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Return to Cowboy Creek #3
Romancing The Runaway Bride
Second Chance Bride
Though she came west in her wedding dress, Deborah Frazier isn’t looking for a groom. She fled St. Louis to escape marrying a man she didn’t love. In Cowboy Creek she’s found shelter, friends, and a job. All that’s now in jeopardy, thanks to a handsome newcomer.
Undercover Pinkerton agent Adam Halloway is hunting for his family’s greatest enemy. The pretty baker at the boarding house is certainly hiding something—but is she accomplice to a criminal? As evidence against Deborah piles up, can Adam trust his heart and make Deborah a bride at last?
Return to Cowboy Creek: A bride train delivers the promise of new love and family to a Kansas boom town.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2018
89 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kirst
77 books254 followersKaren Kirst was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn't until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. The pursuit of her dream would take longer than she first anticipated...years, in fact. In the fall of 2010, she got the happy news that Harlequin Love Inspired Historical wanted to publish her manuscript-a true blessing from God. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom, and romance writer. She enjoys reading, hosting tea parties and spending time with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 27, 2018
I do so love a mix of mystery in my historical romance and Kirst does a superb job of weaving both together in Romancing the Runaway Bride. And really, what's not to love about a runaway bride paired with a Pinkerton agent -- working undercover no less?! Oh, the delicious thrills that sent me into a reader tailspin as misunderstandings snowball and the romance grows gnarly right when the intrigue heats up! I wanted to bash poor Adam a time or two. That man knows how to hold a grudge and he's messed up his priorities for way too long....and continues the trend with Deborah! Gah! But he's so endearing in his vulnerability that my heart softened and I was rooting for him to get his man and his girl!!!!! Preferably without anyone getting shot, thank you very much. A read-in-one-gulp kind of book.
June 5, 2018
VENGEANCE IS MINE; I WILL REPAY, SAITH THE LORD
I enjoyed another adventure that will take place in Cowboy Creek and bring two unlikely strangers together. Runaway bride, Deborah Frazier may come into Cowboy Creek with a found train ticket, and at the time not realizing that the town had been bringing in brides, she really isn’t in the market for a groom. Undercover Pinkerton Agent, Adam Draper, is acting on a personal mission, not one for the agency, but one to avenge his family. What happens when these two become friends?
Adam Holloway has been following leads and trailing a Zane Ogden, the man who swindled countless families out of their homes and land and leaving many dead along the way. When his father goes missing, never to be found, and Ogden has a signed promissory note for the family farm, Adam doesn’t believe what Ogden tells them. Adam will enter the war and leave his family in Missouri.
Deborah Frazier is nothing more than a pawn in her father’s business dealings, including arranging a marriage between his friend, a man his age, and his oldest daughter. Deborah has never been one to take a stand for herself, and for a time acquiesces to the situation, but on the day of the wedding, she will leave and board a train to Cowboy Creek with a few possessions and wearing her wedding gown. When she arrives in town, the bachelors assume she is ready to marry, but she will spur each man’s advancement in that direction.
The plot will have more than one mystery in the story. Adam knows that Ogden is said to be in Cowboy Creek, he knows that someone is buying up the ranches and that Ogden has an accomplice, a female with the first initial D. While posing as Adam Draper, a cattleman rancher looking to buy and move to the area, he is researching his leads. He believes that Deborah is the mystery woman and will try to learn more about her, and what secrets she is hiding. But when he follows her at night, assuming she is going to meet Ogden, he will be shocked to see she is taking food to two runaway children, Liam and Lily.
Adam hasn’t kept in communication with his brothers or mother and what a shock to find them in Cowboy Creek. Russ lives in town and is an attorney and Seth has a small ranch, and their mother lives with him. Not only that, but his brothers are married and have families. He won’t be able to keep his presence a secret but must have his family made aware of his alias and asked them not to give him away.
“is it wrong to want answers, Lord? To seek justice? My family needs closure.”
