Whispering Pines

The Langtry Sisters #1

by Scarlett Dunn

In Scarlett Dunn’s heartfelt inspirational series, three sisters return home to beautiful, enigmatic Whispering Pines, Colorado, and discover the men who’ll claim their love . . .

As a young girl, Rose Langtry feared her gruff, handsome rancher neighbor. Coming back to Colorado after five years, she’s outraged to find Morgan LeMasters ready to hang her brother for rustling and theft. But when the resulting skirmish leaves her injured, Morgan’s tender care turns her unease to unexpected closeness . . . and admiration.

Stopping Frankie Langtry and his gang has long been Morgan’s priority, yet he can’t resist Rose’s pleas for mercy. As brave and spirited as she is soft-hearted, Rose needs support to keep her family farm from going under, and a marriage of convenience will provide it. Morgan hardly dares admit, even to himself, his longing for a deeper, truer union. But her brother’s grudge is bringing danger back to Whispering Pines, and it’ll take forgiveness, courage—and a bond built on faith—to create a family and a future together . . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Westerns, Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical, Christian, Western Historical Romance

400 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispering Pines is the first book in the Langtry Sisters series. The three sisters went East to receive an education now one at a time they are returning home. This is Rose Langtry's story. As a young girl Rose feared her gruff,handsome neighbor Morgan LeMasters. Not anymore though, now she has noticed him in a whole new way. Sparks fly but she finds Morgan ready to hang her brother Frankie for rustling and theft. Her brother's grudge brings danger to Rose as she is injured in the resulting skirmish. When she is unconscious she doesn't hear her brother threaten to hurt her. Morgan does though and he vows to protect her and not let anything happen to her. As she recovers she begs Morgan to show mercy towards her brother not really believing the rumors that he is as bad as everyone says. That proves false as he continues to rob and do evil deeds even taking his brother's life in a purposely set fire. The date for the wedding approaches as some fast paced action goes down.
Fast paced and full of action I think you'll love this historical romance.
Pub Date 25 Jul 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pines on LeMaster's ranch is a special place where the four winds converge. It is where the Sioux people hear the voices of their great spirits who have passed away. The Sioux have a special connection to the land. The pines are where their ancestors offered praise to their creator. Church is our special place where we worship God. It is the heavenly sounds where the winds come together in the trees. They say different people hear different things and only the people of pure heart hear the pleasing sounds.

For Rose Langstry she has always dreamed that one day she would marry the right man in those pines but she is headed home to help Granny out on their small farm. She and her sisters left to seek an education out east and now one by one, they are making their way home again. But when her stagecoach happens upon a hanging in progress, she is appalled that one of them is her brother Frankie, and she will do whatever she can to ensure he is not hung. But when Morgan LeMasters tries convince her that Frank and his gang have been caught stealing horses and cattle, and they deserve to be hung, she argues that until all the evidence is brought before the judge, these men need to go to jail. Rose is convinced that her brother is innocent. Just as they head out for town, the stage coach takes a spill over a cliff, leaving Rose unconscious and Frank in control as he uses his sister as a bargaining chip for his freedom.

The men agree to let Frank go, with the vow that Morgan will find him and bring him to justice. But he will have to convince Rose and Granny of Frank's criminal past and he won't rest until Frank is convicted. The ongoing feud between Frank and Morgan is a long one and while no one really knows the details of it, they know that both men will not stop until one of them is dead. Does God have other plans for them or will justice be found within the whispering pines?

I received Whispering Pines by Scarlett Dunn compliments of Zebra Books, Kensington Publishing Corporation and Net Galley. This is such a wonderful novel about the way we judge people's characters despite the way we think we know everything there is to know about them. It shows how far Rose is willing to go to help her brothers find redemption and healing even if it means she overlooks their apparent faults. She doesn't believe anyone is beyond God's help. In this case it will be a loving and protective man who learns what it means to trust and to forgive and what vengeance will result in when they take matters into their own hands instead of leaving it up to God. I can't wait for the next novel which readers get a sneak peek at in the conclusion of this novel. Each sister is on their way home and with it, a novel dedicated to the Langstry Sisters. This is the first novel in the series and well worth 5 out of 5 stars in this readers opinion.

[Jerrye Tellmeagreatstorylove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispering Pines ~ The Langtry Sisters by Scarlett Dunn

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

____________________________________________________________
Story Notes

Scarlett Dunn’s first story in her new Langtry Sisters series is a great adventure in love and forgiveness.

Having read the description and an earlier novella by Miss Dunn, I was excited to read this adventure story. I loved the plot she presented and the theme of forgiveness that was woven throughout the entire book – both of which made me wish for such a growing romance in my life. Ms. Dunn begins her delightful story with a tragic necessity – the hanging of cattle rustlers – that is interrupted by the arrival of a stagecoach. Morgan LeMasters has been seeking these particular thieves for months especially since one of them is responsible for the near death of the Sioux healer, Joseph Longbow. He is not happy that they turn out to be Frankie Langtry, the grandson of his neighbor, and some drifters looking for easy money, but neither can he allow their crimes to go unpunished. However, before he can carry out the sentence on the deserving thieves, Frankie’s little sister Rose arrives on the scene on the stagecoach, fresh from school back East. Horrified that anyone could think her brother capable of such a crime, Rose demands that Morgan allow the accused men to stand trial before the circuit judge. Not wanting to make Rose watch her brother hang, Morgan agrees, albeit very reluctantly. As they make their way back to Whispering Pines, the axle on the stagecoach breaks and all the occupants are toss end over end until they stop at the bottom of the hill. Taking advantage of the chaos, Frankie grabs a gun and threatens to kill his unconscious sister unless Morgan lets him and his men go. Seeing no other choice, Morgan agrees, angry that Frankie would even consider harming Rose. After Frankie escapes, Morgan, his men, Rose and the rest of the passengers are stranded with only enough horses for two to ride. Sending two of the men to town for help and more horses, Morgan volunteers to wait with the others and help the injured bandage themselves with what’s on hand. Rose, it turns out has the worst injuries -all her ribs are broken – and needs the most care. She will have to decide if Morgan is the honorable man her grandmother always said he was or the cruel, hard man that Frankie told her he is. Now, with this start to a plot, how could anyone not turn out a good story? And to all this add the danger of Morgan going after Frankie’s gang, Rose’s other brother Stevie slacking in his work at the farm and getting into trouble, Frankie vowing to do all he can to take everything Morgan has before he kills him and Rose trying to be the negotiator for them all and Ms. Dunn has a great story with enough chilling adventure and romance for any avid reader. I loved how she showed that each person has to find the courage to fight for true justice in the face of desire for revenge; because we cannot call ourselves Christians if we seek vengeance that belongs to the Lord. Ms. Dunn also had each of her characters make an choice at some point in the story as to whether they would forgive those who had wronged them or go on wallowing in bitterness and hate. It made the story so much more than just another adventure/romance that anyone else could write. I further enjoyed her ability to let Rose grow up throughout the story. Rose came into the story totally naive to what her brothers were capable of and refused to listen to anyone speak against them. It was sad to read that she had to lose faith in them to see that God was the one she should have put her trust in; however it will be this journey of faith that Ms. Dunn will use to bring Rose to Morgan to find love. I loved everything about Morgan in this story – he was a man willing to trust God for his future, willing to protect Rose and others from Frankie, and willing to admit when he was wrong to seek vengeance for Frankie’s deeds. Ms. Dunn uses him to show Rose that love puts others needs and desires ahead of oneself and that trust should be given to those who have earned it. For Morgan, Rose becomes the love he never thought he would find – a love that will teach him that mercy, grace and forgiveness are the only way to be truly free of the bitterness he carries. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series and I’m hoping it will be as good or better than this first one. Ms. Dunn has definitely found a fan in me and I look forward to more from her in the near future. I will certainly recommend this book to others and will definitely be purchasing a few copies as Christmas presents.

I received this E-book free of charge from Kensington Books/Zebra Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either of these companies for this review.

[Ariella Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf on page 56.

I really tried to get into this book, but just a few chapters in, it was getting so confusing. Not confusing like the supposed timeline of Doctor Who, but confusing like the characters felt inconsistent and simply made no sense to me.

That and some rather unfortunate undressing.

Here's what I gathered from the first few chapters. The young lady in the leading role, Rose, has hated the lead male, Morgan, since she was in her pre-teens. He is dark, imposing, and her brother Frank (whom Rose adores) has convinced her that Morgan is (literally) the devil incarnate. Initially, Rose doesn't have one nice thing to say about Morgan whatsoever. However, she remains convinced that Frank, who has grown up to be a lowlife cattle rustler, is innocent of stealing Morgan's horses. I didn't understand how she could so stubbornly dislike Morgan for years, even after he'd done nothing wrong, yet continue to coddle her brother and hardly consider the possibility that he is guilty.

And then we get to the stagecoach accident. Basically, the stagecoach Rose is riding in to return home after going to school in the east happens to pass by the deputized Morgan and his men, who are about to hang Frank for supposedly horse thieving. (This also confused me. Morgan was perfectly capable of bringing them in to stand trial, yet he's ready to hang them right there? I felt like I was supposed to like Morgan or at least sympathize, but I just couldn't see how he was pursuing justice rather than a personal vendetta here). Long story short, Rose convinces Morgan to bring Frank to jail instead, the stagecoach rolls for some reason, and Frank escapes, leaving the passengers either dead or injured. Rose's ribs and head are injured from the accident. Upon noticing this, Morgan insists that Rose's ribs must be wrapped (he is right, and though he doesn't seem to have ulterior motives, the next part was incredibly awkward). We get a rather detailed description of Morgan having to help her remove most off her clothing and touch a minuscule amount of skin to wrap her ribs. I ended up skimming to the end of that scene, so I'm not exactly sure what all the details were, but what I did read was too borderline sensual for my taste. Theoretically, I suppose it makes sense that he would've had to do that, since there were no women there, but I'm not sure why Rose had to break her ribs in the first place, other than to put that awkward scene in there.

But to make it worse, after the rib-wrapping incident, Rose starts to see Morgan's good points for the first time in the book. And apparently, in retrospect, maybe she did find Morgan somewhat attractive when she was younger. (If this was a psychology class, I'd say she was experiencing hindsight bias). Did she actually find Morgan attractive in her youth? Maybe. But the way it was written, I couldn't help but wonder if it was just hormones at play.

I didn't want to DNF so early, but after Rose's attitude towards Morgan did a 180-degree turn, I couldn't go on. She felt naïve and wasn't really a good judge of character, and given that she and Morgan would eventually be a couple after the hate-turned-hormones reaction, I just didn't feel like I could've enjoyed it enough to be worthwhile.

[Kai · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is categorized as a Christian romance, however it is not Christian. The main character carries around a Bible and quotes Bible verses, yet she does not live a moral life and is extremely hypocritical.

Rose was "blessed with a warm, caring heart" yet she believed that Morgan LeMasters was Satan because her brother said so. She was also scared of him, even though her grandmother said he was a "very nice young man". Later in the book, she tells Morgan that she fell in love with him because all the women competed for him and he was so handsome.

In the beginning, Morgan is supposed to be protecting Rose and instead he spends the entire time hitting on her while she is most vulnerable. Rose is in a lot of pain, won't eat, and can hardly move due to broken ribs but she has no problem making out with Morgan. She makes out on a bed with a guy she has supposedly been afraid of her entire life and then is surprised at what she thinks are his intentions.

"I would not give myself to any man without the benefit of marriage. You of all people know how I was reared, and the beliefs my family hold clear. I can't fathom how you would think I would abandon my faith."

The hypocrisy of this quote really bothers me and set the tone for this book. She says these things, yet Morgan is the one who has to stop Rose from going as far as she wants to. And when he does stop them from going too far, Rose assumes he is cheating on her with another woman.

They only seem to be interested in each other physically and have no real conversations. Their topics include her injuries, her brothers, and how attractive they find each other. Later in the book, when they are worried for each other's lives, they still are only missing the physical aspects of one another. Everyone also thinks Rose is the most beautiful woman they have ever seen and all the men love her on sight and all the woman flirt with Morgan. It's incredibly unrealistic.

The hypocrisy continues when Rose decides she wants to go to church and says that she has never missed a Sunday. However, once she finds out that she could stay home alone with Morgan she decides that she no longer wants to go to church.

The story repeats itself many times and is dragged out. There are also a lot of cliché comments. Most of the book was not very interesting and I did not feel invested in the characters.

I would not recommend this book and I would rate it 1-2 stars. I received this book from Netgalley. This review is 100% my own opinion.

[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose Langtry's trip home is anything but the expected. First, her brother is almost hung by her neighbor, Morgan LeMasters; then after securing her brother's safety, Rose is injured in a horrific stage coach accident.

Morgan LeMasters can't believe the injured beauty he rescues was once the little girl that feared him, nor that she so staunchly defends her cattle rustling thief of a brother.

I was instantly engrossed in Whispering Pines by Scarlett Dunn. The story doesn't follow the usual formula of romance and love. Instead, it is compelling and eventful.  There are scenes of suspense, intrigue and revenge and also scenes of faith, forgiveness and love. Some scenes are horribly disturbing and grisly. However, they perfectly illustrate the depravity of one character. Also, a few segments are borderline risque.

I fell in love with "Granny," Rose's grandmother, who raised her. She is tough and resilient and loves those around her mightily. Most of the main characters' love her too and call her Granny, even though they aren't related to her.

Whispering Pines is the first book in The Langtry Sisters collection. In this novel, we briefly glimpse the other two sisters, Adelaide and Emma, creating anticipation for the next two installments.

I received this book from NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing. I usually love a good western with outlaws and romance. But this one...............
First of all what really stemed me was the whole "wispering forest". It was down right mystical and haunted, for me that should not be a positive part of a book that calls itself Christian. That coupled with the fact that an Indian "witch doctor" was called on by a pastor's wife to pray for an injured man! Not.Cool. I almost stopped reading at that point, but I received this book from Netgalley and I wanted to give it a fair review.
The writing wasn't very deep, I can overlook that.
But the romance was another reason for the one star review.
It was pretty much an insta-love deal, with no growth in the characters, just them wanting to sleep with each other. Again this reads probably like a clean secular book, where the characters go to church on Sunday, rather that a Christian book that edifiys and makes you want to follow God closer. I am fine with the characters facing realistic temptation, but to call it a Christian book, use some care with how you handle romance. I just felt it was driven by just physical want , not a meeting of two hearts.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet Dunn writes realistic stories that bob and weave, so the reader must keep turning pages. Her plots are original and suspenseful. Rose Langtry has returned from the East to find her brother at the end of a hangman's rope for rustling and attempted murder. Rose convinces Morgan LeMaster, the leader and deputized authority of the hanging group, to let the law Frank's fate when Frank Langtry tricks everyone and gets loose.

The rest of the book is the vengeance Frank wreaks on Morgan for attempting to thwart him in his deadly pursuits. Morgan is a prosperous rancher who has put up with Frank, Stevie (Frank and Rose's brother), and the rest of Frank's rustlers for too long. The characters are believable and very complex. Granny, who raised these grandkids when their parents perished, is a person with a solid moral compass. She is the glue that holds them together.

I read this in record time because I couldn't put it down. However, I immediately began on the second book (see below) because it seemed to continue the first book.

Langtry Sisters
**   1. Whispering Pines (2017)
2. Return to Whispering Pines (2018)
 3. Christmas in Whispering Pines (2018)

[Robin Willson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispering Pines, Colorado 1876. A real shoot 'am up Western that takes place after the Civil War. Rose is travelling home from back east when her stagecoach comes upon a group of men, headed up by a man she had feared for years, about to hang her brother. She doesn't realize what kind of person her brother had turned into, and gets him out of the hanging. But that was only the start of her troubles. Nonstop upset for Rose and her sweet grandmother as they try to deal with so many things. Rose begins to see the Ranger in a completely different way. Intricate and interesting mystery that pulls on your heartstrings throughout. Good read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”
#WhisperingPines #ScarlettDunn #NetGalley

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in the Langtry Sisters series, in which we meet youngest sister, Rose, who has returned to her great-grandmother's farm. On her way home, she encounters Morgan LeMaster, a neighbor, who has caught Rose's big brother after he rustles cattle and horses. Morgan intends to hang Frankie, but is loath to do so in front of Rose. Instead, what should have been an uneventful return home for Rose becomes a series of dangerous adventures that pit her against both of her brothers and an attraction she can't seem to fight for Morgan, who never figured he'd marry her.

But he does, only to have to leave her when a fire is started that lures his men and Morgan away from the ranch, giving Frank an opportunity to come after Rose. Although things seem to work out, the question of who is going to stop Frank from more murderous actions remains unanswered, thus leading us to want to read the next in this series.

[Sandra_d · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, engaging start to a new series where the reader is transported to the days when people got around on the back of a horse or by buckboard,the men wore guns in plain sight, and everyone worked hard to survive. The prologue of this book grabbed my attention, and by the end of chapter one I was hooked. There was never a good time to close the cover and put it down, and I stayed up way too late two nights in a row because of it. I love each of Scarlett's books, and this was no exception. She has an incredible way of bringing such detail to a scene that you can almost envision being there watching it unfold. This book has a little bit of everything - high drama, happiness, heartbreak, love, hate, action, adventure, hope, loss, and clean yet satisfying romance. I can't wait for book 2.

I received a copy of this book from the author, but my opinion and review are my own.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

After 5 years Rose Langtry returned to Colorado she was outraged to find that Morgan LeMasters ready to hang her brother for rustling and theft. But when the resulting skirmish leaves her injured Morgans tender care turns her unease to unexpected closeness and admiration. Stopping Frankie Langtry and his gang have been Morgans priority. Yet he cant resist Roses plea for mercy. Rose needs support to keep her family farm from going under and a marriage will provide it. Morgan hardly dares admit even to himself his longing for a deeper truer union. But her brother grudge is bringing back danger and it will take forgiveness courage and a bond built on faith to create a family and future together... Great story line!!!!

[Susan Schild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, I had trouble putting this book down. This tender love story is action packed and suspenseful. Our heroine, Rose, is a sweet, feisty and head over heels in love with Morgan LeMasters, and who wouldn't be? He's a tough and successful rancher, a man of integrity, and a man's man. Granny, Jack, Joseph, the ne'er do well brothers, the various double crossing and deadly outlaws with grudges are all complex and believable characters.

If you enjoy clean historical romances with inspirational elements based on a strong love story, you'll relish Whispering Pines. Can't wait for the next novel in The Langtry Sisters trilogy!

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispering Pines

by Scarlett Dunn

Kensington Books

Zebra
Christian , Romance

Pub Date 25 Jul 2017

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of Whispering Pines through Kensington Books and Netgalley:

This book transports us back to Nineteenth Century Colorado:

As a young girl Rose Langtry feared her gruff but handsome rancher neighbor, but after five years away from Colorado she's utraged to find Morgan Le Masters ready to hang her brother for rustling and theft.

Rose knows her brothers are innocent but Morgan Le Masters refuses. Will Rose Langtry be able to prove her brothers innocence? Will they be able to forgive?

I give Whispering Pines five out of five stars.

Happy Reading!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispering Pines is a dangerous, suspenseful, mysterious, yet as far as being Christian I would really have a problem with saying no. You have the main character saying that that they have a caring heart but they were also scared of the other main character - then in the other situation she fell in love with him - I guess I am saying this book is one big dichotomy of Christianity - non-Christianity. - I guess we all have to learn and grow right? I guess it is up to you to decide on which side of they dichotomy you fall on.... I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher and NetGalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all mine.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her brother is in trouble, the rancher she dislikes is actually not quite as bad as she thought, and her family is in need of a miracle... all this and an uneasy feeling that just might spell love...

Whispering Pines is a beautiful book that teaches forgiveness, the ability to see past outward appearances, and that sometimes what we need is very different that what we want. I found this to be a delightful journey into life on a ranch and the struggles all of us have with trusting God, even when it seems impossible.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Miss Dunn, has written a story that chaptures you on the very first page all the way to the last. You don't want to put the book down and when it ends you are sad that there isn't more to read. With all her books they are a part of a series, so we will see more of the wonderful characters, whom I've fallen in love with. These are the fun types of books to read when you feeling you're watching a movie unfold before your eyes. I so look forward to the next book in this serious. Can't get enough of Miss Dunn and her writing.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Lantry sisters series which takes the reader to old west Colorado where Rose is returning back to run the home place and preserve the family. Enter Morgan who is a neighboring rancher that helps Rose and finds a future. Good book with western setting to settle into reading while in a comfortable chair.

Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Have print copy. Opinions are entirely my own.

[Jane Wildfire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

This is my first book by Scarlett Dunn I've ever read. I enjoyed it so much that I really couldn't put it down. I got caught up with the chemistry of the characters where the good were sweet and charming. The bad were just bad to the bone.Very believable without a lot of foul language and graffic sex. I truly enjoyed this book.

[Jessica Braun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Can't wait to read the next one in the series!! I'm not usually a fan of old western type books but Whispering Pines was a page turner. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes old westerns.

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet book with lots packed into it. Lots of action to follow and characters - good and bad. It definitely sets you up to want to read the other books in the series. I can't wait to get started on the next book.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book with a good plot and characters. I enjoyed the author's writing.

[Cin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty enjoyable read. I like the story line. I would give it a 3.5 stars rating.
I received a free copy from the Goodreads First Reads program. Thank you for the book.

[Donna Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wholesome and spiritual book written with a hint of "Little House".

[Richard David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book 4 stars

I really enjoy books that tell wholesome love stories. This book had a happy ending, too. Thank you for writing it.

[Louisa Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good! I had to find the rest of the series to read!

[rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

This is my first time reading a book from this author. It was a good story overall I look forwards to reading the rest of this series.

[Jan St Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!

Absolutely loved this book and didn't want to put this one down! Scarlett Dunn knocked this out of the park!!!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read book #2 first, then went back to read this one. By book #3, Morgan deserves a crown for his patience!!

[Brianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I don't consider myself a religious person so the aspect of faith throughout the book took me away from the story. However, the characters were well thought out. All in all, a good cowboy story line that was well written.