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The Fortunes of Texas: Welcome to Horseback Hollow #4
A House Full of Fortunes!
A family-focused cowboy falls hard for the most single gal in town! USA TODAY bestselling author Judy Duarte returns with a new installment of The Fortunes of Texas: Welcome to Horseback Hollow!
Toby Fortune Jones has no problem with commitment. He's committed to his ranch, to his family and to the three foster children he's taken in! Lately, though, he can't seem to stop thinking about making a little time for dating. Specifically, one very particular, blue-eyed single gal…
Twenty-four years old and Angie Edwards still can't figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. She's tried her hand at everything—even helping Toby out with his adorable brood on occasion. Folks in Horseback Hollow have called her the Queen of First Dates, but now she thinks she might have met her match in the sexy cowboy! Is she ready for true love—and a full house?
Toby Fortune Jones has no problem with commitment. He's committed to his ranch, to his family and to the three foster children he's taken in! Lately, though, he can't seem to stop thinking about making a little time for dating. Specifically, one very particular, blue-eyed single gal…
Twenty-four years old and Angie Edwards still can't figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. She's tried her hand at everything—even helping Toby out with his adorable brood on occasion. Folks in Horseback Hollow have called her the Queen of First Dates, but now she thinks she might have met her match in the sexy cowboy! Is she ready for true love—and a full house?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 18, 2014
About the author
Judy Duarte
343 books101 followersWhen life threw Judy Duarte a curve twenty years ago, she did what many newly single mothers do. She pulled herself and her four kids together, became even more determined to come out on top, and decided to start following her dreams. What better role model could she provide her children than to show them that anything is possible? So, she returned to school, graduating from UC Irvine about the same time her oldest kids hit the teen years.
With her dream of getting her degree having come true, another dream presented itself by way of a new, perfect mate. Life was good again, but one dream still nagged at her:
"I always knew there was a book inside me, but since English was my least favorite subject in school, I never considered myself a writer."
All her life Judy has been spinning stories--telling tales to her kids as they grew up, plotting stories and creating characters to fill the time during carpool days and all those commutes back to college...and she never stopped dreaming of putting those stories on paper. Determined to follow her yearnings, she joined Romance Writers of America and met her critique partners Crystal Green and Sheri WhiteFeather (both are now multi-published award-winning authors and the trio have worked together and encouraged each other ever since).
“I might not have been a born writer, but I was a storyteller. The characters and plots came easy, but I had to learn how to make the scenes in my head come alive for the reader. And that meant I had to learn how to write.”
Judy's determination to become a published author grew and she began focusing on creating poignant stories designed to touch a reader's heart. As she fine-tuned her writing style and learned her craft, she found herself writing the stories she liked to read. Stories about families, second chances, and true love. In creating her own happily-ever-after stories she took ordinary characters, put them in emotionally compelling situations, and forced them to grow. They learned, as she had, that when a door is closed, they must look for that open window.
“Since I love books and movies in which people must overcome insurmountable odds to win and earn their happy-ever-after, those are the kinds of tales I like to create.”
Judy's unpublished stories won not only the coveted Emily (West Houston RWA Chapter) and Orange Rose (Orange County RWA Chapter) awards, but also earned her the status of a double RWA Golden Heart finalist in 2001.
Then Judy's dream became a reality in March 2002 when Silhouette Special Edition released her first book, COWBOY COURAGE. Since then, she has published seventeen books and is contracted to write three more. Her stories have touched the hearts of readers around the world. Her tales of redemption and renewed trust generate many fan letters from readers who tell her of the positive impact reading her stories have had in their lives.
A woman who had been shattered by her husband’s recent betrayal and desertion had not been able to read or watch anything that had a romance involved writes: I saw your book in the store, and the title caught my eye. (I have a thing for cowboys.) When I read the back cover, I bought it and couldn’t put it down. I finished it in one day. I still have my doubts about meeting a decent man and trusting again. But maybe in time I will be able to love again. I will be watching for your next book.
In July 2005, Judy won the prestigious Reader's Choice Award for THE RICH MAN'S SON.
“When I received the call telling me I had finaled in the Reader’s Choice, I was thrilled beyond measure. Being judged by real readers and recognized as a finalist was a joy in itself. I went to the ceremony honored to be in attendance. And when they announced me the winner, tears came to my eyes and a lump formed in my throat. It took days for my feet to touch the ground.”
Judy makes her home near the beach in Southern California with her husband, their son, and a cat
With her dream of getting her degree having come true, another dream presented itself by way of a new, perfect mate. Life was good again, but one dream still nagged at her:
"I always knew there was a book inside me, but since English was my least favorite subject in school, I never considered myself a writer."
All her life Judy has been spinning stories--telling tales to her kids as they grew up, plotting stories and creating characters to fill the time during carpool days and all those commutes back to college...and she never stopped dreaming of putting those stories on paper. Determined to follow her yearnings, she joined Romance Writers of America and met her critique partners Crystal Green and Sheri WhiteFeather (both are now multi-published award-winning authors and the trio have worked together and encouraged each other ever since).
“I might not have been a born writer, but I was a storyteller. The characters and plots came easy, but I had to learn how to make the scenes in my head come alive for the reader. And that meant I had to learn how to write.”
Judy's determination to become a published author grew and she began focusing on creating poignant stories designed to touch a reader's heart. As she fine-tuned her writing style and learned her craft, she found herself writing the stories she liked to read. Stories about families, second chances, and true love. In creating her own happily-ever-after stories she took ordinary characters, put them in emotionally compelling situations, and forced them to grow. They learned, as she had, that when a door is closed, they must look for that open window.
“Since I love books and movies in which people must overcome insurmountable odds to win and earn their happy-ever-after, those are the kinds of tales I like to create.”
Judy's unpublished stories won not only the coveted Emily (West Houston RWA Chapter) and Orange Rose (Orange County RWA Chapter) awards, but also earned her the status of a double RWA Golden Heart finalist in 2001.
Then Judy's dream became a reality in March 2002 when Silhouette Special Edition released her first book, COWBOY COURAGE. Since then, she has published seventeen books and is contracted to write three more. Her stories have touched the hearts of readers around the world. Her tales of redemption and renewed trust generate many fan letters from readers who tell her of the positive impact reading her stories have had in their lives.
A woman who had been shattered by her husband’s recent betrayal and desertion had not been able to read or watch anything that had a romance involved writes: I saw your book in the store, and the title caught my eye. (I have a thing for cowboys.) When I read the back cover, I bought it and couldn’t put it down. I finished it in one day. I still have my doubts about meeting a decent man and trusting again. But maybe in time I will be able to love again. I will be watching for your next book.
In July 2005, Judy won the prestigious Reader's Choice Award for THE RICH MAN'S SON.
“When I received the call telling me I had finaled in the Reader’s Choice, I was thrilled beyond measure. Being judged by real readers and recognized as a finalist was a joy in itself. I went to the ceremony honored to be in attendance. And when they announced me the winner, tears came to my eyes and a lump formed in my throat. It took days for my feet to touch the ground.”
Judy makes her home near the beach in Southern California with her husband, their son, and a cat
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 11, 2016
I loved this story. Just wish I'd read some of the other Fortune books as some of those characters were in this one. Even so, this can be read as a standalone.
Toby Fortune Jones has taken in three foster children whose mother died and whose aunt was sent to rehab because of an alcohol problem. He has his own ranch, which is doing quite well, although he isn't wealthy by any means.
Angie Edwards has a reputation for being flighty. She's gone from one job to another, never able to decide what she wants to do in life. Same way with dating. She's known as the Queen of First Dates because she seldom goes out twice with the same guy. She's just never felt that"zing" as she calls it with anyone. Not until Toby.
It starts with her helping out with the kids, picking them up at school, teaching them how to make homemade pizzas, staying with them when Toby has a meeting. Pretty soon they're looking and acting like a family. Toby's attraction for Angie is driving him crazy. She's all he thinks about but how can he act on his feelings when the kids are always around. Besides, he's aware of her reputation and if he does get involved with her how does he know she won't take off at some point? Expecting her to take on a ready made family seems like a lot to ask. The kids don't need any more instability in their lives and they're already attached to her.
I really liked the way this story played out. There was no rushing any physical relationship between Toby and Angie. Instead, they slowly got to know one another and enjoyed spending time together. I loved their interaction with the kids. Brian, Justin, and Kylie were adorable and I so wanted to see Toby become their permanent dad. When their aunt calls Toby out of the blue and starts making threats, saying she wants a relative in California to take the kids, Toby is furious. Unfortunately, this problem isn't solved by the end of the book so I figure it is addressed in future books in the series. Even so, this element of suspense didn't detract from the plot itself, which is focused on Angie and Toby's involvement, which just happens to include the children.
I also liked the character development in the story. While Angie might have been deemed indecisive, there was no doubting her commitment to Toby and the kids. Over the course of the story it finally dawns on her that this is what she's been looking for all along. She knows she won't be running away this time or changing course midstream. If only she could be sure of Toby's feelings for her. This was one very entertaining story that leaves you feeling all cozy and warm inside. Definitely recommend.
Toby Fortune Jones has taken in three foster children whose mother died and whose aunt was sent to rehab because of an alcohol problem. He has his own ranch, which is doing quite well, although he isn't wealthy by any means.
Angie Edwards has a reputation for being flighty. She's gone from one job to another, never able to decide what she wants to do in life. Same way with dating. She's known as the Queen of First Dates because she seldom goes out twice with the same guy. She's just never felt that"zing" as she calls it with anyone. Not until Toby.
It starts with her helping out with the kids, picking them up at school, teaching them how to make homemade pizzas, staying with them when Toby has a meeting. Pretty soon they're looking and acting like a family. Toby's attraction for Angie is driving him crazy. She's all he thinks about but how can he act on his feelings when the kids are always around. Besides, he's aware of her reputation and if he does get involved with her how does he know she won't take off at some point? Expecting her to take on a ready made family seems like a lot to ask. The kids don't need any more instability in their lives and they're already attached to her.
I really liked the way this story played out. There was no rushing any physical relationship between Toby and Angie. Instead, they slowly got to know one another and enjoyed spending time together. I loved their interaction with the kids. Brian, Justin, and Kylie were adorable and I so wanted to see Toby become their permanent dad. When their aunt calls Toby out of the blue and starts making threats, saying she wants a relative in California to take the kids, Toby is furious. Unfortunately, this problem isn't solved by the end of the book so I figure it is addressed in future books in the series. Even so, this element of suspense didn't detract from the plot itself, which is focused on Angie and Toby's involvement, which just happens to include the children.
I also liked the character development in the story. While Angie might have been deemed indecisive, there was no doubting her commitment to Toby and the kids. Over the course of the story it finally dawns on her that this is what she's been looking for all along. She knows she won't be running away this time or changing course midstream. If only she could be sure of Toby's feelings for her. This was one very entertaining story that leaves you feeling all cozy and warm inside. Definitely recommend.
April 2, 2014
Very good book. I really liked Toby and Angie from the very beginning. Toby is a young, single guy but family is very important to him. When he found out the three children were being sent to separate foster homes, he stepped up and took them in himself. It's been a bit of a challenge, but with the help of his family he's doing pretty well. The one thing he hasn't been able to do is carve out any time for a social life. When Angie steps in to help him during a crisis, suddenly he can't get her off his mind.
I really enjoyed seeing Toby handle being a single father. Overall he's doing a fantastic job of it, though he does have a few challenges, especially with the little girl. Pigtails and girly things just aren't something he's had to do before. He's been somewhat familiar with Angie all his life - it is a small town after all - but he doesn't really know her. Her willingness to help him out brings her to his attention, but he's cautious about getting involved with her. She has a reputation of not sticking with anything or anyone for long and the kids don't need anymore loss in their lives. He's also been burned by women who get involved with him because of his Fortune connections, but then can't handle the idea of him having three kids. I loved seeing him get to know her and learn about why she is the way she is. He starts to really enjoy being with her and thoughts of her staying keep popping into his mind. His attraction to her just adds to those thoughts. I loved seeing the appreciation he developed for her and how much he came to care for her. His fears about her not staying around make him think about pushing her away, especially when he runs into some potential trouble regarding his custody of the kids. He really fights with his desire to do what he sees as the right thing and what he wants to do.
Angie has been known for flitting from job to job and date to date. Her father used to tell her to think hard before making a commitment because once you did, that was it. As a result her philosophy is that when she finds something that is right for her she'll know it and there's no sense wasting time on things that aren't. I loved the way she sort of stumbled into helping Toby, just because she felt bad for the little girl who didn't want to go fishing with Toby and her brothers. It was fun to see her doing girly things with Kylie and I loved the way she got her neighbor involved too. She has had a lot of temp jobs and has learned interesting things from each one. There's a great scene where one of her bosses calls her "Little Miss Google" because she seems to know something about everything. I really enjoyed seeing her become part of Toby's family, even though she thought she was not anywhere good enough for him. She has a terrific way of dealing with the kids where everyone ends up happy with whatever she says. She's really attracted to Toby, but tries to resist. The more time she spends with him the more she gets to know him. She's really good at anticipating what he needs and is fantastic at making things easier for him. There's some real emotional turmoil at the end, and I loved seeing the solution that she came up with.
Toby's family plays a big part in the story of course, as they are all very close. I loved the family picnic and seeing how he tries to deal with their nosiness. I liked the way that they all made Angie feel welcome, and how she was comfortable enough to be herself. I also liked seeing the relationship between Angie and her mother and the influence that relationship had on Angie's attitudes as an adult. I loved her relationship with her neighbor Mr. Murdoch and how her caring nature included him too. The scene where he was doing the facial mask with Angie and Kylie was hysterical.
I loved Mr. Murdoch's feisty attitude and how his time as a Marine was made a part of his whole character. He acted like so many of the retired Marines that I know that he felt entirely real to me. The only problem I had was with Harlequin's failure to capitalize properly (marine instead of Marine, marine-corps instead of Marine Corps) but that is an ongoing complaint.
I really enjoyed seeing Toby handle being a single father. Overall he's doing a fantastic job of it, though he does have a few challenges, especially with the little girl. Pigtails and girly things just aren't something he's had to do before. He's been somewhat familiar with Angie all his life - it is a small town after all - but he doesn't really know her. Her willingness to help him out brings her to his attention, but he's cautious about getting involved with her. She has a reputation of not sticking with anything or anyone for long and the kids don't need anymore loss in their lives. He's also been burned by women who get involved with him because of his Fortune connections, but then can't handle the idea of him having three kids. I loved seeing him get to know her and learn about why she is the way she is. He starts to really enjoy being with her and thoughts of her staying keep popping into his mind. His attraction to her just adds to those thoughts. I loved seeing the appreciation he developed for her and how much he came to care for her. His fears about her not staying around make him think about pushing her away, especially when he runs into some potential trouble regarding his custody of the kids. He really fights with his desire to do what he sees as the right thing and what he wants to do.
Angie has been known for flitting from job to job and date to date. Her father used to tell her to think hard before making a commitment because once you did, that was it. As a result her philosophy is that when she finds something that is right for her she'll know it and there's no sense wasting time on things that aren't. I loved the way she sort of stumbled into helping Toby, just because she felt bad for the little girl who didn't want to go fishing with Toby and her brothers. It was fun to see her doing girly things with Kylie and I loved the way she got her neighbor involved too. She has had a lot of temp jobs and has learned interesting things from each one. There's a great scene where one of her bosses calls her "Little Miss Google" because she seems to know something about everything. I really enjoyed seeing her become part of Toby's family, even though she thought she was not anywhere good enough for him. She has a terrific way of dealing with the kids where everyone ends up happy with whatever she says. She's really attracted to Toby, but tries to resist. The more time she spends with him the more she gets to know him. She's really good at anticipating what he needs and is fantastic at making things easier for him. There's some real emotional turmoil at the end, and I loved seeing the solution that she came up with.
Toby's family plays a big part in the story of course, as they are all very close. I loved the family picnic and seeing how he tries to deal with their nosiness. I liked the way that they all made Angie feel welcome, and how she was comfortable enough to be herself. I also liked seeing the relationship between Angie and her mother and the influence that relationship had on Angie's attitudes as an adult. I loved her relationship with her neighbor Mr. Murdoch and how her caring nature included him too. The scene where he was doing the facial mask with Angie and Kylie was hysterical.
I loved Mr. Murdoch's feisty attitude and how his time as a Marine was made a part of his whole character. He acted like so many of the retired Marines that I know that he felt entirely real to me. The only problem I had was with Harlequin's failure to capitalize properly (marine instead of Marine, marine-corps instead of Marine Corps) but that is an ongoing complaint.
August 7, 2014
Cute story. Kinda conflict-free and fluffy, but cute & a fun read.
Set in a small town near Lubbock- which--Duarte, or the HQN editors should have just called it 'Horseshoe,' since Muleshoe is a town near Lubbock, but I guess adding Hollow makes it sound nicer to the rest of the country... And I did wonder a bit about the mud the ranch mom was worried about tracking in... my first thought was "what mud?" Admittedly, I lived an hour from Amarillo when I lived in the Panhandle, 2-1/2 from Lubbock, but they didn't get any more rain than we did...
Set in a small town near Lubbock- which--Duarte, or the HQN editors should have just called it 'Horseshoe,' since Muleshoe is a town near Lubbock, but I guess adding Hollow makes it sound nicer to the rest of the country... And I did wonder a bit about the mud the ranch mom was worried about tracking in... my first thought was "what mud?" Admittedly, I lived an hour from Amarillo when I lived in the Panhandle, 2-1/2 from Lubbock, but they didn't get any more rain than we did...
October 26, 2016
I liked this book except for the ending. What happens with the aunt, the adoption, and the distant ex con relative. I think this should have been addressed in this book.
May 13, 2019
Cute, quick read. Toby Fortune Jones is a great guy who has taken in three foster children. His life is a bit hectic and doesn’t leave much time for a love life. Angie Edwards has been flitting from job to job, and is queen of the first dates. She just cannot seem to find anything that she is passionate about. She starts helping Toby out with his charges, and they both realize that they are attracted to each other. Toby and Angie are likable, the plot was a little contrived, but overall was an okay read.
September 8, 2026
This was very hard to rate. I hoped it would stay a 5 but it didn’t :(
Start was excellent.
Angie Edward’s is a great character. I think I will keep this book because of her and the humor.
It lost stars for a drop in the “wholesome factor”.
Start was excellent.
Angie Edward’s is a great character. I think I will keep this book because of her and the humor.
It lost stars for a drop in the “wholesome factor”.
August 3, 2018
This is the 1st book I read by Judy Duarte. I was interested in the kids but the storyline & Angie were boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2014
A House full Of fortunes one of The Fortunes Of Texas: Welcome to Horseback Hollow. It was a very good book. Toby takes in three foster children instead of having they divided up. A single guy. Two boys and one girl. The one boy acts out a lot. Angie worked part time at a lot of different jobs throughout her life. Everyone figured she was a flake and a loser. Toby and the kids meet her at the supermarket that she works part time at. They connect. A lot goes on in the story. Well worth reading.
April 7, 2014
A House Full of Fortunes!
A House Full of Fortunes!
I'm not sure I have read any books written by Judy Duarte but I can tell you I enjoyed this book very much. Reading the stories about the Fortunes and with them written by different authors has been surprising each authors have written so well and they have kept pretty consistent with each story.
Often I value a book with up and down motions and often become my favorites. But occasionally I find a book that is just an enjoyment to read and this one that I enjoyed just as much.
A House Full of Fortunes!
I'm not sure I have read any books written by Judy Duarte but I can tell you I enjoyed this book very much. Reading the stories about the Fortunes and with them written by different authors has been surprising each authors have written so well and they have kept pretty consistent with each story.
Often I value a book with up and down motions and often become my favorites. But occasionally I find a book that is just an enjoyment to read and this one that I enjoyed just as much.
Read
April 1, 2014"Duarte's latest tale is fun and heartwarming, set in a picturesque small town with meddling residents. It's a joy to watch a seemingly unsuitable couple fall in love, and Duarte's three littlest stars add to the richness of this romantic story (RT Book Reviews)". 4 1/2 stars
Miniseries: The Fortunes of Texas: Welcome to Horseback H
Miniseries: The Fortunes of Texas: Welcome to Horseback H
August 15, 2014
You can't help but love a cowboy who is willing to raise needy kids. Hooray for men who give up their freedom for others. I loved the heroine's journey to find her way. Sexy–Yum!
January 12, 2016
I loved it. Such a sweet romance and I loved the children. I want to hear more about them though. Cannot wait to read the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews