Easter in Dry Creek

by Janet Tronstad

New York Times–Bestselling All he wants is to restore his good name—and reclaim a cowgirl’s heart . . .Clay West is back in his small Montana town with amends to make and minds to change. The cowboy has spent four years in jail for a crime he did not commit, and he’s determined to restore his good name. The former bad boy’s first priority is convincing childhood friend Allie Nelson of his innocence.But she—more than anyone—has suffered in his absence. Allie can’t admit how much she’s missed Clay—and she can’t betray her family by putting her trust in him. She vows to forget her schoolgirl crush. But Clay will settle for nothing less than her forgiveness—and her whole heart.

Genres: Love Inspired, Contemporary Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, Holiday, Fiction, Romance

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2017

About the author

Janet grew up in the wide open spaces of rural Montana and now lives in the urban spaces of Pasadena, California. She's used both of these locations in her books. Her Dry Creek, Montana series numbers over twenty novels now and her Pasadena books, The Sisterhood of the Dropped Stitches, number four.

Reviews

[Paula-O]

Easter in Dry Creek by Janet Trondtad

The cowboy has spent four years in jail for a crime he did not commit, and he's determined to restore his good name. He comes into town late at night slowly letting the memories of his time soak into his soul.
He thinks of Allie Nelson and wants she more then anyone to know he was innocent and to believe him. He does not know she had such a schoolgirl crush on him but vows to let it go and to forget her dreams.
Can Clay ignore those that would hurt him and not believe him when he says he did not do it. the one that can help him is in a coma in a nursing home, come and read the story and decide if you will believe in his innocence and give him a chance to start anew.

[Teri-K]

This was an excellent Easter story - lighter on the romance than usual, with a strong story of redemption, friendship and forgiveness that I thought was realistically done. Clay was a foster child in the small town of Dry Creek, and one night while doing some underage drinking he and his best friend Mark held up a gas station. Mark ended up in a coma and Clay served four years in prison. When he comes back to Dry Creek, proclaiming his innocence, his shakes up Allie's world, as her brother Mark has been in the hospital all this time and Allie has been blaming Clay.

I thought the author did a good job not making everything too easy. It's hard to change your mind about someone, it's hard to forgive. And Clay had some growing of his own to do, figuring why it mattered so much that folks would know he didn't lie at his trial, and whether he could live with it if they never believed him.

I liked the treatment of Easter here, it was a real part of the story, and having grown up in a very small rural town, I thought their traditions sounded right. All I all I enjoyed this lovely little book, though I've not read any others in the series.

This would have been a 5 star book for me except I had problems with a couple small parts of the story - First that they didn't tell Mark's son who his father was. How did they think the boy would cope when he finally found out? I'm not a fan of lying to children about important things that effect their lives. Also, I can't believe that any foster agency would have let them put Clay in the bunkhouse with the hired hands. No way! Also, not all of the threads of the story are tied up in this book. Though Clay and Allie's story gets its ending, there are some major questions left about Mark. I know that the length of these books means the author couldn't tell the entire story here, but I did feel I was left dangling more than I liked. Still, I'd recommend this to anyone who likes clean stories, especially Christians looking for some sweetly uplifting but realistic reading.

[Sheila]

Great Easter story about forgiveness and truth.

[Valri Western]

I've been waiting to visit Dry Creek again! Oh how I've missed it! How hard it would be to be convicted of a crime that you didn't commit, especially if it involved a friend. This is what happened to Clay West. He was accused of armed robbery 4 years ago and sent to prison but he didn't do it, although he was there. Because he was with his friend, who was the one who really did it but was injured badly and is in a nursing home, the law arrested him and sent him to prison. But, he got an early parole to work at the Nelson Ranch where he was before the crime and help them out. There are some in Dry Creek who wont give him a chance and that's hard. Very true to life though - people don't want to give you a chance to say you didn't do it and even try to listen to you! Allie is the daughter of the Nelson ranch owner. She was half in love with Clay when he lived at the ranch before the crime but now she doesn't know if she believes Clay DIDN'T commit the crime. She's angry is back at the ranch. It's her BROTHER that is lying in that nursing home. There is a lot to work through. This story is all about redemption, second chances and looking inside yourself to decide if you would believe someone declaring their innocence!
I recommend it!

[Barbara]

It has been way to long since I have been able to visit Dry Creek, and I missed it. Clay has had a hard life, and he's been blamed for things he did not do. Now he's finding it is hard to start over again. Allie is struggling with who, and what, to believe. Her brother was hurt in a robbery, but was he innocent or not? Watching Clay and Allie grow in different ways in their journey of faith was delightful. I am hoping this story line continues with Mark and Hannah's story. What happens to them is important to me after reading this book. What a fun book to read around Easter, as some of the Easter traditions in Dry Creek are unusual and interesting.

[Melissa]

It's so good to be back home in Dry Creek Again! And what better time than Easter? Clay West comes home to Dry Creek after serving time in jail for a crime he didn't commit. He has never stopped proclaiming his innocence and he isn't about to anytime soon. Now if only he could convince his childhood friend Allie Nelson.

This was such a beautiful Easter love story. I loved Clay's redemption and Allie's forgiveness. There is a lot of healing that needs to be done with these characters and the rest of the Nelson family. I loved how the Easter story was woven throughout. Not a lot of books take place during Easter and this one was made even better because it takes place in the small ranching town Dry Creek, Montana. Every visit into this small town makes me wish it was a real place that I could settle down and plant some roots. The town is as much a character in the story as Clay or Allie. You won't be disappointed in your brief stay there.

I will admit I teared up throughout the story and it made me want to reread the book of Luke. Not a bad thing at all. It's always a good thing to want to read your Bible. =)

And the best part of the book? It has an epilogue. My friends and I always say how we wish that books have a proper ending. A proper ending being an epilogue. I appreciate that Janet Tronstad included one in this book. It was the best ending of all. I hope more authors take note and include them in their books too.

I hope you give this book a read. I think you will find that you love Easter in Dry Creek as much I did. I hope to read many many more stories about this wonderful small Montana town.

[Laurie B]

2.5 stars

This is not my typical genre, so take my rating with that in mind. I picked it up because I needed a book with an Easter celebration in it for one of my Goodreads group challenges, and it was enjoyable enough for that purpose. However, I had some issues with the writing. My biggest issue was that Allie's character was not consistent from chapter to chapter. I think maybe the point was to show that she was conflicted, but it didn't read that way to me. It just felt like the author was writing from two different drafts or something. So Allie's hot and cold treatment of Clay really annoyed me. I also thought the ending was really rushed and came across a little corny as a result. One of the loose threads was even kind of depressing, considering this is supposed to be an uplifting story. I'm glad it was a short read, but I feel like the earlier parts of the book dragged on too long, when there could have been more time and focus spent on the resolution. Not bad, but kind of forgettable.

[Marikate Costello]

The plot(s) of this book is/are actually really intriguing. However, I feel like overall, all the different plots could’ve been written about in a more captivating manner. It’s like the whole time you’re reading, you’re waiting for something big to finally happen, but nothing big ever does, even though there’s potential for the book to really take off. Also, the ending of this book really fell flat for me. It felt like the author ended the book abruptly and thew a bunch of needed details to be able to end the book into the last chapter. Don’t get me wrong, this is a good book, I just feel like it could’ve been written way better. I will say that this book is apart of a series, so perhaps there are more details in those stories. But rating this book alone, I just wish it had a little more of a punch to it.

[Janice Sisemore]

Easter in Dry Creek

I love visiting Dry Creek, of course, my favorite character has always been Mrs. Hargrove and it wouldn't be a Dry Creek book without her in it. Clay West comes back to town after going to jail for something he did not do. Will he be able to prove it? Set at Easter time, love the comparison on how Jesus was wrongly convicted too. I was given an complementary copy of the book. Loved it.

[Bonnie]

Easter In Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad. Four years ago Clay West was sent to prison for something he didn't do. No one would believe him. When Clay moved to Dry Creek years ago the Nelson family took him in. Mark Nelson was the one who shot the gas station sales person. Mark is in a coma. Marks dad contacted the prison to get Clay out of prison and work at his ranch which is run down and has no animals right now. Allie Nelson the daughter hates Clay for blaming Mark for shooting the gas station sales person. Allie believes Mark wouldn't do something like that. That Clay had to do it. Clay told her he does not lie and wants her to believe him but she can't. Clay works at the ranch. The father buys four horses to get the ranch started again. He ends up also getting a goat, chickens, a rooster and a mini pig. It is a cute story. A faith and believing story. A very good book.

[Janet Marie Dowell]

Janet never disappoints. The book is awesome. It's always fun to travel to Dry Creek and visit with old friends.

Clay West broke Allie Nelson's heart years ago because of a misunderstanding. Clay leaves and comes back to town in hopes Allie has forgiven him. Misunderstandings can cause major problems in relationships if not dealt with quickly. Sometimes relationships are never restored due to misunderstandings......... this is why communication is important.

Mark Nelson is hospitalized because of a lapse of judgment. Clay feels responsible for what happened to Mark because he was there. Sometimes we blame ourselves for things that are out of our control. Only God can release us of that blame.

To find out if Allie forgives Clay, and what Mark's lapse of judgment is, and if Clay ever forgives himself. You have to read the book. Happy Reading!

[Amy]

Good thing we have stay at home orders in MN so I can immediately get into a much better read. This is the kind of book that makes me lose reading momentum. Super boring! Here are some of the action points:
-new animals get delivered to a ranch
-they eat breakfast
-they clean out an old cabin
-they go to the hardware store and buy hats
-they go to church and one of the nice church ladies makes lunch
-they look at drawings
-somebody kills the Easter daffodils

Zzzzzzzzz.

Any interesting tidbits, like a man waking from a 4 year coma and finding out he has a son, or financial troubles of the ranch, are shoved aside so you can read another boring book.

Garage sale pile!

[Betty Strohecker]

This is a heartwarming story of a small Montana community riveted by a robbery, a shooting, and the wrong person convicted and sent to prison. When Clay West is paroled back to this community to make reparations, he must convince people that he didn't commit the crime as he tries to reclaim his life. The one person who knows the truth has been in a coma for the past four years. Relationships are tested along this path of acceptance, forgiveness, and redemption. Characters are well written and sympathetic as well as the town of Dry Creek.

[Kathy]

It was a pleasure to visit Dry Creek again. Author Janet Tronstad skillfully crafted a novel in which the characters were honest, believable, and struggling. The book was paced just right, and kept my interest throughout. The Dry Creek series is one in which you can enjoy each as a stand-alone. I thoroughly enjoyed this book although I did not read it during the Easter season.

I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.

[Crissy]

Coming home to try and make things right after getting early parole from jail, finding out that his best friend is not dead but has no memory of the night that changed all their lives. He works with the family hoping to win back the trust they once had for a drifter.

[Joy Melville]

I think I've gotten every single one of Janet Tronstadt's Dry Creek books.

I tried to figure out how the hero fit the other story-characters - took me a little bit.

Janet did NOT disappoint!
ANOTHER WINNER for me!

[Susan Brenning]

Down to earth and real.

I love Ms. Tronstad’s characters. They are humble and proud in a down to earth mixture. She makes a simple life feel large, a humble house a home. I always feel an urgency for the heroes to find justice and redemption. Once again, she hit the mark.

[Phylisha Stone]

A good book in the series. Not as strong as some of the earlier books, but good.

[Ranie]

This is one of the sweetest book I ever read....truly uplifting and positive!

[Taylor]

Very cute! A classic heartfelt romance with a happy ending.

[Barbara Raymond]

I loved this book. All the characters were wonderful. The story line was awesome. I definitely recommend this book.

[Mary]

I got to go back to Dry Creek! And in time for Easter. It was on the coattails of Clay West and Allie Nelson almost fell over when she not only saw him, but found out that her own father had hired him to work for them and help salvage the old ranch. Clay left with most of the town people believing that he committed a crime that he didn't commit. While he spent four years in jail, he dreamed of being able to convince those people (and Allie) of his innocence. Another wounded young man, he wanted to rise above and be respected. Allie's Dad knew something she didn't know about the accident which laid up her brother. Allie wanted to believe the best of Clay as he was her first love and she had missed him. But fear overtook her along with anger for her brother's time in a nursing home. God is still working in this situation and forgiveness needs to be embraced by quite a few people involved in this story. Will Dry Creek Church and the town people blossom along with the blooming of daffodils this year? You better read and find out! A great story in Montana by Janet Tronstad.

This book was given to me by JT. All opinions are my own. Mary Ann Young Robinson, Boise, ID

[Elaine.]

I loved the story and the characters. I loved how God changed the lives of these people. I wonder if there is going to be a follow up story with a secondary character, Mark.

[C.M.]

This was a good book. Both plot and characters were solid. I just wish there had been a bit more to the ending.I felt that it could have been a bit longer than it was. There were a few things I would have liked to have seen happen that didn't. Especially involving Allie's brother.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Dry Creek

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Dry Creek

[Becky Lee]

So glad to be back in Dry Creek. I've missed the small Montana town. Loved the story. Read it in just a few hours. Can't wait for more stories.

[Judy]

Easter in Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad
Dry Creek Series
Clay West is returning to Dry Creek and the Nelson ranch after four years away. Many men in prison claim their innocence, but Clay truly was one of those falsely accused. But Allie would never accept that he was the innocent one—and what he wouldn't do to have her believe him.

Allie Nelson's life had turned inside-out four years ago. The man she had a crush on had fooled them all and ruined their lives. Her family would never be the same. And now, Clay West has the nerve to show up their doorstep. And yet, part of her still misses having him around. What a traitor her heart is.

I loved this. I've always enjoyed all the Dry Creek stories, but I really enjoyed this one. Some really great secondary characters that I hope will get their stories told. The attitudes of the town's people came to life in how they treated Clay. How easy it is to assume a man guilty and not give second chances.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Melinda M]

Easter in Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad is part of the Dry Creek Series.. It takes you back to the small town of Dry Creek with its ranches. It involves forgiveness, redemption and relationships dealing with a foster teenager who has paid for something he did not do. It covers the Easter message well. It is well written and keeps your attention. It took a while before I understand what the reason for things with Clay were but it makes a great read. The characters are like having your friends talk to you. It is set mainly at The Nelson ranch where things have changes over the last four years and there is another story waiting to be told beyond Allie Nelson and Clay West. Hoping that Allie's brother Mark gets his own story. A great addition to the Dry Creek Series.

I received a copy thru an authors giveaway.

[Cassy]

2.5 stars