A Convenient Risk

A Convenient Risk #1

by Sara R. Turnquist

He never imagined her heart would be so hard to reach.Forced into a marriage of convenience after her husband dies, Amanda Haynes is determined she will never love again. Not that it bothers Brandon Miller. He needs her husband’s cattle. She needs financial stability and long-term support for her son and herself. But she never expected to care so much about the running of the ranch. Butting heads over the decisions of the ranch, adding to her frustration and grief at her loss. Her wellbeing is soon threatened as their lives become entangled with Billy the Kid and his gang.What has she gotten herself into? What kind of man has she married? Is there any way out?Suggested Reading OrderA Convenient RiskAn Inconvenient ChristmasA Less Convenient PathA Convenient EscapeAn Inconvenient AcquaintanceThese Golden YearsA Less Convenient Arrangement

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance, Western Romance, Fiction

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2017

About the author

I’m a coffee lovin’, word slinging, clean Historical Romance author whose super power is converting caffeine into novels. I love those odd tidbits of history that are stranger than fiction. That’s what inspires me. Well, that and a good love story.

Visit https://saraturnquist.com/leaving-wav... and sign up for a FREE book!

Reviews

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first audible I have listened to by Sara and Becky. The story was mired deep in the characters and emotions that pulled me in from the first, not knowing how all would turn out or what truly drove them. With the writing of Sara and the narration of Becky I enjoyed every word and cannot wait to hear more!

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

She cried. Repeat.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this marriage of convenience story. The author did an excellent job of creating two characters who really had the best intentions, yet misunderstandings came between them as they struggled with doubt, worry, and a lack of communication.

Amanda definitely carried a lot of baggage from her childhood and even from her first marriage. She was not a believer for most of the story and she felt like she was usually viewed as a burden by those who were supposed to love her.

Brandon made some mistakes early on in the way he reacted to a few things with Amanda and that definitely created tension. I appreciated that he was willing to apologize and to try to make things right and that he worked to improve communication between them. I loved the way his heart began to open to Amanda, even as she struggled to open her heart to him. I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Bhriv · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Convenient Risk, written by Sara R. Turnquist, is the first book I've read by this author.

I love Christian Historical Romance so I wasn't surprised that I enjoyed this book! Turnquist did a great job and developing the characters. She took us on a trip to a ranch...and the good, the bad, and the ugly of life back then. Amanda finds herself a widow, with nowhere to go, with a child and not wanting to return to the home in which she grew up in. Brandon Miller is a rancher in the area and he also has his own needs...can Amanda and Brandon connect, can they help each other find a way to keep going...with the ranches, family...with God?

A clean read which would be suitable for teens on up. Encouraging for those who like inspirational historicals. Not over done in the romance department. Easy, enjoyable read! I look forward to reading other books by Turnquist!

I was given a copy of this book by the author. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Becky Dempsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I found this book to be well written and easy to read. I did want to shake the characters at times to make them wake up to what was going on. I did like Brandon better than Amanda. She just was a little annoying to me with her constant degrading of herself for no reason. There were twists I didn't expect that kept things interesting. There is off screen intimacy. You don't see it, but you know that they are being husband and wife. I liked the historical inclusion of "Kid Antrim" which set the story as being in 1877, even though it didn't say. This also leads to my complaint about the book which is that Brandon was 'perusing the shelves" of the general store which would not have been possible since that wasn't an option until 1916. Also, his picking up a can of infant food is also doubtful. While commercial formula existed, most mothers, if they didn't breastfeed, used a home made concoction to feed their babies most often and it doesn't seem like a small town would have carried it. It might not be a big deal for most people, but it grates on me when this occurs. I liked the ending of the story.


I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

[Avie K :): · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. This book was the worst romance I’ve ever read. One of the worst books I’ve read recently, actually. Maybe ever. It was sooo predictable, the characters were weak, and their flaws seemed too forced. The author did a ton of telling and rarely any showing. And I literally called the entire fricking plot after the first chapter. Let me sum it up for you:

Wife is married to husband who doesn’t treat her well.
Bad husband dies tragically.
Oh yeah she has a son.
She is a woman who can’t support herself so she has no other choice but to marry this hot rancher a week after the funeral. Tragic.
Surprise surprise, they start falling in love. Whaaaat?
Wife feels guilty bc she feels disloyal to the bad husband.
Also the hot husband has major pride and anger issues that literally served no purpose but to create unnecessary drama.
They start living up to their marriage vows. (Thank goodness this was closed-door, but her love scenes were so cringe!)
Son feels betrayed. Again, how tragic.
Son runs away.
Wife feels guilty again.
Son gets hurt.
Hot man helps but also starts feeing jealous of men the wife talks to. Zero trust.
They outwit the mean outlaw guy and the kid starts calling the hot husband Pa. Aw.
Haha and—major plot twist—WIFE GETS PREGNANT.

Yep so they were all idiots except for Uncle Owen. He was cool, but I was expecting him to die any second bc they made him sound ancient. Yet he lives. Yay.

THIS. WAS. SO. PREDICTABLE. And the romance felt very forced as if the author had already decided they would end up together before she began the book (obviously!). You could hear Mrs. Author speaking the cheesy phrases—the wife and husband never got any realistic lines.

Lastly, the religious content was as weak as coffee that’s been brewed with the same grounds 17 times. I appreciate the effort, but it could have been much better.

Anyway, she tried. Better luck next time?
Back to Harry Potter for me!!

[Jennifer Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Convenient Risk is a sweet marriage of convenience story.

Marriage of convenience is my favorite trope, and A Convenient Risk did not let me down!

Amanda knows she can’t provide for her son on her own, so when Brandon proposes a marriage of convenience, she accepts. Turnquist does a great job of exploring their relationship, including the awkward stage as they both try to get used to their new arrangement.

I enjoyed seeing the effort they both had to put in. Turnquist offers a realistic view of the work each person has to do to make a marriage work. And Turnquist doesn’t skimp on the drama. While there are sweet moments, there are also fiery moments of hurt pride and frustrated anger.

What I most enjoyed, though, was seeing how they began to appreciate what the other brought to the relationship. These powerful characters carried the story and made watching them navigate the twists and turns of the plot a worthwhile experience. I found myself actually sad when the story was over. Thankfully, because this is the first book in a series, I know I can visit these characters again.

Overall, A Convenient Risk is an engaging story fans of the marriage of convenience trope will love.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Arksongbird · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was bland to say the least. Also, the “heroine” and I use that term lightly - CRIED almost the entire book. It’s exhausting.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christian Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres to read. Sara R. Turnquist is a new to me author and I recently read her latest book A Convenient Risk. This book is Book 1 in her new series A Convenient Risk.

Amanda Haynes is a new widow, with a young son. She has vowed to never fall in love again. Brandon Miller is a local rancher who is interested in the Cattle in Amanda's care. The pair marry out of Convenience, as Amanda sees Financial stability with marrying Brandon as he tends to the Ranch and Cattle. Amanda moves to Brandon's ranch with her young son. Brandon and Amanda are butting heads in regards to the Ranch and Cattle. Brandon has to spring into action and protect Amanda and her son when they are in dangers way of Billy the Kid. Slowly, Amanda finds herself like the Ranch life and genuinely falling for Brandon. Will Brandon protect Amanda to the fullest? Will Brandon and Amanda grow out of the Convenience Marriage and have a genuine relationship?

A Page Turner book from the very beginning! I LOVE Marriage of Convenience books and this one was a little different and absolutely wonderful. The fact that this was set in Historical Times and on a Cattle Ranch is what intrigued me the most about this book. Amanda and Brandon have feisty personalities and clash at times in their marriage, but I LOVE how Brandon knows he has to protect her and her son. The book was lacking Faith and God. I thought it would be more prevalent in this book, but it was briefly mentioned. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Clean Romance book and Historical Fiction. GREAT BOOK!

[Alicia Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea was good, and the characters started strong. But while I did enjoy it overall, there were some aspects that bothered me and increasingly so as the book progressed.

In the beginning, I appreciated Brandon's character. He was straightforward, manly, and ignorant of the differences between how men and women think/feel. It made him relatable and it created the right tension. But that changed quickly, and now with each interaction, his EQ skyrockets and he adeptly perceives the various deep-seated emotions that must be triggering in Amanda. True, he is not always correct in his estimation, and he still makes mistakes. But he acted more like a man who has been studying and learning his wife for over 20 years rather than a bachelor only a few months into an arranged marriage with a stranger. It was just too unrealistic for me.

Also, (and this may be too technical for some) the number of NDQ's (non-dialogue questions) started to steal all the attention from the characters. A handful of the right NDQ's can create a rich poignancy. Too many weak NDQ's though, leaves you feeling like the characters are full of doubt, constantly second-guessing, which I found exhausting as a reader. And it weakens them as characters.

I am surprised by the reviews that say they expected more of the Christian faith to be interwoven. I felt it had quite a significant amount of mentions about God, prayer, faith, and other aspects. Amanda even surrenders her life back to God in the end. But I suppose that is personal preference. Suffice it to say, this book is unashamedly Christian.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a journey where two people learn to work together to make a marriage of convenience work. It was interesting that Amanda took Brandon up on his offer so quickly. Her need for security and his need to save his ranch brings them together in this adventure. There were times at the beginning where I didn’t like Brandon. He was abrupt and focused only on his cattle. His harsh words at Amanda didn’t help their relationship.

Amanda isn’t much better at treating Brandon with respect. She has a feisty side to her and wants to help out but I think she goes at it the wrong way. I did have to laugh at their bickering and how it always ended with bruised egos. They have a lot of learning to do about each other. I did enjoy how the author showed us through these two characters how trust and communication is important in a marriage.

I liked reading how both characters start to become more comfortable with each other and slowly begin to have feelings for each other. There is a little danger in the story which makes for a great western theme with bad guys that are up to no good. I liked that it is a clean story with a thread of faith weaving throughout. The author gives us a glimpse into Amanda’s life before Brandon entered the picture. This helped me understand her insecurity and hesitance to give her heart to someone. If you are looking for a story that is not only about relationships but also focuses on trust then this is the story for you.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Parhelion · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book surprised me. Romances are not my thing (really? You sure read a lot of 'em, Parhelion...) and western romances even more so.

And when I started reading this, I suspected it was going to be a real slog. The writing style did not capture me. It was too much in the characters' heads, too much them questioning and analysing and internally telling their feelings, while not enough description and action on the page. In that sense, it wasn't well written. And I would have abandoned it because I already don't love the genre and the writing style was hurting my eyeballs. But I was desperate for something to read, so I kept going. And it got better.

The book tackled some interesting things. A woman hastily remarries after her husband dies (maybe her reason for remarrying should have been amped up a bit... and the bloke's reason for marrying her also), and then she is hit hard by the guilt of it, of starting to develop feelings for this other man, of moving on from her husband, all while she is grieving the loss and change that happened only weeks before. Some reviewers have commented she cried too much. The crying makes sense. I don't think ghe crying itself detracts from the book given what the character is going through, but I do think if we were less in her head about it, having it spelt out for us, then it wouldn't have been so painful to read.

Really paring back on character internal monologues, strengthening the description, and making the stakes clearer at the start (or at least the sense of desperation the characters feel that would force them into marrying so soon while not knowing each other) would make this a better read.

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amanda's father wanted a son, and made her feel that she was useless, and in the way, a true burden. They were dirt poor. When Amanda was grown, she decided to escape the squalor and became a mail order bride. Jed, a rancher in Arizona, answered her ad, and they married, for convenience sake. He was at times a brutal man, and didn't show any emotion other than anger. He treated her like a ranch hand with the bonus of having her in his bed. They had one child, a boy, Samuel, a sweet boy that loves his mother very much. Jed gets very sick and dies. The ranch was already not doing well, and Amanda cannot run it by herself. As she is grieving, a man approaches her - Brandon, another rancher who is needing cattle badly to keep his own ranch going. He promises to care for her and her son, and all he wants is the cattle. She may have a room of her own and he will not bother her. So they marry, and Amanda and Samuel move to Brandon's ranch. Also living on the ranch is Brandon's uncle Owen, and 3 ranch hands in the bunk house. I saw another review's post about not enough storyline answers for situations, and not being able to put the story together. If you actually read the whole story, there are answers for everything - at least I did. I thought it was well written and the only thing I would change would be the relationships with God - there needed to be more, even though everything was explained, there was too little.

[Lisa Howeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually read historical fiction, but I was intrigued by the plot of this book and I am glad I picked it up!
I didn’t even mind it took place in a different time period and in fact barely noticed because I was so caught up in the story.
It was very easy to become immersed in the lives of these characters and fall in love with them. Their challenges were very real and raw without being in the least bit graphic. There was just enough tension in the book to keep me turning the pages so I could find out what would happen next, but not too much that it was overdone.
I loved the real, raw reactions between Amanda and Brandon and there was more to this book than a simple romance, which I loved. Some books are only back and forth between the man and the woman and how they are feeling about each other but in this book both Brandon and Amanda had their own personal demons they were battling. They weren’t just focused on how they felt about each other, with long drawn out mental gymnastics like there are in some books. They did have their relationship with each other to consider since their situation was more unique and challenging than a normal relationship, but it didn’t consume the book or take away from the other storylines.
After reading this book I know I will be reading more books by Sara. She has sold me on historical fiction.
I was offered a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and this review was my very honest opinion.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Convenient Risk by author Sara R. Turnquist is a Christian historical romance. This is Book One in her new series of the same name. It is a Western set on a cattle ranch about a marriage of convenience. Doesn’t this already sound good?

This is the tale of Amanda Haynes and Brandon Miller. Amanda has recently become a widow raising her son alone trying to take care of their ranch. Brandon has a ranch and is interested in Amanda’s cattle. They decide a marriage of convenience is the best situation for their circumstances.

The characters in this book are very personable. They have issues from the past that they must conquer in order to move forward. It was easy to become invested in the characters and story. I really enjoyed the way the couple grew in their relationship. They took realistic baby steps. The conversations sounded realistic.

The author included twists and turns galore to make this such an interesting book. I had a hard time putting it down. The only thing that disappointed me was that I thought the faith element was very thin. I would have preferred more than a sprinkle or thread. There are a lot of life lessons discussed, especially building a marriage, which will give readers food for thought.

I recommend this page-turner. It is a sweet romance appropriate for teenagers and up. This would make a fun book club selection. It receives a 4 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

[Lu Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

It began with sadness with the death of Amanda's Husband Jed and the next thing she knows shes getting married again to this guy Brandon who lives next store to them. Amanda didn't want to marry him but had no choice to because she has a son to support and raise as well as looking out for herself as well. SO Brandon and Amanda get married on a contact type of relationship Brandon provides protection and a means of life while he takes over Jed's cattle. Both of them butt heads from time to time and got some getting used to each other but eventually they do fall for each other but in that time they find out things about each other that they didn't know before = shocks, Trust & Love!!! But within their love story comes the other issues and situations that could seem to turn deadly at times but no one dies. There is a sense of Christianity within the story here just a tad . I felt like i actually got to know the characters on a personal level even spiritual to say the least. This book was a page turner action packed after one situation to the next issues!!!! Plus there are some parts in here that are funny enough to put a smile on your face and a laugh in your voice!!!!

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Convenient Risk is a clean historical romance that is written by: Sara R. Turnquist. This is book one in the Convenient Risk series. I was drawn into this book immediately with the author's great descriptions. I love marriage of convenience stories. The two characters she created for this story were perfect.

Amanda Haynes is a widow who is forced into marriage after her husband's death. Brandon Miller wants her husband's cattle that was left behind. Forced into a marriage that will assist them both. Both of them have baggage that they bring into this new chapter in their lives. They butt heads when it comes to the ranch. I loved watching them overcome these obstacles, put their walls down and try and function.

This book is well written, has unique characters and an engaging storyline. I hope to read more from this author.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not normally a big fan of westerns, but I received this one as a gift so I thought I'd give it a try and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
While I don't read a lot of westerns, I grew up with them on TV, and this was a story that John Wayne, Gary Cooper or Randolph Scott would have loved to sink their teeth into. It offered a God-fearing rancher, a pretty widow with a young son, an evil banker, a wise, though feeble oldtimer, back East connections, a cattle drive, a cameo appearance from Billy the Kid and even a faithful old dog. Having checked so many of the required boxes for classic western drama, it might have been trite, but Sara Turnquist managed to imbue A Convenient Risk with a sweet hopefulness that was a breath of fresh air.
I liked this one well enough to bring me back to this author again.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story of twists and turns and definite unlikely risks the characters take. But of course you have to stick with it to see if their risks pay off! The characters are well written and you end up cheering for each of them, not just the main ones. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I highly recommend the book whether you are a historical fiction fan or not. The accuracy of time and location are there, but not so much you can't get into the story. I'm not usually a historical fiction reader, but I will read this series - this first book was that good.

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no expectation in return. The comments above are my opinion I am willingly sharing for other readers.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the synopsis of the book I was reminded of a book that I fell in love with when I was quite young reading Love Comes Softly. While there are similar elements, the two stories are really completely different. That being said, I loved this marriage of convenience story as well.

In any marriage there are misunderstandings and confusion about things. It is just going to happen. I can’t imagine trying to work through things like that with someone that you ‘had’ to marry. Then add in the extra elements and it was just a really great story. Can’t wait for more from this author.

5/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Kadee Carder · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Convenient Risk” by Sara Turnquist offers a tale of love lost, tricky relationships, and redeemed hope. Amanda is one hot mess. She cries a lot, she doubts her worth and parenting abilities, and she finds herself making out a TON with a super hot rancher whom she can’t seem to read. Ms. Turnquist provides a sweet story with swoon-worthy kisses, entirely relatable characters, and some brilliant (and, fun fact, historically based) plot twists. Through a winding road of risky business deals, unnerving country living, and lovely sunsets, “A Convenient Risk” provides readers a memorable story of second chances worth their weight in gold.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story.
When I read the description on Hidden Gem for this one I just knew I had to download it to read. I love westerns and when they intermix with know people such as Billy the Kid it makes the book seem more real. After the death of her husband, Amanda is forced into a marriage of convenience with Brandon Miller. This was everything I expected and more drama, deep emotions that drew me deeper into the story with each page I read. Excellent work by Ms. Turnquist! This is a book I will be sharing with my granddaughter it is a clean historical gem. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

whole lot going on

There is a whole lot going on in this book. Amanda a mother, widowed, and ranch owner who needs help. Brandon, a ranch owner who need help to. Can the two join ranches and become one large ranch. Amanda’s husband has died and Brandon has asked Amanda to marry him as he needs her cattle to help his ranch. There is trouble with an outlaw, Billy the Kid. A young boy looking for love and understanding, a woman looking to be wanted, a man just looking. There is a lot in this book, I could not put it down until the end. I just had to keep the pages turning until the end. Sara R. Turnquist wrote this book very well. Quite enjoyable reed.

[Bonnie Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1800s Arizona, this story is about a woman whose life has taught her to not expect anything good because she doesn’t deserve it. Having given up on God and on herself, she’s always dreading her inevitable disappointment. A week after her husband’s death, she’s faced with an insecure future. Then she is confronted with a proposal. It’s from a neighboring man on the brink of losing his ranch. He sees the opportunity to gain her cattle while providing for her and her young son. Throughout the course of their journey each is forced to look at themselves.
There is a sweet Christian theme throughout the book, and a happy ending.

[Barbara Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Convenient Risk is well-written by Author Sara R. Turnquist. There are many storylines which definitely kept my interest. Each character is unique and each storyline is special. This book touched me in different ways. I highly recommend reading A Convenient Risk. It's my first book to read by Author Sara R. Turnquist, but it will not be my last. I'm looking forward to reading her next book. A Convenient Risk is an amazing book by this author. I love and enjoyed this book.

I received a copy from the author, but was not required to review it. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.

[HAL · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 5 star keeper for teens and adults

The book starts with a lot of self doubt and assumptions from both Amanda and Brandon. Older, wiser heads give the right encouragement and it helps that Brandon makes it a habit to talk things out with God before reacting. The thought of losing the ranch is always looming overhead. It doesn't help that an outlaw is in search for easy money. Sara spins a great romance and the reader is left with a full belly of answered questions and happy resolutions. I can recommend this story for any age.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly sweet story. I found the female protagonist frustrating. With her first husband she was a strong woman who helped around the ranch. With her second she moped and put herself down because he wanted her as wife rather than hired hand. Surely she could have found herself a role somewhere on the ranch.
There are some overtly Christian images, especially God as the wind blowing over Brandon. While I am Christian I sometimes find these ideas as too much hard sell. I did enjoy the story though, which had some lovely themes of family coming together.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this story. It has a heart of it's own. Amanda had a hard life before she was a mail-order bride. Then she thought that she had a good marriage, but come to find out, not. She did not know better. Brandon shows her a different life one she had no idea about. He truly loved her. In the begging they had a lot of misunderstandings but in the end they figured it out. I received an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It continually amazes me that whether it is the 1800’s or 2020, the problem of communication continues to be the biggest problem between couples. Amanda and Brandon both have trouble communicating their intentions to the other. Assumptions hamper their new marriage. Sara R. Turnquist does an excellent job of developing her characters and her story line. There are stolen looks, conflicts, villains and romance. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Elizabeth Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a clean historical romance about a marriage of convenience, you’ll enjoy this one. Although the characters entered the marriage with baggage and burdens, I loved reading and watching them overcome and learn to trust and communicate with each other. I truly adored the characters and enjoyed how faith wove into the story. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.