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The Canyon #2
Daisies in the Canyon
She’s here to claim her birthright…
Ex-army sergeant Abby Malloy feels no loss after the father she never knew passes away. Still, part of Ezra Malloy’s ranch belongs to her, and if the stubborn blonde has to live there for a year with two half-sisters who are strangers to her, so be it. Nothing could stand in the way of her inheritance…except a local sheriff wrapped in snug blue jeans and a sexy grin.
He’s here to claim her heart…
Cooper Wilson, the local sheriff and rancher next door, is having his world turned upside down. Abby is all straight talk and sweet, lush curves—the kind of woman who gets under his skin in just the right way. Whereas Cooper has roots in Palo Duro Canyon, Abby’s got wings. But he knows she belongs here. If she can stop running from her past, he’ll happily lead her to a brighter future, one hot cowboy kiss at a time.
Ex-army sergeant Abby Malloy feels no loss after the father she never knew passes away. Still, part of Ezra Malloy’s ranch belongs to her, and if the stubborn blonde has to live there for a year with two half-sisters who are strangers to her, so be it. Nothing could stand in the way of her inheritance…except a local sheriff wrapped in snug blue jeans and a sexy grin.
He’s here to claim her heart…
Cooper Wilson, the local sheriff and rancher next door, is having his world turned upside down. Abby is all straight talk and sweet, lush curves—the kind of woman who gets under his skin in just the right way. Whereas Cooper has roots in Palo Duro Canyon, Abby’s got wings. But he knows she belongs here. If she can stop running from her past, he’ll happily lead her to a brighter future, one hot cowboy kiss at a time.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2014
2211 people are currently reading
1412 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,128 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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June 6, 2020
4.5 Combat Boots and Daisies Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
We all have our internal compasses...our way of talking things out and finding our way. It can be the voice of a loved one... or our own... but there, in the corners of our mind and heart... we have them to help guide us to the answers we need.
In Daisies in the Canyon, Carolyn Brown uses these voices and leads us on a journey of self-discovery for Abby Mallory. She is ex-Army; she has done a couple of tours and had a difficult time losing her mother at 18 years old. Her mother was her rock and raised her alone, for the man who was her father didn't believe in girl babies... Yes, you read that right... Ezra Mallory was as stubborn and beyond old school, as one could get. He believed the only child worth having was a male one. When Abby's mother presented him with a girl, Ezra presents her mother with a check and sent her packing.
But she wasn't the only wife Ezra did that to... oh, no, He did it to two other wives, as well...because as much as Ezra wanted boys... he was shootin' girls... and produced two other ones, Shiloh and Bonnie.
Abby meets these other sisters she never knew she had at Esra's funeral. There they stood, watching the old man go into the ground. None of them had any warm feelings for him; they were there only because of the last manipulation from the grave. Erza set up the will and ownership of his cattle ranch with terms and conditions. Each of the gals would be required to work the ranch for one year; only if they remained for the year would they own it; otherwise they would receive a monetary settlement. Each of these women wanted the land... each brought something different to the mix...and each thought the other would give up before the year's end. Each of them learned their assumptions about each other were wrong.
Now, this wouldn't be a romance book without someone to be romantic with...enter our sheriff, Cooper Wilson. He is a classic country handsome in a Travis Tritt (author's choice) kinda way. Abby sees him at the funeral and both of them are struck by the look in each other's eye. As they go back to the house, Cooper is there and the sparks between them continue. This is not, though, some quick lustful thing...there seems to be a little more to it and it is throwing both of them for a loop. Combine this with the rules and learning to run a cattle ranch and you have three strangers, now sisters, having to adjust.
And let me tell you, learning to run a cattle ranch is no walk in the park. Abby had experienced a lot overseas...she commanded men and women into battle... she had the nightmares from it... but this ranching was another huge challenge she was deciding on. She had a specific goal of waiting till spring and then making her decision whether to plant roots; getting involved with Cooper was making things complicated. Both of them felt the pull... and both of them knew the issues... one had roots which went back generations... the other had wings waiting to fly...
This was my first read with Ms. Carolyn Brown and it most definitely will not be my last. She brought humor, pathos, and depth to a story that could have been just a quick romance tale. She took me to Palo Duro Canyon; she made it breathe and live in my mind. She showed this city slicker what real ranching and farming is; backbreaking work which the people who do it, love... I felt the elements, the beauty, and the vast power of the land. I also felt the community; their love and caring for each other... small towns which keep all there close.
We got the sense of women fighting for something; first against each other than coming together for the greater good...
The romance between Cooper and Abby worked because there wasn't the usual manipulation one can sometimes find in stories... yes, there was an immediate attraction but the reasons and circumstance made sense to me. There was an element which did bother me; however, it was not drawn out and was quickly resolved. There was heat but not explicit; for this tale, it would not have rung true.
All of the characters and their backstories were presented. Seeds were planted in our minds... I know each of the sisters will find their cowboys in this canyon and I will look forward to reading about them.
Montlake Romance Publishing has a way with nurturing authors and their stories. I found this on NetGalley and I am so very glad I did.
A gifted copy was provided by Montlake Romance Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
We all have our internal compasses...our way of talking things out and finding our way. It can be the voice of a loved one... or our own... but there, in the corners of our mind and heart... we have them to help guide us to the answers we need.
In Daisies in the Canyon, Carolyn Brown uses these voices and leads us on a journey of self-discovery for Abby Mallory. She is ex-Army; she has done a couple of tours and had a difficult time losing her mother at 18 years old. Her mother was her rock and raised her alone, for the man who was her father didn't believe in girl babies... Yes, you read that right... Ezra Mallory was as stubborn and beyond old school, as one could get. He believed the only child worth having was a male one. When Abby's mother presented him with a girl, Ezra presents her mother with a check and sent her packing.
But she wasn't the only wife Ezra did that to... oh, no, He did it to two other wives, as well...because as much as Ezra wanted boys... he was shootin' girls... and produced two other ones, Shiloh and Bonnie.
Abby meets these other sisters she never knew she had at Esra's funeral. There they stood, watching the old man go into the ground. None of them had any warm feelings for him; they were there only because of the last manipulation from the grave. Erza set up the will and ownership of his cattle ranch with terms and conditions. Each of the gals would be required to work the ranch for one year; only if they remained for the year would they own it; otherwise they would receive a monetary settlement. Each of these women wanted the land... each brought something different to the mix...and each thought the other would give up before the year's end. Each of them learned their assumptions about each other were wrong.
Now, this wouldn't be a romance book without someone to be romantic with...enter our sheriff, Cooper Wilson. He is a classic country handsome in a Travis Tritt (author's choice) kinda way. Abby sees him at the funeral and both of them are struck by the look in each other's eye. As they go back to the house, Cooper is there and the sparks between them continue. This is not, though, some quick lustful thing...there seems to be a little more to it and it is throwing both of them for a loop. Combine this with the rules and learning to run a cattle ranch and you have three strangers, now sisters, having to adjust.
And let me tell you, learning to run a cattle ranch is no walk in the park. Abby had experienced a lot overseas...she commanded men and women into battle... she had the nightmares from it... but this ranching was another huge challenge she was deciding on. She had a specific goal of waiting till spring and then making her decision whether to plant roots; getting involved with Cooper was making things complicated. Both of them felt the pull... and both of them knew the issues... one had roots which went back generations... the other had wings waiting to fly...
This was my first read with Ms. Carolyn Brown and it most definitely will not be my last. She brought humor, pathos, and depth to a story that could have been just a quick romance tale. She took me to Palo Duro Canyon; she made it breathe and live in my mind. She showed this city slicker what real ranching and farming is; backbreaking work which the people who do it, love... I felt the elements, the beauty, and the vast power of the land. I also felt the community; their love and caring for each other... small towns which keep all there close.
We got the sense of women fighting for something; first against each other than coming together for the greater good...
The romance between Cooper and Abby worked because there wasn't the usual manipulation one can sometimes find in stories... yes, there was an immediate attraction but the reasons and circumstance made sense to me. There was an element which did bother me; however, it was not drawn out and was quickly resolved. There was heat but not explicit; for this tale, it would not have rung true.
All of the characters and their backstories were presented. Seeds were planted in our minds... I know each of the sisters will find their cowboys in this canyon and I will look forward to reading about them.
Montlake Romance Publishing has a way with nurturing authors and their stories. I found this on NetGalley and I am so very glad I did.
A gifted copy was provided by Montlake Romance Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
January 3, 2016
4.5 Stars
I just loved this cowboy romance! Daisies in the Canyon made me want to sell my house, buy a ranch and move out to the country! With my own sexy cowboy to help, of course!
Abby Malloy has just come out of the army and got word the father she never laid eyes on, Ezra Malloy, died and left her part of his ranch. Abby can’t think of her father without bitterness and anger bubbling up and who could blame her? The man gave her mother divorce papers and a settlement once Abby was born, finding out she was a girl. Ezra wanted a boy, an heir. Turns out she’s not the only one who suffered this rejection. Ezra did this to two other women and Abby meets the sisters she never knew she had, Shiloh and Bonnie, at his funeral. Abby has no intention of getting close to them or to Cooper, the sheriff/rancher/neighbor that shows up at every turn, setting her insides on fire with desire.
To inherit the Malloy Ranch the sisters must live there for a full year. All three are determined to stay and learn ranching, but it is not an easy job. Fortunately, the girls are not afraid of hard work, something that Ezra probably didn’t count on, and they gradually become close.
I adored the developing sister relationship and the support they supplied each other. Their circumstances were actually set up so that if they didn’t get along it would be more profitable for them in the long run, but their sisterly relationship ranked above greed. They all had a common hurt: Ezra, so they bonded over those feelings. Respect and love grew quickly. I have to say that Ezra’s decision to fling off his offspring just because they were girls angered me! The hurt of this rejection would have to cut deep, but I can’t help but think he was the loser in the end. The girls were all amazing women in their own right, and he missed out on knowing and loving them.
The romance between Cooper and Abby was a total win for me, and had me smiling and laughing throughout the book! They fell into lust quickly when they couldn’t keep their hands off each other, but then Abby and Cooper took a step back and settled in to take things slow, as friends. Flirty, fun friends with an insane amount of attraction! Their romance was filled with humor that had me giggling more than a few times:
“Abby, you are drunk.”
“I’m not drunk. Do you need glasses? I told you I can hold my liquor.”
“Why would I need glasses?”
“To see that I’m not drunk. Did I tell you that the bull rang the doorbell and that I think you are sexy and it would be easy to fall in love with you and good night, Cooper?”
Cooper was smart to back off, sensing Abby’s cold feet. I think he would’ve spooked her off if he didn’t put the brakes on. Instead he teased, flirted, and they got to know each other while the stoking embers into a raging fire. I appreciated there was no third party thrown in for drama, just realistic concerns that could plague any normal couple.
With Abby’s story happily complete, there were hints of a coming romance for Shiloh. I had suspicions about one for Bonnie, too, but I suspect Shiloh’s romance will be next. At least I hope so. I didn’t see any plans for a book two or three in the works.
Ms. Brown captured my heart and my cowgirl-soul with her heartfelt cowboy romance! For anyone who dreams of living on a working ranch, open pastures, beautiful sunsets, close knit friends and neighbors, Daisies in the Canyon is a perfect fit!
After reading and loving Daisies in the Canyon I went back and purchased Long, Hot Texas Summer which features the second chance romance between Loretta and Jackson, Malloy Ranch neighbors who show up in this story. Can't wait to read it!
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review.
I just loved this cowboy romance! Daisies in the Canyon made me want to sell my house, buy a ranch and move out to the country! With my own sexy cowboy to help, of course!
Abby Malloy has just come out of the army and got word the father she never laid eyes on, Ezra Malloy, died and left her part of his ranch. Abby can’t think of her father without bitterness and anger bubbling up and who could blame her? The man gave her mother divorce papers and a settlement once Abby was born, finding out she was a girl. Ezra wanted a boy, an heir. Turns out she’s not the only one who suffered this rejection. Ezra did this to two other women and Abby meets the sisters she never knew she had, Shiloh and Bonnie, at his funeral. Abby has no intention of getting close to them or to Cooper, the sheriff/rancher/neighbor that shows up at every turn, setting her insides on fire with desire.
To inherit the Malloy Ranch the sisters must live there for a full year. All three are determined to stay and learn ranching, but it is not an easy job. Fortunately, the girls are not afraid of hard work, something that Ezra probably didn’t count on, and they gradually become close.
I adored the developing sister relationship and the support they supplied each other. Their circumstances were actually set up so that if they didn’t get along it would be more profitable for them in the long run, but their sisterly relationship ranked above greed. They all had a common hurt: Ezra, so they bonded over those feelings. Respect and love grew quickly. I have to say that Ezra’s decision to fling off his offspring just because they were girls angered me! The hurt of this rejection would have to cut deep, but I can’t help but think he was the loser in the end. The girls were all amazing women in their own right, and he missed out on knowing and loving them.
The romance between Cooper and Abby was a total win for me, and had me smiling and laughing throughout the book! They fell into lust quickly when they couldn’t keep their hands off each other, but then Abby and Cooper took a step back and settled in to take things slow, as friends. Flirty, fun friends with an insane amount of attraction! Their romance was filled with humor that had me giggling more than a few times:
“Abby, you are drunk.”
“I’m not drunk. Do you need glasses? I told you I can hold my liquor.”
“Why would I need glasses?”
“To see that I’m not drunk. Did I tell you that the bull rang the doorbell and that I think you are sexy and it would be easy to fall in love with you and good night, Cooper?”
Cooper was smart to back off, sensing Abby’s cold feet. I think he would’ve spooked her off if he didn’t put the brakes on. Instead he teased, flirted, and they got to know each other while the stoking embers into a raging fire. I appreciated there was no third party thrown in for drama, just realistic concerns that could plague any normal couple.
With Abby’s story happily complete, there were hints of a coming romance for Shiloh. I had suspicions about one for Bonnie, too, but I suspect Shiloh’s romance will be next. At least I hope so. I didn’t see any plans for a book two or three in the works.
Ms. Brown captured my heart and my cowgirl-soul with her heartfelt cowboy romance! For anyone who dreams of living on a working ranch, open pastures, beautiful sunsets, close knit friends and neighbors, Daisies in the Canyon is a perfect fit!
After reading and loving Daisies in the Canyon I went back and purchased Long, Hot Texas Summer which features the second chance romance between Loretta and Jackson, Malloy Ranch neighbors who show up in this story. Can't wait to read it!
A copy was kindly provided by Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2014
Daisies in the Canyon by Carolyn Brown is an exceptionally well-written, engaging and heartwarming romance. This wonderful novel set in the Palo Duro Canyon is a beautiful love story between Abby Malloy and Cooper Wilson. It is also a healing story about making peace with the past and embracing the unexpected as Abby and her newfound half-sisters, Shiloh and Bonnie, begin a new life on the ranch left to them by the father they never met.
Fresh out of the Army, Abby has lived a transient life for so long that the thought of putting down roots is a foreign concept. But to inherit the ranch left to her by her absentee father Ezra, she has to stay on the ranch for one year. Abby is reluctant to commit to the entire year, so she decides to stay until spring, then she will re-evaluate whether or not it is time to move on. But when she begins to fall for Sheriff and neighbor Cooper Wilson, Abby must decide if she is ready to risk her heart despite not knowing what the future holds.
Abby is a strong, capable woman and she is more than up to the task of learning the ins and outs of ranching. Although she had a stable, happy childhood, Ezra's abandonment left its mark and she has struggled with commitment issues and a sense of not belonging for most of her life. Her time on the ranch provides the opportunity for Abby to gain a better understanding of herself and some of the choices she has made. But it is not until Abby begins to fall for Cooper that she realizes how deeply Ezra's rejection has affected her.
It is not at all difficult to understand why Abby is drawn to Cooper. He is deliciously sexy, dependable and hardworking. Between his Sheriff and ranching duties, he has been too busy for a serious relationship but that does not stop him for pursuing Abby once she catches his eye. For the most part, Cooper is content to patiently wait while she works through her problems, but he does gently nudge her towards staying both in the canyon and with him.
Cooper and Abby's relationship heats up really fast, but the two quickly step back once they realize they have very different plans for the future. However, their paths cross fairly frequently and they become friends all the while trying to ignore to ignore their simmering desire. Cooper and Abby decide to explore their attraction but a misunderstanding and Abby's fear of commitment threaten their blossoming romance.
The one area of Abby's life that is relatively trouble free is the unanticipated bond she finds with Shiloh and Bonnie. There is little animosity between them and although their backgrounds are diverse, the three find common ground as they settle into their new lives. Their individual strengths offset one another's weaknesses and they are surprised by how compatible they are. When Abby's fears about the future jeopardize her relationship with Cooper, Shiloh and Bonnie are a welcome source of advice and comfort.
Daisies in the Canyon is a sweet, humorous and sometimes poignant novel that is quite captivating. The cast of characters is beautifully developed, appealing and very easy to root for. Carolyn Brown's love for the Palo Duro Canyon is always apparent and her descriptive prose brings the picturesque setting vibrantly to life. The storyline is refreshing with very little angst or drama. All of the necessary ingredients for a heartfelt, feel good story that I absolutely loved and highly recommend!
Fresh out of the Army, Abby has lived a transient life for so long that the thought of putting down roots is a foreign concept. But to inherit the ranch left to her by her absentee father Ezra, she has to stay on the ranch for one year. Abby is reluctant to commit to the entire year, so she decides to stay until spring, then she will re-evaluate whether or not it is time to move on. But when she begins to fall for Sheriff and neighbor Cooper Wilson, Abby must decide if she is ready to risk her heart despite not knowing what the future holds.
Abby is a strong, capable woman and she is more than up to the task of learning the ins and outs of ranching. Although she had a stable, happy childhood, Ezra's abandonment left its mark and she has struggled with commitment issues and a sense of not belonging for most of her life. Her time on the ranch provides the opportunity for Abby to gain a better understanding of herself and some of the choices she has made. But it is not until Abby begins to fall for Cooper that she realizes how deeply Ezra's rejection has affected her.
It is not at all difficult to understand why Abby is drawn to Cooper. He is deliciously sexy, dependable and hardworking. Between his Sheriff and ranching duties, he has been too busy for a serious relationship but that does not stop him for pursuing Abby once she catches his eye. For the most part, Cooper is content to patiently wait while she works through her problems, but he does gently nudge her towards staying both in the canyon and with him.
Cooper and Abby's relationship heats up really fast, but the two quickly step back once they realize they have very different plans for the future. However, their paths cross fairly frequently and they become friends all the while trying to ignore to ignore their simmering desire. Cooper and Abby decide to explore their attraction but a misunderstanding and Abby's fear of commitment threaten their blossoming romance.
The one area of Abby's life that is relatively trouble free is the unanticipated bond she finds with Shiloh and Bonnie. There is little animosity between them and although their backgrounds are diverse, the three find common ground as they settle into their new lives. Their individual strengths offset one another's weaknesses and they are surprised by how compatible they are. When Abby's fears about the future jeopardize her relationship with Cooper, Shiloh and Bonnie are a welcome source of advice and comfort.
Daisies in the Canyon is a sweet, humorous and sometimes poignant novel that is quite captivating. The cast of characters is beautifully developed, appealing and very easy to root for. Carolyn Brown's love for the Palo Duro Canyon is always apparent and her descriptive prose brings the picturesque setting vibrantly to life. The storyline is refreshing with very little angst or drama. All of the necessary ingredients for a heartfelt, feel good story that I absolutely loved and highly recommend!
January 12, 2015
Unique storyline....but hard to stay interested.
Carolyn Brown's writing style is a little rough around the edges. This story could have been much better than it was. The writing reminded me of a new author who hasn't figured out how to seamlessly and smoothly tell their story. This book was just okay. I did struggle to finish it. I will not re-read this one; it's being deleted from my device.
Carolyn Brown's writing style is a little rough around the edges. This story could have been much better than it was. The writing reminded me of a new author who hasn't figured out how to seamlessly and smoothly tell their story. This book was just okay. I did struggle to finish it. I will not re-read this one; it's being deleted from my device.
December 15, 2020
Fun, joyful, light, cowboy romance
November 28, 2014
Carolyn Brown has done it again. Daisies in the Canyon is the latest hit by the very talented Carolyn Brown and any one whose ever read from this author, knows that she always delivers one heck of a western romance. I can always count on this author to write well written, relatable characters, that I either want to be best friends with or fall in love with. Daisies in the Canyon is about finding a place to belong and letting go of all commitment issues. For Abby, that's easier said than done, but with the help of Cooper, she'll find her way. Heck, anyone who looks like "Travis Tritt" would make me want to stick around too! Another thing I love about Carolyn Brown, is that she always incorporates country music into her books. Most country music songs, send a message while telling a story. For Daisies in the Canyon, the song that really drives it home is The Dance and wouldn't you know, it's the perfect song for this book. It's a good thing, that we don't know how things will end, because if we did, it would rob us from the experience.
I definitely recommend this book and this author!
ARC provided from NETGALLEY
I definitely recommend this book and this author!
ARC provided from NETGALLEY
January 15, 2015
I hate giving books low ratings, but honestly I just can't bear to say I liked this book. It's not really the plot that bothered me(though it was rough around the edges) as much as a bunch of small discrepancies. I've lived all my 22 years in Texas, lived down in the gulf, out on the border, in the DFW metroplex, and up in the panhandle- not ever has anyone ever called lunch "dinner". That phrase irked me more than the strange way Abby spoke of her service time. Coming from a military family and now married to an Airman I just felt Abby's lingo was forced and didn't help to make her character believable. Also Travis Tritt- EW!
June 24, 2021
3.8 stars
Daisies in the Canyon has all I have come to expect from Carolyn Brown. An intriguing story line, hot cowboys and strong women.
This story is about three half sisters with same father meeting for the first time inherit a farm but have to live there for year. I really enjoyed getting to know the three sisters and their past that made them who they were today.
The romance between the Abby and Cooper was sweet. I love reading books where the hero is the one pushing for a relationship.
The drunken moonshine scene was my favorite that had me laughing so hard I was crying!
A lovely feel good story with a HEA.
Daisies in the Canyon has all I have come to expect from Carolyn Brown. An intriguing story line, hot cowboys and strong women.
This story is about three half sisters with same father meeting for the first time inherit a farm but have to live there for year. I really enjoyed getting to know the three sisters and their past that made them who they were today.
The romance between the Abby and Cooper was sweet. I love reading books where the hero is the one pushing for a relationship.
The drunken moonshine scene was my favorite that had me laughing so hard I was crying!
A lovely feel good story with a HEA.
February 19, 2015
I didn't really pay attention to the blurb because I saw the book was by an author that I've come to enjoy, but I did notice the cute cover in passing. I've grown used to a certain formula in the author's plots and adjusted to her storytelling style so that I easily sink right into her books. This one followed things to a certain extent, but the premise that brought all the characters together and into contact with each other was something new. I think I pondered the inexplicableness of it for as long as the heroine did and still came up short. I really hope there are more books following that might give me some better answers. Now, while the thing that held it altogether left me scratching my head, the story of three sisters meeting for the first time and forming the bonds of family, working a ranch, and a romance with a cowboy sheriff made me kick back and feel right at home.
The story opens with ex-Army sergeant, Abby Malloy, arriving in time for her estranged father's graveside service and learning from the executor of the will that Ezra Malloy placed some interesting conditions on the inheritance she will share with her newly met younger half-sisters. Old Ezra wanted a boy so he married three times and divorced three times sending each woman away with a settlement when they produced a girl. He never wanted to see or meet any of them. Abby, Shiloh and Bonnie all grew up embittered and angry toward the old man who was their father. Each had hard things to live through- especially Bonnie- and now they not only inherit their share of the money, but the ranch if for no other reason than to prove to Ezra that he missed out on wishing for a boy. To do so, they must all live there for one year. Anyone who gives up and goes home just gets their money share and forfeits the ranch. Abby soon learns that her younger sisters are as stubborn and tough as she is in her own way. Abby had a plan, but now that she's there, all she has are questions and she is so confused. She wants to understand the man who tossed her aside because she wasn't a boy and how her mother could have ever loved such a man. She also wants to make sense of that spark and more that stretches between her and the man owning the ranch next door, Sheriff Cooper Wilson.
Cooper eyes all three of Ezra's girls at the funeral and observes not a sign of grief or feeling toward him. He was friend with the old man, but he had his own opinion about Ezra's antiquated ideas about the value of men and women. Seeing the strength and steel in each woman particularly the oldest, Cooper knows that Ezra missed out. Abby grabs his attention like no woman ever had, but he knows he can't doing anything about it since he suspects that she probably won't be putting down roots here and he's too rooted to ever consider anywhere else. Rusty, Ezra's one hand at the ranch, takes on the supervision of the Malloy women's work and it will be Rusty who gets the ranch if the sisters all quit after seeing what real ranch work is like. Cooper and Abby give into the attraction between them and then step back into the friends category, but it was a mistake because they are destined to be so much more than friends if only Abby will agree to stay and get over her fears of commitment.
The book is pretty easy-going and laid back in its tone and pace mostly relying on the internal struggles caused by an old man's mistakes to give the book tension and excitement. Oh not to say that nothing happens because it does. Cooper and Abby knock boots pretty early on in the story and then retreat, advance, and retreat again. I enjoyed the meeting and growing relationship between the sisters, the action of every day ranch life and the romance between Abby and Cooper, but overshadowing all that for me was the cruel oddities of old Ezra Malloy.
I was flabbergasted when Abby's story came out and then Shiloh and Bonnie had similar stories. Abby's mother came to the area, fell in love with Ezra, they were married about a year and when Abby was born, Ezra divorces her, sends her away with a settlement and tells her not to come back. Then each girl spends the rest of their lives with a single mom knowing their dad rejected his wife and child because the girls weren't boys. And they end up with more questions and surmises for answers once they lived on the ranch. Ezra had a lot to account for because each girl ended up with issues about getting involved with men and being rejected. I just couldn't wrap my head around such a thing. People walk away from relationships and their children all the time, but this was just so calculated. I am intrigued in an appalling way so I hope that each of the remaining sisters get their books and maybe more might come out about this situation.
Just as an aside, this one is connected to Long, Hot Texas Summer with shared characters, but can be read standalone.
All in all, it was a cozy Contemporary Western Romance and I would recommend it for those who enjoy spicy cowboy romance in down-home ranch-style setting.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens with ex-Army sergeant, Abby Malloy, arriving in time for her estranged father's graveside service and learning from the executor of the will that Ezra Malloy placed some interesting conditions on the inheritance she will share with her newly met younger half-sisters. Old Ezra wanted a boy so he married three times and divorced three times sending each woman away with a settlement when they produced a girl. He never wanted to see or meet any of them. Abby, Shiloh and Bonnie all grew up embittered and angry toward the old man who was their father. Each had hard things to live through- especially Bonnie- and now they not only inherit their share of the money, but the ranch if for no other reason than to prove to Ezra that he missed out on wishing for a boy. To do so, they must all live there for one year. Anyone who gives up and goes home just gets their money share and forfeits the ranch. Abby soon learns that her younger sisters are as stubborn and tough as she is in her own way. Abby had a plan, but now that she's there, all she has are questions and she is so confused. She wants to understand the man who tossed her aside because she wasn't a boy and how her mother could have ever loved such a man. She also wants to make sense of that spark and more that stretches between her and the man owning the ranch next door, Sheriff Cooper Wilson.
Cooper eyes all three of Ezra's girls at the funeral and observes not a sign of grief or feeling toward him. He was friend with the old man, but he had his own opinion about Ezra's antiquated ideas about the value of men and women. Seeing the strength and steel in each woman particularly the oldest, Cooper knows that Ezra missed out. Abby grabs his attention like no woman ever had, but he knows he can't doing anything about it since he suspects that she probably won't be putting down roots here and he's too rooted to ever consider anywhere else. Rusty, Ezra's one hand at the ranch, takes on the supervision of the Malloy women's work and it will be Rusty who gets the ranch if the sisters all quit after seeing what real ranch work is like. Cooper and Abby give into the attraction between them and then step back into the friends category, but it was a mistake because they are destined to be so much more than friends if only Abby will agree to stay and get over her fears of commitment.
The book is pretty easy-going and laid back in its tone and pace mostly relying on the internal struggles caused by an old man's mistakes to give the book tension and excitement. Oh not to say that nothing happens because it does. Cooper and Abby knock boots pretty early on in the story and then retreat, advance, and retreat again. I enjoyed the meeting and growing relationship between the sisters, the action of every day ranch life and the romance between Abby and Cooper, but overshadowing all that for me was the cruel oddities of old Ezra Malloy.
I was flabbergasted when Abby's story came out and then Shiloh and Bonnie had similar stories. Abby's mother came to the area, fell in love with Ezra, they were married about a year and when Abby was born, Ezra divorces her, sends her away with a settlement and tells her not to come back. Then each girl spends the rest of their lives with a single mom knowing their dad rejected his wife and child because the girls weren't boys. And they end up with more questions and surmises for answers once they lived on the ranch. Ezra had a lot to account for because each girl ended up with issues about getting involved with men and being rejected. I just couldn't wrap my head around such a thing. People walk away from relationships and their children all the time, but this was just so calculated. I am intrigued in an appalling way so I hope that each of the remaining sisters get their books and maybe more might come out about this situation.
Just as an aside, this one is connected to Long, Hot Texas Summer with shared characters, but can be read standalone.
All in all, it was a cozy Contemporary Western Romance and I would recommend it for those who enjoy spicy cowboy romance in down-home ranch-style setting.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2014
This book was pure fun and I really liked it. Abby is just as tough as you’d expect an ex-army woman to be, yet she’s also uncertain and vulnerable at times. Though she’d be the last one to admit it, Ezra’s poor treatment of her mother – and by extension her – has left deep scars. Not least when it comes to commitment. Then there’s her memories of life in Afghanistan, which just combine to make her feelings even more snarled up.
I did expect her to be a little more touchy than she was, perhaps a bit more competitive, but Abby’s more of an observer, measuring her competition to find the best place to strike. Especially when it comes to food. I loved her snack habit, and the way she’s always thinking about food. It made her more human, even at the start when she was acting all tough. I also loved how she argues with herself – or rather the voice of her mother – all the time. It was a fun trait, especially when her sisters noticed.
I really enjoyed reading about these three strangers slowly turning into sisters, starting off in competition before moulding into a team. They all have different strengths and weaknesses, but I liked how they supported each other rather than undermining. It added to the good feelings this book gave me.
Then there was Cooper. What a sweetheart. He’s all ready to settle down, but Abby has commitment issues, yet he’s always there on the end of the phone. I’ll admit the sudden rush at the start of their relationship surprised me a bit, but from the on the build was steadier and sweet to read. I also liked that he was there for Abby at the start, before she trusted her sisters, who were then in turn there for her when she didn’t feel she could trust Cooper so much anymore. The romance neatly balanced the sisterly bond, even if it took Abby a little longer to realise what she had.
In all this is a lovely read, with a steady build. Nothing too big or exciting happens, but it has humour and warmth and love – both familial and otherwise – and sometimes that’s all I want when I pick up a book. Just mind out for escaped bulls and lethal moonshine and you’ll be fine.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I did expect her to be a little more touchy than she was, perhaps a bit more competitive, but Abby’s more of an observer, measuring her competition to find the best place to strike. Especially when it comes to food. I loved her snack habit, and the way she’s always thinking about food. It made her more human, even at the start when she was acting all tough. I also loved how she argues with herself – or rather the voice of her mother – all the time. It was a fun trait, especially when her sisters noticed.
I really enjoyed reading about these three strangers slowly turning into sisters, starting off in competition before moulding into a team. They all have different strengths and weaknesses, but I liked how they supported each other rather than undermining. It added to the good feelings this book gave me.
Then there was Cooper. What a sweetheart. He’s all ready to settle down, but Abby has commitment issues, yet he’s always there on the end of the phone. I’ll admit the sudden rush at the start of their relationship surprised me a bit, but from the on the build was steadier and sweet to read. I also liked that he was there for Abby at the start, before she trusted her sisters, who were then in turn there for her when she didn’t feel she could trust Cooper so much anymore. The romance neatly balanced the sisterly bond, even if it took Abby a little longer to realise what she had.
In all this is a lovely read, with a steady build. Nothing too big or exciting happens, but it has humour and warmth and love – both familial and otherwise – and sometimes that’s all I want when I pick up a book. Just mind out for escaped bulls and lethal moonshine and you’ll be fine.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
November 5, 2014
Have never read Carolyn Brown before. I really enjoyed Daisies in the Canyon. The story is about a woman [Abby Malloy] searching for a place to belong and she ends up finding her way through love and understanding where she least expects to. Love this book. Have found a new author to read.
December 13, 2014
Like every book from Carolyn Brown I have read so far, it's a quality book. The writing is perfect, the characters interesting, the men charming and the woman strong but feminine. Yet, for some reason, the book didn't grab my attention the way her other books did.
February 4, 2015
Good story line, poorly written. Felt I was wasting my time.
February 19, 2015
Shallow
I kept thinking there would be more to the story than a high school love story, so kept reading. Was disappointed.
I kept thinking there would be more to the story than a high school love story, so kept reading. Was disappointed.
August 25, 2023
I didn't really pay attention to the blurb because I saw the book was by an author that I've come to enjoy, but I did notice the cute cover in passing. I've grown used to a certain formula in the author's plots and adjusted to her storytelling style so that I easily sink right into her books. This one followed things to a certain extent, but the premise that brought all the characters together and into contact with each other was something new. I think I pondered the inexplicableness of it for as long as the heroine did and still came up short. I really hope there are more books following that might give me some better answers. Now, while the thing that held it altogether left me scratching my head, the story of three sisters meeting for the first time and forming the bonds of family, working a ranch, and a romance with a cowboy sheriff made me kick back and feel right at home.
The book is pretty easy-going and laid back in its tone and pace mostly relying on the internal struggles caused by an old man's mistakes to give the book tension and excitement. Oh not to say that nothing happens because it does. Cooper and Abby knock boots pretty early on in the story and then retreat, advance, and retreat again. I found their instant attraction thoughts somewhat distracting as that was the primary idee' fixe for them much of the time.
I enjoyed the meeting and growing relationship between the sisters, the action of every day ranch life and the romance between Abby and Cooper, but overshadowing all that for me was the cruel oddities of old Ezra Malloy.
I was flabbergasted when Abby's story came out and then Shiloh and Bonnie had similar stories. Abby's mother came to the area, fell in love with Ezra, they were married about a year and when Abby was born, Ezra divorces her, sends her away with a settlement and tells her not to come back. Then each girl spends the rest of their lives with a single mom knowing their dad rejected his wife and child because the girls weren't boys. And they end up with more questions and surmises for answers once they lived on the ranch. Ezra had a lot to account for because each girl ended up with issues about getting involved with men and being rejected. I just couldn't wrap my head around such a thing. People walk away from relationships and their children all the time, but this was just so calculated. I am intrigued in an appalling way so I hope that each of the remaining sisters get their books and maybe more might come out about this situation.
This was my first time listening to narrator, Natalie Ross. I really enjoyed her Texas Twang for the accents and the ability to deepen her voice and still sound smooth for the men. There were a variety of characters and she made each distinguishable. I would definitely listen in to her work again.
Just as an aside, this one is connected to Long, Hot Texas Summer with shared characters, but can be read standalone.
All in all, it was a cozy Contemporary Western Romance and I would recommend it for those who enjoy spicy cowboy romance in down-home ranch-style setting.
The book is pretty easy-going and laid back in its tone and pace mostly relying on the internal struggles caused by an old man's mistakes to give the book tension and excitement. Oh not to say that nothing happens because it does. Cooper and Abby knock boots pretty early on in the story and then retreat, advance, and retreat again. I found their instant attraction thoughts somewhat distracting as that was the primary idee' fixe for them much of the time.
I enjoyed the meeting and growing relationship between the sisters, the action of every day ranch life and the romance between Abby and Cooper, but overshadowing all that for me was the cruel oddities of old Ezra Malloy.
I was flabbergasted when Abby's story came out and then Shiloh and Bonnie had similar stories. Abby's mother came to the area, fell in love with Ezra, they were married about a year and when Abby was born, Ezra divorces her, sends her away with a settlement and tells her not to come back. Then each girl spends the rest of their lives with a single mom knowing their dad rejected his wife and child because the girls weren't boys. And they end up with more questions and surmises for answers once they lived on the ranch. Ezra had a lot to account for because each girl ended up with issues about getting involved with men and being rejected. I just couldn't wrap my head around such a thing. People walk away from relationships and their children all the time, but this was just so calculated. I am intrigued in an appalling way so I hope that each of the remaining sisters get their books and maybe more might come out about this situation.
This was my first time listening to narrator, Natalie Ross. I really enjoyed her Texas Twang for the accents and the ability to deepen her voice and still sound smooth for the men. There were a variety of characters and she made each distinguishable. I would definitely listen in to her work again.
Just as an aside, this one is connected to Long, Hot Texas Summer with shared characters, but can be read standalone.
All in all, it was a cozy Contemporary Western Romance and I would recommend it for those who enjoy spicy cowboy romance in down-home ranch-style setting.
May 7, 2020
The second book in the Canyon Series is another hot page turner! Canyon resident Ezra Malloy was a crotchety old man that did not tolerate others well. Owner of the Malloy Ranch, he always wanted a son but out of three marriages, he only received three daughters. He would divorce his wife and pay her off to take the baby away. After three failed attempts he lived a lonely existence on his ranch with his foreman Rusty and three female dogs, named after his three ex-wives. When he died, his will stated his three daughters were to live and work on the Malloy ranch for a year. Whoever is left within that year will receive the ranch. If they wanted to leave, they would receive a cash inheritance. Coming together for Ezra's funeral, his three daughters, Abby, Shiloh, and Bonnie had a lot of anger toward their deceased father. Determined not to lose their portion of the ranch, each of the sisters worked hard and slowly learned about each other. Sheriff and next door neighbor, Cooper Wilson has his sights set on Abby but he refuses to start something he cannot finish. He figures she will be gone before the weeks out. Will she prove him wrong? Can Ezra's daughters be able to find closure? Did Ezra have an ulterior motive behind his proposal? I am so excited to see what Author Carolyn Brown will come up with next!
September 6, 2022
The writing in this book is horrible. Choppy. No rhyme to conversations. Felt like i had to go back to see if i missed something. The first page or two "this guy is so hot, i wonder what his hands on me would be like?" WTH. At a funeral and the author is putting them doing the nasty. Damn. This book could have been much mor. 3 daughters by different mothers, brought together by a funeral of a dad they never met. They can inherit his ranch if they live together for 1 year. None of them know anything about a cattle ranch.
Just wow! Carolyn Brown not sure if you need to fire your editor or publicist or yourself bc this was just that bad.
Just wow! Carolyn Brown not sure if you need to fire your editor or publicist or yourself bc this was just that bad.
March 19, 2019
Carolyn Brown had me hooked from the beginning. Three sisters find themselves in this story.
March 17, 2020
Daisies in the Canyon
I enjoyed Abby and Cooper's story very much. Always hard when the people we need answers from are no longer with us.
I enjoyed Abby and Cooper's story very much. Always hard when the people we need answers from are no longer with us.
February 16, 2015
Four and a half stars: A sweet fun read about three sisters learning to ranch.
Abby stands beside her father's grave. A cold wind whips through the canyon, ruffling the daisies nestled inside his casket. Abby never knew her father. Ezra Malloy ranch walked out on both her and her mother shortly after she was born because she wasn't a girl, and Ezra wanted a male heir. Abby wasn't the only one. Ezra had two other daughters, Shiloh and Bonnie, whom he also abandoned. Upon his death, Ezra requested that all three girls live at Malloy Ranch and learn to ranch. Whoever is left standing on the ranch after one year will inherit the ranch. Will Abby survive the year?
What I Liked:
*Once again, I was delighted to settle in with another sweet and comfortable read by Carolyn Brown. Daisies in the Canyon proved to be my favorite to date. This was a fun and entertaining story about three girls coming to terms with their heritage as they learn to ranch. This was a delightful story with a nice little romance. If you are needing a cozy read, grab this one and settle in.
*I loved the three sisters. When the girls first arrive on the ranch, they are sizing each other up as competition. Even though they are related, they are very different. Each sister vows to be the final one standing no matter how hard ranching proves to be. It doesn't seem like they will be friends, let alone sisters, but along the way, something wonderful happens. The girls not only learn to work together, but they also manage to form a bond that grows into a little sisterhood. I thought the blossoming relationship between the sisters was delightful.
*The setting was terrific. Carolyn transplants the reader into a small Texas ranching community. If you read The Long Hot Summer you will be familiar with this little town, and be pleased to catch up with a few characters. I like this small town setting and I loved the whole ranching scene. Carolyn does a brilliant job of portraying ranching life, stampeding cows and all.
*I admit, I was a tiny bit put off at the beginning with the romance. It starts out with some serious sparks of attraction, and then their is some insta love sex, but then, things shift. The couple immediately realizes their mistake and they back off. What follows is a romance that takes its time to build properly. In the end, I was pleased with the way it all plays out.
*This was a beautiful story with lots of humor, sexy cowboys and cows. I loved watching the girls plant their feet on the ranch and come to terms with their past as they forge new relationships and learn to be ranchers. I laughed and smiled, and I ended the book wanting more. My hope is that Carolyn will take us back once again to Malloy Ranch so we can catch up with Bonnie and Shiloh. The book does end before the year is up so there is more story to tell.
And The Not So Much:
*I was left wanting more story. I need to know what happens to Bonnie and Shiloh. Carolyn can you please write more books in this series?
*Ezra Malloy plays a huge role in the book even though he is dead. I couldn't help but want more about him. He is an interesting fellow for sure.
*I wasn't thrilled with the way the romance started off. The insta love vibe almost put me off. I am so glad though that I stuck with it and that the romance took another course.
Daisies in the Canyon was a sweet and satisfying comfort read. This is a book that has a nice romance, but even better than the romance is the developing bond of sisterhood. If you are in need of a light, cozy read, I highly recommend checking out this fun little book.
Favorite Quotations:
"Life don't come with promises of rainbows without the rain first."
"Either get out of the water or dive in. You can't stand on the shore with your toes in the surf."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
January 23, 2016
Daisies in the Canyon by Carolyn Brown
She’s here to claim her birthright…
Ex-army sergeant Abby Malloy feels no loss after the father she never knew passes away. Still, part of Ezra Malloy’s ranch belongs to her, and if the stubborn blonde has to live there for a year with two half-sisters who are strangers to her, so be it. Nothing could stand in the way of her inheritance…except a local sheriff wrapped in snug blue jeans and a sexy grin.
He’s here to claim her heart…
Cooper Wilson, the local sheriff and rancher next door, is having his world turned upside down. Abby is all straight talk and sweet, lush curves—the kind of woman who gets under his skin in just the right way. Whereas Cooper has roots in Palo Duro Canyon, Abby’s got wings. But he knows she belongs here. If she can stop running from her past, he’ll happily lead her to a brighter future, one hot cowboy kiss at a time.
Paperback
Published December 16th 2014 by Montlake Romance
ISBN 1477826548 (ISBN13: 9781477826546)
edition language English
other editions (1)
Having first met Ezra Malloy as a secondary character in Long, Hot Texas Summer we are now going back to our favorite area of the Palo Duro Canyon to bury him and meet his three daughters Abby, Sloan and Bonnie.
Ezra never knew his children, having come from a mindset that only males were legitimate heirs to bestow an inheritance on he promptly divorced the women who bore him daughters instead. Now 30 years later despite his having done so those same three daughters, now grown women, have finally been given the chance to claim what should have been theirs from birth. The catch of course is that all three must spend a year working the ranch or forfeit the land instead getting a lump sum payout of cash.
Upon reading this no one is going to have the warm fuzzies for Ezra but once you become immersed in the story there are a few reveals in store that just may help to clear up his motivations for his actions while also developing a genuine fondness for his very non traditional daughters as they find themselves building a bond while also falling in love with the ranch and it’s location.
As others have stated Abby being the eldest takes center stage as she finds herself putting down roots in the one place she never expected to call home, thanks to one sweet talking cowboy/sheriff as a neighbor she also finds herself opening her heart and exploring feelings she had long ago lost hope of experiencing with any man.
I almost missed out on reading this one, thanks to publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to experience this excellently written tale of estranged family and a romance whose bones are based on honestly felt mutual chemistry as well as open communication.
December 2, 2014
Sometimes it's really difficult to write a review for a book that is so loved, that the feeling of not doing the book justice in the review makes one anxious. This is how I feel about Carolyn Brown's Daisies in the Canyon. I will start off with the fact that this is one fabulous read where you feel apart of what's going on.
Ezra Malloy was something else. In life he made waves and even in death he cause a tizzy when the daughters he fathered by three different women come together to duke it out for an unconventional inheritance. The three young ladies who grew up with their mothers since Ezra didn't see much need for females in his home, meet for the first time under the direction of a will that has them in competition for Ezra's land. The three must live together for a year, whoever is left after that year will inherit. So of course there is some tension right off the bat when the three Malloy ladies must go at it to see who will come out on top in the end.
Much like her new siblings, ex-Army Sergeant Abby Malloy only feels animosity towards the man who denied her mother and herself a family. Going through life never really feeling she belonged wreaks havoc on a person's soul. The resilient Abby accepts the challenge put forth in her father's will to prove to herself she can do it. When she meets the man that puts a kink in her plans to take the money and run, Abby thrown for a loop.
Local sheriff, rancher and neighbor to the Malloy home, the handsome Cooper Wilson is a distraction Abby doesn't need, or thinks she doesn't need, but Cooper on the other hand has set his sights on the skittish Abby and those sights are set to cause some action. Honorable and dependable, Cooper is everything Abby has never had, but always needed. Now he's got to convince the woman who is ready to run, that running isn't all it's cracked up to be, and maybe, just maybe the love of a small town rancher is all Abby really needs.
Heading back to Palo Duro Canyon, Texas, has never felt so good as it is when reading Daisies in the Canyon by Carolyn Brown. Miz Brown has the unique way of combining humor and romance to achieve perfection in the form of a wonderful story. The characters are all distinctive and essential and each one becomes a friend to the reader. Abby Malloy is not your typical heroine, for this stubborn Miss can certainly take care of herself, but why would she want to when she has perfection in the form of Cooper Wilson who wants to do that caring for her? I for one would fawn for that boy's attention. Picking up Daisies in the Canyon by Carolyn Brown is a no-brainer really for anyone who loves a good romance with a hint of humor and whole lot of feeling. A must read.
~KIMBERLY~
December 14, 2014
Originally reviewed for Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy.
*SIGH* When I sat down to write this review, I literally sighed. Not a whimpy little sigh but a heartfelt big SIGH. Daisies in the Canyon was that type if book. It is book two in Carolyn Brown's Palo Duro Canyon Series and once again Ms. Brown tells a Texas sized story.
We met Ezra Malloy in Long Hot Texas Summer he was a cantankerous old coot but a great secondary character and he plays a major role in Daisies in the Canyon, even if (or maybe because) he's dead. Seems later in life (he started in his early 50's) Ezra decided to have a son, not a daughter, a son. When his first wife had a daughter, he divorced her and sent her packing. Same thing for wives numbers 2 & 3). He didn't have much use for girls, how could a girl ever run a ranch? In shirt, he was a jerk. Now that he's dead with no male heirs he left his ranch to his daughters, sort of. They need to remain on the ranch for a solid year, together. If they leave they get an inheritance but no land. If all three leave, the land goes to Rusty the ranch foreman (whom I found to be a total ass).
Abby Malloy, daughter #1, wasn't sure if she was going to stay but she had just left 12 years of military service behind and had nothing better to do. So she figured, why not? Take things day by day, at best she'd be gone in the Spring. What she didn't expect was her attachment to the land, her connections with her sisters and her attraction to the sexy sheriff who just happened to own the ranch next door.
Cooper Wilson totally owns his swagger as both the top cop in town and as a Rancher, he is single and has a lifetime attraction to sexy redheads, petite, voluptuous, tough as nails blinds are so not his type. Except he can't get Abby Malloy out of his head. He knows she's on the fast track out of town, he knows that he is only asking fir trouble, but the heart wants what the heart wants.
While there was background noise with secondary characters, Daisies in the Canyon was pure romance, no hustlers, no kidnappings, no crazed exes. Just two people who are falling in love. It was a sweet slide and well worth taking the time to read. I especially enjoyed the fact that although they were wicked crazy attracted to each other, this wasn't a book about sex. It was about finding that one person who was meant fir you. Then learning who they are and loving them flaws and all.
Another great read by Ms. Brown...and yes the boots if the bride's do mean something...
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Daisies in the Canyon, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 16, 2014
*SIGH* When I sat down to write this review, I literally sighed. Not a whimpy little sigh but a heartfelt big SIGH. Daisies in the Canyon was that type if book. It is book two in Carolyn Brown's Palo Duro Canyon Series and once again Ms. Brown tells a Texas sized story.
We met Ezra Malloy in Long Hot Texas Summer he was a cantankerous old coot but a great secondary character and he plays a major role in Daisies in the Canyon, even if (or maybe because) he's dead. Seems later in life (he started in his early 50's) Ezra decided to have a son, not a daughter, a son. When his first wife had a daughter, he divorced her and sent her packing. Same thing for wives numbers 2 & 3). He didn't have much use for girls, how could a girl ever run a ranch? In shirt, he was a jerk. Now that he's dead with no male heirs he left his ranch to his daughters, sort of. They need to remain on the ranch for a solid year, together. If they leave they get an inheritance but no land. If all three leave, the land goes to Rusty the ranch foreman (whom I found to be a total ass).
Abby Malloy, daughter #1, wasn't sure if she was going to stay but she had just left 12 years of military service behind and had nothing better to do. So she figured, why not? Take things day by day, at best she'd be gone in the Spring. What she didn't expect was her attachment to the land, her connections with her sisters and her attraction to the sexy sheriff who just happened to own the ranch next door.
Cooper Wilson totally owns his swagger as both the top cop in town and as a Rancher, he is single and has a lifetime attraction to sexy redheads, petite, voluptuous, tough as nails blinds are so not his type. Except he can't get Abby Malloy out of his head. He knows she's on the fast track out of town, he knows that he is only asking fir trouble, but the heart wants what the heart wants.
While there was background noise with secondary characters, Daisies in the Canyon was pure romance, no hustlers, no kidnappings, no crazed exes. Just two people who are falling in love. It was a sweet slide and well worth taking the time to read. I especially enjoyed the fact that although they were wicked crazy attracted to each other, this wasn't a book about sex. It was about finding that one person who was meant fir you. Then learning who they are and loving them flaws and all.
Another great read by Ms. Brown...and yes the boots if the bride's do mean something...
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Daisies in the Canyon, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 16, 2014
December 6, 2014
Ex-army Sergeant Abby Malloy has shown up at fathers funeral to claim her birth right along with two other sisiters, she is meeting for the first time, at the funeral. The sisters may not know each other but their stories are the same. Their Father abandoned them and divorced their mothers when they concieved girls instead a boy to inherit the ranch. If that is not enough for you, throw in the sexy neighboring Sherif Cooper who is hot to trot. He is looking for a good women to lay down some roots with and so the romance begins.
The book was very good. You cant help but get drawn into all of the characters and want to know all about them and what they have been through. Carolyn Brown does a good job of giving you just enough information about the other characters so that you will fall in love with them, but not enough to spoil any of the other stories that may come.
I really liked Abby and Cooper together they gave the book just the right amount of heat. Carolyn Brown creates a romance where two souls that know they should be together and have an attraction that is undeniable. Throw in the makings of a family with women that want so much to belong but are too afraid to be rejected and you have a story about people that are perfectly imperfect and I loved every second of it! Great job Carolyn!
The book was very good. You cant help but get drawn into all of the characters and want to know all about them and what they have been through. Carolyn Brown does a good job of giving you just enough information about the other characters so that you will fall in love with them, but not enough to spoil any of the other stories that may come.
I really liked Abby and Cooper together they gave the book just the right amount of heat. Carolyn Brown creates a romance where two souls that know they should be together and have an attraction that is undeniable. Throw in the makings of a family with women that want so much to belong but are too afraid to be rejected and you have a story about people that are perfectly imperfect and I loved every second of it! Great job Carolyn!
December 22, 2014
This story starts with three daughters sitting at the funeral of their father Ezra. All three never meet him or each other, but are there for one thing to own the ranch. The last one standing after a year will be the owner and the other two will be given a check with a lot of zeros behind a number and if they all fail the ranch goes to Rusty who is the foreman. Abby, is the oldest just getting out of the army, then Shiloh and then Bonnie. All three would be born in November and once Ezra, saw that they were girls he sent them along with their mothers on their way. This is a story that is fast paced and fun. How they all learn to become sisters and work as a team, not so much with Rusty. Cooper, Who owns the ranch next to theirs and is also the sheriff strikes up a romance with one of the lucky women but he has his hands full, for are all strong willed and powerful women. They learn the business and put in a goods days’ work. The author makes the characters real and brings in some from another story, so there is some familiar with the story of their stories. Overall this is a great story and how the three sisters become a family towards the end of the book has a good feel to it. A good read. I really enjoyed it. I got this book from net galley.
December 15, 2014
I was given a copy of this book by NETGALLEY for an honest review.
DAISIES IN THE CANYON is a very sweet, quick read. The characters and story line are very well-developed. Abby didn’t know her father and when he dies she has to go to the funeral. When she gets there she finds out that she has two half-sisters and they have to stay on the ranch together for a year to get their inheritance, the ranch. If they fail to live on the ranch for a year they will get a settlement and they sign over their portion of the ranch. When Abby meets Cooper Wilson there is an instant attraction and things quickly start to heat up between them. I loved the exchange between the sisters as they start to become a real family. They start to care for one another and need to know where they are going when they leave the ranch so they will not worry. Carolyn Brown is the Queen of western romance. I love everything that she has written and I cannot wait for more. I urge you to pick up this book and anything else by this author. She will make you laugh and cry with her characters. I give DAISIES IN THE CANYON 5/5 STARS.
DAISIES IN THE CANYON is a very sweet, quick read. The characters and story line are very well-developed. Abby didn’t know her father and when he dies she has to go to the funeral. When she gets there she finds out that she has two half-sisters and they have to stay on the ranch together for a year to get their inheritance, the ranch. If they fail to live on the ranch for a year they will get a settlement and they sign over their portion of the ranch. When Abby meets Cooper Wilson there is an instant attraction and things quickly start to heat up between them. I loved the exchange between the sisters as they start to become a real family. They start to care for one another and need to know where they are going when they leave the ranch so they will not worry. Carolyn Brown is the Queen of western romance. I love everything that she has written and I cannot wait for more. I urge you to pick up this book and anything else by this author. She will make you laugh and cry with her characters. I give DAISIES IN THE CANYON 5/5 STARS.
July 31, 2015
really good story of 3 women thrown into ranching by a father they never knew. all the women were strangers to each other not knowing that the other existed, the reason: their father left their mothers after they were born because they weren't sons. On his death whoever was still on the ranch a year after his death would inherit the ranch. Abby story as the oldest was predominant, a former army soldier who has been on her own since she was 18 after her mothers murder thinks she will be the lone survivor only to realize that they all have substance & stubbornness to last. Abby meets Cooper the local sherrif & neighbor rancher & for both it's wow, but they try to deny & fight it, reason 1 Abby's not staying after she inherits, reason 2 Cooper goes for redheads not blondes. Their relationship moves fast & they realize they can't ignore it anymore. The humour in this book is great with drunk on moonshine bonding sisters, stray bulls, dogs named after their mothers. Wonderfully written.
December 30, 2014
As always Miz Carolyn blows us away. Loved this story and as always I couldn't put it down. Could you imagine being thrown into such mess. To not only find out you have 2 sisters you never new and a father who didn't want you. Then you have to live with them a whole year. Wow then you throw in the handsome sheriff and rancher Cooper. Boy Abby has a lot in store for her.
March 30, 2015
3.5 stars
I finally read this book because I kept seeing it the Kindle unlimited lists. It was a decent read and was well written, but fairly predictable. I felt like a lot was left unanswered with the back story but it was a good quick read. I wouldn't mind reading other books from this author, but didn't feel the need to go down load them right away.
I finally read this book because I kept seeing it the Kindle unlimited lists. It was a decent read and was well written, but fairly predictable. I felt like a lot was left unanswered with the back story but it was a good quick read. I wouldn't mind reading other books from this author, but didn't feel the need to go down load them right away.
June 8, 2019
Ex-army sergeant, Abby Malloy decides to try since she hasn't had made plans since she only got out of the army in time to get to her father's funeral. One glance at her newly introduced half-sisters tell Abby neither Shiloh or Bonnie will be staying as long and a glance at yummy Sherriff Cooper Wilson is all the encouragement Abby needs.
Cooper has a long look at all three sisters and though they each have their charms he can't stop looking or thinking of a day where Abby doesn't mind clipping her wings and leaving her boots next to his. But that won't be until she heals from the still oozing scars on her heart.
Ezra Malloy's death did what he never bothered to do in life. Bring his three daughters together; Ezra's will stipulated the daughter that remained on the ranch a year would claim the ranch as part of her inheritance.
All three sisters have the same tale, Ezra divorced their mother the day she girls were born, gave her enough money to set up a business and never looked back. Not only do Abby, Shiloh and Bonnie know nothing about each other, they're all determined to be the last woman standing at the ranch.
While this second in the series, it is fine to read as a standalone. If you're already a fan of this author, you'll get exactly what you expect and if you're not you may be by the end of this tale. Strong relatable characters, straight talk and a fairly engaging quick paced read that might have you smiling if not laughing out loud. Satisfying though not the best of the author's oeuvre.
Rating 3.5stars
Cooper has a long look at all three sisters and though they each have their charms he can't stop looking or thinking of a day where Abby doesn't mind clipping her wings and leaving her boots next to his. But that won't be until she heals from the still oozing scars on her heart.
Ezra Malloy's death did what he never bothered to do in life. Bring his three daughters together; Ezra's will stipulated the daughter that remained on the ranch a year would claim the ranch as part of her inheritance.
All three sisters have the same tale, Ezra divorced their mother the day she girls were born, gave her enough money to set up a business and never looked back. Not only do Abby, Shiloh and Bonnie know nothing about each other, they're all determined to be the last woman standing at the ranch.
While this second in the series, it is fine to read as a standalone. If you're already a fan of this author, you'll get exactly what you expect and if you're not you may be by the end of this tale. Strong relatable characters, straight talk and a fairly engaging quick paced read that might have you smiling if not laughing out loud. Satisfying though not the best of the author's oeuvre.
Rating 3.5stars
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