Born for Thorton's Sake

by Marcia Lynn McClure

He was the only man she had ever dreamed of belonging to...the only man she had ever wanted.

Maria Castillo Holt...the only daughter of a valiant Lord and his Spanish beauty. Following the tragic deaths of her parents, Maria would find herself spirited away by conniving kindred in an endurance of neglect and misery.

However, rescued at the age of thirteen by Brockton Thorton, the son of her father's devoted friend, Lord Richard Thorton, Maria would at last find blessed reprieve. Further, the heir to Lord Thorton's title, Brockton Thorton became from that day forth, ever the absolute center of Maria's very existence. And as the day of her sixteenth birthday dawned, Maria's dreams of owning her heart's desire, seemed to become a blissful reality.

Yet a fiendish plotting intruded, and Maria's hopes of realizing her dreams come true were locked away within dark, impenetrable walls. Would Maria's dreams of life with the handsome and coveted Brockton Thorton die at the hands of a demon strength?

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

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

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really Loved this book, I am constantly drawn back to it over and over I have read it 4 times and I know I will read it yet again. Maria and Brock are just wonderful I so enjoyed their story. I love how Marcia writes all her stories they are just great what a talent! I Love them all!

Just read this again! I love it! some people have comfort food, I think this is my comfort book!
Just finished it again and still love it! Aaaaaahhhhhh!
The seventh time around is even better than the last! I love this story, so endearing:)

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a freebie from the kindle store. This is a short story, approximately 192 pages long. A historical romance involving an orphaned girl, Maria. Her father's good friend, Lord Thorton rescues Maria from cruel relatives. Thorton 's son Brock and his mother raise Maria after Lord Thorton 's death. When Maria approaches her sixteenth birthday, she is confronted with her true feelings for Brock Thorton. Their romance is made difficult by terms in Lord Thorton 's will.
Marcia Lynn Mcclure is dubbed the queen of kissing. They aren't kidding. In this story anything beyond that might have seemed inappropriate. Sixteen year old girls back then were often married, but still putting a girl that young in a sexual situation wouldn't seem right.
This book does have some strong innuendo though. However, for someone my age, it seemed a little too YA. Reading about sixteen to eighteen year old girl's romance isn't really up my ally. But, the story is sweet and has a bit of danger and bravery thrown in. A nice story both. mothers and their teenage daughters could share. Maybe a little too short for significant character development, but overall a B.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I ended up liking this one more than I thought I would. I've put off reading it because I had read other reviews where they said the main characters had a huge age difference. It's actually only six years, which really isn't that big IMO. But, their relationship is kind of spread out over their lives, so at one point she is 16 and he is 22... So that part was a little creepy. But, once she's 18 and he's 24 it didn't seem so bad.

Anyway, the story itself was just okay. Kinda a little unusual. They spend a chunk of the book apart and there are long gaps between seeing each other. There were some sweet moments and things I liked, but the story needed to be flushed out a little more. I did enjoy it, but it's not my favorite McClure book.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Maria and Brockton Thornton have had a strong connection since their first meeting when she was still a very young child. It was a pretty cute meeting!

They have many years to wait and several obstacles that must be overcome before they can have any chance of a happily ever after ending.

Will they be able to thwart would be suitors and adoring females and dangerous relatives? How long will Maria hold onto her love for Brock? Or will he tire of her and all the trouble she causes?

I can see how some readers have a hard time with the age difference between these two characters, especially since it is written as if Brock is quite a bit more mature than his actual age and Maria is sometimes written to seem younger than she is. But if you realize they are only 6 years apart and the time period they are set in, it's actually more believable. At that time girls would have their debut season and oftentimes marry someone who could easily be 10+ years older than them, all in the name of titles and money and society standing.

This was a fun, even if it wasn't 100% believable, story. I'm reading my way through this author's books, this one was good but not my favorite so far.

Content: lots of kissing (Marcia is after all called the Queen of Kissing). Some very mild innuendoes. An attack and mild fighting. Not squeaky clean but still I'd consider it a clean read.

I snagged a free copy from Amazon.

Happy Reading!!!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/30/13 - Gave it another star on the re-read. Who cares if it is short, it is still excellent.

8/25/12 - 4 Star
Ok, this was entirely too short. While I totally enjoyed it and thought it was great, it seemed so rushed and not developed enough. I needed another 100 pages. The age difference was kind of odd as they were growing up, but not that bad. I am 4 yrs younger than my honey, but I met him at 18...

Wish there would have been more, but it was very good.

Moral Note: Passionate kissing, clean language.

[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!

8/16/22
Still so good! A sweet, quick read for the end of summer. A love sustained by time and distance even with an evil entity. A sweet joy of love embodied.

Other years
It's so good. I was on the edge of my seat reading this thinking the hero in this one didn't want or like the heroine. I was intense reading this book. It was also a sweet and an endearing love story.

Man, it's been a while since I read this book. It was like reading it for the first time. She was betrothed to Lord Thornton since birth. He knew it but she did not. A romance insues.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! This light, incredibly romantic read was just what I was in the mood for!
I will definitely be reading this again (many times probably!) and more from this author.
My only complaint - it ended too soon!!

*Spoilers* It combined so many things I love - characters knowing from childhood that they love each other but not revealing it till the time was right, the slight age gap - him being older and having to be patient, how open and affectionate they were with each other (none of the prolonged dissembling that can be frustrating in romantic books!), the first kiss experience, how they got together quite early on in the book - we didn't have to wait till the end, how honourable he was in protecting her (even from himself), oh, the list goes on!

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

Maria is rescued by a cruel aunt and uncle by a dashing gentleman, Mr. Brockton Thorton when she was just 13 years old and falls in love with the much older guy. She discovers, on her 16th birthday that she is betrothed.

I love that fact that Maria is so secure and grounded. She does show some typical insecurities until she realizes the big picture and then she's very secure. I also love that she's a great beauty, but doesn't realize it.

Brockton is such a man! Tough, compassionate, passionate, protective.

I loved the story of when the two met when they were younger. I have boys (8 and 12) and can just picture their reaction to a little 3 year old girl. :)

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd seriously be engrossed reading a shopping list by Marcia and I'd do it with a smile on my face! A totally delightful read. Started and finished in one afternoon- I mean how could you put one of her books down? I loved Brockton. Loved, loved, loved him. He is playful, teasing, tender and serious all in the same breath. Did I mention the kissing scenes yet?!?!? Absolutely my kind of clean, lusty romance:)

[Elizabeth Glaittli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of my favorite books of Marica Lynn McClure's that I have read so far. It's short so i read it in a few hours but it was really good. I loved it because it was like they were in love the whole time and it wasn't like they were in love but were afraid to tell each other like some of her other books. But soo good I loved it!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was easy reading and I felt satisfied when I was finished. Of course I want to read more of her books but I am content...for at least a few days. Doesn't just hearing the name "Brockton" make you giddy??

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book for a one sitting read. It's fairly short and full of everything typically found in a Marcia Lynn McClure book. Recommended to anyone who like clean romance with nothing more than some passionate kissing.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

another good one!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Yes it is a pretty simple romance, but I liked the mystery side to this novel.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book even more the second time through. I love the characters...the time setting...the relationships...the story. I always close McClure books with a smile on my face.

[Tori (Book Chick) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a was quick read. I loved the story, but wish there had been more. It was more like a summary... But a sweet, hot summary!! haha

[Bryanna Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and told throughout the years, which is one of my favorites.

[Lindap · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.50 / 4 Stars

MC’s: Maria & Brock

This was a decent story. Predictable, a little YA-ish, but sweet. Based in the UK and

Maria’s parents die and she’s sent to an orphanage, only to be removed by an aunt and uncle who treated her like a servant. After some time Brock Thorton and his father rescue her from them. The Thortons were suppose to be the ones to care for Maria if her parents died, and it took them years to find her. She ends up the ward of the family.

Maria is 13 y/o when she's rescued and by 16 she knows where her heart lies. Only the man is 6 years older than she is....so the waiting game begins. Understanding that in our current day-and-age being 16 and falling for a 22 y/o isn't the societal norm, however this story is in a different era. Women were married off young and many times to much older men. It was a way of life back then.

[Mary Ann Bulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been years and years since I read this one. I kind of forgot about it, but I'm glad I found it again because i loved it!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm so thankful that Ms. McClure is always clean in her romances... but still sigh worthy.

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick light read, wasn’t my favorite of hers but cute story. The age difference in the story wasn’t too weird for me

[Alysia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcia is my go-to author. I know I can get a good read from her. This was no exception. I love how the heroes come out in the story.

[Mary Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book I ever read of Her’s and I loved it right off, Read it in a couple hours, sucked me right in!!!!

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fan. Too dramatic. DNF.

[Alexis Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one! Regency romance. Very MLM writing style but this one did have a different plot than what I’m used to from her which was great! Quick easy read!

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice sweet and fluffy love story. Very clean, with an actual plot, so most readers will be able to enjoy this.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased Born for Thorton's Sake on the recommendation of the author, Marcia Lynn McClure since it was being listed for .99 cents on Amazon kindle.

Born for Thorton's Sake is the second book by author Marcia Lynn McClure that I've read. This is another read worthy of five stars!

Marcia Lynn McClure is one of the most talented writers that I've come across. I've read many historical romances, and she is by far one of the best.

Born for Thorton's Sake was a very quick read for me; I simply couldn't put it down. I quickly fell in love with both Brock and Maria, and the premise for the book.

This is a love story, pure and simple. Be prepared to smile in happiness and experience butterfly flutters in your tummy.

I highly recommend this book!!!

[Annalisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a MLM short story that can easily be read in a few hours. I loved how it sort of jumped right into the romance and had the couple working together to overcome trials rather than each battling their own pushing their love apart. I always enjoy a good period piece and this one did not disappoint. I read it twice because it was a refreshing light short read.

Amazon Product Description
HE WAS THE ONLY MAN SHE HAD EVER DREAMED OF BELONGING TO. THE ONLY MAN SHE HAD EVER WANTED. Maria Castillo Holt.the only daughter of a valiant Lord and his Spanish beauty. Following the tragic deaths of her parents, Maria would find herself spirited away by conniving kindred in an endurance of neglect and misery. However, rescued at the age of thirteen by Brockton Thorton, the son of her father's devoted friend, Lord Richard Thorton, Maria would at last find blessed reprieve. Further, the heir to Lord Thorton's title, Brockton Thorton became from that day forth, ever the absolute center of Maria's very existence. And as the day of her sixteenth birthday dawned, Maria's dreams of owning her heart's desire, seemed to become a blissful reality. Yet a fiendish plotting intruded, and Maria's hopes of realizing her dreams come true were locked away within dark, impenetrable walls. Would Maria's dreams of life with the handsome and coveted Brockton Thorton die at the hands of a demon strength?

[Cortney · Rating 5 out of 5]

HE WAS THE ONLY MAN SHE HAD EVER DREAMED OF BELONGING TO. THE ONLY MAN SHE HAD EVER WANTED. Maria Castillo Holt, the only daughter of a valiant Lord and his Spanish beauty. Following the tragic deaths of her parents, Maria would find herself spirited away by conniving kindred in an endurance of neglect and misery. However, rescued at the age of thirteen by Brockton Thorton, the son of her father's devoted friend, Lord Richard Thorton, Maria would at last find blessed reprieve. Further, the heir to Lord Thorton's title, Brockton Thorton became from that day forth, ever the absolute center of Maria's very existence. And as the day of her sixteenth birthday dawned, Maria's dreams of owning her heart's desire, seemed to become a blissful reality. Yet a fiendish plotting intruded, and Maria's hopes of realizing her dreams come true were locked away within dark, impenetrable walls. Would Maria's dreams of life with the handsome and coveted Brockton Thorton die at the hands of a demon strength?




I highly recommend this author to everyone. This was a very sweet historical romance that unfolds in front of the reader to reveal a heart warming and unforgettable HEA Story.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

as always, I really liked this authors writing. A fast, clean read. Maria is an orphan at age 11 years old and isn't found by the Thorton family, who her father has given guardianship too until she is 13years old. Brock thornton is 6 years older, but they were promised to each other when they were quite young. They aren't to marry until Maria's 18th birthday. She is told of the arranged marriage on her 16th birthday and must wait without the desired presence of Brock for a year because of their mutual attration for each other and propriety sake with living under the same roof. Both are very self conscienious. Brock because he is older and thinks this distasteful to Maria. Maria because she thinks she is thought too young and not as beautiful as Brock would desire.
On her 16th bday she becomes aquanted with Harrison, Brock older, disinherited brother. He has none of his brother's admirable qualities and has tried to kill off his brother repeatedly to get back his birthright by default.
In one of Harrison's attempts, Brock is unable to be found, but fate steps in and bring Maria's love back to her through the help of "old Mother."