The story is full of mystery, suspense, angst, secrets, miscommunication, doubts, fear, determination, vengeance, and justice. It will take on life and death situations as Adam attempts to capture his prey. Deborah knows that her father has learned where she is and a confrontation is soon to occur. In the meantime, she has fallen in love with Liam and Lily and is attempting to get guardianship of these two orphans. What will happen between her and Adam? He seems dedicated to his job, and she is ready to settle down and have a family with the children. Have these two found the person they can love?
“You’ve taught me the meaning of love and trust, courage and self-sacrifice.”
The story is not preachy but does share prayers, Bible verses, and has a beautiful view of God’s mercies and grace. It is realistic in that things happen to both the just and unjust, good and bad. It is a clean, sweet historical western.
I enjoyed another adventure that will take place in Cowboy Creek and bring two unlikely strangers together. Runaway bride, Deborah Frazier may come into Cowboy Creek with a found train ticket, and at the time not realizing that the town had been bringing in brides, she really isn’t in the market for a groom. Undercover Pinkerton Agent, Adam Draper, is acting on a personal mission, not one for the agency, but one to avenge his family. What happens when these two become friends?
Adam Holloway has been following leads and trailing a Zane Ogden, the man who swindled countless families out of their homes and land and leaving many dead along the way. When his father goes missing, never to be found, and Ogden has a signed promissory note for the family farm, Adam doesn’t believe what Ogden tells them. Adam will enter the war and leave his family in Missouri.
Deborah Frazier is nothing more than a pawn in her father’s business dealings, including arranging a marriage between his friend, a man his age, and his oldest daughter. Deborah has never been one to take a stand for herself, and for a time acquiesces to the situation, but on the day of the wedding, she will leave and board a train to Cowboy Creek with a few possessions and wearing her wedding gown. When she arrives in town, the bachelors assume she is ready to marry, but she will spur each man’s advancement in that direction.
The plot will have more than one mystery in the story. Adam knows that Ogden is said to be in Cowboy Creek, he knows that someone is buying up the ranches and that Ogden has an accomplice, a female with the first initial D. While posing as Adam Draper, a cattleman rancher looking to buy and move to the area, he is researching his leads. He believes that Deborah is the mystery woman and will try to learn more about her, and what secrets she is hiding. But when he follows her at night, assuming she is going to meet Ogden, he will be shocked to see she is taking food to two runaway children, Liam and Lily.
Adam hasn’t kept in communication with his brothers or mother and what a shock to find them in Cowboy Creek. Russ lives in town and is an attorney and Seth has a small ranch, and their mother lives with him. Not only that, but his brothers are married and have families. He won’t be able to keep his presence a secret but must have his family made aware of his alias and asked them not to give him away.
“is it wrong to want answers, Lord? To seek justice? My family needs closure.”
The story is full of mystery, suspense, angst, secrets, miscommunication, doubts, fear, determination, vengeance, and justice. It will take on life and death situations as Adam attempts to capture his prey. Deborah knows that her father has learned where she is and a confrontation is soon to occur. In the meantime, she has fallen in love with Liam and Lily and is attempting to get guardianship of these two orphans. What will happen between her and Adam? He seems dedicated to his job, and she is ready to settle down and have a family with the children. Have these two found the person they can love?
“You’ve taught me the meaning of love and trust, courage and self-sacrifice.”
The story is not preachy but does share prayers, Bible verses, and has a beautiful view of God’s mercies and grace. It is realistic in that things happen to both the just and unjust, good and bad. It is a clean, sweet historical western.
January 13, 2020
This is a bit of a different take on the runaway bride storyline. This bride is running away from a poor match that her father has forced upon her, and a conveniently discarded train ticket lands her in Cowboy Creek. It’s a small and warm community where Deborah Frazier can put her baking skills to work for her room and board. Add in a Pinkerton detective, a grumpy boarding house matron, an old grudge, and some cute kids and you have a very enjoyable story. There is tension in the fact that Adam thinks that Deborah is hiding something, and trust is not something that seems to come easily to either one of them.
I liked that this wasn’t your typical runaway bride story, and that Deborah had a legitimate way to earn enough for her simple lifestyle. I admired Adam Holloway as a Pinkerton agent, but he was really intent on bringing his father’s reputation back to where it belonged. The kids have had some extremely trying times, and will definitely melt your heart. Even the curmudgeonly boarding house matron, Aunt Mae, has a soft spot in her heart for both Deborah and the children. Can both Deborah and Adam set aside their trust issues and begin to see things eye to eye?
I won this book in a giveaway and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
I liked that this wasn’t your typical runaway bride story, and that Deborah had a legitimate way to earn enough for her simple lifestyle. I admired Adam Holloway as a Pinkerton agent, but he was really intent on bringing his father’s reputation back to where it belonged. The kids have had some extremely trying times, and will definitely melt your heart. Even the curmudgeonly boarding house matron, Aunt Mae, has a soft spot in her heart for both Deborah and the children. Can both Deborah and Adam set aside their trust issues and begin to see things eye to eye?
I won this book in a giveaway and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
August 19, 2023
Final book for the youngest Halloway brother. Adam is a Pinkerton agent and he is on a personal mission. He is on the hunt for the man who cheated his family and maybe got rid of his father. He has information that a woman with a name that begins with the letter 'D'. Well he comes to town and immediately meets Deborah. Is she the one? She has secrets. She is running from something. But she entrances him and he is interested in her. He believes her goodness, can she be involved with the criminal? Cute story. Quick read.
Quotes:
“’We’re not fighting, Ma. He has a right to air his grievances. All of you do.’ Adam squared his shoulders and met Seth’s eyes. ‘Everything you’ve said is true. I’m sorry I was callous and selfish. I’m sorry I didn’t write more often I could have visited. Multiple times.’ Grimacing, he shook his head. ‘I was foolish to ever criticize you. Everything that happened in Big Bend…We each dealt with the aftermath of Ogden’s perfidy in our own ways. I was too young and stupid to see that then. Will you forgive me?’
The quiet stretched between them, punctuated by cattle lowing in the fields and the rustle of tree limbs swaying.
The grimness in Seth’s features faded. ‘You’re not the only Halloway with a temper and a hard head.’
The tightness in his chest easing, Adam extended his hand for a shake. Seth gripped it, hard, then yanked him close for a hug. Evelyn started crying again.
‘Don’t ever stay away that long again, you hear?’ Seth said gruffly in his ear.”(p. 33).
“Then there were the children. Tate, Harper, and Little John were rambunctious, mischievous and adorable. Violet was still reserved, but she wouldn’t be for long if those boys had anything to say about it”(p. 193).
Quotes:
“’We’re not fighting, Ma. He has a right to air his grievances. All of you do.’ Adam squared his shoulders and met Seth’s eyes. ‘Everything you’ve said is true. I’m sorry I was callous and selfish. I’m sorry I didn’t write more often I could have visited. Multiple times.’ Grimacing, he shook his head. ‘I was foolish to ever criticize you. Everything that happened in Big Bend…We each dealt with the aftermath of Ogden’s perfidy in our own ways. I was too young and stupid to see that then. Will you forgive me?’
The quiet stretched between them, punctuated by cattle lowing in the fields and the rustle of tree limbs swaying.
The grimness in Seth’s features faded. ‘You’re not the only Halloway with a temper and a hard head.’
The tightness in his chest easing, Adam extended his hand for a shake. Seth gripped it, hard, then yanked him close for a hug. Evelyn started crying again.
‘Don’t ever stay away that long again, you hear?’ Seth said gruffly in his ear.”(p. 33).
“Then there were the children. Tate, Harper, and Little John were rambunctious, mischievous and adorable. Violet was still reserved, but she wouldn’t be for long if those boys had anything to say about it”(p. 193).
January 21, 2019
Deborah Frazier has a difficult time standing up to her wealthy father so she goes along with the idea of engagement to one of his business colleagues who is his age. When it comes time for the wedding however, she can't bring herself to show up. Finding an abandoned ticket for the Bride Train, she uses it to escape St. Louis and finds herself in small town Cowboy Creek, Kansas. Though she arrives in a wedding dress and everyone assumes she is one of the brides, she isn't looking for a husband. An accomplished baker, Deborah finds a job in exchange for room and board at a boarding house. Adam Draper (really Halloway) is a Pinkerton agent looking for the man who swindled his family out of their farm in Missouri and killed his father years before. Pretending to be a cattleman looking for land, Adam finds more in Cowboy Creek than he'd planned on. This is a very entertaining story with some surprises, action, and romance that I enjoyed very much.
June 2, 2018
Romancing the Runaway Bride by Karen Kirst is the 3rd installment of the Return to Cowboy Creek series. This the first time I have read any of Karen’s books so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I read the other two books and wanted to know more. And I wasn’t disappointed!
I found some mystery (well actually a lot of), adventure, secrets and oh so much more! As I kept reading I had so many emotions it was exhausting, but exciting too.
Upon meeting Deborah and Adam you instantly become intrigued. The closed off Adam with his secrets and sweet kind-hearted Deborah seemed like an unlikely pair. What happens when they find themselves with misunderstandings and disillusions? Well....read this book and find out.
I found some mystery (well actually a lot of), adventure, secrets and oh so much more! As I kept reading I had so many emotions it was exhausting, but exciting too.
Upon meeting Deborah and Adam you instantly become intrigued. The closed off Adam with his secrets and sweet kind-hearted Deborah seemed like an unlikely pair. What happens when they find themselves with misunderstandings and disillusions? Well....read this book and find out.
June 5, 2018
Sad to know this is the last book in the series. I truly enjoyed the people in this small western town & knowing I won't hear about them again make me sad. Karen is a great writer & I loved when she started doing books in the Harlequin Love Inspired Historical series but since Harlequin didn't see how much fans of these books we are left to find another way to read the work that they do. Harlequin only looked at the money that could be made & didn't think about their readers. Wherever Karen gets a contract, I will be there to read her work.
July 29, 2018
Wonderful
Loved Deborah and Adam's story. Deborah running from an arranged marriage and Adam trying to correct the past. Add in two orphans Liam and Lily and you have an unforgettable story. 😞😞😞 so sorry to hear the Love Inspired Historical line is closing it has been one of my favorite, happy to hear Mrs. Kirst is moving over to the Love Inspired Suspense line. I will see you there as that is a line that I enjoy also. Praying for all the other authors that are a part of the Historical line.
Loved Deborah and Adam's story. Deborah running from an arranged marriage and Adam trying to correct the past. Add in two orphans Liam and Lily and you have an unforgettable story. 😞😞😞 so sorry to hear the Love Inspired Historical line is closing it has been one of my favorite, happy to hear Mrs. Kirst is moving over to the Love Inspired Suspense line. I will see you there as that is a line that I enjoy also. Praying for all the other authors that are a part of the Historical line.
August 13, 2018
Romancing The Runaway Bride by Karen Kirst. One of Return To Cowboy Creek series. In 1869 a bride train delivers woman to Cowboy Creek to find husbands. Deborah Frazier arrives in her wedding dress. She is running from a man she does not love on their wedding day. She meets undercover Pinkerton agent Adam Halloway. She doesn't know that is who he is. He is using a different name. He is trying to find the man who killed his father and got away with it. A very good read. Suspense, romance, caring.
September 4, 2024
"Romancing the Runaway Bride" by Karen Kirst is a historical romance set in the American West. It tells the story of a runaway bride who finds herself in unexpected circumstances, leading to new romantic possibilities. Readers often appreciate Kirst's ability to blend romance with adventure and character-driven plots. The book is noted for its engaging storyline, heartfelt moments, and strong character development. If you enjoy historical romances with a mix of drama and love, this could be a charming read.
October 8, 2018
Good plot, good characters, good setting, too much repetiion.
March 6, 2019
Great Love Story
I love Adam Halloway. This book was filled with romance and intrigue. It was definitely a page turned for me.
I love Adam Halloway. This book was filled with romance and intrigue. It was definitely a page turned for me.
June 29, 2021
Enjoyable read.
Read
June 22, 2023TBR
May 9, 2024
Fabulous book. I really enjoyed it
July 10, 2023
great read
Read
June 1, 2018Received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: Return to Cowboy Creek
Miniseries: Return to Cowboy Creek
Read
June 4, 2018Miniseries: Return to Cowboy Creek
July 30, 2018
I enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews