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A widow with two children to care for, a bounty hunter that is badly beaten, and the crime that brings them together . . .Garnet Chandler has lost everything. The only things remaining are her café, custody of her niece and nephew, and what little bit of sanity she has left. After the deaths of her husband and in-laws, she has made it her mission to provide for the children. When the children are kidnapped, Garnet has to find a way to rescue the last ties to her family. What she doesn’t expect is the handsome bounty hunter that comes to her aid.Bounty hunter Adam Bennett is on his last job. He’s on the trail of a killer who escaped from prison and left a string of bodies in his wake. When he manages to catch up with the man, Adam is beaten and left for dead. Instead of dying, Adam vows to capture the killer and those that have teamed up with him, but he doesn’t count on rescuing two children in the process.Can Garnet and Adam join forces to capture the killer and rescue the children in time? Will the children be able to stay with Garnet, or will the grandparents take them from her? Can Adam teach Garnet that even though she thinks she doesn’t need a man, having one isn’t all that bad?Garnet is a sweet historical western romance.
Read all of Caroline’s The Widows of Wildcat Ridge books
BlessingGarnetRead all of Caroline’s McClintock series books
The Texan’s Irish BrideO’Neill’s Texas BrideMcClintock’s Reluctant BrideDaniel McClintockRead all of Caroline’s Kincaid Series
The Most Unsuitable WifeThe Most Unsuitable HusbandThe Most Unsuitable CourtshipGabe KincaidMonk’s Bride
Read all of Caroline’s The Widows of Wildcat Ridge books
BlessingGarnetRead all of Caroline’s McClintock series books
The Texan’s Irish BrideO’Neill’s Texas BrideMcClintock’s Reluctant BrideDaniel McClintockRead all of Caroline’s Kincaid Series
The Most Unsuitable WifeThe Most Unsuitable HusbandThe Most Unsuitable CourtshipGabe KincaidMonk’s Bride
- GenresHistorical Romance
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2019
86 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Clemmons
141 books383 followersThrough a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was not born on a Texas ranch. To make up for this tragic error, she writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a small office her family calls her pink cave. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their rescued cats and dogs. The books she creates there have made her an Amazon bestselling author and won several awards. Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, and Pinterest.
Click on her Amazon Author Page for a complete list of her books and follow her there.
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Click on her Amazon Author Page for a complete list of her books and follow her there.
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Subscribe to Caroline’s newsletter at www.carolineclemmons.com to receive a FREE novella of HAPPY IS THE BRIDE, a humorous historical wedding disaster that ends happily—but you knew it would, didn’t you?
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 9, 2026
2.5/5
This book hit all the story beats necessary, but it didn't really do much more than that. I did like the characters and the plot, and Joey was a great side character! But, the story felt a little stilted because there wasn't much connecting the scenes. There also wasn't much internal dialogue, which led to some story beats feeling like they came out of nowhere. There were also a couple moments toward the end of the book that just didn't sit right with me, and I think the reason for that was because of the aforementioned lack of internal dialogue.
This book hit all the story beats necessary, but it didn't really do much more than that. I did like the characters and the plot, and Joey was a great side character! But, the story felt a little stilted because there wasn't much connecting the scenes. There also wasn't much internal dialogue, which led to some story beats feeling like they came out of nowhere. There were also a couple moments toward the end of the book that just didn't sit right with me, and I think the reason for that was because of the aforementioned lack of internal dialogue.
September 30, 2025
AN ACT OF KINDNESS TO A HAPPY FUTURE
The series revolves around Wildcat Ridge, Utah, where the Gold King Mine was located. This is a historical western, multi-author series about the women left behind and what they must do to keep their homes, their late husband’s businesses, and survive. In March 1884, there was an explosion that altered the lives of those who did not perish in the disaster. One hundred and forty-three men, plus nineteen women and thirteen children, died that fateful day. Now, Mortimer Crane is making threats against those left behind because he owns the town.
“Mortimer Crane owns this town, whether we like it or not. If he chooses to tear down our buildings or move them to his new mine at Clear Creek, there is little we can do to stop him. Mortimer has given us three months to pay the rent and mortgage payments we owe him before he tears down the town. And he will not renew rental leases for any woman running a business in her dead husband’s absence unless she has a new husband managing the business.”
“We can’t avoid the obvious, ladies. We must remarry.”
Widow Garnet Chandler lost her husband, Michael, along with his brother, Josiah, and sister-in-law, Dessie, in the Gold King Mine explosion and collapse. She is raising her niece and nephew, Joey, who is 8, and Hyacinth, who is 6. Unlike many of the widows, Michael was the owner of the Crystal Café. Michael’s first wife and baby died in childbirth, and Garnet was his mail-order bride.
Adam Bennett is a bounty hunter and is searching for prison escapee Frank Lawson and his two accomplices. Coming toward Wildcat Ridge, he will be beaten and robbed by Frank and the two men and left for dead, stripped of his gear along with his horse and pack mule. Adam will eventually wander into Wildcat Ridge and approach the back door of a café, asking for food and offering to work in exchange.
The story’s plot will have someone coming into Garnet’s bedroom in the middle of the night, she will threaten them with her gun, and they leave, but they have broken the lock on the back door. She and Joey move the pie safe in front of the door, and she will sleep on a cot in the storage room. So when Adam comes a few nights later, she allows him to sleep on the cot and help guard her café. When the thief returns, he is in for a surprise!
Then, Dessie’s parents send a message that they are coming by stagecoach to take Joey and Hyacinth back to live with them. Garnet has a handwritten note from Dessie stating she wants Garnet to raise her children, but it was never witnessed. The only way to possibly protect the children is for Adam and Garnet to marry.
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil in people. It has a cousin from Garnet’s past wanting family heirloom jewelry, given to Garnet. Then Adam is after three men, wanting the bounty on them for killing his friend. Dealing with Eunice and Harold Miller is a challenge. You can’t help but admire Garnet for the kindness she shows this wretched couple—knowing how they abused their children. At least she has the support of Adam—and if it comes to it, she’ll fight for the right to keep them, going to court—it is best for the children and honoring their mother’s wishes. What starts as a marriage of convenience grows to one of love and respect, and a family that loves and respects each other.
The series revolves around Wildcat Ridge, Utah, where the Gold King Mine was located. This is a historical western, multi-author series about the women left behind and what they must do to keep their homes, their late husband’s businesses, and survive. In March 1884, there was an explosion that altered the lives of those who did not perish in the disaster. One hundred and forty-three men, plus nineteen women and thirteen children, died that fateful day. Now, Mortimer Crane is making threats against those left behind because he owns the town.
“Mortimer Crane owns this town, whether we like it or not. If he chooses to tear down our buildings or move them to his new mine at Clear Creek, there is little we can do to stop him. Mortimer has given us three months to pay the rent and mortgage payments we owe him before he tears down the town. And he will not renew rental leases for any woman running a business in her dead husband’s absence unless she has a new husband managing the business.”
“We can’t avoid the obvious, ladies. We must remarry.”
Widow Garnet Chandler lost her husband, Michael, along with his brother, Josiah, and sister-in-law, Dessie, in the Gold King Mine explosion and collapse. She is raising her niece and nephew, Joey, who is 8, and Hyacinth, who is 6. Unlike many of the widows, Michael was the owner of the Crystal Café. Michael’s first wife and baby died in childbirth, and Garnet was his mail-order bride.
Adam Bennett is a bounty hunter and is searching for prison escapee Frank Lawson and his two accomplices. Coming toward Wildcat Ridge, he will be beaten and robbed by Frank and the two men and left for dead, stripped of his gear along with his horse and pack mule. Adam will eventually wander into Wildcat Ridge and approach the back door of a café, asking for food and offering to work in exchange.
The story’s plot will have someone coming into Garnet’s bedroom in the middle of the night, she will threaten them with her gun, and they leave, but they have broken the lock on the back door. She and Joey move the pie safe in front of the door, and she will sleep on a cot in the storage room. So when Adam comes a few nights later, she allows him to sleep on the cot and help guard her café. When the thief returns, he is in for a surprise!
Then, Dessie’s parents send a message that they are coming by stagecoach to take Joey and Hyacinth back to live with them. Garnet has a handwritten note from Dessie stating she wants Garnet to raise her children, but it was never witnessed. The only way to possibly protect the children is for Adam and Garnet to marry.
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil in people. It has a cousin from Garnet’s past wanting family heirloom jewelry, given to Garnet. Then Adam is after three men, wanting the bounty on them for killing his friend. Dealing with Eunice and Harold Miller is a challenge. You can’t help but admire Garnet for the kindness she shows this wretched couple—knowing how they abused their children. At least she has the support of Adam—and if it comes to it, she’ll fight for the right to keep them, going to court—it is best for the children and honoring their mother’s wishes. What starts as a marriage of convenience grows to one of love and respect, and a family that loves and respects each other.
June 21, 2019
This wonderful story is short, sweet and full of smiles. Having heard a knock on the back door of her cafe’, Garnet opened the door to see a wounded man covered in mud, hungry and weak. Apprehensive at best, she took him into the back of her kitchen and the story grew from there. Adam was a bounty hunter who had been left for dead in a ravine. This book has tender moment with two little children; it expresses the feel of community as well as the tragedy of the mine collapsing and killing many; and, it made me smile when Joey and Hyacinth wanted to be adopted. I enjoyed this nice book.
January 21, 2019
Double Crisis
Garnett finds herself facing a double crisis. Her second cousin has escaped prison and come to Wildcat Ridge for her. Next, the grandparents of her niece and nephew announce they will arrive shortly to take the children. I enjoyed how the author wrote her character, the characters of the children and Adam, who comes to the rescue in more ways than one. Great plot with enough action and suspense to keep me reading to the end. A great story.
Garnett finds herself facing a double crisis. Her second cousin has escaped prison and come to Wildcat Ridge for her. Next, the grandparents of her niece and nephew announce they will arrive shortly to take the children. I enjoyed how the author wrote her character, the characters of the children and Adam, who comes to the rescue in more ways than one. Great plot with enough action and suspense to keep me reading to the end. A great story.
January 21, 2019
Just loved Garnet, Adam, Joey and Hyacinth. What a wonderful family they made. Garnet was a loving woman. I loved how Adam was such a wonderful character in respecting Garnet. I don't want to give away the story, but I did find out who the stalker was. The books in this series and these writers have not failed me yet. I enjoyed every story and I love every author. Thank you to all the authors and Caroline Clemmons. Keep the great stories coming.
January 26, 2019
Adam and Garnet
Garnet is the owner of the town cafe and lived above the cafe with her niece and nephew. Adam is a bounty hunter and had be ambushed by three criminals and left for dead. Beaten, and hungry Adam found his way to the back door of the cafe. Garner rescued him , feeds him, gives him shelter and help him heal. They have lots of dangerous, adventure and excitement, but will they find safety, love and happiness together as a family of four?
Garnet is the owner of the town cafe and lived above the cafe with her niece and nephew. Adam is a bounty hunter and had be ambushed by three criminals and left for dead. Beaten, and hungry Adam found his way to the back door of the cafe. Garner rescued him , feeds him, gives him shelter and help him heal. They have lots of dangerous, adventure and excitement, but will they find safety, love and happiness together as a family of four?
June 6, 2019
One of my favorite in the series
Garnet was one of my favorite books in the Widows of Wildcat Ridge series. The patience and control that was shown to the grandparents was amazing. Loved that blood is not what always makes you a family. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Garnet was one of my favorite books in the Widows of Wildcat Ridge series. The patience and control that was shown to the grandparents was amazing. Loved that blood is not what always makes you a family. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
November 19, 2019
Wonderful story
I loved this story. This is a multiple author series and this allows us the reader's to find new authors to follow and I love finding new authors. I have read several of Caroline's books and enjoyed them all. A very creative and entertaining series and this book was a great addition. I hope everyone starts at book one and continues on to the end. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖💖💖
I loved this story. This is a multiple author series and this allows us the reader's to find new authors to follow and I love finding new authors. I have read several of Caroline's books and enjoyed them all. A very creative and entertaining series and this book was a great addition. I hope everyone starts at book one and continues on to the end. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖💖💖
July 17, 2020
Sweet Historical Romance
I'm enjoying this wild series! I'm confused a bit on the timing of the books, especially with the female sheriff, but this story was wonderful! Those children are adorable and Adam is an amazing groom! The grandparents seem to be both short tempered and kind, considerate and demanding. But the cousin is truly an evil, crazy man!
I'm enjoying this wild series! I'm confused a bit on the timing of the books, especially with the female sheriff, but this story was wonderful! Those children are adorable and Adam is an amazing groom! The grandparents seem to be both short tempered and kind, considerate and demanding. But the cousin is truly an evil, crazy man!
February 6, 2019
Good read
A delightful story depicting the wonders of joy the Spirit can bring to those who follow It’s leadings and seize the courage to act accordingly in desperate situations. To have the courage to be open and aware of possibilities!✨✨✨💜 Enjoy 👍💜
A delightful story depicting the wonders of joy the Spirit can bring to those who follow It’s leadings and seize the courage to act accordingly in desperate situations. To have the courage to be open and aware of possibilities!✨✨✨💜 Enjoy 👍💜
March 13, 2019
Heartwarming
Garnet faces and takes on the challenges of raising her niece and nephew while keeping a business functioning. An unsuspecting hero arrives and read for the rest of this delightful story. No spoilers here!
Garnet faces and takes on the challenges of raising her niece and nephew while keeping a business functioning. An unsuspecting hero arrives and read for the rest of this delightful story. No spoilers here!
April 28, 2019
Delightful!
Read this book in one afternoon. Couldn't put it down. Interesting, humorous, sweet story. I could picture all of the characters from their appearance. Caroline Clemmons is a talented author.
Read this book in one afternoon. Couldn't put it down. Interesting, humorous, sweet story. I could picture all of the characters from their appearance. Caroline Clemmons is a talented author.
September 20, 2019
Great book.
Garnet and Adam had their hands full with all the problems, that kept popping up. Then the Grandparents came to add to the mess. They did the best they could and it all worked out great. Thank you Caroline Clemmons.
Garnet and Adam had their hands full with all the problems, that kept popping up. Then the Grandparents came to add to the mess. They did the best they could and it all worked out great. Thank you Caroline Clemmons.
October 31, 2021
Order Up
What an enjoyable book. I've never cook on an old range, but it had to be hard to keep temperatures just right. Same as this story did. Not to hot or cold, This story was a joy to read.
What an enjoyable book. I've never cook on an old range, but it had to be hard to keep temperatures just right. Same as this story did. Not to hot or cold, This story was a joy to read.
January 18, 2019
Family
What a beautiful story .I enjoyed it so much I could not put it down . I know you will love it too.
What a beautiful story .I enjoyed it so much I could not put it down . I know you will love it too.
February 4, 2019
Delightful Story!
As always, Caroline Clemmons has given her readers an outstanding story! The characters Garner and Adam are enjoyable and the children delightful.
As always, Caroline Clemmons has given her readers an outstanding story! The characters Garner and Adam are enjoyable and the children delightful.
May 30, 2019
This was a sweet read with likable characters and a good plot.
July 4, 2019
I love the historical romances and mail order brides and Caroline writes them so good. I really liked this book and it was a true to the term page turner. Caroline hit this one out of the park!
August 10, 2019
Best one yet!
This one has it all! Danger, courage, two kinds of bad people ( three if you count the ever-present fat man), romance and love.
This one has it all! Danger, courage, two kinds of bad people ( three if you count the ever-present fat man), romance and love.
August 29, 2019
I loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this wonderful book down!
October 18, 2019
Wonderful story
What a sweet, loving yet intriguing story. Very interesting setting and a well thought out story. I definitely recommend this book.
What a sweet, loving yet intriguing story. Very interesting setting and a well thought out story. I definitely recommend this book.
June 30, 2021
Great read
I really enjoyed this book. It is a sweet book. The main characters are great and the dialogue with the children is funny. The book is well written. Enjoy!
I really enjoyed this book. It is a sweet book. The main characters are great and the dialogue with the children is funny. The book is well written. Enjoy!
January 24, 2023
Loved it!!!! Couldn’t put it down!!!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews