Review: Pretending to Be the Mountain Man's Wife by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Determined to find his missing brother and catch the elusive mastermind behind the theft of his family's precious sapphires, Gil Coulter embarks on a solo mission to the remote town where the criminal is rumored to reside. As Gil scours the surrounding wilderness for the thief's hidden lair, he crosses paths with a captivating young woman who harbors secrets of her own.

Jess McPharland has spent her life hidden in the mountains, doing her best to stay separate from her family’s business. Yet the secret she’s just discovered will change her life forever. She offers a silent prayer, pleading for a man to help her conceal the truth she’s only just discovered. As if in answer, Gil Coulter rides through the trees, seeking the very criminal Jess calls Father. Now she must find a way to ask this stranger for the ultimate favor—to pose as her husband and shield her from the consequences of a change she won’t be able to hide much longer.

As Gil and Jess navigate the treacherous landscape and the greater danger from her father and his cronies, they find themselves caught in a web of danger, deception, and unexpected attraction. With each passing moment, the stakes grow higher, and the line between pretense and truth blurs. Will the love growing between them be enough to protect Jess's secret and lead them to the justice Gil seeks, or will the truth shatter everything they've risked their lives to build?

My Review

The suspense and action ramps up in this installment of the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch! Gil goes right into the heart of danger as he pursues his brother and the investigation of the stolen sapphires. He and Jess instantly connect, and I loved how he showed her the way a true gentleman treats women. Jess didn't have any loyalty to her father and his crew because of how badly they treated her. It was important that Gil had an ally in his quest, and Jess appreciated Gil's protection as her husband. The caves and tunnels brought variety to the landscape and it was fun to picture them in the adventurous setting. The story has plenty of suspense and action, as well as a strong theme of faith.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

The Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series 

Review: If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

 

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Determined to prove that cattle king Eli Dearing has no justification for evicting his stepmother and half brothers, Asher Ellis uses the cover of a fancy ball to break into the Three Cedars ranch house to search for proof of wrongdoing. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy's cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent, Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting in her honor is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from her unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother's life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind--his boot--and resolves to find him herself.

But when Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. And although Asher tries to keep his distance from Samantha for reasons of his own, a series of suspicious accidents befall her, and his protective instincts flare, no matter the cost to their future.

This Western reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale is an enchanting story of courage, family, and the power of true love.

My Review

Fairy tale adaptations are a favorite genre of mine, and with Karen Witemeyer as a favorite author, I knew I would enjoy her Western take on Cinderella. The story elements are creative and unique, with the male lead as the one in poverty, our female lead wealthy, and a father presenting several "opportunities" for her to marry. Samantha knows her own mind and is fiercely loyal to her family. As she grows into adulthood that brings some conflict when her path doesn't necessarily align with the goals of others. Asher has some prejudice against her family, but is willing to have an open mind when sees how Samantha has a compassionate heart as she tutors his younger brother. Samantha and Asher both go through a growth arc as they come up against trials and develop their faith to get through them. The mystery kept me in suspense and the twists at the end I did not see coming. A sweet romance and I was glad that the story deviated from the original enough to feel fresh and not predictable.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

The Texas Ever After series

 

Review: Winning the Mountain Man's Love by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

As the second brother of six, Jonah Coulter has no shortage of family, yet he’s more than ready to find a woman who doesn’t see him as her second choice. Haunted by the loss of his sister Lucy and the rejection of his former fiancée, he sets out to find the aunt of a lost child his family has taken in. Maybe reuniting the girl with her only remaining family will give him the purpose he craves.

After fleeing her past and the man who killed her late husband, Patience Whitman has reinvented herself in the untamed Montana Territory. Relying on her gambling skills to survive, she’s determined to earn enough to buy the life she dreams of—a bit of land and a home of her very own, far enough away from people that she can finally find peace. But then a man shows up in town searching for her and says his family has taken in her niece, Patsy’s perfectly laid plans go awry. If Anna really is here in the Montana Territory, Patience can’t abandon the only family she has left.

As Jonah and Patsy navigate the treacherous landscape of their pasts and little Anna’s future, they must confront their deepest fears and learn to trust each other. But when Patsy's dangerous past catches up to them, they must risk everything to claim the happily ever after they both crave.

My Review

I enjoyed the journey of Jonah as he searched and found Anna's aunt. She has had a rough road of unexpected circumstances, but each time she shifts her path and plans to keep going. Jonah brings bittersweet news- the death of Anna's family members but also a niece that needs her care. Patsy again pivots and does the next right thing, reuniting with Anna and building a relationship with her. Jonah has been disappointed in love- he's a protector and rescuer with a heart of gold. I appreciated how he learns from his past and uses those lessons to develop a stronger bond with Patsy and help her with her faith. As always the author weaves in powerful messages with danger and adventure. Another wonderful addition to the series!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

The Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series 

Review: Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

  

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters--and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young woman found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather's ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope's acting troupe. The evidence points to her guilt, but Titus's heart divines a different truth--one that might just get Penelope killed.

An enchanting Western take on the classic Snow White fairy tale, Fairest of Heart will sweep you away from once upon a time to happily ever after.

My Review

This is such a creative retelling of Snow White! The setting is not your usual Western, either- it features a traveling performance troupe, a ranch for retired cowboys, and a Texas ranger following an investigation. Penelope is genuinely good, and embodies the essence of the classic Snow White. She has had a life of struggles, but is still compassionate and caring. The old cowboys adopt her as a granddaughter of sorts, and she reciprocates their kindness with actions of service such as cooking, cleaning. The ranch becomes a real home to her of affection and security, something she craves. I wasn't feeling the chemistry between her and Titus- they didn't have many scenes together before their relationship accelerated from Titus's suspicion and accusations to romance. The villainess was truly conniving, and a handful of scenes are from her perspective to keep the plot moving along. Thankfully the faith and loyalty of Penelope's new "found" family helped all things work together for her good.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

The Texas Ever After series

 

Review: Blind Dates, Bridesmaids and Other Disasters by Aspen Hadley

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

  

 

Cedar Fort print book

Cedar Fort e-book

About the Book

On the surface, Rachel Stevens's life looks perfect. 

One great job, two awesome roommates, and a supportive family. But when her roommate Hannah announces her engagement, Rachel sees eternal singleness and innumerable cats in her future. When the bride-to-be issues a challenge--go on six blind dates and before the "I do's" --Rachel isn't convinced her imagined future is that bad in comparison. The dates are predictably horrible and the situation further complicated by the return of James, Rachel's first, long-lost love. James says he is over her . . . but is Rachel over him?

My Review

This was a fun read! Rachel has a series of incredibly ridiculous blind dates, all witnessed by her former fiancé. I was anxious for the first half of the book for her to connect with James in a deeper way, but the focus was on her attempts to find someone else, which were admittedly full of humor. The pace and depth of the book increased as Rachel and James confront their lingering romantic feelings for each other, exploring regrets, forgiveness, and if a second chance is possible. I enjoy this author's writing style and look forward to reading more!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: The House that Love Built by Beth Wiseman

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Brooke has only loved one man, her late husband. Owen’s rebuilding after a painful divorce. Can a mysterious house bring them together for a second chance at love? 

 

In the charming town of Smithville, Texas, Brooke Holloway is raising two young children on her own, supporting them by running the family hardware store. The last thing on her mind is falling in love. But she’s intrigued when a stranger moves to town and buys the old Hadley mansion. She’s always heard that house holds a secret — maybe even a treasure — and she can’t wait to see inside. When she meets the new owner and they spend time together, she can’t deny the attraction. Could God be giving her another chance at happiness? Or is she betraying her late husband’s memory by even thinking that way? 

 

Owen Saunders bought the Hadley place to spite his cheating ex-wife. She’d always wanted to restore an old house in Smithville. Now he’s going to do it without her. But if anything needs restoration, it is Owen’s heart. Then he meets Brooke and her kids and finds himself tempted by love. Can he bring himself to trust a woman again? Throw an eccentric uncle into the mix, along with the town’s teenage troublemaker, and even a finicky cat — and one thing becomes clear: God is bringing them all together for a reason.

My Review

This is a wonderful story about community, found family, growth and forgiveness. I appreciated that Brooke and Owen began as friends, encouraging each other and offering a listening ear, hug, or company for a movie night. They both have some trauma and betrayal they are working through, and the focus was more on their emotional relationship, without much emphasis on chemistry or attraction. I loved the storyline with Hunter, the troubled teen who needed love, second chances, and distance from his abusive parents. The story began slowly, and the layers the author hinted at also unfolded slowly enough that I almost gave up. Thankfully I kept reading because as the pace increased my engagement with the story did as well. The mysterious hidden bunker in Owen's house with the sad story that accompanied it came full circle and the ending was very satisfying.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.