From USA TODAY bestselling author Lacy Williams comes a new contemporary cowboy romance:
Iris Tatum hasn’t seen her high school sweetheart Callum Stewart since he left years ago without a single word. Then she witnesses an horrific hit-and-run accident, and comes face to face with her past–and Cal’s triplets. A volunteer paramedic, Iris can’t walk away. No matter how much she wants to.
Bull rider Callum Stewart was run out of town at age twenty and vowed never to return. Only one thing could bring him back: building a future for his sons. Now, thanks to the accident that left him with a broken leg—he needs help to care for his boys. He has no choice but to accept Iris’s grudging help.
As they rediscover a friendship–and the sparks that never faded between them–Callum’s secrets are brought back with a vengeance. How can they keep the past from destroying their future?
Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip .
This is a cowboy romance, and it is the second book in the Sutter's Hollow series. The main characters in this book is Iris, Callum, and his twin boys. I love reading this book about Iris and Callum old love story, and them falling in love again. I can see why Iris would not know what her Uncle or Father did in the past because she was 17 years old, and when you are young you do not always see things as thing are. I love that she stood up to her father this time. I liked this story a lot, and the character where easy to love. The twin boys remind me of my twin boys, so much energy and get into everything. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Lacy Williams Books LLC) or author (Lacy Williams) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review , and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Wow! I loved this story! It is full of lost love and “what-ifs” at the beginning and by the end, of course, there is a wonderful happily-ever-after. But it is that in-between part of the story that really made me love this book.
I think it was the way the author was able to make me really hurt for these two characters, Iris and Cal, that enabled me to feel such a connection to them. How they ended up separated five years earlier is very important and it does get dealt with in the book. But, also of importance is what has happened in between. Iris is back in the small town she and Cal met in. She isn’t off pursuing a dream of being a part of a ballet company in New York.
Cal is finally back, as well, and he is not alone. He has some very sweet new family members – his sons. Iris can’t help but love these little guys, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t hurt by the fact that Cal obviously moved on in his life with someone else.
The attraction between these two is wonderful, as is sweet Iris’ heart. Cal had some things to figure out and he carried a lot of baggage from his youth, but he was definitely a wonderful hero in this book. Watching things unfold between the two of them was so enjoyable and there is just so much to this story that I could go on and on…
I loved the story from start to finish and definitely recommend this heartfelt romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Redbud Press in exchange for an honest review.
The narrator did a decent job but the story was not at all to my liking. This is extremely disappointing because I have enjoyed other works by this author.
*Spoiler Alert* Please stop reading if you dislike spoilers.
My dislike for Iris was so strong, that I truly didn't care if she got her Happily Ever After.
Iris knows that her father hated her boyfriend but it didn't occur to her that the reason Callum left her without a word is because her father, the Mayor, manipulated an insecure, damaged young man with no support system?! Even after he paid off her sister's boyfriend to leave her? Her father isn't even supportive of her sister who is battling breast cancer. Yet he claims to love his daughters!?
I also found it mind boggling that Iris took it upon herself to grant access to Callum's children, to a woman who tried to kidnap them and who had a restraining order out on her. This is the same woman who had the nerve to call Social Services on Callum after he was a victim of a hit and run. While Iris was an acting-caregiver, Callum is the parent and his wishes should have been respected even if she didn't agree, She could have suggested supervised visitation to him instead of overriding his parenting decisions. Her lack of respect for him was astounding.
When she finally clues into the fact that her father is abusing his power as Mayor to harm Callum and his sons, she had to think about helping the man she claims to love?! Seriously?!
What a great contemporary romance by Lacy Williams! I’ve read a couple of her novellas in the past and enjoyed them but now I’ll be actively looking for her books after reading this story. The author writes with ease and fluidity and her characters are multi-dimensional and so lovable in their brokenness. The plot is well-paced and I really enjoyed spending time with Callum, his twin boys, and Iris in the small town of Sutter’s Hollow. I didn’t read the first book in the series but had no trouble keeping up with the plot (and now will have to go back and read the first book for the backstory on Cord and Molly).
Callum is the troubled teenager now all grown up with responsibilities, money from his rodeo winnings, and a dream to build a home for his twins on a ranch. He’s stubborn but loyal, dependable, and extremely tender. Iris gave up her ballet career after an injury and a broken heart but gives her all to care for her sick older sister. She’s compassionate, loving, and perfect for Callum and his boys who are adrift in the world. Forgiveness isn’t easy but they make slow steps toward it together.
If you enjoy contemporary romance, you will totally love this book. I received a copy of the book from the publisher/author via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
This book reminded me a bit of Nicholas Sparks' stories.
Callum is back in the city where he lived, where no one likes him. Hoping to start over, but he didn't expect everything to start going wrong on his first day in the city.
Iris is back in town, after her dream didn't work out in NY and also to take care of her sister and all she didn't want was to see Callum. Having him back in the city in the city brings feelings that should remain in the past, but Callum needs help and she is the only one willing to help.
It is a good novel, the narrative could be more fluid, but it is a book that can be read in one sitting.
I managed to connect with the characters, mainly Iris, Bailarina s2.
You can see the protagonists reconnecting, even unintentionally, resolving unfinished business from the past and finding love again.
I loved this book! I was fortunate enough to get an advance copy to read from the publisher for an honest review. What a sweet, honest, and great book this was! I will tell you why I loved it so much but don't read this if you don't want some spoilers! I loved it because it had so many emotions and situations that were realistic! Iris and Callum were the main characters and they dealt with real issues in a real way. It was so refreshing! They were high school sweethearts but were torn apart by Iris's father (although Iris doesn't know that) and come back together several years later when Iris witnesses a hit-and-run accident where Cal is involved. I enjoyed so much that what happens after that is MESSY! Iris finds out that Cal has triplets, of all things! She helps him take care of them since Cal is injured and it is HARD.....no sugar-coating that, just like real life! Cal has never gotten along with Iris's father and that continues, even years later. Even Iris has a difficult relationship with him and I really like that she stands up to him at the end when she finds out he's done some bad things as mayor. At the end of the book, things aren't all "rosy" with their relationship either. As I read this book, I appreciated that there were ups and downs and relationships that still weren't resolved at the end of the book (except the hero & heroine's, of course!). I even enjoyed Iris's sister who started out "chilly" but she had a good reason....you'll see why! You will enjoy this book!
I really enjoyed this book. Read it in two sittings as a matter of fact. I confess to having a soft spot in my heart for books with young children in them and the three in this book are adorable. A handful, but adorable nonetheless. From the first chapter I was pulled into the lives of Callum and Iris who've found a way to make the best of their lives despite some real heartache in their lives. It was clear from the beginning that feelings remained between the two, but some secrets stood in the way. But when Iris's dad does his best to drive Callum away a second time, Iris has to decide what she's willing to do for love. I enjoyed the scenes with Callum, Iris, and the boys interacting especially well. Secondhand Cowboy is a sweet, Christian romance about forgiveness and love and coming home.
I love this new series by Lacy Williams! It is so good!! I feel like I know everyone in this series personally, which I know is ridiculous, but they are all just so personable!! I feel like you can really identify with Callum. He has so much stacked against him and he has overcome so much, its hard to see bad things start to happen.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. The opinions are my own.
Lacy Williams’ Second Hand Cowboy: The Sutter’s Hollow Series captivating from its opening page. It’s originality and unique characters carried me through page after quickly turned page from beginning to end. Not having any other books in the series, I find myself intrigued with Sutter’s Hollow and will look for other books by this author in this series.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
I absolutely loved Secondhand Cowboy. It is a fabulous read. There were a few twists I did not see coming. And who would not love Iris and cow? I was rooting for those two from the start. A great fun book! Five stars
Great book about second changes. It even include triplet three year old boys. Fun! I am hopeful that there will be sequel. I will be watching for future books by this author. Recommended.
Iris has come home to Sutter’s Hollow after she suffered a back injury and had to give up her career as a dancer. She now lives on her family’s farm and is looking after her sister Jilly who is going through cancer treatments. They had to sell part of their farm to pay the bills, and she is wondering who their new neighbor will be.
Callum has returned to Sutter’s Hollow to raise his twin boys. He has bought part of farm as revenge against a man whole he believes stole his future when he was a teenager. He has no idea that his teenage love Iris is now going to be his next door neighbor and he has bought part of her farm, not her uncles as he has passed. When he arrives in town, things start to turn sideways.
Iris can not believe that Callum has come back to town. When she is witness to his accident, she suddenly finds herself vowing to help him and his twin boys. All the memories of their young love come rushing to the surface once again, memories she thought she put behind her.
Callum has never forgotten or stopped loving her, but will she ever forgive him for his sins of the past? Will she believe him when he tells her the truth of why he left that faithful night so long ago? This time will standing together instead of running away be the answer?
I absolutely loved this story of loss, love and family. Lacy Williams is one of my favourite authors and is a brilliant writer. She weaves the story so you cannot help but fall in love with the twin boys and you sit and hope that the two main characters can reconcile against the odds. It was also nice to catch up with the characters from the first book in the series, “His Small Town Girl”, but this book can be read as a stand a lone novel. Thank you so much to Lacy Williams for an advanced copy of the book to read and review. It was fabulous! All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.
Never show weakness. Callum’s childhood mantra is back in play as fate sends the bull rider back to his hometown. Ten years ago, he was run out of town under a cloud of suspicion. But he’s not a banged-up foster kid anymore. He only wants one thing: to prove he’s not the trailer trash they said he was.
Fate must be laughing. Iris was supposed to escape the small town life and have a ballet career on stage in NYC. But family issues kept her home long enough for opportunity to pass her by and now she’s going nowhere, fast. She’s blindsided when she comes face-to-face with the boy who walked away from her and broke every promise. Callum hasn’t changed from the boy she remembers. He’s just better at hiding his scars.
Iris is just trying to survive one day at a time. She had a ballet career that fell apart when she was injured. Now she is back on the ranch taking care of her sister who is had cancer. The only way to pay bills is to sell the ranch left to her by her uncle. The new owner is none other than Callum. Her boyfriend from years past. He brings along with him his twin sons. He deserted her and never had any contact with him since he left. This is Iris and Callum's journey to reconnect after her father and uncle conspired against them 10 years earlier.
This is a clean book appropriate for anyone. A good book to pick up for a cozy afternoon or a beach read.
I was given this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in anyway.
Callum left town years ago on bad terms, now he is returning to Sutter's Hollow with his twin sons in order to start over. When a hit and run accident leaves him with a broken leg, he finds help in the form of a former flame still hurting over how he left.
Iris is passionate about helping others, she is a problem solver, does her best to keep everything afloat. I admired how she is strong for her family, and she works hard to find solutions for the challenges facing her family and her heart.
An entertaining and enjoyable read, with a rich backstory that unfolds throughout the course of the story. There was a lot going on and great character interaction. The boys were adorable and rambunctious in the best way.
Also it is probably good to note that this book might seem familiar as a previous form of this book was published in 2015, and it has been updated and revamped in this new edition.
Overall, a heartwarming romance about second chances, and family in this clean read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This was a wonderful book to read. I could hardly put it down. This is the second book of the series but the first one that I have read. This is a stand-alone book. I now have to go back and read the first one as I enjoyed this one so much.
Iris is in town getting dinner for her cancer-stricken sister. A truck goes by and for a second Iris imagines her old boyfriend Callum was driving. It can't be him. He disappeared right after his graduation and never looked back. Seconds later, Iris witnesses a red truck running a red stop light and plowing into the first truck. She rushes to the driver's aid. Sure enough after being gone a decade, Callum is back in town. A knife twists in her heart when she discovers his 3 year twin boys in the back seat.
The intrigue as to why Callum disappeared after his graduation is one that kept me wondering and reading. I so felt sorry for Iris at his desertion. Things aren't what they seems and Callum has been hurting as well.
This is a sweet, clean second-chance romance with a first love. I can highly recommend this story to anyone.
Callum has come back to Sutter's Hollow. His wife died in childbirth to twins. The boys are 3 now. Callum grew up in foster care and wanted his boys to have a good place to grow up. He left behind Iris, because she was destined to be a dancer. On his way into town, there is an accident. He is hit and has to have surgery on a compound fracture. Iris witnesses the crash and takes care of the boys until after the surgery. She doesn't know why he left after high school and never contacted her again. Her uncle Joe and her dad had run him out of town. They didn't think he was good enough for her. Callum stays with Iris and Jilly for a few weeks until he can get moved into his trailer. He bought half of Uncle Joe's ranch as revenge against him. He didn't realize Joe had left the ranch to Iris and Jilly. They sold part of it to pay off the mortgage and pay for Jilly's cancer treatments. Iris' dad again wants to run Callum out of town. Iris stands up to him and they find their happily ever after.
5 stars I received a free copy of the clean Texas based novel Secondhand Cowboy: The Sutter’s Hollow series:book 2: Iris and by Lacy Williams and this review was given freely. An ironic and tension filled second chance at love story of manipulation, small town corruption, loss, forgiveness and healing. When a freak accident ends her New York prima ballerina career, broken hearted Iris Tatum finds herself back on the family horse rescue ranch struggling to pay the bills while helping her older sister Jilly through breast cancer treatments only to find herself sudden involved with a scandal involving her father and her high school sweetheart, the single father of 3 year old twins, former champion bull rider Callum Stewart.
Need an enjoyable, quick little romance? This is a second chance romance between Iris and Callum after Callum left Iris with a broken heart and no contact 10 years ago. Callum returns to Sutter’s Hollow to try to start a new life with his 3yr old twin boys. Iris returned 5 years ago after her uncle left the ranch to her and her sister and stayed because her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. after a hit and run leaves Callum with the need of help and Iris seeing the crash, she is too nice to not help him in his time of need even when here head is telling her no.
I was provided with an electronic ARC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
What if you got a second chance to be with the love of your life? Would you take it?
I loved loved loved this book. So many feels. So many laughs. This was a well-rounded and well-written story that had me feeling everything ranging from happiness to heartache. I loved the characters, the setting, and I especially loved how it ended.
As a parent of a toddler, I related to this book in ways that had me laughing so hard. Oh, how many times has my son puked all over me without warning? Or battled me about taking a bath, only to not want to get out of the tub after?
I like books that start out with the story right from the start, not twenty pages later and this book does just that. This book carries on with characters from the first book in this series, so you already feel familiar with the characters. I loved this book a d spent the whole day reading it. I’m not going to tell you the story as some reviewers do, that always ruins part of the story for me. I will say Lacy Williams is an excellent and imaginative writer who goes to extreme lengths to make her characters seem real and relatable. I will be reading this story again a d highly recommend it
This is a sweet second chance at romance story of Iris and Callum. They had dated in secret as young teens. Callum was a foster kid who had been abandoned by his parents as a child. He became a pro bull rider who retired to raise his boys as a single dad. Bringing them to Sutter’s Hollow to raise seemed to be the right choice at the time. Iris was a dancer who had to give up her dream career as a dancer when an injury sidelined her. She witnessed an accident that leads to her helping Callum with her his boys as a last resort. Be sure to read their interesting story of reconciliation here.
Callum is coming back to the town he swore was in his rearview mirror. He is involved in a traffic crash and is hit and run. His leg is broken. The off duty EMT happens to be Iris, the girl he planned to marry but left behind. Surprise, there are three year old triplets in the back seat.
The past is weighing down this story. It takes to long to discuss it.
This book had be at the beginning. In fact, it was a very easy read and I read it in one sitting. (I was that excited to see how it turned out.)
I think a book is great when you see the true character and personality in the people in the book. The author does an incredible job at allowing the reader to see into the soul of the characters.
I found this book quite enjoyable. Many times I had to put it down rather than sticking with it and reading it right through. When I put it down, I was often thinking about what was going on in the story, how was it going to unfold and how is it going to end? When I picked it back up it was a joy to read.
This book is all about Grace and Forgiveness! Her ex fiancé has a lot of secrets about how their previous relationship ended but her father has his own secrets! Thankfully there's at least partial happy ever after!
A lovely, heartwarming romance. I think the best story I’ve read by this author, whom I’m very glad to have discovered through Goodreads. I wasn’t expecting much, I just liked the picture on the cover, lol, but it was a touching story.
This book starts with a CRASH and doesn't really slow down. I loved the 3 year old twins and their antics. The other characters were mostly lovable... there are a few villains to boo. If you enjoy Lacy Williams cowboy books, this one is good.
A good clean romance of a second chance of a first true love with Iris and Callum over a meddling Uncle and father to reunite 10 years later. I really enjoyed this story and I look for to Noah's story.
Intriguing second chance storyline with a few twists and turns along the way. Iris and Callum are interesting characters, whose life choices led them to where they are today. Can they overcome the struggles ahead of them to put their relationship back together? Enjoyable book.
Complementary copy given for honest review and opinion. After being sent out of town by her uncle, love is the only thing holding him together. A deep love from years past never dies and follows you through. I loved this book.