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Cactus Creek Cowboys #1
To Have and to Hold
The Blaine brothers learned how to survive at a young age the hard way. But after a life of working odd jobs, Colby thinks he might just be ready to settle down. Until his fiancé jilts him for a man with more money.
Naomi Kessling is already plagued by nightmares and a violent past when her wagon train is attacked. Colby saves her life, but Naomi is convinced he's been sent by the army to arrest her for a crime she can't remember.
Colby will help her face her nightmares, but will her love be enough to break down the wall he's built around his heart?
Naomi Kessling is already plagued by nightmares and a violent past when her wagon train is attacked. Colby saves her life, but Naomi is convinced he's been sent by the army to arrest her for a crime she can't remember.
Colby will help her face her nightmares, but will her love be enough to break down the wall he's built around his heart?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 5, 2013
88 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 16, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Colby, one of the three blaine brothers that were separated when they were children when their parents died. Left his family at fifteen, being tired of being abused both physically and emotionally. He knows the territory like the back of his hand, has worked odd jobs over the years but nothing would prepare him for the challenge of Naomi Kessling and the small band of wagons that get attacked by Indians. Without a though, he rushes in to aid them from getting slaughtered by the Cherokees. Naomi, along side with her father and her two brothers are heading to Santa Fe when the worst happened in their town and they were forced to leave. Naomi knows everyone is keeping something from her, but she doesn't know exactly what. She knows it is horrible when her nightmares are about blood and death. When she meets Colby, she is intrigued and fascinated. Even though she doesn't trust him at all she senses something honorable and loyal about him. When Colby and Naomi are tested, their love blossoms despite the dangers of traveling west....a fierce passion forms wild and untamed as the land they travel.
Plot and Story Line
To Have and To Hold is the first of the Cactus Creek Cowboy Series. So far there are three books, and after listening to this one I wouldn't mind this author doing more books!! I was able to grab this through audiobook and I loved every moment. There was so much in this story that kept me highly entertained and active in the listening of it. I love westerns, I have a weakness for those cowboys but its not very often to see a historical that is western of recent release so I snatched this one up!! Leigh Greenwood is a fabulous author and is a male romance writer!! I know ladies not very common...but he is dang good at what he does. He writes a solid romance in the way I wish every historical romance could be written. With historic accuracy, vivid details and a romance that makes you yearn for more!!
I only had one issue with this book which is why it isn't a five-star rating!! Its the heroine in the beginning of the story. Now overall Naomi isn't a bad heroine, she has many fabulous qualities that I came to really admire about her. But she is a bit self-righteous at first especially when it comes to Colby. She thinks he is suspicious, doesn't trust him and isn't private about her dislike. She softens toward him once he sets her straight (GO COLBY) But honestly she drove me nuts at first. But I warmed up to her, and it isn't until her past is revealed that you see that she just doesn't trust anyone she doesn't know but she also isn't timid about it. Her character is in no way timid or shy. She is bold and daring and likes to take control of situations. I felt a kinship to her in a way because she is the oldest and so am i....and I see how she had to be like that....any one that was born being the oldest knows what it is like to have hardly any childhood and to be an adult pretty quickly. I love how willing she is to take care of her family but at the same time she isn't afraid to state her opinions. Colby was a fabulous hero, he has been dealt some harshness in his life but he also has taken control of his life and does what is right. So Colby and Naomi are very much alike....probably why they butted heads so much. But once they started the kisses....watch out folks!!
The romance once it got going was strong yet sweet. It was quite fun seeing their relationship blossom into something more than just passing friends,...they overcome trials together and in so doing embrace what they have. This was a very heartwarming and inspiring romance that kept me laughing all the way through!!
Narration
This narrator was someone I hadn't listened to before and I LOVED her work...she did so well and instantly she drew me slowly into the story until I couldn't put it down!!! Loved every delicious moment listening to her and I am eager for more.
The Cover
I love this cover, because of how well if portrays out hero Colby. It shows him being a bit of a loner and independent...only him and his horse. I love the gorgeous backdrop with the sunrise.
Overall View
To Have And To Hold is a sexy and beautifully woven love story in the wild west....with enough desire, thrilling danger, and in depth characters to keep you satisfied for days!!
[foogallery id="17767"]
Summary
Colby, one of the three blaine brothers that were separated when they were children when their parents died. Left his family at fifteen, being tired of being abused both physically and emotionally. He knows the territory like the back of his hand, has worked odd jobs over the years but nothing would prepare him for the challenge of Naomi Kessling and the small band of wagons that get attacked by Indians. Without a though, he rushes in to aid them from getting slaughtered by the Cherokees. Naomi, along side with her father and her two brothers are heading to Santa Fe when the worst happened in their town and they were forced to leave. Naomi knows everyone is keeping something from her, but she doesn't know exactly what. She knows it is horrible when her nightmares are about blood and death. When she meets Colby, she is intrigued and fascinated. Even though she doesn't trust him at all she senses something honorable and loyal about him. When Colby and Naomi are tested, their love blossoms despite the dangers of traveling west....a fierce passion forms wild and untamed as the land they travel.
Plot and Story Line
To Have and To Hold is the first of the Cactus Creek Cowboy Series. So far there are three books, and after listening to this one I wouldn't mind this author doing more books!! I was able to grab this through audiobook and I loved every moment. There was so much in this story that kept me highly entertained and active in the listening of it. I love westerns, I have a weakness for those cowboys but its not very often to see a historical that is western of recent release so I snatched this one up!! Leigh Greenwood is a fabulous author and is a male romance writer!! I know ladies not very common...but he is dang good at what he does. He writes a solid romance in the way I wish every historical romance could be written. With historic accuracy, vivid details and a romance that makes you yearn for more!!
I only had one issue with this book which is why it isn't a five-star rating!! Its the heroine in the beginning of the story. Now overall Naomi isn't a bad heroine, she has many fabulous qualities that I came to really admire about her. But she is a bit self-righteous at first especially when it comes to Colby. She thinks he is suspicious, doesn't trust him and isn't private about her dislike. She softens toward him once he sets her straight (GO COLBY) But honestly she drove me nuts at first. But I warmed up to her, and it isn't until her past is revealed that you see that she just doesn't trust anyone she doesn't know but she also isn't timid about it. Her character is in no way timid or shy. She is bold and daring and likes to take control of situations. I felt a kinship to her in a way because she is the oldest and so am i....and I see how she had to be like that....any one that was born being the oldest knows what it is like to have hardly any childhood and to be an adult pretty quickly. I love how willing she is to take care of her family but at the same time she isn't afraid to state her opinions. Colby was a fabulous hero, he has been dealt some harshness in his life but he also has taken control of his life and does what is right. So Colby and Naomi are very much alike....probably why they butted heads so much. But once they started the kisses....watch out folks!!
The romance once it got going was strong yet sweet. It was quite fun seeing their relationship blossom into something more than just passing friends,...they overcome trials together and in so doing embrace what they have. This was a very heartwarming and inspiring romance that kept me laughing all the way through!!
Narration
This narrator was someone I hadn't listened to before and I LOVED her work...she did so well and instantly she drew me slowly into the story until I couldn't put it down!!! Loved every delicious moment listening to her and I am eager for more.
The Cover
I love this cover, because of how well if portrays out hero Colby. It shows him being a bit of a loner and independent...only him and his horse. I love the gorgeous backdrop with the sunrise.
Overall View
To Have And To Hold is a sexy and beautifully woven love story in the wild west....with enough desire, thrilling danger, and in depth characters to keep you satisfied for days!!
[foogallery id="17767"]
August 18, 2013
5 Stars is not enough to convey my true feelings for this book. The depth of the characters, the well crafted plot, the emotion evoked by every perfect word, rarely do I find a book that I never want to end - To Have And To Hold is one of those books. I am ecstatic that this seems to be the first in a series - the only sad part is I want to read all the other books NOW.
If you like historical westerns with a perfectly crafted romance (very low on the steamy scale)go preorder this book!
I will post a full review closer to the November 5th release date. I will also review on The Book Queen Blog close to the review.
I received this book from the Publisher via NetGalley for my honest review
If you like historical westerns with a perfectly crafted romance (very low on the steamy scale)go preorder this book!
I will post a full review closer to the November 5th release date. I will also review on The Book Queen Blog close to the review.
I received this book from the Publisher via NetGalley for my honest review
March 27, 2019
Well I finished it. It was a struggle. And for an audiobook to be a struggle for me is pretty bad. Just so boring 😴
November 2, 2013
This was truly a western. They were on the trail west and all the dangers that that meant.
Naomi and her family is heading west (but are the entire town running from something? *insert music of almost doom*. First we have weather that does what it wants and not what the travelers want. Dangerous rivers, killer snakes and do not forget Indians. The whole caravan is also very tense cos of something that must have happened for them to leave it all behind. Which was a bit extreme but hey their choice.
In comes Colby, all around nice guy who knows about the land and agrees to help these poor lost travelers. Like I said he was a good guy, but he has some issues from his past that makes a romance not in the cards.
Romance. Of course there is romance! Just cos the heroine do not trust Colby and Colby is all arghh issues from my past, does not mean there will not be romance ;) I liked that it happened slow. They became friends and sparks slowly started to form. But they had some things to work through first.
All in all a nice western romance that shows the hard life and how everyone had to work together to survive.
Naomi and her family is heading west (but are the entire town running from something? *insert music of almost doom*. First we have weather that does what it wants and not what the travelers want. Dangerous rivers, killer snakes and do not forget Indians. The whole caravan is also very tense cos of something that must have happened for them to leave it all behind. Which was a bit extreme but hey their choice.
In comes Colby, all around nice guy who knows about the land and agrees to help these poor lost travelers. Like I said he was a good guy, but he has some issues from his past that makes a romance not in the cards.
Romance. Of course there is romance! Just cos the heroine do not trust Colby and Colby is all arghh issues from my past, does not mean there will not be romance ;) I liked that it happened slow. They became friends and sparks slowly started to form. But they had some things to work through first.
All in all a nice western romance that shows the hard life and how everyone had to work together to survive.
July 22, 2022
This was good but I wasn't fully in the mood for this sort of historical romance. Good atmosphere, decent characters, and steady pacing. 3.5 ⭐.
November 25, 2013
Author Leigh Greenwood isn't your typical romance writer and his, not her, stories show that different perspective on every page. Greenwood's latest book, To Have and To Hold is the first book in his Cactus Creek Cowboys series. Fans and new readers alike are treated to a solid western historical romance, involving a stranger who saves the Spencer's Creek wagon train and leads them to safety in Santa Fe. Greenwood's straight forward approach to writing lends itself to a certain authenticity that is sometimes lacking in the genre. His research skills are evident and his attention to the romance is exceptional.
I have to say that I have always been skeptical when it comes to men writing romance. Let's face it ladies, they just don't think the way we do. Leigh Greenwood's romances are not your typical, boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happily ever after stories, but I think that's the beauty of it. A male perspective on things is often less crowded with fluff and more logical. That doesn't mean that women don't know what they are talking about, they are just more emotional, more focused on the feelings involved. So I expected this book to have less romance and more western adventure, but I will have to say that Greenwood had a very good balance in To Have and To Hold.
Greenwood's research on the Santa Fe trail and the hardships facing those who traveled it, was very well done and thorough. I thought Greenwood did a great job of showing what this wagon train was facing and how so many of the people who went west were unprepared for the journey and the situations they would face. It was interesting to see how Colby and Naomi, the main characters, were able to interact with each other and their environment. I liked how Colby taught Naomi many of the things she would need to know to survive in the West and how their admiration for each other grew through that.
Naomi is a strong woman, who has cared for her father's household for many years and she feels capable and ready to face adversity. But she is troubled by the vague reasons behind the Spencer's Creek people leaving their home in Kentucky and how she and her nightmares are involved in that decision. I liked the fact that Greenwood used secrets to add to the tension of the story. The secrets were not even known completely by the heroine and that made of an interesting twist. Naomi was very distrustful of Colby and I felt that was somewhat misplaced. She is having frightening nightmares about a Union solider, so perhaps she believes it to be a bit prophetic, but I think Greenwood let that aspect of the story go on a little too long, before these two finally got together.
Colby was a great hero! He was strong and sure of himself. He may have been a loner, but he wouldn't sit by and watch the wagon train be destroyed. He had his reasons for not being around people much, because he had suffered in his past. I liked the fact that Greenwood allowed readers to see Colby's deep longing for a family and how much that meant to him. I liked how he showed his feelings for Naomi. She intrigued him, but he didn't over think it, he just lets is unfold in a natural way.
I was really surprised that Greenwood, being a man, was able to really translate the love that was growing between these two. Colby and Naomi start out as distrustful, but slowly begin to see things in each other to appreciate and a friendship grows out of necessity as much as anything else. But it ripens and changes slowly and steadily. It wasn't a whirlwind romance and the book isn't a fast paced adventure. It's a low key, heart felt story about two people who find love. There are certainly adventurous moments, but that isn't the focus of the book. I liked it. It was different and refreshing. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I have to say that I have always been skeptical when it comes to men writing romance. Let's face it ladies, they just don't think the way we do. Leigh Greenwood's romances are not your typical, boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happily ever after stories, but I think that's the beauty of it. A male perspective on things is often less crowded with fluff and more logical. That doesn't mean that women don't know what they are talking about, they are just more emotional, more focused on the feelings involved. So I expected this book to have less romance and more western adventure, but I will have to say that Greenwood had a very good balance in To Have and To Hold.
Greenwood's research on the Santa Fe trail and the hardships facing those who traveled it, was very well done and thorough. I thought Greenwood did a great job of showing what this wagon train was facing and how so many of the people who went west were unprepared for the journey and the situations they would face. It was interesting to see how Colby and Naomi, the main characters, were able to interact with each other and their environment. I liked how Colby taught Naomi many of the things she would need to know to survive in the West and how their admiration for each other grew through that.
Naomi is a strong woman, who has cared for her father's household for many years and she feels capable and ready to face adversity. But she is troubled by the vague reasons behind the Spencer's Creek people leaving their home in Kentucky and how she and her nightmares are involved in that decision. I liked the fact that Greenwood used secrets to add to the tension of the story. The secrets were not even known completely by the heroine and that made of an interesting twist. Naomi was very distrustful of Colby and I felt that was somewhat misplaced. She is having frightening nightmares about a Union solider, so perhaps she believes it to be a bit prophetic, but I think Greenwood let that aspect of the story go on a little too long, before these two finally got together.
Colby was a great hero! He was strong and sure of himself. He may have been a loner, but he wouldn't sit by and watch the wagon train be destroyed. He had his reasons for not being around people much, because he had suffered in his past. I liked the fact that Greenwood allowed readers to see Colby's deep longing for a family and how much that meant to him. I liked how he showed his feelings for Naomi. She intrigued him, but he didn't over think it, he just lets is unfold in a natural way.
I was really surprised that Greenwood, being a man, was able to really translate the love that was growing between these two. Colby and Naomi start out as distrustful, but slowly begin to see things in each other to appreciate and a friendship grows out of necessity as much as anything else. But it ripens and changes slowly and steadily. It wasn't a whirlwind romance and the book isn't a fast paced adventure. It's a low key, heart felt story about two people who find love. There are certainly adventurous moments, but that isn't the focus of the book. I liked it. It was different and refreshing. I look forward to the next book in the series.
September 19, 2021
Very well-written, and definitely a slow-burn story. I liked how it wasn't written like a "typical" romance novel. I felt like I was reading a Louis L'Amour western meets romance.
Our two main characters get to know each other on the trail, enduring rainstorms, crossing flooded rivers, and stampeding oxen.
*Spoiler ahead*
For those who just have to know:
-Colby has come from an abusive adoptive family who didn't bother to keep his given name or tell him his bio parents' names.
- Naomi has nightmares because she walked in on an army deserter bashing her grandfather's head in, and she shot the guy. Shock repressed the memories.
- Perhaps a later book will address Laurie and Noah and whatever their dynamic is ..
Our two main characters get to know each other on the trail, enduring rainstorms, crossing flooded rivers, and stampeding oxen.
*Spoiler ahead*
For those who just have to know:
-Colby has come from an abusive adoptive family who didn't bother to keep his given name or tell him his bio parents' names.
- Naomi has nightmares because she walked in on an army deserter bashing her grandfather's head in, and she shot the guy. Shock repressed the memories.
- Perhaps a later book will address Laurie and Noah and whatever their dynamic is ..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2014
Leigh Greenwood is one of my favorite writers and he didn't let me down in To Have and To Hold. Am looking forward to the next Cactus Creek story.
January 21, 2023
A few trigger warnings: violent deaths, bloody nightmares, and lusty intimacies.
What is love? These characters are trying to figure it out.
Colby was raised by harsh adopted parents who were disappointed in him. He fell in love once but was terribly hurt. Now he says he doesn't believe in love, and wants no further relationship with women than what he gets for paying for their time. He is surprised and scared when his attraction to someone new goes deeper than lust. *eye roll* He takes liberties with her without the intention to marry. Meanwhile, he doesn't know what he wants. He doesn't want to lose her, but he doesn't think he wants to marry her. Then, after leaving the group and trying to go his separate way, he feels incomplete and can't stop thinking about her. He seeks her out at night, tells her he wants to marry her, and they go to bed... Before he admits to having a child already. She gives him an ultimatum.
The ending is satisfactory. However, love is considered to be a matter of strong feelings, rather than a commitment. I found it to be shallow and empty. It makes sense for the characters to suffer such angst when they must wrestle inwardly over whether their feelings are strong enough for the relationship to last. Feelings come and go, and come again, and go again... That's why man and woman are joined before God with a vow to honor one another through good times and bad times until parted by death. Relationships cannot last on feelings. Stability comes from commitment. Commitment weathers the storms, and allows love to mature.
Honestly, the most satisfying part of the story for me came at the very end. The rest of the story... I only kept reading out of philosophical curiosity. I am curious about how people resolve for themselves the conflict between feelings and fear of commitment. I am curious how people justify the idea that "true" love is an emotion. And I am curious how people justify physical intimacy before marriage. I think this story does justice to the heartache brought on by forming emotional and physical attachments before there is a commitment.
What is love? These characters are trying to figure it out.
Colby was raised by harsh adopted parents who were disappointed in him. He fell in love once but was terribly hurt. Now he says he doesn't believe in love, and wants no further relationship with women than what he gets for paying for their time. He is surprised and scared when his attraction to someone new goes deeper than lust. *eye roll* He takes liberties with her without the intention to marry. Meanwhile, he doesn't know what he wants. He doesn't want to lose her, but he doesn't think he wants to marry her. Then, after leaving the group and trying to go his separate way, he feels incomplete and can't stop thinking about her. He seeks her out at night, tells her he wants to marry her, and they go to bed... Before he admits to having a child already. She gives him an ultimatum.
The ending is satisfactory. However, love is considered to be a matter of strong feelings, rather than a commitment. I found it to be shallow and empty. It makes sense for the characters to suffer such angst when they must wrestle inwardly over whether their feelings are strong enough for the relationship to last. Feelings come and go, and come again, and go again... That's why man and woman are joined before God with a vow to honor one another through good times and bad times until parted by death. Relationships cannot last on feelings. Stability comes from commitment. Commitment weathers the storms, and allows love to mature.
Honestly, the most satisfying part of the story for me came at the very end. The rest of the story... I only kept reading out of philosophical curiosity. I am curious about how people resolve for themselves the conflict between feelings and fear of commitment. I am curious how people justify the idea that "true" love is an emotion. And I am curious how people justify physical intimacy before marriage. I think this story does justice to the heartache brought on by forming emotional and physical attachments before there is a commitment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2024
It was fairly well written & had a great plot but got so bogged down with endless internal monologues (dear authors, it’s such an overused crutch, pls stop)& over the top mushiness that I almost DNF. Seriously, this could have been a really good book, but instead of action, suspense & romance, all we got was page after page of their feelings & internal conflicts that were basically just them beating the same dead horse over and over again. Then after drudging through 80% of the book, we finally get a little excitement when he comes to her hotel room, but instead of being steamy, we spend the whole time listening to her Disney princess style internal monologue “oh gee golly” *insert 20 paragraphs about how she recognizes that he’s finally learned to love, or has he, blah blah blah* like girl, if you had time to think about all that AND compare what this man is doing to the s*x talk you had with your dad(like wtf even?), he clearly isn’t doing something right…
Also, the side plot of her nightmares was silly. Like, oh because suddenly she knows what happened & he told her she’ll be ok now, just like that, it’s all better & we’ll never mention it again? *eyeroll
Even with that, I could have still enjoyed the book if it had had some more depth. if it had focused more on their everyday struggles of getting across the prairie to fill pages instead of just regurgitating the same character’s insecurities over & over again, I could have gotten into it.
Overall, If you’re really into Disney & hallmark style romance, you will LOVE this book. If you still have a pulse and like a little spice, save yourself some time.
Also, the side plot of her nightmares was silly. Like, oh because suddenly she knows what happened & he told her she’ll be ok now, just like that, it’s all better & we’ll never mention it again? *eyeroll
Even with that, I could have still enjoyed the book if it had had some more depth. if it had focused more on their everyday struggles of getting across the prairie to fill pages instead of just regurgitating the same character’s insecurities over & over again, I could have gotten into it.
Overall, If you’re really into Disney & hallmark style romance, you will LOVE this book. If you still have a pulse and like a little spice, save yourself some time.
April 9, 2019
If you’re looking for a western, romance, historical, cowboy book, you’ll love story about Colby and Naomi. It has couple of twists, too, which makes it even juicier. I picked this book off library’s shelve, without checking reviews. I liked the cover and i was drawn by the book, so I was actually surprised how much I loved it.
May 13, 2022
Skimmed this book after a couple chapters. Felt no connection to the story or the characters. It was basically anything that could go wrong, did go wrong. I understand that travellers on the trail went through a lot of hardships, but this was just too much in general. Also was annoyed by both the main characters. Silly mistakes and decisions led to useless drama. Oh well! On to the next one!
August 7, 2018
Loved the book
September 17, 2018
Cute book.
March 7, 2020
Good looking forward to the next one just wish it didn’t take so long for the intimacy
April 17, 2025
Loved the book
Definitely a good change from the thriller books I normally read. Think I will have to read more of authors work
Definitely a good change from the thriller books I normally read. Think I will have to read more of authors work
July 31, 2017
Fantastic book!!
December 15, 2023
I’ll be polite and give it 1.3 stars. The historical element was great, it followed the Santa Fe trail, and the wagon train. Everything else was so cheesy, and not well written.
language: minor/medium
romance: flirting, kissing, cracked door moment
violence: medium
language: minor/medium
romance: flirting, kissing, cracked door moment
violence: medium
December 27, 2021
1865. Action, mysteries, distinct pioneers. Heart-warming. Colby hears wagons defend from Indians on the Santa Fe trail, stays to lead them, falls for Naomi, but the end of the trail comes before he will admit to love.
Read
February 27, 2015A historical, western romance, To Have and To Hold tells the story of an entire town that chooses to uproots and relocate to the West. The book is their journey as well as a love story between the hero and heroine. As the story unfolds, we realise there is more to the relocation than meets the eye as our heroine Naomi is plagued by dreadful nightmares.
As well as being a romance, the story focuses on the harsh realities of life in the West. I found the realities of this interesting as the journey, the pain and the often the tragedy is shown as the story progresses.
Our hero Colby, is a hero in every sense of the word. He comes across Naomi’s party as they are being attacked by Indians and comes to their rescue. A loner, hurt by a terrible past, but gallant and honourable, I fell for him immediately and loved discovering the layers beneath his exterior as they were revealed. Naomi is equally one tough cookie, a fighter and strong woman by any era’s standards. Not afraid of hard work, of grabbing a gun to save those she cares about, but there still is something refined and lady-like about her.
The romance is a slow grower, Colby is damaged and doesn’t ever want to love again. Naomi has issues with her past that she can’t remember but suspects it’s the reason the whole town is relocating. But I enjoyed watching the relationship grow between them as the journey progresses. Even if Colby needed a good shake by the end of it. They both had issues with trust in their own way, and the story was more about them over coming their own personal issues than physical barriers blocking the path of their love.
I really enjoyed the ending, it didn’t go how I expected it to go, but it was really lovely to see the characters get not only a happy ending, but a sense of closure. This is the first in a new series, so I’m sure Greenwood will go back to some of the featured characters at a later date too.
Since finishing the book, I have discovered that Leigh Greenwood is a man. I don’t know why, but this surprised me. I kind of thought that men would not be as good at writing romances, which is horribly and hideously sexist of me. And I’m glad to say, I really couldn’t tell.
Verdict
A gentle and slow growing romance that shows the realities of life in the West for settlers. A great hero and heroine who deserved their happy ever after and a lovely ending to round it all off with a bow. A nice Sunday afternoon read.
Rating: 3 Stars
As well as being a romance, the story focuses on the harsh realities of life in the West. I found the realities of this interesting as the journey, the pain and the often the tragedy is shown as the story progresses.
Our hero Colby, is a hero in every sense of the word. He comes across Naomi’s party as they are being attacked by Indians and comes to their rescue. A loner, hurt by a terrible past, but gallant and honourable, I fell for him immediately and loved discovering the layers beneath his exterior as they were revealed. Naomi is equally one tough cookie, a fighter and strong woman by any era’s standards. Not afraid of hard work, of grabbing a gun to save those she cares about, but there still is something refined and lady-like about her.
The romance is a slow grower, Colby is damaged and doesn’t ever want to love again. Naomi has issues with her past that she can’t remember but suspects it’s the reason the whole town is relocating. But I enjoyed watching the relationship grow between them as the journey progresses. Even if Colby needed a good shake by the end of it. They both had issues with trust in their own way, and the story was more about them over coming their own personal issues than physical barriers blocking the path of their love.
I really enjoyed the ending, it didn’t go how I expected it to go, but it was really lovely to see the characters get not only a happy ending, but a sense of closure. This is the first in a new series, so I’m sure Greenwood will go back to some of the featured characters at a later date too.
Since finishing the book, I have discovered that Leigh Greenwood is a man. I don’t know why, but this surprised me. I kind of thought that men would not be as good at writing romances, which is horribly and hideously sexist of me. And I’m glad to say, I really couldn’t tell.
Verdict
A gentle and slow growing romance that shows the realities of life in the West for settlers. A great hero and heroine who deserved their happy ever after and a lovely ending to round it all off with a bow. A nice Sunday afternoon read.
Rating: 3 Stars
November 21, 2013
Well, this is the first book I have read by Leigh Greenwood and I didn’t realize this was a man writing a romance novel until after I read it. I would like to start off with the fact that I am sure men can write a good romance novels and from the looks of it, Mr. Greenwood has quite the following. With that being said, this book lacked the brand of romance I usually look for in my romance novels. To Have and To Hold is an historical western romance that failed to generate heat between its hero and heroine.
The first installment of the Cactus Creek Cowboys takes place along the Sante Fe Trail just after the end of the Civil War. Naomi Kessling is heading out west with her family and friends leaving behind the small Kentucky community they all lived in. In an attempt to avoid the risk of being waylaid by Indians, they ask their hired guide to travel the lesser known routes. They end up being ambushed any way and when it looks like they all were going to succumb to the attack, a stranger sweeps in and drives the Indians away. A former union solider, Colby Blaine, is on his way out west to visit his parent’s graves. He agrees to become the wagon trains new guide after he saves them. Naomi is enthusiastic to lean all the skills Colby is willing to teach about surviving out west. Colby seeing what an apt student she is decides she’d made the perfect wife, however, he has decided he’ll never love again.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/1...
The first installment of the Cactus Creek Cowboys takes place along the Sante Fe Trail just after the end of the Civil War. Naomi Kessling is heading out west with her family and friends leaving behind the small Kentucky community they all lived in. In an attempt to avoid the risk of being waylaid by Indians, they ask their hired guide to travel the lesser known routes. They end up being ambushed any way and when it looks like they all were going to succumb to the attack, a stranger sweeps in and drives the Indians away. A former union solider, Colby Blaine, is on his way out west to visit his parent’s graves. He agrees to become the wagon trains new guide after he saves them. Naomi is enthusiastic to lean all the skills Colby is willing to teach about surviving out west. Colby seeing what an apt student she is decides she’d made the perfect wife, however, he has decided he’ll never love again.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/1...
September 10, 2013
I have read most of the books that Leigh Greenwood has written…some twice. I loved each book that I’ve read and so I was sure “To Have and To Hold” would be no different. I was right. This is another fine book in Greenwood’s list of fine books. It is the first book in his new series “Cactus Creek Cowboys”. It takes place along the Sante Fe Trail in 1865, just after the Civil War ended.
Greenwood blends just the right amount of romance in his books and this new series seems to follow his pattern. Colby Blaine is riding west to visit his parents’ graves and then to lose himself somewhere alone. He comes upon a wagon train being attacked by Indians and rides to their aid. Naomi Kessling is fighting as hard as the men in the wagon train to deter the attack. Colby’s help and expertise is just what this wagon train needs on the trail west. Colby agrees to get the wagons to La Junta and travel with the Kessling family. The story expands from this point and will hold your interest throughout. The relationships among the travelers will keep you wondering until the very end.
I know you will enjoy this book. I would recommend any novel by Leigh Greenwood. He is one of my favorite authors.
Night Owl Reviews and Netgalley.com provided kindle advance reading copies in return for my honest review of this book.
You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-7O
Greenwood blends just the right amount of romance in his books and this new series seems to follow his pattern. Colby Blaine is riding west to visit his parents’ graves and then to lose himself somewhere alone. He comes upon a wagon train being attacked by Indians and rides to their aid. Naomi Kessling is fighting as hard as the men in the wagon train to deter the attack. Colby’s help and expertise is just what this wagon train needs on the trail west. Colby agrees to get the wagons to La Junta and travel with the Kessling family. The story expands from this point and will hold your interest throughout. The relationships among the travelers will keep you wondering until the very end.
I know you will enjoy this book. I would recommend any novel by Leigh Greenwood. He is one of my favorite authors.
Night Owl Reviews and Netgalley.com provided kindle advance reading copies in return for my honest review of this book.
You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-7O
January 5, 2014
Love comes at the most unexpected times.
Colby has been jilted once before and has no intention of falling in love again. However, when he finds Naomi and rescues her from an attack he starts to become unsure. Slowly, but surly this woman is turning his whole world upside down. Naomi wants to trust Colby, but fears he is sent by the army to arrest her for a crime she can't remember. This is a story of hope, love, and second chances. The romance was nicely paced and there was definitely some mystery surrounding Naomi. I had a great time figuring out what had happened to Naomi and seeing these two slowly fall in love.
Naomi is a frightened young girl with a strong heart. She has been through some rough times, but still fights for her life. She was sweet and kind I had a great time getting to know her. I also liked seeing her grow as a person throughout the story. She was fun and courageous and it was easy to see how Colby could fall in love with her.
Colby is an honorable man who has not had the best luck in love. He is tough and works hard for what he's got. I really enjoyed getting to know him and seeing his softer side when it came to Naomi. He was a tough one to crack, but eventually he was head over heels for Naomi. They are a great pair and I loved seeing them together.
For a sweet romance and fun mystery check out "To Have and To Hold".
Colby has been jilted once before and has no intention of falling in love again. However, when he finds Naomi and rescues her from an attack he starts to become unsure. Slowly, but surly this woman is turning his whole world upside down. Naomi wants to trust Colby, but fears he is sent by the army to arrest her for a crime she can't remember. This is a story of hope, love, and second chances. The romance was nicely paced and there was definitely some mystery surrounding Naomi. I had a great time figuring out what had happened to Naomi and seeing these two slowly fall in love.
Naomi is a frightened young girl with a strong heart. She has been through some rough times, but still fights for her life. She was sweet and kind I had a great time getting to know her. I also liked seeing her grow as a person throughout the story. She was fun and courageous and it was easy to see how Colby could fall in love with her.
Colby is an honorable man who has not had the best luck in love. He is tough and works hard for what he's got. I really enjoyed getting to know him and seeing his softer side when it came to Naomi. He was a tough one to crack, but eventually he was head over heels for Naomi. They are a great pair and I loved seeing them together.
For a sweet romance and fun mystery check out "To Have and To Hold".
September 2, 2015
I would have to say that this was a western historical story with a bit of a romance between the main characters. Colby Blaine comes across this group of settlers being attacked by Indians and saves the day. He then is asked to become their guide to Santa Fe and becomes more of a leader to the group. They encounter more than a few challenges along the way and it becomes more obvious how Colby is attracted to Naomi but doesn't want to be at all. Naomi herself has her own reasons to want to stay away from her but eventually that gets explained later in the story.
Interesting story and curious to see if the brothers will be found. I also think it was interesting to learn after the fact that the author is a man. Probably a first for me.
Interesting story and curious to see if the brothers will be found. I also think it was interesting to learn after the fact that the author is a man. Probably a first for me.
November 2, 2013
To Have and to Hold is a book filled with history and great story telling. The story takes place in1865, settlers are riding the trails in covered wagons and trying to find a place to settle down.
Naomi is plagued by nightmares that she can't figure out and people who are keeping secrets. All is a mystery to her, why did the whole community up and leave town and why does she feel it's her fault?
Colby is a cowboy that rides to the rescue when an attack by Indians happens upon the group of novices. He not only saves the day but the community.
If your looking for a read that will not only entertain you but teach you some history this is a great one. Please do check it out!
Naomi is plagued by nightmares that she can't figure out and people who are keeping secrets. All is a mystery to her, why did the whole community up and leave town and why does she feel it's her fault?
Colby is a cowboy that rides to the rescue when an attack by Indians happens upon the group of novices. He not only saves the day but the community.
If your looking for a read that will not only entertain you but teach you some history this is a great one. Please do check it out!
August 27, 2015
The story was ok. However, parts of it seemed to drag. The secondary characters are a little bit disruptive to the plot, it often felt as if they were just inserted to make room for the next book of the series. Not a bad book, just not great either.
December 19, 2014
Loved it!
November 21, 2015
Waiting for next. Enjoyed.
April 17, 2016
3.5-4 STARS (Audiobook)
January 6, 2016
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
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