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McKenzie (Montana Skies #1)

by Penny Zeller (Goodreads Author)

3.68 of 5 stars 3.68 · rating details · 167 ratings · 55 reviews

"Desperate times call for desperate measures" is the reasoning that prompts McKenzie Worthington, a young lady of Boston's high society, to respond to an ad for a mail-order bride for a man in the Montana Territory. McKenzie is desperate, after all, to save her beloved younger sister, Kaydie, from her evil, abusive husband, who robs banks for a living. And so, it is with r...more

Paperback, 314 pages

Published September 7th 2010 by Whitaker House (first published January 1st 2010)

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Feb 08, 2011 Trinity Rose rated it 4 of 5 stars

“McKenzie” by Penny Zeller is such a fantastic book. It’s about a mail-order bride. I love stories like that for many reasons. The main reason is I sort of was a mail-order bride.
McKenzie was from a Boston family who had it all, money, a fancy home, all she would ever want. So why did she become a mail order bride. Usually women who don’t have anything become mail-order brides so they can get away from poverty.
We find out McKenzie wants to find her sister who is in a very bad abusive marriage an...more

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Feb 09, 2013 Brenda Rupp rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book. I like reading about peoples struggles during those times in the west. McKenzie answers an advertisement for a mail order bride in order to get the funding and help to rescue her sister from her abusive criminal husband. She of course doesn't tell the man whose letters she responds to that sshe is just going to be with him long enough to rescue her sister and then she is going to leavee him and get an annulment. She is past the time that most of her friends are married...more I really liked this book. I like reading about peoples struggles during those times in the west. McKenzie answers an advertisement for a mail order bride in order to get the funding and help to rescue her sister from her abusive criminal husband. She of course doesn't tell the man whose letters she responds to that sshe is just going to be with him long enough to rescue her sister and then she is going to leavee him and get an annulment. She is past the time that most of her friends are married and is just not thinking that marriage is for her. She has no idea how rough it is to live out west on a farm where everyone works from dusk to dawn to make a living and support a family. She doesn't want to have any feelings for her new husband and step son but that is about to change. There is a lot of the Bible referenced in this book as the man she finds as her husband is very much enmeshed int he church while she just went to church to see and be seen, and because it is just done. She could no more tell you what the minister said ten minutes after leaving church than many of her friends. She has a big change in store for her and that is the story that pulled me in to read it in a daya. I really enjoyed this story and the pace the author told it at.

Here is the description as found here online:
Desperate times call for desperate measures" is the reasoning that prompts McKenzie Worthington, a young lady of Boston's high society, to respond to an ad for a mail-order bride for a man in the Montana Territory. McKenzie is desperate, after all, to save her beloved younger sister, Kaydie, from her evil, abusive husband, who robs banks for a living. And so, it is with reckless determination that McKenzie runs away from the comforts of home and hearth to head West and meet her new husband-whom she'll divorce, of course, after she rescues her sister. "Desperate times call for desperate measures" is the reasoning that also prompts Zachary Sawyer, a rugged rancher after God's own heart, to post an ad for a mail-order bride in various newspapers across the country. Managing a ranch and caring for his adoptive son, Davey, has become more than one man can handle alone, and Zach prays for God to send him a wife with whom to build a life and share his dreams.

When McKenzie arrives at Zach's ranch, she immediately puts her plan in motion, searching for her sister and doing all she can to keep her new husband from forming an attachment. But his persistent kindness and significant self-sacrifices begin to change her heart-and ruin her plans. God has a way of working things out to the good of those who love Him, though, as McKenzie and Kaydie will soon see.(less)

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Jan 30, 2013 Kathryn rated it 4 of 5 stars

I got this one as a Kindle freebie. It's a Western Christian Romance, heavy on the Christian. It started off really good and then about a third of the way in, I realized what a selfish brat the main character is. I was just going to skim the rest of the book but for some reason I just kept reading. I'm really glad I did. McKenzie matured and I really liked the message about marriage. This made up for any deficiencies in the story.

The only thing that really bothered me about the story was that M...more

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Dec 12, 2012 Amada Chavez rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is as good if not better than I had hoped it would be. The story is unique and I must admit that I loved it so much that I immediately plunged into the sequel "Kaydie". Though there are times I can't relate to McKenzie I still really grew to love her character (and I also found there where times when I saw myself in her personality). But I still think she's completely insane to want to leave a man like Zach! LOL! Personally I think that every mother out there needs to buy this book for...more

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Oct 15, 2012 Teressa Morris rated it 4 of 5 stars

McKenzie (Montana Skies #1) reminded me strongly of Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series, with a little bit of Taming of the Shrew mixed in. McKenzie Worthington, at the beginning of the story, is a spoiled, entitled young woman who believes in her own goodness because she goes to church, even if, as she admits later, it is for "purely social reasons." When she marries the godly man Zach Sawyer and comes to live in the town of Pine Haven, she slowly begins to discover what it means to "walk wi...more

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Mar 16, 2012 Mary Findley rated it 4 of 5 stars

"This Is Not a Small Thing!"
McKenzie Worthington is a desperate woman. She lives in a world of such wealth and privilege she has never even had to spoon food onto her own plate. She is willing to give it all up. Temporarily, at least. Someone must rescue her sister from a truly terrifying marriage in the wilds of frontier Montana, but McKenzie has no reason to hope for her family's help.
McKenzie grew up in the comfort of Boston high society but she has known heartache. The "perfect" man jilted...more

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May 23, 2011 Susan Hollaway rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: http-www-goodreads-com-book-show

McKenzie Worthington is a spoiled, wealthy, socialite who is on a mission to rescue her sister from the clutches of an abusive husband. Only thing is, her brother-in-law is on the run and the last place she knew her sister to be was in Montana territory. When her best friend marries the man she thought she was destined to marry, she decides to go find and bring home her sister. When a Wyoming rancher, places an advertisement in the Boston newspaper for a mail-order bride, it seems the answer to...more McKenzie Worthington is a spoiled, wealthy, socialite who is on a mission to rescue her sister from the clutches of an abusive husband. Only thing is, her brother-in-law is on the run and the last place she knew her sister to be was in Montana territory. When her best friend marries the man she thought she was destined to marry, she decides to go find and bring home her sister. When a Wyoming rancher, places an advertisement in the Boston newspaper for a mail-order bride, it seems the answer to her dilemma. She’ll simply answer his inquiry, marry him, enlist his help, rescue her sister, annul the marriage, and come back home.

Zach Sawyer prays to God to send him a wife. He needs a helpmate and someone to help raise his adopted son, Davey. He places an advertisement in several newspapers for a mail-order bride and receives several responses. But only one truly stands out. When this woman named McKenzie agrees to marry him, he thinks her motives are sincere.

But when McKenzie arrives, she is not prepared for what greets her. His simple ranch house and humble furnishings repel her. She’s used to being spoiled and not lifting a finger to do anything, even for herself. She does not make the best of impressions, but Zach is a man like she’s never met. He is a man after God’s own heart, not that she’d have much experience with that. The most she’d ever done with her Bible was carry it unopened to church. Attending church was a social function for her prominent family. But Zach is patient, kind, forgiving, and teaches her about God and His Word. She falls in love with his son immediately, despite her best laid plans. Zach is making it difficult for her to avoid developing feelings for him. The ranch hands are kind and forgiving, despite how she treated them upon her arrival.

When Zach finds out about her plans to find her sister, he helps her on her quest, and she finds herself becoming more endeared to him each and every day. Guilt begins to prick her conscience and her well-laid out plans don’t seem so well-thought out now. How will she be able to walk away?
When her mother suddenly shows up to rescue her based upon a letter filled with untruths she’d sent during her first few days in Montana, her original plan is disclosed to Zach and his heart is crushed. She realizes she’s fallen in love with Zach, and has no desire to leave the ranch. But will he ever forgive her for what she’s done? The very place that months before she couldn’t wait to escape is now the only place she wants to be. Can she make her mother understand that the wealth, status, and benefits of Boston no longer hold any appeal for her? Can she win the back the heart of her husband? Will she ever find her sister?

God has a plan and He works all things together for good. But I’m not going to tell you how He goes about that. You’re just going to have to read it for yourself. Believe me, you’ll be grateful I didn’t spoil it for you. And hold on to your bookmark, because Kaydie, Book 2 in the Montana Sky Series is already out.Plus, Hailey, Book 3, will be released in the fall. I love a good series and Penny’s certain written one. I know you’ll enjoy it too. Keep your eyes peeled for more of Penny Zeller’s books. (less)

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Dec 03, 2010 Carman rated it 4 of 5 stars

While I did see room for improvements in this book, I also saw potential. I will definitely be reading the second book in this series.

Here are some things I thought could be better… The dialogue could use some work, but that was only in some areas. Occasionally it would seem a bit dramatic or over done, but that is easily fixed. It seemed to miss some opportunities to bring the reader closer to the characters and what was happening in their lives. Or a scene wasn’t played out, when I think it sh...more

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Sep 01, 2010 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Penny Zeller in her new book, "McKenzie" Book One in the Montana Skies Series published by Whitaker House gives us a look into the lives of individuals in the West of 1881.

The heroine of this story is McKenzie Worthington who is desperate to rescue her younger sister from an abusive husband who robs banks for a living. She runs away from her stately Boston home as a mail-order bride for a rancher in the rugged Montana Territory. Desperation also prompted Zach Sawyer to post the ad for a bride, a...more Penny Zeller in her new book, "McKenzie" Book One in the Montana Skies Series published by Whitaker House gives us a look into the lives of individuals in the West of 1881.

The heroine of this story is McKenzie Worthington who is desperate to rescue her younger sister from an abusive husband who robs banks for a living. She runs away from her stately Boston home as a mail-order bride for a rancher in the rugged Montana Territory. Desperation also prompted Zach Sawyer to post the ad for a bride, and he eagerly awaits woman God has chosen as his wife. When they meet, McKenzie tries to keep her distance, but she can’t help feeling attracted to Zach and his selfless ways. The question of the day is…what will become of McKenzie’s plan to annul the marriage when she finds her sister?

What prompts us to do desperate things? What moves us to sacrifice our own comforts for those of someone else? In this case it is the love McKenzie Worthington has for her sister, Kaydie. She gives up her home in Boston to go all the way across the country to marry a man sight unseen just to deliver Kaydie from her abusive husband. What makes a man desperate enough to post ads for a wife? His love for God and his family and his trust that God will send him a suitable mate so that they can build a future together. Ms. Zeller does a marvelous job of showing us what happens when we have plans and God has plans and He shapes us into His way.

Ms. Zeller is a good writer and is funny too. I liked this book and am now looking forward to the next book which will focus on Kaydie. It is well worth your time to read this book; you will be glad you did

To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Whitaker House through FIRST Wild Card Tours.*. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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Jan 30, 2013 Melissa rated it 2 of 5 stars

I wanted to like this book because I usually do love marriage of convenience stories, but quite honestly there was not much I found to like. But let's start with the positive, shall we?

WHAT I LIKED:
~ Asa: He was the only character that had any spark of personality or life. His witty lines were easily the best dialogue in the book.
~ The story concept of a mail order bride: I've always been a sucker for these stories, I guess it's the romantic in me.
~ While there is certainly a strong focus on God...more

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Jan 24, 2011 Molly rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Molly by: Whitaker House

Shelves: book-review

Well, this was an okay debut. It has the intents of being a good book but I think that it could have been a lot better. I am thinking that this was a little bland, though, because this is the author's FIRST novel, and sometimes the first ones are great, and sometimes they need more work. This falls a little in between those two things I just mention. It does need a little work but it's still a good read. It took me quite some time to pin point what I thought was wrong with the book though. It ha...more Well, this was an okay debut. It has the intents of being a good book but I think that it could have been a lot better. I am thinking that this was a little bland, though, because this is the author's FIRST novel, and sometimes the first ones are great, and sometimes they need more work. This falls a little in between those two things I just mention. It does need a little work but it's still a good read. It took me quite some time to pin point what I thought was wrong with the book though. It has good characters, yes. It has a good mail-order plot line, yes. But, it was still lacking.

I finally, after much consideration, figured out what through me for a loop on this book and why it wasn't up to par for a story like this. The way the author created McKenzie and what McKenzie did to Zach and sweet little Davey, really through me. I didn't like her character for quite some time in this book. Her character lacked what I thought she should have: she portrayed herself to be a Christian, and, yet, led Zach to believe she wanted everything he did. She let sweet little Davey to believe she would be his ma but all the while planned to leave??? That just didn't sit well with me. Sweet Zach was a one of a kind hero and I would have LOVED to have been in McKenzie's shoes and been married to such a devoted man! I really think that if McKenzie was portrayed a little differently in this story, with a kinder heart (even if she was looking out for her baby sister!) I would have been instantly captured!

There were several other minor things that stuck out to me as lacking, like lack of conversation between the main characters. The descriptions of the town that McKenzie was living in when she went to Montana Territory, was great, however, not enough to completely and wholly capture me. By the time I was completely engrossed in the story and things picked up, it was the end of the book. So, that threw me,too.

All in all, I will give this book 3 stars. It has the potential to be a good Christian inspirational historical novel and one that I encourage everyone to try, as they may find that it isn't lacking to them. I am looking forward to reading Penny Zeller's second novel in the Montana Skies series, Kaydie, McKenzie's baby sister's story, though, as I am sure it will be good!(less)

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Feb 28, 2011 Melinda Evaul rated it 5 of 5 stars

Penny Zeller brings readers a sweet love story in this historical fiction. She weaves deep moral lessons into our hearts through her interesting cast of characters. I particularly enjoyed Zeller’s underlying themes of patience and forgiveness. “McKenzie” paints an exceptional picture of God’s vast love for us.
McKenzie Worthington is a scheming Boston socialite with a goal to rescue her sister and head for home. She undergoes enormous changes as she learns to express love for the people of Pine H...more

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Jan 25, 2011 Zette rated it 3 of 5 stars

Because I am such a sucker for the mail-order bride story, I was excited to read McKenzie. The reason for McKenzie's choice to become a mail-order bride added a nice twist to the story and her search for her sister added a little mystery. I had a hard time connecting with McKenzie because she was so self-centered in the beginning but I did learn to like her as she changed. Zach was an awesome lead man and every Christian woman's dream. Overall I enjoyed the book but I felt like there were defini...more Because I am such a sucker for the mail-order bride story, I was excited to read McKenzie. The reason for McKenzie's choice to become a mail-order bride added a nice twist to the story and her search for her sister added a little mystery. I had a hard time connecting with McKenzie because she was so self-centered in the beginning but I did learn to like her as she changed. Zach was an awesome lead man and every Christian woman's dream. Overall I enjoyed the book but I felt like there were definitely some areas that could use improvement.

1. I felt that there was too much detail in some conversations and not enough in more important conversations between the lead characters. The discussion McKenzie and her mother had when she arrived at the ranch went on for quite a few pages but Zach and McKenzie's final discussion of the book left you wondering about the details of how their life would continue because it ended so abruptly.

2. As this is primarily a romance, there should have been more romantic tension. I don't want explicit details but the kissing scenes left me thinking, "That was it?"

3. The book concluded too quickly. When I pushed "next page" on my kindle and saw the note from the author, I was shocked it was over. We had no look into the future of what their lives would be together.

4. Unimportant scenes that gave you no insight to the lead characters feelings were written in but other scenes that would have helped you connect to the story and make it believable were left out. The bankrobbery scene could have been mentioned briefly and without as much detail since it was a secondary plot (maybe saved for the sequel) but there was definitely a huge gap in some of the scenes that would have taken place between a newly married couple (ie sleeping arrangements, what Zach and McKenzie did during the day together on the ranch, etc.)

I hope I don't sound too critical or negative. I did enjoy the story and am looking forward to reading the sequel to see what happens to Kaydie in the future. Because I know this is a debut novel, I'm sure some of these things will improve in future writings.

(less)

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Mar 12, 2012 Vera Godley rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Desperate times call for desperate measures"

In Boston in 1881, McKenzie lives the protected, cultured life of the well-to-do daughter of a Boston attorney. Success. Wealth. Culture. McKenzie really has a life of ease. However, she is only one of three daughters in the family. Peyton, the eldest, is already married and living a high society life as is expected of one in their station in life. Kaydie has previously run off and married the "love of her life" who turned out to be a scoundrel and...more

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Nov 11, 2011 Amanda Beth rated it 5 of 5 stars

I thought this book was heart-warming and inspiring. It really showed what a mess we are when we don't have a personal relationship with God. I liked how she took Mckenzie's character through the process of just simply knowing God, to having a deeper relationship with Him. She was able to see the changes in her thoughts and personality. I think all Christians could relate to that process, because God takes us all through it, so we can be transformed into the person He wants us to
be.

I thought the...more

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Aug 31, 2010 Wyndy rated it 4 of 5 stars

McKenzie, a wealthy Boston socialite, decides that the best way to find her sister in the Montana wilderness is to become a mail-order bride. Her intention right from the beginning is to marry and then use any means possible to find her sister, return to Boston, have her father annul the marriage and get on with life. What she doesn't expect is to be greeted with kindness and love from the man, his ranch family, and the small town. Her idea of a relationship with God is attending church on Sunda...more

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Feb 01, 2011 Kym McNabney rated it 3 of 5 stars

MACKENZIE is the first books I’ve read by Penny Zeller. I was given the honor of receiving her second book in this series, KAYDIE. After reading what Kaydie was about and discovering it was the second book in the series, the first one about her sister’s attempt to rescue her, I immediately ordered MACKENZIE.

Penny has quite a way with words. MACKENZIE is a delightful story with wonderful characters. I’ve always been intrigued by mail-order brides, and was pleasantly surprised by the plot. The qu...more

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Feb 21, 2011 Jim Hughes rated it 5 of 5 stars

As a pastor, I am always intrigued how God communicates to us. He uses a wide variety of ways to teach us how we should live. “McKenzie” is one of those ways. Author, Penny Zeller, has woven together the Gospel message into a very interesting and captivating story. Stereotypes are addressed and broken down. The foundation of marriage is examined and the reader discovers what the real foundation of marriage should be. McKenzie discovers for herself what meaningful life is and learns to embrace i...more

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Apr 22, 2013 Melissa rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, forced-arranged-accident-marriage, clean-romances-western, stupid, didn-t-finish

I read half of this book before I had to put it down. I couldn't bare the awful writing any longer. The characters were so flat and uninteresting and the writing was just all over. There were places the author goes on and on and repeats the same sentiments over and over. The day dreaming and looking back was so irritating. Each instance I had already imagined in my head and didn't need those scene put in the book at all. I love a mail order bride story but I couldn't hang in their and didn't eve...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Amy rated it 1 of 5 stars

I loved the idea behind this book--a mail order bride story with a small twist. Although that was the only thing I liked about the book. The execution of the story itself did not work for me and the characters did not grab me and make me want to know more. Another reviewer said the writing was flat and characterization too simplistic. That hits the mark and is exactly the way I also feel about this book.

It was also too slow and much too preachy for me. 1.5 stars for a great idea that I wanted to...more

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Feb 09, 2013 Mary rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-outdo-yourself-reading-challen, historical-romances-2, favorites, christian

It was a delight experiencing McKenzie's change of heart most of which she learned by example. I would like to see the author include more living experiences instead of skimming over or avoiding them completely. I also have a hard time believing that when McKenzie arrived at her new home it was in the condition as stated. I can believe it would have seemed that way to her as compared to what she was used to but to believe Rosemary, who had been caring for them for years would not have done anyth...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Cathy S. rated it 2 of 5 stars

I do enjoy mail order bride stories, and while the main concept and story of the book was good, I found the dialogue a bit campy and much of the thoughts and feelings (of McKenzie in particular) way overwritten. I also thought there was too much backstory with the supporting characters. The worst little bit? Davey not knowing what a BALL was. Really? The best: Asa and Zach's conversations. Those were solid, and Asa reminds me of a few wise, wisecracking guys I know.
Summary: A good read, but I've...more

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Jan 11, 2012 Ibjoy1953 rated it 5 of 5 stars

In the attempt to find her sister, Mckenzie Worthington answers an ad for a mail order bride in Montana because she thinks that is where Kaydie is living with her abusive husband. She never intends to stay married once she finds Kaydie, but no way will McKenzie tell her husband until she’s found.

Since Zachary Sawyer’s neighbors passed away and he adopted their son Davey, her realizes that Davy needs a mom in his life. And because there are just no women in the little town in Western Montana, Zac...more In the attempt to find her sister, Mckenzie Worthington answers an ad for a mail order bride in Montana because she thinks that is where Kaydie is living with her abusive husband. She never intends to stay married once she finds Kaydie, but no way will McKenzie tell her husband until she’s found.

Since Zachary Sawyer’s neighbors passed away and he adopted their son Davey, her realizes that Davy needs a mom in his life. And because there are just no women in the little town in Western Montana, Zachary decides to place an ad for a mail order bride. Zachary believes God will send him the right woman, and he will love her no matter what.

Zachary and Mckenzie’s marriage did not start of on the right track because of the deception of Mckenzie, though Zachary thought everything was fine and dandy. Of course Mother Worthington will be happy to have her two girls back home because they couldn’t possibly have a life in the Western Territory and her girls were use to the best of life. Join Zachary and Mckenzie on their journey as husband and wife on this Montana ranch. Will Mckenzie find Kaydie? And if so how will her husband take it when he finds out she is leaving town and was only there to find her sister?

McKenzie is the first book in the Montana Skies Series by Penny Zeller. I love this sweet little Montana town that everyone knows everyone else. Penny detailed description of the Montana Territory is so vivid and clear I felt as though I had been there while reading this book! I could feel the love between the people living there, almost taste the food they eat, experienced the different seasons and the difficult times they sometimes had. Lucille even felt like a neighbor! The characters were so unique and exquisite that woven into this wonderful story you wanted to be living in the house with them, experiencing their everyday lives. And I love and appreciate that Penny’s books have Christian characters with the ups and downs and struggles each of us face in the Christian life, showing the love, grace and forgiveness of our Lord.

Even if you don’t care for historical fiction, I think you will love this series. And if you’re a Historical fan, then this book is a Must for you! Grab you a copy of McKenzie, a cup of coffee, sit down and enjoy a wonderful read. Then pick up Kaydee and Hailee and finish out the series. It will be well worth your time!

I rec’d a complimentary copy of the book from the author. Thank you so much Penny! The opinions are mine alone. I was not ask to write a positive review of this book.(less)

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May 22, 2011 Allie rated it 5 of 5 stars

McKenzie by Penny Zeller is one of the best books I have ever read. I read the whole thing in one day and it always left me wondering what would happen next. The plot is amazing, although I do wish Zeller would've showed how their relationship grew more than she did. She never really even said if they ever started sleeping in the same bed. As far as we know, McKenzie was still sleeping separately at the end of the story. But, besides that, Penny Zeller did an incredible job! I can't wait to read...more

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Jul 20, 2011 Tamara rated it 3 of 5 stars

MCKENZIE by Penny Zeller was a good read. At times it was a little slow, but overall, an enjoyable story.

McKenzie Worthington, a woman of Boston’s high society, is on a mission fueled by desperation. Finding out her sister is in an abusive marriage in the Montana territory, McKenzie decides to leave her affluent life behind to become a mail-order bride so she can get to Montana and search for her sister.

Zach Sawyer, a rancher in the Montana territory, has decided that his adopted son Davey needs...more

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Feb 12, 2013 Glenda Alexander rated it 5 of 5 stars

McKenzie
by: Penny Zeller

I picked up this book because of the name and because it was Christian Fiction. I love Historical Christian Fiction and am partial to the name McKenzie (loved the cover). I also was extremely intrigued by the inside flap! When I read that Penny Zeller writes with wit, brilliance, descriptive clarity, and gentle, inspirational prose. She provides a plentiful supply of intrigue, romance and drama, truly enough to keep anyone reading . I had to find out for myself if any au...more

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Nov 23, 2012 Paula-O rated it 4 of 5 stars

Penny Zeller writes Montana Skies series with book #1 "McKenzie"

"Desperate times call for Desperate measures"

thus, McKenzie chooses to become a mail-order bride and go from her big city Boston living to the wild west in search of her sister whom she feels is in danger. she feels desperate to find and bring her home again.

Desperate is the reasoning that prompts Zach Sawyer to let himself be talked into writing a letter for a wife..he needs someone to share his life with but more then that his ad...more

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Aug 29, 2011 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoy reading historical fiction books centered on a “mail-order bride”. Something about that just really intrigues me, so I was excited when I won a copy of McKenzie, the first book in a new series, Montana Skies. And Penny Zeller even added a neat and unique twist to it—mail-order bride McKenzie has no plans of remaining married to the man she came out west for! Once she finds her sister, she has every intention of leaving him and returning to high-society Boston.

The characters in McKenzie...more

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Mar 14, 2011 Pegg rated it 4 of 5 stars

McKenzie is a sweet story with a wonderful character arc for the female lead. McKenzie learns about life, love, and most importantly about the Lord through her adventure to find her sister in 1880s Montana. Zack Sawyer, the rancher who advertises for a mail order bride, reminded me of the male lead in Francine River's "Redeeming Love". He is a man of character, faith, and steadfast in his relationship with the Lord. This book is very appropriate for young teens and still a page turner for adults...more

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Jul 30, 2011 Jan Marie Newby rated it 5 of 5 stars

McKenzie, by author Penny Zeller, tells the story of the depth of one sister's love for another. McKenzie Worthington loves her younger sister, Kaydie, so much that she is willing to risk everything in order to rescue Kaydie from a disastrous marriage to an abusive and evil man. McKenzie goes so far as to enter into a marriage via the venue of becoming a mail-order bride as a means to travel to the Montana Territory in search of her younger sister.

Having come from a wealthy and privileged backgr...more McKenzie, by author Penny Zeller, tells the story of the depth of one sister's love for another. McKenzie Worthington loves her younger sister, Kaydie, so much that she is willing to risk everything in order to rescue Kaydie from a disastrous marriage to an abusive and evil man. McKenzie goes so far as to enter into a marriage via the venue of becoming a mail-order bride as a means to travel to the Montana Territory in search of her younger sister.

Having come from a wealthy and privileged background in Boston, McKenzie was not prepared for the lifestyle that she encountered when she moved to Pine Haven to marry Zach Sawyer. Zach was looking for a wife and mother for his son; McKenzie was looking for a place to stay and a means of support while she attempted to rescue her sister. The master plan was to have her father, who was a lawyer, annul the marriage, leave Zach behind, and return her life in Boston once Kaydie was found.

Penny Zeller has created a beautiful love story and shown how the best laid plans are often foiled when God steps into the picture and reveals His plan. In spite of all the obstacles that Kaydie, McKenzie and Zach had to overcome, the author has shown that, as the Bible states in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." (KJV)

I have always been interested in the concept of mail-order brides and, in the story of McKenzie, Penny has revealed a realistic picture that vividly portrays this process. Her main male character, Zach Sawyer, is the same age as my middle son so, as I read, I could not help but compare Zach to my own son. This contrast helped the story to come alive in a very real way.

In the rapidly-growing field of extremely talented Christian fiction authors, Penny Zeller has excelled and has distinguished herself with her superb ability. She uses the tools of her trade with surgical precision to craft believable and captivating stories filled with a message of love and forgiveness.

McKenzie was provided to me by the publisher, Whitaker House, for review purposes. I was not obligated to give a positive review nor did I receive any other form of recompense for this review. (less)

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About Penny Zeller

Penny Zeller is the author of several books and numerous magazine articles in national and regional publications. She is also the author of the humor blog "A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author (www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com) where she provides weekly doses of inspiration and humor, along with movie reviews from a Christian worldview, and interviews with some of her favorite author friends....more

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