Condemned to a future of shame and regret, Marnie Jones battles herself to keep going one day at a time. Divested of hope, she’s all but given up when a handsome stranger arrives in town. Desperate for the marshal to ride on out of Pendleton, Marnie fears he’ll rekindle the embers of her broken dreams into a roaring flame before he leaves.
Married to his career, US Marshal Lars Thorsen avoids relationships of any kind. Spending his days transporting prisoners, guarding political figures, and chasing down fugitives, he doesn’t have room in his life for feelings or emotions. Especially not the tender, protective feelings stirred by the woman who wants him or the two orphans who need him.
A hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.
In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
Well written, emotionally moving, suspensful, and heartwarming. It's interesting to read about Cowboys, telephones, and cars in same story as you get sucked into this tale of danger, love, forgiveness and life changing adventure. It had good flow and only a few overly wordy parts. The subject matter was a challenge and though I wouldn't condemn her for her choice of vocation... I wouldn't be over joyed to have her marry MY son.
Marnie is 4th in Shanna Hatfields Pendletons Petticoat series. Marnie has been introduced slightly in the earlier books but definitely needed a storyline of her own. This young lady is a "soiled dove" as they called her in the book. The layers to all that constituted this complex woman gradually pealed back revealing more and more about her heart, soul, mind and past life. Her confidence and self respect restored, Marnie earned her upstanding place in Pendleton. Looking forward to the next book.
Can a young "working" girl and a seasoned U.S. Marshal find love and happiness?
When U.S. Marshal, Lars Thorsen rides into Pendleton, Oregon looking for the restaurant that the wife of his friend, Deputy Kade Rawlings owns, he sees an overly made up lady dangling an enticing leg out of her second-story window. He stops and chats with her for a bit and she gives him directions to the restaurant.
When Marnie sees the large, well-built man riding a beautiful white horse, her heart skips a beat. He's the handsomest man she's ever seen.
Though Lars is on a mission to bring down a ruthless gang, he finds himself being intrigued by Marnie. When he sees her without all the makeup and her gaudy clothes, he realizes that she's a very beautiful young woman. As they get to know each other he finds out that she hates her profession, but doesn't dare leave it because she feels that she'll never be accepted by society.
Marnie is falling in love with Lars but knows they have no future together because he's married to his job.
Lars is finding himself questioning his profession and his growing feelings for Marnie. What will happen when he finishes taking down the Bowman gang?
Will Marnie take Ilsa up on her offer to work with her at Ilsa's dress shop and quit working at Miss Clementine's brothel?
I loved this story about hope, redemption, and overcoming challenges and becoming better because of them. Honestly I was a little unsure about the story at first, but it didn't take long for me to get sucked into it, and I'm so glad that I did read it! I LOVED the two main characters, Marnie and Lars, but I also loved the continuing characters from other books in the series. The great thing about these books is that you don't necessarily have to read them in order to know who the characters are. I didn't, and I still loved the books! The other great thing is it's still a sweet, clean romance, which is one of the many things I love about this author's books. I definitely recommend this book! I didn't want to put it down, and honestly I was a little sad when I finished it. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the characters yet. Thankfully, there's other books in the series, so I don't have to say goodbye just yet. :) I think this is one of my top two favorites of this series. So good!
I do enjoy books with continuing characters, so you really feel like you get to know. The arrival of Lars Thorson in Pendleton led to a wonderfully unexpected reunion with his two sisters, and a meeting with local saloon girl Marnie Jones. As with the other books in the series, there are episodes of violence related to criminal activities. There are cute children, lots of good food and lots of love. One thing annoyed me in this book. Lars continually refers to Marnie as "Sweet Thing". Perhaps this is just a Southern style endearment, but Marnie ha a lot of self shame about her work, and calling her a "thing" just annoyed me. It seemed to objectify her, which surely had already happened to her too often.
It's been a while since I've read a book in this series and once I started this one I hated myself for waiting so long. I loved this series since the first book and none of them have failed to keep my interest. I hate to stop reading even for appointments or sleep, lol.
I will say that you really should read this series in order and I don't think you will be disappointed. I only have five books left in the series, unless she writes more. Shanna Hatfield is an author that I follow diligently, yes, she's that good!
Marnie is a very sweet enduring story. Marnie thinks her past makes her dreams of being loved and cherished just that a dream until Lars Thorsen walks into her life and shows her different. The story weaved in between the pages of Marnie is one that is not to be missed. This book brings out all a reader’s emotions you laugh, cry and just want tell Marnie you are lovable stop being so stubborn. Shanna Hatfield books are always throughly entertaining and enjoyable I love her books!!!
Western love and redemption story. I bought this book because I had read others in the series and was curious to better know the characters of this saga I really like. I wasn't disappointed. It's not only a beautiful redemption love story but there's also adventure and a lot of details about life in the beginning of the 20th century. I really appreciate the author's notes when I finish this author's books. I recommend.
I enjoyed this sweet story about Marnie and Lars. Marnie suffered losses as a child that affected her life and influenced decisions she made when she was still a teenager and alone. But Lars offers a second chance for true love and happiness. She just had to get past her beliefs about her worth.
Much as I’ve enjoyed this series so far, I think I need a break from the repetitiveness of the descriptions. So many “waggling eyebrows” and “hard muscles.”
But I will be back. I enjoy the town and the family Shanna has created. I just think I’m romanced out for a bit. Typically I only read one or two romances a year. It says something that I’ve inhaled four in a row.
Another great story. This one is about Marnie. She has a job as a lady of the night in a brothel. She really is attracted to Lars. He is US Marshall. In town, he discovers his lost sisters. Finding the bank robbers, getting her to realize she doesnt have to live in a brothel, and he wants to make her his on, enjoy their story.
The h is a lady of the night & the H is a marshall. Each are drawn to the other & sparks result. Each has challenges to overcome to consider marriage as the h does not see herself as worthy of marriage & the H works extended times away from his home. The characters from prior books in the series continue to be updated with their families as well.
Excellent story about accepting people and seeing the good in spite of outward appearances. It is also a romance about being willing to change, and to give up current goals for something better. Great characters, including some children that tug at the heart.
Shanna Hatfield is one of my favorite writers for her very individual characters,exciting plots, and deliciously humorous dialogue. Her open minded attitude presents nuggets of wisdom for creating your dream. Enjoy 💜👍👍👍
Humorous and thoughtful and entertaining just love this author’s books. Can’t wait to get another book from her. I think I would like to try Cave dweller next.
I've enjoyed all the books in this series so far, but thought this one was especially well done. I like keeping up with characters from previous books. There are plenty of believable (and unbelievable) plot twists, and lots of swoony kisses.
I am SO glad you wrote Marnie & Lars story!!! I love how big their hearts are for those kids & for each other. Thank you for writing a story of redemption after heartache & disaster!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down.The characters fit in with the previous books characters perfectly just like old friends or family.Marnie and Lars are perfect for each other and find some children needing parents.
I enjoyed getting to know Marnie and Lars. Marnie had a pass that she didn't think she could get out from. Lars and Marnie fell in love and they had alot of ups and downs along the way...
This story is satisfying from start to finish. A sweet and hurt young woman, a strong and caring young man, sprinkle in some danger, humor, and a few kids, and you have a story that makes you smile and tear up.
This series is captivating! The characters and storyline clearly reflect the time, research and effort put into the development of the series. Lars is a man of convictions and Marnie for all her past turmoil has a caring heart.
I'm really enjoying this series and all the characters. I absolutely loved Marnie and Lars story. Neither of them expected to find love but it found them. A wonderful read that I didn't want to put down.