.Her reputation precedes her, whether the bad guys realize it or not.
Nancy Harrison has finally stepped out of her prissy box and tried to do something helpful--but did she go overboard in her first self-less act?
She can’t ride, she hates horses, and she’s terrified of being alone. What’s a girl to do?
Join the Pony Express, of course.
When Nancy Harrison’s family receives a tax bill they can’t pay, there’s only one option open to them. Her brother, Lewis, will have to join the Pony Express and earn the money that way.
It would have worked, too, if ruffians hadn’t attacked him and broken his leg.
She doesn’t want to do it, of course, but what choice is there? Lose everything or ride a stupid, smelly horse for a few weeks? Nancy decides that she’ll chop off her hair, take to the dusty overland trail, and prove that she isn’t a “flighty little thing.”
But things go from bad to worse as she discovers that riding astride is worse than sidesaddle—especially when you’re not used to it.
Can’t she just go back home to balls, teas, and the hope of a suitor before her twentieth birthday? Sans her hair, of course, because that’ll entice the fellows. Sigh.
**fingers skittle across the keyboard. Stop. Eyelids blink over the top**
Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.
Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25
Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.
They’re for you.
When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.
Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.
And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”
Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached. What does that even mean? It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.
But I do.
And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.
I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.
This was a very unique book. The plot was very unique. I know little about the Pony Express but this book put a whole new light on it. I enjoyed reading this but I felt like it kinda fell a little short for me and I honestly do not know why.
Nancy was a very interesting protagonist. I enjoyed reading her character development but I felt like I did not connect to her character as much as I wanted too. I thought Bruce was a dear but I felt like we didn't get to know too much about him which was a disappointment. I wish we could have gotten to know him more.
Another thing that kinda feel short for me was Nancy's and Bruce's romance. I liked it but I personally felt like it moved too quickly. It definitely would have helped if we had gotten to know Bruce a bit better.
Overall, I enjoyed this story but it definitely was not a favorite. If you enjoy a fast paced historical fiction that has some romance then I would recommend this book!
*I received this from the author through Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.*
A humorous look at the Pony Express and so much more!
I don't know why I'm always surprised when I'm surprised by twists in stories by Chautona Havig! She caught me off guard again in The Trouble with Nancy with a mystery.
Nancy was a silly girl and I probably wouldn't have cared for her if I had been introduced to her before the start of the story. She was frivolous and while she wasn't simple, she was much too impulsive, not thinking of the effect of her actions on others. Yet I wasn't introduced to her earlier. Instead it was when she realized that she needed to step up to the plate and help the family out.
And you know what? I loved Nancy and her determination despite difficult circumstances!
She couldn't ride a horse, in fact, she had great difficulty even mounting a horse! Falling while mounting, falling while riding. Jarred mercilessly while riding! While this made for a comical situation, it wasn't absurd. Instead of making me scoff at how ridiculous it was, it made me admire this young lady who was willing to sacrifice her comfortable life for the sake of her mother and brother. Despite fall after fall, embarrassment, and discomfort she persevered!
As you might imagine, Nancy had a lot of maturing to do. Not only that, she questioned her relationship with the Lord and whether He cared for her, or if this was some sort of punishment. As I do expect and appreciate with Chautona Havig's books, the spiritual aspects were insightful and integrated into the story quite naturally.
I also liked that this story showed what was happening back home in Indiana as Nancy traveled her lonely route. Nancy wasn't the only one facing perils in this story! All the characters were relate-able and I loved the ones I was supposed to love!
I also loved gaining more insight into the Pony Express, the types of riders selected (orphans preferred!) and the perils of their journeys. While this is not the first story I've read about a rider on the express, The Trouble with Nancy showed me things I had never considered.
If you enjoy historical fiction that teaches, challenges, inspires, makes you laugh and makes you sigh, look no further!
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
THE TROUBLE WITH NANCY is a fun story of a girl dressed as a boy in order to ride for the Pony Express and save her family's home. It's an inspiring story full of humor, hardship, romance, and heart. Definitely recommended to Christian historical romance fans!
The beginning of this story was a trifle slow with a couple different points-of-views and characters to get to know. However, once it got going and Nancy goes off to be a Pony Extress rider it picks up. Nancy faces some difficult, bone-rattling challenges. Literally. But she pushes through and she allows the experience to strengthen her faith and make her better, which I appreciated since I didn't love her character at the beginning and am big on character development in books. It made me admire her and love her character. It also made for some very humorous moments. I couldn't help laugh out loud when she runs into some trouble and screams. Then there are sweet scenes too, especially between Nancy and Bruce and between Nancy's family members.
The other storyline follows Nancy's brother Lewis and their mom, Edna back at home while Nancy is out on the trail. They have their own set of challenges and struggles to face. I wasn't quite sure if they were going to come out unscathed in the end. It's a bit bittersweet, which was sad, but I also felt it lent more credibility or genuineness to the story then if everything would have been wrapped up too prettily, which I really dislike in stories.
I only had one complaint about the story. There were some places where the characters rattled on and on, or where their thoughts went on and on (particularly in the first half of the story) that weren't necessary, and could have been edited out.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I thoroughly enjoying this book! It's got great family dynamics, humor, heart, sweet romance, and also some sweet inspirational elements. Lovable characters and an entertaining plot made for a engaging read that I would definitely recommend.
Content: Some innuendo and suggestive content, some violence, but clean. Source: I received a complimentary copy from the tour host/NetGalley, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
What an entertaining story! Nancy is a fun character and it was enjoyable to watch her change and grow throughout this story. She’s strong-willed; confident almost to a fault; and extremely opinionated. But she loves her family dearly and decides to take her brother’s place as a Pony Express rider after he’s injured, even though she can barely stay upright on a horse. Nancy disguises herself as a boy, and using her brother’s name, heads out to earn the money to save her family home. She finds out many things about herself as she gallops through the countryside on her adventure-filled route; but most importantly, she discovers that she’s never really riding alone. God is always by her side. Bruce was the unexpected, perfect hero to help Nancy as she found herself in a dangerous situation from which there seemed no escape.
I also loved the character of Nancy’s mom, Edna. She’s a smart, godly woman who is desperately trying to save their family home, but also cope with Nancy and keep her acting like a respectable young lady. She’s had her own struggles with the tragic death of her husband. We view parts of this story through her eyes, too, and gain insight into her own strong character and her influence on the rest of her family.
Sometimes when I finish a book, I think “That was a really good story.” This is one of those. It has fun, suspense, faith, and romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This story was a fun read from page one. The family’s in danger of losing their house due to unpaid taxes and Nancy’s brother, Lewis, decides to take the dangerous job of becoming a pony express rider. When he is beaten up and has a broken leg and can’t work to pay off the debt, Nancy gets an idea. She may not be able to mount a horse, but she’s determined to take Lewis’ place as a pony express rider and save her family’s home. Full of adventure and even romance...yay! This book delivers what’s promised.
This was a fun, easy read. I appreciated a twist on the theme of a woman posing as a man; Nancy didn't outdo the men. In fact, she hated the part she was playing—but she stuck with it to help her family survive. The twist near the end of the story was well-done. I quite enjoyed this story one evening when I didn't feel good and needed something light to read. It's not all light, though; I appreciated the way Nancy learned to know God more personally as she endured hardships.
What can I say about The Trouble with Nancy? That it is a fun read? That it is filled with historical facts? That it is a clean romance and it has a strong faith-filled message? This is the first book that I've read by this author and I'm so glad to have this chance. Chautona Havig's story centers around Nancy Harrison, her mother Edna, and her brother Lewis as they attempt to keep their home after the death of her father. The Trouble with Nancy is filled with adventure, romance, and even a mystery but it is also a reminder that no one is exempt from troubles; it is how how we face those problems that is our true test.
Nancy suffers an inferiority complex--she knows that she isn't a beauty, she doesn't even think she is pretty, and she often doubts her competence BUT she is loyal and she knows that her family needs help. Her decision to take her brother's place and pretend to be a boy to deliver mail with the Pony Express was unheard of in 1860 and it had to be kept a secret. Unthinkable, but in the end, Nancy discovered that she was stronger and braver than she ever thought possible. As she worked through her fears and accepted this challenge, she gained a new awareness of her abilities and developed an inward beauty that had never been apparent before. She also met someone who recognized just how special she was and I really liked Bruce MacLeod and his apparent interest in Nancy. 'The instinct to take her hand, to offer his arm, to pull her in both of his arms and kiss away the pain---each one rose up and Bruce stamped them down again. 'Tis strange that a lassie I dinna think I'd have liked two months ago is becomin' so dear to me.'
It is, however, Nancy's growth as a Christian that was so heartwarming to read and I loved the author's analogy of Nancy's efforts to pay off her family's debt. As Nancy reflected on her months along the trail she felt as if she had gone through torture to earn the needed money but when she went to pay, the account balance had already been resolved. Nancy realized that this is the same with God. With his sacrifice Jesus experienced torture to cover all of our debts and God will only accept His payment. Nothing we can ever do can truly pay our debt and it is only the payment made by Jesus that God is willing to accept!
The Trouble with Nancy is an entertaining, thought-provoking story and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and Christian romance.
I received a complimentary digital copy from Celebrate Lit but I wasn't required to write a positive review. These are my own opinions.
My Thoughts on The Trouble with Nancy: I love absolutely everything I have ever read by Chautona Havig. Her style is unlike anyone else I’ve ever read and I literally cannot stop reading her books. I download the free weekly kindle books and she’s the reason I got the Kindle unlimited subscription.
Seriously cannot say enough good things about Chautona.
So, if you’ve never read one of her books go get one now!
I’ll wait.
Got one?
Read it.
Shouldn’t take too long.
Then come back and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
Now onto The Trouble with Nancy and what I thought of this particular title. Nancy is spoiled and selfish and has no stick to it ness. She proclaims big things but then she doesn’t follow through. And she’s not physically pretty. Part of that might have to do with how she carries herself and the inside shining through.
But when push comes to shove Nancy steps up to save her family from losing their house. Her brother was going to ride for the Pony Express and can’t after his leg gets broken. So instead Nancy chops her hair and sets off on the back of a horse.
But is she really working for the Pony Express? And will they truly not know she’s a she instead of a he? Plus what about the fact that she can’t ride? How does that factor in?
Will Nancy earn the money needed or perish on the trail? Will her secret be discovered? Can she save their home before it’s too late?
Meanwhile, why are people searching the house at night? Lewis knows what he’s hearing but he can’t make the connection why they’d want to search their house unless someone wants them out of the house? But why?
While Nancy gallops across the country trying to hide her secret Lewis sets out to discover the mystery at home while convalescing from his broken leg. It’s a great story with lots of twists. And I love the Scottish cook. Or is he really a cook?
Definitely a highly recommend. Go read it now and then read the rest of this series as they are super fun as well.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I love reading historical fiction books because I can get a glimpse of what happened during different time periods. The journey the author takes us on in this book is about the Pony Express. I did learn a lot by the details the author includes. I had no idea that young boys in their teens were the target age to be a rider for this group. They also preferred if they were orphans. The danger they faced on their long journey was overwhelming.
I loved the direction the author took in this story and used a young woman to infiltrate a dominated male profession. Nancy feels like she has no choice but to join the Pony Express when her brother has an encounter that causes him to not be to be able to ride. Nancy's determination to help her family out of a financial crisis was exciting to read. I loved how the author took a character who didn't like horses and had her face her fears.
There is much to learn in this story as Nancy takes off alone to travel across barren land to do her job. It was easy to feel like I was there as the author describes the terrain with such vividness. Nancy has always seemed to be carefree and not really serious. This journey she takes allows us to watch a character mature and find a lasting relationship with God. Trust was hard for Nancy as she sees her family struggling day after day.
This has been a delight to read and as the title says, The Trouble With Nancy is really what troubles us also. We all at one time doubt God and find ourselves in situations we don't know how to get out of. We operate in fear and allow the enemy to whisper lies to us. Nancy for me represented each of us in our struggle to trust God. I thought the book had a great message and I appreciate an author that is gifted in the area of showing readers "God will never leave us nor forsake us."
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
The Trouble with Nancy was a rollicking ride along the Pony Express and a fun read with important themes to remember with a bit of tongue in cheek humor.
Nancy, her mother, and brother Lewis, are a bit in a financial bind since their beloved father passed away. Right after Lewis concocts a plan to ride for the Pony Express and earn the money, calamity strikes again, leaving Nancy feeling like she has no choice but to go in her brother's steed. Except that she can't ride a horse, shoot a gun, and she has to make herself look like her brother- what could possibly go wrong?
And so the adventure begins with the story going back and forth between Nancy and her adventures to her mother and brother at their home and the unforeseen trouble brewing there.
I felt for this family as sometimes, a lot of times, how many of us try to fix our circumstances our way before seeking help from our heavenly Father? The fact that they were in trouble was very real, and the fact that their closest relative would not help without strings attached was very frustrating. However, all is not lost and hope will win out in the end. There is a romance as well, but it is not the main focus but does play out nicely in the story.
What did I think about Nancy? I think the trouble with Nancy happens to be the trouble with us all at times- a little bit self-centered, doing things our own way, until we get to the point in desert. Good story.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
The Trouble with Nancy is book two in the Gold Diggers Collection but you do not need to read the books in order. From what I can tell there are no shared characters.
Chautona Havig takes a short period of our country's history and spins a great tale. The Pony Express Riders were young boys who carried the mail across our country before there was mass transportation to do the job. What if train robbers used fake Pony Express Riders to transport their gold across country? What if a young man was beaten and unable to fulfill his new job as a Pony Express Rider (not realizing he had signed up with with the train robbers rather than the true Pony Express)? What if his old sister who looked a lot like him decided to fulfill his commitment since the family needed the money?
Havig has taken a selfish young lady who thinks of herself first and puts her in a situation where she wants to put her family before her own desires. While on the trail Nancy grows up and learns to be a young lady who no longer thinks of herself first. Difficult situations have a way of making us "grow up." Riding for the fake Pony Express does just that for Nancy.
If you enjoy historical fiction about the wild west or clean romance, you should consider The Trouble with Nancy.
I would not hesitate to add The Trouble with Nancy to my k-12 Christian School library. It is appropriate for grades 7 and up.
I want to thank Celebrate Lit for the complimentary e-copy of The Trouble with Nancy. This is my honest review.
Nearly two years ago, I think, I signed up for a writing class called “Supercharging Your Novel”—or something to the effect. Chautona Havig was running the class during November, concurrent with National Novel Writing Month, which I was participating in that year. One part of the class was that we as students got to help her brainstorm what kind of novel she was going to write for that year, and though I didn’t end up getting in on that for one reason or another (probably mostly because I was trying to hit my own 50,000-word goal at the time!), I did follow the discussion with interest.
Fast forward two years, and I was finally able to read the finished copy! I love what Chautona was able to do with this book. First, you have a girl who hates horses and hates horseback riding taking off on the pony express. Then there is a question of who attacked the girl’s brother—and what if they are after her, as well? And then she is trying to keep others from guessing that she is a girl since this is a very male-oriented job….
In all, this is quite the different book (at least for what I’m used to reading!), but I loved seeing what Chautona did with what she was given. It’s a fun story, with some good thoughts on trusting in the Lord and doing your best to help others even when it isn’t comfortable for yourself.
I requested a free review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
The more I read by Chautona Havig, the more I realize just what a talent she has. Words seem to flow effortlessly from this lady no matter what genre she decides to tackle. Whether it is mystery/suspense, contemporary romance, or a historical western, I have found that I can expect a few hours of reading enjoyment.
The Trouble With Nancy certainly met my expectations. Nancy, the heroine was a feisty and determined young woman who decided to step up and help save her family home despite the fact that she was woefully ill-equipped to take her brother’s place as a rider for the Pony Express. As I rode alongside Nancy in my imagination for all those harrowing miles as she bounced along painfully, I experienced hardship, danger, some unsavory characters, and even a few who went out of their way to help. A surprise romance added the perfect icing to the cake. I found myself laughing out loud at some of Nancy’s exploits one moment and holding my breath during others.
I particularly loved how Nancy grew closer to the Lord through her experiences and matured from a silly, self-absorbed girl into a wise and caring young woman. I am thankful that I had the chance to read this great book and hope that there will be more of this type coming soon.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
The Trouble with Nancy by author Chautona Havig is a Christian Historical Western novel. I have never read anything except contemporary by this author, and this book is proof that she is more than capable of branching out into other genre. She did a fantastic job with this tale.
This is the story of Nancy Harrison, a dreamy headed young woman whose family is struggling. Her father recently died leaving her mother to pay taxes they cannot afford. Nancy’s brother wants to help and trouble ensues.
Fiesty Nancy decides to join the Pony Express Riders and help her family. This experience changes her tremendously. She finds herself and God along the way. It was a captivating tale and I was immediately invested.
Author Havig always puts an inspirational message in her books. It isn’t hidden but in plain sight. That is one of the things I love about her writing. Her style is pleasant, down to earth, and easy to read.
This story had a few twists that made me want to keep reading it. I learned a lot about the Pony Express. Books that not only entertain me but also teach me things are my favorites along with the Christian message being clear.
This is a delightful story. I found the characters totally engaging. I wanted to offer advice to Nancy in certain parts and actually spoke out loud a few times. It definitely gets my recommendation. I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but this is my honest opinion.
The Trouble With Nancy is the second book in the Gold Diggers Collection and this one was written by Chautona Havig and it is great! The Gold Diggers Collection is different books by different authors. As a fan of Historical Fiction and Chautona Havig I had to read it and I am so glad I did. The Trouble With Nancy is about the Pony Express and how it ran, there are a lot of historically accurate facts that I had a great time looking up and reading more on it. Chautona Havig writing style is so unique and loved the way she transitions seamlessly between 2 stories. The characters in this book are well written and completely relatable. I found myself drawn to Nancy. Growing up not looking like the other girls, being told that she isn't enough. I lived the life. Nancy's stubbornness and willingness to take her brothers place with Pony Express so her and her family can stay in their home is admirable. I could NOT put this book down. This book had me guessing until the end and wanting more. I loved feeling the fast paced, exciting, some time held my breath, and found myself crying and laughing. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read the other books in this collection. I give this book 5 STARS.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit Blogger Program and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Some authors have the ability to write about quirky characters you can not help but love and appreciate. Chautona Havig is one of those writers. She has a remarkable way of bringing characters to life. As I was reading about Nancy, I could imagine everything she was going through and doing. Chautona Havig has a way of writing that makes the characters become more like friends rather than just words on a page.
When Nancy’s family (her mother, brother, and herself) find themselves in danger of losing their family home, drastic measures must be taken. However, her mother and brother try to keep things from Nancy even though she is older than her brother. But when her brother is injured before he can leave, Nancy schemes to take his place.
This book is filled with adventure, excitement, dangerous people, gold and more. Nancy runs into danger, adventure (probably more than she wanted), and excitement, along with some memorable people all while trying to earn the money their family needs to keep their home. The drama and excitement help move the book along. The transitions between Nancy and her family back home proved enjoyable to follow.
This is definitely another memorable book from Chautona Havig and definitely one worth reading. So check it out for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
"Well, that's the trouble with Nancy, isn't it? You can never can tell how she'll surprise you next." I love this quote from the book, because it really sums up what the book is about. This story about a female pony express rider is quote a fantastic read. The fun fact is that she isn't really doing what she thinks she is doing. The book is about greed and gold as well as delivering the mail. I love the ending, but there is a sight chance but it might made a few tears fall , both happy and sad ones. I love this quote because it is just really what the christian life is and we can relate with Nancy and said Yes, that is right. Here is the quote " It's just that I went through tortures to pay off a debt, but when I finished and went to pay, the account was settled for me. Jesus did. We try to be good, and read the texts, and say our prayers, and not kill people..." ...or thrash them when they put us through horrible things...."But in the end, all we did to pay that debt wasn't necessary. The Collector won't take it. He only accepts Jesus' payment for us. That's the one He wants." Even through this is the book, the book is not preachy. I really enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end. Great book Chautona Having and I for one am glad you wrote it!
Upon occasion, Ms. Havig clearly has thoughts in her head about the direction a conversation is going, but when it comes out on paper the thoughts and words spoken are incomplete and I don’t understand where it’s leading.
One instance was when the two main characters were quoting Bible verses, then the female lead unhooks her arm from the male lead's arm and starts to run away, claiming she was mortified. I had no clue what she was talking about, nor did the author add detail to lighten that confusion.
Ah well, the premise of the story was fun and there were some tense moments. Nancy (who cut her hair off to look like a boy so she could become a pony express rider) faced bandits and then escaped vengeful Indians another time. Not to mention her exhausting constant ride with little sleep and few baths…all the while trying to keep body parts bound and trying to walk and sound like a young man. 😁
Of the two books I’ve read by this author lately, I liked the previous one better.
What an incredibly fun book to read! One simply must keep reading just to find out what trouble Nancy will get into next. The tax bill is due and there is no money to pay it. Lewis can't go, so Nancy rides away to parts unknown. Nancy is not inclined to step out and be spontaneous, but somehow, this young lady that really doesn’t even know how to ride a horse is off with the Pony Express.
Follow along and enjoy some of the most unbelievable things she gets into, not the least of which is impersonating her brother. I loved reading how she changed and grew through her trip across the country, especially her trust in the Lord. This quote reflects my thoughts - ‘I went through tortures to pay off a debt, but when I finished and went to pay, the account was settled for me. Jesus did that.’ Something we all need to learn!
This ARC was received through CelebrateLit. I am happy to write a review and give this book a 5 star rating, neither of which were solicited. All impressions and opinions are my own.
I always enjoy a book by Chautona, and I have thoroughly enjoyed all the different authors that have taken part in this series so far! I really loved Nancy, and really wanted to be friends with her, though I can't say I am quite as impulsive and daring as Nancy- which is why I think we would make good friends. lol I really enjoyed the historical dig into the history, dangers, and reality of those taking part in the pony express. I enjoyed the really sweet and unexpected romance as well. Chautona's signature style still shone too through which is why I really enjoy this author so much regardless of the genre. I felt like the plot was really steady paced, exciting, and had plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I highly recommend this book for those looking for an excellent Christian fiction or historical fiction, and also recommend the entire series for the same readers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own.
This was different than Ms. Havig usually offers us; it even took a bit for me to convince myself she wrote it. However it didn't take long to get to that point I always reach with her books where I couldn't lay it down. I liked the way the important parts of the past were revealed with out just dumping a lot of "stuff" into the story or giving too much information too soon. Nancy is wonderful! Ms. Havig has created a character that real people can identify with. She's far from perfect, but she is lovable. I was totally shocked that she didn't turn out to be "Pony Express Rider of the Year." ;-) What a surprising, interesting twist at every turn throughout the story ! A story with believable characters, adventure, mystery, turns and twists throughout, and a bit of romance as well. Definitely a good read. Hopefully we will see more about these wonderful "people."
This is a different genre than this author usually writes, but it’s just as good as I’ve come to expect!
When I first started reading, I thought Nancy was a ridiculous and silly person, one whom I’d probably want to avoid in social situations. But as I continued to read, I came to care about the character and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen to her next. It’s amazing how the author was able to take such a silly, unlikable character and make her SOOO likable!!! The story had me laughing many times, made me anxious about what fool-hardy choices the characters might make, and also gave me a few surprises in the end! I highly recommend this book!
Note: While this book is the second book in a collection, the story stands on its own. You do not need to read the first one before this.
Oh, I had fun reading this story! Before reading this book, I didn't know much about the Pony Express, just bits of pieces from old movies and things. However, this book helped in visualizing all that might have happened with those riders. I loved how the author, Chautona Havig, brought to life the fast pace and the vastness of the old west. Life during that time must have been a struggle. I'm not sure I could have done what Nancy did! I also loved the wonderful message of grit and courage Nancy had. Then let's not forget the cute friendship which developed between Nancy and Bruce. This story gave lessons of hope to those who might not feel worthy of love. It's a sweet book and I highly recommend you pick it up to read. I was given this book by the author for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
"The Trouble with Nancy" is "Gold Diggers Collection One Book Two", but the stories are not connected with each other in any way other than the presence of gold in each story. I really liked the story premise of the Pony Express. It was very interesting to get a peak at what life for Pony Express riders might have been like. The mystery of what was going on at the house added a nice layer to the story. I liked Nancy and Bruce and seeing character growth through the story. The book didn't flow that well for me. It took more effort to focus on what was going on (and I really didn't need to know about Nancy dealing with "woman issues" on the trail, even though I realize she would have had to) but I still enjoyed reading 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.
Lewis his moth and sister Nancy are in trouble. There are taxes due and Lewis being young is thinking about becoming a pony express rider. They pay twenty five dollars a week which in the eighteenth hundreds was fabulous money. They preferred young men and orphaned boys were the best.
The mother tried to get help from her husband’s brother. But he refused he has a plan to get them to sell the house to him for some reason. As Lewis gets ready to leave says his goodbyes he is landed upon by thugs threat break his leg.
Nancy finds out that is he doesn’t go they will loose the house so of course she goes in his place. Chops her hair off and binds her bulging chest. Her mother agrees to let her go, brother is I;ducked in drugs for pain and says not to let her go.
Nancy goes and bouncing around on the back of the horse makes it. Great story I enjoyed reading this book.
*I received this book to review from Celebrate Lit.
This book was refreshing, in that the story was unique from many I've read recently. I loved the twist that happened in the middle of the book. It brought a totally different ending than what I was expecting at first! Chautona Havig's books rarely disappoint and this definitely did not. Nancy is a spoiled young woman who has nothing going for her in the looks department. She has never had to put herself out for anyone but when her brother gets hurt she is forced to take his place as a Pony Express rider. But is the job really what it seems? Follow Nancy as she pushes herself beyond what she thought possible. Will it break her or will she be able to find a special strength that only comes from one source. I recommend this book!
Nancy is so determined to help out her mother. There is taxes to pay on the house and her mother doesn’t have the money. Her brother got hurt so Nancy decides to go earn the money.
The story is set in the year 1860 and involves the pony express. I love reading historical books and stories about the pony express. Amazing how they did the mail delivery. Nancy is not very good at horseback riding but determined to get the job now.
This book is part of the Gold Diggers series but each one is a stand alone book. I have enjoyed each one I have read so far.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
I loved the fun take of the pony express that the author took. There were so many great moments throughout, I honestly could choose a best moment.
I was skeptical at first. When a naïve lady who hates horses and can’t ride joins the pony express. Really? How is that going to turn out? Yet is was well done. We get to see her grit and determination despite the hardship and struggles she goes through. It was nice getting to her mature not only in life but also through her faith.
The story was well done, equally highlighting the history, humor, romance, faith, and good old fashion grit. The characters are so relate-able and realistic. You can help but root for them.
The Trouble with Nancy is my first introduction to Chautona Havig’s writing. My goodness! It will not be the last. This is the second installment from her Gold Diggers series. Even though it is part of a series and I have not read the first book, I felt it could be read as a stand alone. I thought this was a fun read. I could not help but to laughing out loud at Nancy. I admired her courage and determination to being part of the Pony Express. I enjoyed learning some tidbits about this moment in history, too. I am giving The Trouble with Nancy a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend this book for all readers who enjoy a well written and fun historical read. I look forward to catching up on the first book of the series, as well as, reading more by Chautona Havig. I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Nancy Harrison joins with the pong express disguised as her brother Lewis.
When Nancy Harrison's brother, Lewis joined up with the Pony Express to get money to pay a tax bill so they won't lose their home. He has no idea Nancy will take his place disguised as him after he ends up with a broken !eg. She is not prepared to do the job, especially since she can't even ride a horse. Very educational on explaining some of the duties the riders had to do, as well as keeping themselves safe along the way.