What do you think?
Rate this book
The Copper Creek Brides #2
His Secondhand Wife
Noah Cutter was a man of his word-
Scarred in body and soul, rancher Noah didn't consider himself fit company for anyone. But when his brother's philandering finally caught up with him, honor dictated that Noah claim his brother's widow as his own.
Noah was about the most intimidating man Katherine had ever seen. Yet though one man's false promises had already dashed her dreams, she instinctively trusted this stranger.
And Kate suspected she'd be a fool this time if she didn't take a chance on Noah for the sake of herself-and her unborn child!
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2005
115 people are currently reading
3211 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 354 reviews
April 12, 2023
Beauty and the Beast Western Style! 4.5 stars
I’m a sucker for a BatB retelling. Ironically I wasn’t a fan of the movie as a kid, I always wished the beast would stay beastie. I didn’t want that fancy-pants prince at the end, I liked the growlie guy who was only soft for his Belle. Yes I realize that says a lot about me and probably explains why I like monster smut, but it’s so much more satisfying to tame the beast and look beyond his beastliness. For him to come out of his shell and show his gentle soul. And for his beauty to love him anyway. So I always jump on these retellings with scarred heroes; sometimes they work, most times they don’t. This one worked. It was very good. The author stuck to a simple story, kept a simple setting and put all her work in character development and romance.
Grumpy/sunshine, scarred virgin hero, downtrodden but sweet widowed heroine, this is set on a ranch in 1890 Colorado. It’s a marriage of convenience trope with some family drama but is mostly a story about personal growth, finding one’s place in the world and unconditional love.
This was a really good read about inner strength and the value of heart over looks. Throw in the historical western element and it was magic.
The only critique I have is that his self-loathing went on too long and was overcome too quickly. I’d have rather seen a more gradual transition.
However this was not closed door so I boosted it to five stars for that!
Check out this older romance, it’s super sweet and satisfying.
I’m a sucker for a BatB retelling. Ironically I wasn’t a fan of the movie as a kid, I always wished the beast would stay beastie. I didn’t want that fancy-pants prince at the end, I liked the growlie guy who was only soft for his Belle. Yes I realize that says a lot about me and probably explains why I like monster smut, but it’s so much more satisfying to tame the beast and look beyond his beastliness. For him to come out of his shell and show his gentle soul. And for his beauty to love him anyway. So I always jump on these retellings with scarred heroes; sometimes they work, most times they don’t. This one worked. It was very good. The author stuck to a simple story, kept a simple setting and put all her work in character development and romance.
Grumpy/sunshine, scarred virgin hero, downtrodden but sweet widowed heroine, this is set on a ranch in 1890 Colorado. It’s a marriage of convenience trope with some family drama but is mostly a story about personal growth, finding one’s place in the world and unconditional love.
This was a really good read about inner strength and the value of heart over looks. Throw in the historical western element and it was magic.
The only critique I have is that his self-loathing went on too long and was overcome too quickly. I’d have rather seen a more gradual transition.
However this was not closed door so I boosted it to five stars for that!
Check out this older romance, it’s super sweet and satisfying.
October 8, 2020
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was alright. I was expecting more tbh. Seems to be the story of my life with books rn 🤦🏻♀️. It was a beauty and the beast type dynamic since the H was scarred from an accident when he was young. I felt for him and I wanted to smack the horrible step-mother multiple times. I also appreciated the h’s sunny disposition and outlook on life. I just wanted more. There wasn’t anything that stood out as something I really disliked, it just was...alright 🤷🏻♀️
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Katherine and Noah’s story. Noah gets word that his step-brother is dead and he is shocked rot find out that he left a pregnant widow behind and ends up bringing her back home with him. Katherine is used to getting the short end of the stick, so when she is offered Noah’s help she jumps at the opportunity. They both decide to enter a marriage of convenience and the more time the spend together the more they are drawn to one another. There is some family and town drama, some sexy times, and some sweet moments...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Kathrine and Noah in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. It did feel a little slow at times, but I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Noah. I liked him, but there were times that I wanted him to communicate a little better.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Kathrine. I appreciated her ability to be positive despite her often crappy circumstances.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Mild. They have some tension, chemistry, and a few scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes, though it is not super descriptive (and also not quite fade to black either)
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had pretty good closure and what I would call a HEA ending.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This was alright. I was expecting more tbh. Seems to be the story of my life with books rn 🤦🏻♀️. It was a beauty and the beast type dynamic since the H was scarred from an accident when he was young. I felt for him and I wanted to smack the horrible step-mother multiple times. I also appreciated the h’s sunny disposition and outlook on life. I just wanted more. There wasn’t anything that stood out as something I really disliked, it just was...alright 🤷🏻♀️
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Katherine and Noah’s story. Noah gets word that his step-brother is dead and he is shocked rot find out that he left a pregnant widow behind and ends up bringing her back home with him. Katherine is used to getting the short end of the stick, so when she is offered Noah’s help she jumps at the opportunity. They both decide to enter a marriage of convenience and the more time the spend together the more they are drawn to one another. There is some family and town drama, some sexy times, and some sweet moments...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Kathrine and Noah in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. It did feel a little slow at times, but I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Noah. I liked him, but there were times that I wanted him to communicate a little better.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Kathrine. I appreciated her ability to be positive despite her often crappy circumstances.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Mild. They have some tension, chemistry, and a few scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes, though it is not super descriptive (and also not quite fade to black either)
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had pretty good closure and what I would call a HEA ending.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
November 1, 2008
Noah Cutter is one of my favorite heroes of all time. What a beautiful man and a beautiful love story.
April 19, 2009
This is the first book I've read from Cheryl St. John, and it has left me wanting to read more of her books. I thought she did an excellent job of engaging me in a tender and beautiful love story. Kate had married Levi Cutter, but after a couple of weeks, he told her he needed to find a good job and would come back for her. After five months of his absence, his brother, Noah shows up to tell her that Levi was shot. Kate soon realizes that Levi had no intention of coming back to her since he was off sleeping around with other women, so she doesn't hold onto any sentimental feelings for him.
When Noah witnesses Kate's mother talking down to her, he offers to take Kate to his ranch where he can provide for her and her unborn child. She accepts and off they go. I loved the fact that she was a chatterbox and he was silent. She was beautiful and he hides his face under long hair, a beard and a hat because of an accident that left him scarred. It reminded me of the movie "Beauty and the Beast". Noah has a good heart and does what he can to make things easy for her, which in turn, makes her feel useless and she begins to think he is only interested in his unborn nephew or niece rather than her.
Getting to know what both characters are thinking made me understand that he did care for her and this caring developed into love overtime. Afraid of losing her and her unborn child because of his step-mother's suggestion that Kate will find a man to marry, Noah proposes marriage. Considering that it will secure her and the baby's future, she agrees. Even from the moment they marry, it's apparent they care more for each other than the other one thinks. Noah's never been with a woman, which I found refreshing because of the many romances that do not have virgin heroes.
Since they aren't communicating what they really think, they assume what the other one is thinking. Noah fears that she feels obligated to be with him because he's providing for her. Kate fears that he is only doing his duty to her for the sake of the baby. This is a great book with two major themes: it's not the outward appearance that makes a person lovely and what we assume someone else is thinking can be wrong. I highly recommend this and will read more books by this author.
When Noah witnesses Kate's mother talking down to her, he offers to take Kate to his ranch where he can provide for her and her unborn child. She accepts and off they go. I loved the fact that she was a chatterbox and he was silent. She was beautiful and he hides his face under long hair, a beard and a hat because of an accident that left him scarred. It reminded me of the movie "Beauty and the Beast". Noah has a good heart and does what he can to make things easy for her, which in turn, makes her feel useless and she begins to think he is only interested in his unborn nephew or niece rather than her.
Getting to know what both characters are thinking made me understand that he did care for her and this caring developed into love overtime. Afraid of losing her and her unborn child because of his step-mother's suggestion that Kate will find a man to marry, Noah proposes marriage. Considering that it will secure her and the baby's future, she agrees. Even from the moment they marry, it's apparent they care more for each other than the other one thinks. Noah's never been with a woman, which I found refreshing because of the many romances that do not have virgin heroes.
Since they aren't communicating what they really think, they assume what the other one is thinking. Noah fears that she feels obligated to be with him because he's providing for her. Kate fears that he is only doing his duty to her for the sake of the baby. This is a great book with two major themes: it's not the outward appearance that makes a person lovely and what we assume someone else is thinking can be wrong. I highly recommend this and will read more books by this author.
August 21, 2018
Another sweet second chance Beauty and the Beast romance from St. John. Here the heroine was married and widowed to a weak scoundrel. His older half-brother steps in for a MOC to help her and her baby.
What are the problems? The H was horribly scarred as a child and has avoided all human contact as much as possible. The meddling of the absolutely toxic stepmother to the H is what initiates the marriage.
H is sufficiently shut down and broody and the heroine’s lighthearted and optimistic look at life despite her own tragedies loosens him up. She also takes on the stepmother and protects the poor guy who's been treated like caca all his life.
Good but not as good as The Tenderfoot Bride.
Okay, whew. Now that’s out of the way. I don’t think Cheryl St. John had Blazing Saddles in mind when she named this town Rock Ridge (or maybe she did, but unfortunately I could not get it out of my mind!!!!!
I will spare everyone the incredibly funny and incredibly offensive jokes of BS, but it’s really, really hard.
The Ballad of Rock Ridge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiTKI...
What are the problems? The H was horribly scarred as a child and has avoided all human contact as much as possible. The meddling of the absolutely toxic stepmother to the H is what initiates the marriage.
H is sufficiently shut down and broody and the heroine’s lighthearted and optimistic look at life despite her own tragedies loosens him up. She also takes on the stepmother and protects the poor guy who's been treated like caca all his life.
Good but not as good as The Tenderfoot Bride.
Okay, whew. Now that’s out of the way. I don’t think Cheryl St. John had Blazing Saddles in mind when she named this town Rock Ridge (or maybe she did, but unfortunately I could not get it out of my mind!!!!!
I will spare everyone the incredibly funny and incredibly offensive jokes of BS, but it’s really, really hard.
The Ballad of Rock Ridge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiTKI...
March 28, 2025
4/5 ⭐️ This was such a sweet romance. I really enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Noah was such a caring Hero and Katherine was so sweet. Loved them together! ❤️
March 25, 2016
4.5 stars.
I loved this one. It was sweet with a bit angst and just satisfying. In this story, Noah Cutter finds out his brother and co-owner of their family ranch was shot dead leaving a pregnant wife. Noah does the honorable thing and offers Katherine a place at the Ranch to leave for both protection and familial obligation. After all Levi's unborn child will inherit the ranch someday.
Katherine and Noah then begin this journey to define her place there and in the process begin to form a bond together. It predictable what happens but it doesn't make the story any less enjoyable.
Noah was a man unused to love due to his scarring and Katherine was the most optimistic character I've ever read. Together, they made this beauty and the beast trope sweet and hopeful. I appreciate the author for giving Noah and Katherine some shade so they weren't perfect people. They were flawed and human. I've read Cheryl St. John before and this one was almost as good as The Land of Dreams. I wish she will get her books on audio.
I loved this one. It was sweet with a bit angst and just satisfying. In this story, Noah Cutter finds out his brother and co-owner of their family ranch was shot dead leaving a pregnant wife. Noah does the honorable thing and offers Katherine a place at the Ranch to leave for both protection and familial obligation. After all Levi's unborn child will inherit the ranch someday.
Katherine and Noah then begin this journey to define her place there and in the process begin to form a bond together. It predictable what happens but it doesn't make the story any less enjoyable.
Noah was a man unused to love due to his scarring and Katherine was the most optimistic character I've ever read. Together, they made this beauty and the beast trope sweet and hopeful. I appreciate the author for giving Noah and Katherine some shade so they weren't perfect people. They were flawed and human. I've read Cheryl St. John before and this one was almost as good as The Land of Dreams. I wish she will get her books on audio.
December 29, 2023
I liked the story and the Beauty and the Beast vibe. Noah was great, he was brooding, mysterious and as tormented as the Beast should be. It was a little icky how often he thought about his brother with his wife, but it was a big part of the suffering so I guess there was a point.
Kate on the other hand was too much of a Pollyanna and I couldn’t connect with her. She wouldn’t shut up about the sky and flowers but didn’t have the guts to talk to Noah about her feelings. It took them forever to have an honest conversation and it was a little frustrating.
All in all good but not great.
3,5 stars
Kate on the other hand was too much of a Pollyanna and I couldn’t connect with her. She wouldn’t shut up about the sky and flowers but didn’t have the guts to talk to Noah about her feelings. It took them forever to have an honest conversation and it was a little frustrating.
All in all good but not great.
3,5 stars
September 29, 2020
Good enough but repetitive. The hero annoyed me with his attitude and his self imposed seclusion because he was scarred in an accident. I understand insecurity but this was too much.
December 3, 2014
Overall rating: 4.5 stars!!!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
HEA:
My review:
This was such a gem of a read! After reading a few books that I didn't really LOVE, this one took the cake! YAY!
In this book we meet Noah Cutter. He owns his own ranch, but was badly scarred from an accident when he was 13 years old. Since then, he has become bit of a hermit. He has such a low self esteem. Everyone looked at him in horror or pity due to his outward appearance, except for his brother, whom he loved dearly for it. In the beginning of the story, he finds out that his brother is dead and when he goes to identify the body, he finds out that his brother actually had a wife and to top it off, she is pregnant. This is a dual POV story, so at the same time we meet Katherine Cutter. She is such a sweet soul that was just handed a shitty hand. Having to work herself to the bone since she was very young, Noah's brother courts her and marries her only to get her into bed. I don't consider this a spoiler because you find out early on, but he leaves her 2 weeks after they wed and goes chasing after other tail. I felt so terrible for Katherine. She really thought he would be her knight and shining armor to take her away from the bad hand she was dealt.
So you have two very broken people that basically learn to love again (and some for the first time ;) ) together. It was so sweet and endearing to see how much Noah changes from the outcast and loner to wanting to be exactly the man and father that would be deserving of Katy. He is absolutely wonderful with baby Rose. It was a slow build up because both had their own preconceived notions about intimacy amongst each other - Even when Noah felt like someone like Katy could never love him, he sure did step up to the plate in more ways then one. This was such a cute read!!!
A fair warning though - it does take place in the 1890s, BUT the time period wasn't the man focus. Only certain aspects made me remember what time period we were in - like the traveling, or communication or birthing babies LOL!
Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
HEA:
My review:
This was such a gem of a read! After reading a few books that I didn't really LOVE, this one took the cake! YAY!
In this book we meet Noah Cutter. He owns his own ranch, but was badly scarred from an accident when he was 13 years old. Since then, he has become bit of a hermit. He has such a low self esteem. Everyone looked at him in horror or pity due to his outward appearance, except for his brother, whom he loved dearly for it. In the beginning of the story, he finds out that his brother is dead and when he goes to identify the body, he finds out that his brother actually had a wife and to top it off, she is pregnant. This is a dual POV story, so at the same time we meet Katherine Cutter. She is such a sweet soul that was just handed a shitty hand. Having to work herself to the bone since she was very young, Noah's brother courts her and marries her only to get her into bed. I don't consider this a spoiler because you find out early on, but he leaves her 2 weeks after they wed and goes chasing after other tail. I felt so terrible for Katherine. She really thought he would be her knight and shining armor to take her away from the bad hand she was dealt.
So you have two very broken people that basically learn to love again (and some for the first time ;) ) together. It was so sweet and endearing to see how much Noah changes from the outcast and loner to wanting to be exactly the man and father that would be deserving of Katy. He is absolutely wonderful with baby Rose. It was a slow build up because both had their own preconceived notions about intimacy amongst each other - Even when Noah felt like someone like Katy could never love him, he sure did step up to the plate in more ways then one. This was such a cute read!!!
A fair warning though - it does take place in the 1890s, BUT the time period wasn't the man focus. Only certain aspects made me remember what time period we were in - like the traveling, or communication or birthing babies LOL!
February 16, 2021
This is a sweet story about 2 people who really need each other, they just have to let down their guard enough to admit it. The sweet and sunny h was lied to and abandoned by her husband and has lots of insecurities. The H was badly injured in an accident when he was 13 and is very self conscious about his scars. There was a bit too much of repetitive "he doesn't love me" and "my scars are too ugly" round and around, but the H/h were very cute together. The last few chapters were very romantic as they finally confess their love.
Safety
Safety
February 25, 2021
3.5 Stars
Man, was this a change of pace from my last read with a kinky Tarzan. 😏 His Secondhand Wife takes place in 1890’s Colorado (Copper Creek is a beautiful area if you ever find your way out there) and tells the story of Noah and Katherine (Katy) Cutter. Katy was married to Noah’s brother (Levi) a womanizer that left her pregnant. When he dies, Noah brings her home with him.
This is a SLOW burn between two very likeable characters. They have both had very tough lives, but have very different personalities. IMO, they bring out the best in each other. It’s a sweet story that I’ve read every so often when I’m in the mood for sweet, wholesome, positive vibes. Think Little House on the Prairie.
Bottom Line- It’s not modern, sexy or thrilling. There’s very low drama or angst. Sexytime is slow coming, and fade to black. It’s simply a good story with good writing.
Man, was this a change of pace from my last read with a kinky Tarzan. 😏 His Secondhand Wife takes place in 1890’s Colorado (Copper Creek is a beautiful area if you ever find your way out there) and tells the story of Noah and Katherine (Katy) Cutter. Katy was married to Noah’s brother (Levi) a womanizer that left her pregnant. When he dies, Noah brings her home with him.
This is a SLOW burn between two very likeable characters. They have both had very tough lives, but have very different personalities. IMO, they bring out the best in each other. It’s a sweet story that I’ve read every so often when I’m in the mood for sweet, wholesome, positive vibes. Think Little House on the Prairie.
Bottom Line- It’s not modern, sexy or thrilling. There’s very low drama or angst. Sexytime is slow coming, and fade to black. It’s simply a good story with good writing.
July 12, 2019
A simple heartwarming story that makes you happy having read it, having known these characters.
The H literally made my heart squeeze and ache several times through this book.
One of those strong, silent, gentle types who are emotionally scarred but never take it out on others. He deserved all the happiness and love that the h could give him and more, and it made me happy to read a story that enabled these two to find their way to each other. *happy sigh*
The H literally made my heart squeeze and ache several times through this book.
One of those strong, silent, gentle types who are emotionally scarred but never take it out on others. He deserved all the happiness and love that the h could give him and more, and it made me happy to read a story that enabled these two to find their way to each other. *happy sigh*
May 24, 2021
Ok I love grumpy and introverted hero but Noah is too much
Nice but not superbe
3.5 stars
Nice but not superbe
3.5 stars
September 11, 2023
Phantom of the Opera in a western setting.
More virgin heroes! More! I hate the reformed rake trope.
More virgin heroes! More! I hate the reformed rake trope.
February 16, 2015
Sweet slow building romance.
I've read a lot of darker books lately so when a friend recommended this and I'd checked out the synopsis I decided to give it a go and I'm so glad I did it's been a nice change since it's a beautiful slow building romance set back in April 1890.
Katherine had married Levi Cutter after a whirlwind romance and for the first couple of weeks it was great but then Levi grew restless and started to stay out more and then under the guise of looking for work he disappears completely leaving Katherine to manage alone working long hard hours in a laundry. Katherine hasn't seen Levi for five months, she's pregnant and living in a small shack with her mother.
Noah Cutter is a private man who keeps himself to himself so when he gets a message from the sheriff to identify a body which could be his brother Levi he reluctantly goes along, the body it turns out is Levi but Noah is more concerned with the fact that apparently Levi has a wife, a pregnant wife.
Although it wasn't his original intention Noah invites Katherine to return home with him, after all she's his brothers widow and carrying his child so it's the right thing to do. Noah struggles at first since he's such a private man, he's used to spending most of his time alone but slowly Katherine works her way into his life.
Noah and Levi were opposites, Levi was outgoing and friendly, handsome and he knew it and used it to get what and who he wanted, due to an accident when he was young Noah is heavily scarred and hides away from the world but the introduction of Katherine into his life is going to change him forever.
December 28, 2022
It was good. Writing was pretty simple. Characters were mostly 3D. I felt like Noah (I do love that name) felt too sorry for himself. I hardly ever say this but — TOO BETA. Katy was right. And only an optimistic, patient, considerate woman like her could ever bring a man like him out of his shell.
I can see many ways this could have been a tragic story. Plenty of people get married with unspoken misunderstandings (back then) and unrequited love that bitters with time. This could have been one of those if Katy didn’t coax him to step into the light so to speak.
I wish there was more to Noah.
I can see many ways this could have been a tragic story. Plenty of people get married with unspoken misunderstandings (back then) and unrequited love that bitters with time. This could have been one of those if Katy didn’t coax him to step into the light so to speak.
I wish there was more to Noah.
February 27, 2016
I sense that I am coming to the end of my recent reading spree of the western romances.
Cheryl St. John writes beautifully. I enjoyed reading her stories. That being said, I was kind of bored reading this supposedly riveting book. The premise in interesting enough. Widow of an irresponsible younger brother, aka the pregnant heroine, met the responsible older brother, aka the virgin hero. For whatever reasons, they thought getting married was a good idea, seeing how Noah was supposed to take care of his younger brother's widow and unborn child.
I did not like Katherine much from the beginning. She seemed kind of dumb and ungrateful that she jumped on the idea when Noah offered to take her away from her mother, which translates into a good life in a fancy household. It just sounded like she had enough of the poverty she and her mother were living in and here came Noah the rich older brother-in-law, who miraculously saved her from living with her poor mother.
So Katherine left her mother behind, jumped on the wagon with Noah and talked, talked, talked. She was a chatterbox and that was supposed to be sweet. I didn't see what is so sweet about it. I was annoyed. But apparently for our virgin hero, a woman chattering non-stop was arousing. Good for him, I say.
Katherine's mother-in-law, who was Noah's step-mother, was just an unnecessary character in the story, it seemed to me. I do not know what her purpose is other than being mean to Noah and tell him that he should marry Katherine. The friendly neighbors were kind of boring too. And I guess a virgin hero is the big selling point in this story. To my dismay, I did not find this story all that interesting. The only good thing I can say is that Cheryl St. John writes charmingly.
Cheryl St. John writes beautifully. I enjoyed reading her stories. That being said, I was kind of bored reading this supposedly riveting book. The premise in interesting enough. Widow of an irresponsible younger brother, aka the pregnant heroine, met the responsible older brother, aka the virgin hero. For whatever reasons, they thought getting married was a good idea, seeing how Noah was supposed to take care of his younger brother's widow and unborn child.
I did not like Katherine much from the beginning. She seemed kind of dumb and ungrateful that she jumped on the idea when Noah offered to take her away from her mother, which translates into a good life in a fancy household. It just sounded like she had enough of the poverty she and her mother were living in and here came Noah the rich older brother-in-law, who miraculously saved her from living with her poor mother.
So Katherine left her mother behind, jumped on the wagon with Noah and talked, talked, talked. She was a chatterbox and that was supposed to be sweet. I didn't see what is so sweet about it. I was annoyed. But apparently for our virgin hero, a woman chattering non-stop was arousing. Good for him, I say.
Katherine's mother-in-law, who was Noah's step-mother, was just an unnecessary character in the story, it seemed to me. I do not know what her purpose is other than being mean to Noah and tell him that he should marry Katherine. The friendly neighbors were kind of boring too. And I guess a virgin hero is the big selling point in this story. To my dismay, I did not find this story all that interesting. The only good thing I can say is that Cheryl St. John writes charmingly.
March 27, 2017
3 SWEET & SIMPLE STARS
“She had the ability to humble him. Not shame him. Never to shame him. This was a new feeling. And it would take some getting used to. He hoped the feeling, and Katherine, stayed and that he had a chance to get used to both of them.”
~ Noah Cutter. His Secondhand Wife.
Sometimes, when reading books about the bigotry, small-mindedness, and meanness of mankind; a modest story about the importance of treating others with dignity, kindness, and respect can be more impactful than those written with more artistry. Such is the case with Cheryl St. John’s, His Secondhand Wife.
This sweet, simply told tale of a socially isolated, physically scarred man who slowly flourishes with the love and acceptance bestowed upon him by his wayward brother’s pregnant widow, touched me in a way few stories have.
The clean, basic style of St. John’s writing contrasted with her deeper social commentary in a way that mirrored the ethos of the main characters themselves, thereby underscoring the message that:
The most beautiful hearts are often hidden within humble packages.
If your looking for a book with a very similar storyline, but prefer a more sophisticated writing style and deeper characterizations, you might want to check out The Way Home, by Megan Chance. It’s also a good read.
March 31, 2017
This was so sweet and squishy! Noah was horribly scarred when he was young and has become a total hermit, rarely leaving his ranch. His womanizing, charmer of a brother, Levi, gets himself shot by a jealous husband. Cheatin' dead Levi had a wife that he abandoned 5 months ago, so hermit bro goes to inform her.
Noah finds Kate living in poverty, working herself to the bone, with a super-mean mother. Kate has his loser bro's baby baking in her oven, so he whisks her off to his cowboy ranch. He's a withdrawn loner who hides his face behind copious amounts of facial hair. She wants to feel safe and wanted.
A nice fluffy western romance. I was in the mood for some comfort food & this hit the spot.
Noah finds Kate living in poverty, working herself to the bone, with a super-mean mother. Kate has his loser bro's baby baking in her oven, so he whisks her off to his cowboy ranch. He's a withdrawn loner who hides his face behind copious amounts of facial hair. She wants to feel safe and wanted.
A nice fluffy western romance. I was in the mood for some comfort food & this hit the spot.
April 5, 2017
4.5 stars
I really liked this heartwarming and also intense romance between two people who were so perfect for each other. The story had me hooked from start and there were passages that moved me immensely. However, both the hero's and heroine's insecurities went on for a bit longer than I deemed necessary, thus creating undue frustration near the end. Also, a few issues I had with the plot's credibility kept me from rating it with 5 stars. Still, a very sweet and tender romance that I'm glad I read. Plus the hero is so amazing, you can't help but love him!
I really liked this heartwarming and also intense romance between two people who were so perfect for each other. The story had me hooked from start and there were passages that moved me immensely. However, both the hero's and heroine's insecurities went on for a bit longer than I deemed necessary, thus creating undue frustration near the end. Also, a few issues I had with the plot's credibility kept me from rating it with 5 stars. Still, a very sweet and tender romance that I'm glad I read. Plus the hero is so amazing, you can't help but love him!
July 9, 2024
But why are these ranchers such grumps and this westerns so sweet? 🥹
April 9, 2020
Noah Cutter is surprised when he finds not only that his younger brother Levi has gotten himself killed but that he also left behind a wife he told no one about.
Driven by his sense of duty, Noah locates Katherine and finds her working at a laundry house, poor and pregnant and without the support of her mother. So, Noah does the honorable thing and asks her to come with him to his ranch, where she and the baby will be safe and provided for.
Katherine isn't sure if she can believe Noah, after all his brother left her behind as if she were so much garbage, but something tells her that Noah is the only chance her baby has to have a good life. So she goes off with him to his ranch in the outsides of Copper Creek, Colorado.
Noah is a bit of the town's loner, he has had scars all over his body and part of his face since he was in his early teens due to an accident and, thanks to his not-so-kind stepmother, has always believed people are better off spared the sight of him. So, having Katherine move in with him is less than ideal, especially since he thinks she's pretty much the most beautiful girl he has ever seen.
After his stepmother, Estelle, drives the idea into his head that Kate could someday re-marry and take his niece or nephew away, Noah asks a still pregnant Katherine to marry him.
When most books end in marriage, for Noah and Kate it's just the beginning as Kate struggles to make a place for herself in Noah's life beyond being the mother of Levi's child - for a long time she thinks the Cutters don't want her, just the baby - and Noah struggles with the fact that he might be falling in love with Kate and the belief that she could never love him back, since she loved his handsome brother and there is no way he could compare to Levi.
This book is a definite hanky-read, I was in tears just a few pages in cried most of my way through, but the story is so wonderful I couldn't put it down. The romance grows slowly and sweetly and it's one of the best stories I've read lately.
Characters from Sweet Annie, show up and you do get a little update on their lives, which is nice.
Anyway, I'm in love with this book
Driven by his sense of duty, Noah locates Katherine and finds her working at a laundry house, poor and pregnant and without the support of her mother. So, Noah does the honorable thing and asks her to come with him to his ranch, where she and the baby will be safe and provided for.
Katherine isn't sure if she can believe Noah, after all his brother left her behind as if she were so much garbage, but something tells her that Noah is the only chance her baby has to have a good life. So she goes off with him to his ranch in the outsides of Copper Creek, Colorado.
Noah is a bit of the town's loner, he has had scars all over his body and part of his face since he was in his early teens due to an accident and, thanks to his not-so-kind stepmother, has always believed people are better off spared the sight of him. So, having Katherine move in with him is less than ideal, especially since he thinks she's pretty much the most beautiful girl he has ever seen.
After his stepmother, Estelle, drives the idea into his head that Kate could someday re-marry and take his niece or nephew away, Noah asks a still pregnant Katherine to marry him.
When most books end in marriage, for Noah and Kate it's just the beginning as Kate struggles to make a place for herself in Noah's life beyond being the mother of Levi's child - for a long time she thinks the Cutters don't want her, just the baby - and Noah struggles with the fact that he might be falling in love with Kate and the belief that she could never love him back, since she loved his handsome brother and there is no way he could compare to Levi.
This book is a definite hanky-read, I was in tears just a few pages in cried most of my way through, but the story is so wonderful I couldn't put it down. The romance grows slowly and sweetly and it's one of the best stories I've read lately.
Characters from Sweet Annie, show up and you do get a little update on their lives, which is nice.
Anyway, I'm in love with this book
June 24, 2015
HIS SECONDHAND WIFE is the second book in the Copper Creek series. SWEET ANNIE is the first. There is quite a bit to like about Noah Cutter and his deceased brother's widow, Kate.
Levi Cutter, Kate's husband, was suppose to be looking for work. She hadn't seen him in several months. Noah claimed his body when he was shot dead. The reason? Another man had caught him with his wife. At the same time Levi had left a very-pregnant Kate alone.
Noah, who was severely scarred over most of his body, offers his brother's widow a home. Kate has little and wants to be able to provide for the baby so she takes him up on his offer.
HIS SECONDHAND WIFE is their heartwarming story. Simple and sweet, Cheryl St. John's writing is clear. She expresses emotion by subtle touches, looks and gestures. In turn, this brings the characters to life.
The author doesn't make their relationship seem too easy. Noah was humiliated by his looks. This made him a lonely man and someone many people feared. He yearned for a wife and family but felt that no one could ever overlook his appearance. His punishment? He had not been touched by anyone since he was thirteen years old.
Shy at first, Kate broke down his insecurities and the walls that surrounded him. With Kate's help, Noah became a changed man. For the better. If nothing else, you will want to read this book for their much-deserved happy ending.
Levi Cutter, Kate's husband, was suppose to be looking for work. She hadn't seen him in several months. Noah claimed his body when he was shot dead. The reason? Another man had caught him with his wife. At the same time Levi had left a very-pregnant Kate alone.
Noah, who was severely scarred over most of his body, offers his brother's widow a home. Kate has little and wants to be able to provide for the baby so she takes him up on his offer.
HIS SECONDHAND WIFE is their heartwarming story. Simple and sweet, Cheryl St. John's writing is clear. She expresses emotion by subtle touches, looks and gestures. In turn, this brings the characters to life.
The author doesn't make their relationship seem too easy. Noah was humiliated by his looks. This made him a lonely man and someone many people feared. He yearned for a wife and family but felt that no one could ever overlook his appearance. His punishment? He had not been touched by anyone since he was thirteen years old.
Shy at first, Kate broke down his insecurities and the walls that surrounded him. With Kate's help, Noah became a changed man. For the better. If nothing else, you will want to read this book for their much-deserved happy ending.
March 3, 2023
Historical romances are so sweet and cute when they don't have manwhores who need to stick their little dicks in everyone's wives but theirs. Insecure little pieces of shit.
Loved Noah and Katy and i hope the man who shot Levi gets acquitted cause seriously he got what he deserved and that's what I keep praying for when i read HR w infidelity.
And ofc this a beauty and the beast retelling and as any normal person i had no choice but to love it.
Loved Noah and Katy and i hope the man who shot Levi gets acquitted cause seriously he got what he deserved and that's what I keep praying for when i read HR w infidelity.
And ofc this a beauty and the beast retelling and as any normal person i had no choice but to love it.
June 5, 2013
I can't help but think this would have been a much pleasanter read without all of the 'woe is me'ing from Noah. When our hero spends 98% of the story feeling sorry for himself...
July 6, 2018
I loved this book! Noah Cutter is one of the very best heroes ever. I just loved this love story.
January 21, 2016
It was very sweet and pure story that I qite like every part of it. Though, unfortunately, it was not a 5 stars either.
June 29, 2023
Que bonita historia ... me ha gustado mucho, aunque ha sido muy cortita.
March 9, 2019
2.5
Ni fu ni fa.
El libro no es malo. Solo no sentí la conexión hahah
Y la protagonista hablaba hasta por los codos. Tooooo much.
Ni fu ni fa.
El libro no es malo. Solo no sentí la conexión hahah
Y la protagonista hablaba hasta por los codos. Tooooo much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 354 reviews