What do you think?
Rate this book
Love Train #4
Lula Mae
Lula May Rivers must get to Cheyenne, Wyoming to get her niece, but a robbery left her broke. Dressed as a boy who calls herself Lou, she stows away in the baggage car of a train headed that way.
Unluckily, she's found. U.S. Marshal Gannon Calloway lets Lou stay aboard. He's expecting a robbery and, as an expert with a whip, Lou can help. Then Gannon learns that a killer he put in prison has escaped and is headed to Cheyenne seeking to kill a female witness he blames for his conviction.
What will Gannon do when he finds out the boy Lou is a beautiful woman, and the witness the convict wants dead? Can they work together to catch him?
And maybe learn along the way that love can come despite one's best intentions?
Unluckily, she's found. U.S. Marshal Gannon Calloway lets Lou stay aboard. He's expecting a robbery and, as an expert with a whip, Lou can help. Then Gannon learns that a killer he put in prison has escaped and is headed to Cheyenne seeking to kill a female witness he blames for his conviction.
What will Gannon do when he finds out the boy Lou is a beautiful woman, and the witness the convict wants dead? Can they work together to catch him?
And maybe learn along the way that love can come despite one's best intentions?
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2022
About the author
Charlene Raddon
42 books425 followersCharlene Raddon began writing western historical romance novels in 1980. Her book Tender Touch was a Golden Heart Finalist. Forever Mine received a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award nomination. Her books have received other awards and won or placed in several contests. She loves hearing from readers. When not writing, Charlene loves to travel, do genealogy, needlepoint, crochet or dye Ukrainian style eggs. She also designs book covers for other authors at www.silversagebookcovers.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 6, 2023
“Lula Mae” explodes with an exciting climax and closes with the kind of romance that leaves readers satisfied long after the story ends!
Read full review in the 2023 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2023 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 16, 2022
Has potential, but the romance is awfully rushed - too rushed to be believable. And I wasn’t rooting for any of the characters.
July 4, 2024
Lula decides to disguise herself as a man and board a train to go pick up her neice and take her to her grandmother. When Lula gets discovered on the train she meets US Marshal Gannon Callaway who finds things odd about Lou but lets her stay aboard the train. Working together they manage to stop a train robbery. This was a clean, good wild west read that will at times have you on the edge of your seat.
June 4, 2022
A clever plot and storyline Charlene Raddon has created in this Love Train Series.
Lula Mae will keep readers laughing with her quick wit, wily personality, and surprising antics.
Lula Mae and Gannon chemistry is explosive.
I’m loving this series with each new book pulling us all-aboard the 1216 for deceitful, spontaneous romantic adventures.
Lula Mae will keep readers laughing with her quick wit, wily personality, and surprising antics.
Lula Mae and Gannon chemistry is explosive.
I’m loving this series with each new book pulling us all-aboard the 1216 for deceitful, spontaneous romantic adventures.
August 1, 2022
Lula Mae, Love Train Series, by Charlene Raddon is a fun and enjoyable read. With her brother-in-law having escaped from prison and on his way to collect his daughter, mule trainer Lula Mae tries to beat him to his daughter so she can take the little girl to her grandmother. Having little money to get to her niece, Lula Mae sneaks aboard the train, and is discovered by train personnel and a U.S. Marshal traveling the rails to apprehend a pair of train thieves. Disguised as a boy, Lula Mae finds herself enchanted with the marshal and for once, she wishes she could trade her pants for a dress and discover if he could like her, too. And when he wish comes true, Lula Mae discovers there's more to the marshal than just his handsomeness, and more to her infatuation with him.
Lula Mae and Marshall Gannon Calloway are a cute couple. While Lula Mae presents a tough exterior to the world, she's actually sweet and kind and values the same things most women do; a home, children, a good man to love. She has an odd skill for a woman in training mules and artfully brandishing a whip, and it's fun to watch her awe folks with her talents. Gannon is an honorable marshal who has a soft heart. Mistaking stowaway Lula Mae for a boy, instead of tossing her off the train, he lets her stay, and when he discovers who she really is, he's compelled to help her rescue her niece, and win her heart along the way. Watching Lula Me and Gannon discover just how perfect they are for each other makes for a good read!
Lula Mae and Marshall Gannon Calloway are a cute couple. While Lula Mae presents a tough exterior to the world, she's actually sweet and kind and values the same things most women do; a home, children, a good man to love. She has an odd skill for a woman in training mules and artfully brandishing a whip, and it's fun to watch her awe folks with her talents. Gannon is an honorable marshal who has a soft heart. Mistaking stowaway Lula Mae for a boy, instead of tossing her off the train, he lets her stay, and when he discovers who she really is, he's compelled to help her rescue her niece, and win her heart along the way. Watching Lula Me and Gannon discover just how perfect they are for each other makes for a good read!
May 24, 2022
Charlene Raddon strikes again! Writing in the Love Train historical Western Romance series, Book #4, she has created an unforgettable character in heroine Lula Mae Rivers. Stowing away on a train, disguised as a boy, she fools U.S. Marshall Gannon Calloway into letting her stay on board. Lula Mae is a "hoyden's" hoyden in that she has survived by working as a mule skinner, expert with a whip and a crack shot with a gun. Marshall Gannon is fascinated with what he thinks is a young man but Lula Mae's ruse doesn't last long. Finally forcing her into a proper dress he is dazzled by her feminine beauty as much as she is drawn to his masculinity. She is fleeing from an escaped killer who wants Lula Mae dead because she has testified against him in court. The two make an arrangement to help each other attempt to capture this killer. Lula Mae has a dark secret which she withholds from Gannon as long as possible. There ensues a wild adventure as they both hunt for the killer in the wilds of Wyoming. The killer has kidnapped Lula Mae's niece. The author's style enhances this romantic adventure in every possible good way. You will find Lula Mae loveable, beautiful and manipulative, wrapping Gannon around her finger. Another superlative Love Train series worth savoring.
June 20, 2024
"Lula Mae," authored by Charlene Raddon, is a delightful historical western romance novel and the fourth installment in the Love Train Series. The story follows Lula Mae Rivers, who embarks on a journey to Cheyenne to retrieve her niece and bring her to South Dakota. This mission arises after Lula's sister, Kara Kay, is brutally murdered by her husband, Bernie.
Disguising herself as a boy named Snapper Lou, Lula Mae sneaks onto a train and hides in the baggage car. Her disguise is soon discovered, and U.S. Marshal Gannon Calloway is alerted to her presence. Initially impressed by Lou’s exceptional whip skills, Gannon later uncovers the truth about Lula’s identity. She reveals her intent to harm Bernie once he is released from prison. The evolving relationship between Lula and Gannon forms a compelling aspect of the narrative.
This book aligns perfectly with my reading preferences. Charlene Raddon has crafted an engaging storyline that captivates from start to finish. The plot is memorable and leaves a lasting impression. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, and Lula Mae's character is especially endearing. I'm eager to explore more books in this series.
Disguising herself as a boy named Snapper Lou, Lula Mae sneaks onto a train and hides in the baggage car. Her disguise is soon discovered, and U.S. Marshal Gannon Calloway is alerted to her presence. Initially impressed by Lou’s exceptional whip skills, Gannon later uncovers the truth about Lula’s identity. She reveals her intent to harm Bernie once he is released from prison. The evolving relationship between Lula and Gannon forms a compelling aspect of the narrative.
This book aligns perfectly with my reading preferences. Charlene Raddon has crafted an engaging storyline that captivates from start to finish. The plot is memorable and leaves a lasting impression. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, and Lula Mae's character is especially endearing. I'm eager to explore more books in this series.
May 15, 2022
Lula May Rivers, a feisty young woman, has a reason to get to Cheyenne, Wyoming, to get to her niece as fast as she can. She was robbed of her hard earned money and has resorted to dressing like and passing herself off as a boy. She knows the trade of Muleskinner and is excellent at her craft. Stowing away in a baggage car on the train is her plan. Will she make it? Discovery will be her downfall, unless she can convince those that find her she is a boy.
Drama: This book has plenty!
Danger: This book takes you on a dangerous ride and keeps you turning the page to see what comes next!
Will Marshall Calloway realize he is dealing with a beautiful woman and not a young boy? Or that the dangerous man he needs to recapture is the man Lula Mae is running from and hoping to get to her niece before he does? This story has everything. A great plot, wonderfully written characters and the perfect blend of romance and danger. You will love it!
Drama: This book has plenty!
Danger: This book takes you on a dangerous ride and keeps you turning the page to see what comes next!
Will Marshall Calloway realize he is dealing with a beautiful woman and not a young boy? Or that the dangerous man he needs to recapture is the man Lula Mae is running from and hoping to get to her niece before he does? This story has everything. A great plot, wonderfully written characters and the perfect blend of romance and danger. You will love it!
June 26, 2024
I'm an avid fan of romance novels and recently picked up Charlene Raddon's 'Lula Mae.' The protagonist, Lula Mae, is a compelling character who dresses herself as a boy and hides in a baggage car. However, she was caught by the train authorities. US Marshal Gannon Calloway is alerted to her presence and their encounter begins an intriguing story.
During their conversation, Gannon learns that Lula Mae is the sister-in-law of a man he recently imprisoned. Lula Mae shares how her sister was killed by a man named Bernie, and she must protect herself. The plot becomes more adventurous as Gannon and Lula Mae team up to track down a killer.
The chemistry between Gannon and Lula Mae is captivating, and their bond develops quickly. Raddon does an excellent job with the setting, and the cover design is striking. Both Lula Mae and Gannon are fascinating characters to follow.
Charlene Raddon should definitely continue writing romance novels, and I look forward to her future works.
During their conversation, Gannon learns that Lula Mae is the sister-in-law of a man he recently imprisoned. Lula Mae shares how her sister was killed by a man named Bernie, and she must protect herself. The plot becomes more adventurous as Gannon and Lula Mae team up to track down a killer.
The chemistry between Gannon and Lula Mae is captivating, and their bond develops quickly. Raddon does an excellent job with the setting, and the cover design is striking. Both Lula Mae and Gannon are fascinating characters to follow.
Charlene Raddon should definitely continue writing romance novels, and I look forward to her future works.
May 22, 2022
This is a sweet and heartwarming story full of drama, outlaws, secrets, humor, kidnapping, some surprises, and romance. This is Lula Mae Rivers and Marshal Gannon Calloway's story, and the character development is outstanding. Lula Mae is headed to Cheyenne, Wyoming to rescue her niece when she is robbed of all her money and must use her imagination to enable her to continue her trip. She decides to dress as a boy named Lou and ride in the boxcar where she encounters the Marshal. How will Gannon react when he finds out Lou is really Lula Mae? What will happen when he realizes Lula Mae is actually the person he has been sent to protect? Will the couple be able to work together to capture the outlaw? Will the couple develop feelings for each other and find a HEA? Be sure and read this great story to find out. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
August 21, 2024
Spirited may be an understatement!
Lula Mae is definitely confident, feisty and very independent! She has Gannon tied in knots as she swoops in and steals his heart.
I really like the sparring banter they have and the trust they find in each other. As loners who normally work alone trust is not something they give out easily, but they find themselves trusting the other in a way they never have with anyone else. A great read that brings a smile as you read it and a chuckle at Lula Mae's crazy antics. As always Henry, Scruffy and Willie are a delightful addition to the journey.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Lula Mae is definitely confident, feisty and very independent! She has Gannon tied in knots as she swoops in and steals his heart.
I really like the sparring banter they have and the trust they find in each other. As loners who normally work alone trust is not something they give out easily, but they find themselves trusting the other in a way they never have with anyone else. A great read that brings a smile as you read it and a chuckle at Lula Mae's crazy antics. As always Henry, Scruffy and Willie are a delightful addition to the journey.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
September 12, 2025
Wow. I’ve got to confess that while I’ve read quite a few books in the romance genre in my day and a least a few historical westerns, even some that combine both like this one, neither fits my preferred genres. Yet I’ve also come to realize that stretching my wings and reading books outside of my normal genres is a good idea so I gave this one a try. I’m glad I did. It took me to a different time and on a grand adventure with a couple of characters (take that any way you want and it will fit) with Lula Mae and Gannon. An extremely fun read.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
July 2, 2024
Entertaining novel about a young woman on a mission who was robbed and had to disguise herself as a lad to reach her destination in the baggage department of a train. A US Marshall, hired to protect the train, discovers her and eventually her ruse when an attraction occurs. However, the danger to her continues. Love the cowboy lingo, however the formatting is somewhat askew and distracting. If using Kindle Create, it tends to splice sentences that needs to be manually corrected. Otherwise, an entertaining clean bedtime read.
May 17, 2022
Lula Mae
I absolutely loved this book. It was such a fun, well written book. The story drew me in from the beginning and kept me turning pages until the end. Lula Mae and Gannon make a great couple and Lula Mae kept me laughing at all of her antics. This is a fantastic book, that's filled with humor, drama, outlaws, kidnappings and never a dull moment. I highly recommend this book and think you will love it as much as I did.
I absolutely loved this book. It was such a fun, well written book. The story drew me in from the beginning and kept me turning pages until the end. Lula Mae and Gannon make a great couple and Lula Mae kept me laughing at all of her antics. This is a fantastic book, that's filled with humor, drama, outlaws, kidnappings and never a dull moment. I highly recommend this book and think you will love it as much as I did.
December 16, 2022
Sweet story
Lula Mae is a stowaway on the train. If it wasn't for Scruffy's barking, she might not have been found. She leads an interesting life, working as a Mule Skinner and giving lessons on how to use a whip. She gave evidence against her brother brother-in-law because he killed her sister. When she finds out he escaped from prison, she knows that he's going to come after her. Will Marshall Gannon from the train be able to help her?
Lula Mae is a stowaway on the train. If it wasn't for Scruffy's barking, she might not have been found. She leads an interesting life, working as a Mule Skinner and giving lessons on how to use a whip. She gave evidence against her brother brother-in-law because he killed her sister. When she finds out he escaped from prison, she knows that he's going to come after her. Will Marshall Gannon from the train be able to help her?
December 21, 2023
Clean Historical Romance
I teeny bit spicier than I prefer, but it was only TALK about bedroom scenes, not actual displays.
I enjoyed the narration. I especially loved the deep voice Lula Mae had for that brief moment when they returned to her sisters.
There was a lot of playful comedy in their romance that I'm not used to. Most was pretty enjoyable but as I said, they talked a bit spicier than I'm used to. I would still consider this a clean romance though.
I teeny bit spicier than I prefer, but it was only TALK about bedroom scenes, not actual displays.
I enjoyed the narration. I especially loved the deep voice Lula Mae had for that brief moment when they returned to her sisters.
There was a lot of playful comedy in their romance that I'm not used to. Most was pretty enjoyable but as I said, they talked a bit spicier than I'm used to. I would still consider this a clean romance though.
August 4, 2022
New to me author!
This was a great story! So much excitement and plenty of romance.
*spoiler alert*
One thing I didn’t understand was after Gannon and Lula Mae found and returned Melissa Mae to her aunt, Fiona didn’t even react? She put all her focus on Lula Mae and Gannon’s announcement of marrying.
Other than that, it was a very enjoyable story.
This was a great story! So much excitement and plenty of romance.
*spoiler alert*
One thing I didn’t understand was after Gannon and Lula Mae found and returned Melissa Mae to her aunt, Fiona didn’t even react? She put all her focus on Lula Mae and Gannon’s announcement of marrying.
Other than that, it was a very enjoyable story.
September 20, 2022
Not as good as the previous ones in the series
Though the editing was good the plot was inconsistent and trite. It’s almost as if the author couldn’t figure out if she was writing a steamy novel or a melodramatic script for a middle school play. The dialog was stilted and emotions affected.
Though the editing was good the plot was inconsistent and trite. It’s almost as if the author couldn’t figure out if she was writing a steamy novel or a melodramatic script for a middle school play. The dialog was stilted and emotions affected.
October 11, 2022
go away dog!
I am capable of many things but those two got a jump on me, now I don’t have the funds to go get my niece, to bring her to her Grandmother’s place. What am I going to do? I’m going to hide in the baggage compartment on the train. So far so good the train is the move, oh no I hear a dog! Go away dog! I am caught….
I am capable of many things but those two got a jump on me, now I don’t have the funds to go get my niece, to bring her to her Grandmother’s place. What am I going to do? I’m going to hide in the baggage compartment on the train. So far so good the train is the move, oh no I hear a dog! Go away dog! I am caught….
November 18, 2022
Exciting read!
I enjoyed reading Lula Mae and Gannon’s story! Filled with excitement, danger, train robbery, kidnapping, and one bad guy trying to ruin everything! Delightful characters and unforgettable storylines! I found myself wanting to read more about this couple and there families!
I enjoyed reading Lula Mae and Gannon’s story! Filled with excitement, danger, train robbery, kidnapping, and one bad guy trying to ruin everything! Delightful characters and unforgettable storylines! I found myself wanting to read more about this couple and there families!
November 2, 2023
Gavin and Lula Mae
This is a sweet and sometimes tart romance and love story. Gavin is. US Marshall that had a second job as a railroad detective. He finds a stowaway on the train. A scruffy young boy trying to get a little further down the tracks. They were like oil and water for a while. You will enjoy discovering how they find their way to a happily ever after.
This is a sweet and sometimes tart romance and love story. Gavin is. US Marshall that had a second job as a railroad detective. He finds a stowaway on the train. A scruffy young boy trying to get a little further down the tracks. They were like oil and water for a while. You will enjoy discovering how they find their way to a happily ever after.
May 16, 2022
I fell in love with Lula Mae, Henry and Gannon from the beginning. Charlene Raddon created characters you wanted to know. There is action, romance, humor (lots of humor), interesting characters and a few twists. I stayed up late to keep reading.
May 18, 2022
Train beginnings
This train is filled with secrets,challenging people and possibilities. Will the mule skinner become something else? Does a relative control what will happen? Grab this story and find out.
This train is filled with secrets,challenging people and possibilities. Will the mule skinner become something else? Does a relative control what will happen? Grab this story and find out.
May 26, 2022
lula is on her why to get her niece but hides in the baggage car dressed as a boy, the gannon finds her and tries to help but does not know she is a girl yet. gannon is a marshal that is hunt for an escaped killer . good story have read all the books in the series so far
May 29, 2022
Fun and entertaining. This book has so many laugh-at-loud moments. I loved the great chemistry between Lula Mae and Gannon and hated for it to end. Kudos to Ms. Raddon for this unique and fresh story that's filled with warmth and heart.
September 11, 2022
1=dnf / why bother?; 2=not to my taste; 3=A good story; 4=I liked it a lot; 5=a favorite must-read!
The romance seemed contrived and a bit suggestive in spots. The story has potential, but it missed the mark as written.
The romance seemed contrived and a bit suggestive in spots. The story has potential, but it missed the mark as written.
January 23, 2024
This story hooked me from the beginning. It has great characters and some intriguing twists with lots of action.
The only thing I didn’t like about it was some of the details gave tmi for me.
The narrator does a very nice job bringing the story to life. Listened on Audible
The only thing I didn’t like about it was some of the details gave tmi for me.
The narrator does a very nice job bringing the story to life. Listened on Audible
July 4, 2024
Muleskinner's Wedding
Lula Mae was on the train without a ticket, trying to get to her sister's daughter to her grandmother. Gannon, was the man susposed to get her off but he thought she was a boy. When she helped him catch would-be train robbers, he couldn"t throw her off. BB
Lula Mae was on the train without a ticket, trying to get to her sister's daughter to her grandmother. Gannon, was the man susposed to get her off but he thought she was a boy. When she helped him catch would-be train robbers, he couldn"t throw her off. BB
May 16, 2022
I enjoyed this book! The characters were interesting and the story was exciting! The story became very exciting near the end. I recommend reading this book!
May 19, 2022
Lula Mae and Gannon
Lula Mae may be one of my favorite heroines in a while and Gannon is definitely no slouch. If you like your romances with adventures this is a book for you.
Lula Mae may be one of my favorite heroines in a while and Gannon is definitely no slouch. If you like your romances with adventures this is a book for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews