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Heart of a Miner #3
Copper
Now she was in a dilemma. Joan’s husband Harris had gotten into another fight, but this time, it’d be his last. Now he was buried in the field next to their run-down shack, leaving her destitute with their two little boys. Things couldn’t possibly get worse, or so she thought.
But Joan can’t even depend on the one thing Harris left behind: his silver mine, for his partner, Pete Tracy, claims she must marry to inherit her share. Downcast and defeated, Joan leaves her shack for Silver City, a mining boom town to the south, and knocks on the door of the only person who can help her.
Lonely Mac Walley, though saddened over the death of his brother, is elated to have a woman and children living in his home, which makes the decision to marry Joan a simple one. He’d always admired the strong, beautiful woman his brother had married and loved his nephews dearly. She quickly secures a place in his heart, and Mac is determined to win hers. But when a local gang of outlaws and a roving band of Indians take him away from home, can their precarious marriage of convenience blossom into something deeper?
Find out in this heartwarming sweet romance set in a time when the American West was still wild and unruly.
“Copper” is book three in the Heart of a Miner series and would be best enjoyed if read in order, but can be read as a standalone.
But Joan can’t even depend on the one thing Harris left behind: his silver mine, for his partner, Pete Tracy, claims she must marry to inherit her share. Downcast and defeated, Joan leaves her shack for Silver City, a mining boom town to the south, and knocks on the door of the only person who can help her.
Lonely Mac Walley, though saddened over the death of his brother, is elated to have a woman and children living in his home, which makes the decision to marry Joan a simple one. He’d always admired the strong, beautiful woman his brother had married and loved his nephews dearly. She quickly secures a place in his heart, and Mac is determined to win hers. But when a local gang of outlaws and a roving band of Indians take him away from home, can their precarious marriage of convenience blossom into something deeper?
Find out in this heartwarming sweet romance set in a time when the American West was still wild and unruly.
“Copper” is book three in the Heart of a Miner series and would be best enjoyed if read in order, but can be read as a standalone.
152 pages, Paperback
Published March 18, 2020
116 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Krystal M. Anderson
27 books69 followersReading has always been a passion of mine. I always wanted to become an author but it was a "someday" sort of goal. In 2017, I decided to make my dream a reality and began my first book. While I enjoy nearly all fiction, historical novels particularly fascinate me.
My family and I live in Southern Utah, USA. I grew up on horseback and treasured any time I could spend riding through the red sands and sagebrush. My husband Randon and I have four children - including a set of twins. Nothing makes me happier than being a wife and mother.... but reading is a very close second!
My family and I live in Southern Utah, USA. I grew up on horseback and treasured any time I could spend riding through the red sands and sagebrush. My husband Randon and I have four children - including a set of twins. Nothing makes me happier than being a wife and mother.... but reading is a very close second!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 19, 2020
Touching and sweet marriage of convenience
Copper is the type of story that is easy to snuggle right into, as it's set in the Wild West and has sweet and endearing characters.
Joan is a widow who seeks shelter for her and her two boys from her brother-in-law and a heartwarming marriage of convenience ensues. I'm always a sucker for a sweet romance and this story delivers a gentle and gradual passion that truly touches the heart.
Although times were definitely tough back then, the author depicts the setting and plot in a way that makes my heart long for these simpler times and I loved the way this fast-paced adventure infuses life into these characters, making them likable and dimensional.
This book can stand alone and was a great historical escape.
Content: mild violence; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Copper is the type of story that is easy to snuggle right into, as it's set in the Wild West and has sweet and endearing characters.
Joan is a widow who seeks shelter for her and her two boys from her brother-in-law and a heartwarming marriage of convenience ensues. I'm always a sucker for a sweet romance and this story delivers a gentle and gradual passion that truly touches the heart.
Although times were definitely tough back then, the author depicts the setting and plot in a way that makes my heart long for these simpler times and I loved the way this fast-paced adventure infuses life into these characters, making them likable and dimensional.
This book can stand alone and was a great historical escape.
Content: mild violence; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
December 12, 2020
Rating: 4.5/5.0
With her artful writing of Mac, Krystal M. Anderson captivates the hearts of her protagonist and readers alike.
Read full review in the 2020 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
With her artful writing of Mac, Krystal M. Anderson captivates the hearts of her protagonist and readers alike.
Read full review in the 2020 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 28, 2020
Silver City Idaho - May 1876
A wonderful story of the heart and how quickly life and change. Joan's husband Harris had gotten killed in a fight at the saloon. She was left with two little boys and not much else. Her only choice was to go to Harris's brother, Mac who owned a livery in Silver City.
Mac had just gotten back from riding with a posse to try to capture a band of outlaws but they were unsuccessful. He found his sister in law Joan waiting at his home and she told him about his brother.
It appeared the two were really different. Harris had been a rougher sort and did not provide too well for his family. Mac was a hard worker and offered Joan and the boys stay at his house if she would just cook and clean.
One thing she thought she might depend on was her husband's share in the silver mine he had owned with his partner, Pete. But when she finds out she has to be married in order to get his share, she's not sure what to do!
I fell in love with Mac very quickly. He seemed such a good man, just lonely and was glad to see Joan and the boys there. She deserves a good man that will provide and appreciate her and I was turning the pages quickly to see how their journey went!
Really enjoyed this story and the author brought the characters alive. This is the first story I have read by her and I cannot wait to read more! Western historical has fast become one of my favorite reading passion and this was one of the best!
A wonderful story of the heart and how quickly life and change. Joan's husband Harris had gotten killed in a fight at the saloon. She was left with two little boys and not much else. Her only choice was to go to Harris's brother, Mac who owned a livery in Silver City.
Mac had just gotten back from riding with a posse to try to capture a band of outlaws but they were unsuccessful. He found his sister in law Joan waiting at his home and she told him about his brother.
It appeared the two were really different. Harris had been a rougher sort and did not provide too well for his family. Mac was a hard worker and offered Joan and the boys stay at his house if she would just cook and clean.
One thing she thought she might depend on was her husband's share in the silver mine he had owned with his partner, Pete. But when she finds out she has to be married in order to get his share, she's not sure what to do!
I fell in love with Mac very quickly. He seemed such a good man, just lonely and was glad to see Joan and the boys there. She deserves a good man that will provide and appreciate her and I was turning the pages quickly to see how their journey went!
Really enjoyed this story and the author brought the characters alive. This is the first story I have read by her and I cannot wait to read more! Western historical has fast become one of my favorite reading passion and this was one of the best!
August 14, 2021
Exciting Romance
This romance starts with a recent widow seeking refuge with the only family close by, her brother in law. Great characters, both adults and children, and several suspenseful scenes. A great read.
This romance starts with a recent widow seeking refuge with the only family close by, her brother in law. Great characters, both adults and children, and several suspenseful scenes. A great read.
April 2, 2021
Silver City, Idaho, 1876
After her husband died in a barroom fight and all income and resources were depleted or dried up, Joan Walley and her two sons sought out her brother-in-law in Silver City for temporary assistance. According to her husband's partner she had to remarry before she could inherit her half of the silver mine, a mine that received no income for months.
Mac Walley owned the town's livery. He was delighted to see his sister-in-law and nephews, even though he grieved his brothers loss. Joan's late husband had been neglectful, barely providing for his family and seemed to be an all around unkind person. Expecting Mac to be like his brother she was constantly on the watch for hypocrisy as she observed his loving and generous ways with her boys.
As she discussed her plight with Mac, his decision was to do the honorable and most convenient thing for their family and marry Joan and see to it the mine was functioning and that his late brother's partner was not cheating them.
And so the story goes.
There were a number of side stories that had little to do with this simple plot, but seemed essential to add bulk to the story. The addition of a lost Chinese girl to their family was one of them. It went nowhere, but my takeaway was the difference between prejudices in adults, but acceptance in children who treated Chunhua like any other child.
Plots about robbers and Indians were two other storylines that were page fillers with resolutions that were poorly written.
This lacked depth and honed writing skills. Too many other ways to make this plot better that weren’t well done.
Perhaps YA and below for this one.
After her husband died in a barroom fight and all income and resources were depleted or dried up, Joan Walley and her two sons sought out her brother-in-law in Silver City for temporary assistance. According to her husband's partner she had to remarry before she could inherit her half of the silver mine, a mine that received no income for months.
Mac Walley owned the town's livery. He was delighted to see his sister-in-law and nephews, even though he grieved his brothers loss. Joan's late husband had been neglectful, barely providing for his family and seemed to be an all around unkind person. Expecting Mac to be like his brother she was constantly on the watch for hypocrisy as she observed his loving and generous ways with her boys.
As she discussed her plight with Mac, his decision was to do the honorable and most convenient thing for their family and marry Joan and see to it the mine was functioning and that his late brother's partner was not cheating them.
And so the story goes.
There were a number of side stories that had little to do with this simple plot, but seemed essential to add bulk to the story. The addition of a lost Chinese girl to their family was one of them. It went nowhere, but my takeaway was the difference between prejudices in adults, but acceptance in children who treated Chunhua like any other child.
Plots about robbers and Indians were two other storylines that were page fillers with resolutions that were poorly written.
This lacked depth and honed writing skills. Too many other ways to make this plot better that weren’t well done.
Perhaps YA and below for this one.
January 15, 2022
Copper by Krystal M. Anderson is the third book in the Heart of A Miner series. This is story that you will probably finish in a single reading because it will capture your heart. Joan, a widow with 2 young boys, arrives at her brother-in-law's home shortly after the untimely death of her husband. Mac Walley is nothing like his deceased brother. Joan did not have an easy life with Harris because of his temper and other issues. Joan was grateful to Mac for taking her and the boy into his house and caring for them. However, each day a new challenge appeared - Harris' mine problems, an orphaned Chinese girl, an outlaw gang, Indians, stolen horses and other problems to be overcome.
I received an advance copy of this book and I always review every book that I read. This one must have gotten misplaced and I just found it and I am glad that I did. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this heartwarming, sweet, and wonderful story. I am sorry I did not find it sooner. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advance copy of this book and I always review every book that I read. This one must have gotten misplaced and I just found it and I am glad that I did. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this heartwarming, sweet, and wonderful story. I am sorry I did not find it sooner. I highly recommend this book.
June 22, 2023
The author weaves different 1880s elements into this story about the Western mining industry. Joan's husband was killed in a knife fight, leaving his two small sons and wife destitute. She travels to where her brother-in-law lives and asks to stay for a while. She will keep Mac's home and make meals for the four of them if he allows them to stay while she figures out what to do next.
Her deceased business husband's mining partner presents a document saying Joan must marry within a week or lose her interest in the mine. When that doesn't work (Mac marries Joan in a marriage of convenience to save her interest in the mine), the mining partner states that the mine has played out. Mac and Joan doubt that and seek an honest mining expert to evaluate things.
This author writes in the inspirational genre. She's a new writer who seems to write well and needs more experience. In the afterword the author penned after the story, she shows she is gracefully adept at researching and incorporating the info into her stories. Overall score = G+.
September 16, 2023
Adequate story. Needs work & attention to detail
While this dies fit the category cozy mystery, the typos, poor grammar, and bad sentence structure are very distracting. The story line has great potential, but needs developing. The author could clearly benefit from writing classes. Just because someone writes a story doesn't mean it's ready for publication. I would greatly encourage obtaining a good editor, and take their section story development, grammar and punctuation.
The difference between mediocrity and greatness lies in details.
While this dies fit the category cozy mystery, the typos, poor grammar, and bad sentence structure are very distracting. The story line has great potential, but needs developing. The author could clearly benefit from writing classes. Just because someone writes a story doesn't mean it's ready for publication. I would greatly encourage obtaining a good editor, and take their section story development, grammar and punctuation.
The difference between mediocrity and greatness lies in details.
October 29, 2020
Mac and Joan
This is an exciting and adventurous story written by Krystal M Anderson. You will find the death of his brother and the arrival of his widowed sister-in-law with his two nephews. Also posse hunting outlaws, a mine swindler,a necessary marriage to save her mine, and thriving Indians to mention a bit of the excitement you’ll find. You will also enjoy discovering how Mac and Joan find their happily ever after.
This is an exciting and adventurous story written by Krystal M Anderson. You will find the death of his brother and the arrival of his widowed sister-in-law with his two nephews. Also posse hunting outlaws, a mine swindler,a necessary marriage to save her mine, and thriving Indians to mention a bit of the excitement you’ll find. You will also enjoy discovering how Mac and Joan find their happily ever after.
July 12, 2021
This is a great story I enjoyed very much. Joan is a strong woman in the old west. But she can't make it alone with her 2 children. Mac is her brother-in-law who loved her when she was married to his brother. When his brother dies & she comes to him for help, he is eager to wed her. Then begins the process of winning her heart. Outlaws & Indians make that difficult but not impossible.
May 2, 2022
Anderson has crafted a riveting, historical novella. I was immediately immersed into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. I read this novella in one sitting. I'm looking forward to the final installment in this series.
Recommend to readers who enjoy clean, historical fiction.
I won a copy. I've expressed my honest opinion.
Recommend to readers who enjoy clean, historical fiction.
I won a copy. I've expressed my honest opinion.
June 1, 2024
And she didn't even have to change her last name!
A new widow with two young boys turns to her brother-in-law for help when her late husband leaves her penniless on his death. Before they really have a chance to get to know each other very well, they go through a series of disasters and crises that will test them all to their limits. Recommended
A new widow with two young boys turns to her brother-in-law for help when her late husband leaves her penniless on his death. Before they really have a chance to get to know each other very well, they go through a series of disasters and crises that will test them all to their limits. Recommended
June 25, 2023
Lovely Romance
I love a good western romance! This story was full of action, and great characters. I've discovered an author that's new to me and I am excited to read more from her.
I love a good western romance! This story was full of action, and great characters. I've discovered an author that's new to me and I am excited to read more from her.
July 1, 2023
Mac and Joan
A captivating sweet story. Both Mac and Joan, along with the children, were gentle souls. It was a refreshing story. I would like to have seen Chunhuan’s father work for Mac.
A captivating sweet story. Both Mac and Joan, along with the children, were gentle souls. It was a refreshing story. I would like to have seen Chunhuan’s father work for Mac.
July 2, 2023
Good, clean romance
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was a fairly quick read. The main characters were well defined. No confusing or weird plot twists. The ending was a little quick and unexpected but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was a fairly quick read. The main characters were well defined. No confusing or weird plot twists. The ending was a little quick and unexpected but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
January 13, 2025
Overall, the story of the book was awesome. It kept me interested.
I like the historical part of it being created around Silver City, Idaho.
Did not like the ending. I think it could have been written better.
I like the historical part of it being created around Silver City, Idaho.
Did not like the ending. I think it could have been written better.
July 14, 2021
This was my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it. Joan and Mac are great characters who show faith and strength. I also loved the children. This is a sweet, clean romance.
January 6, 2022
good story
It was a clean romantic story of the old west mining community. A clean good book to read. Good author
It was a clean romantic story of the old west mining community. A clean good book to read. Good author
July 23, 2022
Copper continues the story of Silver City. It's a delightful read!
June 21, 2023
easy read
Nice read with some action and romance and a variety of characteristics to blend ever together to finish up all the action. Overall an easy and clean read
Nice read with some action and romance and a variety of characteristics to blend ever together to finish up all the action. Overall an easy and clean read
June 22, 2023
An intriguing read
Every evening I was eager to continue reading this story, and I was sorry for it to end. A lot of adventure, not deep, just adventure and soft love.
Every evening I was eager to continue reading this story, and I was sorry for it to end. A lot of adventure, not deep, just adventure and soft love.
May 10, 2020
I loved this book. So worth the wait. There was so many twists and turns.
March 27, 2020
I’LL TAKE CARE OF THEM, HARRIS. GOD REST YOUR SOUL
The third story in the Heart of a Miner series could read as a stand-alone but will have many characters from Silver and Gold. What a shock for the livery owner, Mac Walley to see his sister-in-law, Joan, and two sons, Jesse and Noah, and then learn his brother Harris is dead Being the kind of man Mac is, he gladly offers to let them stay in his home, and he remains in the livery.
Joan thinks she will have the right to claim her husband’s half of the Crescent Mine, but partner, Pete Tracy, tells her it was in the contract she must remarry and she only has a week to make it happen. What will she do? But when Pete shows back up, and Mac gets involved, he tells her, it will be easy, they will marry to save the claim—and it has to be before midnight!
“Let’s get married tonight, Joan. You’re already living in my home—why not make it official. Then let’s save the mine, get married tonight, and work out the details tomorrow. There will be plenty of time.”
“Are you sure this is what you want? I don’t have much to offer you, Mac.”
“Nonsense You can offer the single most important thing in life, something I have been missing long enough; a family. From the first day you arrived to fill my empty home, I realized I wanted to keep all three of you.”
The plot will include Joan and Mac not rushing to consummate the marriage, getting to know each other, and working things out. Joan will make his house a home, cooking meals, and taking care of things while he runs his livery. Just when these two are ready to move forward, Mac will be called upon to help in a posse against the Grisham Gang. So many things will happen while he is away with the posse, and she is left back in Silver City. What they say about absences makes the heart grow fonder is real and these two can’t wait to be back together. Joan learns that not all men are selfish and cruel, and Mac knows that he will have a good life with Joan and the boys.
The story will take on a life and death situation and show how far a man is willing to go for a woman he loves. It has the good, the bad, and the ugly of people—including prejudice against some races. The story is a clean historical western, including action and adventure, that ends with a happily ever after ending.
The third story in the Heart of a Miner series could read as a stand-alone but will have many characters from Silver and Gold. What a shock for the livery owner, Mac Walley to see his sister-in-law, Joan, and two sons, Jesse and Noah, and then learn his brother Harris is dead Being the kind of man Mac is, he gladly offers to let them stay in his home, and he remains in the livery.
Joan thinks she will have the right to claim her husband’s half of the Crescent Mine, but partner, Pete Tracy, tells her it was in the contract she must remarry and she only has a week to make it happen. What will she do? But when Pete shows back up, and Mac gets involved, he tells her, it will be easy, they will marry to save the claim—and it has to be before midnight!
“Let’s get married tonight, Joan. You’re already living in my home—why not make it official. Then let’s save the mine, get married tonight, and work out the details tomorrow. There will be plenty of time.”
“Are you sure this is what you want? I don’t have much to offer you, Mac.”
“Nonsense You can offer the single most important thing in life, something I have been missing long enough; a family. From the first day you arrived to fill my empty home, I realized I wanted to keep all three of you.”
The plot will include Joan and Mac not rushing to consummate the marriage, getting to know each other, and working things out. Joan will make his house a home, cooking meals, and taking care of things while he runs his livery. Just when these two are ready to move forward, Mac will be called upon to help in a posse against the Grisham Gang. So many things will happen while he is away with the posse, and she is left back in Silver City. What they say about absences makes the heart grow fonder is real and these two can’t wait to be back together. Joan learns that not all men are selfish and cruel, and Mac knows that he will have a good life with Joan and the boys.
The story will take on a life and death situation and show how far a man is willing to go for a woman he loves. It has the good, the bad, and the ugly of people—including prejudice against some races. The story is a clean historical western, including action and adventure, that ends with a happily ever after ending.
March 28, 2020
Joan and Mac’s story takes you back to the days of the Wild West. Mac comes back from trying to help capture the Grisham Gang. He finds his sister-in-law and his two nephews waiting for him with the news that his brother was dead from a saloon fight. Mac offers them a place to stay in exchange for cooking and cleaning. Joan runs into problems claiming the one thing Harris left, the silver mine. Mac steps in and marries her so she can claim her share of the mine. She stays in the house with the boys while he sleeps in his livery. Mac is kind and always supportive of not only Joan but everyone he meets. He is called out again to go after the Grisham Gang and he comes across a bunch of Indians who had stolen all his horses. Can these two make it work and become a family in every sense? A wonderful heartwarming story that I highly recommend!
I received an advance copy of this book and I voluntarily wrote an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book and I voluntarily wrote an honest review.
March 30, 2020
I was excited to read this book, having loved others in the series. This book was a little faster paced and keep me up half the night to finish it. Thinking I would read a couple of chapters before bed, didn’t work out so well. I love the characters of Joan and Mac. They just seemed to mesh so well together. There were twists and turns, that were so captivating, you were on the edge of your seat. It brought other characters from the previous books, but it could be read as a standalone novel. I really enjoy learning about the history of the area in Idaho and how rich the mining was. I especially loved hearing about city of rocks. I grew up in Utah and we used to go there camping, as a family, when I was a child. We spent many hours climbing over those rocks and finding awesome hiding places. Now, it is a rock climbers heaven. Thank you, to the author, for the memory back into my childhood and writing a wonderful wholesome historical story!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews