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Bardville, Wyoming #1

A Stranger in the Family

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This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00457VKIA

A sexy, intriguing stranger arrives unexpectedly at her Wyoming ranch, threatening the one thing Cambria protects more fiercely than her heart - her family.

He came for his son. He never expected her.
A sexy, intriguing stranger arrives out of the blue at her Wyoming ranch, threatening the one thing Cambria protects more fiercely than her heart — her family. Bodie’s discovery that he fathered a son 17 years ago leads him to the warm and welcoming Weston family. That’s the easy part. But his response to one member of the family is far more than he ever expected. The sparks between him and Cambria are real … and so is the danger to his hopes for their future if she finds out why he’s really in Wyoming.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 1995

688 people are currently reading
1849 people want to read

About the author

Patricia McLinn

128 books313 followers
USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn’s novels—cited by reviewers for warmth, wit and vivid characterization – have won numerous regional and national awards and been on national bestseller lists.

In addition to her romance and women’s fiction books, Patricia is the author of the Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, which adds a touch of humor and romance to figuring out whodunit.

Patricia received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University. She was a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.), assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.) and—for 20-plus years—an editor at the Washington Post.

She has spoken about writing from Melbourne, Australia to Washington, D.C., including being a guest-speaker at the Smithsonian Institution. She is now living in Northern Kentucky, and writing full-time. Patricia loves to hear from readers through her website, Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.

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5 stars
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455 (25%)
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114 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
Profile Image for Tina.
790 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2011
Okay, I've just gotta say… that cover is bad. I had seen this book a couple times on Amazon, but each time, I just said 'no way' because of the cover. I wasn't familiar with the author, and the book was free, so I assumed the story would be equally as bad as the cover… or worse. I was way off base!

I'm not exactly sure why I did get it though, or why—out of so many TBR's—I chose to read it now instead of putting it off. But I am so glad I read this book. It literally blew me away. This novel took me a while to read because it struck such an emotional chord with me that I kept going into an introspective daze.

The characters are extremely well portrayed without having too much back story bogging down the main story. I connected with these characters—not just Cambria and Boone either, but the whole cast—on such a deep level that when I finished reading, it was like saying 'Goodbye' to a loved one. And I really adore Cambria, I see so much of myself in her. I think that's why I was so emotionally invested in the book… I wanted her to have her HEA.

This is a beautifully written romance, that in spite of my initial judgement turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent reading it, and recommend it to those that enjoy reading about characters that come to terms with life, love, and family, while growing and becoming better people in the process. To say I loved this book would be such an understatement. But I really loved this book!
Profile Image for Anne OK.
4,103 reviews553 followers
October 1, 2011
Book One in McLinn's "Bardville, Wyoming Trilogy" and a wonderful debut to what I'm counting on to be a positive reading experience. When a man suddenly finds out he's the father of a sixteen-year old boy, it's a shocker. As a young man of 18, Bodie Smith broke up with his girlfriend, joined the military and left town. The girlfriend didn't bother telling him she was pregnant, nor later advise him that he was a father. She put the baby up for adoption, never mentioned him again, and life went on. Quite by accident, a friend from Bodie Smith's past, who is also the cousin to the former girlfriend, lets the information slip. Bodie wants to do the right thing and this book is his journey to completing his goal. When Bodie finds his son, things take a turn that leave him inadequately prepared to face his past. "A Stranger in the Family" was an emotionally strong story with characters that were delightful and well-developed. There's a love story that touches your heart and brings you to tears. There's also an abundance of love and humor that completes a wonderfully rewarding read.
Profile Image for Diane Bleyer.
130 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2014
Boring

Boring

I hate to be critical, but this book dragged. I finally started skipping whole sections--something I rarely do. the premise
Profile Image for Tonileg.
2,243 reviews26 followers
September 25, 2011
This was painfully realistic for me. I usually like my guilty pleasure reading (romance novels) as exactly that, i.e. fantasy. I get enough grief, sorrow and sacrifice in my everyday life that I don't need to add to it. This was a story about redemption and love.
Profile Image for Cindy.
599 reviews77 followers
August 22, 2013
I am halfway through and it is getting boring. I would like to read the ending so will continue. Finally, succeeded in finishing it and deleted off Kindle right away.
2,511 reviews6 followers
July 31, 2019
With over 2,000 ratings & reviews already done, there’s nothing new for me to say. Nonetheless, I MUST say that this is a wonderful romance with very interesting subplots and incredibly well drawn characters. Great book!
Profile Image for Judi Easley.
1,496 reviews48 followers
February 16, 2017
My Review:
First response: I think I might have just found a new favorite author. Full review soon.

Yup! I gave this first book in the trilogy a 5-star rating, and then I read the rest of the three books! I really enjoyed the way the books were written. I looked through my Kindle library and discovered that I have a half a dozen or so more books by this author, so I must like the story lines in the summaries for her books. I guess you'll be seeing more reviews of her books. But for now, I'm going to do a review of the trilogy all in one.

The story takes place in Bardville, WY. That's where the Weston Ranch is with its Guest Quarters. Downtown, Jessa Tarrant owns a store called, Nearly Everything, but people mostly just call it Jessa's place. Near to the Weston Ranch(near is relative in WY) is the Circle CR owned by Dax Randall and his son, Will. There's a sheriff that keeps the peace, named Tom Milano. Sheriff Milano talks out of two sides of his mouth, but he makes sure that people are taken care of and they are safe. Those that need the law, get the law and those that need help, get help. He's just waiting to retire while the new sheriff he's picked gets himself elected. But I can't say more about that 'cause that would be a spoiler.

In the first book, Boone Dorsey "Bodie" Smith comes to Bardville looking for the son he didn't know he'd fathered by his high school girlfriend before he went into the Army. He's not much of a people person, so he steps all over things and makes quite a mess. He wants a reservation at the Guest Quarters a couple weeks before they even open for the season. He wants to stay a month when most people stay a couple of days. And he's driving a shiny, top-of-the-line four-wheel-drive vehicle that he parks next to a ramshackle pickup truck that belongs to the ranch. Ted and Irene Weston's daughter, Cambria, knows he's up to something from the very beginning, but she can't figure out what. So she won't give him an inch, even though the two are having a hard time resisting each other. Well, book one has its HEA for the couple. Bodie just has to learn that he can't have everything his way all the time.

These characters and situations were drawn with such skill, I read this book in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, and I don't usually like the "western" or "cowboy" romances. This one was set in a small town and had cowboys on horses, so it definitely was a cowboy romance, but it just had something that made it so readable, I just didn't want to put it down even to stop to eat. Mr. Blue Cat was kind enough to bring me a mug of soup with some crackers so I could keep going. So sweet! Romance lives!

**This was a Book Bub purchase on Amazon. The following two books were purchased on Amazon at full price after reading the first one. I am providing honest reviews, but am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.**
Profile Image for Goddess Of Blah.
514 reviews76 followers
July 18, 2013
The plot is really good and the male protagonist is an interesting character, however, I did get bored so only read a few chapters.
description

The problem was that the story (for me) wasn't well paced, it deviates from the plot and the heroine was really annoying.

The Heroine is a 30-ish, former Washing DC dwelling, hospitality trained singleton. However, she resembles an angst-y teen and despite her hospitality experience doesn't seem to be able to use any of those skills when dealing with the hero (a house guest). She also appears to go hot and cold on the poor guy.


The author does explain that the heroine is not naturally social (an introvert - strange career choice) however, the unnecessary hostile attitude bordered on the childish aggressive side and was frightfully embarrassing to read.

There were many cringe-worthy embarrassing moments - the instant attraction - the "Oh my God" glances she shared with him, which was off putting. It's a personal thing with me - I just don't like hormonal roller-coasters. I prefer a subtle build up of emotions that creates tension - not an instant bang.
We could also do without the melodramatic, high octane, cringe-worthy impression - the hero made on our heroine's sensibilities (when she first laid eyes on him - it was a gagging moment).


The story was taken up with far too much detail regarding the heroine, her encounters with the hero, the constant emotional stimulus, a surfeit of suspicion, the heroine's friend Jeesa and Jessa's shop. These all deviated from the actual story regarding a father meeting his son for the first time in 17 years.

In fact - there was several sentences dedicated in detailing the angst, lust and shock - experienced by the hero and heroine - when they first laid eyes on each other, more so than when a father first encounters his son.

Additionally, it seemed odd that the hero was busy pursuing a relationship with the heroine rather than his son (the purpose of his secret visit). Surely a skilled businessmen couldn't find it that difficult to befriend a 17 year old boy? I don't think it requires Machiavellian tactics, particularly as Pete (the son) is a fairly easy going sort.
description
However, we don't receive any details with regards to the hero's MO on how he plans to "get to know" his son. It also seemed to be a superfluous action to try and obtain information regarding Pete from the heroine's friend. Surely having one of your skilled PI's/minions could have researched that better by asking around fellow school kids? I don't socialise with my friend's kids brother nor would I relate anything horrible about them to a stranger.


Anyway, the story didn't seem plausible, the romance was far too much of the instant attraction, melodramatic and immature kind (her suspicious behaviour occurred far too early in the novel - and even if one is suspicious - no need to be so hostile about it - arms-length civility costs nothing and is far more disarming).

Anyway, the hero has a weird name - Boone but otherwise an ok character. I think if the heroine and the romance aspect was modified - and far more details relating to the actual plot of a father finding son tale - this book would be pretty good.

If I had more time- perhaps I would have given this more time and may have eventually enjoyed it. Hence, do give this a try.
Profile Image for Terric853.
661 reviews3 followers
May 12, 2015
Boone Smith (also known as Bodie) finds out that he and his high school girlfriend had a son 16 years ago, so he hires a friend to find the boy so he can see for himself whether the boy is happy and well-cared-for. His son, Pete Weston, lives with his adoptive parents and sister on a working ranch in Wyoming that doubles as a bed-and-breakfast in the summer. Boone rents a cabin at the B&B for a month to get to know his son. Pete's older (adoptive) sister, Cambria, was badly hurt by her ex-fiance and is suspicious of all men. She "knows" Boone is up to no good and does everything she can to keep him at arms' length from her family.

Of course, Boone and Cambria are wildly attracted to each other, despite her prickliness and his secretiveness. The fight and try to resist each other, but ultimately end up in bed and in love. Of course, when the truth comes out, Cam is convinced that Boone felt nothing for her and was just using her to get to Pete.

Cam's prickliness got on my nerves, as did Boone's need to control everyone and everything. But, it was a freebie, so I can't complain too much.
Profile Image for Cathleen.
738 reviews19 followers
August 11, 2013
"A Stranger In The Family" by Patricia McLinn is a not a bad read it just didn't involve my attention enough.

The story is about a man, Brodie Dorsey" who discovers he has a son. He has a friend of his do some investigating to find out where he is and who adopted him.

With the information he gets from his friend, he travels to Wyoming and stays at the Guest Ranch where his son and his adoptive family live, own and operate. He meets Cambria, the younger sister of Ted, the adoptive father. In all these years of being alone and focused on his business he has never met a woman who fascinates him more then Cambria.

Though the storyline is interesting I found myself at times bored with the conversations and the slow story progression. I skipped through a lot of pages skim read until I found something that caught my interest.

So if you enjoy a slow read then this is the book for you.....
Profile Image for Reggie.
2,887 reviews
March 11, 2014
Agree with several reviewers, book was ok but did not grab my attention. Took forever to complete.
573 reviews
May 20, 2023
Cambria Weston
Bodie (Boone) Dorsey Smith

Bodie has a successful business in North Carolina, and just found out he has a son that lives outside Bardsville, Wy, who his high school sweetheart put up for adoption after he left for the Army. Cambria runs the Bed and Breakfast her parents operate on their ranch. Cambria also happens to be Brodie’s son Pete’s sister. Brodie leaves North Carolina to go stay at the Bed and Breakfast where his son is to see how he’s doing and get to know him and see if Pete will accept him in his life. Bodie has always shown his love for people by doing for them only to drive them away, but Cambria calls him out on it and tells him he needs to change. Cambria also has problems with the past, in that her Mom up and left Cambria with Ted her Stepdad. Cambria has trust issues. In order for Cambria and Bodie to get together they both need to work through problems arising from their pasts. This was a very good book. I enjoyed the family relationship of the Weston’s, their patchwork family. I thought Bodie learned a lot and was genuinely trying to change. I would definitely read more books by this author and the series.
Profile Image for Ronnae Stately.
763 reviews
March 18, 2022
This little story told of family, love, and what secrets can do to destroy or heal. Boone finds out he has a son that was given up for adoption so he goes looking to see what he con do for his son. But things go south once he meets his son’s family. The sister that intrigues him and the mother and father that have raised him to be steadfast and true on his own. Cambria has her own secrets about why she has devoted her life to her family instead of seeking out her own. But meeting Boone makes her realize that there is more to life than just getting along and keeping your secrets to yourself. In truth I found this story intriguing and wanted more especially how Boone and Cambria meld their lives and whether or not Boone ever catches up with his sister Kenzie.
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,133 reviews46 followers
July 6, 2022
An interesting story with well-developed characters, descriptive surroundings, intriguing plot, and even though it is part of a trilogy, the author did an amazing job of making the book complete as a stand-alone without dangling and frustrating ends. For those readers who don't like 'explicitive bedroom scenes', there is one chapter in this book containing such scenes, which I felt would have been better left out. The language was clean, in the sense that there is no swearing or vulgarity in the writing.

This is my first read by this author, and this book certainly held my attention to the end. I had no idea what to expect from looking at the cover, and I seldom read blurbs as I don't like spoilers. This author can write.
Profile Image for Terri.
2,361 reviews52 followers
June 20, 2019
This was a good romance that also revolved around family--no matter how that family comes about.
Bodie discovers he has a son he never knew about and heads out to meet him to see if he's doing okay. He finds Cambria and her family, including his son. As he and Cambria become closer, Bodie feels the weight of the secret he's keeping from the whole family. Will it destroy the love Cambria is just starting to feel for him?
492 reviews24 followers
August 30, 2021
I found this a light easy read , great to read during Lockdown with Covid -19. Good story line , a successful business man discovers he has fathered a child 17 years ago and sets out to find him . In the process he find love , but this complicates things and he fears he has lost the people he loves.
I enjoyed reading the free e-copy and thank the author for enabling me to enjoy life on a ranch in Wyoming for a short time .
1,167 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2023
Well this is bad.
It’s boring and slow.
Don’t like Cam at all, she is supposed to be 30 but is just a little bitch.
The way she treats guests and talks about them is just disgusting.
Who needs enemies when you know her.
Skipped most of the book because it just dragged on and on about nothing.
And just didn’t like Cam, she is a turn off.
Don’t care if they get together or not.
There is nothing between them.
The only reason I kept reading was Pete. Want to know how he took the news.
567 reviews5 followers
August 9, 2019
A Stranger in the Family (Bardville, Wyoming Trilogy, Book 1)

I loved this book,it had it all, a strong ex - military man faces off with an equally stronger woman determined to protect what is hers from all outsiders, no matter whatever the cost. But did she really have the right? Great read!! BRAVO 👏👏BRAVO
4,538 reviews29 followers
August 22, 2021
I liked Boone but I found Cambria seriously off putting. She wouldn’t let him speak and then she overreacted when she found out what he was trying to say. I’m glad it ended well but it was like living in an armed camp getting through the story because of her constant suspicion and hostility. Exhausting.
1,227 reviews
January 5, 2022
This was a truly enjoyable read. Boone is a man in charge of everything in his life and feels he needs to be in charge of everyone around him. He discovers he is a father and with the help of his friend and Cambria learns how to step back. This was a very heart warming story and looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Beth.
2,909 reviews26 followers
May 20, 2017
Enjoyable book. Interesting characters. The storyline allows for some intriguing character development though the premise gets tough to take with some of the interactions between the main characters. McClinn does a good job conveying her characters warmth and emotion.
11 reviews
May 24, 2017
A sweet surprise

I had this book in my library for a bit and finally read it when at loose ends. This story made me feel. I loved the characters, I appreciated the story and I'm glad I made the time. I will read other books by Patricia.
Profile Image for Ed Burke.
126 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2019
Sooo good.

This is a re-read for me but it holds up and was better the second time. Every aspect in this tale is relatable, sensitively written and characters fully realized. Well done, TM.
52 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2021
A Stranger in the Family

This is a well written, well edited story with good character development and a great ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who loves the ties that bind in family and love relationships.
398 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2021
Really liked this one

I really liked reading this book. Of course it is always fun to have an incredibly wealthy male and a stubborn female with a few more interesting characters, but this is just a good story.
80 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2021
Unknown son

Sometimes when you look for one thing.you find something more valuable. Love sometimes appears when we least expect it. This is what happened to Brodie as he was looking for his unknown son.
Profile Image for Karen  Weiss.
131 reviews
October 14, 2021
nice

This was a nice read. I enjoy the writing style of this author and read many of her books. This one was a little off what I am used to reading from her, but I loved it none the same. Just a nice, comfortable read for me.
70 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2021
Life's lessons

Coming to terms with your past in present time. People, places, time and life choices clash together. Taking charge or taking the time to listen makes a complex storyline that the author threaded together very well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews

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