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Whispering Mountain #7
Promise Me Texas
On a midnight train, four hours away from her wedding, Beth McMurray discovers the devastating truth about the powerful senator she's about to marry. Convinced nothing could make this stormy night worse, the train wrecks, and she tumbles straight into the arms of an outlaw.
Andrew McLaughlin doesn't believe in loving except between the pages of his writings. He loved deeply once and thinks he'll never survive another loss. To save a friend, he climbs aboard a train heading toward Dallas. In the moment before the train crashes, he saves a beautiful woman and is injured in the fall. He wakes up to find she’s claimed him as her fiancé—and now they’re both on the run, and destined to do everything it takes to make an unexpected promise of love come true.
Andrew McLaughlin doesn't believe in loving except between the pages of his writings. He loved deeply once and thinks he'll never survive another loss. To save a friend, he climbs aboard a train heading toward Dallas. In the moment before the train crashes, he saves a beautiful woman and is injured in the fall. He wakes up to find she’s claimed him as her fiancé—and now they’re both on the run, and destined to do everything it takes to make an unexpected promise of love come true.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2013
151 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Thomas
111 books2,509 followersI'm a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author, wife, mother, in-law, grandmother, sister, friend, and owner of one fat cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 9, 2017
With great anticipation and sorrow we reach the end of the Whispering Mountain series. The story of Beth and Andrew is strong, it can stand on its own. If you have not read any other books in the series you won't be lost.
However, if you have read the other six books you may be disappointed. This was the perfect opportunity to finish dangling story lines; Anna in the convent,numerous foster children, and Duncan's identity hidden in Rose's bag. It was the time to bring everyone in the McMurray family back together and introduce us to the children and update us about their lives. It happens in a very limited way. For me, reading a series is a way of not having to say goodbye to a beloved character, they get to 'live on' for a few more books. There are so many great characters in the first 6 books that are never mentioned again. Why have us fall in love with all the people that became in-laws, or extended family, and then treat them like they don't exist? There are also mysteries about Beth's three younger brothers, where did they come from? What happened to Jaimie with the mysterious ailment from two books ago? Their ages don't seem to make sense, and I will never believe Teagan and Jessie would send them away to school. There is also a line where Beth is thinking about the women in her life, she says' both her aunts'. To me both implies the number 2, but she has 3 aunts. Are there no proof readers out there? In addition, Martha the matriarch of the family, by default, who had disappeared in previous books, just becomes 'the housekeeper'. How disrespectful! The Apache grandfather also disappeared with no explanation.
It seems to me, in this time of declining readership, that editors and their staff should make sure every book that goes out is what appeals to readers. That means accuracy, attention to detail, and memorable characters with great stories, along with respect for the readers intelligence. All of that could have been achieved with a decent epilogue in this book. All of the characters from the previous six books could have come together and all the story lines finished, with the reader feeling sad to say goodbye but satisfied. Instead, you get a brief epilogue that talks about a side story , not even Andrew and Beth!
However, if you have read the other six books you may be disappointed. This was the perfect opportunity to finish dangling story lines; Anna in the convent,numerous foster children, and Duncan's identity hidden in Rose's bag. It was the time to bring everyone in the McMurray family back together and introduce us to the children and update us about their lives. It happens in a very limited way. For me, reading a series is a way of not having to say goodbye to a beloved character, they get to 'live on' for a few more books. There are so many great characters in the first 6 books that are never mentioned again. Why have us fall in love with all the people that became in-laws, or extended family, and then treat them like they don't exist? There are also mysteries about Beth's three younger brothers, where did they come from? What happened to Jaimie with the mysterious ailment from two books ago? Their ages don't seem to make sense, and I will never believe Teagan and Jessie would send them away to school. There is also a line where Beth is thinking about the women in her life, she says' both her aunts'. To me both implies the number 2, but she has 3 aunts. Are there no proof readers out there? In addition, Martha the matriarch of the family, by default, who had disappeared in previous books, just becomes 'the housekeeper'. How disrespectful! The Apache grandfather also disappeared with no explanation.
It seems to me, in this time of declining readership, that editors and their staff should make sure every book that goes out is what appeals to readers. That means accuracy, attention to detail, and memorable characters with great stories, along with respect for the readers intelligence. All of that could have been achieved with a decent epilogue in this book. All of the characters from the previous six books could have come together and all the story lines finished, with the reader feeling sad to say goodbye but satisfied. Instead, you get a brief epilogue that talks about a side story , not even Andrew and Beth!
February 6, 2017
3.75 stars
July 7, 2017
A cute and addictive read - at least to me.
April 21, 2016
Author: Jodi Thomas
First published: 2013
Length: 300 pages, 4522 kindle locations.
Setting: Texas, 1879.
Sex: Infrequent (at the end). Hand wavy.
Hero: Writer. Drifter. Widower.
Heroine: Youngest daughter of wealthy ranchers. Rootless.
Includes: Excerpt from Betting the Rainbow.
A surprising Western with quite a complex story, a number of interesting threads winding through. It does appear to be the last book in a series but I happily read it as a standalone, not having read any of the others, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The last of series aspect left a few stories untold including how Beth and her family ended up with Teagan, but they were minor and work as teasers to the earlier books.
I liked it. I liked the background characters. I liked the more unusual historical aspects (Dallas, Fort Worth, vote for women). I appreciated the lack of sex since it wasn’t necessary and enhanced the romance. It was humorous and clever. Not what I expected (aka unpredictable).
And it worked.
Whispering Mountain:
Book 1 Texas Rain - Rainey Adams and Travis McMurray
Book 2 Texas Princess - Tobin McMurray and Liberty Mayfield
Book 3 Tall, Dark, and Texan - Teagan McMurray and Jessie Barton
Book 4 The Lone Texan - Sage McMurray and Drummond Roak
Book 5 Texas Blue - Lewton Paterson and Emily McMurray
Book 6 Wild Texas Rose - Rose McMurray and Duncan McMurray
Book 7 Promise Me Texas - Beth McMurray and Andrew McLaughlin
References:
Author's website: http://www.jodithomas.com/#!whisperin...
(ISBN 9781101626320)
-CR-
First published: 2013
Length: 300 pages, 4522 kindle locations.
Setting: Texas, 1879.
Sex: Infrequent (at the end). Hand wavy.
Hero: Writer. Drifter. Widower.
Heroine: Youngest daughter of wealthy ranchers. Rootless.
Includes: Excerpt from Betting the Rainbow.
A surprising Western with quite a complex story, a number of interesting threads winding through. It does appear to be the last book in a series but I happily read it as a standalone, not having read any of the others, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
The last of series aspect left a few stories untold including how Beth and her family ended up with Teagan, but they were minor and work as teasers to the earlier books.
I liked it. I liked the background characters. I liked the more unusual historical aspects (Dallas, Fort Worth, vote for women). I appreciated the lack of sex since it wasn’t necessary and enhanced the romance. It was humorous and clever. Not what I expected (aka unpredictable).
And it worked.
Whispering Mountain:
Book 1 Texas Rain - Rainey Adams and Travis McMurray
Book 2 Texas Princess - Tobin McMurray and Liberty Mayfield
Book 3 Tall, Dark, and Texan - Teagan McMurray and Jessie Barton
Book 4 The Lone Texan - Sage McMurray and Drummond Roak
Book 5 Texas Blue - Lewton Paterson and Emily McMurray
Book 6 Wild Texas Rose - Rose McMurray and Duncan McMurray
Book 7 Promise Me Texas - Beth McMurray and Andrew McLaughlin
References:
Author's website: http://www.jodithomas.com/#!whisperin...
(ISBN 9781101626320)
-CR-
May 13, 2014
4/5; 4 stars; A
Even though this is book 7 in the Whispering Mountain series it stands on its own quite nicely.
I really love the way this author draws her characters. The adults, the children, the 'near adults' and the older generation were all portrayed in interesting ways. This story is only lukewarm as a romance but its very rich and warm as a study of relationships, motivations, and family dynamics. On top of a satisfying adventure, there are some really funny moments in this story as well. It hit the spot for me on many levels.
Even though this is book 7 in the Whispering Mountain series it stands on its own quite nicely.
I really love the way this author draws her characters. The adults, the children, the 'near adults' and the older generation were all portrayed in interesting ways. This story is only lukewarm as a romance but its very rich and warm as a study of relationships, motivations, and family dynamics. On top of a satisfying adventure, there are some really funny moments in this story as well. It hit the spot for me on many levels.
February 25, 2019
This book was a really good book and a fast read! I have not read any of the other books in this series and that didn’t matter! I really enjoyed the characters Beth and Andrew their story was imaginative and suspenseful! It was written as you would expect Texas to be at that time full of outlaws, rangers. I would recommend this book to anyone because once you start you can’t put it down!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2024
Hero and Heroine - and the capacity to help those in need. Just wonderful!!
November 11, 2013
When an author embarks on a writing career inevitably the first piece of advice they receive is "write what you know." Jodi Thomas knows Texas! Most of her over 30 books have been set in her home state and her latest in the Whispering Mountain series, Promise Me Texas is no exception. Thomas is a master at writing about family dynamics and relationships and readers will quickly fall in love with her heartfelt characters and situations. In this novel you will find everything from outlaws to Texas Rangers and everything in between, as two very mis-matched characters have to decide whether to make a promise real.
When is comes to historical romance writers have so many directions to choose from. It could be Regency or Colonial and as in this case, Western. Jodi Thomas is a fifth generation Texan and her western historical romances have an authenticity to them that is easy understand. Her grandmother was born in a covered wagon on the Texas plains, you can't get much more authentic than that. I love the fact that she sets her stories in the late 1800's when the wild west was just that. When robbers and rangers dominated the landscape and there really were real cowboys. This is a very enjoyable theme that I think readers identify with for lots of reasons. It was a rough and ruthless time but there was still love and I think Thomas really knows how to embrace the harshness while still showing the vulnerability of the people of the time.
Promise Me Texas is the seventh book in the Whispering Mountain series. The series follows the McMurray family as they live and love on the Whispering Mountain Ranch. Readers who are familiar with the series have watched the sons and daughters of Teagan McMurray grow up and find love while always remaining a part of a larger family group that is very close nit. Beth McMurray, the heroine in Promise Me Texas is the youngest daughter and the final McMurray to find her own happy ending, which begs the question... where does the series go from here? Regardless this is an excellent novel with some tender moments as well as struggles. There are several different storylines all working together to produce a very creative and endearing romance.
Beth is the strong willed youngest daughter of the McMurray clan and she is about to marry the man of her dreams. But when she finds out her future husband is not what she believed him to be, the race is on. I loved Beth as a character. She had a mind of own and like the other McMurray sisters you never knew quite what she was going to come up with. In this case a "fake" marriage was the order of the day. I liked the fact that Thomas doesn't make her characters trite or superficial. Beth may be a damsel in distress but she doesn't have a princess complex, nor does she seem in need of saving. She knows what shes doing and in the end it works out for the best.
Andrew has had some heartbreak in his life and doesn't think he will ever recover from it. The lose of his wife weighs heavy on him and his journal's are the one thing that he trusts in. When he saves Beth's life he never sees what's coming. I liked the fact that Andrew has known real love and when his feelings for Beth start to surface he realizes what it is even though he isn't quite sure what to do about it. Thomas gives her characters some flaws and I think that's what makes her writing so magical. She knows how to make her characters real. Andrew was a wonderful hero.
The supporting cast is another jewel in this novel. You have a set of young twins, a pregnant teenage girl and boy on the verge of manhood. A motley crew to be sure. All of these characters play a central part in how the story comes together. Each of them has their own part in the novel that makes it unique. I loved each of the story lines created by Thomas and how they fit together like the pieces of a puzzle. There is an element of mystery to this novel as well, that added a different aspect for readers to be interested in. It was a good plot point and Thomas did a fantastic job of bringing it all together in the end.
Overall this was a really great book. It had all the qualities a good historical romance has. Great setting, strong characters and of course romance. The tender moments squeezed my heart a little, while the fast pace kept me interested. The characters were so well developed and we got to visit with some characters from the previous novels that helped to garner the whole feeling of family and ties to place and home. I loved it and you will too!
When is comes to historical romance writers have so many directions to choose from. It could be Regency or Colonial and as in this case, Western. Jodi Thomas is a fifth generation Texan and her western historical romances have an authenticity to them that is easy understand. Her grandmother was born in a covered wagon on the Texas plains, you can't get much more authentic than that. I love the fact that she sets her stories in the late 1800's when the wild west was just that. When robbers and rangers dominated the landscape and there really were real cowboys. This is a very enjoyable theme that I think readers identify with for lots of reasons. It was a rough and ruthless time but there was still love and I think Thomas really knows how to embrace the harshness while still showing the vulnerability of the people of the time.
Promise Me Texas is the seventh book in the Whispering Mountain series. The series follows the McMurray family as they live and love on the Whispering Mountain Ranch. Readers who are familiar with the series have watched the sons and daughters of Teagan McMurray grow up and find love while always remaining a part of a larger family group that is very close nit. Beth McMurray, the heroine in Promise Me Texas is the youngest daughter and the final McMurray to find her own happy ending, which begs the question... where does the series go from here? Regardless this is an excellent novel with some tender moments as well as struggles. There are several different storylines all working together to produce a very creative and endearing romance.
Beth is the strong willed youngest daughter of the McMurray clan and she is about to marry the man of her dreams. But when she finds out her future husband is not what she believed him to be, the race is on. I loved Beth as a character. She had a mind of own and like the other McMurray sisters you never knew quite what she was going to come up with. In this case a "fake" marriage was the order of the day. I liked the fact that Thomas doesn't make her characters trite or superficial. Beth may be a damsel in distress but she doesn't have a princess complex, nor does she seem in need of saving. She knows what shes doing and in the end it works out for the best.
Andrew has had some heartbreak in his life and doesn't think he will ever recover from it. The lose of his wife weighs heavy on him and his journal's are the one thing that he trusts in. When he saves Beth's life he never sees what's coming. I liked the fact that Andrew has known real love and when his feelings for Beth start to surface he realizes what it is even though he isn't quite sure what to do about it. Thomas gives her characters some flaws and I think that's what makes her writing so magical. She knows how to make her characters real. Andrew was a wonderful hero.
The supporting cast is another jewel in this novel. You have a set of young twins, a pregnant teenage girl and boy on the verge of manhood. A motley crew to be sure. All of these characters play a central part in how the story comes together. Each of them has their own part in the novel that makes it unique. I loved each of the story lines created by Thomas and how they fit together like the pieces of a puzzle. There is an element of mystery to this novel as well, that added a different aspect for readers to be interested in. It was a good plot point and Thomas did a fantastic job of bringing it all together in the end.
Overall this was a really great book. It had all the qualities a good historical romance has. Great setting, strong characters and of course romance. The tender moments squeezed my heart a little, while the fast pace kept me interested. The characters were so well developed and we got to visit with some characters from the previous novels that helped to garner the whole feeling of family and ties to place and home. I loved it and you will too!
September 9, 2017
This is really not a genre I like, however, Jodi Thomas is an exception. She just draws you in:-)
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
**
Beth is on her way to meet up with her soon to by husband. She decides to surprise him. She books a seat on the train. She learns things about her soon to by husband that she is glad she found out before she made it official. Like he is a jerk, who wants a trophy wife and is marrying because it is good for his image and not for love. Before Beth can confront her fiance, the train gets highjacked.
Andrew awakes to find himself in the arms in a beautiful woman. She claims that they are married. How long will Andrew go along with the "fake" marriage?
So the best part about reading a Jodi Thomas book is meeting all of her characters. They are not just characters in a book but they are like family. This was no exception with this book. Beth and Andrew made a cute couple. There were no real surprises how this story would end but it was fun reading and seeing when Beth and Andrew would figure it out themselves. It was long that long after Beth and Andrew said "I Do" that they were starting up a fire with their kisses. However Andrew was a gentleman. Beth was strong willed which is a quality that I enjoyed about her. All the secondary characters were just a great.
**
Promise Me Texas is the seventh book in the Whispering Mountain series. The series follows the McMurray family as they live and love on the Whispering Mountain Ranch. Readers who are familiar with the series have watched the sons and daughters of Teagan McMurray grow up and find love while always remaining a part of a larger family group that is very close nit. Beth McMurray, the heroine in Promise Me Texas is the youngest daughter and the final McMurray to find her own happy ending, which begs the question... where does the series go from here? Regardless this is an excellent novel with some tender moments as well as struggles. There are several different storylines all working together to produce a very creative and endearing romance.
Beth is the strong willed youngest daughter of the McMurray clan and she is about to marry the man of her dreams. But when she finds out her future husband is not what she believed him to be, the race is on. I loved Beth as a character. She had a mind of own and like the other McMurray sisters you never knew quite what she was going to come up with. In this case a "fake" marriage was the order of the day. I liked the fact that Thomas doesn't make her characters trite or superficial. Beth may be a damsel in distress but she doesn't have a princess complex, nor does she seem in need of saving. She knows what shes doing and in the end it works out for the best.
Andrew has had some heartbreak in his life and doesn't think he will ever recover from it. The lose of his wife weighs heavy on him and his journal's are the one thing that he trusts in. When he saves Beth's life he never sees what's coming. I liked the fact that Andrew has known real love and when his feelings for Beth start to surface he realizes what it is even though he isn't quite sure what to do about it. Thomas gives her characters some flaws and I think that's what makes her writing so magical. She knows how to make her characters real. Andrew was a wonderful hero.
The supporting cast is another jewel in this novel. You have a set of young twins, a pregnant teenage girl and boy on the verge of manhood. A motley crew to be sure. All of these characters play a central part in how the story comes together. Each of them has their own part in the novel that makes it unique. I loved each of the story lines created by Thomas and how they fit together like the pieces of a puzzle. There is an element of mystery to this novel as well, that added a different aspect for readers to be interested in. It was a good plot point and Thomas did a fantastic job of bringing it all together in the end.
**
In "Promise Me Texas", author Jodi Thomas returns readers to Whispering Mountain for another delightful historical western romance featuring the McMurray family. This time, it's the youngest McMurray daughter, Beth, who has her own rip-roaring adventure on her way to finding her heart's desire. The story begins with headstrong, willful Beth sneaking off to surprise her fiance, Congressman Lamont LaCroix as he travels by train. Dressed as a man, she plans to reveal her disguise to Lamont and finish the train ride with him. Instead, it is Beth who gets the surprise of her life as she listens to a drunken Lamont describe her and his plans for their life together to a group of army officers. After hearing his painful, humiliating words, Beth knows she can never marry him, and she plans her escape from the train. Before she can make her getaway, however, a group of men who appear to be robbers board the train, and Beth tries to think of a way to warn those on board. When the train suddenly leaves the tracks, Beth has little time to think when one of the robbers takes her with him as he leaps from the train. Andrew McLaughlin is no robber--he was on the train trying to prevent a friend from going through with the robbery. Andrew has known much loss in his life, and when he briefly regains consciousness with the beautiful Beth by his side, he thinks he is dreaming. His reality definitely takes on a dream-like state when Beth informs him that she has told everyone that he is her fiance. Then begins a strange journey on the run where Andrew will progress to being called Beth's husband, and soon they will be joined by an assortment of humanity they pick up along the way. Andrew, who is somewhat of a writer finds much material for his stories throughout their travels, but will the real story be a heartfelt romance between himself and Beth? Will the McMurrays welcome this ramshackle "family", and will they all find a true home of their own? Jodi Thomas has an engaging, exciting way of telling a story, and I love her strong female characters who turn their men inside-out and upside-down, and the men wouldn't have it any other way! Always a pleasure to visit Whispering Mountain and its inhabitants.
**
Beth is on her way to meet up with her soon to by husband. She decides to surprise him. She books a seat on the train. She learns things about her soon to by husband that she is glad she found out before she made it official. Like he is a jerk, who wants a trophy wife and is marrying because it is good for his image and not for love. Before Beth can confront her fiance, the train gets highjacked.
Andrew awakes to find himself in the arms in a beautiful woman. She claims that they are married. How long will Andrew go along with the "fake" marriage?
So the best part about reading a Jodi Thomas book is meeting all of her characters. They are not just characters in a book but they are like family. This was no exception with this book. Beth and Andrew made a cute couple. There were no real surprises how this story would end but it was fun reading and seeing when Beth and Andrew would figure it out themselves. It was long that long after Beth and Andrew said "I Do" that they were starting up a fire with their kisses. However Andrew was a gentleman. Beth was strong willed which is a quality that I enjoyed about her. All the secondary characters were just a great.
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
**
Beth is on her way to meet up with her soon to by husband. She decides to surprise him. She books a seat on the train. She learns things about her soon to by husband that she is glad she found out before she made it official. Like he is a jerk, who wants a trophy wife and is marrying because it is good for his image and not for love. Before Beth can confront her fiance, the train gets highjacked.
Andrew awakes to find himself in the arms in a beautiful woman. She claims that they are married. How long will Andrew go along with the "fake" marriage?
So the best part about reading a Jodi Thomas book is meeting all of her characters. They are not just characters in a book but they are like family. This was no exception with this book. Beth and Andrew made a cute couple. There were no real surprises how this story would end but it was fun reading and seeing when Beth and Andrew would figure it out themselves. It was long that long after Beth and Andrew said "I Do" that they were starting up a fire with their kisses. However Andrew was a gentleman. Beth was strong willed which is a quality that I enjoyed about her. All the secondary characters were just a great.
**
Promise Me Texas is the seventh book in the Whispering Mountain series. The series follows the McMurray family as they live and love on the Whispering Mountain Ranch. Readers who are familiar with the series have watched the sons and daughters of Teagan McMurray grow up and find love while always remaining a part of a larger family group that is very close nit. Beth McMurray, the heroine in Promise Me Texas is the youngest daughter and the final McMurray to find her own happy ending, which begs the question... where does the series go from here? Regardless this is an excellent novel with some tender moments as well as struggles. There are several different storylines all working together to produce a very creative and endearing romance.
Beth is the strong willed youngest daughter of the McMurray clan and she is about to marry the man of her dreams. But when she finds out her future husband is not what she believed him to be, the race is on. I loved Beth as a character. She had a mind of own and like the other McMurray sisters you never knew quite what she was going to come up with. In this case a "fake" marriage was the order of the day. I liked the fact that Thomas doesn't make her characters trite or superficial. Beth may be a damsel in distress but she doesn't have a princess complex, nor does she seem in need of saving. She knows what shes doing and in the end it works out for the best.
Andrew has had some heartbreak in his life and doesn't think he will ever recover from it. The lose of his wife weighs heavy on him and his journal's are the one thing that he trusts in. When he saves Beth's life he never sees what's coming. I liked the fact that Andrew has known real love and when his feelings for Beth start to surface he realizes what it is even though he isn't quite sure what to do about it. Thomas gives her characters some flaws and I think that's what makes her writing so magical. She knows how to make her characters real. Andrew was a wonderful hero.
The supporting cast is another jewel in this novel. You have a set of young twins, a pregnant teenage girl and boy on the verge of manhood. A motley crew to be sure. All of these characters play a central part in how the story comes together. Each of them has their own part in the novel that makes it unique. I loved each of the story lines created by Thomas and how they fit together like the pieces of a puzzle. There is an element of mystery to this novel as well, that added a different aspect for readers to be interested in. It was a good plot point and Thomas did a fantastic job of bringing it all together in the end.
**
In "Promise Me Texas", author Jodi Thomas returns readers to Whispering Mountain for another delightful historical western romance featuring the McMurray family. This time, it's the youngest McMurray daughter, Beth, who has her own rip-roaring adventure on her way to finding her heart's desire. The story begins with headstrong, willful Beth sneaking off to surprise her fiance, Congressman Lamont LaCroix as he travels by train. Dressed as a man, she plans to reveal her disguise to Lamont and finish the train ride with him. Instead, it is Beth who gets the surprise of her life as she listens to a drunken Lamont describe her and his plans for their life together to a group of army officers. After hearing his painful, humiliating words, Beth knows she can never marry him, and she plans her escape from the train. Before she can make her getaway, however, a group of men who appear to be robbers board the train, and Beth tries to think of a way to warn those on board. When the train suddenly leaves the tracks, Beth has little time to think when one of the robbers takes her with him as he leaps from the train. Andrew McLaughlin is no robber--he was on the train trying to prevent a friend from going through with the robbery. Andrew has known much loss in his life, and when he briefly regains consciousness with the beautiful Beth by his side, he thinks he is dreaming. His reality definitely takes on a dream-like state when Beth informs him that she has told everyone that he is her fiance. Then begins a strange journey on the run where Andrew will progress to being called Beth's husband, and soon they will be joined by an assortment of humanity they pick up along the way. Andrew, who is somewhat of a writer finds much material for his stories throughout their travels, but will the real story be a heartfelt romance between himself and Beth? Will the McMurrays welcome this ramshackle "family", and will they all find a true home of their own? Jodi Thomas has an engaging, exciting way of telling a story, and I love her strong female characters who turn their men inside-out and upside-down, and the men wouldn't have it any other way! Always a pleasure to visit Whispering Mountain and its inhabitants.
**
Beth is on her way to meet up with her soon to by husband. She decides to surprise him. She books a seat on the train. She learns things about her soon to by husband that she is glad she found out before she made it official. Like he is a jerk, who wants a trophy wife and is marrying because it is good for his image and not for love. Before Beth can confront her fiance, the train gets highjacked.
Andrew awakes to find himself in the arms in a beautiful woman. She claims that they are married. How long will Andrew go along with the "fake" marriage?
So the best part about reading a Jodi Thomas book is meeting all of her characters. They are not just characters in a book but they are like family. This was no exception with this book. Beth and Andrew made a cute couple. There were no real surprises how this story would end but it was fun reading and seeing when Beth and Andrew would figure it out themselves. It was long that long after Beth and Andrew said "I Do" that they were starting up a fire with their kisses. However Andrew was a gentleman. Beth was strong willed which is a quality that I enjoyed about her. All the secondary characters were just a great.
December 3, 2013
I can sum this book up in four words – Made. For. TV. Movie.
Seriously, the entire time I was reading I could truly see every scene and every character on the big screen in my living room. The writing was so descriptive and detailed you will have no problem envisioning every scene too. Strong, independent characters rule the day in this dramatic read. From beginning to end you will be hooked. Your emotions will certainly get a work out but the ending will absolutely warm your heart. Thomas does a grand job of writing real characters that relate and play well off each other. The story flows without a hitch and the story line is exciting and different. Even, the scenes with the “outlaw” are unexpectedly different. I thought the story took a slight curve off course when Beth and Andrew, along with their “crew”, moved in with Beth’s family, but that was the only awkwardness and it was back on track and flowing very quickly. I love the way the secondary characters are independent and have their own story lines. You get a lot of bang in this book with the secondary story lines!! Loved the surprise character of the priest – he entered the story at just the right moment to provide a little comic relief. This book is action and drama packed not a dull character or moment (or page)! It is historical western romance at its finest – an awesome must read!!
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: A. Lyn
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Seriously, the entire time I was reading I could truly see every scene and every character on the big screen in my living room. The writing was so descriptive and detailed you will have no problem envisioning every scene too. Strong, independent characters rule the day in this dramatic read. From beginning to end you will be hooked. Your emotions will certainly get a work out but the ending will absolutely warm your heart. Thomas does a grand job of writing real characters that relate and play well off each other. The story flows without a hitch and the story line is exciting and different. Even, the scenes with the “outlaw” are unexpectedly different. I thought the story took a slight curve off course when Beth and Andrew, along with their “crew”, moved in with Beth’s family, but that was the only awkwardness and it was back on track and flowing very quickly. I love the way the secondary characters are independent and have their own story lines. You get a lot of bang in this book with the secondary story lines!! Loved the surprise character of the priest – he entered the story at just the right moment to provide a little comic relief. This book is action and drama packed not a dull character or moment (or page)! It is historical western romance at its finest – an awesome must read!!
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: A. Lyn
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
November 5, 2013
Beth is on her way to meet up with her soon to by husband. She decides to surprise him. She books a seat on the train. She learns things about her soon to by husband that she is glad she found out before she made it official. Like he is a jerk, who wants a trophy wife and is marrying because it is good for his image and not for love. Before Beth can confront her fiance, the train gets highjacked.
Andrew awakes to find himself in the arms in a beautiful woman. She claims that they are married. How long will Andrew go along with the "fake" marriage?
So the best part about reading a Jodi Thomas book is meeting all of her characters. They are not just characters in a book but they are like family. This was no exception with this book. Beth and Andrew made a cute couple. There were no real surprises how this story would end but it was fun reading and seeing when Beth and Andrew would figure it out themselves. It was long that long after Beth and Andrew said "I Do" that they were starting up a fire with their kisses. However Andrew was a gentleman. Beth was strong willed which is a quality that I enjoyed about her. All the secondary characters were just a great. They are people that I would want to hang out with. Promise Me Texas is a winner!
Andrew awakes to find himself in the arms in a beautiful woman. She claims that they are married. How long will Andrew go along with the "fake" marriage?
So the best part about reading a Jodi Thomas book is meeting all of her characters. They are not just characters in a book but they are like family. This was no exception with this book. Beth and Andrew made a cute couple. There were no real surprises how this story would end but it was fun reading and seeing when Beth and Andrew would figure it out themselves. It was long that long after Beth and Andrew said "I Do" that they were starting up a fire with their kisses. However Andrew was a gentleman. Beth was strong willed which is a quality that I enjoyed about her. All the secondary characters were just a great. They are people that I would want to hang out with. Promise Me Texas is a winner!
November 12, 2013
"Promise Me Texas" is the seventh book in Jodi Thomas' "Whispering Mountain" series, and it is, in my opinion, one of her best stories!
I absolutely loved the interaction between the main characters Beth and Andrew - it was sassy, easy, sometimes feisty and at times, downright hilarious! These two didn't have an easy road to their romance, but it was adventurous to say the least!
I also enjoyed the secondary characters in this story - Colby and Madie, the two little boys Levi and Leonard, and of course, Father Benjamin. Their stories are just as fascinating, and add to the overall tale of the rough and wild early days of Texas.
If you enjoy stories filled with love, laughter and life - then this is the book for you! Jodi has really knocked it out of the park with "Promise Me Texas" and her fans are going to fall in love with her writing all over again with this tale!
I absolutely loved the interaction between the main characters Beth and Andrew - it was sassy, easy, sometimes feisty and at times, downright hilarious! These two didn't have an easy road to their romance, but it was adventurous to say the least!
I also enjoyed the secondary characters in this story - Colby and Madie, the two little boys Levi and Leonard, and of course, Father Benjamin. Their stories are just as fascinating, and add to the overall tale of the rough and wild early days of Texas.
If you enjoy stories filled with love, laughter and life - then this is the book for you! Jodi has really knocked it out of the park with "Promise Me Texas" and her fans are going to fall in love with her writing all over again with this tale!
February 6, 2019
I enjoyed this easy listen, historical romance.
Beth McMurray is an heiress who has been protected and coddled by her family. She never met the man who could hold her regard, so she is now older than most young ladies setting off to get married. She has been wooed by a handsome, debonair senator who hopes to move up in politics. He has convinced Beth to take a train trip to Dallas, supposedly to visit friends, but really to meet and marry him.
Beth decides to surprise him and sneaks onto an earlier train on which the Senator should be traveling. She finds him but he doesn’t know she is there as she is disguised. From the back of the room she overhears, with horror, her betrothed’s true attitude and intentions toward her.
Beth goes to the stock car to be with her beautiful horse. She plans to get off the train and ride away but before she is able to escape, she sees bandits approaching. One man in particular catches her eye as he tries to pull a younger comrade back from the rest. The train crashes and the man saves her from falling to the tracks.
Andrew awakens to discover the beautiful young woman has claimed him as her fiancé. He knows that she saw him as one of the bandits and can’t image why she is defending him. He obviously has to get away from any inquiry into the gang and it appears she is running away from someone too.
Andrew suffered the loss of his young wife years before and plans never to hurt like that again. He is roaming the world as a journalist observing others and keeping his distance. Now he is stuck with a beautiful, albeit spoiled, young woman who apparently needs his protection.
As the two help each other away from their predicaments they begin to find friendship. Could they find more if they open their hearts?
This is a fun, easy going romance. The characters are nicely developed with rather quirky traits. Even the unpleasant former fiancé is a good villain and Beth’s stepfather is a caring, big as life, character. I enjoyed the western setting in Texas 1879 with the mix of frontier dangers and encroaching industrialism.
I have determined that Jodi Thomas always presents a reliable reading experience for me. I have read more of her historical romances, but she crosses well into contemporary. This is a part of a series but read fine as a standalone. I recommend this title and this author to readers who enjoy easy romance, historical or contemporary.
Audio Notes: I found the narration by Linda Stephens to be adequate, but not stellar. I had to get used to her unusual accent (not sure if it was intended to be Texan but it didn’t strike me as such) and it is more of a reading than a portrayal. Still, it was an easy listen and I am glad to have had this in audio format.
Beth McMurray is an heiress who has been protected and coddled by her family. She never met the man who could hold her regard, so she is now older than most young ladies setting off to get married. She has been wooed by a handsome, debonair senator who hopes to move up in politics. He has convinced Beth to take a train trip to Dallas, supposedly to visit friends, but really to meet and marry him.
Beth decides to surprise him and sneaks onto an earlier train on which the Senator should be traveling. She finds him but he doesn’t know she is there as she is disguised. From the back of the room she overhears, with horror, her betrothed’s true attitude and intentions toward her.
Beth goes to the stock car to be with her beautiful horse. She plans to get off the train and ride away but before she is able to escape, she sees bandits approaching. One man in particular catches her eye as he tries to pull a younger comrade back from the rest. The train crashes and the man saves her from falling to the tracks.
Andrew awakens to discover the beautiful young woman has claimed him as her fiancé. He knows that she saw him as one of the bandits and can’t image why she is defending him. He obviously has to get away from any inquiry into the gang and it appears she is running away from someone too.
Andrew suffered the loss of his young wife years before and plans never to hurt like that again. He is roaming the world as a journalist observing others and keeping his distance. Now he is stuck with a beautiful, albeit spoiled, young woman who apparently needs his protection.
As the two help each other away from their predicaments they begin to find friendship. Could they find more if they open their hearts?
This is a fun, easy going romance. The characters are nicely developed with rather quirky traits. Even the unpleasant former fiancé is a good villain and Beth’s stepfather is a caring, big as life, character. I enjoyed the western setting in Texas 1879 with the mix of frontier dangers and encroaching industrialism.
I have determined that Jodi Thomas always presents a reliable reading experience for me. I have read more of her historical romances, but she crosses well into contemporary. This is a part of a series but read fine as a standalone. I recommend this title and this author to readers who enjoy easy romance, historical or contemporary.
Audio Notes: I found the narration by Linda Stephens to be adequate, but not stellar. I had to get used to her unusual accent (not sure if it was intended to be Texan but it didn’t strike me as such) and it is more of a reading than a portrayal. Still, it was an easy listen and I am glad to have had this in audio format.
July 22, 2024
I seldom disagree with consensus ratings. Permit me to explain this one.
First, I love, for example, Nora Roberts and her thoroughly researched trips to Montana, the Chesapeake, ...
Thomas is at a whole other level. Her Texas is bone-deep. The history. The scenery. The weather (all four seasons).
Second, she's a model of clean, no words out of place, writing.
And third (if you'll forgive me for going back to Roberts) she juggles three romances as adroitly as, for example, Roberts' Irish trilogy. And no, you don't have to read the rest of the Whispering Mountain books. You'll get to the last page with that warm, just read a great romance, feeling.
One more review by comparison, if I may. Jane Austen gives us at least one horrible--hope s/he gets what s/he deserves--villain. Thomas must have read all five Austen romances. In this one, a villain -- yes you'll hate him or her! -- haunts one the central love stories. True love will triumph.
And Thomas gives us children, too. Roberts (and Austen, too!) could learn from Thomas' kids.
First, I love, for example, Nora Roberts and her thoroughly researched trips to Montana, the Chesapeake, ...
Thomas is at a whole other level. Her Texas is bone-deep. The history. The scenery. The weather (all four seasons).
Second, she's a model of clean, no words out of place, writing.
And third (if you'll forgive me for going back to Roberts) she juggles three romances as adroitly as, for example, Roberts' Irish trilogy. And no, you don't have to read the rest of the Whispering Mountain books. You'll get to the last page with that warm, just read a great romance, feeling.
One more review by comparison, if I may. Jane Austen gives us at least one horrible--hope s/he gets what s/he deserves--villain. Thomas must have read all five Austen romances. In this one, a villain -- yes you'll hate him or her! -- haunts one the central love stories. True love will triumph.
And Thomas gives us children, too. Roberts (and Austen, too!) could learn from Thomas' kids.
April 5, 2018
Book Seven in the Whispering Mountain Series deals with Teagan's youngest adopted daughter Beth. Timid little Beth has grown up to be her father’s daughter. In the opening chapters she escapes marriage to a cad who only wants her fortune, survives a train robbery and wreck, claims an unarmed outlaw is her husband, walks into the middle of a gunfight to buy a horse, breaks her “husband” out of a hospital along with a young cowpoke who claims a nurse is poisoning him, takes on two orphaned urchins and a young waitress; then leaves town with the lot in a buckboard. Should I have said spoiler alert or is the author laying in on a bit thick, ya think?
The action takes place in Dallas, then Fort Worth, in those days a few days apart by wagon, and ends on Whispering Mountain.
The action takes place in Dallas, then Fort Worth, in those days a few days apart by wagon, and ends on Whispering Mountain.
September 30, 2018
I'm sad that this is the last book in the series because I've really enjoyed the series overall. This book was going along great until the main characters disappointed me a little near the end. Still I loved all of the story lines. There was excitement, drama, humor, and adventure all mixed in with the romance.
Now I want to read The Ransom Canyon series. Apparently I need Cowboy romances in my life! LOL!
Now I want to read The Ransom Canyon series. Apparently I need Cowboy romances in my life! LOL!
January 15, 2021
This book was a bit of a let down. It seemed to also end abruptly. She is on a midnight train heading to her wedding when she discovers the devastating truth about the person she's about to marry. To make things worse the train wrecks and she is saved by one of the outlaws. In return to save him she tells them he is her husband. They soon discover they are in trouble and now are on the run. HEA ending.
February 7, 2022
Very sweet, fast-paced story!! It was really unlike any romance novel I've read before. It honestly reminded me of Huckleberry Finn, with the adventurous plot, unique characters, and the rate at which the story moves. Still, the main romance was compelling, and for the first time in a while I really fell in love with the supporting characters!! They were written and balanced so well. I feel like I need a trip to Texas now!!
July 12, 2021
For a book in a series, there was a lot of action and understanding of the characters personalities. Beth learned how to become a strong woman without the help of family. Andrew proved that a writer can be a strong man. Liked how the train robbery, the willful senator, the fake priest, outlaws could keep the story moving quickly.
October 5, 2021
This is about Beth McMurry who was scheduled to marry a senator. She is secretly on a train going to her wedding when she hears him telling people about controlling her after marriage and she runs right into the arms of an outlaw. The train wrecks and they escape together. They help many people in the days and weeks that follow. What happens to them is interesting.
July 25, 2017
Read this book straight thru in two days .. interesting twists and turns. This is not my usual genre (prefer contemporary romance) but Jodi is one of my favorite authors and this is another good book!
March 25, 2019
I'm a sucker for a family of misfits!! There's something about Thomas' writing style that I really enjoy. I seriously laughed out loud on a couple of scenes. I'll read the rest of the series but it'll be at a later time.
November 30, 2021
I’m a big fan of Jodi Thomas and her Whispering Mountain series. When she writes I feel like I’m right there with her and the story. This was a great episode about Bethie and Andrew.
It does help to have read some of the earlier books.
It does help to have read some of the earlier books.
May 30, 2022
Just wonderful
If you want to to escape for a bit and get involved in the lives of the different characters she portrays with all their varying stories, pick up a Jodi Thomas book and enjoy.
If you want to to escape for a bit and get involved in the lives of the different characters she portrays with all their varying stories, pick up a Jodi Thomas book and enjoy.
June 2, 2019
Same as the others. A good novel with many characters rather than just a romance, where only the hero and heroine are given importance.
May 19, 2022
The whole criminal and fake marriage thing is quite entertaining.
November 30, 2023
Great ending
December 9, 2023
a really cute and quick read. my best friend pmo to this 🥰
February 15, 2025
Fantastic Series
I didn't review each story because my review would be repetitive. This was a wonderful series full of love and laughter.
I didn't review each story because my review would be repetitive. This was a wonderful series full of love and laughter.
May 31, 2025
Sweet tale of a found family.
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