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The Brides of Last Chance Ranch #1
Dawn Comes Early
Looking for a woman of good character and pleasant disposition willing to learn the ranching business in Arizona territory. Must be SINGLE and prepared to remain so now and forever more. Will be given ownership of ranch. —Eleanor Walker
Disgraced dime novelist Kate Tenney fled the city that banned her latest book for a fresh start at a cattle ranch in the Arizona Territory. She hopes ranching turns out to be as romantic as she portrayed it in her novels.
But what awaits her is a much harder life. There is no room for mistakes on a working cattle ranch in 1895, and Kate is ill-prepared for her new life. She quickly learns that dawn comes early . . . every day. But she is tenacious.
Having been abandoned by a string of men, Kate has no intention of ever marrying. But she didn’t expect to meet Luke Adams either. Luke awakens feelings inside Kate she doesn’t recognize, and his steady presence is a constant distraction. She has only written about love in the past, never known it herself. But her feelings for Luke stand in the way of all she has to gain if she is chosen as the heir.
Perhaps God brought Kate to the barrenness of the desert to give new life to her jaded heart.
Disgraced dime novelist Kate Tenney fled the city that banned her latest book for a fresh start at a cattle ranch in the Arizona Territory. She hopes ranching turns out to be as romantic as she portrayed it in her novels.
But what awaits her is a much harder life. There is no room for mistakes on a working cattle ranch in 1895, and Kate is ill-prepared for her new life. She quickly learns that dawn comes early . . . every day. But she is tenacious.
Having been abandoned by a string of men, Kate has no intention of ever marrying. But she didn’t expect to meet Luke Adams either. Luke awakens feelings inside Kate she doesn’t recognize, and his steady presence is a constant distraction. She has only written about love in the past, never known it herself. But her feelings for Luke stand in the way of all she has to gain if she is chosen as the heir.
Perhaps God brought Kate to the barrenness of the desert to give new life to her jaded heart.
334 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2012
58 people are currently reading
1059 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Brownley
67 books772 followersBEST-SELLING AUTHOR MARGARET BROWNLEY has penned nearly forty novels and novellas. Her books have won numerous awards, including Readers' Choice and Award of Excellence. She's was a two-time Romance Writers of American RITA® finalist and has written for a TV soap. She is currently working on a new series. Not bad for someone who flunked eighth grade English. Just don't ask her to diagram a sentence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
August 16, 2017
About this book:
“Looking for a woman of good character and pleasant disposition willing to learn the ranching business in Arizona territory. Must be SINGLE and prepared to remain so now and forever more. Will be given ownership of ranch. -Eleanor Walker
Disgraced dime novelist Kate Tenney fled the city that banned her latest book for a fresh start at a cattle ranch in the Arizona Territory. She hopes ranching turns out to be as romantic as she portrayed it in her novels.
But what awaits her is a much harder life. There is no room for mistakes on a working cattle ranch in 1895, and Kate is ill-prepared for her new life. She quickly learns that dawn comes early . . . every day. But she is tenacious.
Having been abandoned by a string of men, Kate has no intention of ever marrying. But she didn't expect to meet Luke Adams either. Luke awakens feelings inside Kate she doesn't recognize, and his steady presence is a constant distraction. She has only written about love in the past, never known it herself. But her feelings for Luke stand in the way of all she has to gain if she is chosen as the heir.
Perhaps God brought Kate to the barrenness of the desert to give new life to her jaded heart.”
Series: Book #1 in “The Brides of Last Chance Ranch”. Review of the third book Here!
Spiritual Content- Prayers; Scriptures are mentioned, quoted, read, & paraphrased; Church going; Many talks about God & trusting Him; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Kate thinks God deserted her (her mother told her that God favored the rich, therefore not raised about a loving God and doesn’t know much about the Bible); Kate is later shocked to learn that God answers prayers; Eleanor is mad at God, but tries to pray; Many mentions of God; Mentions of prayers; Mentions of church, church going, preachers, & sermons; Mentions of Bibles; Mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of faiths & Christians; Mentions of praising God & miracles; Mentions of forgiving; A couple mentions of monks;
*Note: A mention of a place that could be called a hellhole.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘idiot’, a ‘shut up’, a ‘what in tarnation’, a ‘what the…?’, two ‘blasted’s, two ‘stupid’s, five forms of ‘dumb’, seven ‘drat’s; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Fighting & Blood (up to semi-detailed); A kidnapping; Many mentions of crimes, outlaws, jail, & gunfire; Mentions of a dead person & a coffin (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a drowning (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of hangings; Mentions of fighting, injuries, & blood (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of fires (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of branding animals & the smelling (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of animal waste (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of alcohol, drunks, & saloons; Mentions of cigars & smoking; Mentions of bets; Mentions of divorces & exes; A few mentions of Indians attacks & killing others; A couple mentions of tobacco; A mention of a wife shooting her husband.
Sexual Content- a forehead kiss, five boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kisses; Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to be kissed & mentions of longing needs; Touches, Embraces, & Dancing (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); a ‘hussy’, and two ‘tramp’s; Mentions of Kate’s book that was deemed “immoral” by her publisher because of the two-page long kiss; Mentions of kissing, kisses, & wanting to be kissed; Mentions of a toe curling (fictional) kiss; Mentions of staring at lips & mouths; Mentions of passion, a passion filled marriage, & wanting one (Bessie reads Kate’s book); Mentions of Kate’s mother who has a fondness for alcohol & men and entertain men for a living; Mentions of temptations of being unfaithful to a spouse & thinking one is; Mentions of Kate’s father who left Kate and her mother; Mentions of blushes; Mentions of brazen flirts; A few mentions of brothels & painted ladies; A couple mentions of lovers; A couple mentions of a woman being compromised; A mention of finding a woman alone with a man (hinted possible kissing); A mention of a loose woman; A mention of a barely-above-not-detailed kiss; A mention of a forehead kiss; Love, falling in love & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of landing on a cactus & a bare bottom (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a plunging neckline of a dress; Mentions of a woman’s unmentionables; Mentions of a cow in labor (up to semi-detailed); A couple mentions of a woman who died in childbirth; A mention of a misunderstanding of a woman being called a sexagenarian.
-Kate Tenney, age 29
-Luke Adams, age 30
P.O.V. switches between them, Eleanor, & Bessie
Set in 1895-1896
343 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
This is a very different kind of plot. I did laugh many times and there was quite a bit of Spiritual Content. The first-half of this story was more focused on the ranch, while the second-half was more lovey-dovey-kissy. Because of all the love emotions and different content, the ratings are lower, but I did [mostly] enjoy this one.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Looking for a woman of good character and pleasant disposition willing to learn the ranching business in Arizona territory. Must be SINGLE and prepared to remain so now and forever more. Will be given ownership of ranch. -Eleanor Walker
Disgraced dime novelist Kate Tenney fled the city that banned her latest book for a fresh start at a cattle ranch in the Arizona Territory. She hopes ranching turns out to be as romantic as she portrayed it in her novels.
But what awaits her is a much harder life. There is no room for mistakes on a working cattle ranch in 1895, and Kate is ill-prepared for her new life. She quickly learns that dawn comes early . . . every day. But she is tenacious.
Having been abandoned by a string of men, Kate has no intention of ever marrying. But she didn't expect to meet Luke Adams either. Luke awakens feelings inside Kate she doesn't recognize, and his steady presence is a constant distraction. She has only written about love in the past, never known it herself. But her feelings for Luke stand in the way of all she has to gain if she is chosen as the heir.
Perhaps God brought Kate to the barrenness of the desert to give new life to her jaded heart.”
Series: Book #1 in “The Brides of Last Chance Ranch”. Review of the third book Here!
Spiritual Content- Prayers; Scriptures are mentioned, quoted, read, & paraphrased; Church going; Many talks about God & trusting Him; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Kate thinks God deserted her (her mother told her that God favored the rich, therefore not raised about a loving God and doesn’t know much about the Bible); Kate is later shocked to learn that God answers prayers; Eleanor is mad at God, but tries to pray; Many mentions of God; Mentions of prayers; Mentions of church, church going, preachers, & sermons; Mentions of Bibles; Mentions of those in the Bible; Mentions of faiths & Christians; Mentions of praising God & miracles; Mentions of forgiving; A couple mentions of monks;
*Note: A mention of a place that could be called a hellhole.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘idiot’, a ‘shut up’, a ‘what in tarnation’, a ‘what the…?’, two ‘blasted’s, two ‘stupid’s, five forms of ‘dumb’, seven ‘drat’s; Mentions of curses (said, not written); Fighting & Blood (up to semi-detailed); A kidnapping; Many mentions of crimes, outlaws, jail, & gunfire; Mentions of a dead person & a coffin (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of a drowning (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of hangings; Mentions of fighting, injuries, & blood (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of fires (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of branding animals & the smelling (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of animal waste (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of alcohol, drunks, & saloons; Mentions of cigars & smoking; Mentions of bets; Mentions of divorces & exes; A few mentions of Indians attacks & killing others; A couple mentions of tobacco; A mention of a wife shooting her husband.
Sexual Content- a forehead kiss, five boarder-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kisses; Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to be kissed & mentions of longing needs; Touches, Embraces, & Dancing (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); a ‘hussy’, and two ‘tramp’s; Mentions of Kate’s book that was deemed “immoral” by her publisher because of the two-page long kiss; Mentions of kissing, kisses, & wanting to be kissed; Mentions of a toe curling (fictional) kiss; Mentions of staring at lips & mouths; Mentions of passion, a passion filled marriage, & wanting one (Bessie reads Kate’s book); Mentions of Kate’s mother who has a fondness for alcohol & men and entertain men for a living; Mentions of temptations of being unfaithful to a spouse & thinking one is; Mentions of Kate’s father who left Kate and her mother; Mentions of blushes; Mentions of brazen flirts; A few mentions of brothels & painted ladies; A couple mentions of lovers; A couple mentions of a woman being compromised; A mention of finding a woman alone with a man (hinted possible kissing); A mention of a loose woman; A mention of a barely-above-not-detailed kiss; A mention of a forehead kiss; Love, falling in love & the emotions;
*Note: Mentions of landing on a cactus & a bare bottom (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a plunging neckline of a dress; Mentions of a woman’s unmentionables; Mentions of a cow in labor (up to semi-detailed); A couple mentions of a woman who died in childbirth; A mention of a misunderstanding of a woman being called a sexagenarian.
-Kate Tenney, age 29
-Luke Adams, age 30
P.O.V. switches between them, Eleanor, & Bessie
Set in 1895-1896
343 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
This is a very different kind of plot. I did laugh many times and there was quite a bit of Spiritual Content. The first-half of this story was more focused on the ranch, while the second-half was more lovey-dovey-kissy. Because of all the love emotions and different content, the ratings are lower, but I did [mostly] enjoy this one.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
February 15, 2012
Morning came too early for me after staying up into the wee hours to finish this fascinating new book.
Kate Tenney comes to Arizona Territory after answering an advertisement seeking an heir for a ranch owner. She is a city girl and former dime novelist who has romanticized the west in her mind and finds out quickly, as soon as she gets there, in fact, that it is nothing like she thought it was going to be. Faced with an outlaw from the get go, Kate is thrown into the wild and wonderful world of western life.
Luke Adams is the local blacksmith. He’s a hardworking, not too formally educated but oh so lovable kind of man. He ends up rescuing that crazy city girl Kate from numerous situations. He falls for her pretty early on but doesn’t think he’s smart enough for a woman like her because she uses big words when she talks. Their romance was so much fun to watch with some exceptional scenes that would look good on the big screen!
The main aspect that kept me so engaged while reading this book was how well I got to know each and every character. From Miss Walker, the unusual owner of Last Chance Ranch, to the seasoned ranch hands and Luke’s charming, matchmaking aunts, I was held captive by the depth of characterization and humor! There was no glossing over anyone’s importance to the story at all. I loved that! I genuinely felt like I was seeing into each person’s life-their hopes and dreams, fears and heartaches, failures and accomplishments-and I laughed out loud, often!
There are a few scenes in the book when Kate reads to the ranch hands from one of her dime novels and all I can say is – they are priceless! I woke my husband from a sound slumber with my laughter. It’s during that scene and a few that follow, that I fell in love with all the cowpokes and knew they would champion Kate in her determination to conquer the challenge of learning ranch life.
I can’t wait until the next book! Margaret’s writing plunges me into the depths of the storyline with exceptional humor embedded throughout. Containing a strong spiritual thread, I never felt like I was being hit over the head with it. It’s just a natural part of who the characters are.
Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the Brides of Last Chance Ranch series! I want to thank Margaret Brownley for asking me to be an influencer once again and providing an Advanced Reader Copy for review purposes.
Kate Tenney comes to Arizona Territory after answering an advertisement seeking an heir for a ranch owner. She is a city girl and former dime novelist who has romanticized the west in her mind and finds out quickly, as soon as she gets there, in fact, that it is nothing like she thought it was going to be. Faced with an outlaw from the get go, Kate is thrown into the wild and wonderful world of western life.
Luke Adams is the local blacksmith. He’s a hardworking, not too formally educated but oh so lovable kind of man. He ends up rescuing that crazy city girl Kate from numerous situations. He falls for her pretty early on but doesn’t think he’s smart enough for a woman like her because she uses big words when she talks. Their romance was so much fun to watch with some exceptional scenes that would look good on the big screen!
The main aspect that kept me so engaged while reading this book was how well I got to know each and every character. From Miss Walker, the unusual owner of Last Chance Ranch, to the seasoned ranch hands and Luke’s charming, matchmaking aunts, I was held captive by the depth of characterization and humor! There was no glossing over anyone’s importance to the story at all. I loved that! I genuinely felt like I was seeing into each person’s life-their hopes and dreams, fears and heartaches, failures and accomplishments-and I laughed out loud, often!
There are a few scenes in the book when Kate reads to the ranch hands from one of her dime novels and all I can say is – they are priceless! I woke my husband from a sound slumber with my laughter. It’s during that scene and a few that follow, that I fell in love with all the cowpokes and knew they would champion Kate in her determination to conquer the challenge of learning ranch life.
I can’t wait until the next book! Margaret’s writing plunges me into the depths of the storyline with exceptional humor embedded throughout. Containing a strong spiritual thread, I never felt like I was being hit over the head with it. It’s just a natural part of who the characters are.
Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the Brides of Last Chance Ranch series! I want to thank Margaret Brownley for asking me to be an influencer once again and providing an Advanced Reader Copy for review purposes.
March 18, 2015
2.5
I was a little disappointed in this one. I found the story dragged for me in parts and the romance was a let down.
Kate is a writer and after her most recent book is banned in Boston, she decides to get a fresh start in Cactus Patch, Texas. She responds to an ad for someone to take over Last Chance Ranch. Kate has no ranching experience, besides what she has written in her books. Kate is surprised by just how much work goes into ranching, but throws herself into it. She has risen above a difficult childhood and put herself through school and is used to hard work and wants no distractions. Especially the kind of distractions Luke Adams presents. Luke is the local blacksmith and all around nice guy. I really thought their story had a lot of potential, but fell flat for me. They are only together a handful of times, half of which are not positive encounters and yet we're supposed to believe they've fallen in love? She is constantly pushing him away. By the end they really know nothing about each other, besides the superficial. They've never really had any conversations about their pasts or anything. I just didn't buy it. I think they were more in love with the idea of each other more than the actual person.
I got a little bored with the time at the ranch. I felt the overall story was a bit repeditive and not a whole lot of character growth. I read Book Two in this series first, so it was fun to get some backstory though. I liked the storyline with Cactus Joe and the aunts were pretty cute. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the focus had been more on Kate and Luke and less on ranching.
Overall, it was just okay for me. Took me a few days to get through it.
Content
Romance: Squeaky clean
Violence: Mild
Religious: Mild-Moderate
I was a little disappointed in this one. I found the story dragged for me in parts and the romance was a let down.
Kate is a writer and after her most recent book is banned in Boston, she decides to get a fresh start in Cactus Patch, Texas. She responds to an ad for someone to take over Last Chance Ranch. Kate has no ranching experience, besides what she has written in her books. Kate is surprised by just how much work goes into ranching, but throws herself into it. She has risen above a difficult childhood and put herself through school and is used to hard work and wants no distractions. Especially the kind of distractions Luke Adams presents. Luke is the local blacksmith and all around nice guy. I really thought their story had a lot of potential, but fell flat for me. They are only together a handful of times, half of which are not positive encounters and yet we're supposed to believe they've fallen in love? She is constantly pushing him away. By the end they really know nothing about each other, besides the superficial. They've never really had any conversations about their pasts or anything. I just didn't buy it. I think they were more in love with the idea of each other more than the actual person.
I got a little bored with the time at the ranch. I felt the overall story was a bit repeditive and not a whole lot of character growth. I read Book Two in this series first, so it was fun to get some backstory though. I liked the storyline with Cactus Joe and the aunts were pretty cute. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the focus had been more on Kate and Luke and less on ranching.
Overall, it was just okay for me. Took me a few days to get through it.
Content
Romance: Squeaky clean
Violence: Mild
Religious: Mild-Moderate
April 25, 2012
This was a truly fun read. Those who read my reviews most often know how I love realism and this book had a genuine feel of community to it. I didn't feel as if Kate & Luke's story was the only one going on (with everyone else there just as filler) but truly like we were seeing life through their eyes. The emphasis was on them, but the other characters were moving forward in their lives as well. It made the story more three dimensional.
There was tension, action, romance, and comic relief right from the beginning. I loved Cactus Joe and thought the author was brilliant creating him as both villain and a sort of tragic clown. The whole idea of Kate being a writer of banned books was genius. It created such a buzz about her in town - and a lot of discussion that is still applicable today.
Each character felt like they had a history that was well developed and interesting. I loved getting to know them. Because of that, their actions and the story line was even more dynamic. I loved some of the choices they made - like Kate and the windmill. You have to read to know what I'm talking about. I don't want to give anything away.
The only thing I wish could have happened was more time spent between Luke and Kate. I know that was realistic for the time period though. This is one I would heartily recommend. I want to thank Thomas Nelson for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.
There was tension, action, romance, and comic relief right from the beginning. I loved Cactus Joe and thought the author was brilliant creating him as both villain and a sort of tragic clown. The whole idea of Kate being a writer of banned books was genius. It created such a buzz about her in town - and a lot of discussion that is still applicable today.
Each character felt like they had a history that was well developed and interesting. I loved getting to know them. Because of that, their actions and the story line was even more dynamic. I loved some of the choices they made - like Kate and the windmill. You have to read to know what I'm talking about. I don't want to give anything away.
The only thing I wish could have happened was more time spent between Luke and Kate. I know that was realistic for the time period though. This is one I would heartily recommend. I want to thank Thomas Nelson for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 16, 2016
...found another book I forgot to review last year! ...
I enjoyed this humorous tale of Kate Tenney's life. She's quite the gal to grab hold with both hands and make her way in the world! I especially enjoyed the advertising idea that brings about the final climax of the story (no more hints, though; you'll have to read it yourself), and how the ending was brought together after everything went totally wrong for a spell.
Definitely will be reading the rest of this series when I get the chance.
I enjoyed this humorous tale of Kate Tenney's life. She's quite the gal to grab hold with both hands and make her way in the world! I especially enjoyed the advertising idea that brings about the final climax of the story (no more hints, though; you'll have to read it yourself), and how the ending was brought together after everything went totally wrong for a spell.
Definitely will be reading the rest of this series when I get the chance.
November 22, 2024
This was a perfect ebook to have on my phone. When I had time to read, it was cute and interesting, but it wasn't so gripping that I couldn't put it down. I had a hard time connecting with the main character. She was wimpy but determined. I was a bit surprised at the twist at the end, but at the same time it makes sense, since it is a series. The Cactus Jack was a funny twist. I felt the romance was a bit lacking. To me, anytime there is a large passage of time without resolution with romance I don't like it, but I still recognize that sometimes people need to work through things or get closure before they can move on, so, though I may not like it, I see the need...
May 15, 2019
Romance is just not a genre I enjoy anymore, and this one seems particularly far fetched though the writing was better than most.
May 5, 2012
Author Margaret Brownley begins her "Last Chance Ranch" book series with "Dawn Comes Early", and what a wonderful beginning it is! Historical Western Romance is my favorite genre--it's in my blood. I never tire of reading about the American Old West, and the reading is especially pleasurable when the author crafts the story with characterizations and descriptive writing so vivid that the words have "flavor". Kate Tenney is a Boston-based "Dime Novel" author who heads West when her latest book is banned for indecency. An ad offering an Arizona ranch for free to a woman of good character who vows to remain single seems like the perfect "last chance" for Kate. Even though she made a living writing about the Old West, she is unprepared for the hard reality of life on a working ranch, where "dawn comes early" every single day. She is also unprepared for her feelings toward Luke Adams, the local blacksmith, who is unlike any man she has ever met. Kate's difficult childhood and abandonment issues have left her with a deep mistrust of men. She is a self-educated woman, a graduate of the "school of hard knocks". She has never allowed herself to truly love or to experience real faith. She often imagines that the things that happen to her are actually scenes from a book. The people she meets in Cactus Patch, Arizona each have a life-changing effect on Kate, and faith begins to heal her heart, leaving her wanting to give her heart to Luke. With the help of Luke's two matchmaking aunts, the wise ranch hand Ruckus, and some divine intervention, will Kate find peace of mind and reach out for the new world of love and happiness that awaits? I truly enjoyed this story, and I was touched by Kate's struggles and character growth and burgeoning spirituality. Highly recommended.
Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
November 3, 2016
I really wanted to love this book. Margaret Brownleyis an author that I discovered just this year. And I really like her books.
Dawn Comes Early is the first in a new series, "The Brides of Last Chance Ranch". If 1/2 stars were permissible, I'd be giving 3.5.
So what kept this out of the 4 or 5 star range. Kate's previous occupation of dime store novelist just didn't sell right. Perhaps it was showing how educated she was that threw me. But more likely that she didn't try writing another kind of book first and then only as last resort turned to dime stories.
One error that cost a star is one I would expect ANYONE who writes in the Western genre would never reference the word steer as a breeding animal. While she doesn't say that, it is certainly implied with the reference to this steer's heritage. BTW, steer wasn't an error. The word was stated multiple several times correcting the person in the conversation. A steer is a castrated male of the cattle persuasion. It cannot breed any other "little ones". This is a major mistake.
Another error which I wish an editor had caught is at the Chapter 38. Dropcaps are used to start each chapter. This one starts with an "E". Except it should have been a "C" since the first words are CACTUS JACK.
There was something missing in this book but it appeared in "Location 4230". Ms. Brownley's fun style of writing. Making the fun side of the characters shine through. For there to the end WAS what makes her books so good. I just wish I had not had to read through 80+% of the book to get there.
Some good moments do appear throughout the book -- it just misses a little. And I guess my past readings of her other books raised the bar for this one.
Dawn Comes Early is the first in a new series, "The Brides of Last Chance Ranch". If 1/2 stars were permissible, I'd be giving 3.5.
So what kept this out of the 4 or 5 star range. Kate's previous occupation of dime store novelist just didn't sell right. Perhaps it was showing how educated she was that threw me. But more likely that she didn't try writing another kind of book first and then only as last resort turned to dime stories.
One error that cost a star is one I would expect ANYONE who writes in the Western genre would never reference the word steer as a breeding animal. While she doesn't say that, it is certainly implied with the reference to this steer's heritage. BTW, steer wasn't an error. The word was stated multiple several times correcting the person in the conversation. A steer is a castrated male of the cattle persuasion. It cannot breed any other "little ones". This is a major mistake.
Another error which I wish an editor had caught is at the Chapter 38. Dropcaps are used to start each chapter. This one starts with an "E". Except it should have been a "C" since the first words are CACTUS JACK.
There was something missing in this book but it appeared in "Location 4230". Ms. Brownley's fun style of writing. Making the fun side of the characters shine through. For there to the end WAS what makes her books so good. I just wish I had not had to read through 80+% of the book to get there.
Some good moments do appear throughout the book -- it just misses a little. And I guess my past readings of her other books raised the bar for this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2016
Leaving the familiar world of Boston society behind, Kate Tenney travels out west to the Arizona territory for an unusual chance to inherit a cattle ranch. Yet as a dime novel writer, she has no ranching experience. Her ignorance provides many a comedic – and sometimes life-threatening – situation, yet as the weeks pass, Kate’s hard work and determination allow her to learn her role quickly. She might just have a future as a rancher – but there’s a catch: in order to become the heiress of this ranch, she must sign a document forbidding her to ever marry. Kate has no problems agreeing to this – until she meets Luke Adams, the town’s blacksmith. In the weeks she spends on the ranch, Luke complicates her resolve and in the end, she must decide which is more important: land or love.
Throughout the novel, Brownley does a beautiful job of developing the conflict Kate feels about her two choices. Though I had a pretty good guess about what was going to happen in the end, I remained on the edge of my seat until the final pages. It was not a complicated read by any means, but I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this novel – the western setting, the characters, the adventure, the romance. Brownley provided me with a much-needed break from present-day suburbia and taught me a bit about living on a ranch, allowing me to learn along with Kate. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in romantic historical fiction, particularly in the West, and I truly appreciate BookSneeze for providing me with a free copy of this novel and the opportunity to review it.
http://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot....
Throughout the novel, Brownley does a beautiful job of developing the conflict Kate feels about her two choices. Though I had a pretty good guess about what was going to happen in the end, I remained on the edge of my seat until the final pages. It was not a complicated read by any means, but I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this novel – the western setting, the characters, the adventure, the romance. Brownley provided me with a much-needed break from present-day suburbia and taught me a bit about living on a ranch, allowing me to learn along with Kate. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in romantic historical fiction, particularly in the West, and I truly appreciate BookSneeze for providing me with a free copy of this novel and the opportunity to review it.
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January 23, 2016
DAWN COMES EARLY was entertaining, but did not capture my attention like some of Margaret Brownley’s previous novels.
Author Kate Tenney has left Boston with her tail between her legs. When her current novel is banned, she decides to start fresh in the open Arizona territory. As a dime novelist, she has long romanticized the rugged West. Now, she is going to find out first hand that the untamed West is one part charm and three parts blood, sweat, and tears. Trying to impress the salty female land owner she now works for, Kate finds out there is more to the great outdoors than beautiful sunsets and handsome heroes.
Obstinate and feeling as if she has nowhere to go, Kate knows her future hinges on not only learning all there is about cattle ranching, but swearing off the romantic entanglements of a certain blacksmith. But Luke Adams seems to show up at the most unexpected times and is slowly quelling the fears of abandonment that have scared Kate from a very young age.
The back cover of this book held all the promises of a good read. But somehow, I feel it fell a little flat. The interactions between Kate and Luke were few and far between, and the characters didn’t really show as much depth as they could have. I did enjoy the secondary character of Ruckus, the tough-as-leather ranch foreman that soon develops a soft spot for Kate. His fatherly ways were sweet and gave his character some depth that I thought was lacking in some of the other key players.
Overall, I enjoyed DAWN COMES EARLY. I just wasn’t wowed by it.
Author Kate Tenney has left Boston with her tail between her legs. When her current novel is banned, she decides to start fresh in the open Arizona territory. As a dime novelist, she has long romanticized the rugged West. Now, she is going to find out first hand that the untamed West is one part charm and three parts blood, sweat, and tears. Trying to impress the salty female land owner she now works for, Kate finds out there is more to the great outdoors than beautiful sunsets and handsome heroes.
Obstinate and feeling as if she has nowhere to go, Kate knows her future hinges on not only learning all there is about cattle ranching, but swearing off the romantic entanglements of a certain blacksmith. But Luke Adams seems to show up at the most unexpected times and is slowly quelling the fears of abandonment that have scared Kate from a very young age.
The back cover of this book held all the promises of a good read. But somehow, I feel it fell a little flat. The interactions between Kate and Luke were few and far between, and the characters didn’t really show as much depth as they could have. I did enjoy the secondary character of Ruckus, the tough-as-leather ranch foreman that soon develops a soft spot for Kate. His fatherly ways were sweet and gave his character some depth that I thought was lacking in some of the other key players.
Overall, I enjoyed DAWN COMES EARLY. I just wasn’t wowed by it.
March 22, 2012
Kate Tenney writes dime novels, otherwise known as potboilers. But her last novel was banned, being named immoral. Disgusted and disgraced, Kate answers an ad in the paper - a woman looking for an heiress. Kate has never ranched before but she's wrote about it. It should be a piece of cake to pass the test and soon become owner of the large ranch.
She's in over her head, not realizing how hard ranch work is, but she won't quit. She'll even find the contract that she will remain forever a spinster if she inherits and becomes the boss lady. Even when the blacksmith, Luke Adams, finds himself attracted to Kate, and she him, she turns him away. When a local criminal decides to kidnap Kate, Adam stops at nothing to find her.
When the urge to write strikes her, she begins to write at night and work the ranch by day. There's no room for a relationship in her life. She has her relationship with God and that will have to suffice but what if God has other plans for Kate?
I love reading stories set in the past, where things were simpler. I adored Logan's aunts - they really livened things up in the tale. Dawn Comes Early is filled with love, promise, struggle and faith. I can't wait to read the next in this delightful series! I found myself caught up in their lives and hated to see it end. Highly recommend!!
She's in over her head, not realizing how hard ranch work is, but she won't quit. She'll even find the contract that she will remain forever a spinster if she inherits and becomes the boss lady. Even when the blacksmith, Luke Adams, finds himself attracted to Kate, and she him, she turns him away. When a local criminal decides to kidnap Kate, Adam stops at nothing to find her.
When the urge to write strikes her, she begins to write at night and work the ranch by day. There's no room for a relationship in her life. She has her relationship with God and that will have to suffice but what if God has other plans for Kate?
I love reading stories set in the past, where things were simpler. I adored Logan's aunts - they really livened things up in the tale. Dawn Comes Early is filled with love, promise, struggle and faith. I can't wait to read the next in this delightful series! I found myself caught up in their lives and hated to see it end. Highly recommend!!
April 7, 2012
Western comedy at it's best, but Dawn Comes Early will pull at your heartstrings too. Kate heads into Cactus Patch with a lot more baggage than the single trunk she brought from Boston . It takes a run-in with an outlaw and repeated associations with the local blacksmith to begin shaking that baggage loose. And all the while she's learning the rigorous work of ranch-life through hands-on experience. Let's just say there isn't a lull in this action-packed, emotionally-fraught and side-splitting historical novel.
As always, Brownley's characters shine. Sub-plots involving secondary characters are by turns humourous and touching and add extra spark to an already dazzling story. A definite delight to read.
As always, Brownley's characters shine. Sub-plots involving secondary characters are by turns humourous and touching and add extra spark to an already dazzling story. A definite delight to read.
March 14, 2017
I really enjoyed the premise of this book and how it was so different from other historical fiction romance novels. I didn't think it spent too much time on the romance, unlike many other books I have read. I loved Miss Walker and Aunt Bessie's character development throughout this and the future two books.
June 13, 2016
This was a re-read for me ams probably more like a 3.5⭐. Had I remembered more of the story I probably wouldn't have read it again. It's an okay story but not on of my favorites. Definitely worth the first read but probably not the second.
August 21, 2018
3 BOOKS - 1 REVIEW OF FULL SERIES - THE BRIDES OF LAST CHANCE RANCH SERIES is great fun!
I recently binge read all 3 books in the series over about a one-week period. They were great fun, filled with outlaws, ranch hands with classic nicknames, rancher talk, fun supporting characters in the townsfolk and romance. The women were strong and the men were kind along with plenty of God moments that filled my soul. I would definitely recommend this series.
Eleanor Walker is a hard as nails 65-year-old ranch owner who doesn’t take kindly to nonsense, dresses more like a man, refuses to be courted by her longtime friend the bank owner and wants her ranch left to a worthy woman who feels the same.
Looking for a woman of good character and pleasant disposition
willing to learn ranching business in Arizona Territory.
Must be SINGLE
and prepared to remain so now and forever more.
Will be given ownership of ranch.
-Eleanor Walker-
So reads the ad placed by the formidable boss lady. Each book encounters a new potential heiress hungry for a new life and willing to swear off men. In ‘Dawn Comes Early’ Kate Tenney is an author of romantic Dime Novels who has had her book banned in Boston and decides to start fresh when she sees the ad. Luke Adams is the town blacksmith, who Kate mistakenly calls Brandon, the hero of her novels after an unfortunate run-in with outlaw Cactus Jack. She is determined not to develop feelings for him, and ruin her chance at the ranch, no matter how drawn to him she is.
BOOK 1 FUN QUOTE: Lula-Belle made a funny choking sound. “Passion was invented?” “Of course it was. How else can you explain its sudden appearance? Did you ever hear about it when we were young?” “No, but… but who would invent such a thing?”
‘Waiting for Morning’ has Molly Hatfield fleeing Colorado with her wheel-chair bound brother following a fire that leaves them homeless. She makes the long trek to Cactus Patch, AZ hoping to give her brother a better life at The Last Chance Ranch. She has no idea what she’s in for, but she’ll give it all she’s got burying her guilt and happy to be rid of men for good. Dr. Caleb Fairbanks is the town’s new doctor. He’s young and drives a noisy, horseless carriage that scares half the town, but interests the other half. He’s got a lot to prove and he doesn’t judge people by the outside but wants to get to know the heart of them. He recognizes the potential in Molly and her brother, but she keeps him at arm’s length. God will need to do a work to bring them together.
BOOK 2 TEA QUOTE: “Have him drink tea. Don’t know what it is exactly, but there’s something in tea that seems to help asthmatics.”
‘Gunpowder Tea’ finds Miranda Hunt, an undercover Pinkerton agent, on assignment in pursuit of the Phantom. The ranch ad seems like the perfect cover to apprehend him. And who would suspect a female agent? Jeremy Taggart has also been assigned by Wells Fargo to go undercover. Each suspects the other of being in cahoots with the Phantom, despite their obvious attractions to each other and will do whatever it takes to capture him, including using the other for information.
BOOK 3 FAITH QUOTE: “Prices go up and prices go down. Rain comes and rain goes. But the Good Book tells us that no matter what happens, we need to store our trust in God’s stables instead of our own. And that’s what’s gonna keep this ranch goin.”
BOOK 3 TEA QUOTE: “Now that we’ve settled our future together, let’s go home. It’s time for my afternoon tea.”
I enjoyed reading about Gunpowder Tea inside the back of the third book:
It comes from the Zhejiang province of China. Originally the leaves were hand-rolled and looked like little gunpowder pellets. Today the rolling is mostly done by machines. It’s fun to listen to the little popping sounds as the leaves unfurl during brewing. Brought to this country during the California Gold Rush, the tea was especially popular during the Civil War, and any soldier fortunate enough to secure some for his knapsack considered himself lucky indeed. Gunpowder Tea is good for what ails you and its health benefits range from preventing tooth decay to lowering blood pressure. It can even slow aging.
Thomas Nelson Publ. / Books were purchased from ChristianBookdotcom. Opinions are my own and shared for no compensation.
SERIES: The Brides of Last Chance Ranch
1. 1895 / Dawn Comes Early / ©2012
2. 1896 / Waiting For Morning / ©2012
3. 1897 / Gunpowder Tea / ©2013
I recently binge read all 3 books in the series over about a one-week period. They were great fun, filled with outlaws, ranch hands with classic nicknames, rancher talk, fun supporting characters in the townsfolk and romance. The women were strong and the men were kind along with plenty of God moments that filled my soul. I would definitely recommend this series.
Eleanor Walker is a hard as nails 65-year-old ranch owner who doesn’t take kindly to nonsense, dresses more like a man, refuses to be courted by her longtime friend the bank owner and wants her ranch left to a worthy woman who feels the same.
Looking for a woman of good character and pleasant disposition
willing to learn ranching business in Arizona Territory.
Must be SINGLE
and prepared to remain so now and forever more.
Will be given ownership of ranch.
-Eleanor Walker-
So reads the ad placed by the formidable boss lady. Each book encounters a new potential heiress hungry for a new life and willing to swear off men. In ‘Dawn Comes Early’ Kate Tenney is an author of romantic Dime Novels who has had her book banned in Boston and decides to start fresh when she sees the ad. Luke Adams is the town blacksmith, who Kate mistakenly calls Brandon, the hero of her novels after an unfortunate run-in with outlaw Cactus Jack. She is determined not to develop feelings for him, and ruin her chance at the ranch, no matter how drawn to him she is.
BOOK 1 FUN QUOTE: Lula-Belle made a funny choking sound. “Passion was invented?” “Of course it was. How else can you explain its sudden appearance? Did you ever hear about it when we were young?” “No, but… but who would invent such a thing?”
‘Waiting for Morning’ has Molly Hatfield fleeing Colorado with her wheel-chair bound brother following a fire that leaves them homeless. She makes the long trek to Cactus Patch, AZ hoping to give her brother a better life at The Last Chance Ranch. She has no idea what she’s in for, but she’ll give it all she’s got burying her guilt and happy to be rid of men for good. Dr. Caleb Fairbanks is the town’s new doctor. He’s young and drives a noisy, horseless carriage that scares half the town, but interests the other half. He’s got a lot to prove and he doesn’t judge people by the outside but wants to get to know the heart of them. He recognizes the potential in Molly and her brother, but she keeps him at arm’s length. God will need to do a work to bring them together.
BOOK 2 TEA QUOTE: “Have him drink tea. Don’t know what it is exactly, but there’s something in tea that seems to help asthmatics.”
‘Gunpowder Tea’ finds Miranda Hunt, an undercover Pinkerton agent, on assignment in pursuit of the Phantom. The ranch ad seems like the perfect cover to apprehend him. And who would suspect a female agent? Jeremy Taggart has also been assigned by Wells Fargo to go undercover. Each suspects the other of being in cahoots with the Phantom, despite their obvious attractions to each other and will do whatever it takes to capture him, including using the other for information.
BOOK 3 FAITH QUOTE: “Prices go up and prices go down. Rain comes and rain goes. But the Good Book tells us that no matter what happens, we need to store our trust in God’s stables instead of our own. And that’s what’s gonna keep this ranch goin.”
BOOK 3 TEA QUOTE: “Now that we’ve settled our future together, let’s go home. It’s time for my afternoon tea.”
I enjoyed reading about Gunpowder Tea inside the back of the third book:
It comes from the Zhejiang province of China. Originally the leaves were hand-rolled and looked like little gunpowder pellets. Today the rolling is mostly done by machines. It’s fun to listen to the little popping sounds as the leaves unfurl during brewing. Brought to this country during the California Gold Rush, the tea was especially popular during the Civil War, and any soldier fortunate enough to secure some for his knapsack considered himself lucky indeed. Gunpowder Tea is good for what ails you and its health benefits range from preventing tooth decay to lowering blood pressure. It can even slow aging.
Thomas Nelson Publ. / Books were purchased from ChristianBookdotcom. Opinions are my own and shared for no compensation.
SERIES: The Brides of Last Chance Ranch
1. 1895 / Dawn Comes Early / ©2012
2. 1896 / Waiting For Morning / ©2012
3. 1897 / Gunpowder Tea / ©2013
March 15, 2020
This just wasn't good at all. I was hoping for a swoony cowboy romance full of silly ranching stories and angst but this book did nothing for me
- the romance fell so flat. I couldn't see the chemistry at all between Luke and Kate. Every time that Luke said "drat" was a major turn-off for me. Like, yes, this book takes place in 1895, but everything was so ridiculously cheesy.
- Kate was super annoying because she was still holding onto childhood grudges as a thirty year old woman and she was always so quick to dismiss what she actually wanted. She arrives in Arizona to become the heiress to a cattle ranch, but to take the job, she is forbidden to ever marry. In this, she pushes away her feelings for Luke, even though she can't deny they are there, in order to pursue being the owner of the ranch.
- there was a subplot revolving around Luke's aunt Bessie, and it was quite possibly the dumbest subplot I've ever read. Essentially, she believes that her husband is cheating on her because he's been giving her more affection and buying her gifts which is unusual behaviour. she assumes he's acting out of guilt rather than taking it at face value. I couldn't believe that this woman was so insecure and stupid, after being married to this man for 40 years, that she still has no faith or trust in him, or any communication skills. It was beyond childish, and I still have no idea why it was included in the book at all or why it took up so much page time. It added nothing to Kate's story. Nothing!
- Is there such a thing as self-plagiarism, because this book had so much of it. Several phrases like "Sam was surely acting out of guilt" and "land would last forever" and "the ranch was what she wanted" were repeated so much. this book was beating me over the head trying to remind me that Kate was haunted by things in her past. It was constantly telling me that Kate wanted to run the ranch, which perhaps was due to Kate trying to convince herself of this, but it was so repetitive and redundant.
- this book was a bore
- so many of the characters had ridiculous names. There's an outlaw named Cactus Joe. All of the ranch hands had ridiculous 'barn names' like Ruckus, OT, Stretch, among other very stupid things. It just made them feel like characters, not at all like real people
- I am not planning to continue with this series at all, seeing as they all seem to have the same plot but with different characters (i.e. upstate girl arrives to try to become Eleanor's heiress, personal issues and romantic tension because there's a guy she's interested in but she's forbidden to marry). I'm not that interested to continue reading these books of poor writing, characters that feel fake and a repeat plot line. No thanks.
- the romance fell so flat. I couldn't see the chemistry at all between Luke and Kate. Every time that Luke said "drat" was a major turn-off for me. Like, yes, this book takes place in 1895, but everything was so ridiculously cheesy.
- Kate was super annoying because she was still holding onto childhood grudges as a thirty year old woman and she was always so quick to dismiss what she actually wanted. She arrives in Arizona to become the heiress to a cattle ranch, but to take the job, she is forbidden to ever marry. In this, she pushes away her feelings for Luke, even though she can't deny they are there, in order to pursue being the owner of the ranch.
- there was a subplot revolving around Luke's aunt Bessie, and it was quite possibly the dumbest subplot I've ever read. Essentially, she believes that her husband is cheating on her because he's been giving her more affection and buying her gifts which is unusual behaviour. she assumes he's acting out of guilt rather than taking it at face value. I couldn't believe that this woman was so insecure and stupid, after being married to this man for 40 years, that she still has no faith or trust in him, or any communication skills. It was beyond childish, and I still have no idea why it was included in the book at all or why it took up so much page time. It added nothing to Kate's story. Nothing!
- Is there such a thing as self-plagiarism, because this book had so much of it. Several phrases like "Sam was surely acting out of guilt" and "land would last forever" and "the ranch was what she wanted" were repeated so much. this book was beating me over the head trying to remind me that Kate was haunted by things in her past. It was constantly telling me that Kate wanted to run the ranch, which perhaps was due to Kate trying to convince herself of this, but it was so repetitive and redundant.
- this book was a bore
- so many of the characters had ridiculous names. There's an outlaw named Cactus Joe. All of the ranch hands had ridiculous 'barn names' like Ruckus, OT, Stretch, among other very stupid things. It just made them feel like characters, not at all like real people
- I am not planning to continue with this series at all, seeing as they all seem to have the same plot but with different characters (i.e. upstate girl arrives to try to become Eleanor's heiress, personal issues and romantic tension because there's a guy she's interested in but she's forbidden to marry). I'm not that interested to continue reading these books of poor writing, characters that feel fake and a repeat plot line. No thanks.
April 19, 2020
This is the first novel I have read by Margaret Brownley and I have to say she has a way of capturing the ambience of a location. It may be that I still have my mind in Arizona, where I spent a month before COVID 19 ravaged the world, but I found the way Kate viewed the desert on her first exposure to be spot on. It looks dead and dry, yet there is so much life to be found.
I enjoyed the character development in this story. Kate reminded me of a "grown up" Anne of Green Gables - influenced by her past but determined to make the best of any given situation. Luke and his aunts provide a snap shot of small town prairie life that is very endearing. Ruckus provides a gruff father figure for Kate and the reader grows very fond of his daily philosophy as the story proceeds. On the other hand, Miss Walker seems a character that needs to be more involved in the plot for us to understand her perspective more clearly. The reader expects to see some change in her strict regulations as she grows more fond of Kate. Several of her actions surprise the reader.
I found this a most enjoyable read when the world around us has become so complex.
I enjoyed the character development in this story. Kate reminded me of a "grown up" Anne of Green Gables - influenced by her past but determined to make the best of any given situation. Luke and his aunts provide a snap shot of small town prairie life that is very endearing. Ruckus provides a gruff father figure for Kate and the reader grows very fond of his daily philosophy as the story proceeds. On the other hand, Miss Walker seems a character that needs to be more involved in the plot for us to understand her perspective more clearly. The reader expects to see some change in her strict regulations as she grows more fond of Kate. Several of her actions surprise the reader.
I found this a most enjoyable read when the world around us has become so complex.
January 27, 2017
An interesting story about a young woman who had been abandoned by her father and then watched her mother be abused by the men in her life. She decides to answer an add about becoming the heiress to a large ranch run by another woman who didn't want anything to do with men. She is a writer who has lost face having written a story with a real kiss in it and thinks she know about the life in the west when she has lived in the city all her life.
The characters in the book are cute and some of the things that happen to her are hilarious. I don't think it was written as a comedy though as a lot of it is serious too, but it was an enjoyable read and had a lovely ending. The villain in this book is quite funny. I would highly recommend it.
The characters in the book are cute and some of the things that happen to her are hilarious. I don't think it was written as a comedy though as a lot of it is serious too, but it was an enjoyable read and had a lovely ending. The villain in this book is quite funny. I would highly recommend it.
October 16, 2019
This has been my favorite book by Margaret Brownley so far. I have enjoyed her other stories as well, but I really liked the main characters and “interfering” Aunt Bessie. I also liked how Kate worked through her struggles with God and trust and how she and Luke worked through their differences. I also loved that Brownley wrote the main character as strong without making her miraculously good at being a rancher. I also like that Kate was able to fall in love with living in Cactus Patch instead of Boston.
November 6, 2023
Took a few days to read but overall I enjoyed this story. Setting In Arizona Territory 1895, Kate Tenney is disappointed that her writing skills were being judged too harshly. Alone in life, Kate is looking for something else in life. Upon reading an article that will change her life, Kate sets out to find a new life in the Arizona Territory on a cattle ranch. If she can learn the ranch life and stay unmarried she may inherit a large ranch. After meeting Luke Adams she starts to question whether she can fulfill a contract to own the ranch.
December 24, 2023
4 1/2 stars. This is the first in the Last Chance Ranch series. By one of my favorite authors. When Kate’s most recent “dime” novel is rejected by the publisher, she starts looking for other means of employment.
Kate finds an opportunity to transform from a Boston city girl into a ranch owner in the Arizona territory.
When she meets Luke, the local blacksmith, her notions of men are changed. Most people don’t realize how their words can affect others. Her mother had poisoned her against men until the day she died.
This was a cute story and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Kate finds an opportunity to transform from a Boston city girl into a ranch owner in the Arizona territory.
When she meets Luke, the local blacksmith, her notions of men are changed. Most people don’t realize how their words can affect others. Her mother had poisoned her against men until the day she died.
This was a cute story and I can’t wait to read the next one.
August 10, 2017
Margaret inserts a sprinkling of Christian truths throughout the book in the context of the character's real life that gives you the truth without shoving it down your throat. Wonderfully done.
I enjoyed the side plots that the main character's book created.
Loved the play on words that the "simple" speaking character inserted.
An enjoyable and deep read.
I enjoyed the side plots that the main character's book created.
Loved the play on words that the "simple" speaking character inserted.
An enjoyable and deep read.
July 25, 2018
I read this series of 3 out of order but even though I think i would have enjoyed them more in order i still liked this book well enough. I thought it got a little redundant with how the man of the story felt inferior and even the heroine's insecurities were kinda beaten to death but a light read nonetheless.
January 26, 2019
This was a great book...colorful characters and fun plot. Watching Kate learn about ranching was great and there were times I wanted to laugh out loud. I’ve read some of the books by this author and enjoyed all of them. Luke was also a great character and I genuinely liked him and his brother. I hope the next installment, or at least one of them, will tell his story.
February 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. The plot for an older woman advertising for an heiress intrigued me. Knowing certain things were going to happen did not stop me from reading this book. I did wish there was more interaction between the heroine and hero but again it didn't stop me from reading it.
I would recommend this book to others who enjoy a good adventure.
I would recommend this book to others who enjoy a good adventure.
November 13, 2019
This book is great!
I really enjoy Margaret Brownley and her writing style. This book is full of laughter, heartache, romance, historical fiction and Christian faith. Can't ask for more!
I really enjoy Margaret Brownley and her writing style. This book is full of laughter, heartache, romance, historical fiction and Christian faith. Can't ask for more!
February 2, 2021
I enjoyed this. It was about a girl who gets her book banned so she decides to move to a ranch and learn how to be a cattle rancher. The blacksmith totally falls for her but she has to remain single to keep the ranch.
June 14, 2021
I think the idea behind this series - of a gruff, single, elderly ranch owner advertising for an heiress - is pretty clever. I enjoyed this first book in the series and look forward to seeing where the series goes from here and especially what ends up happening to Last Chance Ranch!
June 20, 2025
Christian Historical Romance
What an absolutely absurd and wonderful story! I loved everything about it except their time apart! The narration was superb, except the dog barking. That was plain ridiculous! Those aunts were a hoot, but I did with the banker finally got his woman!
What an absolutely absurd and wonderful story! I loved everything about it except their time apart! The narration was superb, except the dog barking. That was plain ridiculous! Those aunts were a hoot, but I did with the banker finally got his woman!
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