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Holmes Crossing #5
Any Man Of Mine
Living with three brothers has taught me what I don't want in a husband. "Guys" who can only converse about farming, welding and hockey won't cut it. And those who prefer a rodeo to a symphony or dusty jeans to a nice suit are not for me.
Unfortunately, my hometown is full of guys just like my brothers. So I've been planning to move to the city for a fresh start. But now I'm having second thoughts. There's a new man in town…a churchgoer who's cultured, wears suits and, most important, is nothing like my brothers.
Unfortunately, my hometown is full of guys just like my brothers. So I've been planning to move to the city for a fresh start. But now I'm having second thoughts. There's a new man in town…a churchgoer who's cultured, wears suits and, most important, is nothing like my brothers.
256 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2006
About the author
Carolyne Aarsen
463 books736 followersEven with over 1.5 million copies of my books in print, I still feel like I haven’t written the perfect story. From my office in the woods of Northern Alberta, I’ll keep trying. Inspired by spectacular sunrises, breathtaking Northern Lights and long walks through wooded trails, the stories keep coming. To find out more about my life and my writing, check out my website at www.carolyneaarsen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 16, 2014
Danielle Hemstead can cook gourmet food and ride a horse bareback; she loves classical music and poetry; she can fix a car and speak knowledgeably about hockey. She is complex, interesting, and kind-hearted. Her work as a social worker isn't idealized, and Aarsen does a good job at showing the reader the darker side of social work without making it heavy. Now. With that being said, I found a few bothersome discrepancies.
I want to address how Danielle makes a point to say she likes classical music (as well as pastel colors.. Not sure how classical music, pastel colors, and manicures make one more feminine as she contrasts from "guy" things, p.32). However, when asked who her favorite composer is, her mind goes blank and she says the first composer that comes to mind, Bach. But she doesn't know if he actually composed one of her favorite pieces or not (p. 48). Maybe it was how nervous she was on her date with James, or maybe she actually doesn't like classical music as much as she thinks. Regardless of whether it was nerves, ignorance, or really not knowing despite "liking" classical music; it was alarming, confusing, and inconsistent writing.
Something that isn't necessarily inconsistent, but confusing and odd was James lying to Danielle on their first date and never apologizing for it. I also didn't get the joke about him wanting to start a knitting store... That made no sense to me. He was joking about being a knitter? He is a knitter? He was making a joke out of how feminine knitting is and no real man would knit?
I have a hard time overlooking these inconsistent details and confusing story points, and would not recommend this book unless you do not mind these discrepancies or gender views.
I want to address how Danielle makes a point to say she likes classical music (as well as pastel colors.. Not sure how classical music, pastel colors, and manicures make one more feminine as she contrasts from "guy" things, p.32). However, when asked who her favorite composer is, her mind goes blank and she says the first composer that comes to mind, Bach. But she doesn't know if he actually composed one of her favorite pieces or not (p. 48). Maybe it was how nervous she was on her date with James, or maybe she actually doesn't like classical music as much as she thinks. Regardless of whether it was nerves, ignorance, or really not knowing despite "liking" classical music; it was alarming, confusing, and inconsistent writing.
Something that isn't necessarily inconsistent, but confusing and odd was James lying to Danielle on their first date and never apologizing for it. I also didn't get the joke about him wanting to start a knitting store... That made no sense to me. He was joking about being a knitter? He is a knitter? He was making a joke out of how feminine knitting is and no real man would knit?
I have a hard time overlooking these inconsistent details and confusing story points, and would not recommend this book unless you do not mind these discrepancies or gender views.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2007
This was a simply written book... Something I could've written easily. However, the story itself was one that I enjoyed, probably because I could relate to it so easily.
March 8, 2014
Though I wasn't crazy about the ending... I really loved this book!
January 29, 2017
I have read this book before. A sweet read for a snowy day.
August 15, 2017
Danielle (Dani) is a hard-working social worker in Holmes Crossing. She lives at home with her father who is recovering from a heart attack and her 3 brothers. All of the men in her life seem to take her for granted but they do love her. She wants to get away from all of the “guys” in her life but worries about who will care for her father. She is looking forward to moving to the city, a new job, and being around “men” rather than “guys”. James (Jigs) is new to Holmes Crossing and a friend of Dani’s brothers. When they meet for the first time, she decides he is a definite “guy” since he is riding a bucking bronc. Dani grew up around rodeo and her brothers still participate but she stays as far away as possible. Jigs is trying to start his own business so he got himself all cleaned up for a meeting at the bank and then went to the diner for lunch. Dani happens to be there at the same time and although he knows who she is, she doesn’t recognize Jigs. She starts to see him as a “man” because they discuss poetry and classical music over lunch. Without giving away the plot, there are misunderstandings, dates, a baby to take care of, job interviews, a new “man”, and tough decisions.
Can Dani get over her “guys” vs “men” mentality? Is moving to the city what she really wants to do? Is Jigs willing to change his plans for her? Will Dani ever stand up for herself when it comes to the men in her life?
This is a really sweet story told from Dani’s point of view. Dani is very realistic and I enjoyed getting to know her so well. The only thing that I felt was missing in this story is more information about the area. I don’t have a good feel for where this story takes place.
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest review.
Can Dani get over her “guys” vs “men” mentality? Is moving to the city what she really wants to do? Is Jigs willing to change his plans for her? Will Dani ever stand up for herself when it comes to the men in her life?
This is a really sweet story told from Dani’s point of view. Dani is very realistic and I enjoyed getting to know her so well. The only thing that I felt was missing in this story is more information about the area. I don’t have a good feel for where this story takes place.
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest review.
August 21, 2017
Any Man of Mine is a sweet Christian romance featuring Danielle (Dani) who is a hard-working social worker in Holmes Crossing. She lives at home with her father who is recovering from a heart attack and her 3 brothers. She categorizes the males in her life as either guys or men, the definitions were cute and funny but too true much of the time. I still have some issues with putting all the blame for how the "guys" treated her on Danielle. James (Jigs) is new to Holmes Crossing and a friend of Dani’s brothers. When they meet for the first time, she puts him into the "guy" category because he is riding a bucking bronc. Dani grew up around rodeo and her brothers still participate but she stays as far away as possible for an excellent reason. Jigs is trying to start his own business so the next day he got himself cleaned up for a meeting at the bank and then went to the diner for lunch. Dani happens to be there at the same time and although he knows who she is, she doesn’t recognize Jigs. She starts to see him as a “man” because they discuss poetry and classical music over lunch. The new male in her life, James aka Jigs, tells her to stand up for herself and some things change for the better but I have a hard time giving the "guys" a pass on their bad behavior. She plans to get away from all of the “guys” in her life but worries about who will care for her father. She is looking forward to moving to the city, a new job, and being around “men” rather than “guys”. James' sister Robin appears with her baby Sherry and new complications arise. This an intriguing story with complex character interactions and a solid Christian base with Biblical references. I recommend this book and others in the Holmes Crossing series. This is the second book in the series I have read.
August 15, 2017
This is a fantastic book. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone novel. The story takes place in a small community called Holmes Crossing where everyone knows everyone so Danielle, who has lived there her whole life, is ready to move away to meet new people...especially a man. After a haunting accident, a failed relationship and taking care of her brothers and father she feels like she run out of options. Her brothers do some matchmaking with some interesting results. The story of how James and Danielle come together is so fun and endearing. I could really relate to Danielle and her frustrations with wishing her brothers would anticipate her feeling. Plain and simple men need women to state their wants clearly. I believe the author did a great job giving women an insight into how men think and act. This is a clean and God honoring story about coming to terms with life's ups and downs and how if we seek His direction we will make the right decisions.
"I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review"
May 23, 2019
This is the fifth book in Carolyne Aarsen's Holmes Crossing Series. I have read them all and have fallen in love with all of the characters of this town.
In this book, Danielle "Dani" lives with her 3 brothers and her father who is recovering from a heart attack. Growing up with her brothers, she thinks she knows what she doesn't want in a man. She plans to move to the city when her father is well enough to take care of himself; that is, until the man arrives in this little country town who is not like the other guys.
This is a wonderful, clean romance written by one of my favorite authors. Ms. Aarsen has such a great way of creating and developing her characters that you can't help but be crazy about them. I never want any of her books to end. (less)
In this book, Danielle "Dani" lives with her 3 brothers and her father who is recovering from a heart attack. Growing up with her brothers, she thinks she knows what she doesn't want in a man. She plans to move to the city when her father is well enough to take care of himself; that is, until the man arrives in this little country town who is not like the other guys.
This is a wonderful, clean romance written by one of my favorite authors. Ms. Aarsen has such a great way of creating and developing her characters that you can't help but be crazy about them. I never want any of her books to end. (less)
August 15, 2017
This book is about a social worker who believes the grass is greener in the city and that all of her problems could be solved by moving there. She is tired of how her brothers and her boss take advantage of her but she would never dream to tell them no or to ask for help. She is also still dealing with the death of her boyfriend, Wyatt. She is very religious and you will find quotes from the Bible. She almost does not realize that everything she wants is right in Hopes Crossing including James/Jigs Ashby. The story is a little slow in the beginning. I received an advance copy of the book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
August 15, 2017
A man vs. a guy. Being a country girl, I can relate. Danielle thinks she wants a man, the opposite of her brothers, who are such "guys". She's looking to move to the city where the men are clean-cut and sensitive to a woman's needs. (Ha!) She thinks she's found what she's looking for only to discover he's not who she thought he was. But just maybe he's the best of both worlds. I really liked James' character. He was tough and sensitive when he needed to be. He also showed wisdom that Danielle needed. I enjoyed the book!
February 27, 2022
I made it FIVE pages before I couldn't stand another WORD.
WHY would she bounce quarters off anyone's abs? (First sentence/rant of the book)
WHY would she be yelling in a grocery store about something that has been her reality for the entirety of her life (ie, her brothers being boys)?
WHY would a thirty-one, twenty-nine, twenty-five, and twenty-seven year old ALL be living home with mommy and daddy?
WHY am I reading this crap?
It was poorly written, one-dimensional, angst-riddled and terrible. And that was just the first FIVE pages.
SKIP. THIS. BOOK. I'm not kidding.
WHY would she bounce quarters off anyone's abs? (First sentence/rant of the book)
WHY would she be yelling in a grocery store about something that has been her reality for the entirety of her life (ie, her brothers being boys)?
WHY would a thirty-one, twenty-nine, twenty-five, and twenty-seven year old ALL be living home with mommy and daddy?
WHY am I reading this crap?
It was poorly written, one-dimensional, angst-riddled and terrible. And that was just the first FIVE pages.
SKIP. THIS. BOOK. I'm not kidding.
September 14, 2020
Best yet
I think I enjoyed this book the most of this series so far. It was interesting and kept my attention from start to finish. Usually there are boring descriptions or things that just don’t move the story along so I skip these parts in order to get on with the main story. I didn’t have that problem with this book. I would have read it in one sitting if my family didn’t have other ideas for me! This one was a winner!
I think I enjoyed this book the most of this series so far. It was interesting and kept my attention from start to finish. Usually there are boring descriptions or things that just don’t move the story along so I skip these parts in order to get on with the main story. I didn’t have that problem with this book. I would have read it in one sitting if my family didn’t have other ideas for me! This one was a winner!
March 7, 2022
A nice read. It's pure romance.
Dani is ready to leave town and look for a real "man". After growing up with 3 brothers on a farm she is ready to move on and leave the "guys" alone. Her hometown is full of guys like her brothers but she wants someone different. She is worried about leaving her dad though. Will Dani finally find her dream job? and move one? or Will she realize that was not her dream after all?
Dani is ready to leave town and look for a real "man". After growing up with 3 brothers on a farm she is ready to move on and leave the "guys" alone. Her hometown is full of guys like her brothers but she wants someone different. She is worried about leaving her dad though. Will Dani finally find her dream job? and move one? or Will she realize that was not her dream after all?
October 29, 2017
When I first started reading this book I became so upset at the characters and situations that I stopped reading. But time passed and I saw the book again and thought I would give it another try. I rated this book 3 stars for two reasons it really made me think and later in the book once I got past the cringe-worthy misunderstandings it made me laugh some.
July 25, 2025
Any Man Of Mine
The young woman was a social worker who had the job of placing children who had been taken from their abusive parents and placing them in a safe environment. She was also providing a great deal of support to each person involved as well as their caregivers. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
The young woman was a social worker who had the job of placing children who had been taken from their abusive parents and placing them in a safe environment. She was also providing a great deal of support to each person involved as well as their caregivers. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
August 18, 2017
Is he a real man, or just a guy?
Excellent novel of love, family, friends and romance. Confronting the walls put up to protect ourselves from hurt. Learning to trust God's timing in our lives. A very good read.
Excellent novel of love, family, friends and romance. Confronting the walls put up to protect ourselves from hurt. Learning to trust God's timing in our lives. A very good read.
August 22, 2017
Great
Loved the struggles the character goes through to continue her life and deal with sorrow. Her strength in finding herself and the bits of humor which make the story so memorable.
Loved the struggles the character goes through to continue her life and deal with sorrow. Her strength in finding herself and the bits of humor which make the story so memorable.
May 16, 2018
Ebook
She’s a social worker but feeling unfulfilled. She is taking care of her dad and 3 brothers too but is not happy. Her brothers try to fix her up with Jigs/James, it didn’t go well in the beginning
She’s a social worker but feeling unfulfilled. She is taking care of her dad and 3 brothers too but is not happy. Her brothers try to fix her up with Jigs/James, it didn’t go well in the beginning
July 26, 2020
Not just any man
I really never thought about Canada having cowboys. This book and the whole series has made me want to visit Canada. I really liked the way they brought out the best in each other. I am going to getting more of Carolyne's books
I really never thought about Canada having cowboys. This book and the whole series has made me want to visit Canada. I really liked the way they brought out the best in each other. I am going to getting more of Carolyne's books
May 25, 2022
Any man of mine by Carolyne Aarsen
Caroline Warren writes books that I would let my 13 year old great granddaughter read. Good, clean, wholesome reading. It's A pleasure to read her books.
Caroline Warren writes books that I would let my 13 year old great granddaughter read. Good, clean, wholesome reading. It's A pleasure to read her books.
January 12, 2018
Pretty quick read for a cold day.
February 22, 2018
Man or Guy
Super fun story that is lighter more than previous books. Find out the distinctions between a man and a guy.
Super fun story that is lighter more than previous books. Find out the distinctions between a man and a guy.
March 22, 2018
I like the premise but dunno, it just turned out to be harder to read than I expected.
March 8, 2020
Enjoyed book #5 of the Holmes Crossing series, a wholesome series for any age. Looking forward to completing the series.
March 24, 2020
Love
The author makes you feel like you are a resident of Holmes Crossing. You feel like you know the characters. Starting book 6 now.
The author makes you feel like you are a resident of Holmes Crossing. You feel like you know the characters. Starting book 6 now.
June 13, 2020
Enjoyed wholeheartedly
It was filled with good wisdom and showed the realism of processing through hurt and pain of the past. Loved the ending!
It was filled with good wisdom and showed the realism of processing through hurt and pain of the past. Loved the ending!
April 10, 2021
Unputdownable! And so much emotion! From laughter to tears, the story brought them all. I loved this book!
July 14, 2022
Easy reading, interesting story. Funny premise! Worth reading! Would consider others by this author
December 2, 2022
Angst on steroids.
February 26, 2023
A great story
A great story and a great series! Places you in a different setting and a perfect get away from your own troubles.
A great story and a great series! Places you in a different setting and a perfect get away from your own troubles.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews