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A Place Called Home #2
At the Heart's Command
❤When a second chance beckons, the heart beats an SOS. ❤
Colonel John Griffin Jr. is the best kind of military man. He's a good and honorable soldier who's determined to protect Ellyn Sinclair at all costs – especially from himself. Once, he’d rejected a young Ellyn’s advances, because he could not give her the life she deserved. Instead, Grif stood up as best man when Ellyn married his best friend. Then, he became a member of the family, godfather to her children.
But now Ellyn is a widow, back in Far Hills, Wyoming, living on his family's ranch there with her two young children, and having a tough time. And no matter what it costs him, Grif will do his duty – help Ellyn and her children, while ignoring that he has never stopped wanting her.
The Army's sending him back to the western life he knew as a boy, the world of cowboys and cattle on Far Hills Ranch ... . and back to the young love he knew. But how can he even be dreaming of second chances, when they should have no chance at all.
Far Hills Ranch has bound together the Susland family for a century and a half. For just as long, there's been a legend that the ranch and its family are cursed. Now, says the legend, the current generation is the last with a chance to break the curse.
Along with the temptation to turn his relationship with Ellyn from friends to lovers, Grif wrestles with the next element of the family curse. Can this military hero help free Far Hills Ranch?
Colonel John Griffin Jr. is the best kind of military man. He's a good and honorable soldier who's determined to protect Ellyn Sinclair at all costs – especially from himself. Once, he’d rejected a young Ellyn’s advances, because he could not give her the life she deserved. Instead, Grif stood up as best man when Ellyn married his best friend. Then, he became a member of the family, godfather to her children.
But now Ellyn is a widow, back in Far Hills, Wyoming, living on his family's ranch there with her two young children, and having a tough time. And no matter what it costs him, Grif will do his duty – help Ellyn and her children, while ignoring that he has never stopped wanting her.
The Army's sending him back to the western life he knew as a boy, the world of cowboys and cattle on Far Hills Ranch ... . and back to the young love he knew. But how can he even be dreaming of second chances, when they should have no chance at all.
Far Hills Ranch has bound together the Susland family for a century and a half. For just as long, there's been a legend that the ranch and its family are cursed. Now, says the legend, the current generation is the last with a chance to break the curse.
Along with the temptation to turn his relationship with Ellyn from friends to lovers, Grif wrestles with the next element of the family curse. Can this military hero help free Far Hills Ranch?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2000
About the author
Patricia McLinn
100 books320 followersWondering what unites 75-plus books of mystery, romance, women’s fiction? My readers– Patricia’s ReadHeads –say it’s strong characters you’d like to know, touches of dry humor, smart plots, connected stories, and settings that make you want to move in.
Try my most popular mystery series -- Caught Dead in Wyoming -- for that dry humor along with understated romance added to twisty-turny whodunits. Or visit me in Northern Kentucky, where I live now, in the cozy Secret Sleuth mystery series -- with a dog, of course! For a bit more of an edge, try the Innocence Trilogy of romantic mysteries.
Want more romance? Wyoming Wildflowers series, A Place Called Home, and the Bardville Trilogy will also let you experience the West. Then come along as I return to my Midwestern roots in the Marry Me, Seasons in a Small Town, and The Wedding Series.
There's more -- women's fiction, historicals, non-fiction -- because I love to explore.
After BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University, I was a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.) back when women weren't, then assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.), and — for 20-plus years — an editor at the Washington Post.
I've spoken about writing from Melbourne, Australia, to London, with lots of stops in between, including being a guest-speaker at the Smithsonian Institution.
You can connect with me on my direct shop, website, Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. YouTube is where you can also find me interviewing authors and talking about other bookish matters on the podcast Authors Love Readers. Hope you'll stop by!
Website: shop.PatriciaMcLinn.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaMcLinn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PatriciaMcL...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6kq...
Try my most popular mystery series -- Caught Dead in Wyoming -- for that dry humor along with understated romance added to twisty-turny whodunits. Or visit me in Northern Kentucky, where I live now, in the cozy Secret Sleuth mystery series -- with a dog, of course! For a bit more of an edge, try the Innocence Trilogy of romantic mysteries.
Want more romance? Wyoming Wildflowers series, A Place Called Home, and the Bardville Trilogy will also let you experience the West. Then come along as I return to my Midwestern roots in the Marry Me, Seasons in a Small Town, and The Wedding Series.
There's more -- women's fiction, historicals, non-fiction -- because I love to explore.
After BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University, I was a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.) back when women weren't, then assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.), and — for 20-plus years — an editor at the Washington Post.
I've spoken about writing from Melbourne, Australia, to London, with lots of stops in between, including being a guest-speaker at the Smithsonian Institution.
You can connect with me on my direct shop, website, Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. YouTube is where you can also find me interviewing authors and talking about other bookish matters on the podcast Authors Love Readers. Hope you'll stop by!
Website: shop.PatriciaMcLinn.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaMcLinn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PatriciaMcL...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6kq...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 18, 2014
Two-haiku review:
She's widow, two kids
Old army friend comes visit
Thinks he can't love her
This one's full of angst
He loves her, won't admit it
Both have deep issues
She's widow, two kids
Old army friend comes visit
Thinks he can't love her
This one's full of angst
He loves her, won't admit it
Both have deep issues
May 11, 2015
Warning.. Two great children involved and one breaks your heart with why do men always leave. This series is written around a small town called Far Hills in Wyoming. One family’s saga has left them feeling they are cursed from a cruelty an ancestor did a long time ago. John Griffin Jr. and Ellyn Sinclair grew up together and were best friends. John secretly loved Ellyn but due to his father and family’s history he never though he would be the man she needed so instead he pushed her into his friend arms and was even their best man at the wedding. John went on to work his way up to Colonel in the Army trying to forget that his friend is living the life he has wanted to have. Even once Ellyn husband dies John still doesn’t go back thinking that she is in Far Hills and the town and his Aunt will make sure they are ok. When his Aunt tells him that Ellyn isn’t doing well financially John decides to take leave to go home and help get her on her feet.
Ellyn isn’t a charity case and she won’t let anyone treat her or her kids that way. She’s glad to see John because she also has loved him since she was a teenager but she doesn’t want his pity nor does she want him getting her kids hopes up that he is going to stay after his leave is done. The two kids Meg and Ben were left with scars after both losing their father and when John just disappeared out of their lives years before. Ben being the younger one immediately latches back onto John and you can just see he wants the male bonding from another man. Meg’s attitude is exactly what I’d expect. She is sarcastic and very leery of letting any father like figure close again. During one heart to heart with John she point blank asks do men always leave. Heartbreaking..
This was such a touching story and John resisted his feeling right up to the bitter end but I liked how once Ellyn figured out all the truths about why John was the way he was and how he thought he was doing her a favor by always leaving she made a stand and man him see that loving her and the kids was the right thing to do.
Ellyn isn’t a charity case and she won’t let anyone treat her or her kids that way. She’s glad to see John because she also has loved him since she was a teenager but she doesn’t want his pity nor does she want him getting her kids hopes up that he is going to stay after his leave is done. The two kids Meg and Ben were left with scars after both losing their father and when John just disappeared out of their lives years before. Ben being the younger one immediately latches back onto John and you can just see he wants the male bonding from another man. Meg’s attitude is exactly what I’d expect. She is sarcastic and very leery of letting any father like figure close again. During one heart to heart with John she point blank asks do men always leave. Heartbreaking..
This was such a touching story and John resisted his feeling right up to the bitter end but I liked how once Ellyn figured out all the truths about why John was the way he was and how he thought he was doing her a favor by always leaving she made a stand and man him see that loving her and the kids was the right thing to do.
March 12, 2014
Second in series
Second in series
Great story of love and loss, of finding a way for dreams to come true. eager to finds out the end of the curse
Second in series
Great story of love and loss, of finding a way for dreams to come true. eager to finds out the end of the curse
December 26, 2019
Army brats
It’s hard to grow up with people who invest in country and everyone else but you. But it’s a pattern that can shift. A hopeful story. And romance to boot.
It’s hard to grow up with people who invest in country and everyone else but you. But it’s a pattern that can shift. A hopeful story. And romance to boot.
Want to Read
September 27, 2026In the trilogy boxed set
May 17, 2015
Ms. McLinn gives a very touching story of the love that got away or should I say ran away and the husband who didn’t love enough. Throw in two kids who know more than you think and a busy town who thinks they know all the answers and you have a great read. This is one that will touch your soul how these two children both dealing with the same issues but in different ways. They need a strong loving person who can make them feel love again.
Colonel John Griffin Jr has loved Ellyn since he was a boy he just never thought he was good enough. He steps aside to let his best friend be the groom. John is about to learn maybe that wasn’t the right step to make. It does seem he has made a few other mistakes I wonder if those two lovely children will show him the errors of his way if their mother can’t. This is one character who wears the uniform with honor, he is a kind and gentleman who gives so much but takes so little. It breaks your heart with the ideas he has lived most of his life believing.
Ellyn is one heck of a lady, strong, kind, loving and so giving. She is just trying to hold it together as she gets over her past. The past has haunted her but John just might be the man to make her rethink what she knows. These are two bullhead, stubborn people who will have to rethink life as they know it, readjust how they live and get over a past that might not have been truthful.
I have enjoyed this story it is full of today issues how people think, deal, it is full of pain of learning to trust and be trusted, love lost, love that just wasn’t love anymore, heartbroken children and so much more. The author does remind us what is truly important in live. She gives a compelling read. I did find the story to be slow at times which the author did pull me back in. I loved the plot how the town pulls together and becomes a unit to make life better. The ending was heartwarming touching. The thing that comes out of children’s mouths sometimes makes life a little simpler.
The supporting characters are wonderful, warm people who care. The author gave me a few chuckles as she turns the tables on these two. The children are a delight one so outgoing the other not too sure those she loves keep leaving she is afraid to trust. All the character grow in one way other another as they come together to join in putting the town on its feet. I recommend you give this book a try the author puts a lot of heart and soul in this outstanding read.
Colonel John Griffin Jr has loved Ellyn since he was a boy he just never thought he was good enough. He steps aside to let his best friend be the groom. John is about to learn maybe that wasn’t the right step to make. It does seem he has made a few other mistakes I wonder if those two lovely children will show him the errors of his way if their mother can’t. This is one character who wears the uniform with honor, he is a kind and gentleman who gives so much but takes so little. It breaks your heart with the ideas he has lived most of his life believing.
Ellyn is one heck of a lady, strong, kind, loving and so giving. She is just trying to hold it together as she gets over her past. The past has haunted her but John just might be the man to make her rethink what she knows. These are two bullhead, stubborn people who will have to rethink life as they know it, readjust how they live and get over a past that might not have been truthful.
I have enjoyed this story it is full of today issues how people think, deal, it is full of pain of learning to trust and be trusted, love lost, love that just wasn’t love anymore, heartbroken children and so much more. The author does remind us what is truly important in live. She gives a compelling read. I did find the story to be slow at times which the author did pull me back in. I loved the plot how the town pulls together and becomes a unit to make life better. The ending was heartwarming touching. The thing that comes out of children’s mouths sometimes makes life a little simpler.
The supporting characters are wonderful, warm people who care. The author gave me a few chuckles as she turns the tables on these two. The children are a delight one so outgoing the other not too sure those she loves keep leaving she is afraid to trust. All the character grow in one way other another as they come together to join in putting the town on its feet. I recommend you give this book a try the author puts a lot of heart and soul in this outstanding read.
July 27, 2015
Colonel John Griffin Jr. takes leave instead of a position leading to another promotion for his Army career and heads home to his family ranch in Wyoming and to the woman he has always loved when he finds out she need help. He is determined to help her and protect her, especially from his love for her.
This emotion packed story presents a military hero willing to sacrifice for the ones he loves to give them what he thinks they need.
Ellyn Sinclair, the widow of his best friend and her two children are struggling, living on his family ranch and being watched over by his family when he comes home to help.
The love story is sweet because he loves not only the mother but the two children and shows them with his actions how much he loves them and they come to trust and find the security they need to be a family again with Grif as their new step-father. The emotion expressed and the devotion makes At the Heart's Command ~ A Place Called Home a must read military hero romance.
This emotion packed story presents a military hero willing to sacrifice for the ones he loves to give them what he thinks they need.
Ellyn Sinclair, the widow of his best friend and her two children are struggling, living on his family ranch and being watched over by his family when he comes home to help.
The love story is sweet because he loves not only the mother but the two children and shows them with his actions how much he loves them and they come to trust and find the security they need to be a family again with Grif as their new step-father. The emotion expressed and the devotion makes At the Heart's Command ~ A Place Called Home a must read military hero romance.
June 16, 2015
Love, life, loss & love again. A great story of a woman and her two children regaining their strength and sense of self & wellness after abandonment and death with the help of a handsome and strong "old" friend. Extremely well plotted story line that delves into the emotional stability of man, woman and children. Kudo's Patricia McLinn, you've won me over as a reader and this isn't even my usual "go to" type of read. I read this book as one of the 11 books included in the Hero's in Uniform box set. I would say it is definitely a great read whether you select it alone or choose to read it from the set.
July 4, 2016
A nice romantic story with no surprises. Ellyn has known John since childhood and has loved him as long. first as a friend, then a secret young girl crush, then as her husbands best friend and friend of the family. John has dedicated his life to the army. In his words " Some men are never meant to marry, be fathers or husbands". He has always secretly loved Ellyn but respected the marriage of his best friend. Things have taken a drastic turn, Dale left Ellyn and was killed in an MVA. John has taken a leave and come to Wyoming to see what help as a family friend he can offer.
June 19, 2015
This is one of the 11 books in the "Heroes In Uniform: Soldiers, SEALs, Spies, Rangers and Cops Anthology"
At the Heart's Command is a romance novel that shows what one man sacrifices in order to give the love of his life the life he feels she deserves. Be prepared for the romance in this book. It isn't suspenseful as the others in the anthology but you do feel the romance.
At the Heart's Command is a romance novel that shows what one man sacrifices in order to give the love of his life the life he feels she deserves. Be prepared for the romance in this book. It isn't suspenseful as the others in the anthology but you do feel the romance.
July 11, 2015
I'm glad I gave the second book in the series a chance because it was much better than the first one. This store continues the legend and you find yourself cheering for Grif! He's a good and honorable man who's loved one woman his whole life. His father was a poor example partly because he lost the love of his life (Grif's mom) when Grif was only 11. In the end love triumps!
January 19, 2015
3.5 stars. Nice romantic read.
Re-read March 2021.
It was nice. Not a fav from this author and I wouldn’t read it again - actually I don’t recall reading it the first time, maybe I read a different book? I dunno 🤷♀️ but it was okay.
Re-read March 2021.
It was nice. Not a fav from this author and I wouldn’t read it again - actually I don’t recall reading it the first time, maybe I read a different book? I dunno 🤷♀️ but it was okay.
August 23, 2015
Classical romance, with not much erotica. Be sure to have a few kleenex handy, i sure needed them.
August 29, 2015
Very good book. tears came with my heart going out to Meg. so glad it all worked out for the better.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews