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Husbands for Hire #3
Strong and Stubborn
Ride out west to join the last sawmill bride as she attempts to select her mate. Naomi Higgins isn’t about to settle for just anybody. Carpenter Michael Strode and his son—a chip off the old block—are ready to start a new life. Can they convince Naomi to be a part of their future when problems from the past still haunt Hope Falls? Will secrets sabotage the struggling town—and any hope of romance?
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
30 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Eileen Hake
44 books187 followersKelly Eileen Hake is a reader favorite of Barbour's Heartsong Presents series, where she has released several books. A credentialed Secondary English teacher in California, she is pursing her MA in Writing Popular Fiction. Known for her own style of witty, heartwarming historical romance, Kelly is currently writing the Prairie Promises trilogy, her first full-length novels. She has been writing since she could hold a pen and was first published at the tender age of eighteen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 1, 2021
A wonderful wrap up story
I hate to see this series end. The characters have become friends. I was worried when the end approached with no resolution in sight and BAM! out of nowhere things were tied up with a nice bow on top. It was even a believable ending-NOT like an “oops, this is getting long and I will wrap it up now,” kind of story. I would love to see the side characters get their own day in the sun in the future.
I hate to see this series end. The characters have become friends. I was worried when the end approached with no resolution in sight and BAM! out of nowhere things were tied up with a nice bow on top. It was even a believable ending-NOT like an “oops, this is getting long and I will wrap it up now,” kind of story. I would love to see the side characters get their own day in the sun in the future.
August 2, 2013
The conclusion of the 3 books series! I loved this book and it was interesting to dive into what made Naomi tick. I think it was one of the best of the 3...though I've loved them all! I hope Ms. Hake does a spin off so we can see how the remaining loggers find their love!
February 16, 2017
Again, like the first 2 books, it spent a little too much on the secondary characters as well as not much romance/interaction between the 2 main characters. Still a good book but could be so much better.
April 17, 2021
I was torn between a 1 or a 2 Star. However, Strong and Stubborn did not read as a romance. It was more along the lines of a sad, slow moving tragedy. I am relieved that I have finally come to the conclusion of this series. Now onto my next book...
July 19, 2023
The last of the series and boy was it good. Naomi is the last of the ladies to find a husband in Hope Falls. Not only is a romance involved but a mine cave in, who paid to have the cave in, and who is this new stranger.
January 13, 2023
Just okay.
June 11, 2024
Decent.
Again, like book 2, this had a lot of repetitive thoughts that were completely unnecessary.
Story is from 2012, so hopefully the author has matured in her writing by now (2024).
Again, like book 2, this had a lot of repetitive thoughts that were completely unnecessary.
Story is from 2012, so hopefully the author has matured in her writing by now (2024).
December 23, 2012
Kelly Eileen Hake in her new book, “Strong and Stubborn” Book Three in the Husbands For Hire series published by Barbour Publishing Inc. takes us back to Hope Falls, Colorado in 1887.
From the back cover: Wanted: 1 3 Godfearing men….Object: Marriage and joint ownership of a sawmill
Stubborn Last Choice…
When Naomi Higgins and her friends came to Hope Falls, Colorado, turning an abandoned mining town into a thriving sawmill required lots of hope…and husbands! With two other women already engaged, Naomi’s the only bride left. And she’s not about to settle for just anybody.
Meets Strong Last Chance…
Carpenter Michael Strode agreed to a marriage of convenience years ago, ending up with an already pregnant wife he didn’t love. Now a widower with in-laws desperate to control their only heir, Mike needs to hide his son and start fresh. Hope Falls seems the perfect place.
Will the Past Keep Them from Moving Forward…Together?
Mike is ready to claim the life–and bride–of his choice. But when the man Naomi once loved comes to town, alongside the loggers vying for her hand, the competition could derail their newfound partnership.
Will old mistakes and new mysteries confuse new love, or will God’s guidance help them forge a future?
“Strong and Stubborn” is the last book in this series and, I believe, is the best of the three. This whole series has been a clever twist on the mail order brides genre. This time is it mail order husbands and this is what makes it great fun to read. Michael didn’t even answer the ad, he has come to town looking for a fresh start and meets Naomi. He prefers to keep his distance from her, even though he is attracted to her, until he finds out the truth and then he finds she is attracted to another man. Now he has to work to win her back. Ms. Hake is at her clever best and not only gives us a nice romance but wraps up the plot threads that have been dangling over the last two books. “Strong and Stubborn” is a Western, a romance and an altogether enjoyable read. I am sorry to see this series end however I do look forward to more from this very talented writer.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing Inc. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Wanted: 1 3 Godfearing men….Object: Marriage and joint ownership of a sawmill
Stubborn Last Choice…
When Naomi Higgins and her friends came to Hope Falls, Colorado, turning an abandoned mining town into a thriving sawmill required lots of hope…and husbands! With two other women already engaged, Naomi’s the only bride left. And she’s not about to settle for just anybody.
Meets Strong Last Chance…
Carpenter Michael Strode agreed to a marriage of convenience years ago, ending up with an already pregnant wife he didn’t love. Now a widower with in-laws desperate to control their only heir, Mike needs to hide his son and start fresh. Hope Falls seems the perfect place.
Will the Past Keep Them from Moving Forward…Together?
Mike is ready to claim the life–and bride–of his choice. But when the man Naomi once loved comes to town, alongside the loggers vying for her hand, the competition could derail their newfound partnership.
Will old mistakes and new mysteries confuse new love, or will God’s guidance help them forge a future?
“Strong and Stubborn” is the last book in this series and, I believe, is the best of the three. This whole series has been a clever twist on the mail order brides genre. This time is it mail order husbands and this is what makes it great fun to read. Michael didn’t even answer the ad, he has come to town looking for a fresh start and meets Naomi. He prefers to keep his distance from her, even though he is attracted to her, until he finds out the truth and then he finds she is attracted to another man. Now he has to work to win her back. Ms. Hake is at her clever best and not only gives us a nice romance but wraps up the plot threads that have been dangling over the last two books. “Strong and Stubborn” is a Western, a romance and an altogether enjoyable read. I am sorry to see this series end however I do look forward to more from this very talented writer.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour Publishing Inc. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
November 24, 2012
4.5 Stars
Naomi has a secret so scandalous she prays it never comes to life or it would ruin her and the friends she loves the most. Now that her friends have found a mate its up to her to choose so they can all be married but who would want her? Michael comes to town looking for a job so he can provide for his son and keep him safe from his deceased wife’s parents who want to take his son as their own. He never plans to marry again but meeting Naomi makes him wonder if he could find love? Also the ladies continue to try to finally find out who might be behind the cave in’s of the now closed mine. Could Lacey’s brother finally find peace knowing he was not to blame but will it come in time to keep them all safe?
This is book 3 and the final book in the Husbands for Hire series. I very much enjoyed this book and thought it did a good job wrapping up the series.
What I liked: I liked Naomi a lot just from the first two books and her story was quite interesting. I felt bad for her and really wanted her to find happiness. I was also happy to see Brandon and Cora finally settle their relationship as well. We also find out who was behind the mine collapsing and it was quite a shock to find out the reason behind it.
What I did not like: Not to much. The only thing I was expecting was a little more from the side story-line with Michael’s in-laws. I thought they might show up again towards the end but they did not.
Over all this was a fun book to read and a great wrap up to the series. I will warn you that you must read all three books and in order or you will be very confused as some parts of the previous book overlap and would cause confusion otherwise. I highly recommend this book.
This was a fun series to read. I am sad to see it end to be truthful. All three of the ladies where fun to read about and had spunk that kept me laughing. I also liked how the suspense part of the story-line weaved through all three of the books and each book solved a small piece of the over all puzzle. Book 1 and 3 where my favorites. You must start with book one and work your way through all three or you will be quite lost as the three books are very much tied together. If you enjoy historical fiction, a bit of suspense and romance you will love this series!
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/1...
Naomi has a secret so scandalous she prays it never comes to life or it would ruin her and the friends she loves the most. Now that her friends have found a mate its up to her to choose so they can all be married but who would want her? Michael comes to town looking for a job so he can provide for his son and keep him safe from his deceased wife’s parents who want to take his son as their own. He never plans to marry again but meeting Naomi makes him wonder if he could find love? Also the ladies continue to try to finally find out who might be behind the cave in’s of the now closed mine. Could Lacey’s brother finally find peace knowing he was not to blame but will it come in time to keep them all safe?
