Review: A Temporary Family by Sherri Shackelford

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

When Tilly Hargreaves and her three nieces are stranded at his small stagecoach station in an abandoned town and threatened by outlaws, Nolan West must protect them. And the only way he can do that is by pretending he's married to Tilly. But can the former solider, whose only wish is for solitude, stop himself from growing attached to his temporary family?

Tilly knows the charade is necessary to keep her and the girls safe, but now her heart is in danger. The longer she pretends the stoic station agent is her husband, the more genuine their union feels. Nolan believes he's better off alone, but Tilly's certain that if he'd only open his heart to his make-believe family, he'd want to claim them as his for real.

My Review

This western historical is full of suspense and danger throughout the entire book as Tilly and Nolan endure the occupation of the station by villainous outlaws intent on stealing a pending shipment of gold. It seems that nothing goes right for these two as they face obstacle after obstacle. I liked Tilly's cheerful spirit and how it contrasted sharply with Nolan's discouraged attitude, yet over time she helped him lighten the darkness that's plaguing him through her hope and faith. He helps her put things in perspective as well, and that kind of symbiotic friendship was lovely. Their romance is hesitant and full of doubts, and I appreciated that their friendship and support of each other stood strong in spite of that. I was quickly turning pages to see what would happen next and how they would manage to come out on top of such a rough and dangerous situation!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: Cowboy Creek Christmas by Cheryl St. John and Sherri Shackelford

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

A season for love and family 

Mistletoe Reunion by Cheryl St.John 
When Marlys Boyd moves West hoping to find acceptance for her doctoring skills, she's surprised to find her former fiancé, Sam Mason, running the local newspaper. And with the ladies in town determined to make a match of the doctor and the single father, she's not sure she can resist building the family they once dreamed of.

Mistletoe Bride by Sherri Shackelford
Pregnant by a man who betrayed her trust, a mail-order marriage is Beatrix Haas's only hope. But when she arrives in Cowboy Creek and learns her intended groom has died, she needs a new daddy for the baby that's coming right away. Blacksmith Colton Werner offers the mother and child the protection of his name, but can their marriage of convenience ever lead to true love?

My Review

Mistletoe Reunion

A sweet story of second chance love between Marlys, a female homeopathic doctor and Samuel, a journalist and author. They never expected to be reunited after so many years, and old feelings are brought to the surface again to be explored. I liked that Marlys is intellectual and driven in her career because she wants to help people. She is very compassionate which shows her softer side. Samuel is a perfect match for her because he admires her independence and the sacrifices she makes to benefit the lives of others. He's a bit hesitant to see if she has room in her life for him, but his son helps them bond and see the happiness that the love of being a family would bring.

Mistletoe Bride

This story has a fabulous beginning with a great hook- Colton marries Beatrix on her deathbed to provide a name for her soon to be born son... but she doesn't die! He instantly feels protective and concerned for her, and it doesn't wane after she recovers, but blossoms into care and affection. Their romance grows sweetly, I loved how he defends her and shows his regard for her in such sweet ways since he doesn't have any experience with relationships. He also has deeper issues about his past which brings another dimension to the story as Beatrix helps him turn to God for forgiveness. There is a bit of a language barrier in the beginning and a cultural dynamic such as the persecution against Austrians by those of German descent because of the war in Europe. Well-developed characters and a great plot made this a story I'll want to read again.

(I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: Special Delivery Baby by Sherri Shackelford

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

An abandoned baby is the last thing town founder Will Canfield expects on his doorstep. He's not the father—and the mother's unknown. But the precious little girl needs a protector. And Will never backs down from a challenge, even if it means caring for a newborn…or dealing with spitfire cattle driver Tomasina Stone.

With her father gone, Tomasina's trail life has ended. Yet becoming a polished city lady feels far out of her reach. All she wants is a place where she'll be appreciated, respected…maybe loved. And the more time she spends helping Will care for the baby, the more she wonders if she's found it. She's never wanted to settle down…but Cowboy Creek—by Will's side—might finally give her heart a lasting home.

Cowboy Creek: Bringing mail-order brides, and new beginnings, to a Kansas boomtown

My Review

This is the middle book in the Cowboy Creek trilogy, so it had some continuing plot lines from the first book and provided a set up for the next book. The town is still being harassed by a gang of outlaws and discover some paperwork problems that don't fit the gang's MO which opens the field of suspicion. Daniel and Will also order a bride for their recalcitrant friend Noah, and she arrives in the following book.

The contrast between Will and Tomasina is what stood out to me in this story. At first they butt heads but soon learn to understand and admire each other's point of view. They have great chemistry but allow their differences to get in the way of developing a relationship... until they just can't help themselves of course ;) The baby doesn't play as big of a part of the plot as the synopsis implies- Tomasina actually is involved in a wide variety of jobs in the thriving town until she finds the right one that fits. I enjoyed seeing her transformation as she searches for a new purpose and her friends help her find pleasure in becoming a lady. Her no nonsense and frank way of speaking serves the town well as she shares her opinion on how they can benefit from her ideas. I appreciated that Will respected her as an individual and didn't allow her gender to prevent him from helping her reach her potential.

(I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review: A Family for the Holidays by Sherri Shackelford

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Paid to accompany two orphaned siblings to their grandfather in Nebraska, Lily Winter is dismayed to discover the old man has gone missing. And when the children's inheritance makes them a target, buying protection is Lily's only option. Until a handsome gun-for-hire suggests another solution: marriage.

Undercover US Marshal Jake Elder can't reveal his true identity without blowing his mission. Nor can he leave the town's pretty new arrival unguarded. But while uncovering a plot against her charges is difficult and risky, falling for Lily is all too easy. Especially once their marriage in name only gives Jake a glimpse of how wonderful Christmas—and their future as a family—could be.

My Review

The quick pace of this book kept me turning the pages in anticipation! Lily quickly becomes devoted and protective of her charges, especially when it becomes apparent that others want to take advantage of them. I admired her tenacity and problem solving instead of falling into the traps being set for her. Jake doesn't appear to be trustworthy, but Lily's shrewd judge of character leads her to believe in him and the group together goes on the hunt while also being hunted. Their growing attraction turns into a sweet romance and I was glad that they didn't fight their feelings and the author allowed the conflict in the plot come from external sources.

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book; this is my honest review)

Review: The Rancher's Christmas Proposal by Sherri Shackelford

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Single father Shane McCoy has his hands full trying to run a ranch while raising two-year-old twins. His children clearly need a mother's guiding hand. An encounter with a lovely stranger on a train platform offers an unconventional answer to his predicament when she suggests a marriage of convenience.

Tessa Spencer needs a fresh start far from her con man father's schemes. His latest scrape has made her the target of a vengeful outlaw. Shane's isolated ranch provides refuge, and his children easily win Tessa's affections. But as her checkered past resurfaces, only honesty and trust will make this family Christmas the first of many

My Review

This is a heart-warming story of two people sacrificing for those they love. Shane and Tessa work together to provide a loving home for his children, but struggle when it comes to their relationship with each other. Lack of communication, misunderstanding, and hidden secrets come between them. I especially enjoyed Tessa's quick love for the twins and her devotion to their well-being. I can totally relate to her frustrations with getting one dressed, then while dressing the second child, the first one removes their clothes! She is determined to conquer household chores and child care with the help of a book from the mercantile, which also provided some humor :) The danger from the Fulton gang overshadows Tessa's happiness until things finally come to a head and Shane proves himself to be quite the protector and hero.

(Thank you to Harlequin and Love Inspired Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)