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Cutter's Creek #2
New Beginnings
Audrey Norris is worried but determined. Her life has taken a drastic turn. A short year ago, she was a happily married woman with a young daughter and a warm, cozy home. Now she’s a widow responsible for her daughter, her mother, and a big fat mortgage she didn’t even know about. She can’t pay the house note and she doesn’t have a job. Her options are few and mostly undesirable.
Widower Caleb Jefferson is the successful blacksmith in the town of Cutter’s Creek, Montana. His sister has been fussing after him to get married again, but he’s managed to dodge her arguments. Until now. He finally sees that his daughter needs a mother. However, he’d been in love before and that ended in disaster and heartbreak. He has no desire to fall in love again, so he’s hoping he can find a woman who will agree to his terms.
When Audrey and Caleb end up together, everyone around them is delighted that their families are joining. Caleb tries to make it work, but he can’t seem to let go and move on with his life.
Audrey worries about their strained relationship. She prays every day for help and guidance. She hopes that soon a breakthrough will come. God is taking His time. In the meantime, the family grows closer while Caleb drifts further away.
One simple misunderstanding will sever the fragile balance they’ve created. Will this be the end of their relationship or the beginning of a lifetime of love?
Read about life, love, and hope in the late 19th century in Cutter's Creek, Montana, as two families try to blend together and help each other heal after tragedy and loss.
Widower Caleb Jefferson is the successful blacksmith in the town of Cutter’s Creek, Montana. His sister has been fussing after him to get married again, but he’s managed to dodge her arguments. Until now. He finally sees that his daughter needs a mother. However, he’d been in love before and that ended in disaster and heartbreak. He has no desire to fall in love again, so he’s hoping he can find a woman who will agree to his terms.
When Audrey and Caleb end up together, everyone around them is delighted that their families are joining. Caleb tries to make it work, but he can’t seem to let go and move on with his life.
Audrey worries about their strained relationship. She prays every day for help and guidance. She hopes that soon a breakthrough will come. God is taking His time. In the meantime, the family grows closer while Caleb drifts further away.
One simple misunderstanding will sever the fragile balance they’ve created. Will this be the end of their relationship or the beginning of a lifetime of love?
Read about life, love, and hope in the late 19th century in Cutter's Creek, Montana, as two families try to blend together and help each other heal after tragedy and loss.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2016
1344 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 82 reviews
August 17, 2019
This book surprised me. I was expecting a sweet western romance. What I got was an exploration of grief, especially grief that gets stuck with guilt. I thought this book was well-written and the characters were interesting. And, it was a sweet western romance.
August 20, 2021
How does a woman fall in love with a difficult man? Someone unreasonable and flies off the handle at the least provocation?
Good looking? Yes, but ridiculously difficult.
Then all of a sudden there’s a change of heart? Ugh
This one just didn’t work for me.
Good looking? Yes, but ridiculously difficult.
Then all of a sudden there’s a change of heart? Ugh
This one just didn’t work for me.
Read
May 31, 2019Dnf so no rating.
Too simple and sugary sweet.
Wanna have my ass in shape and don't wanna get some caries
Too simple and sugary sweet.
Wanna have my ass in shape and don't wanna get some caries
June 29, 2017
I did not finish this book. It bored me to tears. I felt like I was reading a plot outline of a book idea. It needed more conflict and more fleshing out of the story and characters. As it is, everything is very one dimensional. Nothing ever really happens. I'll move on to the next book in the series.
March 12, 2021
The third installment of the Cutters Creek series was a simple, sweet read. I enjoyed learning more about why some women chose to become mail order brides during this age. However, the characters and storyline were only surface level. Readers catch glimpses of the characters lives but do not get to experience the journey with them, causing a disconnect. The main couple meets, things go well, tension develops, then suddenly they're in love. This story was what I expected, though and I enjoyed this quick, lighthearted read that weaves the truth of God throughout. 3.4/5
October 11, 2019
Great book
It could have been longer.I really enjoyed reading this book.the story was good.I love happy endings.it's a keeper for me.
It could have been longer.I really enjoyed reading this book.the story was good.I love happy endings.it's a keeper for me.
May 23, 2017
LIFE GOES ON. WE ACCEPT GOD’S PLAN AND RELY ON HIM TO SEE US THROUGH
I enjoyed this second chance clean romance story that if full of emotions and doubts. Audrey Norris of Boston was widowed leaving her with a daughter and her widowed mother and a large mortgage that she will not be able to pay. With the encouragement of her mother, Kathleen Riley, she checks out The Matrimonial Times for a husband willing to accept all three of them. Widower Caleb Jefferson lost his wife to a drowning leaving him with a young daughter. He blames himself for her death and vows never to let another woman into his heart. His daughter, Beatrice, needs a woman in her life, so Caleb agrees to read the responses from a mail order ad his sister placed. After several letters exchanged, Caleb sends three train tickets to bring Audrey, her mother, and daughter to Cutter’s Creek, Montana.
The plot of the story kept me captivated and at times made you want to knock Audrey and Caleb upside the head for their attitudes. Caleb plays the injured party as if he is the only person to lose a spouse. Guilt is a bad bed-fellow and eventually can sour people that are around you. Audrey shows love and compassion to his daughter, and he is good with hers, but life needs to go on for these two adults. “For some reason, the impression that they were one happy family was more important than actually being that happy family.” Sometimes it takes a shock, and a wake-up call to realize that what is right in front of you is your future, and you must leave the past in the past. Two people, neither one looking for love again, but with time, patience, friendship, and family, God opens the door to love and their future.
I enjoyed this second chance clean romance story that if full of emotions and doubts. Audrey Norris of Boston was widowed leaving her with a daughter and her widowed mother and a large mortgage that she will not be able to pay. With the encouragement of her mother, Kathleen Riley, she checks out The Matrimonial Times for a husband willing to accept all three of them. Widower Caleb Jefferson lost his wife to a drowning leaving him with a young daughter. He blames himself for her death and vows never to let another woman into his heart. His daughter, Beatrice, needs a woman in her life, so Caleb agrees to read the responses from a mail order ad his sister placed. After several letters exchanged, Caleb sends three train tickets to bring Audrey, her mother, and daughter to Cutter’s Creek, Montana.
The plot of the story kept me captivated and at times made you want to knock Audrey and Caleb upside the head for their attitudes. Caleb plays the injured party as if he is the only person to lose a spouse. Guilt is a bad bed-fellow and eventually can sour people that are around you. Audrey shows love and compassion to his daughter, and he is good with hers, but life needs to go on for these two adults. “For some reason, the impression that they were one happy family was more important than actually being that happy family.” Sometimes it takes a shock, and a wake-up call to realize that what is right in front of you is your future, and you must leave the past in the past. Two people, neither one looking for love again, but with time, patience, friendship, and family, God opens the door to love and their future.
May 13, 2020
It had potential, but it really didn't live up to it. It had a good premise and set up, and the characters were mostly likeable, but it fell a little flat for me. I really wish the author had spent more time developing the relationship between the Hero and Heroine, you go from them being awkwardly polite, to him being mean to her, to the HEA, so much so that when the declaration of love came it didn't feel genuine or earned. They story spent more time showing us the other family members connecting than they did on the actual couple. I know novellas don't have as much leeway because of their length, but if the set up had been shorten slightly and that time used to show us the couple getting closer to each other, them sharing experiences, hopes, etc, and them actually enjoying each other's company the story would have been greatly improved. For example, there was one throw away line about the hero caring for heroine one day when she had been feeling sick, if they had actual showed us that scenario it probably would have gone a long way in softening the hero, and been an opportunity to show them caring for each other.
July 18, 2020
At least it was free
Okay, I either expect WAY too much from the books that I read or the work I’m doing for my Master’s in United States History is taking all the fun out of reading historical fiction. I hated every second of this book. Hated it.
The characters were poorly developed and the dialogue was stilted and unauthentic (especially the children’s). The ultimate crime? Boon did absolutely no research in the etiquette of the late 19th century, or if she did, it went in one ear and out the other. That’s harsh, I know, but you can’t write a book set in the 19th century and have the woman punch her soon to be husband in the arm as she makes a joke, you can’t call your cook by her last name only but call her husband who takes care of the grounds ‘Mister’, and you can’t have a woman travel to Montana to marry a widower and have her pick a satin dress she will only wear once, and in a pastel color to boot.
The only way I will read more of the Cutters Creek series is if Annie Boon didn’t write them.
Okay, I either expect WAY too much from the books that I read or the work I’m doing for my Master’s in United States History is taking all the fun out of reading historical fiction. I hated every second of this book. Hated it.
The characters were poorly developed and the dialogue was stilted and unauthentic (especially the children’s). The ultimate crime? Boon did absolutely no research in the etiquette of the late 19th century, or if she did, it went in one ear and out the other. That’s harsh, I know, but you can’t write a book set in the 19th century and have the woman punch her soon to be husband in the arm as she makes a joke, you can’t call your cook by her last name only but call her husband who takes care of the grounds ‘Mister’, and you can’t have a woman travel to Montana to marry a widower and have her pick a satin dress she will only wear once, and in a pastel color to boot.
The only way I will read more of the Cutters Creek series is if Annie Boon didn’t write them.
December 27, 2018
Historical American Montana romance between a blacksmith widower and a big city widow that travels like a mail order bride with her daughter and mother to start her life over.
Widow Audrey Norris needs help because she can't afford to feed her family nor keep the payments on her house so she packs up and moves in with widower Caleb Jefferson who needs help with his daughter. The smartest decision is that Audrey and Caleb decide to wait and get to know each other before jumping into marriage.
Fluff Christian romance and a little boring.
216 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Widow Audrey Norris needs help because she can't afford to feed her family nor keep the payments on her house so she packs up and moves in with widower Caleb Jefferson who needs help with his daughter. The smartest decision is that Audrey and Caleb decide to wait and get to know each other before jumping into marriage.
Fluff Christian romance and a little boring.
216 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
May 15, 2019
Interesting
While the setting was nice, the story itself didn’t quite flow. The lady to be married was fierce, bossy, & pretty unlikeable. She insisted on her way on all things & wasn’t at all willing to listen/yield/compromise/submit to any ideas of the man she was to vow to obey for the rest of her life. She never once realized that she was inflexible, but rather they married happily ever after. Personally I enjoy a story where both characters grow & mature vs one where one is “holier than thou”. This story may be your proverbial cup of tea, but it wasn’t mine.
While the setting was nice, the story itself didn’t quite flow. The lady to be married was fierce, bossy, & pretty unlikeable. She insisted on her way on all things & wasn’t at all willing to listen/yield/compromise/submit to any ideas of the man she was to vow to obey for the rest of her life. She never once realized that she was inflexible, but rather they married happily ever after. Personally I enjoy a story where both characters grow & mature vs one where one is “holier than thou”. This story may be your proverbial cup of tea, but it wasn’t mine.
June 15, 2018
A 3 star book that dropped a star because the author had people arriving at Ellis Island when it didn't even exist. Authors RESEARCH. Took less than 10 seconds to find this: Ellis Island opened on January 1, 1892.
May 22, 2018
Hasty and sloppy. Interesting premises blotched by hasty and superficial writing.
May 27, 2018
Boring
I would prefer to give books good ratings, however this series, is going downhill fast. This was the worst of the three books.
I would prefer to give books good ratings, however this series, is going downhill fast. This was the worst of the three books.
June 25, 2018
It’s a big misunderstanding story on the part of the hero, enough so that one wonders how he is intelligent enough to run a business.
June 16, 2019
First, I would say the book is more of a 3.7 than a four, but a rating of 3 is too low.
This was a different approach to the typical "mail-order bride" story in the fact the couple does not marry for several months. He permits her to live in his house with his daughter and her daughter, while he lives with his sister. That change gave the story more definition.
Audrey's character was strong and endearing. While, for me, Caleb's character was not so well defined. He was a bit wishy-washy as the hero.
There were several points in the story that make little sense. For example, when his mother hears of Caleb's arrangement with Audrey, she is quite outspoken against the idea, but when she finally meets Audrey, Mrs. Jefferson encourages Audrey to assist Caleb in healing from the loss of his first wife, Susannah. Why the sudden change? Nothing in the book tells us this.
The author uses LONG narrative passages going over and over the main characters' motivations, fears, etc. For example, chapter 22 is nothing but Audrey's inner thoughts.
The author should avoid split infinitives: to never run, to not leave, to really rest, to not disrupt, to ever be, to ever walk, to not worry, etc.
The author makes no attempt to have the characters speak in a manner that would indicate the time period, which is 1880. In fact, she uses phrases, such as "he was a wreck over it" and "I've messed yours up."
This was a different approach to the typical "mail-order bride" story in the fact the couple does not marry for several months. He permits her to live in his house with his daughter and her daughter, while he lives with his sister. That change gave the story more definition.
Audrey's character was strong and endearing. While, for me, Caleb's character was not so well defined. He was a bit wishy-washy as the hero.
There were several points in the story that make little sense. For example, when his mother hears of Caleb's arrangement with Audrey, she is quite outspoken against the idea, but when she finally meets Audrey, Mrs. Jefferson encourages Audrey to assist Caleb in healing from the loss of his first wife, Susannah. Why the sudden change? Nothing in the book tells us this.
The author uses LONG narrative passages going over and over the main characters' motivations, fears, etc. For example, chapter 22 is nothing but Audrey's inner thoughts.
The author should avoid split infinitives: to never run, to not leave, to really rest, to not disrupt, to ever be, to ever walk, to not worry, etc.
The author makes no attempt to have the characters speak in a manner that would indicate the time period, which is 1880. In fact, she uses phrases, such as "he was a wreck over it" and "I've messed yours up."
June 27, 2017
Reviewed at Historically Romantic
The majority of what you need to know about New Beginnings before you decide to read it is in the story description blurb. Both Caleb and Audrey need a partner in life, for some of the same reasons – and don’t want for even more. But they’ve made their choice, now they have to see if they can manage to blend two families together to create one brand new one.
Caleb is so overcome with unnecessary guilt that he cannot see what is right in front of him. Audrey is willing to try but she keeps coming up against a wall. It will take one final misunderstanding, one blow out yelling fight and a breakdown to finally put the past where it needed to be all along.
New Beginnings is an emotional story, one of forgiveness and self-discovery as well. I enjoyed Audrey and Caleb’s journey. They’re good people who bad things have happened to – now they need the courage to begin again, and to trust that all can be well once again.
I’d recommend this story for any reader who enjoys the clean and sweet Western Historical genre. Interesting people, unusual situations and some faith, hope and love can change just about anything.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
The majority of what you need to know about New Beginnings before you decide to read it is in the story description blurb. Both Caleb and Audrey need a partner in life, for some of the same reasons – and don’t want for even more. But they’ve made their choice, now they have to see if they can manage to blend two families together to create one brand new one.
Caleb is so overcome with unnecessary guilt that he cannot see what is right in front of him. Audrey is willing to try but she keeps coming up against a wall. It will take one final misunderstanding, one blow out yelling fight and a breakdown to finally put the past where it needed to be all along.
New Beginnings is an emotional story, one of forgiveness and self-discovery as well. I enjoyed Audrey and Caleb’s journey. They’re good people who bad things have happened to – now they need the courage to begin again, and to trust that all can be well once again.
I’d recommend this story for any reader who enjoys the clean and sweet Western Historical genre. Interesting people, unusual situations and some faith, hope and love can change just about anything.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
May 23, 2018
Another great book
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest review.
I really like the Cutter's Creek books. Different authors and one lovely little town.
Daisy, Audrey's daughter, stole my heart immediately. Beatrice, Caleb's daughter did the same. Audrey & Caleb brought a lump to my throat through most of the book, but I truly cheered when Audrey confronted him...something that I would have done!
The characters are sweet and I just couldn't help but get caught up in their lives. All were developed well & the dialogue was excellent.
Can you imagine leaving all you know to travel half way across the country to marry a virtual stranger? So many women did so! There weren't many options for women then, nor for the men. Both had to go on faith that the other was who they claimed to be.
This is a sweet, clean western mail-order bride series which can be read as a stand alone book. The series in order helps you get to know the whole town! Highly recommended
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest review.
I really like the Cutter's Creek books. Different authors and one lovely little town.
Daisy, Audrey's daughter, stole my heart immediately. Beatrice, Caleb's daughter did the same. Audrey & Caleb brought a lump to my throat through most of the book, but I truly cheered when Audrey confronted him...something that I would have done!
The characters are sweet and I just couldn't help but get caught up in their lives. All were developed well & the dialogue was excellent.
Can you imagine leaving all you know to travel half way across the country to marry a virtual stranger? So many women did so! There weren't many options for women then, nor for the men. Both had to go on faith that the other was who they claimed to be.
This is a sweet, clean western mail-order bride series which can be read as a stand alone book. The series in order helps you get to know the whole town! Highly recommended
July 10, 2018
New Beginnings is book three in the Cutter’s Creek series by author Annie Boone. The setting is Cutter’s Creek 1880. The town of Cutter’s Creek is a lot like other small towns, everyone knows what’s going on in everyone’s family. So when two new women and a child show up the town starts talking.
Caleb Jefferson has been a widower for six years. He blames himself that his wife died. If only he had not been so busy with his work he could have saved his wife. He felt guilty and he simply couldn’t let go of the past.
Audrey Norris and her mom, Kathleen Riley were widows. When their husbands died they became penniless, so Audrey answers an ad for a marriage of convenience.
This book can be read as a stand-alone in less than a day. I loved this quote from the book and I believe it sums up the story, “Always remember that what is done cannot be undone. You can only face what comes next.”
I recommend this book to fans of western romance.
Disclosure: “I purchased a copy of this ebook and was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.”
Caleb Jefferson has been a widower for six years. He blames himself that his wife died. If only he had not been so busy with his work he could have saved his wife. He felt guilty and he simply couldn’t let go of the past.
Audrey Norris and her mom, Kathleen Riley were widows. When their husbands died they became penniless, so Audrey answers an ad for a marriage of convenience.
This book can be read as a stand-alone in less than a day. I loved this quote from the book and I believe it sums up the story, “Always remember that what is done cannot be undone. You can only face what comes next.”
I recommend this book to fans of western romance.
Disclosure: “I purchased a copy of this ebook and was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.”
June 21, 2019
I normally do not read romance novels. From time to time though I chose one to add variety to my reading. This book was mediocre. The characters were of the cookie cutter variety in which there was nothing different from them and any other character in the vast array of romance novels. The plot was predictable and the action lame. I think that there are no original romance stories anymore. Every author seems to be following a formula that has been done repetitively over and over again until everyone has the same plot and basically the same characters. I read to be entertained and hopefully be given some surprises at the end. Unfortunately, this book did NOT deliver. I hope this author will stop using worn out formula writing and actually write something of merit.
September 18, 2022
A lady from Boston that recently lost her husband answers a mail order bride ad. She moves along with her mom and daughter to Cutter's Creek to enter into a marriage of convenience with a widower with a young daughter. He carries guilt from the past that makes him stubborn and closed off to even the marriage of convenience that was part of the bargain. The characters didn't seem to have depth or were very well developed and also the story seemed rushed with two people not getting along to extremely quickly being in love. It was as if the author realizes that everything needs wrapped up quickly resulting in a lackluster ending.
June 20, 2017
Two broken hearts
Not wanting a wife but needing a mother for his daughter, he is pressured to get a .an order bride. Widowed recently responsible for her mother and her daughter she was facing eviction from her home because she cannot pay the mortgage. Being a mail order bride is what she decided to do. Both want just friendship but will they be able to blend their families, even find love?
Not wanting a wife but needing a mother for his daughter, he is pressured to get a .an order bride. Widowed recently responsible for her mother and her daughter she was facing eviction from her home because she cannot pay the mortgage. Being a mail order bride is what she decided to do. Both want just friendship but will they be able to blend their families, even find love?
April 25, 2020
New beginnings/boone
The story was not compelling was expecting more, was disappointed. It was almost like just gossiping about someone to a friend about someone around the table. It was bland nothing that will make me want to read another of same , I feel author wasn't imaginative enough to give the story more feeling more depth some excitement it was too bland for my taste, a book that could be put down and not continued on to read it.
The story was not compelling was expecting more, was disappointed. It was almost like just gossiping about someone to a friend about someone around the table. It was bland nothing that will make me want to read another of same , I feel author wasn't imaginative enough to give the story more feeling more depth some excitement it was too bland for my taste, a book that could be put down and not continued on to read it.
January 5, 2023
Set in the late 1800s in Cutter’s Creek, Montana, New Beginnings is a sweet, inspirational romance novella featuring engaging characters and an interesting plot. I enjoyed the way Audrey and Caleb came together to help each other heal from past hurts. Engaging characters and an entertaining plot kept my interest. I totally enjoyed this quick, satisfying read with an inspiring faith thread, and I highly recommend it.
May 27, 2018
Don't be afraid to be a strong woman.
Audrey was a strong woman but seemed to be soft. She was very caring. But with all the things that she endured, you realize she has a lot of faith, and strong desire to help others, this was a very good story, well written. Sorry that it was so short. Would like to had more of Audrey and Caleb as a couple.
Audrey was a strong woman but seemed to be soft. She was very caring. But with all the things that she endured, you realize she has a lot of faith, and strong desire to help others, this was a very good story, well written. Sorry that it was so short. Would like to had more of Audrey and Caleb as a couple.
June 5, 2020
New Beginnings (Cutter's Creek Book 3) Anne Boone
Five stars, cute story about letting go and forgiving.. Caleb could not let the death of his wife go... But his mail order bride Audrey fighting to make him accept her and to go on.. The book tends to wrap up the storyline real fast but it naturally ends happily.
Five stars, cute story about letting go and forgiving.. Caleb could not let the death of his wife go... But his mail order bride Audrey fighting to make him accept her and to go on.. The book tends to wrap up the storyline real fast but it naturally ends happily.
November 30, 2017
And so it continues
The little red chapel, and it's changing congregation gives us a peek into small town life in the past. The characters in this series, features strong, kind, loving. Christian. men and women searching and finding their way, while trusting in God.
The little red chapel, and it's changing congregation gives us a peek into small town life in the past. The characters in this series, features strong, kind, loving. Christian. men and women searching and finding their way, while trusting in God.
August 28, 2018
5 stars
I purchased the novella Cutter's Creek Book 3: New Beginnings by Annie Boone and this review was given freely.
Single mom Audrey becomes a mail-order bride to single dad Caleb. A lower violence level than prior novels, this is a sweet and prayer filled blending of two families.
I purchased the novella Cutter's Creek Book 3: New Beginnings by Annie Boone and this review was given freely.
Single mom Audrey becomes a mail-order bride to single dad Caleb. A lower violence level than prior novels, this is a sweet and prayer filled blending of two families.
October 2, 2018
While this book was rather short, I did enjoy it. At times I didn't "feel" the connection between Audrey and Caleb. I had hoped the characters would have been developed a bit further (which I'm still hoping for in further books in this series). But it was short and sweet, and I recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 82 reviews