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Aster Ridge Ranch #3
A Widow's Vow: Aster Ridge Ranch, Book 3
A troubled widow. A reckless bachelor. Can they come together before it's too late?
Responsible young widow Lydia has to put her grief aside to support her young family. When no one will hire her, she realizes that the only road to security for her and her children is to ignore her broken heart and marry again.
Charming and irresponsible Willem has finally discovered a business opportunity he's passionate about, but in order to gain control of his inheritance, he must prove to his father he's ready to take life seriously.
Now Lydia, the widow who lives on the same property as his business venture, is looking for a husband. Can he convince both her and his father that his reckless days are behind him? Or will Lydia choose someone more established who can promise security for her and her children?
A Widow's Vow is third in the Aster Ridge Ranch series, after A Cowboy's Vow. It is a clean romance and can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Responsible young widow Lydia has to put her grief aside to support her young family. When no one will hire her, she realizes that the only road to security for her and her children is to ignore her broken heart and marry again.
Charming and irresponsible Willem has finally discovered a business opportunity he's passionate about, but in order to gain control of his inheritance, he must prove to his father he's ready to take life seriously.
Now Lydia, the widow who lives on the same property as his business venture, is looking for a husband. Can he convince both her and his father that his reckless days are behind him? Or will Lydia choose someone more established who can promise security for her and her children?
A Widow's Vow is third in the Aster Ridge Ranch series, after A Cowboy's Vow. It is a clean romance and can be enjoyed as a standalone.
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Published August 15, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 26, 2021
This book was so good! It's a clean sweet romance that's well written and holds your attention from the first page until the last. It has just the right amount of drama and romance to keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. This book can be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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October 8, 2021When a widowed mother of two find her self caught up in the opulence of the Chicago family orbit she knows she is out of her debts. She is there to attend the wedding of her good friend Ivy and is being chaperoned by William and although her husband hasn’t been dead long, she doesn’t know what to think when she starts having feelings for him and realizes he may have feelings for her as well. When it comes to love though not everything is cut and dry and they will be starts and stops and twist interns and it will just keep you turning the pages. I found this book better than most historical westerns romances I have read. I find this author to be very talented and more importantly than that her story was the stork Lee accurate which is a big pet peeve of mine and I Would definitely recommend this book. If you love historical romance then you’ll love this book. I love historical westerns and although this takes place in Chicago most of the characters live on ranches or at least want to eventually. I love that!
October 1, 2021
This is a clean romance with strong characters and an entertaining story line. The author does a great job building her story and pulled me in right from the start and kept me reading right to the end. She brings drama and romance and moves the story fluidly with her descriptive writing. I enjoyed and would recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
October 4, 2021
After reading the first 2 books in the series I couldn't wait to read A Widow's Vow. As expected, the book pulls you right in and is entertaining and engaging from Chapter 1. The characters are so well-developed and relatable. I fell in love with Willem and his genuine goodness! Lydia, a recently widowed mother of 2 is striving to find the best situation for her family. Willem is a close and trusted friend who shows the utmost kindness to her and her children, while also trying to establish himself in the world. The progression of their friendship and love story is so satisfying. Kate's ability to pour real emotion onto the pages leaves any reader wanting more. Anything from Kate is on my "must read" list!
October 7, 2021
Great story with widow Lydia and Willem who know each other through his family. Her husband died in the mines leaving her with two young children and his family has taken her under their wings to help her until she can get back on her feet or remarry. Willem and Lydia are attracted to each other but Willem is just getting his ranch off the ground and does not think he can take care of her and her children all the while Lydia only wants him not any wealth. Clean sweet romance with well developed characters that are perfect for each other.
September 30, 2021
This is one of those stories where both characters want the same thing, but don't dare to make those revelations until they are absolutely forced to. It is one of those cute ones too.
Man, I fell in love with Willem a little bit more with every interaction he had with Lydia's children. Lydia was a strong character, a mother who was willing to do go to the ends earth for her children, but a woman who knew that she needed to have something good for herself.
I hated Luc. I wanted to slap him silly. But I think he just needs a good talking to and some children. He seemed to soften a little by the end of the book, and I was so pleased to see that.
This was my first book by Kate Condie, and I can't wait to pick up the previous books and devour them. This is a fun early 20th century western with hints of eastern society.
Rating: 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐💫
Man, I fell in love with Willem a little bit more with every interaction he had with Lydia's children. Lydia was a strong character, a mother who was willing to do go to the ends earth for her children, but a woman who knew that she needed to have something good for herself.
I hated Luc. I wanted to slap him silly. But I think he just needs a good talking to and some children. He seemed to soften a little by the end of the book, and I was so pleased to see that.
This was my first book by Kate Condie, and I can't wait to pick up the previous books and devour them. This is a fun early 20th century western with hints of eastern society.
Rating: 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐💫
January 19, 2024
I really enjoy these sweet western romance books. Great series of easy reads.
September 30, 2021
A mother with doubt but still has hope.
The cover drew me in but the story kept me completely engaged it is such a good story. The book opens up with Lydia and her children meeting Willem's family and it is very clear they come from a whole different class then her. Right from the first there is a twist. I am not sure I like Luc or his wife and Willem really needs to grown up I know he is the youngest but some of the things he did. I did enjoy the book and the journey Lydia undertook. If you are expecting a sweet love story you are in for a surprise. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
The cover drew me in but the story kept me completely engaged it is such a good story. The book opens up with Lydia and her children meeting Willem's family and it is very clear they come from a whole different class then her. Right from the first there is a twist. I am not sure I like Luc or his wife and Willem really needs to grown up I know he is the youngest but some of the things he did. I did enjoy the book and the journey Lydia undertook. If you are expecting a sweet love story you are in for a surprise. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 5, 2021
Wonderful story
What a fun ride through the old west! Montana never looked so good! And the ranch is a great place to br! Loved this series! Greatvread!
What a fun ride through the old west! Montana never looked so good! And the ranch is a great place to br! Loved this series! Greatvread!
October 2, 2021
The third book in the Aster Ridge Ranch series a well written story that held my interest until the end. Widow Lydia and Willem's story. I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending with all the ups and downs they went through. Milo her son and her daughter Bridget where sweethearts, Milo was one protective little boy. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 14, 2021
This was my first book by Kate Condie. I know I did it a little bit backwards since this isn’t the first book in the series. I’m always impressed when anyone can come up with a story and put those ideas to paper.
A Widow’s Vow was interesting. There were bits that I loved and others that surprised me.
I have a hard time when the hero is a man I can’t necessarily respect. That was the case with Willem at the beginning. He was kind to Lydia and her children, but there were times when his life as a rake was mentioned or the fact that he smoked cigars when in the city. It tainted my image of Willem a bit.
It got better the further I read. I liked Willem more and could relate to Lydia as a mother. I felt for her children who just wanted a father figure in their life. I loved how Milo protected Lydia later in the book. I even liked Luc more once he started to think of someone other than himself.
The ending was really sweet! It was a nice book overall!
Disclaimer: There is a subtle attempted assault and a lot of mentions of infidelity.
A Widow’s Vow was interesting. There were bits that I loved and others that surprised me.
I have a hard time when the hero is a man I can’t necessarily respect. That was the case with Willem at the beginning. He was kind to Lydia and her children, but there were times when his life as a rake was mentioned or the fact that he smoked cigars when in the city. It tainted my image of Willem a bit.
It got better the further I read. I liked Willem more and could relate to Lydia as a mother. I felt for her children who just wanted a father figure in their life. I loved how Milo protected Lydia later in the book. I even liked Luc more once he started to think of someone other than himself.
The ending was really sweet! It was a nice book overall!
Disclaimer: There is a subtle attempted assault and a lot of mentions of infidelity.
October 23, 2022
Oh, Willem and Lydia's story is just all the heart eyes. I just all around love this story and its happy ending. This entire series is great and I love that while they can be read as standalones, all these stories connect so well. You get to see characters you came to know and love in previous stories. This book gives great examples of second chances after tragedy and knowing your own worth. Seriously encourage this whole series as it just gets better and better.
October 1, 2021
I recieved a free copy of this book in advance of its release in exchange for an honest review. At the time, the author was new to me, and I did not realize the book was part of a series. Although the book can be read as a stand alone, I wanted to start at the beginning, so I read "A Winter's Vow", followed by "A Cowboy's Vow", before I began "A Widow's Vow". I was delighted to find that the author weaves a great story. Nothing one dimensional here - some of these folks have serious flaws. Her characters are well developed, and their depth allows you to feel as if you're right there with them. Her stories flow well and have no trouble keeping one's interest.
The Aster Ridge Ranch series is about the siblings of a wealthy Chicago family who are trying to find their own way in the world. Several end up out west, but continue to visit, so part of their story is set in Chicago. It's interesting to see the juxtaposition of these two vastly different worlds and how the characters interact in each.
"A Widow's Vow" begins in Chicago, with Lydia arriving to be a bridesmaid in her friend Ivete's wedding. Ivete's brother, Willem, quickly became my favorite of the Graham brothers. Not as bold and sure as his older brothers, I couldn't help but root for him to come into his own. While Willem struggles to become his own man and impress his family, the recently widowed Lydia struggles with the best way to support hers. The two are great friends, but allow misunderstandings and their individual struggles to come between them. What will it take for them to realize they're meant to be more than friends?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book (as well as the two that came before it), and Kate Condie has made her way onto my "must read" authors list. I can't wait for the next book to come out so I can see if what I'm hoping happens next comes to pass!
The Aster Ridge Ranch series is about the siblings of a wealthy Chicago family who are trying to find their own way in the world. Several end up out west, but continue to visit, so part of their story is set in Chicago. It's interesting to see the juxtaposition of these two vastly different worlds and how the characters interact in each.
"A Widow's Vow" begins in Chicago, with Lydia arriving to be a bridesmaid in her friend Ivete's wedding. Ivete's brother, Willem, quickly became my favorite of the Graham brothers. Not as bold and sure as his older brothers, I couldn't help but root for him to come into his own. While Willem struggles to become his own man and impress his family, the recently widowed Lydia struggles with the best way to support hers. The two are great friends, but allow misunderstandings and their individual struggles to come between them. What will it take for them to realize they're meant to be more than friends?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book (as well as the two that came before it), and Kate Condie has made her way onto my "must read" authors list. I can't wait for the next book to come out so I can see if what I'm hoping happens next comes to pass!
February 24, 2023
Took forever for them to be together yet neither were ready to go after the other in the end. Luc 🤮 was the one to go after her and stop her.honestly we didn’t get many moment with William and Lydia towards the end because William was angry at her and assuming the worst. He is in the wrong accusing her but come on Lydia speak up about your feelings towards him !!!
Luc.🤮 he was horrible. I can’t stand reading a book where a sibling(in this case a married manwhore)is interested in the love interest. In the second half we get more of him and Lydia because she is craving attention because William is over here building his business and doesn’t give her attention. And I guess Luc had some kind of feelings for her 🤢 even worse. I was honestly sad to see that. Wish he had some kind of redemption because Angelica or was it angela? Anyways his wife deserves better 😡
But I’m more upset that in the end neither felt ready to speak up. Like William is over here still with his insecurities and feeling like he wouldn’t be a good parent and wouldn’t give Lydia what she needed. And Lydia never spoke about her feelings. Felt more like she was gonna end up with Luc🤮but yeah neither were ready by the end so it felt lame.
Luc.🤮 he was horrible. I can’t stand reading a book where a sibling(in this case a married manwhore)is interested in the love interest. In the second half we get more of him and Lydia because she is craving attention because William is over here building his business and doesn’t give her attention. And I guess Luc had some kind of feelings for her 🤢 even worse. I was honestly sad to see that. Wish he had some kind of redemption because Angelica or was it angela? Anyways his wife deserves better 😡
But I’m more upset that in the end neither felt ready to speak up. Like William is over here still with his insecurities and feeling like he wouldn’t be a good parent and wouldn’t give Lydia what she needed. And Lydia never spoke about her feelings. Felt more like she was gonna end up with Luc🤮but yeah neither were ready by the end so it felt lame.
October 17, 2021
This is my first experience reading something by Ms. Condie and it was a very enjoyable read. It is the third installment of the Aster Ridge Ranch series. Though I have not read the others in the series, this was easily read as a standalone. It is a clean and sweet romance and it captured my attention from the very beginning and I became engrossed in the story till the last page. The author does a really nice job of building the story and bringing the characters and scenes to life with her descriptive writing. The story flows smoothly and the plot twists keep you guessing. Willem and Lydia seemed like such an unlikely pair, he a rake and her a widowed mother of two, but Ms. Condie did a great job of weaving their story and ultimately bringing these two together. I enjoyed following them on their journey and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Condie's books in the future.
I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
October 10, 2021
This is book #3 in the Aster Ridge Ranch series. And this is my first Kate Condie book. I MUST go back and ready the others now, since I enjoyed this one so much. The focus of this book is on the youngest son, Willem. Lydia is the widowed mother of 2 children. There is a lot of chemistry between Lydie and Willem, although Willem does not have the self esteem to do anything about it in the beginning. I encourage you to read the whole series, the writing is excellent, with well developed characters, and a great storyline.
September 10, 2022
Second chances to exist
Lydia is still grieving for her late husband and trying her best to raise their two children. She knows that the Graham family want to look after her but she can't keep on accepting their help. She needs to find a job to support her family but that means leaving Willem behind. Willem would live nothing better than getting Lydia & children go stay at the ranch with him. But can he show her how he feels before it is too late? A great read. Loved the characters
Lydia is still grieving for her late husband and trying her best to raise their two children. She knows that the Graham family want to look after her but she can't keep on accepting their help. She needs to find a job to support her family but that means leaving Willem behind. Willem would live nothing better than getting Lydia & children go stay at the ranch with him. But can he show her how he feels before it is too late? A great read. Loved the characters
December 7, 2021
Sweet Historical Romance
I really enjoyed this story! Her decisions were always putting her children's welfare first! My favorite scene is Willem's rescue of Milo and Lydia after Milo's nightmare. He was definitely my image of a knight on a white stallion in that tender scene!
Womanizing is still a major subject in this story, but it's much more in the background. Although Lydia, the heroine is the target for several men. They feel her status as a widow makes her free game.
I really enjoyed this story! Her decisions were always putting her children's welfare first! My favorite scene is Willem's rescue of Milo and Lydia after Milo's nightmare. He was definitely my image of a knight on a white stallion in that tender scene!
Womanizing is still a major subject in this story, but it's much more in the background. Although Lydia, the heroine is the target for several men. They feel her status as a widow makes her free game.
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July 1, 2022A sweet HEA for older teens and adults
Widows and orphans hold a special place in God's heart because throughout history they faced severe challenges. This story covers the bereaved, friends and the selfish characters and how they rose to the circumstances unfolding in Chicago and Montana. The writing and flow of story/dialogue were well done. I found it strange that the men in this story showed some real character flaws. Readers can easily enjoy this book.
Widows and orphans hold a special place in God's heart because throughout history they faced severe challenges. This story covers the bereaved, friends and the selfish characters and how they rose to the circumstances unfolding in Chicago and Montana. The writing and flow of story/dialogue were well done. I found it strange that the men in this story showed some real character flaws. Readers can easily enjoy this book.
October 28, 2021
This is the third in the Astor Ridge series, and Kate Condie’s writing gets stronger and stronger with each new book. She’s particularly good at describing internal drama and feelings. It drags a little bit in the middle, but her prose is so fresh that you really don’t mind. It’s a romance novel, so I’ll let you guess if there’s a happy ending or not.
April 26, 2022
I hope not, but I kind of think this series might be running out of steam. The last third of the book really dragged along, with the two main characters feeling one thing and acting or saying something else. And nothing else really happening to wrap those storylines around. And then they say the right thing and the book ends. Hoping for something better with Aaron!
August 12, 2022
Frustrating read
This book was a very slow read. The H is very immature and the h is wishy-washy. It was all woe is me from the H, I'm the youngest son and no one trusts me to make good decisions,I can't get married because I don't have a lot of money. Neither the H or h speak up about how they feel about each other or what they need to be happy. Very disappointing.
This book was a very slow read. The H is very immature and the h is wishy-washy. It was all woe is me from the H, I'm the youngest son and no one trusts me to make good decisions,I can't get married because I don't have a lot of money. Neither the H or h speak up about how they feel about each other or what they need to be happy. Very disappointing.
September 9, 2022
A widow’s Vow
I really liked this story. Simon died in a mine explosion and Lydia and her two children were given a Home by Bastien and Della in Montana. Ivette, Bastien’s sister was marrying Thomas, partner of Bastiens. Trip to Chicago for the wedding, Lydia, spending time with Willem, she had grown fond of him. There is so much exciting detail in this story, just enjoy.
I really liked this story. Simon died in a mine explosion and Lydia and her two children were given a Home by Bastien and Della in Montana. Ivette, Bastien’s sister was marrying Thomas, partner of Bastiens. Trip to Chicago for the wedding, Lydia, spending time with Willem, she had grown fond of him. There is so much exciting detail in this story, just enjoy.
October 11, 2021
Good book!
Enjoyed reading and love the characters. The content has a lot of emotional stress which is written well by the author. Through out and in the end there is light heartedness as well.
Enjoyed reading and love the characters. The content has a lot of emotional stress which is written well by the author. Through out and in the end there is light heartedness as well.
October 16, 2021
Such a great book! I really enjoyed it and I could not put it down. I would definitely recommend this author!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2021
A Widow’s Vow
This book was a fun read for me. Lydia and”Willem were hilarious through all their trials. Her husband had died and her friends took her and her children to live with them. Along the way Willem and Lydia find love. Read and enjoy, I did!!!!!
This book was a fun read for me. Lydia and”Willem were hilarious through all their trials. Her husband had died and her friends took her and her children to live with them. Along the way Willem and Lydia find love. Read and enjoy, I did!!!!!
January 22, 2022
Words
If you are going to write westerns, please learn the proper words. Horses are led. You use a lead rope. A team of horses is "driven" nod led or lead or leading unless you are in front of the team. Drive a team!
If you are going to write westerns, please learn the proper words. Horses are led. You use a lead rope. A team of horses is "driven" nod led or lead or leading unless you are in front of the team. Drive a team!
June 28, 2022
I've seen lots of 5 star reviews, but I was troubled by Willhem having the same inner fight with himself over and over and over, etc. Kind of the same for Lydia. I thought the author did good character development.
September 20, 2023
Excellent read! Love the entire series!
After finishing the third book in the series, I can’t wait for the next one! These books are great reads and have provided many hours of enjoyment.
After finishing the third book in the series, I can’t wait for the next one! These books are great reads and have provided many hours of enjoyment.
November 10, 2023
Great female charaters
Throughout this series this author ensured that every female lead was strong and believable. Their interactions with all their fellow females in the series are supportive and believable
Throughout this series this author ensured that every female lead was strong and believable. Their interactions with all their fellow females in the series are supportive and believable
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews