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An Encounter of Courageous Hearts

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Lana Smith leads a lonely life. She is a dedicated teacher in the city of Southport until she finds out that her best friend's husband passed away. Having to deal with her beloved's loss as well as physical injuries, she will ask her to come over to help her care for her children and manage the insurmountable tasks her late husband left behind. Lana is quick to accept the request, finding it the perfect excuse to leave, and start her life over. When she finds out that she is not welcome by everyone there, will she take up on a quest to win his trust?

Nick Cooper is a very protective man, and his family means the world to him. When he discovers that Ginger's best friend is coming over to help, he is too proud to let it be. He thinks himself the only responsible person to care for his family, and he does not want outsiders meddling in their business. He is trying his best to make Lana leave the ranch, but she is relentless in staying. But Lana won't be the only thing preoccupying Nick's mind. When suspicions rise that his brother-in-law's death was not actually an accident, another turmoil will be added to his list...

While Nick and Lana become closer day by day, the mystery of the accidental death unravels, and a thrilling adventure begins. Can Lana and Nick work together to keep their new-built family safe? Will their lack of trust hold them back or will they realize that they actually need each other?

"An Encounter of Courageous Hearts" is a historical western romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

457 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2019

504 people are currently reading
68 people want to read

About the author

Lorelei Brogan

123 books51 followers
Lorelei Brogan was born and raised in Idaho where she currently lives with her husband.

While sitting in her graduate school apartment, studying Rock science, Lorelei decided to set aside her notes and try her hand at romance.

At the same time, she used to write articles for a local newspaper under a pseudonym, and this made her wonder if she could write something besides news -- about something she really loved. At the age of 40 she managed to make her dream come true.

She has a great family and 4 sons that she adores. She is extremely proud of them, and so are they. They really admire her work, and support her in every step of her life.Her oldest son, who deeply loves her, says Lorelei’s novels make him travel to a different world.

In her spare time, she loves cooking and volunteering at her local elderly care home. She also adores traveling with her husband. Their dream is to travel all over the world, with Asia being at the top of her “bucket list”.

Lorelei loves to connect with her readers!

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5 stars
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29 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
841 reviews7 followers
December 9, 2019
Tragic Wagon Accident Forever Causes Family Changes

Lorelei Brogan has done it again. This is a book you just can't put down.

Lana Smith was a teacher in a small school in Southport, Illinois. She was a spinster and loved her work. She had never considered leaving the job The schoolhouse was near the small townhouse she rented and was just fine for one person. Lana had received a letter from her childhood friend, Ginger, inviting her to come for a visit and she thought about making the trip when school let out for the summer. Before that could happen, she received a telegram that her friend, Ginger, had been seriously injured in a wagon accident, and that Ginger's husband, Daniel, had died in the accident. Their children, Freddy and Lydia, somehow came out uninjured. Lana gave notice to her job and townhouse that she had to travel immediately to their home to tend the children and nurse their injured mother.

Lana packed her belongings in a trunk and left by train within a few days time. Rather than trying to find a wagon to take her to Ginger's home, she got directions to the Homestead and set out walking. It took her several hours, but she found the house. Ginger's brother, Nick, was watching out for the children until Lana got there. Nick took Lana to the doctor's home where they let Ginger know that Lana had arrived and was taking over child care duties. It would be a few days before Ginger went home. She still needed to have her leg splinted and then a cast applied later before she could go home. Lana got along well with the children and began reading them stories each evening which they really enjoyed.

Nick went to the accident scene and noticed that a metal pin had been replaced by a wooden pin and immediately knew that this was not an accident. He confirmed this a few days later when he got to the bottom of a feed bucket and found the metal pin, wrapped in a piece of cloth, at the bottom of the bucket.

Who changed the metal pin for an inferior wood pin? Why was the wagon sabotaged?

As the investigation continued, they noticed that things in town were not as they seemed to be. Was it only one person who was responsible or were there a group of people in town living a double life--solid citizens by day and
criminals by night?

Read this excellent story and find out "Who Dunnit?"
Profile Image for Sheree K.
172 reviews5 followers
December 10, 2019
People are not always as they seem

Lana enjoyed her city life of teaching children in Illinois. If only her ex-fiance' would leave her alone. Her childhood friend, Ginger, had married and moved out west to Missouri. They corresponded and Ginger invited her for a visit.

Maybe she needed a vacation. Then, she received a telegram stating there had been a terrible accident, Ginger's husband had been killed and could Lana come out to help her with her children. Lana took the train to Missouri.

Ginger's brother, Nick, had followed her out from Illinois and established his own ranch next to Ginger and Daniel. Nick was furious that Ginger had sent for Lana. What did a city girl know about living on a ranch? He was going to take care of Ginger himself; he didn't need someone butting in. He'd make sure Lana was sent packing.

Nick went to the accident site and discovered the wagon had been sabotaged. Who would want to hurt Daniel and his family? Why?

The Sheriff didn't believe Nick. Later, he wished he had. People weren't who they seemed to be. Will Daniel's murder be avenged? Will Lana stick it out? Many twists to the story. There is also an extended epilogue that takes place 6 months later.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review. I wanted to give 5 stars; however, there were wrong or misspelled words, extra or missing words and punctuation errors. Also awkward sentences.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews73 followers
December 7, 2019
ONE UNBELIEVABLE TREAT!!!
Strike out! Lorelei not only hit the motherload, she sold the tickets and ran the show in this frills, spills and intriguing chills that blasts this baby to life brilliantly. Shenanigans running rampant as chaos and mayhem step up, thrusting this bad boy into the eye of the storm, stacking 'em up, knocking 'em down, laying 'em out, propelling this gem into a tailspin with explosive results. Mastering the ins and outs, weaving a cocoon so intricately and tight, draws you deeper into this tangled web until everything else ceases to exist. Carefully traversing the trials and tribulations along with a bevy of plot twists and sharp turns, grounding in it's strength and awe inspiring in it's depth. The chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing an undeniable bond and amplifying affections that catapult this jewel to life beautifully. The personalities are well matched and blended with enough flaws for diversity. The characters and scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and colorful descriptions so rich and lively, they blend and flow magnificently. Remarkable job Lorelei, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
565 reviews
September 3, 2020
An Encounter Of Courageous Hearts is a western romance full of grief and suspicion. When a family is involved in an accident that killed the father and broke the mother's leg she needed help. Ginger sends a telegram back home to her best friend Lana to come help out. When Lana arrives, Ginger's brother Nick is not a happy camper. He feels he can take care of his ranch and care for his sister and her two children an their ranch. So to make sure Lana does not want to stay, he starts doing practical jokes on her in hopes she will go back to the city. But Lana proved to be stronger than he gave her credit for. When Nick finds out that there was a question with the accident, he, Lana and his friend Derek start looking into it and finds there is much more going on in their little town than this accident. To bring justice for the death of his brother in law Daniel, Nick is bent on putting the criminal in jail which could cost him, Lana and Derek their lives. But they have a plan. If it does not work, they have a backup plan. But what happens when the only deputy on duty is part of the criminal gang?
4,522 reviews31 followers
December 10, 2019
Lorelei Brogan has again brought a story with romance, conflicts, tragedy, danger and bravery. Unbeknownst to either of them, Lana and Nick are made for each other but they have to go through a lot to get there. Daniel’s death is the catalyst for much of the action in this book. I love how Lana is determined to prove to Nick that she belongs in the West and is not going to turn tail and run back East. There is plenty of action and budding romance. Love the last few of lines from the book. “Derek had been right. God did have a plan for his life. He wasn’t sure if every day would end like today, with happiness and a reason to celebrate, but he was willing to learn to trust and take it one day at a time’.
Profile Image for Timothy Hendricks.
477 reviews6 followers
October 5, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the characters in the book especially, Lana, Nick, Ginger, Freddie, and Lydia. There were times that Nick was very juvenile considering some of the pranks that he pulled on Lana to encourage her to leave. You would think he would have been a bit more understanding of Ginger in the beginning since he himself was a city slicker before coming out West. However, he quickly got over himself especially as she helped to identify the persons responsible for Daniel's death. And, then when she was captured by the outlaws he came to understand how much she meant to him. I enjoyed the pace of the story as it progressed through to the end. I thought it ended well. I appreciate that there was no profanity and no sexually explicit dialogue.
Profile Image for Hope Gerhardstein.
500 reviews
February 16, 2021
Western with gang trouble

