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Long, Tall Texans #19, 20.5
A Man for All Seasons
"New York Times"-bestselling author Palmer returns with "A Man for All Seasons," containing two autumn-themed stories sure to delight readers this fall.
The Texas Ranger
When Texas Ranger Marc Brannon returns to the line of duty, a high-profile murder mystery pits him against a vibrant junior investigator from his past. He and Josette Langley had parted on explosive terms, but this time a lot more is at stake than just their hearts. Can they set aside past hurts and see justice served? Or will they both be caught in the cross fire?
Garden Cop
On a case to find a missing informant, FBI Agent Curtis Russell notices that his mother's neighbor is growing something suspicious in her front garden. Mary Ryan, a deputy D.A., can't believe her eyes when she comes across him attacking her tomato plants! The crazy mix-up leads to romance, but the missing man that Curtis is looking for is also wanted by the mob…and they'll kill anyone who gets in their way.
The Texas Ranger
When Texas Ranger Marc Brannon returns to the line of duty, a high-profile murder mystery pits him against a vibrant junior investigator from his past. He and Josette Langley had parted on explosive terms, but this time a lot more is at stake than just their hearts. Can they set aside past hurts and see justice served? Or will they both be caught in the cross fire?
Garden Cop
On a case to find a missing informant, FBI Agent Curtis Russell notices that his mother's neighbor is growing something suspicious in her front garden. Mary Ryan, a deputy D.A., can't believe her eyes when she comes across him attacking her tomato plants! The crazy mix-up leads to romance, but the missing man that Curtis is looking for is also wanted by the mob…and they'll kill anyone who gets in their way.
544 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
129 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Diana Palmer
1,044 books3,098 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 2, 2018
Since I have read and reviewed "The Texas Ranger" here,
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Rating: 3 stars
This review is only for "Garden Cop", which is the story of Curtis and Mary.
-Short
-Funny
-Filled with insane banter
-Sweet chemistry
-Small mystery
-Likable secondary characters
-Cute dog
-Adorbsss HEA
I really really liked this one.
Safe
4.5/5
Overall both books rating: 4/5
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Rating: 3 stars
This review is only for "Garden Cop", which is the story of Curtis and Mary.
-Short
-Funny
-Filled with insane banter
-Sweet chemistry
-Small mystery
-Likable secondary characters
-Cute dog
-Adorbsss HEA
I really really liked this one.
Safe
4.5/5
Overall both books rating: 4/5
January 5, 2020
This one was bad. There were a ton of inconsistencies which I’m used to in DP books but this one things would be different from page to page. Plus the hero was more Inspector Gadget then FBI agent. He didn’t seem very intelligent. He couldn’t tell the difference between a marijuana plant tomato plant?!?! Some FBI guy. Then he and the heroine get together and I really don’t see why, there didn’t seem to be any chemistry. I usually like DP books but not this one. The only reason I gave this one 2 stars is because the hero wasn’t mean or cruel like the usual heroes from this author.
November 17, 2011
Watch the 3-minute book review: http://vimeo.com/32280215
In “The Texas Ranger” (the first of the two stories in this book)there was passion, mystery, and lots and lots of repetition. Is it just me, or is it insulting when the same information is repeated over, and over, and over? Either the author believes readers have the memory-span of goldfish, or there is simply nothing new to tell in the story. The pages repeatedly get filled with the same drivel that was originally stated.
Okay, “drivel” may be a harsh adjective. But, after reading the details of Jossette’s betrayal by Marc, more times than I can count, how else am I supposed to look at that information? I get it already; Marc was a jerk, there was a misunderstanding. Yada, yada, yada. If you say the word “love” ten times fast, even that word would lose all spark and appeal. That’s how this plot felt.
In actuality, the one shining light in this whole novel was the passion between Marc and Jossette. Though most of their activities were building up to the big moment, those sexy scenes were as enjoyable as an unwrapped gift with shiny paper and ribbons. In that respect, the intensity couldn’t have been played-up better. Though I cannot say the same thing for the second story in the novel, where the passion fell limper than wet hair.
“The Garden Cop” is a short story of Mary and Curtis, a pair who also work in law-enforcement. Though this story did not repeatedly hammer the same information in my head – Thankfully! – it did feel rushed. Yes, short stories are supposed to be short, but they should also be believable. The chemistry awakened too quickly from the initial quarrel. A flower does not grow overnight, after all.
Perhaps there was just too much plot to shrink down into 80 pages. The crime and romance just weren’t compatibly matched in this race. How can the turtle of a mystery keep up with a romance with the speed of the road runner?
Though I do believe romance and crime-solving can make a great recipe for pleasure, my own tastes found much lacking in this particular concoction.
- EZRead Staffer, Amelia
If you're interested in the book: http://www.ezread.com/book.asp?EAN=97...
In “The Texas Ranger” (the first of the two stories in this book)there was passion, mystery, and lots and lots of repetition. Is it just me, or is it insulting when the same information is repeated over, and over, and over? Either the author believes readers have the memory-span of goldfish, or there is simply nothing new to tell in the story. The pages repeatedly get filled with the same drivel that was originally stated.
Okay, “drivel” may be a harsh adjective. But, after reading the details of Jossette’s betrayal by Marc, more times than I can count, how else am I supposed to look at that information? I get it already; Marc was a jerk, there was a misunderstanding. Yada, yada, yada. If you say the word “love” ten times fast, even that word would lose all spark and appeal. That’s how this plot felt.
In actuality, the one shining light in this whole novel was the passion between Marc and Jossette. Though most of their activities were building up to the big moment, those sexy scenes were as enjoyable as an unwrapped gift with shiny paper and ribbons. In that respect, the intensity couldn’t have been played-up better. Though I cannot say the same thing for the second story in the novel, where the passion fell limper than wet hair.
“The Garden Cop” is a short story of Mary and Curtis, a pair who also work in law-enforcement. Though this story did not repeatedly hammer the same information in my head – Thankfully! – it did feel rushed. Yes, short stories are supposed to be short, but they should also be believable. The chemistry awakened too quickly from the initial quarrel. A flower does not grow overnight, after all.
Perhaps there was just too much plot to shrink down into 80 pages. The crime and romance just weren’t compatibly matched in this race. How can the turtle of a mystery keep up with a romance with the speed of the road runner?
Though I do believe romance and crime-solving can make a great recipe for pleasure, my own tastes found much lacking in this particular concoction.
- EZRead Staffer, Amelia
If you're interested in the book: http://www.ezread.com/book.asp?EAN=97...
December 25, 2011
I got a Nook as an early Christmas present (yippee!!) and since the library where I work at recently started offering eBooks for free to patrons, I immediately went to Overdrive.com to download a book, to take my Nook for a test drive.
Well, because we are so new to Overdrive (I think we've offered eBooks through them for less than a month?) our selection is extremely low, and because so many patrons are interested in the program, the usage is extremely high. This meant that when I went onto the site to choose a book to read, I had exactly 10 books to choose from. Yes, 10. Imagine walking into your public library and only finding 10 books on the shelf. It's awesome how popular the program is, but at the same time, only 10 books to choose from is pretty pathetic.
I tell that story to explain why I checked out A Man for All Seasons. I had never read a Diana Palmer book before but I knew a lot of them checked in and out at the library, and I figured it couldn't be that bad. It's free, beggars can't be chosers, yada yada.
Turns out, this beggar can be choosy, because this book sucked. Like, a lot. So much that I deleted it off my Nook and went to B&N and bought a book to read. I couldn't stand it anymore.
The plotline is obvious from the get-go. "Who did it" is so painfully obvious, I wanted to reach through the screen of my Nook and not only strangle the main characters for being so dense, I wanted to find the author and strangle her too.
If I didn't know any better, I would have said that this was a self-published vanity book by a first-time author who couldn't get a publishing house interested in her. It's absolutely stunning to me that this woman has multiple books published. It just seems impossible, it really does.
Before you choose to waste your time on this drivel, read the back of the cereal box. Read the newspaper inserts advertising the amazing Gold Show coming into town, where they will swindle you out of your money (don't expect that part in the ad though). Read the cautionary warnings on your blow dryer. But for God's sakes, don't read this book. You'll only hate yourself for wasting your time.
Well, because we are so new to Overdrive (I think we've offered eBooks through them for less than a month?) our selection is extremely low, and because so many patrons are interested in the program, the usage is extremely high. This meant that when I went onto the site to choose a book to read, I had exactly 10 books to choose from. Yes, 10. Imagine walking into your public library and only finding 10 books on the shelf. It's awesome how popular the program is, but at the same time, only 10 books to choose from is pretty pathetic.
I tell that story to explain why I checked out A Man for All Seasons. I had never read a Diana Palmer book before but I knew a lot of them checked in and out at the library, and I figured it couldn't be that bad. It's free, beggars can't be chosers, yada yada.
Turns out, this beggar can be choosy, because this book sucked. Like, a lot. So much that I deleted it off my Nook and went to B&N and bought a book to read. I couldn't stand it anymore.
The plotline is obvious from the get-go. "Who did it" is so painfully obvious, I wanted to reach through the screen of my Nook and not only strangle the main characters for being so dense, I wanted to find the author and strangle her too.
If I didn't know any better, I would have said that this was a self-published vanity book by a first-time author who couldn't get a publishing house interested in her. It's absolutely stunning to me that this woman has multiple books published. It just seems impossible, it really does.
Before you choose to waste your time on this drivel, read the back of the cereal box. Read the newspaper inserts advertising the amazing Gold Show coming into town, where they will swindle you out of your money (don't expect that part in the ad though). Read the cautionary warnings on your blow dryer. But for God's sakes, don't read this book. You'll only hate yourself for wasting your time.
December 4, 2012
This is a 2-in-1 by Diana Palmer. The first story called The Texas Ranger I've read before. The second story called the Garden Cop I haven't. I have to say that even though I did love the second story, I thought the hero was going to be one of those good looking,blonde, dumb guys even though he is an FBI agent because he didn't know the difference between a pot plant and a tomato plant. LOL!!
And that's all I'm giving away.
And that's all I'm giving away.
January 12, 2020
Diana PALMER
This was a wonderful read even second or third time. I'm going back rereading old books that are digital. This one was from 2011 I think. All her books are great with enough romance to make it interesting. And always the mystery. Thanks
This was a wonderful read even second or third time. I'm going back rereading old books that are digital. This one was from 2011 I think. All her books are great with enough romance to make it interesting. And always the mystery. Thanks
October 6, 2017
the Texas Ranger was ok, but I really liked Garden Cop,
April 29, 2018
Just read Garden Cop
This was one of the funniest stories I have read in a very long time. I laughed through the whole book. Fantastic
This was one of the funniest stories I have read in a very long time. I laughed through the whole book. Fantastic
January 23, 2019
Loved it
Great short read. Fast moving. Very good story line tied to other stories from same author. Would read more from her!
Great short read. Fast moving. Very good story line tied to other stories from same author. Would read more from her!
June 27, 2022
Excelente
October 5, 2024
The Texas Ranger- rated R. Two stars
The Garden Cop novella- rated G. Two stars.
The Garden Cop novella- rated G. Two stars.
Want to read
January 18, 2014A Man for All Seasons: The Texas Ranger/Garden Cop - 2 stories
The Texas Ranger
When Texas Ranger Marc Brannon returns to the line of duty, a high-profile murder mystery pits him against a vibrant junior investigator from his past. He and Josette Langley had parted on explosive terms, but this time a lot more is at stake than just their hearts. Can they set aside past hurts and see justice served? Or will they both be caught in the cross fire?
Garden Cop
On a case to find a missing informant, FBI Agent Curtis Russell notices that his mother's neighbor is growing something suspicious in her front garden. Mary Ryan, a deputy D.A., can't believe her eyes when she comes across him attacking her tomato plants! The crazy mix-up leads to romance, but the missing man that Curtis is looking for is also wanted by the mob…and they'll kill anyone who gets in their way
The Texas Ranger
When Texas Ranger Marc Brannon returns to the line of duty, a high-profile murder mystery pits him against a vibrant junior investigator from his past. He and Josette Langley had parted on explosive terms, but this time a lot more is at stake than just their hearts. Can they set aside past hurts and see justice served? Or will they both be caught in the cross fire?
Garden Cop
On a case to find a missing informant, FBI Agent Curtis Russell notices that his mother's neighbor is growing something suspicious in her front garden. Mary Ryan, a deputy D.A., can't believe her eyes when she comes across him attacking her tomato plants! The crazy mix-up leads to romance, but the missing man that Curtis is looking for is also wanted by the mob…and they'll kill anyone who gets in their way
December 19, 2012
If your reading this review your probably already know the synopsis so I won't get into that, I was looking for a quick read and this fit the bill, two what I will call short stories. I didn't even finish The Texas Ranger because it was just awful!! The killer was evident at page 50 and they couldn't piece it together.
March 5, 2014
I liked it but not exactly my favorite.
Well, I read this book separately because I purchased The Texas Ranger and Garden Time differently.
I enjoyed Garden Cop, the chemistry between Mary and the Hero (I forgot his name and I'm too lazy to turn on my ereader) is adorable. They're fighting in non-harmful way and I liked it. Too bad the angst is quite minimum. I was expecting Mary got injured and the Hero's worried and stuff like that.
But overall I enjoyed it. :)
Well, I read this book separately because I purchased The Texas Ranger and Garden Time differently.
I enjoyed Garden Cop, the chemistry between Mary and the Hero (I forgot his name and I'm too lazy to turn on my ereader) is adorable. They're fighting in non-harmful way and I liked it. Too bad the angst is quite minimum. I was expecting Mary got injured and the Hero's worried and stuff like that.
But overall I enjoyed it. :)
January 26, 2016
2 3/4 stars - average for the 2 books - The Texas Ranger and Garden Cop by Diana Palmer. Really didn't like The Texas Ranger - the writing was mediocre, the plot ok with elements of ugh, and the characters not particularly likable. Garden Cop was better (and shorter) - like a standard Harlequin-type romance, but enjoyable enough to be a 3-star read.
May 20, 2013
i bought this book cause i thought woow its about westren heros it will be amazing .. as turns out it was an awful novels really i am sorry that i bought it and lost at least 13 for it :( i didn't even complete it .. i think i make the biggest mistake ever and judge a book by its cover .. shame on me
Read
September 28, 2013This is a book.
For a full review, please go to:
http://mlleelizabeth.booklikes.com/
GoodReads's policies no longer comply with my review policy. Therefore my reviews will be posted at BookLikes going forward. Thank you for following my reviews here. I hope to continue discussing books with you on BookLikes.
For a full review, please go to:
http://mlleelizabeth.booklikes.com/
GoodReads's policies no longer comply with my review policy. Therefore my reviews will be posted at BookLikes going forward. Thank you for following my reviews here. I hope to continue discussing books with you on BookLikes.
July 3, 2012
library e-book
Read
December 24, 2014Miniseries: Long, Tall Texans
Category: Contemporary Romance
Category: Contemporary Romance
November 16, 2011
Though I do believe romance and crime-solving can make a great recipe for pleasure, my own tastes found much lacking in this particular concoction.
February 21, 2013
Diana Palmer always provides good escape and a good read.
August 9, 2016
Garden Cop.
August 8, 2017
Good read
October 17, 2016
2-in-1
Read Garden Cop only
Read Garden Cop only
Read
April 1, 2022Categories
Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Western Fiction, Western Romance
Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Western Fiction, Western Romance
April 19, 2012
This book has 2 novels, The Texas Ranger & Garden Gap. I read this in hardcover format.
January 25, 2013
Texas ranger was 3-4 stars
Garden cop was 2 stars
Garden cop was 2 stars
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews