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Love that Counts #2

Two Ways Home

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She’s about to lose her home. He never wanted to see his again. And a stalker is staking a claim . . .

Washington, 1892

Mary Smith was never one to back down from a challenge. Her father’s health may be failing, but their dairy farm was her mother’s dream, and Mary will do whatever it takes to keep her father from selling it—even if it means sneaking off to the next town to earn money by playing the piano in a questionable establishment. No one seems to understand why home is so important to her, least of all her childhood nemesis who’s just wandered back into town.

When injured Texas Ranger Luke Thomas is forced to return to Pine Creek, Washington, he’s hailed as a hero and thrust into the town’s first race for sheriff. But no one knows the secret he carried to Texas, nor the secret he’s brought home. Setting his perfect aim on returning south, he refuses to get tied down by the town’s admiration, his brother’s disapproval, or the spirited, hardworking dairy girl who’s less annoying than he remembers.

But strange things are happening at the Smith dairy and in Pine Creek, and Luke’s instincts tell him Mary is in far more trouble than she realizes. One thing is certain: “home” is about to get more complicated for them both.

Full of wit and romantic tension, this Christian historical love story sets forth the true meaning of coming home.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2016

476 people are currently reading
224 people want to read

About the author

Sondra Kraak

11 books146 followers

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5 stars
248 (55%)
4 stars
136 (30%)
3 stars
48 (10%)
2 stars
11 (2%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Fiction Aficionado.
659 reviews92 followers
February 19, 2018
If you like your historical romance with a healthy dose of banter, you’ll love this one. Mary and Luke grew up together in Pine Creek, and he’s never been able to resist teasing and pestering her, so they’ve got the kind of established friendship that makes the banter even more fun. Luke’s been away from Pine Creek for the last five years, but from the moment he returns, it’s as if those five years never existed. Well, almost; Luke can’t help noticing that Mary’s moved out of girlhood and into womanhood...

Sondra Kraak hits exactly the right tone with the banter, but there’s plenty of heart in this story, too, particularly as Mary and Luke begin opening up to one another and sharing more than their customary banter. Mary’s doing everything humanly possible to prove to her father that he doesn’t need to sell the dairy, and Luke’s still hiding the reason he left Pine Creek with no intention of every calling it ‘home’ again. Not to mention the reason he returned to Pine Creek at all—an arrest gone wrong that’s now under investigation. They both need to rethink the idea of ‘home’—when to let go and what’s worth holding on to. And there’s a little bit of suspense, too, as the town gears up for the election of the first sheriff—a position Luke refuses to even consider—and Mary keeps finding honeysuckle blossoms left for her in odd places.

It’s all happening in Pine Creek—fun, heart, romance, and a dose of suspense. What more could you ask for?
Profile Image for Jennifer Rodewald.
Author 40 books406 followers
August 12, 2016
A feisty, can-do woman. A stubborn, complicated man. Mix in a childhood full of bantering friendship, and you've got a good book on your hands. Once again, Sondra had me captivated with her easy-to-read style, wit, and can't-help-but-fall-for-it charm. Definitely another five star read.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,374 reviews166 followers
December 1, 2018
Must they always argue in order to get along?

Mary Smith and Luke Thomas have been tossing verbal barbs at either for years. Mary’s quick tongue and Luke’s mischievous antics entertained family and friends for years, until that is; Luke left them all behind. Following his boyhood dream of becoming a Texas Ranger, Luke left Pine Creek, Washington following his father’s tragic death, and lived the solitary life of a Ranger, executing justice and defending the defenseless. “Dairy Mary’s” life, as Luke not-so-affectionately called his sister’s best friend, was never the same without him.

Years later, Luke returns to Pine Creek nursing gunshot wounds to his shoulder and carrying a deep burden with regards to his future. Sassy Mary has grown up into quite a beautiful woman, but her conversation skills have apparently remained the same, at least around him. Even Luke’s family cautiously welcomes the “prodigal” back home, daring to hope that his adventuresome spirit has finally waned. Adamant about returning to Texas, Luke spurns public attention and attempts to keeps a safe distance from Mary, only to find himself drawn back like a moth to the firelight.

Enjoy this beautifully written, often humorous, often heart-breaking, story of a young man and a young woman trying to find their way back “home”.

I am grateful to the author for providing me with an advance copy of this story in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Cindy Cooke.
524 reviews5 followers
October 3, 2020
Another winner!!

"I never miss ," was his mantra. The Texas Ranger, Luke Thomas, was recuperating from being shot while on duty, and he went home to his family while recovering. They didn't know that he was on suspension and under investigation, as well. He visited friends and spent time helping his brother on the family farm as his body began healing, but the wound was taking far longer than Luke wanted. Against his wishes, the insistant mayor of the town put his name in the pot to be e!ected sheriff. Luke wanted nothing more than to get back to the ranger's job he loved so much; well, at least until he began spending time with his childhood friend and nemesis, Dairy Mary. So named because her father owned the dairy Mary had worked in since she was big enough to help, Mary had come into her own as a lovely yet feisty tomboyish young woman while Luke was gone. Her father was ill and needed to sell the dairy, but Mary had set her heart on keeping it, even though it was far more work than she could manage alone. Sparks flew between them much as they had all the time Mary was growing up. Insults and sarcasm were still the chief way she and Luke communicated. Luke still felt protective of her as he had when she was just a tiny little girl, though, and Contrary Mary refused to hear anyone speak ill of him. .....
This, the second in the series, has a familiar but compelling storyline. Mary needed to feel independent in order to maintain her aloofness. Luke wanted to go back to Texas and his uncomplicated life there...Ms Kraak is a good story weaver; her words invite the reader in. Exceptional grammar and proofing made this read even more enjoyable. Thanks for sharing your talents with us in this very goodread!
Profile Image for BlueJeansAndTeacups.
681 reviews24 followers
June 27, 2021
Really pleased by this author I recently discovered. After reading book 1 last week, I immediately downloaded the remaining books (2-5) in the series. This author's style is reminiscent of Karen Witemeyer and I couldn't be happier! The summary of the book is well-written as well, so I won't delve too much into that.

I liked that Luke and Mary had a past to build on. They grew up together. We get to see some of that past through flashbacks, which help us better understand their dynamics.

QUOTABLE:
Since Luke had walked into his home ten days ago, an invisible fist had clamped around his heart. This trip to Pine Creek throbbed with hidden intentions. God’s intentions. And that seemed wilder than the untamed borders of Texas. If God’s intentions were for him to stay . . . But that couldn’t be. Luke was good at what he did, loved it.

The catalogue of appeals dominated her prayers. If she could set them aside and listen, she might hear the Lord’s infinite wisdom. Or she might hear commands she didn’t want to hear. He might ask her to do difficult things. To give up things she didn’t know how to give up.

TEA MOMENT Between crashes of thunder, she heard the creak of the tea kettle and Luke’s footsteps. He tugged the blanket off her head, and peered into her face, his hazel eyes sparking with more energy than the storm. He’d relit the candle and set a cup of tea next to her. She swallowed and reached for it. One sip. Two. Words pulsed in her heart, demanding to be spoken. “Luke.” His name came out raspy. She downed more tea, gulping the hot liquid...

4 Stars = I really liked it.
I purchased this eBook from Amazon. All thoughts are mine alone without compensation or expectation.
Profile Image for Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective).
1,436 reviews88 followers
May 24, 2017
Sometimes my favorite love stories come from two people who are just utterly clueless that they love each other. Instead, they drive each other crazy, push each other's buttons, and pretend like they don't care about one another. Underneath all that is some deep, true feelings for each other that just need a little prodding to come out. This was that story for me.

Mary and Luke remind me of the two little kids that pick on each other constantly, but grow up and have this great love story. They did pick on each other. I loved his name for her, Dairy Mary. But what I enjoyed more was that Mary could hold her own. The picking and teasing didn't bother her, she just gave it back. She was a strong character that worked hard and wouldn't give up without a fight. Stubborn at times, but what great heroine isn't?!

There is a little mystery involved in this story too, which brought a new and exciting element to the storyline. You see little glimpses of it in the first half, but if you're not really focused on it you might miss it. But it comes to light in the second half, and I like how it was presented. I kind of had an inkling all along what and who it might be, but still enjoyed reading about it.

Overall this was a great story. About becoming you are meant to be, coming home, accepting forgiveness, and of course love. Mary and Luke are my favorite couple so far this year. I hope to see them more in the future! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Helen.
327 reviews5 followers
July 17, 2018
E-Reader. Romance / Faith

This story from 1892.

Mary Smith & her Father own a small dairy farm in Pine Creek, Washington.

Her nick name is Dairy Mary.


She left home to learn how play classical music on a piano. She returned to Pine Creek because her father's health had gotten worse.


She also grew up knowing the Thomas family.  Grace her best friend, her brother Luke & their Mother.


Ever since Luke was 12 years old he knew he wanted to be a Texas Ranger.  He practiced shooting at targets.  He got so good he was to wear a gun belt with two holsters & 2 guns.  He could draw both guns at the same time & fire both at the same if it was required.


He gets shot three times in his left shoulder.  His Commander orders him to go home to Pine Creek to heal & not leave there unless he was told to return to Texas.


There are so many more characters in this book you need to read it!  There's more danger and possible love.


I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

Profile Image for Debbie.
237 reviews18 followers
December 11, 2018
First off, one person reviewed this book as enjoying the sex scene in the story. There are no sex scenes in this very clean book. I was so upset with the reviewer for such slander of a wonderful book. That reviewer must have read a different book and entered their review in the wrong place. I apologize to Sondra Kraak on behalf of that one reviewer.

Now then, on to my review. As I stated above, this is a wonderful book. Full of banter between the main characters, Luke and Mary. Some suspense and mystery. The mystery from the first book on why Luke left Pine Creek is finally cleared up. I like that the main characters in the first book, One Plus On Equals Trouble, were in this book too, along with a couple other characters.

I know you will enjoy this completely clean novel by a terrific author if clean, Christian, historical romance with suspense is what you like to read. Take a chance and read this. It won't let you down. Enjoy!
1,080 reviews
October 5, 2023
Luke Thomas returns to Pine Creek with his shoulder healing from three gun shots acquired from doing his job as a Texas Ranger. He's also on leave because he's been accused of being a part of a criminal gang. Luke's supervisor believes in his innocence but orders him to stay in Pine Creek until the investigation is complete. His family is happy to see him but he has issues from the past to sort out. Mary and her father live on the dairy farm next to the Thomas land. Her mother started the dairy but died giving birth to Mary, which gives Mary a special connection to the land and business. Mary and Luke's sister Grace have always been close friends. Mary and Luke have a teasing, bickering relationship that begins to change. There are themes of what makes a home and letting go to find God's plans. I enjoyed this historical romance.
2,624 reviews16 followers
January 10, 2022
Luke and Mary

This is an exciting and lovingly sweet tale of when opposites attract. Mary and her father own a small dairy, earning her the nickname Dairy Mary. She is as ruff and tumble as girls can be. Luke is three years her senior and always desired to be a Texas Ranger. He lost his father and the loss played hard on his life. He has picked on Mary since a young age and she held her own picking at him back. Injured and coming home to recuperate he and Mary tangle again, but now they are more mature and it’s not exactly the same.False charges against Luke and Mary’s attempts to save her families dairy put lots of ups and downs into play. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
Profile Image for TS.
480 reviews11 followers
June 24, 2022
Another winner. More banter and swoony moments. This time our couple have known each other since childhood and pretend to find one another more annoying than desirable.

It drove me crazy that everyone was always on Luke’s case about his drive to protect and his dream fulfilled taking him away from home. Like they doubted his heart and took offense at his choosing a life opposite theirs. Grrrr.

I loved this story, though! It was great to see familiar characters, catch a glimpse of Claire and Barrett as a married couple, and get to know some other characters. I also enjoyed seeing Luke and Mary’s growth and the beautiful message behind the story.
285 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2018
Spunk and integrity--a fun read.

Did we know that beneath all that bickering and teasing was an attraction that would eventually dawn upon the sparring duo? But of course! Was it delightful to have a front row seat as they worked through their struggles and sorted out their priorities? Yes again. I very much enjoyed Mary's spunk and Luke's integrity. A pleasurable read with lessons in love and letting go.
431 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2018
Lovely Book!

This was a really good book. It had a lot of twists and turns and kept me guessing. I did not figure out the plot until a good 3/4 of the way through which is always more fun! And I began to think for sure that the hero was going to turn out not to be the hero! It's really worth reading! And best of all-time no explicit sex and no bad language!! Gee, a writer who can tell a story without using bad language!! Thank you!!
Profile Image for Richelle .
410 reviews33 followers
April 25, 2025
Romance - Sweet and Clean
Language - Clean
Violence - Mild (remember it's a Western)
Series - Book 2 ( Though you could read this as a stand-alone, it would be better if you've read Book 1)

Sweet story of two former acquaintances coming together to face their hidden fears and demons.

Luke's tenderness with Mary is very endearing. Great overall story and continuation from the first book. If you like clean Western romances, I'd definitely recommend this series of books.
552 reviews
July 7, 2018
Mary & Luke

Mary Smith is trying to save the family dairy near Pine Creek Washington Terr. Luke Thomas, injured Texas Ranger, is home for a slow recovering shoulder injury. He is realizing Mary has issues she doesn't realize yet. Luke has issues with his family, especially his brother Paul.

Excellent plotting and charactorization.

Excellent
88 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2018
Sometime one can read a book and the characters just come together to create a wonderful reading experience. I loved the way the two lead characters worked out their relationship and their hurtful past circumstances. I read the book well into the night and couldn't put it down. I look forward to the next Sondra Kraak book!
1,050 reviews11 followers
March 1, 2019
Where is home?

Two Ways Home is the second of a series by Sondra Kraak. Wounded Texas Ranger Luke returns to his home in Washington state to recuperate. There he finds childhood friend & neighbor Mary, and he discovers Mary has gotten under his skin. In spite of both their denials they are drawn together. Interesting book even though I had not read the first in the series.
2 reviews
September 30, 2017
Wow! This author is amazing. The characters are believable and the plot and storyline is so engaging you can’t put it down. Kudos for Sondra Kraak. I have read all 3 of her books and am anxiously awaiting the next.
1,591 reviews14 followers
July 9, 2018
They were arguing when they were little, as friends

Great western clean and delightful. The writer takes you many directions but not in confusion. Families are close and love is shown as steady and unbroken
2,237 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2018
Ebook

She’s the daughter of a dairy farmer. Her dad is in failing health and something has to change. He’s a Texas ranger sent home to rest and recuperation. She loves him, he loves her but will not act on that love.
12 reviews
August 4, 2018
Great series!

I have enjoyed the first two books immensely and look forward to the next one. The characters are described in such a believable way and belief in our Lord is woven on without being preachey.
526 reviews
September 6, 2018
Great read

If you enjoy witty historical fiction, this book is for you. The characters are interesting, warts and all. The plot has intriguing twists and turns, and all works together.
Profile Image for debra pemberton.
22 reviews
October 31, 2018
Two ways home

I really enjoyed this book. The story was captivating and I couldn’t put it down. I love books that are faith based. Luke and Mary’s story was based on their history from childhood to adulthood and their love and faith seen them through.
123 reviews
January 12, 2019
Really enjoyed the characters. Little bit of romance and suspense, but mostly just about life and friendships, facing fears and figuring out what home means. Interested in reading more from this author.
168 reviews
June 4, 2019
This was a great second book in the series. It held your interest and kept you wandering what was going to happen. There is mystery, suspense, drama and clean romance all mixed in. I really like reading this series of books.
2,307 reviews83 followers
January 13, 2022
Another fun romance filled with a God given love brings Pine Creek a bit of mystery, danger, and family devotion. Oh, and a sheriff! Too long to read in one day, but too good to put down! I'm loving this series! I can't wait for Grace's romance!
Profile Image for Babs Wenk.
1,047 reviews5 followers
June 13, 2017
Two Ways Home

I loved this romance and some turns and twists. I did not think this one would be better than the first "one plus one equals Trouble" but it was!
236 reviews
July 5, 2017
Loved It

I enjoy Sondra Kraak's writing style. It's clean, fun, and humorous. If you like historic fiction with a bit of romance you will enjoy her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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