Lawfully Given

The Lawkeepers - Kay

by Elle E. Kay

Home for Christmas?

The New Mexico Territory is a long way from home, but when Grace Belle receives a one way train ticket to travel there for an arranged marriage, she takes the trip hoping to find her brother, Calvin, so the two of them may return to their life in Philadelphia. What she didn't expect was to fall in love with the sheriff she was sent to marry. 

Sheriff Jack Garrison intended to marry Sarah Jones. but when Grace Belle turns up in town announcing that she's his betrothed, he finds himself reexamining everything.

Jack and Grace are forced to work together to discover what happened to Calvin and bring him home for Christmas. The clock is ticking and their leads are dwindling.
  ****************************************** The Lawkeepers is a multi-author series alternating between historical westerns and contemporary westerns featuring law enforcement heroes that span multiple agencies and generations. Join bestselling authors Jenna Brandt, Lorana Hoopes and many others as they weave captivating, sweet and inspirational stories of romance and suspense between the lawkeepers — and the women who love them. 

The Lawkeepers is a world like no other; a world where lawkeepers and heroes are honored with unforgettable stories, characters, and love.

** Note: Each book in The Lawkeepers series is a standalone book, in a mini-series, and you can read them in any order.

103 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2018

About the author

Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award-winning Christian fiction author known for her gripping suspense and engaging romance novels. She lives on a hobby farm in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, three dogs, and a variety of farm animals. A devoted follower of Christ, Elle is actively involved in her church's youth ministry and shares her love of Jesus through music.

Her writing journey began with non-fiction, poetry, and children's books before she made her Christian fiction debut in 2016. Since then, she has written 24 novels in the genre.

Elle is the author of the Endless Mountain and Pennsylvania Parks series, both romantic suspense collections set in Pennsylvania’s scenic Appalachians.

In addition to her solo projects, she has contributed to several multi-author series, including the Lawkeeper series (three contemporary and four historical novellas), Blushing Brides (two novels), Heroes of Freedom Ridge (three novels), and Christmas in Redemption Ridge (two novels). In October 2024, she contributed Midnight Offensive to the Silent Night anthology, part of the Winter Shivers collection.

Her stories seamlessly weave faith, suspense, and romance, offering readers thrilling narratives grounded in Christian values.

For updates on her latest works and upcoming releases, visit her website at elleekay.com.

Reviews

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to honestly say that this is absolutely one of my favorite Lawkeeper books! I just adored the characters and the story line! Everything came together so well and I read it in one day! I couldn't put it down! We have the sassy Grace Belle from Philadelphia who shows up in the New Mexico territories who is totally out of her element but she's been told by her "absent" brother that she is to marry the sheriff there and she has no idea what that means! She arrives and finds out that Sheriff Jack Garrison has never even heard of this arrangement, nor does he know her brother! Jack is actually courting another women, who is a Pinkerton detective! Ah, the plot thinkens….. Grace's brother is nowhere to be found so Grace and Jack's intended, Sarah, go search for him. There are all kinds of twists and turns that keep you turning those pages and wondering what is going to happen. The ending and epilogue are fantastic! I highly recommend this story. It's a wonderful holiday read. I was given a complimentary copy but not expected to review it. However, I loved it so much I gladly offer my own opinions here!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the ending! Filled with adventure and heartbreak, love and loss, this story brought a smile to my face!

[Rhonda Sledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a historical western romance that features a lot of growth in the characters. In the beginning, Jack and Grace behave like a couple of grumpy teenagers. As the story progresses and they are forced to work together, their attitudes towards each other begin to change. Even more importantly, their attitudes towards God and their relationships with Him become more important.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series and was hoping Jack would get a story. It didn't disappoint. I loved his and Grace's story. I'm really enjoying this series about law keepers and the strong women that capture their hearts.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Historical Romance, Lawfully Given. This is a book in The Lawkeeper Series. I haven't read any of Elle's book before, this book was sent to me. I was not required to review it but it's a great read so I want to tell you about it. This book is well written, humorous, and contains some intrigue. I know you are going to love it.

Grace Belle lives in Philadelphia when she receives a letter from her brother, Calvin. Calvin sends a train ticket and tells her she is to marry a sheriff in New Mexico Territory. The main thing Grace got out of the letter was that her brother was missing. Where was he? Was he tired of taking care of her? Why would he try to marry her off? When she arrives she goes straight to the sheriff and demands that he finds her brother. She throws the letter in his face. He finally agrees to help her.

Sheriff Jack Garrison has come to the place where he would like to marry. He is sort of courting a woman, Sarah, when this feisty little city girl storms into his office. She shows him the letter and then demands he help her. Jack has a sudden desire to help her. He shares the letter to Sarah who then takes off. He leaves both women to find what has happened to Calvin.

A journey of two hearts forced to work together to find Calvin. God has a plan for these two; a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan and not for evil. Give him your heart and watch Him move in your life.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lawfully Given is a wonderful, clean historical western romance. It has everything needed to make a great one: a handsome sheriff; a determined, but out of her element heroine; villains; an abduction; and romance. Elle Kay did a marvelous job of putting it altogether to make this a well-written read.
I love the main and supporting characters and their unlikely friendship. The story is mostly set in Cimarron, NM. There are twists and turns in the plot which moves along at a good pace. There is wisdom sprinkled throughout the book. This one stood out to me: "Giving up control was a daily struggle. One day she would promise the Lord that she would trust His plan, and the following day would find her worrying needlessly over matters out of her control." I received an ARC. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this delightful romance.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes love comes unexpectantly. When a debutante comes to New Mexico looking for her brother and to break off with her betrothed it is pretty comical. Especially when the betrothed who is the sheriff has no idea about her. They embark on a mission to find her brother. Amid danger and unexpected friendships this debutante may find that she doesn't mind the town and the sheriff. But the sheriff is hot and cold with his feelings and thinks she belongs back in Philadelphia. Once she's gone he will need to make a grand gesture to get her back.

[Elsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace's brother sent her train tickets and a note saying she was to come West and marry the local Sheriff. When she arrives, the Sheriff wasn't expecting a bride and she doesn't want to marry him. She's determined to track her brother who is now missing.
Meanwhile, Jack has been courting Lady Pinkerton agent, Sarah. But he can't stop helping Grace. What's he going to do? Is love more important to build a marriage on than companionship? What happened to her brother?
I read this in 1 sitting. It was really good; one of my top favourites in the series.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is deserving of more than 5 stars. I loved all of the characters and how each of their personalities made me feel that I know them personally. The plot in this story had me so captivated! There is a kidnapping, shootouts, fights, and romance. Christmas is celebrated in the story and the descriptions the author uses will bring all of your senses to life! This book filled me with such joy!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Grit

Back East she lives in a house with running water. But she has traveled by train (dirty and hot) to track down her brother in the Wild West. This delightful story includes Pinkerton detectives, kidnapping, a sheriff, mail-order brides, good guys, bad guys, and lots of romance.

[Babs Wenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Grace

Grace arrived from Philadelphia looking for her missing brother and to find out why he betrothed her to the Sheriff Jack of that town. This was news to Jack because he was courting someone. - Babs