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Kansas Home #3
Laney's Kiss (The St John Family Saga, Book 3)
Tomboy Laney Jenkins has all she ever wanted in Harper, Kansas--an adopted family, a job, a home of her own... but most of all, Luke St. John. Impetuous by nature, she decides to prove to him that she's more than just another cowhand. Luke, a rancher, dreams of heading off to Oregon. He figures a woman belongs with her man--and since Laney's kiss just proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that she's the woman for him, he considers the matter settled. He should have known better--Laney is the most unsettling woman around. But then again, he's one stubborn man. What will it take for them to listen to the Lord and find a love that can endure?
174 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
About the author
Tracey Victoria Bateman
28 books19 followersTracey Bateman is also published as Tracey Cross, is the Christy award-winning author of more than thirty titles and has nearly a million books in print. She lives in Missouri's Ozarks with her husband and four children.
also published under the name Tracey Bateman
also published under the name Tracey Bateman
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 26, 2017
Note: This is a duplicate review, which I recently posted within my review of the soon-to-be-released
Brides of Kansas,
which I received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*******************
My previous read was Tarah's Lessons , the second book in this series. I rated it 4 ½ stars, and so was looking forward to reading this one.
Side note: Tracey Bateman can also be found on Goodreads under the names Tracey Victoria Bateman, Victoria Bateman, and Tracey Cross.
********************
4 1/2 stars
Laney’s Kiss (2003, Heartsong Presents),
Third in the Kansas Home series by Tracey Bateman,
Set in Harper, Kansas, 1879
The heroine: Laney Jenkins is a bit of a tomboy. She wears pants and is never afraid to get into a conflict. The story opens with Laney accompanying her extended family on a cattle drive. At this point, she is already in love with the hero of the story. Tarah, the main character of the previous book, brought Laney up, functioning as Laney’s guardian.
The hero: Luke St. John, Tarah’s younger brother, grew up with Laney, although in not in the same household. Their relationship is somewhat volatile, and they’re always bickering with one another. I was a bit surprised at this type of hero-heroine pairing at first, but given that marrying cousins was acceptable at this time, I quickly became accustomed to the idea. Luke is technically sort of Laney’s uncle. But because their ages are similar and they were brought up in separate households, they function more like cousins. (And remember, they’re not blood relations at all, nor did any adoption take place.)
Luke doesn’t seem interested in Laney. He views her as “a pretty girl,” but an unfeminine one. She can “outride, outshoot, and outtrack most of the men living in and around Harper…. A fellow doesn’t want a wife who’s more of a man than he is.” Laney doesn’t take kindly to the criticism and aims to prove him wrong. Although, not in the way the reader might expect!
Christian elements:
*”God has such a wonderful plan for your life. I only hope you’re not too stubborn to let Him unfold it for you.”
*”I remember Doc Simpson saying once that even doctors can’t control what God ordains.”
*This story directly addressed concern for a sick loved one not knowing Jesus and perhaps dying that way.
What I liked:
*”When you find a man who really loves you, he won’t want to boss you around. You’ll be partners.”
*Luke and Laney figure out that they love each other very early on. However, they soon realize that their individual dreams are in direct conflict. I’ve read MANY romances, and don’t remember seeing this device used before. Even though from my point of view, Luke is totally in the wrong, I can easily see that some readers would disagree with me. I think this is well done by Ms. Bateman, and the eventual resolution was skillfully written and is worthwhile to read.
What I didn’t like:
*Laney’s initial love is stated (in her head) but not shown, and Luke’s is of the I-didn’t-realize-I’ve-loved-you-until-now sort. There is a sweet scene near the beginning of the book, but you have to take it as it is due to what feels like instalove. Additionally, I am unconvinced of the likelihood of two children who bicker all the time eventually falling in love. Especially when there’s no visible transition to strong friendship with some tender feelings. On the plus side, their love does mature and grow stronger during the story (albeit after they are in love).
*There is a slight spoiler for the middle of Tarah’s Lessons , the previous book in this series. I always think it’s preferable for authors to avoid this.
********************
The bottom line: I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of Christian historical fiction. (That goes for books one and two, as well.) I would like to continue to read this author and have my eye on Emily’s Place, fourth in this series.
*******************
My previous read was Tarah's Lessons , the second book in this series. I rated it 4 ½ stars, and so was looking forward to reading this one.
Side note: Tracey Bateman can also be found on Goodreads under the names Tracey Victoria Bateman, Victoria Bateman, and Tracey Cross.
********************
4 1/2 stars
Laney’s Kiss (2003, Heartsong Presents),
Third in the Kansas Home series by Tracey Bateman,
Set in Harper, Kansas, 1879
The heroine: Laney Jenkins is a bit of a tomboy. She wears pants and is never afraid to get into a conflict. The story opens with Laney accompanying her extended family on a cattle drive. At this point, she is already in love with the hero of the story. Tarah, the main character of the previous book, brought Laney up, functioning as Laney’s guardian.
The hero: Luke St. John, Tarah’s younger brother, grew up with Laney, although in not in the same household. Their relationship is somewhat volatile, and they’re always bickering with one another. I was a bit surprised at this type of hero-heroine pairing at first, but given that marrying cousins was acceptable at this time, I quickly became accustomed to the idea. Luke is technically sort of Laney’s uncle. But because their ages are similar and they were brought up in separate households, they function more like cousins. (And remember, they’re not blood relations at all, nor did any adoption take place.)
Luke doesn’t seem interested in Laney. He views her as “a pretty girl,” but an unfeminine one. She can “outride, outshoot, and outtrack most of the men living in and around Harper…. A fellow doesn’t want a wife who’s more of a man than he is.” Laney doesn’t take kindly to the criticism and aims to prove him wrong. Although, not in the way the reader might expect!
Christian elements:
*”God has such a wonderful plan for your life. I only hope you’re not too stubborn to let Him unfold it for you.”
*”I remember Doc Simpson saying once that even doctors can’t control what God ordains.”
*This story directly addressed concern for a sick loved one not knowing Jesus and perhaps dying that way.
What I liked:
*”When you find a man who really loves you, he won’t want to boss you around. You’ll be partners.”
*Luke and Laney figure out that they love each other very early on. However, they soon realize that their individual dreams are in direct conflict. I’ve read MANY romances, and don’t remember seeing this device used before. Even though from my point of view, Luke is totally in the wrong, I can easily see that some readers would disagree with me. I think this is well done by Ms. Bateman, and the eventual resolution was skillfully written and is worthwhile to read.
What I didn’t like:
*Laney’s initial love is stated (in her head) but not shown, and Luke’s is of the I-didn’t-realize-I’ve-loved-you-until-now sort. There is a sweet scene near the beginning of the book, but you have to take it as it is due to what feels like instalove. Additionally, I am unconvinced of the likelihood of two children who bicker all the time eventually falling in love. Especially when there’s no visible transition to strong friendship with some tender feelings. On the plus side, their love does mature and grow stronger during the story (albeit after they are in love).
*There is a slight spoiler for the middle of Tarah’s Lessons , the previous book in this series. I always think it’s preferable for authors to avoid this.
********************
The bottom line: I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of Christian historical fiction. (That goes for books one and two, as well.) I would like to continue to read this author and have my eye on Emily’s Place, fourth in this series.
June 18, 2025
Laney Jenkins is a stubborn, determined, independent young woman with a dream of owning her own ranch.
Luke St John is a hardworking young rancher determined to create his legacy in Oregon.
But.... these two can't imagine life without the other, yet each face the internal battle of love vs. dreams.
However, when both Laney and Luke face serious hardships and unexpected surprises, they realize God has already ordained their futures according to His perfect plan. With the help and guidance from family and friends, these two discover what loving Christ and each other truly means.
Luke St John is a hardworking young rancher determined to create his legacy in Oregon.
But.... these two can't imagine life without the other, yet each face the internal battle of love vs. dreams.
However, when both Laney and Luke face serious hardships and unexpected surprises, they realize God has already ordained their futures according to His perfect plan. With the help and guidance from family and friends, these two discover what loving Christ and each other truly means.
April 7, 2018
Three down and one to go
Lanie and Luke's story was lots of fun, and full of heart. Lanie is spunky and independent. Luke is sweet and kind. But they can't get out of each other's way long enough to see and admit that they're in love. Watching them together is a hoot. A truly fun and tender story.
Lanie and Luke's story was lots of fun, and full of heart. Lanie is spunky and independent. Luke is sweet and kind. But they can't get out of each other's way long enough to see and admit that they're in love. Watching them together is a hoot. A truly fun and tender story.
May 31, 2020
Laney's Kiss
This is the third book in this series and I am loving them. In too many series, you read the same statements, or the same scenario with just different names or places. NOT so with Tracey Bateman! Every character is so well developed there is no "pat" scenario. You can feel each book flow from the characters and they feel like family. It's an enjoyable series!
This is the third book in this series and I am loving them. In too many series, you read the same statements, or the same scenario with just different names or places. NOT so with Tracey Bateman! Every character is so well developed there is no "pat" scenario. You can feel each book flow from the characters and they feel like family. It's an enjoyable series!
August 31, 2010
I have read this novel three times, as it is one of my favorites! I immediately fell in love with Laney and Luke!! I just knew they were the perfect couple, both stubborn as a mule! This story starts right off with excitement as Laney and Luke are arguing as they do plenty of throughout the novel. Luke wants to marry Laney and move to Oregon. Laney wants to marry Luke, but stay in their hometown. As these lovebirds quarrel, events occurred that renders them both to pray, seeking God and see the true paths they must follow.
August 21, 2012
I liked Laney in Tarah's Lessons; I loved her in Laney's Kiss. And Luck. Sigh. To go from such a prankster in the first two books to such a sweetheart in this book. I fall more in love with Dell, as well as Cassidy, in each book. Looking forward to reading the last book in the series, Emily's Place - with the exception of knowing its the final book. :(
May 30, 2016
Great Book
Wonderful third installment in this great series.I loved all the characters we met in the previous books.Planet and Luke keep on fighting even through their love for each other.
Wonderful third installment in this great series.I loved all the characters we met in the previous books.Planet and Luke keep on fighting even through their love for each other.
August 19, 2010
Such a great story. I had wet eyes through a large part of it.
It had been awhile since reading the previous stories but they were all good as well.
It had been awhile since reading the previous stories but they were all good as well.
June 5, 2012
From the start Laney takes the lead and leaves Luke forever hooked. The story has some twist and turns without the dreaded repetition some tend to have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews