Like any decent Montana cattle rancher, Connor Givens hates sheep, so when he learns squatters have settled on High Mountain Ranch with a flock of woollies, he's determined to see them gone.
But he doesn't count on the stunning black-haired beauty who owns the flock with her parents and brother. Rosalina Camila Antonella DeLeon has good reason to distrust cattle ranchers, having lost her husband at their murderous hands. Yet, there's something about Connor Givens that sets him apart.
When disgruntled ranchers attack Rosalina's sheep camp and kill her father, Connor knows he must protect her and find a way to convince the ranchers to accept woollies.
Can he manage it?
Can Connor and Rosalina find a way to set their differences aside and find love, or will the other sheep-hating ranchers take the choice from them?
Charlene 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.
The series will be multiple stories by various authors, but each story will read well as a stand-alone. The story is a clean western historical with a touch of history. The story is a spin-off from this author's book, Barclay, featured in the Bachelor and Babies series. Barclay Givens was one of the three Givens brothers present the night the triplets were born. He married widow Cynara, who also had lost her infant and was a wet nurse for the infants. Each of the Givens brothers decided to raise one of the triplets, and Barclay and Cynara raised Connor as their son. Now, Connor is working the family ranch, still single, and not looking into marriage for the near future—but things have a way of changing.
The story begins with a young shepherdess bringing three sheep down the main street to the stockyard. This is cattle country, and the men in town are angry seeing sheep and become vocal and even violent towards her and her animals. While the Givens and High Mountain Ranch are cattlemen, Connor is also a gentleman and does not believe in abusing women or animals. He will step in to defend her, but she is so angry, she doesn’t see him as help. Then, it turns out that the sheepherders are squatting on Givens land because someone swindled them.
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil of people. It is a story full of connotations involving sheep and the damage they cause the land and danger to other animals. It will have the Givens family being compassionate and trying to help with the land issue. The story is full of mystery, suspense, life and death danger, violence, and anger between the cattlemen and those they feel have no rights being in the area. It will have lots of valuable information shared, not only by another rancher who has both sheep and cattle but also by a veterinarian who tries to dispel myths. Then, some people are so set on hate, they don’t care who or what they harm—but when you come at night wearing hoods and shooting, you are evil. The family has no choice but to shot back and defend themselves.
Ty: “I’ve never shot at a man before last night, and I hit one of them. It feels strange to think I might have ended someone’s life. I’m ashamed. What kind of warrior worries about the men he shoots?” Connor: “The kind who appreciates life and understands how fleeting it is.”
The other part of the story is two people, neither looking for a relationship but finding it in the middle of a dispute. Connor and Rosalina are loyal to their families, adamant about their passions—cattle versus sheep—but willing to be open-minded to facts and new ideas. But, trouble is coming, and while Rosalina and her family have face challenging hardships, lost their patriarch, and still dealing with irate cattlemen, a new obstacle must be hurdled. It will have Connor working with the sheepherders, getting his family involved, and trying to find a safe and workable solution. Someone special from the past may alter Rosalina’s future—but what if her future is right here in Montana with Connor? Will these two realize how much they care, that they have fallen in love with one another? Or, will they not share their feelings and lose it all?
“Use your head, Rosalina, as well as your heart.” –Hannah
I loved this story and learned more facts and truths about sheep, their value, and how they offer a greater return in profit in reality. I think Ms. Charlene Raddon’s story did an excellent job of bringing these sheep/cattle disputes to life with unique facts. Best of all, I enjoyed seeing how the Givens family remained open-minded and offered a solution that benefitted others.
Sheep and cattle are not a good fit so all the cattle ranchers want the sheep to go, so does Connor, until he meets Rosalina and her family. When attacks happen he just needs to protect the family. Rosalina doesn’t know what to think of Connor and he’s just confused. Until all goes wrong, can they trust each to do what’s right. Can love grow when lives are in danger? This is such an entertaining story. It’s not that you will root for the mail characters but also the characters of the other books that are written by this author play a big part in this story, but you can also read it as stand-alone. I really recommend all the connected books.
Rosalina Camila Antonella DeLeon dislikes cattle ranchers for a very good reason: She lost her husband at their hands, and now her Father! Connor Givens is a rancher and has been his entire life. Rosalina is bringing sheep to cattle territory, and that just can't happen... Until Connor lays eyes on the beautiful Rosalina. The camp is attacked and her Father is killed. How can he NOT help this woman and her family? This book is a must read!!!
It is the long-held dispute between cattle ranchers and sheep-herders. Squatters have come to High Mountain Ranch and brought with them woolies, dogs, and, a fight to survive. Thinking they “owned” that section of land, the new-comers settled in to raise sheep and make a home. There were a few unanswered questions in the story but Connor did find the love of his life and peace came to the area where everyone got along.
When an author spends time developing a good plot and excellent characters it would behoove that author to verify some simple and basic things. No one of any knowledge says "no problemo". It's not Spanish! And "Mio Dios" is backwards. Bunuelos are fried pastries so they don't need to come out of the oven. It's not even difficult to verify these. It took me about two minutes for all three. I'm very disappointed.
This story kept me enthralled from the beginning. When you bring sheep into cow country, there's a lot of hatred that brews. Connor doesn't like sheep, either, but when he finds the family living on his land, he becomes protective of them. He gets a great education on sheep, too.
Charlene Raddon brings her characters to life. I very much enjoyed this return to Cutthroat, Montana and a visit with old friends. Filled with romance, humor, danger and the real life conflict between cattlemen and shepherds this book will keep you reading, just one more chapter.
Exciting story about a family of sheep raisers who run afoul of hostile cattlemen. Good characters and a fun continuation of a family saga. Loved the author's research into the difference between raising sheep versus cattle. Sweet romance with a surprise at the end.
I love this book written by one of my favorite authors, Charlene Raddon. This one has so much packed into it, I had a hard time putting it down. The characters were well thought out to fit their parts and with believable backgrounds. I enjoyed the interesting storyline based around raising sheep instead of cattle. With Lots of twists and turns and a bit of suspense woven throughout, I was happily entertained reading Connor and his book. Recommend. JudyE
Connor- works on the family cattle ranch hates sheep. Rosalina- her family with their sheep farm recently moved to Montana I enjoyed reading this captivating story that is well written with unforgettable characters and a twist or 2. Their story has a wonderful and loving HEA