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Bachelors and Babies #14
Tanner
He's focused on the future...
The past is all she knows.
Together they're forced to face today.
His months in Salisbury prison taught Union Captain Tanner Bell to detest a southern drawl, and Widow Cranford's exaggerated Dixie twang has him gritting his teeth. His plans for a ranch are threatened when his orphaned newborn niece is delivered to him, and he desperately needs her help.
Raylene Cranford survived a Georgia winter living on acorns and scrawny rabbits before traveling sixteen-hundred miles to carve out a life in Colorado. She lost everything--except her dignity and hope. Her feminine Southern graces are her armor, but maintaining appearances could cost her love.
Can a Southern belle and a Union soldier change deeply-ingrained misconceptions about themselves for the sake of a child?
The past is all she knows.
Together they're forced to face today.
His months in Salisbury prison taught Union Captain Tanner Bell to detest a southern drawl, and Widow Cranford's exaggerated Dixie twang has him gritting his teeth. His plans for a ranch are threatened when his orphaned newborn niece is delivered to him, and he desperately needs her help.
Raylene Cranford survived a Georgia winter living on acorns and scrawny rabbits before traveling sixteen-hundred miles to carve out a life in Colorado. She lost everything--except her dignity and hope. Her feminine Southern graces are her armor, but maintaining appearances could cost her love.
Can a Southern belle and a Union soldier change deeply-ingrained misconceptions about themselves for the sake of a child?
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2020
215 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl St. John
71 books552 followersCheryl is the author of more than fifty historical and contemporary romances. Her stories have earned numerous RITA nominations, Romantic Times awards and are published in over a dozen languages.
In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real-life situations.”
With a 4.9 star rating on amazon, her bestselling non-fiction book, Writing With Emotion, Tension & Conflict by Writers Digest Books is available in print and digital.
In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real-life situations.”
With a 4.9 star rating on amazon, her bestselling non-fiction book, Writing With Emotion, Tension & Conflict by Writers Digest Books is available in print and digital.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 6, 2024
DNF around 45%. I feel like I’m watching an episode of Little House on the Prairie, which is fine, I love that show. But I’m not feeling any buildup whatsoever to any sort of charming or compelling romance.
The hero is a very nice guy that finds himself in custody of his newly orphaned newborn niece. The heroine is a former Southern belle, that the town folks think has uppity airs and an irksome Southern drawl. The heroine runs a boarding house with her best friend (a freed black woman).
I typically avoid historical romance books that take place during or post-Civil War era, because I find it too heavy and depressing. (I like to read to take me out of reality and be in a happy place for that moment.) And this story tackles the issue of how the same white people that fought to end slavery, were now not keen on the black children being allowed to attend school with their white children.
So it is a well written domestic story, I love many of this authors books, but between the slow-going romance and the heavy racial issues, it’s not for me and I’m going bail. (this was giving vibes of a clean religious romance, but I’m not sure)
The hero is a very nice guy that finds himself in custody of his newly orphaned newborn niece. The heroine is a former Southern belle, that the town folks think has uppity airs and an irksome Southern drawl. The heroine runs a boarding house with her best friend (a freed black woman).
I typically avoid historical romance books that take place during or post-Civil War era, because I find it too heavy and depressing. (I like to read to take me out of reality and be in a happy place for that moment.) And this story tackles the issue of how the same white people that fought to end slavery, were now not keen on the black children being allowed to attend school with their white children.
So it is a well written domestic story, I love many of this authors books, but between the slow-going romance and the heavy racial issues, it’s not for me and I’m going bail. (this was giving vibes of a clean religious romance, but I’m not sure)
July 9, 2020
Tanner, Raylene and Lillian
This is a sweet love story written by Cheryl St. John. Tanner was a veteran that survived a terrible war, a confinement in a POW prison. Seems like he lost most of his family except his newly born niece. She is now his responsibility to raise and it was not what a bachelor expected. Raylene survived the war loosing all except her closest companion, Merida. Raylene inherited her uncles large home when he passed and turned it into a boarding house. This is their story of finding each other, discovering, needing, wanting and loving each other. You will enjoy discovering how Tanner and Raylene find their happily ever after.
This is a sweet love story written by Cheryl St. John. Tanner was a veteran that survived a terrible war, a confinement in a POW prison. Seems like he lost most of his family except his newly born niece. She is now his responsibility to raise and it was not what a bachelor expected. Raylene survived the war loosing all except her closest companion, Merida. Raylene inherited her uncles large home when he passed and turned it into a boarding house. This is their story of finding each other, discovering, needing, wanting and loving each other. You will enjoy discovering how Tanner and Raylene find their happily ever after.
October 17, 2020
Compelling
I could feel the pain of the main characters and could especially relate to the heroine. In the end, communication is the key to a lasting relationship, no matter the time period!
I could feel the pain of the main characters and could especially relate to the heroine. In the end, communication is the key to a lasting relationship, no matter the time period!
September 1, 2020
I loved this story
Can a woman from the South get along with a man from the North? Yes, especially when there's a baby involved. Tanner ends up taking care of his newborn niece by moving into the boarding house. Threes no way that he'd even trey to take care of a baby I the livery. Raylene ended up moving to the West after she lost everything in Georgia. She was a Southern Belle, so she had to learn hour to cook and run the home that she inherited from her uncle who was a banker. In order to have some income, Raylene turned the home into a boarding house. She falls in love with baby Lillian and can't imaging her life without the baby. This is a very touching story and I'm sure you'll love it as much I did.
Can a woman from the South get along with a man from the North? Yes, especially when there's a baby involved. Tanner ends up taking care of his newborn niece by moving into the boarding house. Threes no way that he'd even trey to take care of a baby I the livery. Raylene ended up moving to the West after she lost everything in Georgia. She was a Southern Belle, so she had to learn hour to cook and run the home that she inherited from her uncle who was a banker. In order to have some income, Raylene turned the home into a boarding house. She falls in love with baby Lillian and can't imaging her life without the baby. This is a very touching story and I'm sure you'll love it as much I did.
August 28, 2020
Tanner
This is a really good story! Good characters , story moved right along . I liked the way Tanner took to the baby , took care of her responsibly , and loved her .
This is a really good story! Good characters , story moved right along . I liked the way Tanner took to the baby , took care of her responsibly , and loved her .
August 19, 2020
One of the best in this series!
Tanner and Raylene's story is one that touches the heart. It is more than boy meets girl. It is more than North versus South. It is about helping people, no matter what, lifting up those less fortunate and sharing the bounties in life. It is about love.
Tanner and Raylene's story is one that touches the heart. It is more than boy meets girl. It is more than North versus South. It is about helping people, no matter what, lifting up those less fortunate and sharing the bounties in life. It is about love.
August 8, 2020
Heartrending story of second chances
Set in the post Civil War American West, two people from very different backgrounds find common ground as they seek to help an innocent newborn orphan. The multidimensional characters have to overcome prejudices and self-erected defenses to realize that they aren’t so different after all.
The only reason it only got four stars, is that the editing left a lot to be desired. At one point, the baby was called by her deceased mother’s name several times, and poor grammar was used in others. Both were distracting to the flow of the narrative.
Set in the post Civil War American West, two people from very different backgrounds find common ground as they seek to help an innocent newborn orphan. The multidimensional characters have to overcome prejudices and self-erected defenses to realize that they aren’t so different after all.
The only reason it only got four stars, is that the editing left a lot to be desired. At one point, the baby was called by her deceased mother’s name several times, and poor grammar was used in others. Both were distracting to the flow of the narrative.
August 7, 2020
Good
Really Good read.loved the characters...feel in love with this series...great writing and well developed story line you find yourself involved in
Really Good read.loved the characters...feel in love with this series...great writing and well developed story line you find yourself involved in
July 19, 2020
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I could so relate to Raylene's desire to fit in with the other ladies of her town, and when she went about it the wrong way, it only made things worse. So glad that Tanner was able to help her figure out that she didn't need to worry about what others thought of her, and that she just needed to be herself. As for the historical aspects of this story, I've often wondered how difficult it was for former slaves to adjust to their new freedom once the Civil War ended. Sadly, not enough fiction delves into the aftermath of the war, but this one did (although Raylene's friend, Meriday--what a fun name!--was not actually a slave) and I really appreciated that this author did her homework and wrote about a difficult subject with sensitivity and finesse. A great story to add to your TBR collection!
July 27, 2020
Tanner is waiting for his sister to arrive so they can be together and build a new life now that the Civil War is over. He learns that his sister has died and he is now father to her baby. He has no idea what he is going to do with a baby while starting a spread. He moves into the boardinghouse even though Raylene rubs him the wrong way. As a former Union soldier who spent time in a southern prison, the Southern belle grates on his nerves.
Can they learn to tolerate each other for the sake of the baby? Can they mend a rift that is as big as our nation?
Cheryl St.John has written a totally captivating story that does not take sides or glorify the effects of war. I was amazed at how she can bring together such polar opposites...while reminding us that love really does conquer all. One of St.John's finest books to date.
Can they learn to tolerate each other for the sake of the baby? Can they mend a rift that is as big as our nation?
Cheryl St.John has written a totally captivating story that does not take sides or glorify the effects of war. I was amazed at how she can bring together such polar opposites...while reminding us that love really does conquer all. One of St.John's finest books to date.
July 2, 2020
Cheryl St. John brings us love and tenderness in Tanner. Tanner is waiting for his sister to arrive on the stage but finds out she had died, and he becomes responsible for her newborn baby. Tanner served in the war and was in a Union prison and detested Southerners. Raylene was
Georgia belle with a Southern accent who lost everything during the war and came to Colorado to start over. How can these two people forget their past to care for an infant? Can the past be put in the past so the future will be able to heal their hearts? Can baby Lillian bring these two caring people together? Only time (and the end of the book) will tell.
Georgia belle with a Southern accent who lost everything during the war and came to Colorado to start over. How can these two people forget their past to care for an infant? Can the past be put in the past so the future will be able to heal their hearts? Can baby Lillian bring these two caring people together? Only time (and the end of the book) will tell.
July 1, 2020
This series is interesting, different and fun to read. Each book is written by an amazing author and together they are a collection of talented creative writers and stories that make you smile. In this book you will find tears, smiles, after war heartache and fulfilled promises. I loved Tanner and his dedication to family. I’ve never read a story with so much going on in a Boarding House and I loved it. Of course, when you read this book, everyone will love Lillian. Thanks to the author for giving me an ARC that I could enjoy.
July 1, 2020
Tanner is thrust into a unique situation and remains committed to his goal of owning a ranch. Raylene has pushed forward and forged forward making a life for herself and helping others. They are from two different worlds but the attraction is apparent. The strong, independent characters in Ms. St. John’s books makes for a fun, entertaining, and encouraging read. The character development does not end with the main characters. It carries throughout all of the characters making the reader hope for their continued stories!
July 5, 2020
Awaiting
Tanner is eagerly awaiting the arrival of his sister whose husband has died leaving her and their unborn child alone. But the baby arrives without her mother who has died. Tanner seeks out Raylene Cranford, a widow lady running the boarding house. What develops is a practical relationship in which Raylene not only falls in love with the baby, Lillian, but also her uncle Tanner. This story equally supports the role of southerners and the negro population and the relationships within.
Tanner is eagerly awaiting the arrival of his sister whose husband has died leaving her and their unborn child alone. But the baby arrives without her mother who has died. Tanner seeks out Raylene Cranford, a widow lady running the boarding house. What develops is a practical relationship in which Raylene not only falls in love with the baby, Lillian, but also her uncle Tanner. This story equally supports the role of southerners and the negro population and the relationships within.
July 1, 2020
This is the best story in this series even though I have loved them all. Ms. St John writes characters with backgrounds of a hard life, with a hard and soft side and with a romantic side that may be hidden for a long time. Her hero and heroine in this story both match all those
This is a must read as is the rest of the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I received an ARC but not asked to review but I wanted to because I really enjoyed this story.
This is a must read as is the rest of the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I received an ARC but not asked to review but I wanted to because I really enjoyed this story.
July 9, 2020
Cheryl St. John has done it again! My new favorite book. It’s a touching story and teaches the age old lesson to not judge a book by its cover. St.John has a way of making you feel all that the characters have been through and makes you root for them. It’s about over coming great loss and finding happiness again. Lovely story about overcoming prejudice and coming together after the Civil war and of course a bachelor and a baby.
July 4, 2020
Raylene's unexpected fortitude saves her life after the war. Tanner has been a prisoner of war. They both have lost so much and unexpectedly find that they fill holes in each other's heart. A darling niece and wonderfully supportive town and friends add so much to the storu. A beautiful, romantic tell of hope.
July 4, 2020
A great read
Tanner- runs the livery hope's to own a ranch, has a newborn niece.
Raylene- from the south sides through her " southern mannerism " now owns a boarding house with her friend Meriday.
I enjoyed reading this captivating story that is well written with charismatic characters. Their story has a good HEA.
Tanner- runs the livery hope's to own a ranch, has a newborn niece.
Raylene- from the south sides through her " southern mannerism " now owns a boarding house with her friend Meriday.
I enjoyed reading this captivating story that is well written with charismatic characters. Their story has a good HEA.
July 4, 2020
Wonderful Romance
I loved this romance about Raylene struggling to fit in, adapt to changes in her personal circumstances, and overcoming perceptions of herself drilled into her by her parents. Tanner is a great hero who takes on his orphaned niece, and struggles to balance his priorities. I loved the development of their romance. A must read.
I loved this romance about Raylene struggling to fit in, adapt to changes in her personal circumstances, and overcoming perceptions of herself drilled into her by her parents. Tanner is a great hero who takes on his orphaned niece, and struggles to balance his priorities. I loved the development of their romance. A must read.
July 10, 2020
Not as good as previous books in this serie.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the previous books in this series. It took me quite a while to get into the book as it didn't seem to be going anywhere. However it was quite interesting to read a book set in the after math of the civil war.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the previous books in this series. It took me quite a while to get into the book as it didn't seem to be going anywhere. However it was quite interesting to read a book set in the after math of the civil war.
July 3, 2020
Loved this story! Interesting and eye opening
This is a clean romance that tells the way life was after the Civil War. Many insights to what people were really experiencing. Enjoyable all the way to the end.
This is a clean romance that tells the way life was after the Civil War. Many insights to what people were really experiencing. Enjoyable all the way to the end.
July 3, 2020
Very Enjoyable!
This book's setting takes place in Colorado shortly after the Civil War. Wonderful plot that includes characters from the North and the South, both black and white, who are finding their way to a new life after the war. Loved this sweet book!
This book's setting takes place in Colorado shortly after the Civil War. Wonderful plot that includes characters from the North and the South, both black and white, who are finding their way to a new life after the war. Loved this sweet book!
July 6, 2020
I loved this book. Raylene, Tanner, Lillian, Meriday and many other characters in this wonderful town. I highly recommend you read this great story. The book was a wonderful addition to this series. Thank you Cheryl St. John.
July 5, 2020
So well written
I felt like I was reading a classic. Cheryl St. John is so descriptive in her writing you truly feel as you are there. She covers race inequality after the civil war with a tenderness that is emotional yet thought provoking. You won’t go wrong reading this book.
I felt like I was reading a classic. Cheryl St. John is so descriptive in her writing you truly feel as you are there. She covers race inequality after the civil war with a tenderness that is emotional yet thought provoking. You won’t go wrong reading this book.
July 12, 2020
I liked it!
Tanner needed someone to help with his niece, Raylene was a southern belle that had lived a rough life during the war. Can they help each other and be happy? Was A fun and touching story.
Tanner needed someone to help with his niece, Raylene was a southern belle that had lived a rough life during the war. Can they help each other and be happy? Was A fun and touching story.
July 5, 2020
Great storyline
It took time to get to the finish and the wait was well worth the reading. What a wonderful book and great look at the time period and struggles.
It took time to get to the finish and the wait was well worth the reading. What a wonderful book and great look at the time period and struggles.
July 10, 2020
I've been reading Cheryl St. John's books for years. She never disappoints. Tanner is no exception.
July 12, 2020
Tanner (Bachelors and Babies Book 14)American Western Historical
This is the fourteenth book in this series and another couple find love and happiness with a baby finding a home
This is the fourteenth book in this series and another couple find love and happiness with a baby finding a home
July 19, 2020
She just needed his love
A sweet tale of a Southern belle who thought she was a nobody.
Great characters and interesting storyline to make this read worthwhile.
A sweet tale of a Southern belle who thought she was a nobody.
Great characters and interesting storyline to make this read worthwhile.
March 3, 2023
This is a delightful story of second chances. At first, I was surprised there wasn't more animosity between the people who sided with the North and South. On thinking, however, so many people moved to get away from the anger and hate. Colorado may have just been one place safe from the continued hatred and strife.
This story was a bit of rewriting history. With the passions so high after the Civil War, there was no way that blacks and whites would have been allowed to sit openly in a hotel and eat together. The author could have saved this scene by having the hotel manager seat them in a private room. However, I have read enough nonfiction to understand this scene to be unlikely.
The editing in this book was poor. For example, the proofreader did not catch that the baby Lillian was called by her mother's name multiple times in the book. Cheryl St. John is a favorite; however, this book didn't seem to meet her high standards of writing excellence.
This story was a bit of rewriting history. With the passions so high after the Civil War, there was no way that blacks and whites would have been allowed to sit openly in a hotel and eat together. The author could have saved this scene by having the hotel manager seat them in a private room. However, I have read enough nonfiction to understand this scene to be unlikely.
The editing in this book was poor. For example, the proofreader did not catch that the baby Lillian was called by her mother's name multiple times in the book. Cheryl St. John is a favorite; however, this book didn't seem to meet her high standards of writing excellence.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews