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MacLarens of Boundary Mountain #1
Colin's Quest
Colin’s Quest, Book One, MacLarens of Boundary Mountain Historical Western Romance Series
For An Undying Love…
When Colin MacLaren headed west on a wagon train, he hoped to find adventure and perhaps a little danger in untamed California. He never expected to meet the girl he would love forever. He also never expected her to be the daughter of his family’s age-old enemy, but Sarah was a MacGregor and the anger he anticipated soon became a reality. Her father would not be swayed, vehemently refusing to allow marriage to a MacLaren.
Time Has No Effect…
Forced apart for five years, Sarah never forgot Colin—nor did she give up on his promise to come for her. Carrying the brooch he gave her as proof of their secret betrothal, she scans the trail from California, waiting for Colin to claim her. Unfortunately, her father has other plans.
And Enemies Hold No Power.
Nothing can stop Colin from locating Sarah. Not outlaws, runaways, or miles of difficult trails. However, reuniting is only the beginning. Together they must find the courage to fight the men who would keep them apart—and conquer the challenge of uniting two independent hearts.
From the Author
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For An Undying Love…
When Colin MacLaren headed west on a wagon train, he hoped to find adventure and perhaps a little danger in untamed California. He never expected to meet the girl he would love forever. He also never expected her to be the daughter of his family’s age-old enemy, but Sarah was a MacGregor and the anger he anticipated soon became a reality. Her father would not be swayed, vehemently refusing to allow marriage to a MacLaren.
Time Has No Effect…
Forced apart for five years, Sarah never forgot Colin—nor did she give up on his promise to come for her. Carrying the brooch he gave her as proof of their secret betrothal, she scans the trail from California, waiting for Colin to claim her. Unfortunately, her father has other plans.
And Enemies Hold No Power.
Nothing can stop Colin from locating Sarah. Not outlaws, runaways, or miles of difficult trails. However, reuniting is only the beginning. Together they must find the courage to fight the men who would keep them apart—and conquer the challenge of uniting two independent hearts.
From the Author
Join Shirleen Davies’ Newsletter to Receive Notice
•New Releases
•Contests
•Free Reads Sneak Peeks
To sign up copy and paste this site address into your browser's address
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
1394 people are currently reading
2739 people want to read
About the author
Shirleen Davies
107 books900 followersShirleen Davies grew up in Southern California. She attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.
Shirleen loves to hear from her readers.
Write to her at shirleen@shirleendavies.com
Visit her at https://www.shirleendavies.com
Comment at her blog https://www.shirleendavies.com/blog.html
Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/ShirleenDavi...
Twitter her at http://twitter.com/shirleendavies
Shirleen loves to hear from her readers.
Write to her at shirleen@shirleendavies.com
Visit her at https://www.shirleendavies.com
Comment at her blog https://www.shirleendavies.com/blog.html
Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/ShirleenDavi...
Twitter her at http://twitter.com/shirleendavies
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 22, 2018
Colin's Quest (MacLarens of Boundary Mountain #1) - PG13
Violence: implied
Language: <35 swears
Sex: premarital sex--all fade to black, descriptive kissing.
Swoonfest. Cowboy rancher dudes with commitment to family and morals? Yes, please! This is a really good and engaging story. The main storyline is an HEA, but there are enough loose ends that the reader wouldn't be opposed to reading the next story in the series. I'm a weirdo for grammar and punctuation and I found this book to be spot on, for those of you that care.
Violence: implied
Language: <35 swears
Sex: premarital sex--all fade to black, descriptive kissing.
Swoonfest. Cowboy rancher dudes with commitment to family and morals? Yes, please! This is a really good and engaging story. The main storyline is an HEA, but there are enough loose ends that the reader wouldn't be opposed to reading the next story in the series. I'm a weirdo for grammar and punctuation and I found this book to be spot on, for those of you that care.
Want to read
April 15, 2019🎁 FREE on iBooks today (4/15/2019)! 🎁
May 8, 2019
The characters were interesting. The story promising. Then boredom set in. Very disappointing. Yawn.
February 4, 2019
Just okay
The book was okay. The writing mechanics were spot on and made it a breeze to read through. The characters were stereotypical. Strong, stubborn, men never consulting or informing women, murderous outlaws, incompetent law officers, and dutiful woman. The book had one complex relationship and it was the Bell family. It felt like the author stretched character development skills to give the Bell family a little more depth than the other characters. THe romance part was skip-able and overshadowed by the plot. I would borrow the other books in the series from the library. I probably would not recommend this book to my friends.
The book was okay. The writing mechanics were spot on and made it a breeze to read through. The characters were stereotypical. Strong, stubborn, men never consulting or informing women, murderous outlaws, incompetent law officers, and dutiful woman. The book had one complex relationship and it was the Bell family. It felt like the author stretched character development skills to give the Bell family a little more depth than the other characters. THe romance part was skip-able and overshadowed by the plot. I would borrow the other books in the series from the library. I probably would not recommend this book to my friends.
November 24, 2015
The storyline was good. I enjoyed reading it. The charactars where great.
Love them, they are very tenacious about their love for eachother even over a while,
when the years went by.
Colin and Sarah get their HEA after a few bumps in the road.
I received a copy for an honest review.
Love them, they are very tenacious about their love for eachother even over a while,
when the years went by.
Colin and Sarah get their HEA after a few bumps in the road.
I received a copy for an honest review.
February 4, 2019
Enjoyable
Storyline. The characters were interesting. I enjoyed Sarah and Collins faithfulness although surprised at the early love scene for that time frame. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Storyline. The characters were interesting. I enjoyed Sarah and Collins faithfulness although surprised at the early love scene for that time frame. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
March 11, 2019
A tale of two lovers reunited - and a bank robbery and a cattle theft and and...
While this is quite well written, the plot felt like a patchwork with too many plots (not subplots sitting side by side. Not fully convinced.
While this is quite well written, the plot felt like a patchwork with too many plots (not subplots sitting side by side. Not fully convinced.
December 10, 2021
very enjoyable read- and an author who cares about quality
Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2021 Verified Purchase- Amazon
I appreciated the steadfastess of the young couple, and the family/clan loyalty. Obviously, this is book one in what will be a series about a clan, and many characters are being developed- but this book is primarily the story of Colin, oldest of the boys (actually of the whole younger generation). It does have a happy ending, and there is closure to this episode while still leading into what will be coming-so not a cliffhanger. There is sex, almost all that is even mentioned is between the 2 main characters, although it is clear that others do indulge in the saloons, but there is not much description of it beyond scenes of kissing and light petting, although it is stated that the sex does progress all the way, it is not graphically described- if that much description offends you, avoid the book. The language is not littered with bad swearing either. I have not read other books by this author, but was fortunate to find it free on Amazon right now and appreciated the opportunity to learn of an author new to me who clearly is concerned about the quality of her writing- the story is not ruined by careless errors and sloppy writing as with many.
Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2021 Verified Purchase- Amazon
I appreciated the steadfastess of the young couple, and the family/clan loyalty. Obviously, this is book one in what will be a series about a clan, and many characters are being developed- but this book is primarily the story of Colin, oldest of the boys (actually of the whole younger generation). It does have a happy ending, and there is closure to this episode while still leading into what will be coming-so not a cliffhanger. There is sex, almost all that is even mentioned is between the 2 main characters, although it is clear that others do indulge in the saloons, but there is not much description of it beyond scenes of kissing and light petting, although it is stated that the sex does progress all the way, it is not graphically described- if that much description offends you, avoid the book. The language is not littered with bad swearing either. I have not read other books by this author, but was fortunate to find it free on Amazon right now and appreciated the opportunity to learn of an author new to me who clearly is concerned about the quality of her writing- the story is not ruined by careless errors and sloppy writing as with many.
August 28, 2022
1. Colin’s Quest, Book One
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the historical romantic suspense: Colin’s Quest: The MacLarens of Boundary Mountain book1 by Shirleen Davies and this review was given freely.
This is a good introduction to the series relaying the struggles of the Scottish immigrants as they came to America and the determination and steadfast love of Colin and Sarah to marry despite a feud.
It contains a good amount of violence in the forms of greed, robbery, murder, rustling, feuds, adultery, and taking justice into one’s own hands.
2. Brodie’s Gamble, Book Two
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the historical romantic suspense: Brodie’s Gamble: The MacLarens of Boundary Mountain book2 by Shirleen Davies and this review was given freely.
A suspenseful instant attraction story that is action-packed and full of violence but ends happily. New Sheriff Brodie MacLaren almost single-handedly keeps the peace in Conviction until a murder featuring the abuse victim Maggie King and a vindictive brother challenge his emotions and his convictions.
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the historical romantic suspense: Colin’s Quest: The MacLarens of Boundary Mountain book1 by Shirleen Davies and this review was given freely.
This is a good introduction to the series relaying the struggles of the Scottish immigrants as they came to America and the determination and steadfast love of Colin and Sarah to marry despite a feud.
It contains a good amount of violence in the forms of greed, robbery, murder, rustling, feuds, adultery, and taking justice into one’s own hands.
2. Brodie’s Gamble, Book Two
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the historical romantic suspense: Brodie’s Gamble: The MacLarens of Boundary Mountain book2 by Shirleen Davies and this review was given freely.
A suspenseful instant attraction story that is action-packed and full of violence but ends happily. New Sheriff Brodie MacLaren almost single-handedly keeps the peace in Conviction until a murder featuring the abuse victim Maggie King and a vindictive brother challenge his emotions and his convictions.
September 27, 2018
This is the story of travel west with family, hardships and yes, death. Several Scottish families traveled to new homes, farms and lives in Oregon; the MacLaren family headed to California where ranching and cattle would be their lives. While long ago family feuds between the MacGregor’s and MacLaren’s was forgotten and forgiven by making new adventures in the new land, some of the clans held tight to old thinking and old ways. This wonderful book is this historical western story.
In 1864, near Conviction, California, brothers Angus, Gillis, Ewan and Ian MacLaren built their ranches and homes. I felt as though I was in that community watching and enjoying the families as they worked and loved the land. This author did a tremendous job of developing the characters and making me eager to see how the remainder of the series is written about these early times in California. Thanks for a great book.
In 1864, near Conviction, California, brothers Angus, Gillis, Ewan and Ian MacLaren built their ranches and homes. I felt as though I was in that community watching and enjoying the families as they worked and loved the land. This author did a tremendous job of developing the characters and making me eager to see how the remainder of the series is written about these early times in California. Thanks for a great book.
June 23, 2019
Colin’s Quest
Wonderful book, tells of an Irish family of twenty who left their country to go to America to start life all over again.
They traveled by ship. Landed in America and lived on a ranch but wasn’t making much so they along with others joined a wagon train and made it to California, but Colin as an eighteen year old man noticed a young beautiful lady.
The young couple fall in love. The only problem is that her father will not be allowing Colin to wed her. They are from two different clans and the father hates the other. Colin promised that when she is twenty one he will find her and take her as his bride.
Will they ever be together?
I enjoyed reading this book.
Wonderful book, tells of an Irish family of twenty who left their country to go to America to start life all over again.
They traveled by ship. Landed in America and lived on a ranch but wasn’t making much so they along with others joined a wagon train and made it to California, but Colin as an eighteen year old man noticed a young beautiful lady.
The young couple fall in love. The only problem is that her father will not be allowing Colin to wed her. They are from two different clans and the father hates the other. Colin promised that when she is twenty one he will find her and take her as his bride.
Will they ever be together?
I enjoyed reading this book.
March 23, 2020
A Forever Love
This was a very well written book by Shirleen Davies and I really enjoyed reading it. A wagon train going west, a young girl, a young man, falling in love, a 200 year old Scottish feud, refusal of marriage, a family brooch, a promise, finally searching for her, finding her, still in love, rejected a marriage proposal, two sisters disowned by their father, a shooting, going home with her love and a whole lot more in this book. I would recommend this book to everyone. This was a really good book with a whole lot more to happen. Buy the book and enjoy reading it.
This was a very well written book by Shirleen Davies and I really enjoyed reading it. A wagon train going west, a young girl, a young man, falling in love, a 200 year old Scottish feud, refusal of marriage, a family brooch, a promise, finally searching for her, finding her, still in love, rejected a marriage proposal, two sisters disowned by their father, a shooting, going home with her love and a whole lot more in this book. I would recommend this book to everyone. This was a really good book with a whole lot more to happen. Buy the book and enjoy reading it.
February 3, 2019
Western suspenseful romantic mystery thriller
On a wagon train heading west a young man and a
Young girl fall completely in love.....their families have an old feud in the old country her father still holds the feud Colin’s family has let go of the old feud. This is a very Romantic love story about family traditions, hard work,
Loyalty, True love even in the face of separation one part of the train goes to California the other to Oregon. Will their love stay true and can they find each other?
I was given this in a free giveaway and I leave this review voluntarily.
June 29, 2020
Colin's Quest
This was a great story of love and intrigue as well as lost chances. Colin along with his family members started out on a quest to get to California to start a new life after leaving Scotland with his father, mother,brother and sister as well ash is uncles and aunts and cousins. They settled in one area of Philidelphia only to find that they could not make a true living for everyone in their clan. This was a great story and a hard one to put down for any length of time. This is my review and mine alone. Until the next book in this series. Norma Gorrill
This was a great story of love and intrigue as well as lost chances. Colin along with his family members started out on a quest to get to California to start a new life after leaving Scotland with his father, mother,brother and sister as well ash is uncles and aunts and cousins. They settled in one area of Philidelphia only to find that they could not make a true living for everyone in their clan. This was a great story and a hard one to put down for any length of time. This is my review and mine alone. Until the next book in this series. Norma Gorrill
October 3, 2021
What A Love Story!
This book had everything I wanted. I love Westerns and this had a wagon train, love, a saloon, a crooked sheriff(?)(I really did not expect that), and lots of interaction by the characters, including a wedding. Some people went to jail, some died, some fell in love, some learned that people they knew and trusted were not trustworthy at all, just like in real life.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it definitely will not be the last. I am glad I read the book. It made my Saturday really enjoyable. I hope you enjoy it also.
This book had everything I wanted. I love Westerns and this had a wagon train, love, a saloon, a crooked sheriff(?)(I really did not expect that), and lots of interaction by the characters, including a wedding. Some people went to jail, some died, some fell in love, some learned that people they knew and trusted were not trustworthy at all, just like in real life.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it definitely will not be the last. I am glad I read the book. It made my Saturday really enjoyable. I hope you enjoy it also.
October 2, 2022
Collin and Sarah
This is an action packed exciting and adventurous tale of the oldest MacLarens son. On the wagon train bringing the MacLarens and Sarah’s family west. Young love and feuding families keep these two apart with only a promise from Collin to Sarah when she was of age he would find her and make her his wife. The near death of Quinn his brother and a rich man trying to make Sarah his wife does not stop their promise to each other. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
This is an action packed exciting and adventurous tale of the oldest MacLarens son. On the wagon train bringing the MacLarens and Sarah’s family west. Young love and feuding families keep these two apart with only a promise from Collin to Sarah when she was of age he would find her and make her his wife. The near death of Quinn his brother and a rich man trying to make Sarah his wife does not stop their promise to each other. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
February 3, 2019
Colin MacLaren fell head over heels in love with Sarah MacGregor. It was love at first site for the two of them but the families had deep rooted history that didn't bold well for their love. A wagon train trip to the west only builds their love. Once the families separate Colin vows to come find Sarah and marry her when she reaches the age her father sets forth. This is a wonderful story with incredible characters and a sweet true love romance.
September 30, 2022
Thanks to the author/publisher for the goodreads giveaway!
This was a sweet love story with a little adventure and action mixed in. I personally felt very middle of the road with this one. I didn’t dislike it, but I wasn’t fully engaged either. I’m not a huge cowboy fan, so that probably has a lot to do with my indifference. The story is well written, though there is pretty simple language sometimes. If you’re a fan of the Wild West and cowboy stories, this is a great choice!!
This was a sweet love story with a little adventure and action mixed in. I personally felt very middle of the road with this one. I didn’t dislike it, but I wasn’t fully engaged either. I’m not a huge cowboy fan, so that probably has a lot to do with my indifference. The story is well written, though there is pretty simple language sometimes. If you’re a fan of the Wild West and cowboy stories, this is a great choice!!
January 29, 2019
Excellent western romance
Writing of western settlement, lawlessness, and romance is a difficult task without focusing on one aspect more than another. Davies has intertwined her story magnificently with all three while creating excitement and anticipation for the reader. Wonderful Read!
Writing of western settlement, lawlessness, and romance is a difficult task without focusing on one aspect more than another. Davies has intertwined her story magnificently with all three while creating excitement and anticipation for the reader. Wonderful Read!
March 6, 2019
A wonderful story of 2 people who fell in love at a very young age. they plagued their love to one another. Five years later Colin's Quest begins, for him to find his one soul mate. I loved this heart warming story, of what Colin went through to find the love of his life. Can't wait to read the next book, about Broidy.
January 19, 2018
Great story as usual from this author. Highly recommend to anyone.
Wonderful story,written well, never dull. This author is a great storyteller. Very enjoyable read. I highly recommend this and others written by this author.
Wonderful story,written well, never dull. This author is a great storyteller. Very enjoyable read. I highly recommend this and others written by this author.
January 28, 2019
Colin's Love
I have read books by Shirleen David's before and enjoyed them all. Colin's Quest tells of the love of a strong man and a lovely young lady that holds true over years, separations, and trials. It shows how each matures as they grow but never gives up on each other.
I have read books by Shirleen David's before and enjoyed them all. Colin's Quest tells of the love of a strong man and a lovely young lady that holds true over years, separations, and trials. It shows how each matures as they grow but never gives up on each other.
February 7, 2019
One of the best
I've read several books by Shirleen Davies and this is one of her best. She is one of the first authors I started following. Her books are
Always great reads and hold my interest from beginning to end.
I've read several books by Shirleen Davies and this is one of her best. She is one of the first authors I started following. Her books are
Always great reads and hold my interest from beginning to end.
July 10, 2019
Colin's Quest
Colin and Sarah meet while traveling in a wagon train. Colin wants to marry Sarah but her dad hates his family. They make a promise to each other to meet again, if she'll wait for him.
Colin and Sarah meet while traveling in a wagon train. Colin wants to marry Sarah but her dad hates his family. They make a promise to each other to meet again, if she'll wait for him.
August 11, 2019
Exciting and fun.
A two hundred year old family feud still lingers for some, but true love can conquer years of separation as long as both remain faithful. The Maclaren family is a strong Scottish family that can stand the test of time.
A two hundred year old family feud still lingers for some, but true love can conquer years of separation as long as both remain faithful. The Maclaren family is a strong Scottish family that can stand the test of time.
September 3, 2019
Family Loyalty
This book exemplifies the ideal extended family where Colin sets his eye on a young lady whole heading west. Love at first sight! Her father doesn’t agree. His loyal family family helps him find her and it doesn’t stop there. Cute fun read!
This book exemplifies the ideal extended family where Colin sets his eye on a young lady whole heading west. Love at first sight! Her father doesn’t agree. His loyal family family helps him find her and it doesn’t stop there. Cute fun read!
October 5, 2019
Colin meets the girl of his dreams on a wagon train west. However she is the daughter of a family enemy and her father refuses his suit. He waits five years for her to come of age and then goes to collect her. Lots of troubles in this romance novel keep it exciting.
November 23, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the western story of romance, danger, rustlers, outlaws, and a strong family that worked together and fought their enemies together. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
February 15, 2020
A Long Ago Feud Between Two Clans Won't Stop True Love!
This is a brilliantly written story about two young people who meet on the trail West across the American wilderness to start a new life in the Pacific side of the country with their families.
This is a brilliantly written story about two young people who meet on the trail West across the American wilderness to start a new life in the Pacific side of the country with their families.
September 18, 2020
This is my first book by Shirleen. I like the setting in early years of California. The MacLaren clan fresh from Ireland and strong moral convictions and family ties. But I just didn't get a strong connection to the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews