What do you think?
Rate this book
Coulters Historical #4
Lucky Penny
In this stirring novel of the Old West from New York Times bestselling author Catherine Anderson, a desperate woman's impulsive ruse brings a rough-looking stranger into her life...
To support her orphaned niece, impoverished Brianna O'Keefe accepts work with a Colorado rancher. To guard herself from the unwanted attention, she resorts to a harmless little lie: that she's married to a Denver gold miner named David Paxton. When her boss forces her to write her "husband," hoping he'll take Brianna off his hands, she can only pray that there is no real David Paxton who can expose her.
When Colorado marshal David Paxton gets a letter from a stranger claiming to be his wife and pleading with him to come for her and his daughter, he dutifully sets out to find this woman and the child he may have sired. What stuns Brianna is the David is convinced the young girl is, in fact, his. As David and Brianna's wary attraction blossoms into deeper desire, David warms to the idea of a ready-made family. But can his dream survive Brianna's lingering distrust—and his own secrets?
To support her orphaned niece, impoverished Brianna O'Keefe accepts work with a Colorado rancher. To guard herself from the unwanted attention, she resorts to a harmless little lie: that she's married to a Denver gold miner named David Paxton. When her boss forces her to write her "husband," hoping he'll take Brianna off his hands, she can only pray that there is no real David Paxton who can expose her.
When Colorado marshal David Paxton gets a letter from a stranger claiming to be his wife and pleading with him to come for her and his daughter, he dutifully sets out to find this woman and the child he may have sired. What stuns Brianna is the David is convinced the young girl is, in fact, his. As David and Brianna's wary attraction blossoms into deeper desire, David warms to the idea of a ready-made family. But can his dream survive Brianna's lingering distrust—and his own secrets?
413 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
197 people are currently reading
1489 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Anderson
102 books2,959 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
(1)romance author:
Adeline Catherine was born and raised in Grants Pass, Oregon, USA. She always yearned to be a writer like her mother. The morning that one of her professors asked if she could use samples of Catherine’s creative writing on an overhead projector to teach was a dream come true. In 1988, she sold her first book to Harlequin Intrigue and went on to write three more before she tried her hand at a single-title historical romance. Nine books later, she did her first single-title contemporary.
Catherine married Sidney D. Anderson, an industrial electrician and entrepreneur. They had two sons, Sidney D. Jr. and John G. In 2001 she and her husband purchased a central Oregon home located on a ridge with incredible mountain views and surrounded by forestland honeycombed with trails. It was her dream home, a wonderland in the winter and beyond beautiful in the summer. She named it Cinnamon Ridge after the huge ponderosa pines on the property, which sport bark the color of cinnamon.
Sadly, Catherine lost her husband to a long-term illness in 2014. She has kept Cinnamon Ridge as her primary residence but divides her time between there and her son John's farm, where she has the support of her loved ones and can enjoy his horses, cows, and raise her own chickens.
Catherine loves animals and birds, both wild and domestic. She presently has two Australian shepherds, six cats, and a very old canary. She is very family oriented as well. Her older son has lived in Japan, Australia, and now resides in New Zealand. Catherine and her stateside family will celebrate Christmas on the north island with Sidney, his wife Mary, and their two sons, Liam and Jonas.
(1)romance author:
Adeline Catherine was born and raised in Grants Pass, Oregon, USA. She always yearned to be a writer like her mother. The morning that one of her professors asked if she could use samples of Catherine’s creative writing on an overhead projector to teach was a dream come true. In 1988, she sold her first book to Harlequin Intrigue and went on to write three more before she tried her hand at a single-title historical romance. Nine books later, she did her first single-title contemporary.
Catherine married Sidney D. Anderson, an industrial electrician and entrepreneur. They had two sons, Sidney D. Jr. and John G. In 2001 she and her husband purchased a central Oregon home located on a ridge with incredible mountain views and surrounded by forestland honeycombed with trails. It was her dream home, a wonderland in the winter and beyond beautiful in the summer. She named it Cinnamon Ridge after the huge ponderosa pines on the property, which sport bark the color of cinnamon.
Sadly, Catherine lost her husband to a long-term illness in 2014. She has kept Cinnamon Ridge as her primary residence but divides her time between there and her son John's farm, where she has the support of her loved ones and can enjoy his horses, cows, and raise her own chickens.
Catherine loves animals and birds, both wild and domestic. She presently has two Australian shepherds, six cats, and a very old canary. She is very family oriented as well. Her older son has lived in Japan, Australia, and now resides in New Zealand. Catherine and her stateside family will celebrate Christmas on the north island with Sidney, his wife Mary, and their two sons, Liam and Jonas.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
March 26, 2016
5+ SHAMROCK STARS
Don't judge me, lol!
This book was so sweet, so cute, so heartwarming. Notice that I added "so" in front of all the adjectives. Because if you're looking for a heartwarming love story, this is it with side a of absolutely adorable.
This story consumed me, I normally give stories like this wide berth because heartwarming romance isn't really my thing. But I do have a weakness for secret babies, or a couple brought together by a child. I went in completely blind with this one, all I new was that the heroine had a child and a pretend husband who wasn't so pretend after all.
Brianna and her daughter Daphne have hit an all time low. After being let go from her previous live in job, Brianna has been forced to do all manner of hard labour for menial wage just so that she can feed her daughter. Most days she doesn't have enough food for the both of them just Daphne and on the days where they have absolutely no food she'd had to dig in the garbage. She's been sending letters to her fictitious husband for the past few years, all this so that she and her daughter could live a respectable and safe life but she also did it so that Daphne would never feel unloved by the father she never knew.
When David, a Marshall in a town called No Name receives a bag of letters sent by a wife and daughter he has no recollection of, his plans to marry the town school teacher are put on hold. At first he feels sad for the little girl who only wants a new dress and a visit from her Papa, he sends money knowing that he has never married and he mostly definitely does not have a daughter. But a niggling doubt forces him to take the trip to visit his supposed family
I meant for this to be a short review so I'll be brief. Yes this was a romance but it was also a love story because I loved the relationship that David and Daphne had. It was so adorable, Sam the freaking dog was so sweet and the bloody horses too! Uuurgh this book was a decadent slice of chocolate mousse cake in my opinion. David was so protective of Daphne and Brianna. He's the sweetest and most endearing alpha male I have ever read! Brianna was probably the most obstinate and frigid heroine I've ever read but I still loved her!
Yes it was predictable at times and sugary sweet throughout but I couldn't help but be pulled in by the characters. It's just one of those awesomely told stories that might not be anything new but great writing and amazing characters sold this one for me.
November 28, 2020
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was cute. I enjoyed it for what it was but I think in the end I wanted just a little more romance and not so much of the h pushing away. I think that feeling also stemmed from the brief feeling HEA. I really enjoyed the H and the H’s relationship with the girl and how they fell in love instantly. That alone made it an enjoyable read.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Brianna and David’s story. Brianna is struggling to care for her late sister’s daughter and doing anything she can to survive, including making up a fake husband David Paxton. David is shocked to receive years worth of letters from Brianna indicating that he has a wife and daughter and decides that he has to make sure that it isn’t true. They bump heads right away, but David can’t deny the striking resemblance the girl has to his mother. They end up forced into a marriage and Brianna has to return to No Name, Colorado with David. There is a lot of pushing away, some sweet moments, and a few sexy scenes...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Brianna and David in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end where I was left wanting more (what else is new, right? 🙄), but I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No, more like hate to love.
H (Hero) rating: 4.5 stars. David. I really liked him! He was patient, loving, and loyal — and oh so sweet with the daughter!
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Brianna. I liked her but her pushing away got really old.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed a few tears but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Mild. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but only a little and not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ended on a good note with what I would call a HEA ending , but I of course wanted more. I would’ve liked to experience more of them being that ‘real family’!
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This was cute. I enjoyed it for what it was but I think in the end I wanted just a little more romance and not so much of the h pushing away. I think that feeling also stemmed from the brief feeling HEA. I really enjoyed the H and the H’s relationship with the girl and how they fell in love instantly. That alone made it an enjoyable read.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Brianna and David’s story. Brianna is struggling to care for her late sister’s daughter and doing anything she can to survive, including making up a fake husband David Paxton. David is shocked to receive years worth of letters from Brianna indicating that he has a wife and daughter and decides that he has to make sure that it isn’t true. They bump heads right away, but David can’t deny the striking resemblance the girl has to his mother. They end up forced into a marriage and Brianna has to return to No Name, Colorado with David. There is a lot of pushing away, some sweet moments, and a few sexy scenes...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Brianna and David in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end where I was left wanting more (what else is new, right? 🙄), but I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No, more like hate to love.
H (Hero) rating: 4.5 stars. David. I really liked him! He was patient, loving, and loyal — and oh so sweet with the daughter!
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Brianna. I liked her but her pushing away got really old.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed a few tears but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Mild. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but only a little and not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ended on a good note with what I would call a HEA ending , but I of course wanted more. I would’ve liked to experience more of them being that ‘real family’!
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
January 29, 2012
Typically beautiful storytelling by Catherine Anderson, with some nice background details and featuring a wonderful father/young daughter relationship that warmed my heart. Not much in the romance department (things didn't get going in that respect until late in the book, which was a bit of a disappointment) but the storytelling almost made up for that.
This is 30 year-old rancher/US marshal David Paxton's (half brother of Ace Keegan -- Keegan's Lady; brother of Joseph Paxton--Summer Breeze; brother of Eden--Early Dawn) story, and when I think of David, the first word that pops into my head is honorable. Yes, he's handsome, sexy, generous, extremely patient, but above all that he's just a good, honorable man. He finds out quite by accident that he may have a 6 year-old daughter (and a wife!), the result of a possible drunken one night stand (that he can't remember) and sets out to find the daughter (and her mother) who live in poverty in a neighboring Colorado town. The woman (26-year-old Brianna) is keeping some big secrets, but insists to David that he is not her husband or little Daphne's father. But how can that be, when sweet little blonde Daphne bears such a striking resemblance to the Paxton clan, right down to her identical birthmark? Surely Brianna is lying...
David Paxton...
What I loved most in this story was the relationship between David and Daphne. They first met when they both went after a penny in the street (which turned out to be their "lucky" penny) and nearly bumped heads. David was just wonderful with Daphne, and it didn't take her long to fall for her "papa'. Now Brianna...she was another story. She had to be one of the most stubborn, suspicious (and sometimes paranoid) of all Catherine Anderson's heroines. Yes, because of her past she had her reasons, but jeez, after a while I just wanted her to give David the benefit of the doubt already. I don't want to say anything more because that would be a spoiler, but it took her late, late into the book to realize what kind of a man that David truly was.
David and Brianna...
If you're looking for romance, you have to stay patient. Brianna doesn't realize what's standing right in front of her until it practically smacks her in the face, and by then you only have 100 pages for David and Brianna to do something about it! Yes, they try to make up for lost time...but I kept thinking how much better the book could've been if there had been some sexual tension brewing ( on both their parts) from the get go...
If you're a fan of CA, you know she likes to make references to God and Catholicism--which she does in this book too. Nothing too heavy (just some background details), but it's there. Not the focus of the story by any means though.
To sum up, not the best CA story I've ever read, but definitely one that held my interest. The romance was a little tepid (PG in nature), but CA's writing skills and all the little details helped move the story along. David as a hero was simply outstanding, Daphne was precocious without being obnoxious, and Brianna was a sympathetic heroine once she let herself relax. If this story packed a little more heat, it would've earned another 1/2 star. But waiting until page 360 for more than just a kiss...? 4 stars
This is 30 year-old rancher/US marshal David Paxton's (half brother of Ace Keegan -- Keegan's Lady; brother of Joseph Paxton--Summer Breeze; brother of Eden--Early Dawn) story, and when I think of David, the first word that pops into my head is honorable. Yes, he's handsome, sexy, generous, extremely patient, but above all that he's just a good, honorable man. He finds out quite by accident that he may have a 6 year-old daughter (and a wife!), the result of a possible drunken one night stand (that he can't remember) and sets out to find the daughter (and her mother) who live in poverty in a neighboring Colorado town. The woman (26-year-old Brianna) is keeping some big secrets, but insists to David that he is not her husband or little Daphne's father. But how can that be, when sweet little blonde Daphne bears such a striking resemblance to the Paxton clan, right down to her identical birthmark? Surely Brianna is lying...
David Paxton...
What I loved most in this story was the relationship between David and Daphne. They first met when they both went after a penny in the street (which turned out to be their "lucky" penny) and nearly bumped heads. David was just wonderful with Daphne, and it didn't take her long to fall for her "papa'. Now Brianna...she was another story. She had to be one of the most stubborn, suspicious (and sometimes paranoid) of all Catherine Anderson's heroines. Yes, because of her past she had her reasons, but jeez, after a while I just wanted her to give David the benefit of the doubt already. I don't want to say anything more because that would be a spoiler, but it took her late, late into the book to realize what kind of a man that David truly was.
David and Brianna...
If you're looking for romance, you have to stay patient. Brianna doesn't realize what's standing right in front of her until it practically smacks her in the face, and by then you only have 100 pages for David and Brianna to do something about it! Yes, they try to make up for lost time...but I kept thinking how much better the book could've been if there had been some sexual tension brewing ( on both their parts) from the get go...
If you're a fan of CA, you know she likes to make references to God and Catholicism--which she does in this book too. Nothing too heavy (just some background details), but it's there. Not the focus of the story by any means though.
To sum up, not the best CA story I've ever read, but definitely one that held my interest. The romance was a little tepid (PG in nature), but CA's writing skills and all the little details helped move the story along. David as a hero was simply outstanding, Daphne was precocious without being obnoxious, and Brianna was a sympathetic heroine once she let herself relax. If this story packed a little more heat, it would've earned another 1/2 star. But waiting until page 360 for more than just a kiss...? 4 stars
October 21, 2014
I have not found a CA book that I haven't loved, this one was right up there. Her romance books never disappoint when you are in the need for some sweet romance and happiness.
The only part that I didn't like was the Hazel got off way to easy. The witch really need to be punched or worse for what she did. I can't believe she would hit a dog and what she did to Daphne was awful.
The only part that I didn't like was the Hazel got off way to easy. The witch really need to be punched or worse for what she did. I can't believe she would hit a dog and what she did to Daphne was awful.
August 6, 2017
Tidak mudah bagi Brianna utk membesarkan Daphne dlm kondisi kemiskinan yg terus mendera hidupnya. Hingga hadirlah David Paxton dlm hidup mereka, bencana yg tidak diharapkan Brianna. Brianna takut David adalah seorang bandit yg akan menjual putrinya. Paranoid Brianna berhasil dituntaskan setelah David membunuh tiga bandit yg mengincar Brianna dan Daphne. Tetapi ketegangan Brianna belum pupus juga, kekhawatirannya makin menjadi-jadi seandainya David mengetahui hal sebenarnya bhw Daphne bukan anak kandungnya.
Saya sangat menyukai novel ini terutama karena karakter hero dan heroine-nya sangat kuat, saling sinergi pada saat menghadapi permasalahan, dan plot twist-nya juga bagus apalagi pada perubahan sikap Brianna yg menerima eksistensi David dlm hidupnya secara perlahan namun pasti. Narasi angst Brianna walau seringkali repetitif dr sebelumnya, mendeskripsikan pergolakan batin Brianna secara tepat dan logis. Karakter Brianna adalah sosok tangguh dan pantang menyerah walaupun banyak rintangan yg menghadang sepanjang hidupnya, dari nasib buruk yg menimpa saudara kembarnya hingga para pria predator yg selalu siap memangsanya jika dia lengah dlm sekejap. Brianna memang termasuk wanita angkuh tapi dia melakukannya demi melindungi dirinya dan Daphne.
Biasanya saya tidak suka tipikal hero beta penyabar seperti David Paxton. Lagi-lagi author menjungkirbalikkan penilaian saya kali ini. David bukan saja super sabar, tapi juga penuh pengertian, pemahaman dan sensitivitas David terhadap penderitaan hidup Brianna patut diacungkan jempol keatas. Dan sifat bijaksananya yg tidak terburu-buru dan tetap berkepala dingin menghadapi kekakuan dan kekeraskepalaan Brianna harus menjadi contoh dan teladan pria sejati.
Dari novel ini banyak pesan moral yg disampaikan. Pertama, Tuhan bekerja dengan cara yg tidak sesuai dgn rencana kita, tetapi hasilnya selalu indah pada saatnya utk kita nikmati. Kedua, ketulusan (budi baik), ketekunan (kerja keras), kesetiaan yg terukir dalam karakter kita akan mendapatkan balasan yg setimpal juga. Ketiga, kepercayaan dibangun dan dibuktikan dgn tindakan. Saya rasa akan sulit Brianna menurunkan benteng pertahanan dirinya jika David ternyata berjiwa NATO (No Action, Talk Only), kan?
Saya sangat menyukai novel ini terutama karena karakter hero dan heroine-nya sangat kuat, saling sinergi pada saat menghadapi permasalahan, dan plot twist-nya juga bagus apalagi pada perubahan sikap Brianna yg menerima eksistensi David dlm hidupnya secara perlahan namun pasti. Narasi angst Brianna walau seringkali repetitif dr sebelumnya, mendeskripsikan pergolakan batin Brianna secara tepat dan logis. Karakter Brianna adalah sosok tangguh dan pantang menyerah walaupun banyak rintangan yg menghadang sepanjang hidupnya, dari nasib buruk yg menimpa saudara kembarnya hingga para pria predator yg selalu siap memangsanya jika dia lengah dlm sekejap. Brianna memang termasuk wanita angkuh tapi dia melakukannya demi melindungi dirinya dan Daphne.
Biasanya saya tidak suka tipikal hero beta penyabar seperti David Paxton. Lagi-lagi author menjungkirbalikkan penilaian saya kali ini. David bukan saja super sabar, tapi juga penuh pengertian, pemahaman dan sensitivitas David terhadap penderitaan hidup Brianna patut diacungkan jempol keatas. Dan sifat bijaksananya yg tidak terburu-buru dan tetap berkepala dingin menghadapi kekakuan dan kekeraskepalaan Brianna harus menjadi contoh dan teladan pria sejati.
Dari novel ini banyak pesan moral yg disampaikan. Pertama, Tuhan bekerja dengan cara yg tidak sesuai dgn rencana kita, tetapi hasilnya selalu indah pada saatnya utk kita nikmati. Kedua, ketulusan (budi baik), ketekunan (kerja keras), kesetiaan yg terukir dalam karakter kita akan mendapatkan balasan yg setimpal juga. Ketiga, kepercayaan dibangun dan dibuktikan dgn tindakan. Saya rasa akan sulit Brianna menurunkan benteng pertahanan dirinya jika David ternyata berjiwa NATO (No Action, Talk Only), kan?
October 20, 2012
Yeah, I gave this one star. Probably gonna get some very odd looks for this, given the rave reviews I've read so far. I wanted to like this one, I really did, but the annoying behavior of the leads ruined any love I may have had for any part of this book.
Brianna redefines prissy. Everything David does is somehow dirty or offensive and I quickly grew tired of her correcting his language and yelling at Daphne that she wasn't allowed to spend time with the man. Of course, David himself was no prize pig. I wanted to punch him in the face when he mocked Brianna and continually accused her of lying when she told him the painful backstory behind Daphne's birth. For a guy who acts like he knows people so well you'd think he'd realize she wouldn't make up such a story, especially if he could tell it was VERY painful for her to share it! Not to mention the way he kept going "Haha, the law's on my side, if you keep saying otherwise I'll take your kid away!". (Then again, the scene in court with the drunk judge threatening to put Brianna in jail if she didn't marry the guy was made of fail as it is)
His POV made me feel sorry for Brianna, and vice versa. I'm a fan of Slap Slap Kiss romances, but this was beyond annoying. The only character I didn't constantly want to slap was Daphne, and even she could get tiresome with her cutesy antics.
Then somewhere around the last third of the story, it starts sucking less. Or at least the leads stop acting like first-class twats. And there are kittens. And finally, finally David starts to realize that Brianna is telling the truth, I did like the scene where he discusses the situation with Ace. And at least he still acknowledges Brianna as Daphne's mother even if she didn't give birth to her.
Then there's the romance. Now that David and Brianna aren't constantly sniping at each other, they're pining and wangsting over their UST and of course Brianna has Trust Issues With Men, and then when David discovers the truth about Daphne's parentage Brianna tries to leave simply because David has no reason to be with her anymore. Because it just wouldn't be a Catherine Anderson book without the woman running away. But I've got to admit it's a pretty sweet scene when they finally confess their love for each other, and the love scene is pretty nice once Brianna finally loosens up. Between that and the Final Giant Trauma we have a nice lull in the eyerolling, the calm before the storm.
But of course that happiness must be ruined, and of course the Evil Other Woman must humiliate Brianna because she was soooo clever by finding out the truth via SNEAKING INTO DAVID'S OFFICE AND TAKING THE DAMN REPORT. Brianna, though, wins a bit of respect from me by sticking it to the bitch and slamming a pie right in her face rather than collapsing in a melodramatic weeping fit or running away in tears. Instead the running-away-in-tears job goes to Daphne, and even I'm not so cynical enough to roll my eyes at that. She's just a kid and she had to hear the ugly truth of her origins from a screaming harpy. That's just not right.
Of course Daphne flips out and hates David AND Brianna for lying to her, but they manage to smooth things over and all is right with the world! In the epilogue we find out exactly how Daphne resembles Dory Paxton, and the explanation is contrived and convoluted at best but at this point I'd stopped expecting much from this book.
I won't comment on Poor Brianna's Endless Suffering because really, what else is there to say? She's an Anderson heroine, of course she's going to suffer endlessly before her One True Love swoops in and rescues her. But Brianna does have more salt than the typical Anderson heroine and once she shows it WITHOUT throwing endless tantrums I kind of like her.
The sad thing is, I had high hopes for this book after peeking at the last few chapters. I thought Brianna would join Laura and Loni on my list of Anderson heroines I genuinely liked. The love scene brought some new things to the table (the lady taking initiative and pleasuring the man). The story description didn't seem too bad. But alas, it wasn't to be. Disappointment is a big factor in my giving this one such a low rating.
Brianna redefines prissy. Everything David does is somehow dirty or offensive and I quickly grew tired of her correcting his language and yelling at Daphne that she wasn't allowed to spend time with the man. Of course, David himself was no prize pig. I wanted to punch him in the face when he mocked Brianna and continually accused her of lying when she told him the painful backstory behind Daphne's birth. For a guy who acts like he knows people so well you'd think he'd realize she wouldn't make up such a story, especially if he could tell it was VERY painful for her to share it! Not to mention the way he kept going "Haha, the law's on my side, if you keep saying otherwise I'll take your kid away!". (Then again, the scene in court with the drunk judge threatening to put Brianna in jail if she didn't marry the guy was made of fail as it is)
His POV made me feel sorry for Brianna, and vice versa. I'm a fan of Slap Slap Kiss romances, but this was beyond annoying. The only character I didn't constantly want to slap was Daphne, and even she could get tiresome with her cutesy antics.
Then somewhere around the last third of the story, it starts sucking less. Or at least the leads stop acting like first-class twats. And there are kittens. And finally, finally David starts to realize that Brianna is telling the truth, I did like the scene where he discusses the situation with Ace. And at least he still acknowledges Brianna as Daphne's mother even if she didn't give birth to her.
Then there's the romance. Now that David and Brianna aren't constantly sniping at each other, they're pining and wangsting over their UST and of course Brianna has Trust Issues With Men, and then when David discovers the truth about Daphne's parentage Brianna tries to leave simply because David has no reason to be with her anymore. Because it just wouldn't be a Catherine Anderson book without the woman running away. But I've got to admit it's a pretty sweet scene when they finally confess their love for each other, and the love scene is pretty nice once Brianna finally loosens up. Between that and the Final Giant Trauma we have a nice lull in the eyerolling, the calm before the storm.
But of course that happiness must be ruined, and of course the Evil Other Woman must humiliate Brianna because she was soooo clever by finding out the truth via SNEAKING INTO DAVID'S OFFICE AND TAKING THE DAMN REPORT. Brianna, though, wins a bit of respect from me by sticking it to the bitch and slamming a pie right in her face rather than collapsing in a melodramatic weeping fit or running away in tears. Instead the running-away-in-tears job goes to Daphne, and even I'm not so cynical enough to roll my eyes at that. She's just a kid and she had to hear the ugly truth of her origins from a screaming harpy. That's just not right.
Of course Daphne flips out and hates David AND Brianna for lying to her, but they manage to smooth things over and all is right with the world! In the epilogue we find out exactly how Daphne resembles Dory Paxton, and the explanation is contrived and convoluted at best but at this point I'd stopped expecting much from this book.
I won't comment on Poor Brianna's Endless Suffering because really, what else is there to say? She's an Anderson heroine, of course she's going to suffer endlessly before her One True Love swoops in and rescues her. But Brianna does have more salt than the typical Anderson heroine and once she shows it WITHOUT throwing endless tantrums I kind of like her.
The sad thing is, I had high hopes for this book after peeking at the last few chapters. I thought Brianna would join Laura and Loni on my list of Anderson heroines I genuinely liked. The love scene brought some new things to the table (the lady taking initiative and pleasuring the man). The story description didn't seem too bad. But alas, it wasn't to be. Disappointment is a big factor in my giving this one such a low rating.
March 18, 2012
I think I may officially be done with Catherine Anderson. Nothing about this book overly caught my interest, although it was not technically a "bad" book. I was hugely disappointed in the romance - basically not even a kiss for over 300 pages! I felt like I was just plodding through, and actually ended up skimming quite a bit.
August 1, 2012
Solid historical read. Appealing hero and heroine. Different historical period than we normally have the chance to read about. The author took a familiar type plot and made some unfamiliar choices having to do with the heroine's honesty. I enjoyed it.
April 22, 2015
'Lucky Penny' is really more about family than it is about the hero, David Paxon and the heroine, Brianna O'Keefe falling in love, though that is a part of the story.
Ultimately 'Lucky Penny' is about finding a place to belong,regardless of blood ties and loving people for what they are inside rather than outward appearance or where they come from.
All in all, It was an incredibly sweet book. It's an easy read that gives you the warm and fuzzies by the time you finish it. Definitely worth a read if what you want is a story about family with an interesting plot.
One problem though, I found Catherine Anderson was often just repeating herself when it came to the backstory of Brianna. The reader's know what happened in her past and honestly I don't think i needed to read that part more than once but meh,if it helps the book go to the length she felt it should be
then okay. But it just ended up annoying me and making me skim read.
If you want an honorable hero who wouldn't dream of hurting a woman than David Paxon is the hero for you, but besides his being handsome-He looks an awful lot like Brad Pitt in 'Legands Of The Fall'-and good man, it doesn't seem David does very much. Besides from loving his family, being adorbs as hell and being an all round good guy, He doesn't do much. I still like him though so that's okay.
David Paxon
David's relationship with Daphne is also one of the best things about the book-The title 'Lucky Penny' is really derived from their relationship. They both find a lucky penny at the same time, almost bump heads and David realizes when he sees her for the first time that she has to be his daughter. The resemblance to him and his mother is striking. Even when he finally realizes that Daphne, in fact, isn't his, he still loves her and wants to keep her as his daughter no matter what.
Brianna is a more fleshed out character, who is quite tortured and seems rather stiff when we first meet her-don't worry you'll find that out when you read it because you get to read about her past more than once.
Brianna's been through a lot and blames herself a lot too. She puts her needs after her niece, Daphne's. Caring more about the child than she does for herself or anyone really. But eventually after we learn all about her past etc, Brianna starts loosing up a bit and just starts being herself which I really wanted for her more than anything. David is really the only person who has seen right through her and seen her for what she is: a feisty, hot tempered Irish woman.
Another thing I love about this book is David's nickname for Brianna-Shamrock. ADORABLE. When ever he says it I just melt.
Ultimately 'Lucky Penny' is about finding a place to belong,regardless of blood ties and loving people for what they are inside rather than outward appearance or where they come from.
All in all, It was an incredibly sweet book. It's an easy read that gives you the warm and fuzzies by the time you finish it. Definitely worth a read if what you want is a story about family with an interesting plot.
One problem though, I found Catherine Anderson was often just repeating herself when it came to the backstory of Brianna. The reader's know what happened in her past and honestly I don't think i needed to read that part more than once but meh,if it helps the book go to the length she felt it should be
then okay. But it just ended up annoying me and making me skim read.
If you want an honorable hero who wouldn't dream of hurting a woman than David Paxon is the hero for you, but besides his being handsome-He looks an awful lot like Brad Pitt in 'Legands Of The Fall'-and good man, it doesn't seem David does very much. Besides from loving his family, being adorbs as hell and being an all round good guy, He doesn't do much. I still like him though so that's okay.
David Paxon
David's relationship with Daphne is also one of the best things about the book-The title 'Lucky Penny' is really derived from their relationship. They both find a lucky penny at the same time, almost bump heads and David realizes when he sees her for the first time that she has to be his daughter. The resemblance to him and his mother is striking. Even when he finally realizes that Daphne, in fact, isn't his, he still loves her and wants to keep her as his daughter no matter what.
Brianna is a more fleshed out character, who is quite tortured and seems rather stiff when we first meet her-don't worry you'll find that out when you read it because you get to read about her past more than once.
Brianna's been through a lot and blames herself a lot too. She puts her needs after her niece, Daphne's. Caring more about the child than she does for herself or anyone really. But eventually after we learn all about her past etc, Brianna starts loosing up a bit and just starts being herself which I really wanted for her more than anything. David is really the only person who has seen right through her and seen her for what she is: a feisty, hot tempered Irish woman.
Another thing I love about this book is David's nickname for Brianna-Shamrock. ADORABLE. When ever he says it I just melt.
April 25, 2013
So. Disappointed.
First, I knew going in that I was getting a Catherine Anderson book, but it was historical, so I thought that a) maybe it was written before she lost her ability to write or b) maybe it would be better because it wasn't about her beloved Coulters. I'd read the blurb on Amazon, and decided to try it... and when I got home with the book, y'know what it said on the bottom? "A Coulter Historical Novel." Oh, gag and truss me right now.
The thing about the Coulters that you have to know is that they're myriads of men who are all the exact same personality and dialogue. Every. Single. Book. It doesn't matter WHAT storyline she comes up with, the heroes are good ol' boys with a heart of gold, a stubborn streak, a bad boy charm and a penchant for swearing. Every. Single. Coulter. And each book has at least six of them in it - the Coulter clan (whether called the Paxton branch or the MacKendrick branch or WHAT the heck ever)... you get six guys, all identical, not a shred of imagination from the writer.
In this version of the Coulter Crap, David Paxton (sheriff of No Name, Colorado) gets a bag full of letters that make NO dadgum sense at all. Some woman has written hundreds of letters to him, all the same (like Anderson's characters), all saying "Please come and get us." WHY did the heroine send the letters? Because her boss made her. WHY did he make her? Nobody has a clue, and it's really contrived and stOOpid. I was hoping the letter angle would be done well, with insight as to her character that would speak to him. Apparently not.
So David goes to her town to get to the bottom of things, spies her little girl, and decides it's his daughter and he must've had a drunken fling with this woman, based on a BIRTHMARK - which is THE dumbest literary ploy, ever. Birthmarks are NOT so heredity that everyone in a family has the exact same shaped one in the exact same spot. This book is like being stabbed to death with a plastic knife. David won't buy Brianna's story that she'd made up a fake husband to write to, and hauls her before a drunk judge and has a mock wedding (wouldn't hold water, ANYWHERE), then hauls her off to No Name. The whole journey is painful to the Nth, with Brianna fighting him (and hurting herself) the whole way. Ever poke at a wound? That's what this book is.
David finally realizes that it's NOT his kid, and by then he's head over heels with Brianna (why, we don't know - she hates him, acts like a nun, and is as obnoxious as a sprained ankle the ENTIRE book)... long, blah-blah make-up scene leading to happy, happy ending. R'something. Honestly, it was all so contrived, even withOUT the Coulter BS to pixx me off. I will further and henceforth completely AVOID *anything* with Catherine's name on it.
First, I knew going in that I was getting a Catherine Anderson book, but it was historical, so I thought that a) maybe it was written before she lost her ability to write or b) maybe it would be better because it wasn't about her beloved Coulters. I'd read the blurb on Amazon, and decided to try it... and when I got home with the book, y'know what it said on the bottom? "A Coulter Historical Novel." Oh, gag and truss me right now.
The thing about the Coulters that you have to know is that they're myriads of men who are all the exact same personality and dialogue. Every. Single. Book. It doesn't matter WHAT storyline she comes up with, the heroes are good ol' boys with a heart of gold, a stubborn streak, a bad boy charm and a penchant for swearing. Every. Single. Coulter. And each book has at least six of them in it - the Coulter clan (whether called the Paxton branch or the MacKendrick branch or WHAT the heck ever)... you get six guys, all identical, not a shred of imagination from the writer.
In this version of the Coulter Crap, David Paxton (sheriff of No Name, Colorado) gets a bag full of letters that make NO dadgum sense at all. Some woman has written hundreds of letters to him, all the same (like Anderson's characters), all saying "Please come and get us." WHY did the heroine send the letters? Because her boss made her. WHY did he make her? Nobody has a clue, and it's really contrived and stOOpid. I was hoping the letter angle would be done well, with insight as to her character that would speak to him. Apparently not.
So David goes to her town to get to the bottom of things, spies her little girl, and decides it's his daughter and he must've had a drunken fling with this woman, based on a BIRTHMARK - which is THE dumbest literary ploy, ever. Birthmarks are NOT so heredity that everyone in a family has the exact same shaped one in the exact same spot. This book is like being stabbed to death with a plastic knife. David won't buy Brianna's story that she'd made up a fake husband to write to, and hauls her before a drunk judge and has a mock wedding (wouldn't hold water, ANYWHERE), then hauls her off to No Name. The whole journey is painful to the Nth, with Brianna fighting him (and hurting herself) the whole way. Ever poke at a wound? That's what this book is.
David finally realizes that it's NOT his kid, and by then he's head over heels with Brianna (why, we don't know - she hates him, acts like a nun, and is as obnoxious as a sprained ankle the ENTIRE book)... long, blah-blah make-up scene leading to happy, happy ending. R'something. Honestly, it was all so contrived, even withOUT the Coulter BS to pixx me off. I will further and henceforth completely AVOID *anything* with Catherine's name on it.
March 10, 2012
So Catherine Anderson is one of two authors I will buy off the shelf (the other is Julia Quinn), with not looking at the reviews or synopsis or anything because hello, it's Catherine Anderson. I was pretty excited when I find out last year that her latest novel was going to be David's story, since Keegan's Lady and Summer's Breeze are untold favorites of mine and I love taking a step back in time to see the Coulter/Keegan family in the 1800's. That said, this book is probably my least favorite of the bunch. It just took a long time for the story to pick up and a even LONGER time for me to warm up to Brianna and I dunno. If you are a fan of CA, I say read it. If you are a first time reader of her, I say try something else first before picking up this. Bottom line is this is good, but in my view, not one of her best.
September 11, 2014
This is a good old fashion, feel good romance. I loved David and his silly antics and dirty mouth. I thought he was perfect for Brianna who broke my heart with her story. She was a hard core heroine and I was so happy with her HEA. Daphne and the Keegan/Paxton family were great. I'm off to find their stories and I can't wait!
I highly recommend this story, it has heart, romance, emotion and so many laughs!
I highly recommend this story, it has heart, romance, emotion and so many laughs!
February 16, 2012
In Catherine Anderson’s new historical romance, Lucky Penny, we have a sweet and moving marriage-of-convenience with two unlikely people coming together under unusual circumstances and finding love. Ms. Anderson keeps the old west alive with the continuation of her Coulter/Keegan/Paxton family saga, this time with the story of David Paxton and Brianna O’Keefe. Both David and Brianna are exciting characters, and although they are as opposite as fire and ice, they slowly find their way to each other in this romantic tale.
With a strong focus on family, Ms. Anderson is a wonderful story teller taking time and attention to develop both characters and story line. With each new development you learn to love the characters that much more. Brianna and David's journey to love takes a while but it is well worth the wait. Their gradual learning of one another and the unhurried measure of their romance allows us to get to know the characters and their motivations. David’s relationship with both Brianna and his daughter Daphne is joyous to watch and the gradual melding of this family of three is enchanting. Although this book definitely stands alone, after reading Keegan's Lady, Summer Breeze and Early Dawn it was a delight to return to this wonderful family in the latest release Lucky Penny.
Full review posted on the H2H blog at B&N.com http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t...
With a strong focus on family, Ms. Anderson is a wonderful story teller taking time and attention to develop both characters and story line. With each new development you learn to love the characters that much more. Brianna and David's journey to love takes a while but it is well worth the wait. Their gradual learning of one another and the unhurried measure of their romance allows us to get to know the characters and their motivations. David’s relationship with both Brianna and his daughter Daphne is joyous to watch and the gradual melding of this family of three is enchanting. Although this book definitely stands alone, after reading Keegan's Lady, Summer Breeze and Early Dawn it was a delight to return to this wonderful family in the latest release Lucky Penny.
Full review posted on the H2H blog at B&N.com http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t...
June 22, 2015
Old timey Western.
Irish convent-bred orphan is raising her twin's daughter, moves west and pretends to be a widow. Her boss makes her write letters to pretend husband who is panning for gold in Denver. Letters reach marshal who owns the name of fantasy spouse. He thinks he may have fathered kid while drunk before he took up the straight and narrow. She's uppity and Eastern, he' a cleaned-up saddle-bum with trash mouth. You know where it's going. Ending is a little far-fetched (there's a question through much of the book about whether he is the dad, because kid is spitting image of his mom).
Irish convent-bred orphan is raising her twin's daughter, moves west and pretends to be a widow. Her boss makes her write letters to pretend husband who is panning for gold in Denver. Letters reach marshal who owns the name of fantasy spouse. He thinks he may have fathered kid while drunk before he took up the straight and narrow. She's uppity and Eastern, he' a cleaned-up saddle-bum with trash mouth. You know where it's going. Ending is a little far-fetched (there's a question through much of the book about whether he is the dad, because kid is spitting image of his mom).
June 21, 2012
The fifth book in the Keegan-Paxton series. Catherine Anderson takes us back to the old west with this one. It wasn't a bad read and quite good in comparison to many westerns I've read but not quite up to the enjoyment level I normally expect from her. I loved David Paxton but I was less thrilled with Brianna. While I understood her motives I just thought honesty would have served her better from the start. The story ran a bit slow for me at times.
July 18, 2022
You gotta suspend your disbelief, which is a huge undertaking for this one. I liked how this was a slow burn romance; however, I would have loved it more if they had more tension between them. It’s a clean romance, too clean for my taste.
January 4, 2025
2.5/5 stars
April 8, 2020
I did love the idea of the story. It was unique and interesting. I kept stealing time to read this book because it was hard to put it down. I was curious to know what was inside the next pages. But for the last chapters, they were scenes that made me cringe and at the same time also dramatic. It was a very enjoyable read at first but it went downhill afterwards, I was kind of disappointed.
July 26, 2021
Random pick up for a vacation read. Been awhile since I read a cheesy romance book. Followed the typical pattern - protagonists don’t get along and spend a lot of time arguing and misunderstanding each other but the sexual tension is always there. Lol. This one set in the Wild Wild West so also cue up rampant sexism.
April 21, 2022
I had high hopes for this one.
Loved the storyline, the plot and everything.
BUT!!! I couldn't stand the heroine.
I get it she's scared but when she tried to run away - and had intention to run away again - I decided then and there, she's not worth it. She couldn't keep her words.
This was an unfinished read.
Loved the storyline, the plot and everything.
BUT!!! I couldn't stand the heroine.
I get it she's scared but when she tried to run away - and had intention to run away again - I decided then and there, she's not worth it. She couldn't keep her words.
This was an unfinished read.
November 17, 2024
This might be one of my favorite Anderson books. It was such a sweet story and I just loved the way the relationship between all the characters evolved.
March 17, 2019
Loooooooved reading this book. Such sweet story. David is the best after Ace (of course) and Brianna is wonderful. But the little girl, Daphne stole my heart at first. The bond between David and the girl is the sweetest and cutest ever. Catherine Anderson became one of my favorites authors.
December 1, 2012
Reviewed for www.bookchickcity.com
It’s no secret that I’m quite an Anderson fan. LUCKY PENNY is her latest historical novel that weaves the tale of the Coulter family. In general, I think her contemporary books are better, but I can never resist picking up a new release of hers.
The story is of single mother Brianna, who is raising her orphaned sister’s daughter as her own in difficult times. In order to give herself a cover story and measure of respectability, she fabricates a fake husband – David Paxton – whom she writes fake letters to in order to appease her employer.
Of course, we all know in a romance things are never that easy, and the letters find themselves in the hands of the real David Paxton. A man who is astonished to discover he has a wife and child. Being a marshal and a decent man, he sets out to find the woman and child and if the child is his, determines to do the decent thing.
This isn’t a light and fully romance, Anderson’s books rarely are. But she has a very readable, rich writing style. However, what makes me love her stories so much is her depth and insight into human emotions.
Brianna’s plight as a single mother in times where women were expected to be married, respectable wives is well written and clearly depicted. It was easy to grasp her poverty and sense of desperation. A mother who has to raid garbage bins for food for her child really is desperate and it was painful as a reader to witness.
Enter David on his white horse, he didn’t have a suit of armour, but he does have a Stetson and a gun. What more could you ask for? A part of the story I did struggle with is how David believes so strongly that Daphne is his daughter that he doesn’t listen to Brianna’s story of her parentage for a long time, and it made me what to hit over the head with the aforementioned Stetson. That aside he is the perfect, gentlemanly hero. I loved his sweet, caring nature, his generosity and his sense of responsibility and family.
The romance between David and Brianna is a real slow grower, it’s not really until the last third of the book that we begin to see any *ahem* ‘action’, so if you’re a lover of spice and sizzle this probably isn’t for you. Me, I rather love a good slow builder, so I sat back in my comfy chair and just enjoyed the ride.
The story takes a few unexpected turns, but overall it’s a steady Cinderella story, of love conquers and redeems all. Oh, plus, there is a very cute dog! Every book needs a cute dog in my opinion!
VERDICT:
I stand by my earlier statement, I still prefer Anderson’s contemporaries, but she is an author who sits firmly on my auto-buy list. She has written better, but this is a rich historical romance with depth, emotion, love and compassion. Every single mum and little girl deserves a hero like David.
RATING: 4/5
It’s no secret that I’m quite an Anderson fan. LUCKY PENNY is her latest historical novel that weaves the tale of the Coulter family. In general, I think her contemporary books are better, but I can never resist picking up a new release of hers.
The story is of single mother Brianna, who is raising her orphaned sister’s daughter as her own in difficult times. In order to give herself a cover story and measure of respectability, she fabricates a fake husband – David Paxton – whom she writes fake letters to in order to appease her employer.
Of course, we all know in a romance things are never that easy, and the letters find themselves in the hands of the real David Paxton. A man who is astonished to discover he has a wife and child. Being a marshal and a decent man, he sets out to find the woman and child and if the child is his, determines to do the decent thing.
This isn’t a light and fully romance, Anderson’s books rarely are. But she has a very readable, rich writing style. However, what makes me love her stories so much is her depth and insight into human emotions.
Brianna’s plight as a single mother in times where women were expected to be married, respectable wives is well written and clearly depicted. It was easy to grasp her poverty and sense of desperation. A mother who has to raid garbage bins for food for her child really is desperate and it was painful as a reader to witness.
Enter David on his white horse, he didn’t have a suit of armour, but he does have a Stetson and a gun. What more could you ask for? A part of the story I did struggle with is how David believes so strongly that Daphne is his daughter that he doesn’t listen to Brianna’s story of her parentage for a long time, and it made me what to hit over the head with the aforementioned Stetson. That aside he is the perfect, gentlemanly hero. I loved his sweet, caring nature, his generosity and his sense of responsibility and family.
The romance between David and Brianna is a real slow grower, it’s not really until the last third of the book that we begin to see any *ahem* ‘action’, so if you’re a lover of spice and sizzle this probably isn’t for you. Me, I rather love a good slow builder, so I sat back in my comfy chair and just enjoyed the ride.
The story takes a few unexpected turns, but overall it’s a steady Cinderella story, of love conquers and redeems all. Oh, plus, there is a very cute dog! Every book needs a cute dog in my opinion!
VERDICT:
I stand by my earlier statement, I still prefer Anderson’s contemporaries, but she is an author who sits firmly on my auto-buy list. She has written better, but this is a rich historical romance with depth, emotion, love and compassion. Every single mum and little girl deserves a hero like David.
RATING: 4/5
February 6, 2012
The review that follows is a partial review. To read my full review, please visit:
http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspo...
~*~*~
What length would you go to for the sake of family? Would you live a lie, dig out of trash cans for food, pretend to be someone you're not—all so your promise to a dying relative will be upheld? Brianna O'Keefe has done all of these things, and more, for her “daughter”. And she won't give her up, no matter what!
David Paxton, a small town marshal, is surprised when he is given a bag of mail, all sent from a woman, Brianna Paxton, who claims to be his wife, and Daphne, who is supposed to be his daughter. Problem is, David's never heard of the woman, nor does he have any children. He sure as hell isn't married....unless he got extremely drunk one night during his younger years. What if Daphne really is his? How can he ignore their letters, especially should she prove to be his? He sets off to find out the truth—but nothing could have prepared him for what he'd find in Glory Ridge. Brianna, though a bit prim-and-proper, is a beauty and sweet Daphne has the Paxton looks, right down to the birthmark on the neck. So how is it that Brianna can look him in the eye and tell him he's not her father?
Brianna made a promise to her twin, Moira, when she was on her deathbed. She would raise Daphne as her own, caring for her like she would a child from her own womb. She's kept this vow all these years, and nobody else knows the truth. But when David Paxton, her made-up husband, suddenly appears at her doorstep, her life of lies is in jeopardy. Though she won't admit it to David, she can't deny the overwhelming family resemblance between Daphne and David—but Brianna knows better. He's not the father of her dead sister's child. But then how does one explain the looks? Or David's determination to claim her as his own and Brianna as his real wife?
There is more to this story than what is appears, and only after the details are told and the lies picked out can we see the whole truth—and some of it will come as a surprise, even to Brianna!
The storyline for Lucky Penny was unique and very well done. I couldn't help but feel for Brianna and Daphne after reading of their hard life. I wanted David to be Daphne's dad, even though I knew it was impossible (biologically, that is). But this story taught Daphne, Brianna, and us readers as well, one very important thing—family and love is not determined solely by blood.
....
~*~*~
This review is property of NightOwlReviews.com
http://tbqspersonalbookpalace.blogspo...
~*~*~
What length would you go to for the sake of family? Would you live a lie, dig out of trash cans for food, pretend to be someone you're not—all so your promise to a dying relative will be upheld? Brianna O'Keefe has done all of these things, and more, for her “daughter”. And she won't give her up, no matter what!
David Paxton, a small town marshal, is surprised when he is given a bag of mail, all sent from a woman, Brianna Paxton, who claims to be his wife, and Daphne, who is supposed to be his daughter. Problem is, David's never heard of the woman, nor does he have any children. He sure as hell isn't married....unless he got extremely drunk one night during his younger years. What if Daphne really is his? How can he ignore their letters, especially should she prove to be his? He sets off to find out the truth—but nothing could have prepared him for what he'd find in Glory Ridge. Brianna, though a bit prim-and-proper, is a beauty and sweet Daphne has the Paxton looks, right down to the birthmark on the neck. So how is it that Brianna can look him in the eye and tell him he's not her father?
Brianna made a promise to her twin, Moira, when she was on her deathbed. She would raise Daphne as her own, caring for her like she would a child from her own womb. She's kept this vow all these years, and nobody else knows the truth. But when David Paxton, her made-up husband, suddenly appears at her doorstep, her life of lies is in jeopardy. Though she won't admit it to David, she can't deny the overwhelming family resemblance between Daphne and David—but Brianna knows better. He's not the father of her dead sister's child. But then how does one explain the looks? Or David's determination to claim her as his own and Brianna as his real wife?
There is more to this story than what is appears, and only after the details are told and the lies picked out can we see the whole truth—and some of it will come as a surprise, even to Brianna!
The storyline for Lucky Penny was unique and very well done. I couldn't help but feel for Brianna and Daphne after reading of their hard life. I wanted David to be Daphne's dad, even though I knew it was impossible (biologically, that is). But this story taught Daphne, Brianna, and us readers as well, one very important thing—family and love is not determined solely by blood.
....
~*~*~
This review is property of NightOwlReviews.com
February 9, 2013
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: January 31, 2013
Publisher: Penguin
Imprint: Signet
Author’s Website: http://www.catherineanderson.com/
My Source for This Book: Amazon.com
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 5, Coulter’s Historical
Series Best Read In Order: Works Well As A Standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
Pet Peeves: Overly-Sacrificing Heroine
Favorite Tropes: Forced Marriage
The romance was very slow building, and was far more family-centered than many romances that are popular these days. However, I think this is one of the reasons that it stood out to me amongst the many other books out there featuring marriages of convenience, stubborn heroes, and desperate heroines.
I appreciated that David and Brianna were both honorable people at heart, though I admit at times it bordered on unrealistic, and I truly enjoyed how love came before physical intimacy, despite the fact that they were both clearly attracted to each other.
The tragic story of Brianna’s past and David’s determination to preserve the family he’d grown to love are what really brought this story together, and in the end, I definitely enjoyed it.
Recommended for fans of sacrificing (and headstrong) heroines, stubborn yet good-hearted heroes, and steady, family-centered romance, with just a dash of heat to keep things interesting.
4/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: January 31, 2013
Publisher: Penguin
Imprint: Signet
Author’s Website: http://www.catherineanderson.com/
My Source for This Book: Amazon.com
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 5, Coulter’s Historical
Series Best Read In Order: Works Well As A Standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
Pet Peeves: Overly-Sacrificing Heroine
Favorite Tropes: Forced Marriage
The romance was very slow building, and was far more family-centered than many romances that are popular these days. However, I think this is one of the reasons that it stood out to me amongst the many other books out there featuring marriages of convenience, stubborn heroes, and desperate heroines.
I appreciated that David and Brianna were both honorable people at heart, though I admit at times it bordered on unrealistic, and I truly enjoyed how love came before physical intimacy, despite the fact that they were both clearly attracted to each other.
The tragic story of Brianna’s past and David’s determination to preserve the family he’d grown to love are what really brought this story together, and in the end, I definitely enjoyed it.
Recommended for fans of sacrificing (and headstrong) heroines, stubborn yet good-hearted heroes, and steady, family-centered romance, with just a dash of heat to keep things interesting.
4/5 Stars
July 22, 2016
It was tough trying to decide whether to give this book 2 or 3 stars, but after the ridiculous little plot twist at the end, I decided to give it 2.
The book started out okay. It wasn't great, but it kept me interested. I liked the hero for the most part. His cussing was pretty amusing (Jesus Herbert Christ) and he had a faithful dog named Sam, which was quite cute.
The heroine annoyed me to death. She was whiny, she was prissy, and she kept changing her feelings about the hero every other page. Make up your mind already!! Do you trust him or not?? I wanted to reach into the book and shake some sense into her.
I'm not really a fan of children in books, but the little girl Daphne wasn't so bad.
So there's a predictable plot twist at the end. That one was tolerable, but then there's another plot twist at the end that was completely unnecessary and made the already-laughable storyline even more ridiculous. The book is over 400 pages. It's way too long. So much of it is repetitive that it could be compressed into just 300 pages.
The book started out okay. It wasn't great, but it kept me interested. I liked the hero for the most part. His cussing was pretty amusing (Jesus Herbert Christ) and he had a faithful dog named Sam, which was quite cute.
The heroine annoyed me to death. She was whiny, she was prissy, and she kept changing her feelings about the hero every other page. Make up your mind already!! Do you trust him or not?? I wanted to reach into the book and shake some sense into her.
I'm not really a fan of children in books, but the little girl Daphne wasn't so bad.
So there's a predictable plot twist at the end. That one was tolerable, but then there's another plot twist at the end that was completely unnecessary and made the already-laughable storyline even more ridiculous. The book is over 400 pages. It's way too long. So much of it is repetitive that it could be compressed into just 300 pages.
April 21, 2014
By no means Catherine Anderson's best. Brianna was annoying, her pride getting in the way of what was best for her daughter, it seemed she thought being on the edge of eating from garbage better than accepting help. Then David, who I really despised who basically told Brianna she deserved to be raped by a drunk man because of attire she wore that was provocative because she didn't have the money to get anything better then mocked her about being raped when she admitted her sisters was actually raped and almost killed. Considering he's a town marshal, his poor attitude towards women is down right scary.
Ignoring the ridiculous characters, the story moved way too slowly. Daphne the daughter was one of the best things in it.
Not a book I'll ever read again.
Ignoring the ridiculous characters, the story moved way too slowly. Daphne the daughter was one of the best things in it.
Not a book I'll ever read again.
February 25, 2012
Another winner by Catherine Anderson for me! ♥
I really like that she took the time to develop the relationship between the two main characters. I rather enjoy that the father-daughter relationship was the highlight first then the romance between David and Brianna came after the second half of the story. It made the entire thing much sweeter and charming.
And yes, there were moments that made me teared up with sadness and joy :)
I really like that she took the time to develop the relationship between the two main characters. I rather enjoy that the father-daughter relationship was the highlight first then the romance between David and Brianna came after the second half of the story. It made the entire thing much sweeter and charming.
And yes, there were moments that made me teared up with sadness and joy :)
July 17, 2012
Delicious story from the very beginning. We have a woman, married to a "David Paxton" with a delicious daughter. When our David Paxton receives a bunch of letters, asking him for some help for "his daughter" how can he resist? Especially after looking at "her daughter" and seeing her a portrait of his mother.
Now the only thing he has to resolve is when has this happened? He doesn't remember anything!
A great conclusion (so far) of this great series, totally recommended!
Now the only thing he has to resolve is when has this happened? He doesn't remember anything!
A great conclusion (so far) of this great series, totally recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews