A Contradiction to His Pride

Leaving Independence #2

by Leanne W. Smith

From the moment James met Corrine as they traveled the Oregon Trail, in Smith's best-selling debut novel Leaving Independence, he couldn’t resist trying to win the sharp-mouthed beauty’s affections. 

Now, as the core group of pioneers in Colonel Dotson’s wagon train begins to settle in Baker City, Oregon and build homesteads, James is restless to make his fortune so he can stake his own claim and win Corrine’s hand with honor.

But when James takes Corrine on an outing designed to impress her, things go tragically wrong. James foils a bank robbery and unwittingly sets a series of events into motion that shatter Corrine’s heart and now threaten her life, along with his and her older brother Charlie’s. 

Soon there are several folks heading back down the trail—James, Charlie, Corrine, Harry and Tam Sims, the Baker City Sheriff, a newspaperman, a notorious criminal family, and Hoke Mathews—all set to collide in a final showdown in a Colorado mining town as outlaw Duke Walden seeks to make James pay for his heroic actions.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2018

About the author

Amazon bestselling author of Leaving Independence, Leanne W. Smith says, "My goal as an author is to weave a tapestry of stories connected to a common place--by homesteads and intersecting family lines--over time. Most of these will be in historical settings, but my most recent novel, Alone in a Cabin, takes place in 2016, the year my first book was published." In addition to writing, Smith teaches Business Communication classes at Lipscomb University in Nashville. "God knew I needed some business acumen, so He put me in the College of Business where I get to help students refine their career goals and give them practical advice on how to achieve them. God has equipped and blessed me through the equipping and blessing of others." For more about her books or inspiration for pursuing career goals, visit Smith's website at www.leannewsmith.com.

Reviews

[Abigail Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

So... This was interesting... But there were many cuss words and some things I didn't like spiritually.

[Andy Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my money, a well-written novel takes me to places I’ll never go, introduces me to people I’ll never meet, and satisfies my thirst for adventure, romance, good versus evil, you name it, all while making the journey from first page to The End seem effortless. Leanne W. Smith’s latest release, “A Contradiction to His Pride”, accomplishes all that and then some.
Her first book, “Leaving Independence”, published in June 2016, introduced readers to Abigail Baldwyn of Marston County, Tennessee, and her family’s trek along the Oregon Trail in the 1860s searching for the mysterious circumstances surrounding her war veteran husband’s death—or was he still alive? This storyline weaves fascinating tidbits of life along the Western frontier, interesting character development, and well-placed surprises into a compelling page-turner with enough twists and turns to satisfy most ardent readers.
“A Contradiction to His Pride” continues the Baldwyn family’s Wild West adventures as life and love intersect with jealousy and danger. This fast-paced plot focuses on Corrine Baldwyn, Abigail’s sharp-tongued sixteen year-old, and her budding first love with a family friend nearly twice her age. Suspense grabs you in the first chapter and never lets go. Corrine’s naive young heart gets shattered, while a family gang of outlaws threaten her life. James Parker, her suitor, assumes responsibility for the two misunderstandings, and attempts to settle both scores in an epic final showdown.
I’ve never considered myself a huge fan of historical fiction, but Leanne weaves her love of research (she is a university professor), gripping dialogue, and well-crafted prose into a compelling storyline that keeps readers turning pages. I tried to stretch my reading time and savor this story, but the chapters kept flowing as the action and suspense escalated. If rumors are true that Leanne is working on her third installment in the Baldwyn-Matthews family saga, then readers will profit from a trifecta of great storytelling.

[Lisa Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: A Contradiction to His Pride
Author: Leanne W. Smith
Pages: 422
Year: 2018
Publisher: Self-published
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
This novel is a sequel to Leaving Independence written by the same author. Reading these novels set on the Oregon Trail in the late 1800s was pure joy and excitement. I was amazed as well as mesmerized by the action, danger and how quickly life could be lost as depicted in the stories. Here, the settlers from the wagon train we met in the first book are now trying to establish their town and lives when a bank robbery turns the characters’ lives in a tither.
During the grieving Corrine experiences after losing a dear friend, she is also wrestling with being a grown up and handling a less than the picture-perfect life she once held dear. A couple of the characters from the town are hunting bank robbers as well as going after James and his group to let them know danger is on their heels. Life is very precarious in these days and the author does an excellent job of showing readers that as well as how a community can come together to rejoice in good times.
I think these novels will be enjoyed by those who love history, westerns, well-crafted, lifelike characters and a riveting plot! The climax scene was just pulling me further into the book and the ending, I believe, leaves room for a sequel with these characters later in life and time. I can’t say enough about the enjoyment I had reading the books and hope others will soon grab copies, lose themselves in the tales then share them with other readers, family or friends.
Don’t wait to get your books as these are too good to wait!
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo.... Also follow me on Twitter@lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this book, often staying up later at night than I should so I could read just one more chapter. I've been excited for this book since I finished reading Leaving Independence two years ago, and it did not disappoint! This book focuses mostly on the relationship between James Parker and Corrine Baldwin, and the author does an amazing job of creating a sequel that stands on it's own so well it wouldn't have to be considered a sequel. Simultaneously, readers get an update on all of their favorite characters from Leaving Independence and get to know some of them at a deeper level. This book is full of contradictions and really brings out the complexities of humanity and human relationships. I found many of the characters relatable in some aspect due to the author taking the time to really develop the rich stories and personalities of several characters, highlighting their strengths, flaws, smart choices, and not so smart choices. This book is anything but black and white, and the themes of pride, forgiveness, and redemption run strong throughout the book. There is some violence and a little bit of language in the book, but I was not bothered by either as they lent to providing a more historically accurate representation of settlements out West during that time period. The author's descriptions of people and places were so detailed and vivid, if I closed my eyes, I could imagine I was in the book. While I found the author did an amazing job of bringing this book to a conclusion, it does still leave a few loose ends out there. I will be waiting on pins and needles hoping for a book 3. There are still so many stories to be told and so much life left for these characters to live!

*I received a free advanced copy of this book for my honest review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

After agreeing to review A Contradiction to His Pride I decided to purchase a copy of Leaving Independence to read first. I enjoyed it but have not managed to fit a review into my schedule. I wish I could make myself write one for every book I read but obviously I enjoy reading more than reviewing. I finally got around to reading A Contradiction to His Pride and found it even more exciting than the previous novel.

I did have a bit of a problem at first with the age difference of James and Corrine but his behavior was always proper and respectful toward her as is fitting in a Christian novel. By the time the story got into full swing, that was no longer an issue. I was too busy keeping up with all the danger and action that was taking place. It seemed that the characters went from one dangerous situation to another. And what characters they are! Corrine, Harry and Tam Sims trying to catch up with James and Charlie to warn them about the outlaw determined to kill James, each of them a picture of bravery in their own right. Then several others get involved and the plot gets more twisted by the minute leading up to a major showdown near the end.

So this may be considered a Christian romance novel but it rivals any of the shoot-em-up westerns I watched with my dad as a child. I think it would be perfect for a movie. Anyone who enjoys Christian western novels should pick up a copy of A Contradiction to His Pride as well as Leaving Independence. I would love to see more novels in this vein.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been eagerly anticipating this book since finishing Leanne W. Smith's first book, Leaving Independence, two years ago. I really enjoyed this follow up and believe it could even stand alone without having read LI. Though if you decide to read Contradiction first, be sure to go back and read LI, because it's just that good.

What I appreciated most about this book was the character development of Corrine, James, Tam, and several others that reminds the reader than we are all flawed people, some with pasts that you wouldn't expect. Also, that past experiences (especially the tough ones) can either build good character or ruin us if we let them. The theme of pride and its effects is well developed. Also, that we mustn't be quick to judge those with different and/or unexpected life experiences.

While the focus is on the budding relationship of Corrine and James, the story of Hoke and Abigail is still included and developed. The book is wrapped up at the end, but I feel like there are still more stories to be told and I'd love to read more about these characters in another book soon!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The follow up to Leaving Independence is just as good as the first book. The writing is solid and smooth. The story is packed with action and many twists. At times you want to slug some of the characters and then, just a few paragraphs later, hug them. The story picks up with James Parker, determined to prove his worth to Corinne, becomes entangled with a band of robbers and murderers, and half the citizens of Baker City, OR seemed to be on the trail to Silvertown. My favorite characters were Tam and Granny Pearl: spunky, gritty women who had tenacity and temerity. I hope the author is planning a third installment as there are plenty of stories left to be shared about these characters. Thanks to the author for providing the advance read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not wait for this book to come out! After reading Leaving Independence two years ago, (and On a Dark and Snowy Night earlier this year) I was eager to continue my relationship with Baldwyn family, Hoke, James, and other characters. A Contradiction to His Pride kept me up way too late at night, as I could not put it down! I enjoyed getting to know James Parker and Corrine Baldwyn better in this book. I loved the role that Leaving Independence’s character, Tam Sims, plays in this story. The author weaves the theme of pride through the story in so many ways, often causing me to stop and examine my own pride as I view others around me.
I can’t stop recommending all of Leanne Smith’s books!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book.

[Truitti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novel. Even though it might be classified as a Christian romance, I think it more of a western. This would make a great movie. It is encouraging, full of drama, full of action, cowboys, horses, people with morals, ex soiled doves, and bad guys. Yes yes yes there is romance for the delicate of heart, but it is the gun toting cowboy (actually there is more than one, ladies) with the heart of gold that is attempting to take the wilds of Oregon and various other states that kept me reading. I purchased this kindle version from Amazon dot com. Book read #52 of 2018. And Miss Leeanne, it is 1 a.m. It's your fault that I got so wrapped up in the book that my eyes will be red tomorrow. And if anyone complains that I am a bit snippy, I will tell them to talk to you since you wrote such a great western.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Leaving Independence by Nashville author Leanne Smith. The first book is about a wagon train members from Independence, Mo , to Oregon and all their challenges. This book takes place after the survivors of that journey settle in Bakers City, OR, particularly James Parker and the Baldwin family. I enjoyed the story overall, with many twists and turns. But my criticism is that it is about 100 pages too long with a repetitive story line at times. It seems the author has set up the ending for a third book to carry on the younger brother's storyline. I recommend it for fans of historical fiction and the interesting characters.

[Bonny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the pioneering west of the post Civil War era, the author ties in themes of pride, love, loss, and forgiveness with such a compelling plot that I couldn’t put it down and read most of it in one sitting. Such texture and grit! Leanne W. Smiths’ characters embody the beautifully flawed nature of human beings, which makes them both relatable and truly endearing. This story is gripping, tender, heart-wrenching, inspirational, and well worth the read!

* I received an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clean romantic fiction read set in the Old West. It's the follow up to a previous book. I hadn't read the first, so I had a little trouble catching up, but I was able to follow fairly well.

I appreciated the clean romance and story line that moved along at a pretty good pace. The characters were interesting. I sometimes found the story a little confusing as many events and characters were added in, but I think this may have been because I didn't read the first book.

All-in-all, it was a good read. I like the historical setting and the clean romance in the story.

[LeeAnn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the author's first book, Leaving Independence, I found myself wanting to know what else happened with the characters in the story. I'm not a big fiction reader, but I do love historical fiction. A Contradiction to His Pride delivered on my curiosity! The author weaves stories together in a way that keeps you wondering how everything is going to resolve as she continues to develop the characters further. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and have already shared it as a "must read" for friends.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read the first book in this series last week (loved it) and was excited to read this book.

Oh. My. Yes. This book was amazing. I loved it, too.

I adored James and his heart and who he was.

Corrine was so sassy in the first book I wasn’t sure how much I would like her in this book. I like her so much. Such a strong young woman.

The romance between these two was hot.

The message of not judging others is strong in this book, God’s forgiveness and redemption.

I highly recommend this series.

A copy of this book was given to me by the author. All opinions are my own.

[Jacquelyn Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continue for the Next book

I thought the book was very well done I enjoyed it I also enjoyed book 1 book 2 I didn't like the ending it just showed that you're going into the next book please let me know when it comes out I'd like to get the conclusion of it. and if the sheriff gets somebody or Charlie gets somebody after his law School I hope you're working on these books would be great to see the continuation of the books. Have a nice day God bless you and keep you and be with you in the name of Jesus Christ Amen

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Contradiction to His Pride is a sequel to Leaving Independence. This one features the ever charming and lovable James Parker. Who has been in love with the beautiful and sassy Corrine ever since Leaving Independence. This story is full of action and introduces new characters. As well as some mean outlaws. We also get an update from previous characters. For one, my favorite book boyfriend, Hoke Matthews. Swoon! Is it wrong to be jealous of a fictitious character? If so, I'm so jealous of Abigail. Well, I'm not too jealous. She is a sweetheart. You can't help but want to be her friend. Also, the epilogue left me wanting more. I certainly hope the story continues into another book.
This story is a clean romance and does include a few mild curse words. Four and a half Stars!
*I was given a copy of this book by the author and was not required to leave a review. This is my honest opinion.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent! I didn't want to put it down
I guess it is human nature to try and figure it out where the story is taking you, but I couldn't figure it out. The next twist was better than the last! I grew to care about the characters, even the lesser known ones. I am amazed at the research she did to make this book authentic.
I love a book that draws me in and won't let go. This is one of those books!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab the tissues

5 stars for A Contradiction to His Pride, the sequal to Leaving independence. Although Leaving Independence was very much a wagon train/Oregon Trail story, A Contradiction to His Pride moves on to be a real wild west story, complete with bank robbers and gun fights. While a slightly different story line, the cast of characters and wonderfully descriptive writing I fell in love with I the first novel remained the same. Another one I must recommend

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book! I literally found myself pumping my fist in the air with glee at one point. It's the kind of book you tolerate for the first few chapters and then find yourself completely invested in, somewhere around the middle. It's the type of book you read when you really ought to be sleeping or working. This was really an excellent read. The first book (Leaving Independence) was good, but this one was fantastic!

[Kathy Steakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Contradiction to His Pride was a page turner for me! I tend to be skeptical with sequels, but this book met and surpassed expectations. Leanne W. Smith pulls the reader in with beautiful language, well developed, engaging characters, suspense, humor, romance - a well rounded novel and one I will read again.

[Wendy Lipscomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this book, the attention to detail of the characters and time period are amazing. Excitement and surprises, I did not want to put it down and certainly did not want it to end. I am hopeful there will be more books in the future by this author. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[James Van Nortwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story teller

This author is a storyteller. No other way to say it.And a wordsmith too. Little turns of phrase that will wind up in my vocabulary.
I cared about her characters,she never lost my interest. None of this"I'll put this down for a while and come back later". She pulls you down into the story.

[Carol Olivie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting story that keeps the heart beating

This book continues where "Leaving Independence" ends.
It was another great read and I couldn't put it down. I love stories that show you how the people lived in the 1800's . It's so different from what is going on now in the United States.

[Linda Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting western

Good read in fact I'm sleepy today due to staying awake for "one more page" too late last night. The complex circumstances leading to a prolonged hostage crisis showed the strength and weaknesses of many characters. Sheer determination and faith were the essentials of getting through and triumphing in dire situations.

[Melinda Caudill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished my copy that I received in exchange for an honest review. I can honestly say I didn't want it to end. I had three chapters left to read yesterday and I made myself put it down. I was anxious to know how it ended, but I didn't want it to end! Leanne has such a gift of taking the reader on a journey back it time. It was as good or maybe better than Leaving Independence. They both would make a great movie!

[JESSICA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful tale from Leanne Smith. You can't help but fall in love with these characters. I found Miss Corrine Baldwyn relatable on many levels. The highs and lows were unexpected and tragic and beautiful. I would recommend this to my girlfriends (and guys).

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I read this book in about three days! Ms. Smith is an excellent writer who makes you fall in love with the characters and leaves you wanting more. While this book is a sequel, it also stands alone. I have already recommended it to friends!

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I have read this book before, I found myself reading several hours past my bedtime so that I could finish it. It is so engaging. I really wish there were another book in the series. By the way, I almost NEVER re-read fiction.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series! the story about Charlie can't come soon enough!!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully told historical fiction

Leanne Smith captures historical fiction in a novel that includes love, outlaws and heroes. I recommend her books highly and have read them all.