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Dusty Britches
Angelina Hunter was seriously minded, and it was a good thing. Her father’s ranch needed a woman who could endure the strenuous work of ranch life. Since her mother’s death, Angelina had been that woman. She had no time for frivolity; no time for a less severe side of life. Not when there was so much to be done—hired hands to feed, a widower father to care for and an often ridiculously lighted-hearted younger sister to worry about. No. Angelina Hunter had no time for the things most young women her age enjoyed.
And yet, Angelina had not always been so hardened. There had been a time when she boasted a fun, flirtatious nature even more delightful than her sister Becca’s—a time when her imagination soared with adventurous, romantic dreams. But that all ended years before at the hand of one man. Her heart turned to stone…safely becoming void of any emotion save impatience and indifference.
Until the day her dreams returned, the day the very maker of her broken heart rode back into her life. As the dust settled from the cattle drive which brought him back, would Angelina’s heart be softened? Would she learn to hope again? Would her long-lost dreams become a blessed reality?
And yet, Angelina had not always been so hardened. There had been a time when she boasted a fun, flirtatious nature even more delightful than her sister Becca’s—a time when her imagination soared with adventurous, romantic dreams. But that all ended years before at the hand of one man. Her heart turned to stone…safely becoming void of any emotion save impatience and indifference.
Until the day her dreams returned, the day the very maker of her broken heart rode back into her life. As the dust settled from the cattle drive which brought him back, would Angelina’s heart be softened? Would she learn to hope again? Would her long-lost dreams become a blessed reality?
376 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2001
79 people are currently reading
906 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Lynn McClure
75 books1,365 followersBorn 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!
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!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
February 26, 2024
Okay. I know I should be humiliated to admit that I love a book called Dusty Britches, but it's so good that I don't care if you make fun of me! This might be my favorite of all the "Marcia" books. It is a early west cowboy story. This was one of the last her books that I read, because I had too much pride for the likes of "Dusty Britches", however even though I didn't think it would be the kind of setting I would enjoy, I loved it! The great thing about her stories is that the men are MEN, gentlemanly, protective etc. and the women are capable, yet feminine. I think the time periods of all her books are great because of the social rules. It really adds to the intensity of the story. A small touch of the hand can be just as romantic and thrilling as a kiss! I have to admit that all these books are very lazy reading. The equivalent of watching a movie. They grab your attention in the first few pages. They are so hard to put down because you feel the intensity of the characters. You can't wait to see what is going to happen next time they meet!
January 14, 2016
I recently read an interview Marcia did that sums up why I love her books.
Interviewer:
Your books are known for being old-fashioned romantic instead of being explicit. What kind of response have you seen to taking this approach?
Marcia:
I have seen exactly the kind of response that I hoped for...that I was certain existed; Elation from readers who were looking for just the sort of books I write--incredibly romantic and yet safe! Something to share with your teenage daughter or your mother or your best friends! People (especially women) need moments of escape...distraction that leaves them feeling happy, positive, uplifted. That's what I always look for in reading material...so, that's what I write! It's hard for me to imagine that so few people think a book in this genre can succeed without explicit intimacy content. But it can!
Yep that's why I love her books. They are romantic and safe, free from exlicit content and a great distraction that leaves me feeling positive and uplifted.
Dusty Britches fit this to a "T"!
Interviewer:
Your books are known for being old-fashioned romantic instead of being explicit. What kind of response have you seen to taking this approach?
Marcia:
I have seen exactly the kind of response that I hoped for...that I was certain existed; Elation from readers who were looking for just the sort of books I write--incredibly romantic and yet safe! Something to share with your teenage daughter or your mother or your best friends! People (especially women) need moments of escape...distraction that leaves them feeling happy, positive, uplifted. That's what I always look for in reading material...so, that's what I write! It's hard for me to imagine that so few people think a book in this genre can succeed without explicit intimacy content. But it can!
Yep that's why I love her books. They are romantic and safe, free from exlicit content and a great distraction that leaves me feeling positive and uplifted.
Dusty Britches fit this to a "T"!
March 12, 2022
3.5
There are some scenes in here between Dusty and Ryker I really enjoy, totally swoony. But I didn't love the overall story this time around. Dusty was full of self-doubt and had become totally hardened by losing Ryker when she was 14 and then having an unfaithful fiancé when she was 17. I think her biggest hold up was that worry that Ryker would up and leave again.
I had a harder time relating to Dusty in this one, but I did enjoy the setting and supporting cast. I do like when she finally starts acting more normal and starts playing matchmaker. There are three different romances going on in this one and it was fun to see everyone get their HEA.
I will say, I never read the flashback scenes in this one. I might have the first time I read it, but I'm not a big fan of flashbacks in the first place, but I also think its a little uncomfortable in this case with Dusty being fourteen and Ryder twenty. There are only a handful or so flashbacks, and luckily the majority of the book takes place while they are both adults (she's 19, he's 25).
Overall, there are some fun scenes in this one with a fun western setting!
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: Mild - talk of past attacks, a couple fight scenes - nothing overly graphic
There are some scenes in here between Dusty and Ryker I really enjoy, totally swoony. But I didn't love the overall story this time around. Dusty was full of self-doubt and had become totally hardened by losing Ryker when she was 14 and then having an unfaithful fiancé when she was 17. I think her biggest hold up was that worry that Ryker would up and leave again.
I had a harder time relating to Dusty in this one, but I did enjoy the setting and supporting cast. I do like when she finally starts acting more normal and starts playing matchmaker. There are three different romances going on in this one and it was fun to see everyone get their HEA.
I will say, I never read the flashback scenes in this one. I might have the first time I read it, but I'm not a big fan of flashbacks in the first place, but I also think its a little uncomfortable in this case with Dusty being fourteen and Ryder twenty. There are only a handful or so flashbacks, and luckily the majority of the book takes place while they are both adults (she's 19, he's 25).
Overall, there are some fun scenes in this one with a fun western setting!
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: Mild - talk of past attacks, a couple fight scenes - nothing overly graphic
December 26, 2023
It's that time of year again when I pull out my Marcia McClure books and devour them.
11/14/23
All-time favorite! Was, is, and always will be! it's fun and it's deep and enthralling. I love the fact that once you're at the age of graduation it doesn't matter this book is such proof of it. I just love the love in this book and how it stands the test of time, life, and family.
8/10/22
Just like diving into an old friend. Just as deep, frustrating, and great love stories all soaked into one book.
Fun, anticipating, exciting, and you can just hear the crack of that whip! Love it!
Second time of reading this book! I think I loved it more this time than the first! She is just a finominal writer. She pulled feelings from time, age and loyalty of abounding LOVE. Ryder is so dang sexy, and I love that he only has eyes and heart for Dusty. Same with the other two. No other way to put it. I LOVE IT!
Man, I love this book!!! I love the sound of that whip every time I look at the cover or think of the title. In fact I finished it today and read my favorite line "you make my mouth water and make me thirsty at the same time." Guess what? I AM WEARING MY MARCIA SHIRT WITH THAT SAYING FROM A MEET AND GREET! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!! Someone asked about what it meant today so I told her all about Marcia' s amazing and clean romances. I swear she was drooling and ready to go get one and start reading!
Dusty Britches three love stories in one. Not sure why I love this story but I do. Dusty's heart finally melts and opens. This story is filled with hope and opening up to love. "You make my mouth water adn make me thirsty all at the same time." MY Favorite quote.
11/14/23
All-time favorite! Was, is, and always will be! it's fun and it's deep and enthralling. I love the fact that once you're at the age of graduation it doesn't matter this book is such proof of it. I just love the love in this book and how it stands the test of time, life, and family.
8/10/22
Just like diving into an old friend. Just as deep, frustrating, and great love stories all soaked into one book.
Fun, anticipating, exciting, and you can just hear the crack of that whip! Love it!
Second time of reading this book! I think I loved it more this time than the first! She is just a finominal writer. She pulled feelings from time, age and loyalty of abounding LOVE. Ryder is so dang sexy, and I love that he only has eyes and heart for Dusty. Same with the other two. No other way to put it. I LOVE IT!
Man, I love this book!!! I love the sound of that whip every time I look at the cover or think of the title. In fact I finished it today and read my favorite line "you make my mouth water and make me thirsty at the same time." Guess what? I AM WEARING MY MARCIA SHIRT WITH THAT SAYING FROM A MEET AND GREET! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!! Someone asked about what it meant today so I told her all about Marcia' s amazing and clean romances. I swear she was drooling and ready to go get one and start reading!
Dusty Britches three love stories in one. Not sure why I love this story but I do. Dusty's heart finally melts and opens. This story is filled with hope and opening up to love. "You make my mouth water adn make me thirsty all at the same time." MY Favorite quote.
February 18, 2011
Okay! This ties as my top favorite with The Visions of Ransom Lake!! This was one of the last I picked to read of Marcia's.. something about the title, I didn't think I'd like this book very much, but now that I've read the book, I also like the title, and I LOOOOVVVVVED the story!! Some reviews say they didn't like all the flashbacks or were uncomforatable with how young Dusty was. I have to say the flashbacks were my favorite parts of the whole book. I thought they were neccessary to understand the current feelings and relationship between Dusty and Ryder. Plus, I LOVED their younger years relationship.. I could "FEEL" it almost more than I could feel the interactions they had upon meeting in later years. I found it to be innocent, unconditional puppy love, and when Ryder's feelings went too far (for her age), he did the noble thing and left. In their later years, as the story went along it seemed that Dusty loved HIM, but it seemed that he just "happened" to come back and would inevitably end up falling in love with Dusty now that she was older, and I found that slightly annoying, but now that I've read the whole book and know "all there is to know"... I LOVE THIS STORY SO MUCH, and I think I will enjoy it even more reading it subsequent times!! And that's great when a story pulls you in to love it even more the next time you read it!
(I would love to see Marcia do a version of this book where it takes place mostly in their younger years and expand on that, I NEED more of Dusty and Ryder "the younger years"!!! That is the sweetest, most innocent, unconditional love I've ever read about!)
(I would love to see Marcia do a version of this book where it takes place mostly in their younger years and expand on that, I NEED more of Dusty and Ryder "the younger years"!!! That is the sweetest, most innocent, unconditional love I've ever read about!)
January 14, 2021
This was a traditional western that has plenty of romance. I'll say it again, McClure can turn up the heat just fine with a kiss and a few select words.
The setting is a Texas ranch. I've never been to a Texas ranch, but I didn't have any trouble seeing the place in my mind's eye. There are wonderful supporting characters who get their own story lines, troubles and bright spots of hope.
Dusty was a bit of a challenge for me. She was understandably bitter, and it had a great hold on her. Only Ryder was able to pull her from her wallowing pit. And I do mean, wallowing. It went on for too long, and impacted every facet of her life. Plus, there was a lot of crying, and then some crying, and then a little more crying.
The drama at the end felt contrived, and the book ran a little too long. For all that, I enjoyed the ride because McClure literally is terrific at what she does. I give this 3.5 stars, rounded to 4.
The setting is a Texas ranch. I've never been to a Texas ranch, but I didn't have any trouble seeing the place in my mind's eye. There are wonderful supporting characters who get their own story lines, troubles and bright spots of hope.
Dusty was a bit of a challenge for me. She was understandably bitter, and it had a great hold on her. Only Ryder was able to pull her from her wallowing pit. And I do mean, wallowing. It went on for too long, and impacted every facet of her life. Plus, there was a lot of crying, and then some crying, and then a little more crying.
The drama at the end felt contrived, and the book ran a little too long. For all that, I enjoyed the ride because McClure literally is terrific at what she does. I give this 3.5 stars, rounded to 4.
April 14, 2011
It's been awhile since I've read this book and I was pleasantly reminded of how romantic it is!! Very swoon-worthy!
There are a couple of things that really stood out to me. Angelina, aka Dusty, is a very insecure girl. But who wouldn't be, when the love of her life up and left her and she didn't really understand why? She was too young to completely understand that. And her bitterness was only in place to protect her fragile heart. It was almost like she couldn't believe that someone like Ryder Maddox could actually be in love with someone like her. I could relate and that makes the story very believable for me.
I love how Ryder came back and slowly peeled those layers of bitterness off. He was such a true gentleman and a real cowboy--gentle, yet tough. Such a patient guy, too!
I also loved the other secondary romances that blossomed. Very enjoyable read!
There are a couple of things that really stood out to me. Angelina, aka Dusty, is a very insecure girl. But who wouldn't be, when the love of her life up and left her and she didn't really understand why? She was too young to completely understand that. And her bitterness was only in place to protect her fragile heart. It was almost like she couldn't believe that someone like Ryder Maddox could actually be in love with someone like her. I could relate and that makes the story very believable for me.
I love how Ryder came back and slowly peeled those layers of bitterness off. He was such a true gentleman and a real cowboy--gentle, yet tough. Such a patient guy, too!
I also loved the other secondary romances that blossomed. Very enjoyable read!
May 21, 2015
I've had this one in my TBR stack for longer than I care to remember. For some reason, a rainy day called for an old-fashioned western with the cattle drives, burning bunkhouses, cowboys and ranch owners' daughters, storms and droughts, and, of course, the bad guys.
The best part about this one is that you get three romances and they are all the kind that will leave you smiling ear-to-ear. I thoroughly enjoyed a day on the ranch.
The best part about this one is that you get three romances and they are all the kind that will leave you smiling ear-to-ear. I thoroughly enjoyed a day on the ranch.
November 25, 2025
May 14, 2010 - I loved this book! It is a "romance novel" and to be honest, I usually try and stay away from those. My sister-in-law brought a few books over for me to read and I fell in love with this one. I read it in less than 24 hours. It is a quick, easy read and purely for entertainment. But it was fun and cute. And the kissing is PERFECT! I've since read a few more of her books and have liked all of them. (This one being my favorite so far. I would read it again!) McClure is a "romance" writer but instead of being trashy, her books are clean. Not too clean, though. I mean, there is some serious desire and kissin' going on in her books! :) But remember, it IS a romance novel. Don't read if you're one of those english, scholarly people. You know who you are! :)
April 14, 2015
Aug. 2013: Oh my word... I kinda loved the HEAT in this book. Clean heat, but heat nonetheless. It had me wondering when my husband would be getting home!! haha I was irritated with Dusty at first, but she was just protecting her heart. Ryder...yum.
UPDATE: I had to change it to 5 stars because 1) I started rereading parts out loud to my husband last night, laughing and giddy. 2) I had dreams about it. Maybe I need to get out more... ;)
Dec. 2013: I just read this again and still loved it. Definitely my fave Marcia Lynn McClure book. Oh Ryder....
Oct. 2014... <3 <3 <3
April 2015:... Getting ready to meet Marcia Lynn McClure next weekend!!! Still love me some Ryder Maddox!!
UPDATE: I had to change it to 5 stars because 1) I started rereading parts out loud to my husband last night, laughing and giddy. 2) I had dreams about it. Maybe I need to get out more... ;)
Dec. 2013: I just read this again and still loved it. Definitely my fave Marcia Lynn McClure book. Oh Ryder....
Oct. 2014... <3 <3 <3
April 2015:... Getting ready to meet Marcia Lynn McClure next weekend!!! Still love me some Ryder Maddox!!
July 22, 2009
I really like this author, yet sometimes I wish that the heroines had a little bit more of a back bone. I would love for her to write a story about a strong willed female with a high self esteem. I get a little tired of the females in her books always saying, "How could he like me? He is so handsome so muscular, what would he want with a simple girl like me. bla bla bla"
Having said all this I am still planning on reading more of Marcia's books. My favorite of hers had to be Heavenly Surrender.
Having said all this I am still planning on reading more of Marcia's books. My favorite of hers had to be Heavenly Surrender.
January 19, 2012
I love me a good cowboy romance!!! This one was so fun and I just loved Dusty and Ryder(hott-ie). There story was sweet and they had do much chemistry. I also loved the side love stories. I seriously think there needs to be s support group for this author!
March 2, 2025
Probably 3.5 stars. This book would have been much better if it hadn’t gone on so long. There were a few places that really dragged.
There were times when I got so frustrated with Dusty that I wondered why I was reading it all.
For me it was quite unbelievable that such a strong love could develop in a 14 year old. Her father’s ranch hand leaves out of necessity and it destroys her life?
Definitely not a favorite!
The virtual narration was pretty good for what it is.
There were times when I got so frustrated with Dusty that I wondered why I was reading it all.
For me it was quite unbelievable that such a strong love could develop in a 14 year old. Her father’s ranch hand leaves out of necessity and it destroys her life?
Definitely not a favorite!
The virtual narration was pretty good for what it is.
January 29, 2011
Just finished this one! Sadly my Marcia challenge or as I love to call it my pilgrimage is coming to an end! I am almost through all of her books! Unless you count her ebook which sadly I can't buy at this point in my life being a poor college student! haha as much as I would love to pay 4 dollars I have to think: food and rent or reading? Thank you libraries for being free :) ANYWHO Marcia needs to write faster because I have found myself adoring her books! Dusty Britches was definitely up there on my favorite list and here is why! It wasn't just the challenge of writing one romance oh no in this story there are THREE!!! And due to the time it is written in all of them tiptoe around each other because of society standards while you as the reader just want them to say to heck with society let's just be in love! Also I really related to Dusty and the fact that she was hardened due to heartache. I can really understand that and it does change you sometimes. The protagonist in this story portrays a walled up broken heart beautiful with all of her doubts and fears and slowly learning that the walls need to come down. Unrequited love...sucks so thank you for writing a book on unrequited love that becomes requited (is that even a word) ;)
October 29, 2011
My favorite one of all!!! Love the story, love the characters, and I read it again and again and again! It gets better every time, and so does Marcia Lynn McClure!!! I love you Marcia! :))
I dream of my very own Ryder Maddox someday. He's the famous cowboy that I LOVE!!! I just love how he is so persistent because of his growing love for Dusty.
I also love how their story was not the only one in the book. There were two other love stories that were just so adorable! Marcia captivated her characters so well that I want them to actually be real people! With her books, I can escape from the pressures of real life and be the main character and fall in love again and again. Neither of her books ever get boring for me to read, especially not this one! It is full of passion, anger, hatred, sorrow, humor, and most importantly: LOVE!
I dream of my very own Ryder Maddox someday. He's the famous cowboy that I LOVE!!! I just love how he is so persistent because of his growing love for Dusty.
I also love how their story was not the only one in the book. There were two other love stories that were just so adorable! Marcia captivated her characters so well that I want them to actually be real people! With her books, I can escape from the pressures of real life and be the main character and fall in love again and again. Neither of her books ever get boring for me to read, especially not this one! It is full of passion, anger, hatred, sorrow, humor, and most importantly: LOVE!
August 6, 2012
6/9/13 - Just as great the second time around. Love Ryder, who doesn't love hot, studly cowboys?
8/6/12- I think I like her western books the best. Great stuff! I wanted to shake Dusty and say HELLO, what's wrong with you, but of course it all works out in the end, as it should. Sigh
Moral Note: A handful of language (heck, dang & donkey), passionate kisses, one on a bed, and some innuendos.
8/6/12- I think I like her western books the best. Great stuff! I wanted to shake Dusty and say HELLO, what's wrong with you, but of course it all works out in the end, as it should. Sigh
Moral Note: A handful of language (heck, dang & donkey), passionate kisses, one on a bed, and some innuendos.
November 27, 2010
ILOVED THIS BOOK! It made me laugh so hard, and was so entertaining. I am so glad that Camille Gordon recommended it, and Marcia Lynn McClure, as she is a fun author!!!! Don't judge this one by it's cover, as it's well worth a few hours of yoru time if you want a fun, laughing, reading kind of time.
March 25, 2012
This book is sugary sweet. I'm talking cotton candy sweet. Ice cream with whipped cream, chocolate and butterscotch and caramel syrups drizzled on, and a maraschino cherry on top, make your teeth hurt sweet! It's a cowboy romance at it's best. Definitely looking forward to other books by this author.
July 9, 2013
This was a cute story. I loved the theme of changing ourselves. I loved the love story. The only thing I didn't love was the scene when the hero climbed through the heroine's window and they kiss on the bed. Nothing bad happens, they just kiss, but because of this and the passionate kissing, I would recommend this for older girls and women.
August 26, 2009
Another Marcia Lynn McClure book down and many more to go! She is an amazing writer. I pick up her books and know that I have to have the time to read them from start to finish, because they are "so hard" to put down!
December 18, 2008
Marcia Lynn McClure is the queen of writing clean romance! And this happens to be my favorite one of her books. When I'm in the mood for a good romance, I love to re-read this book!
February 28, 2009
This is one of my favorite "fairy tale" romance authors. This is fun western romance and happy ever after books!
December 21, 2010
Ryder maddox! Need I say more?? This is one of my top favorites! I loved the way this relationship developed! *sigh*
June 28, 2024
An easy 5 stars yet again. It never disappoints!
June 20, 2021
4.5 Romance Stars.
I had a particular penchant for the fun-loving hero (aside from the fact Marcia's characters seem to have obnoxious names - but it's whatevs. I knew that going into it).
There was something extra sweet and saucy and smile-worthy here. The ending was a little out of left-field, but let's be honest - no one is here to evaluate how well the final scene is executed.
---
Author's Note: (which I love to read and add so much more life to Marcia and her stories.)
"So whatever my reasons are for the story of Dusty Britches meaning so much to me (important or not), I hope it brings you joy—smiles, goose bumps, giggles, sighs, tears, and hope!"
You did, Marica, you did.
I had a particular penchant for the fun-loving hero (aside from the fact Marcia's characters seem to have obnoxious names - but it's whatevs. I knew that going into it).
There was something extra sweet and saucy and smile-worthy here. The ending was a little out of left-field, but let's be honest - no one is here to evaluate how well the final scene is executed.
---
Author's Note: (which I love to read and add so much more life to Marcia and her stories.)
"So whatever my reasons are for the story of Dusty Britches meaning so much to me (important or not), I hope it brings you joy—smiles, goose bumps, giggles, sighs, tears, and hope!"
You did, Marica, you did.
June 20, 2025
One of my all time faves and it was just as good as I remembered
December 29, 2023
I liked this book much more then I thought I would. It was surprisingly really funny too. A perfectly cute western, with drama, and a super cute ending.
March 11, 2012
Dusty Britches was a really good book and I enjoyed it a lot. Usually it takes me a while to finish a book but i finished this one in about two or three days. My sister gave me this book to read and i didn't think that it was going to be very good, I was wrong. It took me a while to get into this book; however once I got into it I was hooked. This book is 263 pages long and it was written by Marcia Lynn McClure. Dusty Britches was published in 2003.
Dust is a nineteen year old young women who has had her heart broken twice, once when she was fourteen and the other when she was seventeen. Dusty lives on a farm with her sister, dad, and the cowhands (cowboys) her dad hires. Dusty has decided that she will never love again but that becomes hard for her when her dad comes home from a cattle drive and he brings back the man (Ryder Maddox) that broke her heart the first time. Dusty finds out that Ryder never intentionally meant to hurt her. But Dusty continues to fight the feelings and love that she has for Ryder because she doesn't want to be hurt again. Through the book Dusty and Ryder have their good moments and their moments of disagreement. Slowly Ryder begins to soften Dusty up and she starts to smile and care again.
This book would not be the same if it were set in a different time period. In the book people are getting married even though they are quite a few years apart. If this were to happen now a days people would consider it weird or wrong but I guess it was okay back then. Another thing that wouldn't work is that they have town socials, we don't do much of that now. One of my favorite things about this book is when dusty is day dreaming there are some funny stories. One of the stories is in the beginning on page 28. Dusty is just a little girl and she is having a tea party with her sister by the creek and Dusty falls in the river and gets soaked. Know that its just her and her sister dusty take her dress off so that she only has her underclothes on. When it is finally time to go back to the house Dusty has to take the tea table back while her sister gets the chairs. When she gets back to the house the leg of the table gets stuck on a tree root and she falls down. When she gets up she tries to get the table again and she falls. In the book it says "Of course, her father, Feller Lance and sever hands burst into laughter as Angelina stoop up and dusted the seat of her bloomers, only then realizing that she has forgotten to put her dress back on." It turns out that this is the way she meets Ryder. A theme that this book illustrates is: You shouldn't push people away that you love because you don't know what you're missing.
If I had to recommend this book I would recommend it to girls my age and older who like love stories because this book is a good love story. I am so glad that I read this book because it is now at the top of my list. Plus this book taught me a lesson that is okay to have a bad day but don't let one person ruin the rest of your life.
Dust is a nineteen year old young women who has had her heart broken twice, once when she was fourteen and the other when she was seventeen. Dusty lives on a farm with her sister, dad, and the cowhands (cowboys) her dad hires. Dusty has decided that she will never love again but that becomes hard for her when her dad comes home from a cattle drive and he brings back the man (Ryder Maddox) that broke her heart the first time. Dusty finds out that Ryder never intentionally meant to hurt her. But Dusty continues to fight the feelings and love that she has for Ryder because she doesn't want to be hurt again. Through the book Dusty and Ryder have their good moments and their moments of disagreement. Slowly Ryder begins to soften Dusty up and she starts to smile and care again.
This book would not be the same if it were set in a different time period. In the book people are getting married even though they are quite a few years apart. If this were to happen now a days people would consider it weird or wrong but I guess it was okay back then. Another thing that wouldn't work is that they have town socials, we don't do much of that now. One of my favorite things about this book is when dusty is day dreaming there are some funny stories. One of the stories is in the beginning on page 28. Dusty is just a little girl and she is having a tea party with her sister by the creek and Dusty falls in the river and gets soaked. Know that its just her and her sister dusty take her dress off so that she only has her underclothes on. When it is finally time to go back to the house Dusty has to take the tea table back while her sister gets the chairs. When she gets back to the house the leg of the table gets stuck on a tree root and she falls down. When she gets up she tries to get the table again and she falls. In the book it says "Of course, her father, Feller Lance and sever hands burst into laughter as Angelina stoop up and dusted the seat of her bloomers, only then realizing that she has forgotten to put her dress back on." It turns out that this is the way she meets Ryder. A theme that this book illustrates is: You shouldn't push people away that you love because you don't know what you're missing.
If I had to recommend this book I would recommend it to girls my age and older who like love stories because this book is a good love story. I am so glad that I read this book because it is now at the top of my list. Plus this book taught me a lesson that is okay to have a bad day but don't let one person ruin the rest of your life.
September 28, 2016
So I'll admit I rolled my eyes at the title of this book. M.L.M. has a way of coming up with unusual names for her characters and sometimes cheesy titles but it didn't deter me from delving into the story. This book is about unrequited love and the hope that maybe someday Angelina's dreams will come true. I love the cowboys and the setting on a ranch and the mix of characters that all carry some kind of pain or loss in their lives. Ryder Maddox is of course instantly likeable as the man who stirs things up. McClure's stories may be formulaic in their plots but they obviously work for many readers. She creates male characters who are honorable but not stuffy. They are down-to-earth guys who are human and make mistakes but who always try to do the right thing. I loved the teasing dialogue between Ryder and "Dusty" which had me smiling and even giddy at times.
I keep coming back to her books because they do make me smile and ultimately leave me feeling good. Another reviewer found an interview with Marcia McClure which explains why.
"Interviewer:
Your books are known for being old-fashioned romantic instead of being explicit. What kind of response have you seen to taking this approach?
Marcia:
I have seen exactly the kind of response that I hoped for...that I was certain existed; Elation from readers who were looking for just the sort of books I write--incredibly romantic and yet safe! Something to share with your teenage daughter or your mother or your best friends! People (especially women) need moments of escape...distraction that leaves them feeling happy, positive, uplifted. That's what I always look for in reading material...so, that's what I write! It's hard for me to imagine that so few people think a book in this genre can succeed without explicit intimacy content. But it can!"
So there you have it. You don't have to worry about running into objectionable stuff if you love romance and it leaves you with a happy feeling. What's not to like?
I keep coming back to her books because they do make me smile and ultimately leave me feeling good. Another reviewer found an interview with Marcia McClure which explains why.
"Interviewer:
Your books are known for being old-fashioned romantic instead of being explicit. What kind of response have you seen to taking this approach?
Marcia:
I have seen exactly the kind of response that I hoped for...that I was certain existed; Elation from readers who were looking for just the sort of books I write--incredibly romantic and yet safe! Something to share with your teenage daughter or your mother or your best friends! People (especially women) need moments of escape...distraction that leaves them feeling happy, positive, uplifted. That's what I always look for in reading material...so, that's what I write! It's hard for me to imagine that so few people think a book in this genre can succeed without explicit intimacy content. But it can!"
So there you have it. You don't have to worry about running into objectionable stuff if you love romance and it leaves you with a happy feeling. What's not to like?
June 10, 2010
great fast read about how the heart can be hurt and then turn cold in order to keep it from getting broken again. This is what happened to Angelina, or "Dusty Britches" as she is called by one of the ranch hands,Ryder after falling on her bottom repeatedly when younger and haling in the kid table. When Ryder came to work at Dusty's father's ranch she was 10 years old and Ryder was 16. They formed a close bond of friendship. Ryder usually helping her escape one scape after another, but he formed a deeper emotion for her and ended up leaving 4 years later because it wasn't proper for him to love a fourteen year old. He planned to return when she was more grown up, but other dangers got in the way and nearly took his life all over a misunderstanding with a girl hurt in a stampede. The trouble follows him. He returns back to Dusty, but she has hardened inside toward feelings because not only Ryder broke her heart by leaving, but Cash her fiance betrayed her trust with a hooker. Ryder has to break down the wall she has created around her heart. In the mean time her sister and father find love again if they just have the guts to speak their love before it is too late.
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