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A sweet romance from USA Today Bestselling author Shanna Hatfield She needs an adventure - He needs the warmth of her smile...

Bertie Hawkins survived a traumatic ordeal that stripped away her sunny outlook on life and left her afraid of every shadow. Terrorized and tired of reliving the past, she accepts an offer to change her situation. Although she only intends to work through the summer, the peace she finds at Nash’s Folly keeps her there every bit as much as her interest in a mysterious new ranch hand.

Desperate to escape his memories, Riley Walsh buys a run-down farm in Pendleton, Oregon. To pay for the many necessary repairs, he goes to work for his neighbor, never intending to fall in love with the effervescent girl who helps around the house.

Riley isn’t the only one enchanted with Bertie. His own crazy mule and the neighbor’s son both share his infatuation, driving him past the brink of jealousy.

A sweet romance that embraces the trials and triumphs of yesteryear, Bertie blends laugh-out-loud adventures with heartwarming moments.


˃˃˃ Read the entire Pendleton Petticoats Series!

Aundy (Book 1) - One stubborn mail-order bride finds the courage to carry on when she's widowed before ever truly becoming a wife, but opening her heart to love again may be more than she can bear.

Caterina (Book 2) - Running from a man intent on marrying her, Caterina starts a new life in Pendleton, completely unprepared for the passionate feelings stirred by the town's deputy sheriff.

Ilsa (Book 3) - Relying on others to guide and protect her, Ilsa finally finds the strength and courage to take control of her life. Unfortunately, her independence drives a wedge between her and the man she's come to love.

Marnie (Book 4) - Giving up on her dreams for a future, Marnie finds her hope rekindled by one caring, compassionate man and the orphans who need her.

Lacy (Book 5) - Bound by the past, Lacy dreams of a future full of excitement, adventure, and the love of a good man.

Bertie (Book 6) - Riley Walsh only wanted to escape the pain of his past. He never planned on meeting the girl who would heal his heart.


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311 pages, ebook

Published April 7, 2016

460 people are currently reading
127 people want to read

About the author

Shanna Hatfield

164 books1,322 followers
A hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.

In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield

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5 stars
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123 (24%)
3 stars
45 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
1,839 reviews18 followers
April 2, 2016
I received an ARC of this book by Shanna Hatfield in exchange for an honest review. The book was amazing. Once I picked it up it was so hard to put down.

Bertie was a young girl who had the misfortune of being in the wrong place and the wrong time. She was beaten and has now become scared of her surroundings. She jumps when the doors open, doesn't want to go anywhere for fear it will happen again. Her brother Bobby owns his own plumbing company and tries to look out for his sister

Aundy is a friend who hurts her arm and needs help around the farm until she heals and her and her husband ask Bertie to come and help out. Thinking that getting out of town and living on the ranch will help Bertie heal from her attack. Physically she has healed but mentally she has not.

I don't want to give away the best parts of the book but you really need to pick it up and check out Bertie, Nik and Riley. Who is Nik and Riley you say. Pick up the book you wont be sorry you did
Profile Image for Sanderella.
523 reviews
March 29, 2016
A written review will be posted at a later date. I will say this, Get it!! Read it!! You'll love it!! Just like I did!! :)
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
April 1, 2016
A sweet clean romance set in a developing western town.
It was fun getting to know all the townsfolk and who was related to whom and the different family connections. This is the ultimate look at what a small town should be like.

Two people with relationship baggage and bad experiences feel a strong attraction but fear opening themselves to the possibility of love. Also a dark secret threatens any chance of future happiness.
Some times love is stronger than all obstacles.

A beautiful story to relax and get lost in.
Add in a quirky mule for extra fun!

I did receive this book to enjoy in exchange for review.


714 reviews14 followers
July 15, 2025
Pendleton is one of those places that makes you feel like you want to live there. Bertie is a sweet but a bit naïve young woman. This story starts out with her reliving the scare of being beaten by a man. That sets the stage for the rest of Bertie’s story.

Riley Walsh comes to town and buys the old farm that is falling down next to Nash Folly. He carries with him a lot of mystery and sadness. But he is a very likable young man who is accepted into the extended Nash family.

Riley and Bertie both seem to be attracted to each other but they both are trying very hard to stay away from each other. Neither of them are completely honest with each other and maybe not even with themselves. I totally loved this story and was very surprised by the secret that Riley was keeping, I was not expecting that. But no spoilers because the suspense is what keeps you wanting to read to find out.

There were places that made me laugh while others made me sad but it was a good story and loved how the pieces fall into place. What I really liked is that you did not have to read all of the books before enjoying this story. It is not a complete stand alone at least having read the first book in the series gives you enough of the background needed.
Profile Image for Glenda Kinard.
223 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2019
Once again my favorite go to author lately to really boost my spirits has done it again. I wish I could bottle the happiness her books have brought and continues to bring to my life for she and I would be multimillionaires. A book by Shanna Hatfield is like a warm spring sunshine after a long rainy period. Bertie, Riley and his mule Steve was like visiting with old long lost friends. OMG this book has truly boosted my lagging soul lately if you have never read her books then you are truly missing out on a Great Gift God Himself has sent to us. Go Read a Shanna Hatfield book
412 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2024
A widower finds love with the women next door.

Loved being back on Nash Folly. Riley and Bertie story was sweet. Both had things in their pasts to let go. But it was love at first sight for Riley. Even though he wasn't free to have her yet. All turned out well in the end. So happy for Garrett and Aundy and their new arrival coming. Also for Lars and Marnie and Kade and Caterina. Looking forward to reading more in the series I will have to backtrack reading on some of them. Will read more by the author.
595 reviews
June 27, 2024
Things are Not Always As They Seem

Bertie had been through a rough time in her life with the beating she took from a town bully and hater of women. Riley was tricked by Eugenia's parents to take on a crazy woman, then the local sheriff took the lazy path instead of doing his job, leaving him to grieve for years and forbidding him to find true love again. Once all the truth came out he was cleared of being a falanderer and only playing with Bertie's heart. This is an excellent book to make sure we all have the facts and the truth before drawing conclusions.
Profile Image for Tracy Sylvester.
1,022 reviews9 followers
February 24, 2022
Bertie knows tragedy. She's experienced enough of it in her life. Riley Walsh is new to Pendleton, Oregon and is no stranger to tragedies in his life either. When they both end up working on the most prominent ranch in the area, Nash's Folly they both seem to sense the depth of something going on within each other. This is such a well written historical romance with characters you're sure to love!
Profile Image for Vickie Raynor.
1,178 reviews17 followers
June 6, 2024
Riley and Bertie had me from the start. It was wonderful having Aundy and Garrett as a big part of this, as well as many of the townsfolk. I read this out of sequence, so I had a couple spoiler alerts, but it still read well and easily. I felt like I was transported back in time and felt an array of emotions with Bertie, but the arresting love her and Riley had was unmatched. For an enchanting, clean romance, this is a must. Book gifted to me.
145 reviews
November 8, 2024
Unusual & hope after trauma

Trigger warning: The h is a survivor of a physical attacks. She moves in with Aundy & Garret to help them on the ranch/farm & to heal. The H has been through heartbreak so they start to further heal. Nick returns for the summer & befriends the h so there's some competition between the men. Healing, maturity, understanding & emotionally supporting children & mental health are all addressed.
Profile Image for Merry.
470 reviews
June 12, 2019
Crazy start

Nasty people who hurt others should be punished, I am sad that Bertie was hurt so badly but what a wonderful blessing came her way when the new fellow came to town. Sweet man and a wonderful caring person, you just had to fall in love with him. These families keep you hopping in what they do but wonderful love surrounds them all.
Profile Image for Marty Moore.
763 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2020
Great story

I've enjoyed each book in this series. I have two more to go. I really enjoy how each book builds on the previous books. All the characters that I've come to know and enjoy, are in the next book. It's very much like I've moved to the town of Pendleton and am meeting the fine folks that live there.
I love this series and I think you will too.
Profile Image for Dana Redding.
486 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2022
Bertie

She was beaten and scared. She gets an job offer for working with a family in the country and she blooms, stranger comes into the area and he has lost quite a bit but feels something for her. She also has feelings for him. But will they overcome the hurting from the past? Good story. I enjoyed reading this book
Profile Image for Renate Deutsche Oma.
1,402 reviews
June 2, 2024
Love is a grand adventure when Riley and Bertie face their demons. Thank you Shanna Hatfield for page turning read set in Pendleton, Oregon 1906 with telephone switchboard operators, John Deere tractors and an amusing mule named Steve. Riley and Bertie are well rounded characters. A twist and turn plot with a believable resolution. Love that The Bobby Twins adventure tales were mentioned.
Profile Image for Judy.
385 reviews6 followers
August 4, 2024
Will I Find Love

It is always a treat to read another story from Shanna. There are moments for laughter, some where you are holding your breath until something is revealed. Also when will they find their true love? This is one with lots of various feelings. You will thoroughly enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Annie.
373 reviews
June 26, 2018
Bertie and Riley are a lovely example of how two wounded individuals can help heal each other.
It was wonderful to see that with the help and support of their friends and neighbors that new beginnings are possible.
839 reviews
March 5, 2019
Good read

A touching story of a young woman overcoming the trauma of a brutally vindictive beating to help restore the spirit of a wronged hero. I was intrigued with the surprising twist to the story. Enjoy 💜
Profile Image for Delbora.
1,462 reviews6 followers
September 10, 2022
What A Wonderful Romance

Bertie was an effervescent young lady until tragedy struck. Riley is a kind happy man until he loses his family. This story showcases how they each found joy of life again.
Profile Image for Debbie Odachowski.
491 reviews
September 12, 2022
Bertie needed her and Riley's story told.

Ms. Hatfield brings the story of survival from circumstances beyond your control . She weaves it with unknowns to bring a heartfelt story of love that shouldn't be but but a hero and heroin who fight for their right to love.Enjoy!
2,788 reviews2 followers
September 28, 2022
Bertie and Riley

Two people brought together by circumstances, each having suffered traumatic events, have much to overcome before there is a possibility of a good future. So well written!
584 reviews
March 4, 2023
There are a lot of characters in this story, which made it hard to follow at first. I have read other books in the series, but long ago so I didn’t remember them well.
Somewhere along the line I really started loving the main characters and then I enjoyed it much more.
733 reviews
June 3, 2024
The trials of Bertie!

There are so many loving and caring characters in this story in a wonderful small town. When Bertie goes to work for the summer on the Nash ranch she had no idea what was awaiting her. A wonderful story I heartily recommend.
Profile Image for Jeannette Harbottle.
738 reviews10 followers
October 9, 2024
Healing hearts

After a nasty assault, Bertie needs a distraction. She finds two, and as the summer passes she finds healing, as do others in this 6th book of the series. I love meeting old and new characters and I trust you will too as you read this fun romance.
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,925 reviews6 followers
May 21, 2025
Love this series

I'm really enjoying this series and all the characters of Pendleton. I loved Bertie and Riley's story. These two are perfect for each other. A really great read that I didn't want to put down.
58 reviews
Read
September 25, 2025
Great story!!

I love this series!! I hope they have a child right away!!!
I am so glad that Andy and Garret are finally going to have a baby. I think it would be wonderful if they have a set of twins, a boy and a girl!!!
Profile Image for Robyn Echols.
Author 5 books28 followers
November 23, 2017
Great Story

What a sweet romance between two likable characters, each with personal challenges to overcome. A great cast of characters, not to mention Steve the mule.
71 reviews
January 9, 2020
Cute read

I have loved this series by Shanna Hatfield. I love the comedy as well as the seriousness it can have. I couldn't put it down.
18 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2020
Kept secret

I was extremely surprised by the ending and the kept secret As with the other books in the series I was unable to put this book down.
483 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2022
yay for love

It was wonderful to follow the relationship of Bertie and Riley. Such pain and sorrow turned into forever love. Enjoy!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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