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The Love's Valley #2
Absolution
The Irish are hardheaded so Elspeth Hamilton doesn't like them. The Mexicans are hotheaded so likewise, she doesn't think much of them either. Since Rebels burned her family home, killing both her parents in the Chambersburg, Pennsylvania fire, it stands to reason she surely doesn't waste affection on Rebels. Colum Sullivan is all three: Irish, Mexican and Rebel. It would take an utter absence of sanity and total absolution of all the past to fall in love with Colum.
The English are a stiff-necked lot so Colum doesn't like Ellie. The Yankees are a cold-blooded bunch so likewise he doesn't like her. All he's going to do is rescue her and then light a shuck back to Texas. But an early blizzard in the mountains of Southern Pennsylvania turns his plans around abruptly. Colum admires the lady but that's as far as it's going because it's absolutely the wrong time in the century for the likes of a lady like Ellie Hamilton and a man like Colum Sullivan to get together. Those kinds of miracles only happen once in a lifetime, and his sister Douglass and her new husband Monroe have already captured that miracle.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2005
467 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,126 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 25, 2020
Bye, Carolyn time for a change have e joyed dozens, but I'll have to wish you thanks and farewell!
No one they v getting to be all the same . I,be read many of her books and liked them slot but each book now is about the same
No one they v getting to be all the same . I,be read many of her books and liked them slot but each book now is about the same
November 22, 2022
Book 2 of the "Love's Valley" series sees Ellie, who broke off her engagement with the greedy man whom she discovered only wanted her money, not her, chained by leg shackles in a filthy cabin, the chains secured outside the cabin, with a high fever. She has been starved, beaten, and given barely enough water to keep her alive. She is left there with the door open, to die.
Her rebel, half Irish, half Mexican sister in law Douglass has begged her brother Colum, an excellent tracker, to stay and find Ellie and bring her home.
And so he does, with the differences between Rebel and Yankee fading as they get to know one another...despite the scratches she put on his face when he was trying to rescue Douglass, who didn't - unknown to him - need or want to be rescued from one of the best kisses of her life.
Ellie knows she is ruined. She knows no one would believe she wasn't raped, nor that she and Colum hadn't touched each other, nor that the ordeal had made her stronger. She was considered ruined and people would believe the ordeal would eventually drive her crazy.
They make it back to Love's Valley, but have a few close calls along the way and once they get home, that doesn't stop. The unforgiving early snow impedes their return and Colum realizes he is stuck until the spring thaw. A carpenter by trade, Monroe hires him as the foreman to work on their new house. Indigo makes trouble at the house over Colum being a rebel, as do some of the workers, but the rest learn to respect Colum.
But as the house goes up, Ellie and Colum realize, separately, that they're falling for each other. Is this just the aftermath of the rescue & the difficult journey home, or the real thing? If it's real, can they admit it, or say goodbye if it's not?
Her rebel, half Irish, half Mexican sister in law Douglass has begged her brother Colum, an excellent tracker, to stay and find Ellie and bring her home.
And so he does, with the differences between Rebel and Yankee fading as they get to know one another...despite the scratches she put on his face when he was trying to rescue Douglass, who didn't - unknown to him - need or want to be rescued from one of the best kisses of her life.
Ellie knows she is ruined. She knows no one would believe she wasn't raped, nor that she and Colum hadn't touched each other, nor that the ordeal had made her stronger. She was considered ruined and people would believe the ordeal would eventually drive her crazy.
They make it back to Love's Valley, but have a few close calls along the way and once they get home, that doesn't stop. The unforgiving early snow impedes their return and Colum realizes he is stuck until the spring thaw. A carpenter by trade, Monroe hires him as the foreman to work on their new house. Indigo makes trouble at the house over Colum being a rebel, as do some of the workers, but the rest learn to respect Colum.
But as the house goes up, Ellie and Colum realize, separately, that they're falling for each other. Is this just the aftermath of the rescue & the difficult journey home, or the real thing? If it's real, can they admit it, or say goodbye if it's not?
October 15, 2022
Spunk and Sass
Ellie Hamilton was set to marry Oscar, when her cousin, Monroe, came back to Loves Valley, PA, bringing a southern Texas woman he had saved, and thought he would be sending back to Texas, but before long he realized that Douglas had become more than a woman to love. Shortly after arriving in PA, her two brothers, who had been sent by their father in Texas to bring their sister home, arrived to find that she and Monroe finally admitted they loved each other. However Monroe's cousin Ellie was kidnapped and Douglas begged her brother Colum to find her and bring her home safely. Thus begins a new set of problems for Colum, who just wanted to return home to his beloved Texas. Loved this book!
Ellie Hamilton was set to marry Oscar, when her cousin, Monroe, came back to Loves Valley, PA, bringing a southern Texas woman he had saved, and thought he would be sending back to Texas, but before long he realized that Douglas had become more than a woman to love. Shortly after arriving in PA, her two brothers, who had been sent by their father in Texas to bring their sister home, arrived to find that she and Monroe finally admitted they loved each other. However Monroe's cousin Ellie was kidnapped and Douglas begged her brother Colum to find her and bring her home safely. Thus begins a new set of problems for Colum, who just wanted to return home to his beloved Texas. Loved this book!
December 15, 2019
Absolution (Love's Valley Historical Romance)
Ellie and Colum met under the most unfortunate of circumstance , alt least most people thought the timing could have been better. Colum came to find his sister and ended up watching her get married to a man who fought for the union army, however the war was over, barely. So it was a bit soon to for a girl who was everything rebel to marry a union army officer and then there was the cousin, Ellie, and the sister who both wanted to send the rebel back where she came from. Ellie was in a situation of having to make a hard decision and why it it fair that, that rebel was so happy, and she was going to be so sad.
Ellie and Colum met under the most unfortunate of circumstance , alt least most people thought the timing could have been better. Colum came to find his sister and ended up watching her get married to a man who fought for the union army, however the war was over, barely. So it was a bit soon to for a girl who was everything rebel to marry a union army officer and then there was the cousin, Ellie, and the sister who both wanted to send the rebel back where she came from. Ellie was in a situation of having to make a hard decision and why it it fair that, that rebel was so happy, and she was going to be so sad.
August 29, 2023
Always love Carolyn Brown’s stories
Nothing like one of Carolyn’s books to bring about sunshine after a dark night. Her writing is always fun, clever, and obvious that she truly enjoys writing and has such a great time with her characters. Some fun parts of this one include some research she’s done on Irish history, as well as the Civil War that comes through in some intriguing dialogue with the characters. It’s easy to become invested in the protagonists and definitely want to find out what happens to the story. Therefore, if the story hooks me and I read it all the way to the end in one day, because I just have to know how it turns out, it’s an absolute thumbs up.
Nothing like one of Carolyn’s books to bring about sunshine after a dark night. Her writing is always fun, clever, and obvious that she truly enjoys writing and has such a great time with her characters. Some fun parts of this one include some research she’s done on Irish history, as well as the Civil War that comes through in some intriguing dialogue with the characters. It’s easy to become invested in the protagonists and definitely want to find out what happens to the story. Therefore, if the story hooks me and I read it all the way to the end in one day, because I just have to know how it turns out, it’s an absolute thumbs up.
April 9, 2020
Star crossed lovers or never meant to be? As different as different can be. Ellie and Collum were. He was a rebel from Texas. Irish and Mexican. She is a yankee with proper English roots. He was hot, she was cold.
Until she was in desperate need of help. Then he was just the man to rescue her and happen to fall in love along the way. They fought the idea of being in love because they were so different. Never really sure how it could work.
Book comes to a abrupt end!
Until she was in desperate need of help. Then he was just the man to rescue her and happen to fall in love along the way. They fought the idea of being in love because they were so different. Never really sure how it could work.
Book comes to a abrupt end!
November 17, 2020
Soulmates
The story of Colum and Ellie started with a bang! Ellie, tall blue-eyed blonde was kidnapped. The description of her bruises was horrible and along comes Colum to resue her. Colum, a TDH Irish/Mexican Rebel soldier from Texas. During their trip back to Love Valley, they fall in love but are in denial because of their prejudices. They had to learn to forget the past so they could marry and build a life.
The story of Colum and Ellie started with a bang! Ellie, tall blue-eyed blonde was kidnapped. The description of her bruises was horrible and along comes Colum to resue her. Colum, a TDH Irish/Mexican Rebel soldier from Texas. During their trip back to Love Valley, they fall in love but are in denial because of their prejudices. They had to learn to forget the past so they could marry and build a life.
March 10, 2021
Grand Story
Loving to be somewhat Irish, I was happy to read the book.
I also know Chambersburg, PA, as my brother lives there.
The history is accurate.
Ellie and Chad are caught in a North/South dilemma soon after the Civil War. They have a rocky start and a relationship that needs healing.
How it all turns out is for the reader to discover.
I highly think Carolyn Brown will welcome even more fans. Well done, Mrs. Brown.
Loving to be somewhat Irish, I was happy to read the book.
I also know Chambersburg, PA, as my brother lives there.
The history is accurate.
Ellie and Chad are caught in a North/South dilemma soon after the Civil War. They have a rocky start and a relationship that needs healing.
How it all turns out is for the reader to discover.
I highly think Carolyn Brown will welcome even more fans. Well done, Mrs. Brown.
June 13, 2017
Love Changes Hearts
I'm sad to say that this final book of Loves Valley. The Sullivan's and Hamilton's have united in more ways then one. It was a tall story fitting for an Irishman and passionate enough for a Mexican. Brought together by the North and the South. All's well that ends well. Many thanks to our author Carolyn Brown for a terrific series of great writing.
I'm sad to say that this final book of Loves Valley. The Sullivan's and Hamilton's have united in more ways then one. It was a tall story fitting for an Irishman and passionate enough for a Mexican. Brought together by the North and the South. All's well that ends well. Many thanks to our author Carolyn Brown for a terrific series of great writing.
April 8, 2018
Lousy plot and writing
One of the worst books I have ever read. What a mishmash of blah blah blah. Characters were ridiculous, and plot was predictable and tiresome. Nothing good about this. Run away from this author. My brain feels yucky after reading this. Only stuck with it because I must have a masochistic streak.
One of the worst books I have ever read. What a mishmash of blah blah blah. Characters were ridiculous, and plot was predictable and tiresome. Nothing good about this. Run away from this author. My brain feels yucky after reading this. Only stuck with it because I must have a masochistic streak.
November 6, 2018
A great read
Like the first book in this trilogy, the read was funny, page turning, romantic despite the predictability. Most of Carolyn Brown’s books that I’ve read are a pleasure. I’d refer this to anyone who wants a good laugh with interesting characters and really good dialogue.
Like the first book in this trilogy, the read was funny, page turning, romantic despite the predictability. Most of Carolyn Brown’s books that I’ve read are a pleasure. I’d refer this to anyone who wants a good laugh with interesting characters and really good dialogue.
August 8, 2020
A page turner that I couldn't put down!
Carolyn Brown is one of my favorite authors! Her way of drawing you into the lives of her characters, makes the people come alive for the reader. This is the third time I've read this book and it still has me turning the pages to see what happens next.
Carolyn Brown is one of my favorite authors! Her way of drawing you into the lives of her characters, makes the people come alive for the reader. This is the third time I've read this book and it still has me turning the pages to see what happens next.
December 8, 2020
North meets South
Collum is an ex-Rebel soldier who has come to Pennsylvania to find his sister. Ellie is an avowed hater of all things south of the Mason Dickson Line. When she is kidnapped, Collum is sent to find her. The sparks start to fly and they have a long trip home to find that they were meant for each other.
Collum is an ex-Rebel soldier who has come to Pennsylvania to find his sister. Ellie is an avowed hater of all things south of the Mason Dickson Line. When she is kidnapped, Collum is sent to find her. The sparks start to fly and they have a long trip home to find that they were meant for each other.
February 5, 2023
Redeemed
Absolution means God has forgiven everything. So God expects us to forgive and forget. The Civil War is over but people still beat grudges. Now a Hamilton daughter is falling for An Irish Texan brother to her sister in law. Will they ever find common ground without God to guide them? Read on McDuff
Absolution means God has forgiven everything. So God expects us to forgive and forget. The Civil War is over but people still beat grudges. Now a Hamilton daughter is falling for An Irish Texan brother to her sister in law. Will they ever find common ground without God to guide them? Read on McDuff
July 30, 2024
Excellent as always
I have enjoyed every novel from Carolyn Brown. Love stories with excitement, danger, and the development of a love that can last forever.
In the world of today it's wonderful to find happy endings. Escaping the stress of daily life.
Thank you Ms Brown for making a way to escape from the daily struggles.
I have enjoyed every novel from Carolyn Brown. Love stories with excitement, danger, and the development of a love that can last forever.
In the world of today it's wonderful to find happy endings. Escaping the stress of daily life.
Thank you Ms Brown for making a way to escape from the daily struggles.
April 3, 2018
I was so dissapointed
Reading the first few pages of this book had me hopefull as I settled in for a nice long read about love, redemption and forgiveness. What I got was a shortened not very good sappy love story that held no surprises. I cry.
Reading the first few pages of this book had me hopefull as I settled in for a nice long read about love, redemption and forgiveness. What I got was a shortened not very good sappy love story that held no surprises. I cry.
August 17, 2019
Just as in the Black Swan series the historical importance of personalities played out. The culture of a Southern Irish and Mexican gentlemen playing against the Northern English could clash easily when the feeling are hidden. Once those feelings are brought forth it makes sense that love can survive and flourish!
January 12, 2020
Carolyn Brown is amazing
She does it again, except for the usual Texas story, this one is in a valley in Pennsylvania. I love how the women in this book show strength and ability. Well done.
She does it again, except for the usual Texas story, this one is in a valley in Pennsylvania. I love how the women in this book show strength and ability. Well done.
November 12, 2021
Dull rubber stamped series about a bunch of angry bigoted people who can't help falling in love with each other. The enemy to lover is not a trope I like to begin with and the nasty h's and doofus H's didnt help.
Read
April 26, 2023Love and forgiveness.
It is sometimes hard to see another as the person they are. The characters were well thought out and the plot was good. I recommend the book to family and friends.
It is sometimes hard to see another as the person they are. The characters were well thought out and the plot was good. I recommend the book to family and friends.
July 28, 2017
Texas
I was disappointed they didn't go to Texas. I thank she would loved it here. I t was a fun read.
I was disappointed they didn't go to Texas. I thank she would loved it here. I t was a fun read.
January 25, 2018
Love, love, loved it!!
I could see the cabin, hear the kittens, feel the snow! I saw the val!ey, the horses and heard the guns.. Need I say more?
I could see the cabin, hear the kittens, feel the snow! I saw the val!ey, the horses and heard the guns.. Need I say more?
January 29, 2018
Absolution is a Good Word
Ms. Brown, I sure do hope your Muse never gets tired. The world would surely miss out on a whole of bunch good stories!
Ms. Brown, I sure do hope your Muse never gets tired. The world would surely miss out on a whole of bunch good stories!
June 1, 2018
From good to better!
The first book of this series was good but, this second book was even better if possible. I can't wait to see what book number three has waiting for me.
The first book of this series was good but, this second book was even better if possible. I can't wait to see what book number three has waiting for me.
March 27, 2019
Good edition
Good book, interesting story of after civil war. Lots to like and interesting family ties. Each story is a good one.
Good book, interesting story of after civil war. Lots to like and interesting family ties. Each story is a good one.
May 28, 2019
Read the series
Awesome 2 nd tale of this 3 some. Enjoyed reading the turmoil and love of the characters. I'm ready for number 3
Awesome 2 nd tale of this 3 some. Enjoyed reading the turmoil and love of the characters. I'm ready for number 3
June 17, 2019
Loved this one
This was such a good book, I don't want to get to much into detail with this.
But this is the 2nd book in the series.
I am on to the next one.
This was such a good book, I don't want to get to much into detail with this.
But this is the 2nd book in the series.
I am on to the next one.
January 9, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book..
I liked the storyline and the bantering between Ellie and Colum..no surprise ending but it was a fun book to read.
I liked the storyline and the bantering between Ellie and Colum..no surprise ending but it was a fun book to read.
October 23, 2020
Wonderful!!
I am loving this series so far and cannot wait to read the next book!! I am part of both families niw!
I am loving this series so far and cannot wait to read the next book!! I am part of both families niw!
March 1, 2021
Tired
Tired of the growling and angry people in this love story
Love Carolyn she writes fun stories but this series is not for me
Tired of the growling and angry people in this love story
Love Carolyn she writes fun stories but this series is not for me
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews