What do you think?
Rate this book
Runaway
After Marianne discovers her bankrupt stepfather sold her into marriage to the highest bidder, she flees Philadelphia and heads west to start a new life. Unfortunately for her, danger follows.
First, a stage coach accident leaves her stranded in the middle of nowhere – with an injured driver. And henchmen hired by her spurned would-be husband are hot on her trail, threatening to return her to Philadelphia and the man who is determined to own her.
Just when things seem hopeless, Marianne is rescued by a handsome cowboy who offers temporary refuge. Knowing she can't refuse, yet wary of his intentions, Marianne finds herself drawn to this quiet, enigmatic hero. But is he someone she can trust?
First, a stage coach accident leaves her stranded in the middle of nowhere – with an injured driver. And henchmen hired by her spurned would-be husband are hot on her trail, threatening to return her to Philadelphia and the man who is determined to own her.
Just when things seem hopeless, Marianne is rescued by a handsome cowboy who offers temporary refuge. Knowing she can't refuse, yet wary of his intentions, Marianne finds herself drawn to this quiet, enigmatic hero. But is he someone she can trust?
69 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2014
7 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 25, 2014
This was my first Historical Romance and I was very nervous about reading it. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to give it the review it deserved due to my hesitance to read it. I've never been a big history buff and generally won't be caught dead watching a western! That being said, the synopsis grabbed me and had me willing to give it a shot.
The story starts off very well and definitely gets your attention and makes you care for Marianne and her circumstance. I can't imaging being thrown into the situation that she is in with this prearranged marriage. I quickly became engrossed in the characters so much so that I just had to keep reading and see where it would lead. I found myself pleasantly surprised by the story line and setting. It was a nice change of pace to read about carriage rides and gun fights in the most beautiful of settings. Even though the synopsis gives you a pretty good idea of where the book will go, Renee Donne manages to fit in a few twists and turns that are a little unexpected. I did find myself wishing that there had been a bit...well just MORE to the story. I found myself wanting to drag out the book, learn more about the individual characters and their lives, I wanting to get some details during the "courting" process! I really just feel that the author could have taken the book to a whole new level had she expanded on the story a bit.
There is a HUGE Christian theme in Runaway. Basically, Marianne's life is guided by God's hand and she is put where she needs to be, with who she needs to be, at the time she needs to be there. This is even taken a step further by Aaron and his unwillingness to "court" someone that hasn't found the Lord and doesn't pray. There were a few times that I honestly felt like this was a bit "in your face" and not so much a back set or part of the book. I think that it could have been worked in a bit more smoothly and gotten the moral across a little better. In my opinion the focus often fell on the religious side and not the side of romance.
Let's talk about this romance a bit. There isn't a ton I can say without spoilers, so this will be short, sweet and to the point! This is a historical, western romance and as such it follows how things would have been done in that time. Things flow slowly, but it seems to fit. While Marianne and Aaron's bond grows from strangers into a friendship of sorts there are absolutely NO "steamy" bits to be found. This means that the most romance you will see here is a hand holding or two and a few private talks on the porch and at the creek. When things finally progress past the point of friendship (Some major things happen in the story line that I can't say here...but read it and you will understand!) Aaron asks to "court" Marianne! Here is where I got excited! My first thought was, "YAY! Now we get to watch them grow from friends to romance!"
Sorry to disappoint you guys...that doesn't happen! We don't get ANY of the "courting"! It flashes from the scene above to a quick Epilogue where we still don't get so much as a kiss :( I was very saddened by this! By this point I was totally attached to Aaron with his chivalry and southern boy charm and Marianne with her sweetness and willingness to do things she never thought she would. Dang it, I wanted to read about at least one sweet kiss! lol
Okay, enough about my disappointment with the romance, no kiss issue. Overall, this was a sweet and quick read. I really enjoyed the historical aspect of the story line, which totally blew me for a loop! I wasn't expecting to enjoy it so much! I say head on over to Amazon and give it a try, it's definitely worth the read.
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.*
FOR MORE REVIEWS VISIT
The story starts off very well and definitely gets your attention and makes you care for Marianne and her circumstance. I can't imaging being thrown into the situation that she is in with this prearranged marriage. I quickly became engrossed in the characters so much so that I just had to keep reading and see where it would lead. I found myself pleasantly surprised by the story line and setting. It was a nice change of pace to read about carriage rides and gun fights in the most beautiful of settings. Even though the synopsis gives you a pretty good idea of where the book will go, Renee Donne manages to fit in a few twists and turns that are a little unexpected. I did find myself wishing that there had been a bit...well just MORE to the story. I found myself wanting to drag out the book, learn more about the individual characters and their lives, I wanting to get some details during the "courting" process! I really just feel that the author could have taken the book to a whole new level had she expanded on the story a bit.
There is a HUGE Christian theme in Runaway. Basically, Marianne's life is guided by God's hand and she is put where she needs to be, with who she needs to be, at the time she needs to be there. This is even taken a step further by Aaron and his unwillingness to "court" someone that hasn't found the Lord and doesn't pray. There were a few times that I honestly felt like this was a bit "in your face" and not so much a back set or part of the book. I think that it could have been worked in a bit more smoothly and gotten the moral across a little better. In my opinion the focus often fell on the religious side and not the side of romance.
Let's talk about this romance a bit. There isn't a ton I can say without spoilers, so this will be short, sweet and to the point! This is a historical, western romance and as such it follows how things would have been done in that time. Things flow slowly, but it seems to fit. While Marianne and Aaron's bond grows from strangers into a friendship of sorts there are absolutely NO "steamy" bits to be found. This means that the most romance you will see here is a hand holding or two and a few private talks on the porch and at the creek. When things finally progress past the point of friendship (Some major things happen in the story line that I can't say here...but read it and you will understand!) Aaron asks to "court" Marianne! Here is where I got excited! My first thought was, "YAY! Now we get to watch them grow from friends to romance!"
Sorry to disappoint you guys...that doesn't happen! We don't get ANY of the "courting"! It flashes from the scene above to a quick Epilogue where we still don't get so much as a kiss :( I was very saddened by this! By this point I was totally attached to Aaron with his chivalry and southern boy charm and Marianne with her sweetness and willingness to do things she never thought she would. Dang it, I wanted to read about at least one sweet kiss! lol
Okay, enough about my disappointment with the romance, no kiss issue. Overall, this was a sweet and quick read. I really enjoyed the historical aspect of the story line, which totally blew me for a loop! I wasn't expecting to enjoy it so much! I say head on over to Amazon and give it a try, it's definitely worth the read.
*ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.*
FOR MORE REVIEWS VISIT
June 30, 2014
If I could only say one thing about this book I would have to say that I loved it! I read it in one sitting because I became so absorbed in the story and characters that I had to know how the ending would be, and boy I must say I wasn't disappointed at all. I easily found myself immediately drawn into the plight of Marianne, and because of the blurb I knew what she planned to do, but there were a few unexpected twists that made the story a very satisfying read. Every story needs a villain, and I am not sure who I disliked the most Marianne's stepfather or Maxwell Halsted the lecherous sixty year old man who thought he could "buy"her. Maxwell was tenacious pursuing Marianne west in order to make good on the deal he had struck with her step-father. I loved the Christian themes woven into the story, I found that they complimented the historical flavor.The western setting,and the way that God seemed to put Marianne where she needed to be, with someone who would look after her was well written and very believable. Anyone who enjoys historical romance that is cleanly written and provides easy to care for characters and a bit of suspense will find Runaway a must read! Renee Donnes writing style captured my attention and leaves me anxious to read more of her work.
July 30, 2014
I began reading Runaway on a Sunday and finished it that day. It's a short, relaxing weekend read, and the author does a good job of pacing the story in a a way that makes it hard to put down. Even if you aren't a history buff (ahem, me), you'll be able to attach to the story because the characters' emotions have a modern and relatable feel. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a clean, romantic read that keeps you in suspense! (I received this book free in exchange for an honest review).
August 12, 2014
Runaway by Renee Donne Is a Sweet, Western Romance
Romance is not my normal genre when it comes to choosing a book to read. Most of the women I read about carry a gun or can bring down an opponent twice their size with a quick kick to the temple. Runaway, however, was a nice change of pace for a lazy summer afternoon.
Renee Donne has written an engaging tale about an interesting cast of characters. You’ll care about some of them, and you’ll detest others, wishing you had the skill to deliver a blow to the head like one of the heroines on my typical reading list. Marianne, Donne’s main character, is not physically brave or aggressive, but she has the inner strength to survive betrayal, danger, and a life that has been turned upside down through no fault of her own. An underlying theme of faith adds another dimension to this sweet, western romance.
The next time you plan to spend some time in a lounge chair by the pool or on a blanket under a beach umbrella, pack your ereader along with your sunscreen. Renee Donne’s Runaway is a nice way to relax before hectic fall schedules call us back into the real world.
Romance is not my normal genre when it comes to choosing a book to read. Most of the women I read about carry a gun or can bring down an opponent twice their size with a quick kick to the temple. Runaway, however, was a nice change of pace for a lazy summer afternoon.
Renee Donne has written an engaging tale about an interesting cast of characters. You’ll care about some of them, and you’ll detest others, wishing you had the skill to deliver a blow to the head like one of the heroines on my typical reading list. Marianne, Donne’s main character, is not physically brave or aggressive, but she has the inner strength to survive betrayal, danger, and a life that has been turned upside down through no fault of her own. An underlying theme of faith adds another dimension to this sweet, western romance.
The next time you plan to spend some time in a lounge chair by the pool or on a blanket under a beach umbrella, pack your ereader along with your sunscreen. Renee Donne’s Runaway is a nice way to relax before hectic fall schedules call us back into the real world.
August 27, 2014
Marianne Fhinnerty runs away to Texas after discovering her step-father has betrothed her to sixty-year-old Maxwell Halsted. She is rescued from a stagecoach accident by the handsome Aaron Smith, but it soon becomes apparent that trouble has followed her …
Runaway is an enjoyable first novel. It was shorter than the books I usually read, barely longer than a novella. The short length meant there wasn’t a lot of scope for character development, particularly with regard to Aaron. This was a weakness, as I never felt I understood his motives, and without that he was almost too good to be true. Marianne was a better character, but she too would have benefited from more fleshing out.
The writing was solid, although there were a few typos, and the faith elements were subtle and well-presented. Renee Donne shows potential as an author. Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
Runaway is an enjoyable first novel. It was shorter than the books I usually read, barely longer than a novella. The short length meant there wasn’t a lot of scope for character development, particularly with regard to Aaron. This was a weakness, as I never felt I understood his motives, and without that he was almost too good to be true. Marianne was a better character, but she too would have benefited from more fleshing out.
The writing was solid, although there were a few typos, and the faith elements were subtle and well-presented. Renee Donne shows potential as an author. Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
August 2, 2014
Regency Romances are WONDERFUL!
And when the setting it taken out of the big cities and put in the wild, harsh West they are even SWEETER.
The ruggedness of the land and men and the gentleness and vulnerability of the women blend together to bring a tender story of hard work and loving romance.
Marianne is devastated and she is running away to find her aunt!
She will NOT be sold to the highest bidder as her step-father wants.
But then the stage coach tips over and the driver is hurt and she finds out her aunt's place has been threatened by Indians.
Can life getting any worse?
Actually yes it can...her supposed husband-to-be has sent henchmen to bring her back home.
Can she find safety and trust with the handsome cowboy who always seems to be in the right place to rescue her?
Or is she putting his life in danger too?
A book SO WORTH READING!
LOVED. IT!
And when the setting it taken out of the big cities and put in the wild, harsh West they are even SWEETER.
The ruggedness of the land and men and the gentleness and vulnerability of the women blend together to bring a tender story of hard work and loving romance.
Marianne is devastated and she is running away to find her aunt!
She will NOT be sold to the highest bidder as her step-father wants.
But then the stage coach tips over and the driver is hurt and she finds out her aunt's place has been threatened by Indians.
Can life getting any worse?
Actually yes it can...her supposed husband-to-be has sent henchmen to bring her back home.
Can she find safety and trust with the handsome cowboy who always seems to be in the right place to rescue her?
Or is she putting his life in danger too?
A book SO WORTH READING!
LOVED. IT!
August 11, 2014
Marianne has a problem. Her stepfather is tired of supporting her and sells her to an odious old man in marriage. She runs away and runs into even more trouble when the stagecoach tips over. The cowboy who rescues her is very kind, but Marianne is unsure of what his intentions are.
Runaway is a short, light read that is perfect for someone who needs something quick and easy to read. The writing is pretty good, though not absolutely spectacular. The historical accuracy was good as far as I could tell.The characters were sometimes two dimensional and a little hard to relate to, but otherwise the book was good. For a romance book, this book was more realistic than I was expecting. In other words, the hero and heroine didn’t fall in love and get married in less than a month. For this, I commend the author and look forward to reading more books by her.
Runaway is a short, light read that is perfect for someone who needs something quick and easy to read. The writing is pretty good, though not absolutely spectacular. The historical accuracy was good as far as I could tell.The characters were sometimes two dimensional and a little hard to relate to, but otherwise the book was good. For a romance book, this book was more realistic than I was expecting. In other words, the hero and heroine didn’t fall in love and get married in less than a month. For this, I commend the author and look forward to reading more books by her.
August 10, 2014
*I received this book for review from the publisher, this in no way affects my thoughts expressed in this review*
I love a good historical romance, and this one sounded right up my alley. I read it all in one setting, though it was a shorter book than anticipated I will say. However, in this short book Renee Donne packed an amazing story. You really feel for Marianne as she escapes her stepfather and the hand she was promised too and heads west. You, too, become taken with the intriguing cowboy who saves her life more than once, and are rooting for them all the way. I will not give spoilers here, but I will say this: if you like a quick, read full of western-y romance and a bit of adventure, this book is for you. I loved it and can't wait to read more by the author!
I love a good historical romance, and this one sounded right up my alley. I read it all in one setting, though it was a shorter book than anticipated I will say. However, in this short book Renee Donne packed an amazing story. You really feel for Marianne as she escapes her stepfather and the hand she was promised too and heads west. You, too, become taken with the intriguing cowboy who saves her life more than once, and are rooting for them all the way. I will not give spoilers here, but I will say this: if you like a quick, read full of western-y romance and a bit of adventure, this book is for you. I loved it and can't wait to read more by the author!
July 31, 2014
Runaway by Renee Donne
After Marianne's Mother dies, her stepfather sell her to an old man for marriage. She decides to runaway from Philadelphia to her Aunts house in Texas. She ends up in a stage coach accidents and is rescued by a handsome young man. She finds she has feelings for him, but can she trust him?
A fast paced short story. The writing for that era (and the story) was very believable. I do think things like this happened many years ago. I also liked Marianne, she was very sweet and likable. Even though (to me) the story was predictable, I did enjoy Runaway. I feel those who love western/romance will enjoy this book as well. A perfect beach/summer read!
After Marianne's Mother dies, her stepfather sell her to an old man for marriage. She decides to runaway from Philadelphia to her Aunts house in Texas. She ends up in a stage coach accidents and is rescued by a handsome young man. She finds she has feelings for him, but can she trust him?
A fast paced short story. The writing for that era (and the story) was very believable. I do think things like this happened many years ago. I also liked Marianne, she was very sweet and likable. Even though (to me) the story was predictable, I did enjoy Runaway. I feel those who love western/romance will enjoy this book as well. A perfect beach/summer read!
July 31, 2014
Runaway by Renee Donne
This western period piece is the perfect afternoon read for escaping just like the main character. I really enjoyed the characters and the feel of being in the wild west. The story line drew me in and I had to know what was about happen happen. I wished it had been longer. If you're looking for a clean sweet romance, with a dash of suspense I recommend this book.
This western period piece is the perfect afternoon read for escaping just like the main character. I really enjoyed the characters and the feel of being in the wild west. The story line drew me in and I had to know what was about happen happen. I wished it had been longer. If you're looking for a clean sweet romance, with a dash of suspense I recommend this book.
July 1, 2014
Runaway grabs your attention from the beginning with a prearranged marriage having a step father sell to highest bidder her hand to cover debt. Through the book with the different events that happen. (NO SPOILERS) I can say the end is good and only half a surprise. RUNAWAY is worth another read especially during a relaxing day during the summer. Overall I believe this book is a 5/5 stars
July 30, 2014
It kept me reading until 3am. Need I say more?
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews