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With her chance at the US equestrian team shattered by an injury, Sydney Wellesley arrives at the Lazy Windmill ranch angry and heartbroken. But the rugged red bluffs and wild high plains of the Black Hills inspire her to purchase land where she can train her own Olympic hopefuls. Everything's going according to Sydney's new life plan--until her funding suddenly dries up. . .

Alone in the ramshackle house she had planned to raze, Sydney is ready to admit defeat and slink back to civilization--until she discovers an injured mustang. Seeing herself in the desperate wild mare, she feels compelled to save the animal at all costs, little knowing that the horse just might return the favor. For as Sydney's circle grows to include an autistic child, an earthy array of local characters, and hired help in the form of Hunter Redhawk, a man as indomitable as the land itself, she realizes that heroes are everywhere--and healing is the first step on the road to true happiness.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2015

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About the author

Lois Greiman

80 books294 followers
Born on a North Dakota cattle ranch, Lois Greiman graduated from a high school class of sixty students before moving to Minnesota where she professionally trained and showed Arabian Horses for several years. Since that time she's been a high fashion model, a fitness instructor, and a veterinary assistant. But an incurable case of writing fever put a stop to all those occupations.

Since selling her first book to Avon in 1992, she has sold twelve other historical romance novels, most of which are set in medieval Scotland and involve her very popular Forbes clan. In an attempt to pursue her love of humor, Ms. Greiman has also recently sold three romantic comedies to Harlequin Enterprises.

While caring for three children, fifteen horses, and a menagerie of pets on her small farm in Minnesota, Ms. Greiman writes full time, producing two or three novels a year and garnering much praise from readers and reviewers alike. Affaire de Coeur called HIGHLAND WOLF "magnificent." Romantic Times proclaimed LADY AND THE KNIGHT"...pure magic." Christina Dodd proclaims "Lois Greiman delivers....The Fraser Bride offers delightful characters, breathless adventure."

Her Highland novels have received Affaire de Couer's Critic's Choice Award, Romantic Times K.I.S.S. Award, and been nominated for Romance Writer's of America's prestigious Rita. Her titles have appeared on Barnes and Nobles Best Selling Romance list and won her the Midwest Fiction Writer's Rising Star Award.

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5 stars
55 (25%)
4 stars
81 (37%)
3 stars
65 (29%)
2 stars
14 (6%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Carmen Blankenship.
162 reviews68 followers
January 16, 2015
If you like Nora Roberts and Danielle Steele I believe you will really enjoy Hearth Stone.

First of all, the cover of this book caught my eye. It is beautiful. I really enjoyed the story and alot of the "supporting cast". This is a story of rich girl get's cut off and moves to the hills to become independent. It just felt like it had all been done before. By the second chapter I knew what was going to happen. There are a few storyline surprises but really, it follows a very familiar format.

Truthfully, even with the predictability I would have liked it but for the fact I could not STAND the main charachter. I never connected with her. I understand she was meant to be snooty and above it all but she didn't thaw out until almost the end of the book. This made it hard for me to care about the romance that was kindling or the breakthroughs she made.

But this is just me. I do believe there are a lot of people who will love the story. Please don't skip it by on account of me.

A special thank you to Netgally and Kensington books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Pam Herrmann.
1,007 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2017
Met the author at the local library. Loved the book-just makes me want to keep reading the series.
Sydney escapes her domineering father and gets cut off from the family money. But she shows she has the tenacity to survive and thrive by following her dream.

Quote: But there is only so long you can lean on your excuses before you must carry your own weight and learn to stand tall.
Profile Image for Kathy .
3,868 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2015
4.5 stars.

Hearth Stone is the first heartwarming installment in Lois Greiman's Home in the Hills series. This charming novel is a lovely story of new beginnings for Sydney Wellesley when she impulsively purchases a dilapidated ranch nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Leaving behind a life of privilege is only the first of many changes for Sydney as she finds love and friendship while forging a new life for herself in the wake of a devastating accident.

Sydney is the only daughter of a wealthy but cold and controlling businessman. Following the accident that ends her promising career as equestrienne, she breaks off her engagement to her cheating fiancé and escapes to the Lazy Windmill Ranch. She falls in the love with surrounding area and purchases a neighboring property which she plans to turn into a training facility for other equestrians. When her father demands she return home, Sydney stubbornly defies him, but she quickly discovers she might have bitten off more than she can chew when he cuts off her access to her credit cards and checking account. Luckily for her, Hunter Redhawk is the type of person who cannot in good conscience leave her to fend her for herself, so against his better judgment, he agrees to help her make some much needed repairs on the ranch.

Sydney has spent her life trying to live up to her family's impossibly high standards and she is somewhat distant and cold when she first arrives in SD. She is also rather helpless since she has never had to take care of anything on her own. Lacking even the most rudimentary skills, Sydney is out of her depth, but she refuses to give up her dream. Working side by side with Hunter, she begins to warm up to him and she strikes up an unlikely friendship with Vura Lambert and her young daughter, Lily. But most surprising is the kinship Sydney feels for an injured Mustang she rescues. Her vision for her ranch transforms during the horse's recovery but will she let her need for father's approval alter her plans?

Hunter is a somewhat mysterious man who reveals little about his past. There is no doubt he is a decent, kindhearted person, but he is the epitome of the strong, silent type. He is not easily ruffled and he has a quiet, reassuring presence. He also expects Sydney to pull her share of the weight and he is willing to teach her what she needs to do to help him. While Hunter shares affectionate anecdotes about his family and his childhood on the Rosebud Reservation, it soon becomes clear that there is a tragedy that haunts him.

The relationship between Hunter and Sydney develops slowly over the course of the novel. Sydney is sometimes unintentionally offensive but Hunter takes her prickly attitude in stride and with good humor. It is easy for him to see how sheltered and out of depth she is, but he cannot help but admire her plucky approach to achieving her dream despite the odds not being in her favor. At first reluctant co-workers, their friendship grows as they let down their guard with one another and begin to exchange confidences. There is also a growing attraction that smolders under the surface of their comfortable friendship but in the aftermath of a fiery kiss, an unexpected distance springs up between them.

Hearth Stone is a very touching beginning to the Home in the Hills series. The characters are richly developed and although flawed, they are sympathetic and likable with believable issues to overcome. The novel's setting is distinctive and adds to the story's overall appeal. Lois Greiman does a wonderful job keeping the storyline fresh and unique.

Although a spin-off from the Hope Springs series, Hearth Stone easily stands on its own.
253 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2018
This has to be one of the worst books I’ve ever tried to read. Verbose doesn’t even begin to describe the writing style! The first few chapters introduce a cast of characters with no background information and no idea of how they fit into the story making for some confusing reading.

As a rider and former horse owner, I love any story that features horses but when I read that Sydney jumped on her horse and cantered out of the barn, I just about lost it. What a stupid and dangerous move! I also couldn’t figure out why a former world class dressage rider would want to open a facility for jumpers. When the little girl got lost and returned riding on the back of a wild mustang it strained the bounds of credibility.

I could not finish this book. I tried, I really tried but by the end of the fourth chapter I ended up just skimming through parts of it hoping it would get better. It didn’t.
Profile Image for Kerry - Readkerryread .
1,389 reviews6 followers
February 8, 2015
I received an ARC courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Sydney is feeling lost and broken after an injury, until she finds a ranch with lots of land to hopefully trains some other Olympic hopefuls. The house should be teared down to start fresh but Hunter Redhawk convinces her the house is worth saving. She tries to hide that her funding was drying up, but he is willing to work in trade. The house attracts all those who need saving including a mustang, an autistic child, and her relationships. The banter between Sydney and Hunter are witty and a test of wills, keeping the story moving. My heart tore for Sydney as she began to rebuild her life. Well developed, and hope was restored. I am so happy this is the first in the series so I can find out what happens to the secondary characters.
Profile Image for Anne Marie.
469 reviews22 followers
May 23, 2015
Finished reading Hearth Stone by Lois Greiman.
I found this book to be a quick, happy book to read. Lots of character development, and a nice ending.



This book was a win from the Goodreads First Reads Program.
Profile Image for Beth.
416 reviews39 followers
Read
August 6, 2020
I can’t finish this book. The flirtatious bantering is nauseating.
Profile Image for Vivian.
1,435 reviews
May 6, 2025
This is one of those books where you roll your eyes and say “oh puhleeze”. The entire storyline is one improbable occurrence after another. One cannot imagine that the whole wild mustang story would be remotely possible. Would experienced people really allow one spoiled rich girl make them risk serious injury to “save” a severely injured wild horse against their better judgment? The ending was rather lame as nothing really seemed to be resolved. The dad was still a total jerk and their relationship was just left hanging. Sydney was still apparently getting financial assistance???
Profile Image for Vicki Lanzendorf.
369 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2017
Some new characters and a new setting for the Lazy Windmill series. I enjoyed the spirit of finding oneself and discovering strength you didn't know you had that ran thru this book. The surprises were good too.
Profile Image for Deborah.
79 reviews
March 9, 2018
A way out of oppression of family

I gave it a high rating because she had to learn to get away from her family that tried to rule her into submission to marry a man that's not worthy her she learned she has more family & finally gets her freedom.
Profile Image for VeeAnn.
247 reviews15 followers
August 7, 2017
Enjoyable read. I really liked how it ended but there were a few things that didn't quite make sense or needed a bit more work, hence the three stars.
Profile Image for Kim Landis.
9 reviews11 followers
August 5, 2019
I loved this book! Something about it drew me in right away and I loved the supporting characters too.
Profile Image for Talking Books.
870 reviews4 followers
February 8, 2015
Sydney Wellesley has led a pampered, spoiled life. Circumstances have her fleeing her fiancée and a devastating accident that all but obliterates her equestrian dreams. Sydney realises she wants more. Striving always to please her father, who was starving her of the love and support she so desperately craves sees Sydney fleeing his tight hold and her grandmothers suffocating ways to South Dakota. Looking for real estate, Sydney finds a house, dilapidated but breathtaking in many other ways. After realising she is quite alone, Sydney makes a go of it on the land and sets about restoring the buildings with her limited resources and in the process, rescues a mustang that changes the course of her life.

Sydney's character isn't the only pivotal presence in the story. Hunter is a driving force for her from the start, with his quiet presence, strong demeanor and effortless big heart and insightfulness. Their introduction was a bit awkward at best but their interchanges were in many cases laugh out loud!

There are some shocks and twists in the story that keep readers attention, however, some of the story just came across as left open and appearing unfinished - the story has the reader wanting more from Sydney and Hunter's characters. This is the first book in The Home In The Hills series.
3.5 Stars
*Review copy received from the publisher for an honest review
Profile Image for April.
385 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2015
4.5 stars

Wow, what a powerful story! I loved getting to imagine the beautiful countryside through Sydney's eyes. The scenery and cast of lovable characters immediately drew me in to this emotional and captivating story. But what really had me head over heels for this book was Sydney and Hunter's chemistry. Hunt as he's called by his friends is such a hoot! He had me giggling uncontrollably quite a few times throughout the book. He doesn't let Sydney get away with being snobby, distant, or cold and between him and the wild mustang she's fighting so hard to save, no wonder all her walls get broken down. I felt like they were the perfect match, not as in they suited each other but they challenged and supported each other.
I loved when Sydney named the mustang. It was so perfect! I believe Sydney took one look at that horse and saw herself injured and hoping someone could still love her and that was that. No turning back until she knew she'd done everything she could. I admire that determination and bravery and it's one of the things that made me really like her despite her backtracking to old habits of throwing up her stoney walls.

I definitely am looking forward to more books in this series and can't wait to see where the story goes from here.

** I received this book from the publisher in exchange for honest review **
Profile Image for Margaret Sholders.
1,121 reviews12 followers
February 24, 2015
This was an endearing book to read. I have already read some of Lois' s books and liked them a lot. This was a bit different but it was still a good read. I wasn't sure where this would go when I started reading. Lois has introduced some powerful people into this story. Sydney finally used her backbone to refuse to marry her fiancee who she saw cheating on her. She goes to South Dakota to a resort to recover and decides to buy a ranch sight unseen. She is surprised when she has It and sees what a shambles it is. She meets Hunt Redhawk and he decides to help her. As soon as Daddy hears this he shuts her money off. Some spoilers here. She keeps on trying to fix the ranch when Vura stops by to take a job working there. Lots of spoilers attached have. Finally Daddy comes by and tells her how he wants it. Big fireworks going off here. This story flowed through nicely. I hope you want to hear about the Mustangs and Lily. You need to grab this y to reach the end. I hope you enjoy this book. I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.
1,056 reviews9 followers
February 27, 2015
While life does not allow for rewinds, it does allow rebuilds, which is exactly Sydney’s goal in Hearth Stone, the first book in Lois Greiman's Home in the Hills series. Injury has caused the loss of one dream so instead of giving up; Sydney sets her sites on another. One set back after another she almost gives up until she finds a severely injured mustang. By saving him, she saves her herself. This is so true of life, in that our focus needs to be on something other than ourselves.

Sydney may think she has to do this alone with the lack of emotional support she has received in the past. However, the South Dakota community provides her with what she has not had in the past. Hunter Redhawk is wonderful as her opposite but compatible supporter. He encourages (pushes) her out of the spoiled, damsel in distress mode. I like him and the community in which Sydney goes to start over a lot. I look forward to more of this South Dakota series.

4.5 stars
NetGalley provided a copy.
Profile Image for SarahSmith.
453 reviews7 followers
April 1, 2015
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first in the new Home in the Hills series. Even though this is a spin-off of the Hope Springs series I don't think you need to read them to enjoy this. There was a lot of witty banter between the characters, and although Sydney was unintentionally offensive to Hunter, he took it in stride and found the humor in the situation. Despite their differences a romance bloomed between them. I definitely didn't love the snootiness of Sydney, but it's understandable with the way she grew up, some people should definitely not be allowed to have children. This was a very sweet story, that had a lot of surprises, it just seemed a little rushed. I would have liked to know a little more of Hunters background. I will be checking into the Home in the Hills series in the future. All in all it was a good, sweet, read.
Profile Image for Lynn.
77 reviews5 followers
May 11, 2015
I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways. What follows is my honest review of this book.

I love the cover art used on Hearth Stone. Gets you into the mood for this entertaining and enjoyable story of relationships and redemption. Ms. Greiman's writing is quite good. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Sydney and Hunt throughout the book. There was plenty of humor, a little drama, and a couple of good twists near the end. This is the first in a series, I believe, and I will definitely be on the lookout for more books to follow, to see what is in store for Sydney and her family and friends.

Curl up with Hearth Stone, a cup of tea, and escape to South Dakota, the land of ranches and mustangs, for a while.
Profile Image for Hazel.
247 reviews6 followers
August 28, 2016
A corny Lifetime made for TV novel, but it spoke to me, nonethless. A woman runs away from her unfaithful fiancée and controlling father to South Dakota, with its red rock, plains, and rolling hills. She goes into a café, and meets ranchpeople, and decides to buy a ranch. She meets a local town person, who helps her rebuild her ranch. Of course she develops feelings for him. She encounters a wild Mustang who is injured, and decides to nurse it back to health. Clearly there is a healing/rebuilding theme, and I think that's what appealed to me about this story. I want to rebuild a ranch house in beautiful plains country! The characters were also very fleshed out and relatable. It is predictable, light, escapist, woman lit. Just what the doctor ordered!
Profile Image for Karen.
22 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2015
I enjoyed this book, which I received through the Goodreads Giveaway. Yes, it's a bit predictable, but the characters were interesting and there were a few plot twists that snuck up on me. Lois Greiman paints a beautiful picture of South Dakota. The main character, Sydney Wellesley, is difficult to get to know in the book, but it reflects what her character is like in her fictional world. If you're looking for a story that you can just sit back and enjoy then I would recommend Hearth Stone. Is it "great literature"? No. But it is an enjoyable story of characters who take risks in life and, in the process, find strength and happiness.
Profile Image for Carol Rennie.
208 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2015
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway - thank you.

Sydney Wellesley is born into a rich family. After an equestrian accident and a broken engagement, Sydney flees to regroup and heal and finds herself in South Dakota. Sydney wants to start a new life but her father holds the purse strings. Overcoming obstacles and forging new relationships along the way, Sydney learns not only how to manage her new life, but finds surprises along the way after she meets a mustang she names Courage.

I really liked this story. The book cover is beautiful.
Profile Image for Ann.
6,125 reviews87 followers
February 19, 2015
Sydney refuses to go along with her father and fiance to merge the two wealthy families. Injured and disinherited she flees to Lazy Windmill ranch with hopes to open a riding school for Olympic hopefuls. She rescues a wild mustang and the two save each other. Her plans change but she finds that the small town folks have taken her under their wings and help her proceed with a new life. A wonderful story of life and family. First in a new series that I'm looking forward to reading.
701 reviews36 followers
June 9, 2015
This is a book I can lend to my friend, my grandma. I love the books when they are ageless. Pick this one up for a summer read, the kids can interrupt you and you can come back to it.

I am a lucky winner from Goodreads.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
4 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2016
At first it was difficult to keep track of who was who for characters because so many were introduced in a short period of time but as the book went along, I enjoyed it more. Overall, it is a nice read!
42 reviews
March 13, 2016
Way too many adjectives, and pretty routine plot, but that said, I enjoyed the read once I made peace with the devices. I've read and enjoyed other Greiman books, but don't recall them being quite so adjective heavy.
3 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2015
I loved this book. It was a great story and can not wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Cherie M..
88 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2015
A little sparing on initial character development for me, but a nice heart-warming story at its core. If you are looking for an enjoyable quick read, this book fits the bill.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews