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First Families of Flat River #6
A Sweet Cure for the Grumpy Brother
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
She wants the adventure of a lifetime; he needs to heal old family wounds. If they are going to help each other, they cannot fall in love along the way.
Polly Phillips is headed west to help her best friend get married. She dreams of leaving the confines of the city behind and embracing cowboys, horses, and a sky bluer than anything she had ever seen. Why she even might try to snag a husband for herself! How lucky that she runs into a group of cowboys when her stage breaks down at the edge of Flat River. What she didn't count on was her first introduction to Everett Chapman being wrapped in his arms as he carried her to town.
Everett has no time for a city slicker, especially one trespassing through his property and issuing commands like a general. It doesn't matter how pretty she is, or how he would like to keep her quiet by kissing her lips. As the youngest son, he is the last hope in healing a family conflict going back nearly thirty years. When he is being pushed to marry his neighbor's daughter, Annamae Hartman, how can he concentrate on courtship, when every thought is consumed with the pretty blonde from the south?
When Annamae goes to Polly for help catching a husband, is Polly delivering the other woman into the arms of the man Polly loves? Can the attraction between Polly and Everett be pushed aside to help the Chapman family heal? Will Polly find the adventure she wants, even if it isn't the one she was seeking?
This book was originally titled Everett and released as part of the series called The Chapmans. It has been retitled and incorporated into the First Families of Flat River, so the series may be expanded and include many new stories for you to enjoy, not just limiting it to one family. Nothing else has changed from when it was originally published.
Get lost in this heartwarming story with a touch of humor and faith.
Come spend time in Flat River, Nebraska. A small town filled with the strong men and women that settled the wild west of the Nebraska Plains from 1860 to 1880. Flat River is home to unique characters, strong heroines, swoony heroes, and stories that will stand the test of time. All these wholesome stories can be read by readers of all ages. They are filled with family values, romance, humor, and a sprinkle of faith.
She wants the adventure of a lifetime; he needs to heal old family wounds. If they are going to help each other, they cannot fall in love along the way.
Polly Phillips is headed west to help her best friend get married. She dreams of leaving the confines of the city behind and embracing cowboys, horses, and a sky bluer than anything she had ever seen. Why she even might try to snag a husband for herself! How lucky that she runs into a group of cowboys when her stage breaks down at the edge of Flat River. What she didn't count on was her first introduction to Everett Chapman being wrapped in his arms as he carried her to town.
Everett has no time for a city slicker, especially one trespassing through his property and issuing commands like a general. It doesn't matter how pretty she is, or how he would like to keep her quiet by kissing her lips. As the youngest son, he is the last hope in healing a family conflict going back nearly thirty years. When he is being pushed to marry his neighbor's daughter, Annamae Hartman, how can he concentrate on courtship, when every thought is consumed with the pretty blonde from the south?
When Annamae goes to Polly for help catching a husband, is Polly delivering the other woman into the arms of the man Polly loves? Can the attraction between Polly and Everett be pushed aside to help the Chapman family heal? Will Polly find the adventure she wants, even if it isn't the one she was seeking?
This book was originally titled Everett and released as part of the series called The Chapmans. It has been retitled and incorporated into the First Families of Flat River, so the series may be expanded and include many new stories for you to enjoy, not just limiting it to one family. Nothing else has changed from when it was originally published.
Get lost in this heartwarming story with a touch of humor and faith.
Come spend time in Flat River, Nebraska. A small town filled with the strong men and women that settled the wild west of the Nebraska Plains from 1860 to 1880. Flat River is home to unique characters, strong heroines, swoony heroes, and stories that will stand the test of time. All these wholesome stories can be read by readers of all ages. They are filled with family values, romance, humor, and a sprinkle of faith.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2023
About the author
Christine Sterling
130 books283 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Christine Sterling loves immersing her readers in the small towns she’s created. Her inspirational stories feature humor, redemption, and romance, with themes of friendship, forgiveness, and fighting for the love you want.
She’s the author of over eighty romances, including the reader favorites, First Families of Flat River, and The Flat River Matchmaker series. She loves to create tight-knit families with strong family values, and you’ll often find that her characters cross over in many of her stories. Her readers describe her characters as old friends and her settings as places they would love to visit.
An empty nester, she lives with her husband and a menagerie of animals on a Pennsylvania farm. When she’s not writing, she can be found drinking tea, being judged by her cat, eating snacks, or napping.
Sign up for her newsletter and get a free book at www. flatrivernebraska. com
She’s the author of over eighty romances, including the reader favorites, First Families of Flat River, and The Flat River Matchmaker series. She loves to create tight-knit families with strong family values, and you’ll often find that her characters cross over in many of her stories. Her readers describe her characters as old friends and her settings as places they would love to visit.
An empty nester, she lives with her husband and a menagerie of animals on a Pennsylvania farm. When she’s not writing, she can be found drinking tea, being judged by her cat, eating snacks, or napping.
Sign up for her newsletter and get a free book at www. flatrivernebraska. com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 12, 2026
O que teve de tristeza e aventuras no livro anterior, nesse, as risadas são garantidas, mas quando chega o momento de ser dramático, esse livro não deixa a desejar!!!
Chegou o grande dia do casamento entre Owen e Ellie, e para esse momento especial, Ellie precisava de sua amiga Polly, e essa viajou por dias para prestigiar sua amiga de infância.
O que Polly não estava preparada era ser recebida por uma debandada dos gados e muito menos pelo desdém do cowboy que a socorreu. Por outro lado, já no primeiro momento ficou encantada pela beleza do lugar e entendeu porque sua amiga trocaria Atlanta por Nebraska sem pestanejar.
Ela mesma faria essa troca, sem nem mesmo pensar, se ao menos Everett sentisse por ela o que seja lá o que fosse que estava sentindo por ele. Por que se sentia atraída por um homem que a irritava tanto?
Everett não tem planos para casamento, entretanto, toda vez que vê Polly com algum de seus homens, isso o enfurece. E depois de terem se beijado uma vez, sentia que não queria beijar mais outra mulher.
Contudo, ao acompanhar Alice, sua irmã, para visitar velhos amigos, ele acaba retornando com um preço para sua cabeça, ou se casa com Annamae ou será morto pelo louco do pai dela.
Mas, um casamento entre os Chapmans e os Hartamns, melhor ele fazer esse sacrifício do que sua irmã. E isso significava ter que partir o coração de Polly e o seu.
Nesse livro, família e amizade estão bem presentes, assim como as tradições. Polly percebe o quanto em sua vida na cidade moderna tem pouco a oferecer em relação a todas as emoções vividas ali com os Chapmans.
E ao ter que partir, sua vida solitária não seria mais tão brilhante como estava sendo ao participar de fogueiras, danças e preparo de compotas de maçã. Sentiria falta de ter uma família grande e é claro, de viver um amor com Everett igual ao de Ellie e Owen.
Muitos personagens retornam para esse livro, de uma forma grandiosa, e que deixa o leitor ansioso para o próximo livro!
Chegou o grande dia do casamento entre Owen e Ellie, e para esse momento especial, Ellie precisava de sua amiga Polly, e essa viajou por dias para prestigiar sua amiga de infância.
O que Polly não estava preparada era ser recebida por uma debandada dos gados e muito menos pelo desdém do cowboy que a socorreu. Por outro lado, já no primeiro momento ficou encantada pela beleza do lugar e entendeu porque sua amiga trocaria Atlanta por Nebraska sem pestanejar.
Ela mesma faria essa troca, sem nem mesmo pensar, se ao menos Everett sentisse por ela o que seja lá o que fosse que estava sentindo por ele. Por que se sentia atraída por um homem que a irritava tanto?
Everett não tem planos para casamento, entretanto, toda vez que vê Polly com algum de seus homens, isso o enfurece. E depois de terem se beijado uma vez, sentia que não queria beijar mais outra mulher.
Contudo, ao acompanhar Alice, sua irmã, para visitar velhos amigos, ele acaba retornando com um preço para sua cabeça, ou se casa com Annamae ou será morto pelo louco do pai dela.
Mas, um casamento entre os Chapmans e os Hartamns, melhor ele fazer esse sacrifício do que sua irmã. E isso significava ter que partir o coração de Polly e o seu.
Nesse livro, família e amizade estão bem presentes, assim como as tradições. Polly percebe o quanto em sua vida na cidade moderna tem pouco a oferecer em relação a todas as emoções vividas ali com os Chapmans.
E ao ter que partir, sua vida solitária não seria mais tão brilhante como estava sendo ao participar de fogueiras, danças e preparo de compotas de maçã. Sentiria falta de ter uma família grande e é claro, de viver um amor com Everett igual ao de Ellie e Owen.
Muitos personagens retornam para esse livro, de uma forma grandiosa, e que deixa o leitor ansioso para o próximo livro!
September 17, 2020
This is Book #4 in the saga of the Chapmans. It is Everett and Polly's story and the character development is excellent. Everett wants to heal a long standing feud between his family and a neighboring ranch family and is even contemplating marrying their daughter. Polly, a southern girl, heads west and arrives at the Chapmans to attend her friends wedding and hopes she will meet a real cowboy. When the couple first meet sparks begin to fly sometimes not good ones...will Everett be able to resolve the feud issue without marrying their daughter, and will Polly's wish for a real cowboy come true. Be sure to read this story to find out. It is a real page turner, and I know you will enjoy it just I did.
April 25, 2025
A Sweet Cure for the Grumpy Brother
Polly and Everett have a short but sweet story. Polly heads to Flat River to visit her friend Ellie and help her with Ellie’s wedding. She is furious when her journey is delayed yet again by a stampede of longhorn cattle that wreck the stagecoach she is in. Her anger prompts her to confront the cowboys who have come to help. Everett did not know what to think of the spitfire of a woman from back east. Her spunk and tenacity arise even as she appears to be a small and fragile woman that would not make it in the west. Yet he is drawn to her. Their story includes the complications that arise from arranged marriage and feuding neighbors. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Polly and Everett have a short but sweet story. Polly heads to Flat River to visit her friend Ellie and help her with Ellie’s wedding. She is furious when her journey is delayed yet again by a stampede of longhorn cattle that wreck the stagecoach she is in. Her anger prompts her to confront the cowboys who have come to help. Everett did not know what to think of the spitfire of a woman from back east. Her spunk and tenacity arise even as she appears to be a small and fragile woman that would not make it in the west. Yet he is drawn to her. Their story includes the complications that arise from arranged marriage and feuding neighbors. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
September 17, 2020
Everett and Polly
This is a sweet romance written by Christine Sterling. She has done an excellent job with the plot and the characters, both new and recurring. Coming to visit her friend, Ellie, Polly had absolutely no intention to falling in love or even a short romance. She was only staying until Ellie hot married. Everett had no intention on ever falling in love and marring, especially to a city gal. Things don’t always go as we imagine . You will enjoy discovering how Everett and Polly find their happily ever after.
This is a sweet romance written by Christine Sterling. She has done an excellent job with the plot and the characters, both new and recurring. Coming to visit her friend, Ellie, Polly had absolutely no intention to falling in love or even a short romance. She was only staying until Ellie hot married. Everett had no intention on ever falling in love and marring, especially to a city gal. Things don’t always go as we imagine . You will enjoy discovering how Everett and Polly find their happily ever after.
September 16, 2020
This book is #4 in an amazing series! I loved when Polly and Everett met for the first time. They had no idea who each other were. Fireworks from the start! This book grabs you and pulls you in rapidly. The characters are astounding and have so much depth. The story is full of love of family and the land. You are going to enjoy the characters as much as I did. I encourage you to read the entire Chapman series!
September 17, 2020
Wow! Just Wow!
Every Chapman has his own charm and they don't mind showing it off. Everett however is a little slow in realizing how much trouble it can cause. Each book in the Chapman series is a book about family, loyalty and love, with Everett being no different. Start at the beginning with the girls from the Pinkerton series then read Owen, Oliver, Caleb and Everett. You won't be able to put them down. Can't wait for Alice's story. Great job Christine Sterling!
Every Chapman has his own charm and they don't mind showing it off. Everett however is a little slow in realizing how much trouble it can cause. Each book in the Chapman series is a book about family, loyalty and love, with Everett being no different. Start at the beginning with the girls from the Pinkerton series then read Owen, Oliver, Caleb and Everett. You won't be able to put them down. Can't wait for Alice's story. Great job Christine Sterling!
November 2, 2023
Polly chega a Flat River para ajudar no casamento de sua melhor amiga. E acaba se envolvendo nas aventuras e cotidiano dos cowboys. Everett é um homem atormentado por conflitos familiares, que apesar de sempre falar que não irá se casar se vê desejando Polly, ao mesmo tempo que acaba assumindo um compromisso com a filha de seu vizinho. A autora traz romance e emoção de forma incrível. Mal posso esperar pelo próximo livro!
January 29, 2024
oh my, I’m still smiling!
Oh my I’m still smiling. Even though I was able to guess the ending it still was a surprise as to how they got there. It’s been fun reading about the Chapman’s family grow and how the love was shared with all. I still hope Alice ends up with Chat and Annabelle ends up with Sawer. Let’s see how it all works out. This is really a very good family series to read.
Oh my I’m still smiling. Even though I was able to guess the ending it still was a surprise as to how they got there. It’s been fun reading about the Chapman’s family grow and how the love was shared with all. I still hope Alice ends up with Chat and Annabelle ends up with Sawer. Let’s see how it all works out. This is really a very good family series to read.
September 8, 2024
Good story
Have you ever met someone and you just weren't a fan of them? That's how I felt about Polly. She just rubbed me the wrong way. As I kept reading, she started to grow on me. No, she's not my favorite character, but, I like her well enough now. The struggle between the Chapman's and the Hartman's, is sad. The father/husband Randall, was an onery coot. It looks like maybe now there will be peace between the families since they share a grandson.
Have you ever met someone and you just weren't a fan of them? That's how I felt about Polly. She just rubbed me the wrong way. As I kept reading, she started to grow on me. No, she's not my favorite character, but, I like her well enough now. The struggle between the Chapman's and the Hartman's, is sad. The father/husband Randall, was an onery coot. It looks like maybe now there will be peace between the families since they share a grandson.
September 19, 2020
First kiss
Everyone remembers their first kiss. For Everett, it's with Polly, and he decides he never wants to kiss another. But Polly is just a visitor to the Chapman Ranch and she's going back to Atlanta as soon as her best friend marries his brother. And there's the minor problem in that he's supposed to marry A named Hart.
Everyone remembers their first kiss. For Everett, it's with Polly, and he decides he never wants to kiss another. But Polly is just a visitor to the Chapman Ranch and she's going back to Atlanta as soon as her best friend marries his brother. And there's the minor problem in that he's supposed to marry A named Hart.
October 3, 2020
This is the 4th book in the continuing story of the Chapman family. Everett and Polly had a pretty rocky meeting in the beginning, and they didn't like each other very much. And, yet, as time went on, it was obvious they were developing feelings for each other. Annamae Hartman causes a momentary glitch, but then things turn out as they should for Everett and Polly. I love these stories.
July 27, 2022
Polly’s visit
Polly is Ellie’s best friend from back in Atlanta. She’s in Flat River for a two week visit to attend Ellie and Owen’s wedding. She came with the idea of talking Ellie into coming home. But Polly fell in love with the town, the ranch and a certain cowboy named Everett. Now if she only find a way to get his attention 💞
Polly is Ellie’s best friend from back in Atlanta. She’s in Flat River for a two week visit to attend Ellie and Owen’s wedding. She came with the idea of talking Ellie into coming home. But Polly fell in love with the town, the ranch and a certain cowboy named Everett. Now if she only find a way to get his attention 💞
August 24, 2023
Everett failed to learn an important lesson, never say never. He was never getting married and thought his engaged/married older brothers had lost their minds. He had yet to meet Polly Phillips, Eleanor/Ellie’s best friend who has come to make sure her friend is truly happy. As I expected from Christine Sterling, this book has wonderful characters, an interesting storyline, humor, conflicts, secrets and a few surprises.
November 8, 2023
sweet and good
The novel is so good, absolutely leaves you with the warm fuzzy feeling at the end. I also appreciate how Mrs. Sterling gives light to so many things found at the ranch or in a life of a cowboy at that time. The novel also covers subjects like mistakes and bitterness which can change life and chances that don’t need to be missed.
The novel is so good, absolutely leaves you with the warm fuzzy feeling at the end. I also appreciate how Mrs. Sterling gives light to so many things found at the ranch or in a life of a cowboy at that time. The novel also covers subjects like mistakes and bitterness which can change life and chances that don’t need to be missed.
November 26, 2023
Um Chapman que não pensava em se casar, até conhecer Polly, amiga de Ellie, que veio para seu casamento com Owen, seu irmão.
O encontro não foi dos melhores, mas foi bem divertido acompanhar o desenrolar do romance. Everett quase casou com outra, Polly quase se desmancha, mas no fim tudo ficou bem! Uma leitura relaxante e quentinha!
O encontro não foi dos melhores, mas foi bem divertido acompanhar o desenrolar do romance. Everett quase casou com outra, Polly quase se desmancha, mas no fim tudo ficou bem! Uma leitura relaxante e quentinha!
November 22, 2025
This was a fantastic Historical Christian fiction book in the First Families of Flat River series. The story was believable and the characters were heartwarming. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series! I was able to read a copy of this book via Readera, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
February 8, 2026
Hum
There is a strong tendency for the author to create villains out of ordinary people, even ones who were once friends. The complete change of a character's character isn't, however, what bothers me the most. It's the math, the dates, the numbers. I honestly think this is a pretty decent story, though. So, in all, it's a pretty good read.
There is a strong tendency for the author to create villains out of ordinary people, even ones who were once friends. The complete change of a character's character isn't, however, what bothers me the most. It's the math, the dates, the numbers. I honestly think this is a pretty decent story, though. So, in all, it's a pretty good read.
September 17, 2020
Oh my!!! This is the best one yet... From the beginning, you are pulled in to the dynamic between Polly and Everett... I loved them and wanted to strangle them both. It definitely had a few twists that were unexpected...
September 20, 2020
I love all of the characters in this book! Great story that has you hanging on to the edge of your seat. Family and new love that takes the reader on a great journey. A sweet clean romance that is undeniably waiting for a chance to further itself.
September 20, 2020
Everett
Another winner in the series. It had a few surprises with the Hartman family that were unexpected but really good. Waiting on the last book in the series. Good clean romance.
Another winner in the series. It had a few surprises with the Hartman family that were unexpected but really good. Waiting on the last book in the series. Good clean romance.
January 16, 2021
Polly and Everett
Polly is finally coming to visit and she doesn’t make the best impression when she meets Everett. The two realize their dislike for each other might be covering up for so much more.
Polly is finally coming to visit and she doesn’t make the best impression when she meets Everett. The two realize their dislike for each other might be covering up for so much more.
June 23, 2023
Polly and Everett
A well written story with more of the delightful Chapman family. This is Everett's time to find love which he proclaimed he didn't want but a forced engagement to another woman threatens to end his longing for Polly.
A well written story with more of the delightful Chapman family. This is Everett's time to find love which he proclaimed he didn't want but a forced engagement to another woman threatens to end his longing for Polly.
August 5, 2023
I listened to this one on Audio. The narrator did a great job. I did really enjoy this series. However, This was retitled from the original book. All in all, isn't bad, I just wish the cover said so and told you what book in the series it was.
August 8, 2024
Perfect!
Everett and Polly's story got a rocky start but soon turned into strong feelings for each other. But Everett felt unable to pursue Polly because of threats made by Randall Hartman. The way events played out made for a perfect ending!
Everett and Polly's story got a rocky start but soon turned into strong feelings for each other. But Everett felt unable to pursue Polly because of threats made by Randall Hartman. The way events played out made for a perfect ending!
August 12, 2024
A Sweet Cure for a Grumpy Brother
Great story. Polly and Everett are the main characters in this story. Polly was Ellie’s best friend in Atlanta and Everett was the youngest brother. At first they were slightly grumpy to each other then the attraction to each other began. There were bumps along the way, but true love found its mark, enjoy.
Great story. Polly and Everett are the main characters in this story. Polly was Ellie’s best friend in Atlanta and Everett was the youngest brother. At first they were slightly grumpy to each other then the attraction to each other began. There were bumps along the way, but true love found its mark, enjoy.
March 1, 2026
Good atory
But a bit heavy.
I liked that Ellie was able to have her best friend, but wow. Poor Polly gets to see the best and the worst of living out West.
Ms Sterling's romances in Flat River continue as Polly meets and falls in love with Everett. I wonder what happens next?!
But a bit heavy.
I liked that Ellie was able to have her best friend, but wow. Poor Polly gets to see the best and the worst of living out West.
Ms Sterling's romances in Flat River continue as Polly meets and falls in love with Everett. I wonder what happens next?!
September 17, 2020
Everett ( The Chapman's Book 4)
This is the fourth book in this series about a family and the women that they love and marry and find happiness
This is the fourth book in this series about a family and the women that they love and marry and find happiness
September 24, 2020
Great!!
As always the story of Everett and Polly didn't disappoint. Christine Sterling brings so much life to her characters! I'll hate to see this series end!
As always the story of Everett and Polly didn't disappoint. Christine Sterling brings so much life to her characters! I'll hate to see this series end!
January 31, 2021
Unsettled love
Being young and in love 💘. This story is a three star. Keeps a smile on your face and a giggle too as the cowboys earn the cowgirl hearts.
Being young and in love 💘. This story is a three star. Keeps a smile on your face and a giggle too as the cowboys earn the cowgirl hearts.
February 6, 2021
Dreary day but good for reading.
Dreary, snowy and cold. Perfect mix for hot tea and reading a good book. This has been a really nice series.
Dreary, snowy and cold. Perfect mix for hot tea and reading a good book. This has been a really nice series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews