Rachel Matthews is a gal with guts and spunk and will do anything to save her family's ranch--even if it means working at a job that could label her a "soiled dove". But, she remains undeterred even rafter she is whisked away to the McIntyre ranch.
John McIntyre finds Rachel Matthews to be a determined woman. And John's grandmother Estelle, sees those qualities and a bit more in Rachel too.
Can John and Rachel find a common ground? Will the dreams Rachel have of saving the family ranch come true?
"A Sweet Misfortune" is the second installment in the Virtues and Vices of the Old West series by Maggie Brendan. I have not yet read the first book in the series.
The book starts out moving well out of the gate! The pace is fairly fast, which is good, but I felt that there wasn't a lot of development to the characters. So, I feel that this book was overall a "light read". Nothing wrong with that, but I prefer a little more layers to my characters. That's purely my preference. Ms. Brendan's book was fun to read, so don't get me wrong.
The secondary characters of Estelle and Molly and Annabelle were a good source of dialogue. Of course there was the characters you cringe about in Vera and Beatrice.
The christian theme isn't overly heavy or preachy, but a nice clean romance. The lesson of not judging a book by its cover and perfection are good reminders.
4 out of 5 stars.
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Thursday, March 31, 2016
"On Lone Star Trail" Book Review
Former professional pianist Gillian Hodge comes to Dupree, Texas to get some R&R and to regroup after an accident rendered her right hand too injured for the concert stage. While en route to Rainbow's End resort, Gillian encounters a man and his motorcycle and the emotional wounds that had been healing were reopened.
TJ Benjamin is a man grieving his past and lost in hope for a future. A broken motorcycle land him at Rainbow's End, thanks to an insistent woman.
Gillian and TJ find that they both are searching to gain footing and direction in life and their future. With timing that can be none other than God-directed, Gillian and TJ find themselves in situations that leave them questioning and learning to trust themselves and God. But will a rival for Gillian's affection, unexpected career opportunities, and a wayward teen strengthen Gillian and TJ or weaken their fragile faith?
This is the final book in the Texas Crossroads trilogy by Amanda Cabot. I read the second installment of "In Firefly Valley" previously. "On Lone Star Trail" picks up where "In Firefly Valley" left off. The characters of Kate and Greg are wonderful secondary characters that were introduced previously, as well as The Matchers, Sally, Marisa, Eric, etc. However, more characters are added with the addition of a subplot with the RV residents in Firefly Valley.
The characters of Gillian and TJ are developed. Though different in there psychology, the underlying theme of uncertainty is a common thread for both. How they navigate through the uncertainty is unique and encouraging in both lights.
The subplot of the senior center and the nightly campfires are a good twist. Add to those some teenage angst, meddling friends, love interests and you get a sense of real life struggles--something we can all relate to.
The pace is a little slow and frustrating at times, but to speed Gillian and TJ's story line wouldn't have done them justice in the long run. So, the wait is worth it!
My only real complaint is the same with the last book, and its probably just a matter of writing style. But I don't like the use of the double helping verbs, like "had had". I see it several times throughout the book. Surely, there is a less redundant way to express the thought.
Overall, the book was enjoyable and well-thought out. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
TJ Benjamin is a man grieving his past and lost in hope for a future. A broken motorcycle land him at Rainbow's End, thanks to an insistent woman.
Gillian and TJ find that they both are searching to gain footing and direction in life and their future. With timing that can be none other than God-directed, Gillian and TJ find themselves in situations that leave them questioning and learning to trust themselves and God. But will a rival for Gillian's affection, unexpected career opportunities, and a wayward teen strengthen Gillian and TJ or weaken their fragile faith?
This is the final book in the Texas Crossroads trilogy by Amanda Cabot. I read the second installment of "In Firefly Valley" previously. "On Lone Star Trail" picks up where "In Firefly Valley" left off. The characters of Kate and Greg are wonderful secondary characters that were introduced previously, as well as The Matchers, Sally, Marisa, Eric, etc. However, more characters are added with the addition of a subplot with the RV residents in Firefly Valley.
The characters of Gillian and TJ are developed. Though different in there psychology, the underlying theme of uncertainty is a common thread for both. How they navigate through the uncertainty is unique and encouraging in both lights.
The subplot of the senior center and the nightly campfires are a good twist. Add to those some teenage angst, meddling friends, love interests and you get a sense of real life struggles--something we can all relate to.
The pace is a little slow and frustrating at times, but to speed Gillian and TJ's story line wouldn't have done them justice in the long run. So, the wait is worth it!
My only real complaint is the same with the last book, and its probably just a matter of writing style. But I don't like the use of the double helping verbs, like "had had". I see it several times throughout the book. Surely, there is a less redundant way to express the thought.
Overall, the book was enjoyable and well-thought out. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
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Roscoe
A good walking buddy and awesome frisbee catcher! Life cut short by a brain tumor.
Tuffy
If ever there was a candidate for Dog Heaven, it would be Tuff. Tuff was put to rest December 7, 2012. At almost 14 years old, he threw the longevity curve for dogs of his breed-makeup and size. He battled 2 types of cancer and Cushing's Disease as well as arthritis. Faithful to the end and never grumpy, depite the constant care and nagging from me. Always the protector, gentleman and companion--you will be sorely missed by all who had the opportunity to know you.
Cranky Thomas
Ever wonder why it's called "Life On CT Farm"? The horse you see in the pictures is Cranky Thomas, a registered quarter horse gelding. He was born May 5, 1980 in Galion, Alabama and passed away August 3, 2004 on CT Farm--his farm. He originally belonged to my husband, but I adopted him and I think he adopted me. We competed together in contest classes at local horse shows. But, an old injury finally slowed him down and I retired him in 2000. He was a loving and patient being that I completely trusted and admired. There will never be another like him, never. He meant so much to me that I named our farm after him as well as my company, Cranky T. LLC. He's gone now, but is still with me and now you.
