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Virginia Historicals #1
An Unlikely Place for Love: The Revised Version
Kate Tanner wasn't having a good day. First, she witnesses her parents' murders. Then she disguises herself as a man and flees to a small North Dakota town to hide out until the killers are caught. It was only supposed to be a simple escape. Only, it was anything but simple. Chad Walker hires her, and she is attracted to him. That's all well and good but he thinks she is a man because of her disguise. Then when her cover is blown, she has to make up a story about a sister who's coming out for a visit. Only, this attracts every bachelor in the area...something she definitely doesn't want. And if that's not bad enough, when she's in her male disguise, she has to fight off the unwanted attention from a local girl...who can't be repulsed no matter what Kate does. Life as a woman has never been so hard.
382 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2008
191 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Ann Nordin
172 books712 followersWhat's to say? I write a lot. I read often. I sleep little. Once in awhile, I've been known to clean the house. A number of kids live in my house and there's this guy they call dad and I call husband. All in all, it's a pretty good life. :-)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 20, 2019
Only second disappointment
This is the second book by Ruth Ann Nordin that I did not enjoy. I will continue to read more by her. This one was just too much. There were lots of individual elements that I liked, but it just did not work. I could not suspend my disbelief enough for this heroine to not only play a male character for an extended period of time around everyone in the entire town but also a third character, another red headed female. Plus, although I enjoyed some of the Christ redeeming elements to the story, I did not understand how Chad could be so unforgiving and hateful of his wife that died a year ago. Come on, forgive her already. She's dead.
This is the second book by Ruth Ann Nordin that I did not enjoy. I will continue to read more by her. This one was just too much. There were lots of individual elements that I liked, but it just did not work. I could not suspend my disbelief enough for this heroine to not only play a male character for an extended period of time around everyone in the entire town but also a third character, another red headed female. Plus, although I enjoyed some of the Christ redeeming elements to the story, I did not understand how Chad could be so unforgiving and hateful of his wife that died a year ago. Come on, forgive her already. She's dead.
January 12, 2013
(Sorry about my english. its not my first language)
The story, the character, everything is too simple. It's just silly.
I gave it 2 stars because it was also easy to read and i did so in one go.
Some examples that let me shake my head:
There are a lot of things that were just too convenient to be plausible.
She suspects her parents were murdered because of 10 acres that her Father and the Senator were arguing over. When she is searching for evidence she finds the mines in just one day. Even if they are meant to be "top secret".
And the ruby and diamond she take from the Senators mines. Were they just lying around?
Her finding the mines wasn't even described. Like it was too insignificant and easy to write about.
No one seems to notice that "Billy" and Kate are never seen together after she starts to be herself too. That would work for a day or if at least one of them was to live in the inn but not if both were expected to be in the same place for days or weeks. And when Chad realized that he never saw Kate and Billy together he thinks that Billy fears that Kate would expose his secret if she were with him in public. What the hell is that? Why should she expose anything if they were out together but not if she was alone?
Also you would think to have a farm is the easiest thing in the world. Paint some sheds, put up a shelf, collect some eggs, feed the animals now and then and milk the cow. And all of that with three farmhands who won't work but get paid so where does the money come from?
And I thought this Bible talk wasn't convincing either. They didn't even go to church. They just talk about beeing religious now and then and Chad let his death wife do whatever she wants to him without doing anything against it. And Chad and Kate don't do more then kiss and dance before they married. Really? They don't even think about more? Come on, it's a romance novel, isn't it? (Sorry, I'm not religious myself. But even if i may find it annoying if it was authentic, here it just rings hollow)
I don't think it was very romantic.
They meet - they fall in love - they are nice to each other - they just know that the other one loves them too - and then he asks her to marry him very casually and she says "Let me clean up and change. I'll be back. Then we can go find the preacher!" And in-between there are some kisses and thats it. Oh wait, the autor puts some jealousy and insecurity before the wedding, very briefly. She wonders if he finds her repulsive because he talks to other woman for five minutes.
Also everyone but Chad was to be after girls to have as much "fun" as possible. But it was always like "Oh, i like you. Lets marry". Just like that. When Chris meet Lacy he isn't interested until he knows she is malicious. Then he kissed her to check if she was as sexually disinterested as her sister and then they were already planing there life after the wedding.
What annoyed me the most was that they are supposed to be 30 and 36 but they act like teens. All of them. All the time.
There were other things that got on my nerves but those are the biggest one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2012
I can read just about anything, but I feel like I am ploughing thru this book with the speed of a turtle & the enjoyment of a toothache:( it does not feel historical 1896. It is a very strange book, a dead woman is being portrayed as a saint in an almost creepy obsessive way by her family. while another woman is trying to pass herself off as man, & I can't believe it as I'm reading it so why would the other characters believe it?
I will finish the book because I always do but I will have to delete it from my ereader when finished because it is not a novel I will read again which is sad because the title & genre really had me convinced I would enjoy it. Well there you go, this proves we can't judge a book by its cover! Then again to each his own, we don't all look at the cover thru the same eyes, so read & judge for yourself!
Second review after finishing novel!
Ok so I do feel bad for the 1 star rating I gave this book while I was still reading it. Sorry:(
After Chad realizes that Kate was also playing the character of her brother Billy, the story actually became better! I moved at afast pace & it was no longer a chore to read! I still did not get the historical feel that I've gotten with other novels of this genre & from the same time period but I am moved to up my rating to a 3 star!
I am now reading the next book in this series & am happy to say I am enjoying it better but once again I am hooked up on not quite feeling the correct time period the writer is trying to portray.
I will finish the book because I always do but I will have to delete it from my ereader when finished because it is not a novel I will read again which is sad because the title & genre really had me convinced I would enjoy it. Well there you go, this proves we can't judge a book by its cover! Then again to each his own, we don't all look at the cover thru the same eyes, so read & judge for yourself!
Second review after finishing novel!
Ok so I do feel bad for the 1 star rating I gave this book while I was still reading it. Sorry:(
After Chad realizes that Kate was also playing the character of her brother Billy, the story actually became better! I moved at afast pace & it was no longer a chore to read! I still did not get the historical feel that I've gotten with other novels of this genre & from the same time period but I am moved to up my rating to a 3 star!
I am now reading the next book in this series & am happy to say I am enjoying it better but once again I am hooked up on not quite feeling the correct time period the writer is trying to portray.
December 9, 2013
This book was not a typical Ruth Ann Norton book. I guess it was to be a Christian fiction book, because when she wanted someone to have a change of heart she just said: "They found Christ!" Who knew Christ was lost and needed found?! I found it a very annoying book for being called a 'historical' novel. This author needs to do her research if she wants to write 'historical' and 'Christian' books. The storyline was so farfetched I couldn't believe it. A lot of silliest going on with a lot of so called disguises. It became very annoying, to say the least.
The one good thing about this book...it was a free download onto my Nook. 2 stars is probably 2 to many, decisions, decisions, is 2 to many or is 1 not enough?
The one good thing about this book...it was a free download onto my Nook. 2 stars is probably 2 to many, decisions, decisions, is 2 to many or is 1 not enough?
January 18, 2009
This was a great, entertaining read. It takes off from the start and keeps going. Ruth Nordin's style of writing draws you in. The storyline is funny, romantic and fast paced. The characters are well written and likeable.
If you're in the mood for a clever plot and a sweet romance, pick up a copy of An Unlikely Place for Love. You won't be dissapointed.
If you're in the mood for a clever plot and a sweet romance, pick up a copy of An Unlikely Place for Love. You won't be dissapointed.
September 13, 2023
Rating: 3.4 / 5
I think that this is ultimately a bit of a weaker Ruth Ann Nordin book, one in which the summary promises...well, a little bit more than it delivers.
I mean, everything that the summary promises will happen does happen, but it just feels...well, less chaotic and hectic than what I expected. Kate manages her disguises really quite well, and although her journey isn't at all smooth from a practical or realistic viewpoint, it feels as though it goes smoothly, for some reason. Also, I was kind of hoping for a bit more chemistry between her and Chad, and didn't quite get that.
That being said, I do acknowledge that maybe I'm not in the best frame of mind for this story just now, and so I will be giving it another chance someday. For now though, I think I will leave it in my so-so bin until another day.
I think that this is ultimately a bit of a weaker Ruth Ann Nordin book, one in which the summary promises...well, a little bit more than it delivers.
I mean, everything that the summary promises will happen does happen, but it just feels...well, less chaotic and hectic than what I expected. Kate manages her disguises really quite well, and although her journey isn't at all smooth from a practical or realistic viewpoint, it feels as though it goes smoothly, for some reason. Also, I was kind of hoping for a bit more chemistry between her and Chad, and didn't quite get that.
That being said, I do acknowledge that maybe I'm not in the best frame of mind for this story just now, and so I will be giving it another chance someday. For now though, I think I will leave it in my so-so bin until another day.
June 16, 2021
Its run of the mill plot where the girl dresses up as a boy to hide from the bad guys. But, its actually very entertaining, and when our hero decides to turn the tables on Kate, its just splendid. It was subtle and very funny. I felt bad for Kate. But, having said that this one needed some serious editing- it just goes downhill and some parts were redundant, could have done awaybwith totally.
Overall, a decent read. 👌
Overall, a decent read. 👌
July 26, 2008
Kate Tanner goes into hiding after she witnesses her parents’ murder. The people responsible for killing Kate’s parents want to silence her. So in order for Kate to survive she comes up with a plan to pass herself off as a man. Kate finds herself on Chad Walker’s farm in North Dakota as Chad’s new farm hand. Kate is now known as Billy Ingram. Kate thinks she has found the perfect place to hide. Chad can’t figure it out but there seems to be something odd about Billy. Ever since Chad’s wife, Georgia passed away he has had nothing but problems with Georgia’s family. Georgia’s brothers like Billy a lot in fact they want to hook Billy up with their other sister Lacy. Kate though has her heart set on Chad instead. As time goes by, Kate is finding it harder and harder to play Billy, especially when Kate’s secret is almost revealed. Plus Kate’s parents’ killers are drawing near. Will Kate be able to defend herself or will she have to tell Chad her secret?
Kate Tanner as Billy Ingram was so much fun to read about. She got to experience what guys really do and talk about when it’s just them. It was funny when Kate as Billy had to find a way to get Lacy uninterested in her. Chad Walker is tall, dark, and handsome. What woman could go wrong wanting to get with Chad? You couldn’t unless you are Kate and you are suppose to be a guy. Boy some ladies have all the rotten luck. When I first discovered Ruth Nordin and her books, I was like this is someone whose books I bet I would enjoy a lot. Well I can tell you I was right! An Unlikely Place for Love: The Disguises of Kate Tanner was so enjoyable. The thing that struck me the most about this book was the cover with those big blue piercing eyes. Ok, so to recap an eye catching book cover as well as a pleasurable read. You can’t go wrong with An Unlikely Place for Love: The Disguises of Kate Tanner by Ruth Nordin.
Kate Tanner as Billy Ingram was so much fun to read about. She got to experience what guys really do and talk about when it’s just them. It was funny when Kate as Billy had to find a way to get Lacy uninterested in her. Chad Walker is tall, dark, and handsome. What woman could go wrong wanting to get with Chad? You couldn’t unless you are Kate and you are suppose to be a guy. Boy some ladies have all the rotten luck. When I first discovered Ruth Nordin and her books, I was like this is someone whose books I bet I would enjoy a lot. Well I can tell you I was right! An Unlikely Place for Love: The Disguises of Kate Tanner was so enjoyable. The thing that struck me the most about this book was the cover with those big blue piercing eyes. Ok, so to recap an eye catching book cover as well as a pleasurable read. You can’t go wrong with An Unlikely Place for Love: The Disguises of Kate Tanner by Ruth Nordin.
January 24, 2009
I haven't read a lot of Christian fiction. That said, I really enjoyed this book. When Kate Tanner witnessed the brutal murder of her parents and realizes the criminals saw her as well, her only option is to run. She gets on a train without looking back and ends up in North Dakota, disquised as a man name Billy Ingram. She finds work on a farm quite a distant from town and that is where her problems really start.
The owner of the farm, Chad Walker, has his hands full with his dead wife's family who don't 'work but expect pay and who don't see the deceased Georgia as anything but a saint, Which she definitely was not.
The trials and friendships created will last forever, but what happens when Kate (aka Billy) falls in love with her boss? Humorous and a good plot besides
The owner of the farm, Chad Walker, has his hands full with his dead wife's family who don't 'work but expect pay and who don't see the deceased Georgia as anything but a saint, Which she definitely was not.
The trials and friendships created will last forever, but what happens when Kate (aka Billy) falls in love with her boss? Humorous and a good plot besides
March 1, 2014
This is the first book in Ms Nordin's Virginia series. A well written Christian romance. The characters are believable and likable. It is funny, romantic, a clever plot twist, and suspenseful with the heroine, Kate, witnessing the murders of her parents in Virginia and running to hide in rural North Dakota. A delightful book, one I'll continue to read many times.
September 28, 2020
This book was incredible. I love Ruth Ann Nordin's ability to pull me into a story and make me feel as though I was there. That I was living through the characters. I love when I can do that in a story. She is by far my top favorite historical romance writer.
Kate is a funny character. She pretends to be a dude to hide from people trying to silence her. While adjusting to pretending to be a guy, she morns her parents. Not knowing where to go or what to do Kate runs as far as she can and then grabs a slot as a hired hand at the widow Chad Walker's ranch.
The two build a friendship until Chad begins to suspect Billy isn't all he claims to be. It's actually hilarious as Kate is trying to jump between Billy and Kate. This books made me laugh, cry, cringe, and sit on the edge of my seat as I read it. I couldn't put it down. I've always loved her books and this is no exception.
Super high recommendation if you're looking for an engaging, hilarious, suspenseful at times, sweet historical read.
Kate is a funny character. She pretends to be a dude to hide from people trying to silence her. While adjusting to pretending to be a guy, she morns her parents. Not knowing where to go or what to do Kate runs as far as she can and then grabs a slot as a hired hand at the widow Chad Walker's ranch.
The two build a friendship until Chad begins to suspect Billy isn't all he claims to be. It's actually hilarious as Kate is trying to jump between Billy and Kate. This books made me laugh, cry, cringe, and sit on the edge of my seat as I read it. I couldn't put it down. I've always loved her books and this is no exception.
Super high recommendation if you're looking for an engaging, hilarious, suspenseful at times, sweet historical read.
July 1, 2019
1.5 stars.
I picked this book because it had one of my favorite things: girl pretending to be a boy. Don't know why, but I enjoy it...in other books.
For a woman hiding as a man to save her own life, she is pretty cavalier with who she divulges her real identity to. Actually, a lot of this wasn't really thought out, nor is it believable. The heroine is kind of too dumb to live at times, and the living situation the hero is in is kind of baffling as well.
Also, this is apparently a Christian romance, which I didn't know and doesn't seem to be advertised as such. It takes a bit for it to surface, but then she's saying things like, "I know you are a good man, because you're a Christian." It's nice to read people being super judgy about others because they aren't religious like them. /sarcasm
Anyway, not worth my effort for a more detailed review, but this felt like a chore to read and I DNFed it about 40% through.
I picked this book because it had one of my favorite things: girl pretending to be a boy. Don't know why, but I enjoy it...in other books.
For a woman hiding as a man to save her own life, she is pretty cavalier with who she divulges her real identity to. Actually, a lot of this wasn't really thought out, nor is it believable. The heroine is kind of too dumb to live at times, and the living situation the hero is in is kind of baffling as well.
Also, this is apparently a Christian romance, which I didn't know and doesn't seem to be advertised as such. It takes a bit for it to surface, but then she's saying things like, "I know you are a good man, because you're a Christian." It's nice to read people being super judgy about others because they aren't religious like them. /sarcasm
Anyway, not worth my effort for a more detailed review, but this felt like a chore to read and I DNFed it about 40% through.
June 27, 2020
Masquerade for Love
Kate Tanner is an eyewitness to her parents murders. She decides to head to North Dakota & hide until the police can catch & prosecute the men responsible for her parents deaths. She finds work as a farmland, Chad struggles to work the farm with his deceased wife's relatives.
Although some of the book was repetitive about Chad's former wife. Chad's feelings, & Kate's thoughts & feelings i really enjoyed the story. Towards the last 3-5 chapters there was a lot of humor in the story. Billy was an awesome supporting character. He needs a story.
Kate Tanner is an eyewitness to her parents murders. She decides to head to North Dakota & hide until the police can catch & prosecute the men responsible for her parents deaths. She finds work as a farmland, Chad struggles to work the farm with his deceased wife's relatives.
Although some of the book was repetitive about Chad's former wife. Chad's feelings, & Kate's thoughts & feelings i really enjoyed the story. Towards the last 3-5 chapters there was a lot of humor in the story. Billy was an awesome supporting character. He needs a story.
November 7, 2025
Save yourself the time. Read something else.
This book didn’t really feel like it was set in the time it was supposed to be. Very confusing.
She spent too long being Billy, before Chad found out, then once she was doing both Billy and Kate it was just too much. Book should have been at least 20 pages shorter.
I hated Georgia and her family. I wish Kate had just be crap to Lacy once her brother had done the same. The whole Lois bit was boring and unneeded.
In general I think Chad finding out her secret 70%+ into the book was jarring. I rolled my eyes many times.
This book didn’t really feel like it was set in the time it was supposed to be. Very confusing.
She spent too long being Billy, before Chad found out, then once she was doing both Billy and Kate it was just too much. Book should have been at least 20 pages shorter.
I hated Georgia and her family. I wish Kate had just be crap to Lacy once her brother had done the same. The whole Lois bit was boring and unneeded.
In general I think Chad finding out her secret 70%+ into the book was jarring. I rolled my eyes many times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2019
Historical accuracy plays no part in this book. It reads as a modern story but with horses and carts. Its Christian Lit side consists of finding Christ, instead of resolving bad decisions in any other way. Plus the writing is so stilted. Everything is explained and reexplained ad nauseum. Not impressed.
September 15, 2019
To be honest, there were a lot of historical inaccuracies that took away my enjoyment from reading the book. I know not everyone has the same issue with that though so it can still be an enjoyable read for someone else. For me, it wasn't really something I enjoyed reading and it took me forever to go through.
December 21, 2022
An Unlikely Place for Love
It went from serious to humorous. So many changes and trying to remember the things you previously said. Some people were determined to get their way regardless to what other said.
It went from serious to humorous. So many changes and trying to remember the things you previously said. Some people were determined to get their way regardless to what other said.
February 14, 2023
Could be better
Chad- widower and owns his latest wife's farm.
Kate- running from those who murdered her parents. Dress like a man became a farm hand.
This story had so much potential. I think I'm just used to her newer writing. There was some gaps, and droned on Georgia way too much. I did find the story humorous and entertaining. I am hoping that the other books In this series are better written. All said Their story has a loving hea.
Chad- widower and owns his latest wife's farm.
Kate- running from those who murdered her parents. Dress like a man became a farm hand.
This story had so much potential. I think I'm just used to her newer writing. There was some gaps, and droned on Georgia way too much. I did find the story humorous and entertaining. I am hoping that the other books In this series are better written. All said Their story has a loving hea.
August 9, 2019
Enjoyed this western romance.
August 27, 2019
It could have been better. I found it very long winded & sometimes overly explanatory.
I felt that some of the things mentioned didn’t fit the timeline that the book was set in.
I felt that some of the things mentioned didn’t fit the timeline that the book was set in.
July 10, 2020
The ending was funny. Leave it to the author to write the Happy-Endings.
January 30, 2021
This was not only filled with humor but also thought provoking scenes here and there that were unexpected for this author to use.
May 31, 2025
definitely not her best work
December 31, 2019
Let me start off with some positive notes: Kate is FUNNY! I can visualize her dressing up and playing the role of "Billy." I can see her hurriedly switching back to her "Kate" clothes or the clothes that she used to play "Billy's wife." I think Ms. Nordin must have had a blast writing this story because I found it truly amusing.
I do like Chad and I admire a man who can just ignore the lazy farmhands and their negative feelings towards him. Chad does want to keep his life Christ-centered. That's just how it should be!
Georgia and Lacy are very manipulative women. They are two peas in a pod. Very selfish. Very foolish. I was thrilled when Chad's arrogant brother (Chris) entered the scene because he was a perfect fit for Lacy. I knew that if Lacy and Chris hooked up, then they would be more likely to leave Chad and Kate alone.
The mention of sex and stuff kinda threw me off. I didn't feel that it fit in with everything else. Yes, the other characters are vulgar at times, but there's something about it that made it feel "off" instead of natural. I can't put my finger on it, but....it's off.
I'm not sure I would want to keep this book. I think if some things were different, I might keep it, but I'm leaning toward "delete."
I do like Chad and I admire a man who can just ignore the lazy farmhands and their negative feelings towards him. Chad does want to keep his life Christ-centered. That's just how it should be!
Georgia and Lacy are very manipulative women. They are two peas in a pod. Very selfish. Very foolish. I was thrilled when Chad's arrogant brother (Chris) entered the scene because he was a perfect fit for Lacy. I knew that if Lacy and Chris hooked up, then they would be more likely to leave Chad and Kate alone.
The mention of sex and stuff kinda threw me off. I didn't feel that it fit in with everything else. Yes, the other characters are vulgar at times, but there's something about it that made it feel "off" instead of natural. I can't put my finger on it, but....it's off.
I'm not sure I would want to keep this book. I think if some things were different, I might keep it, but I'm leaning toward "delete."
October 1, 2011
Book 1: An Unlikely Place for Love
Kate happened to go to her parents home, the wealthy Virginia Senator Murphy Tanner and her mother, Abigail. After witnessing their murder at that time she knew she would need to go into hiding, until the killers were behind bars. She stops to tell her brother what is going on and he helps disguise her as a man. She calls herself Billy Ingram and goes in search of work. Kate ends up on a North Dakota farm and the city girl has to convince Chad Walker that Billy has what it takes to work on his farm.
She checks the papers daily to see the men have been captured and she keeps an eye on her back in case they come after her. The killers are becoming the least of her problems though. Lacy Montgomery is falling for Billy Ingram and Kate is falling for Chad Walker! When she is spotted out of her disguise her life gets even more complicated as she has to become a quick change artist and now she is two people at once. The men are falling head over heels for Kate and the woman like Billy! I actually was getting wore out for the gal just reading about her having to play this game! When the truth is out, will Kate live to find love?
Kate happened to go to her parents home, the wealthy Virginia Senator Murphy Tanner and her mother, Abigail. After witnessing their murder at that time she knew she would need to go into hiding, until the killers were behind bars. She stops to tell her brother what is going on and he helps disguise her as a man. She calls herself Billy Ingram and goes in search of work. Kate ends up on a North Dakota farm and the city girl has to convince Chad Walker that Billy has what it takes to work on his farm.
She checks the papers daily to see the men have been captured and she keeps an eye on her back in case they come after her. The killers are becoming the least of her problems though. Lacy Montgomery is falling for Billy Ingram and Kate is falling for Chad Walker! When she is spotted out of her disguise her life gets even more complicated as she has to become a quick change artist and now she is two people at once. The men are falling head over heels for Kate and the woman like Billy! I actually was getting wore out for the gal just reading about her having to play this game! When the truth is out, will Kate live to find love?
December 11, 2010
I bought this book after buying and reading other stories by Ms. Nordin. While the book was good with some suspense, humor, romance and tears, I was highly annoyed by the constant 'finding god and Christianity' bend. I am re-reading it a second time to make sure I'm not imagining it.
May 15, 2011
This was an interesting twist.. The plot & storyline were unusual there were some minor details that needed addressed like travel was never that short at least from what in read..it took week to get from ... Ok read
June 16, 2016
Kate is running for her life and Chad is hiding from his. After disguising herself as "Billy" and hiring on at Chad's ranch, Kate may have finally met the man of her dreams but how will she ever let Chad know when all he sees is "Billy". Lots of old fashioned fun in this great book.
April 20, 2013
After witnessing a horrible crime, Kate ends up as Billy and a farmhand for a small town Dakota rancher. Throw in a manipulating late wife and crazy in-laws and you have a complicated set of events that lead to a happy ending.
Read
September 22, 2017A VERY GOOD STORY
A good story with a lot of twists and turns
Good for the woman who was always dressed down
for the problems that would have been fatal if she opposed them
A good story. LCR
A good story with a lot of twists and turns
Good for the woman who was always dressed down
for the problems that would have been fatal if she opposed them
A good story. LCR
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews