Under the Stars

by Carolyn Twede Frank

When the new marshal in town needs volunteers, one of the first to sign up is Miss Rosie Decker. And why wouldn’t she? She’s a sharpshooting, horse-taming tomboy—and she’s out for revenge. Marshal Hank Walker is forming a posse to find the man who killed her sweetheart, and Rosie is determined to help track him down. When the marshal refuses her service on account of her being a woman, Rosie is undeterred. If it’s a man Marshal Walker wants, it’s a man he’ll get.

With his posse assembled, Hank Walker is confident he’ll be able to track down the criminal. His confidence grows as he recognizes the incomparable skill of one young man in his posse—Ross. That is, until the day Ross’s mustache falls off, revealing “his” true identity. Rosie Decker has duped him. Banished back to town, it’s time for Rosie to prove her mettle. Though working alongside the unwilling marshal is complicated, it is the unexpected tenderness she feels for him that proves most problematic. How can she demonstrate her skill while also setting out to win the heart of the man who seems bent on keeping her out of his way?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Westerns, Fiction, Audiobook, Clean Romance, Adventure

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

About my writing: I don't like to write candy for the brain. But I do like to try to make my books not only fulfilling, but entertaining. Candy is nice, but a meal of meat, potatoes, and veges can leave you more satisfied. My books give the reader a good taste of history and/or science along with a dash of mystery folded into the story.

About me: I've always loved writing, but haven't gotten serious until the past seven years. When I'm not writing, I like to garden, sew, fix up old houses, or anything else creative. My favorite movies are ones about history.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have to admit, I grabbed this book for the fabulous cover. Besides, I’m often looking for U titles for challenges and I am glad to have read it for that reason.

Otherwise, I am not the audience for this book. I’m not a huge romance reader and that’s the main focus of the book. I get hung up on wanting things to make sense and wanting to feel a true historical flavor when I read historical books. Rosie, to me, felt like an enterprising girl from the 1950s or 1960s who was misplaced into an earlier time frame. Everything is larger than life and there’s not a lot of nuance. Historical conversation seems to “happen” with her getting an intermittent mountain accent with bad grammar; she’s got a slender waist and beautiful features but she brings down hardened outlaws time and again. And then peskier errors like thinking laryngitis isn’t contagious. And calling someone a moron in the 1800s. Oh well. Oh, and lace wasn't scratchy back then because it was all handmade. I didn’t realize her folks were so incredibly wealthy as to provide yards and yards of it for a wedding gown. So...yeah. Just not my sort of book.

Mostly clean. She completely ignores her father’s advice though dependent on him for a home. We are told how she uses the toilet in the open while in disguise on the trail.

I’d recommend this one to readers more interested in romance than in a western or in historical detail.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Carolyn Twede Frank has written a amusing and entertaining story in her novel, Under the Stars. Although the story is pretty predictable and a bit slow in places, especially where the romance in the story comes in, this story is filled with plenty of intense action, including a posse of men trying to find a murderer, as well as jailing some robbers. The author has created some fun personalities in her characters, causing readers to want to read and learn more about them. This story is an enjoyable and sometimes funny western romance read.

Genre: western, romance
Publisher: Covenant
Publication date: January 1, 2020
Number of pages: 272

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, and authors, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited OR pre-ordered/purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, refreshing read. Tomboy Rosie finds joy in activities mostly enjoyed by men in this time period: breaking horses, enjoying the great outdoors, sharpening her target skills, etc. I loved how Rosie was able to interact with men on their "traditional" turf without belittling or humiliating them. Instead she builds and helps each of them become better while calming tempers and squabbles. The romance portrayed in this book progresses naturally as both main characters gain an appreciation for each other's skills and personalities. This was my first book by Carolyn Twede Frank and I will be seeking more of her books.

I received a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued by Rosie and how she was such a rough and tumble girl in the west! She wasn't afraid to be herself, which included being a ranch hand and slinging a six-shooter! She impressed me with her ability to be herself and go after what she wanted. The guts it took to dress in disguise as a man to join a posse headed to find her sweetheart's killer was impressive to me. She was one tough woman with sharp shooting skills, a calm presence amidst a group of men, and a determination to rival any cowboy in the wild west. If you like romance and westerns, you will enjoy Rosie's story in Under the Stars! I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book by Carolyn Twede Frank’s set in Craig, WY. I have loved the other books she has written and this was no exception! This was a wonderful, clean Western romance with outlaws and a tomboy who kicked butt! I loved the banter between the main characters and how they fell in love with each other even if they weren’t who they expected to fall in love with at the beginning! Love this book! Highly recommend!

[A.]

Rosie is a fascinating blend of tomboy and caring woman.  The unique characters give this story a fresh twist, and their journeys of self discovery make this old west story a delightfully insightful book.  Less polished writing style seems to fit the character of the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.

[Don Gubler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light, entertaining read

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed this series from the start, each featuring strong women who stand apart from the stereotypes of the time in which they lived.

This story is no different. This can be read as a stand-alone even though many of the characters have featured in the first two books. Both Rosie and Hank are very likable and endear themselves to the reader quickly. I’m not so sure the conflict is as strong as I might expect between them at first, but the continuing plot is fun. Rosie is easily the core strength of this storyline. Her sass and wit are awesome and I loved the way she handled herself in all the situations she finds herself in. You are never really unduly concerned for her. She knows her skill set and owns it!

Great read, with a satisfying ending.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed Carolyn Twede Frank's western series set in Craig, Colorado, and I was excited to see another installment!

In His Accidental Bride, we meet Dorothy who is desperately trying to escape her con-man brother and his schemes. A sympathetic woman on the train named Wilhemina gives her a way out---deliver a letter to the man she was supposed to marry as a mail-order bride. Dorothy agrees, but once she gets to town, everyone mistakes her for Wilhemina, even Ronald, the man who was expecting his mail-order wife. Dorothy and Ronald hit it off and soon, she can't seem to find the words to tell Ronald who she really is.

Dorothy has a lot of inner turmoil going on and she's constantly trying to figure out a way to get out of the situations she finds herself in. Ronald is the one bright spot in her life and he's definitely not a typical hero. He's quiet, reserved, and doesn't trust easily. He falls in love with Dorothy, but her past soon catches up with her. I did enjoy their slow-paced romance like a little bit of sunshine on a cold day. I thought the author did a great job with the setting and it was fun to revisit characters from previous books. I had a hard time with the ending because right when we were about to get some resolution, the author skips ahead six months and then the reader is just told what happened, which really sucked away the tension and pacing. But I was glad to see Dorothy and Ronald get a happily-ever-after and I'm hoping there will be more books in this series.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Under the Stars by Carolyn Twede Frank, 272 pages. Covenant Communications, 2020. $17.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Rosie wants the chance to join up with the posse chasing down Ivan’s murderer, but the marshal isn’t taking on any women. With some help from her friends, Rosie becomes Ross and joins the posse anyway. She might have been able to fool the marshal into letting her go along, but Rosie has her work cut out for her if she’s going to keep up the ruse until they catch the outlaw.

I was disappointed to not have as much fun reading about Rosie’s antics as I expected. Frank’s writing was the kind of funny where I understand the humor but don’t actually laugh because I was embarrassed for Rosie as I waited for her careful plans to fall apart. The more I read, the more ridiculous the story became as Rosie tried to discover what she wanted and how to get it. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading how everything wrapped up in the last couple chapters.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

When her intended is shot in the back by a cowardly outlaw, Rosie Decker is determined to get justice and no one is going to stand in her way. That includes the pretty-faced Marshal Hank Walker who refuses to let her join his posse. With a little creativity, Rosie disguises herself and joins up anyway. After all, she’s a better shot and horseman than any man she knows. But will Rosie be able to keep up her disguise in such close quarters with the marshal? And what about the pesky feelings of attraction she’s starting to have for him?

This book was a fun, refreshing read. I loved the characters, especially Rosie. She’s strong willed and determined to be herself, even when it’s not typical or fashionable. I also loved the side characters who stepped in to help her out along the way. This is the first book I’ve read by Carolyn Twede Frank and I quite enjoyed it. If you’re looking for a light, fun, clean western then Under the Stars is a great option.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Amanda Ashby aristides · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won't summarize the book for you, I NEVER understand nor appreciate when reviewers do that. My daughter bought the book on CD for me, when I realized it was a Western themed book I automatically dug my heels in, like a dog on a leash, knowing you are taking it to the vet. Thankfully, I wasn't ready to pop the first disc out minutes into it. Rosie is smart, she is a girl before her times (or similar to those in some parts of the Middle East..just held back by society). I can imagine, but only painfully, how I would have managed in those situations. I wouldn't have! A must for me is indoor plumbing, both toilets and bathing facilities. My heart goes out to Rosie, who is so repressed. It would be so hard. The story is slow in parts and there were things that I wondered about or thought could go a different way. I feel like it was well detailed but still felt something was missing. (I really should write this when I am not so tired and might be able to pinpoint it.) I liked the marshal's character for the most part. When I think of the day and age of the setting, I can forgive him. I love that at a point where I would have dug my heels in, Rosie respected the law and the marshal's authority, let go of her pride and did as she was told. She is big into honesty, as I am, yet found herself struggling to stay true to it. I feel for her because I too wonder how I can even be tempted to lie or act dishonest at any point, because I detest it so much. I was pleasantly surprised to not yell at the characters to just talk or tell the truth. So this was a level I could deal with happily. I loved some of the characters and even the unlikable characters were at times endearing or admirable. I do know one thing that made me feel unsatisfied, it was that some things were touched on about characters but not explained or resolved. SO you are left wondering why it was brought up. Maybe there will be a book two and it will build these characters more fully and explain what we were left wondering about in this one. Overall, I enjoyed it and was glad that I listened to it and will do so as I rotate through my books, I am sure. I would buy it, I would read it and I do recommend it, especially for someone that wants a female hero book or a Western, light romance. PS I glimpsed a review that labeled it as "somewhat clean"...whaaaaaat?!! I prefer really clean books! I don't feel that going to the bathroom outside is not clean, unless you mean ewww not hygienically clean...oh my goodness, the setting (both date and physical) make it an acceptable necessity! I appreciate the author bringing the struggle up, because it would have been real. There is nothing "unclean" in this book...besides dusty roads and days of not bathing.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hello, Mulan. This is a classic girl-pretends-to-be-a-man-and-falls-for-the-leader story. I like how capable and unafraid Rosie is. She learns an important lesson about how a need for vengeance can turn a person bitter, and I appreciate that, as well. Some of the relationship between her and Marshall Walker are predictable, but not to the point of being trite.

Carolyn Twede Frank writes turn-of-the-20th-Century western romances. I’ll admit, it’s not my favorite genre. But when you’re looking among your ARCs for something light and quick to read, they fit the bill.

Frank’s books are published by Covenant Communications, who also publish Traci Hunter Abramson. To be honest, I found Abramson’s writing to be superior. The editing on her books was far superior as well. I know that this could be a function of the fact that I am reading uncorrected galleys, but some errors in Franks work were so fundamental—misused words, confusing “lie” and “lay”, and a mess with homophones—I really hope these were cleaned up on final.

Characters have a fairly clear line between “good” people and “bad” people. The good ones tend to be very empathetic and helpful, always wanting the best for everyone. The bad ones are low-down sneaky varmints. Side characters are engaging, which is good, because we meet them over and over through the series.

As with anything published by Covenant, these books are squeaky clean, not going past kissing with unmarried people, and some super mild innuendo between the married ones. Cursing is limited to such words as “heck” and “dagnabit.” There are hardships, and people do die, sometimes at the wrong end of a gun, but violence also is mild.

Thank you to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...

[Tressa (Wishful Endings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

UNDER THE STARS is an entertaining read from the first page to the last! With a spitfire heroine, a strong hero, plenty of antics and danger, and a sweet romance with a little sizzle, the story is sure to delight western romance readers who are looking for a light and fun read. Definitely recommended.

I couldn't resist smiling during most of this story. Rosie is just one of those spunky, unconventional heroines who's also a sharp-shooter and can ride a horse as good as the rest of them. Hank is a good man and the US Marshall who has come to town to see justice served in the area. The two of them completely rub each other wrong, but mostly because sparks fly from the beginning and they're both resistant to what that means. Plus, there's an outlaw on the loose that they want brought to justice. I loved Rosie's antics and the mix of tenderness and toughness in her as a tomboy. She was a perfect match for Hank. The romance was sweet, but not too sweet. Really quite perfect, and the ending was adorable.

I didn't have too many complaints about this story. The only thing was that Rosie came off a little young in places and she wore on me just a little about a third of the way in. She talks with a lot of slang and she's super stubborn, although so is Hank. However, I didn't have any issues in the second half of the book and my annoyance was short lived.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one! It was light and sweet with enough depth to hold my attention. It had small-town charm, fun characters, and a happily-ever-after romance with two gun-slinging leads.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Stars
by Carolyn Twede Frank
Covenant Communications
Christian , Historical Fiction
Pub Date 01 Jan 2020


I am reviewing a copy of Under the Stars through Covenant Communications and Netgalley:


After the New Marshall in town lets it be known he needs volunteers, one of the first people to sign up is Miss Rosie Decker. This sharpshooting horse taming tomboy is out for revenge. Marshal Hank Walker is forming a posse to find the man who killed her sweetheart, and Rosie is determined to help track him down. When the marshal refuses her service on account of her being a woman, Rosie is undeterred. If it’s a man Marshal Walker wants, it’s a man he’ll get.


Once the Pose is assembled, Hank Walker is confident he will be able to track down the criminal. His confidence grows even more as he recognizes the incomparable skill of one young man in his posse—Ross. That is until the day Ross ‘s mustache falls of revealing “his” true identity. Rosie Decker duped him Banished back to town, it’s time for Rosie to prove her mettle. Though working alongside the unwilling marshal is complicated, it is the unexpected tenderness she feels for him that proves most problematic. How can she demonstrate her skill while also setting out to win the heart of the man who seems bent on keeping her out of his way?


If you are looking for a great work of historical fiction, with a spunky female lead then Under the Stars Is just the ticket.


I give Under the Stars five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

#UndertheStars #NetGalley

Publisher synopsis: When the new marshal in town needs volunteers, one of the first to sign up is Miss Rosie Decker. And why wouldn’t she? She’s a sharpshooting, horse-taming tomboy—and she’s out for revenge. Marshal Hank Walker is forming a posse to find the man who killed her sweetheart, and Rosie is determined to help track him down. When the marshal refuses her service on account of her being a woman, Rosie is undeterred. If it’s a man Marshal Walker wants, it’s a man he’ll get.

With his posse assembled, Hank Walker is confident he’ll be able to track down the criminal. His confidence grows as he recognizes the incomparable skill of one young man in his posse—Ross. That is, until the day Ross’s mustache falls off, revealing “his” true identity. Rosie Decker has duped him. Banished back to town, it’s time for Rosie to prove her mettle. Though working alongside the unwilling marshal is complicated, it is the unexpected tenderness she feels for him that proves most problematic. How can she demonstrate her skill while also setting out to win the heart of the man who seems bent on keeping her out of his way?

While a good story, there were a few parts that were slow. I thought Rosie was a genuine character, although somewhat misguided. It was sad such a sorry excuse for a boyfriend that she had and didn't know it and didn't even entertain the idea that everyone else had the same opinion of him and maybe she should think about that?

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Under the Stars
By Carolyn Twede Frank
Tomboy Rosie Decker is a true diamond in the rough. She can’t see her worth however and feels the need to prove herself as good as any man. Working on a ranch as the only female has had its challenges but Rosie has shown the crew, she can pull her weight. When a new marshal lands himself in charge of a posse to find the killer of her murdered sweetheart Rosie knows she has to find a way to join the hunt.
Marshal Hank Walker is faced with puny pickings as he attempts to form a posse to find a killer. While stopping at a local ranch to round up men he finds himself faced with a woman cowboy intent to join his posse. Bewildered, Hank turns her down but can’t keep his thoughts from drifting her way.
Rejected by the sheriff won’t stop Rosie's determination to hunt for the criminal, just as a small posse won’t stop Hank.
I think this was a really cute book. I enjoyed the ups and downs as Rosie and Hank made self-discoveries and found themselves tangled in love along the way. The manhunt was exciting but I can’t imagine what Rosie did to disguise herself as working. I also don't think she would be able to sneak away for such an extended period with no one the wiser. Still, it was fun as I find in most fiction stories there are many unlikely scenarios. Rather I like to use my imagination and try to make it work.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun story set in the days of the old west. Rosie is a lovely young woman who has no need for society parties or manners. Much to her parents’ dismay, she dresses in flannel shirts and men’s pants, and works as ranch hand on a local ranch. She’s quite at home on a horse and there’s no job in the ranch that she can’t do. Add to this that she’s an expert sharpshooter, and she would seem like the perfect applicant to be a deputy sheriff. But Sheriff Hank doesn’t want a woman on his force. So when there’s a need for a posse to bring in a dangerous outlaw, Rosie disguises herself as a man, and goes along with the group. There’s a problem that Rosie hasn’t considered——the fact that she just might fall in love with the sheriff. As Rosie realizes that Hank is also drawn to her, she knows she needs to make some changes. But how can she become the lady she needs to be and still do this things she enjoys most?

It’s quite entertaining when Rosie decides that she’s going to “wow” Hank in changing her ways to be more in line with being a wife. But first, Rosie finds herself in danger, and it’s going to take her all ingenuity and skill, plus Hank’s intervention, to save her life. Rosie is an amazing, endearing character. If you like Mary Connelly’s books, you’ll want to be sure to read this one.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This western romance had a great pace and fun characters, I thoroughly enjoyed it. While westerns aren't my typical go to genre, I have read a few by Karen Witemeyer and Sarah Eden and I would rank this novel and the rest of the Craig Series by Carolyn Twede Frank as being right up there in terms of lovable characters, wit, and a fantastically paced and well developed plot.
Rosie is a tomboy through and through. When the chance to join a posse to avenge her one and only sweetheart comes along she jumps at the chance to join. Too bad Marshal Hank Walker won't have a woman on his team. Dressed as a man and attempting to sound like one too, Rosie joins the group and soon proves herself to be the most valuable team member. Too bad her "mustache" can't keep it together. I enjoyed how the story pulled me in from page one and that I found myself laughing and cheering on Rosie's antics all along. This book had more romance in it than I expected and that was a pleasant surprise to me. I enjoyed the fun sparks between Rosie and Hank particularly that they fell in love with each other for who they really are and not false pretenses. The author did a good job of helping the two discover that their male and female strengths are what complimented each other. I give this book 4. 5 stars and definitely recommend it.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always in the mood to read a great historical romance. I LOVED this one by Carolyn Twede Frank. Her characters were great, and the plot was as well.

Rosie might have been my very favorite thing about this book. She’s a young woman, but she’s not a proper young woman by any means. She works on a ranch as a horse-tamer, with a bunch of men. I loved that she was not concerned about what anyone thought of her. She just was herself, and she was good at that. When Rosie’s boyfriend is killed, she just knows that she needs to join the posse going after her killer. The marshal doesn’t want to take a woman, so she does what she has to, and becomes Ross. That part made me laugh, I loved it!

Hank Walker is the marshal. He’s had a rough time finding men willing to go after a killer. The men that signed up to go are an interesting bunch, but he can’t get the woman who wanted to go out of his mind. I liked Hank. He was really protective of women because of what happened to his sister and mom. That kind of works against him with Rosie, because she’s so independent. But eventually they figure out what works for the two of them. The journey to that point is great, though!

This one has a unique plot that just grabs the reader from the very first. I loved it!

I was sent a copy of Under the Stars as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Kathryn Veil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosie Decker is proud to be a horse breaking, gun-toting tom-boy. Her mother is constantly trying to get her to wear dresses and be more feminine, but Rosie hates all that stuff. After her sweetheart Ivan is killed by an outlaw, she jumps at the chance to join Marshall Hank Walkers posse...only he won't take any women with him
Now Rosie is on a mission to show Marshall Walker that she can help him better than any man in town. She doesn't fully understand why the Marshall feels the way he does, but she's not going to let him stop her.
Marshall Hank Walker is new to the town of Craig, and is bound and determined to bring outlaw Harlow Forbes to justice for killing an innocent man. But he cannot allow Rosie Decker to accompany him. Ever since his mom and sister were hurt and taken by ruthless criminals, he can't get past the fear of seeing women hurt. The only problem is that Rosie really is the best shot in town. She's reliable and trustworthy, not to mention fearless.
Rosie and Hank come to terms with their differences and learn to work together in this heartwarming story of trust and being true to oneself. I could not put this book down. It is a darling read that will help you escape from reality if you want. If you are interested in westerns, strong female lead characters, outlaws, and romance...then this story is perfect for you!

[Sally Mander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Stars by Carolyn Twede Frank
Paperback
Pages: 272
2020
ISBN: 1524411973
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc
Reviewed by: HuberK, Arkansas, USA
Date: 1/16/2020
Rating: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟🌟

Miss Rosie Decker is unlike any other woman in Craig, Colorado. She is a tomboy, sharp shooter, ranch hand. She wears trousers, can work outside all day long, just like one of the guys.

Her sweetheart Ivan has been gunned down and the marshal, Hank Walker comes looking at the outlying ranches to find enough able bodied men to hunt down Ivan's cold-hearted killer Harlow Forbes. Unfortunately, he doesn't get many who are interested in joining the posse. He emphatically states that there's no way he would let Miss Rosie join up with the posse.

So, Rosie takes matters into her own hands, asks a friend to help her with her disguise and "Ross Cook" is born. Marshal wants a man, she gives him a man. Rosie/Ross takes over breakfast cooking duties of the posse. Poor Ivan only has a five "man" posse, charging after his killer.

The book is believable and enjoyable.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Goodreads and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Marie]

Rosie bucks the traditional female role of her day, working as a ranch hand, wearing trousers and flannel, and shooting better than most men. She recently lost her fiance to an outlaw and wants vengence.
Sherriff Hank Walker loves his work, and is looking for someone with whom to share his life. Past trauma has convinced him that women need protection and gentleness.
When Rosie wants to join Sheriff Walker's posse to bring in the outlaw that killed her fiance, their worlds and worldviews collide and sparks fly!
I really enjoyed this book, even though it isn't what i typically read. I enjoy female characters that buck tradition, but learn to find a balance in their strength and gentleness. Rosie felt like a little bit too anachronistic to me, and too good at all the male things. She had a quick temper, but it didn't seem to get her in as much trouble as i expected. Her disguise... well, it surprised me it took so long for people to figure it out. I recommend it if you enjoy historical westerns, personal character development, and a sweet romance that isn't the main focus of every chapter.

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like cute western romances, this books for you. Rosie is your typical “Annie Oakley”, she wanted to wear trousers, break horses, and shoot her pistol. And she was good at it. Her beau, Ivan, had been murdered by the notorious, Harlow Forbes, and she was going to help bring him in.
Marshall Henry Walker was putting together a posse to hunt down Harlow Forbes. Unfortunately there weren’t many good men willing to help and he was not going to add a woman to his posse.
The tension between Henry and Rosie was evident from the get go. They were both very stubborn and determined to get their way. It was fun to see the bickering between them turn into an attraction. It was a bit predictable but it was still written to entertain the reader. I truly enjoyed it. I didn’t realize, until some names started to sound familiar, that the author has written other books that took place in Craig, Colorado. It was nice to tie them together, but they are definitely stand alone stories. It is your typical wild west story, so of course there will be gunfire and people getting shot. But I would consider it clean wholesome romance.

[Emily Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Rosie Decker, What can I say? You were a gal ahead of your time. This character was fully developed but still had room for growth. That gal didn’t know what a limitation was. She did lack ability to hear no or to communicate with those that love her. That being said, I love her too. She is compassionate and caring and gives no thought to herself in most situations. She has gumption and can take care of herself.

Henry Walker is the lawman of every woman’s dreams. He is respectful and caring, and looks out for the women in his life. That works until he meets Rosie.

I loved the development of their relationship and the characters. This story is a rich tapestry of characters that I might have to go back and read the previous books in order to meet.


Westerns aren’t usually my first choice in reading, but this one was fabulous and I will definitely share the title with those in my circle. Definitely on to reread and a series that belongs on my shelves.

[Janene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Rating: 4 stars
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrator-Noah Wall: 4 stars


What engaged me as a reader:

• The banter between Hank and Rosie was fun to read as were Rosie's interactions with the outlaws.
• Many times, the situations Rosie found herself in were hilarious and brought a smile to my face or a giggle.
• Hank, the sheriff, was overprotective of women because of the kidnapping of his sister and the death of his mother. He did not want Rosie to ride with the posie, even if she was an amazing sharp shooter and a great horsewoman.
• Rosie was determined to ride with the posse, so she disguised herself as a man and took on the persona of Ross.
• The writer's words painted clear pictures that helped me to visualize the scenes and the emotions of the characters.
• This novel was an engaging and amusing tale of romance between a tomboy and a Marshall that I think you will enjoy. This is a western romantic comedy and should be read as such.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet romance, but somewhat slow. I liked the idea of the plot. It was fun and at times Rosie got herself into some funny situations. Many of the characters were easy to like and those you were meant to dislike, you did. There were redeeming qualities in all of them. It was easy to read and clean. I did like that Rosie was good at things unusual for a woman in this time. However the characters were pretty simple. Rosie was a tom-boy and refused to see herself as anything else. She was unwilling to change. Stubborn like a toddler. Sheriff Hank Williams was sweet and for the era, his opinion of women was natural. The bad guys were extreme characterizations of villains. The way they spoke, acted, etc. That's what I didn't like. The characters reminded me a bit those in the old Doris Day movie "Calamity Jane", with Rosie being Calamity and Hank as Wild Bill Hickok.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and offer my opinion of this book.

[Carolina Colleene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG
Rosie wants the chance to join up with the posse chasing down Ivan’s murderer, but the marshal isn’t taking on any women. With some help from her friends, Rosie becomes Ross and joins the posse anyway. She might have been able to fool the marshal into letting her go along, but Rosie has her work cut out for her if she’s going to keep up the ruse until they catch the outlaw.
I was disappointed to not have as much fun reading about Rosie’s antics as I expected. Frank’s writing was the kind of funny where I understand the humor but don’t actually laugh because I was embarrassed for Rosie as I waited for her careful plans to fall apart. The more I read, the more ridiculous the story became as Rosie tried to discover what she wanted and how to get it. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading how everything wrapped up in the last couple chapters.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Under the Stars is the third book in the Craig Colorado Series. This installment is full of humor. It had me laughing so much.

Main character Rosie Decker is a tomboy, gun-slinging, horse taming female in a world where females should wear frilly clothes and wait for a man to save them. Rosie is out to prove herself and take part in the posse hunting down the killer of her former beau.

Marshal Hank Walker wants nothing to do with a female joining his posse even if they are the best "man" that has signed up. Some of my favorite moments in the book were when Rosie, known as Ross, deals with trying to keep the charade up pretending to be a man; finding a place to take care of daily needs in private and dealing with the itchy mustache hanging onto her lip with honey. The two men work well together but deep inside Rosie is falling for Hank. The charade is up when the mustache falls off and Rosie is sent back to town. Things heat up between the two later as Rosie is resentful but still proves helpful to Hank. I also loved it when several of the characters from the first two novels show up in this novel. It's one of those feelings of coming home. I also enjoyed some of the new characters, especially the two brother thieves that Rosie brings in on her own. They are clumsy, and backward and have some funny things to say.

This book overall has a cute, clean romance, filled with humor, that radiates with the spirit of the wild, wild west. I have loved this series and I hope that there will be more stories coming from the small town of Craig, Colorado.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this author's previous two books in this series (Heart of the West and Saving Susannah Jones) and enjoyed them immensely. So I was eager to read this new one, especially when I heard the summary. Rosie and Hank sounded like quite the pair. I am happy to say that the book lived up to my expectations. Rosie and Hank were delightful characters whose interactions often made me smile and sometimes laugh. Rosie's skills and determination made her easy to root for, even though it was evident from the beginning that her efforts to disguise herself as a man were going to get her in trouble at some point. It was impossible for me not to cheer Rosie on as she tried to convince the marshal that she would be a good deputy. Her growing feelings for the man complicate her efforts as does the marshal's relationship with the banker's daughter. But Rosie isn't one for giving up, not even when outlaws get in the way. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The banter between Hank and Rosie was fun to read as were Rosie's interactions with the outlaws. Frank has written an engaging and amusing tale of romance and law enforcement.