Beatrix Darlyn holds her family together. The family's unconventional interests make life fun, but Bea's talent with a trigger won't pay her father's debt, so everyone must put in some hard work on the family farm. For the sake of her three sisters, Bea pushes her pride aside to take a leap of faith.
Kelly Eileen Hake is a reader favorite of Barbour's Heartsong Presents series, where she has released several books. A credentialed Secondary English teacher in California, she is pursing her MA in Writing Popular Fiction. Known for her own style of witty, heartwarming historical romance, Kelly is currently writing the Prairie Promises trilogy, her first full-length novels. She has been writing since she could hold a pen and was first published at the tender age of eighteen.
“A Darlyn in Distress Beatrix Darlyn holds her family together. Plentiful prayers and unconventional interests enliven hard work on the family farm, but talent with a trigger won’t pay her father’s debts. For the sake of her three sisters, Bea pushes her pride aside to take a leap of faith. A Reluctant Rescuer Greyson Wilder can’t outrun the pain of his past—but he does his best to bury it. A man who’s outlived all his loved ones can’t find a better business than selling the skeletons of slaughtered buffalo. There’s no one to care for, but no one to disappoint—until a sharpshooting farm girl waylays him with an irresistible offer. An Unlikely Partnership When their plans go awry, Greyson finds himself saddled with the sisters, who surprising skills might be the ticket to surviving the Wild West. Whether it’s trick shots or throwing knives, these women aim to succeed and never miss a target. Can Greyson convince Bea to set her sights on him, or will they both miss their shot at love? Join the Dangerous Darlyns as the adventure begins, with Trails & Targets!”
Series: Book #1 in the “Dangerous Darlyns” series.
Spiritual Content- Mentions of Church going, Church going, Hymns are sung, Jonah & the whale, and Mary & Martha; a Mention of cleanliness being next to godliness; Jodie says it’s God’s job to watch over her from Heaven; Grey doesn’t think he’s worthy of God; Bible reading & many Scriptures from Philippians are quoted; Strong Faiths & Faiths grow; Talks about God & Trusting Him. *Note: There’s a town called Devil’s Lake; “They must go to Devil’s Lake to raise h*ll”, “before you catch h*ll”, “h*llish”, “heaven and h*ll”, “sure as h*ll”, and “go to the devil” are all said at least once.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a form of ‘darn’, a ‘dumb’, a ‘hush up’, a ‘shady’, a ‘shoot’, three ‘hush’s, three or four forms of ‘heck’, four forms of ‘stupid’, six forms of ‘biddy’, eleven forms of ‘idiot’; mentions of plucking ducks & chickens (semi-detailed); Hunting (barely-above-not-detailed); Drinking, Saloons, Gambling, wanting to drink; Talks of buffaloes & their bones (semi-detailed being the highest); Mentions of cigar smoking; Guns, shooting, and aiming (barely-above-not-detailed); Blood (barely-above-not-detailed).
Sexual Content- two forms of ‘hoyden’ and two ‘wh*re’s; a semi-detailed kisses; Wanting to kiss; Notices, Gazes & Touches (highest for all being semi-detailed); Men state at the Darlyn sisters (which makes Jodie want to get rid of them all); Grey falls in love with Bea quickly & thinks improper things (only one is mention, “snuggling under the covers…besides Bea”); Love, falling in love & the emotions.
-Beatrix “Bea” Darlyn -Greyson “Grey” Wilder P.O.V. switches between them, Jodie, & Miles Set in 1889 328 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Pre Teens- One Star New Teens- One Star (and a half) Early High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half) Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half) My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{ Because of the minor cussing and h*ll being mentioned/said many times, ratings were lowered. }
I was really-really-really excited to read “Trails & Targets”! (Again, a girl with a gun—I like those stories! ;) ) I think I put too much pressure on this novel & comparing it to “Plots & Pans”. While I laughed many times, loved the growing Faiths, the talents of the sisters and liked that they was only one kiss; I had to give a lower rating because of the minor cussing. But, I will be reading the rest of the series when they come out. :)
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author. *I received this book for free from the Publisher (Shiloh Press Run) for this review.
It was so hard to give this book only 3 stars. If I could give it 3.5 instead I would. Its sad to do this because I really like Kelly Eileen Hake books but this one just started out very slow for me and it felt like at the beginning was all over the place with the characters. I was a bit lost trying to keep up with them. That's mainly why I gave it the 3 stars. At first I wasn't quite sure which the main character was. Now that being said it did get better towards the end and that's where my 1/2 rating comes in and why I believe this is more of a 3.5 star book. But compared to her other books this definitely was not one of those books that I would say I could not put down. It actually took me the longest to read this book. I can usually have a book done in less than 2 days and this book took me almost a week or so to read it. I hate not giving a great review but I was really disappointed in this one. The ending also did not truly resolve. I know that there were plans to continue on this series but I am not sure if the author is still writing. If she decides to continue it I would read the rest just to see what happens to the characters.
My opinion is just that... my own so you may not think the same way I do. So I urge you to read it and maybe you will find enjoyment in the whole story rather than in just part like I did.
I will say that Grey is an absolute sweetie and is completely smitten with Bea so there is definitely a romantic aspect to the characters and that was fun to see develop.
This is definitely a Christian book so if you don't like Christian Fiction or clean reads then this book is definitely not for you :)
*Book Description* Her Pa has always taught Beatrix Darlyn and her 3 sisters how to take care of themselves...even if the town disagrees with their masculine methods of doing so. After her pa insists on making a spectacle of them all with their shooting, knife throwing, trick writing, and arrows, a rather unruly man just won't leave Bea alone. When two men, one very handsome, ride into town offering help she just can't refuse the offer...even if she wants to she has to keep her family safe. But in a twisted turn of events, will her family ever be safe? And if she can't keep them safe, can the handsome Greyson Wilder keep her crazy family together? Does she want him to? Greyson Wilder thought the famous thought. It's just one...but it turns out with the Darlyn girls there is never just one anything. Well, except for Bea. There is definitely just one Bea and she's the prettiest thing he's ever seen...and can't, won't, have. But when some men in town make his blood boil, and Bea's, will she trust him to keep them safe? And will he trust himself to keep the promise he made to himself when he first arrived? Or will he make an exception due to extenuating circumstances? *What I liked* First of all, if you have read my reviews before you would know that I love nicknames. Grey is no exception to this rule! I love when the characters can really interact using a term of endearment. Yes, I know this is another name thing but one other thing I feel the need to mention is that Kelly had some really original names. This wasn't a Taylor, Ryan, Ashley story. This was Bea, Cassia, Miles, Ariel, you get the picture. I loved the names of the characters. I also loved Jodie and, more specifically, her crush on Grey. It shows that the characters are only human, that even as dedicated siblings they fight and are attracted to people. They don't live in a bubble where they are only allowed to think certain thoughts. I don't know whether this book will be a trilogy where Jodie won't be featured but I really hope Kelly can make this a four book series. It really seems necessary for these "Darlyn" girls to each have their own story...and Judith/Jodie is no exception. *What I didn't like* I'd say that if there was anything I didn't like, it was the way that the sisters picked Bea apart like there was nothing special about her. Thankfully this was corrected though in a loving way by 13 year old Jodie, so not only did Kelly fix my only issue but made the book better for it.
*My Rating* I give Trails and Targets...
5 stars!
*Why my rating is what it is*
A lot of the books that I've reviewed lately have been worthy of just 4 1/2 stars. This one is 5 all the way. Even though there is some violence in it, this is meant to be an adult book, not a young adults book which I think I've been making a bit too harsh on other books. This one has loyalty, love, friendship, and some 'tough as nails' females that redeems us girls in saying, girls can do just as good as guys can. ;)
*I received this book from Bookfun.org and Shiloh Run press in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to leave a positive review and was not compensated in any other way.
These days, Western romances just aren't my thing. But I received this a while ago and thought I'd give it a chance. I don't regret it, but it wasn't a book that consumed me either.
It took me quite a while to get into this book and manage to read more than a chapter or two at a time. I wasn't invested in the characters, and they seemed a bit too much to be realistic, somehow. The Darlyns were a perfect storm of odd skill sets, and I disliked Miles from the first introduction. However, dear Greyson was the one who truly caught my attention. Amidst the crazy antics of the town, Grey's calm in the face of just about anything (except Bea, of course) was a balm. I liked the fact that he didn't tease or prod, as it seems many romantic heroes do these days. It was a calm sort of romance between Grey and Bea, one that built quietly but naturally into a loving relationship.
And that's where this book shone. The subplots about the farm and the evil banker didn't resolve quite as expected, and I'm still not sure that I like that. But the romance itself made this book a worthwhile read. Sweet but serious love between two adults who are looking for a genuine partner in life.
[I received this book for free through First Reads and was not required to write a positive or any other type of review. All opinions stated herein are solely my own.]
This book was a load of fun. I admit it wasn’t my favorite by this author, but I still really enjoyed the story. I love the Darlynn sisters and really wish there was at least two more books in the series. Although I realize this was published long enough ago that may not happen. I love the spunk of Beau and how her guy comes around although it takes awhile. Like I said I really enjoyed the book it just feels unfinished with there being no more to the series.
Ok read. I don't like books with heroines that are all so different from their conventional counterparts. There certainly were those women in those days, but I don't think as many of them as have been written about....
Not a bad story but for me it wasn't a story I enjoyed reading. 😐 There were parts that I truly enjoyed but for the most part I thought it dragged on. I do recommend the book for others, they might enjoy it more than me. 😊
This is the first book I've read by Kelly Eileen Hake. I hadn't heard of her before Barbour publishing asked me if I wanted to read a copy of Trails and Targets for my honest review! I'm so glad I was given the opportunity!!
This book is the first in the Dangerous Darlyns series. There are 5 Darlyns, their dad, Seamus, and his four daughters Bea, she's the leader and the sharp shooter Ariel, she's the wit and her talent is archery Cassia, she's the beauty and knife thrower And Jody, she's still growing but is a trick rider and roper
Buffalo bone pickers Grey and Miles are only in town for butter and some other goods when they meet the Bea and Cassia, who were there to sell some goods to the local mercantile. Grey isn't looking to get married again but Bea has caught his attention. The Darlyns have buffalo bones hidden on there property and since they're behind on there mortgage they think meeting these two isn't just by chance, so they invite them for dinner. Miles starts plotting and planning how he can stay on the farm longer because he thinks Grey and Bea would make a good match and Grey keeps telling himself we'll just stay for.....(dinner, the night in the barn, he keeps coming up with the next thing they'll only stay till) and of course the longer he stays on the farm the more he falls for Bea and feels like part of the family. Although near the end I had to put it down for a couple days(one of the characters really ticked me off lol) I did like the way it ended and I loved that at the end there was a sneak peek of chapter one of ariels book Slings and amarrows I CAN'T wait for Ariel's book !!!!
A received a free copy of this book from Barbour publishing free for my honest review
Trails & Targets is book number one in the Dangerous Darlyns Series by Kelly Eileen Hake. In this book we meet the Darlyn sisters who are like none you’ve ever seen before. They live on a farm with their father, and have each learned a special skill in addition to running the farm. Beatrix is the oldest and plays the mother role well. She loves taking care of her father and sisters and is a fierce protector of those she loves. When she learns how bad her fathers debts are she knows she has to find a way to pay the loan, and can’t do it alone. Will Bea be able to hatch a plan to save their farm? What is she going to do about Greyson? And who will she lean on if he leaves?
Greyson is a man that has lost pretty much anything of value in his life, and is fine with moving about the country looking for bones. His partner Miles keeps him company and they seem to do just fine. That is until they meet the Darlyn sisters. Bea catches Greys attention immediately and he knows because of that he must keep his distance. But the sisters and Miles have a different plan in mind. Can Grey let go of his past and give his future to God? Or will he miss out on what is right in front of him because he feels unworthy?
Trails & Targets is a great book that I would recommend to anyone who loves Historical Fiction. There is plenty of romance, suspense, and laugh out loud moments that will keep you turning the pages! You will be able to see a bit of yourself in each Darlyn sister, and love them all the more for it. Greyson is the perfect hero and protector whenever the girls need it. I love how Hake had scripture mixed throughout the book, and how though believers the sisters are far from perfect. Hake made me love the Darlyn sisters and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
You will not regret purchasing this book! This book is in a historical setting with some suspense mixed in. And very hard to put down once you start reading it. I received a copy of this book from bookfun.org and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Trails & Tangles, Book 1 of the Dangerous Darlyns series by Kelly Eileen Hake Shiloh Run Press ISBN 9781628367720 Christian Fiction, Historical, Western Romance The Darlyns are four bachrlorette’s, that live with their ill father in the Old West. He has taught them to take care of themselves. They can out shoot, throw a knife, ride and rope better than any of the men around. They are also smart, quick witted and great cooks. Beatrix “Bea” being the oldest tries to keep everyone in line and take care of her family. Bea is being harassed by the town bully. When Grayson runs into Bea and her sister in town he comes to their rescue. He follows them home for a thank you dinner and stays for an extended period of time. Can Grey help save her family home and win Bea’s heart? Well you will have to read this wonderful four star book to find out. Kelly Eileen Hake did a great job of bringing life to the characters. They were adventurous, witty and strong women of noble character and faith. I give Trails & Tangles 4 stars. Quote: “ The Dalyns would stand out in any setting, but Grey couldn’t help thinking they’d find more acceptance and appreciation in a larger, more diverse town. Not that they showed any indication to leave. Drought and debt inspired redoubled efforts, not despair. Their crops might fail but Darlyn roots ran too deep for them to seek out greener pastures elsewhere. Impractical, but understandable. When they’d cut a road into a ravine and coaxed crops from a dry stream bed, they’d build more than a farm. They carved a place for themselves amid the unforgiving plains, a home so cozy that even Grey fought a reluctance to leave.” I want to thank the author Kelly Eileen Hake and publisher Shiloh Run Press for bringing good clean Christian books like this one to readers like me. I would also like to thank The Book Club Network Inc. for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.
While skeletons are rarely the main focus of fiction (at least, christian fiction), they play a surprisingly different role in this book - not exactly morbid, though for sure a little disconcerting. Anyone who has studied the Great Plains even a little has heard about the great buffalo hunts, that men would ride the trains as they chugged across newly laid rails across the country, and decimate populations of bison as they went, the corpses wasted, rotting in the sun, to no good purpose. But what happened after the bones were picked clean? And this is where I learned something new - the bison bones came in great demand by factories in the East for rendering into bone china, fertilizer, and glue. Who'd have thought old bones could be a significant source of income?
Though the girls certainly have unconventional talents, they also have a good understanding of Victorian-era propriety and know that common knowledge of their talents could lead to ostracism. Bea's sharpshooting and Jodie's trick riding seem almost normal compared to Ariel's archery and Cassia's knife throwing. I like that the author is able to take such an unconventional premise for the series and find a way to use it in a believable manner.
It's funny how it can be easier to forgive someone else than oneself; Grey's inability to forgive himself - part of his survivor's guilt - is a prime example, which many can relate to. While the book does not lack for humor, there is more depth than in previous works, and Hake's maturity as an author is showing through. My only complaint is that it ends rather abruptly - a few threads are not completely finished off, but since this is the first of series, hopefully it will be addressed swiftly in the next book. 4.5 stars!
Enjoyable read. Loved the fact that the author wrote about four sisters in a Wild West adventure. The sisters were raised by their father. He taught each sister a separate unconventional skill to master. The four sisters were raised not to rely on men for survival. The skills were sharp shooting, archery, knife throwing and into trick riding and roping. There is a mix of humor, family and personal values during that era. The story seemed to be well researched. The vivid descriptions such as the smell of the hay in the barn and the dust from the traveling the roads were so real it was like you were there in each scene. It was a learning experience to be the Dakota Territory in 1889 with the Darlyn sisters. The book contains suspense, action, deceit, greed, improper use of power ,faith, friendship, trust, forgiveness with a touch of romance. The Darlyn sister’s characters were delightful and the variety of supporting characters rounded out the story keeping it interesting. I enjoyed learning about the bone collecting of buffalo skeletons and even researched it more on Google as a results of this story. In the story, Greyson Wilder and his buddy are bone pickers who are passing through town. They meet the two of the Darlyn Sisters in town and end up going to dinner at their farm. Will Greyson, a former lawman help save the farm? Is Greyson a match for the town banker bully who wants to steal the farm from the sisters? Will Greyson be able to forget a haunting past and come back to his former faith ? A lot of questions makes you enjoy the unconventional story of The Darlyn sisters. So saddle up and read!! Thank you to book fun.org for this Book.My opinion is my own.
Beatrix Darlyn is in the Dakota Territory with her 3 sisters, Ariel, Cassia and Judith, and their father. Each of them has skills that are not normally considered skills young women have. Beatrix is a remarkable markswoman. Ariel is an archer. Cassia is knife thrower. Judith is a trick rider and roper. There skills have been kept underwraps until now. Their father’s health is failing and he wants the men in the area to know that his daughters are able to protect themselves so he invites the men of the town out to the family farm on Sunday afternoon to see his girls in action. The event doesn’t turn out like Seamus Darlyn planned. In this entertaining book we watch the Darlyn Sisters and their father as they deal with their outcast status and the unscrupulous banker in TallGrass with the help of two bone-pickers, Greyson Wilder and Miles O’Conall. Beatrix and Greyson must learn to work together while they both try to guard their hearts. The men are as determined as the women to save the Darlyn farm Their strength and intelligence are called upon to reach their goal. In the end success does not look exactly like they thought it would. Kelly Eileen Hake has again given the reader a delightful trip to the Old West. This book is full of believable characters. The plot is lively and engaging. It leaves you eagerly waiting for the second volume in the series to come out.
I was provided a copy of this book through The Book Club Network for my unbiased review.
Trails & Targets is the first novel in a new series by Kelly Eileen Hake titled the Dangerous Darlyn series. The Darlyns are four sisters living in the Old West who are seen as rather unconventional due to the method their ill father has taught them to take care of themselves. Able to shoot, hit targets, rope and ride just as well as any of the local men, when their father sets up a "showing of talents" the oldest sister Bea is worried about the add to their already rumored reputation. The event also brings on the unfortunate attentions of a creditor who begins bullying Bea. Greyson Wilder is making a short stop in town when he steps in to assist Bea and her sister during a run-in with said bully, who is determined to steal the Darlyn farm. Grey follows the sisters home for a thank you dinner and ends up staying for a time, teaming up with the quick witted sisters in hopes of saving the family home. What he doesn't anticipate, is the feelings toward Bea that his past has him fighting. Will he be able to let go of old regrets and embrace the new future God could have for him?
This was my first read by Hake and was quite enjoyable. I don't typically read a lot of westerns - cowboys and ranch settings just aren't really my thing. However, when Barbour Publishing asked if I would read in exchange for my honest reviews, I thought it would be a good opportunity to expand my usual fiction genres. Trails & Targets wasn't a disappointment. I will be keeping my eye out for the following books, curious to see the rest of the Darlyn sister's stories. Anyone who loves to read the Western genre will find appreciation in Hake's newest novel.
Title: TRAILS & TARGETS Author: Kelly Eileen Hake Publisher: Shiloh Press November 2014 ISBN: 978-1628367720 Genre: Historical western romance
A Darlyn in distress… A reluctant rescuer… an unlikely partnership
The four Darlyn sisters discover the family farm is mortgaged to the hilt when their father falls desperately ill. Plagued by a creditor with designs on more than their land, will a traveling stranger be the answer to their prayers?
Greyson Wilder, searching for buffalo bones, is surprised to find himself saddled with a slew of sisters, instead. But it’s the eldest—sharpshooting Beatrix—who hits the mark of his lonely heart.
Armed with courage, cleverness, and some seriously unconventional skills, Grey and Bea just might find a new future to fight for. Join the fun on a journey filled with trouble, Trails & Targets!
TRAILS & TARGETS is the first book in Ms. Hake’s new series Dangerous Darylns. I have to say it’s a unique approach to a western with four sisters trained to be Annie Oakley types and a hero who is a bone picker. I can honestly say this is the first book I’ve ever read with a hero having that occupation.
The book is slow starting, but about a fourth of the way in it piqued my interest. Then it floundered a bit more before getting more exciting again.
If you like historical western romances, you’ll enjoy TRAILS & TARGETS. Set in the Dakota Territory, it is near to an area I visited once – Devil’s Lake. It is fun to see a setting I’m familiar with featured in a historical. I can actually “see” what I’m reading about.
Available in ebook, audio, and paperback. 336 pages.
It has been awhile since I read a novel by Kelly Eileen Hake and I had forgotten just how much I have enjoyed them in the past. Her characters are always so very well fleshed out that they seem as if they could be a part of your own circle of friends and acquaintances. Hake’s books always have just the right balance of humor and drama and include wonderful examples of how both honorable and dishonorable people tend to act.
I loved all the Darlyn sisters as well as hero Greyson Wilder and his sidekick Miles. The Darlyn sisters exemplified the love and loyalty that should exist between family members yet were unique individuals in their own right. Their father had taught each of them skills considered not to be appropriate for women in order to enable them to protect themselves and each had excelled in the skill of her choice. Anyone would have to admire Grey, a man tortured with guilt over the death of his wife but who couldn’t stop himself from running to the aid of anyone in trouble and standing up for the underdog. He also could not stop himself from falling in love with the oldest Darlyn sister Bea.
“Trails and Targets” is one of those books that makes me wish I had the entire series in hand right now. I can’t wait to read the next installment in the Dangerous Darlyns series. Kelly, I hope you are writing fast!
This book was provided for review by The Book Club Network.
I really liked this book, Trails & Targets by Kelly Eileen Hake. Mr. Darlyn has certainly taught his daughters well. The quick wit and unconventional talent of the four Daryln sisters make them a family force to be aware of. Beatrix Darlyn is the oldest and runs the family with the wisdom of a woman much older. Each sister has become a master at a skill unconventional for women of that time. You will enjoy reading about how one sister can shoot flying targets with a rifle with pinpoint precision, another can throw knives, another skilled in archery can hit a bulls eye in a moving target & the youngest a terrific trick rider. I found this a delightful story set in the Old West with a tall dark stranger riding in off the range to bring in a little romance. Just maybe this Greyson Wilder will be someone who will help save the family farm. Greyson Wilder is just a bone picker (one who rides the prairies looking for buffalo bones) who is riding through but he has the smarts of a one time lawman. Will Grey be the Darlyns hero? Is Grey smart enough to turn the tables on the local town bully wanting to steal the farm? With the help of the dangerous Daryln sisters, maybe so. If you like a good western with some dimpled Darlyns and a just plain good ride, saddle up with the Dangerous Darylns and have a good time. I received this book from Barbour Publishing for my honest opinion which I have given.
The four Darlyn sisters were raised by their father. The oldest of the sisters Beatrix has mothered her younger sisters since the loss of their mother . Each sister has a unique talent unlike most women of their time period in 1889 which included trick riding, roping, sharp shooting, knife throwing and archery and each with individual personalities. Their father struggling make a living from his land is now deep in debt. Beatrix being the eldest is the family's leader. With all she is dealing with she is also being harassed by the town bully, a dishonest banker. Greyson Wilder hunts and sells the skeletons of slaughtered buffalo for a living along with his friend Miles. Grey a former lawman and respecter of women who is trying to escape his past decides to stay and help the Darlyn sisters. Bea is drawn to Grey. Will there be a future for them? Can Grey outrun his past and renew his faith? Kelly Hake has written a fun, very enjoyable and inspiring story taken from the Wild West Dakota territory late in April 1889. You can't help but love the Darlyn sisters and Grey. The author has included so much in this delightful book; faith, trust, forgiveness, family, some romance and humor. I love historical western books and recommend this book to everyone. I hope to read the whole series.
I received a free copy o this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
Bea is the oldest of four sisters. It's her job to help her father take care of them since their mother is gone. But her father's idea is to host an afternoon showcasing their talents. This only succeeds in angering the local banker. But when two men, Miles and Greyson, ride through town Bea enlists their help. The men find themselves staying longer than they'd anticipated. Greyson can't help admiring Bea, but he fights his feelings since he knows he's moving on once he's finished helping the family.
This was a super fun story. The plot moved along quickly and kept me entertained. The characters were unusual, but very likeable. I especially loved the father and youngest sister. Even though they were secondary characters, the author gave them depth and unique qualities. She also did a great job of setting up the series and leaving the reader wanting more. The romance was sweet, but not over the top. There was more to the story than just the romance, such as drama, small town life, and messages about forgiveness and working together. I look forward to reading the stories about the other three sisters.
I received this book free of charge from Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.
Trails and Targets is set in the Dakota Territory in 1889. The four beautiful Darlyn girls were raised by their father. The oldest daughter, Bea, has mothered her three younger sisters. Each girl has mastered a skill including sharpshooting, archery, knife throwing and trick riding and roping.
Buffalo “bone hunter”, Greyson Wilder and his partner Miles meet two of the sisters who are taking a load of farm goods to sell at the general store. The men rescue the sisters from the local banker’s unwanted attentions.
Grey and Miles have dinner at the farm and end up staying several weeks to assist the Darlyn family. Bea and Grey are attracted to each other but Bea feels responsible for her ailing father and her sisters. Grey, a former police officer, has not dealt with his past. He quit attending church and praying after his wife and unborn child died in a fire. Will spending time with the determined, God trusting women make a difference in Grey’s life?
It was difficult to keep the girls separate for the first few chapters but it was an interesting story about the west which I enjoyed. I would recommend this book.
I received this book from www.bookfun.com in exchange for my honest opinion.
Trails and Targets by Kelly Eileen Hake was a fun old west story about four sisters and their Pa trying to just live life off the land and to have a measure of peace. Unfortunately, there are some serious creepy townsfolk who think it is their business to “support” these young women. Greyson Wilder, our hero, is passing through the town on his way to Canada to look for and sell the slaughtered skeletons of the hunted buffalo. I found this tidbit of history interesting as I had not read or heard of it before. But in my homeschooling adventures with my children, I often did wonder what happened to all the bones of the buffalo that were slaughtered along the plains. Ms. Hake gives us some historical information to answer that question. Now Greyson is also running away, along with his partner, from skeletons in his past as well. What you have is an adventure and a romance that does not happen as you may expect it should and you have 4 sisters with some unusual talents. I look forward to the second in the series after the nice set up Ms. Hake gave us. I received my review copy from The Book Club Network, Inc. (TBCN) and the opinions are my own.
Trails and Targets by Kelly Eileen Hake is a fun loving story that is the beginning of a new adventure series. Beatrix Darlyn, who is an amazing sharp shooter, is the oldest of the four Darlyn sisters. You have to love that play on words. Each of her sisters has a different skill: trick horse riding, knife throwing, archery, and roping. Grey Wilder is passing through town, but stops for awhile to help out the Daryln sisters with their financial troubles. Grey deals with his past and tries to find a way to fit Beatrix into his future. This is a great story with many twists and turns to keep you engaged. Ms. Hake has interesting characters that struggle with issues of accepting God's love and following Him. She weaves their past heartaches into a future that allows for them to more fully experience God's love and experience the freedom that only comes from following Him. Ms. Hake has a wonderful way of drawing her reader into the old west and gives you characters you can root for. I highly recommend this book. I received this book from www.bookfun.com in exchange for my honest opinion
This was the first book that I've read by Kelly Eileen Hake. It was a fun inspirational story. I'm looking forward to reading more about the Darlyn sisters. These sisters have skills that go beyond the typical skills that women of the time are supposed to have in order to gain them a home, husband and family. When the local men see what these young women can do they aren't sure if they should be offended or impressed. These young women can ride, rope, shoot and do tricks as well or even better than most men. Bea is the oldest sister and the one that is trying to hold it all together after their mother passes away. Easier said then done. Bea doesn't want to accept Greyson's marriage offer out of pity even though he could be the answer to all of their problems. The debt could disappear and Bea and her family wouldn't have to worry about it any longer. She only wants him if the offer is sincere. Will Bea take that step and trust in Greyson? Or will they miss out on love?
I was given an ARC of this story in order for an honest review. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Bea is a sharpshooter. Grey is a bone picker. What could they possibly have in common? Not much, it would seem. But the attraction between them is unmistakable. When Grey becomes the man the Darlyn sisters depend on after the death of their father, what’s a man to do? Fall in love, of course.
Bea and her sisters, each talented in their own skills, are a natural for a wild west show, but all they care about is their family and farm. Cheated out of their farm by a dishonest banker with ideas of his own about the sisters, Grey Wilder takes over. The resulting relationship between him and Bea is somewhat comical, often dramatic and always romantic.
Kelly Eileen Hake has a beautiful writing style full of originality, feeling and hope. Nothing is too dark, too helpless or too sad that the hope of God cannot shine through. Looking forward to more Darlyn romance stories in the future.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion.
Trails & Targets by Kelly Eilleen Hake is a light-hearted, enjoyable novel. Set in the Dakota Territory in 1889, this Western tale is the first book in the Dangerous Darlyns series with Slings & Arrows and Fire & Knives to follow, continuing the story of the Darlyn Family. This farm family, living in North Dakota, consists of the father and his four talented and skilled daughters. Bea, the oldest, is a sharpshooter, and her sisters possess equally amazing skills. When their path crosses two decent, law-abiding drifters, who believe that women should be respected and protected, all of their lives change. Add in the town villain, a banker, who has most of the town intimidated with the exception of the Darlyn Family and the two newcomers, and a highly interesting read awaits. I highly recommend this book, if someone likes a good Western tale. I received this book through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in the Dangerous Darlyns Series. What a great place to start.
Beatrix Darlyn is a strong, loving, determined sharpshooter. She has been mother, sister and friend to her three sisters for a long time. When her family's farm is in danger can she rely on the heart stopping stranger, Greyson Wilder, to help the family.
Greyson Wilder never expected to find anyone like Beatrix or her sisters. Can he do what is right and keep his heart untouched? He is a determined, kind hearted, stubborn man who can't help but help. Will he be able to find peace and Gods will for his life, or will his past keep him from it?
I enjoyed the personalities of the characters and the unique qualities of the women in this book. I look forward to reading more of the Darlyn sisters. I was given a copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion.
Bea is the oldest of the Darlyn girls and has been both mother and sister since their mother left. Their father's health is failing and his attempt to protect the girls from scoundrel men backfires. Two strangers ride into town and befriend the family expecting to only stay for lunch. Lunch turns into dinner, turns into breakfast and before they know it they are helping the Darlyn family save their farm.
Miles and Greyson did not expect to stay so long nor did Greyson expect to have a tug on his heart strings. The shenanigans of the father, the talents of the girls and the helpful hearts of the strangers turn this into a rollicking good time!
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Book Club Network for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I received this book free of charge from Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.