This is book 3 and the final book in the Husbands for Hire series. I very much enjoyed this book and thought it did a good job wrapping up the series.
What I liked: I liked Naomi a lot just from the first two books and her story was quite interesting. I felt bad for her and really wanted her to find happiness. I was also happy to see Brandon and Cora finally settle their relationship as well. We also find out who was behind the mine collapsing and it was quite a shock to find out the reason behind it.
What I did not like: Not to much. The only thing I was expecting was a little more from the side story-line with Michael’s in-laws. I thought they might show up again towards the end but they did not.
Over all this was a fun book to read and a great wrap up to the series. I will warn you that you must read all three books and in order or you will be very confused as some parts of the previous book overlap and would cause confusion otherwise. I highly recommend this book.
This was a fun series to read. I am sad to see it end to be truthful. All three of the ladies where fun to read about and had spunk that kept me laughing. I also liked how the suspense part of the story-line weaved through all three of the books and each book solved a small piece of the over all puzzle. Book 1 and 3 where my favorites. You must start with book one and work your way through all three or you will be quite lost as the three books are very much tied together. If you enjoy historical fiction, a bit of suspense and romance you will love this series!
http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/1...
October 31, 2012
After reading Rugged and Relentless and Tall, Dark, and Determined, of course I had to finish the trilogy! And I'm so glad I did as Naomi's story ended up being my favorite. I think this is because of my deep fondness for her as someone sensible who tries to hide in the background even though she shines.
This book again overlaps with the end of the previous book, quickly integrating the male romantic interest Michael Strode into the Hope Falls community as he steps up to help rescue Lacey and Dunstan from the mine cave-in. His dedication to helping out and skills in carpentry earn him a place and he quickly falls for Naomi, as who wouldn't? But both have secrets to hide.
Naomi has a tortured relationship with her sister that is further fractured when said sister shows up in town to drive a spike into her sister's heart (figuratively but I wouldn't put it past the girl to do so literally). Her malice was incredible and heart-breaking. Meanwhile Michael was essentially bought by his in-laws to give their fallen daughter the protection of his name and he is still fighting the guilt from this bad first marriage. The two have their secrets and they're aren't fully addressed in the book although I trust that the two will work it out behind the scenes as the ending is very rushed.
Another change that was rushed was Braden Lyman, who has been a HUGE jerk for the previous two books as well as for about 250 pages of this book. The last 50-ish pages finally show him starting to wise up but it was just not enough time to redeem him after the way he behaved like such a massive jerk earlier.
There also weren't enough scenes of all four ladies interacting, which was my favorite part of Rugged and Relentless but that's understandable as the ladies continue to put their efforts toward building the town as well as building lives with their chosen partners. The men who aren't chosen continue to be lovably adorable or jerks in need of reminding the score.
Overall: A sweet conclusion to the stories; very similar in structure to the other books (rushed resolution especially). I think it can be read out of order but is probably best enjoyed in order.
This book again overlaps with the end of the previous book, quickly integrating the male romantic interest Michael Strode into the Hope Falls community as he steps up to help rescue Lacey and Dunstan from the mine cave-in. His dedication to helping out and skills in carpentry earn him a place and he quickly falls for Naomi, as who wouldn't? But both have secrets to hide.
Naomi has a tortured relationship with her sister that is further fractured when said sister shows up in town to drive a spike into her sister's heart (figuratively but I wouldn't put it past the girl to do so literally). Her malice was incredible and heart-breaking. Meanwhile Michael was essentially bought by his in-laws to give their fallen daughter the protection of his name and he is still fighting the guilt from this bad first marriage. The two have their secrets and they're aren't fully addressed in the book although I trust that the two will work it out behind the scenes as the ending is very rushed.
Another change that was rushed was Braden Lyman, who has been a HUGE jerk for the previous two books as well as for about 250 pages of this book. The last 50-ish pages finally show him starting to wise up but it was just not enough time to redeem him after the way he behaved like such a massive jerk earlier.
There also weren't enough scenes of all four ladies interacting, which was my favorite part of Rugged and Relentless but that's understandable as the ladies continue to put their efforts toward building the town as well as building lives with their chosen partners. The men who aren't chosen continue to be lovably adorable or jerks in need of reminding the score.
Overall: A sweet conclusion to the stories; very similar in structure to the other books (rushed resolution especially). I think it can be read out of order but is probably best enjoyed in order.
January 23, 2016
STRONG AND STUBBORN, the final installment of the Husbands for Hire series, held up to its name.
Naomi Higgins along with her friends came to Hope Falls with three things in mind, start a sawmill, save a town, and find a husband. What they end up offering the men who answer their ad is a cross between a mail order bride and a lottery. Naomi’s two friends have found their man. Now it’s up to Naomi to choose a husband from the men who are vying for her attention. Unfortunately, even though she is fond of a few of the men, they don’t stir her heart. But, when Michael Strode comes along, she finally feels the flutter. Though Michael fills her thoughts, her past secret haunts her mind. Thinking Michael is too worthy for the likes of her, she ignores her heart and knows she must choose between the other men competing for her hand.
Michael is not only looking for work in Hope Falls, but is hiding from his contentious in-laws who seek to take his son away from him. His marriage of convenience was a ruse to hide the unscrupulous behavior of his now deceased wife. And though his son is not his by blood, he loves him fiercely and refuses to give him up. Hoping to provide Luke with a home, Michael goes to Hope Falls to work at the new lumber mill. When he meets Naomi he is immediately smitten. Feeling his past decision to marry for money is a mark against him, he feels unworthy of Naomi’s attention. But watching the other men fall all over themselves to get her attention is almost more than he can bear.
I really enjoyed STRONG AND STUBBORN. I feel it had the spark and energy that was missing slightly from the first two books. Michael was hometown sweet, and I only wanted the best for Naomi. The added suspense with finding out who was responsible for the accidents happening in Hope Falls made for a well rounded story. Kelly Eileen Hake really did save the best for last.
Naomi Higgins along with her friends came to Hope Falls with three things in mind, start a sawmill, save a town, and find a husband. What they end up offering the men who answer their ad is a cross between a mail order bride and a lottery. Naomi’s two friends have found their man. Now it’s up to Naomi to choose a husband from the men who are vying for her attention. Unfortunately, even though she is fond of a few of the men, they don’t stir her heart. But, when Michael Strode comes along, she finally feels the flutter. Though Michael fills her thoughts, her past secret haunts her mind. Thinking Michael is too worthy for the likes of her, she ignores her heart and knows she must choose between the other men competing for her hand.
Michael is not only looking for work in Hope Falls, but is hiding from his contentious in-laws who seek to take his son away from him. His marriage of convenience was a ruse to hide the unscrupulous behavior of his now deceased wife. And though his son is not his by blood, he loves him fiercely and refuses to give him up. Hoping to provide Luke with a home, Michael goes to Hope Falls to work at the new lumber mill. When he meets Naomi he is immediately smitten. Feeling his past decision to marry for money is a mark against him, he feels unworthy of Naomi’s attention. But watching the other men fall all over themselves to get her attention is almost more than he can bear.
I really enjoyed STRONG AND STUBBORN. I feel it had the spark and energy that was missing slightly from the first two books. Michael was hometown sweet, and I only wanted the best for Naomi. The added suspense with finding out who was responsible for the accidents happening in Hope Falls made for a well rounded story. Kelly Eileen Hake really did save the best for last.
December 5, 2012
Strong and Stubborn by Kelly Eileen Hake
5 STARS
Husbands for Hire book 3
This book had a bunch of surprises to me in it. I laughed and cried with the women of
Hope Falls. This book takes place right after book 2
Naomi Higgins is the one who has not chosen a husband yet. Naomi is hiding secrets from everyone. Years ago she had a guy courting her and her younger sister stole him away from her. Naomi is shy and would rather read a book than socialize.
Carpenter Michael Strode had married for money to give a pregnant lady a name and father for her son. His wife died and his mother-in-law wants her grandson. Michael won't hand him over and leaves town with his 10 year old son Luke. Michael leaves his son in Texas with his sister has he goes to find a new home for them.
Michael gets off the train in Hope Falls and finds a diaster the mine has colasped again trapping in Lacey Lyman and fiance Chase Dimstam in it. They were looking for evidence of the first colaspe of the mine was sabatage.
Michael joins right in the middle of the fray and helps with the rescue attempt.
Naomi after that diaster finds that someone had sent a payment ahead of time and ordered a fancy doll house to be made. So Naomi and Michael work together to make the doll house in a workshop. They are both drawn to each other. Michael knows that Naomi will be making a big mistake if she marries for money.
I have never wanted a dollhouse to play as adult but now I can see how it could be addicting to own one.
Thier is drama,emotions are touched and laughter out loud as I enjoyed this book. I hope this is not the last of Hope Falls we will see.
This is a very clean read. Does mention prayer as part of daily life.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
11/01/2012 PUB Barbour Publishing, Inc. ISBN: 1602607621 323 pages
5 STARS
Husbands for Hire book 3
This book had a bunch of surprises to me in it. I laughed and cried with the women of
Hope Falls. This book takes place right after book 2
Naomi Higgins is the one who has not chosen a husband yet. Naomi is hiding secrets from everyone. Years ago she had a guy courting her and her younger sister stole him away from her. Naomi is shy and would rather read a book than socialize.
Carpenter Michael Strode had married for money to give a pregnant lady a name and father for her son. His wife died and his mother-in-law wants her grandson. Michael won't hand him over and leaves town with his 10 year old son Luke. Michael leaves his son in Texas with his sister has he goes to find a new home for them.
Michael gets off the train in Hope Falls and finds a diaster the mine has colasped again trapping in Lacey Lyman and fiance Chase Dimstam in it. They were looking for evidence of the first colaspe of the mine was sabatage.
Michael joins right in the middle of the fray and helps with the rescue attempt.
Naomi after that diaster finds that someone had sent a payment ahead of time and ordered a fancy doll house to be made. So Naomi and Michael work together to make the doll house in a workshop. They are both drawn to each other. Michael knows that Naomi will be making a big mistake if she marries for money.
I have never wanted a dollhouse to play as adult but now I can see how it could be addicting to own one.
Thier is drama,emotions are touched and laughter out loud as I enjoyed this book. I hope this is not the last of Hope Falls we will see.
This is a very clean read. Does mention prayer as part of daily life.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
11/01/2012 PUB Barbour Publishing, Inc. ISBN: 1602607621 323 pages
January 16, 2016
Strong and Stubborn by Kelly Eileen Hake
Husbands For Hire Book 3
Naomi Higgins lost her beau, Harry Blinman to her sister Charlotte. After a irreversible misunderstanding her family sends her away to help her cousin Lacey Lyman. Five years later Naomi finds herself in Hope Falls, Colorado Territory. Along with three other women they are living the unconventional life of running a town full of men. Men who are there because they answered an ad the women put out that they were looking for husbands for hire. Naomi is the last woman standing and it’s coming down to her making a choice from the men who are vying for her attentions. Only she wants the one man who is not in her wooing line.
Michael Strode had to escape his in-laws. After his wife passed away they wanted to take his ten year old son, Luke, from him. He’d rather leave everything he knew and keep Luke. So he did. A friend suggested he go see a Mr. Lawson in Hope Falls for a job. It was perfect and so was Naomi. If only he felt worthy to court such a beauty.
Two people afraid of moving into their futures freely because of past mistakes. Carrying their burdens instead of allowing God’s forgiveness to remove those yokes. This book also brings back all the characters from the first two books in this series; Rugged and Relentless and Tall, Dark, and Determined. Braden Lyman & Cora Thompson who’s story is continued through each book, Jake Granger and Evie Thompson & Chase Dunstan and Lacey Lyman along with the lumberjacks and other residents of Hope Falls. Love, adventure, suspense and surprises fill the pages of this book. A really good series.
**Received through NetGalley for review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...#
Husbands For Hire Book 3
Naomi Higgins lost her beau, Harry Blinman to her sister Charlotte. After a irreversible misunderstanding her family sends her away to help her cousin Lacey Lyman. Five years later Naomi finds herself in Hope Falls, Colorado Territory. Along with three other women they are living the unconventional life of running a town full of men. Men who are there because they answered an ad the women put out that they were looking for husbands for hire. Naomi is the last woman standing and it’s coming down to her making a choice from the men who are vying for her attentions. Only she wants the one man who is not in her wooing line.
Michael Strode had to escape his in-laws. After his wife passed away they wanted to take his ten year old son, Luke, from him. He’d rather leave everything he knew and keep Luke. So he did. A friend suggested he go see a Mr. Lawson in Hope Falls for a job. It was perfect and so was Naomi. If only he felt worthy to court such a beauty.
Two people afraid of moving into their futures freely because of past mistakes. Carrying their burdens instead of allowing God’s forgiveness to remove those yokes. This book also brings back all the characters from the first two books in this series; Rugged and Relentless and Tall, Dark, and Determined. Braden Lyman & Cora Thompson who’s story is continued through each book, Jake Granger and Evie Thompson & Chase Dunstan and Lacey Lyman along with the lumberjacks and other residents of Hope Falls. Love, adventure, suspense and surprises fill the pages of this book. A really good series.
**Received through NetGalley for review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...#
December 11, 2012
Since this is the last of a trilogy I'm afraid I missed out on the majority of the story, still it was an entertaining read. Apparently a trio of ladies headed west to start their own town in the wilds of Colorado which definitely was different from anything else I've ever read in romance. However, since this book follows ALL the ladies plus a few other characters there wasn't a whole lot of room for a lot of time for the romance to develop between Naomi and hero (I don't want to spoil the story with a name). The bit of "mystery" was also intriguing but the discovery of just who and what caused the mine collapses seemed to come clear out of left field. Again, I think if I had read books 1 and 2 that this might not have been such an issue. STRONG AND STUBBORN is a good story and from the other books by Kelly Eileen Hake that I've read this whole series is probably worth a read!
* I received this book from the publisher as part of a Goodreads First Reads giveaway, I was not obligated to provide a review.*
* I received this book from the publisher as part of a Goodreads First Reads giveaway, I was not obligated to provide a review.*
December 30, 2012
This is book three in the Husbands For Hire Series. You do not have to read the others to enjoy this one but it does help. The other titles in the series are Rugged and Relentless and Tall, Dark and Determined.
My favorite part of this book was the list of characters in the front. Without that list I would have been lost. I had to refer to the list a few times to keep the story straight. There are a lot of characters in all her books in this series so be sure to pay attention to who is talking to whom!
I gave this book 4/5 stars. I liked the story line and thought the author wrote a compelling story. I did however find parts of the story boring. It may just be me however so please read the story for yourself as you may enjoy the long descriptions and tedious dialog.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
My favorite part of this book was the list of characters in the front. Without that list I would have been lost. I had to refer to the list a few times to keep the story straight. There are a lot of characters in all her books in this series so be sure to pay attention to who is talking to whom!
I gave this book 4/5 stars. I liked the story line and thought the author wrote a compelling story. I did however find parts of the story boring. It may just be me however so please read the story for yourself as you may enjoy the long descriptions and tedious dialog.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
November 16, 2012
My Review:
I took the time to read the complete Husbands For Hire Series by Kelly Eileen Hake and am so glad I did. Strong and Stubborn is book #3 in the series and a very fun and entertaining book. The other two books in this series are #1 Rugged & Relentless and #2 Tall, Dark, and Determined, which I have to say was my favorite of the three. I found myself laughing out loud at the characters in this series often and also feeling their pain. I give this book and the series a 5 out of 5 stars. I can't wait to read more books by Kelly and I plan to buy this series for my teen grand daughters.
I received Strong and Stubborn from Barbour Publishing, Incorporated in exchange for my honest review and was not paid for this review.
I took the time to read the complete Husbands For Hire Series by Kelly Eileen Hake and am so glad I did. Strong and Stubborn is book #3 in the series and a very fun and entertaining book. The other two books in this series are #1 Rugged & Relentless and #2 Tall, Dark, and Determined, which I have to say was my favorite of the three. I found myself laughing out loud at the characters in this series often and also feeling their pain. I give this book and the series a 5 out of 5 stars. I can't wait to read more books by Kelly and I plan to buy this series for my teen grand daughters.
I received Strong and Stubborn from Barbour Publishing, Incorporated in exchange for my honest review and was not paid for this review.
October 30, 2012
4.5 stars. This was the third book in the series and may have been the best - book one was really good but the writing style wasn't as good. There were several twist and turns that I didn't see coming. This book also solved the mystery, from book one, of who caused the mine cave in. Enjoyed book threes hero as well as his son. The romance factor was not as strong in this book as books one and two, but it really didn't seem to matter given, everything else going on in the story line. There's still romance, it just doesn't dominate the book.
November 28, 2012
Romance, Older Teen-Adult,
Setting Hope Falls, Colorado, 1881.
Naomi and her 3 friends have moved to Hope Falls to help her friends fiancee save his mining investment. In hopes to help establish the town the other 3 women realize they must marry, too. In hopes of finding good men to work the mine and sawmill and to marry they post an ad in the nations newspaper for husbands. In book 3 Naomi is the only one who has not selected a husband yet and the pressure is on.
Marcia Blackson
Setting Hope Falls, Colorado, 1881.
Naomi and her 3 friends have moved to Hope Falls to help her friends fiancee save his mining investment. In hopes to help establish the town the other 3 women realize they must marry, too. In hopes of finding good men to work the mine and sawmill and to marry they post an ad in the nations newspaper for husbands. In book 3 Naomi is the only one who has not selected a husband yet and the pressure is on.
Marcia Blackson
July 26, 2017
Well, I can say I liked this book best of all three. Its pacing was a lot better and since it wrapped up all the threads, it was quite satisfactory.
I had trouble with Naomi a few times, wanting to bop her for her 'oh, I'm not worthy, not good enough' routine. . .but I think some of us have been there enough she can't really be criticized for falling into that for awhile too.
I did feel the 'villian' came a bit out of 'nowhere', but as a background orchestrator, it wasn't entirely unbelievable, either.
So, yeah, all in all I enjoyed this book - and the series.
I had trouble with Naomi a few times, wanting to bop her for her 'oh, I'm not worthy, not good enough' routine. . .but I think some of us have been there enough she can't really be criticized for falling into that for awhile too.
I did feel the 'villian' came a bit out of 'nowhere', but as a background orchestrator, it wasn't entirely unbelievable, either.
So, yeah, all in all I enjoyed this book - and the series.
April 16, 2016
Note: This trilogy should be read back to back, as storylines introduced in books one and two are not resolved until book three.
This was definitely my favorite book of the trilogy. I could have done with a bit more Cora and Braden, however, Naomi and Mike's story kept me invested enough to not feel like anything was missing.
What a punch Naomi's back story punched! Her happy ending was most deserved. As was Mike's.
I hope Hake has plans to write stories for the lumberers who were not selected as grooms. They were a lively bunch and I'd truly love to see them also get HEAs!
This was definitely my favorite book of the trilogy. I could have done with a bit more Cora and Braden, however, Naomi and Mike's story kept me invested enough to not feel like anything was missing.
What a punch Naomi's back story punched! Her happy ending was most deserved. As was Mike's.
I hope Hake has plans to write stories for the lumberers who were not selected as grooms. They were a lively bunch and I'd truly love to see them also get HEAs!
April 24, 2013
I did think that there was something going on with the sister. I saw that coming from the first time Naomi finally tells us the whole story about her past. As for Michael and his son I was expecting to have the sister recognize him and tell the family where they were to have the story continue but it was a good plot and I love her books.
December 21, 2012
I thought it tied up the series, but also left room for another series or novel. There were deeper moral issues addressed in this book which were surprising and unexpected. This one wasn't so much about romance but a book about forgiveness and letting go of the past.
I also liked reading the "About the Author" page to find out Kelly Eileen Hake is now married.
I also liked reading the "About the Author" page to find out Kelly Eileen Hake is now married.
August 16, 2015
I enjoyed the final book in Kelly Eileen Hake's Husbands for Hire series, which is set in historical Colorado. It had a great mix of drama, romance and humor. I recommend this fun series with some interesting and humorous twists.
December 3, 2012
Acute little western romance
May 30, 2014
A nice way to end the series. I enjoyed all 3 books! One of my favorite authors
June 24, 2013
I liked the first two a lot better.
January 13, 2013
I read the first book in this series, never 'got into' the second and ditto this one. I have liked this writer very much in the past and will continue to watch for her new books.
January 30, 2013
Strong characters that work and mesh together wonderfully. Great storyline- romance with an air of mystery/suspense. I'm looking forward to reading the previous 2 in the series
January 25, 2013
3.5- I kind of expected a fourth book. The ending seemed pretty rushed.
February 26, 2013
I really liked this book and the whole series. The characters are really likable and easy to identify with. This entire series made me smile and laugh and feel for the characters.
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