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Home in Whiskey Creek #3
Fireworks
Fireworks New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne returns to Whiskey Creek to deliver a classic story of loss, hope, and the promise of forever in this story originally published in 1997. Rachel Lawrence hasn't been back to Wyoming since her husband died fighting a brush fire, but if seeing her beloved nephews again means facing rancher Sam Wyatt and the guilt she still feels, she's willing to take the risk. Sam has plenty of his own guilt. He walked away from fighting fires and built a comfortable life on the ranch for him and his sons in Whiskey Creek. The last thing he needs is for Rachel to come back with her green eyes, her long legs and the smile he’s never been able to forget. Stunned by the heat of his attraction for her, Sam aches to lose himself in her arms, but can a rough-edged cowboy ignite the love of a woman like her? And is Rachel strong enough to surrender her fear of losing all she loves again?
- GenresRomance
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1997
116 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
311 books3,849 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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September 3, 2016It had been five years since Rachel Carson and been in Whiskey Creek, WY. It had been five years since her husband, Matt, had died trying to put out a wildfire. She had come from a much different background growing up in Santa Barbara, CA. She never felt like she belonged there. The locals took her shyness and for icy disdain and didn't seem to like her much. She had been naïve and in love when she married. She had lived a privileged life and didn't have to do much work in California. She didn't even know how to boil water. She was completely out of her element in Wyoming. She was left alone a lot while Matt went and fought wild fires. She had decided to leave and left a note for Matt one day stating that he needed to choose the fires or her. Matt died that day. He had gotten his leg stuck under a tree and the wind changed. Sam couldn't get to him to help him. Sam was the one who found the note and went to Rachel and told him that Matt hadn't survived. He was mad and lashed out at Rachel. Sam blamed himself and Rachel had also put a lot of blame on herself for choosing that day to leave. Sam said some pretty mean things to Rachel.
Sam Wyatt's wife had died before Rachel had arrived in Whiskey Creek. A drunk driver had killed her in an accident three years into their marriage. Rachel had married Sam's best friend and his deceased wife's brother. He had two children, Noah who was six and Zach who was now nine. The three of them lived with Hannah and Matt's mother, Josie. Sam was very thankful that she stuck around to help with the boys after losing both of her children but there were times she was an aggravation too.
Rachel had kept in touch with Jo and the boys. They spent a lot of time together while the guys were out fire fighting and they grew close. They boys loved her as much as she loved them.
Rachel came to visit and Jo typically cooked the meals but suggested they all go out for dinner. She said that she needed a break. She didn't look well but she had said she was just tired. They went out to eat and Jo went to bed as soon as they got home, which was unusual.
Sam was attracted to Rachel but felt it was inappropriate. He tried to fight it but knew it was a losing battle. Rachel was leaving the next day so he decided to go out of town to pick up supplies for work and return after she had left. Rachael got up the next morning to find out he was gone and Jo was very sick. She called the Dr. and was told that Jo had pneumonia. Rachel called her work and told them that she needed to stay a few weeks to take care of the boys until Jo was back on her feet. They told her that was fine.
Sam returned to find Rachel still at his house. He avoided her for a couple of days but one evening she took his dinner to him in his workshop where he spent his time working on building log houses. They talked out what had happened 5 years previous and seemed to settle a few things. Sam found out that Rachel had learned a few things in the years she was gone. She now knew how to cook. He still thought that she lived a life with servants and such to do everything for her. He had no idea that it was not true.
She and the boys went out riding one day. She didn't return when expected so he went to find them. Noah had cut his head and Sam jumped on Rachel right away asking what she had done to him. Noah had taken off ahead of them because he was mad at Zach for calling him a baby. His horse had stumbled and Noah had fallen off and hit his head on a rock. Sam went with them back to the ranch and took Noah to the clinic. He had to get 5 stitches in his forehead and had sprained his wrist. He got home late and Rachel was waiting up. Jo had told her that Sam's mother had taken off when he was just a baby. His father had traveled a lot to different ranches trying to find work as Sam grew up. Sam's father had lost his ranch because his mother had forced his father to sell their ranch and give her half the money so she could go back East to her privileged lifestyle. Rachel knew then why Sam was so hard on her. Sam apologized to Rachel and she started to cry. Sam held her why she cried and then couldn't stop himself from kissing her. Sam had avoided Rachel the first couple of days after Jo got sick. Now it seemed like he was there every time Rachel turned around. She went to church with him on Sunday and that was difficult for her. She hadn't been back in the church since Matt's funeral. Some of the women in church weren't talking very nicely about Rachel. She told Sam to ignore them. The sheriff came by and asked Sam if he would help fighting the fires that were surrounding the area. Sam refused. He hadn't fought any fires since Matt's death. Sam took Rachel and the boys out riding to the waterfall and on a picnic that afternoon.
When they got home, Jo was up and dressed. The fires could be seen in the background and some of his neighbors needed help. He knew he had to go. Sam told Rachel that he wasn't going to fight the fire, he was going to help his neighbors move their cattle. He got home late that night and Rachel was waiting for him. They made love that night on the couch in his office in the barn. He went to help other neighbors the next day.
He came home that night and Rachel and he slept in his bed. He was gone when she woke up and Jo told Rachel that he had gone to help fight the fire. Jo then asked Rachel to deliver some food items to the women in town for the firefighters. Rachel called the airport and made plans to fly back home to Santa Barbara. She then drove the food to the fire camp. She spent the night in Sam's tent. He told her that he would drive her back to town in the morning. Rachel told him that she was leaving the next day. The boss came and got Sam around 1 am. He told Sam that he needed him leading a crew to fight the fires close to his neighbors. He told Sam that he didn't have anyone else who could do it because the crews were all too exhausted. Sam reluctantly agreed. He asked Rachel to stay at the camp and wait for him. He would be back and drive her home. Rachel didn't wait. She left after Sam did. She packed up her things and went to the airport. She was early and decided to do some shopping but her heart wasn't in it. She decided that she couldn't leave. She was happy with Sam and she told herself that she would tell him and stay. She drove back to the ranch and found out that Sam had gotten back about an hour before she arrived. Sam and the boys were in a treehouse that the boys had built with some help from Rachel. The boys saw Rachel, ran to her and gave her a hug and then went inside. She told them that she needed to talk to their father. She then told Sam that she wasn't leaving. She could run the foundation and do the charitable work from anywhere. She told Sam that she was in love with him and she was happy for the first time in her life. Sam told Rachel that he was in love with her too. He asked if she was willing to marry him and be a mother to his boys and maybe a few of their own. Rachel was willing. They headed back to the ranch house to tell Jo and the boys that Rachel was staying in Wyoming.
Sam Wyatt's wife had died before Rachel had arrived in Whiskey Creek. A drunk driver had killed her in an accident three years into their marriage. Rachel had married Sam's best friend and his deceased wife's brother. He had two children, Noah who was six and Zach who was now nine. The three of them lived with Hannah and Matt's mother, Josie. Sam was very thankful that she stuck around to help with the boys after losing both of her children but there were times she was an aggravation too.
Rachel had kept in touch with Jo and the boys. They spent a lot of time together while the guys were out fire fighting and they grew close. They boys loved her as much as she loved them.
Rachel came to visit and Jo typically cooked the meals but suggested they all go out for dinner. She said that she needed a break. She didn't look well but she had said she was just tired. They went out to eat and Jo went to bed as soon as they got home, which was unusual.
Sam was attracted to Rachel but felt it was inappropriate. He tried to fight it but knew it was a losing battle. Rachel was leaving the next day so he decided to go out of town to pick up supplies for work and return after she had left. Rachael got up the next morning to find out he was gone and Jo was very sick. She called the Dr. and was told that Jo had pneumonia. Rachel called her work and told them that she needed to stay a few weeks to take care of the boys until Jo was back on her feet. They told her that was fine.
Sam returned to find Rachel still at his house. He avoided her for a couple of days but one evening she took his dinner to him in his workshop where he spent his time working on building log houses. They talked out what had happened 5 years previous and seemed to settle a few things. Sam found out that Rachel had learned a few things in the years she was gone. She now knew how to cook. He still thought that she lived a life with servants and such to do everything for her. He had no idea that it was not true.
She and the boys went out riding one day. She didn't return when expected so he went to find them. Noah had cut his head and Sam jumped on Rachel right away asking what she had done to him. Noah had taken off ahead of them because he was mad at Zach for calling him a baby. His horse had stumbled and Noah had fallen off and hit his head on a rock. Sam went with them back to the ranch and took Noah to the clinic. He had to get 5 stitches in his forehead and had sprained his wrist. He got home late and Rachel was waiting up. Jo had told her that Sam's mother had taken off when he was just a baby. His father had traveled a lot to different ranches trying to find work as Sam grew up. Sam's father had lost his ranch because his mother had forced his father to sell their ranch and give her half the money so she could go back East to her privileged lifestyle. Rachel knew then why Sam was so hard on her. Sam apologized to Rachel and she started to cry. Sam held her why she cried and then couldn't stop himself from kissing her. Sam had avoided Rachel the first couple of days after Jo got sick. Now it seemed like he was there every time Rachel turned around. She went to church with him on Sunday and that was difficult for her. She hadn't been back in the church since Matt's funeral. Some of the women in church weren't talking very nicely about Rachel. She told Sam to ignore them. The sheriff came by and asked Sam if he would help fighting the fires that were surrounding the area. Sam refused. He hadn't fought any fires since Matt's death. Sam took Rachel and the boys out riding to the waterfall and on a picnic that afternoon.
When they got home, Jo was up and dressed. The fires could be seen in the background and some of his neighbors needed help. He knew he had to go. Sam told Rachel that he wasn't going to fight the fire, he was going to help his neighbors move their cattle. He got home late that night and Rachel was waiting for him. They made love that night on the couch in his office in the barn. He went to help other neighbors the next day.
He came home that night and Rachel and he slept in his bed. He was gone when she woke up and Jo told Rachel that he had gone to help fight the fire. Jo then asked Rachel to deliver some food items to the women in town for the firefighters. Rachel called the airport and made plans to fly back home to Santa Barbara. She then drove the food to the fire camp. She spent the night in Sam's tent. He told her that he would drive her back to town in the morning. Rachel told him that she was leaving the next day. The boss came and got Sam around 1 am. He told Sam that he needed him leading a crew to fight the fires close to his neighbors. He told Sam that he didn't have anyone else who could do it because the crews were all too exhausted. Sam reluctantly agreed. He asked Rachel to stay at the camp and wait for him. He would be back and drive her home. Rachel didn't wait. She left after Sam did. She packed up her things and went to the airport. She was early and decided to do some shopping but her heart wasn't in it. She decided that she couldn't leave. She was happy with Sam and she told herself that she would tell him and stay. She drove back to the ranch and found out that Sam had gotten back about an hour before she arrived. Sam and the boys were in a treehouse that the boys had built with some help from Rachel. The boys saw Rachel, ran to her and gave her a hug and then went inside. She told them that she needed to talk to their father. She then told Sam that she wasn't leaving. She could run the foundation and do the charitable work from anywhere. She told Sam that she was in love with him and she was happy for the first time in her life. Sam told Rachel that he was in love with her too. He asked if she was willing to marry him and be a mother to his boys and maybe a few of their own. Rachel was willing. They headed back to the ranch house to tell Jo and the boys that Rachel was staying in Wyoming.
July 23, 2017
Two lonely hearts healed
Two people with a shared past both of whom had suffered tremendous loss find the courage to let go and love again. I enjoyed the character development and how the couple each came to the realization of what they truly needed in their lives. This was a heart warming book - exactly why I read romance novels!
Two people with a shared past both of whom had suffered tremendous loss find the courage to let go and love again. I enjoyed the character development and how the couple each came to the realization of what they truly needed in their lives. This was a heart warming book - exactly why I read romance novels!
January 4, 2019
Whiskey Creek Series
I love that this series is about everlasting love. The story draws you in,and keeps your interest throughout the book. The characters are interesting and fun to follow.
I love that this series is about everlasting love. The story draws you in,and keeps your interest throughout the book. The characters are interesting and fun to follow.
June 16, 2018
Love wins
The story was just about everything needed for you to know how many days to live someone.good for everyone to u.
The story was just about everything needed for you to know how many days to live someone.good for everyone to u.
February 3, 2020
Enjoyable
Tragedy, loss, healing, true love, and finding home. A quick, enjoyable story. However, there were several errors that better proofreading should have caught.
Tragedy, loss, healing, true love, and finding home. A quick, enjoyable story. However, there were several errors that better proofreading should have caught.
April 23, 2020
Fireworks
Again, this is a good story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. The characters were likable and interesting.
Again, this is a good story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. The characters were likable and interesting.
May 8, 2021
Great Reading!!
This was a great book. The boys were a cute addition to the story. Enjoyed this book immensely. Thank you Fern!!
This was a great book. The boys were a cute addition to the story. Enjoyed this book immensely. Thank you Fern!!
September 6, 2021
Enjoyed reading
Enjoyed reading about Sam and Rachel. It is about life's challenges. Fighting wild ties and living with the danger. Finding love and learning to cope.
Enjoyed reading about Sam and Rachel. It is about life's challenges. Fighting wild ties and living with the danger. Finding love and learning to cope.
July 18, 2024
great story
This is a great story I would love to know the title to the other books in this series. I’ve been looking but. Have found them yet I’m not giving up.
This is a great story I would love to know the title to the other books in this series. I’ve been looking but. Have found them yet I’m not giving up.
October 13, 2015
Wonderful
Loved this story. I read the entire four book series and enjoyed each one and their characters from beginning to the end. Four stars for RaeAnne Thayne. Keep them coming. She has become one of my favorite authors. Just the right amount of everything in her stories. Families and romance
Loved this story. I read the entire four book series and enjoyed each one and their characters from beginning to the end. Four stars for RaeAnne Thayne. Keep them coming. She has become one of my favorite authors. Just the right amount of everything in her stories. Families and romance
March 16, 2016
A story that continues the terrific Whisky Creek series.
A story in which the main characters come to understand what they really want in life, to look into the heart of the other person and to look deep into their own hearts. This I s a story that brings two people with two very different life styles together.
A story in which the main characters come to understand what they really want in life, to look into the heart of the other person and to look deep into their own hearts. This I s a story that brings two people with two very different life styles together.
May 30, 2015
A romance about making peace with the past, while finding the way to a brighter future.
November 18, 2015
Joy
Great from the beginning to the end.Excitement,Mystery,Love.Keeps you holding your breath and sitting on the edge of your seat from start to end.
Great from the beginning to the end.Excitement,Mystery,Love.Keeps you holding your breath and sitting on the edge of your seat from start to end.
August 6, 2013
Good story about finding 2nd love.
April 29, 2017
Second time around!
Sam lost his wife to a tragic accident and his best friend in a fire. He's always been attracted to his best friends wife but can't keep her at a distance when she comes for a weekend visit than turns into a 2 week stay . they both realize they've changed in the past 5 years and come to accept the growing love and admiration thee feel towards each other. Now on to book 4 in the Whiskey Creek series!
Sam lost his wife to a tragic accident and his best friend in a fire. He's always been attracted to his best friends wife but can't keep her at a distance when she comes for a weekend visit than turns into a 2 week stay . they both realize they've changed in the past 5 years and come to accept the growing love and admiration thee feel towards each other. Now on to book 4 in the Whiskey Creek series!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews