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The Outlaw's Second Chance

Renegade on the run

When Cort Stanton and Aubrey Huxley try to claim the same land in the Oklahoma Land Run, Cort offers a deal--one that could help him keep his freedom. After taking the blame for his brother's crime, Cort needs to lie low, so he gives Aubrey the land for her horse ranch...if she'll hire him. Now he just has to avoid growing too close to the gorgeous seamstress, who can never know his secret.

Aubrey refuses to depend on any man, even one as handsome and kind as Cort. Yet, as they work together to make her dream a reality, it's impossible to imagine life on the prairie without him. And though Aubrey knows Cort has secrets that stand between them, she can't help but wish she could stake a claim on his heart.

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published September 5, 2017

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About the author

Angie Dicken

17 books193 followers
Angie Dicken credits her love of story to reading British literature during life as a military kid in Cambridgeshire, England. Now living in the U.S., she's an ACFW member, a blog contributor to the Writer's Alley, a baseball mom, and a self-proclaimed foodie. You can connect with her
on social media and learn about upcoming releases at www.angiedicken.com.

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5 stars
27 (36%)
4 stars
31 (42%)
3 stars
14 (19%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,812 followers
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September 1, 2017
"This is a solid Love Inspired debut from Dicken. Aubrey is a strong-willed, independent and sometimes stubborn heroine whose likability will have the reader rooting her on. There is a bit of role reversal in the story, which is a nice change" (RT Book Reviews).
Profile Image for Andi Tubbs.
985 reviews96 followers
September 25, 2017
Confession time. Until joining Ms. Dicken's street team I hadn't read a Love Inspired novel. Mainly because knowing that it is a Harlequin backed that romance line, I had the "notion" that these are nothing more than the dime store novels that are talked about in historical novels and ones my grandmother talked about. I couldn't have been more wrong. Forgive me, Angie Dicken!

In the short 288 pages the story is rich in detail and historical fact. Cort and Aubrey have secrets and are running from the past. The historical setting of the Oklahoma Land Run is not one that is prevalent in historical novels, one I don't know much about, and Ms. Dicken's uses it to set up a sweet romance, along with theme that our identities are in God. Aubrey is feisty, my kind of heroine, and Cort is tender. They are both relatable and believable characters.

Now that my opinion of Love Inspired books has changed, thank you, Angie Dicken, I will be reading more of them and definitely Ms. Dicken's books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review. I did not have to write a positive review. All thoughts expressed are mine alone. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book557 followers
September 5, 2017
The Oklahoma Land Run has always been fascinating to me, so I was excited to see that it plays such a big role in Aubrey and Cort’s story. Two desperate dreams. Two people running to a new life, even as they run from their pasts. Such a great setup to a story & a romance – and Angie Dicken does a fabulous job of developing both.

Aubrey and Cort are both very relatable characters, flaws and all, and their friendship (and budding romance) will delight you with the combination of Aubrey’s feistiness and Cort’s tenderness. And in the middle of it all, Cort’s secret threatens to destroy everything he’s built – on the land and with Aubrey. A cast of colorful supporting characters, including Aubrey’s frustrating brother Ben, rounds out the edges and provides opportunities for Aubrey and Cort’s characters to develop and shine.

I love the message that Angie Dicken weaves so beautifully throughout The Outlaw’s Second Chance. Aubrey is trying to live out her mother’s dream instead of her own. Cort is burdened under the ‘outlaw’ label of his past. Both need to understand their true identities in God, free from the past and resting in the ‘new’ that He has created in their hearts.

Bottom Line: The Outlaw’s Second Chance has it all – complex characters, a little suspense, and a sweet romance. The history of the Oklahoma Land Run puts the finishing touches on an interesting plot, and the message of embracing the person God has made you to be stays organic to the story and to its characters. I’m looking forward to more from this author!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for Trisha.
464 reviews46 followers
August 15, 2017
See full review soon at: www.joyofreadingweb.wordpress.com

The Outlaw's Second Chance is such a great story! With realistic characters, and a fun engaging plot line this story pulled me in and kept me engaged till the very last page.

Aubrey is an independent, determined women. Since the untimely death of her mother, Aubrey decided to go out on her own and make her mother's dreams of owning a horse ranch come true. But nothing goes according to her plans. First, her horse is stolen, then a handsome cowboy places a flag in the ground before she can and stakes a claim to her One-hundred and sixty acres.

Cort Stanton is not your typical "Outlaw". He is generous and kind, hardworking and looks out for the well-being of others. The label "Outlaw" may be who he was, but it isn't who he is. Amid his struggle to prove himself a better man, he has to learn who he is to God. We all have moments when we struggle with past failures and need to be reminded of who we are in God.

Will the past stay buried in the past, or will it catch up to Aubrey & Cort? Come along for a wild west adventure that you won't soon forget in this fantastic debut from Angie Dicken.

I really enjoyed this touching love story! It had me anxious one moment and smiling with joy the next. You won't want to miss reading this delightful 5 star book!

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own)
978 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2017
The Oklahoma Land Rush is an intriguing setting for Angie Dicken’s debut novel. It was interesting to learn more about the rush for free land while being introduced to some engaging (and some not so engaging) characters. Cort Stanton and Aubrey Huxley, the two main characters, each have their flaws and their past problems and sorrows, but they are complex and endearing and I was drawn in by their story. The Outlaw’s Second Chance is rich in history, suspense, and adventure, with enough romance to warm your heart. Messages of forgiveness, redemption and being the person God made you to be are woven through the story. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sydney.
1,106 reviews135 followers
October 23, 2017
From page one Angie Dicken’s debut historical western romance novel is an absolute delight. This is such a fun, entertaining, enjoyable, and sweetly romantic story that readers will thoroughly enjoy. Dicken brings to life the hardships of living in the Wild West and trying to make a claim and a name for oneself. And of course, who doesn’t love a story with some excitement with a handsome outlaw. This story focuses on themes of family, friendship, working hard, fulfilling dreams, and of course romance. This light, sweet, fairly quick read, is a story that readers of western romance will not want to miss.

Genre: historical, western, family, Christian
Publisher: Love Inspired Historical
Publication date: September 5, 2017
Number of pages: 288

A review copy of this book was provided by the author’s street team. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Leslie McKee.
Author 8 books72 followers
November 13, 2017
I reviewed this for RT Bookreviews Magazine: https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...

This is a solid Love Inspired debut from Dicken. Aubrey is a strong-willed, independent and sometimes stubborn heroine whose likability will have the reader rooting her on. There is a bit of role reversal in the story, which is a nice change. While there is some predictability and a few lagging spots, the pace is realistic, and the struggles are appropriate for the time.

Aubrey Huxley wants to get out from under her dad and his schemes, and her plan is to stake a claim during the Oklahoma Land Run. However, things don’t go quite as she expects. Cort Stanton offers to make a deal that will benefit them both: giving her the land she desires and him a place to lay low from the law. Due to past experiences, Aubrey is leery of trusting men, particularly one she has just met. Can Cort show her that her concerns are unfounded? (LOVE INSPIRED HISTORICAL, Sep., 224 pp., $5.99)
589 reviews
August 28, 2017
He’s hiding from his past; she’s hiding from her present. They both run to claim the same plot of land in the Oklahoma Land run set in 1893. They come to a compromise that seems to suit them both, now can they live with the ensuing consequences?

I was quite impressed by this author’s debut novel! The story quickly pulled me in from the start with the anticipation Aubrey has of finally fulfilling her mother’s dream of a horse ranch. She’s fiercely independent, stubborn, and wants to forge her own way in the world. She certainly doesn’t need a man to help her, least of all Cort with his own ideas and plans! She knows he’s hiding something, but also understands wanting to remake your own character. The more they work near each other and the more Cort helps their neighbors, the more her heart softens towards the gentle cowboy. These two have a push-pull relationship that adds to the romantic tension. Cort is a flawed hero, regretting a mistake of his past but yet he feels he had no other choice. If he can disappear making a new life far away, then maybe he can outrun the voices that haunt him. Until Aubrey digs in his heart making him want something he never thought he could have; someone to look up to him and the love him unconditionally. Maybe it’s time for them both to stop running and let God change them from the inside out.

A thoroughly engaging story about flawed characters making the best of what life has to offer, all while finding love in the most unexpected ways! A gentle faith played out in words spoken from the heart and surrendering to the One who can remake a beautiful present from a messy past!

*I received a complimentary copy from the author. No favorable review was required and all opinions expressed here are my own. *
Profile Image for LisLovesReading E.Espinoza.
347 reviews
September 2, 2017
In the historical novel, The Outlaw’s Second Chance, Angie Dicken has authored an endearing story of late 19th century pioneers who struggle to find forgiveness, redemption, and love while fighting to survive and to secure a better life for themselves in the prairie lands of Oklahoma. Abounding with rich historical detail, this well-researched novel deftly draws the reader into the arduous adventures of those who chose to pursue the dangers and triumphs of daily life on the prairie.

Ms. Dicken’s writing style is thoroughly engaging and delightfully descriptive. The story she has crafted is utterly enjoyable and inspiring. The well-paced plot, well-rounded characters, and well-drawn setting blend together to create an abundantly entertaining and satisfying reading experience offering just the right combination of history, intrigue, romance, and adventure. Entertaining from the first page to the last, The Outlaw’s Second Chance is a wonderful novel that deserves to be purchased, read, enjoyed, and recommended often.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. The review I have freely written, whether positive or negative, expresses opinions that are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews274 followers
August 15, 2017
When Cort Stanton and Aubrey Huxley try to claim the same land in the Oklahoma Land Run, Cort offers a deal--one that could help him keep his freedom. After taking the blame for his brother's crime, Cort needs to lie low, so he gives Aubrey the land for her horse ranch...if she'll hire him. Now he just has to avoid growing too close to the gorgeous seamstress, who can never know his secret.

Aubrey refuses to depend on any man, even one as handsome and kind as Cort. Yet, as they work together to make her dream a reality, it's impossible to imagine life on the prairie without him. And though Aubrey knows Cort has secrets that stand between them, she can't help but wish she could stake a claim on his heart.

A very nice historical about the land runs in Oklahoma. Angie Dicken does have a promising career in inspirational writing. I look forward to more from this author.

*I was given a preview copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Becca (Reflections From My Bookshelves).
226 reviews17 followers
October 22, 2017
The Outlaw's second Chance was a sweet love story set on the frontier of Oklahoma. I am not a big fan of westerns but I enjoyed this one! I found that Angie Dicken did a great job creating her character's and the experiences they had. I could visualize what was going on in the story. I did not realize how hard making a soddy was. Life on the frontier was very difficult. The character's were well developed and most were likable. This is a story of second chances, redemption and forgiveness and I think Angie did a good job weaving these truths throughout her story.

I reccomend this book to family and friends.
 
I received this book to review and give my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Amy Leigh Simpson.
17 reviews5 followers
May 18, 2018
Dicken’s debut is eloquent, engaging and altogether endearing. Cort is a man to admire and Aubrey has a strength and determination that makes you want to work the land right along side her. There was something so sweetly perfect about their dynamic. And colored by Dicken’s artistic pen, the characters and the Oklahoma landscape became a vibrant reality. With an ease and grace of a seasoned word-weaver, Angie has stitched together a beautiful tale of grit, hope, and healing that will leave you utterly ensnared. An excellent debut!
Profile Image for Andrea.
713 reviews8 followers
August 30, 2017
4.5 Stars! Wonderfully written tale of a couple of participants in the Oklahoma Land Run of 1893! I enjoyed this debut novel by Angie Dicken so much!
The history was spot on. I liked Aubrey's strong-willed nature, it helped her survive living with her lousy, cheat of a father after her mother's death. I also liked that she realized maybe she could let go and trust someone else, just a little. That person being Cort Stanton, a good man with a past that may catch up with him. I love how Cort helped Aubrey despite her opposition. Personally, I cannot imagine trying to build a sod house with only hand tools.
The romance developed in a very natural way and was very sweet. There is a nice bit of suspense and adventure in this story too. The engaging group of side characters in the form of family, neighbors, friends, and foes bring the story to life.

