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Poultry and Perjury: Small Town Secrets
After an ugly court battle with the con artist she almost marries, a kindergarten teacher wins back the chicken farm that’s been in her family for generations…or not.
Halle Garrett returns home to discover a perfect stranger moving in. Well, three perfect strangers — a single dad with twin boys. Apparently, her unscrupulous ex-fiancé lied under oath, sold her family’s farm, and skipped town with the proceeds.
Over Owen Tolliver’s dead body is he simply going to hand back the deed to the farm he just spent his life savings on. Yeah, he sympathizes with his sons’ smoking hot schoolteacher, and he’ll gladly use his detective skills — and every other resource available to him as the newest employee at Lonestar Security — to get her the justice she deserves. He even jokingly offers to marry her himself if she’s up to the task of helping him raise two of the orneriest kids in Texas.
Her answer tells him exactly how serious she is about helping him catch the fraudster.
Halle Garrett returns home to discover a perfect stranger moving in. Well, three perfect strangers — a single dad with twin boys. Apparently, her unscrupulous ex-fiancé lied under oath, sold her family’s farm, and skipped town with the proceeds.
Over Owen Tolliver’s dead body is he simply going to hand back the deed to the farm he just spent his life savings on. Yeah, he sympathizes with his sons’ smoking hot schoolteacher, and he’ll gladly use his detective skills — and every other resource available to him as the newest employee at Lonestar Security — to get her the justice she deserves. He even jokingly offers to marry her himself if she’s up to the task of helping him raise two of the orneriest kids in Texas.
Her answer tells him exactly how serious she is about helping him catch the fraudster.
- GenresContemporary
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2026
About the author
Jo Grafford
172 books675 followersJo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 14, 2026
THIS IS WHAT ROCK BOTTOM FEELS LIKE—4.5 stars
Another amazing addition to the intriguing Cowboy Brand of Justice series by Ms. Jo Grafford. She is an author you always know will take her readers on an adventure, keeping the pages turning as the story unfolds. The story is about mystery, suspense, life and death danger, angst, love, and faith.
The story will have several newcomers to Heart Lake, Owen Tolliver, a widower, and his twin boys, Ryder and Cooper. Owen is a Private Investigator who has been recently hired by Lonestar Securities. Then Halle Garrett comes back home to claim her family’s chicken farm, only to be shocked to see a moving truck at the farm.
The story is full of mystery, suspense, life-and-death danger, and threats. As in other stories in the series, Ms. Grafford has spun a web that has the good, the bad, and the evil, and sometimes it is a challenge to determine who plays what role. There are secrets, lies, deception, omission of facts, and abuse of trust that are key issues that take place, and plenty of details to be uncovered. After the death of Halle’s parents, while an emotional mess, she trusted James House, and that was a huge mistake.
The story’s plot will have Halle learn she doesn’t own the farm and, in fact, Owen Tolliver is the legal owner, but not a man without a conscience. Halle is to be the Kindergarten teacher at Heart Lake Elementary School, and even that will have pitfalls. Owen needs help with his rambunctious twins, his older sister, Jen, is helping friends with a medical crisis, and seeing Halle with his boys, he offers a solution—temporary nanny. He even allows her to pick which bedroom in the house, and she naturally picks her childhood bedroom. She helps teach Ryder and Coop about the chickens, how to find eggs, and their care. Former farmhands Jensen and Kenny Carter are still at the farm, along with newcomer Rex Turner. What else is new is the Aspen Ranch next door to Garrett Farm.
I loved the chemistry between Halle and Owen, which includes the twins. Owen offers a viable solution, trading nanny services for his private investigation into James House and stripping Halle of everything—she has no finances, no farm, and even all the contents and mementos of the home are gone. With Owen, she has a purpose, and he has a plan, and with Lonestar, they have backing. What they didn’t expect was to develop feelings for one another—and even the twins pray that God will make her their mother. The mystery next door that was attributed to the death of Halle’s parents and nearly caused the death of many—I felt was more or less skimmed over, especially as the corruption was uncovered. It just didn’t feel like closure.
The story doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but more of a segue into the next book, Soil and Serial. “A rugged outdoorsman stumbles across a secret buried in the small town of Heart Lake. He becomes the target of a deadly predator in the epic grand finale of the Cowboy Brand of Justice Series.”
NOTE: I read this book using my paid subscription to Kindle Unlimited.
Another amazing addition to the intriguing Cowboy Brand of Justice series by Ms. Jo Grafford. She is an author you always know will take her readers on an adventure, keeping the pages turning as the story unfolds. The story is about mystery, suspense, life and death danger, angst, love, and faith.
The story will have several newcomers to Heart Lake, Owen Tolliver, a widower, and his twin boys, Ryder and Cooper. Owen is a Private Investigator who has been recently hired by Lonestar Securities. Then Halle Garrett comes back home to claim her family’s chicken farm, only to be shocked to see a moving truck at the farm.
The story is full of mystery, suspense, life-and-death danger, and threats. As in other stories in the series, Ms. Grafford has spun a web that has the good, the bad, and the evil, and sometimes it is a challenge to determine who plays what role. There are secrets, lies, deception, omission of facts, and abuse of trust that are key issues that take place, and plenty of details to be uncovered. After the death of Halle’s parents, while an emotional mess, she trusted James House, and that was a huge mistake.
The story’s plot will have Halle learn she doesn’t own the farm and, in fact, Owen Tolliver is the legal owner, but not a man without a conscience. Halle is to be the Kindergarten teacher at Heart Lake Elementary School, and even that will have pitfalls. Owen needs help with his rambunctious twins, his older sister, Jen, is helping friends with a medical crisis, and seeing Halle with his boys, he offers a solution—temporary nanny. He even allows her to pick which bedroom in the house, and she naturally picks her childhood bedroom. She helps teach Ryder and Coop about the chickens, how to find eggs, and their care. Former farmhands Jensen and Kenny Carter are still at the farm, along with newcomer Rex Turner. What else is new is the Aspen Ranch next door to Garrett Farm.
I loved the chemistry between Halle and Owen, which includes the twins. Owen offers a viable solution, trading nanny services for his private investigation into James House and stripping Halle of everything—she has no finances, no farm, and even all the contents and mementos of the home are gone. With Owen, she has a purpose, and he has a plan, and with Lonestar, they have backing. What they didn’t expect was to develop feelings for one another—and even the twins pray that God will make her their mother. The mystery next door that was attributed to the death of Halle’s parents and nearly caused the death of many—I felt was more or less skimmed over, especially as the corruption was uncovered. It just didn’t feel like closure.
The story doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but more of a segue into the next book, Soil and Serial. “A rugged outdoorsman stumbles across a secret buried in the small town of Heart Lake. He becomes the target of a deadly predator in the epic grand finale of the Cowboy Brand of Justice Series.”
NOTE: I read this book using my paid subscription to Kindle Unlimited.
March 13, 2026
Owen Tolliver and his twin sons Ryder and Cooper have moved to town following the death of his wife. A fresh start is what they need as he accepts a position as a private investigator at Lonestar Security. Moving into his recently purchased home, he meets Halle Garrett when she pulls into his driveway. Thinking she may need directions, he learns that she was returning to her family home, now his home. She learns that her ex had sold her home, including the chicken farm that had been in her family for years. She had looked forward to returning home after her broken engagement and with the offer of a job teaching at the local elementary school. Owen feels terrible for her situation and offers her a job watching his boys and a place to live. She falls in love with the boys as the attraction between them slowly deepens, but there seems to be something more going on in the area than the sale of chickens. The area behind the farm has been improved, but for what purpose and by who? A new employee was hired, but is he really only a crop duster pilot or is he involved with what is going on in the area? As she and Owen plan a wedding, they have no idea of the threats that may mar their special day or that her ex has returned to the area. Will the town finally get to celebrate their wedding? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
March 7, 2026
Another great book in a great series. The h is returning home to her farm that she had to fight her ex fiancé to get back. When she arrives at the farm she is behind another truck that is owned by the H and he is with his twin sons who are active 5 year olds. She asks him what he doing on her farm, and is confused when he tells her that he just purchased it. She is confused because she didn’t put it up for sale. Then she realizes that her ex stole it from her. In the end the H offers her a job as a nanny for his twins. Thus their relationship begins and she falls instantly in love with the twins and they with her. The H and h also fall in love as they work together to care for the twins and the H works to get the h’s money that her ex stole from her. They also search for answers to the mysterious events happening on the farm. Then they admit to loving each other and become engaged. They get married quickly and what happens at the wedding is unbelievable, in all that happens the h is abducted and an explosion occurs that destroys their home. In the end the h is rescued through the efforts of the h herself, the H, the police and the security company the H works for. This is a very different story and one that keeps your interest. Recommend it to everyone who enjoys a romance that occurs due to the villains and has a HEA. Enjoy!
March 16, 2026
Halle is coming back home to Heart Lake to start over at her home, Garret Farms, a chicken farm, after a breakup with her fiancé . When she pulls up, there is a moving van, a man, and 2 small boys moving in. So, there is a stand down situation until they figure out that her ex-boyfriend illegally sold her home and land behind her back and confiscated the money. Halle had already secured a kindergartner teacher’s position but, at this point, was broke and didn’t have a place where she could stay. Owen and his twin boys were very nice and his boys would be in her kindergarten class! After sitting at the table in her kitchen, it was decided that Owen would give her a job for the summer as “nanny” of his boys and she could sleep in her old bedroom, get a salary and also her meals with the family, because she would be cooking them! She falls in love with the little red-haired 5 yr old twins almost immediately. They love her, too. Owen works for Lonestar Security, so we KNOW they will get to the bottom of this mess, but they had no idea what extent these crooks would go to-even to blow them to smithereens! This is a great book! I hope you buy the book and enjoy it as much as I! Being on Ms. Grafford’s arc team is a blessing. I am not required to right a review, but I am writing this review of my own personal opinion of the book. 📕 ♥️
March 8, 2026
After winning a lengthy court battle, Halle Garrett drove to Garrett Farms. She arrived behind Owen Tolliver, his twin sons, Ryder and Cooper, and a moving van full of their belongings.
It was obvious something wasn't right because Halle had just been awarded the farm in court, and Owen had just spent his life savings to purchase the same farm. That was the beginning of this clean, contemporary, faith-based, romantic, suspenseful story.
Before the story gets to the HEA Owen, Halle, the farm hands, the sheriff and men from Lonestar Security all find themselves in a battle against robotic chickens, drones, and an explosion that levels the Garrett Farms homestead.
During all the commotion (yep... robotic chickens), Halle comes up missing. Was she regretting the marriage to Owen? Or did she decide she couldn't handle the over-active twins? Was her disappearance by choice or was she kidnapped? If you are curious and want answers to these questions I highly recommend that you read Poultry and Perjury.
I was given an ARC of this story but all thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.
It was obvious something wasn't right because Halle had just been awarded the farm in court, and Owen had just spent his life savings to purchase the same farm. That was the beginning of this clean, contemporary, faith-based, romantic, suspenseful story.
Before the story gets to the HEA Owen, Halle, the farm hands, the sheriff and men from Lonestar Security all find themselves in a battle against robotic chickens, drones, and an explosion that levels the Garrett Farms homestead.
During all the commotion (yep... robotic chickens), Halle comes up missing. Was she regretting the marriage to Owen? Or did she decide she couldn't handle the over-active twins? Was her disappearance by choice or was she kidnapped? If you are curious and want answers to these questions I highly recommend that you read Poultry and Perjury.
I was given an ARC of this story but all thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.
March 12, 2026
Poultry And Perjury is a mix of love, suspense and humor. This is one of the funniest of the Cowboy Brand Of Justice series. We have Halle that thinks the chicken farm is still her home when in fact her ex-boyfriend has sold it and kept the money. There is Owen who has purchased the farm to raise his twin boys Cooper and Ryder. Owen asks Halle to be his nanny as he will be working with Lonestar Security and his sister Jen that has been caring for the boys had to stay back to help care for her friend with cancer. Halle will be a kindergarten teacher at the Heart Lake Elementary when school starts back. Since her ex has taken all her money from all her accounts she accepts the nanny job where she falls head over hills in love with Cooper and Ryder. They will be starting kindergarten when school starts and Halle will be their teacher. When Halle and Owen go looking over where her parent’s plane crashed they hear a buzzing. It is a drone from Brooke that feels unusual. When everything strange starts happening they decide she and the boys need a bodyguard if Owen is not around. This is just the beginning. You can’t imagine what lies in store next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The two main characters begin the story with a face off as to who owns the property! Halle maintains that it's her childhood home and she never sold it but Owen has the property agreement in his hands so he say he owns it! Who legally owns the chicken farm? How will they get to the bottom on it? Fortunately, Owen just moved to town with his twin sons as he will begin a new job for the Lonestar Security. He is in a great position to find out what is going on. Halle is the new Kindergarten teacher in town but until school starts, she will be the twins' nanny while everyone tries to figure out what's going on. Believe me, there is way more happening that Halle & Owen ever dreamed!
I loved these characters and I'm always happy when other characters from previous books show up! There's a lot of actions in intrigue to keep you guessing too! Just when I think this author can't write another great book, she ups her game and blows it out of the water! This story is fantastic!!!
I loved these characters and I'm always happy when other characters from previous books show up! There's a lot of actions in intrigue to keep you guessing too! Just when I think this author can't write another great book, she ups her game and blows it out of the water! This story is fantastic!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
LOVED Halle and Owen's story!! The twins are sooooo cute!! They almost steal the show!! Halle's move back to Heart Lake takes a turn she didn't expect as soon as she pulls into the driveway of her family home. However, things take a turn for the better when she's offered a live-in nanny position for the two boys who will be living there with their father. The boys win her heart almost as soon as she meets them, and the more she spends time with them and their father, the more her love for all three grows. Owen is determined to keep his sons and Halle safe, and with the help of his new employers and co-workers, he wants to get to the bottom of what's going on. When even more trouble comes to his door, will he really be able to protect everyone?? Love how Halle and Owen continually rely on God to get them through!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kids and chickens 😊
Owen’s twins, Cooper and Ryder, are central to this humorous, romantic, and dynamic new novel from Ms Grafford.
Kindergarten teacher, Halle discovers her life has collapsed in a complicated mess when she returns to her family’s chicken farm in Heart Lake. Being offered the job of live-in nanny for the new owner’s sons at least gives her a temporary place to stay.
A close bond with the two energetic little boys and their father is soon established…until puzzling calls and unexplained incidents occur to threaten their happy routine. As danger escalates, Owen and Halle must both make quick decisions to protect themselves, the children and their loyal staff.
Very good primary and secondary character portrayal (even the chickens are an integral part of the ‘family’ 😊!) and a well-written, fast-moving plot ensure that the reader remains fully involved in this story. I received a free advanced copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Owen’s twins, Cooper and Ryder, are central to this humorous, romantic, and dynamic new novel from Ms Grafford.
Kindergarten teacher, Halle discovers her life has collapsed in a complicated mess when she returns to her family’s chicken farm in Heart Lake. Being offered the job of live-in nanny for the new owner’s sons at least gives her a temporary place to stay.
A close bond with the two energetic little boys and their father is soon established…until puzzling calls and unexplained incidents occur to threaten their happy routine. As danger escalates, Owen and Halle must both make quick decisions to protect themselves, the children and their loyal staff.
Very good primary and secondary character portrayal (even the chickens are an integral part of the ‘family’ 😊!) and a well-written, fast-moving plot ensure that the reader remains fully involved in this story. I received a free advanced copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2026
ARC Review
"Birds of a feather commit fraud together" is on the front cover under the title and I must say that the covers for this Cowboy Brand of Justice series really are cleverly done, as are the Chapter Titles like "Fowl Play". A lot of authors do not bother with chapter titles but it really does make add interests for readers and easier when rereading the novels.
From the very start, this has been my favourite series from Jo Grafford. They are very enjoyable books which only seem to be getting better with every new one released. Jo Grafford also deserves a Citation for Cruelty to Newlywed Couples for the way her criminals manage to mess up weddings and honeymoons and I look forward to whatever punishment she has in store for the mature Native American romance coming up next.
Poultry and Perjury despite its criminal activity manages to deliver heart-warming entertainment and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
"Birds of a feather commit fraud together" is on the front cover under the title and I must say that the covers for this Cowboy Brand of Justice series really are cleverly done, as are the Chapter Titles like "Fowl Play". A lot of authors do not bother with chapter titles but it really does make add interests for readers and easier when rereading the novels.
From the very start, this has been my favourite series from Jo Grafford. They are very enjoyable books which only seem to be getting better with every new one released. Jo Grafford also deserves a Citation for Cruelty to Newlywed Couples for the way her criminals manage to mess up weddings and honeymoons and I look forward to whatever punishment she has in store for the mature Native American romance coming up next.
Poultry and Perjury despite its criminal activity manages to deliver heart-warming entertainment and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 7, 2026
Poultry and Perjury is a gripping, romantic suspense novel with a truly diabolical plot. Owen provides a soft place for Halle to land when she returns to what she thought was her home. Halle's ex has even more surprises for her. But Owen is the latest hire at Lonestar Security and he is determined to get justice for Halle. Owen's twin boys, Ryder and Cooper, are precious. They, plus the chickens, provide many of the light hearted moments in this engaging, well written book. There are many more secrets that will be discovered as Owen and Halle check into the fraud. It is frightening the lengths someone will go to in order to get Halle's farm. It is always good to catch up with characters from the previous books in this exciting series but this book can easily be read by itself. Ms. Grafford has an impressive imagination and writes some of the best, Christian, romantic suspense books it has been my pleasure to read. Don't miss this one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just when I think this series can’t get any better, Jo Grafford does it again! Poultry and Perjury follows a cast of righteous characters willing to step in to combat evil in their town. Owen meets Halle as she hits an all-time low, but being the gallant gentleman that he is, he offers a solution. Halle might be down but she’s far from out. Owen’s offer is unexpected but exactly what she needs. As Halle falls in love with 5-year-old twins Ryder and Cooper, she also begins to hope that life might turn around for her. The storyline is intriguing from page one and takes the reader through many unexpected events. As always, this author has delivered a fine piece of clean romantic suspense to allow the reader to escape into a world where happily ever after is guaranteed. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
March 6, 2026
A truly delightful story.
Haley returns home after a broken engagement to find her home has been fraudulently sold – with her name forged. Owen has just purchased her family chicken farm and is in the process of moving himself and his two five-year-old sons in when Haley shows up, also planning to move in. Owen, a newly hired security professional, is prepared to help her prove fraud and get compensated for her loss in exchange for her being a temporary nanny for his motherless sons. Join this couple as they try to find who is behind the theft and find love in the process.
This is a very enjoyable Christian romantic mystery and suspense with wonderful characters and good faith aspects. The twins are precious and precocious.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
Haley returns home after a broken engagement to find her home has been fraudulently sold – with her name forged. Owen has just purchased her family chicken farm and is in the process of moving himself and his two five-year-old sons in when Haley shows up, also planning to move in. Owen, a newly hired security professional, is prepared to help her prove fraud and get compensated for her loss in exchange for her being a temporary nanny for his motherless sons. Join this couple as they try to find who is behind the theft and find love in the process.
This is a very enjoyable Christian romantic mystery and suspense with wonderful characters and good faith aspects. The twins are precious and precocious.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
March 7, 2026
Poultry and Perjury
Halle and Owen have an interesting and delightful story with a bit of mystery. Imagine driving up to your home you have been away from for a while only to find a man and his precocious twin boys moving into your childhood home. Shocking to say the least. Halle finds out not only did her ex fiancé cause her to lose all of her savings but also took her only home and fraudulently sold it to a stranger. The chicken farm had been home for a lifetime now she is homeless and penniless. Owen is willing to allow her to be a temporary live in nanny to his boy until she begin teaching in the fall. But there is something a bit sinister going on surrounding the chicken farm. Danger seems to be lurking in the shadows. I recommend you read the book to find out more.
Halle and Owen have an interesting and delightful story with a bit of mystery. Imagine driving up to your home you have been away from for a while only to find a man and his precocious twin boys moving into your childhood home. Shocking to say the least. Halle finds out not only did her ex fiancé cause her to lose all of her savings but also took her only home and fraudulently sold it to a stranger. The chicken farm had been home for a lifetime now she is homeless and penniless. Owen is willing to allow her to be a temporary live in nanny to his boy until she begin teaching in the fall. But there is something a bit sinister going on surrounding the chicken farm. Danger seems to be lurking in the shadows. I recommend you read the book to find out more.
March 8, 2026
Halle's parents farm is sold out from under her. She finally arrives home with a deed that she discovers is fake. Owen has bought the farm. He is a widower with twin boys age 5. Halle has moved back to Heart Lake to be the new kindergarten teacher. While she waits for her job to start in August, she agrees to be the nanny for the boys. Owen even allows her to stay in the guest room since she's homeless and penniless after her ex fiancé scammed her out of everything. Halle adores the twins and does a great job with them. Owen agrees to help her find her ex and see about getting some of her money back. As they investigate, things turn sinister. Lots of twists, but the townspeople and Lonestar Security come together to figure it out. Loved that it takes place on a chicken farm and there are funny stories and jokes about chickens.
March 13, 2026
This is the 8th book in the Cowboy Brand of Justice series. I really liked Owen and Halle's story. Halle has returned home to her family farm and looking forward to settling down after her ex-fiance turned out to be a jerk and a con man.
Owen bought Halle's family farm, fair and square. He was kind when he could have been tough and hard-nosed with Halle's circumstances. He offers her a place to stay and offers her a job until her teaching job starts in a few months.
Owen was protective without being too overbearing and it was just a sweet story of overcoming challenges and catching the bad guys (and girls) and sweet twin boys who just want a new mom to make a happy family once again.
There is suspense, intrigue, romance, sweet family moments in this story and has a happy ending.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Owen bought Halle's family farm, fair and square. He was kind when he could have been tough and hard-nosed with Halle's circumstances. He offers her a place to stay and offers her a job until her teaching job starts in a few months.
Owen was protective without being too overbearing and it was just a sweet story of overcoming challenges and catching the bad guys (and girls) and sweet twin boys who just want a new mom to make a happy family once again.
There is suspense, intrigue, romance, sweet family moments in this story and has a happy ending.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
April 24, 2026
Halle has returned to Heart Lake to resume running her family's farm, only to find that someone else is moving in--someone who has bought the property right out from under her.
Owen is not about to just turn over the property he just spent his life savings to purchase, but he does agree to employ Halle for the summer as a nanny for his twin boys who will be in her kindergarten class in the fall.
While she works to watch his boys, he begins the search to figure out how her house was sold without her knowing. Then sparks begin to fly in all directions and their world is turned upside down!
Wanna know what happens? Grab a copy today and get to reading!! I highly recommend this story to all who love a quick read that's a real page-turner.
I received an ARC from the author but my review is my own opinion and done of my own volition.
Owen is not about to just turn over the property he just spent his life savings to purchase, but he does agree to employ Halle for the summer as a nanny for his twin boys who will be in her kindergarten class in the fall.
While she works to watch his boys, he begins the search to figure out how her house was sold without her knowing. Then sparks begin to fly in all directions and their world is turned upside down!
Wanna know what happens? Grab a copy today and get to reading!! I highly recommend this story to all who love a quick read that's a real page-turner.
I received an ARC from the author but my review is my own opinion and done of my own volition.
March 6, 2026
The characters in this story quickly pulled me in. I was amazed at what happened to Halle Garrett and how she first met Owen Tolivar. He was the new owner of her parent's home, and he was also the father to twin boys, Ryder and Cooper. They were going to be in her kindergarten class in the fall and during the summer she was going to be their nanny. She needed the money and a place to stay after what her ex-fiancé did to her. The story was warm, touching, and romantic and of course, as the author is so good at, the story was very suspenseful. The suspense was quite memorable and not something I will forget. I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
GREAT first page to the last! This amazing story will keep you on the edge of your seat and you won’t be able to put it down! If you like action, suspense, and a love story so beautifully written, then this is the book for you! Halle and Owen are made for each other and were presented with unexpected obstacles never read about before! You’ll fall in love with the characters, especially two little boys who will melt your heart ❤️. An evil group has infiltrated the area and only a clever plan will save Halle. Grab your copy and I guarantee you’ll be hooked from the beginning! Remarkable writing!
5 STAR ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WINNER 🥇
5 STAR ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WINNER 🥇
Review of advance copy received from Author
Halle has come back to her family ranch to settle before starting her new job as a kindergarten teacher. It's her first time back after losing both her parents. What she doesn't expect is to find it's been sold and the new owner and his twin sons moving in. Owen is looking forward to his fresh start and new job. What he doesn't expectvis the woman in front of him telling him the ranch is her family home, and she hadn't sold it. Jo has don't it again with this story, and as always with each book this series just gets more gripping. The twin boys Cooper and Ryder are absolutely adorable. The twist and turns just have you hooked and unable to put down
Review of advance copy received from Author
When your first meeting is an accusation of trespassing, it’s not off to a good start. Even worse is when you find out you’re wrong. Halle hopes this is the worst of it. Reality says no. But “kindergarten teachers are far from wimps.” The not trespasser and new owner of her family home is new city resident Owen and twin boys. Suddenly they are trading favors and antics begin. And not long after more than mischief begins to happen as they untangle things to find the truth. Toss in a sister, an array of town characters, and an ex that has no scruples and you have a mystery and an adventure.
March 6, 2026
Great addition to the Cowboy Brand of Justice series by Jo Grafford.
Owen is a single dad of twin boys who just bought the chicken farm and is starting his new job as investigator.
Halle is back in town as the new kindergarten teacher but discovers her ex sold her family chicken farm and cleaned out all her bank accounts. Owen offers her the job of live-in nanny with an offer to help track down her ex.
Something strange is going on at the farm. She’s threatened and almost leaves, but Owen convinces her to stay. They start investigating to try to figure out why someone else wants the property to badly.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Owen is a single dad of twin boys who just bought the chicken farm and is starting his new job as investigator.
Halle is back in town as the new kindergarten teacher but discovers her ex sold her family chicken farm and cleaned out all her bank accounts. Owen offers her the job of live-in nanny with an offer to help track down her ex.
Something strange is going on at the farm. She’s threatened and almost leaves, but Owen convinces her to stay. They start investigating to try to figure out why someone else wants the property to badly.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
March 8, 2026
Things are just not adding up
I enjoyed this story and recommend it. It’s a well written story.
First the farm is sold out from under its rightful owner. Then when Hallie meets her new boss he just happens to have the same last name and attitude as her ex and he keeps saying things that her ex would say. He wants to split a kindergarten class with her worse enemies younger sister. Time to get a new contract since he’s changing things. But then then things at the farm are not right either. Planes are going down, strange chickens appear, even a bride has problems. Grab this book to find out what’s going on.
I enjoyed this story and recommend it. It’s a well written story.
First the farm is sold out from under its rightful owner. Then when Hallie meets her new boss he just happens to have the same last name and attitude as her ex and he keeps saying things that her ex would say. He wants to split a kindergarten class with her worse enemies younger sister. Time to get a new contract since he’s changing things. But then then things at the farm are not right either. Planes are going down, strange chickens appear, even a bride has problems. Grab this book to find out what’s going on.
March 9, 2026
Poultry and Perjury
I loved this romantic suspense with Owen and Halle as the main characters in Heart Lake. The action started at the beginning and continued until the end. Halle was returning to her childhood home known as Garrett Farm to start teaching Kindergarten only to find that her ex fiance had sold her home to a widower, Owen, and his twin sons, Ryder and Cooper. Owen hired Halle as the live -in nanny since her ex had cleaned out all her money in her bank accounts besides selling her home. I highly recommend this engaging romantic suspense story. This is my voluntary and honest review
I loved this romantic suspense with Owen and Halle as the main characters in Heart Lake. The action started at the beginning and continued until the end. Halle was returning to her childhood home known as Garrett Farm to start teaching Kindergarten only to find that her ex fiance had sold her home to a widower, Owen, and his twin sons, Ryder and Cooper. Owen hired Halle as the live -in nanny since her ex had cleaned out all her money in her bank accounts besides selling her home. I highly recommend this engaging romantic suspense story. This is my voluntary and honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an intriguing story, a romance for all ages but so much more. A kindergarten teacher moving home finds no home and a betrayal; a new owner who needs help with his kids and has a temporary solution. Small town values and kindness even as complications come faster and faster. I really wanted to smack (really really hard) the bad guys -- you will recognize them as they reveal themselves. An unexpectant page turner (this is more than just a chicken farm). Bravo!
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2026
Halle met Owen at her family farm and accused him of trespassing! But Owen held the actual deed and had purchased the property from her con-man ex. She had $0.00 in her bank account and was homeless, having expected to live at he farm. It was fun seeing them working together and helping each other with their issues: job/home, theft, drones, intrusive neighbors, bullets, bombs, kidnapping... Lots of suspense, some romance, and relatable characters make for good reading.
Received an ARC and this is my honest unsolicited review.
Received an ARC and this is my honest unsolicited review.
March 9, 2026
What is happening on a chicken farm between the present owner, Owen, and the past owner, Halle. Halle's, James, fiancé took all of her money and sold the farm out from under her. Owen has two rambunctious boys and he needs someone to nanny them, Halle needs a place to live. They both come up with a plan that works for both of them. There is lots of suspicious stuff going on at the farm next to the chicken farm. What is going to happen? Will Halle get anything back from her ex? I loved the book! ! I received a free book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2026
Another action packed suspense book with the Lone Star Security guys. Single dad of twins, Owen is the newest member of the security team. He has bought a chicken farm and moved his boys to start their life. On moving in day he meets Halle who discovers that her unscrupulous ex fiancé sold her family farm. Owen discovers that Halle is penniless and offers her a place to stay if she will be his son’s nanny. Things get interesting as we find out who really was to buy the farm and what is really going on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Halle and Owen were so much fun to get to know, and I especially loved all of the interactions with the boys and the chicken farm. I loved the way Halle and Owen met and how their relationship progressed. I enjoyed how they worked through their trouble and the twists and turns that the story took. It was great to see a group of people work together to solve the problems that arose. This was a very enjoyable and well-written book. The author did a stellar job!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great story in this series. I absolutely loved reading this one. Halle and Owen have a wonderful relationship despite their initial meeting. Love the way Halle just jumps right into life with the Tolliver males. The twins definitely steal the show. Didn’t foresee what comes. Very satisfying ending. I can’t wait for the next one after reading the preview.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
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