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Dry Creek #15
Small-Town Brides: A Dry Creek Wedding / A Mule Hollow Match
A Dry Creek Wedding by Janet Tronstad
When her neighbor proposes a "practical" marriage, romantic Rene Mitchell throws the ring in his face. Fleeing Texas for Montana, Rene rides with trucker Clay Preston. Clay doesn't believe in romance...until Rene changes his mind!
A Mule Hollow Match by Debra Clopton
Trace Crawford broke Paisley Norton's cousin's heart--so Paisley thinks he deserves whatever trouble he gets! Yet Trace really is lost when it comes to caring for his new niece. Paisley's got a soft heart for children...and for adorably clueless cowboys, too.
When her neighbor proposes a "practical" marriage, romantic Rene Mitchell throws the ring in his face. Fleeing Texas for Montana, Rene rides with trucker Clay Preston. Clay doesn't believe in romance...until Rene changes his mind!
A Mule Hollow Match by Debra Clopton
Trace Crawford broke Paisley Norton's cousin's heart--so Paisley thinks he deserves whatever trouble he gets! Yet Trace really is lost when it comes to caring for his new niece. Paisley's got a soft heart for children...and for adorably clueless cowboys, too.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
4 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Janet Tronstad
85 books303 followersJanet grew up in the wide open spaces of rural Montana and now lives in the urban spaces of Pasadena, California. She's used both of these locations in her books. Her Dry Creek, Montana series numbers over twenty novels now and her Pasadena books, The Sisterhood of the Dropped Stitches, number four.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 22, 2016
Clay is towing Rene's car all the way from Mule Hollow to Dry Creek! In the process they rescue a young expectant couple and maybe fall in love?
Rene's cousin Paisley is now Trace's hired nanny for his sister's daughter Zoey. Will Paisley fall for the man that broke her cousin's heart?
Rene's cousin Paisley is now Trace's hired nanny for his sister's daughter Zoey. Will Paisley fall for the man that broke her cousin's heart?
March 30, 2010
This was my first read by these authors and after the book was done I added them to my must read list. I can't wait to read more books in this series. Both stories were sweet and fun.
May 3, 2024
Okay, so to be fair, I want to list their ratings separately.
"A Dry Creek Wedding" by Janet Tronstad
⭐⭐⭐ - 3 stars
Rene is blindsided by a Marriage of Convenience proposal from Trace, her boyfriend and it has her fleeing to Dry Creek. Clay is her tow truck driver and is escorting her all the way there. He supposedly has always had a soft spot for Rene, he calls her his "butterfly". But he doesn't believe in love and Rene is in no way considering it with him. But a long trip together and a few challenges faced together and they start changing their minds....
I didn't like this story. The characters were not developed well, their love wasn't believable, and the happily ever after seemed forced and fast. Bit of a let down.
"A Mule Hollow Match" by Debra Clopton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -5 stars!
Trace is surprised to find out he has a niece in foster care. He decides he will bring her home to live with him. He is stressed, and overwhelmed and in a rush had asked Rene to marry him. What a mistake that was! The whole town was thrown off by the scene that made, and Rene fled town. But when Trace can not find anyone to help him get his home ready for his niece he asks Paisley the local teacher and Renes cousin to work for him. She will help get him ready to be a parent and help him get the house ready. One problem, Paisley hates Trace, because what he did to Rene. But as she gets to know the Cowboy, watches him interact with his neice and learns more of his past... she starts to understand him better. But the last thing either of them need is to fall in love. Her job is over soon, and she will not fall in love with the man that broke her cousins heart! Or will she?...
This story was a short one and yet SO well developed. A few times my eyes filled with tears reading how Trace was reacting to his niece. And the chemistry that was developing between Trace and Paisley was perfect! You literally felt like "how could they not fall in love?!"
***Averaging the two together, I give this book a 4! I was expecting a better story from Janet and perhaps her longer stories are better. But Debra's story was so perfect, I can not wait to read another by her!
"A Dry Creek Wedding" by Janet Tronstad
⭐⭐⭐ - 3 stars
Rene is blindsided by a Marriage of Convenience proposal from Trace, her boyfriend and it has her fleeing to Dry Creek. Clay is her tow truck driver and is escorting her all the way there. He supposedly has always had a soft spot for Rene, he calls her his "butterfly". But he doesn't believe in love and Rene is in no way considering it with him. But a long trip together and a few challenges faced together and they start changing their minds....
I didn't like this story. The characters were not developed well, their love wasn't believable, and the happily ever after seemed forced and fast. Bit of a let down.
"A Mule Hollow Match" by Debra Clopton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -5 stars!
Trace is surprised to find out he has a niece in foster care. He decides he will bring her home to live with him. He is stressed, and overwhelmed and in a rush had asked Rene to marry him. What a mistake that was! The whole town was thrown off by the scene that made, and Rene fled town. But when Trace can not find anyone to help him get his home ready for his niece he asks Paisley the local teacher and Renes cousin to work for him. She will help get him ready to be a parent and help him get the house ready. One problem, Paisley hates Trace, because what he did to Rene. But as she gets to know the Cowboy, watches him interact with his neice and learns more of his past... she starts to understand him better. But the last thing either of them need is to fall in love. Her job is over soon, and she will not fall in love with the man that broke her cousins heart! Or will she?...
This story was a short one and yet SO well developed. A few times my eyes filled with tears reading how Trace was reacting to his niece. And the chemistry that was developing between Trace and Paisley was perfect! You literally felt like "how could they not fall in love?!"
***Averaging the two together, I give this book a 4! I was expecting a better story from Janet and perhaps her longer stories are better. But Debra's story was so perfect, I can not wait to read another by her!
May 9, 2020
This book came to me through two friends. It contains two short stories. The female main character in both stories are related (cousins): Rene and Paisley. The two cousins have dreamed of living next to each other to raise their families.
Rene thinks she's in love with Trace--and she thought he was finally starting to like her too, until he proposed in such a way as to make her think he only wanted a mother for his niece, causing Rene to flee to her aunt in another town. Now, the town's matchmakers turn their sights to Paisley as the right one for Trace and his niece, Zoey.
I don't know how long Rene knew Clay before she had to rely on him to take her to her aunt's. Their relationship just seems rushed to me. It seems like they're getting married less than two months after the story starts. I also don't know how long Paisley knew Trace before the events with her cousin happened. It seems like he approaches her about the summer job around the same time that Rene gets married--so approximately two months or so after Rene breaks off with Trace--and again, their relationship seems rushed. It seems like Trace is asking Paisley to marry him after only a few weeks of her working for him as Zoey's caregiver.
I'm concerned that impressionable readers would read these and think that getting married after only a few months of knowing someone is okay--and in most cases, I don't think that's enough time to get a full picture of someone else.
Rene thinks she's in love with Trace--and she thought he was finally starting to like her too, until he proposed in such a way as to make her think he only wanted a mother for his niece, causing Rene to flee to her aunt in another town. Now, the town's matchmakers turn their sights to Paisley as the right one for Trace and his niece, Zoey.
I don't know how long Rene knew Clay before she had to rely on him to take her to her aunt's. Their relationship just seems rushed to me. It seems like they're getting married less than two months after the story starts. I also don't know how long Paisley knew Trace before the events with her cousin happened. It seems like he approaches her about the summer job around the same time that Rene gets married--so approximately two months or so after Rene breaks off with Trace--and again, their relationship seems rushed. It seems like Trace is asking Paisley to marry him after only a few weeks of her working for him as Zoey's caregiver.
I'm concerned that impressionable readers would read these and think that getting married after only a few months of knowing someone is okay--and in most cases, I don't think that's enough time to get a full picture of someone else.
December 20, 2022
Definitely not a Christian book. The preacher and his wife let two teenagers shack up together. I’m not sure why this book popped up when I typed in Christian fiction. There was no cussing and that was refreshing.
July 29, 2019
Nice enjoyable Live Inspired story. It was a freebie book and it was a perfect read for the plane ride today. The story kept me entertained and I thought it answered all the questions it needed to.
August 13, 2020
First book 2 stars. Second book 3 stars. Fast reads. Getting through some future garage sale/Goodwill books in covid season here!
October 17, 2022
Liked both stories, fast reads.
July 14, 2023
Quick easy read & the love stories kept my attention. To the point of tears. It's almost too predictable. Otherwise, I'd give it a five. But maybe you just need a happy ending. 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2014
Small-Town Brides (2009) by Janet Tronstad & Debra Clopton (Love Inspired)
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This is an anthology and I enjoyed both stories. The first book is by JT and the title is `A Dry Creek Wedding'. Rene thought she had her love life all figured out but things hadn't turned out even close to the way she expected. When she needs help she encounters Clay who listens to her lament things all the way to Dry Creek. Clay can't help but worry about the woman and finally gets her to eat something on their way. He doesn't know anything about family or how to interact with others. He starts to have feelings for Rene though and he doesn't exactly know what to do. Rene tries to convince herself she is going to be totally objective about her next relationship but she is continually drawn to Clay. I loved how they both worked their way together. The husband list was very cute.
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Talking about cute. The next story is by DC and is `A Mule Hollow Match. The lament from the first story is the hero in this one. Trace was about to inherit his niece and was really stressed and anxious. He was a very good man who was way over his head and he knew it. This is where Rene's cousin Paisley comes in. She is just who Trace needs and for his niece he humbles himself before the woman who is so angry with him. When you see how Trace is with this situation you don't even have to know the particulars to see what had happened and why the first time around. As Paisley gets to know Trace, the situation, and the little girl she not only understands and lets her anger go but is drawn in to this newly made family. Trace himself knows he is blessed to get to know Paisley and quickly goes down for the count for both girls. I absolutely adored the scene with Trace, his niece, and the story that leads to a beautiful conclusion here. They were both great although the time frame was very short due to the length.
.
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Back Cover Blurbs ~~ `A Dry Creek Wedding' ~ When her neighbor proposes a "practical" marriage, romantic Rene Mitchell throws the ring in his face. Fleeing Texas for Montana, Rene rides with trucker Clay Preston. Clay doesn't believe in romance...until Rene changes his mind!
.
`A Mule Hollow Match' ~ Trace Crawford broke Paisley Norton's cousin's heart--so Paisley thinks he deserves whatever trouble he gets! Yet Trace really is lost when it comes to caring for his new niece. Paisley's got a soft heart for children...and for adorably clueless cowboys, too. -NFM
.
This is an anthology and I enjoyed both stories. The first book is by JT and the title is `A Dry Creek Wedding'. Rene thought she had her love life all figured out but things hadn't turned out even close to the way she expected. When she needs help she encounters Clay who listens to her lament things all the way to Dry Creek. Clay can't help but worry about the woman and finally gets her to eat something on their way. He doesn't know anything about family or how to interact with others. He starts to have feelings for Rene though and he doesn't exactly know what to do. Rene tries to convince herself she is going to be totally objective about her next relationship but she is continually drawn to Clay. I loved how they both worked their way together. The husband list was very cute.
.
Talking about cute. The next story is by DC and is `A Mule Hollow Match. The lament from the first story is the hero in this one. Trace was about to inherit his niece and was really stressed and anxious. He was a very good man who was way over his head and he knew it. This is where Rene's cousin Paisley comes in. She is just who Trace needs and for his niece he humbles himself before the woman who is so angry with him. When you see how Trace is with this situation you don't even have to know the particulars to see what had happened and why the first time around. As Paisley gets to know Trace, the situation, and the little girl she not only understands and lets her anger go but is drawn in to this newly made family. Trace himself knows he is blessed to get to know Paisley and quickly goes down for the count for both girls. I absolutely adored the scene with Trace, his niece, and the story that leads to a beautiful conclusion here. They were both great although the time frame was very short due to the length.
.
.
Back Cover Blurbs ~~ `A Dry Creek Wedding' ~ When her neighbor proposes a "practical" marriage, romantic Rene Mitchell throws the ring in his face. Fleeing Texas for Montana, Rene rides with trucker Clay Preston. Clay doesn't believe in romance...until Rene changes his mind!
.
`A Mule Hollow Match' ~ Trace Crawford broke Paisley Norton's cousin's heart--so Paisley thinks he deserves whatever trouble he gets! Yet Trace really is lost when it comes to caring for his new niece. Paisley's got a soft heart for children...and for adorably clueless cowboys, too. -NFM
February 22, 2010
A Dry Creek Wedding was a sweet read. It follows Rene and Clay who find themselves traveling together after Rene discovers the man who asked her to marry him just wanted a babysitter for his niece. Clay is a tow-truck driver who agrees to take her to her family in Dry Creek. He's attracted to her, but doesn't feel he has anything to offer her, while Rene decides she isn't going to trust her heart to lead her anymore.
The interaction between them is adorably awkward and revealing. I enjoyed reading about how they each learned to trust in God and seeing how well-suited they are for each other.
A Mule Hollow Match was great. Paisley is Rene's cousin and their dream was to get married, live next to each other, and raise their kids together. All that was ruined when Trace broke Rene's heart. Now Trace needs someone to help him get custody of his niece. Paisley just can't forgive Trace for destroying her plans for the future, but she also can't deny that his niece needs someone to look after her. Trace feels horrible for what he did, but his care and concern for his niece just grabs you by the throat.
Paisley and Trace begin to care for each other, although Paisley feels like she's betraying Rene. Trace turns out to be a really great guy and the perfect match for Paisley.
The interaction between them is adorably awkward and revealing. I enjoyed reading about how they each learned to trust in God and seeing how well-suited they are for each other.
A Mule Hollow Match was great. Paisley is Rene's cousin and their dream was to get married, live next to each other, and raise their kids together. All that was ruined when Trace broke Rene's heart. Now Trace needs someone to help him get custody of his niece. Paisley just can't forgive Trace for destroying her plans for the future, but she also can't deny that his niece needs someone to look after her. Trace feels horrible for what he did, but his care and concern for his niece just grabs you by the throat.
Paisley and Trace begin to care for each other, although Paisley feels like she's betraying Rene. Trace turns out to be a really great guy and the perfect match for Paisley.
October 29, 2011
This is the second Love Inspired collaboration I've read from these two authors, the first being "Small-Town Moms", and I enjoyed it much more than the first one. The book contains A Dry Creek Wedding, by Tronstad, and A Mule Hollow Match, by Clopton. Typical Love Inspired fare, but during both novellas I actually laughed out loud at times. In Tronstad's story, Rene and a young pregnant girl start making a list of what qualities a husband should have, while tow truck driver Clay listens bemusedly, tossing his two cents in at one point. The whole scene just cracked me up. Then in Clopton's story, Paisley has an amusing exchange with a store cashier who thinks she and Trace are having a lover's spat, and while musing aloud about what a good-looking man Paisley has, then commenting about how most of the lookers are jerks.
I think I'm really starting to get hooked on Love Inspired, which is bad because there are a million of them and I already have too many books to read as it is. Oh well....
I think I'm really starting to get hooked on Love Inspired, which is bad because there are a million of them and I already have too many books to read as it is. Oh well....
June 11, 2014
This book has two stories in it. A Dry Creek Wedding and A Mule Hollow Match. A Dry Creek Wedding is about Rene Mitchell, who after he proposes a marriage she gets very upset and takes off. That's when she meets Clay Preston who doesn't' believe in love but Rene just might change his mind. A Mule Hollow Match is about Trace who broke up with Paisley's cousin and broke her heart. Paisley becomes very upset with him and doesn't want anything to do with him. Paisley has a soft spot in her heart and she can't seem to get Trace out of her mind. A very sweet book and its short and very simple to read. Perfect for an afternoon with nothing to do.
July 4, 2016
I gulped yet savored Janet's story and enjoyed Debra's also.
"A Dry Creek Wedding" by Janet TronstadWhen her neighbor proposes a "practical" marriage, romantic Rene Mitchell throws the ring in his face. Fleeing Texas for Montana, Rene rides with trucker Clay Preston. Clay doesn't believe in romance...until Rene changes his mind!
"A Mule Hollow Match" by Debra Clopton
Trace Crawford broke Paisley Norton's cousin's heart--so Paisley thinks he deserves whatever trouble he gets! Yet Trace really is lost when it comes to caring for his new niece. Paisley's got a soft heart for children...and for adorably clueless cowboys, too.
"A Dry Creek Wedding" by Janet TronstadWhen her neighbor proposes a "practical" marriage, romantic Rene Mitchell throws the ring in his face. Fleeing Texas for Montana, Rene rides with trucker Clay Preston. Clay doesn't believe in romance...until Rene changes his mind!
"A Mule Hollow Match" by Debra Clopton
Trace Crawford broke Paisley Norton's cousin's heart--so Paisley thinks he deserves whatever trouble he gets! Yet Trace really is lost when it comes to caring for his new niece. Paisley's got a soft heart for children...and for adorably clueless cowboys, too.
Read
August 1, 2012A DRY CREEK WEDDING plot when her neighbor proposes a practial marriage romantic rene mitchell throws the ring in his face fleeing texas for montana rene rides with a trucker clay preston clay dosen't believe in romance untill rene changes his mind
A MULEW HOLLOW MATCH PLOT trace crawford broke paisley norton's cousin's heart so paisley thinks he deserves whatever trouble he gets yet trace really is lost when it comes to caring for his new niece paisley's got a soft heart for children and for adorably clueless cowboys too
A MULEW HOLLOW MATCH PLOT trace crawford broke paisley norton's cousin's heart so paisley thinks he deserves whatever trouble he gets yet trace really is lost when it comes to caring for his new niece paisley's got a soft heart for children and for adorably clueless cowboys too
February 27, 2010
This is a cute book with two interlinking love stories.
I gave it two stars purely based on the fact that this book was not to my taste. Heavily Christian themed, which I didn't expect. And that element took away from character development, or even the basic description of the character and their struggles. Don't get me wrong these element were there, but I felt like I was left hanging a bit.
Others could quite easily give this book up to 4 stars (in my opinion) but for me, with the heavy religious theme, it didn't mesh so well.
I gave it two stars purely based on the fact that this book was not to my taste. Heavily Christian themed, which I didn't expect. And that element took away from character development, or even the basic description of the character and their struggles. Don't get me wrong these element were there, but I felt like I was left hanging a bit.
Others could quite easily give this book up to 4 stars (in my opinion) but for me, with the heavy religious theme, it didn't mesh so well.
August 31, 2009
A Dry Creek Wedding was excellent as all of Dry Creek have been
and the continued story A Mule Hollow Match was also very good.
I am going to read the Mule Hollow Series by Debra Clopton next, now that I finished the Dry Creek Series (although I hear more are coming)
I have read a few of the Mule Hollow books but want to get all of them and read them in order as I did with Dry Creek
both are very talented authors
and the continued story A Mule Hollow Match was also very good.
I am going to read the Mule Hollow Series by Debra Clopton next, now that I finished the Dry Creek Series (although I hear more are coming)
I have read a few of the Mule Hollow books but want to get all of them and read them in order as I did with Dry Creek
both are very talented authors
September 24, 2009
If you enjoy a good Christian romance, then you will be sure to enjoy both of the novellas in this book. The books are written to go together and are about two cousins. I found both of the stories very interesting and quickly paced. I thought that the two went together well, which was important since characters from each of the stories carried over into the other story. I would definitely recommend these stories.
April 7, 2010
This book had two short stories in it. They are christian stories and both show how faith will help people through troubles and bring people together. The stories were kind of predictable, but they were still sweet stories.
It kind of bothered me in both stories though that the characters wouldn't tell other people how they really felt. They tried to keep their feelings hidden, but eventually they came out.
It kind of bothered me in both stories though that the characters wouldn't tell other people how they really felt. They tried to keep their feelings hidden, but eventually they came out.
December 14, 2010
A Dry Creek Wedding by Janet Tronstad is a nice, predictable story. Something to read, just because. Like at night when you can't fall asleep. I'm currently reading the second story, A Mule Hollow Match by Debra Clopton which I'm enjoying a little more.
March 10, 2010
I won this book on Goodreads!
It was a wonderful heart warming read with two short novellas! I loved it and I look forward to reading more by these two authors!
Thanks!
It was a wonderful heart warming read with two short novellas! I loved it and I look forward to reading more by these two authors!
Thanks!
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January 8, 2012I loved creating this novella with Janet! She is one of the most creative minds I've ever met and a lovely person too.
November 23, 2015
Great book. ! looking forward to picking up the remaining books of the series. Awesome.
Recommend pick it up.... great values and spiritual influence.... with romance too.
Recommend pick it up.... great values and spiritual influence.... with romance too.
October 15, 2011
good read - easy but kept my interest.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews