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Sisters of Bethlehem Springs #2
Fit to Be Tied
WHO SAYS A WOMAN CAN'T HAVE IT ALL?
Cleo Arlington dresses like a cowboy, is fearless and fun-loving, and can ride, rope, and wrangle a horse as well as any man. In 1916, however, those talents aren't what most young women aspire to. But Cleo isn't most women. Twenty-nine years old and single, Cleo loves life on her father's Idaho ranch. Still, she hopes someday to marry and have children.
Enter Sherwood Statham, an English aristocrat whose father has sentenced him to a year of work in America to "straighten him out." Sherwood, who expected a desk job at a post spa, isn't happy to be stuck on an Idaho ranch. And he has no idea how to handle Cleo, who's been challenged with transforming this uptight playboy into a down-home cowboy.
Just about everything either of them says or does leaves the other, well, fit to be tied. And though Cleo believes God's plan for her includes a husband, it couldn't possibly be Sherwood Statham. Could it?
Cleo Arlington dresses like a cowboy, is fearless and fun-loving, and can ride, rope, and wrangle a horse as well as any man. In 1916, however, those talents aren't what most young women aspire to. But Cleo isn't most women. Twenty-nine years old and single, Cleo loves life on her father's Idaho ranch. Still, she hopes someday to marry and have children.
Enter Sherwood Statham, an English aristocrat whose father has sentenced him to a year of work in America to "straighten him out." Sherwood, who expected a desk job at a post spa, isn't happy to be stuck on an Idaho ranch. And he has no idea how to handle Cleo, who's been challenged with transforming this uptight playboy into a down-home cowboy.
Just about everything either of them says or does leaves the other, well, fit to be tied. And though Cleo believes God's plan for her includes a husband, it couldn't possibly be Sherwood Statham. Could it?
265 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2009
About the author
Robin Lee Hatcher
133 books3,289 followersRobin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
October 28, 2011
Opposites attract, and sparks fly in Bethlehem Springs, Idaho, between cowgirl Cleo and English aristocrat, Lord Sherwood Statham.
When Sherwood "Woody" Statham, the wastrel 4th son of a duke, displeases his father with this latest string of bad choices, his father decides that enough is a enough. So he puts Sherwood on a boat to America to work on a ranch.
What Sherwood isn't expecting is to meet a girl like Cleopatra Arlington. Tough as nails, a girl who can rope and ride with the best of them, Cleo is as different from her twin sister, Gwen as she can be. Will Cleo realize that who she is, is enough?
Another lovely read from Robin Lee Hatcher. Cleo was my favorite character in A Vote of Confidence, so I was really excited to read a book all about her--and Sherwood Statham. I enjoyed the ranch setting, charming characters, and this is my favorite of the series so far :)
Fit to be Tied is a really fun book, I think that the book balanced out and the characters were just the right depth, for the plot. The sparks fly, and so much of Cleo and "Woody's" exchanges happen with meaningful looks, and expressions. The chemistry flowed well, and "Woody" was a nice rounded character, and even though he was the rogue, he was amazingly likable.
The pages turned steadily, and it was a very enjoyable, and fun read.
Overall, I loved how the story unfolded and I came to like "Woody" more and more. He is a character who grows on you. And by the mid-way point, or somewhere before then you find yourself cheering him on. A lovely book by Ms. Hatcher, that I would recommend to someone who likes a good western romance, where sparks fly and characters grow. Thanks :)
When Sherwood "Woody" Statham, the wastrel 4th son of a duke, displeases his father with this latest string of bad choices, his father decides that enough is a enough. So he puts Sherwood on a boat to America to work on a ranch.
What Sherwood isn't expecting is to meet a girl like Cleopatra Arlington. Tough as nails, a girl who can rope and ride with the best of them, Cleo is as different from her twin sister, Gwen as she can be. Will Cleo realize that who she is, is enough?
Another lovely read from Robin Lee Hatcher. Cleo was my favorite character in A Vote of Confidence, so I was really excited to read a book all about her--and Sherwood Statham. I enjoyed the ranch setting, charming characters, and this is my favorite of the series so far :)
Fit to be Tied is a really fun book, I think that the book balanced out and the characters were just the right depth, for the plot. The sparks fly, and so much of Cleo and "Woody's" exchanges happen with meaningful looks, and expressions. The chemistry flowed well, and "Woody" was a nice rounded character, and even though he was the rogue, he was amazingly likable.
The pages turned steadily, and it was a very enjoyable, and fun read.
Overall, I loved how the story unfolded and I came to like "Woody" more and more. He is a character who grows on you. And by the mid-way point, or somewhere before then you find yourself cheering him on. A lovely book by Ms. Hatcher, that I would recommend to someone who likes a good western romance, where sparks fly and characters grow. Thanks :)
February 21, 2017
This book held my attention. I have to say that! I really love that the two main characters, Cleo and "Woody," were complete opposites! One is a woman cattle rancher and the other is an English lord. Who would suspect that love could form between them? Wait a minute! I can't give away anything about the ending! Woops!
Because I loved the book, A Vote of Confidence, so much (see below) I was super excited for this one. So, I might have, just maybe, had high expectations for this book. I am sorry, so very sorry, to say that I.....hated this book. NOT REALLY!! I really, really liked this book! I also am letting another little secret leak about my real self...eek!...One of my sisters is a tomboy. So, I could totally understand Cleo. Well, I kind of understood her.
Back to the book at hand: I really do think that this is a very hard book to rate. I seriously don't know what number of stars to give it. I am thinking really hard at the current moment.
So....
I would like to give this book 3 stars! And, I have to say, 3 stars is very good for me. I mean, I can't give every book I read five stars. And, to be honest, I do that a lot. But, since I am now blogging my reviews, I have to be totally and fully honest. So, 3 stars is very good! It is over Halfway!!!
To read my review on the first book in the Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series: https://covertocoverandeverythinginbe...
Title: Fit to be Tied
Author: Robin Lee Hatcher
Author's Website: http://www.robinleehatcher.com/
This review is written in my own opinions and words.
Because I loved the book, A Vote of Confidence, so much (see below) I was super excited for this one. So, I might have, just maybe, had high expectations for this book. I am sorry, so very sorry, to say that I.....hated this book. NOT REALLY!! I really, really liked this book! I also am letting another little secret leak about my real self...eek!...One of my sisters is a tomboy. So, I could totally understand Cleo. Well, I kind of understood her.
Back to the book at hand: I really do think that this is a very hard book to rate. I seriously don't know what number of stars to give it. I am thinking really hard at the current moment.
So....
I would like to give this book 3 stars! And, I have to say, 3 stars is very good for me. I mean, I can't give every book I read five stars. And, to be honest, I do that a lot. But, since I am now blogging my reviews, I have to be totally and fully honest. So, 3 stars is very good! It is over Halfway!!!
To read my review on the first book in the Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series: https://covertocoverandeverythinginbe...
Title: Fit to be Tied
Author: Robin Lee Hatcher
Author's Website: http://www.robinleehatcher.com/
This review is written in my own opinions and words.
March 31, 2012
Tomboy Cleo Arlington gets stuck with making a cowboy out of Lord Sherwood Statham who has been sent to the United States by his father the Duke of Dunacomb who has had enough of his philandering, flirting and gambling at home. Sparks fly between Cleo and "Woody" as she dubs him. But as they work together and find the similarities they share and admire each other's independence and strength the sparks begin to turn to love. Robin Hatcher has once again written a novel that is enjoyable from start to finish.
May 14, 2024
I don’t remember this book being so good, but it was!
An opposites attract romance, with a stubborn heroine is always my forte. This story was so much fun to read, and who would have thought about an English Lord courting a cowgirl? It works. Trust me.
I also enjoyed continuing to see characters from the previous story, especially the twins’ father, Griff. As of now this is my favorite in the series, but I do remember Daphne’s story being quite adventurous. So we will see which stands first after I read her story.
An opposites attract romance, with a stubborn heroine is always my forte. This story was so much fun to read, and who would have thought about an English Lord courting a cowgirl? It works. Trust me.
I also enjoyed continuing to see characters from the previous story, especially the twins’ father, Griff. As of now this is my favorite in the series, but I do remember Daphne’s story being quite adventurous. So we will see which stands first after I read her story.
November 12, 2009
Fit to be Tied by Robin Lee Hatcher is the second book in the Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series. Cleo Arlington is a one of a kind, especially in 1916. More comfortable breaking horses than wearing dresses, she's accustomed to running the family ranch, until Sherwood Statham, son of an English duke, shows up, exiled by his family to work a real job and work on not bring shame to the family name. Hard-headed and feisty, she makes for a perfect heroine! Hatcher is one of my favorite authors, and this historical romance is thoroughly enjoyable. It breaks out of the cliches western romances often fall into, and I have to admit, toward the end, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough trying to figure out how the two would end up together. Hatcher keeps the story moving without using stereotypes or cardboard plot devices. I look forward to the sequel, A Word to the Wise, coming out in spring 2010.
October 23, 2009
I read this in one day. It is a Christy Award winning book. I thought the plot was a little far fetched- an English Lord coming to America and falling in love with a Girl Cow-wrangler. Despite that, I liked the love story. I liked that when the characters contemplated things on a more spiritual matter that the writing did not get all cheezy. The spiritual parts actually fit very well into the novel. It wasn't overbearing or overdone either. I want to read another of Hatcher's novels. I am a sap for a good romance and she keeps the romance at a very nice G level. It was a nice book to curl up to and read. I will most likely read it again sometime soon.
November 10, 2009
After reading Robin's A Vote of Confidence a few months ago, I was looking forward to Cleo's story in the next book, and I wasn't disappointed. Cleo's rough-around-the-edges outdoorsy personality stands in sharp contrast to her fraternal twin sister Gwen's genteel manner and polished appearance. It was fun watching Cleo slowly lose her heart to the dashing Englishman trying to find himself again after war and resulting injuries lead him into a dissolute lifestyle. I couldn't imagine Cleo giving up ranch life to follow Woody to England, though, so I wondered how Robin would resolve their situation and keep everybody happy. She certainly succeeded in this enjoyable read!
June 25, 2015
I absolutely love Cleo, the main character in this book. She knows who she is and accepts herself that way. I love how she is so straight-forward with people and speaks her mind. I loved her in the first book about her sister and was so excited to read a book about her. This book did not disappoint although I would never in a million years have paired her with the person she ends up with. A fun and spiritually encouraging read, reminding me to be who God made me to be and to love others for all I'm worth, just like Cleo!
October 11, 2017
I enjoyed this book until the end. Which was very abrupt and unresolved. I’m hoping Book 3 will resolve those issues.
March 2, 2020
This book is definitely better than the first. The characters are better, the development is better, and it didn’t grate on my nerves so much.
Cleo is a strong, independent woman, who doesn’t need anyone to take care of her, but she yearns to love and be loved. I liked Cleo quite a bit in the first book and wanted to see how her story panned out. She’s still the same spitfire in this book that I loved in the first. I enjoyed watching her grow a bit and her development is definitely the strongest. I admit I thought she was too quick to judge and pretty rude to Sherwood about the first half of the book, but she improved and didn’t fall back into old ways (like Gwen had a propensity for doing in the first book—and, just for the record, Gwen is much more tolerable in this book than the first).
Lord Sherwood is the fourth son of an English Duke, who has pushed his luck too far and his father sends him to America to straighten him out. I felt like his character was pretty one-dimensional overall. His background wasn’t fleshed out as much and his development felt a little flat. Basically, he was supposed to be a “bad boy” and came to America and got all straightened out within a matter of a couple weeks. Yeah, just a bit superficial.
Still love Griff and Morgan. I find myself not caring about Sherwood’s parents or Daphne and have no interest in reading the third book, which is about Daphne.
This book has a lot more Christian leanings than the first book did. This doesn’t bother me at all—in fact, I enjoy reading about people’s religious beliefs and how it shapes their lives, characters, and decisions. So I quite enjoyed that aspect. It didn’t feel trite or forced to me and I liked Woody’s gradual turning to God.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Read by: Kathy Garver. I’m sorry, but I still don’t like this reader. I think overall I would have enjoyed this book more if I’d read it than listened to it. I still don’t like her male vocal portrayals and the poor woman absolutely cannot produce a believable British accent. Also, I’m from Idaho. Even us back-woods, rancher type do not sound like we’re from the South. I think she was trying to make Cleo sound “cowboy,” but that does not equal Tennessee. And again, that wasn’t consistent. Sometimes she sounded Southern, other times not. Just a little pet peeve that got me throughout the book.
Cleo is a strong, independent woman, who doesn’t need anyone to take care of her, but she yearns to love and be loved. I liked Cleo quite a bit in the first book and wanted to see how her story panned out. She’s still the same spitfire in this book that I loved in the first. I enjoyed watching her grow a bit and her development is definitely the strongest. I admit I thought she was too quick to judge and pretty rude to Sherwood about the first half of the book, but she improved and didn’t fall back into old ways (like Gwen had a propensity for doing in the first book—and, just for the record, Gwen is much more tolerable in this book than the first).
Lord Sherwood is the fourth son of an English Duke, who has pushed his luck too far and his father sends him to America to straighten him out. I felt like his character was pretty one-dimensional overall. His background wasn’t fleshed out as much and his development felt a little flat. Basically, he was supposed to be a “bad boy” and came to America and got all straightened out within a matter of a couple weeks. Yeah, just a bit superficial.
Still love Griff and Morgan. I find myself not caring about Sherwood’s parents or Daphne and have no interest in reading the third book, which is about Daphne.
This book has a lot more Christian leanings than the first book did. This doesn’t bother me at all—in fact, I enjoy reading about people’s religious beliefs and how it shapes their lives, characters, and decisions. So I quite enjoyed that aspect. It didn’t feel trite or forced to me and I liked Woody’s gradual turning to God.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Read by: Kathy Garver. I’m sorry, but I still don’t like this reader. I think overall I would have enjoyed this book more if I’d read it than listened to it. I still don’t like her male vocal portrayals and the poor woman absolutely cannot produce a believable British accent. Also, I’m from Idaho. Even us back-woods, rancher type do not sound like we’re from the South. I think she was trying to make Cleo sound “cowboy,” but that does not equal Tennessee. And again, that wasn’t consistent. Sometimes she sounded Southern, other times not. Just a little pet peeve that got me throughout the book.
August 29, 2023
I love reading Robin Lee Hatcher, and this book was no exception. The two main characters could not be any different from each other. Cleo our leading lady is not like any other women. She is raised on a ranch by her father and had not had a women's influence. She can ride rope and break a horse better than most of the men working on her dad's ranch.
Sherwood Statham is an English Aristocrat being sent to America for a year by his father to straighten him out. Cleo's job is to make a cowboy out of this English playboy. Neither knows what to do with the other. Making for a very interesting and funny situation.
Sherwood Statham is an English Aristocrat being sent to America for a year by his father to straighten him out. Cleo's job is to make a cowboy out of this English playboy. Neither knows what to do with the other. Making for a very interesting and funny situation.
July 25, 2025
Thoroughly phoned in. Characters feel a certain way towards others not based off of events and behaviors they've witnessed, but because Hatcher has a contract to fulfill. The reader is doing more work filling in the blanks with the expectations of the trope than Hatcher does in writing them. For example, main lady at a later point in the story--in a chargrined, wistful sort of way-- thinks back on all the times she and main man "bickered", 'cause, y'know, that what enemies to lovers do, right? But they never actually bickered. Even once. But the book relies on you having assumed that they have. Can a wholesome Christian romance novel gaslight someone? Fit to Be Tied sure came close.
January 5, 2018
So I really loved this!!!! The book was merely 270 pages long, but it felt so much longer. So much happened, but none of it felt rushed or out of place. Therefore, I’m in Love with Hatcher’s writing. The romance was slow, no instalove, and I especially enjoyed how we got to see more than just their realizing that they loved each other- we got to even see them TOGETHER!! it’s so refreshing to see what happens directly AFTER, rather than just BEFORE and UP TO that point. I truly loved Woody, and I connected with Cleo right away.
October 25, 2024
This series has really been good. This one is about Cleo who figures that she will never marry due to the fact that she only wears dresses on Sunday and special occasions. Her brother-in-law has asked her dad if he can teach a Duke's son how to work instead of his wild ways he has been doing in England. Well, her dad says yes but it is Cleo who has to teach him the things on the ranch. Things don't go so good for a while.
January 16, 2022
Audible Review
I am sitting here with a smile and a Hugh sigh at the end of this delightful story!! I also wish I was younger and raised on a farm in the early 1900 and was a horse wrangler like the heroine!
This author just gets better and better if that is possible and the narrator did a fabulous job! Cannot wait to start the next book in this series!!
I am sitting here with a smile and a Hugh sigh at the end of this delightful story!! I also wish I was younger and raised on a farm in the early 1900 and was a horse wrangler like the heroine!
This author just gets better and better if that is possible and the narrator did a fabulous job! Cannot wait to start the next book in this series!!
October 7, 2024
Awesome story
This is such an amazing story. I loved every word. When a Lord is sent from England to Idaho, as punishment, who would have thought that he would work on a ranch.
After he was injured during the Great War, Sherwood, never thought he'd be able to do much of anything. What was he in for over the next year on a ranch?
This is such an amazing story. I loved every word. When a Lord is sent from England to Idaho, as punishment, who would have thought that he would work on a ranch.
After he was injured during the Great War, Sherwood, never thought he'd be able to do much of anything. What was he in for over the next year on a ranch?
November 29, 2017
1916. She love's the ranch, doing what needs to be done, hard work and loving it. One aristocrat son has to work for a year, thinking it would be an easy desk job, not working on a ranch. Worse yet, with a fiery woman. Delightful and readers will enjoy.
April 25, 2018
I enjoy Robin Lee Hatcher's writing. She has a great talent for giving authentic voice to her characters and making them believable...even if they are a little eccentric. Can't wait to read Daphne's story!
August 17, 2020
The 2nd book is as fun and exciting as the 1st book
Cleo was a gal that loves horses and an English gentleman came to her family's ranch to get well
A wonderful book of learning to love and forgive
Cleo was a gal that loves horses and an English gentleman came to her family's ranch to get well
A wonderful book of learning to love and forgive
February 13, 2021
This was a different book with an aristocrat from England coming to the ranch in Idaho to work off his bad behavior. He and the daughter on the ranch are as different as day and night. They dislike each other on sight. Interesting how they both change over time and how it affects the ending.
November 22, 2022
Unexpected Ending
I like MS Thatcher's writing style where she draws the reader into the story with twists and turns that keeps you guessing what will happen next.
She is an excellent Christian fiction writer
I like MS Thatcher's writing style where she draws the reader into the story with twists and turns that keeps you guessing what will happen next.
She is an excellent Christian fiction writer
September 13, 2024
This is book 2 In the (Sisters of Bethlehem Springs)
I'm enjoying this series...but as someone said...who read the book before me...said..
It does have an abrupt end. I'm starting book 3... Hopefully book 3 will tell more about book 2,,,
I'm enjoying this series...but as someone said...who read the book before me...said..
It does have an abrupt end. I'm starting book 3... Hopefully book 3 will tell more about book 2,,,
February 26, 2019
3.5 stars. Quick, fun, and cute read. Genuine characters.
January 7, 2021
4.5 stars
January 10, 2021
I’ve never really felt as if I fit in with others so I absolutely loved this book!
January 20, 2021
Loved this story and could not put it down, Very good.
October 31, 2022
very good, I love her writing
September 21, 2024
A sweet story that somehow felt like the South, but a bit too heavy on the romance for my tastes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews