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The Cañon City Chronicles #1
Loving the Horseman
Copper-haired Annie Whitaker follows her father to mine-supply town Cañon City where they open their mercantile in the wake of the Pikes Peak gold rush. While serving her “potbellied biscuits” to mercantile customers, she falls under the lustful eye of the local hotel and saloon owner but does her best to avoid him. A mysterious cowboy also frequents the store and, like most everyone else, turns out to be much more than she expected.
One-time preacher Caleb Hutton has sworn off the pulpit and women, but Annie Whitaker’s warm smile and melt-in-your-mouth biscuits have drawn him up short. His experience with horses lands him a job at the livery until he can find work elsewhere. But an unexpected friendship with the Whitakers develops into more than he bargained for, and he wonders if maybe God led him to Cañon City for reasons he hasn’t yet discovered.
One-time preacher Caleb Hutton has sworn off the pulpit and women, but Annie Whitaker’s warm smile and melt-in-your-mouth biscuits have drawn him up short. His experience with horses lands him a job at the livery until he can find work elsewhere. But an unexpected friendship with the Whitakers develops into more than he bargained for, and he wonders if maybe God led him to Cañon City for reasons he hasn’t yet discovered.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
346 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Davalynn Spencer
37 books262 followersCowboys. Gotta love 'em, right? That's why I write about them and their sweethearts, whether they live in 1800s Colorado or on a modern California ranch. My personal background in rodeo journalism helps me add a bit of cowboy reality to those stories.
My contemporary books are often found under Davalynn C. Spencer.
The Rocky Mountains offer rich settings for my historical novels, from actual cities with Wild West history to fictional towns tucked into the fold where granite ramparts meet grassy plains.
I've collected three "Bestseller" labels for novellas in Barbour collections, two Will Rogers Gold Medallions for Western Inspirational Fiction, and an international first-place award for my historical romance series, "Front Range Brides."
For information on my cowboy brides - whether runaway or mail-order - sign up for my quarterly newsletter at https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor....
Connect with me at http://www.davalynnspencer.com and http://www.Facebook.com/AuthorDavalyn.... And for a visual peek at what I'm thinking when I write, check out the images collected at https://pinterest.com/davalynnspencer....
My contemporary books are often found under Davalynn C. Spencer.
The Rocky Mountains offer rich settings for my historical novels, from actual cities with Wild West history to fictional towns tucked into the fold where granite ramparts meet grassy plains.
I've collected three "Bestseller" labels for novellas in Barbour collections, two Will Rogers Gold Medallions for Western Inspirational Fiction, and an international first-place award for my historical romance series, "Front Range Brides."
For information on my cowboy brides - whether runaway or mail-order - sign up for my quarterly newsletter at https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor....
Connect with me at http://www.davalynnspencer.com and http://www.Facebook.com/AuthorDavalyn.... And for a visual peek at what I'm thinking when I write, check out the images collected at https://pinterest.com/davalynnspencer....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 28, 2014
Spencer writes a compelling and interesting story that takes place in the 19th century. Annie Whitaker heads west with her father, leaving behind her domineering (and prettier) older sister. They head for Canon City, a gold town, to set up a mercantile. Caleb comes to town, broke and alone. What is his history? Spencer keeps it moving with conflicts with the landlord, between Caleb and Annie, and dad. The epilogue gives us a nice surprise too.
I read a few romances every year, and this is a good one.
I read a few romances every year, and this is a good one.
January 23, 2021
Caleb runs from God and his calling only to find that the job he's going to has already been filled. So he gets to do some re-evaluating of his life and what's important.
Annie has journeyed on an adventure with her father. She's excited about exploring the frontier and not being stuck as second best to her sister, who stays behind with relatives.
I enjoyed the humor in this story. Compliments gone bad were funny. A job well done by this talented author!
Annie has journeyed on an adventure with her father. She's excited about exploring the frontier and not being stuck as second best to her sister, who stays behind with relatives.
I enjoyed the humor in this story. Compliments gone bad were funny. A job well done by this talented author!
June 14, 2015
This is a very sweet love story!
I loved the characters and how their romance evolved. Annie is such a wonderful girl trying her best to do what's right. As for Caleb he is so nice with everyone.
This book is an easy read for everyone who wants to escape reality for a little while and be transported back in time ;)
I loved the characters and how their romance evolved. Annie is such a wonderful girl trying her best to do what's right. As for Caleb he is so nice with everyone.
This book is an easy read for everyone who wants to escape reality for a little while and be transported back in time ;)
February 2, 2014
This was a beautiful story! The charecters,the story line, the time period that it occured in...everything. Def b checking out more of her work :D
February 8, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was like watching a good hallmark movie, the kind that makes you feel good from beginning to end.
March 9, 2019
Heartwarming
This is the first book I read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the characters as well as the vivid portrayal of the settings. Beautifully written
This is the first book I read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the characters as well as the vivid portrayal of the settings. Beautifully written
February 15, 2019
Fun read
I appreciate the author's writing style and the descriptions. I enjoy the sense of humor and character interaction too. Hope to read more Davalynn books.
I appreciate the author's writing style and the descriptions. I enjoy the sense of humor and character interaction too. Hope to read more Davalynn books.
March 11, 2014
Sweetest Love Story
This book was recommended to me by my mother who goes to church with the author. From the very first page I was immediately hooked. I found Annie very easy to relate to, being a strong-willed person myself, and Caleb a strong rough cowboy with a heart of gold (the pure kind, not the crumbs mixed with ore ;) ) I would tell anyone who likes a good clean love story and a love for God to read this book. Can't wait till May!!!
This book was recommended to me by my mother who goes to church with the author. From the very first page I was immediately hooked. I found Annie very easy to relate to, being a strong-willed person myself, and Caleb a strong rough cowboy with a heart of gold (the pure kind, not the crumbs mixed with ore ;) ) I would tell anyone who likes a good clean love story and a love for God to read this book. Can't wait till May!!!
May 13, 2014
Loved this book, and I loved the theme of what is the gold in our life? What we do we put our value in and what do we treasure?
I for one treasure things such as books to read that leave me uplifted, optimistic, happy, and always wanting to put my trust and faith in the Lord and in his plan for me.
Such a cute love story, can't wait for the next in this series. :)
I for one treasure things such as books to read that leave me uplifted, optimistic, happy, and always wanting to put my trust and faith in the Lord and in his plan for me.
Such a cute love story, can't wait for the next in this series. :)
February 11, 2014
I love reading about history. Davalynn Spencer brings it to life with Caleb and Annie. The challenges of the cowboys wasnt always so easy. Great romance story.
November 27, 2017
My review today is on the Western Romance, Loving the Horseman. This is the first book in The Canon City Chronicles Series. I really enjoyed this book and I'm sure you will too. This story is well written, humorous, and heart warming. Faith is interwoven through out the entire story like a tapestry. I love that.
Annie Whitaker has been brought up by her aunt to be the perfect lady but that's not what Annie wanted. She moves with her father to Canon City, a young mining town to start up a mercantile for the miners. There is no place for them to live so they now live in a stall in the livery. She goes to the saloon and talks to the owner of the store to ask to live in the backroom of the mercantile and pay extra for it's getting very cold. Annie is pushed into the owner and felt that this was a serious mistake but he does agree leaving Annie very uncomfortable. Annie is angry with her father when he feeds a young cowboy and refuses to charge him, especially when she is so drawn to him. The man is hiding something.
Pastor Caleb Hutton left his church and rode west to work on a ranch. The woman he thought he loved chose another man.(a rich deacon member) How could he stand in the pulpit and look at them each week? When he goes to the ranch, there is no opening and he returns to Canon City. Mr. Whitaker helps him get a job at the livery and befriends him. Caleb is drawn to Annie and soon forgets all about the other woman. How can he tell her how he feels when he has nothing? Besides he is still running from God and how can he explain it to her.
A journey of two lost souls drawn together by God's own hand. God has a plan for these two, a good plan and not for evil. God has a plan for you too, give Him your heart, surrender control, and watch Him turn your life around.
Annie Whitaker has been brought up by her aunt to be the perfect lady but that's not what Annie wanted. She moves with her father to Canon City, a young mining town to start up a mercantile for the miners. There is no place for them to live so they now live in a stall in the livery. She goes to the saloon and talks to the owner of the store to ask to live in the backroom of the mercantile and pay extra for it's getting very cold. Annie is pushed into the owner and felt that this was a serious mistake but he does agree leaving Annie very uncomfortable. Annie is angry with her father when he feeds a young cowboy and refuses to charge him, especially when she is so drawn to him. The man is hiding something.
Pastor Caleb Hutton left his church and rode west to work on a ranch. The woman he thought he loved chose another man.(a rich deacon member) How could he stand in the pulpit and look at them each week? When he goes to the ranch, there is no opening and he returns to Canon City. Mr. Whitaker helps him get a job at the livery and befriends him. Caleb is drawn to Annie and soon forgets all about the other woman. How can he tell her how he feels when he has nothing? Besides he is still running from God and how can he explain it to her.
A journey of two lost souls drawn together by God's own hand. God has a plan for these two, a good plan and not for evil. God has a plan for you too, give Him your heart, surrender control, and watch Him turn your life around.
September 15, 2020
Having read several recent critically-acclaimed best sellers that both appalled me and bored me to tears because the characters were such bloodless, soulless, amoral walking mannequins, I was feeling the need for a book cure. I went searching for a good Christian romance with both an engrossing good story and very human characters who are capable of love and real relationships. This one sounded intriguing and was exactly what I needed. This novel proved to be a definitely better than average, gotta finish it in one sitting Christian romance, with human characters and an intriguing, heartwarming story of having the faith to allow God to lead us through hardships into where we ought to be. God made us capable of being so much more than the self-absorbed dead souls that we are becoming in this sin-sick day and age.
January 11, 2022
Forgiveness and restoration
This is a beautiful story of forgiveness and restoration. Caleb Hutton is running from God and the call on his life to preach. He leaves his church when the woman he thought he loved marries a rich banker, who happens to be a deacon in the church, and heads west planning to work on a ranch and hide from God. Of course that never works. When he meets Annie they are drawn to each other but she knows he is more than he says. As they grow closer God continues to deal with Caleb and soften his heart until he surrenders his will and submits to the will of God. This is a wonderful story and series.
This is a beautiful story of forgiveness and restoration. Caleb Hutton is running from God and the call on his life to preach. He leaves his church when the woman he thought he loved marries a rich banker, who happens to be a deacon in the church, and heads west planning to work on a ranch and hide from God. Of course that never works. When he meets Annie they are drawn to each other but she knows he is more than he says. As they grow closer God continues to deal with Caleb and soften his heart until he surrenders his will and submits to the will of God. This is a wonderful story and series.
March 6, 2021
Loving the Horseman – Davalynn Spencer – Annie and her father head westward to open a mercantile, and Caleb is running from God, his calling, and his broken heart. Sometimes God perfect timing just can’t be ignored. I loved that they all ended up in a stable on Christmas Eve, and the triple wedding with two pastors trading off responsibilities is the cutest! Can’t wait for the next installment! Happy Reading!
April 13, 2023
I would not have otherwise read this book if not for where it takes place. I found it to be a simple, charming read, and once I started it I found the characters so relatable that I had a hard time putting it down. I will definitely be reading the next books in the series. Although it may be a little cheesy at times, I enjoyed the themes of the characters’ inner struggles where I found deeper meaning. It definitely qualifies as a feel-good read.
August 22, 2019
Exceptional western romance
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this delightful Christian fiction. The characters were believable, and descriptions of frontier life were realistic. I could visualize the rugged country and a growing town. Sprinkling of Scripture verses as Caleb turned back to God and his calling were very inspirational. Thanks for writing, Davalynn!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this delightful Christian fiction. The characters were believable, and descriptions of frontier life were realistic. I could visualize the rugged country and a growing town. Sprinkling of Scripture verses as Caleb turned back to God and his calling were very inspirational. Thanks for writing, Davalynn!
May 3, 2021
Cute little romance!
My only little complaint—I wish she would make her stories a little longer with a little more information. Where will Annie and Caleb live when preacher Hutton comes back? Her stories are well written and I like them a lot, but I always have some unanswered questions.
My only little complaint—I wish she would make her stories a little longer with a little more information. Where will Annie and Caleb live when preacher Hutton comes back? Her stories are well written and I like them a lot, but I always have some unanswered questions.
March 24, 2019
Delicious
I've met my new favorite historical western author! I didn't put this book down, to much to miss. The sweetest love story, the strong test of faith, the sense of family community, and the old west are all things that make this a must read.
I've met my new favorite historical western author! I didn't put this book down, to much to miss. The sweetest love story, the strong test of faith, the sense of family community, and the old west are all things that make this a must read.
March 28, 2019
Stopped reading for a while. Picked this book up. Was absolutely pleased with this! If you like Christian Romance I would definitely recommend this book. This was an Encouragement of faith 🙏 Thank you Davalynn
April 27, 2019
Honest review “Loving the Horseman”
Absolutely loved this book! Thank you Davalynn Spencer for writing this sweet and clean book! Such a good read that I can’t wait to start the next book of this series!
Absolutely loved this book! Thank you Davalynn Spencer for writing this sweet and clean book! Such a good read that I can’t wait to start the next book of this series!
August 25, 2019
Loved this book.
This book was well written. I enjoyed it immensely. It shows life in the West could be beautiful but bad things or hurtful things could still happen. In life those bad things can still be the start of something wonderful. Definitely recommend.
This book was well written. I enjoyed it immensely. It shows life in the West could be beautiful but bad things or hurtful things could still happen. In life those bad things can still be the start of something wonderful. Definitely recommend.
February 8, 2020
Very brief book about a spunky young woman who followed her father to a remote town in Colorado to open a mercantile. Suspicious of a man named Caleb, she constantly wondered what his history was, never realizing he could be the man of her dreams.
Sweet Christian messages.
Sweet Christian messages.
March 22, 2020
Sweet read
Loved the setting in this historic mountain town, with amazing characters. Great first read by this new-to-me-author and I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.
Loved the setting in this historic mountain town, with amazing characters. Great first read by this new-to-me-author and I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.
September 19, 2020
How hard life is when you are starting over!
Caleb does not see himself as a preacher but now as a horseman. Annie and her father have come from far away to live out west. Plans are harder to live if we make our on choices.
Caleb does not see himself as a preacher but now as a horseman. Annie and her father have come from far away to live out west. Plans are harder to live if we make our on choices.
May 24, 2023
Delightful
What a refreshing book. So brilliantly put together with enough twists and turns to keep my attention. The period descriptions were very good. I could visualize all that was depicted. I love a happy ending and this book had just that. I do recommend this book.
What a refreshing book. So brilliantly put together with enough twists and turns to keep my attention. The period descriptions were very good. I could visualize all that was depicted. I love a happy ending and this book had just that. I do recommend this book.
August 4, 2024
Beautiful love story full of faith
Wonderful story that was filled with loving and compassionate characters, woven with scripture. I would highly recommend it and can't wait to start Book 2.
Wonderful story that was filled with loving and compassionate characters, woven with scripture. I would highly recommend it and can't wait to start Book 2.
August 26, 2024
Annie and her father leave behind the mercantile and head west in 1861 to canon valley where they open a new store. Caleb leaves his pastoral community to go to canon valley. The 2 meet and find friendship and then love as Caleb becomes the pastor of thiscommunity
January 25, 2019
Copper-haired Annie Whitaker follows her father to mine-supply town Cañon City where they open their mercantile in the wake of the Pikes Peak gold rush.
January 31, 2019
potbelllied biscuits
Struggles can make one better or bitter. The reader of this book will find themselves cheering on the characters in the story.
Struggles can make one better or bitter. The reader of this book will find themselves cheering on the characters in the story.
March 25, 2019
5 stars
Well written and very entertaining, this story Would not let me go! This book had two romances and three weddings and a lot of happily ever after!!!!
Well written and very entertaining, this story Would not let me go! This book had two romances and three weddings and a lot of happily ever after!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews