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Meadowlark Trilogy #1
Meadowlark
South Pass City was a mighty tough town, even by Wyoming Territory standards. And although Garrick Swenson seemed like a tough man, his sensitive soul was plagued with guilt. Then one day he rescued a beautiful lady from drowning, and Garrick suddenly thought of a way to make up for his past sins. Becky White was at the end of her rope, with no home, no money, and no father for her unborn baby. Then, like some gruff angel from heaven, Garrick came to her aid, offering the protection of his name, no strings attached. But the more time she spent with Garrick, the more Becky found herself craving a true marriage in every sense of the word. Read by Stephanie Brush. 8 CD's 8.9 Hrs.
First published February 1, 2005
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About the author
Carolyn Lampman
15 books19 followersAward-winning author Carolyn Lampman grew up on the Wyoming ranch her great-grandparents homesteaded in 1887 and could ride a horse almost before she could walk. She is best known for her fluent Wyoming twang and humorous, impossible-to-put-down adventures. Carolyn's background and love of the American West shine through in all of her books. History, romance, humor, and mystery all weave together in gripping tales that make her books page-turning, rollicking good reads!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 5, 2018
3.5 Stars
November 20, 2016
I really really enjoyed this book. It was super cute, and I like that some of the story was based on actual historical events. Lovely!!!
August 20, 2021
This was such a charming and entertaining read…not a perfect book, but I had a great time, especially with the audiobook narrator. I loved Becky as a protagonist; the writing was fun, the plot was never too contrived, and Swede was just the right kind of love interest— not so mysterious or condescending that I stopped rooting for him and not so perfect and self-sacrificing that I found him gag-inducing. I love a marriage-of-convenience plot where they actually have to learn to work as partners before they fall in love. And I always love a baby if the author actually knows how to write 😊
I will say I couldn’t really turn my historical analysis brain off while reading, though. There’s nothing really new here done for the frontier romance genre, and since it was published in 1994 that means there is a lot about the era that just goes unaddressed— the “Indians” are a Laura Ingalls Wilder-esque background threat, unnamed and used to drive plot and provide scenery and not much else. Reconstruction is barely a whisper in the background, and everyone makes vague references to “The War” but never to what it was about. I think all of this would stand out less if Lampman wasn’t so clearly interested in historical fiction— a lot of this rendition of South Pass City, Wyoming is lovingly crafted from real historical research, as evidenced by the Author’s Note separating fact and fiction. She spends a bit of time in the story talking about the arrival of women’s suffrage in WY and the first female Justice in the U.S. (all true). But it’s clear that there are some parts of history that white female writers will always feel comfortable using as inspiration, and other parts that they never will. Genocide and slavery don’t make for such a fun backdrop for a romance.
This isn’t even really Lampman’s fault— for being nearly 30 years old, this book holds up better than you’d think. But it’s interesting to think about, and I always come out of these kinds of stories knowing that it’s evidence of the privilege I have that I’m even able to enjoy them.
I will say I couldn’t really turn my historical analysis brain off while reading, though. There’s nothing really new here done for the frontier romance genre, and since it was published in 1994 that means there is a lot about the era that just goes unaddressed— the “Indians” are a Laura Ingalls Wilder-esque background threat, unnamed and used to drive plot and provide scenery and not much else. Reconstruction is barely a whisper in the background, and everyone makes vague references to “The War” but never to what it was about. I think all of this would stand out less if Lampman wasn’t so clearly interested in historical fiction— a lot of this rendition of South Pass City, Wyoming is lovingly crafted from real historical research, as evidenced by the Author’s Note separating fact and fiction. She spends a bit of time in the story talking about the arrival of women’s suffrage in WY and the first female Justice in the U.S. (all true). But it’s clear that there are some parts of history that white female writers will always feel comfortable using as inspiration, and other parts that they never will. Genocide and slavery don’t make for such a fun backdrop for a romance.
This isn’t even really Lampman’s fault— for being nearly 30 years old, this book holds up better than you’d think. But it’s interesting to think about, and I always come out of these kinds of stories knowing that it’s evidence of the privilege I have that I’m even able to enjoy them.
December 31, 2010
While not the most oustanding historical romance I've ever read, MEADOWLARK is an enjoyable one-time read. Set in a gold-rush town, this book breathes new life into the often used "marriage of convenience" plot.
The characters were well-rounded, real people. They weren't perfect, but flawed in human ways. And yet they weren't so flawed as to be unlikeable. That's a difficult balance to achieve, and Carolyn Lampman does a superb job here. I really liked that the attraction between Becky and Garrick was based on more than just sex. Not that they weren't physically attracted to one another, but it wasn't the only thing drawing them together. Their physical desire for one another was a added bonus to their growing feelings of love. That's just as it should be.
The historical backdrop was also well done. The historical details were woven into the novel so well that they never distracted from the plot. With so many historical romances reading like history textbooks, this is a welcome change.
My only complaint with the book was that they never admitted their love for each other until the very very end of the book. They were close to doing so when a series of "big misunderstandings" kept them from voicing their true feelings. Granted, they each wouldn't admit their love out of what they thought were noble causes (each thought the other wanted to be free and was willing to let go), but still, it was irritating. I found myself muttering, "Just say the words!" as I read the book. It really detracted from my enjoyment of the second half of the book, where the mystery/intrigue comes to a head, climaxing in a courtroom drama. If they had both known how the other felt, it would have been more satisfying when things turn out well. Instead of rejoicing in their victory, they still think they won't be together, which was just the tiniest bit depressing.
However, even with the "big misunderstanding", the characters refrained from childish bickering. This is so rare in romances these days, when often all the conflict between the hero and heroine is nothing but petty squabbling. Since they author refrained from using that horrible plot device, that made MEADOWLARK a four star book, rather than a three star.
This book didn't inspire me to go out and buy more books by Carolyn Lampman, but I would probably try more by her in the future. In the often frustrating world of romance novels, MEADOWLARK is certainly worthy of a read, and I do recommend it.
The characters were well-rounded, real people. They weren't perfect, but flawed in human ways. And yet they weren't so flawed as to be unlikeable. That's a difficult balance to achieve, and Carolyn Lampman does a superb job here. I really liked that the attraction between Becky and Garrick was based on more than just sex. Not that they weren't physically attracted to one another, but it wasn't the only thing drawing them together. Their physical desire for one another was a added bonus to their growing feelings of love. That's just as it should be.
The historical backdrop was also well done. The historical details were woven into the novel so well that they never distracted from the plot. With so many historical romances reading like history textbooks, this is a welcome change.
My only complaint with the book was that they never admitted their love for each other until the very very end of the book. They were close to doing so when a series of "big misunderstandings" kept them from voicing their true feelings. Granted, they each wouldn't admit their love out of what they thought were noble causes (each thought the other wanted to be free and was willing to let go), but still, it was irritating. I found myself muttering, "Just say the words!" as I read the book. It really detracted from my enjoyment of the second half of the book, where the mystery/intrigue comes to a head, climaxing in a courtroom drama. If they had both known how the other felt, it would have been more satisfying when things turn out well. Instead of rejoicing in their victory, they still think they won't be together, which was just the tiniest bit depressing.
However, even with the "big misunderstanding", the characters refrained from childish bickering. This is so rare in romances these days, when often all the conflict between the hero and heroine is nothing but petty squabbling. Since they author refrained from using that horrible plot device, that made MEADOWLARK a four star book, rather than a three star.
This book didn't inspire me to go out and buy more books by Carolyn Lampman, but I would probably try more by her in the future. In the often frustrating world of romance novels, MEADOWLARK is certainly worthy of a read, and I do recommend it.
September 11, 2022
I enjoyed the story. It’s a marriage of convenience story with plenty of angst. After the upteenth misunderstanding I did want to smack the both of them. This is my first book by this author and I think I will try more.
February 28, 2024
This is a western, historical romance. It's not my usual genre, but I really liked it. There was never a dull moment, the plot was fast paced. I loved the slow burn between Becky and Garrick. Garrick is a giant cinnamon roll book boyfriend. The love scenes were fade-to-black, but there was enough on-page steam to fill in the blanks. I listened to the audiobook. The voice actor did an excellent job. Although, I could hear papers rustling in the background, I chalk that up to poor editing. If you're looking for a sweet romance set in the Old West, with a hunky Norwegian hero that always does the right thing; this book is for you. I highly recommend it!
April 23, 2019
Garrick and Becky
This story was an absolute delight. I loved it! Garrick rescued Becky one cold night from drowning in the raging creek. She was hungry, tired, desperate and very pregnant. The father of her baby had fun out on her leaving her with no home, no family and seemingly no employment except turning into a soiled dove. He married he to protect and provide for her and the child. Circumstances tear the life they've built together apart. Will they be a la to find true and everlasting love?
This story was an absolute delight. I loved it! Garrick rescued Becky one cold night from drowning in the raging creek. She was hungry, tired, desperate and very pregnant. The father of her baby had fun out on her leaving her with no home, no family and seemingly no employment except turning into a soiled dove. He married he to protect and provide for her and the child. Circumstances tear the life they've built together apart. Will they be a la to find true and everlasting love?
August 22, 2021
I listened to this one on audio. The narrator did a great job bringing this book to life. I loved the storyline. The characters of this book were well thought out. TIt is a fantastic being to this series.
July 8, 2023
3.5 Sweet Western Romance.
July 30, 2025
Wonderful storyline and adorable family. Emotional and intriguing!!
Im going to continue the series! I want more!
Im going to continue the series! I want more!
July 6, 2011
This is NOT my genre! For all of you who just love romance-this is a good one. I am usually turned off by the scene that mimics rape to me, but the girl really thinks (in her head) she is attracted to the guy, so it is okay. the guy throws her over the horse and she lives in the castle until they both inevitably fall in love. This wasn't like that at all! A different beginning all together. A seventeen year old girl finds herself alone in the wild west world and pregnant (the charmer has left without knowing about the child). She is about to sell herself into prostitution (child not showing yet) which was the only option for women when the riverbank where she was considering her options gives way. She falls in the water and is thinking drowning is an easier death than starvation. Along comes a miner who had planned on a drunk and was used to using the town "girls" (so not a perfect character). He saves her and tells her some other options. This is all by page 5. Good characters (I love the house madam).
November 13, 2014
My gosh this woman can certainly tell a story! Meadowlark is a fictional story of the mid 1800s in Wyoming. Mining and gold panning were the interests of those in the area she writes of. This book tells the story of a honorable Norwegian man and a young woman he rescues from threatening death. I definitely recommend you read and see if you like the authors style of story-telling!
December 31, 2012
A sweet Western romance set in a mining town in Wyoming Territory.
It has all the characters a good western should have with a little romance thrown in for entertainment.
This is the first in a Triology so I look forward to listening to the other 2 books.
It has all the characters a good western should have with a little romance thrown in for entertainment.
This is the first in a Triology so I look forward to listening to the other 2 books.
September 6, 2013
Start of a trilogy, with the story of Becky and Garrick. Introduces Angel and Ox, and Cameron Price. Good story.
September 27, 2014
A fun book set in Wyoming.
July 1, 2017
This is the second Carolyn Lampman book I've read and it lived up to the first. She makes the quiet hero seem believable.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews