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Cowboy Hero #1
Bluebells on the Hill
Success can be exhausting. Most people would love to have the problem facing Amanda, a wildly popular country singer. All she wants is a quiet place to regroup for the summer. But even the best laid plans have a fly in the ointment--in her case it's the cowboy next door.
Mac Mackenzie is furious when he discovers a certain property has been sold to a stranger. That one acre used to be part of his family's ranch and he wants it back. But no matter what he offers, Amanda refuses to sell.
As the summer progresses, Mac changes tactics. The only problem is it becomes hard to tell if he’s trying to drive her away or convince her to stay.
Mac Mackenzie is furious when he discovers a certain property has been sold to a stranger. That one acre used to be part of his family's ranch and he wants it back. But no matter what he offers, Amanda refuses to sell.
As the summer progresses, Mac changes tactics. The only problem is it becomes hard to tell if he’s trying to drive her away or convince her to stay.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 1986
163 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Barbara McMahon
407 books175 followersBestselling, award winning author Barbara McMahon has written more than 80 novels which have sold more than 16 million copies world wide in more than fifty countries in twenty-eight languages.
Known for her heartwarming, emotional stories, she excels in capturing those feelings when first falling in love. She has won or been nominated for every major award in the romance genre from a double nomination in the RITA to winning the Bookseller's Best, National Readers Choice Award and the prestigious HOLT Medallion, among others.
Barbara lives in West Michigan with her husband and two fur babies. Her favorite passtimes are genealogy research and taking her dogs on walks in the wood behind their home.
Known for her heartwarming, emotional stories, she excels in capturing those feelings when first falling in love. She has won or been nominated for every major award in the romance genre from a double nomination in the RITA to winning the Bookseller's Best, National Readers Choice Award and the prestigious HOLT Medallion, among others.
Barbara lives in West Michigan with her husband and two fur babies. Her favorite passtimes are genealogy research and taking her dogs on walks in the wood behind their home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 2, 2019
I always enjoy reading BM’s books even though some leave me with a ‘it could have been better’ feeling. Her characters, settings and treatment are always believable and connectable. She is also one writer whose works I enjoy because I love her cowboy Hs!
This premise of a well-known country singer on a quiet sabbatical in the country, and her unwelcoming and disagreeable rancher neighbor was instantly absorbing. She buys a small cabin adjoining his property that he always wanted and so the fireworks begin. He is rude and obnoxious while she is reasonable and restrained. But their meetings are few and far between to satisfy my romantic appetite.
And after few chapters you realize that you want more than details of her daily routine of going about her chores and enjoying her solitude. Also there were times I felt that her perpetual tranquility and unruffled amusement hid an almost superior condescension towards others, like when they go for dinner at his aunt’s place and she is completely unaffected, rather is amused by the ow flirting with the H. But well, she is a famous and rich person and is probably used to handling more difficult people and situations.
Also the depth of connection and emotions I was looking forward to, don’t materialize. It skims some shallow waters to the inevitable hea, leaving me dissatisfied. The h/H were definitely a perfect match, but they hardly have a ‘personal’ conversation. From growling and circling each other, they go to a circling of another kind with some frustratingly interrupted sessions. Then he proposes and she accepts just like that, without telling him about her 'reality'. That was unacceptable and all the interruptions in the world cannot justify this lying by omission.
I loved the ending though. A singer ought to have a ‘singing’ ending and I thoroughly approve of the way she sings her way into his forgiveness, his heart and his arms.
This premise of a well-known country singer on a quiet sabbatical in the country, and her unwelcoming and disagreeable rancher neighbor was instantly absorbing. She buys a small cabin adjoining his property that he always wanted and so the fireworks begin. He is rude and obnoxious while she is reasonable and restrained. But their meetings are few and far between to satisfy my romantic appetite.
And after few chapters you realize that you want more than details of her daily routine of going about her chores and enjoying her solitude. Also there were times I felt that her perpetual tranquility and unruffled amusement hid an almost superior condescension towards others, like when they go for dinner at his aunt’s place and she is completely unaffected, rather is amused by the ow flirting with the H. But well, she is a famous and rich person and is probably used to handling more difficult people and situations.
Also the depth of connection and emotions I was looking forward to, don’t materialize. It skims some shallow waters to the inevitable hea, leaving me dissatisfied. The h/H were definitely a perfect match, but they hardly have a ‘personal’ conversation. From growling and circling each other, they go to a circling of another kind with some frustratingly interrupted sessions. Then he proposes and she accepts just like that, without telling him about her 'reality'. That was unacceptable and all the interruptions in the world cannot justify this lying by omission.
I loved the ending though. A singer ought to have a ‘singing’ ending and I thoroughly approve of the way she sings her way into his forgiveness, his heart and his arms.
December 3, 2011
Wanting to get away from it all and live at a slower pace, country singer Amanda moves to the small town of Timber. Upon arrival she unknowingly steps between two fueding neighbors by buying one's house. Amanda aka Mandy meets the other half of the fued Mac and is attracted to him..... even though he's a flaming jerk and has his head stuffed up his...... well, you know.
This was a short story so I understand the need to move at a quick pace but it seemed to me that the story was filled with useless day to day details about Mandy's life. Mandy and Mac's relationship was not well developed. He seemed to dislike her for 80% of the story, then all of a sudden he proposes. Mandy thought he was a sexy jerk then suddenly (because he looked at her with tenderness)she decides she loves him. They even admit that they know absolutly nothing about each other on their way to get married. All in all it wasn't my cup o tea.
This was a short story so I understand the need to move at a quick pace but it seemed to me that the story was filled with useless day to day details about Mandy's life. Mandy and Mac's relationship was not well developed. He seemed to dislike her for 80% of the story, then all of a sudden he proposes. Mandy thought he was a sexy jerk then suddenly (because he looked at her with tenderness)she decides she loves him. They even admit that they know absolutly nothing about each other on their way to get married. All in all it wasn't my cup o tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2016
Let me say first, I am a fan of Barbara McMahon. I love her writing style. I love how she paints such beautiful word pictures of the settting. I can truly see the old rundown cabin setting amongst the trees and the creek where Mandy pans for gold.I can see the hill behind her cabin covered with bluebells.
Her characters are well developed.
Mandy is a fiesty, beautiful young lady who happens to be a famous country singer. She is seeking solitude in a small town. She needs rest and relaxation. She disguises herself so no one will recognize her. You can tell she has a kind heart by the way she interacts with John-Michael.
Mac is very arrogant and rude to Mandy. I can understand him being upset to find out that Cora sold her property to someone else, knowing he wanted it. I can also see him being upset that Mandy wouldn't even consider the idea of selling him the property. I think after his initial anger over the situation he would just avoid Mandy. Apparently he is too attracted to her to avoid her so all of their interactions are push and pull.
I liked the story very much. Read it in one afternoon. Couldn't put it down. I'm sure I will read the rest of the books in the series. If you like a good romantic read you'll love this book. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Her characters are well developed.
Mandy is a fiesty, beautiful young lady who happens to be a famous country singer. She is seeking solitude in a small town. She needs rest and relaxation. She disguises herself so no one will recognize her. You can tell she has a kind heart by the way she interacts with John-Michael.
Mac is very arrogant and rude to Mandy. I can understand him being upset to find out that Cora sold her property to someone else, knowing he wanted it. I can also see him being upset that Mandy wouldn't even consider the idea of selling him the property. I think after his initial anger over the situation he would just avoid Mandy. Apparently he is too attracted to her to avoid her so all of their interactions are push and pull.
I liked the story very much. Read it in one afternoon. Couldn't put it down. I'm sure I will read the rest of the books in the series. If you like a good romantic read you'll love this book. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
May 29, 2013
Amanda, a work renowned country singer/songwriter takes a summer off to settle down and buy an old house in the quaint rural town of Timber. Little did she know that the property she was purchasing was located next to Macs land and he was desperately trying to buy it back.
After Macs wife left him years ago before the country fair, he's been easily angered and had a dislike for women, especially Hippies. He's not pleased when the young Mandy buys Cora's old place and refuses to sell. He assumes she doesn't work and is trouble. As he visits trying to get her to leave he begins to feel more for her than he cares to admit.
Amanda's takes a much needed break in her music tours to settle her new home and return to song writing. She's inspired by the quiet and beauty of her new home as well as a ruggedly handsome and difficult rancher.
Despite their disagreements and the walls they've built around their hearts, Mandy and Mac begin to fall hard for each other. The story is a sweet, clean romance and a fun read.
Disclosure: I won a copy of this book from goodreads but the opinions are my own
After Macs wife left him years ago before the country fair, he's been easily angered and had a dislike for women, especially Hippies. He's not pleased when the young Mandy buys Cora's old place and refuses to sell. He assumes she doesn't work and is trouble. As he visits trying to get her to leave he begins to feel more for her than he cares to admit.
Amanda's takes a much needed break in her music tours to settle her new home and return to song writing. She's inspired by the quiet and beauty of her new home as well as a ruggedly handsome and difficult rancher.
Despite their disagreements and the walls they've built around their hearts, Mandy and Mac begin to fall hard for each other. The story is a sweet, clean romance and a fun read.
Disclosure: I won a copy of this book from goodreads but the opinions are my own
September 1, 2015
I'd say more like 2.5 stars, but I'm rounding up because I kind of liked it even though the plot became ridiculously contrived (the "interruptions"), the hero seemed to have little character development (neither of the main characters seemed to change much), and I didn't feel they would have a "happily ever after." Still, I liked the characters and the setting and the writing was, overall, well done. Also, I sincerely hope her other books get a more thorough copyedit, because this book was full of typos (to the point of being distracting). A decent, quick read (if you aren't distracted by the above points), and you want an old-fashioned sort of contemporary romance set near a CA Gold Country ranch.
June 12, 2013
The basis of this story is good. Mandy is a big time star who needs a break. Buying land in the middle of Mac's ground causes them to butt heads from the start. The physical tension is palpable.
Spoiler
The marriage proposal is out of left field. The interrupted sex scenes were a great builder, unfortunately the book ends without the completion . I enjoy christian romance and enjoy books without sex scenes, but don't tease and not finish it at the end. Heck i would have been happy with them eloping, but you don't even get that. Lots of build up, poor completion.
Spoiler
The marriage proposal is out of left field. The interrupted sex scenes were a great builder, unfortunately the book ends without the completion . I enjoy christian romance and enjoy books without sex scenes, but don't tease and not finish it at the end. Heck i would have been happy with them eloping, but you don't even get that. Lots of build up, poor completion.
June 27, 2016
Sweet
A sweet story of love blooming where it was unexpected. I really liked this book. It pulled me in at the beginning and I couldn't put it down. My only complaint is I felt the end felt a bit rushed. After all the complexity in the beginning, the end felt thin and I fleshed out. Words rushed and not really how the character acted through out. The ending is what is expected, but I just wish that things were so rushed to reach the ending. Definately worth reading.
A sweet story of love blooming where it was unexpected. I really liked this book. It pulled me in at the beginning and I couldn't put it down. My only complaint is I felt the end felt a bit rushed. After all the complexity in the beginning, the end felt thin and I fleshed out. Words rushed and not really how the character acted through out. The ending is what is expected, but I just wish that things were so rushed to reach the ending. Definately worth reading.
September 17, 2011
I am a sucker for a good love story, and even though there were parts in the story where things didn't run so smooth, I really enjoyed reading Bluebells on the Hill.
I recommend it to anybody who is looking for a quick easy love story that doesn't have a stupid love triangle involved. The characters are fun and the pace is nice. However, the last three or so pages do get a little cheesy.
I recommend it to anybody who is looking for a quick easy love story that doesn't have a stupid love triangle involved. The characters are fun and the pace is nice. However, the last three or so pages do get a little cheesy.
July 7, 2013
I enjoyed this quick and light novel. Amanda Smith was looking for a quiet place to escape to from her hectic singing star life on the road. She found the perfect spot but it came with a "difficult neighbor". This was a sweet novel that can be read in a day while following Amanda through some adventures and romance in her new home.
December 16, 2015
I've read this book as a teen and continue to love it even till now. I have a copy at home that is well worn.
The plot is very basic but the characters and the beautifu scnery described really caught my attention.
The relationship build up was perfect. It's nice to read about a normal couple falling in love without the necessities of evil mechanics, over the top gestures and big headed men.
The plot is very basic but the characters and the beautifu scnery described really caught my attention.
The relationship build up was perfect. It's nice to read about a normal couple falling in love without the necessities of evil mechanics, over the top gestures and big headed men.
April 19, 2019
I enjoyed this quick, easy read. Yes, some of US do need time alone to remember who we are. Mandy knew what she had to do and did it. I would have liked to know what her little house looked AFTER she painted and furnished it!!! : > ) P.S. I am not good at writing reviews because I really don't have the time. But I do want the author to know I did enjoy her book!!!
July 14, 2012
I wanted to enjoy this story more. It felt so choppy. There was no relationship, no romance, just kiss and "marry me". I never felt that I could enjoy the characters. There was no getting to know them.
May 29, 2013
This was a cute story about a country singer who moves to a quiet remote town for a much needed break. While there she falls in love with a difficult easily upset rancher. The romance is a bit unrealistic, and the story predictable, but overall it's a cute quick read
June 18, 2016
Good read
He's a grumpy, negative down-on-women rancher. She's a positive, cheerful,singer looking for a peaceful place to land between gigs. It's conflict from the word go......until it isn't. Love those cowboys. Highly recommend.
He's a grumpy, negative down-on-women rancher. She's a positive, cheerful,singer looking for a peaceful place to land between gigs. It's conflict from the word go......until it isn't. Love those cowboys. Highly recommend.
August 19, 2021
Such A Delightful Story
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters peeked my interest immediately and retained it throughout. Mac and Mandy are wonderful characters and I really wish there was an extended epilogue.
I enjoyed this book so much! The characters peeked my interest immediately and retained it throughout. Mac and Mandy are wonderful characters and I really wish there was an extended epilogue.
October 5, 2021
And The Cowboy Loves Me
I chose this rating because this book deserved a five star rating. I loved the story and the characters. The tranquil scenery and setting makes the story and characters blend in true harmony.
I chose this rating because this book deserved a five star rating. I loved the story and the characters. The tranquil scenery and setting makes the story and characters blend in true harmony.
May 9, 2015
don't be fooled by the cover, this book is from 1986.
October 16, 2012
Really really really dumb! Very poor writing and editing , just a dumb story too.
April 3, 2013
bummed thought it would be better didnt realize it was from 1986
August 12, 2016
It was OK up until 80% in the book. Then it was corny as hell, kiss then "marry me". No ILY, nothing.
January 25, 2017
An enjoyable storyline. What's not to like when it involves a cowboy and a country singer with a fiery conflict and romance!!
May 12, 2016
Good
this book is one that shows how a woman who is a star in the country music profession can be a great and down to earth woman.
this book is one that shows how a woman who is a star in the country music profession can be a great and down to earth woman.
April 18, 2013
what a wonderful story it touched my heart.
June 13, 2021
Career woman falls for cowboy, but book needs editing
Timing is important to a successful woman taking a summer break from her busy career. Hoping eventually to slow down and combine family and career, she's at the top of her game but buys a small house in the middle of nowhere to buy a getaway place of her own to relax away from the stress of city life. Only she buys a prized property in the middle of a huge ranch near the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains and falls in love with the scenery, the easy pace, the beauty and peaceful environment. There's only one problem, the handsome cowboy who owns the ranch and covets that property to complete his spread. Soon sparks fly. Is there any way to resolve this dilemma without constant discord? However, the edit errors were frustrating making it a struggle to get through the book.
Timing is important to a successful woman taking a summer break from her busy career. Hoping eventually to slow down and combine family and career, she's at the top of her game but buys a small house in the middle of nowhere to buy a getaway place of her own to relax away from the stress of city life. Only she buys a prized property in the middle of a huge ranch near the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains and falls in love with the scenery, the easy pace, the beauty and peaceful environment. There's only one problem, the handsome cowboy who owns the ranch and covets that property to complete his spread. Soon sparks fly. Is there any way to resolve this dilemma without constant discord? However, the edit errors were frustrating making it a struggle to get through the book.
May 15, 2021
Who arrives in town on the bus with a suitcase and guitar and pays cash for a rundown house in the mountains? I didn't blame Mandy for wanting time off from her successful musical career and hiding out near the little town of Timber! I admired Mandy for being kind to the neighbor boy and teaching him to play the guitar in spite of his dad, Mac, not being very happy about it! You will The Cowboy Next Door! I received a complimentary e-book copy of the book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
May 1, 2021
This sweet and clean cowboy romance with a lovely cover was just the right length for a light bedtime read. Enjoyed the descriptions of Northern California making one feel apart of the setting. However, couldn't help but to think 'bears' when Mandy went off by herself seeking gold unprotected. Though, story could use one more re-edit related to numerous typo/format issues, so reader does not become distracted. Otherwise, quite the enjoyable read overall.
October 4, 2021
Singer, Songwriter, Annoying Neighbor
When Mandy was seeking a summer away from all the fame and fuss of being a country star, she landed in the small town of Timber. She wandered into the real estate office in time to buy Cora's house on the spot. Mac had wanted the place back in his family for years but Cora refused to sell to him. He thought he could wait out Mandy until she grew bored with the place. He never dreamed he'd call in love instead.
When Mandy was seeking a summer away from all the fame and fuss of being a country star, she landed in the small town of Timber. She wandered into the real estate office in time to buy Cora's house on the spot. Mac had wanted the place back in his family for years but Cora refused to sell to him. He thought he could wait out Mandy until she grew bored with the place. He never dreamed he'd call in love instead.
August 19, 2022
I liked this novel which was a quick, easy, safe read. It provided a good escape. Mac thought Mandy was an irresponsible hippy and was unhappy because she had bought a piece of land he had wanted and refused to sell it to him. Before long, however, Mac was surprised when he found out who Mandy really was and how hard she had worked to get her life worked out. I enjoyed watching these two characters discover who they were and what they really wanted from each other.
October 5, 2021
The Cowboy Next Door
I really enjoyed this story. A country singer, not revealing her real name, came by bus to Timber. She wanted a quiet e of her own. Found a rundown cabin and bought it. Then
N she met Mackenzie, who wanted the cabin she bought. This gets real interesting, you will enjoy this.
I really enjoyed this story. A country singer, not revealing her real name, came by bus to Timber. She wanted a quiet e of her own. Found a rundown cabin and bought it. Then
N she met Mackenzie, who wanted the cabin she bought. This gets real interesting, you will enjoy this.
July 11, 2023
I always love these books plus there is drama,love, and my favorite miscommunication.
But in this one there is a girl just in a writers block, got away to do some soul searching ,bought a old house and got extra
Hide her identity but the kid was a fan of the hippie,a.k.a riverboat g. Amanda.
Then wrote a song about the rancher.lol
But in this one there is a girl just in a writers block, got away to do some soul searching ,bought a old house and got extra
Hide her identity but the kid was a fan of the hippie,a.k.a riverboat g. Amanda.
Then wrote a song about the rancher.lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews