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Paradise Valley Ranch #2
Married in Montana
Beautiful, spirited, Texas born Ellie Burnett needs a husband. Fast. Her father, rancher Archibald Burnett, is dying, and she’s determined to marry to protect the ranch and preserve her father’s legacy in Montana’s rugged Paradise Valley. The trouble is, she wants to wear the boots in the family and the man she has in mind, Irishman Thomas Sheenan would never stand for that. Independent and taciturn Thomas Sheenan isn’t looking for a wife, having spent far too much of his life taking care of others. He’s come to Montana to carve out his own identity, and be his own man. The last thing he needs is a headstrong bride, but when Ellie approaches him with the offer of a lifetime, he can’t refuse. Thomas didn’t anticipate falling for his new bride. He moved to Montana to stake his claim…he never planned on losing his heart.
272 pages, Paperback
Published July 3, 2017
About the author
Jane Porter
602 books2,064 followersBorn in Visalia, California, I'm a small town girl at heart. I love central California's golden foothills, oak trees, and the miles of farmland. In my mind, there's nothing sweeter in the world than the heady fragrance of orange blossoms on a sultry summer night.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 11, 2017
A Woman for Another Century Stars
* * * 1/2
Sometimes I just like to leave today and go to another time... Western Romances do that for me. When I saw this cover... I could not take my eyes off of it... It just reached out to me... Because it had the Marriage theme, was Ole Time Western and then Author Jane Porter threw in an Irishman in the blurb...
How could I not escape into this...It had more than enough for me to start it right away...
So about that thing of escaping...Well, yes it was ole time Western and things were different...But in this tale, they also were so clear in what was expected and determined by your sex...and this story had that front and center.... which caused me to think on the state of Womanhood in these modern times too.
You see, Ellie Burnett needs a husband. Not because she has always dreamed of being married, taking care of a family and a HEA...Nope - the reason she needs a husband is due to her dear father is in the process of dying of cancer. Because a woman, even the daughter of a successful rancher, who did absolutely everything to run and manage the ranch for her dad...is not allowed to inherit the ranch after his death and continue to run it without interference from men sniffing around and trying to take the ranch from her.
Ellie thought she had found her needed husband. He had been a lovely man who was pleasant and polite... and she felt she would be able to manage him and in turn, convince him to let her run the ranch as she saw fit. Unfortunately, he didn't pan out in the end and now she was back to looking earnestly and had two very disappointing candidates.
Ellie's father was everything to Ellie. He allowed her to run free and learn everything a man did... she lost her mother early and her father indulged her. She had education and was self assured. She never had to cook or clean... she was raised with a housekeeper/cook. Ellie didn't have airs exactly... loving the woman who took care of everything...She just would focus on Riding, running the ranch and working the books.
Thomas Sheenan came to Paradise Valley, Montana to start over and make something out of himself. Leaving Ireland was not an easy choice for him... but the pain of loosing so much forced him to leave...Thomas was a man who was secure in who he was and he had no need for an complications ... no woman or wife.
These two first cross paths on the road to her family's ranch... Ellie prided herself as a strong buggy driver. She saw the aggravating Thomas Sheenan riding his cart on the road and decides to go around him at too fast apace. She looses control and the buggy ends up on the side of the road, tipped with Ellie in the mud.
Highly annoyed, Ellie starts to climb out of the ditch and Thomas pulls up. These two had a moment a while back when Thomas witnessed her one timed intended telling her he was not going to stay... and ran off to take care of an emergency. Ellie looked out at the fire truck where it was waiting for the man and Thomas up on the front looked at Ellie and his eyes locked onto Ellie...
There was a moment...
He saw a woman who was beautiful, fierce and strong... her chin was held high and she was not going to be beaten down by what has transpiring...She saw this huge powerful man holding her attention... and couldn't breathe... yes, his gaze held her... but also she felt she had just been humiliated and turned to get away.
Now here she was covered in dirt, struggling to find her footing, with Thomas standing there looking at her. Words were spoken and none of them to Ellie's liking. She got out of the ditch, complained the buggy was new and shouldn't have tipped... Thomas snorted and said maybe if she had driven it like a lady, it wouldn't have been in the ditch...
Huffing and pulling her skirts up, Ellie stomped down the road to the ranch.
Ellie checked in with her father and told him of her time on the road... about the Irish Brut and how he was no gentleman. Her father mentioned he had someone coming to pick up some of the sheep he was divesting...Ellie looked at her father and said...NO... It can't be him...
Well, it was and in the private conversation between the Father and Thomas, Ellie and the Ranch was offered to him. Thomas told the father he had no interest in marrying for his success and wealth...which only impressed the father more. The father asked for Thomas to at least think on it.
Thomas was someone who carried his pain with him...He wanted to work hard, make a life and just live... But his attraction to Ellie was not going to let him do that ... he became involved and when she realized she needed Thomas to marry her... he decided to go along with the idea.
This is a tale about two headstrong people and a sign of the times...Ellie loved her father- what he had accomplished and wanted to honor his reputation and memory. She thought by running the ranch exactly as it had been after he passed... it would be the way. But there were more factors which would not let that happen... and Ellie had a very difficult time dealing with them.
These two have a very rocky start... Ellie was a bit "highhanded"... but once she realized her feelings for Thomas became clear...she became more likeable...and warmer...
Thomas was a man I would have liked to meet...and he handed everything convincingly for me. The tale kept my interest and I wanted them to get their HEA. Jane Porter took me back in time and gave me a perspective of how hard it was to be a woman during these times.
A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2
Sometimes I just like to leave today and go to another time... Western Romances do that for me. When I saw this cover... I could not take my eyes off of it... It just reached out to me... Because it had the Marriage theme, was Ole Time Western and then Author Jane Porter threw in an Irishman in the blurb...
How could I not escape into this...It had more than enough for me to start it right away...
So about that thing of escaping...Well, yes it was ole time Western and things were different...But in this tale, they also were so clear in what was expected and determined by your sex...and this story had that front and center.... which caused me to think on the state of Womanhood in these modern times too.
You see, Ellie Burnett needs a husband. Not because she has always dreamed of being married, taking care of a family and a HEA...Nope - the reason she needs a husband is due to her dear father is in the process of dying of cancer. Because a woman, even the daughter of a successful rancher, who did absolutely everything to run and manage the ranch for her dad...is not allowed to inherit the ranch after his death and continue to run it without interference from men sniffing around and trying to take the ranch from her.
Ellie thought she had found her needed husband. He had been a lovely man who was pleasant and polite... and she felt she would be able to manage him and in turn, convince him to let her run the ranch as she saw fit. Unfortunately, he didn't pan out in the end and now she was back to looking earnestly and had two very disappointing candidates.
Ellie's father was everything to Ellie. He allowed her to run free and learn everything a man did... she lost her mother early and her father indulged her. She had education and was self assured. She never had to cook or clean... she was raised with a housekeeper/cook. Ellie didn't have airs exactly... loving the woman who took care of everything...She just would focus on Riding, running the ranch and working the books.
Thomas Sheenan came to Paradise Valley, Montana to start over and make something out of himself. Leaving Ireland was not an easy choice for him... but the pain of loosing so much forced him to leave...Thomas was a man who was secure in who he was and he had no need for an complications ... no woman or wife.
These two first cross paths on the road to her family's ranch... Ellie prided herself as a strong buggy driver. She saw the aggravating Thomas Sheenan riding his cart on the road and decides to go around him at too fast apace. She looses control and the buggy ends up on the side of the road, tipped with Ellie in the mud.
Highly annoyed, Ellie starts to climb out of the ditch and Thomas pulls up. These two had a moment a while back when Thomas witnessed her one timed intended telling her he was not going to stay... and ran off to take care of an emergency. Ellie looked out at the fire truck where it was waiting for the man and Thomas up on the front looked at Ellie and his eyes locked onto Ellie...
There was a moment...
He saw a woman who was beautiful, fierce and strong... her chin was held high and she was not going to be beaten down by what has transpiring...She saw this huge powerful man holding her attention... and couldn't breathe... yes, his gaze held her... but also she felt she had just been humiliated and turned to get away.
Now here she was covered in dirt, struggling to find her footing, with Thomas standing there looking at her. Words were spoken and none of them to Ellie's liking. She got out of the ditch, complained the buggy was new and shouldn't have tipped... Thomas snorted and said maybe if she had driven it like a lady, it wouldn't have been in the ditch...
Huffing and pulling her skirts up, Ellie stomped down the road to the ranch.
Ellie checked in with her father and told him of her time on the road... about the Irish Brut and how he was no gentleman. Her father mentioned he had someone coming to pick up some of the sheep he was divesting...Ellie looked at her father and said...NO... It can't be him...
Well, it was and in the private conversation between the Father and Thomas, Ellie and the Ranch was offered to him. Thomas told the father he had no interest in marrying for his success and wealth...which only impressed the father more. The father asked for Thomas to at least think on it.
Thomas was someone who carried his pain with him...He wanted to work hard, make a life and just live... But his attraction to Ellie was not going to let him do that ... he became involved and when she realized she needed Thomas to marry her... he decided to go along with the idea.
This is a tale about two headstrong people and a sign of the times...Ellie loved her father- what he had accomplished and wanted to honor his reputation and memory. She thought by running the ranch exactly as it had been after he passed... it would be the way. But there were more factors which would not let that happen... and Ellie had a very difficult time dealing with them.
These two have a very rocky start... Ellie was a bit "highhanded"... but once she realized her feelings for Thomas became clear...she became more likeable...and warmer...
Thomas was a man I would have liked to meet...and he handed everything convincingly for me. The tale kept my interest and I wanted them to get their HEA. Jane Porter took me back in time and gave me a perspective of how hard it was to be a woman during these times.
A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
August 14, 2017
Check out all of my reviews at: http://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
MARRIED IN MONTANA (Paradise Valley Ranch Book 2) by Jane Porter is a wonderful historical romance that takes you back to 1890 Marietta, Montana. This book has a marriage of convenience storyline that focuses almost completely on the emotional growth of the hero and heroine without any trope scenes of external jeopardy or harm to force a sudden declaration of love. This story has a few references to Book 1 in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Ellie Burnett is the pampered and spirited child of Archibald Burnett who is dying. To protect their large ranch and her father’s legacy, Ellie must marry and quickly. Though she can ride, shoot and run the ranch, her father wants her settled with an honorable man. What Ellie wants is to still be in control even after she marries.
Thomas Sheenan has come from Ireland to work hard and be his own man. The last thing he wants is a wife. He had to care for and bury his family in Ireland and he believes he is emotionally dead inside. When Ellie comes to him and proposes, he cannot turn her or the opportunity down, but he tells her he will never love her.
These two strong, independent and stubborn characters are then taken on an emotional journey by this author. Ellie starts out not knowing why anyone would not want the ranch and money that comes with her and an immature view of marriage. Thomas starts the marriage by taking complete control to gain the respect of the ranch hands and keep Ellie at a distance. The death of Ellie’s father devastates her and after months of depression, we begin to see small steps forward in understanding as Thomas forces her back into day to day living.
Ellie and Thomas are portrayed with strong emotions that continue to change and grow as the two become a couple. The sex scenes are well written and add to the growth of intimacy between Ellie and Thomas. These two start from very different places in life and yet deserve to find their HEA together.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.com.
MARRIED IN MONTANA (Paradise Valley Ranch Book 2) by Jane Porter is a wonderful historical romance that takes you back to 1890 Marietta, Montana. This book has a marriage of convenience storyline that focuses almost completely on the emotional growth of the hero and heroine without any trope scenes of external jeopardy or harm to force a sudden declaration of love. This story has a few references to Book 1 in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Ellie Burnett is the pampered and spirited child of Archibald Burnett who is dying. To protect their large ranch and her father’s legacy, Ellie must marry and quickly. Though she can ride, shoot and run the ranch, her father wants her settled with an honorable man. What Ellie wants is to still be in control even after she marries.
Thomas Sheenan has come from Ireland to work hard and be his own man. The last thing he wants is a wife. He had to care for and bury his family in Ireland and he believes he is emotionally dead inside. When Ellie comes to him and proposes, he cannot turn her or the opportunity down, but he tells her he will never love her.
These two strong, independent and stubborn characters are then taken on an emotional journey by this author. Ellie starts out not knowing why anyone would not want the ranch and money that comes with her and an immature view of marriage. Thomas starts the marriage by taking complete control to gain the respect of the ranch hands and keep Ellie at a distance. The death of Ellie’s father devastates her and after months of depression, we begin to see small steps forward in understanding as Thomas forces her back into day to day living.
Ellie and Thomas are portrayed with strong emotions that continue to change and grow as the two become a couple. The sex scenes are well written and add to the growth of intimacy between Ellie and Thomas. These two start from very different places in life and yet deserve to find their HEA together.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.com.
July 23, 2017
This was a brilliant, historical romance featuring the ancestors of Marietta’s Sheenan family. It tells the story of Thomas Sheenan, an Irish man who has nursed and lost all his family back in Ireland before emigrating to the US. He has no plans to marry but is determined to make his way in the world and be successful. When Ellie Burnett asks him to marry her to help her save the family ranch she grew up on and loves, before her very ill father dies. He is initially very reticent because, even though he finds her attractive, he knows she wants to be in charge and he’s man enough to not agree to that. With a headstrong, determined heiress and a stubborn, hardworking and equally determined Irish man, along with mutual attraction, you just know this will be a stormy romance!
I found it a great read. I really didn’t like Ellie to start with - she’s so sure her way is the right way and everyone else should do as she wishes. Thomas is also stubborn and he doesn’t want everything handing to him, he expects to work hard to earn his way in the world and to enable him to earn the respect of others. Such stubborn folk mean the story is going to involve plenty of drama and I wasn’t disappointed. The author’s fluent writing style takes the reader back to the 1800s with her characters and into this very different era. The angst and turmoil following the death of Ellie’s father and how Thomas reacts is brilliantly portrayed, making it easy to relate to Thomas in his endeavours. It is a very enjoyable story which I have no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone who enjoys their romances set in a different era - especially anyone who has, like me, enjoyed other stories set in Marietta, Montana!
I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
I found it a great read. I really didn’t like Ellie to start with - she’s so sure her way is the right way and everyone else should do as she wishes. Thomas is also stubborn and he doesn’t want everything handing to him, he expects to work hard to earn his way in the world and to enable him to earn the respect of others. Such stubborn folk mean the story is going to involve plenty of drama and I wasn’t disappointed. The author’s fluent writing style takes the reader back to the 1800s with her characters and into this very different era. The angst and turmoil following the death of Ellie’s father and how Thomas reacts is brilliantly portrayed, making it easy to relate to Thomas in his endeavours. It is a very enjoyable story which I have no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone who enjoys their romances set in a different era - especially anyone who has, like me, enjoyed other stories set in Marietta, Montana!
I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
May 29, 2021
Loved!! Review to Come.
June 28, 2017
I wanted to like this book but the heroine was just so unlikeable and immature. In the first half of the book, Ellie Burnett needs to find a man to marry before her father dies so she can keep the family ranch. It’s not really clear if her father is insisting she marry or he’ll change his will or what will happen. A woman in the late 19th century could have inherited a Montana ranch. There is no mention of a will or her dad changing his will. It seems he would rather leave her the money instead of the ranch but it’s not clear what would have happened to the ranch if she didn’t get married in time. It was a very weakly developed plotline.
So she ends up marrying Thomas Sheenan, an Irish immigrant whose whole family has died and who just wants to work hard without any emotional connection. They get married so she can keep the ranch. He is uncomfortable with suddenly inheriting all this money because he would rather earn it himself but he buckles down to deserve this new responsibility.
But Ellie, who is portrayed as this very strong young woman who was brought up to be able to run the ranch and was willing to marry any guy just to keep it then falls apart into a deep, deep depression after her father dies. Finally, Thomas works to bring her out of her deep funk and she just whines about everything. So this woman who so wanted to run the ranch herself goes three months not giving a flip about the ranch, her horse, her new marriage, anything. And she’s mad at Thomas for wanting more from his bride than a whining brat who throws tantrums every few pages.
This could have been so much better if Ellie had turned out to be as strong as she was originally portrayed as being instead of this immature ditz.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So she ends up marrying Thomas Sheenan, an Irish immigrant whose whole family has died and who just wants to work hard without any emotional connection. They get married so she can keep the ranch. He is uncomfortable with suddenly inheriting all this money because he would rather earn it himself but he buckles down to deserve this new responsibility.
But Ellie, who is portrayed as this very strong young woman who was brought up to be able to run the ranch and was willing to marry any guy just to keep it then falls apart into a deep, deep depression after her father dies. Finally, Thomas works to bring her out of her deep funk and she just whines about everything. So this woman who so wanted to run the ranch herself goes three months not giving a flip about the ranch, her horse, her new marriage, anything. And she’s mad at Thomas for wanting more from his bride than a whining brat who throws tantrums every few pages.
This could have been so much better if Ellie had turned out to be as strong as she was originally portrayed as being instead of this immature ditz.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2017
A marriage of convenience that leads to so much more, even though Elle and Thomas don't want to admit at first. Elle is in need of a husband, fast, her father is dying and needs someone to help manage the ranch. Thomas has arrived for Ireland years back to make it rich, this will be perfect for him. Elle and Thomas are both bullheaded, that it is comical at times. Neither want to admit that they have fallen in love with each other.
Loved, loved this book!! Great characters that I fell in love with. Elle is so strong willed, use to getting her way, " daddy's little girl". Thomas, lost so much in his life, he is not about ready to give up on this ranch. My favorite part was the combing of Elle's hair, brought tears to my eyes. Jane Porter knows how to transport you into a different time period with her storytelling. I highly recommend this book.
Loved, loved this book!! Great characters that I fell in love with. Elle is so strong willed, use to getting her way, " daddy's little girl". Thomas, lost so much in his life, he is not about ready to give up on this ranch. My favorite part was the combing of Elle's hair, brought tears to my eyes. Jane Porter knows how to transport you into a different time period with her storytelling. I highly recommend this book.
October 5, 2017
Ellie Burnett needed to get married before time ran out. Her father Archibald Burnett was dying and she would never be ready for it. She needed a husband as soon as possible to continue his father's legacy. Only she wasn't looking for a man to love and to hold nor cherish. She wanted a man who had strong physique to help toil the land and horses, a man who would respect her decisions and let her do just about everything concerning her family's ranch.
Only she met the man who couldn't possibly pass up for a husband, but he was too rude to her and ungentle and already formed an opinion about her. Irishman Thomas Sheenan didn't go to Montana to find a wife, in fact, he went away from Ireland to escape his past. But this little annoying redhead amused him so much, he couldn't help but agreed to her demands... Until the funeral happened.
Oh man, Ellie Burnett was such a feisty, stubborn woman and I had a hard time liking her. When I first read the few pages, I thought Ellie was a fine, independent woman, too headstrong for someone of her gender in the Western era (1890s). Too bad she didn't turn out amusing at all when she got married. I understand she was grieving following her father's demise, but she just as soon turned into her spoiled brat and surly persona when she finally realized what had been happening under her roof after three months. Unluckily for her, Thomas knew how to tame the beast and boy, what drastic methods he used to bend to his will.
I am not entirely in favor of Thomas initial perception of Ellie, I thought he was too sexist, hinting that he preferred a woman with ladylike manners, soft and gentle and homebody. Ellie was the complete contrast, much to his dismay, but there was something about her that mystified him and couldn't ignore that niggling feeling through his gut. When they got married, he was quite the bossy one.
As the story crawled, the journey to their better relationship and more understanding situation paved the way to a happily ever after. Both had learned to compensate each others' flaw, and though they married for convenience and first treated it as a business deal, in the long run, love finally won and found its way to their hearts. I may not usually read Western / historical romances, but I do appreciate a good balanced love story.
Only she met the man who couldn't possibly pass up for a husband, but he was too rude to her and ungentle and already formed an opinion about her. Irishman Thomas Sheenan didn't go to Montana to find a wife, in fact, he went away from Ireland to escape his past. But this little annoying redhead amused him so much, he couldn't help but agreed to her demands... Until the funeral happened.
Oh man, Ellie Burnett was such a feisty, stubborn woman and I had a hard time liking her. When I first read the few pages, I thought Ellie was a fine, independent woman, too headstrong for someone of her gender in the Western era (1890s). Too bad she didn't turn out amusing at all when she got married. I understand she was grieving following her father's demise, but she just as soon turned into her spoiled brat and surly persona when she finally realized what had been happening under her roof after three months. Unluckily for her, Thomas knew how to tame the beast and boy, what drastic methods he used to bend to his will.
I am not entirely in favor of Thomas initial perception of Ellie, I thought he was too sexist, hinting that he preferred a woman with ladylike manners, soft and gentle and homebody. Ellie was the complete contrast, much to his dismay, but there was something about her that mystified him and couldn't ignore that niggling feeling through his gut. When they got married, he was quite the bossy one.
As the story crawled, the journey to their better relationship and more understanding situation paved the way to a happily ever after. Both had learned to compensate each others' flaw, and though they married for convenience and first treated it as a business deal, in the long run, love finally won and found its way to their hearts. I may not usually read Western / historical romances, but I do appreciate a good balanced love story.
July 7, 2017
Married in Montana by Jane Porter
A Paradise Valley Ranch Romance #2
Ellie Barnett’s father is dying and there is impetus for her to marry before he is gone. She is in her early 20’s, spoiled, headstrong and a daddy’s girl. She wants to run the ranch and is looking for a yes-ma’am husband. The man her father indicates is big, strong, handsome, Irish, not interested in marriage or feelings AND everything that Ellie has said she doesn’t want in a husband. An inconvenient marriage of convenience is begun but then Ellie goes into a funk for several months starting the day after her father dies. Thomas, having suffered much family loss, is sympathetic…for longer than I would have been before he makes moves to get Ellie back into the land of the living. Ellie made me think of a light that burned bright, was switched off, sputtered a bit when it was flicked on due to incompletely being screwed in place then managed to be properly seated and burst back on again. I had moments half way through the book that I thought about giving up on Ellie because she was wimping out and had wanted a husband to run the ranch then didn’t BUT in the end the story came right. I kind of wondered how Thomas managed to be as tolerant as he was for those months Ellie’s light was off but…again…all’s well that ends well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
2-3 Stars
A Paradise Valley Ranch Romance #2
Ellie Barnett’s father is dying and there is impetus for her to marry before he is gone. She is in her early 20’s, spoiled, headstrong and a daddy’s girl. She wants to run the ranch and is looking for a yes-ma’am husband. The man her father indicates is big, strong, handsome, Irish, not interested in marriage or feelings AND everything that Ellie has said she doesn’t want in a husband. An inconvenient marriage of convenience is begun but then Ellie goes into a funk for several months starting the day after her father dies. Thomas, having suffered much family loss, is sympathetic…for longer than I would have been before he makes moves to get Ellie back into the land of the living. Ellie made me think of a light that burned bright, was switched off, sputtered a bit when it was flicked on due to incompletely being screwed in place then managed to be properly seated and burst back on again. I had moments half way through the book that I thought about giving up on Ellie because she was wimping out and had wanted a husband to run the ranch then didn’t BUT in the end the story came right. I kind of wondered how Thomas managed to be as tolerant as he was for those months Ellie’s light was off but…again…all’s well that ends well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.
2-3 Stars
June 30, 2017
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
If you have enjoyed any of the Contemporary Romance stories or series set in the small town of Marietta, Montana then you will love this Historical Romance series that looks back to the founding days of the small town we love so much. It’s a fun, and touching experience to recognize so many family names from these stories knowing their modern day relatives as we do now.
Married In Montana gives us a look back to the beginning of the Sheenan family. And the apple didn’t fall far from the tree as Ellie and Thomas’ great-great-(however many greats) – grandchildren have inherited that totally stubborn, bull-headed, prideful gene that runs strong in their ancestors.
Ellie had to marry. She’s aware that her father must see her married before his death – it didn’t matter if it was happily or stupidly in love, simply married. Because of her wealth, or her family’s wealth, there was no shortage of men who would happily take on the stubborn, bull-headed Ellie. None of them would do. Ellie intended to run the ranch, not be some doe eyed wife who stayed in the kitchen – no it was her ranch and she’d be the boss of it. There is one man who fits the type of man Ellie feels she could at least get along with for a lifetime. One man who has no interest in her, or the wealth that the other suitors never try to hide. In a marriage of convenience both parties should get at least part of what they need from the deal. And Ellie has an offer to make to Thomas that he should find difficult to turn down. She never expected to fall in love with her husband.
Thomas had left his homeland to strike out on his own, to make his future with his own hands. Life wasn’t easy in this small settlement, but he’d work hard for what he saw as his future. His plans didn’t include a wife, especially not Ellie who he wasn’t even certain he could stand for more than moments at a time. Yet she made an offer that enticed him. A marriage of convenience might not be a bad way to make his claim to something solid in this new world. He never counted on the woman she became after her father died. He hadn’t expected to care one way or the other if she never left her rooms to face the human race again. He definitely hadn’t expected the sparks that shot off of them, or the beginnings of thoughts for a future that was far more than she’d offered him. He hadn’t expected to love his wife.
Two strong, stubborn, mule-headed people are about to found a dynasty of sorts. First they have to admit that it’s not convenience that binds them and give love a chance to grow in big sky country.
Married In Montana has just about everything I look for in a romance. People who capture my imagination, situations that are tense yet believable, secondary characters that add to the story – and that indescribable something that sparks the belief that this is a couple who will make it against all odds. Thomas and Ellie might not have fallen love the usual way, but their emotions are strong, solid and fit their personalities. By the ending of their story I had no doubts that this was a love match that would endure. And that is what makes a good romance – I can believe in the couple’s reality.
If you love Marietta, Montana stories then going back to how it all began is a treat that shouldn’t be missed. I’d highly recommend this story, and the entire series to any Romance reader no matter your preferred genre.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
If you have enjoyed any of the Contemporary Romance stories or series set in the small town of Marietta, Montana then you will love this Historical Romance series that looks back to the founding days of the small town we love so much. It’s a fun, and touching experience to recognize so many family names from these stories knowing their modern day relatives as we do now.
Married In Montana gives us a look back to the beginning of the Sheenan family. And the apple didn’t fall far from the tree as Ellie and Thomas’ great-great-(however many greats) – grandchildren have inherited that totally stubborn, bull-headed, prideful gene that runs strong in their ancestors.
Ellie had to marry. She’s aware that her father must see her married before his death – it didn’t matter if it was happily or stupidly in love, simply married. Because of her wealth, or her family’s wealth, there was no shortage of men who would happily take on the stubborn, bull-headed Ellie. None of them would do. Ellie intended to run the ranch, not be some doe eyed wife who stayed in the kitchen – no it was her ranch and she’d be the boss of it. There is one man who fits the type of man Ellie feels she could at least get along with for a lifetime. One man who has no interest in her, or the wealth that the other suitors never try to hide. In a marriage of convenience both parties should get at least part of what they need from the deal. And Ellie has an offer to make to Thomas that he should find difficult to turn down. She never expected to fall in love with her husband.
Thomas had left his homeland to strike out on his own, to make his future with his own hands. Life wasn’t easy in this small settlement, but he’d work hard for what he saw as his future. His plans didn’t include a wife, especially not Ellie who he wasn’t even certain he could stand for more than moments at a time. Yet she made an offer that enticed him. A marriage of convenience might not be a bad way to make his claim to something solid in this new world. He never counted on the woman she became after her father died. He hadn’t expected to care one way or the other if she never left her rooms to face the human race again. He definitely hadn’t expected the sparks that shot off of them, or the beginnings of thoughts for a future that was far more than she’d offered him. He hadn’t expected to love his wife.
Two strong, stubborn, mule-headed people are about to found a dynasty of sorts. First they have to admit that it’s not convenience that binds them and give love a chance to grow in big sky country.
Married In Montana has just about everything I look for in a romance. People who capture my imagination, situations that are tense yet believable, secondary characters that add to the story – and that indescribable something that sparks the belief that this is a couple who will make it against all odds. Thomas and Ellie might not have fallen love the usual way, but their emotions are strong, solid and fit their personalities. By the ending of their story I had no doubts that this was a love match that would endure. And that is what makes a good romance – I can believe in the couple’s reality.
If you love Marietta, Montana stories then going back to how it all began is a treat that shouldn’t be missed. I’d highly recommend this story, and the entire series to any Romance reader no matter your preferred genre.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
July 6, 2017
First, I want to thank Jane Porter and Michelle Moris, who sent me the link to the eBook. I won this book by joining the Early Reviewers Community on LibraryThing and participating to June's batch of books. This is my honest review for which I am not being compensated in any way. I really am grateful to have gotten this opportunity!
Married by Montana is the second novel in the Paradise Valley Ranch series and was published June 29th. No stress, you can easily read the novels separately since I haven't read the first novel yet either.
The reason I requested this book is because I recognized some of myself in Ellie - just by reading the blurb! I'm very independent myself and I would never, ever submit to a man, give up my own choices and free will. Let alone be a housewife that does nothing else but looking after her family. I like doing my own thing, my own way.
Knowing this, I was convinced this would be a book very much to my liking.
The cover of this book also played a part in that decision. It looks simple, romantic and couldn't fit the title more. To tell you the truth, I was completely in the mood for some romance! And romance I got, that I can tell you.
Set in the late 1800's, Ellie's character is out of the ordinary. She's a free-spirited girl who lives impulsively, does what she likes and says whatever she likes. No sugar-coating. No trying to be like the norm of that time and become a charming housewife.
Add to that a dash of dark, brooding, mysterious and handsome with the name Thomas Sheenan, a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. Putting these two together, fireworks are bound to go all over the place.
I could connect with Ellie on a couple of levels. I'm a bold, impulsive and straightforward person. I tend to say what I'm thinking, even when it's probably going to come out all wrong. I don't mind what people think of me either. I just want to do my thing and enjoy my life. And I felt that Ellie was the same on all those accounts.
But I didn't see eye to eye with Ellie on everything. She seemed like such a strong-minded, confident person. At least before she started begging - pretty out of the blue, in my opinion - to Thomas for his help. I thought she'd put more effort into finding other solutions first, trying other ways to save her father's legacy, the ranch.
Jane Porter's writing style was fluent to say the least. I actually read this book in a couple of hours, walking around with my phone - I'm still desperately waiting for my Kindle to arrive - while doing chores or just moving from one reading spot to the other. I didn't want to stop reading. Just couldn't either.
I was completely and utterly lost in the romance Porter created by putting two head-strong characters together and watching the passion unfold.
I really enjoyed the story, but just felt like sometimes things progressed just a tad too quickly. If the relationship between Ellie and Thomas would've developed a little more slowly, letting that sexual tension build up some more before walls began to crumble... That would've made it perfect for me!
Apart from that, I really loved this book and recommend it to anyone who loves romance with a sensual spin to it or feels like a quick, light read.
This book is getting a 4/5! And I'm definitely going to take a closer look to her other books - she has plenty! - and add them to my TBR.
Kathy
If you want more reviews I wrote, do check out my blog: booksandmunches.wordpress.com!
Married by Montana is the second novel in the Paradise Valley Ranch series and was published June 29th. No stress, you can easily read the novels separately since I haven't read the first novel yet either.
The reason I requested this book is because I recognized some of myself in Ellie - just by reading the blurb! I'm very independent myself and I would never, ever submit to a man, give up my own choices and free will. Let alone be a housewife that does nothing else but looking after her family. I like doing my own thing, my own way.
Knowing this, I was convinced this would be a book very much to my liking.
The cover of this book also played a part in that decision. It looks simple, romantic and couldn't fit the title more. To tell you the truth, I was completely in the mood for some romance! And romance I got, that I can tell you.
Set in the late 1800's, Ellie's character is out of the ordinary. She's a free-spirited girl who lives impulsively, does what she likes and says whatever she likes. No sugar-coating. No trying to be like the norm of that time and become a charming housewife.
Add to that a dash of dark, brooding, mysterious and handsome with the name Thomas Sheenan, a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. Putting these two together, fireworks are bound to go all over the place.
I could connect with Ellie on a couple of levels. I'm a bold, impulsive and straightforward person. I tend to say what I'm thinking, even when it's probably going to come out all wrong. I don't mind what people think of me either. I just want to do my thing and enjoy my life. And I felt that Ellie was the same on all those accounts.
“She ground her teeth together, forcing a smile, aware her strong personality rubbed some the wrong way, and yet she didn't try to be offensive, she just wanted to be herself. But people loved having opinions and they loved to judge.”
But I didn't see eye to eye with Ellie on everything. She seemed like such a strong-minded, confident person. At least before she started begging - pretty out of the blue, in my opinion - to Thomas for his help. I thought she'd put more effort into finding other solutions first, trying other ways to save her father's legacy, the ranch.
Jane Porter's writing style was fluent to say the least. I actually read this book in a couple of hours, walking around with my phone - I'm still desperately waiting for my Kindle to arrive - while doing chores or just moving from one reading spot to the other. I didn't want to stop reading. Just couldn't either.
I was completely and utterly lost in the romance Porter created by putting two head-strong characters together and watching the passion unfold.
I really enjoyed the story, but just felt like sometimes things progressed just a tad too quickly. If the relationship between Ellie and Thomas would've developed a little more slowly, letting that sexual tension build up some more before walls began to crumble... That would've made it perfect for me!
Apart from that, I really loved this book and recommend it to anyone who loves romance with a sensual spin to it or feels like a quick, light read.
This book is getting a 4/5! And I'm definitely going to take a closer look to her other books - she has plenty! - and add them to my TBR.
Kathy
If you want more reviews I wrote, do check out my blog: booksandmunches.wordpress.com!
July 7, 2017
Jane Porter has authored another engaging read with Married In Montana, the second book from her Paradise Valley Ranch series. This is a historical romance, a genre that I typically do not select. However, anything written by Ms. Porter is an automatic request for me. This book kept my attention with its engrossing plot, interesting characters and emotional circumstances. Although the pace was a little slow, I read it from cover to cover in less than a day. The book cover is lovely.
Ellie Burnett grew up on a ranch with a loving father that showered her with confidence, independence and determination. Sadly, her father is dying, and she needs a husband in order to hold onto the land that has been in her family for generations. Desperate, she proposes a marriage of convenience to Irishman Thomas Sheenan, a very attractive and self-assured newcomer to the town of Marietta.
Since losing his entire family to illness before emigrating to the United States, Thomas has no desire to form any emotional attachments or to take care of anyone. Marriage is not even on his radar, however, he likes Ellie's spunky attitude and her beauty. So he agrees to marry her and is very hopeful that she will one day be a dutiful wife. Ellie and Thomas are two peas in a pod and overtime they fall in love.
The eventual chemistry between Ellie and Thomas is very seductive. Thomas is a true alpha both in and out of the bedroom, and Ellie turns into mush with each and every caress, kiss and embrace. She slowly lets down her guard and allows Thomas to take care of her and love her. Overall, this is a well-written historical romance that can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Ellie Burnett grew up on a ranch with a loving father that showered her with confidence, independence and determination. Sadly, her father is dying, and she needs a husband in order to hold onto the land that has been in her family for generations. Desperate, she proposes a marriage of convenience to Irishman Thomas Sheenan, a very attractive and self-assured newcomer to the town of Marietta.
Since losing his entire family to illness before emigrating to the United States, Thomas has no desire to form any emotional attachments or to take care of anyone. Marriage is not even on his radar, however, he likes Ellie's spunky attitude and her beauty. So he agrees to marry her and is very hopeful that she will one day be a dutiful wife. Ellie and Thomas are two peas in a pod and overtime they fall in love.
The eventual chemistry between Ellie and Thomas is very seductive. Thomas is a true alpha both in and out of the bedroom, and Ellie turns into mush with each and every caress, kiss and embrace. She slowly lets down her guard and allows Thomas to take care of her and love her. Overall, this is a well-written historical romance that can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
June 29, 2017
Married in Montana by Jane Porter
Like the time period of this book and the simple things that are treasured as they all done by machines today.
Starts out with Johanna's shop and she's so busy sewing for the Easter holiday. Her best friend, Elle visits and she tells her of her ailing father's condition, he won't last much longer. Elle had met Thomas, the night of the engagement reception when Sinclair breaks the engagement to become engaged to another. Thomas was the fireman that watched it all happen.
Thomas approaches her father and they have an agreement.
Her father wants to see her married by the time his life is ended. He's raised her his whole life. She approaches Thomas and asks him if he will accept her proposal. She really just wants a male figure to do the work on the farm while she is the one managing it, along with protecting her inheritance, along with time to get to know one another, perhaps up to a year. That's not quite the way he hears her though...
What I like about this is not only doing things by hand but all the things I learned along the way, detailed descriptions of the town architecture and other events that have occurred prior.
They do get married, living in separate rooms in the house on the farm. Story also brings us up to date with Thomas and how and where he was raised.
It's a wonder how things will work out as they are both bull headed, strong set in their own ways. He takes over the managing as she grieves. Love how he takes charge, love the things he does to wake her up.....her hair gets between them....
Steamy sex scenes. Great epilogue!
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.
Like the time period of this book and the simple things that are treasured as they all done by machines today.
Starts out with Johanna's shop and she's so busy sewing for the Easter holiday. Her best friend, Elle visits and she tells her of her ailing father's condition, he won't last much longer. Elle had met Thomas, the night of the engagement reception when Sinclair breaks the engagement to become engaged to another. Thomas was the fireman that watched it all happen.
Thomas approaches her father and they have an agreement.
Her father wants to see her married by the time his life is ended. He's raised her his whole life. She approaches Thomas and asks him if he will accept her proposal. She really just wants a male figure to do the work on the farm while she is the one managing it, along with protecting her inheritance, along with time to get to know one another, perhaps up to a year. That's not quite the way he hears her though...
What I like about this is not only doing things by hand but all the things I learned along the way, detailed descriptions of the town architecture and other events that have occurred prior.
They do get married, living in separate rooms in the house on the farm. Story also brings us up to date with Thomas and how and where he was raised.
It's a wonder how things will work out as they are both bull headed, strong set in their own ways. He takes over the managing as she grieves. Love how he takes charge, love the things he does to wake her up.....her hair gets between them....
Steamy sex scenes. Great epilogue!
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest review.
June 26, 2017
Wealthy Texas rancher Archibald Burnett would like nothing more than to see his daughter get married and move into the Bramble mansion in Marietta before he dies. But Ellie’s heart and roots run deep in the Paradise Valley ranch that she and her father have called home. There wasn’t a shortage of men who wouldn’t love to fill the position of groom and marry into such wealth, but it was Thomas Sheenan, the strong-willed Irishman, who Ellie felt best suited. They may not marry for love, but she knew that Thomas would be a hard worker and help preserve the family ranch that she held so dear.
What Ellie wasn’t prepared for was the all-consuming grief that she’d feel after her father passed. And the last thing she wanted to do was get to know her new husband. After months of locking herself away from the world, Thomas was determined to get Ellie back to the land of the living. He knew that she was stubborn and not easily persuaded, but his determination was strong and he would stop at nothing to get his new bride out of her self-loathing. Neither was looking for love, but sometimes what you don’t think you want is exactly what you need.
I enjoyed getting to know Ellie and Thomas. Though their relationship was full of ups and downs, they both overcame so much in order to find themselves and each other. A heart-warming story of family, loyalty, love and loss Married in Montana will take you on an emotional ride as windy as a country road, but leave you believing in the power of true love.
What Ellie wasn’t prepared for was the all-consuming grief that she’d feel after her father passed. And the last thing she wanted to do was get to know her new husband. After months of locking herself away from the world, Thomas was determined to get Ellie back to the land of the living. He knew that she was stubborn and not easily persuaded, but his determination was strong and he would stop at nothing to get his new bride out of her self-loathing. Neither was looking for love, but sometimes what you don’t think you want is exactly what you need.
I enjoyed getting to know Ellie and Thomas. Though their relationship was full of ups and downs, they both overcame so much in order to find themselves and each other. A heart-warming story of family, loyalty, love and loss Married in Montana will take you on an emotional ride as windy as a country road, but leave you believing in the power of true love.
June 20, 2019
This book could have been SO great.... IF the plot had been more developed. The story line in theory had great potential (I won't got into much detail because of spoilers), but I felt like the story had very little actual action. The majority of the book was spent flipping from Thomas and Ellie's viewpoints saying what they each think about the SAME SITUATION - without actually having much detailed action to cause said situations. There's brief descriptions of a buggy wreck, a wedding, a death, a confrontation, "the first time", a cattle drive, a reconciliation/declaration of love, and then - boom, THE END, happily ever after with the epilogue. I've had more time to read lately so I read this one a lot faster than others, but when I hit the last page a little after midnight last night, my first thought was, "that's it - it's over already?!" I just needed more from this book, I guess. I loved the character development and the chemistry between Thomas and Ellie, but I can't help but feel like it would have been a more substantial book if there had been more action driving the way Thomas and Ellie come together. Overall, not a terrible book, just not one that will stick out very much in my head in comparison to a lot of other books I've read in this genre.
June 29, 2017
A beautifully written marriage of convenience story.
If you have read any of Montana Born Books' Marietta based books, you will recognize the name Sheenan. This is the story of the first Sheenan to move to Montana in 1890.
Ellie Burnett's father was going to pass away soon and she needed a husband to help take care of their ranch. By marrying Thomas Sheenan, she could keep the ranch, in return Thomas would also get what he wants, wealth.
Thomas didn't want a relationship. He didn't want to be married or have a family. When he left Ireland to start a new life, it didn't include settling down. Ellie found Thomas to be attractive, but very stubborn and controlling. But through their ups and downs, they found a way to fall in love.
I really enjoyed learning more about Marietta in the early days and found Ellie and Thomas's story to be enjoyable. I liked how they were both stubborn and set in their ways, but when it came down to it, they were there for each other, especially when Thomas was trying to pull Ellie out of mourning for her father and back to enjoying life again.
If you have read any of Montana Born Books' Marietta based books, you will recognize the name Sheenan. This is the story of the first Sheenan to move to Montana in 1890.
Ellie Burnett's father was going to pass away soon and she needed a husband to help take care of their ranch. By marrying Thomas Sheenan, she could keep the ranch, in return Thomas would also get what he wants, wealth.
Thomas didn't want a relationship. He didn't want to be married or have a family. When he left Ireland to start a new life, it didn't include settling down. Ellie found Thomas to be attractive, but very stubborn and controlling. But through their ups and downs, they found a way to fall in love.
I really enjoyed learning more about Marietta in the early days and found Ellie and Thomas's story to be enjoyable. I liked how they were both stubborn and set in their ways, but when it came down to it, they were there for each other, especially when Thomas was trying to pull Ellie out of mourning for her father and back to enjoying life again.
June 29, 2017
This is book 2 in the Paradise Valley Ranch series.
It is the story of Ellie and Thomas.
Ellie was born in Texas. She is lovely, determined and in need of a husband. She is committed to marrying in order to protect her father's legacy. Her father is dying and she knows she needs to keep the family ranch in Paradise Valley. She is headstrong and takes charge of things concerning her family.
Thomas was born an Irishman. He is very independent and introverted, and certainly not looking for a wife. He has taken care of others for most of his life and he certainly doesn't need a strong-minded bride. He has come to Montana to develop into the man he wants to be.
Ellie knows that Thomas would be a hard worker and would help her keep her family's ranch. She offers Thomas the chance of a lifetime. He is not sure he can turn it down.
Can Ellie convince Thomas to marry her, even if it isn't for love? Can she leave the ranch she has always known as home?
I enjoyed reading their story, and i enjoyed the epilogue! I love how their marriage of convenience turned into a great love story. Jane Porter has another winner!
It is the story of Ellie and Thomas.
Ellie was born in Texas. She is lovely, determined and in need of a husband. She is committed to marrying in order to protect her father's legacy. Her father is dying and she knows she needs to keep the family ranch in Paradise Valley. She is headstrong and takes charge of things concerning her family.
Thomas was born an Irishman. He is very independent and introverted, and certainly not looking for a wife. He has taken care of others for most of his life and he certainly doesn't need a strong-minded bride. He has come to Montana to develop into the man he wants to be.
Ellie knows that Thomas would be a hard worker and would help her keep her family's ranch. She offers Thomas the chance of a lifetime. He is not sure he can turn it down.
Can Ellie convince Thomas to marry her, even if it isn't for love? Can she leave the ranch she has always known as home?
I enjoyed reading their story, and i enjoyed the epilogue! I love how their marriage of convenience turned into a great love story. Jane Porter has another winner!
July 3, 2017
This is the second in the Paradise Valley Ranch series. It's a historical romance in that it takes place in 1890, but it's not full of history at all. March 1890 in the fictional town of Marietta, Montana is simply the setting. Ellie Burnett and Thomas Sheenan have a marriage of convenience, but will it work? This story is about their emotional journey, how they come to finally be husband and wife, rather than a story full of activity. Ellie Burnett first appeared in Book 1 of the Paradise Valley Ranch series (Away in Montana), and frankly, my only impression of her in that book was of a spoiled brat that I didn't much like. So I was intrigued by what I could learn that would change my mind, and change my mind I did. Thomas Sheenan is a reticent Irish immigrant, who comes across as gruff and tough and maybe even a bit rude. Thomas, too, redeems himself and shows the heart hiding underneath the tough demeanor. It's a satisfying trip to HEA, and a nice window into the beginning of the Sheenan family that is central to the Taming of the Sheenans series. Jane Porter and Marietta Montana fans should enjoy this one.
July 7, 2017
This historical novel is a captivating story about a woman who could lose it all when her father dies and a man who wants no more love in his life. It is a story of the struggle to survive with heartache and sadness that overwhelms and takes everything with it.
Ellie Burnett is facing the impending death of her father, a man who has raised her single handedly. She is headstrong and determined to keep her father’s large Montana ranch after he passes. In order to do this she needs to marry and marry fast. Unfortunately, there are no viable suitors in Marietta except one: Thomas Sheenan. All Ellie knows about him is that he would be strong and capable of working with her on the land. Thomas left his home in Ireland to get away from the loss of his family to illness. He has hardened his heart to emotions and love. When Ellie approaches him for marriage the deal is this would be a working relationship not based on love but on a mutual benefit-the ranch. But when Ellie’s father dies and she sinks into a deep mourning, it is Thomas who must find a way to bring her back to life even if they find love along the way.
Ellie Burnett is facing the impending death of her father, a man who has raised her single handedly. She is headstrong and determined to keep her father’s large Montana ranch after he passes. In order to do this she needs to marry and marry fast. Unfortunately, there are no viable suitors in Marietta except one: Thomas Sheenan. All Ellie knows about him is that he would be strong and capable of working with her on the land. Thomas left his home in Ireland to get away from the loss of his family to illness. He has hardened his heart to emotions and love. When Ellie approaches him for marriage the deal is this would be a working relationship not based on love but on a mutual benefit-the ranch. But when Ellie’s father dies and she sinks into a deep mourning, it is Thomas who must find a way to bring her back to life even if they find love along the way.
July 1, 2017
I loved, loved, loved Jane Porter’s historical story, Married in Montana, the second book in the Paradise Valley Ranch series which will give those readers who love the Marietta, Montana stories a glimpse at the town’s founding families. This is Ellie Burnett and Thomas Sheenan’s story, the patriarchs of those Sheenan brothers Jane Porter writes so well about. This story has its sad parts, grieving the death of family members that affects both Ellie and Thomas, but then the happy, loving parts gave this reader hope for these two. I especially enjoyed learning the origin of the Sheenan name as my family name was another of those altered one when my relatives arrived at Ellis Island.
I really enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down, reading it in one day. Ms. Porter is a wonderful story teller, always drawing me into her books, and making me forget the world around me. I highly recommend this book to other readers and I really look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I really enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down, reading it in one day. Ms. Porter is a wonderful story teller, always drawing me into her books, and making me forget the world around me. I highly recommend this book to other readers and I really look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 5, 2017
Ellie Burnett is a strong willed woman who has been spoiled by her father. She's struggling to come to terms with his terminal illness. To protect the ranch she loves, she will marry. She chooses a rugged Irishman who is not awed by her wealth or beauty. Thomas Sheenan is just as stubborn and determined as Ellie. Their contentious relationship makes for a compelling and emotional journey. They have both experience losses which make them afraid to open their hearts. Watching them become husband and wife is satisfying. Jane Porter captured me with her extraordinary characters. I cared for them. Their interaction is filled with passion and stubbornness as they battle to make a marriage. I enjoyed seeing how the Sheenan dynasty began. This setting is one of my favorites. I love Marietta and Paradise Valley. Jane Porter has the talent to make her characters come to life. Their trials are real. It's easy to be drawn into their story. The Paradise Valley Ranch series Is a keeper. I was fascinated by this story.
June 29, 2017
Jane, you would do well to buy tissue stock. I ran for tissues a lot, happy and sad. This is a real story plot in 1890. Ellie lives on a ranch and took care of her father, Archibald, who is dying from cancer. He wants Ellie to marry. Thomas Sheenan is Irish to pick up bought sheep. Major Spoiler! She doesn't like him as he doesn't want to ever marry. They finally decide to marry and Archibald passed away. Ellie locks herself in her bedroom and comes out when no one is up for three months until Thomas ends her hiding. Spoiler She ran the ranch with her dad but now she is the mistress of the house! She can throw some good tantrums! He forbids her to come on the drive of cattle to the top of the mountain. She is mad and follows them. Major Spoiler! You really have to read this to the end. I like this book. I am always ready to grab a Tule story! They are awesome. Enjoy reading this story! I volunteered to read and review this book.
July 3, 2017
This was a wonderful historical romance. I love going back in time to a different era.
Ellie is desperate for a husband because her father is dying and she will be left vulnerable if he passes before she is married. Thomas Sheenan doesn't ever want to get married, but he respects Ellie's father, and is attracted to Ellie, so when she proposes a business deal type marriage, he accepts.
I loved the emotions in this story. Ellie goes through quite the rollercoaster from marriage to her father's death, to the aftermath of that while adjusting to married life. Thomas is a good man and has experienced enough loss in his life that he is very protective of Ellie, but she is very strong willed and stubborn so they certainly have some interesting spats.
I loved the characters and storyline. It was a nice escape from reality.
Ellie is desperate for a husband because her father is dying and she will be left vulnerable if he passes before she is married. Thomas Sheenan doesn't ever want to get married, but he respects Ellie's father, and is attracted to Ellie, so when she proposes a business deal type marriage, he accepts.
I loved the emotions in this story. Ellie goes through quite the rollercoaster from marriage to her father's death, to the aftermath of that while adjusting to married life. Thomas is a good man and has experienced enough loss in his life that he is very protective of Ellie, but she is very strong willed and stubborn so they certainly have some interesting spats.
I loved the characters and storyline. It was a nice escape from reality.
July 6, 2017
The Paradise Valley Ranch Series continues with this second novel which shows Porter’s ability to create interesting historical fiction with a romantic flair.
Ellie and Thomas will capture your heart as you follow their journey back during a time when a woman pretty much needed a man in order to survive. The chemistry between them was palpable and I did like that Porter gave her main female character a backbone so she didn’t play into the weak willed stereotype. The author also added in some real heartfelt writing by examining Ellie’s grief through the death of her father and I liked that she didn’t go with the insta-love trope but instead allowed their relationship to progress very naturally.
It’s just such a sweet story that tugs at the heartstrings; it will make you smile and cry at the same time.
Ellie and Thomas will capture your heart as you follow their journey back during a time when a woman pretty much needed a man in order to survive. The chemistry between them was palpable and I did like that Porter gave her main female character a backbone so she didn’t play into the weak willed stereotype. The author also added in some real heartfelt writing by examining Ellie’s grief through the death of her father and I liked that she didn’t go with the insta-love trope but instead allowed their relationship to progress very naturally.
It’s just such a sweet story that tugs at the heartstrings; it will make you smile and cry at the same time.
July 8, 2017
A sweet historical western set in Marietta, Montana.
Ellie Burnett needs a husband to help her keep the ranch that she and her father live on. Archibald Burnett is dying, and wants her to leave it, knowing that life would be hard without a husband for her.
Thomas Sheenan isn’t looking for a wife but is attracted to her from the moment he first saw her and is reluctantly convinced to wed her to help her keep it.
Archibald's death, her deep depression caused by it, misunderstandings and the inner conflict of their feelings stirs things up until their confrontation forces out the feelings they both tried to hide.
I loved it. I requested and received a NetGalley copy to peruse.
Ellie Burnett needs a husband to help her keep the ranch that she and her father live on. Archibald Burnett is dying, and wants her to leave it, knowing that life would be hard without a husband for her.
Thomas Sheenan isn’t looking for a wife but is attracted to her from the moment he first saw her and is reluctantly convinced to wed her to help her keep it.
Archibald's death, her deep depression caused by it, misunderstandings and the inner conflict of their feelings stirs things up until their confrontation forces out the feelings they both tried to hide.
I loved it. I requested and received a NetGalley copy to peruse.
July 10, 2017
Emotional and heartfelt are just a few words I would use to describe this book. I loved it. It is book 2, but it is completely a stand alone. I have not been a historical fan for many years, but this book has peaked my interest again and would definitely re-read it.
This is Ellie and Thomas's story. I felt transported back to the 1800's. The characters tugged at my heart and I became emotional invested in their lives and wanted so much for them to get their happily ever after. I was not ready for the book to end and could have easily read more.
If you have loved the contemporary series of The Sheenans by Jane Porter, you will enjoy this bit of history behind the relatives of the Sheenan's.
This is Ellie and Thomas's story. I felt transported back to the 1800's. The characters tugged at my heart and I became emotional invested in their lives and wanted so much for them to get their happily ever after. I was not ready for the book to end and could have easily read more.
If you have loved the contemporary series of The Sheenans by Jane Porter, you will enjoy this bit of history behind the relatives of the Sheenan's.
August 3, 2017
Love! Love! Love! MUST READ!
Emotional, mesmerizing, addicting, ALL the feels!
There is no greater escape than a Jane Porter novel. Jane Porter has the ability to hook you from the very first paragraph. She tells such AMAZING stories. You live them! You feel them right in the heart! You fall absolutely and completely head over heels in love with them! I am never ready for her stories to end.
Ellie and Thomas's story grabbed at my heartstrings and did not let go. It was such an emotional read that I could not put down!! I absolutely loved their story. I want more, I NEED more! I seriously NEED more Jane Porter in my life.
Experience the greatness that is Jane Porter! You won't regret it!!! Read this Married in Montana!!
Emotional, mesmerizing, addicting, ALL the feels!
There is no greater escape than a Jane Porter novel. Jane Porter has the ability to hook you from the very first paragraph. She tells such AMAZING stories. You live them! You feel them right in the heart! You fall absolutely and completely head over heels in love with them! I am never ready for her stories to end.
Ellie and Thomas's story grabbed at my heartstrings and did not let go. It was such an emotional read that I could not put down!! I absolutely loved their story. I want more, I NEED more! I seriously NEED more Jane Porter in my life.
Experience the greatness that is Jane Porter! You won't regret it!!! Read this Married in Montana!!
September 22, 2017
A Touch of history and Romance =5 star read
It was wonderful to go back...way comeback to one of the early families in Marietta,, Montana and get to read their story. You know we read about the families in Marietta and they become our community of friends. The Sheehans and Sheenans have been in several books ...This is the story of how the Sheenan Ranch came to be. It all started from a broken engagement.
Ellie and Thomas's story is so well written but of course, Jane Porter always gives us some of the best books based not only in historical but also she always gives us that special touch of romance and love. This book was especially dear to me since it was the forefathers and evergreens of some of my favorite characters in Marietta,Montana.
It was wonderful to go back...way comeback to one of the early families in Marietta,, Montana and get to read their story. You know we read about the families in Marietta and they become our community of friends. The Sheehans and Sheenans have been in several books ...This is the story of how the Sheenan Ranch came to be. It all started from a broken engagement.
Ellie and Thomas's story is so well written but of course, Jane Porter always gives us some of the best books based not only in historical but also she always gives us that special touch of romance and love. This book was especially dear to me since it was the forefathers and evergreens of some of my favorite characters in Marietta,Montana.
February 28, 2023
Great story
What a great story of the beginning of the Sheenan clan in Montana. Thomas is an Irish immigrant after his mom and sisters all died. Ellie was raised by her father on the ranch after her mom died when she was very young. She grew up more of a ranch hand than someone who cooks and cleans. Thomas and Ellie marry because that is the only way she can stay on the ranch after her dad passes. They don't really like each other but yet they do. It is a volatile start to their relationship because Ellie is strong a willed and Thomas expects her to be mistress of the house and do the cooking and cleaning and also be a proper wife. Will they be able to come to a compromise or will Thomas finally admit he does have feelings for her?
What a great story of the beginning of the Sheenan clan in Montana. Thomas is an Irish immigrant after his mom and sisters all died. Ellie was raised by her father on the ranch after her mom died when she was very young. She grew up more of a ranch hand than someone who cooks and cleans. Thomas and Ellie marry because that is the only way she can stay on the ranch after her dad passes. They don't really like each other but yet they do. It is a volatile start to their relationship because Ellie is strong a willed and Thomas expects her to be mistress of the house and do the cooking and cleaning and also be a proper wife. Will they be able to come to a compromise or will Thomas finally admit he does have feelings for her?
September 11, 2024
A historical Western Romance set in Marietta Montana 1889. This is a marriage of convenience romance between two very independent and stubborn people. This is an emotional up and down journey for Ellie and Thomas. Ellie was brought up spoiled and used to getting her way. Thomas was still reeling from major losses in his life and not willing to open up his heart. My favorite part was the care and tenderness he gave Ellie while untangling her hair from her hairbrush. She had spent three months mourning her father and Thomas worked so hard, sometimes overbearing, trying to get her back to living her life. The writing is wonderful, and I felt transported to that time period. The storyline kept my interest, and I generally wanted these two to get their HEA. Highly recommend.
June 29, 2017
What an emotional read! I laughed, I cried. I really enjoyed Thomas and Ellie. She was a bit spoiled, but I can understand her reaction to her father's death. Thomas, despite his protests to the contrary, was the perfect person for Ellie. Their relationship had instant sparks, despite both seeming to instantly dislike each other
After reading so many books about Marietta in the present, this is the second set in its beginnings, and it was so interesting to see more of Marietta and it's surrounding areas in the early days.
Jane Porter delivers another book that I just couldn't put down.
**I received an advanced copy via NetGalley from the publisher. My review is voluntary.
After reading so many books about Marietta in the present, this is the second set in its beginnings, and it was so interesting to see more of Marietta and it's surrounding areas in the early days.
Jane Porter delivers another book that I just couldn't put down.
**I received an advanced copy via NetGalley from the publisher. My review is voluntary.
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