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Lifeline Echoes
THE AUTHOR'S CUT!
The day the earth tried to swallow LA, Alexandra “Sandy” Wheaton dropped her iced mocha in the parking lot of the emergency services dispatch office. Her day went downhill from there. Seven years later, hidden away in a small mountain town in Wyoming, Sandy is still haunted by the day that changed her life forever.
When Ryan McGee left home in a storm of controversy sixteen years earlier, he never expected to return to the land he loved. But an old feud between his family and the MacKays has escalated to a dangerous level, and he answers his brother’s call for help, putting his quest to find someone who once saved his life on hold.
Sandy and Ryan nearly collide on a mountain road and are instantly drawn to one another by a potent force that won’t be refused. But each has a history of lost love they haven't been ready to leave behind yet aren’t ready to share with the other. If they can’t let go of their pasts, how will this new attraction survive their future?
re-released with some mature language
The day the earth tried to swallow LA, Alexandra “Sandy” Wheaton dropped her iced mocha in the parking lot of the emergency services dispatch office. Her day went downhill from there. Seven years later, hidden away in a small mountain town in Wyoming, Sandy is still haunted by the day that changed her life forever.
When Ryan McGee left home in a storm of controversy sixteen years earlier, he never expected to return to the land he loved. But an old feud between his family and the MacKays has escalated to a dangerous level, and he answers his brother’s call for help, putting his quest to find someone who once saved his life on hold.
Sandy and Ryan nearly collide on a mountain road and are instantly drawn to one another by a potent force that won’t be refused. But each has a history of lost love they haven't been ready to leave behind yet aren’t ready to share with the other. If they can’t let go of their pasts, how will this new attraction survive their future?
re-released with some mature language
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2011
7 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 22, 2011
Lifeline Echoes is a must read. Kay Springsteen takes us on a emotional roller coaster, experiencing every emotion throughout this read. I was hooked on the first page and in tears by page 10, there was no putting it down. Sandy and Ryan the main characters have everything you could expect in a hero and heroine and leaves you cheering for them right to the very end. I feel in love with these characters and with their story. I can only hope there is more to their tale, but even if not the story closes things up nicely. Kay has an exceptional gift for story telling and when I would fall asleep in the wee hours of the morning I would dream about the story, seeing it very vividly, thanks to the skill this author has. I look forward to many more amazing stories from this author and you will too, Lifeline Echos is well worth your time and promises to leave you fulfilled.
July 14, 2011
I'm usually a sucker for a book about the prodigal son/daughter returning home after years of being away and making good on things that went wrong years before. Or at least had been perceived to be wrong. This book is no exception. The author manages to draw you in immediately with the tragic situation that Sandy finds herself in. With little snippets throughout the book of that day that changed Sandy's life forever, you stay invested in the story both past and present.
Ms. Springsteen seems to love writing about strong, dynamic woman and Sandy Wheaton fits the mold perfectly. Recovering from a tragedy that changes her life in ways big and small, she leaves her job and her old life behind, seeking peace in the beautiful state of Wyoming. Even though she is grieving, Sandy doesn't let life get the best of her. She starts over, creating a new life for herself in a new town and state, making new friends and with a new job. There are times she still thinks about the past and though she doesn't seem quite ready to move forward in certain ways, she has certainly overcome a lot of obstacles. Sandy is someone I would want to be friends with.
And let's not forget about Ryan. Ryan is the sexy cowboy that every girl dreamed about when they were younger. (At least most of the girls that grew up in the country!) He is mysterious, protective and he is definitely manly. He stands up for what he believes in and what he knows is right, despite what anybody else thinks or says about it.
One thing that was never really explained that I would have liked to see resolved, more for the sake of curiosity than anything else, was the name confusion. I won't say more than that so I don't give anything away but I would have liked to have seen it addressed at the end. And that, folks, is about the only thing I could possibly find to criticize about this book. I know that some people will think that falling in love with someone in twenty four hours isn't realistic but I knew from the first day that I saw my husband that I would someday marry him – so it is not impossible.
This book draws you in right from the first paragraph and keeps you turning the pages all the way through. With lots of action, suspense, romance and sexual tension going on along the way, I loved these characters from the beginning and wanted to know what happened to them. The author does an excellent job in keeping you guessing on who the bad guy is until the very end and the story is wrapped up very nicely. The secondary characters are also very entertaining and there are a couple that I absolutely adored, including Ryan's dad.
Ms. Springsteen has a new fan. I can't even say enough good things about this author or her books. I hope you take the time to check her out. This is another book that is available in both e-book format as well as paperback.
Ms. Springsteen seems to love writing about strong, dynamic woman and Sandy Wheaton fits the mold perfectly. Recovering from a tragedy that changes her life in ways big and small, she leaves her job and her old life behind, seeking peace in the beautiful state of Wyoming. Even though she is grieving, Sandy doesn't let life get the best of her. She starts over, creating a new life for herself in a new town and state, making new friends and with a new job. There are times she still thinks about the past and though she doesn't seem quite ready to move forward in certain ways, she has certainly overcome a lot of obstacles. Sandy is someone I would want to be friends with.
And let's not forget about Ryan. Ryan is the sexy cowboy that every girl dreamed about when they were younger. (At least most of the girls that grew up in the country!) He is mysterious, protective and he is definitely manly. He stands up for what he believes in and what he knows is right, despite what anybody else thinks or says about it.
One thing that was never really explained that I would have liked to see resolved, more for the sake of curiosity than anything else, was the name confusion. I won't say more than that so I don't give anything away but I would have liked to have seen it addressed at the end. And that, folks, is about the only thing I could possibly find to criticize about this book. I know that some people will think that falling in love with someone in twenty four hours isn't realistic but I knew from the first day that I saw my husband that I would someday marry him – so it is not impossible.
This book draws you in right from the first paragraph and keeps you turning the pages all the way through. With lots of action, suspense, romance and sexual tension going on along the way, I loved these characters from the beginning and wanted to know what happened to them. The author does an excellent job in keeping you guessing on who the bad guy is until the very end and the story is wrapped up very nicely. The secondary characters are also very entertaining and there are a couple that I absolutely adored, including Ryan's dad.
Ms. Springsteen has a new fan. I can't even say enough good things about this author or her books. I hope you take the time to check her out. This is another book that is available in both e-book format as well as paperback.
August 18, 2014
Lifeline Echoes is definitely in my top 10 most favorite reads. I felt drawn to Sandy immediately and fell for Ryan just as quickly. Kay's writing is so spot on, I felt every emotion right along with the characters in each and every page. I could not put this book down, nor did I want to. I was captured from the very start.
The story begins when Alexandra (Sandy), an EMT/Emergency Dispatcher, has just started her day working in the call center when a massive earthquake hits LA. She takes a distress call from a firefighter, Mick, who has been trapped in a building that has collapsed. He is hurt, has lost almost his entire unit, and she becomes his lifeline. She stays with him on the radio, talking with him, laughing with him, getting to know each other, promising to be there for him when he is rescued, falling in love with each other. Just shy of 24 hours later, the rescue crew finally gets to his unit and she is given the heart wrenching news, no survivors.
7 years later…Sandy moved from LA to Wyoming shortly after the earthquake. This is where Mick grew up, he talked so much about missing home and wanting to go back. She feels closer to him here, the memories of their day still fresh in her mind and heart.
Ryan McGee, the prodigal son, returns home after being gone for 16 years when he received a letter from his brother needing assistance with the family ranch. He needs a new start as well, he has spent 7 years searching, and not finding, his "Angel" who helped him survive through one of the worst days of his life. He needed to move on and help his family. Something was not right at the ranch, strange things were taking place, and problems needed to be solved.
The chemistry between Sandy and Ryan is instant, a powerful force neither one can deny. They both have a history with a lost love they haven't let go of, both have past stories neither wants to fully open and share with each other. Can Ryan move on from his "Angel"? Can Sandy let go of the memory of Mick?
Past grudges between the McGee's and the MacKay's is at a feverish pitch with Ryan returning home. Things have turned dangerous, livestock, land, and personal property is damaged. Sandy is even being pulled into the danger because of her relationship with Ryan.
The past collides with the present; lies, deception, murders, abuse. Will they survive the truth being unveiled?
I highly recommend this book - romance, sexual tension, action, suspense…you can't go wrong. This is a MUST read!! I cannot wait for Elusive Echoes, book 2.
The story begins when Alexandra (Sandy), an EMT/Emergency Dispatcher, has just started her day working in the call center when a massive earthquake hits LA. She takes a distress call from a firefighter, Mick, who has been trapped in a building that has collapsed. He is hurt, has lost almost his entire unit, and she becomes his lifeline. She stays with him on the radio, talking with him, laughing with him, getting to know each other, promising to be there for him when he is rescued, falling in love with each other. Just shy of 24 hours later, the rescue crew finally gets to his unit and she is given the heart wrenching news, no survivors.
7 years later…Sandy moved from LA to Wyoming shortly after the earthquake. This is where Mick grew up, he talked so much about missing home and wanting to go back. She feels closer to him here, the memories of their day still fresh in her mind and heart.
Ryan McGee, the prodigal son, returns home after being gone for 16 years when he received a letter from his brother needing assistance with the family ranch. He needs a new start as well, he has spent 7 years searching, and not finding, his "Angel" who helped him survive through one of the worst days of his life. He needed to move on and help his family. Something was not right at the ranch, strange things were taking place, and problems needed to be solved.
The chemistry between Sandy and Ryan is instant, a powerful force neither one can deny. They both have a history with a lost love they haven't let go of, both have past stories neither wants to fully open and share with each other. Can Ryan move on from his "Angel"? Can Sandy let go of the memory of Mick?
Past grudges between the McGee's and the MacKay's is at a feverish pitch with Ryan returning home. Things have turned dangerous, livestock, land, and personal property is damaged. Sandy is even being pulled into the danger because of her relationship with Ryan.
The past collides with the present; lies, deception, murders, abuse. Will they survive the truth being unveiled?
I highly recommend this book - romance, sexual tension, action, suspense…you can't go wrong. This is a MUST read!! I cannot wait for Elusive Echoes, book 2.
August 18, 2014
Omg.....This book had me on an emotional roller coaster from almost the first page. I laughed, I cried....I bawled like a lil baby and loved every second of it!
This is one of the best reads I have had the pleasure of doing in a while...it was just that good.
There was heartache, deception, mystery, romance, intrigue, some “Oh holy crap” moments and most of all Love.
This was written as a multi pov, which is my favorite.
What a great story teller Kay Springsteen is. This story just sucks you in and doesn't want to let you go. The characters are so well written, their story told beautifully. It makes you feel as if you are part of the story. When the characters heart breaks, your heart breaks, when the characters feel emotional pain, you feel their pain. I became so emotionally invested in this book, I did not want it to end.
If you are looking for a hot, raunchy book, this isn't it. This is a sweet romance with a HEA.
Would I recommend this book? Oh Heck Yea!!
Would I read more of this author? Absolutely! Where is book 2?! I want Sean and Mel's story next!
This is one of the best reads I have had the pleasure of doing in a while...it was just that good.
There was heartache, deception, mystery, romance, intrigue, some “Oh holy crap” moments and most of all Love.
This was written as a multi pov, which is my favorite.
What a great story teller Kay Springsteen is. This story just sucks you in and doesn't want to let you go. The characters are so well written, their story told beautifully. It makes you feel as if you are part of the story. When the characters heart breaks, your heart breaks, when the characters feel emotional pain, you feel their pain. I became so emotionally invested in this book, I did not want it to end.
If you are looking for a hot, raunchy book, this isn't it. This is a sweet romance with a HEA.
Would I recommend this book? Oh Heck Yea!!
Would I read more of this author? Absolutely! Where is book 2?! I want Sean and Mel's story next!
May 18, 2015
Lifeline Echoes is the story of how a cowboy and a city girl...and so much more. Though not my normal genre of reading I absolutely love how Kay Springsteen brought her characters to life. I laughed, I cried and I fell in love with Ryan and Sandy. It took a bit for me to get into the book but once I did I got to meet a delightful Sandy. An out of place LA dispatcher who happened upon a small town called Orson's Folly in Wyoming. Trying to make a place for herself her careful 6 years of planning gets upturned when the "Prodigal Son" Ryan McGee returns home. So many secrets and so much bad blood in his past Ryan turns the town on its ear by returning home after 16 years. His brother asked for help but can the former firefighter overcome his past and start a future with Sandy or will the past really come back to haunt and hurt him? Why does his brother need help after all these years? Will he be able to protect those he loves and will he be able to leave his city life and his "Angel" behind? They say you can never go home once you leave but did he ever truly leave? If this is the first of the series I am seriously excited about the next books!
not-interested
March 10, 2016A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK IS STILL AVAILABLE IF YOU WANT IT--Nov 15, '15. PM me. I won a copy of this book through All Romance Ebooks that I do not want. I can gift it to someone else as long as the person has an account with them. (You can create one free.) If you want this copy, PM me with the email address you use at ARE and I'll gift it to you through them. I don't even have to know you--just tell me you want it so I can get it out of my queue before I accidentally download it. :)
I'll take this down once the book has been claimed. If you're reading this, it's still available. Well, unless someone has emailed me in the last 12 hours or so and I haven't responded. I'm not on the computre all the time. :)
I'll take this down once the book has been claimed. If you're reading this, it's still available. Well, unless someone has emailed me in the last 12 hours or so and I haven't responded. I'm not on the computre all the time. :)
March 29, 2012
The true story of love, loss and finding "life" again. Sandy and Ryan both moved to Wyoming on seperate times and not knowing one another, but in the search of something very similar. Ryan has fears of his past causing problems for him and his family, but can't keep staying away. Sandy, never really accepted strives to feel "home". Sandy and Ryan finding one another could bring more trouble or bring a life Ryan and Sandy never expected to find again.
Read
April 26, 2011An awesome book that both brought tears of laughter and sadness to my eyes. Kay tells a great story that brings you into the people with such love that you hate to have the book end. I look forward to reading more from Kay Springsteen in the future and know that I will be just as happy with it as I was with this one. I recommend this to anyone who wants a great love story.
August 31, 2017
I never know what to expect when I download a freebie ebook. Some are good, some not so much. This one, however, is beautiful. A beautiful story, beautiful characters and beautiful writing. I only have one quibble and it's perhaps because I've ridden and trained horses and done freelance photography. There's no image stabilizer known going to make shooting photos from horseback at a lope (or anything faster than a fast walk) not blurry, especially since she's using a camera with a zoom lens. The one and only quibble in a beautiful tale that I much enjoyed.
May 10, 2025
It is so rare for me these days to find a mystery book that is so thrilling and enjoyable. This one honestly hits the top 10. Additionally as much as I love a spicy romance, the fact that this book manages to be a clean romance, that is not faith propaganda, but actually has a couple that are interesting and exciting to read about - I am so beyond glad.
September 6, 2011
An earthquake rocks LA, causing buildings to collapse trapping firefighters in the ruble. Alexandra ( Sandy) Wheaton was an EMT operator , and received a call from a trapped firefighter – Micky. She becomes his lifeline for 23hrs, talking to him, giving him positive reassurance all will be safe and also falling in love with him. Alexandra gets the heart breaking news that no one survived the collapse, and honoring Mick’s last words, decides to venture onto Wyoming to visit Mick’s home town.
Settling down, Sandy buys the local bar, starting a new life, feeling that a little piece of Mick is with her, but never forgetting her love for this stranger she never met.
Ryan Mc Gee **The Hometown Son** has returned to Wyoming after 16 years, to help his father and brother on their ranch, to tend to all that has failed and rekindle family.
Not giving up his search - Ryan has looked for seven years for his *Angel*, the lifeline that has kept him going through all the good and bad times , but to no success, still unable to find his lifeline and the girl he fell in love with over the radio that dreaded night.
Ryan and Sandy meet head on, him in his sleek sports car – her on her horse, to find that they have an instant connection. Ryan is mesmerized by Sandy’s eyes ** and nicknames her Chicory* and Sandy by his sharp tongue, yet cheeky smile. In time they can’t deny the attraction they feel for each other, but both holding back, due to the love of their lives, they still yearn for and think of. Can they both let go of their pasts to proceed with their future?
Once Ryan returns home, Uncertainty, danger and peril ignites, past repercussions, have come back to haunt him, lies, and betrayal and murder become undone. Will Ryan and Sandy find their love can overcome their past obstacles, and will they discover the peril behind everything and why? Will Sandy forget her Micky and will Ryan leave his Angel behind to find a new love in Sandy ?
Review...
Oh my, I am an emotional reader and by page eight, I was teary eyed, and feeling every emotion with the characters. The flashbacks to Sandy and Mick’s conversations, while he was trapped were heartwarming, intense and very emotional. The funny parts enlightening, lightening the mood in the story, but also creating the environment needed to regain insight to the h/h roles and emotions. I enjoyed this throughout the book giving insight to Sandy’s heartache and sadness, it just ripped at my heart...
The storyline was present and fluent, I read from almost front to back in one sitting and was intrigued immensely and curious just to find out who , what , where and why. The mystery was kept suspenseful the entire read, and like every reader I’m sure I even tried to evaluate the situation, trying to work out - who did it, is It , and what not else. Emotions are always well portrayed by Kay, this I enjoy immensely in her writing. I am a description kind of girl, I like to know what their seeing, hearing feeling and envisage everything whilst I read. * This is me and how I like to read * I get right into the story!!!!
This story a little saucier than Kate’s normal stories, by all means this did not deter me at all, I rather enjoyed the sexual tension – the hesitance, romance and sizzling passion between Sandy and Ryan. Their love was withdrawn most of the time, letting themselves delve so far into their emotions, but once again their other loves always stood in the way. Their kisses were passionate, sensual and longing, loving and in the moment. I really enjoy a conflicting love, that obviously is destined but obstacles stand in their way. I enjoyed the main characters much so, both being Tortued souls, holding onto that last little bit of hope. Ryan, heroic, romantic and of course ** swoon * *material.. Every girls dream !!! A man in a uniform !!! lol.. Sandy's character - caring, considerate and always willing to help the next person in need, honest in her feelings and thoughts and a heartfelt character.
The secondary characters, I liked immensely, all of them involved and necessary for this great storyline. Even the villains played their parts well, hating them along with the storyline and thinking oh no!!!!!
The tragedy’s, loss and love was present, this I’m sure we all have experienced in life, very realistic and thought felt. Overall this is the best book by far in Kate’s writing, I have loved them all but this one pulled at my thoughts and emotions, and I had to go back just to read the end...!!! I had goose bumps during Sandy’s announcement - for help!!
I knew and hoped deep down!!
It ended just the way I wanted... This is every reader’s dream I assume!! I get what we want in the end!!
Settling down, Sandy buys the local bar, starting a new life, feeling that a little piece of Mick is with her, but never forgetting her love for this stranger she never met.
Ryan Mc Gee **The Hometown Son** has returned to Wyoming after 16 years, to help his father and brother on their ranch, to tend to all that has failed and rekindle family.
Not giving up his search - Ryan has looked for seven years for his *Angel*, the lifeline that has kept him going through all the good and bad times , but to no success, still unable to find his lifeline and the girl he fell in love with over the radio that dreaded night.
Ryan and Sandy meet head on, him in his sleek sports car – her on her horse, to find that they have an instant connection. Ryan is mesmerized by Sandy’s eyes ** and nicknames her Chicory* and Sandy by his sharp tongue, yet cheeky smile. In time they can’t deny the attraction they feel for each other, but both holding back, due to the love of their lives, they still yearn for and think of. Can they both let go of their pasts to proceed with their future?
Once Ryan returns home, Uncertainty, danger and peril ignites, past repercussions, have come back to haunt him, lies, and betrayal and murder become undone. Will Ryan and Sandy find their love can overcome their past obstacles, and will they discover the peril behind everything and why? Will Sandy forget her Micky and will Ryan leave his Angel behind to find a new love in Sandy ?
Review...
Oh my, I am an emotional reader and by page eight, I was teary eyed, and feeling every emotion with the characters. The flashbacks to Sandy and Mick’s conversations, while he was trapped were heartwarming, intense and very emotional. The funny parts enlightening, lightening the mood in the story, but also creating the environment needed to regain insight to the h/h roles and emotions. I enjoyed this throughout the book giving insight to Sandy’s heartache and sadness, it just ripped at my heart...
The storyline was present and fluent, I read from almost front to back in one sitting and was intrigued immensely and curious just to find out who , what , where and why. The mystery was kept suspenseful the entire read, and like every reader I’m sure I even tried to evaluate the situation, trying to work out - who did it, is It , and what not else. Emotions are always well portrayed by Kay, this I enjoy immensely in her writing. I am a description kind of girl, I like to know what their seeing, hearing feeling and envisage everything whilst I read. * This is me and how I like to read * I get right into the story!!!!
This story a little saucier than Kate’s normal stories, by all means this did not deter me at all, I rather enjoyed the sexual tension – the hesitance, romance and sizzling passion between Sandy and Ryan. Their love was withdrawn most of the time, letting themselves delve so far into their emotions, but once again their other loves always stood in the way. Their kisses were passionate, sensual and longing, loving and in the moment. I really enjoy a conflicting love, that obviously is destined but obstacles stand in their way. I enjoyed the main characters much so, both being Tortued souls, holding onto that last little bit of hope. Ryan, heroic, romantic and of course ** swoon * *material.. Every girls dream !!! A man in a uniform !!! lol.. Sandy's character - caring, considerate and always willing to help the next person in need, honest in her feelings and thoughts and a heartfelt character.
The secondary characters, I liked immensely, all of them involved and necessary for this great storyline. Even the villains played their parts well, hating them along with the storyline and thinking oh no!!!!!
The tragedy’s, loss and love was present, this I’m sure we all have experienced in life, very realistic and thought felt. Overall this is the best book by far in Kate’s writing, I have loved them all but this one pulled at my thoughts and emotions, and I had to go back just to read the end...!!! I had goose bumps during Sandy’s announcement - for help!!
I knew and hoped deep down!!
It ended just the way I wanted... This is every reader’s dream I assume!! I get what we want in the end!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2011
I made the decision to buy LIFELINE ECHOES after reading Kay Springsteen’s blog post The Town Made the Characters. I’d only read about half of it when I not only decided I had to have this book, but actually left in the middle of reading the post to go buy it! Although there she mentions both LIFELINE ECHOES and ELUSIVE ECHOES, I headed right for LIFELINE ECHOES because it’s the first in sequence of the two titles.
And … just, wow.
If you can believe it (and looking back, I cannot), I didn’t even read the blurb before I dove in. What followed, then, was the beautiful unfurling of a heartfelt, heart wrenching relationship between Sandy and Mick, a firefighter who whispered promises they both knew he couldn’t keep as his life crept out of reach under the rubble of an earthquake. The 23 hours spent with Mick changed Sandy’s life—changed her soul—and his loss sends her to find solace in the wild, rambling state he once called home. There she settles, in a little Wyoming town at the foot of the Rockies, to start over, but not without Mick. He remains always, always in her heart.
It’s for that reason, then, when prodigal son Ryan McGee comes tearing home my heart did a funny little dip. Moving on? Oh, no. Not after the powerful connection Sandy shared with Mick! But as captivated as Ryan was with Sandy—a fiery bartender and proprietor of her own establishment—he, too, kept his heart locked in the past. The “Angel” he lost from his own life is a permanent part of him—one he’s not willing to share or release. He clutches her memory close, an anchor to his past that keeps him from moving forward.
But that’s only part of the wall Ryan builds between himself and Sandy. Years ago he fled town on the heels of scandal, and however charming the townsfolk of Orson’s Folly, some of their roots run bitter, deep, and thick as thieves. They’ve neither forgotten nor forgiven why or how Ryan left, and in the fallout of his return, his feelings for Sandy land her in the middle of a mess he just can’t bring himself to explain. Those doors remained stubbornly closed—less a few glimpses of what might be—until the breathtaking moment where love, life, and loss converge and threaten to take it all away.
There and then—truly, exquisitely—only the answer remains.
LIFELINE ECHOES is beautifully written. I had the fortune, years ago, of walking the same bit of country where this story is set and I have to say I feel as if I’ve just been back. The imagery is stunning, the characters as real as any ever written. The flashbacks to Sandy’s time with Mick rip at the heart, and without fail they left me in tears. In fact, I did a lot of flat-out sobbing throughout this story, sometimes so thoroughly I thought my breath had left my chest.
As the story grows, so will the reader. LIFELINE ECHOES has an extraordinary ability to capture the heart, quietly filling anything cracked or broken inside with hope and healing. To call it a heartwarming read would be an understatement, but any single attempt to summarize it would be a folly in itself. There are a great many words one could apply to this story, but there’s only one way to give it full justice: read it.
It’s just that good.
And … just, wow.
If you can believe it (and looking back, I cannot), I didn’t even read the blurb before I dove in. What followed, then, was the beautiful unfurling of a heartfelt, heart wrenching relationship between Sandy and Mick, a firefighter who whispered promises they both knew he couldn’t keep as his life crept out of reach under the rubble of an earthquake. The 23 hours spent with Mick changed Sandy’s life—changed her soul—and his loss sends her to find solace in the wild, rambling state he once called home. There she settles, in a little Wyoming town at the foot of the Rockies, to start over, but not without Mick. He remains always, always in her heart.
It’s for that reason, then, when prodigal son Ryan McGee comes tearing home my heart did a funny little dip. Moving on? Oh, no. Not after the powerful connection Sandy shared with Mick! But as captivated as Ryan was with Sandy—a fiery bartender and proprietor of her own establishment—he, too, kept his heart locked in the past. The “Angel” he lost from his own life is a permanent part of him—one he’s not willing to share or release. He clutches her memory close, an anchor to his past that keeps him from moving forward.
But that’s only part of the wall Ryan builds between himself and Sandy. Years ago he fled town on the heels of scandal, and however charming the townsfolk of Orson’s Folly, some of their roots run bitter, deep, and thick as thieves. They’ve neither forgotten nor forgiven why or how Ryan left, and in the fallout of his return, his feelings for Sandy land her in the middle of a mess he just can’t bring himself to explain. Those doors remained stubbornly closed—less a few glimpses of what might be—until the breathtaking moment where love, life, and loss converge and threaten to take it all away.
There and then—truly, exquisitely—only the answer remains.
LIFELINE ECHOES is beautifully written. I had the fortune, years ago, of walking the same bit of country where this story is set and I have to say I feel as if I’ve just been back. The imagery is stunning, the characters as real as any ever written. The flashbacks to Sandy’s time with Mick rip at the heart, and without fail they left me in tears. In fact, I did a lot of flat-out sobbing throughout this story, sometimes so thoroughly I thought my breath had left my chest.
As the story grows, so will the reader. LIFELINE ECHOES has an extraordinary ability to capture the heart, quietly filling anything cracked or broken inside with hope and healing. To call it a heartwarming read would be an understatement, but any single attempt to summarize it would be a folly in itself. There are a great many words one could apply to this story, but there’s only one way to give it full justice: read it.
It’s just that good.
April 4, 2012
From the first time I read the blurb all the way to the clicking onto the last page, I was enchanted by this book. The story is told in the present time with periodic flashbacks to explain what happened seven years before.
This is the story of Ryan McGee and Alexandra 'Sandy' Wheaton who first met across the airwaves of a two way radio during an LA earthquake. He was an emergency responder to a fire and she the emergency dispatcher. When Ryan or'Mick' as Alexandra calls him is trapped under the rubble from the building collapse during an aftershock, Alexandra or 'Angel' as he calls her is the one who stayed on the radio with him to the bitter end- or so she thought.
One of Ryan's wishes is for Sandy to visit Wyoming so when she hears that he died she does just that and puts down roots by buying the local bar and keeping her fiesty horse out at the McGee ranch. Its a small town and the people are just starting to accept her when everyone starts talking about the black sheep Ryan McGee returning home.
Ryan is called back by a troubling letter from his younger brother. It doesn't take long for him to learn that mysterious incidents and 'accidents' are slowly destroying the ranch. Many still blame him for an incident that happened years ago that caused him to leave home so there is little sympathy for his circumstances.
The bright side for Ryan is his immediate attraction to the beautiful sexy bar owner, Sandy, and her attraction for him. Neither of them realize that they are Mick and Angel from seven years ago in LA. Ryan had been searching for his angel from the moment that he recovered from his injuries, but though she promised to wait for him, his angel had disappeared.
This story is a blend of sweet contemporary romance and high drama western. It is interesting that as the reader I was in the know all along that Ryan and Sandy were the ones who had connected seven years earlier. You would think that would make this story predictable and take away some of the build up in the plot, but it just made it more interesting. I kept sighing in frustration when they would miss the opportunities to discover the truth. The moment of truth for both of them was so awesome that I forgave Kay Springsteen for toying with my patience.
The plot and pace were well done. There were two plots going on in the story. There was the romance between the hero and heroine and the ranch feud situation with the McKays which made things pretty tense and also drove the plot along to its nail biting climax. I worked through and guessed several things accurately about the 'who's and 'why's of the story and there were still some surprises.
The characters were extremely likeable from Ryan and Sandy to Justin, Sean, and Mel. The McKay family were not as predictable as they might seem on the surface as the obvious bad guys. Then there were all the minor 'Small Town' characters to fill it all in.
Wonderful Contemporary Western Romance!
This is the story of Ryan McGee and Alexandra 'Sandy' Wheaton who first met across the airwaves of a two way radio during an LA earthquake. He was an emergency responder to a fire and she the emergency dispatcher. When Ryan or'Mick' as Alexandra calls him is trapped under the rubble from the building collapse during an aftershock, Alexandra or 'Angel' as he calls her is the one who stayed on the radio with him to the bitter end- or so she thought.
One of Ryan's wishes is for Sandy to visit Wyoming so when she hears that he died she does just that and puts down roots by buying the local bar and keeping her fiesty horse out at the McGee ranch. Its a small town and the people are just starting to accept her when everyone starts talking about the black sheep Ryan McGee returning home.
Ryan is called back by a troubling letter from his younger brother. It doesn't take long for him to learn that mysterious incidents and 'accidents' are slowly destroying the ranch. Many still blame him for an incident that happened years ago that caused him to leave home so there is little sympathy for his circumstances.
The bright side for Ryan is his immediate attraction to the beautiful sexy bar owner, Sandy, and her attraction for him. Neither of them realize that they are Mick and Angel from seven years ago in LA. Ryan had been searching for his angel from the moment that he recovered from his injuries, but though she promised to wait for him, his angel had disappeared.
This story is a blend of sweet contemporary romance and high drama western. It is interesting that as the reader I was in the know all along that Ryan and Sandy were the ones who had connected seven years earlier. You would think that would make this story predictable and take away some of the build up in the plot, but it just made it more interesting. I kept sighing in frustration when they would miss the opportunities to discover the truth. The moment of truth for both of them was so awesome that I forgave Kay Springsteen for toying with my patience.
The plot and pace were well done. There were two plots going on in the story. There was the romance between the hero and heroine and the ranch feud situation with the McKays which made things pretty tense and also drove the plot along to its nail biting climax. I worked through and guessed several things accurately about the 'who's and 'why's of the story and there were still some surprises.
The characters were extremely likeable from Ryan and Sandy to Justin, Sean, and Mel. The McKay family were not as predictable as they might seem on the surface as the obvious bad guys. Then there were all the minor 'Small Town' characters to fill it all in.
Wonderful Contemporary Western Romance!
June 18, 2011
I'm usually a sucker for a book about the prodigal son/daughter returning home after years of being away and making good on things that went wrong years before. Or at least had been perceived to be wrong. This book is no exception. The author manages to draw you in immediately with the tragic situation that Sandy finds herself in. With little snippets throughout the book of that day that changed Sandy's life forever, you stay invested in the story both past and present.
Ms. Springsteen seems to love writing about strong, dynamic woman and Sandy Wheaton fits the mold perfectly. Recovering from a tragedy that changes her life in ways big and small, she leaves her job and her old life behind, seeking peace in the beautiful state of Wyoming. Even though she is grieving, Sandy doesn't let life get the best of her. She starts over, creating a new life for herself in a new town and state, making new friends and with a new job. There are times she still thinks about the past and though she doesn't seem quite ready to move forward in certain ways, she has certainly overcome a lot of obstacles. Sandy is someone I would want to be friends with.
And let's not forget about Ryan. Ryan is the sexy cowboy that every girl dreamed about when they were younger. (At least most of the girls that grew up in the country!) He is mysterious, protective and he is definitely manly. He stands up for what he believes in and what he knows is right, despite what anybody else thinks or says about it.
One thing that was never really explained that I would have liked to see resolved, more for the sake of curiosity than anything else, was the name confusion. I won't say more than that so I don't give anything away but I would have liked to have seen it addressed at the end. And that, folks, is about the only thing I could possibly find to criticize about this book. I know that some people will think that falling in love with someone in twenty four hours isn't realistic but I knew from the first day that I saw my husband that I would someday marry him – so it is not impossible.
This book draws you in right from the first paragraph and keeps you turning the pages all the way through. With lots of action, suspense, romance and sexual tension going on along the way, I loved these characters from the beginning and wanted to know what happened to them. The author does an excellent job in keeping you guessing on who the bad guy is until the very end and the story is wrapped up very nicely. The secondary characters are also very entertaining and there are a couple that I absolutely adored, including Ryan's dad.
Ms. Springsteen has a new fan. I can't even say enough good things about this author or her books. I hope you take the time to check her out.
Ms. Springsteen seems to love writing about strong, dynamic woman and Sandy Wheaton fits the mold perfectly. Recovering from a tragedy that changes her life in ways big and small, she leaves her job and her old life behind, seeking peace in the beautiful state of Wyoming. Even though she is grieving, Sandy doesn't let life get the best of her. She starts over, creating a new life for herself in a new town and state, making new friends and with a new job. There are times she still thinks about the past and though she doesn't seem quite ready to move forward in certain ways, she has certainly overcome a lot of obstacles. Sandy is someone I would want to be friends with.
And let's not forget about Ryan. Ryan is the sexy cowboy that every girl dreamed about when they were younger. (At least most of the girls that grew up in the country!) He is mysterious, protective and he is definitely manly. He stands up for what he believes in and what he knows is right, despite what anybody else thinks or says about it.
One thing that was never really explained that I would have liked to see resolved, more for the sake of curiosity than anything else, was the name confusion. I won't say more than that so I don't give anything away but I would have liked to have seen it addressed at the end. And that, folks, is about the only thing I could possibly find to criticize about this book. I know that some people will think that falling in love with someone in twenty four hours isn't realistic but I knew from the first day that I saw my husband that I would someday marry him – so it is not impossible.
This book draws you in right from the first paragraph and keeps you turning the pages all the way through. With lots of action, suspense, romance and sexual tension going on along the way, I loved these characters from the beginning and wanted to know what happened to them. The author does an excellent job in keeping you guessing on who the bad guy is until the very end and the story is wrapped up very nicely. The secondary characters are also very entertaining and there are a couple that I absolutely adored, including Ryan's dad.
Ms. Springsteen has a new fan. I can't even say enough good things about this author or her books. I hope you take the time to check her out.
April 10, 2011
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**SPOILERS**
Alexandra (Sandy) Wheaton was an EMT dispatch operator working the day an earthquake hit LA, after receiving an emergency dispatch call from a trapped firefighter she becomes his lifeline and in just under 24 hours; until she was given the news he had passed away falls in love with him. Honoring a promise she made to ‘Mick’ to one day visit his hometown, she travels to Wyoming, purchases the popular town bar and makes a new life for herself, never forgetting a man she barely knew.
Ryan McGee has spent 7 years of his life thinking about and searching for his ‘Angel’, the voice who kept him going but never having any luck.
Ryan reluctantly left his hometown of Wyoming as a teen under the midst of controversy but returns after 16 years to help his father and brother out on the family ranch. The small town never seemed to understand why he left or forgive him for what had happened to his cousin Mac McCoy, not knowing he had actually saved him from a life of brutality.
There was an instant attraction between Ryan and Sandy, a pull that neither could explain but he could never seem to fully give himself until he had closure from his past, the person who had given him hope and believed in him.
The mystery behind who was sabotaging Sandy & Ryan’s property had me intrigued but it was also unsettling to think that something that happened when he was a young boy would still follow him as a man, it definitely was the case of small town mentality (no offense ;). I also found myself questioning why it was Ryan’s responsibility to take care of his cousin Mac when he was so young himself, isn’t that what the authorities are for??
I can’t pinpoint what I didn’t love about this book, the relationship & connection between the h/h was great but I think the drama in between put me off; I would have loved to have more of a back-story about both Ryan and more so Sandy rather than the suspense and what was happening on the ranch. Parts of the story were a tad too far fetched.
I am not generally a fan of immediate declarations of love; I like a slow build up to how a h/h feels, to slowly watch a relationship develop, so the ‘I love you’ coming so soon into them meeting didn’t really sit well for me.
I found myself wishing the story along so it would be revealed who they really were to one another but it was sadly drawn out.
It was satisfying little HEA. I wanted to love Lifeline Echoes, it had the potential to be such a great book, I loved the premise for the storyline but sadly it wasn’t such a captivating read for me.
2.5/5
**SPOILERS**
Alexandra (Sandy) Wheaton was an EMT dispatch operator working the day an earthquake hit LA, after receiving an emergency dispatch call from a trapped firefighter she becomes his lifeline and in just under 24 hours; until she was given the news he had passed away falls in love with him. Honoring a promise she made to ‘Mick’ to one day visit his hometown, she travels to Wyoming, purchases the popular town bar and makes a new life for herself, never forgetting a man she barely knew.
Ryan McGee has spent 7 years of his life thinking about and searching for his ‘Angel’, the voice who kept him going but never having any luck.
Ryan reluctantly left his hometown of Wyoming as a teen under the midst of controversy but returns after 16 years to help his father and brother out on the family ranch. The small town never seemed to understand why he left or forgive him for what had happened to his cousin Mac McCoy, not knowing he had actually saved him from a life of brutality.
There was an instant attraction between Ryan and Sandy, a pull that neither could explain but he could never seem to fully give himself until he had closure from his past, the person who had given him hope and believed in him.
The mystery behind who was sabotaging Sandy & Ryan’s property had me intrigued but it was also unsettling to think that something that happened when he was a young boy would still follow him as a man, it definitely was the case of small town mentality (no offense ;). I also found myself questioning why it was Ryan’s responsibility to take care of his cousin Mac when he was so young himself, isn’t that what the authorities are for??
I can’t pinpoint what I didn’t love about this book, the relationship & connection between the h/h was great but I think the drama in between put me off; I would have loved to have more of a back-story about both Ryan and more so Sandy rather than the suspense and what was happening on the ranch. Parts of the story were a tad too far fetched.
I am not generally a fan of immediate declarations of love; I like a slow build up to how a h/h feels, to slowly watch a relationship develop, so the ‘I love you’ coming so soon into them meeting didn’t really sit well for me.
I found myself wishing the story along so it would be revealed who they really were to one another but it was sadly drawn out.
It was satisfying little HEA. I wanted to love Lifeline Echoes, it had the potential to be such a great book, I loved the premise for the storyline but sadly it wasn’t such a captivating read for me.
2.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2014
I fell in love with this book right from the start. I loved how Kay wrote this book with doing Sandy's memories throughout the entire book. And how she also went back and forth with POV of both Sandy and Ryan. You got so experience what each one was thinking and feeling. You were to connect with each character. I laughed throughout and even felt my heart breaking a few times with the characters. Even the secondary characters were great and you could even connect with them. I have found another new favorite new author. I look forward to reading the sequel to this book. And hope that there will be more for some of the other characters in this book. Wonderful job Kay and I look forward to reading more of your books. Thanks so much for such a wonderful book. Keep them coming. I recommend everyone go read this book.
June 4, 2015
WE'RE WHERE WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE
Every now and then you read a book that just sucks you into the plot and takes you for a wonderful journey. This story kept me on the edge of my seat and totally captivated. The plot twists and turns kept me in constant suspense and the pages turning. It was so emotional and had heart-wrenching scenes that gave you chills and tears. This is not one, but two love stories tied into one with strong characters, witty dialogue, and entertaining events. It has the good, the bad, and the ugly in human behavior. I was so impressed with this story, the suspense that keeps you guessing and tied up in knots, and the love that you can feel as you get to know the people. I have already recommended this story to several people. I look forward to reading more from this author and more of this series, The Echoes of Orson's Folly. Well done Ms. Springsteen.
Every now and then you read a book that just sucks you into the plot and takes you for a wonderful journey. This story kept me on the edge of my seat and totally captivated. The plot twists and turns kept me in constant suspense and the pages turning. It was so emotional and had heart-wrenching scenes that gave you chills and tears. This is not one, but two love stories tied into one with strong characters, witty dialogue, and entertaining events. It has the good, the bad, and the ugly in human behavior. I was so impressed with this story, the suspense that keeps you guessing and tied up in knots, and the love that you can feel as you get to know the people. I have already recommended this story to several people. I look forward to reading more from this author and more of this series, The Echoes of Orson's Folly. Well done Ms. Springsteen.
April 16, 2011
I think I liked this book even more than the last one I read by her. It was a great story and fabulously written! I loved the way the flashbacks played into the story, as if she was reliving it all the time. The author did an excellent job of keeping you guessing and throwing in twists enough to keep you guessing. Fabulous story. I loved both Ryan and Sandy as characters - well written! The side characters were amazing in that they had enough detail to make them all real people but they got just enough of the focus. I must admit, this book is a little racier than most I review - not to say it's not clean, but some of it is a little steamier than I would suggest for my younger audience. Fabulous book and I would highly recommend it.
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http://cleanromancereviews.blogspot.com
July 1, 2011
Kay Springsteen truly is a master of the English language and a true artist with the written word. Reading her words transported me to the events transpiring as they happened. This story is powerful and exciting, difficult to turn down a page. It is filled with mystery and adventure, freedom in the wide-open spaces of the beautiful rural areas of Wyoming after heartbreak and disaster in the big city, love and loss—romantic and familial, as well as community. This tale tells about coming home … in every sense of the word. Just when I thought the story was going to settle down to a nice, even, calm romance, suspense set in. It kept me on the edge of my seat every second and wanting more from her! I am hooked on her books.
August 25, 2012
This is one of the best stories I’ve read by a new author. Weaving the past events with the present tore at my heart and made me long for more. I couldn’t wait for Sandy and Ryan to realize who they were to each other so they could be together forever.
I didn’t want to put this book down. I longed to know why Ryan left his hometown. I wanted to scream when he wouldn’t answer his buddy’s phone call. My heart thudded against my chest as I read the explanation behind all the strange happenings in the town.
The suspense in the story keeps you coming back until you know all the answers. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.
I didn’t want to put this book down. I longed to know why Ryan left his hometown. I wanted to scream when he wouldn’t answer his buddy’s phone call. My heart thudded against my chest as I read the explanation behind all the strange happenings in the town.
The suspense in the story keeps you coming back until you know all the answers. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.
August 12, 2011
I loved this book! It was so sad watching Sandy and Ryan struggling to let go of their past. It was interesting to see how previous events can affect one’s future, even so many years later. I loved the flashbacks to the day Sandy spent on the radio with “Mick” as he waited for rescue. Ms. Springsteen fit them in perfectly and really showed the depth of Sandy’s feelings, even though she spent less than twenty-four hours talking to him. I was surprised to learn of why Ryan had loft Orson’s Folly. The reason made me like him even more.
Lifeline Echoes is a must read for everyone! I highly recommend anything by Ms. Springsteen.
Lifeline Echoes is a must read for everyone! I highly recommend anything by Ms. Springsteen.
April 24, 2012
I won this ebook on a blog and put off reading it for quite a while. When I did start reading it, I was very concerned about the content and went back to the reviews to see if it was something I really wanted to read. One review in particular made me think I would still like it, so I continued. It is a good story. I liked the characters and the enjoyed the suspense. But while there are no explicit sex scenes in this book, there is a lot of innuendo and references that often made me uncomfortable. Because of that, I won't read any more by this author and cannot in good conscience recommend this book.
June 2, 2015
Lifeline Echoes is both simply written and full of beautiful imagery. Its quickly paced while still taking the time to deftly create characters and relationships. Little details woven through the story connected past and present, guiding the characters even when they were lost.
I thought this story was beautiful and touching and heartbreaking.
If I were to find one real "flaw", it would be that I was so frustrated for the characters, knowing as the reader what they did not. I surmise that is the mark of a good story though- making the read genuinely care whether the characters find their happy ever after.
I thought this story was beautiful and touching and heartbreaking.
If I were to find one real "flaw", it would be that I was so frustrated for the characters, knowing as the reader what they did not. I surmise that is the mark of a good story though- making the read genuinely care whether the characters find their happy ever after.
June 8, 2012
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. This is a romance where the hero and heroine are so well matched and balance each other so well it makes the reader relax and enoy the relationship. The way Sandy and Ryan gradually reveal their characters to each other and to the reader at the same time is a clever counterpoint to the flashback scenes from the earthquake aftermath. The author provided so many twists, turns and surprises in the story. It was almost confusing in fact but all became clear at the end. Exciting, sweet, romantic. Probably going to be one of my favorite fictional couples too!
October 26, 2014
My only complaint about this story would be that it was a little predictable. Less then 25% in I already figured out the connection between Ryan and Sandy, and it wasn't too hard to figure out who was behind the problems plaguing the McGee ranch.
Putting that aside, I enjoyed it. The characters were well written, and it made me hope for the best for Ryan and Sandy, as well as hope that the bad guys would get what they deserved.
I would recommend giving it a shot.
**A free copy was provided via LibraryThing in Exchange for an honest review**
Putting that aside, I enjoyed it. The characters were well written, and it made me hope for the best for Ryan and Sandy, as well as hope that the bad guys would get what they deserved.
I would recommend giving it a shot.
**A free copy was provided via LibraryThing in Exchange for an honest review**
December 23, 2015
Loved the book. Just finished reading 'Lifeline Echoes' and enjoyed it very much. Beautiful story of lost love and the ties that bind.
Even though I knew what had happened seven years earlier, following the trail to where Sandy and Ryan knew what happened was a pleasure. As other reviewers mentioned, there were smiles, there were tears but satisfaction with the HEA after being wrung out emotionally. Just my kind of book!
Well done, Ms. Springsteen.
Even though I knew what had happened seven years earlier, following the trail to where Sandy and Ryan knew what happened was a pleasure. As other reviewers mentioned, there were smiles, there were tears but satisfaction with the HEA after being wrung out emotionally. Just my kind of book!
Well done, Ms. Springsteen.
April 30, 2011
This was an impulse buy for me from Amazon,and I loved it. The only disappointment was that it ended too soon for me. After all the UST, we don't get to see them together, so if you like smexy times in your book, you will be disappointed.
But it was a beautifully written story with great characters that you rooted for and cried with along the way.
But it was a beautifully written story with great characters that you rooted for and cried with along the way.
July 15, 2011
Sandy and Ryan are characters that are dynamic, fun, flawed, emotional and fallible. A perfect recipe for a tear jerking, knee slapping, western without the West good read. Kay Springsteen is a literary madame, making her word combinations, plot twists and driving emotion work as hard as she does to deliver a read worth more than the price paid.
August 14, 2014
I have to say I knew who was on the other side of the phone within the first few chapters. But, I kept reading anyway. This book has everything you could want in a book: Love, Romance, Mystery and Danger. This book proves that true love can flourish in a very short amount of time. I can totally see this book as a film on Lifetime someday. I know I would watch it!
April 14, 2012
Interesting idea for a story line. I liked it but didn't love it.
For those who are concerned about content, while there is no graphic sex in this story, there are quite a bit of innuendos and sexual references.
For those who are concerned about content, while there is no graphic sex in this story, there are quite a bit of innuendos and sexual references.
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