Gunpowder Tea

The Brides of Last Chance Ranch #3

by Margaret Brownley

In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life.

When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom – an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch.

But she isn’t the only one there with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggert is working the scene undercover as well. And although their true identities are a secret, it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the spark that flares between them.

But neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn’t removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they come to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets – and no one on the ranch is safe.

But neither are their hearts – the longer Miranda and Jeremy spends working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers – and their lives – depend on solving this case. Love will have to wait.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Westerns, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Historical Romance, Historical

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 8, 2013

About the author

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR MARGARET BROWNLEY has penned nearly forty novels and novellas. Her books have won numerous awards, including Readers' Choice and Award of Excellence. She's was a two-time Romance Writers of American RITA® finalist and has written for a TV soap. She is currently working on a new series. Not bad for someone who flunked eighth grade English. Just don't ask her to diagram a sentence.

Reviews

[Madisyn Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

About this book:

“In a case that could change her career, Miranda uncovers a love that will change her life.
When Miranda Hunt sees the classified ad for an heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch, she knows assuming the identity of Annie Beckman is the perfect cover. As one of the finest agents for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, Miranda has been tasked with apprehending the Phantom – an elusive and notorious train robber thought to be hiding on the sprawling ranch.
But she isn’t the only one there with something to hide. Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggert is working the scene undercover as well. And although their true identities are a secret, it is impossible for Jeremy and Miranda to hide the spark that flares between them.
But neither is about to let romance interfere with such a huge case. Besides, Miranda hasn’t removed Jeremy from her list of suspects yet. The closer they come to uncovering the identity of the Phantom, the more dangerous he gets – and no one on the ranch is safe.
But neither are their hearts – the longer Miranda and Jeremy spends working together, the harder it becomes to keep their feelings in check. Their careers – and their lives – depend on solving this case. Love will have to wait.”


Series: Book #3 in “The Brides of Last Chance Ranch” series. (I have not read or reviewed book #1 or #2.)


Spiritual Content- Prayers; Talks about God; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; A couple Scriptures are quoted; Church going; Miranda had a Christian upbringing; Miranda says she has a “questing faith”; a mention of a missionary; A Scripture is quoted in the Discussion questions;
*Note: A mention of cavemen; a mention of some of the locals saying that God uses the town as a backup for below; “all hell to pay” is said.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, a ‘blast it’, two ‘heck’s, two ‘shut up’s and four ‘dumb’s; Mentions of curses said, not written; Robbers & Blood (barely-above-not-detailed); Dead animals (barely-above-not-detailed); Almost drinking; Mentions of drunks, tobacco & gamblers; Mentions of smoking; Mentions of stealing; A mention of “H*ll-cat Maggie”.


Sexual Content- almost kisses, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss & two semi-detailed kisses; Wanting to kiss; Touches & Warmth (semi-detailed); Noticing; A mention of an enticing & seduction woman; A mention that the Pinkerton brothers frown upon offering sexual favors in exchange for information; A mention of a man coming out of a married woman’s bed; A mention of someone having an affair (no details); Love, falling in love & the emotions.

-Miranda Hunt
-Jeremy Taggart
P.O.V. switches between them, Bessie & Eleanor.
Set in 1897
316 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
This had all the makings for me really enjoying it…Pinkerton agents, a lady with a gun on the cover and just the mystery aspect of it all. I was a tiny bit worried as I didn’t enjoy the novella by this author in the “Four Weddings and a Kiss” collection. I wasn’t what I would think of this book, and while it met my expectations, there were some parts I wasn’t a fan of.
I read this book a year ago this month, and am just now reviewing it! For ten months I was searching high & low for Gunpowder Tea and I’m so excited that I got some a couple months ago—it’s now my favorite tea. :)


Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love who dunits with the right amount of romance. This was a humorous chase/race to solve the crime while staying professional despite immense attraction.

[ASC Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than I had even hoped!!! I read and fell in love with this series with the First book Dawn comes Early so I REALLY wanted to read Gunpowder Tea especially after seeing the cover and reading the title (even though sadly I never got the chance to read the second one)! I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed all I learned about the Pinkertons as well as all of the twists in the plot; which keep popping up from beginning to end!!! I love how the characters interact and the back stories Margaret came up with. I still love the other characters revisited from the first book as a matter of fact I think this final addition to the series made me love them even more. I just love the tough, hard exterior, but loving and caring interior of ranch owner Miss Walker and how she grows throughout this book, and this latest heiress is my favorite! I love her background and personality! I love the way the dialogue between characters bounces back and forth and the over all pace of the story! I especially love the addition of tea! I love tea and really enjoyed learning some knew things especially about the titled Gunpowder tea! I REALLY want to get some of it and try it out, and the recipe in the back of the book sounds GREAT I need to try that also!!! :) There are times in the plot that I think are just a little too far fetched at times, but the humorous scenes (that almost had me rolling on the floor I was laughing so hard) make up for them ten fold, and I do enjoy how Margaret brings it full circle by including things from the other two heiresses especially Kate. I absolutely LOVE the way this book ends and how the whole series wraps up but I am sad because I wanted it to go on and on! :D So I'm conflicted; I didn't want this to be the end but yet I loved how it ended. From the great mystery to the humor laced scenes this is a great book and a must read!

Songs: "Rock Of Ages" by Chris Rice, "This Kiss (Album Version)" by Faith Hill, "We'll Understand It Better By And By" by Homeland Quartet, and "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" by Chris Tomlin

John 9:25

~ASC

*I received a review copy of this book for free for the purpose of giving my honest opinion. This in no way affected my opinion and the above is how I truly feel about Gunpowder Tea. ~ASC

[Daphne Self · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gunpowder Tea, an explosive mix of murder, mayhem, humor and love.

Margaret Brownley's story brings this mix to a simmer and lets it brew as the reader takes the tumultuous journey with Miranda, a Pinkerton Agent, and Jeremy, a Wells Fargo detective. The book is wonderful and such a pleasure to read, and even re-read again...and again. The little saying at each chapter added more charm to the book: such as, "Sign outside private detective's door: In God we trust; all others will be treated as suspects" or the one that made me chuckle: "Outlaws are so prevalent in some western towns you can walk form one end to the next without leaving the scene of the crime".

But the story doesn't stop at the surface of love and justice, it goes deeper into our own hearts as we realize that we, too, can be blind about the truth before us. Readers will not be disappointed with this book.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story. Annie's a Pinkerton Operative who doesn't know Taggert is a Wells Fargo agent, but instead they suspect each other of being robbers in a thieving gang. Banks and stages are being robbed, and all the way through the book they are trying to figure out who it is.
Well written and although it's the often used dislike-then-fall in-love-story it's well done. Some are hokey, but not this one. I don't believe I rolled my eyes even once.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a CUTE book! Just delightful! I loved everything about it!

[Reet Champion · Rating 4 out of 5]

She thinks he's a crooks and he thinks she's a crook. And a round and round it goes!

Miranda Hunt has followed in the footsteps of her father despite her father's disapproval. As a Pinkerton agent she has proved adept if not a little impulsive. So when she is offered the chance to track down the notorious Phantom who has been wreaking havoc out West she jumps at it. For a cover she answers an advertisement placed by a lady rancher looking for an heiress. When she meets up with ranch hand David Branch she is shocked to see he is the same person who earlier robbed her on a train seeming to confirm the agency's suspicions that the outlaw's hideout is in the vicinity. Branch claims to be a member of the Phantom's Gang; in an effort to unveil the Phantom's identity Miranda also claims to be a member. Easier said than done.

Jeremy Taggert, alias David Branch, knows the new "heiress" has secrets to hide, but what those secrets are hasn't come to light. As a Wells Fargo detective he is just as determined as Miranda to hunt out the Phantom after his friend and fellow agent goes missing. While butting heads with the newcomer and also keeping his identity secret Jeremy must keep his wits about him if he intends to outsmart the nosy heiress.

Overall Gunpowder Tea was an okay read. It fairly oozed with mushiness which was big turn off for me. For two people sworn to uphold the law they sure were drawn to each other while thinking the other an outlaw. Miranda came across as being something akin to a feminist with something against lady-like tendencies. Nonetheless the sporadic views of ranching life were interesting; as was the two different law keeper's. To be honest I have never heard of a Wells Fargo detective so that was fascinating to learn more about through a fictional tale. I had no qualms with the writing. It's very well done and smooth so another thing working in its favor. Obviously this wasn't a favorite, but it's still worth a read.

DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received an electronic copy of “Gunpowder Tea” from booksneeze.com provided by the publishers, Thomas Nelson, in exchange for our honest review.

reetchampionbookreviews.wordpress.com

[Kym McNabney · Rating 3 out of 5]

GUNPOWDER TEA is the third and final book in THE BRIDES OF LAST CHANCE RANCH series. If you have not read the first two, I suggest reading them as well, though each certainly stands alone. If I had to pick, DAWN COMES EARLY is my favorite of THE BRIDES OF LAST CHANCES RANCH series.

Miranda Hunt, a Pinkerton Detective, answers an ad for a heiress to the legendary Last Chance Ranch as Annie Beckman. After all she’s perfect for the job. No Pinkerton expects to be married, and that’s exactly what the ad is looking for. It’s the ideal opportunity to find the Phantom, and prove that a woman is up for the task.

Wells Fargo detective, Jeremy Tagger is working undercover when he first encounters Ms Beckman. Little does either of them know, they are both working towards the same goal. To apprehend the Phantom, who rumor has it, is said to be hiding out at the Last Chance Ranch.

Not into mushy romances, then GUNPOWDER TEA by MARGARET BROWNLEY is the novel for you. MS BROWNLEY has an amazing ability to weave a unique story together with feisty characters. Add in a little bit of drama, mystery, action, and humor and you have GUNPOWDER TEA.

I loved the information at the end of the story, ACCIDENTAL DETECTIVE. How intriguing to learn a bit of the past after reading a fictionalized version. Also included is some history on GUNPOWDER TEA, along with a recipe for GUNPOWDER TEA BREAD. How fun is that.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2PW7YHB...
Review on my blog (to be posted 10/26): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...

I've read several of Margaret Brownley's books, but Gunpowder Tea is the first from her Brides Of Last Chance Ranch series I've read. When I read the description for this book, and saw the word "Pinkerton", I knew I had to read it and I absolutely loved Gunpowder Tea!

One of the things that made Gunpowder Tea such an enjoyable read, was how the two main characters were undercover detectives/agents for different agencies. It was funny how both Miranda and Jeremy suspected each other of possibly being in cahoots with "The Phantom".

I loved all of the characters and look forward to reading the first two books in this series someday. The mystery of who was "The Phantom" was really good. I had a hard time sticking to one suspect, though I did guess correctly some other aspects of the story.

Overall, Gunpowder Tea was a great read! It had romance, suspense, danger, and some humor. I recommend it to fans of historical fiction.

*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Rebekah Gyger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not know just how to tell how much I loved this book. This novel had some of the best situational irony I have ever read. Two detectives who continuously get in each others way because they do not know the other is a detective. It was too funny.

Not only that, but the cast of characters was great. Everyone had their own personality, even the rarely mentioned ranch hands. And behind every character and suspicion lies a beautiful theme: "I once was blind, but now I see."

Annie and Branch are blinded by their assumptions and pasts. It keeps them from seeing what is right under their noses and what the future could bring. For private eyes, being blind can cost them their jobs... and their lives. But worse, it can cost them the plans God has for them.


I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

To know that other books I back, go to http://backingbooks.blogspot.com/

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't remember why I rated this three stars. It's been several months since I read it and unfortunately, I didn't write up my review of it but only made a quick note of what star rating I wanted it at and when I finished it. I'm pretty sure there were a few minor things that I didn't like because of the whole female spy thing. Fairly certain there were just a few predicaments that came up where she found herself in awkward/uncomfortable situations that I didn't really like. Other than that, it was cute and fun. I remember really enjoying the plot. Nothing funnier than both male and female spies working on the same case without knowing it.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read! It is hilarious how Miranda and Jeremy suspect each other as accomplices to the criminal and eventually discover each other's undercover status. There are many subtle details incorporated into the story that enhance the setting rather than detract from the action. I admit that I don't like trying to predict the outcome to the mysteries I read since I like being surprised, but there really aren't many hints given about the identity of the Phantom throughout the novel, so I enjoyed the ending and the reveal.

[A.M. Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute I spent on the Last Chance Ranch. Margaret kept me guessing and suspecting everyone in town as I followed not one, but TWO, undercover agents as they searched for the crafty Phantom who had been terrorizing the area. This was a fun cast, a great mystery, and a sweet couple. I love her style of storytelling and I look forward to reading more from Mrs. Brownley.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a re-read for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Applemily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miranda Hunt, an undercover Pinkerton, goes to the Last Chance Ranch in answer to an ad requesting an heiress. She uses the pseudonym Annie Beckman as a cover for investigating what the identity of the Phantom is. A Wells Fargo agent named Jeremy Taggert has been assigned to the same case but neither know of the other's occupation. They both accuse each other of being the Phantom until Taggert attempts to arrest Miranda upon finding her at the hideout, flashes his badge at her, and she flashes hers right back. Both feel an attraction towards each other but don't want to admit it. My favorite character was Jeremy Taggert. He plays his role so well that it would be hard to tell whether he was the gang leader himself pretending to be a regular gang member, just a gang member, or a lawman.

Favorite Quote:

Taggert: "If I kiss you again will you still accuse me of having ulterior motives?"
Miranda: "Probably." "Yes."

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first I wasn’t sure what I would think of this book. I had loved the first two so much, and the beginning of this book seemed to have some inconsistencies. Like questioning if Stretch, Feedbag, and some of the others who had been in the other books could have been the killer. This didn’t really fit the others. Also it was weird we got told all their real names in the first book, but Miranda could only figure out their “summer names” in this one. I ended up loving where Miranda and Jeremy’s story went and how Brownley concluded Elenor’s story. It was a super cute conclusion to the series.

[Julie Lence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gunpowder Tea by Margaret Brownley is a fun read. Set on a cattle ranch in Arizona, this western historical romance is also part mystery, with subtle touches of humor. The H/H are perfect for each other as they learn to work together to deduce who is behind the recent train and local bank thefts. Branch is one hot, hunky cowboy and Annie is smart as a whip. Honestly, I stayed up way past my bedtime to get to the end, because I just had to know whodunit. Ms. Brownley's writing style is concise and moves the romance and plot along at a steady pace. I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Tina at Mommynificent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series and especially this book so much! Pinkertons and Wells Fargo detectives took what was already a really fun series to an all-new level and made this one of my favorite series I've read in a long while. I enjoyed the main romance of this book, but it was the very satisfying ending for the overall series that really made this book for me. I'm also really hoping there is or will be a spin-off series about a new detective agency formed as a result of the events of this book!

[Jennie Pendergast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two undercover operatives find love in the old west.

Loved being with this author again. Miranda and Jeremy story was exciting . Both trying to keep their identity from each other and not trusting each other. But in the end working together and falling in love. They even gained a new family in Arizona. Eleanor Walker gained the daughter she so needed and also a new husband. Their was also one more marriage in the town too. Will read more by this author.

[Jan St Clair]

Great book and series

I really enjoyed Lori Wick and her writing style. These books are entertaining and the Christian faith is admirable. I enjoyed all the books and note: they should be read in order.

[Megan Torrance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story. A completely different style than either of the first two books. Still lots of twists and turns, but the characters from the first two books seemed to lack luster in this book comparatively. Still a pleasurable read.

[Anne Patkau · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Annie POV. Quiet prayers. Mysteries add up dangers, questions. Alias Annie, secret Pink agent, pours tea for boss Miss Walker, searches ranch for gang leader Phantom, mutual fascination alias Branch, secret Wells Fargo agent.Typo: 14.8 25.5 smithy ^smith

[Jenny Huening · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Christian fiction

Each book of this series was amazing. Read each one in order for maximum enjoyment. I love how much history that I I learned. In the second book she even brought back a character from another series which I loved.

[Laura Dvorak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of a series that i liked even if they're all kinda corny- they made me laugh and this one has a mystery too.

[Chere Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last in the trilogy. Wrapped up loose ends and ended on a good note. Enjoyable book.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read. A little mystery and romance. Some quirky characters.

[Terry Yaceyko · Rating 4 out of 5]

My least enjoyable book of the trilogy. Ok read.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great love story and it reminded me a bit of spy vs spy.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay, nothing to write home about.