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Where the Trail Ends #1
Last Chance Cowboys: The Drifter
"I barely know you, and yet there's something about you that I trust. But why?"
"You know me, Maria. I'm the guy trouble follows. Best if you keep your distance."
She ran the backs of her fingers along the line of his jaw. "And what if I don't want to keep my distance?" Her voice was barely a whisper.
"Fair warning," he murmured, and pulled her close.
Caught between a greedy corporation and a desperate love of the land, Maria Porterfield barely has time to mourn her father's death. If her family is to survive, it'll be up to her to take charge-but she can't do it alone. When a mysterious drifter rides into town, the handsome cowboy seems like an answer to her prayers. But Chet isn't interested in settling down, no matter how tempting the offer...
Chet made his way West looking for a fresh start-the last thing he wants is to get involved in someone else's fight. But something about Maria awakens a powerful need to protect the fierce beauty at all costs. He never thought he'd find love, but as danger presses in, he may find there's more beyond the next horizon than just another long and dusty trail.
"You know me, Maria. I'm the guy trouble follows. Best if you keep your distance."
She ran the backs of her fingers along the line of his jaw. "And what if I don't want to keep my distance?" Her voice was barely a whisper.
"Fair warning," he murmured, and pulled her close.
Caught between a greedy corporation and a desperate love of the land, Maria Porterfield barely has time to mourn her father's death. If her family is to survive, it'll be up to her to take charge-but she can't do it alone. When a mysterious drifter rides into town, the handsome cowboy seems like an answer to her prayers. But Chet isn't interested in settling down, no matter how tempting the offer...
Chet made his way West looking for a fresh start-the last thing he wants is to get involved in someone else's fight. But something about Maria awakens a powerful need to protect the fierce beauty at all costs. He never thought he'd find love, but as danger presses in, he may find there's more beyond the next horizon than just another long and dusty trail.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
38 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Anna Schmidt
64 books221 followersAnna Schmidt's historical novel, THE WINTERKEEPER, received a Five Star rating from Reader's Favorites. Reviews for the story have been strong including one from the Historical Novel Society that raved: "The storytelling and scene building are masterful and create an immediacy that keeps the reader turning pages. This is a writer who feels words as well as thinking them." Anna is a three-time finalist for the coveted RITA award presented annually by Romance Writers of America. In addition she has been a four-time finalist for the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine—an award she has won twice. Her latest novel RENEGADE is the second in her new series: Cowboys and Harvey Girls and is available now. Publisher's Weekly hails the series as: "Easygoing western romance readers will cheer for this good-hearted heroine to achieve all her dreams." Anna splits her time between Wisconsin and Florida, noting that, “I am blessed to have a career that travels well!”
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 35 reviews
August 30, 2015
A cowboy running from his past, a ranch in jeopardy and a woman willing to pull out all the stops to save the family farm. The Drifter was a great slow building western romance.
Chet is a drifter in need of work, Maria is struggling with male egos and a fierce cattle monopoly that threatens her land, life and family.
Chet is the reluctant hero while Maria is a strong fighter that will do what it takes to survive in a man's world.
Bottomline, the story is well thought out and the characters had lots of depth. The plot did slow from time to time but the overall flow was strong.
I found The Drifter to be entertaining and packed with lots of drama that will fit the fancy of those who enjoy a good ranch based romance.
I received this ARC copy of The Drifter from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication September 1, 2015.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Written by: Anna Schmidt
Series: Where the Trail Ends
Sequence in Series: Book 1
Page Count: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
ISBN-10: 1492612960
ISBN-13: 978-1492612964
Genre: Historical Western Romance
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Chet is a drifter in need of work, Maria is struggling with male egos and a fierce cattle monopoly that threatens her land, life and family.
Chet is the reluctant hero while Maria is a strong fighter that will do what it takes to survive in a man's world.
Bottomline, the story is well thought out and the characters had lots of depth. The plot did slow from time to time but the overall flow was strong.
I found The Drifter to be entertaining and packed with lots of drama that will fit the fancy of those who enjoy a good ranch based romance.
I received this ARC copy of The Drifter from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication September 1, 2015.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Written by: Anna Schmidt
Series: Where the Trail Ends
Sequence in Series: Book 1
Page Count: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: September 1, 2015
ISBN-10: 1492612960
ISBN-13: 978-1492612964
Genre: Historical Western Romance
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews and More Check out: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 5, 2015
Schmidt takes readers easily back in time to the western expansion in the Arizona Territory. It was easy to picture and very believable. She melds the beauty of the land with the hardships faced by those living there. The tone in which Schmidt writes makes it even more entertaining. The tone is light and palpable, twisting and melding to create the perfect backdrop for the plot. She truly creates the perfect setting for her intimate plot.
The characters that Schmidt develops truly meld with the story. Maria`s story touched my heart while her actions made her a fantastic heroine. The way that her story intertwines with Chet`s really made me love the pair all the more. The characters are very well developed, allowing readers to feel for them and travel along with them during the suspense and mystery that Schmidt develops.
This was a great novel to launch Schmidt`s latest series. It was a heartfelt and suspenseful novel that truly brings the Arizona Territory to life.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
The characters that Schmidt develops truly meld with the story. Maria`s story touched my heart while her actions made her a fantastic heroine. The way that her story intertwines with Chet`s really made me love the pair all the more. The characters are very well developed, allowing readers to feel for them and travel along with them during the suspense and mystery that Schmidt develops.
This was a great novel to launch Schmidt`s latest series. It was a heartfelt and suspenseful novel that truly brings the Arizona Territory to life.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2015
Oh dayum! The Drifter was GOOD! For starters...check out the author name. Hello! Another Anna! Love it! And she totally rocked this one. Freaking awesome characters--a fierce as hell heroine and one crazy sexy laid back cowboy, mystery and sabotage and a family doing everything they can to survive. Add in lots of cowhands who were all such characters and a cute pup named Cracker and I was just completely smitten with this one. Only thing that would have made it better was a bit more heat. Loved the romance and chemistry but, yeah, a smidge more heat would have been the perfect topper.
Full review to come.
~~~~~~~~~
12%-- oh I'm liking this one! She's fierce and he's got that laid back sexy happening.
0%--Think we'll give this one a go today :)
Reviewing for herding cats & burning soup.
Full review to come.
~~~~~~~~~
12%-- oh I'm liking this one! She's fierce and he's got that laid back sexy happening.
0%--Think we'll give this one a go today :)
Reviewing for herding cats & burning soup.
January 23, 2016
Book Info
Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
Expected publication: September 1st 2015 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492612960 (ISBN13: 9781492612964)
edition language English
seriesWhere the Trail Ends #1
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
I barely know you, and yet there's something about you that I trust. But why?"
"You know me, Maria. I'm the guy trouble follows. Best if you keep your distance."
She ran the backs of her fingers along the line of his jaw. "And what if I don't want to keep my distance?" Her voice was barely a whisper.
"Fair warning," he murmured, and pulled her close.
Caught between a greedy corporation and a desperate love of the land, Maria Porterfield barely has time to mourn her father's death. If her family is to survive, it'll be up to her to take charge-but she can't do it alone. When a mysterious drifter rides into town, the handsome cowboy seems like an answer to her prayers. But Chet isn't interested in settling down, no matter how tempting the offer...
Chet made his way West looking for a fresh start-the last thing he wants is to get involved in someone else's fight. But something about Maria awakens a powerful need to protect the fierce beauty at all costs. He never thought he'd find love, but as danger presses in, he may find there's more beyond the next horizon than just another long and dusty trail.
A good old fashioned western romance where the small landowners are holding out from being taken over by the larger and wealthier corporation whose idea of controlling the land means using foul means if necessary.
Facing rustlers who have decimated her herd, possible drought, a foreman who wants more than just friendship, a loan she cannot repay and various other obstacles Maria Porterfield is at her wits end trying to hold onto the ranch her father built that is now her responsibility due to her older brother leaving.
Chet is a complication that she was not expecting, but turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to come drifting down the trail looking for work.
Trust however becomes an issue when the unexpected appearance of a past acquaintance comes to find Chet, insisting that he is responsible for her and her child. What is Maria to do when after all she barely knows the man and yet he is all she can think of.
The answer to that and to many more questions unfolds throughout a story filled with intrigue, mystery, danger and an unexpected romance that almost ends before it begins.
The best part of the whole book though is the relationships built between the secondary and main characters, especially the ranch hands and Chet as there is a bit of time before they accept him as one of their own.
There is also a very touching moment or two where the hands prove their loyalty to Maria that will bring mist to your eyes.
Having never read anything written by Anna Schmidt before this was a pleasant surprise and a western romance written similar to the style of Zane Grey in my opinion, although not as sappy.
I loved the buildup to the ending, it was the right amount of tension and suspense followed by a sigh of relief at how everything worked out.
Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
Expected publication: September 1st 2015 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492612960 (ISBN13: 9781492612964)
edition language English
seriesWhere the Trail Ends #1
other editions None found
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS
I barely know you, and yet there's something about you that I trust. But why?"
"You know me, Maria. I'm the guy trouble follows. Best if you keep your distance."
She ran the backs of her fingers along the line of his jaw. "And what if I don't want to keep my distance?" Her voice was barely a whisper.
"Fair warning," he murmured, and pulled her close.
Caught between a greedy corporation and a desperate love of the land, Maria Porterfield barely has time to mourn her father's death. If her family is to survive, it'll be up to her to take charge-but she can't do it alone. When a mysterious drifter rides into town, the handsome cowboy seems like an answer to her prayers. But Chet isn't interested in settling down, no matter how tempting the offer...
Chet made his way West looking for a fresh start-the last thing he wants is to get involved in someone else's fight. But something about Maria awakens a powerful need to protect the fierce beauty at all costs. He never thought he'd find love, but as danger presses in, he may find there's more beyond the next horizon than just another long and dusty trail.
My Thoughts
A good old fashioned western romance where the small landowners are holding out from being taken over by the larger and wealthier corporation whose idea of controlling the land means using foul means if necessary.
Facing rustlers who have decimated her herd, possible drought, a foreman who wants more than just friendship, a loan she cannot repay and various other obstacles Maria Porterfield is at her wits end trying to hold onto the ranch her father built that is now her responsibility due to her older brother leaving.
Chet is a complication that she was not expecting, but turns out to be the best thing that ever happened to come drifting down the trail looking for work.
Trust however becomes an issue when the unexpected appearance of a past acquaintance comes to find Chet, insisting that he is responsible for her and her child. What is Maria to do when after all she barely knows the man and yet he is all she can think of.
The answer to that and to many more questions unfolds throughout a story filled with intrigue, mystery, danger and an unexpected romance that almost ends before it begins.
The best part of the whole book though is the relationships built between the secondary and main characters, especially the ranch hands and Chet as there is a bit of time before they accept him as one of their own.
There is also a very touching moment or two where the hands prove their loyalty to Maria that will bring mist to your eyes.
Having never read anything written by Anna Schmidt before this was a pleasant surprise and a western romance written similar to the style of Zane Grey in my opinion, although not as sappy.
I loved the buildup to the ending, it was the right amount of tension and suspense followed by a sigh of relief at how everything worked out.
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
September 1, 2015
ARC REVIEW
Anna Schmidt bring us the first book in the series Where the Trails Ends. The Drifter is a Historical Western Romance, this is a genre I love but rarely find myself reading, much like steampunk. I grabbed this because of it's genre and the description, I almost didn't because Anna Schmidt other books are not usually books I read, but the description really did catch my attention. I am glad I did because it was really good. I would put it up there in my favorites along with Joan Johnston's Sisters of the Lonestar State series. Anna Schmidt has a beautiful narrative and great characters. The descriptive setting was something else, it really pulled me in and set the scene remarkable well. It takes place at a time where ranchers weren't governed as well as they should have been and the larger ones were swallowing up all the smaller ranches and when they couldn't buy their way they would use any means necessary to obtain the land. It reminded me at certain points of the T.V. movie The Jack Bull, originally a novel written by Heinrich von Kleist. So it's no wonder that I kept imagining a buff John Cusack as Chet.
Maria Potterfield lost her father, her brother ran off with the inheritance and her mother has not been handling the death very well at all. Maria is left with running the ranch, and taking care of her two younger siblings and her mother. Knowing the ins and outs of handling the ranch and it's cattle is easy it's convincing the high handed foreman she knows what she's doing that's the hard part. When he gives her the ultimatum that he'll just quit she doesn't give in and tells him to leave, the very same day a drifter breezes in and asks for a job. That night the herd gets spooked and stampedes, the drifter stays out until every last one is found. Spurring Maria to offer him the foreman job which he turns down.
Chet is running from his past on his way to his dreams of owning his own land in California the stop at the little Arizona ranch was just supposed to be temporary, but the beautiful owner, Maria is just tempting enough to stay. Maria is having more problems than just missing herd and no water, the large rancher next door keeps offering to buy but she say no every time. With problems piling on top of each other and finding out her father's death might not be an accident and the only person she can trust is Chet. But the jealous foreman who thinks he is more important than he really is. Chet and Maria fight an instant attraction and try to stay away the appearance of Chet's past almost derails the romance but when they finally give in to the instant attraction they can't let anyone know. They must keep it a secret until they track down the traitor in the mists.
Overall, this is a book I plan to buy and keep. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Anna Schmidt bring us the first book in the series Where the Trails Ends. The Drifter is a Historical Western Romance, this is a genre I love but rarely find myself reading, much like steampunk. I grabbed this because of it's genre and the description, I almost didn't because Anna Schmidt other books are not usually books I read, but the description really did catch my attention. I am glad I did because it was really good. I would put it up there in my favorites along with Joan Johnston's Sisters of the Lonestar State series. Anna Schmidt has a beautiful narrative and great characters. The descriptive setting was something else, it really pulled me in and set the scene remarkable well. It takes place at a time where ranchers weren't governed as well as they should have been and the larger ones were swallowing up all the smaller ranches and when they couldn't buy their way they would use any means necessary to obtain the land. It reminded me at certain points of the T.V. movie The Jack Bull, originally a novel written by Heinrich von Kleist. So it's no wonder that I kept imagining a buff John Cusack as Chet.
Maria Potterfield lost her father, her brother ran off with the inheritance and her mother has not been handling the death very well at all. Maria is left with running the ranch, and taking care of her two younger siblings and her mother. Knowing the ins and outs of handling the ranch and it's cattle is easy it's convincing the high handed foreman she knows what she's doing that's the hard part. When he gives her the ultimatum that he'll just quit she doesn't give in and tells him to leave, the very same day a drifter breezes in and asks for a job. That night the herd gets spooked and stampedes, the drifter stays out until every last one is found. Spurring Maria to offer him the foreman job which he turns down.
Chet is running from his past on his way to his dreams of owning his own land in California the stop at the little Arizona ranch was just supposed to be temporary, but the beautiful owner, Maria is just tempting enough to stay. Maria is having more problems than just missing herd and no water, the large rancher next door keeps offering to buy but she say no every time. With problems piling on top of each other and finding out her father's death might not be an accident and the only person she can trust is Chet. But the jealous foreman who thinks he is more important than he really is. Chet and Maria fight an instant attraction and try to stay away the appearance of Chet's past almost derails the romance but when they finally give in to the instant attraction they can't let anyone know. They must keep it a secret until they track down the traitor in the mists.
Overall, this is a book I plan to buy and keep. I look forward to the rest of the series.
February 11, 2020
An excellent western frontier story! I loved the strong heroine and the ever so (subtly) take charge sexy cowhand Chet. These two made such a great pair. I love the author's authentic depiction of the time period. Very descriptive and on point of those times. The story was so well developed that I felt as if I was right there living the story.
September 11, 2015
This one is a bit slow. Right now I have decided to put it aside, but if I pick it back up. I will write a full review.
August 18, 2016
I received this book from a goodreads giveaway. In no way did that affect my review.
This was a pretty good read. Had mystery, action, romance.
This was a pretty good read. Had mystery, action, romance.
July 22, 2017
The first book in Anna Schmidt's Where the Trail Ends follows Maria Porterfield and Chet Hunter as they fight the Tipton Brothers for the rights to the Porterfield family ranch.
Things have not been going great for Maria Porterfield. Her father recently died, her brother skipped town as soon as the funeral was over, and her mother refuses to accept that her husband is dead. Maria has to take care of her younger siblings, her mother, and her family's failing ranch. A drought has harmed their prospects, and the Tipton Brothers are circling Maria and hoping to buy her land. Meanwhile, her foreman's allegiance is shaky, and Maria has no one to turn to until Chet Hunter rides up looking for work. The two of them have an immediate connection and are drawn even closer together when they begin to realize that the ranch's problems aren't all that they seem, and someone from Chet's past comes back to haunt him.
This felt like a classic western story, the small time ranchers up against the bigger company. It was well put together, and there were a lot of mysteries and obstacles in Maria and Chet's way before they can get a happy ending. This was well written and enjoyable to read on that front. The romance between them wasn't as strong. It was there, but I never felt a big connection between them. They were nice, but I'm not sure they were particularly memorable. Part of this might have been because there were so many subplots, it was hard for Maria and Chet to get a lot of relationship building time together. I thought this was a good western with an enjoyable plot, but I wasn't as sold on the romance part.
Things have not been going great for Maria Porterfield. Her father recently died, her brother skipped town as soon as the funeral was over, and her mother refuses to accept that her husband is dead. Maria has to take care of her younger siblings, her mother, and her family's failing ranch. A drought has harmed their prospects, and the Tipton Brothers are circling Maria and hoping to buy her land. Meanwhile, her foreman's allegiance is shaky, and Maria has no one to turn to until Chet Hunter rides up looking for work. The two of them have an immediate connection and are drawn even closer together when they begin to realize that the ranch's problems aren't all that they seem, and someone from Chet's past comes back to haunt him.
This felt like a classic western story, the small time ranchers up against the bigger company. It was well put together, and there were a lot of mysteries and obstacles in Maria and Chet's way before they can get a happy ending. This was well written and enjoyable to read on that front. The romance between them wasn't as strong. It was there, but I never felt a big connection between them. They were nice, but I'm not sure they were particularly memorable. Part of this might have been because there were so many subplots, it was hard for Maria and Chet to get a lot of relationship building time together. I thought this was a good western with an enjoyable plot, but I wasn't as sold on the romance part.
February 26, 2023
I knew after a couple pages I had read this in the past, but it had been a few years - so I kept going. It was like revisiting old friends; you know all the old stories but it’s a pleasure to hang out and catch up.
I enjoyed my 2nd read as much as the first. There’s no big surprises, but I liked spending time with these people again. The Hero is the strong, quiet guy who you already know is going to make everything right as rain in the end. Just the way a good Cowboy should.
Good story, sweet romance, enjoyed the journey.
I enjoyed my 2nd read as much as the first. There’s no big surprises, but I liked spending time with these people again. The Hero is the strong, quiet guy who you already know is going to make everything right as rain in the end. Just the way a good Cowboy should.
Good story, sweet romance, enjoyed the journey.
September 30, 2017
This was a really good book. Great for anytime. Great characters, written well, good personalities, a little suspense, emotions, courage, determination, sweetness, a drop of steaminess, loyalty and a good HEA. Had a slower start that grips you and definitely has you turning pages faster the further in you get. Enjoy
March 8, 2018
Chet
This is not really my genre but I liked this book. The story of Chet riding into the unknown and being astute to know what's going on. I liked Maria she was independent and sassy. I felt bad about everything that was going on because it was so bad but it worked out.
This is not really my genre but I liked this book. The story of Chet riding into the unknown and being astute to know what's going on. I liked Maria she was independent and sassy. I felt bad about everything that was going on because it was so bad but it worked out.
August 21, 2019
It is set in Arizona, but it's pretty obvious that the author doesn't live here. The rains don't usually come until late June, into July. We might wish for rain sooner, but we wouldn't worry until August. Mid June, the temperature spikes from around 100, to 110-120 highs. That only lasts for a couple weeks, but nobody would remark 100, unless it was to say what a mild day it was.
June 13, 2020
This was a great western romance. I really enjoyed the twists and turns about who was trying to ruin the ranch .Maria is so desperate to fill her fathers shoes and run the ranch she doesn't have time for finding love but as in all good romance books love finds her.
February 10, 2017
The cover intrigued me and I wanted to read something new by an author I haven't read before. It was well written and liked the story. The characters are interesting and the story is intriguing.
January 24, 2018
Sometimes I need a western.
This scratched the itch, but meh.
This scratched the itch, but meh.
November 12, 2019
Wonderful story!
I loved the story of Maria, Chet, Cracker and the Clear Springs Ranch family plus hired hands. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
I loved the story of Maria, Chet, Cracker and the Clear Springs Ranch family plus hired hands. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
April 5, 2023
Enjoyed the story line but was very disappointed that there had to be a sex scene. Took away from the whole book and diminished the respect of the characters.
July 29, 2023
Chet is in need of a job and Maria is in need of cowhands. Her father's death 2 months ago has left her in charge of the ranch and she definitely needs help. Good beginning of a series
September 12, 2023
Great start to a series already ordered #2 The lawman.
February 10, 2024
Real female characters in an actual western!
August 15, 2016
Sexual Content: Subtle
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content: Negligible
Violent Content: Minimal
Maria was abandoned, first by her father through death, and then her brother Jess who up and walked out. She was left to run the ranch, take care of her shell of a mother, and her younger brother and sister. Though she loved her family dearly, it was an immense burden, especially since things had been going wrong around the ranch, and the Tipton brothers were throwing their weight around buying up defeated ranchers' land. They were determined to own everything. When the drifter arrives, Maria was torn. He'd quickly proven himself, but she didn't know if she could trust him, and she certainly couldn't afford to pay him.
It's here things go downhill fast and the action begins. Through drought, storms, the grinding toil of life on Clear Springs ranch, Chet and Maria become closer and more resolute than ever to set things to rights on the ranch.
It's been some time since I've read an historical romance, and a western at that. When I do, they are few and far between. To me, they don't have the same qualities or feel to them as in years past and it's been a disappointment. I wanted to read The Drifter but was unsure as to how I would like it.
I loved it and had a hard time putting it down. It was filled with story. The pages weren't filled with sex, they were filled with all of Maria's struggles, heartache, determination, and hopes. They were filled with Chet's sense of honor, his dreams, the desire to help Maria fight for her ranch, even if that meant leaving her as planned no matter the outcome, and his growing respect for the ranch hands. Through all of this, their attraction and admiration grew for each other.
If there were to be anything negative I found, it would be the resolution (I personally wanted) of two things at the end of the book, which I hesitate to mention. I don't do spoilers. Perhaps once you read The Drifter you'll come to the same conclusion I did, that we have to wait until The Lawman is available.
Don't even ask if this is a keeper. You'll surely get a look that translates to "Duh!"
Enjoy,
CONNIE
October 20, 2015
The Drifter is my first book by Anna Schmidt, but I still had high expectations since it is set in one of my favorite backdrops—ranching in the late 1800s. I never tire of the lone wanderer looking for work on a spread who unwittingly, sometimes reluctantly, saves the day—and the ranch—from the greedy clutches of the neighboring landowners. I have an affinity for the earthiness of ranch life as well as the tough strength of the people who thrive on the land.
Schmidt spun a solid tale of the challenges that faced the ranch owners, detailing their problems with cattle rustlers, water rights, sabotage, and even the weather. Moreover, what does a young woman do when her father dies and her mother retreats into denial, her older brother abandons the homestead, her younger siblings need guidance, and she has a ranch to run? She hangs on with sheer determination and thanks her lucky stars the day a whip-yielding, handsome drifter comes looking for work. Yeah, what can I say? I'm sold.
Well, almost...
...since I was left looking for a meatier romance. The setting was perfect for all kinds of heated romantic action. Instead, I hardly saw enough to believe ranch girl and cowboy had the hots for each other let alone fall in love. They were too busy surviving and skirting around their attraction. It perilously leaned towards being a western first, romance second. What a bummer. From a daily living aspect, Schmidt nailed it, but the love department was lacking, relegating a potentially great story into a sweet one, and leaving it oddly unbalanced for this romance reader. Three stars it is, folks.
Schmidt spun a solid tale of the challenges that faced the ranch owners, detailing their problems with cattle rustlers, water rights, sabotage, and even the weather. Moreover, what does a young woman do when her father dies and her mother retreats into denial, her older brother abandons the homestead, her younger siblings need guidance, and she has a ranch to run? She hangs on with sheer determination and thanks her lucky stars the day a whip-yielding, handsome drifter comes looking for work. Yeah, what can I say? I'm sold.
Well, almost...
...since I was left looking for a meatier romance. The setting was perfect for all kinds of heated romantic action. Instead, I hardly saw enough to believe ranch girl and cowboy had the hots for each other let alone fall in love. They were too busy surviving and skirting around their attraction. It perilously leaned towards being a western first, romance second. What a bummer. From a daily living aspect, Schmidt nailed it, but the love department was lacking, relegating a potentially great story into a sweet one, and leaving it oddly unbalanced for this romance reader. Three stars it is, folks.
August 14, 2015
This book was full of exciting adventure, mystery and romance. The author has done a fantastic job of writing an exceptional western novel which I totally enjoyed. You will want to read this because it's really that good!
You meet up with a woman named Maria Porterfield who dresses in jeans and boots and runs a ranch with the help of some funny characters. She is not afraid of working hard to get the respect of her employees. Maria says what she means, but times are tough for this family. There is a big outfit who is buying up other ranches in the area and using any method to get want they want. She has turned done their offer, but someone is making things difficult. Several cattle have been stolen and Maria is fed up with what is happening. She must get to the bottom of this so she can move the cattle to market without going broke.
Then a cowboy drifter arrives on the scene and Maria hires him. His name is Chet. He's on his way to California to rebuild his life, and only wants to work a spell to make some money. He wasn't expecting to be in the middle of a conflict or fall in love with Maria.
Maria who wants to be her own woman, has met the one man who turns her crank! Boy, what a ride. This is absolutely a page turner to find out if Chet will fight for Maria, and get a happy ever after they both deserve.
I really appreciate Net Galley and Sourcebooks for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.
You meet up with a woman named Maria Porterfield who dresses in jeans and boots and runs a ranch with the help of some funny characters. She is not afraid of working hard to get the respect of her employees. Maria says what she means, but times are tough for this family. There is a big outfit who is buying up other ranches in the area and using any method to get want they want. She has turned done their offer, but someone is making things difficult. Several cattle have been stolen and Maria is fed up with what is happening. She must get to the bottom of this so she can move the cattle to market without going broke.
Then a cowboy drifter arrives on the scene and Maria hires him. His name is Chet. He's on his way to California to rebuild his life, and only wants to work a spell to make some money. He wasn't expecting to be in the middle of a conflict or fall in love with Maria.
Maria who wants to be her own woman, has met the one man who turns her crank! Boy, what a ride. This is absolutely a page turner to find out if Chet will fight for Maria, and get a happy ever after they both deserve.
I really appreciate Net Galley and Sourcebooks for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.
August 19, 2015
Caught between a greedy corporation and a desperate love of the land, Maria Porterfield barely has time to mourn her father's death. If her family is to survive, it'll be up to her to take charge-but she can't do it alone. When a mysterious drifter rides into town, the handsome cowboy seems like an answer to her prayers. But Chet isn't interested in settling down, no matter how tempting the offer...
Chet made his way West looking for a fresh start-the last thing he wants is to get involved in someone else's fight. But something about Maria awakens a powerful need to protect the fierce beauty at all costs. He never thought he'd find love, but as danger presses in, he may find there's more beyond the next horizon than just another long and dusty trail.
May Take: Excellent. What I really enjoyed about this book was how strong and determined she was. A woman trying to pick up the pieces that was left after the death of her father and her older brother packed up leaving her to take care of mother, sister and younger brother. Even though the pressure was on by the coming deadline to pay on her loan or leave the ranger. In steps Chet, he was a drifter looking for work. When he comes upon Maria’s ranch and that is when the story starts picking up the pace. Chet and Maria was a great love. This two will have you cheer for them.
Chet made his way West looking for a fresh start-the last thing he wants is to get involved in someone else's fight. But something about Maria awakens a powerful need to protect the fierce beauty at all costs. He never thought he'd find love, but as danger presses in, he may find there's more beyond the next horizon than just another long and dusty trail.
May Take: Excellent. What I really enjoyed about this book was how strong and determined she was. A woman trying to pick up the pieces that was left after the death of her father and her older brother packed up leaving her to take care of mother, sister and younger brother. Even though the pressure was on by the coming deadline to pay on her loan or leave the ranger. In steps Chet, he was a drifter looking for work. When he comes upon Maria’s ranch and that is when the story starts picking up the pace. Chet and Maria was a great love. This two will have you cheer for them.
September 2, 2015
In Last Chance Cowboys the Drifter, the latest release by talented author Anna Schmidt set in the late 1800’s in the Arizona Territory. Maria Porterfield has had to step into her father’s shoes after his recent unexpected death. It is not bad enough that Maria must contend with the narrow minded views of time regarding women in authority, drought conditions and falling beef prices, but she has to fight of a group of brothers that are greedy and want her ranch. Chet Hunter is cowboy who is just trying to find a place to call his own and is a long way from his home in Florida, but when he stops at Clear Springs Ranch and sees Maria for the first time he is willing to stick around and help her with her ranch. Maria and Chet are continuously thrown together by circumstance and the brothers appear to be willing to do anything including even murder. Together they overcome many obstacles including the appearance of a baby and an angry foreman. Anna Schmidt’s gift of storytelling has the ability to mesmerize the reader and transport them back to a place in time where simple survival came was fraught with many challenges. I was given this book to read by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 19, 2015
I enjoyed this story, was a bit long. I liked that the story had a strong female character. Back in that time period, women weren't taken that seriously or were they thought to be that capable. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Anna Schmidt's writing made you feel like you were back in the western frontier. You felt the hardship of the ranchers and their struggles.
Anna Schmidt's writing made you feel like you were back in the western frontier. You felt the hardship of the ranchers and their struggles.
September 1, 2015
This was a great book. There was just enough suspense mixed into a romance that seemed real, to make it well balanced. I love that they didn't just instantly fall in love, that they worked their way up to that point after knowing each other for months, and the fight they had on their hands to save her ranch just brought them closer. Chet was an amazing hero, and Maria was definitely a challenge for him.
June 26, 2015
3.5 stars
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