Interesting storyline. Lana heads west to help her friend, Ginger, who has suffered a broken leg in an accident that killed her husband. But, was it an accident? Ginger’s brother, Nick, does not want an outsider and a city girl entering into their lives. He owns the farm adjacent to Ginger’s and thinks he can provide the care needed. Lana arrives and immediately starts helping with the children and the cleaning. Nick tries to scare her into returning home. As secrets unfold, the two pair up to help solve some problems. Good characters. I find it annoying that I have to request the “extended epilogue” to read the ending of the book. Why is it not in the book?
131 reviews
Currently reading
December 18, 2019
Teenage Rebellion

Following the death of her father, Winter goes from adeans list A+ student, every parents dream girl. into a rebel. Drugs, sex, and raising hell is her new way of life. Until her mother gets a new job in a new area and they get a chance to start over. She meets the girl next door, and becomes BBF with her. Bonnie is much like Winter was before the death of her father. When school starts Winter a beautiful new kid, is at the attention of the most popular boy and girl. Her feelings and behavior is at stake. The resulting story makes this book a real winning combination.
9,375 reviews138 followers
December 19, 2019
Another well written Western romance by Lorelei Brogan. She once again brings a cast of strong , well developed characters and weaves an intriguing story filled with twists,turns and tons of action. She gives Lana and Nick a strong connection as they work together to solve the mystery and as time goes by the chemistry and love grows stronger. She does a fantastic job taking you back to the day with her detailed and perfectly painted scenes. The story flows fluidly and had me glued to the pages from start to finish. I loved and highly recommend reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
50 reviews
April 12, 2020
I love the story of Nick and Lana. They met after a tragic accident that took the life of Daniel, husband of Nick's sister, Ginger. Ginger had to face the challenge of raising her two children and take care of their ranch. Lana was Ginger's childhood best friend. She came to live with Ginger to help but Nick did not agree with the arrangement since Lana was used to living in the city and did not know the life in a ranch. But as doubts were raised about Daniel's death, Nick and Lana had to work together to find the truth. In the midst of danger, they had to trust each other. Through all the challenges Nick and Lana had to face, they found the love that they did not expect to find.
8 reviews
December 21, 2019
The happy ever after

City girl meets the Wild West. Lana leaves her teaching job in the city to go out west to help her friend from school after she lost her husband in a terrible accident. Ginger’s brother, Nick has been trying to keep both his ranch and his sister’s ranch going since his brother-in-law was killed in an accident...or was it an accident? And why did his sister invite this lady to help her? They were doing fine, weren’t they? Great story line.and has it all, humor, intrigue, thieves, lawmen, kidnapping, murder, romance..and a surprise ending!
295 reviews
March 23, 2020
A Great Story

Ginger's husband, Daniel, was killed in a wagon accident that Ginger was injured in. Lana came to live with Ginger, at her request to help her as she recovered. Nick, Ginger's brother, was unhappy with this arrangement and tried to make Lana go back to the city where she came from. Nick suspected that the accident that killed Daniel was no accident. Lana began to help Nick investigate the accident. This started an exciting adventure. The characters were believable and the story was exciting.
5,350 reviews67 followers
December 14, 2019
An Encounter of Courageous Hearts A Historical Western Romance Book

A very good story about a young woman that is lonely in the city goes to help her friend that is injured in a accident and made a widow with children and with the twists in the story a gang is exposed and murder uncovered and Lana and Nick find love .This is a very good author and this and the extended epilogue are great
1,905 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2020
An Encounter of Courageous Hearts

This was a very riveting book on love,intrigue and mystery. The fact that Daniel was killed driving his wagon into town with his wife and two children did not sit well with his brother in law. He knew that Daniel always took great care of his horses and wagons and something had to have been done to make the wagon separate in the middle the way it did and killed Daniel. This is my review and mine alone.Norma Gorrill
Profile Image for Tracy Sylvester.
1,006 reviews7 followers
December 12, 2019
Touching historical western romance that you won't want to put down. Lana Smith is a teacher who loves her job but when she gets a letter from her dear friend after a tragic accident she decides to finish her job out and go help her friend. When she arrives to help her friend Ginger she meets Nick Cooper, Ginger's brother and a neighboring rancher.
Profile Image for Pauline Wikkerink.
24 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2019
Lana enjoyed teaching children in Illinois but her ex fiance will not leave her alone.Her best friend had gotten married and moved to Missouri and her brother had followed them and bought a ranch nest door to them.
Ginger writes to Lena and invites her to come visit. There is a tragic accident. There are twists that had me crying and laughing. You will love this book.
Profile Image for Ruth Ann.
246 reviews3 followers
December 13, 2019
Accidents?

This is a very well written book by Lorelei Brogan and I couldn't stop reading it. An accident?, a best friend, a brother, a injured mother, children, was it a accident?, a Investigation, bank robbers, kidnapping, finding love. If any of this has intrigued you then this is your book to read. I would recommend this book to everyone. Buy it and enjoy.
1,433 reviews22 followers
December 19, 2019
Mystery and Romance

I received an ARC of this book from the author, Lorelei Brogan, and this is my voluntary and honest review. I loved this book that is full of adventure, mystery, and love. There is sadness and happiness and a HEA ending. The extended epilogue is the perfect ending especially for Nick and Lana. This is a must read book.
457 reviews
November 5, 2021
Ok

The book started out ok but once the main character joined her friend in Montana I lose interest in the story. I found Nick to be a weak character that had no distressing for disliking Lana. I actually stopped reading this book about half way through as I found the double spacing between paragraphs annoying to the point of not continuing to finish a just okay story.
436 reviews6 followers
December 8, 2019
Bitter sweet

One death started a chain of events, where in the end it was somewhat bittersweet but all the more amazing. This is one of those stories that rouses much emotion from the reader from chapter 1.
52 reviews
December 14, 2019
Good Western

Lana leaves the city to go West to help her friend who has encountered difficulties. Lana has difficulties of her own to deal with. This story shows that situations are not always what they seem. Good read
Profile Image for Cristina Besendorfer.
52 reviews11 followers
January 29, 2020
A Very Nice Read

Although this novel is written for young readers, the story-line well thought out and enjoyable.
That said, I do wish writers would pay for their work to be previewed before it goes to print!
Spell check doesn't catch when the wrong ,words are used.
Profile Image for Linda J Dungan.
220 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2020
Wonderful story

Lorelei has written another hit. I loved the simple tricks that were played on Lana. I loved the wedding and birth the same day. I was scared the outlaws would hurt her or not be captured. Read this in one afternoon.
52 reviews
May 21, 2020
Good read

The story had a good action story around the love story. And Lana was a likeable female lead, but I am not so sure about Nick, but it could be a matter of personal preference. He did owned up to his actions and was quick to recognize what was important to him.
628 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2020
Courageous Hearts

It takes a courageous heart to leave behind your comfort zone to go to the unknown. Practically every character encounters this phenomenon. The outcome is God's master plan.
1,324 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2020
Taking a Chance

Lorelei Brogan, has written a great story lots of great characters, and adventures, of love and danger
A mystery to be solved, and two hearts fall in love,in the mist of it all.
Thank you ❤
Profile Image for Hilda Etherton.
164 reviews4 followers
April 9, 2022
When Love is Found

A great book that shows you that God has a plan for everyone. We just need to listen.

I great book of finding someone to love after fighting one's need to be in control.
805 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2019
What the hart wants it gets!

This was well thought out and written and enjoyable to read,the surprise at the end was very thoughtfully placed to the end
1,363 reviews8 followers
May 22, 2020
A wonderful western romance. Lots of mystery & suspense. Well Written.
25 reviews
May 22, 2020
Beautifully written.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Will continue to read books by Lorelei Brogan. Read In one day. Hard to stop reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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