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Trace McQuade has lost everything--his ranch, his brother, the woman he wanted to marry. When his quest for justice fails, he leaves Texas to head north, but he never expects an outlaw's baby along the way.
Morgana Goldwater needs to be needed. After she endured a terrible tragedy, she lives in a narrow, protected world. When Trace needs help caring for the baby girl, she is quick to take them both into her heart and into her life.
But their troubles return, and Trace and Morgana must face their past to keep loving the little girl--and each other--in their future.
Sweet Romance.
#kindleunlimited
Morgana Goldwater needs to be needed. After she endured a terrible tragedy, she lives in a narrow, protected world. When Trace needs help caring for the baby girl, she is quick to take them both into her heart and into her life.
But their troubles return, and Trace and Morgana must face their past to keep loving the little girl--and each other--in their future.
Sweet Romance.
#kindleunlimited
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2019
543 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Pam Crooks
40 books80 followersDear Reader,
While expecting my first child (more years back than I care to count), I read my very first romance novel, and I've been in love with them ever since. I grew up in the ranch country of western Nebraska, and it was inevitable I’d eventually write lots of books about cowboys. I still live in Nebraska with my husband (who is not a cowboy), four married daughters and a whole slew of perfect grandchildren.
I'm a long-time member of RWA and RAH, my local chapter. I'm also one of the founders of Petticoats & Pistols, a popular blogsite for western romance. I love to cook, hang out at my lake cabin, and decorate birthday cakes for anyone who will let me.
www.pamcrooks.com
www.swankykitchen.com
www.facebook.com/pamcrooksauthor
www.facebook.com/pamcrooks
Twitter @pamcrooks
While expecting my first child (more years back than I care to count), I read my very first romance novel, and I've been in love with them ever since. I grew up in the ranch country of western Nebraska, and it was inevitable I’d eventually write lots of books about cowboys. I still live in Nebraska with my husband (who is not a cowboy), four married daughters and a whole slew of perfect grandchildren.
I'm a long-time member of RWA and RAH, my local chapter. I'm also one of the founders of Petticoats & Pistols, a popular blogsite for western romance. I love to cook, hang out at my lake cabin, and decorate birthday cakes for anyone who will let me.
www.pamcrooks.com
www.swankykitchen.com
www.facebook.com/pamcrooksauthor
www.facebook.com/pamcrooks
Twitter @pamcrooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 27, 2021
"Trace (Bachelors and Babies #1)" is a first time read by new to me author Pam Crooks. This was a delightful clean historical romance novella that was enjoyable to read😊. There are days when you just want something light and comfy and this is one of those reads. Looking forward to the others in this series as each are standalone reads.
September 15, 2019
Trace (Bachelors and Babies Book 1)
This is a wonderful beginning to this new series. Each one is a stand alone so it doesn't matter which book you start with. Written by different authors, a few new ones (to me) and old favorites. I enjoyed reading this one, wonderful characters and I rooted for their HEA. Looking forward to each book. JudyE
This is a wonderful beginning to this new series. Each one is a stand alone so it doesn't matter which book you start with. Written by different authors, a few new ones (to me) and old favorites. I enjoyed reading this one, wonderful characters and I rooted for their HEA. Looking forward to each book. JudyE
December 18, 2020
FINDING HAPPINESS ALONG THE JOURNEY
While the story is part of the Bachelors and Babies series, it is a stand-alone story. The story is a clean historical western-based book. The story will bring together Trace McQuade and Morgana Goldwater in unusual circumstances—a baby that doesn’t belong to either of them but needs both of them to survive.
Trace McQuade will leave his life and troubles behind in Western Texas, heading to Nebraska, but will stop in Wallace, Kansas where he will work as a carpenter for the Goldwater family. But life has a way of changing plans. What a shock when Johnny shows up with a baby, Emma’s daughter, and a note stating that she wants him to care for Harriett. Learning Emma is dead, the father, Slick-Shot Billy Hayes is gone, this baby is left to him.
“Emma’s daughter,” Johnny said simply, holding the basket toward him. “She wants you to take care of her.” “No one else but you, McQuade, to take care of her kid.”
How will Trace work and make the money he needs to buy the ranch he wants in Nebraska. He isn’t one to ask for help, but it isn’t just for him, it is for Harriett. Morgana offers, against her mother’s wishes, and under her care, baby Harriett thrives—until she comes down sick. When the town doctor believes it is influenza, he demands they quarantine—all three of them, and in the process, that puts Morgana’s reputation in jeopardy. But what happens when two people who are starting to develop feelings, even though they are fighting them, spend days together in seclusion taking care of Harriett? Will they both see that what they each need is right in front of them?
“Morgana’s convictions over Harriett stirred up some new thoughts in Trace, making him wonder just what the future held for the three of them.”
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil of people. The past will come calling when they are secluded, one that brings danger with it. When Trace must protect Morgana and Harriett, he learns that Nebraska is only a place and Wallace, Kansas holds more promise than a dream. The story has life and death moments of danger and suspense with a happy ending.
“I need you, and I love you. I want you as my wife, and if Harriett could talk, she’d say she wants you as her mother, too.”
While the story is part of the Bachelors and Babies series, it is a stand-alone story. The story is a clean historical western-based book. The story will bring together Trace McQuade and Morgana Goldwater in unusual circumstances—a baby that doesn’t belong to either of them but needs both of them to survive.
Trace McQuade will leave his life and troubles behind in Western Texas, heading to Nebraska, but will stop in Wallace, Kansas where he will work as a carpenter for the Goldwater family. But life has a way of changing plans. What a shock when Johnny shows up with a baby, Emma’s daughter, and a note stating that she wants him to care for Harriett. Learning Emma is dead, the father, Slick-Shot Billy Hayes is gone, this baby is left to him.
“Emma’s daughter,” Johnny said simply, holding the basket toward him. “She wants you to take care of her.” “No one else but you, McQuade, to take care of her kid.”
How will Trace work and make the money he needs to buy the ranch he wants in Nebraska. He isn’t one to ask for help, but it isn’t just for him, it is for Harriett. Morgana offers, against her mother’s wishes, and under her care, baby Harriett thrives—until she comes down sick. When the town doctor believes it is influenza, he demands they quarantine—all three of them, and in the process, that puts Morgana’s reputation in jeopardy. But what happens when two people who are starting to develop feelings, even though they are fighting them, spend days together in seclusion taking care of Harriett? Will they both see that what they each need is right in front of them?
“Morgana’s convictions over Harriett stirred up some new thoughts in Trace, making him wonder just what the future held for the three of them.”
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil of people. The past will come calling when they are secluded, one that brings danger with it. When Trace must protect Morgana and Harriett, he learns that Nebraska is only a place and Wallace, Kansas holds more promise than a dream. The story has life and death moments of danger and suspense with a happy ending.
“I need you, and I love you. I want you as my wife, and if Harriett could talk, she’d say she wants you as her mother, too.”
June 10, 2019
Trace and Morgana are opposites who have one thing in common, their love of Harriett (a baby who doesn't share blood with either, but steals their hearts).
Without any spoilers, I want to give a preview of the book Trace. Trace is a former bounty hunter with revenge on his mind. Morgana is a young woman desperate for her inheritance so she can live on her own. When Trace is given a baby he seeks help and here enters Morgana.
Amid upset parents, an influenza quarantine, and outlaws wanting money/revenge, Trace, Morgana, and Harriett turn from three individuals into one family.
This is book 1 of 14 in the Bachelors and Babies Series. It's clean, quick, and an all-around good read. I would recommend is to all historical western romance fans who especially enjoy no on screen or off screen sex in their books. I have also found another author I will happily enjoy reading.
Thank you Pam Crooks for such as enjoyable read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Without any spoilers, I want to give a preview of the book Trace. Trace is a former bounty hunter with revenge on his mind. Morgana is a young woman desperate for her inheritance so she can live on her own. When Trace is given a baby he seeks help and here enters Morgana.
Amid upset parents, an influenza quarantine, and outlaws wanting money/revenge, Trace, Morgana, and Harriett turn from three individuals into one family.
This is book 1 of 14 in the Bachelors and Babies Series. It's clean, quick, and an all-around good read. I would recommend is to all historical western romance fans who especially enjoy no on screen or off screen sex in their books. I have also found another author I will happily enjoy reading.
Thank you Pam Crooks for such as enjoyable read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2019
This is a book that you will want to read. It’s in a new series that if the rest of the stories are like this one I am going to love reading them all.
I love this story about Trace a rancher and bounty hunter who’s cattle was being rustled in Texas and he knew who was doing it as they used to be friends.
He finds him but the rustler got away but he shot someone that the rustler used as a shield but he had the shock of his life when he saw who it was.
Ten months later, he is in Kansas working as a carpenter on a house where he meets the beautiful daughter and is spell bound by her.
The he gets a delivery of something very unexpected and need some help and asks her to help.
This all I am going to say about this story but trust me there is a whole of unexpected surprises and adventures that are fun to read about and make you wonder the whole time how it will be come out in the end.
I love this story about Trace a rancher and bounty hunter who’s cattle was being rustled in Texas and he knew who was doing it as they used to be friends.
He finds him but the rustler got away but he shot someone that the rustler used as a shield but he had the shock of his life when he saw who it was.
Ten months later, he is in Kansas working as a carpenter on a house where he meets the beautiful daughter and is spell bound by her.
The he gets a delivery of something very unexpected and need some help and asks her to help.
This all I am going to say about this story but trust me there is a whole of unexpected surprises and adventures that are fun to read about and make you wonder the whole time how it will be come out in the end.
August 26, 2019
Thoroughly Enjoyable
What a lovely, feel good story, with a slight amount of conflict with outlaws to add a sense of danger. An interesting and refreshing new outlook to stories of the wild West to add a baby to the mix.
Trace, a bounty hunter, has decided enough is enough and wants to travel to Nebraska to buy a ranch, but first he needs to earn some money. While he is doing carpentry work on Stan and Lila's house, someone drops a baby off with the message that Trace has been asked to look after her. What is he to do?
Step forward Morgana, Stan and Lila's daughter. The story progresses at a nice pace and what an enjoyable story it is.
What a lovely, feel good story, with a slight amount of conflict with outlaws to add a sense of danger. An interesting and refreshing new outlook to stories of the wild West to add a baby to the mix.
Trace, a bounty hunter, has decided enough is enough and wants to travel to Nebraska to buy a ranch, but first he needs to earn some money. While he is doing carpentry work on Stan and Lila's house, someone drops a baby off with the message that Trace has been asked to look after her. What is he to do?
Step forward Morgana, Stan and Lila's daughter. The story progresses at a nice pace and what an enjoyable story it is.
June 23, 2020
A fun story
A baby is given to Trace because her deceased mother wanted him to have her. He has been working on carpentering in order to earn enough to buy a farm in Nebraska. Morgana is the daughter of the family he is working on their house. Morgana is taken with Harriet the baby and thoroughly enjoyed taking care of her. A lot goes on but he decides to stay in Kansas and he ends up with enough to buy a ranch and marry. Read this book it is quite fun how it all comes out.
Well worth the time.
A baby is given to Trace because her deceased mother wanted him to have her. He has been working on carpentering in order to earn enough to buy a farm in Nebraska. Morgana is the daughter of the family he is working on their house. Morgana is taken with Harriet the baby and thoroughly enjoyed taking care of her. A lot goes on but he decides to stay in Kansas and he ends up with enough to buy a ranch and marry. Read this book it is quite fun how it all comes out.
Well worth the time.
July 6, 2020
Trace (Bachelors and Babies)
This was a great story. Trace endured hardships of different kinds. Working as a carpenter in Kansas, earning money to buy a ranch in Nebraska. After work one day, someone rolled up to the cabin he was staying in. Brought to him a baby, Emma’s baby, the lady he had shot by accident. The man left the baby with a note from Emma. She stated, this was the rustler’s baby, she had been with. Trace owed her and she wanted him to care for Harriett. This is where his troubles really begin. You will enjoy this story.
This was a great story. Trace endured hardships of different kinds. Working as a carpenter in Kansas, earning money to buy a ranch in Nebraska. After work one day, someone rolled up to the cabin he was staying in. Brought to him a baby, Emma’s baby, the lady he had shot by accident. The man left the baby with a note from Emma. She stated, this was the rustler’s baby, she had been with. Trace owed her and she wanted him to care for Harriett. This is where his troubles really begin. You will enjoy this story.
February 3, 2021
A sweet romance. Trace has lost a lot of things and people in his life before an outlaw baby is surprisingly dumped upon him. He’s trying to finish up a carpentry job in a town he’s passing through when this happens. He meets Morgan’s, the daughter of the couple he’s working for and there’s a definite attraction there and she steps in to help when baby Harriett is left with him. Plans begin to change when they spend more time together than originally planned. Their pasts are also dangerously hanging around the corner. A lot changed quickly and in the long run, it’s worth it. A good read.
June 4, 2022
unlike the others (read out of order) i found this book really hard to read. Trace was cold and very disconnected thorough out most of the book, and it was mostly about Morgana and the baby anyway. I gave it a one star for many reasons, reasons i mentioned above, and also (SPOILERS) im not sure why the author had Trace shoot his ex anyway. She could've just died in childbirth or something. it was also like the author needed to force the characters together to bring some warmth into Trace so she gave the baby possible flu.
June 14, 2019
Trace, Morgan and Harriet
This is the first of the Bachelors and babies stories and it was a winner. Trace was a country with a history, lots of personal tragedy, and loss. Morgan is the daughter of the local mercantile owner with sorrow and tragedy in her past. Trace is surprised with an infant to care for and questions galore. You will love their story and their happily ever after. It is a good read. Great job Pam.
This is the first of the Bachelors and babies stories and it was a winner. Trace was a country with a history, lots of personal tragedy, and loss. Morgan is the daughter of the local mercantile owner with sorrow and tragedy in her past. Trace is surprised with an infant to care for and questions galore. You will love their story and their happily ever after. It is a good read. Great job Pam.
June 28, 2019
Unexpected surprises in this charmer.
Modern-day rancher has an old problem, rustlers and he needs to take of the problem. That, of course, will not be his only problem and there is one he really will need help with. This quick read was so sweet with some great characters and storyline. This is a straight out good story that I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Modern-day rancher has an old problem, rustlers and he needs to take of the problem. That, of course, will not be his only problem and there is one he really will need help with. This quick read was so sweet with some great characters and storyline. This is a straight out good story that I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
December 24, 2019
Cowboys outlaws, and babies
5star although usually I don’t give five star to stories that have curse words in them, this one is an exception. The words aren’t super harsh but a curse word is a curse word. So with that I would hesitate to recommend this to my advanced preteen reading friends older children maybe but not the younger tweens.
Was a great western, romance, and a bit of mystery. I look forward to the rest of the seri3s.
5star although usually I don’t give five star to stories that have curse words in them, this one is an exception. The words aren’t super harsh but a curse word is a curse word. So with that I would hesitate to recommend this to my advanced preteen reading friends older children maybe but not the younger tweens.
Was a great western, romance, and a bit of mystery. I look forward to the rest of the seri3s.
January 25, 2021
Trace, (Bachelors and Babies Book 1)
The love story of Trace and Morgana. Trace is a bounty hunter turn carpenter. While working on the Goldwater's home he get a special delivery, A baby girl. How he need someone to take of her. Morgana want to start a school to teach music. When Trace need someone to take care if his daughter she volunteers. Can they find love ? Great story.
The love story of Trace and Morgana. Trace is a bounty hunter turn carpenter. While working on the Goldwater's home he get a special delivery, A baby girl. How he need someone to take of her. Morgana want to start a school to teach music. When Trace need someone to take care if his daughter she volunteers. Can they find love ? Great story.
June 6, 2019
This is Book #1 in the series Bachelors and Babies, and is a sweet, quick read story yet one that has a great story line and a HEA. The characters, both the good ones and the bad ones are well developed and the plot is fast moving and intriguing. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
June 7, 2019
Gotta Love a Baby
Sweet story of how a former cattle man a bounty hunter ends up with another man's baby. I loved how the author portrayed both the hero and heroine as they worked together to fill the needs of the adorable little girl. Good Plot with lots of action to tie up loose ends. Great story.
Sweet story of how a former cattle man a bounty hunter ends up with another man's baby. I loved how the author portrayed both the hero and heroine as they worked together to fill the needs of the adorable little girl. Good Plot with lots of action to tie up loose ends. Great story.
June 26, 2019
Trace (Bachelors and Babies Book 1)
Trace suddenly had a baby delivered to him on night. He was new in Kansas , on his way to Nebraska, or so he thinks, until he's left with a baby to raise. Can he make a life for himself and the baby names Harriet, before his past catchs up to him. This was a really great read.
Trace suddenly had a baby delivered to him on night. He was new in Kansas , on his way to Nebraska, or so he thinks, until he's left with a baby to raise. Can he make a life for himself and the baby names Harriet, before his past catchs up to him. This was a really great read.
August 30, 2019
A delightful and heartwarming story
What a charming romance. An unreceptive bachelor, a baby thrust upon him, and young woman who feels her wealthy uselessness will wither within her. With a combination like that you have to have a winning tale. Oh, throw in a couple ruthless outlaws and you will read for hours. Dishes can wait.
What a charming romance. An unreceptive bachelor, a baby thrust upon him, and young woman who feels her wealthy uselessness will wither within her. With a combination like that you have to have a winning tale. Oh, throw in a couple ruthless outlaws and you will read for hours. Dishes can wait.
January 8, 2020
Wonderful story
A very creative and exciting story. Many twist and turns. Outlaws, baby, stolen money and two single people placed in unusual circumstances makes for an adventure well worth the time. I highly recommend you read this story and join in on all of the future stories in this series.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖💖💖
A very creative and exciting story. Many twist and turns. Outlaws, baby, stolen money and two single people placed in unusual circumstances makes for an adventure well worth the time. I highly recommend you read this story and join in on all of the future stories in this series.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖💖💖
June 6, 2020
Riveting
This story kept me riveted from the beginning to the end. It is full of intriguing posts that kept me reading, wondering what was going to Galen next. There's a little mystery, too, which kept me wanting to find out more. Another wonderful book by Pam Crooks and a great story to start this series of with.
This story kept me riveted from the beginning to the end. It is full of intriguing posts that kept me reading, wondering what was going to Galen next. There's a little mystery, too, which kept me wanting to find out more. Another wonderful book by Pam Crooks and a great story to start this series of with.
June 7, 2019
Loved it
Trace- rancher/bounty hunter/carpenter- back to rancher.
Morgana- daughter of a rich merchant in Wallace ks.
I enjoyed reading this intriguing story that has drama, action, and of course romance. Loved all the characters and the fantastically written plot. Their story has a wonderful HEA!
Trace- rancher/bounty hunter/carpenter- back to rancher.
Morgana- daughter of a rich merchant in Wallace ks.
I enjoyed reading this intriguing story that has drama, action, and of course romance. Loved all the characters and the fantastically written plot. Their story has a wonderful HEA!
June 11, 2019
Starting right out with a shoot out. Action, literally from page one, but it didn’t stop there. It was packed full of action and the epitome of a good western from back in the day. This book could easily be a movie! Book gifted to me.
July 11, 2020
Catching a husband and daughter
Nice story. Second time reading this story. I enjoyed the baby and parent relationship that grew. Nice ending. Be nice if you wrote a epilogue wi t h how their little ranch goes and new children.
Nice story. Second time reading this story. I enjoyed the baby and parent relationship that grew. Nice ending. Be nice if you wrote a epilogue wi t h how their little ranch goes and new children.
August 16, 2020
Trace and Morgana
I really enjoyed reading Trace and Morgana's story in the New Bachelors and Babies series. I hope you will read this book and love it as much as I did! I look forward to reading the entire series.
I really enjoyed reading Trace and Morgana's story in the New Bachelors and Babies series. I hope you will read this book and love it as much as I did! I look forward to reading the entire series.
February 22, 2022
Sweet but short
Loved this cute little story. My only gripe would be it's too short. Things seemed to happen far to quickly for my liking. Still the characters are likable and the story filled with humor and adventure.
Loved this cute little story. My only gripe would be it's too short. Things seemed to happen far to quickly for my liking. Still the characters are likable and the story filled with humor and adventure.
June 1, 2019
Awesome story
While it is a fairly quick read the characters and storyline developed nicely. Love, humor, and HEA tied up with bravery made for a must read.
While it is a fairly quick read the characters and storyline developed nicely. Love, humor, and HEA tied up with bravery made for a must read.
June 9, 2019
Bachelor's and Babies
Trace is book one in the series by Pam Crooks. I love the characters in this story. It has drama and the romance is sweet.
Trace is book one in the series by Pam Crooks. I love the characters in this story. It has drama and the romance is sweet.
June 19, 2019
Enjoyed this fun and action-filled western!
June 20, 2019
Good book!
This was a good book and I loved Trace and Morgana. That said, the scenes between the outlaws, Trace and Morgana just weren't believable.
This was a good book and I loved Trace and Morgana. That said, the scenes between the outlaws, Trace and Morgana just weren't believable.
July 4, 2019
Nice
Nice, just a good book to set and read to take you away from modern life. I would recommend this to all my friends.
Nice, just a good book to set and read to take you away from modern life. I would recommend this to all my friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews