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Lake #1
The Visions of Ransom Lake
Youthful beauty, naïve innocence, a romantic imagination thirsting for adventure-an apt description of Vaden Valmont, who would soon find the adventure and mystery she had always longed to experience-in the form of a man. A somber recluse, Ransom Lake descended from his solitary concealment in the mountains, wholly disinterested in people and their trivial affairs. And somehow, young Vaden managed to be ever in his way-either by accident or because of her own unique ability to stumble into a quandary. Yet the enigmatic Ransom Lake would involuntarily become Vaden's unwitting tutor. Through him, she would experience joy and passion the like even Vaden had never imagined. Yes, Vaden Valmont stepped innocently, yet irrevocably, into love with the secretive, seemingly callous man-Ransom Lake. But there were other life's lessons Ransom Lake would inadvertently convey to her as well. The darker side of life-despair, guilt, heartache. Would Ransom Lake be the means of Vaden's dreams come true? Or the cause of her complete desolation?
296 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
79 people are currently reading
1229 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Lynn McClure
74 books1,364 followersBorn in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marcia Lynn McClure grew up influenced by the reminiscent stories of rugged, rural Colorado farm life fascinatingly recounted to her by her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts…tales of runaway buckboards, mule-drawn plows and dust pneumonia; verbalized images of stream-flooded meadows, frozen over in winter, where a child could peer through the crystal clear ice in wonder at the small fish, snakes and mice sealed in the meadow grasses beneath; stories of hardship and tragedy, love and loss. But always the stories, and the people telling them, bore evidence of the wonder and worthiness of simpler, yet sometimes brutal, times.
These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.
And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.
Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!
These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.
And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.
Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews
March 19, 2022
Sometimes I read this one and it’s an easy five stars, other times it more or a four star. I guess it depends on my mood? This time around it was closer to four stars. I still enjoy the story and characters, but I just didn’t connect with it the same. And why does Ransom mumble so much? Seriously, he is always mumbling (I think was used about 100x)?? Anyway, I can see why this is one of McClure's more popular books.
Content Rated PG+
Romance: Kissing
Language: Mild
Violence: Moderate - fighting, mean prank, beating and talk of past violent loss
Content Rated PG+
Romance: Kissing
Language: Mild
Violence: Moderate - fighting, mean prank, beating and talk of past violent loss
July 17, 2010
Sigh...
I just love Marcia's books. Visions of Ransom Lake was just as good the second time around. There is just something about the ways Marcia writes that just draws me in. The characters, the humor, the romance, it all makes me smile I love this book! And the title...what a great title for this book.
I just love Marcia's books. Visions of Ransom Lake was just as good the second time around. There is just something about the ways Marcia writes that just draws me in. The characters, the humor, the romance, it all makes me smile I love this book! And the title...what a great title for this book.
March 13, 2012
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! I know I say that about every one of Marcia's books but seriously I was up until 3 am reading (my husband rolled over and said "Um, it's 3am! Don't you think you should turn the light off?????") Believe me if he hadn't woken up I would have pulled an all-nighter! I just connected with Vaden in the book! ANd Ransom.....ahhhh I Loved it! Most defiantly my favorite! So glad I paid the $.99 for this book!
This book has ruined me!! I have no desire to read anything else!
This book has ruined me!! I have no desire to read anything else!
October 21, 2008
This is one of my favorites of hers! I could not put it down with all of it's twists and turns. Although I have read many of her books, I still found myself wondering if this one would be the first of hers I found to not have a happy ending. She never lets me down. :-)
November 8, 2023
One of my VERY favorite Marcia Lynn McClure books!!!! I really loved this one! Vaden's zest for life and her being intrigued by the town "hermit" are so believable and heartfelt. I could feel the things she felt and could understand her frustrations, her excitments, ect. I loved the fall setting of this book. I enjoyed the situations where Ransom would be kissing her one day and then scowling at her the next - to me it made sense why he would do that. I am a sucker for a story where a man wants to keep himself distant from a woman for some reason, but struggles with doing that. I loved Vaden's Uncle, and also her relationship with her sister was so fun and cute and believable. Just a great story that I couldn't put down and would think about all day with my heart going pitter-patter! I'd be anxious all day to get back to reading it! Other favorites are Shackles of Honor, The Heavenly Surrender, Dusty Britches, The Pirate Ruse and The Highway Man of Tanglewood.
October 22, 2012
10/12 I love to re-read this book around this time of year. The descriptions of the apples and pumpkins and autumn time really get me in the spirit of the season. I love Vaden and how bold she is and Handsome Ransom is great!
11/11 Handsome Ransom...one of my favorite romances!!!
11/11 Handsome Ransom...one of my favorite romances!!!
May 12, 2011
I just love Maria McClure books! My heart just beats fast and I feel the power behind her writing. I love all the characters and I just can't say enough! They are just amazing! Can't wait to read more of her books!
August 15, 2008
Probably my favorite Marcia Lynn McClure book! I love Ransome Lake! He is one of my all time favorite heros!!
September 18, 2015
I love this book! I've read it over and over and it doesn't matter how many times I read it, I can't put it down. Thank you Marcia!!
September 4, 2009
I loved this book and I don't care who knows it! If you need a light read that is so romantic (in a clean, mushy, wonderful sort of way,) that it will make your heart ache, this is the book for you! But you'll start reading and think it's too cheesy to go on. Just ignore that feeling. It will go away as you get lost in the wonderful romance! Can't wait to dig into my second Marcia Lynn McClure book tonight. (Thanks LD!!!)
January 2, 2012
Oh my Goodness....I'm not sure where to start, or if I even have the words to describe how amazing this book was. It had me laughing so hard I was crying. Crying because I felt so much emotion. I couldn't put this book down! I read it in one sitting. It was that amazing! Marcia has such a gift for writing. This one's up there with the Highwayman of Tangelwood and Crimson Frost! Absolutely Fantastic!!
September 26, 2007
Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter...adventures woven around those compelling romantic instances that most appeal to a loving heart. Her books will leave you with a contented sigh,a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and uplifted.(notes from about the author)
Her books do just as it says above. They're perfect!!!!
Her books do just as it says above. They're perfect!!!!
July 25, 2009
I would have to say this is one of my favorite books so far. Marcia Lynn McClure is a very good writer and now one of my favorites. Let me know if you read it and let me know what you thought about it.
April 22, 2014
A sheltered young romantic is fascinated and drawn towards to the reticent town hermit. The stuff of teenage fantasies! And Ransom- not only is he the strong silent type, but he's got a wicked sense of humour and kisses like a boss!
September 29, 2014
If you have the intellect of just barely that of a sponge, you may be entertained by this book. Otherwise you will be insulted. The author's repetitiveness is atrocious and the narrative seems directed at a second grader. I can not fathom the 5 star reviews for this book. Painful.
September 22, 2020
Re-read from years ago. Easy, cheesy, clean love stories. I have always liked Ransom Lake!
August 12, 2015
So, so, so mushy. And so wonderful.
The Good:
I love stories set in the winter. There's something so cozy about it. So the fact that this was set in fall and winter was a double plus for me. The Visions of Ransom Lake was written very well. Very 20th century-esque, but good all the same.
I loved Vaden! She's a lot like Anne Shirley and Catherine Morland combined. Very imaginative, very expressive, and very dramatic. Her sister, Yvonne, was a great foil with her straight-laced ways and sense of propriety. Ransom. Oh, Ransom. I love brutish heroes. Not sure why, but every time a book features an angry, always-shouting man my heart melts. Ransom was just the right amount of brute and flirt.
The Bad:
There was a surprising lack of details about Vaden and her sister. I didn't find out her age or Ransom's until past the 50% mark. I had no idea why she was going to visit her aunt and uncle or where she was from. Also, where the heck were they in the country? Was that ever mentioned? Even though the story was written well, these details - or lack thereof - were kind of disconnecting.
Sometimes the struggle between Vaden and Ransom just got to be too much. It dragged on and on and on with seemingly no reason besides stubbornness. Also, the villain wasn't much of a villain. He was simply shoved aside at the end because that was convenient. Not the best way to handle a villain.
Content:
Language: None (I think there was one usage of d*mn?)
Religion: None
Romance: Clean-ish (I say "ish" because there was a lot of kissing. A lot. And though it wasn't descriptive, I was definitely blushing. Nothing beyond kissing, though.)
Violence: Mild (Frightening situations including general brawls.)
The Good:
I love stories set in the winter. There's something so cozy about it. So the fact that this was set in fall and winter was a double plus for me. The Visions of Ransom Lake was written very well. Very 20th century-esque, but good all the same.
I loved Vaden! She's a lot like Anne Shirley and Catherine Morland combined. Very imaginative, very expressive, and very dramatic. Her sister, Yvonne, was a great foil with her straight-laced ways and sense of propriety. Ransom. Oh, Ransom. I love brutish heroes. Not sure why, but every time a book features an angry, always-shouting man my heart melts. Ransom was just the right amount of brute and flirt.
The Bad:
There was a surprising lack of details about Vaden and her sister. I didn't find out her age or Ransom's until past the 50% mark. I had no idea why she was going to visit her aunt and uncle or where she was from. Also, where the heck were they in the country? Was that ever mentioned? Even though the story was written well, these details - or lack thereof - were kind of disconnecting.
Sometimes the struggle between Vaden and Ransom just got to be too much. It dragged on and on and on with seemingly no reason besides stubbornness. Also, the villain wasn't much of a villain. He was simply shoved aside at the end because that was convenient. Not the best way to handle a villain.
Content:
Language: None (I think there was one usage of d*mn?)
Religion: None
Romance: Clean-ish (I say "ish" because there was a lot of kissing. A lot. And though it wasn't descriptive, I was definitely blushing. Nothing beyond kissing, though.)
Violence: Mild (Frightening situations including general brawls.)
January 26, 2015
Ransom to Vaden - “My life is in shreds since ya came here. I have no privacy, no self-control, and no hair either, for that matter!”
I struggled through this novel. I wanted to like it but it just bugged me.
Ransom is a ruthless tease. His first encounter with Vaden is not a pleasant one for him. She knocks him over, a box lands on his head and she crushes his foot under her heel. He continues to have awkward encounters with Vaden much to my delight. Vaden's cheek really does surpass all heroines. I was laughing so hard.
I also liked the running joke between Vaden and her uncle about beans.
Yvonne is snotty and vain but does have a few sisterly bones in her body. She joins in with Vaden titling the hero, “Mr. Male Anatomy.” Yvonne is all elegance and Vaden feels inferior to her. What I hated was that Vaden's aunt touted Vaden's low self-esteem as humility. Grrr.
The stupidity just kept coming with Vaden deciding she loves Ransom with all her heart after exchanging about 20 words with him. That's taking insta-love to a new level. The next stupid thing is that she starts courting this douchebag that she despises for no damn good reason saying it's inevitable? What the hell.
When she and Ransom do get a-talking it's all roundabout misunderstandings and allusions and even though I knew the whole picture, I was getting myself confused by the rabbit trails. Kiss, ramble incoherently, fight, kiss, rinse and repeat.
I struggled through this novel. I wanted to like it but it just bugged me.
Ransom is a ruthless tease. His first encounter with Vaden is not a pleasant one for him. She knocks him over, a box lands on his head and she crushes his foot under her heel. He continues to have awkward encounters with Vaden much to my delight. Vaden's cheek really does surpass all heroines. I was laughing so hard.
I also liked the running joke between Vaden and her uncle about beans.
Yvonne is snotty and vain but does have a few sisterly bones in her body. She joins in with Vaden titling the hero, “Mr. Male Anatomy.” Yvonne is all elegance and Vaden feels inferior to her. What I hated was that Vaden's aunt touted Vaden's low self-esteem as humility. Grrr.
The stupidity just kept coming with Vaden deciding she loves Ransom with all her heart after exchanging about 20 words with him. That's taking insta-love to a new level. The next stupid thing is that she starts courting this douchebag that she despises for no damn good reason saying it's inevitable? What the hell.
When she and Ransom do get a-talking it's all roundabout misunderstandings and allusions and even though I knew the whole picture, I was getting myself confused by the rabbit trails. Kiss, ramble incoherently, fight, kiss, rinse and repeat.
September 28, 2009
Youthful beauty, naïve innocence, a romantic imagination thirsting for adventure-an apt description of Vaden Valmont, who would soon find the adventure and mystery she had always longed to experience-in the form of a man. A somber recluse, Ransom Lake descended from his solitary concealment in the mountains, wholly disinterested in people and their trivial affairs. And somehow, young Vaden managed to be ever in his way-either by accident or because of her own unique ability to stumble into a quandary. Yet the enigmatic Ransom Lake would involuntarily become Vaden's unwitting tutor. Through him, she would experience joy and passion the like even Vaden had never imagined. Yes, Vaden Valmont stepped innocently, yet irrevocably, into love with the secretive, seemingly callous man-Ransom Lake. But there were other life's lessons Ransom Lake would inadvertently convey to her as well. The darker side of life-despair, guilt, heartache. Would Ransom Lake be the means of Vaden's dreams come true? Or the cause of her complete desolation?
Very good book! Lots of kissing and sweetness with no fear of anything more! A Definitely recommended read!
Very good book! Lots of kissing and sweetness with no fear of anything more! A Definitely recommended read!
September 10, 2013
What a hunk. Seriously, I love Ransom. I love his uncouth ways and how he never seems to have a shirt on. I love the way Vaden is constantly flinging herself into his arms for comfort. He is such a tease and so sweet that it makes my insides tingle.
I started this book as a "guilty pleasure" to indulge in before I went to sleep. I figured it would probably take about two weeks to read it, if I read a little bit every night. I read the entire thing in one day. I couldn't put it down. I fell head over heels in love with Ransom and I couldn't pry myself away from the book for more than a few minutes at a time. I also loved the author's notes at the end. Those were definitely worth the read.
This is a fantastic romance that will leave you weak in the knees and with a smile on your face!
Content: lots and lots of kissing
I started this book as a "guilty pleasure" to indulge in before I went to sleep. I figured it would probably take about two weeks to read it, if I read a little bit every night. I read the entire thing in one day. I couldn't put it down. I fell head over heels in love with Ransom and I couldn't pry myself away from the book for more than a few minutes at a time. I also loved the author's notes at the end. Those were definitely worth the read.
This is a fantastic romance that will leave you weak in the knees and with a smile on your face!
Content: lots and lots of kissing
October 10, 2023
10/9/2023 Great way to start off the October Fall season. It's a balm of Giliad and fills the soul. Seriously top 5 probably top 3 if I'm being honest.
It's that time again to pull out my Marcia Books and devour them. I did start a little early this year but why not?
8/10/22 Easily one of my top favorite books. I just connect with the characters and love the deep stories and the oh-so-yummy hero.
One of my favorite books of all time. Love the Hero, love the heroine.
Deep, dark, sweet, and lovely. Still touches that deep spot that only Marcia can touch.
Seriously one of my favorites. I love Vaden, she is my soul character, and Hansom Ransom HOly Flippin yummy. I forgot about details from reading it the first time. So good!
It's that time again to pull out my Marcia Books and devour them. I did start a little early this year but why not?
8/10/22 Easily one of my top favorite books. I just connect with the characters and love the deep stories and the oh-so-yummy hero.
One of my favorite books of all time. Love the Hero, love the heroine.
Deep, dark, sweet, and lovely. Still touches that deep spot that only Marcia can touch.
Seriously one of my favorites. I love Vaden, she is my soul character, and Hansom Ransom HOly Flippin yummy. I forgot about details from reading it the first time. So good!
August 2, 2007
:-) This isn't a review! I'm just adding more to my opinion. Anything by Marcia Lynn McClure is AWESOME!! She writes clean romance. As they say on cleanromance.com, "all the romance, without the SHOCK" :-). Anyway, this one is my favorite by her and is NOW AVAILABLE in print!! :-) Yay!! You should check out all of her books and short stories. You can order copies or ebooks on her site at [www.marcialynnmcclure.com]. :-) Enjoy!
September 22, 2009
I could NOT put the book down. I finished the book in one day and was halfway through another one the same day. I seriously got hooked and want to read everything she has written.
What a captivating tale this author weaves. And it is clean.
The only thing I don't care about is the cover art. It totally does not catch my eye. A case of don't judge a book by it's cover. For sure.
What a captivating tale this author weaves. And it is clean.
The only thing I don't care about is the cover art. It totally does not catch my eye. A case of don't judge a book by it's cover. For sure.
August 16, 2011
Saw this listed as the top "best clean romace books" on goodreads and I thought it sounded like it might be a fun read. I was so disappointed. Best word to describe this is RIDICULOUS. Although if you like books with A LOT of bare chests and stubble you might like this book!
February 2, 2008
Handsome Ransom!!!! He is what every girl wants! This is a must read if you love a good romance!
February 6, 2008
This is my favorite MLM book. I love that Vaden is spunky and mischievous and a little bit impetuous! I pick this one up again and again when I'm in the mood for a feel-good, sigh-able romance.
March 6, 2008
I love a good clean romance! It's totally just mind candy and a cute feel good book where every thing turns out happy and wonderful. I can't help but love it!
August 21, 2008
I like to call these books by Marcia Lynn McClure my Chick Lit! These books are easy reads but they always make me laugh. I'm a sucker for the whole Damsel in distress thing.
August 8, 2017
My very favorite of all her books! I will read this one over and over again.
April 13, 2008
This is a quick read... very clean love story... what I love about Marcia.. she has a gift for describing sweet kisses.. so fun.. You can't put them down..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews