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The Calamity Janes #1
Winding River Reunion
Five women…five dreams…a lifetime of friendship…revisit the beloved stories of the Calamity Janes by #1
New York Times
bestseller Sherryl Woods!
WINDING RIVER REUNION
Pregnant and unmarried, she left town...now, Cassie Collins has returned to reconnect with her oldest friends, the Calamity Janes, and put her troubles behind her. But the father of her child, Cole Davis, gives her two choices: marriage or lose her son.
Time hadn’t dulled Cassie’s anger at the man who’d betrayed her 10 years ago...nor cooled the fiery attraction between them. Could she rekindle their long-lost love, and unite Cole, herself, and their son in the precious bonds of family?
Originally published in 2001 under the title Do You Take This Rebel?
WINDING RIVER REUNION
Pregnant and unmarried, she left town...now, Cassie Collins has returned to reconnect with her oldest friends, the Calamity Janes, and put her troubles behind her. But the father of her child, Cole Davis, gives her two choices: marriage or lose her son.
Time hadn’t dulled Cassie’s anger at the man who’d betrayed her 10 years ago...nor cooled the fiery attraction between them. Could she rekindle their long-lost love, and unite Cole, herself, and their son in the precious bonds of family?
Originally published in 2001 under the title Do You Take This Rebel?
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2001
130 people are currently reading
783 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
557 books4,533 followersWith two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."
The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.
Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.
In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.
When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 29, 2019
I read it, I was not impressed. Sometimes reading this kind of books (stupid me, I allways expect them to be better), I do wonder things. These women (and men) usually act totally stupid and their psychology is that of an alien race. Or maybe it is just me that is alien:-)
April 23, 2015
I've not read anything by this author before, this is the first book in the Calamity Jane series, which follows the lives of a group of women from a small town.
Cassie and Cole had been an item at 18 years old, then Cole suddenly left town leaving Cassie to cope on her own and pregnant. Her son Jake is now 9 years old and Cole has no idea of his existence, and Cassie hasn't been back home since Jake was born. But she's returning home now for her high school reunion and to see her Mother. Her plan involves avoiding Cole. But once home it becomes impossible to avoid seeing him. Then other people's involvement in their relationship way back when comes to light, and this another revelation that causes problems.
While I don't have any problems with the authors writing, my three stars reflects my opinion of the content. I was not too keen on the thread that ran through this about how a boy needs a father, in an ideal world that's true. But it's not always possible I'm sure there are many single mothers who have raised very successfully sons who've grown into fine men. But this author decided that Jake's behaviour would reflect her theory that he would be a better behaved child with a father.
As to the pace and flow of the story, it was rather slow in getting to the point, in fact it only livened up during the last twenty percent of the book. There aren't any hot sex scenes although I don't need for a story to have them, but this could have done with a bit of oomph. I don't think this series is really for me.
Cassie and Cole had been an item at 18 years old, then Cole suddenly left town leaving Cassie to cope on her own and pregnant. Her son Jake is now 9 years old and Cole has no idea of his existence, and Cassie hasn't been back home since Jake was born. But she's returning home now for her high school reunion and to see her Mother. Her plan involves avoiding Cole. But once home it becomes impossible to avoid seeing him. Then other people's involvement in their relationship way back when comes to light, and this another revelation that causes problems.
While I don't have any problems with the authors writing, my three stars reflects my opinion of the content. I was not too keen on the thread that ran through this about how a boy needs a father, in an ideal world that's true. But it's not always possible I'm sure there are many single mothers who have raised very successfully sons who've grown into fine men. But this author decided that Jake's behaviour would reflect her theory that he would be a better behaved child with a father.
As to the pace and flow of the story, it was rather slow in getting to the point, in fact it only livened up during the last twenty percent of the book. There aren't any hot sex scenes although I don't need for a story to have them, but this could have done with a bit of oomph. I don't think this series is really for me.
November 9, 2017
This book is ridiculous. It gives me hope that I, too, may someday publish a book if this is considered acceptable. This author is clearly trapped in the 1970s/80s genre of romance where the women are complete push overs and men have all the power, either overtly or subtlety. Cole "forces" Cassie to marry her? And she goes along with it? The over-bearing father-in-law is responsible for their initial break up 10 years past and is even now manipulating the women to get the heir he wants? And seriously, Cole has NO IDEA that Jake is his son?! Everyone in the whole town knows but he (the computer genius) can't do the simple math of when Jake was conceived? Even the language suggests an author that is quite antiquated and unaware of how "modern" romances usually contain story arcs, character development, and believability. I grabbed this audio book at my library never having read the author and thought this book was 10 CDs, which usually indicates a decent chance at a good plot. Turns out it was a 2 book set of 5 CDs each. Ugh.
September 20, 2022
I hate women who hide pregnancies from the fathers. Like he wasn’t a dirtbag. What was the point?! She was just dumb. But then he was also dumb for basically blackmailing her into marriage. Annnddddddddddd she didn’t want him but then when she was forced to face the fact that SHE WAS WRONG, her solution was to seduce him. Sooooo dumb. But still high stars from me lol. I like the dumb drama.
May 18, 2011
Terrific read,its such a good story,Cole-Cassie my heart went out to both of them,being manupalated by their parents they did'nt get a chance to be together and Cole lost his child's 9 years of life
Cassie she is s strong woman and great mother,being manupalated by own mother dear god and then later cause of her own lies she had to suffer,i think she should have told Cole about Jake when the misunderstanding about the letters were solved,she had chances but she did'nt use it
Cole my heart went out to him,first he lost his mother then there's that manupalative controlling father of his then lost his love and child,also Cassie mother he always considered her as his mother she also shunned him when Cassie left,in the story he lost much more then anyone else,i completely understand his bitterness towards Cassie,she was the closest to him and she also manupalated him which shattered him
the bonding between the friends and their loyalty to each other was awesome,least Cassie's mother regretted her doings but that disgusting old man he still continues to plot against Cassie try to snatch her son and manupalates his grandson
this is a heart wrenching love which was shaken by the lies,manupalations,deciet,anger,bitterness but Colen Cassie's love was strong that is why it won and passed through all hurdles
i m looking forward to next friend's story
Terrific read,a keeper for me
Recommend it
Cassie she is s strong woman and great mother,being manupalated by own mother dear god and then later cause of her own lies she had to suffer,i think she should have told Cole about Jake when the misunderstanding about the letters were solved,she had chances but she did'nt use it
Cole my heart went out to him,first he lost his mother then there's that manupalative controlling father of his then lost his love and child,also Cassie mother he always considered her as his mother she also shunned him when Cassie left,in the story he lost much more then anyone else,i completely understand his bitterness towards Cassie,she was the closest to him and she also manupalated him which shattered him
the bonding between the friends and their loyalty to each other was awesome,least Cassie's mother regretted her doings but that disgusting old man he still continues to plot against Cassie try to snatch her son and manupalates his grandson
this is a heart wrenching love which was shaken by the lies,manupalations,deciet,anger,bitterness but Colen Cassie's love was strong that is why it won and passed through all hurdles
i m looking forward to next friend's story
Terrific read,a keeper for me
Recommend it
August 6, 2015
I have never read this author before, and was given this book because I like the Robyn Carr Virgin River series. For a book that is only 257 pages, there is a lot of padding in it, which is a pet peeve of mine . Don't think I will be picking another of her books for a while.
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January 1, 2019Miniseries: The Calamity Janes
January 9, 2022
Welcome to Winding River, Wyoming, home to the Calamity Janes , five friends who have stuck together through every high and low through out their lives and the different directions they all have traveled. When it's time for their high school reunion, Cassie, Karen, Gina, Lauren and Emma all head home to be together. And for the changes that are to come.
Ten years ago Cassie Collins fled Winding River pregnant and alone after Cole Davis left her without a word. In the years since she has tried her best to raise their son, Jake, the best she could. Only going home for rare and brief times, Cassie has lived with the fear that Cole would one day find out about Jake and want to claim him. Once she receives the reunion invitation, Cassie isn't sure she should go, despite Jake begging to go for this visit. When Jake gets into trouble, Cassie is persuaded that going home may be for the best.
Cole Davis has never gotten over Cassie. When he was forced by his father to leave her behind, he tried to explain in a letter, and asked for her to wait for him. The answer was she never wanted to see him again. Yet he's still never moved on and wonders if he ever will. But when the high school reunion brings Cassie home, and his father pushes him in Cassies direction, even after forcing them apart, Cole can't help but wonder what is really going on.
With secrets they must uncover to get to the truth and to be able to start over, Cole starts his campaign to get a second chance with Cassie. Except Cole isn't prepared for the biggest secret of all; that Jake is his son. Can he ever forgive Cassie for keeping his son from him? Can the Calamity Janes help their friends through one of the hardest times and still be there for one another? Or will Cole decide this is just one betrayal he can't move past and loose Cassie for good?
Ten years ago Cassie Collins fled Winding River pregnant and alone after Cole Davis left her without a word. In the years since she has tried her best to raise their son, Jake, the best she could. Only going home for rare and brief times, Cassie has lived with the fear that Cole would one day find out about Jake and want to claim him. Once she receives the reunion invitation, Cassie isn't sure she should go, despite Jake begging to go for this visit. When Jake gets into trouble, Cassie is persuaded that going home may be for the best.
Cole Davis has never gotten over Cassie. When he was forced by his father to leave her behind, he tried to explain in a letter, and asked for her to wait for him. The answer was she never wanted to see him again. Yet he's still never moved on and wonders if he ever will. But when the high school reunion brings Cassie home, and his father pushes him in Cassies direction, even after forcing them apart, Cole can't help but wonder what is really going on.
With secrets they must uncover to get to the truth and to be able to start over, Cole starts his campaign to get a second chance with Cassie. Except Cole isn't prepared for the biggest secret of all; that Jake is his son. Can he ever forgive Cassie for keeping his son from him? Can the Calamity Janes help their friends through one of the hardest times and still be there for one another? Or will Cole decide this is just one betrayal he can't move past and loose Cassie for good?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2025
Wow. Just. Wow. This was TERRIBLE! I'm a bit speechless. The characters were pretty much awful across the board. Cole the douche bag claims to have "always loved" Cassie, yet forces her to marry him by threatening to take her child away? 😩 What kind of rotten piece of crap love interest forces someone to marry them? Or even contemplates taking away their child? And how many times does he "claim" her? What is this, the 1700s?
And Cassie... Good holy heaven. How hard is it to send your ex boy toy an email saying "surprise! you're a daddy?" The whole freaking debacle could have been avoided! But no, she decides to wait until he figures it out himself, then marries him under coercion even though she doesn't love him? But then she suddenly DOES love him? 🙄 So she decides to throw herself at him thinking sex will fix their myriad of deep seated issues? What the actual pile of poodle dung?!
Coles dad is a completely soulless cad who makes no character improvement whatsoever throughout the course of the story. He gets every dang thing he wants! The man deserves to have a tractor roll over him.
Even the kid is an unlikable little unappreciative brat who disobey at every turn and shows no love for all the sacrifices his mother made for him.
I think my eyes may have actually rolled out of my head. Note to self--avoid this author.
And Cassie... Good holy heaven. How hard is it to send your ex boy toy an email saying "surprise! you're a daddy?" The whole freaking debacle could have been avoided! But no, she decides to wait until he figures it out himself, then marries him under coercion even though she doesn't love him? But then she suddenly DOES love him? 🙄 So she decides to throw herself at him thinking sex will fix their myriad of deep seated issues? What the actual pile of poodle dung?!
Coles dad is a completely soulless cad who makes no character improvement whatsoever throughout the course of the story. He gets every dang thing he wants! The man deserves to have a tractor roll over him.
Even the kid is an unlikable little unappreciative brat who disobey at every turn and shows no love for all the sacrifices his mother made for him.
I think my eyes may have actually rolled out of my head. Note to self--avoid this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2024
Winding River Reunion by Sherryl Woods
Calamity Janes #1
originally published as Do You Take This Rebel? / Cassie
6h 22m narrated by Traci Odom, 230 pages
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Featuring: Wyoming, Single Mother, High School Reunion Trope, Second Chance Trope, Secret Baby Trope, Girlfriends, Ranchers, Densest, Classism, Sex, Far In The Future
Rating as a movie: R adult content
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️¾
My thoughts: 📱83% 5:16:07 Ch 14 - The troop switch was welcoming but this character got on my nerves anyway. I already am not a fan of secret baby troops I don't care what your reasons are and the reasons here were very weak but her behavior just made it worse. I've been playing this book off and on all day running errands and doing chores, taking a break now, and looking forward to bedtime so it can be over.
I loved the setting but the characters not so much. I'm looking forward to what happens next in the series.
Recommend to others: Sure. Easy read, nice town.
Calamity Janes
1. Winding River Reunion (2001)
aka Do You Take This Rebel? / Cassie
2. One Last Chance (2001)
3. Home to Stay (2001)
4. Stronger Together (2001)
aka The Calamity Janes
5. Friends Forever (2001)
aka Lauren / Wrangling the Redhead
Calamity Janes #1
originally published as Do You Take This Rebel? / Cassie
6h 22m narrated by Traci Odom, 230 pages
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Featuring: Wyoming, Single Mother, High School Reunion Trope, Second Chance Trope, Secret Baby Trope, Girlfriends, Ranchers, Densest, Classism, Sex, Far In The Future
Rating as a movie: R adult content
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️¾
My thoughts: 📱83% 5:16:07 Ch 14 - The troop switch was welcoming but this character got on my nerves anyway. I already am not a fan of secret baby troops I don't care what your reasons are and the reasons here were very weak but her behavior just made it worse. I've been playing this book off and on all day running errands and doing chores, taking a break now, and looking forward to bedtime so it can be over.
I loved the setting but the characters not so much. I'm looking forward to what happens next in the series.
Recommend to others: Sure. Easy read, nice town.
Calamity Janes
1. Winding River Reunion (2001)
aka Do You Take This Rebel? / Cassie
2. One Last Chance (2001)
3. Home to Stay (2001)
4. Stronger Together (2001)
aka The Calamity Janes
5. Friends Forever (2001)
aka Lauren / Wrangling the Redhead
August 27, 2019
How much interference can one couple stand?
My 5* rating is based on one major reason. The emotion portrayed in this book got to me every time. That is unusual enough to surprise me every time. The Calamity Janes, their bond and caring means I have to get the rest of the books in the series.
Sherryl Woods writing has always impressed me. I enjoy her characterizations, the descriptions of small town life, the relationships - not just the romances, but the store owner-customer, church pastor-parishioners, and all the other secondary people who populate her books. This book is filled with people some like Cole’s father who are manipulative and controlling, others like Cassie’s mother who is loving but too aware of what others will think. I reacted to every one.
My 5* rating is based on one major reason. The emotion portrayed in this book got to me every time. That is unusual enough to surprise me every time. The Calamity Janes, their bond and caring means I have to get the rest of the books in the series.
Sherryl Woods writing has always impressed me. I enjoy her characterizations, the descriptions of small town life, the relationships - not just the romances, but the store owner-customer, church pastor-parishioners, and all the other secondary people who populate her books. This book is filled with people some like Cole’s father who are manipulative and controlling, others like Cassie’s mother who is loving but too aware of what others will think. I reacted to every one.
August 16, 2020
An oldie but goodie about 5 friends, The Calamity Jane's, as they reunite for their HS reunion.
The first story features Cassie and Cole, who were best friends turned lovers, whose parents kept them apart. Flash forward 10 years when Cassie returns home with her 9 yr old son to discover Cole never married.
There's still feelings but Cole is Cassie's son's father and she never told him. Shenanigans ensue and you'll have to read the story to see how the relationship is resolved!
Now on to Karen's story.
The first story features Cassie and Cole, who were best friends turned lovers, whose parents kept them apart. Flash forward 10 years when Cassie returns home with her 9 yr old son to discover Cole never married.
There's still feelings but Cole is Cassie's son's father and she never told him. Shenanigans ensue and you'll have to read the story to see how the relationship is resolved!
Now on to Karen's story.
October 18, 2023
What in the fresh hell. Okay- so first of all the main character leaves town after getting pregnant, never telling the baby daddy. Then, she returns and the guy finally figured out oh hey that kid looks just like me. So, he threatens her by saying he will sue for custody unless she marries him. WHAT. The. They finally have sex and he gets pissed at her because she isn’t on birth control. What. Oh and there is a story hole of why the parents want them broken up (when teens) and conspired to break them up all while knowing who the baby’s dad is.
So dumb.
So dumb.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2024
Had a hard time finishing this book. I’ve read some other series by the author and enjoyed them. But the extremely toxic relationship between Cassie and Cole was really hard to read. At the end where the author wraps it up in a neat ‘happily ever after’ ending felt like such crap after reading the previous 5+ chapters of Cole getting twisted enjoyment from emotionally abusing Cassie. Hard pass.
Since I’ve liked Woods’ other series, I’m continuing with the second book hoping it’s better than the first.
Since I’ve liked Woods’ other series, I’m continuing with the second book hoping it’s better than the first.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2017
I wasn't a fan of this secret baby story. The hero seemed a little too controlling and seemed to blame the heroine for things that seemed reasonable, given her age and situation. I'll have to read a few more secret baby stories before I make a decision, but this could be a romance trope that just isn't for me.
November 12, 2022
This book reminds me of sea glass sunrise by donna
Kauffman, both story and style! I didn't find it as bad as some
reviews made it out to be, its a very similar to the bridgerton's
romance i would say. And the whole lovers to enemies to
lovers was so nice in my opinion, I'm not sure about the
hiding child, but it was tolerable.
Kauffman, both story and style! I didn't find it as bad as some
reviews made it out to be, its a very similar to the bridgerton's
romance i would say. And the whole lovers to enemies to
lovers was so nice in my opinion, I'm not sure about the
hiding child, but it was tolerable.
February 22, 2025
I found this book after watching the Sweet Magnolias and discovering Sherryl Woods. Though it caught my attention from the start, I wasn't sure until chapter 2, at which point it caught hold of me. Great mix of mystery, conflict, romance and fun. Definitely worth the read. Now onto the 2nd in the series.
February 21, 2020
This is Cassie story, one of 5 friends who’s nickname in High School was the Calamity Janes. Sherryl wrote 5 books in this series, all taking place during the same time period. I did read book 3 and 4, which I enjoyed. This one seemed a little to predictable.
June 14, 2021
Cassie Collins fled Winding River, Wyoming, when she discovered she was pregnant. Now, 10 years later she has returned for a reunion with the Calamity Janes. But she is returning with her 9 year old son, Jake who his father, Cole Davis has no idea exists. There were things done by their parents that neither was aware of. But how will Cole react when he learns that Cassie had his son and never told him about it?
April 5, 2023
the book was ok. i didn’t love the story line.
This is a 2nd chance troupe but with a huge secret that is kept from the MMC. The lying even if by omission just turned me off from it.
the narrator was pretty good.
This is a 2nd chance troupe but with a huge secret that is kept from the MMC. The lying even if by omission just turned me off from it.
the narrator was pretty good.
December 27, 2018
Cassie and Cole's story. Liked it. Want to read the next one about Karen.
August 8, 2019
Nice Read
An amazing and interesting story.I had a hard time putting this one down.I couldn't guess what was going to happen next.But I know that I liked it.
An amazing and interesting story.I had a hard time putting this one down.I couldn't guess what was going to happen next.But I know that I liked it.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
May 6, 2021
Love the reading of the book
November 26, 2021
Easy read
Light and easy to read. Nothing too deep. Like the fact that there were no bad language in this book.
Light and easy to read. Nothing too deep. Like the fact that there were no bad language in this book.
December 13, 2022
I listened to this book because 1) it was short and 2) it was free. I still paid too much.
September 15, 2023
Enjoyed the audio book. Predictable but loved the characters and setting. There are 5 books in Calamity Jane series
November 26, 2023
Great Book! Keeps you guessing. Excellent narration by Tracy Odom
June 29, 2025
I needed something quick and light to break up another book and this was just the ticket.
September 22, 2025
I just cant
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews