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Wyoming Frontier #5
Larkspur
Miss Kristin Anderson had never left home before, but no one could stop her from going to Montana to take possession of Larkspur, the ranch she had inherited. At 23, she was considered a spinster, but she stood tall, wound her braids primly around her head, and tucked a derringer in her purse and set out for Big Timber, Montana. She didn't know she'd have to outsmart gunslingers and a land grabber named Forsythe the moment she arrived. And she never dreamed that Buck Lenning, the "old" foreman at her ranch, was a young, lanky, secretive cowboy taking care of his elderly pa. Soon Kristin and Buck were butting heads, hunkering down to protect Larkspur from Forsythe's henchmen, and discovering that they both wanted the same thing - a home and a love worth fighting for.
407 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 1997
28 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Garlock
86 books382 followersDorothy Garlock was a best-selling American author of over 60 historical romance novels, most of them set in the American West. More than 20 million copies of her books are in print, in 18 languages. Her books have been on the New York Times best seller list seven times. She was named one of the 10 most popular writers of women's fiction four years in a row, from 1985-1988. In 1997, she was awarded the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award. Garlock is also a member of the Romance Writers Hall of Fame.
Garlock worked as an editor, agent and publicist for most of her writing career. She was a native of Texas who grew up in Oklahoma then married and moved to Iowa. Garlock donated many of her manuscripts and other unpublished writings to the University of Iowa libraries.
Pen names include:
Johanna Phillips
Dorothy Phillips
Dorothy Glenn
Garlock worked as an editor, agent and publicist for most of her writing career. She was a native of Texas who grew up in Oklahoma then married and moved to Iowa. Garlock donated many of her manuscripts and other unpublished writings to the University of Iowa libraries.
Pen names include:
Johanna Phillips
Dorothy Phillips
Dorothy Glenn
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 10, 2025
Sure, the bare bones of this story aren’t unique: girl inherits Montana Territory property from an uncle, girl arrives in Montana to find the property and its foreman under siege from ruthless land grabber and his minions, girl and foreman put their lives on the line to hold onto the land they love while falling in love with each other.
Only this time it’s richly flavored with details that firmly place the reader inside the scenes, and the plot takes its time building tension to the final showdown, including a few surprising twists. The story is populated with a variety of fully-fleshed and vibrant characters who weave in and out of the plotline. Surprisingly, the most indelible character isn’t our sweet girl Kristen or our heroic but lonely Buck or the robber baron Colonel Forsythe, but a hired killer who loves deeply in a secondary story that I knew was going to leave me in tears…and did.
Minus one star because the expected showdown didn’t include the main characters, who were dealing with another complication at the time, and the villain’s comeuppance didn’t include them either. Not sure the author made the right choice there, even though all three events were still very engrossing.
Fear not: no villain goes unpunished.
This is one of those great, old-fashioned westerns that delivers the goods.
Only this time it’s richly flavored with details that firmly place the reader inside the scenes, and the plot takes its time building tension to the final showdown, including a few surprising twists. The story is populated with a variety of fully-fleshed and vibrant characters who weave in and out of the plotline. Surprisingly, the most indelible character isn’t our sweet girl Kristen or our heroic but lonely Buck or the robber baron Colonel Forsythe, but a hired killer who loves deeply in a secondary story that I knew was going to leave me in tears…and did.
Minus one star because the expected showdown didn’t include the main characters, who were dealing with another complication at the time, and the villain’s comeuppance didn’t include them either. Not sure the author made the right choice there, even though all three events were still very engrossing.
Fear not: no villain goes unpunished.
This is one of those great, old-fashioned westerns that delivers the goods.
September 18, 2011
THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I EVER HAD! Actually, this is the very first historical romance I've ever read in my entire life... At first, when I realized that the story happened in the year 1800's, I was uneasy.. Not quite sure if I would like a story that old... But I gave it a try and thank God I did! I really really really really love it! I like the details dorothy put in this book. I was awed in every paragraph... Very nice stories... after reading this book, I'm going to hunt every bookshop in my city to search for the books of this author... I really love her work! I love the action in this story, the respect men gave to women, the settings, the wildness of the story, the romance... I love everything she have done in this book! Belive me...pls read her book...just try one and I assure you... you will crave for more Dorothy Garlock books...
May 12, 2017
I loved it!!!
There was not one moment while reading this book, that I even slightly cringed or thought, "oh, please". Everything about this story was perfectly written and I couldn't wait to read the next chapter, and the next, etc. Each of the many characters, from the heroes to the villains, were so well written and it never once got confusing to try to keep track of each character (like it can in other books). There were secondary romances going on that were fun, but never took away from the main romance. I loved that misunderstandings never went on for long times, everything was so well-paced and the story flowed perfectly. There was one of the sweetest, realistic first kisses, I could totally feel the built-up emotions from both of them while reading it. Their first time sleeping together was also sweet and realistic. (not steamy in the way it was described, but more so emotion filled).
There was not one moment while reading this book, that I even slightly cringed or thought, "oh, please". Everything about this story was perfectly written and I couldn't wait to read the next chapter, and the next, etc. Each of the many characters, from the heroes to the villains, were so well written and it never once got confusing to try to keep track of each character (like it can in other books). There were secondary romances going on that were fun, but never took away from the main romance. I loved that misunderstandings never went on for long times, everything was so well-paced and the story flowed perfectly. There was one of the sweetest, realistic first kisses, I could totally feel the built-up emotions from both of them while reading it. Their first time sleeping together was also sweet and realistic. (not steamy in the way it was described, but more so emotion filled).
July 7, 2014
It's been years since I read this book, but I still remember it. If I can find it again, I would definitely re-read. This is one of those books that stays with you.
UPDATE 7/7/14
I just re-read this book. It was still awesome. Be prepared to loathe these villains. They come in abundance in this book. And the author did well to make them believable and hateful.
I loved the hero, Buck Lenning. He was the sweetest man to the heroine, Kristen.
So much happens in this story, I would call it an edge-of-your-seat 'er.
This is a frontier/western kind of story.
4.5 stars.
UPDATE 7/7/14
I just re-read this book. It was still awesome. Be prepared to loathe these villains. They come in abundance in this book. And the author did well to make them believable and hateful.
I loved the hero, Buck Lenning. He was the sweetest man to the heroine, Kristen.
So much happens in this story, I would call it an edge-of-your-seat 'er.
This is a frontier/western kind of story.
4.5 stars.
July 1, 2025
My mom loved reading Dorothy Garlock books. We are from Clear Lake, Iowa and after she passed I picked one up from her bookshelf. As I dove into the story it hooked me in as I’m sure they always did for her as well. Reading books my mom loved helps me feel close to her as she passed away in January.
October 15, 2015
Typical and predictable plotline for a historical romance: girl gets ranch in inheritance, meets sexy cowboy, ranch dude, bad guys try to get her ranch, struggle ensues, hijinks in the local town, big showdown, happily ever after. So no surprises there.
I liked Kristin, for the most part. She started out strong, knowing how to shoot her way out of problems and having the intelligence to see through Forsythe’s schemes very early on. As the story progressed, there were times where she regressed into the damsel in distress model, having to be rescued by Buck multiple times. There were times I was mentally shouting at her to carry her god damn gun more and shoot the balls off any guy trying to kidnap her. Yet, at least she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself in some capacity.
I also liked the author’s careful attention to setting and environment. I’ve personally been to this area of Montana: Big Timber, the Crazy Mountains, and the Sweet Grass Creek (where it runs through Melville, MT). A ton of the towns and areas mentioned I’ve also been to or seen on a map: Helena, Miles City, and Billings. In my humble opinion, the Crazies are the most majestic and gorgeous of Montana’s mountains and serve as a fitting backdrop for this story. I could see why Buck and Kristin would like to live out here.
With a predictable, typical plotline and a heroine that slides into the damsel-in-distress mode more often than I like, I don’t think I’d say this is a favorite romance or one that stands out among the crowds. Yet, it’s got some good points with a story, though predictable, is still enjoyable, a heroine who at least has a backbone at times, and a great setting. So not jaw-dropping in its awesomeness, but still an enjoyable historical romance.
I liked Kristin, for the most part. She started out strong, knowing how to shoot her way out of problems and having the intelligence to see through Forsythe’s schemes very early on. As the story progressed, there were times where she regressed into the damsel in distress model, having to be rescued by Buck multiple times. There were times I was mentally shouting at her to carry her god damn gun more and shoot the balls off any guy trying to kidnap her. Yet, at least she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself in some capacity.
I also liked the author’s careful attention to setting and environment. I’ve personally been to this area of Montana: Big Timber, the Crazy Mountains, and the Sweet Grass Creek (where it runs through Melville, MT). A ton of the towns and areas mentioned I’ve also been to or seen on a map: Helena, Miles City, and Billings. In my humble opinion, the Crazies are the most majestic and gorgeous of Montana’s mountains and serve as a fitting backdrop for this story. I could see why Buck and Kristin would like to live out here.
With a predictable, typical plotline and a heroine that slides into the damsel-in-distress mode more often than I like, I don’t think I’d say this is a favorite romance or one that stands out among the crowds. Yet, it’s got some good points with a story, though predictable, is still enjoyable, a heroine who at least has a backbone at times, and a great setting. So not jaw-dropping in its awesomeness, but still an enjoyable historical romance.
January 22, 2013
This is my favorite Dorthy Garlock novel. I love the plot, characters, and setting.
June 17, 2015
The perfect predictable historical romance with a handsome hero and hateful villains . . . wonderful story!
Read
August 21, 2024Western with romantic elements, Wyoming Territory, 1883
A lot of explicit violence, sexism, machismo, some cruelty to animals.
Content warnings for multiple and explicit violent scenes - guns, knives. Beatings, major emotional and sexual abuse (villain with side character). Multiple pre-meditated murders. Abduction of heroine with attempted rape. Racism, ethnocentrism, stereotypical portrayals of First Nations people - Ogala Sioux are important side characters (including a villain, though not the Big Bad) and several scenes in a camp. Side character (parental figure) in last stages of dementia.
Does end in an HEA for the hero and heroine, completed successful quests for side characters, restitution for some of the victims.
A lot of explicit violence, sexism, machismo, some cruelty to animals.
Content warnings for multiple and explicit violent scenes - guns, knives. Beatings, major emotional and sexual abuse (villain with side character). Multiple pre-meditated murders. Abduction of heroine with attempted rape. Racism, ethnocentrism, stereotypical portrayals of First Nations people - Ogala Sioux are important side characters (including a villain, though not the Big Bad) and several scenes in a camp. Side character (parental figure) in last stages of dementia.
Does end in an HEA for the hero and heroine, completed successful quests for side characters, restitution for some of the victims.
July 5, 2018
I liked it, but I think there were just too many plot lines running all at once...and, HUGE SPOILER, I didn’t like the part with the bad guy just being killed by the woman he was abusing. I wanted him to have his day in court, so he, who cared so much for his wealth and prestige and reputation, could see it all come crashing down. Honestly felt a little gypped by that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2020
Garlock's novel is a beautiful story about life in old Montana. It is a love story, adventure and an historical lesson. One becomes closely involved with small town and ranch in the old west while getting to know a wide range of characters. This story would make a wonderful movie.
January 23, 2018
This was an old fashioned melodrama! What fun! Villain/Forsythe, Hero/Buck Lenning, Heroine/Kristin Anderson, many friends and comic relief. Just a fun read.
May 18, 2019
One of my favorite romance novels. I’ve read it several times. It made me a Garlock fan.
January 5, 2020
1930s rt.66
November 22, 2020
Fantastic read!
April 28, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
But here's why...
Once again I was pulled into this book. The author has a way with bringing out your emotions and putting you on the place of the main characters💕
But here's why...
Once again I was pulled into this book. The author has a way with bringing out your emotions and putting you on the place of the main characters💕
September 4, 2024
Love this book reread often
June 12, 2019
This is another Garlock charmer. Spinster Kristin Anderson is being used as a servant in her older brother’s home. When she finds out that she has inherited some land in Montana Territory, she wants to escape her brother’s oppressive servitude and live there.
Unfortunately, Kristen’s brother, Ferd has already agreed to sell the land to a wily land broker, Colonel Forsythe. Kristen’s cousin, Gustaf, who was born on the same day one farm over, gives her the money to travel to Montana. Kristen’s brother and sister-in-law are so enraged that they refuse to help her in any way and tell her that she cannot return to them WHEN things fall apart.
The Montana lawyer and Forsythe try to dazzle Kristen with money for her land as soon as she arrives in the Territory. She says she must think about it overnight and they allow her to leave their offices. Kristen has learned that these men are going to harm her if she doesn’t turn over her property and she appeals to locals in the town to help her get to her property.
When Kristen arrives at Larkspur, she has more surprises. ‘Old Lenning,’ the foreman, isn’t old and he’s angry that she seems to want to toss him off his piece of land (adjoining the Larkspur ranch).
Telling too much more of the story will ruin the twists-and-turns in store for the reader. Trust me when I say that there are gunslingers, ne’er-do-wells who think nothing of killing, an Indian who wants Kristen and her white-blond hair, an old confused man and multiple deaths.
Once the story gets started (the beginning is rather slow), it moves quickly. Dillon Tallman, from YESTERYEAR, returns in this novel. This is a complex story with lots of subplots. One suggestion: Start this early in the day or you will be up all night trying to finish it.
Wyoming Frontier
1. Midnight Blue (1988)
2. Nightrose (1990)
3. Sins of Summer (1994)
4. The Listening Sky (1994)
5. Larkspur (1997)
6. Sweetwater (1990)
Unfortunately, Kristen’s brother, Ferd has already agreed to sell the land to a wily land broker, Colonel Forsythe. Kristen’s cousin, Gustaf, who was born on the same day one farm over, gives her the money to travel to Montana. Kristen’s brother and sister-in-law are so enraged that they refuse to help her in any way and tell her that she cannot return to them WHEN things fall apart.
The Montana lawyer and Forsythe try to dazzle Kristen with money for her land as soon as she arrives in the Territory. She says she must think about it overnight and they allow her to leave their offices. Kristen has learned that these men are going to harm her if she doesn’t turn over her property and she appeals to locals in the town to help her get to her property.
When Kristen arrives at Larkspur, she has more surprises. ‘Old Lenning,’ the foreman, isn’t old and he’s angry that she seems to want to toss him off his piece of land (adjoining the Larkspur ranch).
Telling too much more of the story will ruin the twists-and-turns in store for the reader. Trust me when I say that there are gunslingers, ne’er-do-wells who think nothing of killing, an Indian who wants Kristen and her white-blond hair, an old confused man and multiple deaths.
Once the story gets started (the beginning is rather slow), it moves quickly. Dillon Tallman, from YESTERYEAR, returns in this novel. This is a complex story with lots of subplots. One suggestion: Start this early in the day or you will be up all night trying to finish it.
Wyoming Frontier
1. Midnight Blue (1988)
2. Nightrose (1990)
3. Sins of Summer (1994)
4. The Listening Sky (1994)
5. Larkspur (1997)
6. Sweetwater (1990)
December 1, 2025
This is the first Historical Romance book I've read, though I didn't know it fell it into that category when I picked it up. I am surprised by how much I liked reading it. When I finished, I felt attached to the the world Garlock created. The ending was anticlimactic, but it didn't dim how pleasant I found the book.
August 22, 2010
A lot of the dialog was a bit cheesy.
I did enjoy the fact that there wasn't much drama between the hero and heroine. most romance novels are always: boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl again. This story had a lot of stuff going on but the relationship was solid.
I did enjoy the fact that there wasn't much drama between the hero and heroine. most romance novels are always: boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl again. This story had a lot of stuff going on but the relationship was solid.
August 26, 2014
My first by this author, but not my last. Larkspur is a wonderful read, one that I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading westerns, where everyone gets their "due" and love triumphs in the end.
April 9, 2016
Great read.
Love everything Dorothy Garlock writes and this was no exception. She always writes about characters that you can love and those you can hate intermixed with historical events.
Love everything Dorothy Garlock writes and this was no exception. She always writes about characters that you can love and those you can hate intermixed with historical events.
Read
December 17, 2009Nice novel
August 17, 2011
Good story
Read
May 8, 2012It was pretty good .
June 17, 2016
Fun and refreshing book. Lenning was no joke. I liked him alot.
October 6, 2016
I enjoyed reading.
June 4, 2023
Five stars because Dillion made this book entertaining
September 15, 2017
I like it! every elements are there.. plot, characters, twist... though.. i need to be move.. maybe I'm missing something...
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews