Weathered Too Young

Evans Brothers #1

by Marcia Lynn McClure

Lark Lawrence was alone. In all the world there was no one who cared for her. Still, there were worse things than independence—and Lark had grown quite capable of providing for herself. Nevertheless, as winter loomed, she suddenly found herself with no means by which to afford food and shelter—destitute. Yet, Tom Evans was a kind and compassionate man. When Lark Lawrence appeared on his porch, without pause he hired her to keep house and cook for himself and his cantankerous elder brother, Slater. And although Tom had befriended Lark first, it would be Slater Evans—handsome, brooding and twelve years Lark’s senior—who would unknowingly abduct her heart. Still, Lark’s true age (which she when concealed at first meeting the Evans brothers) was not the only truth she had kept from Slater and Tom Evans. Darker secrets lay imprisoned deep within her heart—and her past. However, it is that secrets are made to be found out—and Lark’s secrets revealed would soon couple with the arrival of a woman from Slater’s past to forever shatter her dreams of winning his love—or so it seemed. Would truth and passion mingle to capture Lark the love she’d never dared to hope for?

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Historical Romance, Clean Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Western Romance

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 28, 2010

About the author

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marcia Lynn McClure grew up influenced by the reminiscent stories of rugged, rural Colorado farm life fascinatingly recounted to her by her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts…tales of runaway buckboards, mule-drawn plows and dust pneumonia; verbalized images of stream-flooded meadows, frozen over in winter, where a child could peer through the crystal clear ice in wonder at the small fish, snakes and mice sealed in the meadow grasses beneath; stories of hardship and tragedy, love and loss. But always the stories, and the people telling them, bore evidence of the wonder and worthiness of simpler, yet sometimes brutal, times.

These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.

And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.

Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!

Reviews

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this a few times and I enjoy it more each time I read it. I think this is probably in my top three McClure books. I really love it!

Lark is used to taking care of herself and the book starts with her looking for somewhere to work for the winter before moving on again. When the opportunity to work as a housekeeper for the Evans brothers comes up, she jumps at the chance. Tom Evans is a friendly guy, always quick to smile and likes to make sure everyone around him is taken care of. I truly loved his character. Slater Evans has lived a rough life and just wants to mind his own business and run his ranch. They accept Lark into their homes and quickly into their hearts.

I liked Lark quite a bit. She is a hard worker and extremely kind. Knowing her background makes it even more amazing that she has maintained such a kind heart. The romance in this one was just perfect for me, they have great chemistry. There is a little of the whole “I’m not good enough for her” and “he could never love me” going on, but I didn’t mind it here. I liked the setting and there are some great moments, I still laugh about her first branding experience.

Overall, a fun western and one I’d recommend!


Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: Mild
Violence: Mild An attempted rape, stopped early. Talk of outlaws, killing and an attack at the end, nothing overly descriptive.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yu-uh-meeeeeeeeeeeee! Another great MLM book. It's like calgon, take me away. I don't have to think really hard. I just relax, read, drift away and at the end I feel good. Love always conquers. (and the kissing along the way really helps)

[Aerykah · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading A Bargained-For Bride (see my review for it here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), I thought I'd give this author a chance to redeem herself. After all, some authors just have one or two crappy books while their other books are much better! And I had a copy of this book on my kindle anyway so, why not?

Once again, I thought this book was supposed to be Christian fiction. I was disappointed, however... again. This one was worse than A Bargained-For Bride! In my opinion, it read more like a regular trashy (as I call them) romance (yes, though it embarrasses me to admit it, I have read a few of those in the past), minus the sexiest parts, plus God & prayer thrown into the mix to make it eligible to be tagged "Christian". There is also some so called mild cussing throughout.

I tried to finish this book -- I really did! -- if for no other reason than to say that I read it all the way through and was basing my opinion on the book in its entirety. I did make it over half-way, but I just couldn't force myself to waste any more time on it when there are so many much better books I could be reading and enjoying.

[Booknut 101 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am utterly in love with Marcia Lynn McClure's books!

Weathered Too Young is another brilliant book among the many Marcia Lynn McClure has written. Filled with cowboys whose gruff exterior conceals a warm heart, lots of laughs, swoonsome kisses and romantic moments that may require several tissues, this book is most certainly a keeper :)

[Just A Girl With Spirit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cowboy take me away!!! I loved this book so much! Loved the twist at the end and all the goodness In between! What happens when a 19 year old who is running from her past, takes on a job for a bunch of cowboys and falls for one of them? Read and find out.

[Kathryn Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed on Kathryn Cooper Writes

Weathered Too Young was such a fun escape! I love all of Marcia’s books.

You can’t think of this book like a fast paced movie that many of the Young Adult books can be. This was more like a marathon that had a normal pace for a long distance which I loved and enjoyed. It was so entertaining because of the amazing characters and scenery.

Prepare for this read by getting a country accent. It was annoying at times to read an accent, but then it was charming. I’m from Texas and love accents. I just wasn’t used to reading one.

Slater was a hunk. All the heroes Marcia writes are hunks, actually. She is so skilled at writing kissing scenes. I know the couples in her books won’t go past kissing so I always enjoy reading those scenes.

Weathered Too Young was another amazing book by Marcia Lynn McClure. I highly recommend all of her books to any of you readers that enjoy love stories. MARCIA’S. BOOKS. ARE. AMAZING!

Content Ratings: (content details found at kathryncooperwrites.com)
Sexual: mild
Language: none
Violence: none

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giveaway + Interview with Marcia on my blog (ends 12/31)
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot....

I know there was a short ebook in the past but I just read the new extended printed version which was 270 pages of fabulous. Another great book by Marcia Lynn McClure. I've yet to come across one of Marcia's books I have not LOVED! Nothing more than kissing but boy she can make me blush with the sexual tension & passion of those kisses. Looking forward to the companion novel The Windswept Flame!!!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mmmm, mmmm, good! A handsome hardworking cowboy and a strong heroine who doesn't realize her worth. Pages and pages of fantastic kissing. A relaxing lazy stroll through bliss. I love Marcia's books!

[Gwen (The Gwendolyn Reading Method) · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's the type of book that uses exclamation points. enough said.

[Sharon Hogenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again I wish Good Reads had half star ratings. I give it more than four but not quite five. I love the humor in this book. It always makes me smile, if not laugh out loud!

The computer generated audio isn’t bad, not perfect, but enjoyable.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this several years ago... I just finished re-reading it as part of Swoon Fest 2014 (http://bookwormnation.blogspot.com/20...) where a bunch of us are reading (or re-reading) Marcia Lynn McClure's books this month.

Lark Lawrence felt fortunate to find work in a warm home that would tide her over the cold winter months. What she didn't expect was to find a place where she felt so completely accepted and like she was part of a family. She didn't expect to fall in love with Slater Evans either, and she certainly doesn't expect that he will ever love her back. Especially when he finds out her secret, and when a beautiful woman from his past comes back.

Slater Evans feels a lot older than his 30 years. When his younger brother Tom hires Lark to be their housekeeper, Slater doesn't expect the intense feelings he quickly develops for Lark. He is certain she would be better off with someone younger -- someone who is less "weathered" and who hasn't seen as many bad things as he has...


Content: Clean, Mild Swearing

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok...my friend likes this author and if you are in the mood for a cheesy clean romance..this will fill your ticket. I think I've never been too much of a romance novel reader...or I tend to veer torwards the tween novels for that since I can put myself mentally back in high school, but for some reason I just can't get into these books. It's the books you giggle about and know the plot 2 minutes into reading. I also had issues with the trendy names or something...slater and lark were the main characters. It's not my taste, but I know people seem to really like them, and yes...you can have your daughters read these. Totally safe. Not too deep. I'm reading the sequel too it just because I said I would, because until I read them...I cannot tease people about it..hehe. Just not my favorite genre to delve into...but if it was sitting on a shelf and I had nothing to read...it would entertain me for an hour or so.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally gave this 4 stars because it wasn't one of my top favorites of Marcia's. I can't put my finger on it, but I didn't get all giddy over it like some of my top favs. But now, months later, it seems to be one of her books that lingers in my mind still, and I get giddy over it NOW, so for that it goes up to 5 stars!! I guess it will be one that I will re-read after all! Some of Marcia's books don't become favorites until I've read the whole thing and know the whole story, and then it makes you want to go re-read it with your "blinders" off. To me, that takes a special talent to be able to pull that off in a book.

[Teya Teya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's that time of the year again to devour the deliciousness of Marcia Mcclure's journeys to destiny books. Okay, I'm a month early starting but who cares!

11/23/23
I love Lark and Slater's love story. Such a sweet love story.

8/20/22
Oh man, I love this book. I love Slayder's brooding yumminess. I love Larks no nonsense. I even love Katie and Tommy. I'm actually reading these in order this fun time. I find it a fascinating story of Slayd's and Lark's backgrounds. Perfect destination. On to the next. the windswept flame

Still a favorite! I love the old West strong stories.

I love this one. Lark and Slayder. So yummy. I love that he saves her from her bad outlaw dad. LOVE

[Kathy Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slater Evans likes to think he's a mean ol' cuss but really he's just a big ol' teddy bear who's extremely protective of his family and loved ones. Lark Lawrence is an orphan that just wants to feel safe, warm and loved. Enter in Tom Evans who hires her on the spot to do the cooking and cleaning for him and his brother. And what do you get after that?! Why you get a little adventure... a love story... lots of swoony kisses... laughter... and my favorite thing of all... a HEA!

My only complaint would be that it just ended. I wanted just a little bit more.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book.
I had a hard time putting it down. I like to read to relax before going to bed, but this book kept me wide awake turning the pages and then obsessing over it, making it impossible to sleep.

This is a love story. Lark comes to the Evans home looking for work, and a way to stay warm, because winter is around the corner. Tom Evans hires her, but it is his older brother Slater who captures her heart.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the story and the plot. Even though it's a clean read I grew weary of her wanting him to kiss her (every page) and him wanting to bed her (every other page)but practicing mammoth self restraint. Also, for a man who was a legendary Texas Ranger he sure got faked out by a greenhorn outlaw and a veteren crazy he'd already spent a long time bringing to Yuma. Still, I enjoyed the read and the character development beyond the frequent comments to hold their harmones at bay.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute, romantic cowboy story!! Lark has no one and is trying to find a place to stay for the winter. No one in town is hiring, but a cowboy directs her to two brothers, who just lost their housekeeper/cook. The one brother hires her right away and the adventure begins. Loved it!!

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has probably been one of my favorite books of hers. It was absolutely wonderful!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An even better read the second time. I love Marcia's western characters!

[Richelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcia Lynn McClure has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and her books are must-reads for me. I love how easily I get wrapped up in the story and they are difficult to put down once I've started.

Slater is everything I love about the idea of the wild west cowboy: hard-working, strong, honest, brave, and of course, dashing good looking!

Romance - Clean
Violence - Moderate
Language - Mild

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic western romance with a little of everything in it. It is a prequel to "Windswept Flame" but neither book requires that you read the other to have understanding of the story line. Slater and Lark's story is great, I'm sure I will read it again.

Amazon Product Description:
Lark Lawrence was alone. In all the world there was no one who cared for her. Still, there were worse things than independence-and Lark had grown quite capable of providing for herself. Nevertheless, as winter loomed, she suddenly found herself with no means by which to afford food and shelter-destitute. Yet, Tom Evans was a kind and compassionate man. When Lark Lawrence appeared on his porch, without pause he hired her to keep house and cook for himself and his cantankerous elder brother, Slater. And although Tom had befriend Lark first, it would be Slater Evans-handsome, brooding and twelve years Lark's senior-who would unknowingly abduct her heart. Still, Lark's true age (which she concealed at first meeting the Evans brothers) was not the only truth she had kept from Slater and Tom Evans. Darker secrets lay imprisoned deep within her heart-and her past. However, it is that secrets are made to be found out-and Lark's secrets revealed would soon couple with the arrival of a woman from Slater's past to forever shatter her dreams of winning his love-or so it seemed. Would truth and passion mingle to capture Lark the love she'd never dared to hope for?

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing like curling up with one of McClure's books in an evening! Yummy!! I love the way Marcia describes here heroes in her books and this one has to be one of my favorites!! There is two rough and rugged cowboys that decide to take-in young Lark when she shows up on their doorstep looking for work and a place to stay for winter! The older of the Slater boys is not too thrilled with the idea of Lark working there especially when he can't seem to get her out of his mind!!

My favorite thing about reading Marcia McClure books is that she can describe some heated passion and kissing like no other author but she always keeps it clean! I know I won't be surprised with a sex scene but that I'll just get to enjoy some good ol' flirtin and sparkin!! lol

I am also a sucker for rough around the edges guys that have quite the tempers and love to flirt!! They sure are my favorite and boy-oh-boy are Tom and Slater both the ideal men that are respectable yet leave much to be desired with their flirtatious ways!! Her characters are always so well-developed and lovable that I just feel like I'm right there with them!

Once I finished reading Weathered Too Young, I instantly went and picked up The Windswept Flame!! Keep the passion coming Marcia Lynn McClure!!

[Lisa C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a number of this author's books and discovered they're hit or miss. This one was kind of middle of the road. For the most part, I enjoyed the story, especially Lark's ability to provide for herself. I felt the writing didn't have a lot of depth, though, and Slater's messing with Lark's head, kissing, teasing and then completely ignoring her was pretty childish.

The male characters were strong, handsome, hard working, but apparently couldn't form a coherent sentence. Historically, men didn't call women honey or baby and would certainly not walk around with their underwear open in front of a lady. And we read about it way too much. That and her thoughts of him kissing her. It was like a school girl crush. I'm not sure why Slater kept thinking he was too old to marry or that she wouldn't want him because of his past. I really liked Tom, too, but again, he needs to take a few lessons in speaking.

After all the rambling, I still don't know if I would recommend it or not. It was light entertainment, pretty clean, no cursing.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book today in the mail and decided to read it. My nook/phone and computer have really been hurting my eyes and I wanted a paperback.

This was a really really good one. I would have liked Slater to remain aloof a little longer but other than that this was a great read. I liked Larks little secret, there at the end. I knew it had to be something like that, but it was surprising. A fun, fast paced, greatly entertaining read!

[Tori (Book Chick) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot, fun read.

Reread 10/11/2014: Oh Slater... I knew I loved The Windswept Flame, which is the sequel to this book, but I couldn't remember if I really loved Weathered Too Young. Welp - I do. I'm so glad I read it again. Slater is hot. Period. And he's a law man which makes him double hot. haha

[Chrissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. It was a cute, fluff read. I gotta say that the age difference bothered me a bit (She is almost 19 and he's 30). And why didn't she fall for Tom? He was so nice! Why the ornery one? Although it worked out and he wasn't so ornery after all. It was a nice happily, ever after. I admit to skimming some of Lark's thoughts but it was an easy read. I felt I had to read something for "swoon fest," lol!!

[Emily (biblioblondes) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! I was very worried I wouldn't be able to read it because of the age difference even though that was normal and not to bad in hindsight now. I. So glad I went ahead Nd tried anyway because 20% in and I already knew this was gonna be in my top favorites of Marcia's books! Lark was very sweet and charming. Slater was very masculine and rough but had a very soft heart and a handsome face haha! Loved it and will revisit this book again!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The best part of the book was how Mrs. McClure really made the characters feel real. The entire time I was reading this book, Slater and Tom Evan was real to me. The main thing was the way they talked. You can't help but hear the western accent and slow, smoky drawl of a cowboy with words like 'purty', 'yer' and 'hankerin'. The teasing brothers were also a delight to read.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book several times and love it each time. I love Slater Evans! He's seems like such a grump but he's had a hard life so I don't blame him. Lark Lawrence sweet and caring person. Love the little twist in it. Marcia is awesome!