What do you think?
Rate this book
McCutcheon Family #1
Montana Dawn
An alternate cover edition of this ASIN B005R21RIK can be found here
Luke McCutcheon found Faith Brown unprotected and about to give birth, crouched in the corner of her dilapidated wagon. Though his family’s cattle drive was no place for a widow and a newborn, neither was the open trail. Honor demanded he bring them along.
Delivering her child was only Luke’s first kind act. Honest and wholesome, handsome and strong, the cowboy seemed a knight from some long-ago tale. Faith could tell they longed for the same things. But, fleeing the past, trust was a luxury she could little afford. It lay at the end of the road like a warm hearth and home, like a loving family, like a bright Montana Dawn.
Luke McCutcheon found Faith Brown unprotected and about to give birth, crouched in the corner of her dilapidated wagon. Though his family’s cattle drive was no place for a widow and a newborn, neither was the open trail. Honor demanded he bring them along.
Delivering her child was only Luke’s first kind act. Honest and wholesome, handsome and strong, the cowboy seemed a knight from some long-ago tale. Faith could tell they longed for the same things. But, fleeing the past, trust was a luxury she could little afford. It lay at the end of the road like a warm hearth and home, like a loving family, like a bright Montana Dawn.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2010
3200 people are currently reading
1921 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Fyffe
30 books628 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Caroline Fyffe was born in Waco, Texas, the first of many towns she would call home during her father's career with the US Air Force. A horse aficionado from an early age, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from California State University-Chico before launching what would become a twenty-year career as an equine photographer. She began writing fiction to pass the time during long days in the show arena, channeling her love of horses and the Old West into a series of Western historicals. Her debut novel, Where the Wind Blows, won the Romance Writers of America's prestigious Golden Heart Award as well as the Wisconsin RWA's Write Touch Readers' Award. She and her husband have two grown sons and live in the Pacific Northwest.
Visit Caroline at www.carolinefyffe.com
See her photographs at www.carolinefyffephoto.com
http://facebook.com/caroline.fyffe
Twitter @carolinefyffe
Write to her at caroline@carolinefyffe.com. She loves hearing from readers!
Visit Caroline at www.carolinefyffe.com
See her photographs at www.carolinefyffephoto.com
http://facebook.com/caroline.fyffe
Twitter @carolinefyffe
Write to her at caroline@carolinefyffe.com. She loves hearing from readers!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
July 17, 2011
I would peg this as a weak 3-star book. I like the author's writing and voice. She created pretty good characters with a nice, fleshy mix of flaws and strength. The plot, however, made me batty with how it hinged entirely on the heroine needlessly keeping a secret from the hero.
February 6, 2016
I got this book because I wanted an american historical. The book wasn't too bad but the heroine was as dumb as a bag of rocks. She had this amazing man, his family, and their ranch hands all in love with her AND her children. I have no idea why she waited so damn long to tell Luke what her problem was. Instead she rathered put her children at risk, herself at risk and in the end Luke at risk.
I just wish the heroine was written a bit smarter. Oh and this was a clean book. Hot kisses only no second, third or home base hits.
Story 2
narrator 3
Narrator wasn't bad at all. I'd listen to him again.
I just wish the heroine was written a bit smarter. Oh and this was a clean book. Hot kisses only no second, third or home base hits.
Story 2
narrator 3
Narrator wasn't bad at all. I'd listen to him again.
August 9, 2010
I won this book through the First Reads Giveaway! Thanks for the autographed copy.
This is a sweet romance set in old west Montana. Who couldn't help fall for our hero Luke and his warm and funny family and hands. I have to admit like other reviewers that while, I kept championing Faith and her endeavor it got a bit old that she couldn't trust anyone but yet wanted to be with them. Afterall she put Luke and his family through she wouldn't break through; maybe I was hoping for a bit stronger heroine.
All in all, I couldn't put it down keeping hope that there'd be some twist, Faith would come to her senses sooner, and Luke's persistence. I could see this being a Hallmark movie.
Am planning on reading Fyffe's other writings.
This is a sweet romance set in old west Montana. Who couldn't help fall for our hero Luke and his warm and funny family and hands. I have to admit like other reviewers that while, I kept championing Faith and her endeavor it got a bit old that she couldn't trust anyone but yet wanted to be with them. Afterall she put Luke and his family through she wouldn't break through; maybe I was hoping for a bit stronger heroine.
All in all, I couldn't put it down keeping hope that there'd be some twist, Faith would come to her senses sooner, and Luke's persistence. I could see this being a Hallmark movie.
Am planning on reading Fyffe's other writings.
November 22, 2016
Rated 3.5 - MONTANA DAWN by Caroline Fyffe is a good introduction to a historical western series featuring brothers who run a cattle ranch in Montana. I picked up this digital copy free for my Kindle, which is how I try many new-to-me authors. The cover attracted me to the book, but it was the historical setting of Montana Territory that made me select it. I don’t add every book I can get for free, although it does seem like it sometimes with the volume I add to my TBR pile.
I love the beginning of this book. Author Caroline Fyffe creates a scene that I visualize instantly. A lone cowboy fighting with his excited horse hears a noise he can’t identify. He finds a woman in labor, alone in a wagon with her young son as her only assistance. The youngster hits Luke with a frying pan, defending his mother from “this sidewinder”. Luke McCutcheon can’t leave a woman stranded when she asks for his help.
Luke delivers Faith Brown’s daughter and eloquently comes up with a reason to name her Dawn. Faith is running from something. Luke is sure she’s lying and he is determined to find out her secrets. He offers her protection within his cattle drive back to the ranch he operates with his family.
This novel has many great attributes including an unexpected plot that sucked me right in. The historical details are good. Some of the description made me uncomfortable because it seemed overindulged and repetitive. I could have done without the thorough explanation of breastfeeding and infant care, as well as another birth that was graphic. It wasn’t distasteful, it just seemed to slow the story down too much. That information wasn’t what I wanted or needed to know. I was far more interested in the setting and the characters, so I wanted to move faster through their story. It will depend on the type of reader you are on the volume of detail preferred. I waver between wanting more to a little less in most historicals.
I loved the cowboys and Luke’s family. They add a lot of humor. Luke’s Native American heritage intrigues throughout. Not knowing the full extent of his background until later in the novel when more is revealed is well-placed. That revelation is emotional and telling. The end of the book is cute and made me laugh. The storytelling covers a good range of emotion that makes this novel entertaining.
MONTANA DAWN will settle western cravings for those of us who love a frontier story. I look forward to reading more books in this series, starting with book two, TEXAS TWILIGHT.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest.
I love the beginning of this book. Author Caroline Fyffe creates a scene that I visualize instantly. A lone cowboy fighting with his excited horse hears a noise he can’t identify. He finds a woman in labor, alone in a wagon with her young son as her only assistance. The youngster hits Luke with a frying pan, defending his mother from “this sidewinder”. Luke McCutcheon can’t leave a woman stranded when she asks for his help.
Luke delivers Faith Brown’s daughter and eloquently comes up with a reason to name her Dawn. Faith is running from something. Luke is sure she’s lying and he is determined to find out her secrets. He offers her protection within his cattle drive back to the ranch he operates with his family.
This novel has many great attributes including an unexpected plot that sucked me right in. The historical details are good. Some of the description made me uncomfortable because it seemed overindulged and repetitive. I could have done without the thorough explanation of breastfeeding and infant care, as well as another birth that was graphic. It wasn’t distasteful, it just seemed to slow the story down too much. That information wasn’t what I wanted or needed to know. I was far more interested in the setting and the characters, so I wanted to move faster through their story. It will depend on the type of reader you are on the volume of detail preferred. I waver between wanting more to a little less in most historicals.
I loved the cowboys and Luke’s family. They add a lot of humor. Luke’s Native American heritage intrigues throughout. Not knowing the full extent of his background until later in the novel when more is revealed is well-placed. That revelation is emotional and telling. The end of the book is cute and made me laugh. The storytelling covers a good range of emotion that makes this novel entertaining.
MONTANA DAWN will settle western cravings for those of us who love a frontier story. I look forward to reading more books in this series, starting with book two, TEXAS TWILIGHT.
Reviewed by Dorine, courtesy of The Zest Quest.
May 23, 2011
4 ½ stars! Just my western cuppa tea!
April 21, 2017
I enjoyed this clean American historical romance. I was drawn in right away in the first scene where the hero comes upon the heroine attempting to deliver her own baby in a wagon. I liked all the details of the journey and ranch life. I was frustrated that the heroine would not reveal her secrets when asked repeatedly, and was so weak as to allow herself to be blackmailed into going with the villain. That detracted from the story for me, but I will be reading the next in the series.
June 29, 2022
Really Good!
Kisses only, but the romance was done oh so well.
Miscommunications, lying ( the h to H) secrets drove me crazy! But they were understandable...to a point.
Hero doesn't give up on the heroine..which I love.
Content concerns:
Kisses only, but the romance was done oh so well.
Miscommunications, lying ( the h to H) secrets drove me crazy! But they were understandable...to a point.
Hero doesn't give up on the heroine..which I love.
Content concerns:
January 12, 2011
I love historical books but my favorites are usually set in the middle ages. I made an exception with this book. It has action, adventure, suspense and of course romance, everything a person could want.
Faith, a pregnant widowed, with a son sets off accross the wilderness on the run from the family of her abusive husband. She gets stuck and goes into labor only to have Luke,a man on a cattle drive find her and help deliver her baby. Faith thinks if she goes with the cattle drive that she will be safe and able to hide from her inlaws but will she lose something during the cattle drive, something she has never given to a man, her heart???
Luke find Faith ready to give birth in the middle of a storm, in a bogged down wagon, with a young son in tow. Luke decides he can't leave the young mother out on the plains defenseless, so he takes her with him to finishe the cattle drive to his families ranch. Luke is just trying to be a good person and help a young widow and mother in need but will he get more than he barginned for???
When Faith's brother-in-law shows up, Luke sees she is scared and he knows something is wrong. Faith tells him not to trust Ward, something tells him he should listen but when Ward helps save his brother from drowning, he feels obligated to the man. Luke's family loves Faith and the children but does Luke and Faith have feelings for each other? Will this all come back to bite Luke later on or is Faith wrong and Ward isn't as bad as she says???
All I can tell everyone is that even if Westerns aren't a normal read for you, give this book a try you will not be disapointed. I wil be keeping this book on my shelf to reread later on. I don't normally do that with any book but Montana Dawn is a definate exception. It has something for everyone!!!
Faith, a pregnant widowed, with a son sets off accross the wilderness on the run from the family of her abusive husband. She gets stuck and goes into labor only to have Luke,a man on a cattle drive find her and help deliver her baby. Faith thinks if she goes with the cattle drive that she will be safe and able to hide from her inlaws but will she lose something during the cattle drive, something she has never given to a man, her heart???
Luke find Faith ready to give birth in the middle of a storm, in a bogged down wagon, with a young son in tow. Luke decides he can't leave the young mother out on the plains defenseless, so he takes her with him to finishe the cattle drive to his families ranch. Luke is just trying to be a good person and help a young widow and mother in need but will he get more than he barginned for???
When Faith's brother-in-law shows up, Luke sees she is scared and he knows something is wrong. Faith tells him not to trust Ward, something tells him he should listen but when Ward helps save his brother from drowning, he feels obligated to the man. Luke's family loves Faith and the children but does Luke and Faith have feelings for each other? Will this all come back to bite Luke later on or is Faith wrong and Ward isn't as bad as she says???
All I can tell everyone is that even if Westerns aren't a normal read for you, give this book a try you will not be disapointed. I wil be keeping this book on my shelf to reread later on. I don't normally do that with any book but Montana Dawn is a definate exception. It has something for everyone!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2011
I reviewed this novel for Romance Reader At Heart website:
RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:
Luke McCutcheon is the youngest son of Montana rancher Flood McCutcheon, and he’s in charge of his first cattle drive. While scouting, he gets caught in a fierce rain storm and comes upon a woman and her eight-year-old son, stranded all alone in a wagon with no horses.
Faith Brown is one very young and determined woman. She had only one goal in mind when she took her son, after her husband’s death, and left behind all that was familiar to her. Now, far way from home and with no one but an eight-year-old boy for support, she’s helpless while stranded in a storm with her baby about to be born.
You need not be a lover of western romance to enjoy this well-written, well-paced and very entertaining love story.
The author had put forth quite an interesting plot that kept me reading and wanting to know the reasons behind Faith’s journey and Luke’s parentage. She also did a remarkable job of balancing action and romance with witty dialogue.
I just couldn’t help but like all of the secondary characters, like Luke’s sister Charity; his brothers Mathew and Mark, with their wives Rachel and Amy; and then all of those young and old ranch hands like Roady and Smoky, and her little man Colton. It was a pleasure to watch this young boy grow from surly to loving with the love and understanding Luke gave him.
MONTANA DAWN is a sweet and romantic tale, with not one explicit sex scene; however, it lacked not one thing in the romance department.
If Westerns aren't your cup of tea, but romance is, give this book a try. I highly recommend it, and I can’t wait to find out whose story will be next in this series.
Melanie
RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:
Luke McCutcheon is the youngest son of Montana rancher Flood McCutcheon, and he’s in charge of his first cattle drive. While scouting, he gets caught in a fierce rain storm and comes upon a woman and her eight-year-old son, stranded all alone in a wagon with no horses.
Faith Brown is one very young and determined woman. She had only one goal in mind when she took her son, after her husband’s death, and left behind all that was familiar to her. Now, far way from home and with no one but an eight-year-old boy for support, she’s helpless while stranded in a storm with her baby about to be born.
You need not be a lover of western romance to enjoy this well-written, well-paced and very entertaining love story.
The author had put forth quite an interesting plot that kept me reading and wanting to know the reasons behind Faith’s journey and Luke’s parentage. She also did a remarkable job of balancing action and romance with witty dialogue.
I just couldn’t help but like all of the secondary characters, like Luke’s sister Charity; his brothers Mathew and Mark, with their wives Rachel and Amy; and then all of those young and old ranch hands like Roady and Smoky, and her little man Colton. It was a pleasure to watch this young boy grow from surly to loving with the love and understanding Luke gave him.
MONTANA DAWN is a sweet and romantic tale, with not one explicit sex scene; however, it lacked not one thing in the romance department.
If Westerns aren't your cup of tea, but romance is, give this book a try. I highly recommend it, and I can’t wait to find out whose story will be next in this series.
Melanie
May 21, 2020
The writing and story flowed well, although dialogue was too much Tell. But I did like the H. He had some self esteem issues, and it was good to see some resolution. But the heroine was just awful, young and dumb, and she ruined the book for me. She had little experience but the H was so ready to help her, and her decisions were terrible. She was so frustrating and not good enough for him. He was shortchanged.
May 18, 2011
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was written really well compared to other books I've read in this genre. It didn't feel dated or preachy, which I appreciated.
Things I didn't really like:
This is a new genre for me (historical romance), but this is the third book I've read that centers around a woman who is just coming out of an abusive relationship/marriage and has trust issues. It may just be coincidence, but I'm sort of tired of that storyline.
I also thought that it was somewhat repetitive in areas and dragged in others. I think this was the author's first novel though.
Things I LOVED about this book:
Luke
Luke
Luke
Luke
Did I mention I love LUKE?? This is exactly why I'm obsessed with these western/historial romance novels right now... Luke was all manly SWOON ... omg... His perseverence at the end and everything he went through with Faith made me love him all the more...PLUS he was totally funny. He made me laugh and cry and swoon and those are the best kinds of characters because I wasn't ready to say goodbye to him at the end of the book.
I also really liked the back story of him being half Indian and how he came to terms with that.
I really wanted an epilogue further down the road. Maybe the author could write Brandon/Charity's story and we can get a glimpse of their future. I also wanted to Amy to have a family. She was so sweet! The characters in this story were just so heart-warming, even though Faith's stubborness irritated the hell out of me at times. I just don't get that mode of thinking. I mean her life could not have gotten any worse, so why not tell Luke the truth. At that point things could have only gotten better!! She was frustrating, but fortunately Luke persevered and I love him all the more for it!
FYI... Luke goes and gets a girl all hot and bothered, but the only sexy times you get in this book are a couple of buttons undone. I wish I could say that I didn't miss a little roll in the hay, if you know what I mean
Things I didn't really like:
This is a new genre for me (historical romance), but this is the third book I've read that centers around a woman who is just coming out of an abusive relationship/marriage and has trust issues. It may just be coincidence, but I'm sort of tired of that storyline.
I also thought that it was somewhat repetitive in areas and dragged in others. I think this was the author's first novel though.
Things I LOVED about this book:
Luke
Luke
Luke
Luke
Did I mention I love LUKE?? This is exactly why I'm obsessed with these western/historial romance novels right now... Luke was all manly SWOON ... omg... His perseverence at the end and everything he went through with Faith made me love him all the more...PLUS he was totally funny. He made me laugh and cry and swoon and those are the best kinds of characters because I wasn't ready to say goodbye to him at the end of the book.
I also really liked the back story of him being half Indian and how he came to terms with that.
I really wanted an epilogue further down the road. Maybe the author could write Brandon/Charity's story and we can get a glimpse of their future. I also wanted to Amy to have a family. She was so sweet! The characters in this story were just so heart-warming, even though Faith's stubborness irritated the hell out of me at times. I just don't get that mode of thinking. I mean her life could not have gotten any worse, so why not tell Luke the truth. At that point things could have only gotten better!! She was frustrating, but fortunately Luke persevered and I love him all the more for it!
FYI... Luke goes and gets a girl all hot and bothered, but the only sexy times you get in this book are a couple of buttons undone. I wish I could say that I didn't miss a little roll in the hay, if you know what I mean
August 2, 2017
Montana Dawn by Caroline Fyffe was just an ok read for me,but that is mostly because I really dislike romances that have an ANGSY threat hanging over a main lead character through the whole book! It really kills the possibility of the romance fully blooming!
I also cannot stand when one of the romantic leads will not tell the interested party what is bothering them.I get so sick and weary of the suffering this causes to the interested party that I would just rather they kicked the secretive one to the curb and moved on,to someone without secrets!
Warning: There is occasional scattered PG-13 language and scenes.
I also cannot stand when one of the romantic leads will not tell the interested party what is bothering them.I get so sick and weary of the suffering this causes to the interested party that I would just rather they kicked the secretive one to the curb and moved on,to someone without secrets!
Warning: There is occasional scattered PG-13 language and scenes.
December 24, 2012
loved. this book gets 4.5 stars. I only wished we'd been given a glimpse into their future (& the rest of this amazing family).
the author really could have made this into a series..
one of my favorite story themes is the hero delivering the baby of the shy modest heroine.. whether it's his baby or not.. even better when it's a cowboy... (dark and seemingly dangerous is even better, & facing danger works well for me too)
the author really could have made this into a series..
one of my favorite story themes is the hero delivering the baby of the shy modest heroine.. whether it's his baby or not.. even better when it's a cowboy... (dark and seemingly dangerous is even better, & facing danger works well for me too)
March 23, 2011
Montana Dawn was another heartwarming story from one of my favorite authors. I love westerns almost as much I loved following Luke and Faith on their journey. This story has everything: mystery, secrets, and great characters!
September 10, 2022
I rounded up from what was more like a 2.5 just out of the goodness of my heart. And because when I learned rounding numbers, 4 was the cutoff for rounding down and five and up was rounded up. I’m a math wiz, I know.
I read my share of cheesy romances, yes, but why this one? Because my sister picked it out for me at a used book store and said I had to tell her how it was. Ah, yes. The cowboy romance of a single mother on the run and a Stetson-wearing cattle rancher in the mountains of Montana. It was…meh. I had fun most of the time, but Mrs. Fyffe seems to really enjoy writing about breastfeeding. Eye don’t know why. It was like every chapter. It almost seemed like if she didn’t know how to end a scene, she would just write that the baby needed to eat and then describe it. I don’t need to know. I don’t think it’s inappropriate to discuss breastfeeding, but was your cowboy romance the place to describe it ten times? There were some character depictions that seemed…unnecessarily stereotypical? I don’t know that I would say racist, she wasn’t exactly rude or looking down on them. But like, if you’re going to write the black man’s overdone southern accent into every other word he says, why didn’t you do it with the Montanan cowboys and ranch hands too? Thankfully, that was a very small part of the book. Like two pages. Anyway, this book was mediocre and it also had a really abrupt ending. Like actually eight pages after the climax.
I read my share of cheesy romances, yes, but why this one? Because my sister picked it out for me at a used book store and said I had to tell her how it was. Ah, yes. The cowboy romance of a single mother on the run and a Stetson-wearing cattle rancher in the mountains of Montana. It was…meh. I had fun most of the time, but Mrs. Fyffe seems to really enjoy writing about breastfeeding. Eye don’t know why. It was like every chapter. It almost seemed like if she didn’t know how to end a scene, she would just write that the baby needed to eat and then describe it. I don’t need to know. I don’t think it’s inappropriate to discuss breastfeeding, but was your cowboy romance the place to describe it ten times? There were some character depictions that seemed…unnecessarily stereotypical? I don’t know that I would say racist, she wasn’t exactly rude or looking down on them. But like, if you’re going to write the black man’s overdone southern accent into every other word he says, why didn’t you do it with the Montanan cowboys and ranch hands too? Thankfully, that was a very small part of the book. Like two pages. Anyway, this book was mediocre and it also had a really abrupt ending. Like actually eight pages after the climax.
June 20, 2021
After two other easy romance books turned out to be a tad repetitive, I opted to branch out and see what else the clean romance world held for me. Gotta keep it fresh, you know?
Well, TBH, it's only been a week, and I've quite forgotten most everything about the book. The concept was good, which is what drew me in in the first place, though not once did I smile or laugh like I did with other books (I'm looking at you Marica). Found myself evaluating if I really wanted to spend my time on a book / genre that did nothing for me.
I think what mainly did it in for me was the dialogue was not witty, or flirtatious, or even succinct. And the ending was not nearly as heroic as a romance has license to be. It just kind of fell flat, and I don't have the time to spend on a flat romance.
In any case, a fast, clean and easy read (some swearing, so if you're looking for SPOTLESSLY clean, heads up), that kept me engaged long enough to finish.
Well, TBH, it's only been a week, and I've quite forgotten most everything about the book. The concept was good, which is what drew me in in the first place, though not once did I smile or laugh like I did with other books (I'm looking at you Marica). Found myself evaluating if I really wanted to spend my time on a book / genre that did nothing for me.
I think what mainly did it in for me was the dialogue was not witty, or flirtatious, or even succinct. And the ending was not nearly as heroic as a romance has license to be. It just kind of fell flat, and I don't have the time to spend on a flat romance.
In any case, a fast, clean and easy read (some swearing, so if you're looking for SPOTLESSLY clean, heads up), that kept me engaged long enough to finish.
October 25, 2022
Montana Dawn was a very well written book. If I had read it ten years ago I would have been put off, as there are no sex scenes. However I’m a little older and wiser now and realise they are not necessarily needed if the author has a good voice.
I loved Luke, his affection for little baby Dawn was adorable. The romance between Luke and Faith was just the right balance for the story. However one thing that bugged me was Faith being asked repeatedly what was wrong and she couldn’t tell her secret. Luke didn’t find out until the end off the book and that’s a big bug bearer for me, when you just want things out in the open.
I absolutely loved the McCutcheon family and life on the ranch and will definitely try more of this authors books.
I loved Luke, his affection for little baby Dawn was adorable. The romance between Luke and Faith was just the right balance for the story. However one thing that bugged me was Faith being asked repeatedly what was wrong and she couldn’t tell her secret. Luke didn’t find out until the end off the book and that’s a big bug bearer for me, when you just want things out in the open.
I absolutely loved the McCutcheon family and life on the ranch and will definitely try more of this authors books.
November 28, 2022
Ok so I know this is Fiction but... Why would a bunch of rough n tumble cattle drive cowboys care so much about a newborn baby and a young single mom on the run? I can't picture a bunch of men acting like a bunch of women 🤦🏼♀️😒 Especially in the old west!! I'm rating 3 stars because I was admittedly entertained in spots, but I can't get past this aspect of a crowd of cowboys acting like a gaggle of women, gossip and all. Absolutely ridiculous and bizarre.
I will be trying the next one in the series because from what I understand they all can be read as standalones, and hopefully that one will be better with the whole believability factor.
I will be trying the next one in the series because from what I understand they all can be read as standalones, and hopefully that one will be better with the whole believability factor.
June 20, 2023
The book was okay. I really liked the beginning. After a while, Faith low key annoyed me cause she didn't tell Luke the truth. Like really, you rather but your kids in danger than tell him your secret?! But their love for each other was cute. It was a clean romance
April 17, 2017
A really sweet romance!!
July 5, 2017
Boy meets girl, mutual attraction sparks up, problems loom, silly behaviour makes them worse, family and friends intervene, problems solved, bad guys punished, boy gets girl.
The End
The End
July 21, 2011
I said in my review of Ms. Fyffe’s debut book, Where the Wind Blows, that she’s an author to keep an eye on. With Montana Dawn, she solidifies that opinion for me. Her books are heart-warming, optimistic, and life-affirming stories.
Her characters are people you like to know. They’re everyday folks just trying to live life the best they can, especially when life throws them curves that hurt and devastate. They keep going on, however, just to get through to the other side where peace and contentment and love and happiness can be found.
Luke comes from a close-knit ranching family. He’s in the middle of his first cattle drive, his chance to prove to his father he’s capable of more responsibility. Scouting for strays in a storm, Luke happens upon a wagon mired in mud. Checking it out, he’s startled to discover a woman in labor. Nervous and not sure what to do, he first begins to head back to camp to get help, but then guilt sits and he can’t leave her in her current condition. So Luke mans up and soon there is a new baby girl who steals his heart at first sight.
At first the stranger scared Faith when he loomed over her in their broken-down wagon. But with the next contraction, she knows she needs help. Hoping against hope the man isn’t a criminal of some kind, she succumbs to nature taking its course with the assistance of a handsome cowboy. Finally with her new daughter in her arms, a new protector to keep her safe for a while, she’s on the road to a new life, though still on the run from the people who only want to hurt her and her son.
I really like the cattle drive portion of this story. The men take to Faith and her kids, especially newborn Dawn, and it’s Luke who keeps his distance. Ms. Fyffe does a terrific job of describing what a long and arduous journey a drive must be; including danger during a river crossing with churning waters, anxious animals, and near tragedy.
Once safe and sound at the family ranch, Faith wishes she could be part of a family like Luke’s, something she misses terribly, especially since once she married she never got the hearth and home she expected. Luke’s family also takes to Faith right away, and her guilt kicks in because she knows she can’t stay and put these good people in danger.
Their romance grows slowly and surely as they get to know each other, but it’s Faith’s lack of trust in Luke that sets him on a trip to find out what it is Faith is running from. Not knowing where Luke is going, Faith decides to take the opportunity of his absence to move on, not wanting to say a goodbye that will hurt her heart. When it’s nearly too late, when she’s about to lose all, that’s when her trust in the man she loves finally thrusts through her defenses, but all will be for naught if Luke can’t get to her and the kids in time.
There’s so many lovely scenes throughout this book that will stick with you. Luke being beaned by a frying pan (one of those nice heavy-duty, old-fashioned cast iron ones too), the daring river rescue, Luke sharing his book from the Bible with Faith, Luke learning to be a father to a young boy whose trust in men has been damaged are just a few of my favorites.
Ms. Fyffe’s books are how I picture what it was like in the West’s early days, when family meant everything, life could change in an instant due to death or weather but most especially new life, living was hard but satisfying, and love was for as long as God decreed.
If you’re a western romance fan, you’ll enjoy this latest by Ms. Fyffe’s. It will make you feel good, simple as that.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Her characters are people you like to know. They’re everyday folks just trying to live life the best they can, especially when life throws them curves that hurt and devastate. They keep going on, however, just to get through to the other side where peace and contentment and love and happiness can be found.
Luke comes from a close-knit ranching family. He’s in the middle of his first cattle drive, his chance to prove to his father he’s capable of more responsibility. Scouting for strays in a storm, Luke happens upon a wagon mired in mud. Checking it out, he’s startled to discover a woman in labor. Nervous and not sure what to do, he first begins to head back to camp to get help, but then guilt sits and he can’t leave her in her current condition. So Luke mans up and soon there is a new baby girl who steals his heart at first sight.
At first the stranger scared Faith when he loomed over her in their broken-down wagon. But with the next contraction, she knows she needs help. Hoping against hope the man isn’t a criminal of some kind, she succumbs to nature taking its course with the assistance of a handsome cowboy. Finally with her new daughter in her arms, a new protector to keep her safe for a while, she’s on the road to a new life, though still on the run from the people who only want to hurt her and her son.
I really like the cattle drive portion of this story. The men take to Faith and her kids, especially newborn Dawn, and it’s Luke who keeps his distance. Ms. Fyffe does a terrific job of describing what a long and arduous journey a drive must be; including danger during a river crossing with churning waters, anxious animals, and near tragedy.
Once safe and sound at the family ranch, Faith wishes she could be part of a family like Luke’s, something she misses terribly, especially since once she married she never got the hearth and home she expected. Luke’s family also takes to Faith right away, and her guilt kicks in because she knows she can’t stay and put these good people in danger.
Their romance grows slowly and surely as they get to know each other, but it’s Faith’s lack of trust in Luke that sets him on a trip to find out what it is Faith is running from. Not knowing where Luke is going, Faith decides to take the opportunity of his absence to move on, not wanting to say a goodbye that will hurt her heart. When it’s nearly too late, when she’s about to lose all, that’s when her trust in the man she loves finally thrusts through her defenses, but all will be for naught if Luke can’t get to her and the kids in time.
There’s so many lovely scenes throughout this book that will stick with you. Luke being beaned by a frying pan (one of those nice heavy-duty, old-fashioned cast iron ones too), the daring river rescue, Luke sharing his book from the Bible with Faith, Luke learning to be a father to a young boy whose trust in men has been damaged are just a few of my favorites.
Ms. Fyffe’s books are how I picture what it was like in the West’s early days, when family meant everything, life could change in an instant due to death or weather but most especially new life, living was hard but satisfying, and love was for as long as God decreed.
If you’re a western romance fan, you’ll enjoy this latest by Ms. Fyffe’s. It will make you feel good, simple as that.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
November 13, 2022
Montana Territory 1883. Story started out good but....
This kisses-only rom seemed 50-75 pages too long.
Gave this 2.5 stars.
I liked Luke better than Faith. Luke was "mixed:"
part white, part Native American. Luke's family was
warm & welcoming to her, as were the ranch hands.
Lucky the cook was my fav. character. But Faith kept
insisting to herself, that she had no one. The hero
thought Faith had an agenda, even when she showed
fear in her eyes when her former BIL was present.
Huh? She considered returning to the baddie to avoid
more heartache. Huh? She perseverated too often on
her choices and planned to travel w/o funds, food,
water, blankets. At times she acted 1 sandwich shy
of a picnic.
The author should've conceded that Faith decided for
herself, her infant, and her step-son. Why put all 3
in needless danger? for the hero to rescue them-
I know the drill.
Revised.
This kisses-only rom seemed 50-75 pages too long.
Gave this 2.5 stars.
I liked Luke better than Faith. Luke was "mixed:"
part white, part Native American. Luke's family was
warm & welcoming to her, as were the ranch hands.
Lucky the cook was my fav. character. But Faith kept
insisting to herself, that she had no one. The hero
thought Faith had an agenda, even when she showed
fear in her eyes when her former BIL was present.
Huh? She considered returning to the baddie to avoid
more heartache. Huh? She perseverated too often on
her choices and planned to travel w/o funds, food,
water, blankets. At times she acted 1 sandwich shy
of a picnic.
The author should've conceded that Faith decided for
herself, her infant, and her step-son. Why put all 3
in needless danger? for the hero to rescue them-
I know the drill.
Revised.
June 1, 2011
Overall Review: Montana Dawn will soften your heart and leave you wanting more when this beautiful story finally comes to a close. Caroline Fyffe's ability for writing astonishingly realistic characters is unequivocal. She brings to life characters who deepen the meaning of loyalty and love, and who prove that family bonds are stronger than blood. Watching the main characters, two secretly lonesome individuals, find fulfillment and peace with one another is captivating. Montana Dawn tames the wild west with the soothing balm of love and acceptance in a romance that will sweetly haunt you long after you're through. Overall Rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Content Review:
PROFANITY: Mild instances throughout entire story, two strong instances
SEXUAL CONTENT: Mild instances throughout entire story, few moderate instances
VIOLENCE: Mild instances throughout, one moderate instance
MATURE THEMES: Moderate
RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 21+
There were mild profanities throughout this entire story, and two strong swearing incidents. Mild sexual content was found throughout the entire story, and included mild sexual thoughts and feelings that characters had for one another. There were several passionate kisses, a mild instance of a male character looking at a female while she is nursing and thinking about her sexually, and a mild instance where a female character offers herself to a man to thank him for his help. The main character is nursing her baby throughout the story, which, in and of itself, I did not find any problem with. But often, the act of nursing was described in a more sexual nature, not just matter-of-fact. The violence included a woman and son being afraid of men because of their experiences with an abusive husband/father (but nothing was ever detailed about their past experiences), fist fights, a cowboy who had to shoot an injured horse, two instances of characters getting shot and wounded, and a mild instance of violence where a woman is emotionally and physically coerced into getting married. There was a very detailed description of a hanged man. The mature theme rating of moderate was given due to the very detailed births of two babies (detailed but not inappropriate or overdone at all), discussion of character's fears because of past domestic abuse and fear of future abuse, adult relationships, blackmail, and complex family relationships and experiences. This book is a romance, and while much cleaner than the genre as a whole, Montana Dawn is appropriate for a mature adult audience, and is recommended for ages 21+.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This review was written by Melissa
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Caroline Fyffe for a review
www.squeakycleanreads.com
Content Review:
PROFANITY: Mild instances throughout entire story, two strong instances
SEXUAL CONTENT: Mild instances throughout entire story, few moderate instances
VIOLENCE: Mild instances throughout, one moderate instance
MATURE THEMES: Moderate
RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 21+
There were mild profanities throughout this entire story, and two strong swearing incidents. Mild sexual content was found throughout the entire story, and included mild sexual thoughts and feelings that characters had for one another. There were several passionate kisses, a mild instance of a male character looking at a female while she is nursing and thinking about her sexually, and a mild instance where a female character offers herself to a man to thank him for his help. The main character is nursing her baby throughout the story, which, in and of itself, I did not find any problem with. But often, the act of nursing was described in a more sexual nature, not just matter-of-fact. The violence included a woman and son being afraid of men because of their experiences with an abusive husband/father (but nothing was ever detailed about their past experiences), fist fights, a cowboy who had to shoot an injured horse, two instances of characters getting shot and wounded, and a mild instance of violence where a woman is emotionally and physically coerced into getting married. There was a very detailed description of a hanged man. The mature theme rating of moderate was given due to the very detailed births of two babies (detailed but not inappropriate or overdone at all), discussion of character's fears because of past domestic abuse and fear of future abuse, adult relationships, blackmail, and complex family relationships and experiences. This book is a romance, and while much cleaner than the genre as a whole, Montana Dawn is appropriate for a mature adult audience, and is recommended for ages 21+.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This review was written by Melissa
A Squeaky Clean Reads Book Reviewer
This book was sent to Squeaky Clean Reads by Caroline Fyffe for a review
www.squeakycleanreads.com
August 6, 2010
I bought this book on my own because I loved Ms. Fyffe's 'When the Wind Blows'. I was hoping for another keeper. Sadly, this wasn't so.
The positive side of this story was our hero, Luke McCutcheon, and the unusual beginning to this historical western. Who wouldn't fall in love with a male in the 1800's who would help deliver a child from someone he just met, literally....in a darkened covered wagon....in the pouring rain?
On the run, our heroine Faith has started her labor early. -Writing about ladies giving birth in romances is done sometimes and usually the event is glossed over. Ms. Fyffe does a good job in making it appear as realistically as possible.- A stepson in tow, Faith is determined to make a new life. Her deceased husband was abusive and there is an element of mystery as to how he died. The husband's brother is determined to marry Faith and bring her back to the fold.
I was flustered because Faith was too naive and mistrusting. Luke was kind and helping. He never gave her any reason to think otherwise. He had his own personal demons but his family was wonderful- Yeah! Two parents and siblings who actually get along with one another.- Of course, Luke and Faith were both good-looking and that was mentioned a little too often for my taste. I enjoy when one or both lead characters doesn't look so perfect.
There is some gentle humor that is another plus but the story ran about 25-50 pages too long because Faith continually didn't think how keeping her secrets hidden would have some terrible repercussions. The reader is told that her father distanced himself from her while she was growing up and she had no siblings to influence her BUT she did have friends who treated her well and showed her that there are people who are good. You know she's smart, she had to be to survive her previous marriage. Unfortunately those smarts didn't spread when she met Luke and his extended family.
Because I LOVED 'When the Wind Blows' and I know Ms. Fyffe has the ability to write a sweet gentle love story I will consider reading a third book by her. I am just sorry that I can't recommend this story.
The positive side of this story was our hero, Luke McCutcheon, and the unusual beginning to this historical western. Who wouldn't fall in love with a male in the 1800's who would help deliver a child from someone he just met, literally....in a darkened covered wagon....in the pouring rain?
On the run, our heroine Faith has started her labor early. -Writing about ladies giving birth in romances is done sometimes and usually the event is glossed over. Ms. Fyffe does a good job in making it appear as realistically as possible.- A stepson in tow, Faith is determined to make a new life. Her deceased husband was abusive and there is an element of mystery as to how he died. The husband's brother is determined to marry Faith and bring her back to the fold.
I was flustered because Faith was too naive and mistrusting. Luke was kind and helping. He never gave her any reason to think otherwise. He had his own personal demons but his family was wonderful- Yeah! Two parents and siblings who actually get along with one another.- Of course, Luke and Faith were both good-looking and that was mentioned a little too often for my taste. I enjoy when one or both lead characters doesn't look so perfect.
There is some gentle humor that is another plus but the story ran about 25-50 pages too long because Faith continually didn't think how keeping her secrets hidden would have some terrible repercussions. The reader is told that her father distanced himself from her while she was growing up and she had no siblings to influence her BUT she did have friends who treated her well and showed her that there are people who are good. You know she's smart, she had to be to survive her previous marriage. Unfortunately those smarts didn't spread when she met Luke and his extended family.
Because I LOVED 'When the Wind Blows' and I know Ms. Fyffe has the ability to write a sweet gentle love story I will consider reading a third book by her. I am just sorry that I can't recommend this story.
May 10, 2016
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
(taken from Amazon.com)
McCutcheon Family series. In the tradition of the great western romance, Montana Dawn tells the story of a woman yearning for a place to belong and a cowboy with a heart as big as the Montana skies...
A woman on the run...
Running from an abusive past, widow Faith Brown finds herself in a rickety wagon, about to give birth. With no one but her young stepson to help, Faith is both grateful to--and wary of--the handsome cowboy who comes to her aid. Her first instinct is to run, but the coming child has left her no choice but to accept the help of the gentle stranger,
A man who stands alone...
Cowboy Luke McCutcheon may come from a wealthy ranching family, but as the offspring of a Cheyenne warrior he's always felt he had to prove his worthiness to the rest of the McCutcheon brothers. When he stumbles across a lone woman about to have a child, his first intinct is to ride for help. Unwilling to leave the pretty widow, her young son, and her newborn unprotected in the Montana wilderness, he offers to take them along on his family's cattle drive.
No refuge from the past...
Faith accepts Luke's offer of shelter, but fears revealing the truth about herself. She's being hunted by a ruthless man who will stop at nothing to possess her. Although she's coming to care deeply for Luke, she can't risk the consequences of him discovering the secret of her nightmarish past. In spite of the danger drawing ever closer, Faith still dreams of a loving family and a home to call her own, if only she and Luke can stay together long enough to find their beautiful and bright...Montana Dawn.
MY REVIEW
Carolyn has written a story that takes off right from the beginning and keeps right on moving with events that make you want to read faster. I did enjoy this story and the strength Faith showed throughout as well as the extremes she would go to protect her children. I will be reading more books in this series and would recommend it as a good read.
July 26, 2010
Disclaimer: I got a free copy from the author via Goodreads First Reads. This has had about the same effect on this review as the typeset has (and I'm not referring to the swirly chapter titles, either).
It's a love-at-first-sight romance novel, I'll tell you right now. On the bright side, it never pretends to be anything else and is in fact quite well-written, especially considering some other books I've read in the genre.
It's actually quite good. Better than I'd expected, by far. Luke, Faith, and all the rest are fine characters. They don't have anything particularly striking about their personalities, though. No real quirks, except perhaps Faith's unrelenting ability to screw up a conversation with Luke and her almost-unrelenting belief that all men are bad, bad people. Even when she's surrounded by over a dozen very kind men. It almost seems like the author just keeps coming back to that stubborn opinion randomly to keep the plot from moving too fast.
In all honesty, I can't find much to say about this book at all. It's a sweet little warm tale. Even the edge of Faith's husband's slightly mysterious death isn't so edgy. It ends pretty much exactly the way I guessed it would, all strings tied up into one pretty little bow. Maybe it was a little dull at times, but it's not horribly sluggish. Generally, I'd give a book like this three stars, but the writing is phenomenal so often throughout that I can't help but bump it up another star.
It's a love-at-first-sight romance novel, I'll tell you right now. On the bright side, it never pretends to be anything else and is in fact quite well-written, especially considering some other books I've read in the genre.
It's actually quite good. Better than I'd expected, by far. Luke, Faith, and all the rest are fine characters. They don't have anything particularly striking about their personalities, though. No real quirks, except perhaps Faith's unrelenting ability to screw up a conversation with Luke and her almost-unrelenting belief that all men are bad, bad people. Even when she's surrounded by over a dozen very kind men. It almost seems like the author just keeps coming back to that stubborn opinion randomly to keep the plot from moving too fast.
In all honesty, I can't find much to say about this book at all. It's a sweet little warm tale. Even the edge of Faith's husband's slightly mysterious death isn't so edgy. It ends pretty much exactly the way I guessed it would, all strings tied up into one pretty little bow. Maybe it was a little dull at times, but it's not horribly sluggish. Generally, I'd give a book like this three stars, but the writing is phenomenal so often throughout that I can't help but bump it up another star.
August 25, 2010
Luke has hangups about his heritage, because he's a half-breed. His mother was abducted by Indians and he was the result of her being captured. He's always felt like an outsider and stands apart from his family because of it. But that seems to be his only flaw. He's kind and considerate, strong and protective. I really loved watching him come to care for Faith.
I understood his reasons for feeling separated from the rest of his family. Especially considering how half-breeds were looked upon then. I also understood his reasons for being suspicious of Faith, and wanting her to be honest with him about her past.
Faith was a strong woman who was fighting for her life and those of her children. I really respected her need for independence, but I felt she took it too far sometimes. With her husband's family hot on her trail, she knows she can't afford to stay in one place too long.
Even though I understood why she felt that way, it was hard not to become frustrated by the way she constantly pushed Luke away. She would lean on him, then clam up and push him away. The back-and-forthing got old.
I really adored Luke's family. They were a tight, close-knit group who obviously cared for one another. It was good to see such a strong family written in such a positive way.
Although I had some problems with both Luke and Faith, I still truly enjoyed this novel. It was a sweet romance, filled with strong characters and true love.
August 8, 2010
I received this book from the goodreads free book program. My first, I am excited and pleased to have received it.
I found it an interesting read. To begin with Ms. Fyffe is a skilled and talented writer. The book is well crafted, draws the reader into to it and the characters are absorbing. When it came to Luke's character this was a wonderful thing. I was intrigued by his back story and the manner in which he finally addressed his origins with his mother. Actually I felt the back story could well be a novel in and of itself. Luke's character had depth and great likability. The only problem I had with the book was with Faith's character. Yes her character was absorbing as well, however not always in a positive way. To be honest she was just plain irritating. Perhaps this just comes down to my personal preference as to how women are depicted in books. Initially I was sympathetic to the character but that didn't last and I became annoyed by her thinking and behavior. Still on the whole I enjoyed this book, there was so much that was simply wonderful about it, Luke, his family, especially his parents, the descriptions of the cattle drive, the ranch, the story Luke's history and place in the family. I will read this author again.
I found it an interesting read. To begin with Ms. Fyffe is a skilled and talented writer. The book is well crafted, draws the reader into to it and the characters are absorbing. When it came to Luke's character this was a wonderful thing. I was intrigued by his back story and the manner in which he finally addressed his origins with his mother. Actually I felt the back story could well be a novel in and of itself. Luke's character had depth and great likability. The only problem I had with the book was with Faith's character. Yes her character was absorbing as well, however not always in a positive way. To be honest she was just plain irritating. Perhaps this just comes down to my personal preference as to how women are depicted in books. Initially I was sympathetic to the character but that didn't last and I became annoyed by her thinking and behavior. Still on the whole I enjoyed this book, there was so much that was simply wonderful about it, Luke, his family, especially his parents, the descriptions of the cattle drive, the ranch, the story Luke's history and place in the family. I will read this author again.
July 22, 2016
I listened to the audio version of this book narrated by Corey Snow. Montana Dawn is written like an old time historical romance from 20-years ago, which I enjoyed. There is just the right amount of sexual tension and the right amount of humor. The story centers on a cowboy Luke, the third son of Montana’s wealthy McCutcheon family, who falls for a young widow and mother, Faith, who is running away from a nightmarish life.
Corey Snow's narration was excellent. She had good pace, inflections, and tone. I also liked the differing voices, not only between the genders, but the generations as well.
What I didn't particularly like was Faith's waffling between whether or not she should trust Luke. He gave her no indication that he was anything like her deceased abusive husband and he is from a good natured family. It was unbelievable near the end of the book when she runs away when it is clear that Luke wants her to stay and become his wife and she wants the same. Besides those few scenes, which should have been deleted entirely, Montana Dawn was a nice way to pass a long car trip.
Corey Snow's narration was excellent. She had good pace, inflections, and tone. I also liked the differing voices, not only between the genders, but the generations as well.
What I didn't particularly like was Faith's waffling between whether or not she should trust Luke. He gave her no indication that he was anything like her deceased abusive husband and he is from a good natured family. It was unbelievable near the end of the book when she runs away when it is clear that Luke wants her to stay and become his wife and she wants the same. Besides those few scenes, which should have been deleted entirely, Montana Dawn was a nice way to pass a long car trip.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews