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Lilac City #2
A Dandy for Doris
Join Marshall and Doris in their heartwarming tale of love and second chances.
Sparks fly when ruggedly handsome rancher Marshall Breckinridge saves Doris Lancaster from an attempted kidnapping. She can't seem to get him out of her mind, and teaching his two sweet little girls doesn’t help. Unfortunately, the rancher hasn’t spoken to Doris since he rescued her. She, however, is determined to break through his tough exterior.
Marshall finds himself increasingly drawn to the much-younger schoolmarm, but he's worried his overbearing personality could be a danger to her gentle spirit. Then his smooth-talking cousin arrives on the scene and sets his sights on Doris.
Can Marshall overcome his fears and open himself up to love once again? Or will Doris be swept off her feet by the charming newcomer?
Full of romance, drama, and unforgettable characters, A Dandy for Doris is a must-read for fans of clean historical romance.
Sparks fly when ruggedly handsome rancher Marshall Breckinridge saves Doris Lancaster from an attempted kidnapping. She can't seem to get him out of her mind, and teaching his two sweet little girls doesn’t help. Unfortunately, the rancher hasn’t spoken to Doris since he rescued her. She, however, is determined to break through his tough exterior.
Marshall finds himself increasingly drawn to the much-younger schoolmarm, but he's worried his overbearing personality could be a danger to her gentle spirit. Then his smooth-talking cousin arrives on the scene and sets his sights on Doris.
Can Marshall overcome his fears and open himself up to love once again? Or will Doris be swept off her feet by the charming newcomer?
Full of romance, drama, and unforgettable characters, A Dandy for Doris is a must-read for fans of clean historical romance.
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Published October 21, 2019
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About the author
Donna K. Weaver
89 books459 followersUSA Today best-selling and award-winning author - wife-mother-grandmother-Navy brat-Army veteran-karate black belt-Harry Potter nerd-online gamer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 21, 2020
I loved visiting Lilac City and the Lancaster sisters again! After the first book I knew that I would love Doris' story. She was so sweet in the first book and the little hints at her starting to like Marshall Breckinridge had me looking forward to being able to read her story. And it didn't disappoint. It was as sweet of a story as Doris herself.
Doris has always wanted to be a teacher and as her sisters and she arrive in Lilac City there is a need for a teacher and she is hired for the job. I thought the scenes of her with the students were darling. Watching the children's reactions to her and her inner thoughts about how best to help them just added so much to her character and drawing me into the story more.
Marshall and Doris have chemistry but they fight it every step of the way. But it was fun watching them in the scenes where they are together. Or where they are within proximity of each other and not interacting. They try to hide the fact that they like each other, but their family members know better. As do the readers of course. But it's fun to watch their story unfold and them being placed in situations that further their friendship and interest. And of course when Marshall's cousin starts showing interest there are some funny scenes and I loved when Marshall's POV happened and reading his thoughts about his cousin.
I can't be remiss and not mention Marshall's two sweet daughters. They added another delightful layer to Doris and Marshall's story. I loved the interactions between Marshall and them, as well as Doris' interactions with them (separately and together). There are some moments where you think Marshall is going to let his hesitation and insecurities keep him from reaching out and having a happy marriage and life with Doris. And there are a few moments where you think Doris will stand back thinking that she's not what Marshall and his daughter's need. But all is right in the end, even with the little suspenseful moments that help nudge them in the right direction.
Now that I've enjoyed Maude and Doris' stories, I'm looking forward to Francis' story. She's the real spitfire sister and I'm thinking she has some reasons behind that and her story will be quite a fun one. The narrator of the audiobooks did a great job. I loved hearing how her voice brought Doris' sweetness to life. Very enjoyable.
Content: Clean.
Happy Reading!!!
Doris has always wanted to be a teacher and as her sisters and she arrive in Lilac City there is a need for a teacher and she is hired for the job. I thought the scenes of her with the students were darling. Watching the children's reactions to her and her inner thoughts about how best to help them just added so much to her character and drawing me into the story more.
Marshall and Doris have chemistry but they fight it every step of the way. But it was fun watching them in the scenes where they are together. Or where they are within proximity of each other and not interacting. They try to hide the fact that they like each other, but their family members know better. As do the readers of course. But it's fun to watch their story unfold and them being placed in situations that further their friendship and interest. And of course when Marshall's cousin starts showing interest there are some funny scenes and I loved when Marshall's POV happened and reading his thoughts about his cousin.
I can't be remiss and not mention Marshall's two sweet daughters. They added another delightful layer to Doris and Marshall's story. I loved the interactions between Marshall and them, as well as Doris' interactions with them (separately and together). There are some moments where you think Marshall is going to let his hesitation and insecurities keep him from reaching out and having a happy marriage and life with Doris. And there are a few moments where you think Doris will stand back thinking that she's not what Marshall and his daughter's need. But all is right in the end, even with the little suspenseful moments that help nudge them in the right direction.
Now that I've enjoyed Maude and Doris' stories, I'm looking forward to Francis' story. She's the real spitfire sister and I'm thinking she has some reasons behind that and her story will be quite a fun one. The narrator of the audiobooks did a great job. I loved hearing how her voice brought Doris' sweetness to life. Very enjoyable.
Content: Clean.
Happy Reading!!!
June 14, 2020
Marshall fights his attraction for Doris while his daughters try to play matchmaker. He is concerned about their age difference and thinks Doris is too meek. It wasn't until his cousin Edgar comes to visit and shows interest in Doris that he starts to change his mind. Doris sounds like a lovingly encouraging teacher who already loves Marshall's daughters like they were her own. There wasn't as much suspense in this one as in Maude's story, but it was still sweet and funny.
The Audible narrator has a nice smooth tone with voice changes including western accents and inflections in all the right places.
The Audible narrator has a nice smooth tone with voice changes including western accents and inflections in all the right places.
October 22, 2019
In this sweet romance, both Marshall Breckinridge and Doris Lancaster have situations that bring tension to their lives. Marshall has saved Doris once already, and it looks as though he may have to again. Doris is a gentle soul who sees the best in people and believes in second chances, whilst Marshall has seen enough to make him more cautious. He is an honourable man who is deeply attracted to Doris but their age difference makes it difficult for him to express himself. Doris only sees a good man who is protective of his family but her lack of experience makes her hold back from showing her feelings, although it is quite obvious to her sisters. The romance in this book is sweet and clean and whilst one is aware of the growing attraction between the couple, I would have liked to see a little more emotion between the couple. As this book is part of a series, one meets up with the characters in the first book, making one feel part of their family. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
October 18, 2019
This was a really great story full of wonderful characters. I loved how great the relationship was between the father and his daughter's. This is a sweet clean romance.
August 31, 2020
We're back in Lilac City to see how the shy, quiet-spoken, middle Lancaster sister Doris gets together with Marshall Breckinridge. Marshall is the owner of the dude ranch and was one of the men who helped find the sisters when they were kidnapped in A Match for Maude. He and Doris seemed to have a little moment of attraction between them when the sisters were rescued.
Lilac City was in need of a teacher and Doris accepted the job in the previous book. It was fun to see her interaction with her students and how even the most boisterous boys had started changing their ways in class. Marshall is a widower and his two young daughters are in Doris' class. They're adorable, and aren't shy about letting Doris know she and their father should get married because they need a mother. Awww
Doris and Marshall keep dancing around each other for a good while--he thinks he's too old for her and she thinks she's not the right woman for him. They think no one notices how they look at each other, but everyone sees what these two don't. Marshall's cousin (whom he dislikes) comes to visit and starts paying a lot of attention to Doris, which Marshall doesn't like, but he still won't tell Doris how he feels about her. What a stubborn, stubborn man.
He's a wonderful father, and treats his children differently than how his father treated him. I loved the scenes with Marshall and his sweet daughters--he calls them names like apple pie and chocolate cake and makes them squeal. Who wouldn't fall in love with a man who cares so much for his children?
The mystery of why the Lancaster sisters' uncle still wants them back continues. I can't wait to find out what the awful man has up his sleeve. I'm enjoying this series and can't wait to read Frances' story.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator's voice. It's very smooth and she does a great job.
Lilac City was in need of a teacher and Doris accepted the job in the previous book. It was fun to see her interaction with her students and how even the most boisterous boys had started changing their ways in class. Marshall is a widower and his two young daughters are in Doris' class. They're adorable, and aren't shy about letting Doris know she and their father should get married because they need a mother. Awww
Doris and Marshall keep dancing around each other for a good while--he thinks he's too old for her and she thinks she's not the right woman for him. They think no one notices how they look at each other, but everyone sees what these two don't. Marshall's cousin (whom he dislikes) comes to visit and starts paying a lot of attention to Doris, which Marshall doesn't like, but he still won't tell Doris how he feels about her. What a stubborn, stubborn man.
He's a wonderful father, and treats his children differently than how his father treated him. I loved the scenes with Marshall and his sweet daughters--he calls them names like apple pie and chocolate cake and makes them squeal. Who wouldn't fall in love with a man who cares so much for his children?
The mystery of why the Lancaster sisters' uncle still wants them back continues. I can't wait to find out what the awful man has up his sleeve. I'm enjoying this series and can't wait to read Frances' story.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator's voice. It's very smooth and she does a great job.
October 19, 2019
“A Dandy for Doris” by Donna K. Weaver
A sweet clean historic romance in Wyoming. A not too long story in the Lilac City novella series. I do love clean sweet romance stories, not too long, and not too short, and are stand alone reads too. You will be turning those pages to find out for yourself just what is going to happen next. I was gifted an ARC for my opinion and to check for typo’s… I caught a couple and I probably missed a few because I got too caught up in the story. Ah, well, I tried. By now you must know what my opinion of this story is… Yes, it is Well Worth the Read !! Happy Reading ! !
A sweet clean historic romance in Wyoming. A not too long story in the Lilac City novella series. I do love clean sweet romance stories, not too long, and not too short, and are stand alone reads too. You will be turning those pages to find out for yourself just what is going to happen next. I was gifted an ARC for my opinion and to check for typo’s… I caught a couple and I probably missed a few because I got too caught up in the story. Ah, well, I tried. By now you must know what my opinion of this story is… Yes, it is Well Worth the Read !! Happy Reading ! !
October 17, 2019
5 stars
I received a free copy of the sweet romance A Dandy for Doris: A Lilac City Romance Novella book 2 by Donna K. Weaver and this review was given freely.
Well rounded with wonderful characters, conflict, a little rivalry, healing transformations, and a happy ending. Having moved west after a family scandal, single father Marshall and his sister Judith rebuild their lives on the Circle B Ranch but struggle with loneliness and trust until the kind and sympathetic school teacher Doris bridges their walls bringing happiness.
I received a free copy of the sweet romance A Dandy for Doris: A Lilac City Romance Novella book 2 by Donna K. Weaver and this review was given freely.
Well rounded with wonderful characters, conflict, a little rivalry, healing transformations, and a happy ending. Having moved west after a family scandal, single father Marshall and his sister Judith rebuild their lives on the Circle B Ranch but struggle with loneliness and trust until the kind and sympathetic school teacher Doris bridges their walls bringing happiness.
April 19, 2020
Another well done story.
Another wonderful story by the same author, and it's kind of funny to learn who the hero was. I loved how Doris finally came out as assertive something she wasn't at all before. She finally learned to speak her mind with her hovering, over protective brother.
Adventure, classic festivals, and all kinds of fun. This is really a most wonderful story that I highly recommend. Read the first one if haven't as it explains the foundation for these stories.
Another wonderful story by the same author, and it's kind of funny to learn who the hero was. I loved how Doris finally came out as assertive something she wasn't at all before. She finally learned to speak her mind with her hovering, over protective brother.
Adventure, classic festivals, and all kinds of fun. This is really a most wonderful story that I highly recommend. Read the first one if haven't as it explains the foundation for these stories.
September 3, 2020
This is a fun series. I enjoy watching the sisters kind of come into their own and find themselves. Doris is such a sweet loving person and a great teacher. I loved the draw between her and Marshall in the first book and it was even better in this one. There is still some intrigue as the evil uncle still lurks in the background, but not really the suspense that was in the first book. I loved the epilogue and am really excited for the next book.
October 26, 2019
I’d read it again
I’ve read several books by this author now, and highly recommend each one. After reading as many romances as I have read, many seem a bit formulaic, but not Donna Weaver’s. I love that she can let you know the characters thoughts and the reason for the actions without the story bogging down and getting lost. Doris is truly a sweet, thoughtful young lady, while her “Dandy” is just that. Quite a hunk of wonderful!
I’ve read several books by this author now, and highly recommend each one. After reading as many romances as I have read, many seem a bit formulaic, but not Donna Weaver’s. I love that she can let you know the characters thoughts and the reason for the actions without the story bogging down and getting lost. Doris is truly a sweet, thoughtful young lady, while her “Dandy” is just that. Quite a hunk of wonderful!
December 17, 2019
Enjoyed this!
More fun times in Lilac City, and this one is for shy, quiet Doris. I loved her rapport with the kids and that she was able to support herself through teaching, even though nobody realized that she would want to. I liked the romance and tender moments, and especially when she found the courage to stand up to people, including her beau, when it was important to her. Lovely book to curl up in front of the fire with!
More fun times in Lilac City, and this one is for shy, quiet Doris. I loved her rapport with the kids and that she was able to support herself through teaching, even though nobody realized that she would want to. I liked the romance and tender moments, and especially when she found the courage to stand up to people, including her beau, when it was important to her. Lovely book to curl up in front of the fire with!
February 23, 2020
Great series
I loved each sisters story. They are sisters but not really alike. They meet men that uniquely meet their needs but have to continue to fight back against their uncle and his desire to control their fortune. Loved the characters in this series and how the author developed and blended them throughout the series.
I loved each sisters story. They are sisters but not really alike. They meet men that uniquely meet their needs but have to continue to fight back against their uncle and his desire to control their fortune. Loved the characters in this series and how the author developed and blended them throughout the series.
October 24, 2019
Sweet and clean of the Wyoming back when women were not so plentiful and men looking for brides ...and some not. I am seeing this as a huge hit as it is a fantastic story. Dive in feet first guarenteed you will love it.
October 26, 2019
Sweet read!
Marshall is a ding bat and a great father to his girls all at the same time. This was a sweet story to the first book about Maude. I can’t wait till the next one is ready to read. This author takes me on wonderful journeys and I love everything she writes.
Marshall is a ding bat and a great father to his girls all at the same time. This was a sweet story to the first book about Maude. I can’t wait till the next one is ready to read. This author takes me on wonderful journeys and I love everything she writes.
November 16, 2019
Sweet Romance
Lovely romance with a sweet, quiet heroine who learns she must speak up for herself. Enjoyed the characters and the dilemma Marshall faced. Although this read well as a stand-alone, I suggest reading the first book first.
Lovely romance with a sweet, quiet heroine who learns she must speak up for herself. Enjoyed the characters and the dilemma Marshall faced. Although this read well as a stand-alone, I suggest reading the first book first.
May 9, 2023
Yes, I'm the author, so I'm biased, but I love Lilac City and its residents. It was fun to tell Doris and Marshall's love story.
October 1, 2020
Darling little girls
Liked the different personalities of the sisters and loyalties to family. Waiting for next book about a family member of the little girls.
Liked the different personalities of the sisters and loyalties to family. Waiting for next book about a family member of the little girls.
June 12, 2020
I feel like this book had less angst or maybe less drama than the first one and I liked it better. Doris is so quiet and shy so it was fun that she wanted to be more like Francis who is most outspoken. I thought it was great that Francis is able to see clearly what others did not and even more importantly, was not afraid to say it aloud which is exactly what Doris needs to give her a push. I think she is a sweet school marm too.
I liked Marshall quite a bit but found myself saying aloud more than once, "Don't be so stupid!" His daughters are darling and his pet names for them are adorable.
I hated that the evil uncle part still didn't resolve but clearly that is going to be the thread that binds all the stories in the series together. I'll have to be patient to have that resolve.
I still don't love the narrator as she sounds schmaltzy to me but I didn't let that bother me. It is an enjoyable story. It is a quick read/listen for an afternoon or evening read.
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: no
*I received a complimentary copy of the audio-book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I liked Marshall quite a bit but found myself saying aloud more than once, "Don't be so stupid!" His daughters are darling and his pet names for them are adorable.
I hated that the evil uncle part still didn't resolve but clearly that is going to be the thread that binds all the stories in the series together. I'll have to be patient to have that resolve.
I still don't love the narrator as she sounds schmaltzy to me but I didn't let that bother me. It is an enjoyable story. It is a quick read/listen for an afternoon or evening read.
Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: no
*I received a complimentary copy of the audio-book and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 20, 2020
Book 2 of the “Lilac City Romance” series, A Dandy for Doris picks up where A Match for Maude leaves off. I enjoyed book 1 so much, I purchased this immediately. Doris is the quiet sister than everyone takes for granted and interpret her gracious acceptance of others and ability to look for the good in everyone as being a push over. Instead, she is a deep thinker and a gentle soul. I loved watching her come out of her shell and appreciated interactions with the children, especially when she charmed those considered rascals in her one-room schoolhouse. I felt sorry for Marshall Breckenridge who cares for Doris, but can’t seem to get out of his own way. He’s sure his age is a hindrance although he is the same age as her brother, only ten years older than her. His girls are delightful, and there were several laugh-out-loud moments when they said things that put their father or Doris on the spot. “Out of the mouth of babes” as it were. Another well-written book by Ms. Weaver that entertained and educated me in fun and memorable way. I look forward to Book 3.
June 14, 2020
Doris and her sisters came west to Wyoming after their father died and they were left in the care of their uncle until they were married or 25. They fled to their half brother. Maude was married in the first book and now Doris has started a job as the new school marm of Lilac City. She has caught the attention of Marshall, a neighboring rancher who has two children in her class. Good thing she feels the same. It takes him a while to come to grips with how he feels, especially since he is quite a bit older and not sure he wants to marry again but his children are pushy. When Doris' uncle sends another attempt in the form of Marshall's relation, all bets are off and he is all in.
July 3, 2020
This is a story about a young woman and a man who happens to be 10 years older than her. Doris is sweet and a bit shy. Marshall is kind and good hearted. He is a widower with two fairly young children. He likes Doris but he worries about turning out like his father. His father was older than his mother and often acted like he was smarter and more wise because older. And his mother was kind but never stood up for herself. He was afraid Doris would be like his mother and allow herself to be belittled. The characters were good. The story was a bit slow for me but not very long. It was the second in the series.
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May 14, 20215 stars
I received a free copy of the sweet romance A Dandy for Doris: A Lilac City Romance Novella book 2 by Donna K. Weaver and this review was given freely.
Well rounded with wonderful characters, conflict, a little rivalry, healing transformations, and a happy ending. Having moved west after a family scandal, single father Marshall and his sister Judith rebuild their lives on the Circle B Ranch but struggle with loneliness and trust until the kind and sympathetic school teacher Doris bridges their walls bringing happiness.
I received a free copy of the sweet romance A Dandy for Doris: A Lilac City Romance Novella book 2 by Donna K. Weaver and this review was given freely.
Well rounded with wonderful characters, conflict, a little rivalry, healing transformations, and a happy ending. Having moved west after a family scandal, single father Marshall and his sister Judith rebuild their lives on the Circle B Ranch but struggle with loneliness and trust until the kind and sympathetic school teacher Doris bridges their walls bringing happiness.
March 23, 2024
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Doris Lancaster is the new school teacher, and has Marshall Breckenridge’s daughters in her class. She has been drawn to him since he saved her from a kidnapping attempt. He’s not interested in getting remarried until his shifty cousin shows up and expresses interest in Doris. A heartwarming story of family and going after your heart’s desire.
July 8, 2025
Doris finds love
Sweet, tender hearted Doris assumed she’d be a spinster teacher for the rest of her life. When she first arrived with her sisters, fleeing their wicked uncle, Marshall Breckenridge had been the one who rescued her from the kidnappers. She fell in love with him, instantly. However, he was several years older and a widower with two children. Would he ever come to love her as she did him?
Sweet, tender hearted Doris assumed she’d be a spinster teacher for the rest of her life. When she first arrived with her sisters, fleeing their wicked uncle, Marshall Breckenridge had been the one who rescued her from the kidnappers. She fell in love with him, instantly. However, he was several years older and a widower with two children. Would he ever come to love her as she did him?
January 31, 2021
Another good snowy day read
This second in series follows immediately after the first sister's story.
What a great community of characters the author has created. Each with their own talents and woes. Interesting connections.
If you like a clean western romance series, read this one.
This second in series follows immediately after the first sister's story.
What a great community of characters the author has created. Each with their own talents and woes. Interesting connections.
If you like a clean western romance series, read this one.
May 15, 2020
I love how the meek and mild Doris finds her backbone in this story and learns to stand up for herself and what she wants. This sweet clean romance is a treat for all lovers of Western Romance. While part of a seies, it can also be read as a stand alone.
August 16, 2020
Great book
This being second in this series slowed pace a little with the movement of its plot. However it actually sped up and ended with a twist and another wedding.
Forward to the third‼️
I can’t wait to read about Luke getting snagged‼️
This being second in this series slowed pace a little with the movement of its plot. However it actually sped up and ended with a twist and another wedding.
Forward to the third‼️
I can’t wait to read about Luke getting snagged‼️
May 21, 2022
Enjoyable summer read
One becomes attached to the characters. Watching them grow, evolve, and find their own paths helps the reader become involved and to look forward to the next installment.
One becomes attached to the characters. Watching them grow, evolve, and find their own paths helps the reader become involved and to look forward to the next installment.
January 15, 2023
Love Donna K Weaver’s historical romance
This historical romance was so engaging that I read it in one day. Her characters are brought to life in her stories. I actually feel like I am right there with them. I would highly recommend her books to anyone.
This historical romance was so engaging that I read it in one day. Her characters are brought to life in her stories. I actually feel like I am right there with them. I would highly recommend her books to anyone.
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February 22, 2020Wonderful written work kept me keep turning the pages until the end, I couldn't put the books down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews