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Homespun Hearts #1
Tennessee Waltz
When Sarah Channing's fiancé hardens his heart toward a needy child named Mairi, the New York Socialite puts her wedding on hold to locate the child's only relatives, hidden deep in the Appalachians.
Arriving at Sawback Mountain, Sarah meets Wyn, Mairi's handsome older cousin, and finds herself wishing for something she doesn't have: a glimmer of beauty.
Wyn had his fill of beautiful city-bred women during his time in Washington, DC, as a senator's aide. Yet he's impressed by Sarah, working hard to gain the love and respect of the mountain folks.
But Sarah is making mistake after mistake as she tries to use her money and influence to improve the lives of the children.
Perhaps the proud mountain folk are right: a cultured socialite, even one without beauty, has no place on their mountain or in the heart of a mountain man who's vowed to never again leave the life he loves.
REVIEWS:
"The mountain community... comes alive under Trana Mae Simmons' artful pen. Her romance charms." ~Gerry Benninger, Romantic Times
"...a refreshing, fun-to-read American historical romance. This reviewer will gladly waltz to more tales by Ms. Simmons." ~Harriet Klausner
THE HOMESPUN HEARTS SERIES, in order
Tennessee Waltz
Town Social
Winter Dreams
MEET TRANA MAE SIMMONS
Trana Mae Simmons lives in East Texas with her family and pets in a haunted house. When not writing romance, she loves to travel, exploring off-the-beaten paths. And when a ghost happens by, it delights her immensely. Learn more about Trana at www.tranamaesimmons.com
Arriving at Sawback Mountain, Sarah meets Wyn, Mairi's handsome older cousin, and finds herself wishing for something she doesn't have: a glimmer of beauty.
Wyn had his fill of beautiful city-bred women during his time in Washington, DC, as a senator's aide. Yet he's impressed by Sarah, working hard to gain the love and respect of the mountain folks.
But Sarah is making mistake after mistake as she tries to use her money and influence to improve the lives of the children.
Perhaps the proud mountain folk are right: a cultured socialite, even one without beauty, has no place on their mountain or in the heart of a mountain man who's vowed to never again leave the life he loves.
REVIEWS:
"The mountain community... comes alive under Trana Mae Simmons' artful pen. Her romance charms." ~Gerry Benninger, Romantic Times
"...a refreshing, fun-to-read American historical romance. This reviewer will gladly waltz to more tales by Ms. Simmons." ~Harriet Klausner
THE HOMESPUN HEARTS SERIES, in order
Tennessee Waltz
Town Social
Winter Dreams
MEET TRANA MAE SIMMONS
Trana Mae Simmons lives in East Texas with her family and pets in a haunted house. When not writing romance, she loves to travel, exploring off-the-beaten paths. And when a ghost happens by, it delights her immensely. Learn more about Trana at www.tranamaesimmons.com
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1997
134 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Trana Mae Simmons
19 books5 followersTrana Mae Simmons also writes paranormal mysteries as T.M. Simmons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
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July 16, 2015Couldn't finish. I just didn't find it enjoyable or believable. Woman travels all by herself to a remote mountain town. She is a city woman and they are mountain folk. Upon first meeting the family is loud and she just swoops right in silently orders then to calm down(in a very loud room where the kids are running around yelling and singing) which they automatically do then she goes on ordering them all around and they do it with no complaint. Even tells a mother NOT to pick up her own child? Yeah I am sure this would really go over well.
July 17, 2015
2.5 stars
It was ok... The actions of the heroine and others' reactions to them were very unrealistic in places. Still, the story was kind of sweet. Not continuing with the series.
It was ok... The actions of the heroine and others' reactions to them were very unrealistic in places. Still, the story was kind of sweet. Not continuing with the series.
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June 3, 2015So slow I couldn't finish
The plot was good and the storyline was slow. Prodded along like one of the horses mentioned in the story. I read 60% and even though I felt invested by then and wanted to see how things ended I just couldn't force myself to continue.
The plot was good and the storyline was slow. Prodded along like one of the horses mentioned in the story. I read 60% and even though I felt invested by then and wanted to see how things ended I just couldn't force myself to continue.
September 16, 2012
good story, a light read
May 20, 2016
I did like the characters, but found it wasn't very clean. I did not finish it.
August 30, 2016
Cute!
June 24, 2019
A rather unlikely romance novel about a wealthy socialite who likes to help the poor. Long considered ugly by her family & acquaintances - with her lack of beauty pointed out repeatedly - she gets upset when her fiance objects to her desire to help a poor, sick child in need. This fiance, whom she has little use for but whom her father insists she wed, & who intends to leave the ugly bride behind for a series of mistresses on her money, she forthwith dumps in favor of collecting books for a school to be started in the mountains of Tennessee.
While there, she learns that the poor of the mountains want their children to learn to earn their keep, not accept charity, & she begins to learn their ways. A series of mishaps & a budding romance that she doesn't expect keep her & her new neighbors on their toes. A visit from an old acquaintance who hasn't seen her since childhood refutes that she is ugly...pointing out that she was a late bloomer & is not unattractive as she has been told.
The hoped-for happy ending occurs, against all odds.
Nice, relatively light read that shows the harm done when the focus is on the appearance rather than the heart.
While there, she learns that the poor of the mountains want their children to learn to earn their keep, not accept charity, & she begins to learn their ways. A series of mishaps & a budding romance that she doesn't expect keep her & her new neighbors on their toes. A visit from an old acquaintance who hasn't seen her since childhood refutes that she is ugly...pointing out that she was a late bloomer & is not unattractive as she has been told.
The hoped-for happy ending occurs, against all odds.
Nice, relatively light read that shows the harm done when the focus is on the appearance rather than the heart.
April 9, 2019
A Throughly Delightful Book
Sarah has all the money she’d ever need when she finds a sick child out in the cold. And she had Stephen, her fiancé that only wants her money. But two months later she is one her way to the mountains to bring the child home to her remaining family.
But once there, a snow storm intervenes and when it’s over she is in love with the mountains and the people. And she is drawn to Wyn, who had his time in the big city and makes it plain he’ll never leave again. Sarah can see the need all the people and their children have but this time money can’t buy happiness. But Sarah has to find a way to help and what is she going to do about Wyn who stirs her blood as no one ever has.
I loved the book and read it in one day. The author has a great series here and I can’t wait to read the rest! And will Sarah have her HEA? You’ll have to read the story yourself to find out.
Sarah has all the money she’d ever need when she finds a sick child out in the cold. And she had Stephen, her fiancé that only wants her money. But two months later she is one her way to the mountains to bring the child home to her remaining family.
But once there, a snow storm intervenes and when it’s over she is in love with the mountains and the people. And she is drawn to Wyn, who had his time in the big city and makes it plain he’ll never leave again. Sarah can see the need all the people and their children have but this time money can’t buy happiness. But Sarah has to find a way to help and what is she going to do about Wyn who stirs her blood as no one ever has.
I loved the book and read it in one day. The author has a great series here and I can’t wait to read the rest! And will Sarah have her HEA? You’ll have to read the story yourself to find out.
October 6, 2024
This ebook has been in My Digital Library since Aug 21, 2015.
I took a star away because I had to roll my eyes at how presumptuous the heroine could be even after others had told her that this culture preferred not to accept charity and had explained the difference in their culture.
I rated it two stars.
I took a star away because I had to roll my eyes at how presumptuous the heroine could be even after others had told her that this culture preferred not to accept charity and had explained the difference in their culture.
I rated it two stars.
April 13, 2019
Good book
Really enjoyed the story. I’ve always thought love will conquer any problem if given a chance. Communication, understanding, and honesty are key elements for love to avail. This romantic novel is a good example of how it can happen. Thank you, Jack
Really enjoyed the story. I’ve always thought love will conquer any problem if given a chance. Communication, understanding, and honesty are key elements for love to avail. This romantic novel is a good example of how it can happen. Thank you, Jack
December 1, 2024
Delightful read
NYC meets the hills of TN in the late 19th century, and sparks fly.
Written with insight and humor, moves along quickly. Highly recommend for an easy, interesting read.
NYC meets the hills of TN in the late 19th century, and sparks fly.
Written with insight and humor, moves along quickly. Highly recommend for an easy, interesting read.
May 21, 2017
Great read for my road trip/vacation in Tennessee with some distillery stops. Enjoyed the back story, plot and all of the characters. And, it fit perfectly with my travels!!
August 13, 2018
It would be a.better rating if it hadn't ended so abruptly
April 10, 2019
Two stars
Story of two people from two different worlds trying to find a solution to their dilemma. Predictable for sure, but was a sweet story
Story of two people from two different worlds trying to find a solution to their dilemma. Predictable for sure, but was a sweet story
September 5, 2015
In 1898, Sarah Channing is a very rich young woman; she is also very plain and has never been allowed to forget that she will never find a husband without the inducement of her father’s money. New York City society is self-serving and shallow; Sarah doesn’t fit into their mold of beauty and money. She wants a child; she must have a husband. She accepts Stephen's proposal only to gain a family; he is shallow, conceited, greedy, two-faced and conniving.
Upon finding a child, Mairi under a bush at the opera house, Sarah’s heart bleeds. Over her fiancée many and loud objects, she take the child home and nurses her to health, and returns Mairi to her family in Tennessee.
Sarah’s adventure is just beginning for it is in the mountains of Tennessee that Sarah will find her true worth and value as well as a love for a lifetime. Wyn MacIntyre, cousin to Mairi, is determined not to like Sarah and he sees her as plain until she smiles. But Wyn will come to value Sarah above all else.
Ms Simmons has a knack for a heart-felt story. The writing was clear, clean and concise. I enjoyed the interplay she created between Sarah and Wyn and the story line. Sarah has many missteps in her involvement with the community, as mountain people are proud and independent. Wyn will come to realize that Sarah is not your typical pampered snobby rich girl. This is a beautiful love story; I found this story sweet and easy to read.
The day I downloaded this book it was free, check it out on Amazon or other EBook sites.
Upon finding a child, Mairi under a bush at the opera house, Sarah’s heart bleeds. Over her fiancée many and loud objects, she take the child home and nurses her to health, and returns Mairi to her family in Tennessee.
Sarah’s adventure is just beginning for it is in the mountains of Tennessee that Sarah will find her true worth and value as well as a love for a lifetime. Wyn MacIntyre, cousin to Mairi, is determined not to like Sarah and he sees her as plain until she smiles. But Wyn will come to value Sarah above all else.
Ms Simmons has a knack for a heart-felt story. The writing was clear, clean and concise. I enjoyed the interplay she created between Sarah and Wyn and the story line. Sarah has many missteps in her involvement with the community, as mountain people are proud and independent. Wyn will come to realize that Sarah is not your typical pampered snobby rich girl. This is a beautiful love story; I found this story sweet and easy to read.
The day I downloaded this book it was free, check it out on Amazon or other EBook sites.
August 24, 2015
I downloaded this book as part of Barnes & Nobles' Free Fridays. I'm not generally a reader of romance, but the description of the book made it appear that this was more a historical fiction than a romance (though romance is involved). I figured I'd take a chance with nothing to lose on a free book.
Was I pleasantly surprised! Trana Mae Simmons is a fantastic author! She did such a wonderful job of character description and development that I was drawn to the characters from the moment I met them. Simmons' description of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the mountain folk who lived there was outstanding, making me feel I was there myself.
I cared so much about the characters I couldn't put the book down, and I finished it in 3 days. A definite must read - even if you're not a big fan of romance.
Was I pleasantly surprised! Trana Mae Simmons is a fantastic author! She did such a wonderful job of character description and development that I was drawn to the characters from the moment I met them. Simmons' description of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the mountain folk who lived there was outstanding, making me feel I was there myself.
I cared so much about the characters I couldn't put the book down, and I finished it in 3 days. A definite must read - even if you're not a big fan of romance.
July 7, 2015
Review of Tennessee waltz.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Having roots from this part of the country, it meant a lot to have the author truly portray the loving, hard working and deeply proud spirits of our southern mountain people heritage. Yes, they were as a whole very proud but also willing to give others a chance if they wanted one and usually admitted if they were wrong. They looked for the same qualities in others and Wyn plus many others found that in Sarah. As it does in most parts of the world, it was through the eyes of children that the adults were able to see things as they were and should have been! Would recommend the author to others, just don't shorten your stories! Nice to be kept on suspense for a bit longer!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Having roots from this part of the country, it meant a lot to have the author truly portray the loving, hard working and deeply proud spirits of our southern mountain people heritage. Yes, they were as a whole very proud but also willing to give others a chance if they wanted one and usually admitted if they were wrong. They looked for the same qualities in others and Wyn plus many others found that in Sarah. As it does in most parts of the world, it was through the eyes of children that the adults were able to see things as they were and should have been! Would recommend the author to others, just don't shorten your stories! Nice to be kept on suspense for a bit longer!!
May 1, 2015
Sarah, the New York Debutante finds a child outside the opera one evening it starts a live changing adventure for her, when she takes the young girl back to her family in the Tennessee mountains. She meets Wyn, the girl's uncle and the rest of her family, takes the job as the school teacher and learns hard lessons about mountain pride before she finds permanent acceptance in the mountain community. The big question is will Wyn take a chance on a debutante and will Sarah and Wyn find their happy every after ending for this unlikely couple. Tennessee Waltz is worth the read to find out.
June 6, 2015
Lovely story in this series
This is the first book I've read from this author and I was pleasantly surprised. This story centers around a young woman who rescues a child from the mountains of East Tennessee who is lost in the streets of New York City. She is a member of the upper class but ignores the norms and takes the child into her home. We next see our heroine, Sarah, returning Mariah to her family in Sawback Mountain. The story centers around Sarah's discovery of herself through the eyes of this mountain community in the late 19th century. A great love story as well.
This is the first book I've read from this author and I was pleasantly surprised. This story centers around a young woman who rescues a child from the mountains of East Tennessee who is lost in the streets of New York City. She is a member of the upper class but ignores the norms and takes the child into her home. We next see our heroine, Sarah, returning Mariah to her family in Sawback Mountain. The story centers around Sarah's discovery of herself through the eyes of this mountain community in the late 19th century. A great love story as well.
June 15, 2015
Loved it!
I fell in love with the characters in this book. I loved reading about the Appalachia mountain people and thought the author did a good job of portraying them. The heroine probably did not always act as a proper young lady from New York would have acted, but it did not detract from the story too much. My only disappointment is that the 2nd and 3rd books in the series do not continue with the same characters and setting. Ms. Simmons, if you read this, I want to read more about Wyn's family!!!
I fell in love with the characters in this book. I loved reading about the Appalachia mountain people and thought the author did a good job of portraying them. The heroine probably did not always act as a proper young lady from New York would have acted, but it did not detract from the story too much. My only disappointment is that the 2nd and 3rd books in the series do not continue with the same characters and setting. Ms. Simmons, if you read this, I want to read more about Wyn's family!!!
August 7, 2015
reminds me of Christy.
nice phrasing-- example -- "Love? The word climbed out of her subconcious and invaded her entire mind. She couldn't be falling in love with Wyn. They were complete opposites! But something told her she was entirely to late to attempt any rational judgement on whether or not she would actually fall in love with Wn MacIntyre. The fall had become a tumble, then a wild downhill slide, and she'd already reached to bottom of the hill. She already loved him.
nice phrasing-- example -- "Love? The word climbed out of her subconcious and invaded her entire mind. She couldn't be falling in love with Wyn. They were complete opposites! But something told her she was entirely to late to attempt any rational judgement on whether or not she would actually fall in love with Wn MacIntyre. The fall had become a tumble, then a wild downhill slide, and she'd already reached to bottom of the hill. She already loved him.
May 17, 2013
I picked this up as a free book on my Nook, wasn't sure if I would like it as I have never read this author before.
I must say I really enjoyed this book. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down and read the entire book in a days time...
Absolutely loved the story of Wyn and Sarah, was a great historial romance.
I must say I really enjoyed this book. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down and read the entire book in a days time...
Absolutely loved the story of Wyn and Sarah, was a great historial romance.
June 22, 2013
I picked this up as a free book at Barnes & Noble. I wasn't sure I would enjoy it. I am happy to say that once I started reading I could not put the book down. I kept reading as I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
This is a great book to take along to the beach as it is light and entertaining.
This is a great book to take along to the beach as it is light and entertaining.
July 17, 2014
I absolutely adored this book. I got it off amazon a while back and honestly I couldn't put it down. The characters were frustrating sometimes, but in a good way. I would suggest this book to any of my friends that I know love reading. If you are looking for a good old timey love story this is the one for you. There are even a few absolutely hilarious scenes too.
December 22, 2014
Proud bred man vs prouder bred woman
I loved this book for the most part. It had a few spelling issues. Overall it was a great plotted story with an unbelievable twist. It had great word variety and unbelievable imagery. With stubborn man and proud women this book brings a modern twist on old age rule that what man says goes.
I loved this book for the most part. It had a few spelling issues. Overall it was a great plotted story with an unbelievable twist. It had great word variety and unbelievable imagery. With stubborn man and proud women this book brings a modern twist on old age rule that what man says goes.
August 31, 2015
Tennessee Waltz
I really enjoyed reading this book. This is a well written story of the differences of people from another place /or from the city or mountains, or from another part of the country. Mountain people don't like. Those. who come in. and try. to change their traditions. Outsiders should learn. to accept them and their ways.
I really enjoyed reading this book. This is a well written story of the differences of people from another place /or from the city or mountains, or from another part of the country. Mountain people don't like. Those. who come in. and try. to change their traditions. Outsiders should learn. to accept them and their ways.
November 15, 2015
Some reviewers did not like the character of Sarah because it seemed like she came to town and wanted to "fix" everything. I could see that but thought it for in with her background and by the end she admits to having as much pride as the town does.
The romance seemed realistic and was a slow build, which I liked. I also loved the setting.
The romance seemed realistic and was a slow build, which I liked. I also loved the setting.
February 14, 2016
A sweet historical romance. Some kissing - not much else but the story is a good one. Rich socialite finds lost child in the city and returns her to her family in the mountains, where life is so different from hers. Can she find what she is looking for in a very handsome mountain man? One of my favorite stories.
December 28, 2014
Good Read
Tennessee Waltz kept my interest so much that I didn't want to put it down. It gave a good description of life in the mountains. Anyone who likes stories of the late 18th or early 19th century will enjoy this read.
Tennessee Waltz kept my interest so much that I didn't want to put it down. It gave a good description of life in the mountains. Anyone who likes stories of the late 18th or early 19th century will enjoy this read.
June 4, 2015
Lovely
This book is a sweet and touching read. As Sarah finds out who she and finds her true voice the reader sits back with a simple smile on his/her face. The endearing qualities that the characters have will have you enjoying the story more and more with each page turn.
This book is a sweet and touching read. As Sarah finds out who she and finds her true voice the reader sits back with a simple smile on his/her face. The endearing qualities that the characters have will have you enjoying the story more and more with each page turn.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews