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Murder, mayhem, marriage, and a horse named Mutiny…

Minnie's impulsiveness has been getting her into trouble her whole life. She never expected it to land her on a suspect list for murder, though. With nothing left but a few trunks of possessions and her own defeat, Minnie leaves San Francisco behind and returns home. In an effort to protect her family and friends, she keeps them in the dark about the ongoing investigation and the possibility that danger may have followed her to Larkspur. When events force her to trust someone with her secrets, she turns to the sheriff and finds both a friend and an ally

It may have been four years since he last saw Minnie, but how could he ever forget her? When Art finds her sneaking through a back alley in town, he knows something's wrong. The once vivacious Minnie is a mere shadow of her former self, all sparkle gone from her eyes. Art knows that time spent with her will be dangerous to his heart, but he can't turn Minnie away. Even if it means protecting her from her own impetuous decisions, he vows to keep her safe

In her attempt to take responsibility for her own choices, Minnie shut out her friends, fami-ly, and God. An unsolved murder isn't all that's chasing Minnie, though. Will she find her way back to the heart of her faith before it's too late?

200 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2014

4 people are currently reading
476 people want to read

About the author

Heather Gray

23 books240 followers
Heather loves coffee, God, her family, and laughter – not necessarily in that order! She writes approachable characters who, through the highs and lows of life, find a way to love God, embrace each day, and laugh out loud right along with her. And, yeah, her books almost always have someone who's a coffee addict. Some things just can't be helped.

Despite being born into different eras, Heather's characters share a common trait. Like her, they're all flawed...but loved anyway.

You can find Heather online at http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywr... and http://www.twitter.com/laughdreamwrite. She can also be found most days at The Inspired Inkpot, a street team, prayer group, and all around awesome place to hang out - http://www.facebook.com/groups/theins....

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5 stars
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23 (34%)
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9 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Joleen.
2,675 reviews1,225 followers
September 21, 2019
Awww, I loved this book 🥰.

Art, the sheriff of Larkspur, Idaho was such a gentle, kind man. He cared for Minnie so much it melted me.

This was a Christian Western, I’d say, with a good deal of romance, but not overly. Just a man protecting the woman he loves all the way through the book. Art was a great character, and really, so was Minnie. She was sharp and in every way his equal.

Minnie lived with her first husband in San Francisco. He was not a good man. Into some pretty bad stuff and was eventually murdered. Minnie was the main suspect. She felt her life would either be in danger, or she'd be watched beyond comfort, so she returned to her hometown of Larkspur where her father is the Mayor. She was coming back as a repentant daughter, but not wanting to tell her parents everything, she went to the sheriff's office in hopes of finding someone she could trust with what's going on with her life in hopes of protection. Art was someone she knew from her youth, so she immediately felt close to him, which of course Art was loving.

While they spend time together, under the guise of a courting couple, the main purpose was to learn her story to protect her properly.

Well, not only is there one greasy guy following her meaning to do her harm, but there's another whose intention isn’t known.

Lots of action with these two guys and the sheriff and a few townsfolk friends, including her father who would protect her with his own life.

I'm enjoying Heather Gray's books so much. Very clean book I’d recommend.
Profile Image for Becky Smith.
387 reviews5 followers
January 1, 2018
Another fun book by this author, with quirky characters like Mrs. Mugglesberry, and Minnie who CANNOT make coffee, and who is impulsive, making poor decisions. I loved this quote: “you can always trust God. He’s listening all the time, and He gives great advice.” Fun and encouraging to read!
Profile Image for Sherry.
Author 24 books59 followers
January 24, 2015
I received a copy of Redemption (Ladies of Larkspur Book 3) from the author in return for an honest review.

Ms. Gray’s mystery, western, historical, inspirational, book Redemption, starts with an attention-grabbing scene that puts Minnie Smith Drake in the firing line from the get-go. Under suspicion and with her freedom curtailed she returns home to larkspur and comes face to face with the new sheriff in town.

Art Paulson, the new sheriff of Larkspur, soon devises a plan to keep Minnie ‘under close surveillance’ but nothing is ever as simple as expected.

The author’s fluent writing style took this reader right into Minnie’s psyche and in few words emphasised and explained how and why Minnie is so drastically changed.

The time-line plot and sub-plots all weave together into a tight, tense, and yet charmingly warm story. The scene setting is masterful, the word choices and detailed descriptions used to convince the reader of the historical era are dropped in without overpowering the tale and yet often enough to enhance the integrity of Redemption.

I’d urge those who may normally bypass an inspirational story to give Redemption another consideration. Yes, there are bible quotes and references to God, but these simply enhance the integrity of Art and Minnie without overwhelming those readers who might otherwise give Redemption the ‘pass-by’.

Family matters in Redemption, as do friendships. Small town and big city crime and justice are weighed, woven and balanced by Ms. Gray, and emotions run high – and low. Tension and suspense are both metered out in fluent and believable measures, as is the romance.

For those who enjoy a historical read blended with western, suspense, mystery and romance Redemption is a book to consider. The author’s writing skill bring this story alive on the page, and her characters, both main and supporting seem as real to this reader as if she’d been there as an observer.

For those who have not read any of Ms. Gray’s books before, she is a multi-genre author worth watching out for.
Profile Image for Candith.
10 reviews27 followers
April 20, 2015
Redemption is the third in the Ladies of Larkspur series but is my first introduction to the works of Heather Gray. I found this story grabbed my attention from the first page and it kept my curiosity up throughout the book. From Mutiny to Redemption (you'll understand when you read the book) I enjoyed the twists and turns chosen by the author.

Evidently, Minnie had created some rash obstacles prior to gaining her own story in Redemption. Now she has matured and is owning her mistakes and their consequences throughout a frightening turn of events. Afraid she may be wrongfully imprisoned for the death of her less than reputable husband, she gathers herself and her belongings to return home to Larkspur. However, danger and suspicion are never too far behind.

I found the story eventually took on a more emotional pull for the Sheriff (a childhood friend) than Minnie. His character is easy to like and written well as the strong, thoughtful, and determined "old west" type of Christian gentleman. Yes. Christian gentleman. It's wonderful reading a story about strong characters who make mistakes but stick to their basic beliefs through thick and thin. This man's faith brings God out of the corner Minnie inadvertently pushed him into when she decided to take control of her life.

This is a quick and easy CLEAN READ. If you are looking for a suspenseful, old fashioned who-done-it with faith and manners then look no further. Read REDEMPTION by Heather Gray!
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,073 reviews298 followers
October 14, 2014
3.5 rounding up

This isn't the first book that I've read by Heather Gray, but I certainly liked it better than the first one I read. This book is categorized as a Historical Christian Fiction Romance. That's a lot of categories, right? While it is Christian fiction, it's very light on the Christian elements. It has a very slow building romance that starts first as a friendship.

I think what I liked about this book was that there was the added element of suspense added in. It gave me more to focus on and made the story more exciting.

Minnie is impulsive and she is also quite determined. Her impulsive nature has landed her in a bit of a mess but it is that determination that will help get her out of it. Art is a classic western hero. Strong and sure. I like that Art is smart too. He thinks things through and he isn't so cocky as to realize that he doesn't always know everything. When others know more he is able to use their help which makes him better.

This was an overall enjoyable book. It was light, easy reading that was perfect for a rainy day at home. It was squeaky clean too. Yay!

This title is being published through Astraea Press. My thanks to them for allowing me to read and review titles for them.
Profile Image for My Book Addiction and More MBA.
1,958 reviews71 followers
March 1, 2015
#3 in THE LADIES OF LARKSPUR series, but can be read a stand alone. Murder, mayhem, romance, redemption, faith, danger, healing, and finding true love. Oh, yes, a horse named Mutiny, you gotta love it that name. Fast paced, powerful, compelling and intriguing tale with plenty of drama, suspense, and mystery. You will adore Minnie, she has been though so much and betrayed by one who should have loved her, her husband, who was killed, which left her as a suspect and in grave danger but stayed strong and determined. I wager, that was no great loss, sorry, her husband's murder, that is. I enjoyed the the chemistry between Minnie and Art, his protective nature toward Minnie, his old childhood friend, his strong faith and their attraction to each other. The secondary definitely help carry the story. The setting was great as well. The writing was interesting, enjoyable and made for a very satisfying read. Historical Romance readers, as well as Western Romance readers should be satisfied with this tale.

*Received for an honest review*

Rating: 4
Heat Rating:Sweet
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Author 1 book56 followers
August 8, 2014
…..I received this book in exchange for an honest review…

Minnie doesn't have the greatest track record with good decisions in her life. She has one lead her to the next and then her life is upside down on a ship that seems to be sinking. When she has to return to her hometown she thinks that everyone will see through the lies and judge her as an outcast. It is hard to be a completely unforgivable person. What Minnie doesn't realize is that in life, we are not alone. We are surrounded by those who will willingly help us if we let them. This is a hard thing to do for her to do and even more so for ourselves. It doesn't have to be this way. There is forgiveness available for those who feel it is not available to them.

This was a delightful read for me. I even found myself talking about it to the hubby. THAT shows that it was an all-around good book. There was suspense and love and family; very well rounded excitement. It covered many areas of interest in book genres (not just romance).
Profile Image for Marjo.
77 reviews6 followers
June 25, 2016
Book Readers Review

Redemption is book three of the Ladies of Larkspur, situated in a small town in Idaho. The story is set in the mid-1800s, an inspirational novel that has heartache, regret, remembrance, forgiveness, acceptance and, redemption. Minnie and Art are the main characters and we follow the journey of this strong woman. Minnie returns to her home town of Larkspur and Art attempts to get her to trust him again.

The author has dealt with the issues that faced women in the time period with sensitivity and conveyed an inspirational message creatively. The reader will enjoy characters from the first two books and more. Heather has succeeded in blending historical romance with drama, suspense, and mystery. This is the first book I have read in the Ladies of Larkspur series but not the last. A very satisfying read that I do not hesitate to recommend to my readers. I received a copy from Heather in return for an honest review.
Read More Here: http://bookread-mumswritings.blogspot...
Profile Image for Joyful.
563 reviews
April 4, 2015
This book is #3 in THE LADIES OF LARKSPUR series, but can be read a stand alone. Murder, mayhem, romance, redemption, faith, danger, healing, finding true love, and a horse named Mutiny, this book is fast paced, powerful, compelling and intriguing tale with plenty of drama, suspense, and mystery. Minnie has been though so much and betrayed by her husband who was killed. This left Minnie as a suspect and in grave danger but stayed strong and determined. I enjoyed the the chemistry between Minnie and Art. Minnie is Art's old childhood friend, and he is very protective toward Minnie. He has strong faith. They have a strong attraction to each other. The setting was great as well. The writing was interesting, enjoyable and made for a very satisfying read. Historical Romance readers, as well as Western Romance readers should be satisfied with this tale. I was given a copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Valerie Harridge.
36 reviews3 followers
May 13, 2015
This tells the story of Minnie Drake who is a suspect in the murder of her husband William Drake. She move back home to the small town of Larkspur. There she meets up with an old friend Arty Paulson. While there Arty tries to figure out who really killed Minnie's husband. While investigating two men show up in the town and are following Minnie and her family. Both men are arrested and it is found out one is actually a detective from the city that Minnie and her dead husband were living in. Both find out from the other man that Arty's deputy was in on the plot to harm Minnie and the men take off to check on Minnie. They arrive at Minnie's house and found out that she had been kidnapped. They chase down the deputy and save Minnie. Months after the incident Arty asks Minnie to be his wife and she accepts.
I really liked this story. It was a real page turner. I had to keep reading it until the very end.
Profile Image for Yolanda.
247 reviews
May 31, 2014
Sweet Romance!
Heather Gray never seems to disappoint! She has once again delivered a sweet inspirational western romance with a dose of suspense this time. I also love the way she adds a spiritual aspect without being preachy. Heather is an elegant, insightful writer and grabs your attention from start to finish. I fell in love with the hero from the get go and couldn't turn the pages quick enough to see how he would solve the mystery. I enjoyed how there was some comical relief and often found myself smiling and chuckling. Thank you Heather for another wonderful story! I was given a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review and I do so with pleasure! I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,984 reviews175 followers
March 13, 2015
A Journey of Forgiveness, Faith, Friends and Family

Once again, Heather Gray leads us on a wonderful tale, and this one does not disappoint. Murder, mayhem, marriage, and a horse named Mutiny… and so much more. This is book three of the Ladies of Larkspur, situated in a small town in Idaho, with whimsical people. The story covers gender divides that was common in the mid-1800s, but also lets us journey into strong women who cross that line and prove that gender doesn't matter, their talent and spirit are a huge part of what makes the West strong. We meet many of the wonderful townsfolk from the first two books and then add in several new characters to take us on this wild ride that has heartache, regret, remembrance, forgiveness, acceptance and yes, redemption.
515 reviews5 followers
March 14, 2015
Another great book by Heather Gray! Redemption is a great mix of romance, inspiration and mystery. After meeting Minnie in Mail Order Man, I couldn't wait to read her story. Minnie finds herself in an unexpected situation and has to return home from San Francisco and under the watchful eye of the Sherriff Art Paulson. I loved the characters and how they complimented each other. This is a sweet and touching book that will have you laughing and on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. Redemption has a great message, no matter how bad things are as long as you trust in God then you will get through it!
Profile Image for Vi.
732 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2015
Colorful and distinctive historical romantic mix of murder, mayhem and mystery!
Minnie has lived in a disastrous marriage these last few years; her husband is a dysfunctional brute. Rushing home one day from work, she hopes he won't be angry she went out. She finds the street crowded and many police surround her building. She rushes forward wondering what's happened?
Murder, mystery and mayhem! All drawn and sorted out with the well written wit of Ms. Gray, through her spirited characters. The author draws the outline and fills it with swirls of emotions bringing forth tears and laughter, from her readers! Enjoyed it!

I was given this book free for an honest review.
998 reviews10 followers
September 25, 2014
Trouble follows where ever she goes. Yet, someone is watching over her all the while. What a very sweet romance in the midst of suspense and danger. A very pleasant mixture. I also loved the spiritual thread running through this story. Heather Gray did an awesome job with this book, just like with the first two books in the series. I hate to see this book end. I have fallen in love with the characters in this series.
Profile Image for Teresa Snyder.
711 reviews31 followers
January 8, 2015
This was a fun, easy read. It keep me turning pages - not jumping ahead or read the ending ahead of time - interested to see what happens next. There was just enough drama, but not so much that we wanted to fling yourself off the sidewalk from worry.

Art and Minnie had great chemistry. They made the perfect couple.

Revisiting with old friends from books one and two was also fun. Loved Samuel and his vest.

Hopeful that there will be a fourth book in the series.
1,174 reviews16 followers
February 10, 2015
I was gifted a copy from the author for my honest opinion and right from the start I was intrigued by the relationship that was between Minnie and the Sheriff, Art. I found Redemption to be a western with mystery, suspense and romance, everything I like in a good story.. I also liked that it was an inspirational western romance. This was the first book I've read by Heather Gray and I am certainly going to read more of her books.
Profile Image for Andrea Byers.
471 reviews11 followers
April 14, 2015
The 3rd of the Ladies of Larkspur brings Minnie into the forefront. We catch up briefly with some old friends from books one and two. Art is also one of the main characters as well as meeting the Wilcox's and Jasper. Loved this series and would really love some more added to it. There are more people that could be brought to the spotlight. :) I will be looking at other books Heather has published.
2 reviews
January 27, 2015
Redemption is a fun, light-hearted whodunit. Based in the old west, it contains all of the elements of a good western, including a stoic, aw-shucks cowboy, horses, guns and Indians...oh, and a troublesome woman. No bad language or off-color comments or situations, just a pleasant diversion.
82 reviews5 followers
March 18, 2015
Very good - loved the story. Thanks, Goodreads, for the pleasure!
Profile Image for ruby armstrong.
13 reviews
April 15, 2015
The Title,Rdemption

I didn
't appreciate the title until reading the part about the given name of the mare given to Minnie by the Indian..
Profile Image for Cici.
1,308 reviews
June 6, 2015
Sweet

This was a fun Western romp. There was a good mystery. Interesting adventure. And a chemistry laden clean, sweet romance.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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