand through his hair. What was Brandon up to, anyway? Hard enough to keep the place running on an even keel at this point. No doubt, he was ready to establish his authority in a big way. A deep breath filled Manuel’s chest, and then he reached for the knob.

Bright afternoon sunlight poured in through the enormous office windows, just the way Franklin had liked it. Today the sky was clear, the air crisp, and Manuel could see hilltops for miles from the house’s perch atop the highest hill on the ranch.

Franklin had sent the contractor into a fit during the addition of this part of the house by insisting on the removal of windows that had already been installed. The change meant reframing most of two walls to accommodate bigger windows. He’d wanted more light.

Manuel let the memory wash over him along with a peaceful sorrow as he approached the room’s center. Franklin had always said that if he had to be cooped up inside an office, he at least wanted to be able to look out his window and see his livestock grazing in the pastures.

So, when will you be leaving? True to form, Brandon Tennent wasted no time in getting to his self-absorbed point. He didn’t turn from the window when he spoke.

Manuel swallowed down the ache rising in the back of his throat as the image of Franklin standing in the same spot, staring out the same window, dissipated like mist. Manuel glanced from Brandon’s back to Cole, the family attorney. Excuse me?

I assume—Brandon turned from whatever held his attention outside and faced Manuel—now that my father’s gone, and there’s no longer anything here for you, you’ll finally be moving on.

What do you mean there’s nothing here for me? He glanced back at the attorney who shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

Just that, Manuel. There’s nothing here for you now. Brandon took a seat in his father’s chair behind the massive oak desk, his contempt nearly tangible. You probably think you’re in the will, am I right?

Manuel stood silently. Why wouldn’t he be named in the will? This was his home. He may be on the payroll, but Franklin Tennent had been his legal guardian until he’d turned eighteen, and in the four years since then had treated him as nothing less than family.

Well, you’re wrong. Brandon actually smiled, seeming to take a great deal of pleasure in the revelation.

Manuel took a step back and instinctively turned to Mr. Cole. I…I’m not in the will?

The will is twenty-five years old. Cole looked down. It was drawn up the year Brandon was born. Brandon is the only beneficiary.

Manuel hated the confusion that must have registered plainly on his face as he glanced from the attorney back to Brandon. What about Ashley?

"What about Ashley? Brandon snapped the question back at him. There’s nothing here for you. Least of all, Ashley. Do you think my sister is love-struck enough to marry a man with nothing? She may be young and irrational where you’re concerned, but she’s not stupid. Where would you have her live, Manuel? Your pickup? Or that pile of rocks Dad gave you that you and she like

Reviews for Ransomed Hope

[love2readnovels_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Ashley Turner's father died, he left the ranch to her alcoholic brother. Her brother then forced Manuel Vega (the man Ashley loved) to leave. Now seventeen years later her brother is still drinking and their ranch is about to be foreclosed. Ashley knows that God must have a purpose but she's just not sure what it might be. Her hopes are raised when Manuel returns. But Manuel's not there to help them. He's bent on getting revenge. Will he be able to follow-through with his plan or will his plan change when he learns the reality of the situation?This was a story that was full of emotion. Ashley was a sweet woman who could have been bitter but instead was honoring the Lord with her behavior. Manuel was a really great, yet flawed hero. I appreciated the way the author handled the whole family dynamics. What man meant for evil, God meant for good. A good message for those difficult situations we face. This is a short read (about 61 pages) but I thoroughly enjoyed every page. Though as a reader, I would have loved an epilog to finish out the story. If you are looking for a quick Christmas- themed story, Ransomed Hope would be a great choice!File Size: 222 KBPrint Length: 61 pagesPublisher: Pelican Ventures Book Group-White Rose Publishing (November 2, 2012)ASIN: B00A111VHO