I was skeptical of the book because of the title, but it all becomes clear by the end. Such an uplifting, delightful story of adventure and redemptionI was skeptical of the book because of the title, but it all becomes clear by the end. Such an uplifting, delightful story of adventure and redemption. Loved Mrs. Kip--such a character! I highly recommend it!...more
This story is well-written and obviously well-researched. I think of it as an "intellectual novel" of the Old West (not cliched), with the action-packThis story is well-written and obviously well-researched. I think of it as an "intellectual novel" of the Old West (not cliched), with the action-packed gun-fights and conflicts of the era coupled with well-developed, educated and experienced characters. It is spiced with humor, good descriptions of the setting, and a sweet romance with a self-educated woman of science and worldly views. I enjoyed this book and would read the next one in the series....more
A Gem of a Book! This debut novel by gifted writer Linda Fifer grabbed me with its tension from page one all the way through to the end. A kidnapping, A Gem of a Book! This debut novel by gifted writer Linda Fifer grabbed me with its tension from page one all the way through to the end. A kidnapping, murder, and amnesia, this is the story of redemption, of a woman discovering her real self as she heals. Fifer delves deep into the character’s hearts, minds, and soul, and she has a poetic way of description that puts you right in the midst of the landscape, the turmoil, and the rediscovery. I loved this book and recommend it....more
Hannah has heartaches and resentments bottled up toward her grandmother. But when circumstances bring her to the family hoA Sweet Story for Any Season
Hannah has heartaches and resentments bottled up toward her grandmother. But when circumstances bring her to the family home, she discovers treasures, memories, and healing. A heart-warming story of redemption and love....more
In a dizzying exposé of the human spirit, Leta McCurry weaves a riveting tale of a young woman’s descent into darkness. Emotionally gripping and magniIn a dizzying exposé of the human spirit, Leta McCurry weaves a riveting tale of a young woman’s descent into darkness. Emotionally gripping and magnificently crafted, this rich and heart-wrenching novel will keep you on the edge of your seat as you race to its extraordinary conclusion. Leta writes on a par with women's fiction authors such as Lisa Wingate, Anne Tyler, or Karen White. Once you read one of Leta's novels, you'll want to read them all!...more
A great story of a young woman's dreams: how one dream can shatter but another can take its place. A loner who realizes the value of working in uniso A great story of a young woman's dreams: how one dream can shatter but another can take its place. A loner who realizes the value of working in unison for the ultimate goal. An equestrian competitor finds working cattle on the back of a western horse additive, not like riding the show ring trying to look the perfect part. I'm impressed with the successful collaboration of two authors in creating this enjoyable story....more
From what seems the beginning of an idyllic marriage, through heartbreak, betrayal, and trouble, this is a journey of self-discovery, lessons in findiFrom what seems the beginning of an idyllic marriage, through heartbreak, betrayal, and trouble, this is a journey of self-discovery, lessons in finding and learning to "trust God and do the next thing" to recovering the author's "true self." A well-written, from-the-heart memoir that can help others heal. Great examples: "waiting for news: From henceforth, your life will go in a new, wonderful direction. Here's the road map!" And: "Our troubles...like cysts under our skin, poisoning our relationship." This is a story that will grip you from beginning to end....more
The title and cover drew me in, and the story and characters kept me eagerly turning pages. An in-depth character study and how a woman finds love andThe title and cover drew me in, and the story and characters kept me eagerly turning pages. An in-depth character study and how a woman finds love and healing amidst loss and heartbreak. Excellent writing. I very much enjoyed the book....more
My 6th novel, just published! With dreams of raising Thoroughbreds, Samantha Moser leases the Montana ranch that once belonged to her great grandmotherMy 6th novel, just published! With dreams of raising Thoroughbreds, Samantha Moser leases the Montana ranch that once belonged to her great grandmother, a trail-blazing rodeo cowgirl. After back-breaking work to fix up the abandoned, dilapidated ranch and a disastrous blizzard, her fiancé lacks the courage that runs in Samantha’s blood, and he leaves her. Struggling with shattered dreams, a proposed takeover of the land for an exotic animal refuge, and financial difficulties, Samantha must take a job on a dude ranch. In the midst of all the uncertainty, she rediscovers the healing power of horses for children and what life’s purpose is for her. But knowing her purpose might not be enough. Can she help a young girl overcome her insecurities, battle the investment group threatening the land, and trust the man who has a stake in the takeover while he professes his help?...more
A fascinating memoir that reads like a novel, the ups and downs of love and marriage to a diabetic. Helen does a great job of telling her and her husbA fascinating memoir that reads like a novel, the ups and downs of love and marriage to a diabetic. Helen does a great job of telling her and her husband's story. I can recommend this book....more
Another good YA story from Carmen Peone! Readers can identify with Lillian who feels she can't live up to her older sister's accomplishments. She follAnother good YA story from Carmen Peone! Readers can identify with Lillian who feels she can't live up to her older sister's accomplishments. She follows a woman doctor on a journey of self-discovery to carve out a life of her own, and discover God's plan for her. Danger, trials, and doubts lead to growth and maturity as she finds her legacy of hope. ...more
A story of the heart in the down-to-earth setting of the west. A romance, but not a "bodice-ripper," which is refreshing in my opinion. Laura Drake isA story of the heart in the down-to-earth setting of the west. A romance, but not a "bodice-ripper," which is refreshing in my opinion. Laura Drake is a skilled writer and her characters are well-drawn. I identified with them right away, ready to cheer them on. I enjoyed the story very much....more
The author has created wonderful characters in a story of pain and loss and overcoming. Eden is a delight, a wild child, irreverent, tells it like it The author has created wonderful characters in a story of pain and loss and overcoming. Eden is a delight, a wild child, irreverent, tells it like it is. I felt Rowen's burdens of responsibility, feeling trapped under the weight of his world. A good story of the heart that kept me turning pages. I recommend it!...more
This is a delightful sequel to Miss Royal's Mules, a story of how a strong, independent young woman prevails over adversity and helps her family and nThis is a delightful sequel to Miss Royal's Mules, a story of how a strong, independent young woman prevails over adversity and helps her family and neighbors. It has tension and conflict: rustling, an ornery neighbor who is as prickly as a basket of knitting needles; Love, as Jocelyn and her husband yearn for a child and struggle to make a go on their Kansas ranch. A very entertaining book!...more
A Fast-Paced Ride! This was a very enjoyable read. Fast-paced, well-developed characters, lots of conflict--inner and outer--and a great romance. The A Fast-Paced Ride! This was a very enjoyable read. Fast-paced, well-developed characters, lots of conflict--inner and outer--and a great romance. The language bothered me a little bit, but was able to read past it and enjoy the story. A good book! I'll read more of Linda's work!...more
I loved this book, could hardly put it down. Jackson does a wonderful job of characterization and I felt like they were my friends and I wanted them tI loved this book, could hardly put it down. Jackson does a wonderful job of characterization and I felt like they were my friends and I wanted them to persevere, overcome, and succeed. An excellent story, very well-written. The author is deserving of his awards! ...more
An extraordinary book! The story simply grabbed hold of me on the first page and led me into the arsenic & sulfur-laden air of Butte MT in the early 1An extraordinary book! The story simply grabbed hold of me on the first page and led me into the arsenic & sulfur-laden air of Butte MT in the early 1900s. A time when women without the support of a man were often forced to become prostitutes to survive, and men labored in unsafe conditions in the mines, dying in explosions, collapses or of lung "consumption." The characters were so well-crafted, they came alive for me, and showed the strength, determination, and courage it took to overcome hardship. I didn't want the book to end!...more
This is a true, heart-wrenching, yet hopeful and uplifting story of the author's mother. A little girl's faith keeps her going after she's wrenched frThis is a true, heart-wrenching, yet hopeful and uplifting story of the author's mother. A little girl's faith keeps her going after she's wrenched from her family and put in a Yugoslavian labor camp. She endures starvation, freezing cold, fleas and lice and of course fear and loneliness. This is a wonderful example of courage to endure and survive. A good history lesson too. I recommend this book to both young and old readers....more
This is a story of courage, independence, and stick-to-itiveness. In the early 1900s, Jocelyn Royal is faced with an ugly choice. When her father diesThis is a story of courage, independence, and stick-to-itiveness. In the early 1900s, Jocelyn Royal is faced with an ugly choice. When her father dies and the family farm is lost, her choice is to become a saloon girl or "soiled dove" or tackle a job only acceptable to men--driving and caring for a herd of mules. Jocelyn shows strength and courage throughout her journey, but remains humble. "I'm an ordinary woman, doing what I have to do, is all." I enjoyed this book and recommend it!...more
This is a fun, yet sometimes hairy/scary adventure as two teenage girls hitchhike across the country. They leave home to escape an arranged marriage sThis is a fun, yet sometimes hairy/scary adventure as two teenage girls hitchhike across the country. They leave home to escape an arranged marriage situation and head for Hollywood, seeking fame and fortune. Staying one step ahead of those hunting for them, they experience both the good and the ugly side of people they meet. Good conflict, sympathetic character, and a good story. I enjoyed the book very much, especially knowing it was based on a real person....more
This is one of those unexpected treasure discoveries. The author tells a great story, making you care and become involved with the unique and eccentriThis is one of those unexpected treasure discoveries. The author tells a great story, making you care and become involved with the unique and eccentric characters. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down, and I'm eager to read another book by James Markert....more
I very much enjoyed this book, which took a turn in a direction I was not expecting when I started reading. Mexican women who try to find a better lifI very much enjoyed this book, which took a turn in a direction I was not expecting when I started reading. Mexican women who try to find a better life in the United States find there is a price to pay. Relationships are intertwined with a big secret, and things are not what they seem. Well written and nicely developed characters kept me engaged and holding my breath from start to finish. ...more
Fascinating, Awe-inspiring Western Women's Stories
A great collection of interviews by the author. Women tell their experiences with ranch life and whFascinating, Awe-inspiring Western Women's Stories
A great collection of interviews by the author. Women tell their experiences with ranch life and why the love of the land and animals is in their blood. From cowhands to horse-shoers to beautiful rescue stories, these will captivate and inspire you! ...more
A beautiful book, from the lovely cover through the end of this story of love and vengeance. Swans are Lilly's soul mates, her father is her role modeA beautiful book, from the lovely cover through the end of this story of love and vengeance. Swans are Lilly's soul mates, her father is her role model, and the magical age of 11 is shattered by death and loss. But she grows in strength and determination as she seeks to bring the killer to justice. Marsenich paints lyrical, poetic word pictures, delving deep into the heart. With Montana as my "home" state, I enjoyed this book very much....more
I loved this book. What a great story, weaving the past with the present, and Ms. Dobson did an artful job of that. I was hooked from the beginning anI loved this book. What a great story, weaving the past with the present, and Ms. Dobson did an artful job of that. I was hooked from the beginning and didn't want to put it down! I will be looking for more of her books....more
Queen of the Hollyhocks is a satisfying story of the strength of a western woman who bloomed wherever she was planted. Hollyhocks are strong, enduringQueen of the Hollyhocks is a satisfying story of the strength of a western woman who bloomed wherever she was planted. Hollyhocks are strong, enduring flowers that seem to defy drought and tough conditions to provide color and beauty in a stark landscape. Like her beloved plants, Holly survived frontier adversity—from the time she was born in a covered wagon to becoming a nurse on a reservation, through loss of children to founding a nursing care facility—and she always carried a few hollyhock seeds with her. Year after year, she watered her garden and walked through the blossoms of spring as she enjoyed the plantings of her lifetime. ...more