*I bought a copy of this book directly from the publisher.
Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,630 reviews180 followers
April 27, 2020
I’m going to mail this book to my mother. She was the one that got me hooked on romance books and this is more her type of book than mine. She enjoys historical romances of adventure and faith. The kind of love story that warms your heart while inspiring your love for God. Tales that leave you with more than just a happily ever after. It’s one of hope, justice and redemption in Jesus Christ.

I know my mom would enjoy the characters that displayed endurance through hardships through prayer while showing discipleship to others. Her favorite television show was Little House on the Prairie.

The Outlaw’s Second Chance would meet all her expectations and more. Not only was it well written, it was also entertaining. I just know she’d recommend this book to her Christian friends.

Speaking for myself, I prefer a book with a little bit more sensual chemistry between the hero and heroine. Perhaps that’s why my mom prays for my soul, LOL. The hero, Cort Stanton, has a past that he’s running from. Aubrey Huxley, the heroine, is also running from her past but they are both running for completely different reasons and looking for different outcomes. They are both stubborn and pigheaded so it was interesting to see how they could overcome their obstacles, to be able to give their hearts to each other. Praise God they saw the light.

I have to be transparent. I obtained this book out of desperation. I forgot to bring a book on our camping trip. I found a lending library box at the camp store. It was the only romance paperback there and the cover looked aesthetically pleasing. The synopsis on the back sounded interesting so I snagged it. I didn’t even realize it was a Christian romance. I’ve read a few in my lifetime so I gave it a try. What choice did I have? I needed something to pass the time. The best thing about taking that chance was the outcome; I was pleased because it ended up being a good read. Yes, there was scripture written in the story but it wasn’t holier than thou, in your face, making me feel like a sinner who needed to repent, kind of book.

In conclusion, if you love innocent, sweet, Christian books then this one is a winner. I’ve never read a book by Angie Dicken before but I’d consider reading another book by her. I can easily recommend The Outlaw’s Second Chance.
Profile Image for Just Commonly.
755 reviews108 followers
September 23, 2017
"Instead of upheaving his secret past, she'd unveiled his dependence on God's grace. And for some reason, that was enough.."

The Outlaw's Second Chance by Angie Dicken impressed this reader with a very well thought-out premise. He attempts to outrun his past, while she try to run towards a future that stemmed from the past. I love how it's a message of seeking their own dreams, not others, but also trying to find their own identity in God's eyes. There's much to say about striving for a dream that God had placed in our hearts, a dream that is solely ours. The message beautifully choregraphed throughout.

Our main characters have that spark that I enjoy in books, and in this novel, their spark also gave their character strength. It contintued to developed through the pages, allowing readers to really get to know them. Yet, I think in many aspects, I wished for a little more about others. Surprising for sure, even for me. I think it's because the author penned quite a solid setting that I wish to know more about others in the area. In all, The Outlaw's Second Chance doesn't need a second chance, it's just right the way it is and readers better grab it the first chance they get.

". . . always admit when I'm wrong. . . it was a safeguard to fewer mistakes in the future."


This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
2,448 reviews8 followers
August 12, 2018
3.5 stars:

For this type of book, it was fairly well done. A little slow to start for my taste.

What I liked: I liked Aubrey's determination to succeed--she wasn't willing to cheat to get the land she wanted even though she could have, she was willing to work hard as well as to work in an area she was skilled in (sewing) to pursue her dream, she was willing to take care of her brother even though he wasn't the most honest person as well as being the person who endangered her own dreams. I liked Cort's manners--he was willing to work for a woman, he took a murder charge for his brother to try to protect his brother's family, he was willing to help neighbors and to barter for work and goods. I liked that the romance between the two grew slowly as they worked together.

What I didn't like: Too many secrets. Cort shouldn't have taken responsibility for something his brother did--while I can understand Cort's desire to not be executed when he's innocent, he escaped and ran away to hide and keeps looking over his shoulder waiting for the shoe to drop. He wasn't very smart about it and probably should have changed his name if he truly was trying to hide. (It would have been easier to do back then than it is these days.)
Profile Image for Jessica.
128 reviews23 followers
May 27, 2018
For Cort Stanton and Aubrey Huxley, the Oklahoma Land Run is a chance for freedom. For Aubrey, it's freedom from no-good father. For Cort, it's freedom from a jail cell for a crime he didn't commit. When they try to claim the same piece of land, Cort agrees to let Aubrey have it if she just agrees to let him work it. It's a deal that gives Aubrey what she desperately wants, and allows Cort to keep a low profile.

As the two learn to work together, they grow closer. But Cort knows his past could catch up with him and force him to leave, and Aubrey refuses to end up depending on a man the way her mother did.

This is a sweet story that features strong Christian characters. It's an entertaining read, but it felt a little drawn out. I found myself skimming through some of the internal thoughts of the characters, as it was usually them reminding themselves why they shouldn't pursue each other. Other than that, it's a good read.
934 reviews4 followers
October 24, 2017
The Outlaw's Second Chance by Angie Dicken. Takes place in 1893. This is a very interesting historical romance book. Well worth reading. Cort Stanton and Aubrey Huxley bot try to claim the same land in Oklahoma Land Run. Aubrey's brother gets hurt in trying for the claim. Cort got the claim. Cort is on the run from his home town. Cort's brother killed a man and Cort went to prison for it. When the prison burns Cort escapes with the help of the sheriff knowing Cort was not guilty. Cort gives the land to Aubrey to claim. Cort works for her. This is about the love between Cort and Aubrey and all the past history and the dealings now between these two and all the going on around them.




305 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2023
I didn’t know what to expect from this book and was pleasantly surprised by the depth and development of the characters. Starting with getting ready to race to claim land in Oklahoma, a kind man and a strong woman meet and judge each other by what they see. First impressions are proven wrong and when they strongly attempt to claim the same parcel of land the images start to change. I had not realized that any women could have raced and claimed land and was impressed by the strength and determination that everyone had to have to make life work in a very difficult location and time. I recommend this book as a sweet story showing the importance or integrity and forgiveness.
Profile Image for Stacy.
315 reviews34 followers
October 3, 2018
Author Angie Dicken's story is set during the Oklahoma Land Run. Her writing style makes it seem as if you the reader are experiencing this first hand. The tension and hard-scrabble life are portrayed through the eyes of Aubrey Huxley a woman who wants to "buck tradition" and run for a piece of land and Cort Stanton who becomes a handsome, kind, stumbling block.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Dicken's debut novel, and am excited to read more by this very gifted author.
Profile Image for Marilee .
1,602 reviews240 followers
February 25, 2024
This historical romance had such engaging characters and an intriguing plot centered around the Oklahoma Land Run. With an enemies to lovers romance, some hidden secrets, and lots of chemistry and suspenseful scenes, is it any wonder that I was hooked from beginning to end?

This was my first read from this author but will most definitely not be my last!
Profile Image for Savannah Newman.
98 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2017
"The Outlaw's Second Chance" was a very sweet and inspirational romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it and think others will too. Light hearted, but very serious at times
Profile Image for Madalyn Mathis.
121 reviews5 followers
March 16, 2018
A good story and an interesting look at the history of the Oklahoma Run.
Profile Image for Christie.
178 reviews12 followers
October 18, 2017
I wish I was as good with words as Angie is. I really enjoyed this love story. She paints great pictures of what a new life on the plains might have looked like. Would highly recommend if you're looking for a feel-good read.
Profile Image for Marvy Herrera.
569 reviews24 followers
March 15, 2019
What a beautiful story. Redemption, second chance, grace. I think we all like Aubrey have dreams and situations in our life that have preven it to happen. Is a good remainder that when God want to give you something, He will do it. Lovely end and a great message. I recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews