Miranda

McKettricks #3

by Linda Lael Miller

Thrown out of the house by her father after bearing an illegitimate child, Miranda Leebrook seeks refuge with her baby in Springwater, where she finds friendship, acceptance, and unexpected romance with local rancher Landry Kildare, the father of two mischievous boys of his own. Original.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Westerns, Historical, Western Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction

160 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 10, 1983

About the author

The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West. Raised in Northport, Washington, Linda pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a spacious property outside Spokane.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was almost a five star read for me, I loved the story, the characters, the situations... Jeb and Chloe were a lot of fun to read about, but what kept it from being five stars for me was Jeb's distrust for Chloe the entire book! It started to get on my nerves a little. But I still really, really enjoyed this story and the way the entire McKettrick family was in it! And I'm liking Holt more and more and can't wait to read his story!

[Gail Mchugh · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was just horrible. I finished it but it was a chore. As I stated in the second book of the series - come on now, is every female character the same. I have to say I admire every woman who lived their lives during this time period. They had to be strong just to survive. But really, every one of the three women in this series is just too unbelievable. Anyone would have given them a swift kick in the derriere. These women were a joke, especially Chloe. She leaves the comforts and safety of her home and follows her fiance to Tombstone. I don't think so..... She marries him and 'really, really' finds out he is a villain on her way to her proverbial wedding bed. Hard to believe..... Then she has sexual relations with a stranger. Even more unbelievable..... She marries him only to find SHE is left on her wedding night. Oh, really...... She does not know where her second husband disappears. She does not know what happened to her first husband, who by the way, is a raving maniac and, who later becomes a psychopathic serial killer. She decides to leave Tombstone(come on now) and serendipitously arrives in Indian Rock in time to see her second husband on the street. Oh, boy....... I am not a critic by any means but this was a terrible book. The only female character likable, believable, and worth reading about was Conception. I wish she had had more space in the book.

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great historical western series! Loved Jeb & Chloe's story! A Must Read!

[L Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four good looking McKettrick Brothers need wives!!
Great story loaded with adventure, gunfights, rodeo’s and romance. I am enjoying this series!!!!

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

[Missy Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I really like the world LLM has created in her McKetrick books. Minor things kept me from giving the first two books 5 stars, but the 'hero' in this one is such an asshole I couldn't give it 4 stars either. I hate when one person in the relationship is a total ass but people around them put the responsibility of the relationship on the other person. Becky telling Chloe not to be a coward after Jeb left her feeling hurt and used infuriated me. He was a dick from the moment she hit town, not even relenting when she was grieving her dead father. Men greatly outnumbered women in that setting and no amount of passion should have made up for him acting like a stubborn, spoiled manchild through most of the book.

[Megan Mc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even worse than the first 2, could not believe it is rated higher by the public than the first 2, it is part of what encourage my to continue giving the series a chance and I feel betrayed. I could find no reason she would be attracted to Jeb, but somehow semi-mysterious Holt still intrigues and I enjoyed Lizzie me so I'll give his a go. Again with the crazy coincidences, (i.e. Holt meeting Em in across the country and ending up in the same town) this time the leads meet out of town, separate and she ends up coming to to his tiny hole in the wall town having no idea he lives there. I would have much preferred it if she knew he was there and came looking for him. Simple and it works! The taking forever when they had multiple chance to explain what caused their parting or ways killed me. Screaming at him at any time, "I'm divorced you idiot!" would have cleared up a lot.

[SweetSue · Rating 1 out of 5]

I see so many good reviews of Miller's books, but so far I'm just not getting it. Started this and don't think I'll finish it. The whole premise is annoying with the who will get the ranch storyline. I haven't read the others in the series, but the idea that a man with a big ranch to run would pit his sons against each other is dumb. If he's going to cut two out of the will then let them go off and start their own places while they are young and strong.

And of course baby brother is a hot-head and we get to see his big brothers jonesing on him for the whole book. And his bride is just stupid.

I'll try again with a different series of books and see if I can see what others are seeing, but after that I think I'm done with her.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. It was so good! Jeb and Chloe made a wonderful pair. Both a little too stubborn and proud, they had to get over their egos to be happy. I also liked how the McKettrick women decided to split the ranch. I like when the women run the show, especially when the men don't know it or know it but love their women too much to get in their way. lol.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book better than books 1 or 2. It had more interaction between main characters Jeb and Chloe. Jeb made me chuckle and I loved Lizzie! I will again, say, I wish there was more romance and steam. That being said I really did enjoy this book.

[Shan ~A~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeb McKettrick and Chloe Wakefield

Jeb left town previously and while gone he married Chloe. Except, he didn't believe they were actually married because he thought she was married to someone else.

Chloe comes to town looking for her husband, but he refuses to claim her as his wife.

All the while Chloes first husband comes to town hellbent on getting Jeb out of her life and taking Chloe with him by any means necessary.

I liked everything about this book except for Jeb's behavior. It was completely understandable to me why he would still be treated and thought of as a person who needs to grow up.

I was secretly hoping that some kind of way Chloe would end up with Holt even though I knew that wasn't going to happen, but it would have served Jeb right.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance...cowboy style!

[Erica Chaillot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the McKettricks. Now onto Holt’s story.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read! The plot was way more engaging than I expected. The villain was actually a legit threat which I liked. Holt did kind of steal the show a bit, but I was okay with it.

[Elise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secondhand Bride, the third book (following High Country Bride & Shotgun Bride) of four in the McKettrick Cowboy series, which tells the story of four brothers and their attempts to find wives and become fathers in order to inherit the Triple M Ranch.

So far this is my favorite book of the three! Secondhand Bride gives us Jeb's story and that of his love interest Chloe. I liked Jeb's "wild" character and understood his insecurities around being the "baby" brother and his need to establish himself as an independent man. Miller did a fine job of developing his character.

On the other hand, Chloe was a bit "pouty" to me, rather than the intended strong-willed and feisty character. One minute we find her holding a concerned and loving vigil at Jeb's bedside, and in the next scene she's refusing to speak to him again. Her fickle character seemed like a ploy to keep the feuding storyline going between she and Jeb. This and Holt's sudden and underdeveloped love interest in Chloe are minor flaws in the story.

Overall, though this is a story worth reading. It is well-written, with vivid details and descriptions, along with interesting characters. It is family-oriented, which I find quite appealing -- Miller continues to provide glimpses of the lives of previous main characters. And I absolutely love Lizzy, who is introduced to the story as Holt's daughter. She is a "woman-child" who stole my heart.

In fact, I am now reading McKettrick's Choice, which is the story of Holt, the eldest son. I'm hoping to find this story as intriguing as Secondhand Bride.

[Kenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5

There are so many storylines and characters that all intertwine. It keeps it super interesting.

Chloe and Jeb are quite a couple. Fueled by attitude and two rather passionate people.


"He was dead meat."


"'You're jealous as hell.'
Her temper came to a steady simmer. 'You're flattering yourself,' she said stiffly. 'Something you seem to be very good at, I might add.'
He chuckled, reached to stroke her cheek with the side of his thumb. 'I'm good at a few other things, too. Remember?'"

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book, but Jeb nearly drove me crazy. He was supposed to be 28 years old but acted more like a teenager. I kept waiting for him to grow up, and it took nearly the entire book. Holt and Lizzie and Chloe and even Sue Ellen grew on me as I read, and the story line was great. There was a loose end, however. Did Jeb and Chloe's divorce come through at an inopportune time? Did they stop the process? I guess I'll never know how that was resolved.

[Jacky Faber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought Jeb acted like an asshole until the very end of the book. He treated Chloe horribly and constantly accused her of being a lier. I didn't understand why Chloe Was attracted to Jeb. I guess some women like to be treated as a doormat. The only redeeming parts of the novel is when the other members of the McKettrick family appear.

[Christel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last of the McKettrick's original series. I think I liked this one the best of all. Learning to trust is a hard thing to do sometimes especially when your trust has been broken before. Loved the way it ended and the subplot with Holt's daughter Lizzie involved

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually like Western's but this was one was delightful! The H/H relationship was fiery but fun. I started it one evening and ended up staying up half the night finishing it. The only downside was the resolution of the "first married, first baby" problem - really unrealistic and silly.

[Maria]

This one is sweet and simple love. I like to read this one over and over when I have a couple of hours free and I am between books.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were a lot of different stories going on in this book and it was written beautifully. I was captured from beginning to end. I am loving this series!!!

[Jane(Janelba) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute story with beautiful characters and heartwarming relationship.

[❆ Crystal ❆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book in this series. I loved them all but this one took the cake. Who doesn't just love a ball of fire. I would recommend.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the series' boxed set, which includes Springwater #2, 3, 4, 5.

[Judy Hankom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third in the series features Jeb McKettrick, the youngest brother. He is the wild one of the bunch. He is wanting to get married and have a child so he can inherit the Triple M Ranch. Angus, the father of the brothers, has decreed that the first son that marries and has a child is the one who is going to inherit Triple M. All three brothers, Rafe, Kade and Jeb have been in a hurry to get married. Jeb was really upset when a first born son, Holt, has appeared and left for Tombstone. Kade found him there and brought him home.

The next thing we know, Chloe Wakefield, is chasing him around in a buggy with a whip! It turns out that Jeb and Chloe married in Tombstone and then Jeb was informed by another man that Chloe is married to him. Actually Chloe divorced the first man when she discovered he was a bounty man and a gunslinger. But Jeb leaves Tombstone and returns to Indian Rock, just certain that his race to get married is done for.

But Chloe has an uncle John in Indian Rock that she wants to visit as well hoping she can get the teaching post that has been advertised. Then she spies Jeb and her anger spills over. Chloe never intended to deceive Jeb about her previous marriage but never had the chance to explain it to him. Then she learns that Jeb needs a bride and baby so that he can inherit Triple M. Then she becomes really angry.

Trust becomes the important issue for Jeb and Chloe. Then a stagecoach robbery and murders happen. A young girl is found in the stagecoach; she is found to be the daughter of Holt and is being brought to him. Holt never knew he had a daughter. It was good to see the family interact more with each other.

There is a dangerous stranger who is lurking in the background; he turns out to be the divorced husband of Chloe.

I liked this book for the characters as well as learning more about how tough life was in 1885 in the Arizona Territory.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful installment in this amazing series! It started out kinda slow but boy does it pick up. Now, be warned: this is not exactly heavy on the romance part. In fact, jeb and Chloe are at odds for about 80% of the book lol. But where that part is lacking, it more than makes up for in the family drama department. It was weird because I did end up seeing this more as the set up for holts book rather than jebs story, but I loved it anyway. So much happens that was just soo interesting and it really kept the story moving.

Lizzie coming into holts life was awesome. I love that he has a kid already and she was just too cute. Her little “ride him!” cheers for jeb had me laughing. The way holt started to have feelings for Chloe was well done as well because it was just enough and not over done at all. In fact, it’s a very natural reaction to the situation they found themselves in. So I couldn’t blame him for starting to like her. And I HATE when people bitch about triangles. If done right, it works. It moves the story along and makes people realize their feelings. Love it.

I can’t wait for holts story next. It definitely bugged me that he still gives angus grief over their past but hopefully that’s done now. I mean, what would you have done holt?? Ugh.

I guess I should mention who the book’s technically about lol. Jebs issue with Chloe got old after he wouldn’t shut up about it. But nonetheless, they were a good couple- when they weren’t arguing. I wish there was a bit more emphasis on the romance only because so much happened before we knew of her and so it would have been nice to get some sweet moments with them, but all in all, the book kicked ass!

[Margerm, Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars. First time I've read a book by this author and I enjoyed her writing style. She manages several story threads and uses metaphors effectively in her descriptions. Although it is the last book in a series of three, it worked as a stand alone. The h impulsively married a man she thought was a banker only to find out that he was a gunslinger when he shot a man on their wedding day. The marriage lasted one day. Two years after her divorce she marries again and it is again a one day marriage. Her first husband pulls the H, her new husband, aside and shows him a wedding photo of his new bride with another man. The H responds by drinking, gambling and enjoying the company of saloon ladies on what is supposed to be his wedding night. The h loses her teaching job when someone from the school board hears the H's bitterness over what he sees as her betrayal. Applying for a new teaching position in a new town, the h meets the H when she gets off the stage. This is a shock as the H had lied about where he was from to cover up his family's connection to a prosperous ranch. The h and H antagonize each other as they come to terms with their character weaknesses (impulsivity, immaturity of a youngest son). Competition for ownership of a ranch, abandoned child, villainous ex husband, are some of the other story lines.

[Inn Auni · Rating 2 out of 5]

The youngest McKettrick brother, Jeb, is the wild one who never could stay out of trouble. And trouble is what he gets when he proposes to Chloe Wakefield. No sooner had he and the pretty schoolteacher tied the knot than Jeb discovers she’s already married! After a major dustup with Chloe in a Tombstone barroom, an irate Jeb hightails it back to the Triple M Ranch, certain that his chances of winning the spread in a marriage race with his brothers are dashed.

Now Chloe has come to Indian Rock, hoping to find her beloved uncle John and a much-needed teaching post. But when she unexpectedly crosses paths with Jeb, her rage—and passion—flare even stronger than back in Tombstone. Chloe never intended to mislead Jeb about her previous marriage to a scoundrel of a man. But when she finds out Jeb needs a bride and a baby in order to inherit the Triple M, she is livid.

Learning to trust will be the hardest part of this mixed-up marriage—until a stagecoach robbery and the return of a dangerous stranger prove to Jeb and Chloe that they need each other to love and honor as long as they both shall live.

- - -

This book is about Jeb McKettrick and Chloe Wakefield.

It's not bad but it also did not connect with me. Miller did well in portraying Jeb as flawed but somehow likeable. His romance with Chloe was lukewarm. I guess that was the main reason. An escape to dreamland cut short when both MC seemed they do not care for each other. Or maybe it was me.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

jeb Mckettrick and Chloe Wakefield
Jeb left the ranch when he found out that Angus had another son. He ended up in Tombstone and started something with Chloe, trying to marry her under false pretenses in order to win the wager his father set up for him and his brother's. it didn't go as plan considering he thought he married a woman who was already married! impetuous as usual, he jumped to the wrong conclusion, until she showed up at the end of Kade's book, #2. Turns out the Chloe is a lot like Jeb and jumps into things without thoroughly thinking things through herself.
What a wonderful story. A little bit of harsh reality with the likes of gunslinger Jack Barrett, reeking havoc with killing people and using people for his own evil. Lizzie is now in the picture and he tried to use her as well. I like her backbone and how she is going to fight to have family. Overall it was a good story with all characters playing a good part in the tale. I loved the ending with Angus visiting the gravesite. He truly is happy with the way it all ended for his sons.