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Prairie Courtships #7
A Temporary Family
MAKE-BELIEVE MARRIAGE
When Tilly Hargreaves and her three nieces are stranded at his small stagecoach station in an abandoned town and threatened by outlaws, Nolan West must protect them. And the only way he can do that is by pretending he's married to Tilly. But can the former solider, whose only wish is for solitude, stop himself from growing attached to his temporary family?
Tilly knows the charade is necessary to keep her and the girls safe, but now her heart is in danger. The longer she pretends the stoic station agent is her husband, the more genuine their union feels. Nolan believes he's better off alone, but Tilly's certain that if he'd only open his heart to his make-believe family, he'd want to claim them as his for real.
When Tilly Hargreaves and her three nieces are stranded at his small stagecoach station in an abandoned town and threatened by outlaws, Nolan West must protect them. And the only way he can do that is by pretending he's married to Tilly. But can the former solider, whose only wish is for solitude, stop himself from growing attached to his temporary family?
Tilly knows the charade is necessary to keep her and the girls safe, but now her heart is in danger. The longer she pretends the stoic station agent is her husband, the more genuine their union feels. Nolan believes he's better off alone, but Tilly's certain that if he'd only open his heart to his make-believe family, he'd want to claim them as his for real.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published March 7, 2017
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436 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 35 reviews
September 11, 2025
4.5 shiny stars rating from me ✨✨✨✨💫
This was a wonderful treat for me! It's full of love, friendships, adventures, and it's a clean, fast read. Nolan and Tilly are the main characters and I really enjoyed them both!!
I highly recommend this one!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫
This was a wonderful treat for me! It's full of love, friendships, adventures, and it's a clean, fast read. Nolan and Tilly are the main characters and I really enjoyed them both!!
I highly recommend this one!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫
February 22, 2017
2.5 stars
This story starts off with a bang and is definitely a unique tale. Outlaws and stagecoach outposts, vs. a young woman travelling with her three young nieces? Bring it on.
Characterization started off great, too. The three girls each have a fun quirk or two (my favorite was Elizabeth's "boo-berries", which are actually blackberries). Tilly has an issue with measuring up to her sister's perfection; Nolan was a POW in the Civil War and has issues with being overly addicted to cleanliness and open space after being shut up in squalor for months. Sadly, over the course of the book, the characters slide away from uniqueness and stagnate. The girls don't show a lot of development after their characters are explained, which leaves them rather flat in the end. The other side characters, introduced later in the book, turn out to be rather wooden and two are afflicted with instalove.
There are two main arcs to this tale. First and foremost is the need to survive the outlaws. Second is the need to overcome their personal character flaws.
Last, I'll say a word about the faith element. As a book published by Love Inspired, publisher guidelines state that the story needs to show some sort of Christian influence. That's one of the reasons I enjoy reading Love Inspired, actually. It begins well with a verse on the front page. Then...wait, what'd I miss? Hmmm. For characters to go through that sort of trauma and that sort of character revolution, you'd think they would be learning a bit about prayer or about God helping them through or changing them in some way. But it's ultimately love that does the trick, love and honesty...so is the message here actually that we don't need God, after all? Interesting concept.
Anyway, bottom line: despite the flaws, it was a fun read and was easy to keep turning pages. It's definitely a novel, and won't be "improving" to your mind in any way, but would be a good bet for a quick beach read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy for review purposes.
This story starts off with a bang and is definitely a unique tale. Outlaws and stagecoach outposts, vs. a young woman travelling with her three young nieces? Bring it on.
Characterization started off great, too. The three girls each have a fun quirk or two (my favorite was Elizabeth's "boo-berries", which are actually blackberries). Tilly has an issue with measuring up to her sister's perfection; Nolan was a POW in the Civil War and has issues with being overly addicted to cleanliness and open space after being shut up in squalor for months. Sadly, over the course of the book, the characters slide away from uniqueness and stagnate. The girls don't show a lot of development after their characters are explained, which leaves them rather flat in the end. The other side characters, introduced later in the book, turn out to be rather wooden and two are afflicted with instalove.
There are two main arcs to this tale. First and foremost is the need to survive the outlaws. Second is the need to overcome their personal character flaws.
Last, I'll say a word about the faith element. As a book published by Love Inspired, publisher guidelines state that the story needs to show some sort of Christian influence. That's one of the reasons I enjoy reading Love Inspired, actually. It begins well with a verse on the front page. Then...wait, what'd I miss? Hmmm. For characters to go through that sort of trauma and that sort of character revolution, you'd think they would be learning a bit about prayer or about God helping them through or changing them in some way. But it's ultimately love that does the trick, love and honesty...so is the message here actually that we don't need God, after all? Interesting concept.
Anyway, bottom line: despite the flaws, it was a fun read and was easy to keep turning pages. It's definitely a novel, and won't be "improving" to your mind in any way, but would be a good bet for a quick beach read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy for review purposes.
March 31, 2017
This western historical is full of suspense and danger throughout the entire book as Tilly and Nolan endure the occupation of the station by villainous outlaws intent on stealing a pending shipment of gold. It seems that nothing goes right for these two as they face obstacle after obstacle. I liked Tilly's cheerful spirit and how it contrasted sharply with Nolan's discouraged attitude, yet over time she helped him lighten the darkness that's plaguing him through her hope and faith. He helps her put things in perspective as well, and that kind of symbiotic friendship was lovely. Their romance is hesitant and full of doubts, and I appreciated that their friendship and support of each other stood strong in spite of that. I was quickly turning pages to see what would happen next and how they would manage to come out on top of such a rough and dangerous situation!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
December 13, 2018
A Temporary Family was a good historical romance. I enjoyed the characters and the writing was great. I found it intriguing how the heroine and the children ended up stuck at the station...and then the danger that followed was crazy.
There was one scene that I was frustrated with the sister because if she wouldn't have acted the way she did she and her children could have been safe. Goes to show that I got invested in the characters and story. :)
All in all, I really enjoyed A Temporary Family and recommend it!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.* (less) [edit]
There was one scene that I was frustrated with the sister because if she wouldn't have acted the way she did she and her children could have been safe. Goes to show that I got invested in the characters and story. :)
All in all, I really enjoyed A Temporary Family and recommend it!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.* (less) [edit]
March 31, 2017
I got such a chuckle out of this mix-matched pair. Nolan is such a recluse he's almost forgotten how to hold a conversation and Tilly is a chattering magpie who notices everything. Including Nolan's odd idiosyncrasies -- the compulsions that settle his war-ravaged nerves and the reason he's a recluse in the first place.
So when Tilly and her nieces make an unexpected layover at his station, he can't wait until the next stagecoach comes along to take them off his hands because Tilly makes him more than a little nervous. "She kept staring at him as though he was a knot she wanted to unravel." Poor Nolan, Tilly has his knots tied up in knots and he knows if she stays any longer he's going to trip up and start talking about things better left unsaid.
And then the outlaws ride into town and things get even more interesting. Nolan finds himself the sole protector of three precocious children and an independent heroine with winsome ways. There's subtle humour, outrageous bad guys, plenty of turns in a twisty plot and the hope in a future neither every dared to dream about.
So when Tilly and her nieces make an unexpected layover at his station, he can't wait until the next stagecoach comes along to take them off his hands because Tilly makes him more than a little nervous. "She kept staring at him as though he was a knot she wanted to unravel." Poor Nolan, Tilly has his knots tied up in knots and he knows if she stays any longer he's going to trip up and start talking about things better left unsaid.
And then the outlaws ride into town and things get even more interesting. Nolan finds himself the sole protector of three precocious children and an independent heroine with winsome ways. There's subtle humour, outrageous bad guys, plenty of turns in a twisty plot and the hope in a future neither every dared to dream about.
March 2, 2017
A Five Star Surprise! "A Temporary Family" is What I call Love Inspired's First "Historical Suspense Romance"! I Loved it!
Love Inspired does not have a "Historical Suspense Romance" line of books and this may create some problems for readers.
Let me explain: The cover art makes this look like a typical Love Inspired Historical romance. It's not. In a typical romance the emphasis is on the slow and detailed falling in love of the hero and heroine. They will usually meet in the first chapter. Often the hero or heroine will have a 'problem' with God to Whom they are not talking. (God did not answer their prayers when a loved one died.) As the story progresses the lover with the fallen away faith returns to God -- often because of the inspirational actions of the lover. From no faith to full belief makes for a complete character arc which is very satisfying to many readers.
The above is not usually the case with Love Inspired Contemporary Suspense romances. In these stories there is action and danger. Often it is a matter of survival and staying alive. The whole story many be over in just a few days. There is no time for a gradual falling in love. There is no time for theological arguments to overcome a lack of faith. This is why in so many Suspense stories the hero and heroine have had a past history. Also much of the conflict is external, that is, a threat to the hero and heroine's lives. In addition, the inspiration in Suspense romances is often in the brave, even heroic, actions of the hero and heroine. They are tested. They are in extreme danger. They inspire the reader with their character and grace under pressure.
Suspense romances are great if you like them. Notice the cover art for Love Inspired Suspense. They all show tension. The reader knows at a glance that these are not sweet traditional romances. They are action suspense stories with a romance.
I must admit when I started reading "A Temporary Family" I was a little confused. I was expecting a traditional Love Inspired story and it was going off in the Suspense direction. I soon just shifted my expectations to that of reading a Love Inspired Suspense romance and all was right with the world. I loved it!
With "A Temporary Family" there is constant danger, floods, robbers, U.S. Calvary action, gun fights, double-crosses, serious sister sibling rivalry, Civil War PTSD, adorable children, hostages, and a whole lot more. The story is a surprise a chapter!
Bottom line: "A Temporary Family" is one of the most interesting, surprising, and entertaining stories I've read in many years. It's also the fastest reading book I've read in a long time. It was almost as if my thumb was tapping out a beat as I turned the pages on my Kindle. Tap, tap, tap, page, page, page.
Reading "A Temporary Family" is a fine way to discover what a Love Inspired Historical Suspense romance would be like. Maybe Love Inspired could start such a line.
My only caveat is to read this book as a Suspense romance. I feel Love Inspired did not do this book justice with the cover art. It's not the kind of story the cover art depicts...it's much better, more exiting, and actual great fun to read.
I won this book on a website unrelated to the author and was under no obligation to write a review. (Most books I win I do not review.)
Five Stars Suspense Romance! Highest Recommendation!
Love Inspired does not have a "Historical Suspense Romance" line of books and this may create some problems for readers.
Let me explain: The cover art makes this look like a typical Love Inspired Historical romance. It's not. In a typical romance the emphasis is on the slow and detailed falling in love of the hero and heroine. They will usually meet in the first chapter. Often the hero or heroine will have a 'problem' with God to Whom they are not talking. (God did not answer their prayers when a loved one died.) As the story progresses the lover with the fallen away faith returns to God -- often because of the inspirational actions of the lover. From no faith to full belief makes for a complete character arc which is very satisfying to many readers.
The above is not usually the case with Love Inspired Contemporary Suspense romances. In these stories there is action and danger. Often it is a matter of survival and staying alive. The whole story many be over in just a few days. There is no time for a gradual falling in love. There is no time for theological arguments to overcome a lack of faith. This is why in so many Suspense stories the hero and heroine have had a past history. Also much of the conflict is external, that is, a threat to the hero and heroine's lives. In addition, the inspiration in Suspense romances is often in the brave, even heroic, actions of the hero and heroine. They are tested. They are in extreme danger. They inspire the reader with their character and grace under pressure.
Suspense romances are great if you like them. Notice the cover art for Love Inspired Suspense. They all show tension. The reader knows at a glance that these are not sweet traditional romances. They are action suspense stories with a romance.
I must admit when I started reading "A Temporary Family" I was a little confused. I was expecting a traditional Love Inspired story and it was going off in the Suspense direction. I soon just shifted my expectations to that of reading a Love Inspired Suspense romance and all was right with the world. I loved it!
With "A Temporary Family" there is constant danger, floods, robbers, U.S. Calvary action, gun fights, double-crosses, serious sister sibling rivalry, Civil War PTSD, adorable children, hostages, and a whole lot more. The story is a surprise a chapter!
Bottom line: "A Temporary Family" is one of the most interesting, surprising, and entertaining stories I've read in many years. It's also the fastest reading book I've read in a long time. It was almost as if my thumb was tapping out a beat as I turned the pages on my Kindle. Tap, tap, tap, page, page, page.
Reading "A Temporary Family" is a fine way to discover what a Love Inspired Historical Suspense romance would be like. Maybe Love Inspired could start such a line.
My only caveat is to read this book as a Suspense romance. I feel Love Inspired did not do this book justice with the cover art. It's not the kind of story the cover art depicts...it's much better, more exiting, and actual great fun to read.
I won this book on a website unrelated to the author and was under no obligation to write a review. (Most books I win I do not review.)
Five Stars Suspense Romance! Highest Recommendation!
March 12, 2017
With deep, intriguing characters and story full of action and suspense, A Temporary Family was a fast and fun read. The setting was challenging with the ghost town as with the limited resources the suspense and danger intensified. The characters were not only fighting against the outlaws but also the elements around them, the unpredictable weather, and their own inner demons, their own defectiveness.
Both main characters, Tilly Hargreaves and Nolan West, considered themselves as flawed, imperfect. Tilly had grown in the shadow of her older sister. She felt nothing she did or didn't do was satisfying to her family. She had a short attention span, but she had a joyful heart, kind spirit, and generous mind. Nolan looked for solitude to heal the inner wounds the civil war had left in him. His OCD made him feel like an abnormal person, his ways seen as odd to those around him. The nightmares, the pain, the claustrophobia from being a prisoner of the war for over two years had molded him to be the person he was today, and keeping others at the arm's length suited him perfectly until he met Tilly.
I loved the suspense, how it was built into the story and escalated as the story went on. The plot was well crafted, the struggle to stay alive, to keep the girls safe, the action, the budding romantic feelings building between Nolan and Tilly, the uncertainty of the elements around them, it was all well put together, it was original, and the story had a natural flow in it. There were many historical references in the story, both real and made up, giving the tale, even more, depth.
As the Love Inspired series are the Christian faith based books with Harlequin, I missed that element in this story. I think with the increased drama and trouble the characters were in, the inner growth they faced, the struggles they endured, there were many ample opportunities to show their faith and trust in God and His guidance, but that was omitted from the story, and even though the tale as it was was satisfying and entertaining, I think a great opportunity was missed here.
Battles of mind and body, sweet romance, healing from deep inner wounds, accepting imperfections and learning to celebrate them, the story touched the emotions and delivered a poignant tale
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Both main characters, Tilly Hargreaves and Nolan West, considered themselves as flawed, imperfect. Tilly had grown in the shadow of her older sister. She felt nothing she did or didn't do was satisfying to her family. She had a short attention span, but she had a joyful heart, kind spirit, and generous mind. Nolan looked for solitude to heal the inner wounds the civil war had left in him. His OCD made him feel like an abnormal person, his ways seen as odd to those around him. The nightmares, the pain, the claustrophobia from being a prisoner of the war for over two years had molded him to be the person he was today, and keeping others at the arm's length suited him perfectly until he met Tilly.
I loved the suspense, how it was built into the story and escalated as the story went on. The plot was well crafted, the struggle to stay alive, to keep the girls safe, the action, the budding romantic feelings building between Nolan and Tilly, the uncertainty of the elements around them, it was all well put together, it was original, and the story had a natural flow in it. There were many historical references in the story, both real and made up, giving the tale, even more, depth.
As the Love Inspired series are the Christian faith based books with Harlequin, I missed that element in this story. I think with the increased drama and trouble the characters were in, the inner growth they faced, the struggles they endured, there were many ample opportunities to show their faith and trust in God and His guidance, but that was omitted from the story, and even though the tale as it was was satisfying and entertaining, I think a great opportunity was missed here.
Battles of mind and body, sweet romance, healing from deep inner wounds, accepting imperfections and learning to celebrate them, the story touched the emotions and delivered a poignant tale
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
March 22, 2017
This was a different story than most of the Love Inspired Historicals. The cover of this book doesn't really "tell the story", or most of it anyway! Most of the story takes place at a lonely stagecoach stop where Nolan is the resident and takes care of the place and people who stop there. That's the way he likes it. He's been in the Civil War and survived the horrors he had to go through. All he wants is to be alone now. However, he doesn't plan on Tilly being stranded there with some children. He and Tilly have to pretended they are married due to a suspenseful situation. The whole story line is so engrossing! I loved the characters and the "peek" into Nolan's psyche. The suspense, the characters, the loneliness of the setting - I loved it all! Even Tilly had past issues she had to work through. There were so many struggles and triumphs!
I highly recommend this book. You'll be glad you picked it up! It will keep you reading far into the night like it did me!
I highly recommend this book. You'll be glad you picked it up! It will keep you reading far into the night like it did me!
June 8, 2017
A mostly abandoned mining town is the real star of this tale, as the stage coach unloads a young woman and children who stay longer than they intended. As they rest before journeying onwards, a band of outlaws ride in to town and the sole man about the place, an officer of the stage firm, has to pretend the little group are his family to protect them.
Plenty of atmosphere and suspense. This is a clean romance showing point of view of both male and female principals.
I read an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
Plenty of atmosphere and suspense. This is a clean romance showing point of view of both male and female principals.
I read an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
April 9, 2017
Tilly Hargreaves has a fun, spunky personality. When she is in charge of her sisters kids, she feels like she will never live up to her sisters expectation (as usual). When she is put into a life or death situation she must depend on the standoffish, yet handsome station manager.
Nolan West is fine in an abandoned town, yet when he is put to the test he will protect Tilly and her nieces at any cost. Nolan and Tilly must work together, despite their complete opposite personalities.
This novel is full of excitement, mystery, suspense and more. I enjoyed getting to know both Nolan and Tilly better. They each have much to learn about themselves and each other, all while trying to keep a group of outlaws at bay.
If you like mystery, suspense, historical romance books you will enjoy this one.
Nolan West is fine in an abandoned town, yet when he is put to the test he will protect Tilly and her nieces at any cost. Nolan and Tilly must work together, despite their complete opposite personalities.
This novel is full of excitement, mystery, suspense and more. I enjoyed getting to know both Nolan and Tilly better. They each have much to learn about themselves and each other, all while trying to keep a group of outlaws at bay.
If you like mystery, suspense, historical romance books you will enjoy this one.
March 26, 2017
4-4.5 Stars!
Sherri Shackelford never fails to give me the "feels" when I read her books. There were elements to this book that especially hit me hard. Two unspecified (due to time in history,) but obvious disorders plague the the book's hero, Nolan - OCD and PTSD. Within my own family, my husband suffers from PTSD, while my daughter is diagnosed with OCD/Anxiety. I've seen the effects of theses disorders first-hand and my heart broke for Nolan's self-imposed isolation, and the loneliness and judgement he experiences. Kudos to Mrs. Shackelford for handling these topics in a sensitive and ultimately beautiful way. By the epilogue, I was (literally) in tears with the direction of Nolan and Tilly's happily-ever-after. No spoiler, but it (figuratively) hit me in the solar plexus.
Although the book had a bit of slow start for me, as always, I was impressed with the details and development that this author writes into her books. I am never left with questions or without a sense of completion. A temporary Family wasn't any different and along with the budding romance, there was suspense, family drama and sweet child antics. I'm definitely a fan of this author and look forward to each new release.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of A Temporary Family. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Sherri Shackelford never fails to give me the "feels" when I read her books. There were elements to this book that especially hit me hard. Two unspecified (due to time in history,) but obvious disorders plague the the book's hero, Nolan - OCD and PTSD. Within my own family, my husband suffers from PTSD, while my daughter is diagnosed with OCD/Anxiety. I've seen the effects of theses disorders first-hand and my heart broke for Nolan's self-imposed isolation, and the loneliness and judgement he experiences. Kudos to Mrs. Shackelford for handling these topics in a sensitive and ultimately beautiful way. By the epilogue, I was (literally) in tears with the direction of Nolan and Tilly's happily-ever-after. No spoiler, but it (figuratively) hit me in the solar plexus.
Although the book had a bit of slow start for me, as always, I was impressed with the details and development that this author writes into her books. I am never left with questions or without a sense of completion. A temporary Family wasn't any different and along with the budding romance, there was suspense, family drama and sweet child antics. I'm definitely a fan of this author and look forward to each new release.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of A Temporary Family. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 24, 2017
Stories that take place after the American Civil War are often hard to read because I cannot wrap my mind around the horrors that the survivors have to recover from. These horrors that were inflicted by their own countrymen and often their own family and friends. This story showed how some people emerged better versions of themselves while others felt that they were owed and were willing to trod on others.
Fear had both Tilly and Nolan running until they were forced to stand and face their fears together in order to survive. It does take a while to get into the story but it was worth it.
Fear had both Tilly and Nolan running until they were forced to stand and face their fears together in order to survive. It does take a while to get into the story but it was worth it.
May 17, 2017
I loved this story, A Temporary Family, by Sherri Shackelford. Both main characters, Tilly Hargreaves and Nolan West, are trying to figure out who they are and what they want. I could connect with both characters, and the danger they find themselves in pulled me into the story.
Tilly has always been perceived as flighty and irresponsible. But what happens when she is solely responsible for her 3 young nieces against outlaws?
Nolan fought in the war and was captured. He’s content to live on his own at a stagecoach station in the middle of nowhere. He’s put routines in place to guarantee order. Can he let go of his past to protect Tilly and her nieces against the outlaws that have set up camp?
I want to be like Tilly, able to really listen, to offer peace to the ones around her. Can she help Nolan control things around him by realizing what he needs by what he says? This paragraph, spoken by Tilly, stuck with me even after I’d finished reading: “We’re both trying to hide the worst parts of ourselves from the rest of the world.” She immediately regretted voicing her words aloud. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I said that. I only meant that you and I both want something uniquely our own.”
If you enjoy inspirational historical fiction, you’ll love this story.
I received a free copy in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Tilly has always been perceived as flighty and irresponsible. But what happens when she is solely responsible for her 3 young nieces against outlaws?
Nolan fought in the war and was captured. He’s content to live on his own at a stagecoach station in the middle of nowhere. He’s put routines in place to guarantee order. Can he let go of his past to protect Tilly and her nieces against the outlaws that have set up camp?
I want to be like Tilly, able to really listen, to offer peace to the ones around her. Can she help Nolan control things around him by realizing what he needs by what he says? This paragraph, spoken by Tilly, stuck with me even after I’d finished reading: “We’re both trying to hide the worst parts of ourselves from the rest of the world.” She immediately regretted voicing her words aloud. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I said that. I only meant that you and I both want something uniquely our own.”
If you enjoy inspirational historical fiction, you’ll love this story.
I received a free copy in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
June 25, 2017
3.5 stars
They say opposites attract and that certainly seems to be the case here! Nolan West is a man of order, cleanliness & solitude, that's why he took the stagecoach post in an abandoned town. Used to being on his own, it throws his well-ordered world upside down when Tilly and her three nieces make for unexpected long-term guests. Or at least until the next stagecoach comes through. Ah, the plans of mice and men! Throw in three wanted outlaws who hold them hostage in town and you got yourself the makings of a good old wild west story.
Tilly and her nieces cause a lot of ruckus & disorder, something Nolan has a hard time with. Both are hiding behind a past riddled with strife. They must learn to work together to protect the girls and find a way to survive until help can come. The author throws in a few unexpected twists to make you keep turning the pages to see how things turn out. A highly entertaining read!
There was one draw back for me, the faith-theme was weak. I love reading Love Inspired books for the faith and seeing God work in the characters. I come to expect it in every story & anticipate how God will speak to me in my own life. While this was well-written and I still recommend it to readers of historical fiction, if you're looking for the inspirational thread, you won't find it very strong here.
All in all, a good story to get lost in and anticipate how things will turn out right in the end!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. I wasn't required to leave a favorable review & all opinions expressed here are my own. *
They say opposites attract and that certainly seems to be the case here! Nolan West is a man of order, cleanliness & solitude, that's why he took the stagecoach post in an abandoned town. Used to being on his own, it throws his well-ordered world upside down when Tilly and her three nieces make for unexpected long-term guests. Or at least until the next stagecoach comes through. Ah, the plans of mice and men! Throw in three wanted outlaws who hold them hostage in town and you got yourself the makings of a good old wild west story.
Tilly and her nieces cause a lot of ruckus & disorder, something Nolan has a hard time with. Both are hiding behind a past riddled with strife. They must learn to work together to protect the girls and find a way to survive until help can come. The author throws in a few unexpected twists to make you keep turning the pages to see how things turn out. A highly entertaining read!
There was one draw back for me, the faith-theme was weak. I love reading Love Inspired books for the faith and seeing God work in the characters. I come to expect it in every story & anticipate how God will speak to me in my own life. While this was well-written and I still recommend it to readers of historical fiction, if you're looking for the inspirational thread, you won't find it very strong here.
All in all, a good story to get lost in and anticipate how things will turn out right in the end!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. I wasn't required to leave a favorable review & all opinions expressed here are my own. *
April 8, 2018
Oh boy, where do I start?
I will admit, I read this a while back but I just never got around to reviewing it. Why do it now? After all this time?
Because this book was a heart tugger. I can honestly say that it can go on my list of all time favorites. My heart pounded and I just had to keep turning pages.
Sherri plants you in a compelling, gripping story with dynamic characters that you can truly find yourself relating to. Tilly believes she is flighty... and is told so. Her vivacious personality was a breath of fresh air and I found that I related to her on a deep level.
Nolan is man who definitely needs someone like Tilly in his life. Someone to mess with his neatly kept routine and bring a little umph back to him. He will pull at your heart and make you fall immediately in love with him and his story.
Sherri keeps the story going with just enough danger and romance to make you want more. The storyline is quite unlike most that I have read and really places a twist on things. Who doesn't love some outlaw action?
Looking for a wonderfully moving read? This is your book for sure!!!
I will admit, I read this a while back but I just never got around to reviewing it. Why do it now? After all this time?
Because this book was a heart tugger. I can honestly say that it can go on my list of all time favorites. My heart pounded and I just had to keep turning pages.
Sherri plants you in a compelling, gripping story with dynamic characters that you can truly find yourself relating to. Tilly believes she is flighty... and is told so. Her vivacious personality was a breath of fresh air and I found that I related to her on a deep level.
Nolan is man who definitely needs someone like Tilly in his life. Someone to mess with his neatly kept routine and bring a little umph back to him. He will pull at your heart and make you fall immediately in love with him and his story.
Sherri keeps the story going with just enough danger and romance to make you want more. The storyline is quite unlike most that I have read and really places a twist on things. Who doesn't love some outlaw action?
Looking for a wonderfully moving read? This is your book for sure!!!
January 10, 2024
5 stars
A Temporary Family was also accidental. When Tilly and her nieces disembarked from the stage in Pyrite, NE, she never dreamed that outlaws would soon arrive and assume she was the wife of the station master, Nolan. Through a comedy of errors, Tilly and Nolan develop feelings for each other. He winds up saving her life from the outlaws, but they soon part ways. Nolan must be in an isolated place away from the crush of humanity. He feels the flaws he developed while imprisoned are so bad no one would ever want to marry him. Meanwhile, Tilly has shed her expectations of herself and accepted & embraced her flaws. Nolan unexpectedly returns home and runs into Tilly, and it becomes a joyful reunion. Very good book. There were a few arrors but they did not distract from the story.
A Temporary Family was also accidental. When Tilly and her nieces disembarked from the stage in Pyrite, NE, she never dreamed that outlaws would soon arrive and assume she was the wife of the station master, Nolan. Through a comedy of errors, Tilly and Nolan develop feelings for each other. He winds up saving her life from the outlaws, but they soon part ways. Nolan must be in an isolated place away from the crush of humanity. He feels the flaws he developed while imprisoned are so bad no one would ever want to marry him. Meanwhile, Tilly has shed her expectations of herself and accepted & embraced her flaws. Nolan unexpectedly returns home and runs into Tilly, and it becomes a joyful reunion. Very good book. There were a few arrors but they did not distract from the story.
January 21, 2024
Entertaining Read
Sherri’s book is about a week in timeline. She paces the storyline to involve the reader with all of the characters in the story. It’s a very clean story about an unfortunate incident that confines the main characters together in a remote stage coach station. Stories generally have a happy ending, this one keeps you guessing how it will happen.
Sherri’s book is about a week in timeline. She paces the storyline to involve the reader with all of the characters in the story. It’s a very clean story about an unfortunate incident that confines the main characters together in a remote stage coach station. Stories generally have a happy ending, this one keeps you guessing how it will happen.
August 19, 2018
One of the best historical romances I’ve ever read! A real plot, with adventure and high stakes, not just two people moon-struck and thinking of all the reasons it won’t work between them. Enjoyed it very much.
December 25, 2023
Most of this book was really good. By the last few chapters—especially the last chapter—it was like someone had hurried to get the story done and forgot to check for errors. So I was disappointed with that, but it’s a sweet, clean book.
January 22, 2024
Liked the ending
I liked the story even though some things drove me crazy. The way they served coffee and pleasantries when danger were the most important thing they should have shared first. I liked how the story ended.
I liked the story even though some things drove me crazy. The way they served coffee and pleasantries when danger were the most important thing they should have shared first. I liked how the story ended.
February 3, 2024
3.8 - 3.9
Pretty good book. Good romance... although it felt a little rushed due to the short time that the story took place. The ending was beautiful, but I still didn't feel connected to the characters.
Toodles and blessings ⚘️
Pretty good book. Good romance... although it felt a little rushed due to the short time that the story took place. The ending was beautiful, but I still didn't feel connected to the characters.
Toodles and blessings ⚘️
March 25, 2017
loved this story about how the hero and heroine's past affects their personality and traits plus quirks, love the three girls and their interactions with the characters, seeing the captain and elanor's side story was great too
December 16, 2018
This is a Love Inspired clean historical book. The too main leads each had some personal issues but ended up together. Characters seemed typical for the time period.
January 11, 2024
Excellent!
This was a wonderful story. There was lots of action, twists and turns in the plot, but it was really a great story.
This was a wonderful story. There was lots of action, twists and turns in the plot, but it was really a great story.
January 11, 2024
Why did we not get a follow up on the pyromaniac child?
Rounded up to 3
Rounded up to 3
January 12, 2024
I love the fact that some personality quirks were mentioned, explained and accepted as well as dealt with in the course of the twists and turns in the story!
January 15, 2025
This book has a lot of waiting. I enjoyed the plot and characters, but the suspense element that was fun at first started to drag.
September 14, 2025
very enjoyable
I really liked this book. Very entertaining and kept me turning pages.I felt it ended too soon.The epilogue could have been longer.
I really liked this book. Very entertaining and kept me turning pages.I felt it ended too soon.The epilogue could have been longer.
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March 8, 2017Miniseries: Prairie Courtships
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