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Bachelors and Babies #4
Barclay
No bachelor could be prepared for what happens to the Givens brothers one stormy night in 1876. Finding a pregnant woman on their road, they take her in. Before they can learn anything about her, she gives birth to triplets and disappears. Luckily, the doctor supplies a much-needed wet-nurse— Cynara, a recent widow who lost her baby. Her sad eyes and gentle acceptance awaken something in Barclay's staid soul. But she's not ready for a new man in her life. She'll stay at the ranch and tend the babies, but that's all.
Meanwhile, where is the babies' real mother? Who and where is the father? And what will become of these helpless infants?
Meanwhile, where is the babies' real mother? Who and where is the father? And what will become of these helpless infants?
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2019
694 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Charlene Raddon
44 books425 followersCharlene Raddon began writing western historical romance novels in 1980. Her book Tender Touch was a Golden Heart Finalist. Forever Mine received a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award nomination. Her books have received other awards and won or placed in several contests. She loves hearing from readers. When not writing, Charlene loves to travel, do genealogy, needlepoint, crochet or dye Ukrainian style eggs. She also designs book covers for other authors at www.silversagebookcovers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 19, 2024
I liked the premise but it was a bit bland.
And don’t get me started with the unresolved issues like the adoption and the brother’s claims to the babies.
And don’t get me started with the unresolved issues like the adoption and the brother’s claims to the babies.
July 31, 2020
Enjoyed the story
While the premise of the story was a bit far fetched, (triplets born naturally and prematurely to a 15 year old with poor prenatal care, AND all surviving in that day and age), the characters were interesting . I loved how the cowboys fell in love with the babies. The only reason I docked one star is that it could have been better edited. Word omissions and poor grammar were distracting. More research into the birth of multiples would have given more credence to the story. Any natural multiple births I have attended, the babies came first and then the placenta(s). They usually all grow together so you can’t differentiate where one begins and the other ends.
While the premise of the story was a bit far fetched, (triplets born naturally and prematurely to a 15 year old with poor prenatal care, AND all surviving in that day and age), the characters were interesting . I loved how the cowboys fell in love with the babies. The only reason I docked one star is that it could have been better edited. Word omissions and poor grammar were distracting. More research into the birth of multiples would have given more credence to the story. Any natural multiple births I have attended, the babies came first and then the placenta(s). They usually all grow together so you can’t differentiate where one begins and the other ends.
February 6, 2020
Rating: 3.5/5.0
This author’s enchantment with the details of this time and place of rugged pioneers, backbreaking physical labor, and gorgeous vistas filled with hidden dangers that are natural and manmade evokes a sense of a bygone era of the American West.
Read full review in the 2020 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This author’s enchantment with the details of this time and place of rugged pioneers, backbreaking physical labor, and gorgeous vistas filled with hidden dangers that are natural and manmade evokes a sense of a bygone era of the American West.
Read full review in the 2020 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 29, 2021
UNEXPECTED SURPRISES
While the story is part of the Bachelors and Babies series, it is a stand-alone story. The story is a clean historical western-based book. The story will also be an addition to the High Mountain Ranch Trilogy of the three Givens Brothers, Barclay, Jared, and Chase. But for now, it is the story of Barclay Givens and widow Cynara Stratton.
A storm approaching comes with more than heavy rain, a pregnant woman in labor shows up at the Givens ranch. The Givens have helped birth animals, but this will be a new challenge. For some reason, Minnie will stay calm with Chase, and it will be with the help of the others that deliver two boys and a girl—but their mother refuses to have anything to do with them. What a shock to discover the following morning she has left—leaving her babies behind.
Life for Cynara is full of tragedy, first the death of her husband, Wade, and then losing her baby girl. She will be called upon to be a wet nurse for another child, but he dies from crib death. What a shock when Doctor Willoughby asks her to help out triplets who were born and their mother abandoned them at the Givens ranch.
The story’s plot will have Doc bringing Cynara to the ranch as a wet nurse for the premature triplets. She finds them hungry, no ready-made diapers, and three men doing the best they know how to care for the infants. She is torn between doing what needs to be done and keeping her heart out of the equation.
“Having your heart broken isn’t an easy thing to recover from.”
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil of people. The Givens offer a temporary home to the triplets, who they end up naming, Conner, Gage, and Vella. Cynara is a great fit and is wonderful with the babies; they are thriving on her milk and attention. But, trouble is brewing—a new ranch hand is causing issues—cattle is missing—and a neighbor’s daughter is insistent that she and Barclay are getting married. The story has mystery, suspense, life and death danger, kidnapping, but also good people doing the right thing and two people falling in love. Cynara never dreamed she would find love again, and Barclay wasn’t looking, but as these two get to know each other, it is inevitable.
“Two of the traits she loved in him were thoughtfulness and keen insight.”
While the story is part of the Bachelors and Babies series, it is a stand-alone story. The story is a clean historical western-based book. The story will also be an addition to the High Mountain Ranch Trilogy of the three Givens Brothers, Barclay, Jared, and Chase. But for now, it is the story of Barclay Givens and widow Cynara Stratton.
A storm approaching comes with more than heavy rain, a pregnant woman in labor shows up at the Givens ranch. The Givens have helped birth animals, but this will be a new challenge. For some reason, Minnie will stay calm with Chase, and it will be with the help of the others that deliver two boys and a girl—but their mother refuses to have anything to do with them. What a shock to discover the following morning she has left—leaving her babies behind.
Life for Cynara is full of tragedy, first the death of her husband, Wade, and then losing her baby girl. She will be called upon to be a wet nurse for another child, but he dies from crib death. What a shock when Doctor Willoughby asks her to help out triplets who were born and their mother abandoned them at the Givens ranch.
The story’s plot will have Doc bringing Cynara to the ranch as a wet nurse for the premature triplets. She finds them hungry, no ready-made diapers, and three men doing the best they know how to care for the infants. She is torn between doing what needs to be done and keeping her heart out of the equation.
“Having your heart broken isn’t an easy thing to recover from.”
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil of people. The Givens offer a temporary home to the triplets, who they end up naming, Conner, Gage, and Vella. Cynara is a great fit and is wonderful with the babies; they are thriving on her milk and attention. But, trouble is brewing—a new ranch hand is causing issues—cattle is missing—and a neighbor’s daughter is insistent that she and Barclay are getting married. The story has mystery, suspense, life and death danger, kidnapping, but also good people doing the right thing and two people falling in love. Cynara never dreamed she would find love again, and Barclay wasn’t looking, but as these two get to know each other, it is inevitable.
“Two of the traits she loved in him were thoughtfulness and keen insight.”
October 27, 2020
Barclay: Bachelors & Babies by Charlene Raddon
Bachelors & Babies is a multi-author endeavor. Barclay is the oldest of three Givens brothers running the family ranch, and the first of Ms. Raddon’s contributions to the series. Each brother gets his own book, and I think “Barclay” sets a nice foundation for the other two brother’s stories. However, the last thing this ranch needs are more babies.
The prolog to this story is tragic and heartbreaking. Cynara Stratton is a young widow who has lost everything and most recently her own baby.
The story proper starts one stormy night when the Givens brothers take in a pregnant woman coming up their road to the ranch house. Cold, wet, obviously abused, and in the early stages of labor she is seeking sanctuary for the night. She warily accepts their help, but refuses to even give them her name or where she is from. The brothers are flying blind having only birthed calves. After the baby is born they think they are home free, however the mother doesn’t even want to look at him or hold him. Then the labor pains start again. Doc has been sent for, but is delayed because of the storm and the flooded creek. By the time he arrives a third baby has been born. Since the baby momma won’t give the men even her name they call her Minnie (no relation to the mouse). Doc gives the babies a clean bill of health, despite their small size, and tells Minnie to rest and stay in bed for a few days. However, by the next morning she has run off leaving the babies behind.
Doc brings Cynara to the Givens ranch to be a wet nurse for the premature triplets hoping it will help heal the hole in her soul. She blends in well with the men knowing this is just a temporary situation, but can’t help loving each of the babies. I thought it was endearing how each brother claimed and named a baby. The plot twists and turns as other secondary characters are brought into the story. It’s a rollercoaster ride running the ranch and dealing with more personal attacks. Barclay’s life is turned upside down and inside out as tension builds in the last few chapters for an explosive turn of events.
I found Barclay and Cynara’s journey quite satisfying, and I was glad when Barclay finally found the right words he meant to convey to Cynara. This was a fun adventure into the wild west of Montana.
FYI: “Barclay” is book 4 in the Bachelors and Babies Books. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** October 1, 2020.
Format/Typo Issues: A small number of proofing issues.
Bachelors & Babies is a multi-author endeavor. Barclay is the oldest of three Givens brothers running the family ranch, and the first of Ms. Raddon’s contributions to the series. Each brother gets his own book, and I think “Barclay” sets a nice foundation for the other two brother’s stories. However, the last thing this ranch needs are more babies.
The prolog to this story is tragic and heartbreaking. Cynara Stratton is a young widow who has lost everything and most recently her own baby.
The story proper starts one stormy night when the Givens brothers take in a pregnant woman coming up their road to the ranch house. Cold, wet, obviously abused, and in the early stages of labor she is seeking sanctuary for the night. She warily accepts their help, but refuses to even give them her name or where she is from. The brothers are flying blind having only birthed calves. After the baby is born they think they are home free, however the mother doesn’t even want to look at him or hold him. Then the labor pains start again. Doc has been sent for, but is delayed because of the storm and the flooded creek. By the time he arrives a third baby has been born. Since the baby momma won’t give the men even her name they call her Minnie (no relation to the mouse). Doc gives the babies a clean bill of health, despite their small size, and tells Minnie to rest and stay in bed for a few days. However, by the next morning she has run off leaving the babies behind.
Doc brings Cynara to the Givens ranch to be a wet nurse for the premature triplets hoping it will help heal the hole in her soul. She blends in well with the men knowing this is just a temporary situation, but can’t help loving each of the babies. I thought it was endearing how each brother claimed and named a baby. The plot twists and turns as other secondary characters are brought into the story. It’s a rollercoaster ride running the ranch and dealing with more personal attacks. Barclay’s life is turned upside down and inside out as tension builds in the last few chapters for an explosive turn of events.
I found Barclay and Cynara’s journey quite satisfying, and I was glad when Barclay finally found the right words he meant to convey to Cynara. This was a fun adventure into the wild west of Montana.
FYI: “Barclay” is book 4 in the Bachelors and Babies Books. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** October 1, 2020.
Format/Typo Issues: A small number of proofing issues.
March 7, 2021
A very cute Western romance story, and I look forward to reading others in the series. Even though I am listing off little irritating occurrences with the writing, the story was still fun to read and follow along with.
I took one star off for small things:
the villain's last name was spelled incorrectly several times...
the wrong marshal's name was used regarding the scene with the reward money...
at the end of the story, our hero Barclay somehow suddenly knew and was able to inform the marshal the backstory of Minnie and how and by whom she had gotten pregnant by (at this point, only the heroine had been told this story by the villain)...
there were inconsistencies of how long ago the heroine's husband and baby had died, I read it as six months ago and then another point referenced it one month ago...
and thru out the story I had no idea of time. Was this taking place all during one week? That's what it seemed like. If so, then I need to add: Insta-love.
I took one star off for small things:
the villain's last name was spelled incorrectly several times...
the wrong marshal's name was used regarding the scene with the reward money...
at the end of the story, our hero Barclay somehow suddenly knew and was able to inform the marshal the backstory of Minnie and how and by whom she had gotten pregnant by (at this point, only the heroine had been told this story by the villain)...
there were inconsistencies of how long ago the heroine's husband and baby had died, I read it as six months ago and then another point referenced it one month ago...
and thru out the story I had no idea of time. Was this taking place all during one week? That's what it seemed like. If so, then I need to add: Insta-love.
May 13, 2020
This is a full-length book. The story is about a strong ranching family and the adult's sons are now running the ranch Barclay is the oldest son and all the brothers are still living in the family home. One evening a very young woman shows up on horseback in a very bad way. She was in labor and no woman at the ranch. They help her through the labor and delivery of triplets. What a surprise T.he men are amazed by the babies. What scares this young woman so bad she runs away during the night leaving all the babies behind. The men find a wet nurse for the babies. The story really starts to get interesting. What happens to the babies? the wet nurse is dealing with her own concerns as she recently loss her husband. Romance starts but with whom? This is a wonderful clean read that you won't want to put the book down until you finish the story and then hoping there will be a follow up book.
December 13, 2020
This is a story about 3 brothers whose lives were far ever change whe a pregnant 15 year old girl showed up one evening at their ranch house. She gave birth to triplets(2 boys and a girl) and slipped off and left the brothers to raise the babies. The local doctor brings a wet nurse, Cynara, a widow who lost her own baby to feed and care for the infants. Older brother, Barclay, who manages the ranch begins to have feelings for the sad eyed widow and she begins to develop feelings for him. This makes for a very cute story that has a feel good happy ending.
March 8, 2021
Barclay Given's life is turned upside down when an unknown, heavily pregnant woman appears at the family ranch, gives birth to triplets and promptly disappears, leaving the babies behind. The local doctor takes pity on the bachelors, and sends Cynara Stratton, a widow who also lost her own baby, to be the wetnurse to the triplets. When someone kidnaps the babies to use to extort money from their real grandparents and takes Cynara with them, Barclay and his brother track them and save them all - and gets his HEA with Cynara. Clean.
December 8, 2025
Barclay is a touching blend of heart, mystery, and frontier charm. Charlene Raddon delivers a beautifully emotional story as the Givens brothers unexpectedly take in newborn triplets, and Cynara a grieving young widow steps in to help. Barclay and Cynara’s gentle, slow-growing connection feels genuine and deeply moving. With its mix of love, healing, and an intriguing mystery, this book is a warm, heartfelt read that stays with you.
December 8, 2025
“A Kiss and a Dare” swept me away from the very first page. Charlene Raddon blends magic, mystery, and heartfelt romance so beautifully that I didn’t want the story to end. Garen is a compelling hero torn between duty and true love and Gwenlyn’s ethereal charm made every scene with her sparkle. The enchanted garden felt like stepping into a dream. This is the kind of book that makes you believe in magic again. Absolutely loved it!
December 8, 2025
Barclay swept me away from the very first page. Charlene Raddon has such a gift for writing tender, emotionally layered stories, and this one truly shines. The bond between Barclay and Cynara is beautifully developed quiet, healing, and full of unexpected hope. The mystery of the abandoned triplets adds the perfect touch of intrigue, and the Givens brothers bring warmth and humor to every chapter. This is the kind of historical romance that stays with you long after you turn the last page.
December 8, 2025
What a delightful read! I absolutely loved how the story blended family, romance, and mystery so seamlessly. Barclay is a hero you can’t help but root for, and Cynara’s strength through grief made her completely endearing. The arrival of the triplets creates both chaos and charm, and I found myself smiling through so many scenes. Charlene Raddon transports you right into 1876 with vivid detail and heartwarming characters.
June 19, 2020
Mystery and Romance
Who loves some mystery with their romance? I definitely do and Charlene doesn't disappoint with book number 4 in the Bachelor's and Babies series. There were a few twists and turns in this story that had me reading frantically, wondering what was going to happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed reading to and highly recommend it.
Who loves some mystery with their romance? I definitely do and Charlene doesn't disappoint with book number 4 in the Bachelor's and Babies series. There were a few twists and turns in this story that had me reading frantically, wondering what was going to happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed reading to and highly recommend it.
July 7, 2020
Exciting
I started reading this at 0900 on Monday and COULD NOT it down until Tuesday morning at 0300. I'm an avid reader, but there are few books that have captivated me like this one. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a love story that will keep you at the edge of your seat!
I started reading this at 0900 on Monday and COULD NOT it down until Tuesday morning at 0300. I'm an avid reader, but there are few books that have captivated me like this one. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a love story that will keep you at the edge of your seat!
December 12, 2020
Wild West Romance with triplets
An unusual romance set at the end of the 19th century in Montana. A kidnapped teenager, raped and held prisoner by a gang, escapes, and finds her way to safety. She gives birth to triplets and then disappears. The mystery slowly unravels with some exciting and tender moments along the way.
An unusual romance set at the end of the 19th century in Montana. A kidnapped teenager, raped and held prisoner by a gang, escapes, and finds her way to safety. She gives birth to triplets and then disappears. The mystery slowly unravels with some exciting and tender moments along the way.
December 14, 2020
Barclay
A very different story of an early birth of triplets, three brothers, a run away mother and an outlaw. Oh did I mention a slightly demented neighbor girl demanding the oldest of the brothers marry her?
Enjoyed the book but very surprised that Ms. Raddon's books in this series are the only ones not on KU, so I'm unable to read the remainder.
A very different story of an early birth of triplets, three brothers, a run away mother and an outlaw. Oh did I mention a slightly demented neighbor girl demanding the oldest of the brothers marry her?
Enjoyed the book but very surprised that Ms. Raddon's books in this series are the only ones not on KU, so I'm unable to read the remainder.
January 24, 2021
Barclay: Bachelors & Babies Book 4
The love story of Barclay and Cynara. Cynara has lost everything, first her husband and then her daughter. Now what? One storm night a young girl came to the Givens Ranch, she had triplets and then run leaving the babies. What now? Great story.
The love story of Barclay and Cynara. Cynara has lost everything, first her husband and then her daughter. Now what? One storm night a young girl came to the Givens Ranch, she had triplets and then run leaving the babies. What now? Great story.
March 2, 2022
Well done
With the exception of a few 20th century words used and repeated errors on the time line ( her husband died one month, two months and five months earlier!), I found the story very enjoyable.
Since I read it out of order I'm left wondering why they didn't know Jessamin's name when she finally returned.
With the exception of a few 20th century words used and repeated errors on the time line ( her husband died one month, two months and five months earlier!), I found the story very enjoyable.
Since I read it out of order I'm left wondering why they didn't know Jessamin's name when she finally returned.
May 22, 2020
Loved it
I loved how strong and kind Cynara was. She is true to herself and didn't deviate from who she happened to be. Also Barclay is a true gentleman - a man's man and I loved it. Excellent read.
I loved how strong and kind Cynara was. She is true to herself and didn't deviate from who she happened to be. Also Barclay is a true gentleman - a man's man and I loved it. Excellent read.
December 7, 2020
Great story
This is the first novel by this author that I have read and won't be the last. Filled with excitement, treachery and romance, the story keeps the reader involved until the very end.
This is the first novel by this author that I have read and won't be the last. Filled with excitement, treachery and romance, the story keeps the reader involved until the very end.
December 13, 2020
She came to their ranch and had her babies
I thought it was a very good story how a family worked together and dealt with surprises that can happen in their lives and make the best of it.
I thought it was a very good story how a family worked together and dealt with surprises that can happen in their lives and make the best of it.
December 13, 2020
Barclay Weds
Barclay was a prime target and many girls wanted to see him. Cynara was a wet nurse to the triplets and a widow who had also lost her baby. No man would want to see her.
Barclay was a prime target and many girls wanted to see him. Cynara was a wet nurse to the triplets and a widow who had also lost her baby. No man would want to see her.
December 15, 2020
Red Posy
I love this book . I gave it a five because it was a completely different story from what I usually read. It is awesome it is sad and happy with a lot of suspense. I would recommend it to anyone of the age over the age of 14 due to some of the subject matter.
I love this book . I gave it a five because it was a completely different story from what I usually read. It is awesome it is sad and happy with a lot of suspense. I would recommend it to anyone of the age over the age of 14 due to some of the subject matter.
December 18, 2020
A fun read. It was very engaging and kept you wanting to read. However, at the very end it introduced a new character that had no connection with the story. That seemed very random. It is a pleasant romance novel.
December 23, 2020
Safe
A good story was just a bit long with them and haw in for most of the book. No real drama or action as every thing just feel into place You reader need to check it out for yourself
A good story was just a bit long with them and haw in for most of the book. No real drama or action as every thing just feel into place You reader need to check it out for yourself
December 23, 2020
Wonderful
I had such fun with this book. What starts out with tragedy ends in laughter, joy, and love. In this series is a book by the author "Chase". I sure hope it's the youngest Givens!
I had such fun with this book. What starts out with tragedy ends in laughter, joy, and love. In this series is a book by the author "Chase". I sure hope it's the youngest Givens!
December 24, 2020
Enjoyed
A nice story. Three babies arrive unexpectedly via a strange young girl. She came in a storm to a ranch, with three bachelors. A bad guy shows up and the mother fleas, without her babies
A nice story. Three babies arrive unexpectedly via a strange young girl. She came in a storm to a ranch, with three bachelors. A bad guy shows up and the mother fleas, without her babies
December 25, 2020
Outlaws, cattle rustling, kidnapping ...
What's not to like? Babies, runaway mom, what will three bachelors do with the babies while running the ranch? Good clean story with plenty of surprises along the way.
What's not to like? Babies, runaway mom, what will three bachelors do with the babies while running the ranch? Good clean story with plenty of surprises along the way.
January 31, 2021
Barclay
This is the first book I have read by this author and I was not disappointed. It has wonderful characters and an intriguing story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I was not disappointed. It has wonderful characters and an intriguing story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews