Liberty Blue

by Robin Lee Hatcher

After spending six years on a sheep ranch, Olivia Vanderhoff had settled happily into her new identity as the owner's niece. But an ambitious detective stirred up trouble when he tracked her down and discovered a beautiful, spirited woman he desperately wanted to call his own.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Christian, Westerns, Historical Romance

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog.

Be sure to follow Robin on BookBub so you'll receive new book and special deal alerts:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/robin...

Reviews

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non conoscevo quest'autrice finché non l'ho letta proprio grazie agli Introvabili. Questo, in effetti, è il suo secondo romanzo che apprezzo, sempre ambientato nelle terre di frontiera di fine '800.

Lo potremmo definire un western romance a tutti gli effetti, perché la vicenda principale si svolge proprio nel selvaggio Idaho, dove una giovane donna, Libby Blu, manda avanti quasi da sola un ranch e il relativo allevamento di pecore (che sono poi la principale fonte di reddito).
Tra vicini avidi e violenti, solitudine e dure condizioni di vita in generale, l'esistenza di Libby sarebbe già complessa di suo, se a sua volta la donna non nascondesse la propria identità, dopo essere fuggita dalla propria famiglia d'origine, continuando a credere che quel ranch sperduto e non proprio florido sia il luogo migliore per nascondersi e cercare una seconda opportunità.

Ma è lì che la trova Walker, un po' avventuriero mercenario, un po' eroe delle cause perse, un po' uomo pieno di altrettanti segreti e in cerca di una sua personale vendetta.

Mi piacciono sempre queste atmosfere, per cui mi sono goduta la vicenda, tra sparatorie, agguati e pregiudizi da affrontare in un piccolo paese.
Libby è un personaggio femminile molto ben riuscito, coraggiosa ma vulnerabile, caparbia nel non arrendersi ma così disperatamente sola e bisognosa d'amore. E anche Walker, in fondo, è una brava persona, che non riesce a essere cinico quanto vorrebbe, ma che presenta più lati positivi che mancanze.
Avvincente anche la parte newyorkese, con un ultimo guizzo del personaggio negativo del romanzo, un vero malvagio che non si rassegna a perdere.
Nel complesso: una lettura piacevole e ancora una conferma per la Lee Hatcher.

[Ralynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

read it in a couple of hours just couldn't put it down, I had to see what would happen. a good read.

[ASC Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous! This is yet another book that has made it to my Favorite Books List. At first I didn't think it would make the list; an easy read, I devoured it in under 24 hours. Some books have a way of leading you into a break, time to stop and do something else or wait until tomorrow to pick it up again. Some leave you not being able to sleep until you see what happens. Loving Libby is a happy medium, not too action packed, yet it kept my interest all day long. The beginning is well written and entertaining, but it's the end that got it to My Favorite Books List. I could probably read it over and over again just for the end alone. Robin Lee Hatcher is one of my favorite authors because she writes in a way that it only takes 3 pages to shock you and push you to read further! :) A MUST READ!!!

The only fault I can find with the book over all has nothing to do with the story or Robin. It has to do with Michelle Lenger and (possibly) Jon Paul Ferrara. I am disappointed with their work on the cover. There is no reason why Libby should not look exactly like the character described by Robin. This girl on the cover's hair is (I think) the wrong shade, her eyes are actually blue and do not reflect enough of the dress to be green enough and she has no freckles. This bothers me so much because these are very simple fixes that wouldn't even take me an hour to make. But I digress.

My songs are: "Center Of It" by Chris August, "I See The Light" by Mandy Moore, and "Little Miss" by Sugarland

Psalm 119:32

~ASC

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Yes, well, Remington Walker was no angel… He posed a more serious danger to Libby than she’d ever faced.Libby Blue had found a refuge from her past in the Idaho wilderness. Leaving her ruthless father and a privileged Eastern girlhood behind, she finally found freedom in the wild West. Libby could run a ranch, make her own choices, and never have to answer to any man. But then Remington Walker rode into her life. Despite herself, Libby found Remington breaking through all her defenses. Threatening the fragile safety of her western refuge. But what she doesn’t know is that Remington has a reason for being there. A reason that could well destroy them both.
It has been a long time since I read a page turner. That I stayed up until I finished it. This one kept me up late and I couldn’t put it down. I loved the twists and turns in this book. AND it was a super easy read. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great romance and action filled book.
I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my heart. So sweet a love is found.

She was desperate and had hidden from her father for years and establish a new life.

He was the best at his job and he found her. She was not the spoiled girl he thought she would be.

This author continues to wrap me in her stories and even though I cannot wait to see what happens, I do not want them to end!

Narration was perfect and the grace of God shown through!!

[Jill]

4,5
Cute story. A quick read for m.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Robin Lee Hatcher's fiction! It's hard to believe a father could be so controlling of his wife and daughter but I know it must happen even today. I admired Libby Blue for running away from home rather than marrying the rich old man her father chose for her! Set in the Idaho Territory in 1890, you will also admire Libby, alias Olivia Vanderhoff, as the former socialite girl runs a sheep ranch and cares for an orphaned boy. But her father is still searching for her! I recommend Loving Libby to others who enjoy historical romance.

[Lisbeth Zabihi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endnu en både hyggelig og spændende roman af Robin Lee Hatcher.

Vi følger den unge Libby Blue, der ejer og driver en fårefarm. Det er ikke problemfrit, da den nærmeste nabo gør alt for at slippe af med hende. Han sætter ild på fåreulden, stjæler får og har myrdet en af hendes ansatte.

Men det viser sig, at Libby har flere problemer, for hun er løbet hjemmefra og hendes far vil have hende tilbage.

Jeg hyggede mig vældigt med læsningen.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always love Robin Lee Hatcher! Absolutely the best. Clean, interesting, and leave you happy. This one got a little stressful at the end, but so fun to see it all come together. Great characters- though I didn’t really care for Libby’s lack of fight for Sawyer. But characters that are easy to love and despise. Great story. Worth reading.

[Gayle Vegter · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a quick escapist read, not bad, but believable? No way. :) I just can't buy the "in love at first conversation" thing, ever. Granted, the main characters are completely dishonest with each other for most of the book, so maybe that's pretty realistic, Ha! A fun read nonetheless.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite genre, historical romance fiction, ending in my favorite way, happily! I'm a fan of Robin Lee Hatcher, and she did not disappoint me. I read some passages over again just because they were so well written. It was just a nice easy read that I truly enjoyed.

[Germaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young woman runs and hides from her rich father to a ranch in isolated Idaho. A sweet Christian romance. Not to mushy or too religious, just a feel good read.

[Zariona Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like it

[Melissa Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE these characters!! How fun to see a high society girl turn into a country woman and fall in love with a complete stranger! So wonderful and romantic the way he ran to her rescue!

[Terry Yaceyko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. It has a somewhat predictable plot line, but also had a delightful sidelines, too.

[Kathy Tarter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in love from page one! Amazing!

[Crystal Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you get to reading this book, it sucks you in. This is such a wonderful story. Definitely well written as always from this author.

[Sara ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving Libby..... OH...

Okay, so Libby Blue (born Olivia Vanderhoff) escaped her childhood home like 6 years ago... her father is this rich RICH tyrant who treated her mother terribly and dictated every decision in their lives. She's lived with that, dealt with that, her whole life, but when her father announces that she's getting married... and it's to an old, mean, drunk guy who is not a Christian, that's the last straw. She leaves. For a year, she bounces between big cities (Chicago, New York, San Francisco), but the private investigators her father hires keep finding her (not catching her, but getting too close). She lucks out and finds Amanda Blue on a train to Idaho, and "Aunt Amanda" invites her to stay with her on her ranch. She's been there 5 years, and has adopted the name Libby Blue.

Amanda died a couple years ago, then not too long ago, their foreman died, leaving his son Sawyer behind (I wanna say he was 12)... and they've been having ISSUES with a neighbor... he's causing all sorts of trouble that would TOTALLY get him slapped with a restraining order, if not thrown in jail. So when Libby sees a man sneaking up on her cabin in the dark, she shoots first, THEN asks questions. Remington Walker is the man, and unbeknownst to Libby, he's a private investigator from her father. Of course, he's shot, so he's not in any condition to go running to the telegraph office...

Libby falls in love... Remington falls in love...... but then issues come up and it's a freaking mess... And... I'm just glad it worked out in the end, because they are SO CUTE together!

I do have to say that I was VERY VERY disappointed in Libby when she just folds and goes with her father without a SINGLE THOUGHT about Sawyer, when she supposedly loves him and has essentially been his mother (or at the very least, his older sister) for YEARS... Good thing Remington is on the ball, or Sawyer might have been stranded in the-middle-of-nowhere, Idaho!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

good fast read! Olivia Vanderhoff or Libby Blue ran away from her oppressive father after he demanded her obedience to marry a older railroad widower in order to further his greed for wealth of possession. She was pursued and hunted by detectives for a couple of years before she met Amanda Blue on a escaping train to Idaho. She was instantly loved by "Aunt amanda" and asked to come live on her Sheep ranch. Libby was 17 and hesitantly accepted. She felt safe there for 8 years until Amanda died and she became owner of the Blue ranch. Troubles start with her neighbor who want to run her off the land and supposing that Bevon is the intruder one night she shoots a stranger. He's Remington walker a detective, looking to bring her back for a reward that will give him the revenge for his father's death, but once he's met Libby everything changes.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book. Libby Blue ran away from a marriage that was being arranged by her father. She had found peace in a new life. Remington was hired by her father to find her. When he finds her, he gets to know her and doesn't want to tell her father that he found her. The story was good but I had a couple of problems with it. Libby fell in love too easily, especially considering the way she had been treated by her father. Things had happened in Remington's life to lead him away from God, to the point of not believing any longer. Libby made reference to not being unequally yoked, yet fell in love without having ever discussing Remington's beliefs. Then, suddenly, almost all the way through the book, he was suddenly a believer again. I didn't see the progression at all. Apart from that, I thought the book was well-written and the storyline was very good.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this tale of a girl who sought after the truth and chose God over evil. She knew her mother would understand how she had to get away, because she was the one who taught her about the Lord. Her father only thought of himself, his money and his pride. Libby's view of men was not good and she would have to learn to trust before she gave her heart away. She almost got there but thought she had been double-crossed. No, it was her father again working in the background. Remington, the man who got caught in the middle fell in love with her and was an honest, loving man. He would prove his loyalty to her when evidence was submitted that proved her father hadn't changed a bit.

[Hannah Linder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I've read this author. I had forgot my own book when we went to the market, and I was so bored. My mother picked up this book and bought it, handed it to me, and I started reading...
And couldn't stop. This was SO SO SO good! I literally couldn't hardly put it down! I read it in two days---would have read it in one if I would have been allowed.
The characters were wonderful, tender, and so realistic. I loved the drastic change she presented so well of Libby Blue and Olivia. Such a neat book. Beautiful romance, held within appropriate reins.
I LOVE THIS BOOK. I hope to read more from this author soon!!!!

[Lo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too many plot points did not make sense.
Not only is Remington's conversion to Christianity not believable in the least, but their plan to escape their villainous father is stupid beyond belief. They planned to return to the place where he found them, completely ignoring his stubborn pursuit of getting what he wants and punishing those who cross him.
Anna reads in the Bible that a spouse may be divorced if adultery is involved. Then, she declares she won't divorce her ruthless, cruel, cheating husband because she will be faithful to God's edicts.
Maybe I'm missing something, but this did not do it for me.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Libby Blue is the main character, who is trying to keep her farm out of the clutches of Timothy Bevins, a wealthy neighbor who is trying to buy up all the land surrounding his property. When Remington Walker appears, he is taken with the indapendence and courage that Libby has, and she changes his veiws on revenge, and ultimently, his veiws about Libby. I really liked this book!

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book must have been formerly titled "Liberty Blue" hmm..wonder why the title was changed to "Loving Libby"? Regardless, it is a great book, always leaves you wondering what is going to happen next. Is Libby going to get caught by her father? Guess you have to read it to the end to find out. Going to be worth your while.

[Neely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a goodreads giveaway, so first I'd like to thank the author for her generosity. :)

I really enjoyed Loving Libby. I feel like the author did a great job combining realistic situations and a Christian theme without coming off as preachy as some of the same genre can.

It was an interesting story with characters you could really grow to like and root for. :)

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was all right, but I can't say it was anywhere near a favorite. Some parts of the book didn't seem overly realistic to me.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with Christian theme within love story of Libby Blue and Remington Walker.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predictable and fairly mindless...not the best read ever, but I've liked some of Robin Lee Hatcher's stuff in the past so I gave it a try. The ending wrapped up too neatly to be very satisfying.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars. It was really cute and I liked the plot. Liked the ending and liked the style of writing.