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Liberty Belle
Set in 1859 Denver, Liberty Belle is a story of finding freedom and forgiveness. A jilted bride, a wayward sheriff, a small boy, outlaws, and a gallows, provide plenty of action, romance, and
hope.
Liberty Longstreet was left at the altar, but that wasn’t the worst of her day. She awakens to the fact that she needs to declare independence from her controlling mother. Wanting her freedom and to find a man of her choosing, Libby leaves home for faraway Denver. She just doesn't count on being robbed, falling for a wayward sheriff, or being accused of murder.
Sheriff Wade Calder throws down his badge in a quest for revenge. Instead, he takes responsibility for his enemy’s young son. Wanting only to be free, Wade runs into Libby, and she wins what is left of his heart. Unfortunately, he has nothing to offer her until he picks up his badge. His honor is restored, but it may cost Libby her life.
Together they learn the cost of freedom
and the wealth of forgiveness.
hope.
Liberty Longstreet was left at the altar, but that wasn’t the worst of her day. She awakens to the fact that she needs to declare independence from her controlling mother. Wanting her freedom and to find a man of her choosing, Libby leaves home for faraway Denver. She just doesn't count on being robbed, falling for a wayward sheriff, or being accused of murder.
Sheriff Wade Calder throws down his badge in a quest for revenge. Instead, he takes responsibility for his enemy’s young son. Wanting only to be free, Wade runs into Libby, and she wins what is left of his heart. Unfortunately, he has nothing to offer her until he picks up his badge. His honor is restored, but it may cost Libby her life.
Together they learn the cost of freedom
and the wealth of forgiveness.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2012
73 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 17, 2017
I bought this book back when it was a kindle freebie. My reaction to it was pretty meh. That is mostly because I didn’t really connect with any of the characters. It’s a pretty well-done book actually if you don’t mind an impulsive young heroine who wants to do everything on her own but doesn’t actually know anything about the real world and a hero who spends half his time whining about not getting vengeance on his enemy and the other half pining after the heroine whom he won’t actually pursue because reasons. There are some really charming side characters that I enjoyed. Characterization is well done, and the plot flows nicely. I thought it was drawn out a bit, but I think it just might have been my own frustration with the hero; others probably wouldn’t think so.
August 3, 2012
This story has two things going for it. Strong characters. I liked Libby, Wade, and Flora. I even liked Harley by the end. It also has a well-moving plot. All the twists and turns kept the storyline from bottoming out. However, it needs serious editing. There are numerous sentence problems: wrong tenses, misplaced words, and incorrect structure. The sentences are also a bit juvenile in nature, and this became tiring to read. It was as if an untrained voice belted out a professional singer's tune - yes, I recognized what song it was, but it wasn't something I want to hear again. There are lots of unnecessary details between scenes. I didn't need to know when "she left the room" or "she entered the room" or that "he got on his horse." All of that can be inferred subtly through other methods without detracting from the scene. Added in, it becomes a bit of a rabbit trail and weary to read.
I found the end of the book entirely predictable. Not just that I knew she would survive, but how it would come about. A western tale needs to have grit. I must be put in a place where I forget I'm at home in my chair, but I'm riding the trail, dust in my eyes. I never had that feeling. I could have easily set the story down and walked away. This book severely lacks the polish and story-writing know-how to make it into a more excellent story. I give it three stars though because the author stayed in POV between scenes (though the prayers at the end were a bit much) and did an excellent job of making me like them.
I found the end of the book entirely predictable. Not just that I knew she would survive, but how it would come about. A western tale needs to have grit. I must be put in a place where I forget I'm at home in my chair, but I'm riding the trail, dust in my eyes. I never had that feeling. I could have easily set the story down and walked away. This book severely lacks the polish and story-writing know-how to make it into a more excellent story. I give it three stars though because the author stayed in POV between scenes (though the prayers at the end were a bit much) and did an excellent job of making me like them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2017
I am currently in the process of reading three nonfiction books that are all in the Civil War era. Usually when I'm reading about something that is deep and historical I like to mix in a fun fictional read that is also in that same time period, which is why I picked up Liberty Belle by Patricia PacJac Carroll.
It's 1859 and Liberty Longstreet is left at the altar. Feeling trapped in her current situation, with a confused heart and an overbearing mother, Liberty decides to take her life into her own hands and travel to Denver with her Aunt Flora.
At the same time that Liberty is running away Sheriff Wade Calder is running from his own demons after giving up his badge in exchange for revenge on his greatest enemy. What he doesn't know is that the path to revenge is actually going to liberate him in ways he couldn't possibly foresee.
There are parts that are pretty predictable but most of the time there are little twists throughout the book that keep you turning the pages. The characters are well developed and the book is wonderfully written. There are a few parts of the story that do seem to drag out a bit but if you push through I don't think you'll regret it. I do think the ending is a little predictable but by the time you make it there you wouldn't want the story to end any other way.
This is a sweet story with action, love, forgiveness, and a happy ending which was exactly what I had hoped for.
It's 1859 and Liberty Longstreet is left at the altar. Feeling trapped in her current situation, with a confused heart and an overbearing mother, Liberty decides to take her life into her own hands and travel to Denver with her Aunt Flora.
At the same time that Liberty is running away Sheriff Wade Calder is running from his own demons after giving up his badge in exchange for revenge on his greatest enemy. What he doesn't know is that the path to revenge is actually going to liberate him in ways he couldn't possibly foresee.
There are parts that are pretty predictable but most of the time there are little twists throughout the book that keep you turning the pages. The characters are well developed and the book is wonderfully written. There are a few parts of the story that do seem to drag out a bit but if you push through I don't think you'll regret it. I do think the ending is a little predictable but by the time you make it there you wouldn't want the story to end any other way.
This is a sweet story with action, love, forgiveness, and a happy ending which was exactly what I had hoped for.
April 11, 2022
Wade, Mark, and Libby
This is fast action exciting stage coach robbing. Love story. Libby it to marry today to the man her family has chosen, he however leaves her at the alter. Angry and hurt she stumbles and is saved from face planting in the dirt road by, Wade. He is angry too and has just ripped is badge off and thrown it in the dirt. She steals away in the night to go west to Colorado to find her independence and freedom. He aunt begs to go with her and on the stage coach road agents rob the coach and all of their money. Along on the stage coach are a gambler that hits on Lilly and also the man that had saved her from the fall in Georgia. They make it finally to Denver and now the action really starts. Libby is even accused of murder, found guilty by a jury and marched up those gallows steps. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
This is fast action exciting stage coach robbing. Love story. Libby it to marry today to the man her family has chosen, he however leaves her at the alter. Angry and hurt she stumbles and is saved from face planting in the dirt road by, Wade. He is angry too and has just ripped is badge off and thrown it in the dirt. She steals away in the night to go west to Colorado to find her independence and freedom. He aunt begs to go with her and on the stage coach road agents rob the coach and all of their money. Along on the stage coach are a gambler that hits on Lilly and also the man that had saved her from the fall in Georgia. They make it finally to Denver and now the action really starts. Libby is even accused of murder, found guilty by a jury and marched up those gallows steps. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
July 11, 2019
After being jilted at the altar by a hand-picked husband chosen by her controlling mother, Libby impulsively decides to start over out west in Colorado. She meets Wade, a past sheriff, who is out for revenge of the man who killed his family. On her trip Libby faces many calamities due to her poor decisions, especially regarding her newest spark. This is a fast paced story with dual plots to maintain one's attention right up to the very end. A recommended good Christian story about love and forgiveness for those who enjoy a historical fiction romance.
May 9, 2021
Liberty Goes West!
Liberty Longstreet waited in the dressing room of the church, waiting to be married to a man, selected by her mother, who she was sure she would never love. Thomas was not the kind of man she wanted to marry. But the man she dreamed of marrying was only in her dreams. When Libby entered the church sanctuary, the groom was not there. He was missing.
Liberty took this as a sign that she and her aunt should travel west to Denver. They book passage in a stagecoach and began their adventure together. By adventure I mean a stagecoach holdup, staying in a room above a saloon when they arrived in Denver, and a romance with a Sheriff. And there was lots of action along the way.
Read this book if you like action-packed novels. I really enjoyed.
Liberty Longstreet waited in the dressing room of the church, waiting to be married to a man, selected by her mother, who she was sure she would never love. Thomas was not the kind of man she wanted to marry. But the man she dreamed of marrying was only in her dreams. When Libby entered the church sanctuary, the groom was not there. He was missing.
Liberty took this as a sign that she and her aunt should travel west to Denver. They book passage in a stagecoach and began their adventure together. By adventure I mean a stagecoach holdup, staying in a room above a saloon when they arrived in Denver, and a romance with a Sheriff. And there was lots of action along the way.
Read this book if you like action-packed novels. I really enjoyed.
August 22, 2019
Reviting Novel
The author draws you intyo the story from page one and holds you in her grips to the very end. This is one of those you just can not put down. The story is much like older western when the good guy always wins. We f8nd forgoveness, spiritual healing, God's mercy often coming from the Faith of a child in this novel. I loved it!
The author draws you intyo the story from page one and holds you in her grips to the very end. This is one of those you just can not put down. The story is much like older western when the good guy always wins. We f8nd forgoveness, spiritual healing, God's mercy often coming from the Faith of a child in this novel. I loved it!
September 16, 2019
Faith heals all wounds
A very sweet read.
Interesting characters and intriguing storyline.
Follow Libby on her journey to find independence in Colorado. Meet Wade a man tormented by his past losses.
A very sweet read.
Interesting characters and intriguing storyline.
Follow Libby on her journey to find independence in Colorado. Meet Wade a man tormented by his past losses.
May 27, 2017
Great book
T his was a great way to spend the afternoon. I would recommend this book to any book club reader.
T his was a great way to spend the afternoon. I would recommend this book to any book club reader.
July 22, 2018
Awsum
I cried, laughed, and trembled, this book has the making of a great movie. You are captured from chapter one till the end I recommend to all my friends and family.
I cried, laughed, and trembled, this book has the making of a great movie. You are captured from chapter one till the end I recommend to all my friends and family.
March 16, 2019
Amazing!
Oh how much I loved the growth these characters had in their faith! An absolutely amazing story! I highly recommend this book!
Oh how much I loved the growth these characters had in their faith! An absolutely amazing story! I highly recommend this book!
September 13, 2019
It was a page turner and kept you wanting to read more. The characters were interesting and lots of twits and turns to get to the end. Highly recommend if you like a little mystery and intrigue.
September 8, 2020
Parts of the story were ok, but the characters seemed rather lacking in depth. It was something of a forced read.
December 28, 2012
Let me start off by saying that I really enjoyed the book, and I don't regret reading it at all. But there were a few things that bugged me, hence the three stars.
Let's start with the positive. I'm a plot person over character. Give me a good twisty plot, and I could care less if the characters are cardboard flat. This book, happily, I felt delivered on both ends. The plot had lots of twists and turns, and after the first 20% or so I was definitely reluctant to set the book down. I truly cared about the characters, although I felt a bit of frustration and how long it took Libby and Wade to admit they cared for each other. But, such is the normal romance novel. I adored Mark and even came around to liking Harley in the end.
As far the religion, it's definitely a Christian book. But I don't think it was over the top the way some Christian romances can be. The prayers were a little weird for me, but it wasn't bad enough that it really distracted me from the story. So if the religion thing bothers you, this might not be the book for you.
Now the not-so-good. Regarding the plot, it really, really bugs me when a major plot point is included in the description of the book that doesn't happen until really late in the plot. I checked on my Kindle, and it wasn't until 81% finished that . It's the major twist/climax of the whole book, and I would have preferred to get to it on my own without the description telling me it was going to happen. I felt like the description didn't need to include it to feel interesting or draw me in.
Second of all, I really, really wanted to like Flora. But I just couldn't. Despite the constant descriptions of her growth while going west, she still seemed like she didn't have a backbone. The constant "oh my"s ended up riling me up in the end. I got a little jarred every time I saw them. The other phrase I got sick of (at least in the beginning) was Libby feeling "sparks in her heart" every time she saw Wade. I was glad to see the author start to choose different phrasing for Libby's attraction to Wade by the middle to end of the book.
Finally, it does bear mentioning that book does need a little copy editing. Like another reviewer mentioned, there is some awkward sentence structures, some misused words, and some overused commas in weird places. But for a self-pubbed story, this is kind of expected. Normally I try to ignore that kind of thing, but it just happened a little too often in this book for me not to notice.
Still, Liberty Belle was an interesting read, I enjoyed reading it, and I will definitely pick up another one of Ms. Carroll's books again in the future.
Let's start with the positive. I'm a plot person over character. Give me a good twisty plot, and I could care less if the characters are cardboard flat. This book, happily, I felt delivered on both ends. The plot had lots of twists and turns, and after the first 20% or so I was definitely reluctant to set the book down. I truly cared about the characters, although I felt a bit of frustration and how long it took Libby and Wade to admit they cared for each other. But, such is the normal romance novel. I adored Mark and even came around to liking Harley in the end.
As far the religion, it's definitely a Christian book. But I don't think it was over the top the way some Christian romances can be. The prayers were a little weird for me, but it wasn't bad enough that it really distracted me from the story. So if the religion thing bothers you, this might not be the book for you.
Now the not-so-good. Regarding the plot, it really, really bugs me when a major plot point is included in the description of the book that doesn't happen until really late in the plot. I checked on my Kindle, and it wasn't until 81% finished that . It's the major twist/climax of the whole book, and I would have preferred to get to it on my own without the description telling me it was going to happen. I felt like the description didn't need to include it to feel interesting or draw me in.
Second of all, I really, really wanted to like Flora. But I just couldn't. Despite the constant descriptions of her growth while going west, she still seemed like she didn't have a backbone. The constant "oh my"s ended up riling me up in the end. I got a little jarred every time I saw them. The other phrase I got sick of (at least in the beginning) was Libby feeling "sparks in her heart" every time she saw Wade. I was glad to see the author start to choose different phrasing for Libby's attraction to Wade by the middle to end of the book.
Finally, it does bear mentioning that book does need a little copy editing. Like another reviewer mentioned, there is some awkward sentence structures, some misused words, and some overused commas in weird places. But for a self-pubbed story, this is kind of expected. Normally I try to ignore that kind of thing, but it just happened a little too often in this book for me not to notice.
Still, Liberty Belle was an interesting read, I enjoyed reading it, and I will definitely pick up another one of Ms. Carroll's books again in the future.
June 8, 2012
As Patricia PacJac Carroll’s debut novel, Liberty Belle, provides an action packed tale of twenty year old Libby Longstreet’s search for independence and freedom in 1850. Left at the altar by a childhood friend, Libby runs from the church and stumbles into the arms of Wade Calder, who saves her from falling. Wade, running from his own past, restores Libby and gallops off dropping his sheriffs badge at her feet. Their brief encounter is a moment where they both return to dream in the dark of night.
To escape her dominating Mother and the humiliation of being left at the altar, she leaves in the middle of the night to take the stage from Missouri to Denver, Colorado. She is accompanied by her thirty year old ‘spinster’ Aunt Flora Longstreet, who learns of Libby’s plans and decides this could be her last chance to have a life as well. Neither are prepared, from the weather to the dangers, for the results of their rather impulsive decision to go into the frontier.
If you like stories of independent women making their way in the world, you will enjoy this book. As Libby moves closer to her the world she dreamed of, her journey becomes filled with danger, conflicts and problems until it seems no one, not even Wade, will be able to save her.
I must have been influenced by the characters in the book. After finishing it, I took off on a 3 day trip without a plan or a map. There are few slower paces in the beginning of the book, but once the action begins, it is hard to put down.
Patricia Carroll is in my writing critique group.
To escape her dominating Mother and the humiliation of being left at the altar, she leaves in the middle of the night to take the stage from Missouri to Denver, Colorado. She is accompanied by her thirty year old ‘spinster’ Aunt Flora Longstreet, who learns of Libby’s plans and decides this could be her last chance to have a life as well. Neither are prepared, from the weather to the dangers, for the results of their rather impulsive decision to go into the frontier.
If you like stories of independent women making their way in the world, you will enjoy this book. As Libby moves closer to her the world she dreamed of, her journey becomes filled with danger, conflicts and problems until it seems no one, not even Wade, will be able to save her.
I must have been influenced by the characters in the book. After finishing it, I took off on a 3 day trip without a plan or a map. There are few slower paces in the beginning of the book, but once the action begins, it is hard to put down.
Patricia Carroll is in my writing critique group.
November 14, 2012
I got this free from Amazon.
I really like historical fiction and this cover looked like something straight up my alley. The heroine was a good chapter. She is spoiled and her parents are overprotective and she just wants to experience life and have an adventure. While incredibly naive, she was just looking for some space and experiences to grow and experience the world.
I the beginning this book was pretty good. Hero and heroine meet and things happen with entertainment but then the book took a strange turn and I began skimming.
I didn't like the direction the author took with the characters. It was more than being contrary to all the other books out there, it was strange. The element of God felt out of place and didn't fit for me. The ending, once I skimmed enough to reach it,was ur satisfying.
Overall, some may like the turn of events but for me this book was a disappointment.
I really like historical fiction and this cover looked like something straight up my alley. The heroine was a good chapter. She is spoiled and her parents are overprotective and she just wants to experience life and have an adventure. While incredibly naive, she was just looking for some space and experiences to grow and experience the world.
I the beginning this book was pretty good. Hero and heroine meet and things happen with entertainment but then the book took a strange turn and I began skimming.
I didn't like the direction the author took with the characters. It was more than being contrary to all the other books out there, it was strange. The element of God felt out of place and didn't fit for me. The ending, once I skimmed enough to reach it,was ur satisfying.
Overall, some may like the turn of events but for me this book was a disappointment.
August 16, 2012
I started this book knowing nothing about the author. I found out, I really like her! The story had strong characters! Patricia really made me feel like I was one of them. Libby was amazing. And so goes for Wade, Flora, Harley, and especially Mark(; I found myself smiling throughout the book. There is one thing that lets me know that I really like a book, and that is when I am so in tune with the character or storyline that I can laugh at the things that happen and feel for the person! It gets quite embarrassing laughing out loud randomly in front of people who look at you like you are from a different planet! (;Unlike one review said, I thought the prayers at the end were comical and sweet. The only thing I didn't like is that it seemed to kind of drag on and on in the middle. But it regained speed and made me grin at the end.
January 28, 2016
A Brilliant story about seeking independence and forgiveness. In the midst of doing what is right and walk the narrow road God sets before us. Trails shape us and bring us closer to our Father and he in return helps us, restores us and give us abundance of new life.
Loved every character in this book. Libby a young woman trying to find herself. Flora who is seeking a new life away from the hold of her brother. Wade seeking revenge. Mark the young boy who had a faith that made you stop and know that God is real. Harvey the gambler who lost his way but at the end saw beyond the obvious and changed. Every one is redeemable in God's eyes. He left no one behind and reached hearts to stir His plans in action.
During all the twists and turns the characters came alive and find peace. A great plot that kept you paging. A wonderful read
Loved every character in this book. Libby a young woman trying to find herself. Flora who is seeking a new life away from the hold of her brother. Wade seeking revenge. Mark the young boy who had a faith that made you stop and know that God is real. Harvey the gambler who lost his way but at the end saw beyond the obvious and changed. Every one is redeemable in God's eyes. He left no one behind and reached hearts to stir His plans in action.
During all the twists and turns the characters came alive and find peace. A great plot that kept you paging. A wonderful read
May 29, 2012
Patricia PacJac Carroll has captured the charm of the old west without losing the intensity of a suspense-filled story. Riveting! Liberty Longstreet connected with me immediately through her humiliation and the manipulation she endured. She kept me with her determination and compassion. Then she twisted me into emotional knots as I rode with her through impossible circumstances.
If you’re a fan of Christian fiction, this indie author has got all of the talent and inspiration of the great ones! Liberty Belle is available digitally at Amazon.com and will be available soon in paperback!
If you’re a fan of Christian fiction, this indie author has got all of the talent and inspiration of the great ones! Liberty Belle is available digitally at Amazon.com and will be available soon in paperback!
December 18, 2012
This book is excellent. Patricia PacJac Carroll paints an adventure that will keep you turning the pages!!! This book is one of those that starts you in one place and by the time your at the end your amazed you read just one story. Her characters are wonderful, different, and greatly enjoyable. Liberty Belle holds a wonderful message of forgiveness, and fighting the fear and doubts that well up by putting your trust in God. The kindle version has some glitches, but they should be fixed soon. I don't want to give anything away so I'll just tell you that Liberty Belle holds twists and turns that I didn't see coming and I bet you won't either. You MUST read this book!
The song I would pair with this book is: "'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus" by The Cluster Pluckers.
~ASC
The song I would pair with this book is: "'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus" by The Cluster Pluckers.
~ASC
May 7, 2015
This one falls in my guilty pleasure category: historical Christian romance. It was fairly well written for that genre. Not that it wasn't terribly predictable, but at least there was some pretty good action to go with the usual boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, girl falls for boy, boy thinks God's will is not pointing at girl AND girl thinks God's will is pointing at boy, then vice versa... then repeat 5 dozen times... then get married incredibly fast. The action included some hare brained ideas, stage coach robberies, murder and a lot more! I can't say this is one of my favorite books, but I will say it's the best I've read in this genre in a long time.
July 22, 2012
Although it seemed to drag just a little toward the middle of the book - could have been me instead of the book - it picked up quickly. Although I didn't care much for Harley the entire first half of the book, he quickly grew on me toward the end. So much so, that i would enjoy a sequel that included more from Harley. I really enjoyed Wade and Libby as well as the story line. Look forward to reading more from this new arthur.
October 2, 2012
What a fun, clean, wholesome romance story! Feeling the need to "save face' plus a spirit of rebellion, Libby, with her tag-along-aunt, escapes to gain independence. She begins to wonder what she was thinking as series of events take place. Nothing worked out as she planned - almost nothing.
This book has a variety of characters and action until the very end keeping one in suspense until the very end.
Occasionally there is a small lapse of adventure but the final chapters make up for it.
This book has a variety of characters and action until the very end keeping one in suspense until the very end.
Occasionally there is a small lapse of adventure but the final chapters make up for it.
August 12, 2015
Pretty much from the beginning, I had decided that this was most likely going to be a 3 star book. However, I loved the ending so much that I went ahead and gave it 4 stars.
I had been told that this was "a clean book, but not a Christian book". I would say, though, that this is definitely a Christian book. It was pretty good throughout and had a great ending!
I had been told that this was "a clean book, but not a Christian book". I would say, though, that this is definitely a Christian book. It was pretty good throughout and had a great ending!
September 3, 2012
I liked the story and being a historical romance, I liked it. It was a typical romance where the young virgin runs away from home, goes west and runs into the man of her dreams who happens to be a good guy in disguise. It would've been better if it weren't for the Christian references. I am not into Christian novels where God is mentioned in almost every paragraph.
September 20, 2012
This didn't satisfy me at all - the female character leaves home to prove her independence and take charge of her life and almost immediately she meets a man who then needs to rescue her over and over. And the writing wasn't that great... lots of overdramatizing and reactions that didn't make sense with what we already knew about the character. Ah well. At least it was free.
December 21, 2012
I loved it.(It was a free book,but I will gladly pay for the next one to come out. By Ms.Patricia PacJac Carroll. It has Romance and a lil bit of mystery. I just this story about Libby and Wade and Mark.Wade is a strong man to take in the Son of the Man who killed his family. I can't wait to read about Flora and Harley.
January 25, 2013
This was a free download from Kindle, but it was pretty good. Almost want to give it 3 stars, but the dialogue didn't flow very well sometimes, and it didn't make me want to go out and look for other books by the author.. so 2 stars.
April 2, 2014
I really enjoyed this book! It was a sweet historical romance that had a spiritual edge to it without being preachy... It also was just steamy enough to keep me interested without being pure smut! Loved it!
December 22, 2014
This was a sweet read. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Set in the old west where women were scarce and the good Lord the last thing on anyone's mind, this story made me laugh and cry and remember that the Lord is with us in all situations. I would highly recommend this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews