Heartbreak Creek (Runaway Brides #1)

Mar 05, 2012 Mimi Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars

4 stars

The ad

Honest, hard-working widower, age thirty-three, seeks sturdy English speaking woman to help with mountain ranch and four children. Drinkers, whores and gamblers need not apply.

A charming marriage proposal, for sure. It goes to show how desperate Edwina was, since she responded. Even though she's not exactly sturdy. Or much of a help on the farm or with children. She's led a rather sheltered life, but to make things better she's willing to marry a stranger and travel with her half-...more

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Aug 11, 2011 Lisa Kay rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Lisa Kay by: Jill

Shelves: theme-mail-order-bride, genre-romance-historical, character-child-children-featured, era-frontier-america, m-pb-paperback, buddy-read, genre-photography, theme-dyslexia-illiteracy, animal-dog-in-story, character-widow, character-widower, character-multi-ethnic-heritage, amazing-secondary-characters, theme-fish-out-of-water, reviewed-by-me, setting-usa-colorado, authors-k, authors-w, all-time-favorites

Blake Shelton, as Declan Brodie.

★★★★½ What a wonderful read! I just love a good western and this one is great. Kaki Warner is a new-to-me-author and I have to say, she delivered. By the end of this book I felt I really knew these characters. I found plenty of pain, grief and drama here; but, there was also unexpected humor, joy, love and growth in the depths of these amazing people.

For probably the first time in Edwina Ladoux’s life, she steps out from behind her protective half-sister’s pettic...more

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Mar 01, 2013 Foxfire rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I loved the writing, and thoroughly enjoyed the first 1/3 of the book. Then the pace slowed down and I ended up skimming the remaining parts.

So, even though it was a good story, I'll have to stick to my rules: if the author can't hold my interest and I start skipping, it has to be two stars only.

There were a few aspects that did not work so well for me:

Although Edwina loved her sister, she had always relied on Prue to take care of her. In the five years since the war, despite the fact that they...more I loved the writing, and thoroughly enjoyed the first 1/3 of the book. Then the pace slowed down and I ended up skimming the remaining parts.

So, even though it was a good story, I'll have to stick to my rules: if the author can't hold my interest and I start skipping, it has to be two stars only.

There were a few aspects that did not work so well for me:

Although Edwina loved her sister, she had always relied on Prue to take care of her. In the five years since the war, despite the fact that they had no money, Edwina could not cook or do household chores. This implies that she had treated Prue like a servant.

And yet, once they get to Declan's ranch, within a couple of weeks Edwina has mastered housekeeping, despite the primitive conditions. It seems puzzling that she learns everything so fast - and if she does have the aptitude, why didn't she do her share before but left everything to Prue?

Declan and Edwina had agreed to a three month trial period, but after a couple of weeks she wants to make the marriage real. Her lack of worry about the future, and her eagerness to consummate the marriage seem a little unrealistic. It is nicely shown how the physical attraction grows between them, but I would not have expected her to cast aside all her concerns so easily - as it is, her biggest worry seems to be that her breasts are not "pointy".

When Declan's first wife is found as an Indian captive, sick and dying after four years of torture, Declan decides to divorce her. She was his wife for a decade and bore him four children, but he tells himself she is in the past. Edwina, whom he has known for a month, is the future.

To me, the act lacks honor. Divorce was extremely rare in those days. People might be unfaithful, but they remained married. Yes, Sally had wanted to leave him, but I got the impression that Declan had neglected her during the marriage. I would have expected him to feel a lot greater guilt, a lot more sympathy for her suffering. Now, when her first words to him are "Four years and you never came for me" it is implied that she is callous because she doesn't ask about her children.

Those would have been my first words too. And, Sally might have found it far too painful to ask about her children. And I expect she wouldn't have wanted them to see her until she had a chance to clean up.

Also, it bothered me that the Indians captured and tortured Prue. It seemed to me that Edwina earned her happiness through the suffering of other women, and this made me like her less.

I did enjoy the writing and will try other books in the series.(less)

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Jan 15, 2013 Aaloririan rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was everything I hoped it would be. Ed and Declan are great together and the secondary characters pull you even deeper into the story.

Edwina and her half black sister Prudence are struggling in the aftermath of the Civil War. In order to keep them afloat Ed answers an ad to be a mail-order-bride and the two are married by proxy. Pru and Edwina travel to Heartbreak Creek to Declan and his four children meeting two other women ("Runaway Brides") Maddie and Lucinda on the way.

Once they...more

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Dec 20, 2011 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1800s-period-of-history, american-west-romance, chemistry-is-good, children-involved, heartwarming, hero-is-recluse, homespun-historical, homespun-series, keeper, mail-order-bride, romance-series, humorous-moments, why-i-love-romances

This is my first Kaki Warner romance that I read and it won't be my last. Do I dare call the story 'yummy'? How about heartwarming yet steamy? Rarely have I read a historical western that keeps me wanting more. Edwina Brodie comes to Heartbreak Creek to meet her husband-by-proxy, Declan. Beside her is her half-sister Pru and two other ladies she's met on her journey.

Edwina and Declan Brodie do not get along when they first meet. She's from the old south, having survived The Civil War. His first...more

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Jul 17, 2011 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars

Heartbreak Creek by Kaki Warner
Historical Romance -July 5th, 2011
4 stars

Edwina Ladoux sold her father’s plantation in Louisiana and with her half-blood sister, took a one way trip to Heartbreak Creek Colorado. A few weeks ago, Edwina had responded to a marriage advertisement and was accepted by a rancher seeking a “sturdy English speaking woman” to help him care for his four wild and unruly children.

Robert “Big Bob” Declan Brodie wanted someone dependable and useful. Instead, Edwina can’t even...more

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Jul 10, 2011 Kristiej rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have to be honest and say Going in this book already had me. I read and adored her previous series and I love Westerns.
And I was right! I loved the story of Declan and Edwina or Ed as Declan affectionately calls her.

As a widower with four children, Declan is desperate for help and has sent for a mail order bride. Edwina, however, isn't quite what he was expecting. She had grown up the pampered daughter in the South whose life was changed forever by the war. She's pretty helpless when it comes...more

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Jul 06, 2011 Sandy M rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, western

With this book, Kaki Warner becomes an auto-buy for me when I’m looking for historical westerns to read. Her characters burrow their way into your heart and never let go. Even when the blackest moment in their lives hits, you know them so well by that time, their triumph may seem non-existent, but you have faith in both the characters and their writer that all will be well. The stories are wonderfully written and heartwarming. I am smitten with Ms. Warner’s work all the way around.

Edwina is the...more With this book, Kaki Warner becomes an auto-buy for me when I’m looking for historical westerns to read. Her characters burrow their way into your heart and never let go. Even when the blackest moment in their lives hits, you know them so well by that time, their triumph may seem non-existent, but you have faith in both the characters and their writer that all will be well. The stories are wonderfully written and heartwarming. I am smitten with Ms. Warner’s work all the way around.

Edwina is the typical southern belle in Louisiana. She’d been sheltered all her life, attending balls, a very active social life and all that goes with being from a wealthy family. But then lives are torn apart by the war, and Edwina has lost everything, just as so many others in her beloved South. Having her home taken to pay back taxes is the last affront in a line of disheartening events against her and her sister. So she decides it’s time for something drastic to make sure they survive intact in more ways than one. Pru thinks Edwina has lost her mind when they make their way across the country for Edwinda to marry a Colorado rancher.

Needing a new mother for his four children so he can focus on his thousands-acre dream ranch, Declan Brodie is trying marriage one more time with a mail-order bride. Taking Edwina Ladoux at face value, it will be good to have a strong, farm-bred woman around to take care of the house and the children so he won’t have to worry about those things anymore. Needless to say, Declan is in for a huge surprise when he comes face to face with Edwina.

Both have their doubts about the other. Declan is a big man and intimidates Edwina at first. And his children are another matter all together. Though Edwina has been married before, she’s made sure consummation is to occur down the road when she signed the marriage contract. The woman can’t cook, doesn’t know how to keep house, and the kids will run all over her, and that’s only the beginning, as far as Declan is concerned. Making a deal with Edwina’s traveling companion, Pru, to teach her all she needs to know, if Edwina doesn’t come up to snuff over the next so many weeks, she’s history. Of course, Edwinda is ready to go now. Haven’t they both bitten off more than they can chew? And enjoy?

But then something very subtle begins to happen between Declan and Edwina. They each begin to look beyond first impressions and outer appearances to see the true person they are underneath all the stress, the turmoil, the vulnerability. In the midst of all this is the threat of Lone Tree, the Native American who spent a horrendous five days in Declan’s jail while he was the local sheriff, the same Indian who killed Declan’s first wife. Revenge is never so sweet when you’re on the other side of it, and Declan is determined to keep his Ed and the children safe from that lunatic. But even moving into Heartbreak Creek and taking all foreseen precautions isn’t enough to keep everyone safe. When Pru is taken, Edwina’s world begins to fall apart, and Declan knows the only thing he can do is go after Ed’s sister himself. In the middle of negotiations with Lone Tree’s chief, a stunning turn of events so unexpected puts a whole new spin on Declan and Edwina’s life, that neither know if they’ll be able to recover, despite the love they’ve found when they’d only hoped the other would reciprocate their feelings.

Ms. Warner has given readers a beautiful story of strong, independent characters coming together through a need for each other, but they grow even stronger when they open themselves up to a life they didn’t dare think about, let alone try to live. They prevail over the most frightening odds, both physical and mental. I love their banter once they become more attuned to one another, very playful and showing Declan’s humorous side, much to Edwina’s relief. We also meet the ladies who will have future books and they are a riot, on their own in a world that didn’t look well upon women gallivanting about.

I usually don’t read excerpts given at the end of most books, only because I end up wanting more when I’ve finished, but I made an exception this time for the next addition to this series. I’m on pins and needles, of course, because again, in just a few pages, Ms. Warner has hooked me and I can’t wait for Angus in all his Scottish glory!

See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com (less)

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Jun 11, 2011 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars

How do you top a series like The Blood Rose Trilogy by Kaki Warner? The men were wounded heroes worth sighing over. The women were strong enough, interesting enough, to stand beside their men without being overshadowed. The details were richly drawn and story both exciting and heartfelt. As I cracked the first page of Heartbreak Creek, the first book in Warner’s new series, I held my breath, hoping for the best but knowing my expectations were high. I need not have worried.

Everything I loved ab...more
How do you top a series like The Blood Rose Trilogy by Kaki Warner? The men were wounded heroes worth sighing over. The women were strong enough, interesting enough, to stand beside their men without being overshadowed. The details were richly drawn and story both exciting and heartfelt. As I cracked the first page of Heartbreak Creek, the first book in Warner’s new series, I held my breath, hoping for the best but knowing my expectations were high. I need not have worried.

Everything I loved about Warner’s writing is present in Heartbreak Creek, the first of the Runaway Brides books. While Warner originally won me over with her Blood Rose heroes, it is the heroines who captivated me this time. Four unique women head west seeking stability, adventure, lost loves or new lives. They bond through shared experiences and circumstance in spite of their differences. The seeds of their hopes, dreams, and future relationships are planted in the fertile ground of an unlikely setting: Heartbreak Creek, a decrepit mining town about to be changed forever.

In the opening book, the stage is set as Edwina Ladoux flees the troubled Deep South with her half-sister, Prudence. Edwina hasn’t been totally honest about her ability to be the rancher’s wife her husband by proxy, Declan Brodie, needs and expects. Humorous and heart-tugging moments resulting from Edwina’s lack of skill, her need to tame but also protect Declan’s children, her loyalty to her sister and perseverance in spite of her flaws had me cheering for Edwina from the beginning.

Declan is not what Edwina expected either but he was everything I hoped for as a reader. Larger than life, troubled but caring, the rancher who wanted a sturdy farm wife gets a challenging handful of a woman instead. His befuddlement with her is endearing. His insecurities and past history are intriguing. As Declan’s relationship with Edwina evolves, more and more layers of his facade are stripped away, his past explained. I fell in love with him just as Edwina does.

As much as Edwina and Declan shine, the strong secondary characters and story lines add to the appeal of this historical western romance. Prudence, Lucinda and Maddie are wonderfully written, without overshadowing Edwina. The town is a character all its own, facing its own challenges. As the series continues, I look forward to seeing the town evolve as much as I want to find out more about these four women. Heartbreak Creek is an excellent start to the Runaway Bride series. The next book can’t come fast enough.

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Apr 08, 2012 Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks rated it 5 of 5 stars

Edwina Ladoux tried to keep her head above water in her home in Louisiana, but it didn't work out for her. Her parents are dead and she is left widowed after being married for a short time to her best male friend. Her ancestral home is being put up for sale for non-payment of taxes which Edwina and her half sister Prudence can no longer keep up being the sole survivors in the post Civil War South. Feeling she has no other choice, Edwina answers an advertisement in a matrimonial newspaper for a m...more
Edwina Ladoux tried to keep her head above water in her home in Louisiana, but it didn't work out for her. Her parents are dead and she is left widowed after being married for a short time to her best male friend. Her ancestral home is being put up for sale for non-payment of taxes which Edwina and her half sister Prudence can no longer keep up being the sole survivors in the post Civil War South. Feeling she has no other choice, Edwina answers an advertisement in a matrimonial newspaper for a mail order bride to a widowed rancher who lives in the Colorado Rockies with his four unruly children.

Honest, hard-working widower age
thirty-three, seeks sturdy English-
speaking woman to help with
mountain ranch and four children.
Drinkers, whores and gamblers
need not apply

What Declan Brodie didn't realize when he married Edwina by proxy was that she would arrive in Colorado with her Mulatto "traveling companion" Prudence Lincoln, and Edwina is nothing what his ad requested. The wisp of a beautiful female commences to turn his household upside down when she realizes Declan's children are in sore need of manners and education. Declan is completely dumbfounded by Edwina. He never wanted to be attracted to the Southern Belle and she in turn never wanted to have feelings for the brooding sometime Sheriff of Heartbreak Creek. Sometimes what you don't want is exactly what you need.

I am so happy I discovered Kaki Warner. What an awesome story! I loved the newlyweds knocking their stubborn heads in the beginning, eventually coming to a comfortable accord in the odd relationship. When Edwina sets rules for the family and Declan acquiesces to those rules the reader immediately feels this couple has a chance to actually make it. Edwina is no shrinking violet, although she is a fish out of water in the wilds of the Colorado Rockies, she quickly acclimates herself to Declan's surprise.

The back story with Prudence and the mixed Indian, Thomas is a welcome part of this already awesome read. I cannot wait to continue the series as Heartbreak Creek is a welcome addition to my overflowing bookshelves and a keeper as far as I am concerned. I really loved this book.
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Jul 09, 2011 Maldivianbookreviewer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of the genre

Recommended to Maldivianbookreviewer by: Jill

Shelves: abused-heroine, american-western-romance, brooding-hero, brooding-heroine, creepy-villian, emotional-wrangler, endearing-hero, endearing-heroine, family-drama, good-for-nothing-ex-wife, haunted-by-the-past-hero, haunted-by-the-past-heroine, hot-as-sin-hero, historical-romance, kick-ass-heroine, larger-than-life-hero, laugh-out-loud-moments, law-enforcement-hero, marriage-of-convenience, not-your-average-heroine, opposites-attract, part-of-a-series, scarred-heroine, single-father-hero, sizzling-sexual-tension, stalker-villian, tortured-heroine, violence, widowed-hero, widowed-heroine

Heartbreak Creek is book one in the series Runaway Brides by author Kaki Warner. Recommended by my friend Jill on Goodreads, I needed no further urging as I am a huge fan of American Western romances. From the very start, the concept of 4 women who find love in the most unexpected places grabbed me and held me enthralled as each of the characters wormed their way into my heart, telling a story that would linger with me for the time to come.

Heartbreak Creek brings the story of 26 year old Edwina...more

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Dec 01, 2012 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, romance

Kaki Warner’s Heartbreak Creek did telegraph some of its “surprises”. I also found Edwina’s initial naivete and foolishness off-putting.

That said, I warmed to the characters as the tale progressed. There’s decent chemistry between Declan and Ed eventually, and the kids are a fun rowdy lot. It’s enjoyable to watch Ed start adjusting to her new life, and although there are few true surprises, the plot unfolds nicely with some decent tension and danger. It’s obvious that there are more tales to tel...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Jill rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance-american, 2011-4-5-5-stars

4.5 stars

After the devastation of the Civil War that has left her beloved Rose Hill Plantation, Louisiana in ruins, widow Edwina Ladoux and her sister Prudence have few prospects. Forced to sell her ancestral home, Edwina answers an advertisement for a mail-order bride in the Colorado Territory. Declan Brodie is a widower and rancher, and desperate for a sturdy wife to help with chores and his four unruly children. Unfortunately for Edwina she's not sturdy and knows nothing of cooking or childre...more

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Apr 21, 2013 Erin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Another nice Western historical epic series from Warner. I enjoy her writing. She obviously finds the West beautiful, and adds in enough historical detail to really ground the reader in the setting. However, she does have a tendency to make her villains extremely Other: in the Blood Rose trilogy, a crazy Mexican man, and in this first novel of the Runaway Brides series, a crazy Arapaho man. Kiiiiiind of uncool. But it seems like the books in these series will be more standalone, so the next one...more

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Oct 02, 2011 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: convenience-marrigage, cowboys, historical, humour, romance, widow

I’m sick to death of nail-tough heroines, so when I find one who is a fighter (as accomplished as life lets her) but also a vulnerable human being my heart melts. Edwina, a former southern lady, and now an almost destitute one, has backbone enough to take a very difficult decision and apply for a sturdy-wife-job in order to give a future both to herself and her half-blood sister.

Thought I liked she performed as she was brought up(expecting to being served, shocked when Big Bog expected her to s...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Leslie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, library-book, western, reviewed

Many of you know how much I love a good western romance. After reading and enjoying Ms. Warner's Blood Rose trilogy, to say I was looking forward to her newest release was putting it mildly. One of my absolute favorite romance tropes is the mail-order-bride trope. If I read a blurb mentioning mail-order-bride, I'm there. For me, it's the ultimate in the romantic fantasy of trusting in fate and falling in love.

Southern belle Edwina Ladoux has lost just about everything. Her home, almost all of he...more Many of you know how much I love a good western romance. After reading and enjoying Ms. Warner's Blood Rose trilogy, to say I was looking forward to her newest release was putting it mildly. One of my absolute favorite romance tropes is the mail-order-bride trope. If I read a blurb mentioning mail-order-bride, I'm there. For me, it's the ultimate in the romantic fantasy of trusting in fate and falling in love.

Southern belle Edwina Ladoux has lost just about everything. Her home, almost all of her family and her way of life. But she's ready to start a new life as the mail-order-bride of a man she only knows through his letters. Along with her best friend and half-sister Prudence (Pru), they head west. Edwina is a woman who can give the outward appearance of a delicate and proper lady but when she wants something she can be as stubborn as a mule! Edwina and Delcan don't make the best first impressions on each other. She thinks he's too big and too rough and he thinks she has some crazy ideas.

Declan Brodie is rough around the edges with a sweet and gentle inside. He loves his four rambunctious children and he loves his ranch. But he can't run a ranch and take care of the kids and the house too. Declan is nothing if not practical so he advertises in the Matrimonial News no less.

Honest, hard-working widower, age thirty-three, seeks sturdy English-speaking woman to help with mountain ranch and four children. Drinkers, whores, and gamblers need not apply.

How could Edwina possibly pass up a request like that? Except Ed, as Declan calls her, after first calling her Miss Priss, Declan doesn't think Ed has what it takes to take care of the children and house. He thinks she's too fragile and she can't even cook! Imagine! LOL Good think Pru is there to cook and teach Ed. Declan's impression of Ed slowly changes as he watches her take on the task of corralling his children's wild ways and learning about ranch life.

Ed and Declan were so very good together! They tease and irritate each other while they're busy checking each other out. I loved how Warner developed the romance, letting Ed and Declan discover that their first impressions only showed the surface and there was a lot more going on underneath. There's one scene where Declan realizes that he doesn't just need a wife, he needs Ed. For Ed, she not only fell in love with Declan, she also fell in love with his children which was important since the are so much a part of him. Some of the best scenes were with Ed and the children. These kids had personality and certainly added humor and emotion to the story.

The secondary characters that populate the town of Heartbreak Creek are a wonderful mix of typical small town folk and a couple of newcomers who liven the place up. Maddie Wallace and Lucinda Hathaway arrived on the same train as Ed and Pru. The four women become fast friends and share advice, experience and encouragement on their new lives. I know we'll see much more of both Maddie and Lucinda in coming books.

Ranch life isn't easy but for Declan and Ed, it's made even more difficult with a crazy man out to get revenge against Declan. Looking back, there was a lot going on in addition to Ed and Declan getting to know each other. Lots of upheaval with threats to everyone Declan cared about. Then throw in the once-thought-dead wife come back to life and damn but they had a heck of a lot to overcome. Yet, I never felt that it took away from the romance. If anything, it brought Declan and Ed closer together. There was just the right balance of romance, humor, suspense and teasing for future books.

Heartbreak Creek is a beautifully told historical western romance. We need more books like this! Thankfully, Ms. Warner has more on the way. (less)

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Oct 23, 2011 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

I usually don't enjoy civil-war era books, but this book is set about 5 years after the civil war and it was really good. Edwina is tired of living with the reminders of the pain and suffering caused by the war, so seeking a fresh start for herself and her half-sister, Prue, she answers an ad in a matrimonial newspaper. She agrees to marry rancher Declan Brodie and sets off for the Colorado territory. Declan is not expecting a former southern belle and is dissapointed when Edwina arrives but the...more

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Aug 24, 2011 KatLynne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to KatLynne by: Jill & Lisa Kay

Shelves: g-historical-romance, romance-western-or-cowboy, mail-order-bride, part-of-a-series, library-book, heroine-or-hero-southern, sweet-warm-romance, hero-alpha-warrior, 2011-reads, heroine-domestic-or-child-abuse, heroine-scarred

Honest, hard-working widower, age thirty-three, seeks sturdy English speaking woman to help with mountain ranch and four children. Drinkers, whores and gamblers need not apply.

With an add like that and the intrigue of a mail-order-bride I couldn't resist:)

Widow Edwina Ladaux is leaving all behind of her childhood home in the war torn south and moving more than 1000 miles away to become the mail-order-bride of rancher, Declan Brodie. Destitute, down trodden and with her entire way of life gone,...more

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Feb 01, 2012 Miss Pippi the Librarian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Opening novel of a new series, Runaway Brides, featuring four unlikely brides who make their way West.

Edwina Ladoux took the leap to be a mail-order bride so that she wouldn't become homeless in the war-torn South. She travels to Heartbreak Creek with her half-sister Prudence Lincoln hoping her new husband would be acceptable.

Declan Brodie needed a wife to care for his home and four rambunctious children. He hopes that this new wife will cook, clean and manage the mayhem so he can run his ranch....more

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May 28, 2012 Regina rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a great start to Warner's new Runaway Bride series. Rich characters and adventurous plot make this story come alive. The mail-order bride theme is one of my favorites and Heartbreak Creek delivers. There was a lot more plot development than the standard 'strangers who marry out of necessity then fall in love' and Edwina and Declan were interesting individuals who made a wonderful couple. There could have been more sexual tension between them (I do like more than a little sex in my storie...more

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Aug 11, 2011 J.A. Ball rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was a breath of fresh air in the historical romance genre. It reflected a historically accurate sense of moral principles as well as setting. Not that any of the characters ended up abiding by them (principals), but they made a point of trying, which rings true and came across as endearing rather than annoying. The interpersonal conflict was enough to satisfy and not too much as too find annoying. The plot was strong with believable conflict and a deranged antagonist. The heroine was s...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Debra Clopton rated it 5 of 5 stars

I just finished Heartbreak Creek and I really enjoyed this book! I love Kaki's humor! I'm writing a mail order bride novella for Thomas Nelson Publishing and needed to read several books to get my head out of my regular contemporary settings and into the past. I picked up Kaki's book at RWA last week and fell in love with her voice. lol I'm known for my humor but have to say I'm totally a new fan of Kaki's--she had me chuckling out loud during many of the pages all the way home from California!...more

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Jul 22, 2011 Mandi Schreiner rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, favorite-2011

Edwina Ladoux has endured some tough times. Living in southern Louisiana, she was once the bell of the town, Growing up privileged and frivolous, but then the civil war came and now that the war is done, she has nothing left. No family, except for her half-sister Pru whom she is very close with. With no money, and her once beautiful house turned over to the bank, Edwina doesn’t have a lot of options. She sees in the paper an ad that catches her eye. A Mr. Declan Brodie from Heartbreak Creek, Col...more

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Mar 19, 2013 Maqluba rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: big-family, big-giant-hero, cliche-done-right, cowboys-n-indians, deep-emotional-scars, funny, historical, lovely-romance, small-town, western, wish-more-people-knew-about

I had so much fun reading this one. We have a heroine who seems really prissy at first but we then see her transform into someone with a spine of steel and we have a hero who is just a giant teddy bear with a brain. This author did every element right here- the humor, the plot, the characters, the pace. I enjoyed how they met, how they decided to give it a go, and how they dealt with misunderstandings and arguments. I never felt like the hero was a jerk, which is something that almost always hap...more

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Feb 16, 2013 Ruby rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mail-order-bride, fiction, historic-love-romance, laugh-out-loud-moments, library-bk, 2funnee-kid, native-american-man-blackwoman

Ms.Warner's Voice is imposingly direct Sweet ,firm,lovely &without no regret! I'm living 4 it..yeahhhh!I must say that its with great unspeakable Joy & honor 2 have Read such a wonderful heartfelt story as: Heart Break Creek.bravoo!!! Ms. Warner I'm new 2 ur work but I must say you've captured the very Souls/essence of the people of Heart Break Creek..((sigh)).I know these people.The characters take me back 2 a Special fond place, a time,push back 2 rewind then now..OOH wow l@@k how U bl...more

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Feb 08, 2012 TJ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: western, historical-romance, historical, own-or-have-a-copy

4.5/5.0
For anyone who enjoys a really good Western romance minus the "howdy's" and constant show-downs but with an honest, realistic view of the lives and people who (sparsely) populated places within that West, will absolutely love this sweet and wonderful story. Lest one think it might be somewhat dull, however ("no shoot-em-ups?" *gasp*!) there is plenty of conflict and a suspenseful ending that rivals any main-street showdown.

Edwina, a Southern Belle to her very core, who, after struggling f...more 4.5/5.0
For anyone who enjoys a really good Western romance minus the "howdy's" and constant show-downs but with an honest, realistic view of the lives and people who (sparsely) populated places within that West, will absolutely love this sweet and wonderful story. Lest one think it might be somewhat dull, however ("no shoot-em-ups?" *gasp*!) there is plenty of conflict and a suspenseful ending that rivals any main-street showdown.

Edwina, a Southern Belle to her very core, who, after struggling fruitlessly to keep her family plantation following the devastation of the civil war, is faced with bankruptcy and bigotry. With no where left to turn, Edwina accepts the offer to become a mail-order bride to a widower with four children in Colorado. Hauling her sister along, Edwina sets out to change their lives - hopefully for the better. When she discovers the huge, somewhat taciturn man who is her husband, however, she seriously questions her sanity, along with her future.

What follows is an absolutely delightful and heart-touching account of how two people - vastly different in every way - learn to accept, appreciate and slowly, to love. Declan Brody's character is the perfect example of a Western rancher of that era. He talks only when it's needful, doesn't mince words when he does and expects people to use their common sense to deal with life's challenges. These traits can drive, not only Edwina, but the reader to distraction. One wants to rip some conversation out of his mouth at times, especially when Edwina is working so hard to make their marriage succeed. Her fortitude and determination in spite of the challenges is amazing and inspiring. She faces even the most daunting of situations forthrightly and endeavors to do well. I absolutely loved her!

I do believe the story would have been much better if the synopsis hadn't given away a huge spoiler in the storyline. To have suddenly seen Declan's first wife show up out of the blue right along with Declan would have allowed readers a well of emotion that was taken away because we already knew it was coming. The predictability in that and a few other situations is the only downside to an otherwise pitch perfect Western romance.(less)

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Aug 28, 2011 Lisa Jo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: physical-collection, western, historical

Edwina Ladoux is reaching desperate times. The war torn South has changed her life drastically and now she has lost her family’s home. Left with no other options, Edwina has agreed to become a mail-order bride for a Colorado rancher and his four children. Terrified she’s made a terrible mistake, Edwina travels to Heartbreak Creek with her half-sister Pru to meet her new husband.

Declan Brodie is exactly what she feared. Large, brooding and silent, he intimidates Edwina from the beginning. Edwina...more Edwina Ladoux is reaching desperate times. The war torn South has changed her life drastically and now she has lost her family’s home. Left with no other options, Edwina has agreed to become a mail-order bride for a Colorado rancher and his four children. Terrified she’s made a terrible mistake, Edwina travels to Heartbreak Creek with her half-sister Pru to meet her new husband.

Declan Brodie is exactly what she feared. Large, brooding and silent, he intimidates Edwina from the beginning. Edwina soon discovers his first wife ran off and was eventually killed by Indians. Now he’s looking for a strong, sturdy companion to help out on the ranch and keep his children in line. Edwina, or Miss Priss, is not exactly what he had in mind.

Declan and Edwina are struggling to make the best of it when they discover, after spending some time together, that their marriage may not be such a hardship after all. As they try to make sense of their feelings for each other, Declan’s ranch is attacked forcing the family back into town. An old enemy forces it’s way into their lives, trying to tear this new family apart. Declan and Edwina must stand together, for better or for worse, to make it through.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Kaki Warner releases another novel just as spectacular as the last. I was pretty shocked to say the least. If you would have told me last year I would find a series to love as much as the Blood Rose Trilogy I would have called you a fool! Yet, hear I am, amazed at how much I loved Heartbreak Creek. Ugh! I pray the Wilkins brothers forgive me!

Part of my love stems from the two main characters. Edwina was tough when she needed to be, yet sensitive to the harsh changes she was experiencing in her life. She had a deep emotional side that became easy to identify with as her insecurities and doubts often tried to overcome her. Yet in a split second, she could change into the most fierce warrior ready to take on the world! She was humorous, intelligent and delightful! Declan on the other hand was a definite sweetheart! In the first stages of the book, he appears cold and cruel. As the book progresses, you realize the first impression was just a facade. His character is full of gentle compassion being a loving father and an honest man. He was the complete opposite of what Edwina expected, yet exactly what she needed.

It’s not just the leading character that draw you in, but the supporting characters as well. Together, they all make an eclectic yet complete family. Perhaps that’s what I’m beginning to love best about Warner’s books. Not just the couple at it’s front and center, but this world that she creates which sucks you in like you’ve known these people all your life. You love and understand them and never want them to leave. And let us not forget how humorous these characters are! Heartbreak Creek has many moments that are simply 'laugh out loud' funny! I constantly found myself with a smile because of their playful conversations or interesting situations. You can't help but love a book with such charming characters.

Heartbreak Creek is a little bit more steamy than Warner’s previous novels...just a bit. I didn’t mind at all and in fact enjoyed the book much more because of it. Declan and Edwina quickly fall into a whirlwind romance that easily sweeps them both off their feet. These two are such complete opposites of each other, yet so perfectly paired together. It’s positively wonderful to read. You just can’t go wrong with this book. It has great romance, great characters and great drama. It’s truly a wonderful and entertaining read. If you loved Kaki Warner’s Blood Rose Trilogy prepare yourself for Heartbreak Creek because I’m certain you’ll love it even more.

Overall Rating: 5/5
Heat Level: 3/5

Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter(less)

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Jul 04, 2011 Jennifer Estep rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: western, historical-romance

Heartbreak Creek by Kaki Warner is the first book in her Runaway Brides historical western romance series.

Edwina Ladoux knows that there's nothing left for her and her half-sister, Prue, after their Louisiana plantation is sold for taxes, so Edwina answers an ad for a mail order bride in hopes of getting a fresh start for her and Prue. Soon, she and Prue are headed to Heartbreak Creek, Colorado, where Edwina meets Declan Brodie. Declan has a ranch to run and four kids to raise, and he doesn't kn...more Heartbreak Creek by Kaki Warner is the first book in her Runaway Brides historical western romance series.

Edwina Ladoux knows that there's nothing left for her and her half-sister, Prue, after their Louisiana plantation is sold for taxes, so Edwina answers an ad for a mail order bride in hopes of getting a fresh start for her and Prue. Soon, she and Prue are headed to Heartbreak Creek, Colorado, where Edwina meets Declan Brodie. Declan has a ranch to run and four kids to raise, and he doesn't know what to make of Edwina, but the two of them agree to a trial run to see if they can make things work. What they don't count on is falling in love. Just when things are looking up for the new couple, an old enemy from Declan's past returns and vows to get his revenge on Declan -- revenge that just might involve Edwina paying with her life ...

I love westerns, and I was happy to learn that Warner had a new series coming out. I'm also a sucker for the mail order bride plot, which this book features.

I enjoyed a lot of things about the book. I loved the Colorado mountain setting and the way that Edwina and Prue becomes friends with two other single women in Heartbreak Creek (both of whom I'm assuming will get their own books at some point, along with Prue). Plus, Edwina and Declan were both likable characters. It was fun watching Edwina take charge of Declan's kids, whip them into shape, and get them to trust and respect her. Plus, Edwina and Declan have a sweet, believable romance. They both have their fears and insecurities, but they both see the good in each other.

However, I would have liked to have seen more of the villain, who is off-screen for most of this book. Also, I thought that one of the main problems at the end of the book was solved a little too easily. Warner creates this conflict between Declan and Edwina (which I won't spoil here), forcing Declan to take a stand and decide what he really wants. But then, the conflict is resolved another way.

Overall, though, this is a solid read. If you like western romances, check out Warner's books.(less)

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Aug 29, 2011 Eggletina rated it 3 of 5 stars

The relationship at the heart of this romance is sweet and enjoyable, but ultimately several aspects of the story and characterization fell a little short for me. Warner’s Blood Rose trilogy felt more authentic to me than this one did. At one point in the story, one of the characters refers to another as a “Pollyanna”. The novel Pollyanna was a bestseller of 1913, and would not have been a cultural reference in 1870 when this story takes place. The friendship between the women (Edwina, Pru, Luci...more

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May 12, 2012 Brianne rated it 5 of 5 stars

There was so much depth to this book. Ms. Warner does an excellent job of bringing the 1870s west to life- she shows the joyous time , but also the hard times that were present all to often. This novel runs an emotions gamut with a fair amount of adventure as well as a sweet, developing romance. The secondary characters, who will be the heroines in future books are strong. and there is definite foreshadowing of two other romance, but not in a way that takes away from the story of Declan and Edwi...more

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Heartbreak Creek (Runaway Brides #1)

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