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Only Forever
Ashleen O'Shea looked like a blue-eyed angel ... and indeed she believed in making miracles. She stole a precious chalice from the convent that had sheltered her and escaped famine-struck Ireland, with four little orphans in tow. Landing in America, she discovered another miracle -- fate deeded her a farm in Texas and delivered her into the hands of Garret MacQuade, a dashing scoundrel. Handsome and powerful, MacQuade was sworn to protect her in spite of himself, yet his heart opened slowly, reluctantly, to Ashleen and the children. But even more savage than the dangers that lay before them on the trail was the pain of the past. And Garret knew, at journey's end, that he must settle a deadly score ... or lose the bright promise of home, family, and the incomparable woman that could be his... only forever.
314 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
44 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Cates
58 books98 followersKimberly Cates lives in Illinois with her family.
Pseudonyms: Kimberleigh Caitlin and Kim Cates.
Pseudonyms: Kimberleigh Caitlin and Kim Cates.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 27, 2018
Irish Lass Soothes A Troubled Texas Soul
The story begins in 1847 as Sister Ashleen O'Shea, a novice nun in Ireland, steals a chalice from the convent to gain passage to America for her and four orphans destined for the poorhouse. Her goal is to reach Oregon and make a new life for the children but she ends up in Texas where she must rely on a rough cowboy, Garret MacQuade.
As a youth, Garret's family was torn from him by ruthless outlaws. Since then, he has lived a hard life. His only passion is his painting that reveals his heart. When a man he cared for as a father gives Garret’s family homestead to Ashleen, he is forced to help her.
Cates writes very well, creating vivid pictures of life in 19th century Texas and wonderful characters. Ashleen is a strong heroine who soothes Garret’s troubled soul. The children are wonderful, each having an issue but healing thanks for Ashleen and Garret. The two villains who are pursuing Garret (and Ashleen, too) are truly despicable adding to the suspense.
From Ireland to the American West, it’s a worthy tale.
The story begins in 1847 as Sister Ashleen O'Shea, a novice nun in Ireland, steals a chalice from the convent to gain passage to America for her and four orphans destined for the poorhouse. Her goal is to reach Oregon and make a new life for the children but she ends up in Texas where she must rely on a rough cowboy, Garret MacQuade.
As a youth, Garret's family was torn from him by ruthless outlaws. Since then, he has lived a hard life. His only passion is his painting that reveals his heart. When a man he cared for as a father gives Garret’s family homestead to Ashleen, he is forced to help her.
Cates writes very well, creating vivid pictures of life in 19th century Texas and wonderful characters. Ashleen is a strong heroine who soothes Garret’s troubled soul. The children are wonderful, each having an issue but healing thanks for Ashleen and Garret. The two villains who are pursuing Garret (and Ashleen, too) are truly despicable adding to the suspense.
From Ireland to the American West, it’s a worthy tale.
June 8, 2018
Gritty, emotional and heartwarmingly beautiful. I couldn’t get enough of this story!! It is filled with adventure, romance, and characters that capture you heart and soul. This story took me on an emotional roller coaster. I laughed and I cried and I can’t remember the last story that made me shed this many tears. The writing was beyond amazing, where everything came alive. Two words: PAGE TURNER!
February 6, 2021
Started out interesting and then I thought it got a little over the top how quickly they fell madly in love. But then it was written in 1992. Liked the part of the storyline where Garrett was eventually won over by the children. In general, I don't read historical romances much anymore. I'd have to say Lisa Kleypas would be my favorite author of this genre. Damn, she wrote some excellent books.
February 27, 2025
One of the best stories I have every read!
I loved this story! So exciting, sad, joyous, & a happy ending! I even shed a few tears, which is not usual for me to do. I was so into the story I could hardly wait until I had time to read more! It had a little bit of fairy tale also.
I loved this story! So exciting, sad, joyous, & a happy ending! I even shed a few tears, which is not usual for me to do. I was so into the story I could hardly wait until I had time to read more! It had a little bit of fairy tale also.
June 11, 2017
3.5 Stars. A little overwrought. A fun story with delightful characters. Not always believable even in the romance genre.
June 10, 2018
It was ok if you enjoys sentences and sentences of multiple adjectives. Book length would have been half if it had been limited to one per sentence.
April 23, 2024
I read this many years ago. Got this at a book signing. Enjoyed it a lot.
June 29, 2018
A Passably Good Western
3.5 Stars
This book was okay. Nothing overly memorable about it, but nothing horribly wrong with it either. I think I would have enjoyed it more if Ashleen weren’t dragging around FOUR kids. I don’t love kids in my romances, but in this one I see why they are necessary, however a single woman with no money and no talents not only traveling from Ireland to America, but then across American with FOUR kids is just ridiculous! It would have been a better book with just the older jaded boy and the sweet traumatized little girl. The other two kids do nothing for the plot and just get in the way. The romance was sweet and moved at a nice pace, though the rest of the story did drag at times. I really enjoyed the conclusion. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG. There is only 1.5 scenes. Romance-4/5 Steaminess-3/5 Explicitness-3/5
3.5 Stars
This book was okay. Nothing overly memorable about it, but nothing horribly wrong with it either. I think I would have enjoyed it more if Ashleen weren’t dragging around FOUR kids. I don’t love kids in my romances, but in this one I see why they are necessary, however a single woman with no money and no talents not only traveling from Ireland to America, but then across American with FOUR kids is just ridiculous! It would have been a better book with just the older jaded boy and the sweet traumatized little girl. The other two kids do nothing for the plot and just get in the way. The romance was sweet and moved at a nice pace, though the rest of the story did drag at times. I really enjoyed the conclusion. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG. There is only 1.5 scenes. Romance-4/5 Steaminess-3/5 Explicitness-3/5
February 26, 2017
only forever
this story had a good plot and storyline it took you through the struggles the c!?haracters had to face going from ireland to america but ashleen liam rendy meggie shovane persevere to make it to stormy ridge with the help of kennisee jones most entertainiing character along with the man he raised from a boy garrett mcquade dont want to give the story away but its most definitely is a must read it even made me cried
this story had a good plot and storyline it took you through the struggles the c!?haracters had to face going from ireland to america but ashleen liam rendy meggie shovane persevere to make it to stormy ridge with the help of kennisee jones most entertainiing character along with the man he raised from a boy garrett mcquade dont want to give the story away but its most definitely is a must read it even made me cried
October 16, 2016
Ugly And Pretty
This is a great book. Full of mystery, love, anger and joy. I loved every word. I enjoy a book that wraps it's arms around me and refuses to let go. That's how this book is. It is a " one in a million".
This is a great book. Full of mystery, love, anger and joy. I loved every word. I enjoy a book that wraps it's arms around me and refuses to let go. That's how this book is. It is a " one in a million".
September 18, 2016
Didn't enjoy this one. Seemed very stilted and stiff to me. I enjoy Westerns but his one did nothing for me. I couldn't summon any interest in the plot or the characters. I gave up at 45 percent.
October 5, 2016
Loved it.
Loved the way the people came alive. What a great book. Looking forward to more of your books. Will you out for more.
Loved the way the people came alive. What a great book. Looking forward to more of your books. Will you out for more.
October 15, 2016
Pretty Good
I had stopped reading romantic novels because many of them are sort of stupid and predicable. This one was better than most.
I had stopped reading romantic novels because many of them are sort of stupid and predicable. This one was better than most.
October 23, 2016
It was just okay, and lagged in quite a few spots.
March 27, 2017
Awesome book
Awesome book. Could not put it down. It had everything I look for in a good book. Drama, adventure, romance. It made me laugh and it made me cry. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Awesome book. Could not put it down. It had everything I look for in a good book. Drama, adventure, romance. It made me laugh and it made me cry. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews