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One Shingle to Hang
A woman with too much knowledge was at risk for insanity. Her fragile mind couldn’t handle it. That’s what Lil had been told when she went against convention and became an attorney. The 1800’s had fewer women lawyers than women doctors. Her pride knew no bounds when she hung her shingle—L.M. Wentfield, Attorney At Law. Drew was a struggling cattle rancher, building a fledgling Hereford empire. He was working toward that goal when he was accused of rustling and faced possible hanging. He needed a lawyer—a good one—a man. Chesterfield had one lawyer—a new one—L.M. Wentfield. He wasn’t prepared for a beautiful blonde with a sharp tongue and fiercely won independence. Lil had no homemaking abilities. Her love was the law. And if the thoughts of the gray-eyed cowboy, who had the audacity to refuse her legal help, stayed in her mind, she’d push them aside. She had nothing to offer a rancher . Even her wealth wouldn’t be considered an asset to a prideful man. And Drew Jackson was proud. So proud, he knew he couldn’t ask a woman of Lil’s stature to share his life—but he wanted to—from the moment he’d stolen that first kiss.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2014
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299 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 27, 2020
Occasionally, I get a hankering for a light, fluffy, no- or low-angst romance. I’m also a sucker for historical lawyer stories and was intrigued with the blurb on this one which has a lawyer heroine (and it was FREE on Amazon). I would have liked to see Lil do more legal work - that’s actually one of my pet romance peeves, to advertise a “scientist heroine” or “construction worker heroine” or “doctor heroine” or whatever, yet never or rarely show her doing scientist or construction or doctor stuff.
Mini-rant over. What I did like in this book were the characters. Lil has crappy parents, but during the story, she makes her own family from her motherly housekeeper, Birdie, and Birdie’s adorable granddaughter, Jesse. The hero, Drew, is a rancher who is building a herd of Herefords and to be fair, they meet over a legal issue. Later, Lil meets Drew’s parents, and they become the mom and dad wishes she could have had.
So, if like me, you’re hankering for a light and fluffy Western romance, I recommend this one.
Mini-rant over. What I did like in this book were the characters. Lil has crappy parents, but during the story, she makes her own family from her motherly housekeeper, Birdie, and Birdie’s adorable granddaughter, Jesse. The hero, Drew, is a rancher who is building a herd of Herefords and to be fair, they meet over a legal issue. Later, Lil meets Drew’s parents, and they become the mom and dad wishes she could have had.
So, if like me, you’re hankering for a light and fluffy Western romance, I recommend this one.
May 14, 2017
Too sugary sweet in places and very little conflict to keep me engrossed in the characters. I also don't like women who deliberately set out to embarrass and make fools of a man when they first meet them. The heroine in this might be 'sassy' but she came across as too full of her own cleverness whereas the 'poor dumb cowboy' deserved someone with less 'sass' and a bit more common sense. It was all too easy, too perfect, and I got fed up of reading about Birdies sugar cookies and cinnamon rolls in every chapter.
October 4, 2017
This was cute. I enjoyed it. I thought the characterization was great. And I didn't notice any annoying grammatical errors. I wasn't looking too hard, though, as I read this while terribly sick and in need of distraction (it worked, thanks!). I obtained this as a kindle freebie a while ago.
Some readers might want to avoid this if easy resolution and some insta-love are personal pet peeves.
Some readers might want to avoid this if easy resolution and some insta-love are personal pet peeves.
May 16, 2017
This Western romance worked for me on so many levels. Lillian (Lil) Mae Wentfield is a pariah to her wealthy, aristocratic parents: Smart, independent, highly educated in law by her uncle and totally devoid of the domestic skills expected of ladies in that era. She plans to remain a spinster and practice her craft in a small Colorado town. However, behind her brittle and haughty exterior is a woman with a fragile heart who craves to love and be loved. Drew Jackson owns an emerging ranch near that town and he has no time for finding a wife. Accused of the hanging offense of cattle rustling by a rival rancher, he desperately needs legal help. Handsome Drew is respected, charismatic, kind, ambitious and minimally educated in a country school. Neither of these unsuspecting individuals, in their wildest dreams, expected the collision of romantic attraction that overwhelms them upon their first legal encounter! The author does a brilliant job of exploiting and weaving the intense emotions surrounding this unlikely couple throughout the story. Along the way, we meet some of Lil's charming helpers and friends. The descriptions of life in the mid 19th century by the author make the book come alive in the most vivid way. The confrontation between Lil and her autocratic, unloving and controlling parents is reading at it's best. This book will go directly to my Goodreads "favorites" shelf because that is where it belongs.
June 3, 2017
Searching for her start and finding her home.
Loved this book. It took some twists and turns that I didn't expect but loved. Kept me glued to my Kindle till I was done with the book, I only set it down once when my husband had to remind me that it was WAY past bedtime.
Loved this book. It took some twists and turns that I didn't expect but loved. Kept me glued to my Kindle till I was done with the book, I only set it down once when my husband had to remind me that it was WAY past bedtime.
May 14, 2022
One Single to Hang is a historical western romance penned by Deann Smallwood. This is my first-time reading Ms. Smallwood’s works. I found it a captivating read. Ms. Smallwood introduces readers to two dynamic lead characters--Lillian Mae (L.M.) Wentfield and Drew Jackson. Lillian from a wealthy family. Drew’s family are ranchers. Lillian defies convention and with the aid of a paternal uncle studies for a law degree. She moves away from her parents to the small town of Chester to begin her new life as a lawyer. One of her first clients is Drew Jackson, accused of cattle rustling. There is an attraction between Lillian and Drew. Each feels they are unworthy of finding romance. Her parents expected her to fail and come crawling back to Denver. They vehemently oppose her chose path. They deem her actions rebellious and strive to bring her back under their autocratic control. Will they be successful, or will Lillian be triumphant? What will happen between Drew and Lillian? To discover what unfolds, you must read this book.
I enjoyed this entertaining western romance and Ms. Smallwood’s writing style. I liked the multi-layers of her lead characters. Both are somewhat unconventional. Several of her secondary characters were charming and delightful like Birdie the maternal housekeeper and her heartwarming granddaughter, Jesse. Ms. Smallwood does a incredible job in depicting mid-19th century life in the old west. She highlights the social norms and stereotypes those involving the role of women. I found her manner of dealing with the antagonists quite intriguing and it is not till the end of her tale that readers realize who the real villains are. Nicely done, Ms. Smallwood.
I enjoyed this entertaining western romance and Ms. Smallwood’s writing style. I liked the multi-layers of her lead characters. Both are somewhat unconventional. Several of her secondary characters were charming and delightful like Birdie the maternal housekeeper and her heartwarming granddaughter, Jesse. Ms. Smallwood does a incredible job in depicting mid-19th century life in the old west. She highlights the social norms and stereotypes those involving the role of women. I found her manner of dealing with the antagonists quite intriguing and it is not till the end of her tale that readers realize who the real villains are. Nicely done, Ms. Smallwood.
May 15, 2017
E-Reader. Western Romance
Lillian Mae Wentfied known as Lil has always loved reading & learning about law. She finally told her parents she wanted to move out to her uncles. He's an attorney at law.
She studied & passed the Colorado Territory's bar exam. Moves to Chesterfield, Colorado. Her Father bought an empty mansion for her. She uses her inheritance money to make it home & her office. Hangs her shingle L. M. Wentfield, Attorney At Law by the front gate.
Birdie Grandmother to little Jesse come to ask to be her house keeper & cook. They'll take rooms as part of the deal.
She wrote a will for one of the towns well known woman who sent Birdie & Jesse. She was her first customer. Part of the pay was her Father's desk & chair. He also had been an attorney. Lil was overwhelmed it was exactly & more than she could hope for.
Her next client was Drew Jackson accused of having rustled a prize bull. She proves he's not guilty with the her of the Sheriff. There was danger since owner of bull wanted Drew dead one way or another.
She starts to really like Drew & he lies her too, but doesn't say he loves her.
You'll need to read this book to see if she'll ever be a part of the Bar J Ranch & in Drew's life. God has this under his will & remember how important hope & love are!
Lillian Mae Wentfied known as Lil has always loved reading & learning about law. She finally told her parents she wanted to move out to her uncles. He's an attorney at law.
She studied & passed the Colorado Territory's bar exam. Moves to Chesterfield, Colorado. Her Father bought an empty mansion for her. She uses her inheritance money to make it home & her office. Hangs her shingle L. M. Wentfield, Attorney At Law by the front gate.
Birdie Grandmother to little Jesse come to ask to be her house keeper & cook. They'll take rooms as part of the deal.
She wrote a will for one of the towns well known woman who sent Birdie & Jesse. She was her first customer. Part of the pay was her Father's desk & chair. He also had been an attorney. Lil was overwhelmed it was exactly & more than she could hope for.
Her next client was Drew Jackson accused of having rustled a prize bull. She proves he's not guilty with the her of the Sheriff. There was danger since owner of bull wanted Drew dead one way or another.
She starts to really like Drew & he lies her too, but doesn't say he loves her.
You'll need to read this book to see if she'll ever be a part of the Bar J Ranch & in Drew's life. God has this under his will & remember how important hope & love are!
February 13, 2019
I don't mind insta-love - not if the book is fun or it's done just right. This here however, had the problem of the hero and heroine sharing only the tiniest bit of time together during the story. In this case, it was absolutely bonkers to try and weave a love story about these two characters...
There's a strange reference to a villian coming back for revenge after Lil helps Drew with his legal troubles -- which actually could have lead to some kind of exciting scene, or angst, but no, it's just dropped completely and never comes up again (even though this man is again brought up later as a potential threat Drew because he wants access to the water on his land?)
Eventually these two strangers are magically in love. Lil grows tiresome, as the more introspective she becomes, the more she talks all plot points out loud instead of FEELING, and somehow thinks that she is a plain, unattractive old maid --- when the author literally can't spend a chapter without somehow describing Lil's enchanting beauty. Like to vomit-worthy levels.
The back end of the book turns into this endless mutual admiration society of singing praises and problems being solved in moments. Add in the moments when Lil's speach patterns become unbearable and her nauseating Mary Sue perfection and fan club... I was just so relieved this wasn't a long read that I'm now rather excited that it's just over...
There's a strange reference to a villian coming back for revenge after Lil helps Drew with his legal troubles -- which actually could have lead to some kind of exciting scene, or angst, but no, it's just dropped completely and never comes up again (even though this man is again brought up later as a potential threat Drew because he wants access to the water on his land?)
Eventually these two strangers are magically in love. Lil grows tiresome, as the more introspective she becomes, the more she talks all plot points out loud instead of FEELING, and somehow thinks that she is a plain, unattractive old maid --- when the author literally can't spend a chapter without somehow describing Lil's enchanting beauty. Like to vomit-worthy levels.
The back end of the book turns into this endless mutual admiration society of singing praises and problems being solved in moments. Add in the moments when Lil's speach patterns become unbearable and her nauseating Mary Sue perfection and fan club... I was just so relieved this wasn't a long read that I'm now rather excited that it's just over...
August 27, 2017
What an great Western Romance!!
I usually have good and bad things to say about a book. Or, rather, likes & dislikes. My ONLY dislike is the lack of an epilogue, because I wanted to ear about the babies Lil & Drew have! ☺☺
Even though church was mentioned once by Birdie, love, generosity, kindness, & compassion are all encompassed in this witty, sweet 1880's romance. As a Christian, I look for clean books that I can be happy to keep around without fear of my granddaughters reading something nasty. I'm happy to say this is the perfect book to keep and reread, as well as introduce to my teenage granddaughters. All of the characters were very vivid from the mud streaked, exuberant Jessie to the cold & snobbish parents of Lil. I just couldn't put this book down and wanted more when I finished! I very much look forward to reading notebooks from this wonderful author! I hope you'll read it and enjoy it too!
I usually have good and bad things to say about a book. Or, rather, likes & dislikes. My ONLY dislike is the lack of an epilogue, because I wanted to ear about the babies Lil & Drew have! ☺☺
Even though church was mentioned once by Birdie, love, generosity, kindness, & compassion are all encompassed in this witty, sweet 1880's romance. As a Christian, I look for clean books that I can be happy to keep around without fear of my granddaughters reading something nasty. I'm happy to say this is the perfect book to keep and reread, as well as introduce to my teenage granddaughters. All of the characters were very vivid from the mud streaked, exuberant Jessie to the cold & snobbish parents of Lil. I just couldn't put this book down and wanted more when I finished! I very much look forward to reading notebooks from this wonderful author! I hope you'll read it and enjoy it too!
October 22, 2020
In the late 1800s women lawyers numbered around 200 and the main character, Lillian Wentfield is one of them in One Shingle to Hang. She is the new lawyer in Chesterfield, Colorado and her single reads L.M. Wentfield, Attorney of Law.
Drew Jackson is in trouble when he comes to L.M. Wentfield for help and finds a woman behind the big beautiful cherry wood legal desk. In desperation he hires her the next day and she finds a way to get him out of his problems as they begin to find each other. A sweet grandmother and her granddaughter come to live with Lil as a cook and housekeeper to bring two sweet and loving people into her new home. Lil is fighting to establish herself in a very male dominated society and profession as she gradually earns the respect of the people of the town. She also finds the man she has been waiting for that will accept her as a lawyer with no homemaking skills. This is a fun read.
Drew Jackson is in trouble when he comes to L.M. Wentfield for help and finds a woman behind the big beautiful cherry wood legal desk. In desperation he hires her the next day and she finds a way to get him out of his problems as they begin to find each other. A sweet grandmother and her granddaughter come to live with Lil as a cook and housekeeper to bring two sweet and loving people into her new home. Lil is fighting to establish herself in a very male dominated society and profession as she gradually earns the respect of the people of the town. She also finds the man she has been waiting for that will accept her as a lawyer with no homemaking skills. This is a fun read.
June 13, 2017
A Very Enjoyable Story
This is a story set in the West before 1900. This is a favorite genre of mine and I alternate them with books that require more thought and reflection. "Feel good books" as I call them let me get away from the stress of life.
The author did a great job and I could imagine knowing all the characters from the proper, stuffy parents to the charming little girl. A young female lawyer is the main character, in a time and place where few would have had the courage to go. She is fiercely independent and realizes the limitations that her parents and society would put on her. Yet she rises above the challenges and begins to build a life for herself. I read the book straight through, I was so interested to see what would happen. And how I'm going to see if she has other books. I have a favorite new author.
This is a story set in the West before 1900. This is a favorite genre of mine and I alternate them with books that require more thought and reflection. "Feel good books" as I call them let me get away from the stress of life.
The author did a great job and I could imagine knowing all the characters from the proper, stuffy parents to the charming little girl. A young female lawyer is the main character, in a time and place where few would have had the courage to go. She is fiercely independent and realizes the limitations that her parents and society would put on her. Yet she rises above the challenges and begins to build a life for herself. I read the book straight through, I was so interested to see what would happen. And how I'm going to see if she has other books. I have a favorite new author.
February 5, 2018
Lil leaves her family in Denver to move to Chesterfield, Colorado, to open her own law practice. She's one of a handful of lady lawyers in the country. Before she has even opened for business she has her first two customers, one a local rancher accused of cattle rustling. She figures out a way to save him and ends up falling in love with Drew.
I loved this story. The characters are well defined. Lil is outspoken and feisty. Drew is a product of his times but he begins to see where he may be wrong. Around them they build a family but not a traditional one. The villains are hiss worthy. Her parents are a piece of work. I loved when she stood up to them. There is a subtle humor running below the surface. I felt happy while reading this. The only thing missing was a clear resolution on the rustling charge but it doesn't change the story or my feelings towards the tale.
I loved this story. The characters are well defined. Lil is outspoken and feisty. Drew is a product of his times but he begins to see where he may be wrong. Around them they build a family but not a traditional one. The villains are hiss worthy. Her parents are a piece of work. I loved when she stood up to them. There is a subtle humor running below the surface. I felt happy while reading this. The only thing missing was a clear resolution on the rustling charge but it doesn't change the story or my feelings towards the tale.
July 29, 2017
Just enjoyed the check out if this story & learnt a few things too
When I first started this book -- it had been some time since I had read the synopsis -- I thought it was about a woman doctor.
But i is about a woman lawyer, one of the first in Colorado. I chuckled more than once and fell in love with the characters. Alkalinity two, no make that three, of them.
I will tell you nothing else. I don't want to spoil it what a fun read. A feel-good read. Wish I had a cup of coffee and a plate sized cinnamon roll.
When I first started this book -- it had been some time since I had read the synopsis -- I thought it was about a woman doctor.
But i is about a woman lawyer, one of the first in Colorado. I chuckled more than once and fell in love with the characters. Alkalinity two, no make that three, of them.
I will tell you nothing else. I don't want to spoil it what a fun read. A feel-good read. Wish I had a cup of coffee and a plate sized cinnamon roll.
November 28, 2023
Another fun, sweet, relaxing read by Deann Smallwood. I am entertained by these Western historical romances as Ms. Smallwood creates small towns with characters to admire (and some not to admire) as they build lives in often difficult circumstances. I particularly enjoyed Lil, a woman attorney, bucking male egos and tradition to carve her own way on her own terms. And, naturally, the needful romance played a nice part in the story without overwhelming it.
May 9, 2017
Independence
Lil had been raised to be independent and had, with the help of an uncle, become a lawyer. Being a female lawyer, in a small Colorado town was not an easy task. Clients were a bit skeptical, but acceptance was there. Drew is a local cowboy, who is building his ranch. An interesting cast of characters, a fun story.
Lil had been raised to be independent and had, with the help of an uncle, become a lawyer. Being a female lawyer, in a small Colorado town was not an easy task. Clients were a bit skeptical, but acceptance was there. Drew is a local cowboy, who is building his ranch. An interesting cast of characters, a fun story.
May 9, 2017
This was a free book and my first from this Author. It was a sweet story in a lot of ways but the way the Hero has of cussing in front of the young lady that he's falling in love with at such a fast pace, was very much a huge thing not done in that day and time. I found it a distracting and unnecessary addition to the sugary sweetness of the book. It felt very out of place.
May 9, 2017
Comeuppance deserved
It's always good to see someone put in their place though it doesn't always happen when or how we believe it should be. The headstrong lawyer and rogueish cowboy are no exception when she finally puts her foot down on her overbearing parents and they see the truth of how a life together will really be. A romance for the ages!
It's always good to see someone put in their place though it doesn't always happen when or how we believe it should be. The headstrong lawyer and rogueish cowboy are no exception when she finally puts her foot down on her overbearing parents and they see the truth of how a life together will really be. A romance for the ages!
May 12, 2017
Honest
Independent lady,cowboy looking for a lawyer,what she did to help him,the people of the town accepting her,and love at 1st sight for both. I couldn't put this book down and it was funny and if cheered when she kicked her parents out of her house. Finding people that love her for herself.
Independent lady,cowboy looking for a lawyer,what she did to help him,the people of the town accepting her,and love at 1st sight for both. I couldn't put this book down and it was funny and if cheered when she kicked her parents out of her house. Finding people that love her for herself.
June 23, 2017
I liked the spunk of the heroine in this one. The hero didn't seem so strong, but you could tell he loved people. The plot was great and showed how confident the heroine was, although to herself she was questioning things.
Both the people and the plot were believable and I could see it happening. Well done to the author on such an original work.
Both the people and the plot were believable and I could see it happening. Well done to the author on such an original work.
October 8, 2018
Lil and Drew with fun supporting characters
A good in depth story. Likable characters. Funny moments. Also a lot of mistakes, one character has two names. And descriptions that do not match up. Needs a good editor to clean it up. Would like to see what happens next but not sure I want to read through the mistakes. The story is five stars, but dropped to three because of mistakes
A good in depth story. Likable characters. Funny moments. Also a lot of mistakes, one character has two names. And descriptions that do not match up. Needs a good editor to clean it up. Would like to see what happens next but not sure I want to read through the mistakes. The story is five stars, but dropped to three because of mistakes
October 24, 2018
Sweet, clean romance.
A little slow at the beginning, but picked up once the love interest entered the picture.
I wouldn't say there was any major conflict or misunderstanding or secret that could annoy you through the whole book. Which was wonderful, in my opinion! I don't like trudging through a book that is so hot and cold because of a secret or misunderstanding that just needs to be said. So the "conflict" was done well in this book.
A little slow at the beginning, but picked up once the love interest entered the picture.
I wouldn't say there was any major conflict or misunderstanding or secret that could annoy you through the whole book. Which was wonderful, in my opinion! I don't like trudging through a book that is so hot and cold because of a secret or misunderstanding that just needs to be said. So the "conflict" was done well in this book.
September 30, 2020
Interesting story
It was a good story. I enjoyed it till the parents arrived. Though it was a bit sad to write the parents out without a chance for redemption. Also wedding plans before he plans how to spend her money be nice. I can't stand guys after womens money so lost me a bit. Otherwise good story.
It was a good story. I enjoyed it till the parents arrived. Though it was a bit sad to write the parents out without a chance for redemption. Also wedding plans before he plans how to spend her money be nice. I can't stand guys after womens money so lost me a bit. Otherwise good story.
October 3, 2020
I enjoyed this book because both the lead characters were real sweet and likeable. The story was a little too sweet and a little to cliche for me but some might prefer it that way. I prefer a little sex in my stories. The guy was a little too good and too much of a gentleman but I did like him a lot.
November 26, 2020
Fun Read!
This was an Interesting, quick read. I love historical romance novels and am moving from England to early American love. The interaction between the characters was entertaining and humorous. Loved the fact that the romantic interchange was limited to sweet kisses. I'll be reading more of these.
This was an Interesting, quick read. I love historical romance novels and am moving from England to early American love. The interaction between the characters was entertaining and humorous. Loved the fact that the romantic interchange was limited to sweet kisses. I'll be reading more of these.
January 2, 2021
I loved the concept and the blurb, but it became obvious pretty quickly—like in the first chapter—that the author didn't do much research.
If I could find historical errors in a few minutes, the author also could have.
Aspen was founded as a mining town in 1879
women had the right to practice law affirmed by the US Supreme court in 1873
If I could find historical errors in a few minutes, the author also could have.
Aspen was founded as a mining town in 1879
women had the right to practice law affirmed by the US Supreme court in 1873
September 9, 2023
Independent woman
Great story wonderful story line and characters who will steal your heart. I enjoyed reading Lil and Drew's story. She's an Attorney, and Drew is a rancher. He needs an Attorney, but when he discovered Lil is the Attorney sparks will fly. I love these two characters they were perfect for each other.
Thank you ❤️
Great story wonderful story line and characters who will steal your heart. I enjoyed reading Lil and Drew's story. She's an Attorney, and Drew is a rancher. He needs an Attorney, but when he discovered Lil is the Attorney sparks will fly. I love these two characters they were perfect for each other.
Thank you ❤️
May 8, 2017
Wonderful
Had to stop and write a review for this lovely story. Me Smallwood has a wonderful way with words, and holds your attention from the first word to the last. AND, without vulgar sex and language. Thank you lady.
Had to stop and write a review for this lovely story. Me Smallwood has a wonderful way with words, and holds your attention from the first word to the last. AND, without vulgar sex and language. Thank you lady.
May 9, 2017
Totally enjoyed
One Shingle to Hang is a Western Romance story by DeAnn Smallwood is an excellent story. The characters you can see and feel. I totally enjoyed reading this awesome delightful, and entertaining story. Thanks
One Shingle to Hang is a Western Romance story by DeAnn Smallwood is an excellent story. The characters you can see and feel. I totally enjoyed reading this awesome delightful, and entertaining story. Thanks
May 10, 2017
A girl has hot to be what she is.
Lol doesn't fit her parent's expectations. Her life in Denver is most unsatisfactory. She moves to a small mountain town bent on making her own way in life without the live and support of her parents.
Lol doesn't fit her parent's expectations. Her life in Denver is most unsatisfactory. She moves to a small mountain town bent on making her own way in life without the live and support of her parents.
May 17, 2017
A fine woman indeed
The tale expresses very well how fixed ideas and stereotypes are ignorant and stultifying. It also shows how partnerships work when both partners are aware of the true value of things.
The tale expresses very well how fixed ideas and stereotypes are ignorant and stultifying. It also shows how partnerships work when both partners are aware of the true value of things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews