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Ladies of Caldwell County #1
Sixty Acres and a Bride
She's Finally Found a Place to Call Home . . . How Far Will She Go to Save It?
With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to their Texas family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have just three months to pay.
Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. They welcome her vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs. She can't help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future.
With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to their Texas family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have just three months to pay.
Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. They welcome her vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs. She can't help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention. Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future.
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First published February 1, 2012
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About the author
Regina Jennings
31 books1,291 followersRegina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews
February 6, 2012
Regina Jennings has captured something wonderful with her historical romance debut. Characters full of culture and family values dance off the page to warm the reader's heart. I adored the hard-working Rosa as she battled against predjudice and difficult circumstances to try to make a home for herself and her mother-in-law in a new land. Her tomboy athleticism paired wonderfully with her innocent femininity. And Weston made the perfect hero for her with his protective nature and his dedication to family. Not to mention those broad shoulders and handsome good looks! Neither of them wanted romance, but it simmered nicely beneath the surface anyway. There were times near the end when I wanted to shake some sense into the two of them, but the added tension just made the resolution all the sweeter.
I loved seeing a Mexicana heroine. I have read very few if any books that featured a non-Anglo heroine, and I enjoyed being introduced to some of her culture and cheered when her hero saw only her beauty and fortitude and not the color of her skin. I look forward to seeing more from this talented new author!
I loved seeing a Mexicana heroine. I have read very few if any books that featured a non-Anglo heroine, and I enjoyed being introduced to some of her culture and cheered when her hero saw only her beauty and fortitude and not the color of her skin. I look forward to seeing more from this talented new author!
February 17, 2012
First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.
I admit that when I reached the end of Sixty Acres and a Bride I sighed…because I wasn’t ready to leave these characters! So many things about this debut book by Regina Jennings really drew me in.
I really liked the Mexican heroine! And the fact that Rosa is so ignorant of the way a “proper” lady should act. It made for quite a few humorous moments! Rosa was so sweet natured and hard-working, you can’t help but love her. Just like Ruth, she is filled with an intense desire to provide for Louise. Weston’s desire to protect and care for his family made him a very likeable hero, too—not to mention a very handsome one!
When Rosa (like Ruth) goes to Weston in the barn, she slips into the bed with him and (unlike Ruth) curls up against his chest. Now, I understood how this wasn’t supposed to be exactly like the story of Ruth, but just thought to mention this, since they do embrace each other in bed before they’re married. Though, of course, nothing else happens!
My favorite—favorite!—scene was when Rosa does the Mexican dance and afterwards when Weston stops it and follows her. Wowza, did I laugh when Weston realized what he did! While in the last few chapters I seriously wanted to slap the two upside the head with frustration, Sixty Acres and a Bride was a wonderful read from start to finish. I can’t wait to read more by this very talented author!
I admit that when I reached the end of Sixty Acres and a Bride I sighed…because I wasn’t ready to leave these characters! So many things about this debut book by Regina Jennings really drew me in.
I really liked the Mexican heroine! And the fact that Rosa is so ignorant of the way a “proper” lady should act. It made for quite a few humorous moments! Rosa was so sweet natured and hard-working, you can’t help but love her. Just like Ruth, she is filled with an intense desire to provide for Louise. Weston’s desire to protect and care for his family made him a very likeable hero, too—not to mention a very handsome one!
When Rosa (like Ruth) goes to Weston in the barn, she slips into the bed with him and (unlike Ruth) curls up against his chest. Now, I understood how this wasn’t supposed to be exactly like the story of Ruth, but just thought to mention this, since they do embrace each other in bed before they’re married. Though, of course, nothing else happens!
My favorite—favorite!—scene was when Rosa does the Mexican dance and afterwards when Weston stops it and follows her. Wowza, did I laugh when Weston realized what he did! While in the last few chapters I seriously wanted to slap the two upside the head with frustration, Sixty Acres and a Bride was a wonderful read from start to finish. I can’t wait to read more by this very talented author!
July 6, 2012
I am stunned by the number of four and five star reviews for Sixty Acres and a Bride. I've said it before and I'll say it again: there are quite a few shoddily written inspirational fiction books that somehow receive disproportionate amounts of praise from readers in the genre. I don't understand how this happens; we are reading the same book, right?
Sixty Acres and a Bride certainly isn't the worst inspirational fiction book I've ever read, but it's definitely a two-star book. The two main characters, Weston and Rosa, are pretty blah. The conflict over their feelings for one another and their reluctance to enter into a relationship grew especially irritating, even after .
Sixty Acres and a Bride certainly isn't the worst inspirational fiction book I've ever read, but it's definitely a two-star book. The two main characters, Weston and Rosa, are pretty blah. The conflict over their feelings for one another and their reluctance to enter into a relationship grew especially irritating, even after .
July 23, 2021
After her husband’s death in a mine disaster, Rosa has left her home in the Mexican mountains to come to Caldwell, Texas and start a new life. But from the moment she and her mother-in-law arrive, their goal appears impossible. Four years of back taxes are owed on her mother-in-law's Texas land in only a matter of months. And no matter how hard Rosa works, she cannot seem to find the means to dig them out of this financial hole.
What she finds instead is a home. Family. People who care about her and will give all they can to help.
But people who have their own weaknesses and troubles as well. Especially Weston, who teaches her to shear and shoot and waltz, but who is terrified to love again. Terrified of watching another woman fade away and take her own life.
He wants to save Rosa, but only at a distance. And Rosa refuses to be saved by another man who does not love her. Yet somehow, Weston & Rosa find it equally impossible to stay apart.
Gosh this was good. The concept of the novel intrigued me from the beginning, but the writing was wonderful. I fell in love with the characters almost instantly. Tornados, rattlesnakes, evil neighbors—there is plenty of action. But better yet, the story is full of small, personal moments that just made me adore reading it.
What she finds instead is a home. Family. People who care about her and will give all they can to help.
But people who have their own weaknesses and troubles as well. Especially Weston, who teaches her to shear and shoot and waltz, but who is terrified to love again. Terrified of watching another woman fade away and take her own life.
He wants to save Rosa, but only at a distance. And Rosa refuses to be saved by another man who does not love her. Yet somehow, Weston & Rosa find it equally impossible to stay apart.
Gosh this was good. The concept of the novel intrigued me from the beginning, but the writing was wonderful. I fell in love with the characters almost instantly. Tornados, rattlesnakes, evil neighbors—there is plenty of action. But better yet, the story is full of small, personal moments that just made me adore reading it.
August 19, 2018
Edit 8/18/18: In re-reading my review (and then checking friends' reviews of book 2), I'm going to change my mind about wanting to skip book 2.
Sixty Acres and a Bride is a historical Christian romance set in Texas in the late 1800's. I avoided it for a long time because I haven't loved other books I've read which were modeled after a Bible story. I finally decided to give it a try due to the very high ratings and repeated presence of the book in my recommendations!
Rosa is a Mexican woman trying to help provide for her mother-in-law Louise, both of whom were widowed a few months prior to the beginning of this story. Weston is also widowed, although 5 years have gone by in his case. Weston is a cousin of Rosa's and habitually helps and cares for his extended family however he can.
What I liked:
* The hero and heroine were extremely likeable. I think that's always #1 in my book.
* The discussions about what is/isn't appropriate behavior in Texas/Mexico.
*The writing. Good job, Regina! ( I do think Rosa probably spoke English too well with too advanced of a vocabulary, but I'm fine with overlooking that. )
What I disliked:
*The hero and heroine took a bit too long to ultimately trust each other.
*I think that there could have been more Biblical wisdom, (which could have lead the characters to step out in faith and trust each other sooner. )
I plan to read more of Regina Jennings, but am going to skip her second book due to the character traits of the heroine. I'd recommend this book for high school and up. Enjoy!
Sixty Acres and a Bride is a historical Christian romance set in Texas in the late 1800's. I avoided it for a long time because I haven't loved other books I've read which were modeled after a Bible story. I finally decided to give it a try due to the very high ratings and repeated presence of the book in my recommendations!
Rosa is a Mexican woman trying to help provide for her mother-in-law Louise, both of whom were widowed a few months prior to the beginning of this story. Weston is also widowed, although 5 years have gone by in his case. Weston is a cousin of Rosa's and habitually helps and cares for his extended family however he can.
What I liked:
* The hero and heroine were extremely likeable. I think that's always #1 in my book.
* The discussions about what is/isn't appropriate behavior in Texas/Mexico.
*The writing. Good job, Regina! ( I do think Rosa probably spoke English too well with too advanced of a vocabulary, but I'm fine with overlooking that. )
What I disliked:
*The hero and heroine took a bit too long to ultimately trust each other.
*I think that there could have been more Biblical wisdom, (which could have lead the characters to step out in faith and trust each other sooner. )
I plan to read more of Regina Jennings, but am going to skip her second book due to the character traits of the heroine. I'd recommend this book for high school and up. Enjoy!
Read
April 8, 2012Regina is a friend of mine. We were both 'hired' by Bethany House around the same time and met when we journeyed to the Bethany House headquarters one weekend to meet the staff. She's lovely.
I cannot BELIEVE that Sixty Acres and a Bride is her first ever manuscript. As I told her myself, I'm extremely jealous. :) She wrote this novel and sold it all within one calendar year, which is phenomenally remarkable in the world of publishing (where most of us slave over multiple manuscripts for multiple years before finally --maybe-- getting one in print).
Sixty Acres tells the story of Rosa (who comes to Texas from Mexico with her mother-in-law) and Weston (a Texas rancher). The story is a fun Old West interpretation of the Ruth & Naomi story from the Bible. I was charmed by the warm, close-knit-family feel of the book as well as Rosa's spunkiness and hard work. And I really enjoyed that Rosa and her mother-in-law were able to recognize, during the course of the plot, their similarities to Ruth and Naomi.
Well done, Regina! Warmest congratulations.
I cannot BELIEVE that Sixty Acres and a Bride is her first ever manuscript. As I told her myself, I'm extremely jealous. :) She wrote this novel and sold it all within one calendar year, which is phenomenally remarkable in the world of publishing (where most of us slave over multiple manuscripts for multiple years before finally --maybe-- getting one in print).
Sixty Acres tells the story of Rosa (who comes to Texas from Mexico with her mother-in-law) and Weston (a Texas rancher). The story is a fun Old West interpretation of the Ruth & Naomi story from the Bible. I was charmed by the warm, close-knit-family feel of the book as well as Rosa's spunkiness and hard work. And I really enjoyed that Rosa and her mother-in-law were able to recognize, during the course of the plot, their similarities to Ruth and Naomi.
Well done, Regina! Warmest congratulations.
May 3, 2012
I wanted to like this book because I had heard amazing things about it, but it seemed slow to me, and I felt like I had read this style of story many times before. I didn't feel like there was much romance between the two leads, I felt like it was more about both Rosa and Weston overcoming the aftermath their disastrous first marriages.
I thought there might be more about Rosa's Mexican heritage, but I felt like most of the book concentrated on the people of her new town trying to stomp out any reminders of her heritage, especially in the way she dressed and acted. I also didn't like the way the picture was painted that because she was from Mexico, she was the town harlot. This is just something that rubbed me the wrong way personally, I know that other readers didn't get this message from the book at all.
The two leads were lovely characters, I just felt like the romance between them wasn't developed enough. It didn't seem like enough was added to the typical historical story of life in a western town.
Overall, a nice story, but didn't have the extra oomph I was looking for.
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
I thought there might be more about Rosa's Mexican heritage, but I felt like most of the book concentrated on the people of her new town trying to stomp out any reminders of her heritage, especially in the way she dressed and acted. I also didn't like the way the picture was painted that because she was from Mexico, she was the town harlot. This is just something that rubbed me the wrong way personally, I know that other readers didn't get this message from the book at all.
The two leads were lovely characters, I just felt like the romance between them wasn't developed enough. It didn't seem like enough was added to the typical historical story of life in a western town.
Overall, a nice story, but didn't have the extra oomph I was looking for.
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
January 18, 2016
This 1800s version of Ruth and Naomi was a sweet story. Weston was an especially strong character. The parallels to the Bible account and this one were well done. Rosa came from Mexico to Caldwell County, Texas with her mother-in-law Louise after her husband was killed in a mining accident. Rosa was treated as a foreigner and not shown much kindness and respect by several of the towns people.
The novel was well done. Of the three Regina Jennings novels I've read thus far, this has been my favorite.
The novel was well done. Of the three Regina Jennings novels I've read thus far, this has been my favorite.
April 12, 2017
I had a hard time getting through this book, and I'm not really sure why. I really liked the characters, and they were well developed. And it was a good adaptation of the story of Ruth. Some parts I flew through, and others I had to push myself to keep going. I know this is the author's debut novel. Maybe I'll try one of her more recent books sometime.
June 1, 2012
A bit too slow for me. I thought the setting would capture me, but I could not stay interested. The characters needed more fire. I would try the author again. Maybe it was just this book....
April 10, 2012
To me, there is just always something fun, intriguing and downright captivating about a good “fish out of water story.” You know those stories I mean, where the main character is taken completely out of their element, where they really don’t know which end is up and so inevitably they do things that are wrong and often times embarrassing. And they usually do them, never in a small way, but with pure unadulterated gusto bringing the audience/reader to that place where you laugh out loud at the character’s mistakes as you can relate because you have been there yourself. Spunky Rosa, the main character in Sixty Acres and a Bride, by Regina Jennings delivers these moments in spades.
It was with a little bit of trepidation I must admit that I began this novel as I thought- here we go – an updated Ruth/Naomi story set in Texas in 1878, I wonder how this will fly? But trust me, this first offering by Regina Jennings does fly, in fact I might say it soars. I really, really, enjoyed the character of Rosa, a beautiful Mexican widow returning to Texas with her mother- in- law Louise Garner to save the family farm so to speak. Of course, this is Rosa’s first time in Texas and so poor Rosa doesn’t know how to dress, how and when to speak, or how to impress this small town’s people as she is the object of much gossip and naysayers because of her outsider’s ways. But she is smart, beautiful and a very hard worker and thus captures the essence of “Ruth” perfectly, but in a fun and new way. Then there’s Weston Garner, her now dead husband’s cousin, who is attractive, well off, and a widower himself with a story to tell. He is of course cast as the Boaz character to the story, the kinsman redeemer. But it seems to me as the story progresses that they seem to rescue each other. I felt that both character’s were written well as their attraction built, but both coming to the table with a little bit of relationship baggage that needed to be dealt with before the relationship could fully develop. The story is rounded out with a really good villain in a neighbor named Mr. Tillerton who is easy to despise. He brings that sense of tension and suspense to the story as every good story needs a really good bad guy!
Through many dangers, toils and snares, goodness and love do finally prevail in this really fun story by Regina Jennings and for those that are fans of a good Christian historical fiction book, I think you will find this a delightful twist on the age old story of Ruth and Boaz. Regina Jennings gives us a heroine to cheer on, a hero with room to grow and grow he does, and a delightful ending where all is as it should be. Congrats to you Regina on a wonderful debut novel.
4 stars
This novel was graciously provided for me to read for review by Bethany House publishers with the sole intent of soliciting an honest and unbiased review. All opinions expressed are my own.
It was with a little bit of trepidation I must admit that I began this novel as I thought- here we go – an updated Ruth/Naomi story set in Texas in 1878, I wonder how this will fly? But trust me, this first offering by Regina Jennings does fly, in fact I might say it soars. I really, really, enjoyed the character of Rosa, a beautiful Mexican widow returning to Texas with her mother- in- law Louise Garner to save the family farm so to speak. Of course, this is Rosa’s first time in Texas and so poor Rosa doesn’t know how to dress, how and when to speak, or how to impress this small town’s people as she is the object of much gossip and naysayers because of her outsider’s ways. But she is smart, beautiful and a very hard worker and thus captures the essence of “Ruth” perfectly, but in a fun and new way. Then there’s Weston Garner, her now dead husband’s cousin, who is attractive, well off, and a widower himself with a story to tell. He is of course cast as the Boaz character to the story, the kinsman redeemer. But it seems to me as the story progresses that they seem to rescue each other. I felt that both character’s were written well as their attraction built, but both coming to the table with a little bit of relationship baggage that needed to be dealt with before the relationship could fully develop. The story is rounded out with a really good villain in a neighbor named Mr. Tillerton who is easy to despise. He brings that sense of tension and suspense to the story as every good story needs a really good bad guy!
Through many dangers, toils and snares, goodness and love do finally prevail in this really fun story by Regina Jennings and for those that are fans of a good Christian historical fiction book, I think you will find this a delightful twist on the age old story of Ruth and Boaz. Regina Jennings gives us a heroine to cheer on, a hero with room to grow and grow he does, and a delightful ending where all is as it should be. Congrats to you Regina on a wonderful debut novel.
4 stars
This novel was graciously provided for me to read for review by Bethany House publishers with the sole intent of soliciting an honest and unbiased review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 17, 2014
GENRE: Inspirational romance
SETTING: 19th century, Caldwell County, Texas
A BOOK THAT FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE READING SAYS,
“I was never loved.” “Yes I once loved but it was my fault.” “No, it is all my fault.” “I’m such a failure.” “I am life’s fault.” “I try to do what is right.” “I’m not worthy because I’m at fault.” “It is my entire fault.” “My fault is my fault.” “No one is guilty other than me.” “I spell the word F-A-U-L_T.”
This is life that surrounded the two central characters and what he thought of himself and what she thought of herself. I can easily see even God with his elbow propped up on a cloud; chin seated in the palm of his hand; eyeballs rolling upward and thinking, “I get it. Can’t we just please move on?”
I give this book (TWO) stars because it was really really “faultyling (a new word made up so as to emphasize) boring”. Many words do not always a great book make. The beginning of the book never established characters. The end was long and dragged out. And Tillerton? What was that all about? I will read no further into this series and that is not "my fault".
SETTING: 19th century, Caldwell County, Texas
A BOOK THAT FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE READING SAYS,
“I was never loved.” “Yes I once loved but it was my fault.” “No, it is all my fault.” “I’m such a failure.” “I am life’s fault.” “I try to do what is right.” “I’m not worthy because I’m at fault.” “It is my entire fault.” “My fault is my fault.” “No one is guilty other than me.” “I spell the word F-A-U-L_T.”
This is life that surrounded the two central characters and what he thought of himself and what she thought of herself. I can easily see even God with his elbow propped up on a cloud; chin seated in the palm of his hand; eyeballs rolling upward and thinking, “I get it. Can’t we just please move on?”
I give this book (TWO) stars because it was really really “faultyling (a new word made up so as to emphasize) boring”. Many words do not always a great book make. The beginning of the book never established characters. The end was long and dragged out. And Tillerton? What was that all about? I will read no further into this series and that is not "my fault".
November 19, 2021
The only thing (in my opinion) saving this from a one-star rating was the faith element added here and there.
I was tracking with the story for the first third of the book, and rather enjoying it. But when the Boaz storyline was butchered, and everything was taken to extremes I began to shut down. The worst, however, what completely shut me down, was the back and forth about what to feel and what to do, the approach and avoidance and the poor choices. It was interminable and utterly inane.
I’ve had this book in cue to read for years. I kept looking at the cover, wondering what it was about and each time I hesitated to start it. I seriously don’t know why. Well, now that I have read it I'm sad that I wasted my time.
Does this mean I'm giving up in Regina Jennings? Nope. I've read some fine work by this author. Sadly, just not this one.
I was tracking with the story for the first third of the book, and rather enjoying it. But when the Boaz storyline was butchered, and everything was taken to extremes I began to shut down. The worst, however, what completely shut me down, was the back and forth about what to feel and what to do, the approach and avoidance and the poor choices. It was interminable and utterly inane.
I’ve had this book in cue to read for years. I kept looking at the cover, wondering what it was about and each time I hesitated to start it. I seriously don’t know why. Well, now that I have read it I'm sad that I wasted my time.
Does this mean I'm giving up in Regina Jennings? Nope. I've read some fine work by this author. Sadly, just not this one.
June 7, 2012
How did this manage to get such good Goodreads reviews? It was terrible! I thought the concept was great. The story of Ruth set in the Old West? Sounds cool! But no. It was extremely tedious. And the relationship between the "Ruth and Boaz" characters was just so agonizingly slow and forced.
I actually started getting suspicious of a bad book after the end of chapter one. Do you know what happens in chapter one? Rosa's (Ruth's) wagon looses a wheel, and her mother-in-law goes to get help lifting it. Rosa, who is much smarter, stronger, and prettier than pretty much all the other women, deduces that (wow!) moving all the weight to the other side will make it easier to lift, and she does so. A bunch of men come by and gawk at her, and "by the time the front end of the wagon was lifted, money was exchanging hands. No wonder there was such a crowd. She'd stumbled in to some sort of wager. Whatever the stakes, the men seemed to be entertained."
What? In the time frame of, like, 15 minutes, she manages to gather a large crowd of men betting on her by... moving boxes and chickens around? That's just awkward. It's not actually interesting to read about, and it doesn't even make me sympathize with Rosa. It makes me say, "This is messed up!" and want to put the book down. These men must have serious problems with lust and also with respecting others... but these are the townspeople we're dealing with for the rest of the book!
Also, the thing was so predictable I could hardly stand it. Most readers will already know the Bible story of Ruth, so the author needed to add something to make it interesting. I have read many books where I knew the basic plot but was still very interested in the novelization. But since the whole suspense of the story for a long time was, "How is Rosa going to get the money?!" and I already know she is going to go ask Boaz for it in the middle of the night plus the author basically gave away that part of the climax in the prologue (seriously), why do I want to keep reading? Answer: I don't. It got to where I would skip 60 pages at a time, I was so bored, and you know what? I was never lost after doing that. Because nothing happened in between.
Hey, you know what I get tired of? Those dark, kind-of-mysterious men who don't say what they're thinking (and won’t even admit it to themselves) just so the plot will stretch out. I understand it's hard, but seriously. If the Boaz guy would have just been willing to have an honest conversation, the story would go like this:
Rosa walks into town and sees Boaz guy.
"Hey, Rosa... ummm.... I'm in love with you."
"Really? Woah! You know, that's funny because I'm in love with you"
"DUDE! Do you wanna, like, marry me?"
"Oh my goodness YES"
“Cool! I promise to love you forever.”
“Ok, me too.”
End of story. All problems solved.
I actually started getting suspicious of a bad book after the end of chapter one. Do you know what happens in chapter one? Rosa's (Ruth's) wagon looses a wheel, and her mother-in-law goes to get help lifting it. Rosa, who is much smarter, stronger, and prettier than pretty much all the other women, deduces that (wow!) moving all the weight to the other side will make it easier to lift, and she does so. A bunch of men come by and gawk at her, and "by the time the front end of the wagon was lifted, money was exchanging hands. No wonder there was such a crowd. She'd stumbled in to some sort of wager. Whatever the stakes, the men seemed to be entertained."
What? In the time frame of, like, 15 minutes, she manages to gather a large crowd of men betting on her by... moving boxes and chickens around? That's just awkward. It's not actually interesting to read about, and it doesn't even make me sympathize with Rosa. It makes me say, "This is messed up!" and want to put the book down. These men must have serious problems with lust and also with respecting others... but these are the townspeople we're dealing with for the rest of the book!
Also, the thing was so predictable I could hardly stand it. Most readers will already know the Bible story of Ruth, so the author needed to add something to make it interesting. I have read many books where I knew the basic plot but was still very interested in the novelization. But since the whole suspense of the story for a long time was, "How is Rosa going to get the money?!" and I already know she is going to go ask Boaz for it in the middle of the night plus the author basically gave away that part of the climax in the prologue (seriously), why do I want to keep reading? Answer: I don't. It got to where I would skip 60 pages at a time, I was so bored, and you know what? I was never lost after doing that. Because nothing happened in between.
Hey, you know what I get tired of? Those dark, kind-of-mysterious men who don't say what they're thinking (and won’t even admit it to themselves) just so the plot will stretch out. I understand it's hard, but seriously. If the Boaz guy would have just been willing to have an honest conversation, the story would go like this:
Rosa walks into town and sees Boaz guy.
"Hey, Rosa... ummm.... I'm in love with you."
"Really? Woah! You know, that's funny because I'm in love with you"
"DUDE! Do you wanna, like, marry me?"
"Oh my goodness YES"
“Cool! I promise to love you forever.”
“Ok, me too.”
End of story. All problems solved.
December 16, 2013
The beginning of this book was a mess. The way this author writes the new characters and introduces people is just so confusing for me. I had to go back and look to make sure this was not a second book in a series because that is how it felt. There were so many places where I had to go back and reread the first couple chapters. I thought maybe I didn't get some of the book downloaded, but it is all there. I really didn't like the prologue at the beginning either. That gave way too much away and for me, this was before I knew it was a retelling of Ruth. After I went to the amazon page and read more about this book I wanted to pick it back up and try again. I am glad I did. The middle of the book really picked up, this book could have been shorter she could have cut the whole first part to about 4 chapters. The way it ended was great.I an glad I finished.
November 4, 2017
I have mixed feelings about this book. I stayed up late to finish it on one hand, but there were some aspects that I didn't like.
What I didn't like: Why do authors so often put in a creepy dude? Mr. Tillerton stalked Rosa and was totally inappropriate. While believable, I didn't like that aspect of the story.
Also, I thought the reason for marriage was shaky (I would say more, but I don't want to give away the book). I wish that Weston had found another way that honored Rosa's feelings.
What I did like: It was so much like the book of Ruth! How cool is that? I also loved some of the Hispanic culture that was brought in. While I feel it was weak at times, it added a lot to the story.
Overall, I liked Caught in the Middle better than this book, but this was a nice, one time read.
What I didn't like: Why do authors so often put in a creepy dude? Mr. Tillerton stalked Rosa and was totally inappropriate. While believable, I didn't like that aspect of the story.
Also, I thought the reason for marriage was shaky (I would say more, but I don't want to give away the book). I wish that Weston had found another way that honored Rosa's feelings.
What I did like: It was so much like the book of Ruth! How cool is that? I also loved some of the Hispanic culture that was brought in. While I feel it was weak at times, it added a lot to the story.
Overall, I liked Caught in the Middle better than this book, but this was a nice, one time read.
April 29, 2023
Similar to a visit with dear friends, my recent reread of Sixty Acres and a Bride was simply delightful. Stoic Weston and exuberant Rosa's journeys are inspired by Boaz and Ruth and I love the contrast of their personalities and cultural expectations. Texas ranching and Mexican cultures are presented in a positive light with realistic representation of prejudice and stereotyping. This title is one of my all-time favorites and I highly recommend it.
I purchased a print copy and borrowed the ebook through the Kindle Unlimited program. The opinions expressed are my own.
I purchased a print copy and borrowed the ebook through the Kindle Unlimited program. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 17, 2018
2.5 stars
I picked this book up on a whim. Overall this book was simply distraction for me it didn’t really like it. Some of the issues the main female character had I felt could’ve been resolved soo much quicker and it really was just an unnecessary hassle. Also the Spanish within the book felt very unnatural to me. Overall it was just ok 🤷🏻♀️
I picked this book up on a whim. Overall this book was simply distraction for me it didn’t really like it. Some of the issues the main female character had I felt could’ve been resolved soo much quicker and it really was just an unnecessary hassle. Also the Spanish within the book felt very unnatural to me. Overall it was just ok 🤷🏻♀️
March 12, 2018
You know what? For Christian romance, this wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. In fact, I think...I enjoyed that read.
August 11, 2021
An 1800s version of the Biblical Naomi and Ruth story. We meet Rosa who leaves her home and family in Mexico to come back to Texas with her mother-in-law, both now widowed. Weston is our Boaz who is the family redeemer. Will they be able to save their house and land? What of evil neighbors lurking next door? And lack of communication and old hurts don't help.
Supporting characters that I really enjoyed are Wes's sister Eliza and brother-in-law Jake. Curious of the remaining two volumes in this trilogy to revisit Prairie Lea characters.
Supporting characters that I really enjoyed are Wes's sister Eliza and brother-in-law Jake. Curious of the remaining two volumes in this trilogy to revisit Prairie Lea characters.
March 23, 2012
There were some things I truly adored about this historical fiction title, and some things that frustrated me to no end. But even though some things that happened in the story that drove me crazy, those things didn't take away from the story's overall appeal. I loved how the book paralleled the story of Ruth in the Bible and how the author did a pretty amazing job at making it fit in 1878 in Texas where instead of Ruth being a Moabitess, the heroine Rosa was a Mexican. I thought it worked well for the story. The author did a great job with the setting as well. I felt completely grounded in the time period throughout the story.
The scenes where some amazing chemistry simmered between Weston and Rosa were hot enough to melt chocolate, but for me, they cooled too quickly, like cool water on a fire. I don't mind that type of angst a few times here and there, but it got to the point where I wanted to say, "Enough already!" At the same time, the fact that I cared enough to get frustrated with them says a lot about the author's ability to keep a reader engaged. This story contained the classic 'poor communication' that usually makes for ongoing conflict in romance novels. It worked for this story for the most part, but there were a few times I wanted to yell at Rosa and say, "Come on, chica, he loves you. Don't you see that?" At the same time, her reservations made sense given her past.
The thing that intrigued me most about Rosa's character was her sincerely felt obligation to earn her keep and be useful. She couldn't see herself as being loved for anything but her ability to help others. Surely no one would love her for herself. How often we act that way with God. He loves us with a love that can't be earned or changed regardless of what we do, yet sometimes we find ourselves striving to "earn our keep" as Christians.
It looked pretty ridiculous when Rosa was acting that way, so I thought about how silly our striving must appear to God. Sometimes God will do like Weston did and say, "fine, you want to try and earn your favor? Go ahead and see if you can do it." Then He leaves us to our own devices until we are miserable and want our relationship with Him restored to where it was before... when we trusted God and allowed Him to love us the way He wanted to. Of course, we can't make God love us any more regardless of what we do. That was well illustrated in this story. At least that was what I got out of those scenes.
All in all, this was a good read. I would definitely read another novel by Ms. Jennings, especially if it's a historical romance. She's gifted when it comes to writing internal dialog and engaging the reader's emotions. On the one hand I felt like I was being tortured emotionally along with the characters, but that was one of the things that made this book special. I loved the fact that I cared about what happened to them. I would definitely recommend this story to lovers of historical fiction and romance.
The scenes where some amazing chemistry simmered between Weston and Rosa were hot enough to melt chocolate, but for me, they cooled too quickly, like cool water on a fire. I don't mind that type of angst a few times here and there, but it got to the point where I wanted to say, "Enough already!" At the same time, the fact that I cared enough to get frustrated with them says a lot about the author's ability to keep a reader engaged. This story contained the classic 'poor communication' that usually makes for ongoing conflict in romance novels. It worked for this story for the most part, but there were a few times I wanted to yell at Rosa and say, "Come on, chica, he loves you. Don't you see that?" At the same time, her reservations made sense given her past.
The thing that intrigued me most about Rosa's character was her sincerely felt obligation to earn her keep and be useful. She couldn't see herself as being loved for anything but her ability to help others. Surely no one would love her for herself. How often we act that way with God. He loves us with a love that can't be earned or changed regardless of what we do, yet sometimes we find ourselves striving to "earn our keep" as Christians.
It looked pretty ridiculous when Rosa was acting that way, so I thought about how silly our striving must appear to God. Sometimes God will do like Weston did and say, "fine, you want to try and earn your favor? Go ahead and see if you can do it." Then He leaves us to our own devices until we are miserable and want our relationship with Him restored to where it was before... when we trusted God and allowed Him to love us the way He wanted to. Of course, we can't make God love us any more regardless of what we do. That was well illustrated in this story. At least that was what I got out of those scenes.
All in all, this was a good read. I would definitely read another novel by Ms. Jennings, especially if it's a historical romance. She's gifted when it comes to writing internal dialog and engaging the reader's emotions. On the one hand I felt like I was being tortured emotionally along with the characters, but that was one of the things that made this book special. I loved the fact that I cared about what happened to them. I would definitely recommend this story to lovers of historical fiction and romance.
February 19, 2012
As exquisite as the cover, Sixty Acres and a Bride makes a solid case for judging a book by its cover. Sublime! I enjoyed every minute and didn't want my reading experience to end. This is the kind of book you grieve over at the finish. (I'm still in mourning.)
The author definitely engaged this reader with dynamic characters that quickly became real people who charged into my life and practically took it over. I laughed with them, I cried with them and I worried over them whenever I managed to drag myself back into the real world.
Jennings did an amazing job with her heroine's storyline. Rosa is a displaced person in so many ways, having suffered enormous losses in her young life. Desperate for a place and people to belong to, she strives to adapt to a foreign culture filled with unfamiliar ways. I think every reader will be able to identify with that yearning and that is what makes Rosa's journey so poignant. She's a winning combination of grit and vulnerability. Of course that lambasts poor Weston who can't define Rosa's place let alone keep her in it!One of the brilliant strengths of this book is their incredible love story.
It's not an easy journey and definitely fraught with all manner of obstacles but Jennings has mastered the craft of romance. She kept me riveted with tantalizing scenes that were deeply intimate even though Rosa and Weston didn't even touch. But when they did...oh la la!!!!! Haul in the fainting couch one more time, ladies, you might as well recline there while you read. No point in getting up and risking a head injury when you fall back down again!
This book also has one of the best seamless inspirational threads. It develops naturally from within different characters in so many scenes and always seems plausible. It enhances the story and uplifts the reader which is exactly as it should be in an inspirational romance.
Sixty Acres and a Bride is definitely destined for keeper shelves across the country. Don't pass this one by and when you're at the store buy two -- one for you and one for a friend!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
February 5, 2012
“Sixty Acres and a Bride” is a stories I as a reader finds great pleasure is spending time with. And at the close of such a novel, I’m a bit sorry to see it come to an end.
I adore Rosa. She is so earnest and tries so hard, but so often it backfires on her. It was comical and yet I had to feel a bit sad for her, trying to learn to live in a foreign culture from her native Mexico. She’s a character one can’t help but love, because her yearnings and love for life is so infectious. I wanted to join the pages of the novel and become her closest friend.
Weston is the epitome of the cowboy hero and I loved his pure heart – though he wasn’t without his faults! The depth of his backstory has wreaked havoc on his present and I wanted to see him free of those bonds. And ah the romance certainly helped with that!
The story explores the beloved plot of Ruth and Boaz in my favorite era – western expansion on the Texas plains.
It’s written in such a way that I felt I truly grew to know and love these characters. Words paint vivid pictures and I loved every single second. This novel is a treasure, one I don’t plan to part with and one I’ll peruse again for that lovely sigh of contentment at the end.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.
I adore Rosa. She is so earnest and tries so hard, but so often it backfires on her. It was comical and yet I had to feel a bit sad for her, trying to learn to live in a foreign culture from her native Mexico. She’s a character one can’t help but love, because her yearnings and love for life is so infectious. I wanted to join the pages of the novel and become her closest friend.
Weston is the epitome of the cowboy hero and I loved his pure heart – though he wasn’t without his faults! The depth of his backstory has wreaked havoc on his present and I wanted to see him free of those bonds. And ah the romance certainly helped with that!
The story explores the beloved plot of Ruth and Boaz in my favorite era – western expansion on the Texas plains.
It’s written in such a way that I felt I truly grew to know and love these characters. Words paint vivid pictures and I loved every single second. This novel is a treasure, one I don’t plan to part with and one I’ll peruse again for that lovely sigh of contentment at the end.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.
March 23, 2012
Oh, yes, oh, yes, oh, yes! I started this book by Regina Jennings and could not put it down.
After the death of her husband, Rosa Garner leaves everything she knows and loves in her home country of Mexico to go with her mother-in-law to the Texas family ranch. They arrive in Texas to find that they owe $166 in taxes and only a small amount of time to come up with the money to pay them.
Rosa may not understand the oddities of the American language, but she certainly knows how to work. She sinks every effort and time into trying to save the ranch for her mother-in-law and herself. But when it proves to be not quite enough, she must risk even more.
The book is a parallel story to the book of Ruth. Yes, we all know how the book of Ruth turns out. True. However, this story has so many twists in it that even close to the end of it, I wasn’t quite sure what was going to happen.
An absolutely amazing, fantastic first novel. If you love historical romance and want a strong hero and heroine with splashes of humor and emotion that grips your heart, this is the book for you.
I’m giving it 5 stars and sorry, but I just can’t part with my copy of it. I’m planning on reading it again and again!
A huge thank you to Bethany House Publishers for my review copy of this book.
After the death of her husband, Rosa Garner leaves everything she knows and loves in her home country of Mexico to go with her mother-in-law to the Texas family ranch. They arrive in Texas to find that they owe $166 in taxes and only a small amount of time to come up with the money to pay them.
Rosa may not understand the oddities of the American language, but she certainly knows how to work. She sinks every effort and time into trying to save the ranch for her mother-in-law and herself. But when it proves to be not quite enough, she must risk even more.
The book is a parallel story to the book of Ruth. Yes, we all know how the book of Ruth turns out. True. However, this story has so many twists in it that even close to the end of it, I wasn’t quite sure what was going to happen.
An absolutely amazing, fantastic first novel. If you love historical romance and want a strong hero and heroine with splashes of humor and emotion that grips your heart, this is the book for you.
I’m giving it 5 stars and sorry, but I just can’t part with my copy of it. I’m planning on reading it again and again!
A huge thank you to Bethany House Publishers for my review copy of this book.
March 15, 2012
Free Kindle download, a version of the Ruth and Naomi story if you substitute Texas and Mexico for the setting. It was interesting seeing another version of how awkward it would be to be destitute, in a strange setting, only knowing 1 person and not understanding the customs in the new country.
Louise Garner and her husband Eli and son Mack rent out their small spread in Texas to head for Mexico to try to make a living. Eli and Mack get jobs in a mine, and Mack marries Rosa, a Mexican/Indian woman. As Eli reads the Bible to her and she hears more about this God of the Garners she becomes a follower. Eli and Mack are killed in a mining accident, and Rosa's family will not accept her if she is a Christian as they follow an ancient Indian religion. Rosa goes with Louise back to Texas where they find the ranch house in disrepair, the tenants long gone and the back taxes due in a few months.
The part of Boaz is played by a relative of Louise, a widower.
While the writing was at times awkward and the story seemed longer than it needed to be, I was drawn in by thinking about the Bible story and how it might have felt being a stranger in a strange land.
Louise Garner and her husband Eli and son Mack rent out their small spread in Texas to head for Mexico to try to make a living. Eli and Mack get jobs in a mine, and Mack marries Rosa, a Mexican/Indian woman. As Eli reads the Bible to her and she hears more about this God of the Garners she becomes a follower. Eli and Mack are killed in a mining accident, and Rosa's family will not accept her if she is a Christian as they follow an ancient Indian religion. Rosa goes with Louise back to Texas where they find the ranch house in disrepair, the tenants long gone and the back taxes due in a few months.
The part of Boaz is played by a relative of Louise, a widower.
While the writing was at times awkward and the story seemed longer than it needed to be, I was drawn in by thinking about the Bible story and how it might have felt being a stranger in a strange land.
June 22, 2016
I really loved this book!
It's a great historical fiction about a Mexican widow, Rosa, who moves with her American mother-in-law, Louise, to Texas. Louise, her husband and her son, Mack, had moved to Mexico a few years before and Rosa had married Mack. Unfortunately, both men died in a mining accident. Now both women are on their own. But when they arrive to the town, they learn that have a great amount of tax to pay and they don't have that much time to come up with the money... Rosa has to learn to lean on her family to get through rough times even if that means she has to open her heart again.
Rosa is scarred from her previous marriage and is not ready to open her heart again. As for Weston, who is also a Garner, he is still beating himself for his wife's death. They will both have to learn to trust God and that it is possible for them to be happy again.
I loved how the story developed and I loved the characters. It was funny to see Rosa learn more about the American culture, something that is so new to her.
I would absolutely recommend it and I look forward to reading the other books from the series.
It's a great historical fiction about a Mexican widow, Rosa, who moves with her American mother-in-law, Louise, to Texas. Louise, her husband and her son, Mack, had moved to Mexico a few years before and Rosa had married Mack. Unfortunately, both men died in a mining accident. Now both women are on their own. But when they arrive to the town, they learn that have a great amount of tax to pay and they don't have that much time to come up with the money... Rosa has to learn to lean on her family to get through rough times even if that means she has to open her heart again.
Rosa is scarred from her previous marriage and is not ready to open her heart again. As for Weston, who is also a Garner, he is still beating himself for his wife's death. They will both have to learn to trust God and that it is possible for them to be happy again.
I loved how the story developed and I loved the characters. It was funny to see Rosa learn more about the American culture, something that is so new to her.
I would absolutely recommend it and I look forward to reading the other books from the series.
February 1, 2012
In this Western version of the Ruth and Boaz story, Rosa Garner plays the dutiful daughter-in-law who returns to a foreign land—Texas. Some folks think Rosa is real nice and has done a kind thing, taking care of her mother-in-law, but most don’t understand her and she feels pretty out-of-place.
Weston Garner is a relation of Rosa’s mother-in-law, and he meets Rosa at a family sheep shearing. He’s instantly attracted to the dark-haired beauty with the fiery spirit, but ghosts from his past make him keep her at arms-distance.
Until Rosa sneaks into his barn, looking for help, and finds a husband—Weston—instead.
Jennings writes a heroine readers will love. Rosa is strong enough to survive a harsh Texas prairie, and tender-hearted enough to dream of a love of her own.
Filled with vivid descriptions, a rich historical setting, and memorable characters, this is a book you won’t want to miss! Highly recommended!
Weston Garner is a relation of Rosa’s mother-in-law, and he meets Rosa at a family sheep shearing. He’s instantly attracted to the dark-haired beauty with the fiery spirit, but ghosts from his past make him keep her at arms-distance.
Until Rosa sneaks into his barn, looking for help, and finds a husband—Weston—instead.
Jennings writes a heroine readers will love. Rosa is strong enough to survive a harsh Texas prairie, and tender-hearted enough to dream of a love of her own.
Filled with vivid descriptions, a rich historical setting, and memorable characters, this is a book you won’t want to miss! Highly recommended!
October 17, 2013
3.5 stars, rounding up cause I'm in a good mood.
This is a book I found on a shelf by the library check-out counter and grabbed on a whim. Ended up being light Christian fiction -- which ended up being okay as it didn't hit me over the head with it. While the book annoyed me at first as being the stereotypical pride and prejudice rip off with a Tex-Mex spin,it finally began to settle into it's own path. I ended up going from annoyance to mostly appreciation by the end. Basically it's a nice little quick read. Nothing too deep, which is not a bad thing at times.
This is a book I found on a shelf by the library check-out counter and grabbed on a whim. Ended up being light Christian fiction -- which ended up being okay as it didn't hit me over the head with it. While the book annoyed me at first as being the stereotypical pride and prejudice rip off with a Tex-Mex spin,it finally began to settle into it's own path. I ended up going from annoyance to mostly appreciation by the end. Basically it's a nice little quick read. Nothing too deep, which is not a bad thing at times.
October 18, 2014
This was a nice read especially with bold Rosa at the helm. I actually would have liked to have seen more boldness from her; you know something different than demure. Someone full of sass and warmth and a bolster of humor. This book focused around romance a little too much for me though. I only want a dab of romance and a whole heap of historical. This was my first time reading a Regina Jennings book and it was good just not exactly what I was hoping for. And wouldn't it be nice to read about a character who was not stunningly beautiful all the time.
May 23, 2015
I was disappointed in the main character's attitude toward marriage. It didn't seem very Christian, which i suppose can be explained by the fact that she is very new to the whole thing. There was a lot i did like about the story. But i felt the hemming and hawing and inability to acknowledge true feelings by both the hero and heroine was unnecessarily dragged out, which is a major pet peeve for me.
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