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Running on Empty
Anne Kellwyn has a secret. It's cost her everything to keep it, including her marriage. Now she may have to pay an even higher price to reveal the truth, but is she too late? Back home to care for her dying mother, Anne is faced with the past she ran from and a future she can't have, a future that includes Joe McIntyre and the happily ever after she'd dreamed of years ago.Chief of Police Joe McIntyre takes his position seriously. A lead-by-example Christian, he's put to the test when his ex-wife appears with another man's child after eight years of silence. Anger and pride challenge his small-town-hero existence, driving him out of his comfort zone. Faced with choices he made eight years before, can he tackle the present to ease Anne's future so she's no longer "Running on Empty".
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2013
200 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Logan Herne
137 books504 followersMulti-published, award-winning, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of being a published author and having the time of her life doing it. Born to a poor family in Rochester, NY, Ruthy draws on her early years and her many years of dealing with today's young families and businesses to create beautiful, heartfelt small-town stories of faith, hope and love... while adopting her favorite non-Scripture quotes "Plenty of time for rest in the grave" (Ben Franklin) and "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." (Eleanor Roosevelt) and one can always depend on Yoda "There is no try. There is do or do not." Succinct... and true. :) She loves chatting with readers on facebook at Ruth Logan Herne or follow Ruthy on Twitter, visit her website or stop by Seekerville (www.seekerville.blogspot.com) or pop by the Yankee Belle Cafe where Ruthy and several lovely authors share recipes, facts, photos and just plain old life! (www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 7, 2013
This is an Absloutely Fantastic 5-Star Must Read
This is one amazingly wonderful book. The atrocities that are represented within this read, as awful as they are, should be a gigantic wake up call to parents showing them it is their CONSTANT responsibility to talk to their children every day and stay very present and apprised of their activities in their school and extra curricular activities. There is evil lurking everywhere. It is a real eye opener how people/teachers/leaders, those who the community looks up to, are not always what they seem. I think in this instance there was overt flirting and above average interest in gifted 8th grade girls who excelled in running. If something gives you an inkling of being a little off, amiss, or it just doesn't feel right....trust your instincts and protect your children.
Joe had a long rocky ride in his relationship with his ex-wife that left him angry and bitter causing a gap in his relationship with God.
Anne up and left Joe without warning and no reason why. He had trouble looking past himself and his pride to realize something dreadful must have taken place to interfere with the strong love they shared and he should have gone after her.
Eight years later she arrives home to care for her ailing mother but she wasn't alone. Her five-year-old son accompanied her.
Joe avoided her like the plague and was not happy she had returned. He never missed an opportunity to degrade her and drag her down, hurting her repeatedly.
Can this mess be repaired? What will happen when horrible secrets are unveiled and Anne's and her son's lives are in danger? Can Joe, the Chief of Police and ex-husband let go of the past and protect them? What does God have in store for them and the people of their community?
This is one amazingly wonderful book. The atrocities that are represented within this read, as awful as they are, should be a gigantic wake up call to parents showing them it is their CONSTANT responsibility to talk to their children every day and stay very present and apprised of their activities in their school and extra curricular activities. There is evil lurking everywhere. It is a real eye opener how people/teachers/leaders, those who the community looks up to, are not always what they seem. I think in this instance there was overt flirting and above average interest in gifted 8th grade girls who excelled in running. If something gives you an inkling of being a little off, amiss, or it just doesn't feel right....trust your instincts and protect your children.
Joe had a long rocky ride in his relationship with his ex-wife that left him angry and bitter causing a gap in his relationship with God.
Anne up and left Joe without warning and no reason why. He had trouble looking past himself and his pride to realize something dreadful must have taken place to interfere with the strong love they shared and he should have gone after her.
Eight years later she arrives home to care for her ailing mother but she wasn't alone. Her five-year-old son accompanied her.
Joe avoided her like the plague and was not happy she had returned. He never missed an opportunity to degrade her and drag her down, hurting her repeatedly.
Can this mess be repaired? What will happen when horrible secrets are unveiled and Anne's and her son's lives are in danger? Can Joe, the Chief of Police and ex-husband let go of the past and protect them? What does God have in store for them and the people of their community?
October 29, 2014
Heart-touching story of compassion and hope!
Ruth Logan Herne has written a compassionate story about the very serious subject of pedophile crimes. I felt this was a realistic depiction of how a young girl would react after suffering this type of abuse, both physical and mental.....with confusion and the inability to ask for help.
Anne was abused by her running coach when she was thirteen years old. She was conflicted about the situation and was not able tell her family what happened to her. This hidden trauma caused problems in her later life.
The story develops as Anne returns to Forest Hills many years later to care for her mother. Joe, the husband she abandoned when she ran away from her past, is now the chief of police of the small town. Joe must deal with his feelings of pride and rejection. Anne must face her fears of her former coach and of the reaction of the community to her revelation of the truth. The romance between Joe and Anne involves working through past wounds towards forgiveness. Their relationship offers hope through love and forgiveness.
This story reminds us to be alert for symptoms of abuse when watching our children. Running on Empty is a heart-touching, believable story, filled with true compassion by author Ruth Logan Herne.
Ruth Logan Herne has written a compassionate story about the very serious subject of pedophile crimes. I felt this was a realistic depiction of how a young girl would react after suffering this type of abuse, both physical and mental.....with confusion and the inability to ask for help.
Anne was abused by her running coach when she was thirteen years old. She was conflicted about the situation and was not able tell her family what happened to her. This hidden trauma caused problems in her later life.
The story develops as Anne returns to Forest Hills many years later to care for her mother. Joe, the husband she abandoned when she ran away from her past, is now the chief of police of the small town. Joe must deal with his feelings of pride and rejection. Anne must face her fears of her former coach and of the reaction of the community to her revelation of the truth. The romance between Joe and Anne involves working through past wounds towards forgiveness. Their relationship offers hope through love and forgiveness.
This story reminds us to be alert for symptoms of abuse when watching our children. Running on Empty is a heart-touching, believable story, filled with true compassion by author Ruth Logan Herne.
January 15, 2016
To call this book a romance is an exaggeration. This is a book about a woman running from demons from her past and learning to trust God and those she loves to face those demons and receive healing.
Anne is a woman dealing with the painful scars of being sexually abused by her beloved running coach. For years he manipulated and terrorized her until she married. When he sends her a threatening letter, she leaves her new husband and runs to the south looking for an escape from her memories and fears. After years of mistakes, she puts her life back together and settles down to raise her son.
When her dying mother reaches out to her, Anne returns home to a hostile ex-husband, an angry town, and to her manipulative abuser. Still traumatized by the abuse, Anne desperately tries to move forward. She finally reveals the truth to her mother. Her mother dies shortly after Anne's confession and Anne is once again left to shoulder her burden alone.
As Anne works through her issues, she finally trusts enough in God to step forward and press charges. As her past is revealed, she and her ex-husband work through their issues.
In many ways this book is a loving outreach to victims of sexual abuse. The book encourages victims to realize they were innocent and that blame lies with the abusers. It encourages victims to find healing and peace with therapy and through God's grace. It also encourages victims to press charges to protect the lives of other potential victims. The author also shows how pedofiles groom victims, control victims, and hide their actions from trusting families.
In other ways, this book is unrealistic. Many pedofiles do not keep such compelling evidence to make conviction sure. The author spared the victims of a trial by allowing the pedofile to hang himself. Not all adult victims are able to press charges against their abusers. In many states, there are limitations on how long cases can be brought forth. There are times when a young victim can press charges and then adult victims can testify to provide corroborating evidence or establishing patterns of criminal behavior. Also sexual abuse cases are very hard to prosecute. The author touched on how victims are often drawn through the mud during a trial. I was skeptical that the entire town would rally around the victims of the running coach after being presented with evidence. In one real case I am familiar with, the evidence was irrefutable and charges were brought forward. The town still supported the coach over the young woman who was severely traumatized and abused.
Finally, I really disliked Joe, Anne's ex-husband. His bitterness and anger poisoned the whole town. His mistreatment of Anne despite her obvious contrition and meek manner toward him was inexcusable. He was a brat and didn't deserve Anne's love.
Anne is a woman dealing with the painful scars of being sexually abused by her beloved running coach. For years he manipulated and terrorized her until she married. When he sends her a threatening letter, she leaves her new husband and runs to the south looking for an escape from her memories and fears. After years of mistakes, she puts her life back together and settles down to raise her son.
When her dying mother reaches out to her, Anne returns home to a hostile ex-husband, an angry town, and to her manipulative abuser. Still traumatized by the abuse, Anne desperately tries to move forward. She finally reveals the truth to her mother. Her mother dies shortly after Anne's confession and Anne is once again left to shoulder her burden alone.
As Anne works through her issues, she finally trusts enough in God to step forward and press charges. As her past is revealed, she and her ex-husband work through their issues.
In many ways this book is a loving outreach to victims of sexual abuse. The book encourages victims to realize they were innocent and that blame lies with the abusers. It encourages victims to find healing and peace with therapy and through God's grace. It also encourages victims to press charges to protect the lives of other potential victims. The author also shows how pedofiles groom victims, control victims, and hide their actions from trusting families.
In other ways, this book is unrealistic. Many pedofiles do not keep such compelling evidence to make conviction sure. The author spared the victims of a trial by allowing the pedofile to hang himself. Not all adult victims are able to press charges against their abusers. In many states, there are limitations on how long cases can be brought forth. There are times when a young victim can press charges and then adult victims can testify to provide corroborating evidence or establishing patterns of criminal behavior. Also sexual abuse cases are very hard to prosecute. The author touched on how victims are often drawn through the mud during a trial. I was skeptical that the entire town would rally around the victims of the running coach after being presented with evidence. In one real case I am familiar with, the evidence was irrefutable and charges were brought forward. The town still supported the coach over the young woman who was severely traumatized and abused.
Finally, I really disliked Joe, Anne's ex-husband. His bitterness and anger poisoned the whole town. His mistreatment of Anne despite her obvious contrition and meek manner toward him was inexcusable. He was a brat and didn't deserve Anne's love.
April 30, 2016
This was the second novel I'd read by Ruth Logan Herne and really enjoyed it. It carefully tells the story of Anne, a young woman who, after years of struggling with her past, finds the strength to rise above being a victim and right past wrongs. She starts to make amends by returning to her small hometown to care for her dying mother after having disappeared without reason years before. Of course, Anne has her reasons, but was too scared to voice them, as most victims of heinous crimes are. As the former star runner at her high school and former wife of a beloved policeman, she finds herself a pariah. People are quick to judge, as we all know, and most aren't above hiding their judgment. Even so, Anne knows she needs to stay to help her mother when all she wants is to run again - run from town that is.
However, through a part-time job as a track coach, she starts to make amends with her hometown too, though not her past. As circumstances continue to place Anne and her ex-husband together, they discover they still love one another, but neither is willing to admit it or address the past -- until they're all forced to revisit the past as another victim steps forward.
Without giving away all the details and events, the story unravels in a way where the characters get to explore their own guilt, learn how to forgive one another and themselves, and to consider how they judge one another. Despite all the horrible circumstances and pain, hope, love, forgiveness, and redemption shine through, revealing all is possible with faith in God. It is worth the read.
However, through a part-time job as a track coach, she starts to make amends with her hometown too, though not her past. As circumstances continue to place Anne and her ex-husband together, they discover they still love one another, but neither is willing to admit it or address the past -- until they're all forced to revisit the past as another victim steps forward.
Without giving away all the details and events, the story unravels in a way where the characters get to explore their own guilt, learn how to forgive one another and themselves, and to consider how they judge one another. Despite all the horrible circumstances and pain, hope, love, forgiveness, and redemption shine through, revealing all is possible with faith in God. It is worth the read.
September 9, 2016
Wow, what an incredible story! Herne delves into some tough stuff in Running on Empty, but she does so with an honest, and soft touch. There is grace, compassion and truth warring to win out over the evil, deceit, pride and judgmental attitudes present.
In this novel, we deal with the subject of child predators and the impact on both the victim and others. This is a sensitive subject, and Herne handles it well. We are given the right dose of the truth but again it is handled gracefully. While this is a heavy topic, the story is not a downer. There is a wonderful redemptive thread woven throughout and illuminating nuggets of faith that add to the overall tale. This is one of those stories that you hate to set down, but when you must, it lingers on your mind.
I enjoyed seeing Anne and Joe work through their issues individually and together. The romance was sweet and touching. I really cannot say enough good things about this one. Definitely worth the read!
*** Currently available on Kindle Unlimited!
In this novel, we deal with the subject of child predators and the impact on both the victim and others. This is a sensitive subject, and Herne handles it well. We are given the right dose of the truth but again it is handled gracefully. While this is a heavy topic, the story is not a downer. There is a wonderful redemptive thread woven throughout and illuminating nuggets of faith that add to the overall tale. This is one of those stories that you hate to set down, but when you must, it lingers on your mind.
I enjoyed seeing Anne and Joe work through their issues individually and together. The romance was sweet and touching. I really cannot say enough good things about this one. Definitely worth the read!
*** Currently available on Kindle Unlimited!
September 17, 2015
Heartwrenching and heartwarming
This book has some grammar issues that a professional editor could fix. The characters are so well done that I had no problem overlooking them. This story is written from a perspective of a young, unsure girl. The story is so real I wonder if it was based on personal experience. The reveal of the full story was well done without too much delay and without unnecessary focus on irrelevant objects. I always have trouble understanding a character with low self-esteem but I found I could identify with the heroine in this story even though I didn't always understand why she ran. I couldn't put this book down. I had to finish it. Good job on this story.
This book has some grammar issues that a professional editor could fix. The characters are so well done that I had no problem overlooking them. This story is written from a perspective of a young, unsure girl. The story is so real I wonder if it was based on personal experience. The reveal of the full story was well done without too much delay and without unnecessary focus on irrelevant objects. I always have trouble understanding a character with low self-esteem but I found I could identify with the heroine in this story even though I didn't always understand why she ran. I couldn't put this book down. I had to finish it. Good job on this story.
Read
May 13, 2015Anne was a star on the school track and cross-country teams. But this local celebrity became a pariah when she left her husband, the popular chief of police, without explanation. Years later, her mother's illness brings her home to a hostile town and a painful secret.
Author Ruth Logan Herne handles the topic of sexual assault with delicacy and skill, taking us in the mind of the victim and the perpetrator, and showing the impact on the community when this horrible secret becomes public. The author expertly weaves in backstory to raise questions without slowing the pace of this emotional read.
Author Ruth Logan Herne handles the topic of sexual assault with delicacy and skill, taking us in the mind of the victim and the perpetrator, and showing the impact on the community when this horrible secret becomes public. The author expertly weaves in backstory to raise questions without slowing the pace of this emotional read.
September 30, 2013
Returning to the small town you grew up in is never easy, especially after you leave unexpectedly and cut all ties, as Anne has discovered. She returns to take care of her mother, and finds history come forward to try to entrap her again.
The characters were well-drawn, with realistic emotions. I wasn't overly keen on the subject matter but it was handled delicately and without dwelling on lurid detail. Instead, the author dwells on reconciliation, forgiveness, and the rewards of honesty.
The characters were well-drawn, with realistic emotions. I wasn't overly keen on the subject matter but it was handled delicately and without dwelling on lurid detail. Instead, the author dwells on reconciliation, forgiveness, and the rewards of honesty.
May 4, 2014
Ruth Logan Herne never fails to provide an emotionally riveting read--engaging characters, flowing prose, timely topics. This story about a woman victimized as a teen by a sexual predator is handled with compassion and tact, but without reducing the impact such a violation has on the lives of the innocent. Well done!
August 13, 2014
Just can't say enough about this book.
Just can't say enough about this book.
My recommendation for this book would be for all parents and grandparents and teachers be required to read this. Be aware of everything in your children's everyday routine. Abused children rarely get totally healed. I know!
Just can't say enough about this book.
My recommendation for this book would be for all parents and grandparents and teachers be required to read this. Be aware of everything in your children's everyday routine. Abused children rarely get totally healed. I know!
September 18, 2013
Another tale of impossible circumstances that were eventually covered by a loving God. Well written.
October 22, 2014
One of the best books I've read in awhile. Excellent story with just enough romance. Not a cheesy Christian novel.
January 14, 2015
Loved the book!!
This was a great book with a great storyline. A couple of surprises in the book that shocked me. Will recommend to others
This was a great book with a great storyline. A couple of surprises in the book that shocked me. Will recommend to others
November 24, 2021
Horror to healing.
Ruth Logan Hernes is a favorite author of mine, and this book only confirms it. The story deals with the very difficult subject of molestation and abuse in a powerful way. Watching the characters deal with the outcomes of other people’s choices in a realistic fashion, all the while finding healing and grace, gives new insight and empathy for young women whose innocence has been robbed. Justice and forgiveness only add to the integrity and impact of this story.
Ruth Logan Hernes is a favorite author of mine, and this book only confirms it. The story deals with the very difficult subject of molestation and abuse in a powerful way. Watching the characters deal with the outcomes of other people’s choices in a realistic fashion, all the while finding healing and grace, gives new insight and empathy for young women whose innocence has been robbed. Justice and forgiveness only add to the integrity and impact of this story.
April 8, 2018
This story is all about our times. Child abuse that goes on undetected; and when it is detected there is disbelief that it happened. More importantly, it is about the tendency we have to be judge and jury of other people and the harm that can do to so many. Reading this story made me think about how I have done these things and the known and unknown damage I caused.
It is not light reading; but it has a happy ending.
It is not light reading; but it has a happy ending.
August 10, 2021
Fantastic book
I couldn’t put this book down once I got started! I love good Christian books . Ruth Logan Herne is so good at making you feel like the characters and understanding them. I would recommend this book to everyone that enjoys mystery and how God really does love and guide us.
I couldn’t put this book down once I got started! I love good Christian books . Ruth Logan Herne is so good at making you feel like the characters and understanding them. I would recommend this book to everyone that enjoys mystery and how God really does love and guide us.
October 25, 2021
This is a cute Christian romance novel. I liked the story and found myself continuously want to get back to reading it. I only rated it a 3 because I felt the ending was very anticlimactic. I wanted a different resolution to the story. After building and building throughout the book I felt like it kind of just ended. I recommend for 14 and up due to some adult concepts.
December 6, 2017
An inspiring read
The plot is moving and fast paced. The faith that weaves in and out is thought provoking. A story for today's world, sadly to say. But the faith and love that weaves in and out of the tragic story is heart warming
The plot is moving and fast paced. The faith that weaves in and out is thought provoking. A story for today's world, sadly to say. But the faith and love that weaves in and out of the tragic story is heart warming
January 24, 2018
Emotional read
The power to forgive oneself and moving on to be a stronger and better person. Having the guts to step out of your comfort zone to protect others. What a beautiful story of redemption
The power to forgive oneself and moving on to be a stronger and better person. Having the guts to step out of your comfort zone to protect others. What a beautiful story of redemption
February 25, 2018
Wow!!!
I've never cried as much as I did when I finished this book. It may be fiction but I don't think for a second that it can't be true. Thank you for your books. Insightful and mind consuming long after the last page is read.
I've never cried as much as I did when I finished this book. It may be fiction but I don't think for a second that it can't be true. Thank you for your books. Insightful and mind consuming long after the last page is read.
April 25, 2018
I really like this one and could hardly put it down. I loved Joe and his strong character. Anne was also very likeable and the plot was pretty strong. The ending was so abrupt it left me a little dissatisfied so I had to drop down to 4 stars.
May 2, 2018
Anne
This was a great book, full of emotion. Anne returns home to care for her dying mother. She has lots of anxiety because of something that happened to her years ago. Well worth reading!
This was a great book, full of emotion. Anne returns home to care for her dying mother. She has lots of anxiety because of something that happened to her years ago. Well worth reading!
January 4, 2019
WOW!!!
The only thing I can say is OUTSTANDING!! Since this review requires a certain number of words I'll just say OUTSTANDING to the tenth power!!!!
Thank you Ruth for a wonderful read
Brent C. Bills
The only thing I can say is OUTSTANDING!! Since this review requires a certain number of words I'll just say OUTSTANDING to the tenth power!!!!
Thank you Ruth for a wonderful read
Brent C. Bills
January 17, 2019
MUST READ
Could not put my kindle down once I started this book!! Finished it in one afternoon... I can't wait to read another Ruth Logan Herne book, and will be downloading my next one, as soon as I finish this review!
Could not put my kindle down once I started this book!! Finished it in one afternoon... I can't wait to read another Ruth Logan Herne book, and will be downloading my next one, as soon as I finish this review!
October 27, 2020
A Page Turner
This was a sad, powerful story of criminal action, love lost and regained. It speaks of Gods' love and redemption and the Bible verses that are brought to mind just when we need them most.
This was a sad, powerful story of criminal action, love lost and regained. It speaks of Gods' love and redemption and the Bible verses that are brought to mind just when we need them most.
August 18, 2017
Powerful, intense book
September 26, 2018
Good premise but too many times one thing was said only for the following conversation to not follow what was previously stated.
September 17, 2021
This was a tasteful look into a difficult topic. If the blurb doesn't contain a trigger warning, it should.
December 14, 2013
3 stars.
I read this a few months back and actually forgot about it because I read it on my phone as opposed to my Kindle (oops!). There were things I liked and disliked about this book but overall it wasn't bad it just wasn't that good (if that makes sense). A little too preachy at times but this is Christian fiction after all, I know what I'm getting into when I pick it up. but I did like it when Anne stood up for her past re: her track coach in order to stop him from hurting more young girls. That is a tricky subject and hard to do in a book and the author pulled it off nicely here for the most part I thought. I guess what it came down to with this book was that I didn't really connect to any of the characters and so it didn't stand out for me. I mean, I forgot I actually read this until I was looking at my Kindle books. And that is not a good sign when it comes to books.
I read this a few months back and actually forgot about it because I read it on my phone as opposed to my Kindle (oops!). There were things I liked and disliked about this book but overall it wasn't bad it just wasn't that good (if that makes sense). A little too preachy at times but this is Christian fiction after all, I know what I'm getting into when I pick it up. but I did like it when Anne stood up for her past re: her track coach in order to stop him from hurting more young girls. That is a tricky subject and hard to do in a book and the author pulled it off nicely here for the most part I thought. I guess what it came down to with this book was that I didn't really connect to any of the characters and so it didn't stand out for me. I mean, I forgot I actually read this until I was looking at my Kindle books. And that is not a good sign when it comes to books.
June 2, 2016
This story wasn’t easy to read . . . the subject is very delicate, but it was written with the utmost respect and care. I have such great admiration for the author, who tackled this sticky subject with greatness!
Anne Kellwyn has a secret . . . a secret she’s been carrying around for too many years. Will she — can she — continue to hide it, or will she find the courage to reveal it to protect others?
Ruth Logan Herne found a way to create a story that needed to be told, without making it sensational or tawdry. My readers of inspirational books don’t need to fear that this story is too explicit. On the contrary, it reveals just enough, without being offensive to readers.
If you’re brave enough, don’t miss this story of courage, faith and love — and start reading it today!
Happy Reading!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews