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The Gallaghers of Sweetgrass Springs #8
Texas Hope
"Jean Brashear is a writer of rare talent." ~Affaire de Coeur The family he never knew he had. The man his mother once loved.
For Michael Cavanaugh’s entire life, his mother has kept a shocking that she was married once before she married his father, and she gave birth to that man’s child. Stunned that the mother who’d loved him so would abandon a child and furious with his mother’s deceit, he sets out to find the older brother he has always wanted. Ian McLaren, the favorite son of Sweetgrass Springs, has a full a wife he adores, a baby on the way, a ranch to run and a town that depends on him. When a stranger arrives in town with the staggering news that he and Ian share a mother—the woman he’ll never forgive for abandoning him and his dad—his world tilts off its axis.
Gordon McLaren has had years to regret the path he chose that parted him from the only woman he’s ever loved. Now he is torn between his longing to see her again and the anguish doing so would cause the son he’s worked so hard to protect all these years. Walking away from the child she cherished and the man she loved was far from easy for Sophia Bancroft McLaren Cavanaugh. Facing them again would be the single most terrifying step she’s undertaken since the day she left to save her sanity—and Gordon forbade her to return. Secrets divide the four of them, and the anguish of the past makes it impossible to hope they could ever overcome the years of heartache-- Until the threat of an even more unbearable loss gives them one last chance to unite.
From New York Times and USAToday bestselling Texas romance author Jean Brashear "Jean Brashear's distinctive storytelling voice instantly draws in the reader. She writes with warmth and emotional truth. The depth of her understanding of human nature marks her as a writer to watch, a writer to read and a writer to enjoy."~#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber
For Michael Cavanaugh’s entire life, his mother has kept a shocking that she was married once before she married his father, and she gave birth to that man’s child. Stunned that the mother who’d loved him so would abandon a child and furious with his mother’s deceit, he sets out to find the older brother he has always wanted. Ian McLaren, the favorite son of Sweetgrass Springs, has a full a wife he adores, a baby on the way, a ranch to run and a town that depends on him. When a stranger arrives in town with the staggering news that he and Ian share a mother—the woman he’ll never forgive for abandoning him and his dad—his world tilts off its axis.
Gordon McLaren has had years to regret the path he chose that parted him from the only woman he’s ever loved. Now he is torn between his longing to see her again and the anguish doing so would cause the son he’s worked so hard to protect all these years. Walking away from the child she cherished and the man she loved was far from easy for Sophia Bancroft McLaren Cavanaugh. Facing them again would be the single most terrifying step she’s undertaken since the day she left to save her sanity—and Gordon forbade her to return. Secrets divide the four of them, and the anguish of the past makes it impossible to hope they could ever overcome the years of heartache-- Until the threat of an even more unbearable loss gives them one last chance to unite.
From New York Times and USAToday bestselling Texas romance author Jean Brashear "Jean Brashear's distinctive storytelling voice instantly draws in the reader. She writes with warmth and emotional truth. The depth of her understanding of human nature marks her as a writer to watch, a writer to read and a writer to enjoy."~#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber
259 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2015
104 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Jean Brashear
147 books239 followersA letter to Rod Stewart resulting in a Cinderella birthday for her daughter sowed the seeds of New York Times and USAToday bestselling author Jean Brashear's writing career. A lifelong avid reader, at the age of forty-five with no experience and no training, she decided to see if she could write a book. It was a wild leap that turned her whole life upside down, but she would tell you that though she's never been more terrified, she's never felt more exhilarated or more alive. She's an ardent proponent of not putting off your dreams until that elusive 'someday'—take that leap now.
Over fifty published novels later, the five-time RITA finalist and RTBookReviews Career Achievement Award winner has accumulated a whole passel of war stories to swap and loves nothing better than talking writing and books with readers and fellow writers.
And she'd still take that leap, war wounds and all.
Over fifty published novels later, the five-time RITA finalist and RTBookReviews Career Achievement Award winner has accumulated a whole passel of war stories to swap and loves nothing better than talking writing and books with readers and fellow writers.
And she'd still take that leap, war wounds and all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 30, 2015
I loved this latest installment of the Texas Heroes series. It's always fun to read a new book in this series and catch up on all the characters from the past books as well as meet the new characters coming to town.
There is so much going on in this story it's hard to summarize but one thing is for sure. Sweetgrass Springs, Texas and the residents seem to have a way of soothing batter souls and helping people who are a bit lost find a home. That's exactly what it does for Michael and Laken. When Michael shows up in Sweetgrass to meet the brother he never knew he had, he knows for certain he's found home. Getting past the hurts and pains of the past might prove to be too much to let him stay though.
I highly recommend this one!
There is so much going on in this story it's hard to summarize but one thing is for sure. Sweetgrass Springs, Texas and the residents seem to have a way of soothing batter souls and helping people who are a bit lost find a home. That's exactly what it does for Michael and Laken. When Michael shows up in Sweetgrass to meet the brother he never knew he had, he knows for certain he's found home. Getting past the hurts and pains of the past might prove to be too much to let him stay though.
I highly recommend this one!
September 30, 2015
Loved this Book
I absolutely loved this book. It took a little time to put story straight with so many stories in one. I had a hard time putting this book down. Michael and Laken's love story was great. Sophia and Gordon made me cry. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
I absolutely loved this book. It took a little time to put story straight with so many stories in one. I had a hard time putting this book down. Michael and Laken's love story was great. Sophia and Gordon made me cry. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
September 30, 2015
Amazon review
As with all Jean Brasher's books, this one is wonderful. I especially love all the Texas and Gallagher series. I never miss them when they come out and grabbed this one the moment it became available. If you miss it, you have missed some great reading. You can read it as a standalone, but it will definitely make you want to read all of them, so happy reading!
As with all Jean Brasher's books, this one is wonderful. I especially love all the Texas and Gallagher series. I never miss them when they come out and grabbed this one the moment it became available. If you miss it, you have missed some great reading. You can read it as a standalone, but it will definitely make you want to read all of them, so happy reading!
October 1, 2015
Another five star read from Jean Brashear!
I love taking trips to Sweetgrass Springs! The characters and the story draw you in and won't let you put the book down until you've read the happily ever after. The writing is excellent and I really love the small town setting!
I love taking trips to Sweetgrass Springs! The characters and the story draw you in and won't let you put the book down until you've read the happily ever after. The writing is excellent and I really love the small town setting!
October 1, 2015
I love taking trips to Sweetgrass Springs! The characters and story draw you in and won't let you put the book down until the happily ever after. The writing is excellent and I really love the small town setting!
May 24, 2019
Audiobook Review:
How do you forgive the unforgivable? It will take a leap of faith an almost tragedy to turn four strangers into the family they were always meant to be. Texas Hope is not your average romance. A mother's love is at the heart of a tale of convaluted secrets and second chances. The pain of the past trickles down into hope for the present. The heartache real, Brashear makes sure of that. Between the emotional journey, the relatable characters and the soulful, yet calm delivery of Mr. Dove, there were a great many tears shed. My eyes may be a mass of redness, but my heart was deeply touched.
How do you forgive the unforgivable? It will take a leap of faith an almost tragedy to turn four strangers into the family they were always meant to be. Texas Hope is not your average romance. A mother's love is at the heart of a tale of convaluted secrets and second chances. The pain of the past trickles down into hope for the present. The heartache real, Brashear makes sure of that. Between the emotional journey, the relatable characters and the soulful, yet calm delivery of Mr. Dove, there were a great many tears shed. My eyes may be a mass of redness, but my heart was deeply touched.
March 10, 2020
I really enjoyed Texas Hope, at the heart of the story is love, forgiveness and second chances. Fore some reason this story really got to me and I found myself teary eyed many times. In my opinion this story is heart felt. So far I think this is my favorite Gallaghers of Sweetgrass Springs story. I like Ian but sometimes he gets on my nerves with all his hovering. Sometimes Scarlett got on my nerves by not asking for help. It was fun see some old friends from previous stories. I found the story entertaining and enjoyed it.
January 8, 2021
Jean Brashear has such a wonderful way of developing characters for her books. They pull you in and make you want to go find this wonderful little town and become a member of the Gallagher family. The characters are real with strengths and flaws and make you believe that you know them personally. The storylines are not fantastical, but portrays everyday situations and still have sweet endings. Can’t get enough of this whole series.
September 1, 2017
Sweetgrass Springs
I love all the stories of Sweetgrass Sprjngs. I just finished Texas Hope, Michael and Laken, story that is intertwined with Gordon and Sophia, and Ian and Scarlett. I couldn't put it down till I was done. I laugh, cry, hope, worry, and all the other emotions going on, right along with all the characters. I can't get enough!!
I love all the stories of Sweetgrass Sprjngs. I just finished Texas Hope, Michael and Laken, story that is intertwined with Gordon and Sophia, and Ian and Scarlett. I couldn't put it down till I was done. I laugh, cry, hope, worry, and all the other emotions going on, right along with all the characters. I can't get enough!!
September 16, 2018
Was keen to get to this story after the book babes. The author did not disappoint. I love that this series for me draws you in as if you are right there in the thick of Sweetgrass. Also love that the author ventures out of the main characters and lets you know what others are up too.
Narration was awesome as always. This narrator sells you Sweetgrass.
Narration was awesome as always. This narrator sells you Sweetgrass.
June 5, 2019
Michael is very excited to find out he has a brother but angry with his mother for not telling him. Ian's reaction is off the charts. I enjoyed catching up with Sweetgrass, the wonderful couples, and the new people moving to town. Laken is battling her past hurts and hurting Michael in the process. The narrator, Eric G. Dove, was great!
May 9, 2017
Couldn't put it down! Love all the books so far.
These stories just pull you in. It makes you believe you are there. Keep up the wonderful work Jean Breshear.
These stories just pull you in. It makes you believe you are there. Keep up the wonderful work Jean Breshear.
May 20, 2017
Texas Hope review
Texas Hope is the sixteenth book in the Texas Heroes series written by author Jean Brashear. Love the Sweetgrass Springs stories.
Texas Hope is the sixteenth book in the Texas Heroes series written by author Jean Brashear. Love the Sweetgrass Springs stories.
January 14, 2018
The Saga Continues
Love these characters and their stories. At the end of each book I don’t feel sadness because I know they will return in the next book.
Love these characters and their stories. At the end of each book I don’t feel sadness because I know they will return in the next book.
June 19, 2019
This was my favorite of the Texas Heroes series so far. It was so good. I loved the secret family aspect and all the second chances and Romance. Top notch book.
July 3, 2024
Texas Hope
I love this series. This book teaches a lot about forgiveness. I'd love to live in Sweet grass Springs, with all these great characters.
I love this series. This book teaches a lot about forgiveness. I'd love to live in Sweet grass Springs, with all these great characters.
May 24, 2019
I both read and listened to this book. The narrator only enhances all the emotions you feel. It was a really good story, and Eric G. Dove makes you forget that HE is all of Sweetgrass Springs. The book was great, but the narration took me on a journey.
I will add my review of the book to this review.
I voluntarily listened to and reviewed the Audiobook provided by the author.
****Ebook review****
Wow! There was a lot going on in this story. It can be read as a standalone because the writer gives you a bit of background on each character and relationship. If you have read the Book Babes Trilogy, that will help even more.
This book takes you back to Sweetgrass Springs and you get to revisit most of the characters in town. There are so many secrets, hurt feelings, and pain for Michael, Ian, Sophia, Gordon, and Laken.
I liked the way Michael and Ian are portrayed as strong, independent, loving , and forgiving men. I guess you can put Ian's father Gordon in that same category.
The way the writer described Sophia's struggle with the decision she made was well done. Even if a person could never personally understand walking away from a child, what was going through Sophia's head clarified what SHE was going through and what SHE thought was best. The sad thing was that she didn't think much of herself.
Laken's struggle with who she was and what she wanted made an abrupt turn once she hit Sweetgrass Springs. She and Michael had great chemistry. They also had some rather harsh conversations. Actually, there were a number of very direct, difficult conversations in this book. But, overwhelmingly, there was the strong sense of love, loyalty, friendship and support that is in every Sweetgrass Springs book. Let's not forget the funny moments or the steamy moments either.
There was so much more that happened, you really need to read this one yourself.
I will add my review of the book to this review.
I voluntarily listened to and reviewed the Audiobook provided by the author.
****Ebook review****
Wow! There was a lot going on in this story. It can be read as a standalone because the writer gives you a bit of background on each character and relationship. If you have read the Book Babes Trilogy, that will help even more.
This book takes you back to Sweetgrass Springs and you get to revisit most of the characters in town. There are so many secrets, hurt feelings, and pain for Michael, Ian, Sophia, Gordon, and Laken.
I liked the way Michael and Ian are portrayed as strong, independent, loving , and forgiving men. I guess you can put Ian's father Gordon in that same category.
The way the writer described Sophia's struggle with the decision she made was well done. Even if a person could never personally understand walking away from a child, what was going through Sophia's head clarified what SHE was going through and what SHE thought was best. The sad thing was that she didn't think much of herself.
Laken's struggle with who she was and what she wanted made an abrupt turn once she hit Sweetgrass Springs. She and Michael had great chemistry. They also had some rather harsh conversations. Actually, there were a number of very direct, difficult conversations in this book. But, overwhelmingly, there was the strong sense of love, loyalty, friendship and support that is in every Sweetgrass Springs book. Let's not forget the funny moments or the steamy moments either.
There was so much more that happened, you really need to read this one yourself.
September 3, 2025
Purchased in epub format from Author's store
October 4, 2015
The gang is back and better than ever. Over the years we have come to know and love the Sweetgrass Springs family and now Ian's half brother has shown up. After years on not hearing anything from the mother that left him Ian is surprised when Michael show up and announces that he is the brother Ian never knew he had and how does he tell his dad Gordon who lost the love of his life when Ian's mom walked away.
Michael only found out he had a brother when his father passed away, now as a traveling veterinarian he has the ability to relocate his life to be closer to his brother and get to know him. Michael also is in love with a woman who is a high powered attorney who may never fit into his life and he is hoping to change her mind.
Laken's career is heading exactly where she wants it to go. She is building a name for herself in her field, but she Michael even though the man is all wrong for her, and her puppy that he took with him when her left. When she decides to go after them things get interesting.
I love this story, it if full of twists and turns that will tear at the heart and make you want to be a part of this town. Michael and Laken have a connection that will have you rooting for them and cheering them on and at the same time wanting to shake some sense into them. Ian and Scarlett and Gordon and Sophia play a big part in this story and you won't want to miss all the action and the wonderful story that Ms. Brashear weaves in this wonderful book.
Michael only found out he had a brother when his father passed away, now as a traveling veterinarian he has the ability to relocate his life to be closer to his brother and get to know him. Michael also is in love with a woman who is a high powered attorney who may never fit into his life and he is hoping to change her mind.
Laken's career is heading exactly where she wants it to go. She is building a name for herself in her field, but she Michael even though the man is all wrong for her, and her puppy that he took with him when her left. When she decides to go after them things get interesting.
I love this story, it if full of twists and turns that will tear at the heart and make you want to be a part of this town. Michael and Laken have a connection that will have you rooting for them and cheering them on and at the same time wanting to shake some sense into them. Ian and Scarlett and Gordon and Sophia play a big part in this story and you won't want to miss all the action and the wonderful story that Ms. Brashear weaves in this wonderful book.
October 1, 2015
Jean Brashears has written a great series with likable, yet imperfect, characters. In this installment she introduces Michael, Ian McLaren's half brother, you know the one you never knew existed but shows up on your doorstep wanting to meet you. Ian is not happy because he is still angry at the mother he thought abandoned him and his father when Ian was five.
This is Michael's story, but more than that it is a "where are they now" for all the characters from the earlier books. However, you don't need to read all the other books to read this one. They are all stand alone stories. I would recommend reading Ian and Scarlett's story first, because it is a good set up for why Ian is so angry.
This is Michael's story, but more than that it is a "where are they now" for all the characters from the earlier books. However, you don't need to read all the other books to read this one. They are all stand alone stories. I would recommend reading Ian and Scarlett's story first, because it is a good set up for why Ian is so angry.
October 1, 2015
GrassHopper worth reading
Overall it was a good book. The author does a good job developing her characters and making you care about what happens. You feel that you'd like to be part of the town. However, I never could warm up to Laken. In fact, I was rooting for Michael to end their relationship and find someone else. I still felt that way in the end. The author never was able to generate much sympathy for her and I feel that hurt the book. If you've read the previous books this is a good continuation of the series. If this is the first you've read of this author it is a stand alone but makes you want to go back and read the others.
Overall it was a good book. The author does a good job developing her characters and making you care about what happens. You feel that you'd like to be part of the town. However, I never could warm up to Laken. In fact, I was rooting for Michael to end their relationship and find someone else. I still felt that way in the end. The author never was able to generate much sympathy for her and I feel that hurt the book. If you've read the previous books this is a good continuation of the series. If this is the first you've read of this author it is a stand alone but makes you want to go back and read the others.
October 1, 2015
WOW - Jean Brashear never ceases to amaze me!!! This series just keeps getting better and better.
When Michael Cavanaugh’s father dies, and his mother (Sophia Bancroft McLaren Cavanaugh) decides to tell Michael about his half-brother, things in Michael's life change drastically. Not only does he have a half-brother, but he has much more family in Sweetgrass Springs. I don't write spoilers - BUT OMG - the story that is told is amazing!!! I stayed up till almost midnight, just to finish and find out exact WHAT would happen. This is an amazing story within an amazing series!!!
NOW I just have to wait and see if the series continues and when I'll get to read more of this series!!!
When Michael Cavanaugh’s father dies, and his mother (Sophia Bancroft McLaren Cavanaugh) decides to tell Michael about his half-brother, things in Michael's life change drastically. Not only does he have a half-brother, but he has much more family in Sweetgrass Springs. I don't write spoilers - BUT OMG - the story that is told is amazing!!! I stayed up till almost midnight, just to finish and find out exact WHAT would happen. This is an amazing story within an amazing series!!!
NOW I just have to wait and see if the series continues and when I'll get to read more of this series!!!
October 18, 2015
Jean Brashears has written a great series with likable, yet imperfect, characters. In this installment she introduces Michael, Ian McLaren's half brother, you know the one you never knew existed but shows up on your doorstep wanting to meet you. Ian is not happy because he is still angry at the mother he thought abandoned him and his father when Ian was five.
This is Michael's story, but more than that it is a "where are they now" for all the characters from the earlier books. However, you don't need to read all the other books to read this one. They are all stand alone stories. I would recommend reading Ian and Scarlett's story first, because it is a good set up for why Ian is so angry.
This is Michael's story, but more than that it is a "where are they now" for all the characters from the earlier books. However, you don't need to read all the other books to read this one. They are all stand alone stories. I would recommend reading Ian and Scarlett's story first, because it is a good set up for why Ian is so angry.
June 8, 2016
Several Love Stories tied together
This book ties several generations of one family with the small Texas town (Sweetwater) they love, protect and live in. It is an emotional and easy reading tale about love overcoming one's past, people's lifestyle conflicts, and expectations about what others might be like
I liked Laken and Michael, enjoyed Ruby and her sense of saving a town and Ian, Scarlett, and Ian's parents who make a brief but vital appearance. If you enjoy stories about small towns, the people who live in them and the complex interrelationships that towns where everyone knows everyone else, this is a good book for you.
This book ties several generations of one family with the small Texas town (Sweetwater) they love, protect and live in. It is an emotional and easy reading tale about love overcoming one's past, people's lifestyle conflicts, and expectations about what others might be like
I liked Laken and Michael, enjoyed Ruby and her sense of saving a town and Ian, Scarlett, and Ian's parents who make a brief but vital appearance. If you enjoy stories about small towns, the people who live in them and the complex interrelationships that towns where everyone knows everyone else, this is a good book for you.
October 2, 2015
Jean has outdone herself again. Her trips to Sweetgrass are always brilliant and they make you part of the story.
Texas Hope shows how Sweetgrass is continuing to grow with each story. This one focus on Ian's family and how he can show so much love and compassion to those around him even though he may not like it at the start.
Ruby is always herself and trying to help those that come to Sweetgrass to stay.
The thing that I missed in this story was the lady of the lake. She has been in the previous stories.
Hope that there is more Sweetgrass left to come.
Texas Hope shows how Sweetgrass is continuing to grow with each story. This one focus on Ian's family and how he can show so much love and compassion to those around him even though he may not like it at the start.
Ruby is always herself and trying to help those that come to Sweetgrass to stay.
The thing that I missed in this story was the lady of the lake. She has been in the previous stories.
Hope that there is more Sweetgrass left to come.
October 5, 2015
Just finished reading Jean's latest story from Sweetgrass Springs. Wow, I'm still basking in the glow from this beautiful story. Simple, comfortable, comforting visits to small rural towns may not be for everyone, but if you enjoyed Fannie Flagg's Fried Green Tomatoes, Susan Malley's Fools Gold series or were a fan of TV series such as Northern Exposure, then you should get to know the characters and extended families in Jean Brashear's Sweetgrass Springs series of books. You'll want to visit them again and again.
October 6, 2015
I enjoyed reading Texas Hope and the dynamics on Michael and Ian's family. I did feel slightly lost by not having read some of the previous novels.
It was nice to see Laken came around and Scarlett's strong feelings on family. The beginning felt a little repetiative when Ian and Michael first met and Michael repeating the same thing over and over.
It was nice to see Laken came around and Scarlett's strong feelings on family. The beginning felt a little repetiative when Ian and Michael first met and Michael repeating the same thing over and over.
October 6, 2015
Wonderful
I really enjoyed Texas Hope. As always Jean Brashear tells a story with a great deal of humor and love. Michael Cavanaugh and Ian McLaren are brothers who just found out about one another. Will they be able to establish a relationship, what about the mother that left when Ian was only five years old? You will have to read Texas Hope to find out.
I really enjoyed Texas Hope. As always Jean Brashear tells a story with a great deal of humor and love. Michael Cavanaugh and Ian McLaren are brothers who just found out about one another. Will they be able to establish a relationship, what about the mother that left when Ian was only five years old? You will have to read Texas Hope to find out.
October 7, 2015
Family
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. You might want to say, poor Ian. He carries the weight of Sweetgrass Springs on his shoulders. But don't. This book will take Ian on an emotional journey. It will leave Ian with a better understanding of his life.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. You might want to say, poor Ian. He carries the weight of Sweetgrass Springs on his shoulders. But don't. This book will take Ian on an emotional journey. It will leave Ian with a better understanding of his life.
January 6, 2016
I loved this series. I'm hoping that Ms Brashear continues writing more of this series with all the characters I've grown to love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews