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Big Sky Mavericks #1
Montana Cowgirl
Some dreams come with a big price tag.
Bailey Jenkins left her hometown of Marietta, Montana, at eighteen, poised to take college and the rodeo world by storm–despite Paul Zabrinski. On the eve of her great escape, at the top of the Ferris Wheel at the Big Marietta Fair, he invoked his great-grandmother Hilda’s curse. “If you do this, Bailey Jenkins, I will hate you forever. And I’ll call on my great-grandmother to curse you. She was a Gypsy witch, you know.”
Fifteen years later, Bailey’s back–shattered, humbled by fate and bruised at the soul level but determined to rebuild–once she helps her parents get back on their feet. She didn’t expect Paul Zabrinski to meet her plane, but seeing him strong, handsome and successful is somehow fitting. After all, Bailey didn’t need Paul’s gypsy great-grandmother to put a curse on her–-Bailey already had the worst luck on the planet.
Never say never.
One look at Bailey Jenkins–his first love, the woman he adored…and cursed–and every emotion Paul Zabrinski felt fifteen years earlier comes rushing back. The love of his life broke his heart and made him hate her…or so he thought. The line between love and hate is very narrow, with only so much room for forgiveness. But Paul Zabrinski owns Big Z Hardware and Construction. If anyone is capable of building a bridge for them to cross together, it’s him.
The Big Sky Mavericks series
Book 1: Montana Cowgirl
Book 2: Montana Cowboy
Book 3: Montana Darling
Book 4: Montana Maverick
Book 5: Her Forever Gift - Free!
Bailey Jenkins left her hometown of Marietta, Montana, at eighteen, poised to take college and the rodeo world by storm–despite Paul Zabrinski. On the eve of her great escape, at the top of the Ferris Wheel at the Big Marietta Fair, he invoked his great-grandmother Hilda’s curse. “If you do this, Bailey Jenkins, I will hate you forever. And I’ll call on my great-grandmother to curse you. She was a Gypsy witch, you know.”
Fifteen years later, Bailey’s back–shattered, humbled by fate and bruised at the soul level but determined to rebuild–once she helps her parents get back on their feet. She didn’t expect Paul Zabrinski to meet her plane, but seeing him strong, handsome and successful is somehow fitting. After all, Bailey didn’t need Paul’s gypsy great-grandmother to put a curse on her–-Bailey already had the worst luck on the planet.
Never say never.
One look at Bailey Jenkins–his first love, the woman he adored…and cursed–and every emotion Paul Zabrinski felt fifteen years earlier comes rushing back. The love of his life broke his heart and made him hate her…or so he thought. The line between love and hate is very narrow, with only so much room for forgiveness. But Paul Zabrinski owns Big Z Hardware and Construction. If anyone is capable of building a bridge for them to cross together, it’s him.
The Big Sky Mavericks series
Book 1: Montana Cowgirl
Book 2: Montana Cowboy
Book 3: Montana Darling
Book 4: Montana Maverick
Book 5: Her Forever Gift - Free!
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2014
275 people are currently reading
673 people want to read
About the author
Debra Salonen
128 books208 followers- Born and raised in Brookings, South Dakota. Youngest of five (much youngest). A Baby Boomer who married her high school sweetheart (our lockers were side-by-side). Mother of two, grandmother of three darling princesses, dog mother of 2.5 mutts.
- Graduate of South Dakota State University with a Master’s degree in Geography and History.
- Job history: taxi driver, flax seed counter, cartographer, rural mail carrier, substitute teacher, secretary/community liaison for Merced College’s Child Development Center, bookkeeper, journalist, author.
- First sale story: June, 1999, to Harlequin Superromance. Total number of books sold to Harlequin =27.
- Honors and awards: Romantic Times BOOKreviews, 2006 Series Storyteller of the Year. Winner: Best Superromance of 2010: Until He Met Rachel. Nominated for Desert Quill in 2008.
- First book published by Tule Press, summer 2014: Cowgirl Come Home. The Big Sky Mavericks series opens Aug. 2014 with: Nobody's Cowboy.
- Graduate of South Dakota State University with a Master’s degree in Geography and History.
- Job history: taxi driver, flax seed counter, cartographer, rural mail carrier, substitute teacher, secretary/community liaison for Merced College’s Child Development Center, bookkeeper, journalist, author.
- First sale story: June, 1999, to Harlequin Superromance. Total number of books sold to Harlequin =27.
- Honors and awards: Romantic Times BOOKreviews, 2006 Series Storyteller of the Year. Winner: Best Superromance of 2010: Until He Met Rachel. Nominated for Desert Quill in 2008.
- First book published by Tule Press, summer 2014: Cowgirl Come Home. The Big Sky Mavericks series opens Aug. 2014 with: Nobody's Cowboy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 2, 2014
Great story from Debra Salonen. Bailey and Paul have a second chance at love, fifteen years later. But will fate, Bailey's bad luck, or the curse Paul's gypsy great grandmother put on her come in to play and keep them apart. Such a fun story and a great addition to the Marietta fair series.
July 28, 2014
In Cowgirl Come Home (Montana Born Fair #2) by Debra Salonen, Bailey left Marietta, Montana when she was 18. Escaping her father, leaving her mother, and hurting her boyfriend Paul. With heart ache, sorrow and hurt competing with big dreams, Bailey forged on.
Fifteen years later, she's back, feeling broken, unsure, and like she never really got anywhere. Her mother needs her. Her father might too, although he'd never admit it. And surprisingly enough, the one person she thought she'd left behind might still want her.
As Bailey struggles to pull her life back together and move on after her own tragedies, she is also dealing with complex family relationships and the possibility of a fresh start with Paul. Is that really what she wants though? Has enough time passed that they can forgive each other, and be together as who they are today and not who they were then?
Debra gives us a well written, emotional story that is all about relationships, healing, and moving forward. Debra starts off Cowboy Come Home with a very controversial subject, and she manages to write so well, matter of fact and unbiased, that no matter what your feeling on it I think you'll be sucked right into Bailey and Paul's world.
Bailey and Paul's characters both have a maturity that can only come with life experience and I love these kind of characters. They both could still be bitter and angry, but they are not. Even though hurt lingers after all these years, I love how they interact and how Debra brings them together. Debra manages to make both of these people realistic, with issues that real people have. This relate-ability really drew me into their lives, making me feel a part of it, and making me want things to work for them whether or not they got together.
There are a lot of secondary characters in Cowgirl Come Home, some I recognize and some new. Bailey's parents are strong secondary characters. They and their relationship as a family is a focal point of Cowgirl Come Home. I really enjoyed the evolution of this family. Paul's family is dynamic and we see a fair bit of his older brother who I think should have a story all of his own!
Loosely tied to previous Montana Born Books, Cowgirl Come Home stands strong on its own. With complex relationships and multi-layered characters, I'd recommend this well paced book to any romance reader.
Fifteen years later, she's back, feeling broken, unsure, and like she never really got anywhere. Her mother needs her. Her father might too, although he'd never admit it. And surprisingly enough, the one person she thought she'd left behind might still want her.
As Bailey struggles to pull her life back together and move on after her own tragedies, she is also dealing with complex family relationships and the possibility of a fresh start with Paul. Is that really what she wants though? Has enough time passed that they can forgive each other, and be together as who they are today and not who they were then?
Debra gives us a well written, emotional story that is all about relationships, healing, and moving forward. Debra starts off Cowboy Come Home with a very controversial subject, and she manages to write so well, matter of fact and unbiased, that no matter what your feeling on it I think you'll be sucked right into Bailey and Paul's world.
Bailey and Paul's characters both have a maturity that can only come with life experience and I love these kind of characters. They both could still be bitter and angry, but they are not. Even though hurt lingers after all these years, I love how they interact and how Debra brings them together. Debra manages to make both of these people realistic, with issues that real people have. This relate-ability really drew me into their lives, making me feel a part of it, and making me want things to work for them whether or not they got together.
There are a lot of secondary characters in Cowgirl Come Home, some I recognize and some new. Bailey's parents are strong secondary characters. They and their relationship as a family is a focal point of Cowgirl Come Home. I really enjoyed the evolution of this family. Paul's family is dynamic and we see a fair bit of his older brother who I think should have a story all of his own!
Loosely tied to previous Montana Born Books, Cowgirl Come Home stands strong on its own. With complex relationships and multi-layered characters, I'd recommend this well paced book to any romance reader.
July 28, 2014
At the age of eighteen Bailey Jenkins was cursed by her broken-hearted boyfriend at the top of a Ferris Wheel. Told that if she went through with the gut wrenching decision that she was about the make, then he would call down his grandmother's gypsy curse on her for the rest of her life. Unfortunately, it seems like the curse might have been real, because Bailey has had nothing but bad luck ever since.
Fifteen years later there is nothing Paul Zabrinski regrets more than cursing his first love...whom he has never really gotten over. But how can he still love a woman that made a decision that affected them both all by herself? Now that she is back in town, broken in every sense of the word, to help her mother care for her cantankerous father, can both of them find it in their hearts to forgive each other and move on? Or is the curse too strong to allow love to win?
This was such a refreshing book. Not exactly a "feel good" book, it transcends its own concept and comes out as a shining example of great writing and masterful character building. With its heavy subject matter, it was always going to be an emotional book. You can't discuss subjects like abortion, addiction, theft, grief, and recovery and still remain shallow and lighthearted. But this book takes those subjects and removes the melodrama, making them raw and powerful without making them sob-worthy. In a word, they are honest.
The main characters are both flawed and broken by a life that proved that life itself is not fair. However, they are both strong and willing to pull themselves up by the boot straps and keep trudging along. These are admirable qualities and very well received in this book.
The supporting characters are where the true magic in the story lies. Ms. Salonen took a character who is basically an abusive bully on a power trip, and is candidly described as "the town drunk", and completely makes him likable. She is actually quite fearless when it comes to making unlikable characters sympathetic. That kind of gumption is just too admirable not to recognize and applaud.
Overall, I needed this story. I had been rather disappointed with my own opinion of the last few books I had read, and was actually worried that I was burning out. This book revived my soul and gave me a reason to keep on reading and reviewing. Thank you, Debra Salonen!
Fifteen years later there is nothing Paul Zabrinski regrets more than cursing his first love...whom he has never really gotten over. But how can he still love a woman that made a decision that affected them both all by herself? Now that she is back in town, broken in every sense of the word, to help her mother care for her cantankerous father, can both of them find it in their hearts to forgive each other and move on? Or is the curse too strong to allow love to win?
This was such a refreshing book. Not exactly a "feel good" book, it transcends its own concept and comes out as a shining example of great writing and masterful character building. With its heavy subject matter, it was always going to be an emotional book. You can't discuss subjects like abortion, addiction, theft, grief, and recovery and still remain shallow and lighthearted. But this book takes those subjects and removes the melodrama, making them raw and powerful without making them sob-worthy. In a word, they are honest.
The main characters are both flawed and broken by a life that proved that life itself is not fair. However, they are both strong and willing to pull themselves up by the boot straps and keep trudging along. These are admirable qualities and very well received in this book.
The supporting characters are where the true magic in the story lies. Ms. Salonen took a character who is basically an abusive bully on a power trip, and is candidly described as "the town drunk", and completely makes him likable. She is actually quite fearless when it comes to making unlikable characters sympathetic. That kind of gumption is just too admirable not to recognize and applaud.
Overall, I needed this story. I had been rather disappointed with my own opinion of the last few books I had read, and was actually worried that I was burning out. This book revived my soul and gave me a reason to keep on reading and reviewing. Thank you, Debra Salonen!
July 18, 2014
"Cowgirl Come Home" by Debra Salonen
A Summer Fair Novel the second book in the Big Marietta Fair series.
Bailey Jenkins and Paul Zabrinski
Some dreams come with a big price tag.
Bailey Jenkins left her hometown of Marietta, Montana, at eighteen, poised to take college and the rodeo world by storm–despite Paul Zabrinski. On the eve of her great escape, at the top of the Ferris Wheel at the Big Marietta Fair, he invoked his great-grandmother Hilda’s curse. “If you do this, Bailey Jenkins, I will hate you forever. And I’ll call on my great-grandmother to curse you. She was a Gypsy witch, you know.”
Fifteen years later, Bailey’s back–shattered, humbled by fate and bruised at the soul level but determined to rebuild–once she helps her parents get back their feet. She didn’t expect her Paul Zabrinski to meet her plane, but seeing him strong, handsome and successful is somehow fitting. After all, Bailey didn’t need Paul’s gypsy great-grandmother to put a curse on her–Bailey already had the worst luck on the planet.
Never say never.
One look at Bailey Jenkins–his first love, the woman he adored…and cursed–and every emotion Paul Zabrinski felt fifteen years earlier comes rushing back. The love of his life broke his heart and made him hate her…or so he thought. The line between love and hate is very narrow, with only so much room for forgiveness. But Paul Zabrinski owns Big Z Hardware and Construction. If anyone is capable of building a bridge for them to cross together, he’s the one.
Is fresh air the only thing you missed?
Bailey and Paul learn that forgiveness is the key to healing.
what is Bailey nickname for Paul ?
Do Bailey and Paul get married ?
the name of Bailey business?
"Cowgirl Come Home" by Debra Salonen is a 4 stars book.
Looking forward to reading more books by Debra Salonen.
THAT COWBOY’S KIDS
The Quiet Child
Is It Christmas Yet?
A Summer Fair Novel the second book in the Big Marietta Fair series.
Bailey Jenkins and Paul Zabrinski
Some dreams come with a big price tag.
Bailey Jenkins left her hometown of Marietta, Montana, at eighteen, poised to take college and the rodeo world by storm–despite Paul Zabrinski. On the eve of her great escape, at the top of the Ferris Wheel at the Big Marietta Fair, he invoked his great-grandmother Hilda’s curse. “If you do this, Bailey Jenkins, I will hate you forever. And I’ll call on my great-grandmother to curse you. She was a Gypsy witch, you know.”
Fifteen years later, Bailey’s back–shattered, humbled by fate and bruised at the soul level but determined to rebuild–once she helps her parents get back their feet. She didn’t expect her Paul Zabrinski to meet her plane, but seeing him strong, handsome and successful is somehow fitting. After all, Bailey didn’t need Paul’s gypsy great-grandmother to put a curse on her–Bailey already had the worst luck on the planet.
Never say never.
One look at Bailey Jenkins–his first love, the woman he adored…and cursed–and every emotion Paul Zabrinski felt fifteen years earlier comes rushing back. The love of his life broke his heart and made him hate her…or so he thought. The line between love and hate is very narrow, with only so much room for forgiveness. But Paul Zabrinski owns Big Z Hardware and Construction. If anyone is capable of building a bridge for them to cross together, he’s the one.
Is fresh air the only thing you missed?
Bailey and Paul learn that forgiveness is the key to healing.
what is Bailey nickname for Paul ?
Do Bailey and Paul get married ?
the name of Bailey business?
"Cowgirl Come Home" by Debra Salonen is a 4 stars book.
Looking forward to reading more books by Debra Salonen.
THAT COWBOY’S KIDS
The Quiet Child
Is It Christmas Yet?
July 22, 2014
Cowgirl Come Home (Big Marietta Fair, #2) starts with 18-year-old Bailey Jenkins breaking her boyfriend Paul Zabrinski's heart at the top of the Ferris Wheel. When she refuses to give up her dreams and the chance to get away from her life in Marietta, he curses her with his gypsy Great-Grandmother's curse. Bailey had big dreams of college and rodeo success, but 15 years later she returns, broken in body and spirit, and in no way the success she planned to be. She returns because her mother needs help with her father, a stubborn alcoholic whose refusal to deal with his health has landed him in the hospital. Paul's life had had it's downs, but mainly ups as he is an extremely successful businessman, but divorced with two children he adores. Can these two overcome the past and look to the future? Bailey is determined to get her parents on their feet and leave Marietta and work on rebuilding her own life. Bailey has so much to face and make peace with. She needs to make peace with her father, their relationship, her parents' relationship, and the decisions they convinced her to make. In facing her past, Bailey realizes that she can have a future in Marietta, whether or not she and Paul can work through their past.
This was an extremely emotional read. My heart broke for Bailey and her life, and everything she dealt with on her way home. I also found myself rooting for her and Paul to make it through the problems and create the family they both so desperately needed.
Debra Salonen is a new author to me, and I found the novel to be a great addition to the town of Marietta, introducing us to new characters, and re-visiting old.
This was an extremely emotional read. My heart broke for Bailey and her life, and everything she dealt with on her way home. I also found myself rooting for her and Paul to make it through the problems and create the family they both so desperately needed.
Debra Salonen is a new author to me, and I found the novel to be a great addition to the town of Marietta, introducing us to new characters, and re-visiting old.
Read
September 1, 2014In Cowgirl Come Home by Debra Salonen (Book 2 in the Montana Born Fair series) we meet high school sweethearts Bailey Jenkins and Paul Zabrinski at the top of the ferris wheel at the Marietta Fair. Paul is devastated that Bailey chooses to leave him and not to carry their baby so he puts his great-grandmother’s curse on her. Bailey leaves Paul, her parents and Marietta, Montana behind to attend college with high hopes for her future. Fast forward 15 years later when Bailey returns to help her mother deal with her seriously ill father. Bailey is not the girl who left Marietta. She is broken and defeated after a horrific accident that seriously injured her and killed her husband and horse. After all this time, divorced Paul finds that he never gotten over Bailey and their high school love affair. It is also apparent to all around that these two still have that special attraction and chemistry. There is so much more to this story than appears at first. Not only do Bailey and Paul find the happy ever after, but Bailey’s parents work together to repair their marriage. Bailey’s father, OC, becomes a changed man after coming to terms with his health issues, his wife Louise’s health scare, and watching Bailey deal with him and love him despite all he’s done. I love how Bailey comes to peace with the direction her life is going and with Paul and his children.
I loved this book and had trouble putting it down. I would love to visit this town with its colorful and caring residents. I highly recommend this story and am looking forward to reading more books by Debra Salonen.
I loved this book and had trouble putting it down. I would love to visit this town with its colorful and caring residents. I highly recommend this story and am looking forward to reading more books by Debra Salonen.
July 28, 2014
**I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion**
Bailey left home at 18 never looking back. But, sometimes one must come home, and Bailey's back, for now. Her career in rodeo is over, husband and prize horse dead, and an injured ankle are nothing to the heartache from a decision as a teenager which has haunted her with some regrets over the years. Her parents need her--medical bills, business failing with her dad's leg amputation, company embezzled, and her mom's having a secret health crisis. And, Bailey was barely hanging on as it was.
She comes face-to-face with her past when Paul meets her at the airport. As they make peace with each other, and a decision made years ago, they find their attraction, stronger and different, still there. But, can they get passed the past, to make a future? Can some decisions be forgiven? Can Bailey forgive herself? Can they have a future when all odds say there's no way they should try? Is love strong enough to cover all the aches and pains over the years?
It takes love, forgiveness, acceptance, and a reason to stay for them to find a future. But the road to come back home is worth the journey.
This story tackles some sensitive subjects, but Debra Salonen does a wonderful job in her telling of this love journey.
Bailey left home at 18 never looking back. But, sometimes one must come home, and Bailey's back, for now. Her career in rodeo is over, husband and prize horse dead, and an injured ankle are nothing to the heartache from a decision as a teenager which has haunted her with some regrets over the years. Her parents need her--medical bills, business failing with her dad's leg amputation, company embezzled, and her mom's having a secret health crisis. And, Bailey was barely hanging on as it was.
She comes face-to-face with her past when Paul meets her at the airport. As they make peace with each other, and a decision made years ago, they find their attraction, stronger and different, still there. But, can they get passed the past, to make a future? Can some decisions be forgiven? Can Bailey forgive herself? Can they have a future when all odds say there's no way they should try? Is love strong enough to cover all the aches and pains over the years?
It takes love, forgiveness, acceptance, and a reason to stay for them to find a future. But the road to come back home is worth the journey.
This story tackles some sensitive subjects, but Debra Salonen does a wonderful job in her telling of this love journey.
July 19, 2014
Bailey Jenkins left Marietta Montana with high hopes, a broken heart and no unborn baby. She left her true love, Paul Zabrinski, who in his anger asked his great-grandmother to curse her. After all these years Bailey is coming home, she's here to help her mother care for her seriously ill father. Fate has played a cruel trick on her. She is coming back broken and defeated. Can she change her life? This story has great emotional depth. Neither Bailey or Paul haven't recovered from their shattered love affair. Their attraction is still alive as is the pain from their parting. The characters are amazing. They're so well drawn that the reader is pulled into their story. I want Bailey and Paul to resolve their differences and get the HEA that they deserve. I enjoy watching Bailey's parents, OC and Louise, try to repair their broken marriage. After all love isn't just for the young. Marietta is a special place. The town and her people are friends. All their stories come together to form a colorful backdrop. Debra Salonen has outdone herself in this moving story of facing our past, healing our heart and taking chances. This story touched me and brought me to tears.
September 4, 2014
Bailey and Paul were high school sweethearts. They broke up on top of the ferris wheel at the fair fifteen years ago. He was so distraught that he put a family curse on her. After having more than her share of bad luck, Bailey returns to Marietta to help her mom take care of her ill father. She does not return the same girl she was when she left for college. Bailey is now widowed and dealing with her own physically injury. Paul is successfully running his father's business, divorced and the father of two. When he meets her at the airport the attraction is still there.
Sometimes all it takes is time to heal from a broken heart. When you really appreciate what you have you can let go of what you have lost in the past. The way one deals with pain changes as they mature. Can Paul forgive Bailey and let her back into his heart and into the lives of his children? This was a sweet story that keep me so interested that I couldn't wait to finish the book just to find out how it ended.
Sometimes all it takes is time to heal from a broken heart. When you really appreciate what you have you can let go of what you have lost in the past. The way one deals with pain changes as they mature. Can Paul forgive Bailey and let her back into his heart and into the lives of his children? This was a sweet story that keep me so interested that I couldn't wait to finish the book just to find out how it ended.
March 18, 2015
This is Cowgirl Come Home. The is Montana Born Fair Book #2. It is written by Debra Salonen. It is the story of Bailey and Paul.
Bailey left Marietta, Montana when she turned 18. She dreamed of college and the rodeo world. The night before she left town, Paul cursed her with his great-grandmother Hilda; she was a Gypsy witch.
After 15 years, she comes back. She is hurt, humbled and deeply wounded. She is trying to help her parents get back on their feet so she can rebuild her life. She is surprised when Paul is sent to meet her plane. He is successful, strong and just as handsome as ever. She feels like she has the worst luck, even without a curse from his great-grandmother.
Paul takes one look at his first love, and all the feelings he felt from 15 years ago come back to him in one big rush. He tried to hate Bailey, but this is the woman he once adored.
They become friends again. Their romance slowly builds. Can they survive with their second chance at love?
I really liked this book. It is a good romance.
Bailey left Marietta, Montana when she turned 18. She dreamed of college and the rodeo world. The night before she left town, Paul cursed her with his great-grandmother Hilda; she was a Gypsy witch.
After 15 years, she comes back. She is hurt, humbled and deeply wounded. She is trying to help her parents get back on their feet so she can rebuild her life. She is surprised when Paul is sent to meet her plane. He is successful, strong and just as handsome as ever. She feels like she has the worst luck, even without a curse from his great-grandmother.
Paul takes one look at his first love, and all the feelings he felt from 15 years ago come back to him in one big rush. He tried to hate Bailey, but this is the woman he once adored.
They become friends again. Their romance slowly builds. Can they survive with their second chance at love?
I really liked this book. It is a good romance.
July 21, 2014
A wonderful tale of family, friendships, hope and reuniting with your first love.
Always remembered as Marietta's Fair Queen, Bailey Jenkins, returns home after 15 years to help take care of her father. At 18, she ended her pregnancy and her boyfriend Paul Zabrinski couldn't forgive her. She had big dreams that didn't include starting a family so soon. She wanted to get out of Marietta as soon as she could..
Returning home, Bailey arrives at the airport expecting her mother to come pick her up, but it's Paul who shows up instead. Both of them have moved on and been married since high school. Bailey is recently widowed and still grieving. Paul is divorced with two children. Together they become friends again and romance slowly kindles.
This fun story is set around the Montana fair with a secondary story is Bailey's parents who you grow to love as the story moves on. It's a cute addition to the Montana Born Fair series.
Always remembered as Marietta's Fair Queen, Bailey Jenkins, returns home after 15 years to help take care of her father. At 18, she ended her pregnancy and her boyfriend Paul Zabrinski couldn't forgive her. She had big dreams that didn't include starting a family so soon. She wanted to get out of Marietta as soon as she could..
Returning home, Bailey arrives at the airport expecting her mother to come pick her up, but it's Paul who shows up instead. Both of them have moved on and been married since high school. Bailey is recently widowed and still grieving. Paul is divorced with two children. Together they become friends again and romance slowly kindles.
This fun story is set around the Montana fair with a secondary story is Bailey's parents who you grow to love as the story moves on. It's a cute addition to the Montana Born Fair series.
July 27, 2014
The past always shapes the future. For two teenagers in love you can’t always see the future though, all you can see is what is right in front of you. Ms. Salonen has taken us back to Marietta with relish. The small Montana town that we have all learned to love is back in our hearts with this novella. Bailey and Paul begin as teenagers with tough decisions to make and tougher families to deal with but as the story progresses we see how the choices that are made help to make them the amazing people that they are in the here and now.
This story is incredibly well written, transporting the reader to Marietta again this time with a new cast and one that is so well written, from primary to secondary, that I can’t wait to see what will become of the family next. The words seem to flow like a river slowly drawing you down a stream that has become the “big Z” story. This is definitely a great read and perfect story of making choices, finding redemption and living in the present.
This story is incredibly well written, transporting the reader to Marietta again this time with a new cast and one that is so well written, from primary to secondary, that I can’t wait to see what will become of the family next. The words seem to flow like a river slowly drawing you down a stream that has become the “big Z” story. This is definitely a great read and perfect story of making choices, finding redemption and living in the present.
September 1, 2014
Bailey Jenkins was ready to leave Marietta, Montana behind after high school, escaping her alcoholic, controlling father and finally pursue her own dreams. When she learns she’s pregnant, she’s forced to make some hard decisions that break her boyfriend, Paul’s heart. They quarrel at the top of the Ferris wheel at the big Marietta Fair and Paul lashes out in hurt and anger and invokes his gypsy great-grandmother’s curse on Bailey. Fast forward 15 years and Bailey has returned to town, reeling and broken from further heartbreak that she’s recently endured. She’s there to help her mom care for her ailing father, unaware that her mom has some hidden health worries, as well. She and Paul reconnect and Bailey begins to mend fences with both him and her father….and they all begin to learn that love truly does conquer everything. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a happy ever after waiting for them at long last.
July 24, 2014
Bailey and Paul were High School Sweethearts. Until she gets pregnant and her parents force her to get an abortion. Broken hearted with the loss of their baby and of Paul, she flees to college, only to land up in a relationship sh swore she never would, one exactly like her parents. She marries a domineering cowboy just like her father. Fifteen years into her marriage, she stands up for herself and leaves him. Hitching one last ride home with her soon to be ex, he jackknives his truck and trailer, killing himself and her horse and severely injuring Bailey.
Bailey returns home near the end of her own recovery to help her Mother with her father, who is recovering from a long illness and surgery. At home she makes peace with her past, finds a way to forgive and move forward with her life.
A lovely story by Debra Salonen.
Bailey returns home near the end of her own recovery to help her Mother with her father, who is recovering from a long illness and surgery. At home she makes peace with her past, finds a way to forgive and move forward with her life.
A lovely story by Debra Salonen.
July 22, 2014
This book is part of the Big Marietta Fair Series but stands very much on its own.
What a heart touching story of the lives of Bailey Jenkins and Paul Zabrinski. I learned along with them that a forever love doesn't forget and forgiveness doesn't have a time limit, even after fifthteen years it has not expired.
I went from not really liking these two in the first chapter to absolutely loving them mid way in the book. And might I mention the emotions I felt along the way? I went from awes to choking sobs then to awe this sweeter than a Copper Mountain chocolate to the kind of tears that start with a sting to the nose and then the tears just flow. This book also tells the stories of some other couples besides Bailey and Pauls, And it is a keeper.I'm writing Debra Salonen a fan letter and I don't do to many of those.
What a heart touching story of the lives of Bailey Jenkins and Paul Zabrinski. I learned along with them that a forever love doesn't forget and forgiveness doesn't have a time limit, even after fifthteen years it has not expired.
I went from not really liking these two in the first chapter to absolutely loving them mid way in the book. And might I mention the emotions I felt along the way? I went from awes to choking sobs then to awe this sweeter than a Copper Mountain chocolate to the kind of tears that start with a sting to the nose and then the tears just flow. This book also tells the stories of some other couples besides Bailey and Pauls, And it is a keeper.I'm writing Debra Salonen a fan letter and I don't do to many of those.
July 18, 2014
Many people leave their small towns with stars in their eyes and anticipate returning home as a big success. So it was with Bailey but it was not to be. Her homecoming was due to her belligerent father's illness and her mother's need for help. It all came at a time when Bailey was trying to rebuild her life on her own. She left Marietta, her life there and Paul with no anticipation of being back. When she sees Paul waiting at the airport to take her home, it throws her. Plus, why is he being so nice when their last meeting was fraught with anger and loss?
Bailey has a lot to learn about not only Paul but also her parents and their relationship as she grows to love Marietta again, the good parts of Marietta that carried her along when times were bad.
Bailey has a lot to learn about not only Paul but also her parents and their relationship as she grows to love Marietta again, the good parts of Marietta that carried her along when times were bad.
July 18, 2014
Family, friends and forgiveness. I absolutely loved this book, the story of Paul and Bailey. Young love that was separated and then reunited fifteen years later. Both with failed marriages after a decision that was made many years ago, thinking you did what was best at the time. Bailey returns home to help her parents where she is reunited with high school sweetheart, single parent Paul.
This book brought me in immediately, what you don't do for your family when you are young. Loved the family dynamics of Bailey's family, so many problems that need to be worked through. Paul is just awesome, so in love with Bailey. Now Austin, PITA!
I love the Montana Born Fair books, take me to fair now!
This book brought me in immediately, what you don't do for your family when you are young. Loved the family dynamics of Bailey's family, so many problems that need to be worked through. Paul is just awesome, so in love with Bailey. Now Austin, PITA!
I love the Montana Born Fair books, take me to fair now!
July 18, 2014
Bailey couldn't wait to escape Marietta, Montana and leave all the painful memories behind her when she graduated high school. This included leaving her alcoholic father behind, as well as her first love, Paul. Fifteen years later she returns to Marietta to help care for her sick father. Bailey returns with many scars of her own. Paul has never gotten over his first love, but there is so much pain to overcome. It was great to read whether Bailey and Paul could survive a second chance at love.
This is the second book in the Marietta Fair series. I am loving this series and the characters in Marietta. This is my first book to read by Debra Salonen and I will definitely be reading more of her books.
This is the second book in the Marietta Fair series. I am loving this series and the characters in Marietta. This is my first book to read by Debra Salonen and I will definitely be reading more of her books.
July 23, 2014
Debra Salonen packs a lot of character development and emotional depth into "Cowgirl Come Home," especially for a novella-length book. I love Tule Publishing's creativity in packaging related novels by multiple authors into the Montana Born series. The writers are able to keep their own voice while still giving readers the benefit of familiar locales and characters that are hallmarks of any series. Salonen offers smooth, insightful prose filled with wit and wisdom. And who doesn't like a tale about second-chance love and redemption. The main characters, Bailey and Paul, are compelling in their own right, but it's Bailey's father, OC, who often steals the spotlight and shows the most growth. All in all, this is an enjoyable read from a seasoned author who knows her stuff.
June 15, 2016
Two reasons why this one gets stars docked:
one, it felt super rushed. I'm all for getting from point A to point B, but this felt like a rollercoaster ride that didn't even stop to take a break anywhere! I literally felt winded when I finished reading it.
Two, sometimes when the characters spoke ... I found it incredibly hard to believe. I mean, sure, you'd TEXT some of those things, but actually say them out loud? Not quite sure about it.
All in all, it was a sweet homecoming sort of book that didn't have too many complications (aside from that soap-opera twist with the thief/murderer!), and I actually really liked the secondary characters more than the main ones. Like, OC was my favourite probably, the ornery old goat xD
one, it felt super rushed. I'm all for getting from point A to point B, but this felt like a rollercoaster ride that didn't even stop to take a break anywhere! I literally felt winded when I finished reading it.
Two, sometimes when the characters spoke ... I found it incredibly hard to believe. I mean, sure, you'd TEXT some of those things, but actually say them out loud? Not quite sure about it.
All in all, it was a sweet homecoming sort of book that didn't have too many complications (aside from that soap-opera twist with the thief/murderer!), and I actually really liked the secondary characters more than the main ones. Like, OC was my favourite probably, the ornery old goat xD
July 22, 2014
I finished this book with a huge smile on my face! If anyone deserved a second chance it was Bailey and Paul. Great storyline - loved all the bumps in the road to try and find a new beginning. "The future can look daunting if all you see is hurdles, but each one can be mounted and overcome." Just when I thought I had reached the last hurdle - another twist and turn! Loved the character development with Paul and Bailey and all the secondary characters as well. Just an Amazingly emotional "Fall in Love" story. Grabbed me from page one and did not want to put my Kindle down. Loving this Montana Born Fair series!
August 13, 2014
Running away and focusing only on her dreams had seemed like the best way for 18 year old Bailey to escape her alcoholic dad and the trapped feeling of her small town. Years later and all grown up, Bailey finds herself back home to help her mother care for her now sober father. She is reunited with the loves of her life Training horses and the handsome cowboy/businessman Paul, discovers the family's company has been stolen from, and faces building new bridges with her father. With so much history and trouble weighing on her Bailey must do some soul searching to find out who she really is and what will make her finally stop running.
May 22, 2016
An OK book if you've got nothing else to read, but there were things that annoyed me. Too many pov characters and shifting pov in the middle of scenes that weren't done smoothly. I was also annoyed right at the end of chapter one when the heroine returns home after being gone for fifteen years and immediately assumes the hero is still angry at her for leaving. I mean, come on. They've both been married to others and he has two kids. Seemed like she was kind of full of herself, thinking he hadn't moved on. They also fell in love again way too quickly and with not much chemistry. By next week, I won't even remember what the story was about.
July 21, 2014
This was my first time reading Debra Salonen and I didn't want to put this story down. The trials OC has gone through, his wife's unfailing love through thick and thin, Bailey's ups and downs and learning to live in the now.
Bailey trading in the present life (as a teenager) for hopes of a better future based on the past instead of enjoying what you have together and life had no sympathy for her.
The conflicts, timing and dynamics were phenomenal. Paul and Bailey both having to learn to forgive and be happy.
I will be looking up more Debra Salonen books to add to my TBR pile!!!
Bailey trading in the present life (as a teenager) for hopes of a better future based on the past instead of enjoying what you have together and life had no sympathy for her.
The conflicts, timing and dynamics were phenomenal. Paul and Bailey both having to learn to forgive and be happy.
I will be looking up more Debra Salonen books to add to my TBR pile!!!
July 28, 2014
Cowgirl Come Home by Debra Salonen is book #2 in the Montana Born Fair series. This is a new author to me and I was not disappointed. Debra is an excellent addition to the Tule Publishing family of authors. This book has it all angst, family drama, a curse, forgiveness, romance and a second chance at love between 2 former teenage sweethearts. This is a touching story that had me tearing up at times, it touched my heart. I am looking forward to reading more from Debra Salonen.
I received an ARC complimentary copy from the publisher for an honest review.
I received an ARC complimentary copy from the publisher for an honest review.
July 30, 2014
This couple had a lot of bad history and bad karma to overcome. They both hang in there, determined to have the outcome they deserve and want.
An unplanned pregnancy is handled skillfully and realistically, which doesn't often happen in romances. The sequelae it leaves behind is realistic, too. These two have family issues to resolve before they can tackle their own. A great family story about people who refuse to give up.
An unplanned pregnancy is handled skillfully and realistically, which doesn't often happen in romances. The sequelae it leaves behind is realistic, too. These two have family issues to resolve before they can tackle their own. A great family story about people who refuse to give up.
July 20, 2014
You can come home again
If you believe in giving second chances you need to read Cowgirl Come Home. This book takes you on a journey that changes its character lives. I really felt for Bailey, she grew up hard. She had to make a serious decision at a young age. She has to find a way to forgive herself and her family. I found myself pulling for her to find her love again.
I was given an ARC to read for an honest review.
If you believe in giving second chances you need to read Cowgirl Come Home. This book takes you on a journey that changes its character lives. I really felt for Bailey, she grew up hard. She had to make a serious decision at a young age. She has to find a way to forgive herself and her family. I found myself pulling for her to find her love again.
I was given an ARC to read for an honest review.
July 18, 2014
What a wonderful story about first loves, regrets and forgiveness. Bailey was a Fair Queen and Paul was the love of her life. Circumstances and decisions came between them, could they ever find their way back to each other?
This is the first book I've read from Debra Salonen. I greatly enjoyed her style and fell in love with her characters. Cannot wait to read another from her!
This is the first book I've read from Debra Salonen. I greatly enjoyed her style and fell in love with her characters. Cannot wait to read another from her!
December 10, 2014
Read/reviewed for tule VIP Insider group for a honest opinion.
Cowgirls Come home is the second book in the Montana Born fair series. I really enjoyed this second chance romance book. It had great characters I especially liked Bailey and Paul. I would recommend this series and book to everyone who enjoys a good romance.
Cowgirls Come home is the second book in the Montana Born fair series. I really enjoyed this second chance romance book. It had great characters I especially liked Bailey and Paul. I would recommend this series and book to everyone who enjoys a good romance.
May 5, 2016
I loved Montana Cowgirl! It was a great book from start to finish. I felt like it had a lot of story to tell but it never seemed rushed. I loved the connection between Paul and Bailey. Even with all the sad things happening throughout the book there was still some comical relief in there. I can't wait to read the third book in the Marietta Fair Series!
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