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Do you love sweet historical romances?
Ilsa will instantly draw you into a happy ever after!
One of the most talented seamstresses of her time, Ilsa Thorsen could sell her creations anywhere in the world, but she ends up on her sister’s ranch in the western town of Pendleton, Oregon. Disgusted with the dust, smells, and nearly every aspect of rural life, Ilsa wonders how she’ll survive, particularly with the arrogant Tony Campanelli constantly underfoot.
Enterprising and hardworking, Tony Campanelli embraces life in the small community of Pendleton with his sister and their friends, especially since Ilsa Thorsen moves to town. The uptight seamstress just needs to learn to have some fun and Tony’s convinced he’s the man for the job.
˃˃˃ "Shanna Hatfield writes a story that is reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian." InD'Tale MagazineIf you enjoy reading character-driven clean romances, give Ilsa a try.
˃˃˃ Don't Miss out on the entire Pendleton Petticoats Series!Aundy (Book 1) - One stubborn mail-order bride finds the courage to carry on when she's widowed before ever truly becoming a wife, but opening her heart to love again may be more than she can bear.
Caterina (Book 2) - Running from a man intent on marrying her, Caterina starts a new life in Pendleton, completely unprepared for the passionate feelings stirred by the town's deputy sheriff.
Scroll Up and Grab Your Copy Today!355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2014
553 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Shanna Hatfield
163 books1,318 followersA hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a best-selling author of clean romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor.
In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield
In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.
To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her blog http://shannahatfield.com
or find out news at her facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/shanna.hatfield
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 2, 2019
This is a sweet heartwarming story of a young woman determined to gain her independence. I enjoyed her journey, and the hero is a delight. I truly wanted them to find their happy ending. Happy reading/listening!
June 9, 2014
Ilsa is the third installment of the author's historical faith-based romance series sub-titled Pendleton Petticoats.
Ilsa Thorson is the younger sister of Aundy Garrett who owns a farm near Pendleton Oregon. Ilsa is different from her sister in just about every way from her personality to her appearance. While her sister Aundy is tall, statuesque, and regal, Ilsa is very petite, fragile looking and stunningly beautiful.
She has been held virtually prisoner in her Aunt's house in Chicago and forced to produce exquisite fashions for her Aunt's boutique. Ilsa's talent for fashion and sewing is considerable. Her aunt is forcing her into a marriage of monetary convenience not for Ilsa's sake but herself. Poor Ilsa cannot stand the sleazy suitor and writes her sister begging to be rescued from her plight.
Aundy, husband Garrett and their adopted son travel to Chicago and rescue Ilsa and bring her back to Pendleton. Initially timid and helpless in the face of country and ranch life, she meets Antonio Campanelli, the Brother of Caterina who owns a fine Italian restaurant in Pendleton. His first words to her were "Some day I'm going to marry you." "Tony" runs the town's ice delivery business and is working on his dream of becoming a professional photographer.
Tiny fragile-looking Ilsa is initially helped by just about everybody she encounters, even if she does not always ask for it. This is especially true of Tony, who can't stay away from her. He is handsome, helpful, teasing and terribly over-protective of the pixie-like Ilsa.
Her dream is to open her own fashion boutique in downtown Pendleton and she despises the country farm life with its dirty work, smells, and primitive nature.
Will a series of dangerous encounters involving Ilsa and unscrupulous types destroy her fragile courage? Can she allow Tony to get close enough to help her overcome her bouts of panic, anxiety and fear?
In order to better understand the characters in Shanna Hatfield's series, it is best if the series is read in the following order: Aundy, Caterina, Ilsa and Marnie, which has just been published. However, each novel can also be read as a stand-alone story as the author inserts just the right amount of background information for understanding and coherence.
I have, thus far, loved the entire series and can hardly wait to read the latest, Marnie.
Ilsa Thorson is the younger sister of Aundy Garrett who owns a farm near Pendleton Oregon. Ilsa is different from her sister in just about every way from her personality to her appearance. While her sister Aundy is tall, statuesque, and regal, Ilsa is very petite, fragile looking and stunningly beautiful.
She has been held virtually prisoner in her Aunt's house in Chicago and forced to produce exquisite fashions for her Aunt's boutique. Ilsa's talent for fashion and sewing is considerable. Her aunt is forcing her into a marriage of monetary convenience not for Ilsa's sake but herself. Poor Ilsa cannot stand the sleazy suitor and writes her sister begging to be rescued from her plight.
Aundy, husband Garrett and their adopted son travel to Chicago and rescue Ilsa and bring her back to Pendleton. Initially timid and helpless in the face of country and ranch life, she meets Antonio Campanelli, the Brother of Caterina who owns a fine Italian restaurant in Pendleton. His first words to her were "Some day I'm going to marry you." "Tony" runs the town's ice delivery business and is working on his dream of becoming a professional photographer.
Tiny fragile-looking Ilsa is initially helped by just about everybody she encounters, even if she does not always ask for it. This is especially true of Tony, who can't stay away from her. He is handsome, helpful, teasing and terribly over-protective of the pixie-like Ilsa.
Her dream is to open her own fashion boutique in downtown Pendleton and she despises the country farm life with its dirty work, smells, and primitive nature.
Will a series of dangerous encounters involving Ilsa and unscrupulous types destroy her fragile courage? Can she allow Tony to get close enough to help her overcome her bouts of panic, anxiety and fear?
In order to better understand the characters in Shanna Hatfield's series, it is best if the series is read in the following order: Aundy, Caterina, Ilsa and Marnie, which has just been published. However, each novel can also be read as a stand-alone story as the author inserts just the right amount of background information for understanding and coherence.
I have, thus far, loved the entire series and can hardly wait to read the latest, Marnie.
May 7, 2014
I really enjoyed Ilsa and her journey to self-discovery and confidence. I even liked the slower pace and not having to worry quite so much about evil characters and terrifying danger. It was fun to just read a good, clean story about a lovely person who develops into a confident and interesting woman.
May 25, 2014
This book kept me thoroughly engrossed. Shanna continues to grow in her writing. A very enjoyable historical story about a young seamstress who learns her own strength.
July 5, 2020
Another wonderful book. Shanna's character building of Ilsa (pronounced EEL-sah in Norwegian) is perfect.
Having been a victim myself (only I wasn't rescued) Shanna really captured what Ilsa went through at nearly being raped. having her face bashed in, ribs broken her dress and underclothing literally cut off her body by her 'fiance' with a knife he used to gouge her neck and leave a scar, so she was fully nude, and he is then topping her as he trying to open his trousers.... was just a bit too intense and realistic enough to really set me off. But this is just me!! I do wish there had been a trigger warning in the blurb.
This is why I only gave such a great book 4 stars. If i have warning I can brace myself for it. I am very surprised no one else in the comments mentioned this.
I am quite surprised none of the other 72 folks who reviewed this book even mentioned it. It would've been helpful. So here it is from me.
Beyond that, the love story between Tony and Ilsa is the kind of touching slow burn that I love. Tony want to be Ilsa's alpha male in the true sense. Loving, protective, provider, and Ilsa desires that. Tony has such a soft side, but his protective instincts are in full gear for Ilsa.
She is able to overcome the trauma of the attack and gradually learn how to find her own true independent self.
This leads to a bit of confusion for both Tony and Ilsa as they have no idea how to to work this beyond their own feelings. The eggshell dance is cute as they try and figure everything out.
Having been a victim myself (only I wasn't rescued) Shanna really captured what Ilsa went through at nearly being raped. having her face bashed in, ribs broken her dress and underclothing literally cut off her body by her 'fiance' with a knife he used to gouge her neck and leave a scar, so she was fully nude, and he is then topping her as he trying to open his trousers.... was just a bit too intense and realistic enough to really set me off. But this is just me!! I do wish there had been a trigger warning in the blurb.
This is why I only gave such a great book 4 stars. If i have warning I can brace myself for it. I am very surprised no one else in the comments mentioned this.
I am quite surprised none of the other 72 folks who reviewed this book even mentioned it. It would've been helpful. So here it is from me.
Beyond that, the love story between Tony and Ilsa is the kind of touching slow burn that I love. Tony want to be Ilsa's alpha male in the true sense. Loving, protective, provider, and Ilsa desires that. Tony has such a soft side, but his protective instincts are in full gear for Ilsa.
She is able to overcome the trauma of the attack and gradually learn how to find her own true independent self.
This leads to a bit of confusion for both Tony and Ilsa as they have no idea how to to work this beyond their own feelings. The eggshell dance is cute as they try and figure everything out.
May 26, 2020
Set in the early 1900's, the story begins in Chicago but continues in Pendleton, Oregon. I loved the characters we meet in Pendleton but could do without Ilsa's aunt and uncle in Chicago along with her fiance that she wants nothing to do with.
The characters have a depth to them and we learn about them a little at a time. Ilsa was more of a mouse until she had to be strong and show her strength. Unfortunately once she did she tended to push most people away, especially Tony. I loved what he said when he first met her. The descriptions of the food, the land, the ranch, the town and the dresses created by Ilsa made me feel like I was there.
The story flows smoothly with lots of stories going on that tie together nicely. There were surprises around every corner with unexpected happenings. There were some loose ends that I thought should have been resolved in this book especially regarding Ilsa's former fiance. There is some closure but the book ended too abruptly for me.
I enjoyed the excerpt of the next book in the series which was in the back of the book. I do hope to read all the books in the series although this is the first one I've read. I've enjoyed the three books I've read by this author and have added a few more to my always growing TBR pile.
The characters have a depth to them and we learn about them a little at a time. Ilsa was more of a mouse until she had to be strong and show her strength. Unfortunately once she did she tended to push most people away, especially Tony. I loved what he said when he first met her. The descriptions of the food, the land, the ranch, the town and the dresses created by Ilsa made me feel like I was there.
The story flows smoothly with lots of stories going on that tie together nicely. There were surprises around every corner with unexpected happenings. There were some loose ends that I thought should have been resolved in this book especially regarding Ilsa's former fiance. There is some closure but the book ended too abruptly for me.
I enjoyed the excerpt of the next book in the series which was in the back of the book. I do hope to read all the books in the series although this is the first one I've read. I've enjoyed the three books I've read by this author and have added a few more to my always growing TBR pile.
February 12, 2020
Ilsa I loved everything about this book!! Loved how the first time Tony’s eyes see Ilsa he knows he will Marry her. The transformation of Ilsa going from a scared little bird in a cage to a vibrant strong independent lady was such a fantastic delight to read. I laughed, cried and celebrated with Ilsa and Tony as their love grew. I also enjoyed the characters Garrett and Aundy, Kade and Caterina and all of the Nash’s Folly crew from books 1&2 of this Pendleton Petticoats series. It felt like visiting with old friends. Shanna Hatfield has a way of writing characters that a reader can come to love as real friends and family. Shanna Hatfield books are wonderful period!!
March 17, 2020
Another wonderful story
In Ilsa, we meet Aundy's sister, Ilsa. Though they are sisters, they were very different in their personality and likes and dislikes. Aundy loved the farm and all the inside and outside work it took.
Ilsa enjoyed not getting dirty, no bugs, animals and especially chickens. When she was able to, Ilsa moved to the city of Pendleton, and opened her own shop.
It was fun to read about these wonderful characters and to follow those who were in the story from the beginning of the series. On to the next book.
In Ilsa, we meet Aundy's sister, Ilsa. Though they are sisters, they were very different in their personality and likes and dislikes. Aundy loved the farm and all the inside and outside work it took.
Ilsa enjoyed not getting dirty, no bugs, animals and especially chickens. When she was able to, Ilsa moved to the city of Pendleton, and opened her own shop.
It was fun to read about these wonderful characters and to follow those who were in the story from the beginning of the series. On to the next book.
May 21, 2020
Ilsa and Tony
Sweet story of timid, tiny Ilsa coming from a bad situation with her evil aunt and uncle, to live with her sister and family out west. Enter handsome, rugged Tony and they both immediately feel attraction, but of course neither will say anything yet...
I thoroughly enjoyed both characters for most of the story, but Ilsa got a little too snarky and hateful at the end. She treated Tony terribly for awhile.
This is the first book of the series I've read...should have started with the first!
Sweet story of timid, tiny Ilsa coming from a bad situation with her evil aunt and uncle, to live with her sister and family out west. Enter handsome, rugged Tony and they both immediately feel attraction, but of course neither will say anything yet...
I thoroughly enjoyed both characters for most of the story, but Ilsa got a little too snarky and hateful at the end. She treated Tony terribly for awhile.
This is the first book of the series I've read...should have started with the first!
June 12, 2024
A very robust Italian man falls in love with a petite Norwegian girl.
Loved being in Pendleton again. Enjoyed catching up with Kade and Caterina and Aundy and Garret. Tony and Ilsa story was sweet. It was love at first sight for them both. Ilsa came out of a hard situation. Thank goodness for Aundy and Garret saving her. Tony became her hero and protector. But in time Ilsa felt a little smothered and wanted her independence. That became troublesome between her a Tony but they resolved it and love prevailed. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
Loved being in Pendleton again. Enjoyed catching up with Kade and Caterina and Aundy and Garret. Tony and Ilsa story was sweet. It was love at first sight for them both. Ilsa came out of a hard situation. Thank goodness for Aundy and Garret saving her. Tony became her hero and protector. But in time Ilsa felt a little smothered and wanted her independence. That became troublesome between her a Tony but they resolved it and love prevailed. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
June 17, 2024
Third book in series. Love the characters in each book and the history revealed and links to some of the sources. Ilsa is a good example of how we look at ourselves that might cause others to look at us the same way, but it also shows with God's love for and in us, we don't have to remain that way. I liked how Tony didn't realize the way he was trying to show his love, verses saying it, was making her struggle worse, until God, through a friend or family member brought it to his attention and he was willing to accept godly advice.
June 2, 2020
I haven't read one of Shanna Hatfield's books in quite some time and oh how I have missed them. I'm so glad I pulled this one out of my TBR pile/list.
Shanna does a wonderful job of pulling you right into the story from the very beginning and never lets you out. I can highly recommend this book, and the series, if you enjoy a good Christian Historical Fiction story. I will suggest you start at the beginning of the series though,
Shanna does a wonderful job of pulling you right into the story from the very beginning and never lets you out. I can highly recommend this book, and the series, if you enjoy a good Christian Historical Fiction story. I will suggest you start at the beginning of the series though,
July 30, 2021
Ebook
Her sister rescues her from her Aunts clutches and takes her west. She’s a scared woman with no skills other than sewing and designing. She wants to open a dress shop and with help from many friends and family she does. But she’s attacked and becomes fearful. The man who is her best friend is so in love with her but she doesn’t realize it snd pushes him away when she decides to take care of herself.
Her sister rescues her from her Aunts clutches and takes her west. She’s a scared woman with no skills other than sewing and designing. She wants to open a dress shop and with help from many friends and family she does. But she’s attacked and becomes fearful. The man who is her best friend is so in love with her but she doesn’t realize it snd pushes him away when she decides to take care of herself.
November 1, 2024
Ilsa is rescued then rescues herself
Ilsa is the sister of the h in book #1. She is trapped by her aunt & engaged against her will to a jerk. She wires for help & is rescued. For that info read the book. Later she moves to town & needs help from multiple people. In time she takes on more of the spicy attitude of Cat, the Italian h in book #2. Suggest readers read books in order as characters reappear in later books.
Ilsa is the sister of the h in book #1. She is trapped by her aunt & engaged against her will to a jerk. She wires for help & is rescued. For that info read the book. Later she moves to town & needs help from multiple people. In time she takes on more of the spicy attitude of Cat, the Italian h in book #2. Suggest readers read books in order as characters reappear in later books.
August 25, 2025
I love the residents of this town! They are quick to lend a hand when asked, and some don't even wait to be asked!
That's kinda the issue Ilsa has. She's always been the one being rescued until there is no one around to do it, and she protects herself, mostly by herself. She decides she needs to stop accepting help from anyone.
She hasn't figured out that the men around don't protect her because she's fragile, but because she's loved.
I really enjoyed this story!
That's kinda the issue Ilsa has. She's always been the one being rescued until there is no one around to do it, and she protects herself, mostly by herself. She decides she needs to stop accepting help from anyone.
She hasn't figured out that the men around don't protect her because she's fragile, but because she's loved.
I really enjoyed this story!
March 1, 2019
Great read
The road to taking back your power or gaining your independence is often precipitated by traumatic events that inspire you to say “I’ve had Enough and I’m just going to do it myself”. This is a delightful story about a woman growing into her power and finding her dreams. Enjoy 💜
The road to taking back your power or gaining your independence is often precipitated by traumatic events that inspire you to say “I’ve had Enough and I’m just going to do it myself”. This is a delightful story about a woman growing into her power and finding her dreams. Enjoy 💜
May 16, 2020
Wonderful characters that make you feel part of their family. Great story that will grab you from the first page. There was much to love about this story including the fact it had me laughing out loud at times. Their is romance and the fact that timid Ilsa matures and grows a backbone. Won’t want to put this book down!
June 2, 2020
Delightful
I so loved the characters, each unique and strong, I also liked how they had to grow to really appreciate each other. The storyline was great, following Ilsa through her tale gave an interesting view of the times even if they were rough on her. I so pleased with the outcome, was an awesome read.
I so loved the characters, each unique and strong, I also liked how they had to grow to really appreciate each other. The storyline was great, following Ilsa through her tale gave an interesting view of the times even if they were rough on her. I so pleased with the outcome, was an awesome read.
June 7, 2020
Delightful western romance story
What a clean, interesting story that kept your attention from first to the last. Especially liked her dependence on others until she had confidence to stand on own two feet. This was not your typical western romance tale like all others! Truly made me want to explore more of the authors books.
What a clean, interesting story that kept your attention from first to the last. Especially liked her dependence on others until she had confidence to stand on own two feet. This was not your typical western romance tale like all others! Truly made me want to explore more of the authors books.
May 27, 2024
Isla
This was an exciting story about Isla, sister to Aundy. She was being locked in her room by an aunt, making her sew, making clothes for her shop. Isla finally had enough, sent a telegram to her sister to come and rescue her. She did, takingb. Her west, to her house. So much to her adventure, enjoy her story.
This was an exciting story about Isla, sister to Aundy. She was being locked in her room by an aunt, making her sew, making clothes for her shop. Isla finally had enough, sent a telegram to her sister to come and rescue her. She did, takingb. Her west, to her house. So much to her adventure, enjoy her story.
June 9, 2019
From a little bird to a feisty chick.
Truly another great story from this author’s library and I would recommend that you try and read these ones in order. You laugh, cry and get right into these stories and I will definitely read them all again. Awesome!
Truly another great story from this author’s library and I would recommend that you try and read these ones in order. You laugh, cry and get right into these stories and I will definitely read them all again. Awesome!
June 21, 2019
And the Hits Keep Coming in The Pendleton Brides Series
Ilsa is a wonderful story of a young women afraid of life. Depending on everyone else in her life to take care of her. Enjoyed seeing Ilsa come alive and stand on her own to feet!
Ilsa is a wonderful story of a young women afraid of life. Depending on everyone else in her life to take care of her. Enjoyed seeing Ilsa come alive and stand on her own to feet!
August 1, 2019
Good book
This book was not like the other 2 books the endings happen so fast you didn't think it was over
They made the sister like super woman then it changed it was all right l will read the rest of this series
This book was not like the other 2 books the endings happen so fast you didn't think it was over
They made the sister like super woman then it changed it was all right l will read the rest of this series
May 18, 2020
She was held a prisioner by her Aunt , who made money from her sewing.
Her Aunt wanted her to marry a nasty old man, she was able to get in touch with her sister to save her. I liked the way she changed in the story and how she made everyone accept her changes for the good.
Her Aunt wanted her to marry a nasty old man, she was able to get in touch with her sister to save her. I liked the way she changed in the story and how she made everyone accept her changes for the good.
May 29, 2020
Another delightful story
A very well written story with a wonderful blending of the people in Pendleton with a new comer. As Ilsa finds her way in Pendleton, learning more about herself every day, Tony is also discovering things about himself.
A very well written story with a wonderful blending of the people in Pendleton with a new comer. As Ilsa finds her way in Pendleton, learning more about herself every day, Tony is also discovering things about himself.
January 8, 2023
Sweet isn't bad
I love that Ms. Hatfield is able to give the feeling of honestly religious, kind, good people without clubbing you over the head with it.
Her characters are so human. I'm enjoying the series.
I love that Ms. Hatfield is able to give the feeling of honestly religious, kind, good people without clubbing you over the head with it.
Her characters are so human. I'm enjoying the series.
October 5, 2024
From fragile to fearless!
The third book in the Pendleton Petticoat series. Ilsa meets Tony, a charming Italian, who is not only a tease but, becomes oppressive, in his desire to protect and care for her. This is a light hearted, clean historical romance.
The third book in the Pendleton Petticoat series. Ilsa meets Tony, a charming Italian, who is not only a tease but, becomes oppressive, in his desire to protect and care for her. This is a light hearted, clean historical romance.
May 18, 2025
Really Great Western Series
I'm so enjoying this series and all the characters. I loved Ilsa and Tony's story. These two fell in love at first sight but took a long time to figure it all out. It all makes for a captivating read that I read straight through.
I'm so enjoying this series and all the characters. I loved Ilsa and Tony's story. These two fell in love at first sight but took a long time to figure it all out. It all makes for a captivating read that I read straight through.
July 28, 2017
A great book
Sometimes the hard knocks in life make us take a good look at ourselves and with Gods help it work for the good.
Sometimes the hard knocks in life make us take a good look at ourselves and with Gods help it work for the good.
September 7, 2017
love the story, if you have read any in the series you have to read this one very good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews