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The Promised Land #1
Willow
Willow Gail Dulan didn't like Rafe Pierce when he read her father's will. She sure didn't like him when he tried to talk Hank Gibson out of letting her and her four newly-found sisters travel to California with the wagon train of mail-order brides.
Rafe was totally against the idea of Jake Dulan's daughters going with the train. He would like nothing better than to leave Willow for the rattlesnakes and Indians. The feeling is mutual.
They lock horns and refuse to budge. Both have a scarred heart from previous experiences, and a temper, so the fireworks explode every time they're in each other's presence, which is often since Rafe drew the short straw and has to bring up the rear of the train...right where the Dulan girls' wagon is located.
Willow and Rafe both realize that out there, beyond the sunsets they both love, lies the Promised Land. It's not a place or destination, but a spirit and a journey which draws them into the peace of its bosom to rock away the cares of life. But will they ever admit they need each other to reach that Promised Land?
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2003
450 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
181 books4,125 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 26, 2021
I enjoyed reading the book and couldn’t seem to put it down! It was an enjoyable place to escape to, and it opened my eyes to the possible lives of real people in that time period. I really enjoyed the way it was writing, and it had me laughing out loud a couple of times.
But considering that it was a romance, there was one thing wrong with it . . . I didn’t like the romance. The two love interests genuinely did not seem to get along, except for physical attraction and that they are both hot-headed with a quick temper. I don’t see that relationship lasting long. But it was a fun read, and I’m looking forward to the other sister’s futures.
But considering that it was a romance, there was one thing wrong with it . . . I didn’t like the romance. The two love interests genuinely did not seem to get along, except for physical attraction and that they are both hot-headed with a quick temper. I don’t see that relationship lasting long. But it was a fun read, and I’m looking forward to the other sister’s futures.
June 12, 2020
I had so much fun reading this book! My children frequently laughed at me laughing out loud in a devilish way while reading this book on vacation (for my memory, I read it on a lounge bed under a canopy at Virginia Beach)! Loved the characters, the story line, and the love/hate romance. And it was clean! Such a fun read. Can't wait for the next one in the series!
July 24, 2017
What a Fun Book!!
Many years ago, I read almost nothing but historicals; however, I burned out on them and turned to current fiction. I am so glad that my taste again includes historical literature, because otherwise, I wouldn't have discovered your "Willow." It almost makes me wish I were a Dulan! It's a great book that I would recommend to anyone. Thanks for all you do, Ms Brown.😀😄
Many years ago, I read almost nothing but historicals; however, I burned out on them and turned to current fiction. I am so glad that my taste again includes historical literature, because otherwise, I wouldn't have discovered your "Willow." It almost makes me wish I were a Dulan! It's a great book that I would recommend to anyone. Thanks for all you do, Ms Brown.😀😄
June 18, 2018
A Great Beginning!
Needless to say, I am a huge fan of Carolyn's books. This one is number one in the beginning of another series. I was not disappointed at all in this book. I can't wait to start reading book number two in this series.
Needless to say, I am a huge fan of Carolyn's books. This one is number one in the beginning of another series. I was not disappointed at all in this book. I can't wait to start reading book number two in this series.
March 12, 2016
Sweet Little story where the heroine is a bit too capable but I would rather have that than a week one.
June 2, 2020
First in this series
This book was the first in this series. I really liked the characters of all of the sisters, but this book focused on the book’s title namesake of Willow. She really is is great character, You will really grow to love her and be dying to find out more about her sisters,
This book was the first in this series. I really liked the characters of all of the sisters, but this book focused on the book’s title namesake of Willow. She really is is great character, You will really grow to love her and be dying to find out more about her sisters,
March 28, 2021
Another hit!!
Well, I have just finished the whole series involving the unusual, but intrepid Dulan sisters. I read it backwards, but each story was fun and interesting, and different from the others.
I loved each one, and was glad to have read it.
This comes with my hearty recommendation for all the books in the series.
Well, I have just finished the whole series involving the unusual, but intrepid Dulan sisters. I read it backwards, but each story was fun and interesting, and different from the others.
I loved each one, and was glad to have read it.
This comes with my hearty recommendation for all the books in the series.
September 22, 2021
Willow is a heroine. Avoiding spoilers, she is capable of heroic deeds (as well as being the main character). And she loves sunsets.
You'll love her sisters, too, on their unplanned wagon trek to California to become miners' brides.
The book: library hardcover, mass-market paperback size, highly readable font size. Disappointingly cheap cover (just a tree, only somewhat like a willow).
You'll love her sisters, too, on their unplanned wagon trek to California to become miners' brides.
The book: library hardcover, mass-market paperback size, highly readable font size. Disappointingly cheap cover (just a tree, only somewhat like a willow).
October 18, 2021
Go West Young Woman!
The story of Willow Dylan and Rafe Pierce is an accounting based on true events of the bride trains that brought women to the gold fields of California. Once again Ms Brown has woven a fine tale of what might have happened along the trail. A very enjoyable read, I look forward to the sequel.
The story of Willow Dylan and Rafe Pierce is an accounting based on true events of the bride trains that brought women to the gold fields of California. Once again Ms Brown has woven a fine tale of what might have happened along the trail. A very enjoyable read, I look forward to the sequel.
June 6, 2023
I appreaciate the credible fights between the two
very different from what we see in a lot of other romance books, which tend to make them look as if the story is set in high school or something
that being said
the constant repeat of "cowboy" was incredibly annoying
other than that
this was ok
thought the resolution was a bit lackluster and therefore not very memorable
very different from what we see in a lot of other romance books, which tend to make them look as if the story is set in high school or something
that being said
the constant repeat of "cowboy" was incredibly annoying
other than that
this was ok
thought the resolution was a bit lackluster and therefore not very memorable
February 14, 2018
This made for a very clean, but cute romance. No profanity/sex scenes etc. A sweet historical romance with a strong willed heroine. I will definitely check out more in the series. I also appreciate them being offered on kindleunlimited.
October 9, 2019
Another Hit
Carolyn Brown hits the trail out west in a wagon train and it is definitely a winner. She has the ability to take a dirty, dusty, dangerous trip and turn it into sunsets. Making strong women sassy and gnarly men attractive. A romance in grit.
Carolyn Brown hits the trail out west in a wagon train and it is definitely a winner. She has the ability to take a dirty, dusty, dangerous trip and turn it into sunsets. Making strong women sassy and gnarly men attractive. A romance in grit.
May 15, 2020
Enjoyed Willow
This is a book about a strong willed woman who meets 5 sisters she didn't know she had and the journey to California. She never made it to the promise land but she found her promise man. Happily ever after. Great boom. I can't wait to read the rest of this series
This is a book about a strong willed woman who meets 5 sisters she didn't know she had and the journey to California. She never made it to the promise land but she found her promise man. Happily ever after. Great boom. I can't wait to read the rest of this series
August 20, 2020
Like a bag of lollies this author writes sweet morish
books that keep you dipping in till the last page you then go on to the next satisfying with putting on weight
A lovely read! What more could you want.
Another winner for this prolific w
Writer may she write many more well done
books that keep you dipping in till the last page you then go on to the next satisfying with putting on weight
A lovely read! What more could you want.
Another winner for this prolific w
Writer may she write many more well done
April 11, 2021
Another winner.
It's because. It's another Carolyn Brown book. She just keeps writing those good books.This one will put a hitch in your get along.Please read this book. She is a great writer .
It's because. It's another Carolyn Brown book. She just keeps writing those good books.This one will put a hitch in your get along.Please read this book. She is a great writer .
May 27, 2022
A western and romance
This was a good read. I would recommend it to all. Nothing like a trail ride. I don't tell what is in the books I read. That is for you to read and find out. Off to my next adventure.
This was a good read. I would recommend it to all. Nothing like a trail ride. I don't tell what is in the books I read. That is for you to read and find out. Off to my next adventure.
November 26, 2022
I’ve read quite a few books by Carolyn Brown. Picked this up without reading the synopsis since it was late and I ‘needed’ a book. I wasn’t sure I’d like the historical aspect but was soon drawn in. Predictably I got to the end and have immediately picked up the sequel.
October 5, 2024
Promised Land indeed
I thought these two would end up together but they fight like cats and dogs. But through it all love and respect grow. As they ride off to Nebraska the youngest of the Dulan sisters leaves the company
I thought these two would end up together but they fight like cats and dogs. But through it all love and respect grow. As they ride off to Nebraska the youngest of the Dulan sisters leaves the company
July 4, 2017
Still chuckling
Willow is a woman many of us want to be! Rage is the man most of us want to find.
And Carolyn Brown knows how to weave a tale with humor and perspicacity.
Willow is a woman many of us want to be! Rage is the man most of us want to find.
And Carolyn Brown knows how to weave a tale with humor and perspicacity.
September 27, 2017
Sunset!
This was a fun read and I laughed through out the story. As usual Carolyn did a fine job writing this story.
This was a fun read and I laughed through out the story. As usual Carolyn did a fine job writing this story.
June 30, 2018
Nice little gem of its type.
December 9, 2018
Very good book
I liked this book because it was believable and clean. It had a good storyline too. I love happy endings and this definitely has one!
I liked this book because it was believable and clean. It had a good storyline too. I love happy endings and this definitely has one!
February 25, 2019
This was a quick easy read to help pull me through a lull.
July 6, 2019
Whew!!!!
Loved loved loved this story. Ending was way too short. Hope we see more of them in the next book!. Keep writing girl!
Loved loved loved this story. Ending was way too short. Hope we see more of them in the next book!. Keep writing girl!
August 24, 2019
I always feel good when I read Carolyn Brown's stories.
This was the first of a series and I look forward to the next one. There are four more sisters to learn about.
This was the first of a series and I look forward to the next one. There are four more sisters to learn about.
June 11, 2020
Willow( Promised Land Romance)
This is a good story about five sisters with the same dad meet at his funeral and they join a wagon train and the youngest daughter finds love
This is a good story about five sisters with the same dad meet at his funeral and they join a wagon train and the youngest daughter finds love
July 31, 2020
Great Read
Good story you will love it. It starts fast and doesn’t stop until you get to the end. The people in the story are real.
Good story you will love it. It starts fast and doesn’t stop until you get to the end. The people in the story are real.
March 14, 2021
Finding your destiny
One woman setting out to make peace with her dying father. She finds 4 sisters and a wagon train. She also finds her forever man.
One woman setting out to make peace with her dying father. She finds 4 sisters and a wagon train. She also finds her forever man.
September 23, 2021
predictable
Though it was a predictable outcome, this story is full of twists and turns making this an enjoyable read. Highly recommend it!
Though it was a predictable outcome, this story is full of twists and turns making this an enjoyable read. Highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews