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Whispering Pines Ranch #4
Conner's Courage
John Price and Conner Burnett have been part of the Whispering Pines Ranch for the past thirty-seven years. A loving couple who have overcome every obstacle thrown at them, John and Conner are a testament to the strength of true love. But now John is in the hospital with a diagnosis of cancer, fighting for his very life.
As his lover struggles, Conner looks back on when they first met. The early seventies wasn’t an easy time to be a gay man, especially in a small country town. Considering John’s pride, Conner’s need to be himself, shame, bitterness, and two stubborn natures, their love story almost wasn’t written. But they beat the odds, and Conner will be damned if he’ll let anyone take John from him now. He had the courage to stand up for what he wanted in 1974. If need be, he’ll go toe to toe with God himself to keep the man he fought so hard to love.
Authors Note:
Please note that I am a firm believer in safe sex practices. However, this novel was set in 1974 with no AIDS in sight, and most venereal diseases treated with a simple shot, it was “The golden age of Gay sexuality."
As his lover struggles, Conner looks back on when they first met. The early seventies wasn’t an easy time to be a gay man, especially in a small country town. Considering John’s pride, Conner’s need to be himself, shame, bitterness, and two stubborn natures, their love story almost wasn’t written. But they beat the odds, and Conner will be damned if he’ll let anyone take John from him now. He had the courage to stand up for what he wanted in 1974. If need be, he’ll go toe to toe with God himself to keep the man he fought so hard to love.
Authors Note:
Please note that I am a firm believer in safe sex practices. However, this novel was set in 1974 with no AIDS in sight, and most venereal diseases treated with a simple shot, it was “The golden age of Gay sexuality."
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2012
5 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
S.J.D. Peterson
52 books1,018 followersIt's been an amazing journey since DSP first contracted Lorcan's Desire in January 2011. I've published 2 free reads with the M/M Romance group, my back list is growing, met some great people and have made some amazing friends.
I'm still in shock that I'm listed among the many talented authors at Dreamspinner Press! The little voice in the back of my head is screaming, "You are so out of your league."
Shhhhh I won't tell them if you don't :)
You can call me Jo, everyone does :)
I'm still in shock that I'm listed among the many talented authors at Dreamspinner Press! The little voice in the back of my head is screaming, "You are so out of your league."
Shhhhh I won't tell them if you don't :)
You can call me Jo, everyone does :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 6, 2012
From reading the previous books in this series I got the impression that Conner was a strong man. I had no idea at all how strong he actually was! The story of the beginning of his relationship with John reveals a man who has a lot of love to give and who is looking for things he doesn't even know he wants yet. The journey is hard for Conner but he learns a lot along the way, especially about how much he likes himself as a person and ultimately how he's not prepared to change who he is for anyone. It's harder to get to know John, though, just as it has been through the whole series. He's strong and he's quiet and Conner is the absolute centre of his world. His journey is about discovering what is most important to him and how far he is prepared to go to make sure he has that in his life. The whole story, to me, was about hope and how even in the hardest times the smallest glimmer of hope can be enough to pull you through. When I learned that this book was to be published before Jess's story I was frustrated as I'm really really desperate to read that one but this book has ended up being my favourite in the series so far. Seeing all the characters from the previous books at the end of this story was a nice bonus and now begins the (not at all) patient wait for Jess to get what he deserves!
September 26, 2013
This is book 4 in the Whispering Pines series, and In this get to know Conner and John and their 37 years of being in love and sharing their lives together. In the previous books Conner and John are the foundation, the steady force that guides most of the people who live and work on the Whisper Pines Ranch and the town of Pegasus. Also in this book we learn that Conner and John are in for the fight of their lives, Conner as sworn to the powers that be they will not lose this battle! So we are taken back in time to the start of their relationship, to learn how this wonderful couple came to be.
I absolutely loved watching these two come together, the slow build-up of feelings, emotions. This was not insta-love, it was two very different people finding love and completeness together. Conner the totally out there, outspoken, dancing in the kitchen, pull up a seat and talk to me kinda guy. John, quiet, brooding, in the closet, hard working cowboy. But what they have in common is a broken heart, lots of pain and hurt and loneliness, and a longing to be accepted for who they are.
This story was fabulous, felt absolutely real, again two characters I just wanted to know better and excellent writing.
I absolutely loved watching these two come together, the slow build-up of feelings, emotions. This was not insta-love, it was two very different people finding love and completeness together. Conner the totally out there, outspoken, dancing in the kitchen, pull up a seat and talk to me kinda guy. John, quiet, brooding, in the closet, hard working cowboy. But what they have in common is a broken heart, lots of pain and hurt and loneliness, and a longing to be accepted for who they are.
This story was fabulous, felt absolutely real, again two characters I just wanted to know better and excellent writing.
August 17, 2012
*This is the fourth in the Whispering Pines Series, and while it stands alone, it is really best to read the books in order. Conner and John are in them all, and to know them is to love them..."
For thirty-seven years, Conner Burnett has loved John Price. Now, he's facing the fight all of these years of love have prepared him for. John has inoperable cancer, and Conner won't accept the only sure outcome.
Conner first showed up at the Whispering Pine Ranch on the run from yet another flirtation gone bad, and another job crashing and burning. But Cole Taylor, the ranch's owner, sees something in the cocky and brash young man, and decides to take a chance on him and hires him as the cook while his wife Cindy is out of town.
The slightly build, young looking Conner immediately draws the attention of John Price, the big bear of a ranch foreman, and his admonishment for him to tone down his dancing around around the kitchen rubs Conner the wrong way. Especially since the sparks the two men have? Could light a fire.
So begins a slow, smoldering dance towards romance and love for the two men, a dance that is threatened by John's fears, Conner's anger, and the very real attitude of the times - the 1970's - towards gays.
What follows is simply...stunning.
SJD Peterson takes us by the hand and leads us to the dance floor with this hauntingly small, intimate story of love and romance and hope. The steps are ones we all know - strong but vulnerable men, broken lives and hearts, and two men starving for love and afraid to reach out and take a place at the table.
But oh...then she pulls us close in and wraps her arms around our necks and sings the words to their love song in our ears. A quiet and gentle hymn about Conner's need to be himself, and John's surrender to the power of love. About learning to drop walls and defenses, and trust in the goodness of another person.
And the best thing? Ms. Peterson lets us dance with her 'til the song closes with a sweet, sweet ending.
This book is amazing. Beautifully written, believably paced and just so honest and true.
I loved it. This series just keeps getting better and better. Now, give me Jess's story.
Tom
For thirty-seven years, Conner Burnett has loved John Price. Now, he's facing the fight all of these years of love have prepared him for. John has inoperable cancer, and Conner won't accept the only sure outcome.
Conner first showed up at the Whispering Pine Ranch on the run from yet another flirtation gone bad, and another job crashing and burning. But Cole Taylor, the ranch's owner, sees something in the cocky and brash young man, and decides to take a chance on him and hires him as the cook while his wife Cindy is out of town.
The slightly build, young looking Conner immediately draws the attention of John Price, the big bear of a ranch foreman, and his admonishment for him to tone down his dancing around around the kitchen rubs Conner the wrong way. Especially since the sparks the two men have? Could light a fire.
So begins a slow, smoldering dance towards romance and love for the two men, a dance that is threatened by John's fears, Conner's anger, and the very real attitude of the times - the 1970's - towards gays.
What follows is simply...stunning.
SJD Peterson takes us by the hand and leads us to the dance floor with this hauntingly small, intimate story of love and romance and hope. The steps are ones we all know - strong but vulnerable men, broken lives and hearts, and two men starving for love and afraid to reach out and take a place at the table.
But oh...then she pulls us close in and wraps her arms around our necks and sings the words to their love song in our ears. A quiet and gentle hymn about Conner's need to be himself, and John's surrender to the power of love. About learning to drop walls and defenses, and trust in the goodness of another person.
And the best thing? Ms. Peterson lets us dance with her 'til the song closes with a sweet, sweet ending.
This book is amazing. Beautifully written, believably paced and just so honest and true.
I loved it. This series just keeps getting better and better. Now, give me Jess's story.
Tom
July 27, 2017
Years ago when I read ‘Conner’s Courage’ for the first time, I was an emotional wreck for a few days after, so I had to pull on my big girl drawers and fortify myself with wine, and a whole lot of tissues, before starting this reread. I fell in love with Conner and John right from the start and I laughed, and I cried, with them for the past thirty-seven years.
“To the higher powers that may be, he shot a silent challenge. You can’t have him! He’s mine, and you’ll have to go through me to take him. Conner drifted off to sleep, not the least bit afraid that he may have pissed off the man upstairs. He was safe and warm in the knowledge that he would move heaven and hell to save his man, even if he had to go toe-to-toe with God himself.”
Finding one’s soulmate is the most amazing thing imaginable. Contemplating, and dealing with, the real-life possibility that you could lose them is beyond heartbreaking. It literally feels as if half of you is no longer there. Conner and John have been together for thirty-seven years, and no time is long enough. Granted, when they first met, Conner didn't like that rude, but oh so gorgeous man who told him he couldn't dance like that in his kitchen, and Conner being the man he is pretty much told him what he could do with those words. It was 1974 so I could see John’s perspective, but Conner never stopped being who he was, even though he paid the price for it many times.
Conner and John had an amazing love story. Every moment I was practically holding my breath wanting them to work out so badly. I could see where John was coming from and his fear of losing the men’s respect if they found out he was gay and involved with Conner. It took him a while to understand that true strength comes from loving with everything you are, and standing together against whatever life throws your way.
Thank you, Jo, for giving the queen of gossip and his quiet, intimidating man, a love story to beat all.
“To the higher powers that may be, he shot a silent challenge. You can’t have him! He’s mine, and you’ll have to go through me to take him. Conner drifted off to sleep, not the least bit afraid that he may have pissed off the man upstairs. He was safe and warm in the knowledge that he would move heaven and hell to save his man, even if he had to go toe-to-toe with God himself.”
Finding one’s soulmate is the most amazing thing imaginable. Contemplating, and dealing with, the real-life possibility that you could lose them is beyond heartbreaking. It literally feels as if half of you is no longer there. Conner and John have been together for thirty-seven years, and no time is long enough. Granted, when they first met, Conner didn't like that rude, but oh so gorgeous man who told him he couldn't dance like that in his kitchen, and Conner being the man he is pretty much told him what he could do with those words. It was 1974 so I could see John’s perspective, but Conner never stopped being who he was, even though he paid the price for it many times.
Conner and John had an amazing love story. Every moment I was practically holding my breath wanting them to work out so badly. I could see where John was coming from and his fear of losing the men’s respect if they found out he was gay and involved with Conner. It took him a while to understand that true strength comes from loving with everything you are, and standing together against whatever life throws your way.
Thank you, Jo, for giving the queen of gossip and his quiet, intimidating man, a love story to beat all.
September 21, 2012
I enjoyed this tale of John and Conner. It was lovely to see how they met and came together. Unfortunately I never really felt the struggle they supposedly had. Apart from Johns illness, which came late in life, everything else seemed pretty easy, if you take out Johns own insecurities. There was no coming out drama or even any tension from the workers before hand. Overall this was a easy read with no real angst.
I did have a couple of pet peeves:
One was Conner’s family story line. First we hear he is kicked out and has no contact with his family after. Letters are never answered when he tries to contact his siblings, but a few sentences later Conner reels off details of what happened to all his siblings. Just how did he know so much detail if no one ever spoke to him? Just a little issue but enough to pull me out of the story a little.
Secondly was Cindy. God could that woman be any more damn perfect, from her pixie looks to her sunshine behaviour. The only thing Cindy failed at was cooking, but hell with her sunny personality and cuteness no one cared. Sorry but too much sweetness for me, but at least she wasn’t a bossy know-it-all.
I did have a couple of pet peeves:
One was Conner’s family story line. First we hear he is kicked out and has no contact with his family after. Letters are never answered when he tries to contact his siblings, but a few sentences later Conner reels off details of what happened to all his siblings. Just how did he know so much detail if no one ever spoke to him? Just a little issue but enough to pull me out of the story a little.
Secondly was Cindy. God could that woman be any more damn perfect, from her pixie looks to her sunshine behaviour. The only thing Cindy failed at was cooking, but hell with her sunny personality and cuteness no one cared. Sorry but too much sweetness for me, but at least she wasn’t a bossy know-it-all.
August 21, 2012
This beautiful love story is now my favorite (so far) from the Whispering Pine series. It has a way of touching the reader at a very emotional level which is not too angsty, but is just right, a bit like a well tuned violin. It is the kind of story that I love reading because of how it has taken me away from myself, and drawn me into another place and time where the story unfolds gracefully before me.
The characters, the story line, the setting, even the book cover and the title, everything blended to perfection for me. It was actually so perfect that it should be set to music, or at least have its own soundtrack.
Now I have read this book I feel as if I should read the earlier books again just to see Conner and John in the background of the other stories once more, but now knowing their own rich personal story. Even if I don't manage to do that I will definitely read this one again.
August 12, 2012
I’ve been waiting for Conner and John’s story since the first Whispering Pines Ranch book. CONNER’S COURAGE not only doesn’t disappoint, it exceeds all of my expectations and hopes. Conner is such an outrageous guy in the previous/current books. Since CONNER’S COURAGE is a flashback story it’s difficult to make it clear whether you are talking about past books or past time. By the way, I love, love, love the cover!
Conner and John already have their HEA but with John’s illness the future is cloudy. However, Conner, ever the bubbly optimist, plans for happy times ahead, for however long that may be. I love that man and now understand better why he fell so hard for John and why John depends on Conner for everything.
Please see my complete review on August 18 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Conner and John already have their HEA but with John’s illness the future is cloudy. However, Conner, ever the bubbly optimist, plans for happy times ahead, for however long that may be. I love that man and now understand better why he fell so hard for John and why John depends on Conner for everything.
Please see my complete review on August 18 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
August 6, 2012
This series just gets better and better! I loved John and Conner's story. In the first three books, they are a pair of loveable old codgers (especially Conner) and it's easy to forget that they, too, were once young, that they have known passion, desire, sorrow, that they have made mistakes and faced and overcome their own struggles.
I do like the way SJD Peterson writes. Her characters are always so vivid and the writing is very immediate. I always feel like a fly on the wall, rather than someone being told a story.
I do like the way SJD Peterson writes. Her characters are always so vivid and the writing is very immediate. I always feel like a fly on the wall, rather than someone being told a story.
September 19, 2012
A must read... If you don't have a copy... Hurry up and get one
I adored this sweet treasure.... I was hesitant on reading about Conner and John, maybe because it was in-part of ageism.. I know that is wrong but I love sexy in my novels... But this novel was pure and sweet and real..
This is one of my favorite series, Conner had me rolling to the point of tears he was so darn sassy, and all be damned.. It was good to get a picture of Quinn's parents... Cindy was all sunshine and Cole was all compassion...
John a bear of a man with the heart of a lion.... Be still my heart
I adored this sweet treasure.... I was hesitant on reading about Conner and John, maybe because it was in-part of ageism.. I know that is wrong but I love sexy in my novels... But this novel was pure and sweet and real..
This is one of my favorite series, Conner had me rolling to the point of tears he was so darn sassy, and all be damned.. It was good to get a picture of Quinn's parents... Cindy was all sunshine and Cole was all compassion...
John a bear of a man with the heart of a lion.... Be still my heart
August 9, 2012
I won this book as part of a contest (Thanks Jo!) but would have gladly paid full price for it! This was a sweet, but frustrating story about the beginning of Conner and John's life together. The prologue and epilogue had me teary, this story definitely makes me want to go back and re-read Lorcan, Quinn, and Ty's books before Jess's Journey comes out! It may be hard to believe but this book makes you love Conner even more. Another great addition to the Whispering Pines Ranch series!
June 25, 2013
Finished this around 11:30 last night... my eyes are still tired and I'm working on very little sleep and no coffee. A real review? I don't think so. Actually, as I read these books, I think reviewing them individually does them a disservice. They are all wonderful on their own, but together, tell a continuing story. Think I'll review them all together once I fish Jess' story.
I did love this, though. Conner, my gosh. I love him in the present. I love him even more now.
I did love this, though. Conner, my gosh. I love him in the present. I love him even more now.
December 11, 2012
This was another great book in the Whispering Pines series. I must admit it screws me up a bit when we go backwards to a relationship we already know about, but the story was so sweet I don't mind too much. No major angst in this one, just a really touching beginning.
February 17, 2013
3.5 stars
I liked this more than Ty's books. Good start and good ending, annoying middle part. Connor acting as a doormat wasn't a fun read. Nevertheless I enjoyed reading and I will read the next book, if only to get the end of Jess' story arc.
I liked this more than Ty's books. Good start and good ending, annoying middle part. Connor acting as a doormat wasn't a fun read. Nevertheless I enjoyed reading and I will read the next book, if only to get the end of Jess' story arc.
January 24, 2013
What a wonderful read! Adored getting Conner and John's story!
August 10, 2012
4 1/2 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
John is in hospital having being diagnosed with cancer. It’s a diagnosis that Conner won’t accept, and he’s not losing the love of his life without a fight, not after 37 years of facing everything together. Conner looks back to the beginning of their relationship when they had to fight the hardest, against their own selves, as they tried to embark on a relationship that was still frowned upon in cowboy country.
This is a wonderful story that gives us fans of Whispering Pines Ranch the chance to get to know both Conner and John better, and also gives us their romance from the very beginning. As John lies in his hospital bed with Conner snuggled up against him, Conner takes us on the journey of the beginning of their relationship and the courage both men had to find to be the men that the other loved. Conner has already faced a lot in his 29 years and is comfortable with whom he is. But, John in his 32 years has always played it safe. He doesn’t want to lose the respect of the men around him. But when the two meet, they both have to make choices until they reach an impasse and they both realise just what is most important to them.
I loved this story. I love Conner and John in their sixties and I loved them just as much when they were younger. Being able to see the beginning of their relationship was a treat. I loved the ups and downs that they faced, as well as the emotional battles that they faced within themselves. Seeing them both come to the realisation as to what was really important to them, for Conner it was being himself even if it meant losing the man he loves, and for John it was about facing his life without the man he loves, compared to having the full respect of those around him.
This story isn’t as angsty or angry as the previous books in this series, and it isn’t as frustrating or hair pulling because we already know that Conner and John would get their happily ever after, but it still pulls at the heart-strings as we see the men we could love become the men we do love. S.J.D. has written another wonderful touching story that will stay with after you have finished the last page. As a little side note: please ignore the fact that the Bee Gees travelled back in time to 1974 with their song Jive Talkin’, which they didn’t record until 1975. Lol S.J.D.’s a good sport and said I could mention it.
So I will recommend this to those who love stories about rough, tough cowboys, about having courage to stand for what you want, for hot men falling in love, some hot cowboy sex and the beginning of what we know to be true love for two lovely wonderful men. Now to wait impatiently for Jess’s Journey .
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
John is in hospital having being diagnosed with cancer. It’s a diagnosis that Conner won’t accept, and he’s not losing the love of his life without a fight, not after 37 years of facing everything together. Conner looks back to the beginning of their relationship when they had to fight the hardest, against their own selves, as they tried to embark on a relationship that was still frowned upon in cowboy country.
This is a wonderful story that gives us fans of Whispering Pines Ranch the chance to get to know both Conner and John better, and also gives us their romance from the very beginning. As John lies in his hospital bed with Conner snuggled up against him, Conner takes us on the journey of the beginning of their relationship and the courage both men had to find to be the men that the other loved. Conner has already faced a lot in his 29 years and is comfortable with whom he is. But, John in his 32 years has always played it safe. He doesn’t want to lose the respect of the men around him. But when the two meet, they both have to make choices until they reach an impasse and they both realise just what is most important to them.
I loved this story. I love Conner and John in their sixties and I loved them just as much when they were younger. Being able to see the beginning of their relationship was a treat. I loved the ups and downs that they faced, as well as the emotional battles that they faced within themselves. Seeing them both come to the realisation as to what was really important to them, for Conner it was being himself even if it meant losing the man he loves, and for John it was about facing his life without the man he loves, compared to having the full respect of those around him.
This story isn’t as angsty or angry as the previous books in this series, and it isn’t as frustrating or hair pulling because we already know that Conner and John would get their happily ever after, but it still pulls at the heart-strings as we see the men we could love become the men we do love. S.J.D. has written another wonderful touching story that will stay with after you have finished the last page. As a little side note: please ignore the fact that the Bee Gees travelled back in time to 1974 with their song Jive Talkin’, which they didn’t record until 1975. Lol S.J.D.’s a good sport and said I could mention it.
So I will recommend this to those who love stories about rough, tough cowboys, about having courage to stand for what you want, for hot men falling in love, some hot cowboy sex and the beginning of what we know to be true love for two lovely wonderful men. Now to wait impatiently for Jess’s Journey .
August 22, 2014
The Blogger Girls
Conner and John were such incredible secondary characters in the previous books that I knew their own story would be magnificent…and it was. Conner especially had my heart. I can’t imagine how difficult being a gay man in the 70s was for him considering he was the complete opposite of the masculine cowboys he worked with and cooked for. John lost the battle to stay hidden in his deep closet the minute Conner showed up at Whispering Pines…it was just a matter of time before he realized it himself.
I loved seeing how the two initially met and the fact that they didn’t fall instantly and hopelessly in love…in lust, maybe, but these two almost didn’t even have a future let alone a night together.
Conner was small, appeared years younger than his age, he loved to sway, he called everyone honey, and he cooked like a Paris trained chef. John was a big cowboy who thought that men should act like men, and thought it would be a good idea to let Conner know he was embarrassing himself. I am surprised John could still walk after that scene.
I must admit that I held off reading this book because I was afraid of how it would end. The prologue alone was enough to make me back away and think it over before I braved it out and forced myself to pick it back up. And it was so worth it. This book is so real, so sweet, really sad at times, and so incredibly good for my heart. I can’t imagine anyone I would not recommend this book to…but read the others first, definitely.
Cole is the owner of the ranch and I adored him and his wife Cindy. They were wonderful side characters and played a huge part in Conner and John’s life. The fact that they accepted the real Conner and wouldn’t allow any homophobia to touch him was so beautiful, especially for the 70s. We also have appearances from past characters, and it’s always a delight to see Ty.
The ending is where I was excited to get to, but afraid at the same time. How could this story possibly end on a positive note considering their ages and the health scare? I was so tempted to just skip it, but I didn’t, I braved the storm and came out with a better perspective on the long lasting effects of a real true love relationship. Conner and John are now firmly in my top ten of favorite MM characters. Bravo SJD, you hit this one out of ballpark. Now to read about poor Jesse…sniff sniff.
Conner and John were such incredible secondary characters in the previous books that I knew their own story would be magnificent…and it was. Conner especially had my heart. I can’t imagine how difficult being a gay man in the 70s was for him considering he was the complete opposite of the masculine cowboys he worked with and cooked for. John lost the battle to stay hidden in his deep closet the minute Conner showed up at Whispering Pines…it was just a matter of time before he realized it himself.
I loved seeing how the two initially met and the fact that they didn’t fall instantly and hopelessly in love…in lust, maybe, but these two almost didn’t even have a future let alone a night together.
Conner was small, appeared years younger than his age, he loved to sway, he called everyone honey, and he cooked like a Paris trained chef. John was a big cowboy who thought that men should act like men, and thought it would be a good idea to let Conner know he was embarrassing himself. I am surprised John could still walk after that scene.
I must admit that I held off reading this book because I was afraid of how it would end. The prologue alone was enough to make me back away and think it over before I braved it out and forced myself to pick it back up. And it was so worth it. This book is so real, so sweet, really sad at times, and so incredibly good for my heart. I can’t imagine anyone I would not recommend this book to…but read the others first, definitely.
Cole is the owner of the ranch and I adored him and his wife Cindy. They were wonderful side characters and played a huge part in Conner and John’s life. The fact that they accepted the real Conner and wouldn’t allow any homophobia to touch him was so beautiful, especially for the 70s. We also have appearances from past characters, and it’s always a delight to see Ty.
The ending is where I was excited to get to, but afraid at the same time. How could this story possibly end on a positive note considering their ages and the health scare? I was so tempted to just skip it, but I didn’t, I braved the storm and came out with a better perspective on the long lasting effects of a real true love relationship. Conner and John are now firmly in my top ten of favorite MM characters. Bravo SJD, you hit this one out of ballpark. Now to read about poor Jesse…sniff sniff.
March 17, 2013
3.25 stars.
FUUUUUUUUUUCK, I JUST LOST MY REVIEW. I hate GR sometimes, seriously. *headdesk*
So, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, Conner is one of my favorite characters in the Whispering Pines series, so it was a lot of fun to read his and John's back story.
My biggest issue with this book was the crap ton of anachronisms. Apart from the pro- and epilogues, the book took place in the mid 1970s, but so many of the words and phrases that Peterson used in this book would NOT have been used then. That irritated the shit out me; if you're going to write a book that takes place in a certain decade, do more research. If it hadn't been for this, I would have probably rated it higher.
However, the story was very sweet, in addition to being a testament to their love and courage - it's still difficult for a lot of gay men and women to be out now, let alone back in the 70s. Especially in small town America.
I just wished there had been more. I know it's hard to fit 37 years of a relationship into a book, but I wanted to know how were they affected when Quinn was born. What about when Quinn's parents died? And why tell me they have 'plans' to go to Europe together when you could just write it into the epilogue?
I can't even imagine what it must be like to know the love of your life, the one you are growing old with, could be dying of an incurable (well, inoperable in this case) disease. I hope that John lives many more years so that he and Conner can fulfill all the dreams they built together; I really do want that for them.
FUUUUUUUUUUCK, I JUST LOST MY REVIEW. I hate GR sometimes, seriously. *headdesk*
So, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, Conner is one of my favorite characters in the Whispering Pines series, so it was a lot of fun to read his and John's back story.
My biggest issue with this book was the crap ton of anachronisms. Apart from the pro- and epilogues, the book took place in the mid 1970s, but so many of the words and phrases that Peterson used in this book would NOT have been used then. That irritated the shit out me; if you're going to write a book that takes place in a certain decade, do more research. If it hadn't been for this, I would have probably rated it higher.
However, the story was very sweet, in addition to being a testament to their love and courage - it's still difficult for a lot of gay men and women to be out now, let alone back in the 70s. Especially in small town America.
I just wished there had been more. I know it's hard to fit 37 years of a relationship into a book, but I wanted to know how were they affected when Quinn was born. What about when Quinn's parents died? And why tell me they have 'plans' to go to Europe together when you could just write it into the epilogue?
I can't even imagine what it must be like to know the love of your life, the one you are growing old with, could be dying of an incurable (well, inoperable in this case) disease. I hope that John lives many more years so that he and Conner can fulfill all the dreams they built together; I really do want that for them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2014
I have a confession to make. Knowing that this book starts with John in the hospital and Conner flashing back to their beginnings, I had to know before I went any further how the book was ended. If there was a chance that there was going to be a sad ending, I needed to know so that I could prepare myself, because I will be honest, I cry during sad parts of books. I've been blindsided a time or two and just needed to know. Now, I'm not going to spoil the ending here, or anything, so not to worry.
We got to know Conner in the previous books in this series and he's told us a bit about his beginnings with John. Conner and John have been together for 37 years when Conner's Courage starts and they are just as much in love now as they were then. Everyone should be so lucky, yeah?
I kept picturing them wearing early seventies clothing and with cheesy mustaches, too. Yes, I am easily amused.
We get to see how it was that Conner came to be at Whispering Pines and we meet Quinn's parents (he wasn't even a thought yet, much less a reality) and we get to see that Conner has always been that sassy sassy man and John just didn't know what hit him.
I loved it. :)
We got to know Conner in the previous books in this series and he's told us a bit about his beginnings with John. Conner and John have been together for 37 years when Conner's Courage starts and they are just as much in love now as they were then. Everyone should be so lucky, yeah?
I kept picturing them wearing early seventies clothing and with cheesy mustaches, too. Yes, I am easily amused.
We get to see how it was that Conner came to be at Whispering Pines and we meet Quinn's parents (he wasn't even a thought yet, much less a reality) and we get to see that Conner has always been that sassy sassy man and John just didn't know what hit him.
I loved it. :)
March 4, 2013
After reading the prologue, I was almost dreading getting to the end of this book. Thank you, dear author, for not taking me down that particular fork in the road. Guess I should have had more faith in Conner’s fierce determination after all, huh? ;)
Anyway, it was so satisfying getting the background story on John and Conner, the events that shaped their lives, and the events that set the stage for the Whispering Pines Ranch series as a whole. This book was a wonderful illustration of opposites attract - Conner’s larger than life personality but somewhat effeminate mannerisms to John’s big and burly bear characteristics. Once they fought all the obstacles in their path to get together, their force field was so strong that nothing was going to tear them apart. I loved the guest appearances by other characters in the series and can’t wait to move on to Jess’s story next!
Anyway, it was so satisfying getting the background story on John and Conner, the events that shaped their lives, and the events that set the stage for the Whispering Pines Ranch series as a whole. This book was a wonderful illustration of opposites attract - Conner’s larger than life personality but somewhat effeminate mannerisms to John’s big and burly bear characteristics. Once they fought all the obstacles in their path to get together, their force field was so strong that nothing was going to tear them apart. I loved the guest appearances by other characters in the series and can’t wait to move on to Jess’s story next!
September 6, 2012
I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get absorbed in a story told in retrospect when I'd known the characters as older men through three other stories. But WOW, what an amazing tale the author has woven here. This is the story of Conner and John, truly a love story. It's also a coming-out story, a story of homophobia and prejudice in the 70's, and shows the struggle of a gay man, John, to follow his heart's desire. And, it's the story of Conner, a man who is spunky, ferocious and just too stubborn to settle for anything other than the man he loves and to keep him for a lifetime.
If you've read any of the previous Whispering Pines Ranch stories, this one is a MUST READ. If you haven't then go read them so that you can read this one too. It's beautiful. Highly recommended.
If you've read any of the previous Whispering Pines Ranch stories, this one is a MUST READ. If you haven't then go read them so that you can read this one too. It's beautiful. Highly recommended.
November 16, 2015
Sweet story set in the 1970s in the early days of Whispering Pines Ranch. Had really wanted to know more on the backstory of Conner and John. Not surprised that Conner's effervescent personality remained a constant over the years, but John surprised me. Knew from "current day" that he was quiet and serious, but didn't realize he was once a taciturn and surly, closeted Bear. Inoperable cancer--scary words indeed, but it is amazing what the power of positive energy, good friends, and someone who loves you unconditionally can make happen.
September 18, 2012
Tissues required for this poignant, beautiful love story. This book will grab hold of your heart. The author has created a world where these men seem more like family than characters, as if readers are present and not being told a story. So beautifully written, Conner’s Courage brought tears to my eyes while warming my soul.
Full review written for the Guilty Indulgence Review Site: http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs...
Full review written for the Guilty Indulgence Review Site: http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs...
October 22, 2012
I was so happy to see that Connor and John finally have their own story. Connor had so much courage, or was it bravado that helped him make it, to persevere. But he got lucky and found a home with people who loved him for himself. And though it took some time, John finally realized that he could have everything he ever wanted, someone to love and to love him in return.
August 9, 2012
Enjoyable novel. Well written with real characters. I loved the flashbacks and the honesty dealing with hardship and pain. If there is a theme in this novel, it's about strength. Too many M/M novels are about weakness (I'm a victim!). It's a refreshing change.
August 11, 2012
Conner's Courage is an amazing, funny, tender, wonderful love story. Have tissues on hand for this one. Absolutely wonderful, Jo.
September 24, 2012
Such an emotional journey every time I read a book in this series.
August 13, 2012
Loving it so far!! But I knew I would. The Whispering Pines Ranch series is my favorite. Will be soaking up Jess's Journey when it comes out too.
August 19, 2012
I love this series can't, wait for the next one
September 12, 2012
Loved loved loved it. Can't wait for the next one
August 3, 2016
I absolutely loved this one.
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