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The Gilbert Girls #2
Running from Forever
A wanted man. A heart in hiding. A love to free them both.
The Crest Stone Hotel is the perfect place for a man like Thomas Drexel to hide. Wanted for crimes he didn’t commit, Thomas hopes he can blend in as a handyman at the newly-opened hotel. But his past threatens his future when one of the hotel restaurant’s waitresses discovers his identity.
Caroline Beauchamp ran from Boston to escape an arranged marriage to a despicable man. She’s safe in the hotel, hidden from those who want her to return home. Yet she finds herself drawn to Thomas and compelled to help him prove his innocence, even if she risks her position as a Gilbert Girl to do so.
Experience has taught Thomas not to trust women who come from money, but it’s not long before he sees there’s more to Caroline than he thought. With new guests arriving at the hotel each day, it’s only a matter of time before the law finds Thomas and Caroline’s family finds her. With their futures on the line, Caroline and Thomas must trust their newfound love and face their pasts before they are pulled apart--forever.
The Crest Stone Hotel is the perfect place for a man like Thomas Drexel to hide. Wanted for crimes he didn’t commit, Thomas hopes he can blend in as a handyman at the newly-opened hotel. But his past threatens his future when one of the hotel restaurant’s waitresses discovers his identity.
Caroline Beauchamp ran from Boston to escape an arranged marriage to a despicable man. She’s safe in the hotel, hidden from those who want her to return home. Yet she finds herself drawn to Thomas and compelled to help him prove his innocence, even if she risks her position as a Gilbert Girl to do so.
Experience has taught Thomas not to trust women who come from money, but it’s not long before he sees there’s more to Caroline than he thought. With new guests arriving at the hotel each day, it’s only a matter of time before the law finds Thomas and Caroline’s family finds her. With their futures on the line, Caroline and Thomas must trust their newfound love and face their pasts before they are pulled apart--forever.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2019
277 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 8, 2019
Two people hiding from people searching for them. But it seems love may find them first! A great addition to this series, Caroline had fleed her home in Boston to escape an arranged marraige. Luckily she finds herself a job at the Crest Stone Holtel in Crest Stone, Colorado as a Gibson girl. Thomas Drexel was praying his luck held as he was hiding from being wrongly accused of a crime. He had worked on rebuiding the hotel and was glad he could stay on and do more work. He had seen Caroline several times but knew he could not approach her due to the strict rules. Bur Caroline has noticed him two and when she sees him on a wanted poster, she listens to his story.
Can these two come together an prove his innocence and she keep avoiding her family? A lovely sweet story during a time long ago that will enchant you to the last page!
Can these two come together an prove his innocence and she keep avoiding her family? A lovely sweet story during a time long ago that will enchant you to the last page!
May 31, 2019
I will not summarize this story because it is already given in the description of this book. The purpose of this review is to give potential readers information to make an informed decision about reading this story.
What I liked:
• The personalities of Thomas and Caroline and the supporting characters.
• This story can be read as a stand alone. I haven't read the first novel in this series and I felt I did not lack any crucial information.
• The theme of the story-Thomas and Caroline both trying to acquire permanent freedom for their lives.
• The setting of the story at the Gilbert Company's Stone Crest Hotel.
• The main storyline of trying to find evidence to prove Thomas innocent of premeditated murder and robbery.
• How the romance developed gradually between Thomas and Caroline. It had a natural feel.
• There were no major editing problems and the story flowed smoothly.
• This was a clean read. I appreciate authors who do this. I believe it is harder to write a good clean story.
• This was a fun escape through a western romance.
• The pacing of the story was neither too fast or too slow.
What could have been improved:
• A little less predictability in the storyline.
I recommend this story to western romance readers who enjoy a clean read. I received an ARC of this story from the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own.
What I liked:
• The personalities of Thomas and Caroline and the supporting characters.
• This story can be read as a stand alone. I haven't read the first novel in this series and I felt I did not lack any crucial information.
• The theme of the story-Thomas and Caroline both trying to acquire permanent freedom for their lives.
• The setting of the story at the Gilbert Company's Stone Crest Hotel.
• The main storyline of trying to find evidence to prove Thomas innocent of premeditated murder and robbery.
• How the romance developed gradually between Thomas and Caroline. It had a natural feel.
• There were no major editing problems and the story flowed smoothly.
• This was a clean read. I appreciate authors who do this. I believe it is harder to write a good clean story.
• This was a fun escape through a western romance.
• The pacing of the story was neither too fast or too slow.
What could have been improved:
• A little less predictability in the storyline.
I recommend this story to western romance readers who enjoy a clean read. I received an ARC of this story from the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own.
October 4, 2019
Such a beautiful story of 2 people and how their past is controlling their future. One of the first girls to come to Crest Stone to learn how to become a Gilbert Girl was Caroline. While the hotel and restaurant were being built Caroline was finding out that maybe she wasn't meant for all the hard work. She had left her high society life and work was a new concept for her. As time passes Caroline realizes she loves the work and never wants to leave. Thomas is a young man that worked on his crew building the hotel, when it is completed he begs Mr McFarland to let him stay to be a handyman. The reason he wants to stay is because he is running from his past. When Caroline recognizes Thomas's face on a wanted poster, he knows he must somehow convince her not to turn his in.
Our story moves along quite quickly as Caroline and Thomas bend the rules they are supposed to live by. I really enjoyed how this story progressed. I was able to meet up with some of the girls from the previous books to see how they were progressing as the restaurant opens. I like my stories to have romance, suspense and mystery and I was not disappointed. Ms. Cahill does a wonderful job of pulling you into a story with her descriptions of the time period in the West, with the characters that you become embraced in to learn more about them. I think I would love to step into the Crest Stone hotel and spend the night, have my meals waited on by a Gilbert Girl and go for a horse ride through the countryside. Of course I wouldn't want to stay it's a little too wild for me yet. I really enjoyed this story and can hardly wait to read the next and since the author has let us know its Penny's story I know it will be full of laughter.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, I was not asked for anything in return. I have chosen to write this review because I am really enjoying the series and wanted to share my view.
Our story moves along quite quickly as Caroline and Thomas bend the rules they are supposed to live by. I really enjoyed how this story progressed. I was able to meet up with some of the girls from the previous books to see how they were progressing as the restaurant opens. I like my stories to have romance, suspense and mystery and I was not disappointed. Ms. Cahill does a wonderful job of pulling you into a story with her descriptions of the time period in the West, with the characters that you become embraced in to learn more about them. I think I would love to step into the Crest Stone hotel and spend the night, have my meals waited on by a Gilbert Girl and go for a horse ride through the countryside. Of course I wouldn't want to stay it's a little too wild for me yet. I really enjoyed this story and can hardly wait to read the next and since the author has let us know its Penny's story I know it will be full of laughter.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, I was not asked for anything in return. I have chosen to write this review because I am really enjoying the series and wanted to share my view.
June 8, 2019
Carolynn w as excited as the hotel was about to open and she would have a chance to practice everything she had learned to be a Gilbert Girls. She had not told anyone about her past, why she truly left Boston. While doing last minute preparations for the opening of the restaurant, she notices a handsome hardworking man. Thomas has noticed her several months ago and was happy to finally be so close to her. He too was running from his past. Later she sees his wanted poster and he begs her to listen to his side. Can they trust each other and what do they do when their pasts come back to haunt them?
What a wonderful historical romance set in the Wild West. It is a love story that brings a feeling of what times must of been like in the past. The descriptions of the scenery, clothes and buildings are extremely well done lending a sense of authenticity to this story. The author weaves a wonderful tale of two people who need to overcome their pasts and learn to trust others. It is an emotional rollercoaster as the characters deal with the twist and turns and barriers they experience. It is easy to read, the characters are amazing and the storyline is creative. I enjoyed this book immensely.
What a wonderful historical romance set in the Wild West. It is a love story that brings a feeling of what times must of been like in the past. The descriptions of the scenery, clothes and buildings are extremely well done lending a sense of authenticity to this story. The author weaves a wonderful tale of two people who need to overcome their pasts and learn to trust others. It is an emotional rollercoaster as the characters deal with the twist and turns and barriers they experience. It is easy to read, the characters are amazing and the storyline is creative. I enjoyed this book immensely.
August 9, 2021
Book 2 in the series involves another Gilbert Girl and one of the hotel workers:
"The Crest Stone Hotel is the perfect place for a man like Thomas Drexel to hide. Wanted for crimes he didn’t commit, Thomas hopes he can blend in as a handyman at the newly-opened hotel. But his past threatens his future when one of the hotel restaurant’s waitresses discovers his identity.
Caroline Beauchamp ran from Boston to escape an arranged marriage to a despicable man. She’s safe in the hotel, hidden from those who want her to return home. Yet she finds herself drawn to Thomas and compelled to help him prove his innocence, even if she risks her position as a Gilbert Girl to do so.
Experience has taught Thomas not to trust women who come from money, but it’s not long before he sees there’s more to Caroline than he thought. With new guests arriving at the hotel each day, it’s only a matter of time before the law finds Thomas and Caroline’s family finds her. With their futures on the line, Caroline and Thomas must trust their newfound love and face their pasts before they are pulled apart--forever." synopsis copied
"The Crest Stone Hotel is the perfect place for a man like Thomas Drexel to hide. Wanted for crimes he didn’t commit, Thomas hopes he can blend in as a handyman at the newly-opened hotel. But his past threatens his future when one of the hotel restaurant’s waitresses discovers his identity.
Caroline Beauchamp ran from Boston to escape an arranged marriage to a despicable man. She’s safe in the hotel, hidden from those who want her to return home. Yet she finds herself drawn to Thomas and compelled to help him prove his innocence, even if she risks her position as a Gilbert Girl to do so.
Experience has taught Thomas not to trust women who come from money, but it’s not long before he sees there’s more to Caroline than he thought. With new guests arriving at the hotel each day, it’s only a matter of time before the law finds Thomas and Caroline’s family finds her. With their futures on the line, Caroline and Thomas must trust their newfound love and face their pasts before they are pulled apart--forever." synopsis copied
June 26, 2019
One runs from fear of the law; the other from an arranged marriage. Will they either one escape?
Thomas Drexel and Caroline Beauchamp both arrive at The Crest Stone Hotel, hoping to hide from what has happened, or meant to happen. He gets a job as a carpenter, she becomes a Gilbert Girl. Their unexpected attraction, becomes an issue that can cost both of them their jobs, and maybe more. This is a well written book, with lots of twists and turns, which author Cat Cahill is becoming good at developing and solving! You will not want to put this down, until it ends. I recommend you read it for adventure and romance!
Thomas Drexel and Caroline Beauchamp both arrive at The Crest Stone Hotel, hoping to hide from what has happened, or meant to happen. He gets a job as a carpenter, she becomes a Gilbert Girl. Their unexpected attraction, becomes an issue that can cost both of them their jobs, and maybe more. This is a well written book, with lots of twists and turns, which author Cat Cahill is becoming good at developing and solving! You will not want to put this down, until it ends. I recommend you read it for adventure and romance!
June 2, 2019
It was good to visit with our friends at the Crest Stone Hotel and the Gilbert Girls. Caroline and Tom are both running from their past lives. Even the strict rules of the Gilbert Girls are unable to keep these two apart. I love the trust they have to develop between themselves and in others, also the way the girls look out for each other even though they came to Crest Stone as strangers. This has been an interesting series and I look forward to more stories.
I received an advance copy of this book. The opinions given are my own.
I received an advance copy of this book. The opinions given are my own.
June 12, 2019
A great series that can be read as a stand alone. I love this this little town that’s slowly becoming bigger. The Gilbert girls and the cafe have a huge impact on this town. Caroline is meek but becomes courageous and bold, Thomas is a character that makes me laugh with his flirty banter that only makes Caroline mad. This book kept me pulled in from the first page with a great plot and wonderful characters. I can’t wait for the next book!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
June 16, 2019
Thomas and Caroline were both running from something. He from being wanted by the law after being set up to take the fall for theft. She from a man her parents were forcing her to marry, who physically abused and killed his previous wives. Caroline is working towards head waitress with the Gilbert Company and Thomas is trying to earn his way in Crest Stone after working with the crew that built the hotel. They are attracted to each other and dream of a future together, but their pasts are about to catch up with them. There was plenty of romance, humor, and suspense in this historical romance.
February 10, 2022
Wonderful Story & Characters
I've enjoyed reading the Gilbert Girls series so much. Adventure, romance, strong yet feminine heroines, masculine heroes with integrity & heart, these are only a few of the reasons. It's refreshing to read a historical fiction novel set in the American West which aligns with that era in both setting and dialog.
This particular book kept me interested because I had to know what Caroline was running from and how Thomas' dilemma would be solved.
This series is clean, sweet romance which would appeal to many romance readers, I think.
I've enjoyed reading the Gilbert Girls series so much. Adventure, romance, strong yet feminine heroines, masculine heroes with integrity & heart, these are only a few of the reasons. It's refreshing to read a historical fiction novel set in the American West which aligns with that era in both setting and dialog.
This particular book kept me interested because I had to know what Caroline was running from and how Thomas' dilemma would be solved.
This series is clean, sweet romance which would appeal to many romance readers, I think.
May 3, 2025
Caroline Beach amping has worked hard since joining the Gilbert Girls. Her work has been admired & she is in the running to become the head waitress. Thomas Drexel has been working on the hotel building since the beginning, but he has a secret; he killed a man to protect himself. When a sheriff cones to the hotel wanting to out cc wanted posters, he feels he may have to run again. He confides in Caroline, who believes him, but is running as well. Can these two work together to find the truth and finally settle down ? I good read for a rainy few days.
October 23, 2019
Running From Forever
Thomas is doing carpenter work rebuilding a hotel. He is wanted for robbing and killing a man.
Caroline has runaway from her home in Boston.
She works as a Gilbert Girl. They have high standards trying to tame the Wild West.
He thinks she is pretty an teases her, she has one thing on her mind becoming the head waitress. She isn’t interested in men.
Good story, great ending
Thomas is doing carpenter work rebuilding a hotel. He is wanted for robbing and killing a man.
Caroline has runaway from her home in Boston.
She works as a Gilbert Girl. They have high standards trying to tame the Wild West.
He thinks she is pretty an teases her, she has one thing on her mind becoming the head waitress. She isn’t interested in men.
Good story, great ending
July 24, 2021
Thomas notices Caroline right away. But she needs her job as a Gilbert Girl and so can't get involved in any romantic relationship. But Thomas is running from his past and can't risk his job either--or can he? As feelings grow, Caroline matures into a strong young woman who stands up to responsibilities. But she has a few choices to make. Will they include Thomas? A delightful read with a few surprises!
June 8, 2019
Running to each other
He was running from a crime he didn't commit. She was running from an arranged marriage. Thomas and Caroline found each other. With the help of friends, Thomas is able to prove his innocence, Caroline finds the courage to face her brother and take a chance on love.
He was running from a crime he didn't commit. She was running from an arranged marriage. Thomas and Caroline found each other. With the help of friends, Thomas is able to prove his innocence, Caroline finds the courage to face her brother and take a chance on love.
June 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this fast paced clean romance. The setting was wonderful and the characters where lively. I found myself engaged in the characters lives and hoping for things to work out between them. There were even some intense parts that had your heart racing. I highly recommend this book! Happy Reading!
I received this book for free if I would leave an honest review.
I received this book for free if I would leave an honest review.
August 29, 2020
Clean and heartfelt
Loved this story. The H/h each had reasons for hiding out in Colorado territory, and their pasts catch up to them. I really enjoyed how Caroline was able to learn and grow into the strong, confident woman she needed to be to help save Thomas, who is a worthy hero.
I especially liked that this was clean, realistic, and the romance was heartfelt.
Loved this story. The H/h each had reasons for hiding out in Colorado territory, and their pasts catch up to them. I really enjoyed how Caroline was able to learn and grow into the strong, confident woman she needed to be to help save Thomas, who is a worthy hero.
I especially liked that this was clean, realistic, and the romance was heartfelt.
January 17, 2021
Caroline & Tom the Cat
Caroline & Thomas are both on the lam. While she is running from from an arranged marriage to an abuser whose previous two wives died mysteriously, Thomas is running from a trumped up charge of murder and robbery. Both must find their way clear of the muckety-muck in their lives. Good story, although only 140 pages.
Caroline & Thomas are both on the lam. While she is running from from an arranged marriage to an abuser whose previous two wives died mysteriously, Thomas is running from a trumped up charge of murder and robbery. Both must find their way clear of the muckety-muck in their lives. Good story, although only 140 pages.
June 3, 2025
Running from his past and I situation that wasn't his fault, took Mr. Drexel to the Gilbert Hotel in Colorado. He was one of many men building the hotel.
Running from an arranged marriage with a man who is much older and very abusive, Catherine, signed on as a Gilbert Girl.
Can these two find peace?
Running from an arranged marriage with a man who is much older and very abusive, Catherine, signed on as a Gilbert Girl.
Can these two find peace?
October 16, 2019
Caroline and Thomas
There's just something special when an author pens a story that's so relatable. Honest, caring people who find themselves removed from their normal circumstances and thrown into far different lives.
Very well written and edited. A joy to read!
There's just something special when an author pens a story that's so relatable. Honest, caring people who find themselves removed from their normal circumstances and thrown into far different lives.
Very well written and edited. A joy to read!
January 27, 2020
Caroline and Thomas
Loved the ending! Caroline becomes enamored of Thomas but knows they can never be. Thomas loves Caroline but is not able to be with her because he is a wanted man. - Babs
Loved the ending! Caroline becomes enamored of Thomas but knows they can never be. Thomas loves Caroline but is not able to be with her because he is a wanted man. - Babs
May 18, 2020
Good book
I enjoyed this book, it's a little different, not the usual plot with the main characters trying to find a reason not to love each other. There is some mystery mixed in with the romance.
I enjoyed this book, it's a little different, not the usual plot with the main characters trying to find a reason not to love each other. There is some mystery mixed in with the romance.
October 26, 2021
Never Give Up
Great story about two people running away from commitment in their past life. When Caroline is found by her brother she stands up for her belief, while helping Thomas clear his name.
Great story about two people running away from commitment in their past life. When Caroline is found by her brother she stands up for her belief, while helping Thomas clear his name.
March 12, 2022
I read and enjoyed Running From Forever, Ms. Cahill's second book in The Gilbert Girls series. Although the characters were different they started to seem familiar as well as the story-line. I liked it enough that I will read book three in this series.
March 8, 2024
a page turner for certain!
I just couldn’t imagine how this one was going to all turn out but it was sure exciting seeing it all come together!! Caroline and Thomas’s story was romance at its best!!
I just couldn’t imagine how this one was going to all turn out but it was sure exciting seeing it all come together!! Caroline and Thomas’s story was romance at its best!!
July 15, 2024
Very good book
I truly enjoyed this story of mystery and troubled pasts. The creative problem and spur of the moment Hail Mary was an exciting conclusion of a good second book of this series.
I look forward to the next book.
I truly enjoyed this story of mystery and troubled pasts. The creative problem and spur of the moment Hail Mary was an exciting conclusion of a good second book of this series.
I look forward to the next book.
July 10, 2020
This well written historical fiction novel had really fun characters. They story moved swiftly and the mystery was sweet.
August 8, 2020
A sweet romance. Takes you away to another time. Really needed a light easy to read escape read.
September 3, 2020
Good Read
This is a very clean,pleasamt uplifting story. I have always loved reading stories of three amazing women who helped settle the west.
This is a very clean,pleasamt uplifting story. I have always loved reading stories of three amazing women who helped settle the west.
December 24, 2020
Another sweet story
Im enjoying the Gilbert Girls books. They are sweet romance with a little suspense. Happy ever after is ensured in these stories.
Im enjoying the Gilbert Girls books. They are sweet romance with a little suspense. Happy ever after is ensured in these stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews