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Lone Star Cowboy League: Multiple Blessings #2
The Nanny's Temporary Triplets
A Family-to-Be
After fleeing to Little Horn, Texas, when she discovered her fiancé was a con man, Caroline Murray agrees to act as the temporary nanny for her brother's handsome neighbor. Though caring for David McKay's daughter and the orphaned infant triplets he's fostering is just a charitable gesture, she's falling for the children and David. But if there's one lesson Caroline won't forget, it's that her feelings can't be trusted.
With children to care for and a ranch to run, David definitely needs help—though he doesn't want a new wife. But his affection for Caroline runs deeper than mere appreciation of her skills as a nanny. She was only supposed to be a temporary solution, but will Caroline find a permanent place in David's heart?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2017
51 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Marchand
32 books123 followersNoelle Marchand's love of literature began as a child when she would spend hours reading beneath the covers long after she was supposed to be asleep. Over the years, God began prompting her to write. Eventually, those stories became like "fire shut up in her bones" leading her to complete her first novel at fifteen.
Noelle is a Houston-native who graduated from Houston Baptist University in May 2012. She received bachelors degree in Mass Communication with a focus in journalism and Speech Communication.
Noelle is a Houston-native who graduated from Houston Baptist University in May 2012. She received bachelors degree in Mass Communication with a focus in journalism and Speech Communication.
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May 10, 2017
"Wooing?" Alarm tightened her voice. "Is that what you were doing?"
He rubbed his jaw. "If you couldn't tell, I must not have done it right."
This was my first Love Inspired Historical from Harlequin. This is a Harlequin line which sets Christian romance stories in the past.
This one takes place in the Old West: Texas 1896. Our heroine Caroline is devastated when, on her wedding day, she finds out her husband-to-be is a con artist who already has various wives and children. She finds this out by having his other wife, holding a baby, walk through the church door.
Crushed and ashamed, she flees to her brother's ranch in the little town of Little Horn.
Our hero is a widower. His adulterous wife died five years ago while running off with a traveling salesman. I know, this sounds like a joke. A lot in this book sounds like a joke. ANYWAY, he has an eight-year-old tomboy daughter and is also caring for three abandoned 10-month-old triplets. He, the triplets, his daughter, and his 77-year-old mother live in the house. He needs a nanny/wife.
Let's break this down.
1.) Music. Music is so important in this book. Caroline is a singer, although she can't understand why any man would want her when
...the girl with a voice that was pretty, but not nearly strong enough to match her mother's mezzosoprano or to even make it onto the stage.
You know, how your worth as a human being / romantic partner is based on how well you can sing / play an instrument.
The same thing happens with David. Caroline likes him because he is handsome, funny, takes in orphans,... but her eyes really pop out when she discovers he can SING.
"Yep. We're serenading the moon."
"Well, to me, it sounded like y'all were serenading the one who created the moon. How about we continue with that instead?"
Caroline sank to the grass across from him to complete their little circle as he strummed the opening chords of "Amazing Grace." Her eyebrows rose. All right, then. He wasn't a beginner. The ease and confidence with which he played made that abundantly clear. It also made him even more attractive.
Biting her lip, she steeled herself against this. Against him. After all, it was a proven fact that she had a weakness for men who made music.
The fact that all the ranch-hands sing and/or play instruments as well is a huge plus and a huge push in Caroline loving and wanting to stay at David's ranch. Also, David has a piano! Wow, how can she resist a man who owns a piano?!
"I think that can be true for everyone when we find the thing we were meant to do. Especially when it connects us with God. For that song, in that moment, the melody and my voice lift me higher than the things of this world. My cares and troubles melt away. It's just me. The creator. Worship. Praise."
"Power."
"Passion."
Ugh, gag me. *rolls eyes* Music is everything, we get it.
2.) Singing angels. This book veers into Singing Angel territory. This is when a protagonist is a good singer and her singing has magical powers. It can soothe men and children, it can calm people down, it makes the hero cry, it brings people together, it brings people to their knees... (see also Shattered & Scarred).
This book doesn't go TOO far into this territory, but it's enough to annoy me.
The simple melody of "Hush, Little Baby" drifted down the hall. The soprano was bright and warm and pure. Yet its tone was so soft and soothing that he could feel the tension easing from his shoulders.
They both hide and listen to each other sing.
3.) God. Christianity. One of the most interesting things about reading Christian fiction is seeing how Christians and Christianity is portrayed by authors.
The opening Bible quote really captures what I think the author is trying to say in this book.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.
- Philippians 2:13
The only problem with that is that no one has any idea whether their desires in the book are the right thing to do and God-given or just their own personal, mistaken, sinful wants etc. And of course, since God doesn't come down and talk to people, it kind of goes like this: did everything turn out okay? It was God! God helped you make the right decision. Did it turn out badly? Did the decision lead to horrible stuff happening? That's your fault! You made the wrong decision because you are human and stupid. So... Yeah. No wonder Caroline is messed up and doubting herself.
It's not any easier later to find out what 'God is telling her.' She gets a part in an operetta and understandably thinks this is a sign from God telling her to go back to Austin.
"What does God have to say about that?"[Asks David's mom, Ida]
"I'm not sure. I've prayed for direction, but..."She shrugged. "Sometimes God uses circumstances to provide direction, like me getting that role in the operetta."
"True. And sometimes circumstances distract us from what God is truly trying to lead us to do."
Okay, so... wait, what? I find this extremely confusing and so does Caroline. She's so fucked up. Now she's being told the 'clear' signals God is sending her are really 'distractions' from 'God's true plan' which, according to Ida, is that Caroline should marry her son. No ulterior motives there! /s
Caroline was going to marry Nico, right up until the moment his wife and baby walked in the church. Now she finds she can't trust herself or her feelings. If she couldn't spot that Nico was bad and a con-artist, how can she ever trust herself to make romantic decisions again? This is why she resists David so hard. I can't blame her, the poor thing's been through a lot.
"Now what am I supposed to do?"
"That's up to you and God."
Thanks, David! /s That was a great help. /s FFS.
They also don't address the relationship Maggie (the eight-year-old) has with God. She prays to God for stuff to happen and thinks that then it will happen. No. You cannot count on God to grant your wishes or answer your prayers. I wish someone would explain that to the child.
"I want a mommy. I want Miss Caroline. Please, Daddy." Her eyes filled with tears and spilled over. "I've waited and waited and prayed and prayed."
When Caroline and David
"I've prayed and prayed and prayed. I might have doubted a little bit, but deep down I knew God would give me what I asked for."
I enjoy the book better when it talks more about listening to God/your heart/your gut and admits that sometimes we make decisions, and those decisions can turn out to be good ones.
She'd like to say she'd had some sort of divine warning or directive that she would be needed here. Truthfully, she'd come simply because she'd WANTED to be needed here. She wanted to feel as though she was a part of this close-knit community.
The God talk is NOT minimal in here. Occasionally we are confronted with pages of God-text.
4.) The subplot of David's-daughter-is-a-tomboy,-why-doesn't-she-wear-dresses is surprisingly large, and you wouldn't believe how much text is about why Maggie doesn't like dresses (her mom is dead and she's trying to emulate her father) and if Caroline is going to be able to get her excited about wearing dresses, like a girl should be. /s
5.) David is stupid. Slash: David wants to marry Caroline for the wrong / unromantic reasons.
Basically, he wants her as a wife so he has a live-in nanny for Maggie and the triplets.
...David hadn't tried his hand at flirting since Laura had died five years ago. ... Granted, he could use another woman's influence in Maggie's life. Preferably it would be someone who could convince his daughter to stop cutting her hair shorter and shorter anytime she got the notion and someone who could teach her that there was nothing wrong with wearing dresses or acting feminine.
He idly toys with the idea of getting a mail-order bride, basically so she can be his servant.
That was too bad because the idea had real merit - not the least being the woman wouldn't be able to run away as soon as Maggie got into trouble. If she did, she wouldn't take his heart with him.
She'd be his wife so she can't run and is forced to take care of four children. And fuck loving her! He doesn't want to develop feelings for any woman ever again! Here's page 201, so we are pretty far into the book.
David needed a wife. Not to take care of the triplets, though that would be helpful. He needed her for Maggie. That would give his daughter a better chance of having at least one parent around to raise her. Thankfully, he was already courting, albeit secretly, a woman perfect for the task.
A brush with death makes David even more sure he has to marry Caroline. Who would take care of Maggie and the triplets if he died!!?!? Better lock down that wife right now. But I want love. I want romance. Not whatever this is.
On page 225, after hearing Maggie cry to him about wanting Miss Caroline as her mother, he asks,
"Lord, what should I do?"
And then PROCEEDS to write What? What are you doing, you stupid, stupid man?! UGH. Then he just completely forgets about this woman and doesn't mention her to anyone and then is completely surprised when What a fucking moron.
6.) Cutesy wootsy. One reason I dislike romances that have babies is that they are often written like this book, which has pages and pages of Caroline holding 'conversations' with 10-month-olds and detailing extremely cute and long baby scenes, which I find annoying. At one point the author even lovingly details how a puppy and the three babies interact. UGH. PLEASE. NO. I adore babies but I want to read a ROMANCE, not cute babysitting adventures or a baby food commercial.
WHAT I LIKED
- David is a bit joking with Caroline in a gentle way. I like that he makes her laugh and calms her normally rather high-strung personality. The scene where he helps her get over heat stroke is pretty cute, and he's joking and being funny with her so she doesn't freak out.
- He is gentlemanly. There's a ton of examples.
He removed his hat in a gesture of respect, then went down on one knee as though purposefully making himself smaller. His broad shoulders and muscled form could be deemed intimidating. Yet there was no mistaking the gentleness or concern in his drawl.
How about this?
Her cheek landed on his chest, allowing warm tears to spill onto his shirt. He ran his right hand up and down her arm in a calming, predictable pattern while his left hand rested on his knee in full view of her downturned face, making it clear he wasn't panning to take advantage of the situation.
I think Marchand means "planning" here, not "panning," but you get the idea.
Patient men are SO HOT.
"You promise we can take our time?"
"As much time as you need. There's no rush."
Sigh. <3
- She'd never had the ability to hurt anyone. No one had cared enough to give her that much power over their emotions. It was a strange feeling and one she abhorred, to be the cause of someone else's heartbreak. Yesterday, it had taken all her strength not to rush after him and do everything she could to ease his pain even if it meant making promises she shouldn't keep.
Accurate.
- "Do you know that the entire time you've lived in this house you haven't mentioned the name of one single friend waiting for you to return to Austin?"
"I..." Caroline set the knife aside and leaned her hip against the counter. "What does that have to do with anything?"
Ida's voice softened. "Who was the maid of honor at your wedding?"
"I didn't have one." She rushed to explain. "Nico didn't have a best man, either, though. Neither of us felt it was necessary."
Ida nodded. "Is there anyone you're particularly looking forward to seeing when you get back to Austin?"
"My parents."
"Are you close to them?"
"No, I'm not close to my parents." The truth was she hardly saw them even though she lived in their house. That had always been the case, so she was used to it.
"And your former fiancé? Was he your first beau?"
"Yes." He was the first man who'd ever cared about her. Only, he hadn't cared, had he? She frowned. "Why are you asking me all of this?"
"I'm trying to find out if my suspicious about you are true."
"What suspicions are those?" She folded her arms while fighting away the tears trying to blur the edges of her vision. "That no one in my life cares about me?"
"Oh, dear, of course not." Ida reached out to touch Caroline's arm. "My suspicion was only that you are far too used to being alone."
How's the sex, Carmen?
There's no sex. Let's see. There's crying on a man's shoulder, accidentally bumping knees under the table,
Caroline shifted to find room under the table and accidentally bumped David's knees with her own. "Sorry!"
hand-holding (to say grace, of course)
A little surge of heat went through her fingers as they slid across his palm, but he didn't seem to notice, so she determined that she wouldn't either.
There was no ignoring that this was the hand of a rancher used to hard work and long hours in the saddle. It had a strength and roughness to it that made for a much different experience than those few times she'd held Nico's hand. He'd had soft hands with long fingers, perfect for the piano - and for stealing from unsuspecting women, apparently.
Palm and wrist kissing,
He transferred the reins to one hand. Lifting the hand she'd placed on his arm, he kissed her palm. Her lungs froze in her chest only to race back to life as his lips strayed a few inches to her wrist. She tugged her hand free, cradling it with the other one. Her gaze sought his even as he turned away.
Hugging,
She gave a relieved laugh, then instinctively stepped forward to wrap her arms around his shoulders. Belatedly realizing the brazenness of the action, she was about to pull away when his arm looped around her waist. His other hand pressed against the small of her back to ease her even closer. She relaxed in his arms, letting her cheek rest against the solid warmth of his chest.
This is a long hug, it goes on for a page and a half.
Finally, they kiss on page 205.
KISS ONE: While the world was still spinning, he kissed her.
At first it was little more than a natural progression of their previous exuberance. Then they both seemed to realize what was happening, what they were doing. They stepped apart.
Way to be not descriptive at all.
KISS TWO: Yet when she eased closer and their lips met again, it wasn't passion that demanded expression. It was love. Pure, sweet, reverent love. That was what was in his kiss and in her response. How could that be? They'd known each other such a short time and...
They separated to take a breath, but his hands were already at her waist, pulling her closer. Cradling his jaw, she let him deepen the kiss.
Heaven forbid they kiss because of PASSION! *gasp in horror!*
KISS THREE: Then he kissed her with all his heart and soul. She kissed him back.
That was when he knew.
For her, this was a kiss goodbye.
Unwilling to accept it, he moved his hand to the small of her back. He pressed her closer, but the kiss was bittersweet and he couldn't bear it. He let her go.
KISS FOUR: She leaned forward to meet him halfway, then pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
KISS FIVE: Then he kissed her and she couldn't think of a single thing to complain about. She was too busy melting into his arms. That went on for a while, though exactly how long she couldn't say. Finally, he pulled back with a satisfied grin.
KISS SIX: He released her from the kiss, but she lingered to look up at him in wonder.
What?
Anyway, you can see how Marchand goes out of her way to make these kisses UNDESCRIBED. Which means, of course, I am frustrated and unhappy. Well, I'm frustrated and unhappy with any romance that lacks sex, but you could at least include some DESCRIBED kissing for me to enjoy.
Tl;dr - This book is... um. Well, it's not BAD. If you are into Christian romances, you may enjoy this. I thought Marchand's take on God, prayer, and intuition was interesting, if inconclusive.
David, while a moron, was not a bad person and he had a few sweet moments. The most attractive thing about him was how gently he treated Caroline.
As for Caroline herself, she is confused and struggling for most of the book. Falling for a con artist will do that to you. Her friends and family's completely meaningless and vague advice of 'Listen to God!' is not really helpful.
I could do without all the cutesy-wootsy garbage, but I mean, look at the cover. What did I expect? LOL
The music-is-everything, singing-angel stuff got on my nerves, but I'm just not that type of person. David pulls out a guitar and starts playing and Caroline swoons and thinks he's hot. If a man pulls out a guitar and starts playing in front of me, my reaction is going to be a lot more John Belushi. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqpNQ9...) John Belushi = Me, except I wouldn't apologize at the end like he does! LOL
Is the book good? I would give it two stars. Not really my thing. Hopefully this review will help you determine if it is yours.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES
Cowboy/Western Romance
Historical Romance
Inspirational Romance
Virgin Heroine
RIP John Belushi
He rubbed his jaw. "If you couldn't tell, I must not have done it right."
This was my first Love Inspired Historical from Harlequin. This is a Harlequin line which sets Christian romance stories in the past.
This one takes place in the Old West: Texas 1896. Our heroine Caroline is devastated when, on her wedding day, she finds out her husband-to-be is a con artist who already has various wives and children. She finds this out by having his other wife, holding a baby, walk through the church door.
Crushed and ashamed, she flees to her brother's ranch in the little town of Little Horn.
Our hero is a widower. His adulterous wife died five years ago while running off with a traveling salesman. I know, this sounds like a joke. A lot in this book sounds like a joke. ANYWAY, he has an eight-year-old tomboy daughter and is also caring for three abandoned 10-month-old triplets. He, the triplets, his daughter, and his 77-year-old mother live in the house. He needs a nanny/wife.
Let's break this down.
1.) Music. Music is so important in this book. Caroline is a singer, although she can't understand why any man would want her when
...the girl with a voice that was pretty, but not nearly strong enough to match her mother's mezzosoprano or to even make it onto the stage.
You know, how your worth as a human being / romantic partner is based on how well you can sing / play an instrument.
The same thing happens with David. Caroline likes him because he is handsome, funny, takes in orphans,... but her eyes really pop out when she discovers he can SING.
"Yep. We're serenading the moon."
"Well, to me, it sounded like y'all were serenading the one who created the moon. How about we continue with that instead?"
Caroline sank to the grass across from him to complete their little circle as he strummed the opening chords of "Amazing Grace." Her eyebrows rose. All right, then. He wasn't a beginner. The ease and confidence with which he played made that abundantly clear. It also made him even more attractive.
Biting her lip, she steeled herself against this. Against him. After all, it was a proven fact that she had a weakness for men who made music.
The fact that all the ranch-hands sing and/or play instruments as well is a huge plus and a huge push in Caroline loving and wanting to stay at David's ranch. Also, David has a piano! Wow, how can she resist a man who owns a piano?!
"I think that can be true for everyone when we find the thing we were meant to do. Especially when it connects us with God. For that song, in that moment, the melody and my voice lift me higher than the things of this world. My cares and troubles melt away. It's just me. The creator. Worship. Praise."
"Power."
"Passion."
Ugh, gag me. *rolls eyes* Music is everything, we get it.
2.) Singing angels. This book veers into Singing Angel territory. This is when a protagonist is a good singer and her singing has magical powers. It can soothe men and children, it can calm people down, it makes the hero cry, it brings people together, it brings people to their knees... (see also Shattered & Scarred).
This book doesn't go TOO far into this territory, but it's enough to annoy me.
The simple melody of "Hush, Little Baby" drifted down the hall. The soprano was bright and warm and pure. Yet its tone was so soft and soothing that he could feel the tension easing from his shoulders.
They both hide and listen to each other sing.
3.) God. Christianity. One of the most interesting things about reading Christian fiction is seeing how Christians and Christianity is portrayed by authors.
The opening Bible quote really captures what I think the author is trying to say in this book.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.
- Philippians 2:13
The only problem with that is that no one has any idea whether their desires in the book are the right thing to do and God-given or just their own personal, mistaken, sinful wants etc. And of course, since God doesn't come down and talk to people, it kind of goes like this: did everything turn out okay? It was God! God helped you make the right decision. Did it turn out badly? Did the decision lead to horrible stuff happening? That's your fault! You made the wrong decision because you are human and stupid. So... Yeah. No wonder Caroline is messed up and doubting herself.
It's not any easier later to find out what 'God is telling her.' She gets a part in an operetta and understandably thinks this is a sign from God telling her to go back to Austin.
"What does God have to say about that?"[Asks David's mom, Ida]
"I'm not sure. I've prayed for direction, but..."She shrugged. "Sometimes God uses circumstances to provide direction, like me getting that role in the operetta."
"True. And sometimes circumstances distract us from what God is truly trying to lead us to do."
Okay, so... wait, what? I find this extremely confusing and so does Caroline. She's so fucked up. Now she's being told the 'clear' signals God is sending her are really 'distractions' from 'God's true plan' which, according to Ida, is that Caroline should marry her son. No ulterior motives there! /s
Caroline was going to marry Nico, right up until the moment his wife and baby walked in the church. Now she finds she can't trust herself or her feelings. If she couldn't spot that Nico was bad and a con-artist, how can she ever trust herself to make romantic decisions again? This is why she resists David so hard. I can't blame her, the poor thing's been through a lot.
"Now what am I supposed to do?"
"That's up to you and God."
Thanks, David! /s That was a great help. /s FFS.
They also don't address the relationship Maggie (the eight-year-old) has with God. She prays to God for stuff to happen and thinks that then it will happen. No. You cannot count on God to grant your wishes or answer your prayers. I wish someone would explain that to the child.
"I want a mommy. I want Miss Caroline. Please, Daddy." Her eyes filled with tears and spilled over. "I've waited and waited and prayed and prayed."
When Caroline and David
"I've prayed and prayed and prayed. I might have doubted a little bit, but deep down I knew God would give me what I asked for."
I enjoy the book better when it talks more about listening to God/your heart/your gut and admits that sometimes we make decisions, and those decisions can turn out to be good ones.
She'd like to say she'd had some sort of divine warning or directive that she would be needed here. Truthfully, she'd come simply because she'd WANTED to be needed here. She wanted to feel as though she was a part of this close-knit community.
The God talk is NOT minimal in here. Occasionally we are confronted with pages of God-text.
4.) The subplot of David's-daughter-is-a-tomboy,-why-doesn't-she-wear-dresses is surprisingly large, and you wouldn't believe how much text is about why Maggie doesn't like dresses (her mom is dead and she's trying to emulate her father) and if Caroline is going to be able to get her excited about wearing dresses, like a girl should be. /s
5.) David is stupid. Slash: David wants to marry Caroline for the wrong / unromantic reasons.
Basically, he wants her as a wife so he has a live-in nanny for Maggie and the triplets.
...David hadn't tried his hand at flirting since Laura had died five years ago. ... Granted, he could use another woman's influence in Maggie's life. Preferably it would be someone who could convince his daughter to stop cutting her hair shorter and shorter anytime she got the notion and someone who could teach her that there was nothing wrong with wearing dresses or acting feminine.
He idly toys with the idea of getting a mail-order bride, basically so she can be his servant.
That was too bad because the idea had real merit - not the least being the woman wouldn't be able to run away as soon as Maggie got into trouble. If she did, she wouldn't take his heart with him.
She'd be his wife so she can't run and is forced to take care of four children. And fuck loving her! He doesn't want to develop feelings for any woman ever again! Here's page 201, so we are pretty far into the book.
David needed a wife. Not to take care of the triplets, though that would be helpful. He needed her for Maggie. That would give his daughter a better chance of having at least one parent around to raise her. Thankfully, he was already courting, albeit secretly, a woman perfect for the task.
A brush with death makes David even more sure he has to marry Caroline. Who would take care of Maggie and the triplets if he died!!?!? Better lock down that wife right now. But I want love. I want romance. Not whatever this is.
On page 225, after hearing Maggie cry to him about wanting Miss Caroline as her mother, he asks,
"Lord, what should I do?"
And then PROCEEDS to write What? What are you doing, you stupid, stupid man?! UGH. Then he just completely forgets about this woman and doesn't mention her to anyone and then is completely surprised when What a fucking moron.
6.) Cutesy wootsy. One reason I dislike romances that have babies is that they are often written like this book, which has pages and pages of Caroline holding 'conversations' with 10-month-olds and detailing extremely cute and long baby scenes, which I find annoying. At one point the author even lovingly details how a puppy and the three babies interact. UGH. PLEASE. NO. I adore babies but I want to read a ROMANCE, not cute babysitting adventures or a baby food commercial.
WHAT I LIKED
- David is a bit joking with Caroline in a gentle way. I like that he makes her laugh and calms her normally rather high-strung personality. The scene where he helps her get over heat stroke is pretty cute, and he's joking and being funny with her so she doesn't freak out.
- He is gentlemanly. There's a ton of examples.
He removed his hat in a gesture of respect, then went down on one knee as though purposefully making himself smaller. His broad shoulders and muscled form could be deemed intimidating. Yet there was no mistaking the gentleness or concern in his drawl.
How about this?
Her cheek landed on his chest, allowing warm tears to spill onto his shirt. He ran his right hand up and down her arm in a calming, predictable pattern while his left hand rested on his knee in full view of her downturned face, making it clear he wasn't panning to take advantage of the situation.
I think Marchand means "planning" here, not "panning," but you get the idea.
Patient men are SO HOT.
"You promise we can take our time?"
"As much time as you need. There's no rush."
Sigh. <3
- She'd never had the ability to hurt anyone. No one had cared enough to give her that much power over their emotions. It was a strange feeling and one she abhorred, to be the cause of someone else's heartbreak. Yesterday, it had taken all her strength not to rush after him and do everything she could to ease his pain even if it meant making promises she shouldn't keep.
Accurate.
- "Do you know that the entire time you've lived in this house you haven't mentioned the name of one single friend waiting for you to return to Austin?"
"I..." Caroline set the knife aside and leaned her hip against the counter. "What does that have to do with anything?"
Ida's voice softened. "Who was the maid of honor at your wedding?"
"I didn't have one." She rushed to explain. "Nico didn't have a best man, either, though. Neither of us felt it was necessary."
Ida nodded. "Is there anyone you're particularly looking forward to seeing when you get back to Austin?"
"My parents."
"Are you close to them?"
"No, I'm not close to my parents." The truth was she hardly saw them even though she lived in their house. That had always been the case, so she was used to it.
"And your former fiancé? Was he your first beau?"
"Yes." He was the first man who'd ever cared about her. Only, he hadn't cared, had he? She frowned. "Why are you asking me all of this?"
"I'm trying to find out if my suspicious about you are true."
"What suspicions are those?" She folded her arms while fighting away the tears trying to blur the edges of her vision. "That no one in my life cares about me?"
"Oh, dear, of course not." Ida reached out to touch Caroline's arm. "My suspicion was only that you are far too used to being alone."
How's the sex, Carmen?
There's no sex. Let's see. There's crying on a man's shoulder, accidentally bumping knees under the table,
Caroline shifted to find room under the table and accidentally bumped David's knees with her own. "Sorry!"
hand-holding (to say grace, of course)
A little surge of heat went through her fingers as they slid across his palm, but he didn't seem to notice, so she determined that she wouldn't either.
There was no ignoring that this was the hand of a rancher used to hard work and long hours in the saddle. It had a strength and roughness to it that made for a much different experience than those few times she'd held Nico's hand. He'd had soft hands with long fingers, perfect for the piano - and for stealing from unsuspecting women, apparently.
Palm and wrist kissing,
He transferred the reins to one hand. Lifting the hand she'd placed on his arm, he kissed her palm. Her lungs froze in her chest only to race back to life as his lips strayed a few inches to her wrist. She tugged her hand free, cradling it with the other one. Her gaze sought his even as he turned away.
Hugging,
She gave a relieved laugh, then instinctively stepped forward to wrap her arms around his shoulders. Belatedly realizing the brazenness of the action, she was about to pull away when his arm looped around her waist. His other hand pressed against the small of her back to ease her even closer. She relaxed in his arms, letting her cheek rest against the solid warmth of his chest.
This is a long hug, it goes on for a page and a half.
Finally, they kiss on page 205.
KISS ONE: While the world was still spinning, he kissed her.
At first it was little more than a natural progression of their previous exuberance. Then they both seemed to realize what was happening, what they were doing. They stepped apart.
Way to be not descriptive at all.
KISS TWO: Yet when she eased closer and their lips met again, it wasn't passion that demanded expression. It was love. Pure, sweet, reverent love. That was what was in his kiss and in her response. How could that be? They'd known each other such a short time and...
They separated to take a breath, but his hands were already at her waist, pulling her closer. Cradling his jaw, she let him deepen the kiss.
Heaven forbid they kiss because of PASSION! *gasp in horror!*
KISS THREE: Then he kissed her with all his heart and soul. She kissed him back.
That was when he knew.
For her, this was a kiss goodbye.
Unwilling to accept it, he moved his hand to the small of her back. He pressed her closer, but the kiss was bittersweet and he couldn't bear it. He let her go.
KISS FOUR: She leaned forward to meet him halfway, then pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
KISS FIVE: Then he kissed her and she couldn't think of a single thing to complain about. She was too busy melting into his arms. That went on for a while, though exactly how long she couldn't say. Finally, he pulled back with a satisfied grin.
KISS SIX: He released her from the kiss, but she lingered to look up at him in wonder.
What?
Anyway, you can see how Marchand goes out of her way to make these kisses UNDESCRIBED. Which means, of course, I am frustrated and unhappy. Well, I'm frustrated and unhappy with any romance that lacks sex, but you could at least include some DESCRIBED kissing for me to enjoy.
Tl;dr - This book is... um. Well, it's not BAD. If you are into Christian romances, you may enjoy this. I thought Marchand's take on God, prayer, and intuition was interesting, if inconclusive.
David, while a moron, was not a bad person and he had a few sweet moments. The most attractive thing about him was how gently he treated Caroline.
As for Caroline herself, she is confused and struggling for most of the book. Falling for a con artist will do that to you. Her friends and family's completely meaningless and vague advice of 'Listen to God!' is not really helpful.
I could do without all the cutesy-wootsy garbage, but I mean, look at the cover. What did I expect? LOL
The music-is-everything, singing-angel stuff got on my nerves, but I'm just not that type of person. David pulls out a guitar and starts playing and Caroline swoons and thinks he's hot. If a man pulls out a guitar and starts playing in front of me, my reaction is going to be a lot more John Belushi. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqpNQ9...) John Belushi = Me, except I wouldn't apologize at the end like he does! LOL
Is the book good? I would give it two stars. Not really my thing. Hopefully this review will help you determine if it is yours.
ROMANCE CATEGORIES
Cowboy/Western Romance
Historical Romance
Inspirational Romance
Virgin Heroine
RIP John Belushi
April 9, 2020
This is a wonderful historical romance with the continuance of the story of triplets that rancher David McKay’s is fostering currently as part of the Lone Star Cowboy League. The Nanny’s Temporary Triplets is the second book in the series and it can definitely be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this story with the triplets and was not lost with the characters as the author provided enough background from book one for how David became the current foster parents for the three boys. Caroline Murray grew up alone as her parents were consumed with their music careers. She was bombarded by her ex-con fiancé on her wedding day. Going to Little Horn with her brother Matthew and wife Emma connected her to David shortly after her arrival. He was in need of a nanny, so she accepted the position temporarily after an incident with his daughter. She fell in love with the triplets but faced challenges even though she was strong will there were flaws in her life. She found new pleasures caring for the children and enjoyed playing the piano and singing at the ranch. There were unexpected turns that gave way to tense moments when a child disappears and feelings are expressed. Will David and Caroline be able to set aside past hurts to find renew faith and romance with a fresh start?
This was a used book I found at our library used book sale. A review was not required but I have shared my own thoughts.
This was a used book I found at our library used book sale. A review was not required but I have shared my own thoughts.
May 17, 2017
2nd book in this trilogy about the tripletts, different author, but story still awesome. Great book fast read. Love the little mystery going on, thing being left, chores being done. And was left with what happens next.
Read
May 11, 2017received 4 stars @ harlequin.com (as of 5/11/17). To view reviews, go HERE> https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/...
Miniseries: Lone Star Cowboy League: Multiple Blessings
Miniseries: Lone Star Cowboy League: Multiple Blessings
June 18, 2022
This is a part of a series, but it *can* read as a standalone. Also in the series (because you won't find this info on Goodreads):
1. The Rancher's Surprise Triplets (Linda Ford)
2. The Nanny's Temporary Triplets (Noelle Marchand)
3. The Bride's Matchmaking Triplets (Regina Scott)
There may be more. The first book is Bo Stillwater, the second David McCay, the third Brandon Stillwater, but it sounds like there are books for both of David's brothers, and maybe even David's wife's brother. R'something. We don't know.
Caroline was nearly scammed by a musician/gambler after her family money, who played women and ran off on them. His wife blew the whistle just as 'I Dos' were about to be exchanged. Her musician parents are appalled. She's already given up her job at the Music Emporium, too, alas.
David's adulterous wife ran away, with him chasing after her, her horse stepped in a gopher hole, and she broke her neck. He's now a widower with a daughter, a 77-year old (adoptive) mother, a passel of brothers (previous/pending books), and triplets that were abandoned by a dying mother at a local fairgrounds. He needs help.
Enter Caroline, who leaves the city for David's town (where her brother lives) so that she can get away from the scandal. It's pretty convenient for David that she's got nothing better to do than immediately move OUT of her brothers - practically before she moves in - and lives with David, four kids, a granny figure, and various assorted musician ranch hands. They even have a *piano*.
The rest of the book is David saying, "I don't want another wife, I don't trust women... OOOh, Caroline!" and Caroline saying, "I don't trust men, it's too soon for a relationship... I love David sooooo much!!" Fire. "Oooh, Caroline!" "Oooh, David!" Flood. "Oooh, Caroline." "Oooh, David!" Heat exhaustion. "Oooh, Caroline!" "Oooh, David!"
Until David's ooopsie intended (he mail-ordered/cancelled) shows up at the altar (a la musician/gambler's wife) and Caroline flees him on horseback with him chasing her (a la his dead wife)...
... I've liked books better. I've hated books more. There were SERIOUS problems (like, who fixed the fence? Who folded the diapers? WHY IS THIS EVEN A THING?????) that are never resolved. The drama was over-drama-ed, the luvv both overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time - I don't know how that's even possible, honesty.
I'm interested in the other stories, now, because they're written by all different authors, but... Noelle's book just wasn't a keeper, imho.
1. The Rancher's Surprise Triplets (Linda Ford)
2. The Nanny's Temporary Triplets (Noelle Marchand)
3. The Bride's Matchmaking Triplets (Regina Scott)
There may be more. The first book is Bo Stillwater, the second David McCay, the third Brandon Stillwater, but it sounds like there are books for both of David's brothers, and maybe even David's wife's brother. R'something. We don't know.
Caroline was nearly scammed by a musician/gambler after her family money, who played women and ran off on them. His wife blew the whistle just as 'I Dos' were about to be exchanged. Her musician parents are appalled. She's already given up her job at the Music Emporium, too, alas.
David's adulterous wife ran away, with him chasing after her, her horse stepped in a gopher hole, and she broke her neck. He's now a widower with a daughter, a 77-year old (adoptive) mother, a passel of brothers (previous/pending books), and triplets that were abandoned by a dying mother at a local fairgrounds. He needs help.
Enter Caroline, who leaves the city for David's town (where her brother lives) so that she can get away from the scandal. It's pretty convenient for David that she's got nothing better to do than immediately move OUT of her brothers - practically before she moves in - and lives with David, four kids, a granny figure, and various assorted musician ranch hands. They even have a *piano*.
The rest of the book is David saying, "I don't want another wife, I don't trust women... OOOh, Caroline!" and Caroline saying, "I don't trust men, it's too soon for a relationship... I love David sooooo much!!" Fire. "Oooh, Caroline!" "Oooh, David!" Flood. "Oooh, Caroline." "Oooh, David!" Heat exhaustion. "Oooh, Caroline!" "Oooh, David!"
Until David's ooopsie intended (he mail-ordered/cancelled) shows up at the altar (a la musician/gambler's wife) and Caroline flees him on horseback with him chasing her (a la his dead wife)...
... I've liked books better. I've hated books more. There were SERIOUS problems (like, who fixed the fence? Who folded the diapers? WHY IS THIS EVEN A THING?????) that are never resolved. The drama was over-drama-ed, the luvv both overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time - I don't know how that's even possible, honesty.
I'm interested in the other stories, now, because they're written by all different authors, but... Noelle's book just wasn't a keeper, imho.
October 7, 2019
I can’t quite decide if this is a 4.5 star book or a full five stars.... I’m kind of torn.
I was hooked from the moment I began reading the first sentence. I’ve read one other book by Noelle Marchand and she is quickly becoming a favourite of mine. The way she writes makes you feel that your watching a movie play out right in front of you. This book was so action packed, I couldn’t help but read on until I found that I was at the end.
While I LOVED the characters, the writing, and storyline.... I am just not sure how I felt about the ending... Not quite sure what exactly I didn’t like about it, maybe felt a little too pulled together. A lot happened in the last 10 pages and for me things just wrapped up a little too quickly. Not sure, perhaps the more I think on it, the more I’ll be able to figure out why it wasn’t quite a five star read for me.
Although this is part of a series, it read like a standalone.
I was hooked from the moment I began reading the first sentence. I’ve read one other book by Noelle Marchand and she is quickly becoming a favourite of mine. The way she writes makes you feel that your watching a movie play out right in front of you. This book was so action packed, I couldn’t help but read on until I found that I was at the end.
While I LOVED the characters, the writing, and storyline.... I am just not sure how I felt about the ending... Not quite sure what exactly I didn’t like about it, maybe felt a little too pulled together. A lot happened in the last 10 pages and for me things just wrapped up a little too quickly. Not sure, perhaps the more I think on it, the more I’ll be able to figure out why it wasn’t quite a five star read for me.
Although this is part of a series, it read like a standalone.
May 22, 2017
The Nanny's Temporary Triplets by Noelle Marchand is the second book in Lone Star Cowboy League series. This series takes place in Little Horn, Texas the year 1896. The triplets in the first book is now living with David McKay and his daughter and his adopted mother. David and his two brothers were separated when young. Now they are all living in the same town. David does not want the triplets to be separated. David hires Caroline Murry to be the nanny to the triplets and his daughter. Caroline just came to town to visit her brother after finding out her husband to be was only marring her for her money and that he was already married to someone else. There is a bad fire. There is a flood. A mail order bride came to town to marry David. A very good series. As in the first book the triplets have moved on to someone else in the third and last book in the series.
July 13, 2022
Heart-felt and faith-filled. A sweet and charming story.
Part of a series:
Lone Star Cowboy League, Multiple Blessings
1. The Rancher's Surprise Triplets by Linda Ford
2. The Nanny's Temporary Triplets by Noelle Marchand
3. The Bride's Matchmaking Triplets by Regina Scott
Opinions are mine alone. I own a purchased copy of this paperback.
Part of a series:
Lone Star Cowboy League, Multiple Blessings
1. The Rancher's Surprise Triplets by Linda Ford
2. The Nanny's Temporary Triplets by Noelle Marchand
3. The Bride's Matchmaking Triplets by Regina Scott
Opinions are mine alone. I own a purchased copy of this paperback.
June 5, 2017
This was a good reads first read win for me. I enjoyed the book, it was a light hearted read however it also brought the plight of orphaned children to light.
January 18, 2020
Toddler triplets need a home in this historical saga of the old west.
June 19, 2020
Funny, intense and even a few tears. Ms. Marchand writes some of the best stories a person can read. Very happy it ended the way it didn't.
July 5, 2022
Great book!
September 6, 2023
Sweet story of David and Caroline finding happiness and love with daughter Maggie and the triplets Eli, Jasper and levi
June 23, 2017
3.75 stars
After Caroline’s wedding is interrupted – by the angry wife of her husband-to-be – Caroline flees Austin for Little Horn, Texas. Her brother has offered to take her in, for however long she wants to stay. Thinking that it will be a relief to escape the gossip after her disaster of a wedding, Caroline travels to the small ranching community, not expecting to fit in as well and as quickly as she does.
Learning that neighbor David McKay is struggling to take care of his young daughter, as well as the triplets found abandoned at the county fair, Caroline offers to help. David is reluctant to hire the pretty Caroline, but his mother is having a hard time keeping up with the kids, so he offers her a nanny position. Caroline knows that her job is a temporary one, because she has to go back home, but she slowly falls for the McKay clan.
This is a nice, sweet read. Caroline and David have been burned before, and they aren’t looking for further heartache. David’s wife died while running off with her lover, and Caroline fell for a criminal who would have married her, stolen her sizable fortune, and left her ruined. David wants only to provide a stable, loving home for his daughter, and Caroline just wants to keep busy and forget about her embarrassment in Austin.
Caroline’s parents are both gifted musicians, and they were so focused on their careers that they didn’t have any time or energy to devote to Caroline or her brother. One of the reasons she fell so hard for Nico was because of the constant attention he gave to her. He hung on her every word and made her feel important. It didn’t hurt that he was also a gifted musician, and since Caroline’s life revolved around music, Nico seemed like a perfect fit. If only he wasn’t already married and pulling a scam over on her.
The courtship between David and Caroline begins slowly and somewhat reluctantly. They are both afraid to trust their feelings. I found their reservations believable. Caroline wanted to go back to Austin, so she is even more hesitant to get involved with David, knowing that she’s only there temporarily. David has vowed to never fall in love again, though he does want to give his daughter Maggie her biggest wish: a mother.
Both characters battle with themselves, as well as the harsh environment. Drought is threatening the cattle herds and the crops, and when disaster is only moments away, everyone must pitch in to ensure the survival of the ranch and the community.
I was disappointed that both characters couldn’t see the happiness that was right in front of them, and instead had to draw out the HEA. Caroline, after her parents’ meddling, is offered a part in an operetta back in Austin, and David, thinking that Caroline is lost to him, writes to a woman interested in being a mail-order bride. I could read the handwriting on the wall, and I thought that the ensuing miscommunication was more irritating than suspenseful.
Overall, The Nanny’s Temporary Triplets is a heartwarming read. It’s also a fast read, so it’s perfect for a lazy summer afternoon. I was convinced that the HEA would stick, and that the McKay clan would find the happiness that they had been searching for.
Grade: 3.75 stars
After Caroline’s wedding is interrupted – by the angry wife of her husband-to-be – Caroline flees Austin for Little Horn, Texas. Her brother has offered to take her in, for however long she wants to stay. Thinking that it will be a relief to escape the gossip after her disaster of a wedding, Caroline travels to the small ranching community, not expecting to fit in as well and as quickly as she does.
Learning that neighbor David McKay is struggling to take care of his young daughter, as well as the triplets found abandoned at the county fair, Caroline offers to help. David is reluctant to hire the pretty Caroline, but his mother is having a hard time keeping up with the kids, so he offers her a nanny position. Caroline knows that her job is a temporary one, because she has to go back home, but she slowly falls for the McKay clan.
This is a nice, sweet read. Caroline and David have been burned before, and they aren’t looking for further heartache. David’s wife died while running off with her lover, and Caroline fell for a criminal who would have married her, stolen her sizable fortune, and left her ruined. David wants only to provide a stable, loving home for his daughter, and Caroline just wants to keep busy and forget about her embarrassment in Austin.
Caroline’s parents are both gifted musicians, and they were so focused on their careers that they didn’t have any time or energy to devote to Caroline or her brother. One of the reasons she fell so hard for Nico was because of the constant attention he gave to her. He hung on her every word and made her feel important. It didn’t hurt that he was also a gifted musician, and since Caroline’s life revolved around music, Nico seemed like a perfect fit. If only he wasn’t already married and pulling a scam over on her.
The courtship between David and Caroline begins slowly and somewhat reluctantly. They are both afraid to trust their feelings. I found their reservations believable. Caroline wanted to go back to Austin, so she is even more hesitant to get involved with David, knowing that she’s only there temporarily. David has vowed to never fall in love again, though he does want to give his daughter Maggie her biggest wish: a mother.
Both characters battle with themselves, as well as the harsh environment. Drought is threatening the cattle herds and the crops, and when disaster is only moments away, everyone must pitch in to ensure the survival of the ranch and the community.
I was disappointed that both characters couldn’t see the happiness that was right in front of them, and instead had to draw out the HEA. Caroline, after her parents’ meddling, is offered a part in an operetta back in Austin, and David, thinking that Caroline is lost to him, writes to a woman interested in being a mail-order bride. I could read the handwriting on the wall, and I thought that the ensuing miscommunication was more irritating than suspenseful.
Overall, The Nanny’s Temporary Triplets is a heartwarming read. It’s also a fast read, so it’s perfect for a lazy summer afternoon. I was convinced that the HEA would stick, and that the McKay clan would find the happiness that they had been searching for.
Grade: 3.75 stars
May 1, 2017
This is the first book that I have read by this author, and it is a wonderfully, enjoyable and easy read! It’s a wonderful story of forgiveness, overcoming fear, and leaving the past behind, realizing that we can’t change the past, but we need to “learn from our mistakes and move on.” My favorite quote was: “You made the best decision you could at the time with the facts you had. Things didn’t turn out the way you hoped. That doesn’t mean the decision itself was bad. That doesn’t mean you’re to blame for the unexpected outcome…” Leaving the past and learning to trust again are wonderful themes of this heart-warming story! A great read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction! It's a great story of forgiveness and trust!
I won this on a blog and wanted to leave my own free, honest opinion.
I won this on a blog and wanted to leave my own free, honest opinion.
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