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The Sage After Rain
High Society or High Desert?
A Washington D.C. socialite would never walk away from the power and prestige of marrying a sitting U.S. Congressman—especially not to live in the high desert out west, would she?
At least that’s what Taya Kaye hopes the corrupt elected officials from inside the Washington beltway assume. Faced with the choice of disappearing into the witness protection program, or into the high desert, Taya opts for Colorado color country and a world far removed from the glamour and hype of high society.
It’s not so secret as secluded, and surprisingly, after what she’s been through at the hands of those in power, Taya is just fine with that. It’s peaceful and simple. Unpretentious. Safe.
After all, what could possibly happen to her in the desert, where the smell of the sagebrush after the desert rain is like a drug? And who knew she’d discover the most masculine and intriguing man she’d ever met out in the middle of nowhere?
Sometimes power has more to do with strength, than with politics.
Praise for Jaclyn’s books
Amazingly wonderful! Adorably fun! Sweetly romantic!
I so want more from this author! Shauna Wheelwright
A Washington D.C. socialite would never walk away from the power and prestige of marrying a sitting U.S. Congressman—especially not to live in the high desert out west, would she?
At least that’s what Taya Kaye hopes the corrupt elected officials from inside the Washington beltway assume. Faced with the choice of disappearing into the witness protection program, or into the high desert, Taya opts for Colorado color country and a world far removed from the glamour and hype of high society.
It’s not so secret as secluded, and surprisingly, after what she’s been through at the hands of those in power, Taya is just fine with that. It’s peaceful and simple. Unpretentious. Safe.
After all, what could possibly happen to her in the desert, where the smell of the sagebrush after the desert rain is like a drug? And who knew she’d discover the most masculine and intriguing man she’d ever met out in the middle of nowhere?
Sometimes power has more to do with strength, than with politics.
Praise for Jaclyn’s books
Amazingly wonderful! Adorably fun! Sweetly romantic!
I so want more from this author! Shauna Wheelwright
298 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2013
16 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Jaclyn M. Hawkes
14 books94 followersJaclyn M. Hawkes grew up in Utah with 6 sisters, 4 brothers and a large number of pets. (It was never boring!)
She got a bachelor’s degree, had a career, and traveled extensively before settling down to her life’s work of being the mother of four magnificent and sometimes challenging children. She loves shellfish, the out of doors, the youth, and hearing her children laugh.
She and her fine husband, their family, and their sometimes very large pets, now live in a mountain valley in northern Utah, where it smells like heaven and kids still move sprinkler pipe.
She got a bachelor’s degree, had a career, and traveled extensively before settling down to her life’s work of being the mother of four magnificent and sometimes challenging children. She loves shellfish, the out of doors, the youth, and hearing her children laugh.
She and her fine husband, their family, and their sometimes very large pets, now live in a mountain valley in northern Utah, where it smells like heaven and kids still move sprinkler pipe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 3, 2014
2.5 stars - this book was just ok for me. The romance was a little lacking, there was plenty of kissing, but there wasn't any zing to their kisses.
The first couple of chapters it starts out a little violent with Taya's fiancé backhanding her and subsequently falling and injuring herself. She goes into hiding being a sheepherder till she can testify against him. Matt is trying to figure out just how he got his live-in-girlfriend that he doesn't love, must have been a when he was drunk he surmises.
The story does get better from there, with her being able to hide, and Matt turning his life around. I like how they became friends first. I just think the romance could've been sweeter, and the couple of chapters of them taking care of each other when one then the other had a fever could've been condensed greatly. I didn't need to hear how many doses of drugs they got, or how many times they had to prompt the other into getting into the shower to cool down. Thought it dragged the story on too long.
Then, there was an entire chapter of her bearing her testimony and giving him some missionary discussions. Which is fine if you are wanting to learn about the gospel but I could've gone and read Preach My Gospel for that.
So, a lot of preachy moments, not so very romantic scenes (I like them clean, but these were boring), some violence, Matt finds his girlfriend in bed with his BF, no details, but it is stated.
The first couple of chapters it starts out a little violent with Taya's fiancé backhanding her and subsequently falling and injuring herself. She goes into hiding being a sheepherder till she can testify against him. Matt is trying to figure out just how he got his live-in-girlfriend that he doesn't love, must have been a when he was drunk he surmises.
The story does get better from there, with her being able to hide, and Matt turning his life around. I like how they became friends first. I just think the romance could've been sweeter, and the couple of chapters of them taking care of each other when one then the other had a fever could've been condensed greatly. I didn't need to hear how many doses of drugs they got, or how many times they had to prompt the other into getting into the shower to cool down. Thought it dragged the story on too long.
Then, there was an entire chapter of her bearing her testimony and giving him some missionary discussions. Which is fine if you are wanting to learn about the gospel but I could've gone and read Preach My Gospel for that.
So, a lot of preachy moments, not so very romantic scenes (I like them clean, but these were boring), some violence, Matt finds his girlfriend in bed with his BF, no details, but it is stated.
April 23, 2014
The story was interesting. I liked how her and Matt worked so well together. I thought the last few chapters were so lame!! She should have just voiced her dang concerns! They had been so open with each other before that. It was weird that it changed so much. She got weird.
March 19, 2019
I enjoyed this sweet romance. She runs away from an abusive relationship and instead of going into the witness protection program she hides as a nomadic sheepherder. A cute little read.
September 8, 2018
This was a good book and a good story. The reason for the 3 stars is there was so much build up that something was going to happen and then it was just over.
There was so much that could have happened and it could have been so awesome with the build up of all the hiding and being found and hiding again but then we get to the climax and it just ends.
It ends nice and good but it was such a let down.
I did enjoy the story and I loved both Taya and Matt and loved seeing their relationship grow but was very sad that there was not more.
There was so much that could have happened and it could have been so awesome with the build up of all the hiding and being found and hiding again but then we get to the climax and it just ends.
It ends nice and good but it was such a let down.
I did enjoy the story and I loved both Taya and Matt and loved seeing their relationship grow but was very sad that there was not more.
March 19, 2017
I really liked this book. I really enjoyed the relationship between Taya and Matt. It was refreshing to read a sweet romance rather than inappropriate rushing into intimate physical interaction. Thought the plot was interesting, especially that Taya was an intelligent, accomplished professional with a sense of humor. I am not of the Mormon, but I am sure this would certainly appeal to the LDS readers.
April 23, 2014
4 STARS
LDS Romance story. I liked it. Others might find a lot of religion talk in it. It is a clean romance with some danger on the side.
I like Taya. She is smart, beautiful, believes in helping others, of doing what is right. Taya starts out getting ready to go to a fundraiser with her parents and fiancé a U.S Congressman. Her mom wants her to take off her jacket and show her arms. Taya refuses because it would not be modest. Soon everyone is trying to pressure her into it. Taya stays strong. but her fiancé gets mad and hits her and knock her into the wall. While she is hurt bleeding everyone including her parents leave her hurting on the floor.
Taya presses charges and because the police taking evidence more misdeeds come to light. They want her to go into witness protection. Instead she goes out west to college friend and gets hired to watch sheep all by herself.
Matt Maylon life is a mess. He somehow ended up living with a girl named Stacy who drinks a lot. He is supposed to be working in an office, but his coworkers instead of working are just staying at motel, partying and doing drugs. So Matt trying to save his job does their work and his.
Matt is a nice guy and hard worker. When he runs across Taya tending sheep. They slowly become friends and help each other when things get dangerous. Taya also helps Matt to save his job.
They both feel they can trust each other and Matt ends up camping by her sheep trailer using her electricity and shower. He helps her to stay safe. Her knowledge and use of rifle saves him. They for the most part at first just end up leaving things for each other like dinner or breakfast.
Taya is in hiding but she asks Matt to go with her to church. They go to different towns and always goes in late so no one will ask their names.
When two strangers come to sheep camp Matt pretends that the sheep camp is his. He has not seen anyone like a women sheepherder.
I like Jaclyn Hawkes books. I bought this on amazon.
LDS Romance story. I liked it. Others might find a lot of religion talk in it. It is a clean romance with some danger on the side.
I like Taya. She is smart, beautiful, believes in helping others, of doing what is right. Taya starts out getting ready to go to a fundraiser with her parents and fiancé a U.S Congressman. Her mom wants her to take off her jacket and show her arms. Taya refuses because it would not be modest. Soon everyone is trying to pressure her into it. Taya stays strong. but her fiancé gets mad and hits her and knock her into the wall. While she is hurt bleeding everyone including her parents leave her hurting on the floor.
Taya presses charges and because the police taking evidence more misdeeds come to light. They want her to go into witness protection. Instead she goes out west to college friend and gets hired to watch sheep all by herself.
Matt Maylon life is a mess. He somehow ended up living with a girl named Stacy who drinks a lot. He is supposed to be working in an office, but his coworkers instead of working are just staying at motel, partying and doing drugs. So Matt trying to save his job does their work and his.
Matt is a nice guy and hard worker. When he runs across Taya tending sheep. They slowly become friends and help each other when things get dangerous. Taya also helps Matt to save his job.
They both feel they can trust each other and Matt ends up camping by her sheep trailer using her electricity and shower. He helps her to stay safe. Her knowledge and use of rifle saves him. They for the most part at first just end up leaving things for each other like dinner or breakfast.
Taya is in hiding but she asks Matt to go with her to church. They go to different towns and always goes in late so no one will ask their names.
When two strangers come to sheep camp Matt pretends that the sheep camp is his. He has not seen anyone like a women sheepherder.
I like Jaclyn Hawkes books. I bought this on amazon.
July 16, 2015
Beautiful society trust-fund sheep herder meets good looking computer nerd in the northwest Colorado desert. As you can imagine, in the natural and unnatural dangers of this rough and lonely land, trust builds and a friendship blooms. But will there be love, and will they stay safe from those who want her dead?
As always, Jaclyn Hawkes gives us a smooth, tender, engaging, and a little bit dangerous story about two endearing people who's strong characters, fortitude and faith weather them through sometimes perilous and (hopefully unreal) situations despite also being incredibly good looking, very talented entrepreneurs. I always get the feel that its like a modern day western. I love it! And am always reading her books as soon as they come out.
This book was great. I loved the look into a modern day sheep herding lifestyle, all of the animals, the values the story portrayed through main and side characters and the elements of danger. It is a fun read that warms your heart and makes you feel just as awesome as the characters.
Despite the Taya not being religiously aggressive in sharing her beliefs, I felt like at a time or two it was a little preachy. But I would recommend the book to anyone. Clean.
As always, Jaclyn Hawkes gives us a smooth, tender, engaging, and a little bit dangerous story about two endearing people who's strong characters, fortitude and faith weather them through sometimes perilous and (hopefully unreal) situations despite also being incredibly good looking, very talented entrepreneurs. I always get the feel that its like a modern day western. I love it! And am always reading her books as soon as they come out.
This book was great. I loved the look into a modern day sheep herding lifestyle, all of the animals, the values the story portrayed through main and side characters and the elements of danger. It is a fun read that warms your heart and makes you feel just as awesome as the characters.
Despite the Taya not being religiously aggressive in sharing her beliefs, I felt like at a time or two it was a little preachy. But I would recommend the book to anyone. Clean.
February 21, 2014
I was lured in by the excellent title, which is sure to draw a Wyoming girl in. I can almost smell the sage now, and it makes me so nostalgic. To be fair I didn't pay the attention I should have to the description and other reviews, or I wouldn't have picked this particular book.
The story itself is cute and kind of sweet. It's a clean read, so you really don't have to worry about language or graphic intimacy if you like to avoid those. One of the little details I missed was that it is self-published in digital format only. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, but there's a different level of polish to a story that has been professionally edited. The dialogue didn't seem to flow naturally to me, and the conflicts seemed to resolve themselves rather abruptly.
The ratings here are related to enjoyment, so my lack of enthusiasm for the book should be interpreted that way. I really don't mind religion in books, but love it most when it's subtle and even symbolic. The religion in this book is a bit heavy-handed for my taste. The book simply wasn't my cup of cocoa.
The story itself is cute and kind of sweet. It's a clean read, so you really don't have to worry about language or graphic intimacy if you like to avoid those. One of the little details I missed was that it is self-published in digital format only. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, but there's a different level of polish to a story that has been professionally edited. The dialogue didn't seem to flow naturally to me, and the conflicts seemed to resolve themselves rather abruptly.
The ratings here are related to enjoyment, so my lack of enthusiasm for the book should be interpreted that way. I really don't mind religion in books, but love it most when it's subtle and even symbolic. The religion in this book is a bit heavy-handed for my taste. The book simply wasn't my cup of cocoa.
March 8, 2014
This wasn’t my favorite Hawkes story…but it was still fun to read. Her writing style has a nice flow and the book doesn't have distracting errors. The characters, Matt and Taya, were easy to like. The only weakness on this was that there wasn’t as much tension and drama as I would have liked. There were some bad characters, but they didn’t come into play very much and never pushed the characters over the edge to test them fully. The setting in the desert of Colorado was fun. I felt the peace that Taya felt there. The ending was a little contrived and didn’t match the characters I'd come to know. They both seemed to act a little stupid, purposely misunderstanding each other. I would have preferred the bad guys to push them into action and reveal their love that way. But it was still an enjoyable, clean read.
November 26, 2014
this was just an okay read as far as some of Hawkes other books. I loved the relationship that developed wth the two main characters, Matt ( the tech guy for a contractor who ends up doing the surveying work when the crew decides to drink and party) and Taya ( the rich socialite, who after getting attacked by her fiancé who is running for office and doing illegal business has to disappear to protect herself.) Taya, is LDS and uses her faith to help her know who to trust while she is out in the desert herding sheep. Communication is big in telling someone how you feel. Actions don't always speak louder than words even when there are great kisses.
Loved how the characters cared for each other chastely while they were sick.
Loved how the characters cared for each other chastely while they were sick.
July 4, 2014
I liked the characters in this book. Taya and Matt were well-rounded characters and their relationship felt natural. The Colorado setting where of most of the book took place was beautifully described and made me want to go visit there.
At first the book really drew me and kept me reading. But then it slowed down some and just didn't keep my interest like it did at the beginning. In the last part of the book there was suspense, but it felt drawn out and by the end I was glad to be done. Honestly, I’d love to go back and reread the first part of the book, but I’d probably just skim over the ending.
Rating: 3.5 stars – Good Book
Content: Clean
See my review at http://www.iamareader.com/2014/06/boo...
At first the book really drew me and kept me reading. But then it slowed down some and just didn't keep my interest like it did at the beginning. In the last part of the book there was suspense, but it felt drawn out and by the end I was glad to be done. Honestly, I’d love to go back and reread the first part of the book, but I’d probably just skim over the ending.
Rating: 3.5 stars – Good Book
Content: Clean
See my review at http://www.iamareader.com/2014/06/boo...
January 25, 2014
I like Hawkes' books and this one was no exception. You know, sometimes when I like a book, I just cannot worked up enough to go off on things I wish had been different (like spelling errors/typos) or about minor elements that are the same as other books (at a minimum here, thankfully) or the dialog at the end that seemed to go on and on) but I won't because there are so many things I love about Hawkes' books like her dialog (well, other than the end that I mentioned) and her good writing skills and her honest characters and her love of wide-open spaces and on and on.
May 27, 2014
Amazing! It was a very fun book to read. There was romance, but there were no bad scenes taking place throughout the whole book. You can connect to everyone's life in numerous ways. There are people out there who have to make hard decisions, have to make hard decisions, fall madly in love, worry about the future, have communication problems, ect. I could go on forever. I like how Jaclyn M. Hawkes mixed the high society life with the Navajo sheepherder's life. I recommend The Sage After Rain to all intense readers from 12 and older. Hope you all enjoy!
June 9, 2016
I really liked most of this book, but there are a few things I couldn't get past. Taya is a strong convert to the church, and sets a great example. However, she was willing to marry a non-member at the beginning of the book, but then later in the story she worried about falling in love with Matt who wasn't a member. That doesn't make any sense. I also felt like the ending was anti-climactic. Why would the mafia hunt for her all summer, plant a bomb under her limo, and then do nothing when she testifies or publicly supports another political candidate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2014
I liked this story, however, it was not as well written as it could have been. A few editing issues, but a very clean romance. Great story, but could have been enhanced better. Some wording could be improved, and instead of quirky phrases, maybe more common terms, and phrases. I also feel this author uses words that don't fit as well as another word would. It just seems a little awkward. Overall, I really enjoyed this story, and very lovable characters.
March 7, 2014
I think my 3 star is generous. There was this whole build up of her being in danger and then nothing. It just ended with the politician apologizing. And the main characters dialogue seemed forced. It all seemed like "no you are better than me, no you are better". False humility. Not a terrible book but one I won't read again.
May 21, 2014
I really liked this story. Taya Kaye finds out that her fiancee and parents are mixed up in shady deals after her fiancee beats her. She ends up going to Wyoming and becoming a sheep herder until her fiancee goes to trial. She meets an engineer doing surveys, and they fall in love. They have several adventures together while Taya is in hiding.
July 17, 2022
3.5 stars. I loved the sheep herding aspect of this story and imagining what that kind of quiet life would be like. And I liked how the two characters met and how their friendship developed. I thought it got a little bit preachy, especially towards the end, and a few things felt unrealistic to me (like how good of a shot she was considering she had never really fired a gun before).
September 10, 2014
The story really seems to flip back and forth between characters in the beginning . It is no doubt , a safe read for content alone in the 90% of the book that I manage to read. If feel it stressed the importance of their friendship . However, this sure could have used more flirting and romance for this to live up to my ideal of a "love story".
January 30, 2014
I really loved this book! The characters were very likeable and I was hooked not far into the story. I loved the idea of living out in the desert, too. The relationship that developed between the main characters was so beautiful!
Great story!
Great story!
April 3, 2014
2.5 stars. I like the clean LDS romances of Jaclyn Hawkes, but this one got a bit too preachy for me and I am a Mormon. I also get annoyed with the lack of communication between the two characters that lasts a bit too long.
July 11, 2015
This was a really good book! A stand-alone story with good Christian (and Mormon) values. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and cried at several of the really touching passages. This is one I would highly recommend, especially for my LDS friends. A good Story, and a well written one as well!
May 20, 2015
The storyline and plot o this book are really good and I enjoyed it- but I got frustrated with the way the author would have these Lon lecture-type conversations between characters. These run-on sentences weren't very realistic in conversations. Still a good read though.
September 13, 2015
Mormon
Other than a few misspellings that I caught the book was good. It seemed to drag over a lot of it, but I had so much going on when I read it that I was tired by the time I got to it each day.
Other than a few misspellings that I caught the book was good. It seemed to drag over a lot of it, but I had so much going on when I read it that I was tired by the time I got to it each day.
January 6, 2017
PG
This is definitely written for a Latter-day Saint audience.
I was seriously stressed for the heroine and some of the situations she was in, even though she was a fearless and powerful woman.
Really, really good book.
TOTALLY clean; some very non-descriptive kisses.
This is definitely written for a Latter-day Saint audience.
I was seriously stressed for the heroine and some of the situations she was in, even though she was a fearless and powerful woman.
Really, really good book.
TOTALLY clean; some very non-descriptive kisses.
December 12, 2013
A sweet romance with a peaceful setting.
June 18, 2014
Another great read by Jaclyn Hawkes!
January 9, 2014
Man, I love this author!
March 6, 2014
An amazing novel. Jaclyn creates not only wonderful stories, but her characters are relatable and intriguing. You can't go wrong with any of her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews