What do you think?
Rate this book
Bellevue Wives #4
She's Gone Country
Shey Darcy, a 39-year-old former top model for Vogue and Sports Illustrated led a charmed life in New York City with a handsome photographer husband until the day he announced he'd fallen in love with someone else. Left to pick up the pieces of her once happy world, Shey decides to move back home to Texas with her three teenage sons. Life on the family ranch, however, brings with it a whole new host of dramas starting with differences of opinion with her staunch Southern Baptist mother, her rugged but overprotective brothers, and daily battles with her three sons who are also struggling to find themselves. Add to the mix Shey's ex-crush, Dane Kelly, a national bullriding champ and she's got her hands full. It doesn't take long before Shey realizes that in order to reinvent herself, she must let go of an uncertain future and a broken past, to find happiness—and maybe love—in the present.
382 pages, Paperback
First published August 23, 2010
27 people are currently reading
1236 people want to read
About the author
Jane Porter
617 books2,052 followersBorn in Visalia, California, I'm a small town girl at heart. I love central California's golden foothills, oak trees, and the miles of farmland. In my mind, there's nothing sweeter in the world than the heady fragrance of orange blossoms on a sultry summer night.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
September 5, 2010
From the very first page, you will find yourself relating to and loving Shey! She is every woman who has to start a new chapter of her life with her boys now that her husband has found another.
Everytime I look at the cover, I hear Alan Jackson singing:
She's gone country, look at them boots
She's gone country, back to her roots
She's gone country, a new kind of suit
She's gone country, here she comes
I loved her relationship with her mother and her boys. The flow of the dialogue creates a beautiful visual of the characters playing out a scene. I can hear the water running, see the sun "pooling" on the floor and the curtains blowing in the breeze.
This is a chick lit book if you like that kind of thing and as a mom of two these are great for being able to put down and pick up when I need to. You don't have to dive too far in each time you pick it up and it was easy to read with the kids talking. Usually it is hard for me to filter them out so I do my reading after their bedtime. This was great because I could filter them out and if I couldn't I didn't mind rereading the passage.
Shey is described as being smart, strong and sassy but what I felt was that she was an authentic woman who was trying the best she could to raise her boys in the insecure future she found herself in.
You will love Dane who is described as a golden haired, green eyed, big bullriding, cowboy. Umm... wonder who would play him in a movie. After reading some other reviews that talked about Shey being a bit over the top in her desire for Dane. I felt she was a woman whose heart was crushed by the husband she still loved and to have her ex crush back in her life, really helped her self esteem and made her feel like a desirable woman again which is exactly what she needed.
Everytime I look at the cover, I hear Alan Jackson singing:
She's gone country, look at them boots
She's gone country, back to her roots
She's gone country, a new kind of suit
She's gone country, here she comes
I loved her relationship with her mother and her boys. The flow of the dialogue creates a beautiful visual of the characters playing out a scene. I can hear the water running, see the sun "pooling" on the floor and the curtains blowing in the breeze.
This is a chick lit book if you like that kind of thing and as a mom of two these are great for being able to put down and pick up when I need to. You don't have to dive too far in each time you pick it up and it was easy to read with the kids talking. Usually it is hard for me to filter them out so I do my reading after their bedtime. This was great because I could filter them out and if I couldn't I didn't mind rereading the passage.
Shey is described as being smart, strong and sassy but what I felt was that she was an authentic woman who was trying the best she could to raise her boys in the insecure future she found herself in.
You will love Dane who is described as a golden haired, green eyed, big bullriding, cowboy. Umm... wonder who would play him in a movie. After reading some other reviews that talked about Shey being a bit over the top in her desire for Dane. I felt she was a woman whose heart was crushed by the husband she still loved and to have her ex crush back in her life, really helped her self esteem and made her feel like a desirable woman again which is exactly what she needed.
November 27, 2010
This was not a bad book, it just seemed to lack depth. There were so many little things going on in the main character, Shey's, life that none of them seemed to get the depth they deserved. It seemed like each little thing could have been touched on more. Each small sub-plot could have made the story more interesting if they had had the chance to develop instead of just scratching the surface. Cody's death. Why Blue and Brick blame Dane. Emily's drinking. Why Brick and Blue didn't want Shey with Dane as kids. Who broke into Shey's house. Why was her house broken into. Why didn't the boys ever notice a new door and alarm system. Delila's presence in Shey's life. Hank taking Traci on a date. What became of the girls that were tormenting Bo? It just seemed like there was so much that was introduced, but never followed through.
Also at times, Shey kind of pissed me off. She seemed more like a sex crazed teenager than an adult woman with three grown kids. I liked her boys though, I wish they would have delved deeper into them, than just a surface explanation of them.
All that said, I did like the book, but I could have liked it more.
Also at times, Shey kind of pissed me off. She seemed more like a sex crazed teenager than an adult woman with three grown kids. I liked her boys though, I wish they would have delved deeper into them, than just a surface explanation of them.
All that said, I did like the book, but I could have liked it more.
July 25, 2022
Sweet chemistry, sweet romance, and a wonderful backstory. I loved the characters and the setting. I definitely recommend it to others.
September 9, 2010
SHE'S GONE COUNTRY by Jane Porter is a contemporary romance set in modern day Texas. It is well written with details and depth. It has romance, cowboys, ranch life, divorce, bullying, second chances, major life changes, adolescent issues and betrayal. The characters are strong, determined, likable and interesting. The heroine, Shey, is in the middle of a divorce, just learned her husband of years is in love with someone else, a male. She moves back home to Texas where she learns to reinvent herself, pick up the pieces of her broken life and her uncertain future for her and her sons. One son, is depressed, being bullied at school, one goes back to New York with her father and the other one is training with her ex-boyfriend for bull riding. The hero, Dane, is her ex, whom they loved each other but where separated by Shey's family.He is also a national bull-riding champ, has lost a child, and is newing his love for Shey. This story is a wonderful story of love lost and found again. Of starting over, forgiveness, it shows of one women's struggles to manage three teenage boys, find her hopes,dreams and deal with her overbearing mother, over protective brothers and manage a new life with the love of her life, a new baby, and a new career. I would recommend this book. It is a good ole country story with good ole country goals. This book was received for review from the publisher and details can be found at 5 Spot an imprint of Grand Central Publishing and My Book Addiction and More.
July 2, 2011
4 1/2 stars
What an emotional read. Shaye is an aging top model, is a mother of three teenage boys, her husband suddenly announces he is gay and leaving her for man after 17 years of marriage...she takes her boys and leaves NCY and moves back home to Texas.
She finds she loves being home, and it's been hard with her sons adjusting the change in lifestyle. She crosses paths with the first love her life that her family kept her away from, and he eventually marries someone else.
This short review doesn't do the book just. I highly recommend for anyone looking for an emotional read.
It does deal with the seriousness of bullying, depression, divorce, and the death of a family member.
What an emotional read. Shaye is an aging top model, is a mother of three teenage boys, her husband suddenly announces he is gay and leaving her for man after 17 years of marriage...she takes her boys and leaves NCY and moves back home to Texas.
She finds she loves being home, and it's been hard with her sons adjusting the change in lifestyle. She crosses paths with the first love her life that her family kept her away from, and he eventually marries someone else.
This short review doesn't do the book just. I highly recommend for anyone looking for an emotional read.
It does deal with the seriousness of bullying, depression, divorce, and the death of a family member.
September 3, 2011
Okay, let's be honest here. If you're anything like me, you don't read a book like this because it's a lyrical masterpiece or because you expect to get a lot out of it. You read it for entertainment, and because you like things that wrap up in nice boxes with happy endings. You read it because it's fun. Like candy for the brain.
In this variety of brain candy, model Shey Lynne moves back to her small Texas town with her three sons after her husband announces that he is gay and wants a divorce. Other factors include a recently-deceased brother, an old flame, and (a little randomly) a hated housing development being built by another brother. I suppose that it's all a bit of a mess, but it's an enjoyable mess.
Of course, it all turns out great in the end. Shey Lynne gets her groove back, so to speak, and gets her man. Like you were expecting anything different. But the predictability is all part of the fun. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Who doesn't love a conveniently perfect happy ending?
In this variety of brain candy, model Shey Lynne moves back to her small Texas town with her three sons after her husband announces that he is gay and wants a divorce. Other factors include a recently-deceased brother, an old flame, and (a little randomly) a hated housing development being built by another brother. I suppose that it's all a bit of a mess, but it's an enjoyable mess.
Of course, it all turns out great in the end. Shey Lynne gets her groove back, so to speak, and gets her man. Like you were expecting anything different. But the predictability is all part of the fun. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Who doesn't love a conveniently perfect happy ending?
April 21, 2011
Jane Porter has written 5 novels focusing on a group of women friends who are all in their late-30's to just hitting 40, and she proves without a doubt that sometimes starting over when you're "middle-aged" is sometimes the best thing to happen.
Shey Darcy has watched her friends rebuild their lives and find love over the past few years. Now she's in a situation where she too has to figure out where her life is headed now that she's reaching 40. Shey's husband of 17 years has revealed that not only has he cheated on her, but that he's realized he's gay. Shey gives up her NY modeling career and business partnership to take her boys back to her hometown in Texas. However, it's partly true that you can't always go home again. Shey has 3 teenage boys, her family is still dealing with the loss of one of Shey's brothers, and Shey's highschool love is living in their hometown again. As if she didn't have enough to deal with already.
Shey, unfortunately, doesn't come across as strong and independent as Porter's earlier characters do. Understandably she's questioning herself and licking a few wounds while coping with all that life throws her way, but there's only so much that can be excused. The attribute Shey portrays that's the most unbelievable, or appalling, is her tendency to be so hands-off with her boys. One of them has been diagnosed with depression, yet Shey is willing to let him keep secrets, is willing to let her older brother speak to him without her demanding to know the extent of the conversation, and she doesn't develop a parenting backbone until her old highschool flame tells her that she must trust her parenting gut. Porter disappoints by presenting a female character with such a soft backbone as this, or at least one that seems to need men to take care of her.
Thankfully, Porter does make Shey stronger as the story goes on, and Porter's writing ability does not disappoint. Even while irritated with Shey as a mother, the story continues to thrive. She does a phenomenal job of creating all the mixed emotions that come from being a parent, a sibling, a child, and a partner. She also doesn't spare the reader from suffering the pain that comes with the loss of a loved one. Porter's ability to stir up emotions in her readers is definitely a characteristic that makes her such a great writer.
On a personal note: I've been in Shey's shoes as a single mom, and as a mom having to act as a single mom because my husband was deployed. I've never allowed someone else to "take over" with my kids, nor have I ever accepted the concept of "boys will be boys". I tell my children: "I'm sorry. It's my job as your mom to know what's going on in your life. You're going to have to talk to me, even if you don't want to."
Shey Darcy has watched her friends rebuild their lives and find love over the past few years. Now she's in a situation where she too has to figure out where her life is headed now that she's reaching 40. Shey's husband of 17 years has revealed that not only has he cheated on her, but that he's realized he's gay. Shey gives up her NY modeling career and business partnership to take her boys back to her hometown in Texas. However, it's partly true that you can't always go home again. Shey has 3 teenage boys, her family is still dealing with the loss of one of Shey's brothers, and Shey's highschool love is living in their hometown again. As if she didn't have enough to deal with already.
Shey, unfortunately, doesn't come across as strong and independent as Porter's earlier characters do. Understandably she's questioning herself and licking a few wounds while coping with all that life throws her way, but there's only so much that can be excused. The attribute Shey portrays that's the most unbelievable, or appalling, is her tendency to be so hands-off with her boys. One of them has been diagnosed with depression, yet Shey is willing to let him keep secrets, is willing to let her older brother speak to him without her demanding to know the extent of the conversation, and she doesn't develop a parenting backbone until her old highschool flame tells her that she must trust her parenting gut. Porter disappoints by presenting a female character with such a soft backbone as this, or at least one that seems to need men to take care of her.
Thankfully, Porter does make Shey stronger as the story goes on, and Porter's writing ability does not disappoint. Even while irritated with Shey as a mother, the story continues to thrive. She does a phenomenal job of creating all the mixed emotions that come from being a parent, a sibling, a child, and a partner. She also doesn't spare the reader from suffering the pain that comes with the loss of a loved one. Porter's ability to stir up emotions in her readers is definitely a characteristic that makes her such a great writer.
On a personal note: I've been in Shey's shoes as a single mom, and as a mom having to act as a single mom because my husband was deployed. I've never allowed someone else to "take over" with my kids, nor have I ever accepted the concept of "boys will be boys". I tell my children: "I'm sorry. It's my job as your mom to know what's going on in your life. You're going to have to talk to me, even if you don't want to."
August 31, 2010
Shey Darcy, at 39, has lived the life many of us can only dream of. She is a former top model that has graced the covers of Vogue and Sport Illustrated, lives in New York City with her husband and three boys. Life is perfect, or at least it was, when her husband of 17 years decides to finally come out of the closet and confesses to liking men.
Shey decides that moving back to her hometown of Parkfield, Texas is the best thing for her and her three boys. But packing up and heading back home to her family is not going to resolve any of her problems. On the other hand, she finds that she and the boys cannot stop fighting, and now she has her mother to worry about too. Then there is Dane. Dane Kelly, her childhood crush, the same boy who's now grown into a rough and tough, rugged, yet handsome cowboy. By rounding all these elements up, there is something for everyone in this story.
Although this is my first Jane Porter book, I somehow knew I would enjoy her work. And sure enough, I was very pleased with She's Gone Country. I think Ms. Porter does a fine job of fleshing out her characters - giving them each their own set of problems to face. Whether it was Shey, Dane, one of her three kids, her mother or even one of her brothers, I think we truly grasp their feelings, their struggles and their flaws. You feel like a part of the family by the time you are through reading it.
I really like the family dynamics in the story. I thought Ms. Porter perfectly described how divorce can affect a family. The boys all underwent major life changes, leaving behind their home, their friends, schools, etc. and I think she accurately describes the emotions kids their age might undergo. I also thought it was refreshing to read how both Shey and her ex-husband John, although not always seeing eye to eye, could form an alliance in order to deal with their children.
All in all, She's Gone Country has something for everyone - romance, family drama and even a mystery to solve. It's got great characters that you will not only love, but who you will be able to relate to. I even learned a thing or two from it - what with Shey's modeling and Dane's professional bull riding. This is a great book to escape with. It is chick lit at its best and one that I can see becoming a fan favorite.
This book was provided for review by BookSparks PR.
Shey decides that moving back to her hometown of Parkfield, Texas is the best thing for her and her three boys. But packing up and heading back home to her family is not going to resolve any of her problems. On the other hand, she finds that she and the boys cannot stop fighting, and now she has her mother to worry about too. Then there is Dane. Dane Kelly, her childhood crush, the same boy who's now grown into a rough and tough, rugged, yet handsome cowboy. By rounding all these elements up, there is something for everyone in this story.
Although this is my first Jane Porter book, I somehow knew I would enjoy her work. And sure enough, I was very pleased with She's Gone Country. I think Ms. Porter does a fine job of fleshing out her characters - giving them each their own set of problems to face. Whether it was Shey, Dane, one of her three kids, her mother or even one of her brothers, I think we truly grasp their feelings, their struggles and their flaws. You feel like a part of the family by the time you are through reading it.
I really like the family dynamics in the story. I thought Ms. Porter perfectly described how divorce can affect a family. The boys all underwent major life changes, leaving behind their home, their friends, schools, etc. and I think she accurately describes the emotions kids their age might undergo. I also thought it was refreshing to read how both Shey and her ex-husband John, although not always seeing eye to eye, could form an alliance in order to deal with their children.
All in all, She's Gone Country has something for everyone - romance, family drama and even a mystery to solve. It's got great characters that you will not only love, but who you will be able to relate to. I even learned a thing or two from it - what with Shey's modeling and Dane's professional bull riding. This is a great book to escape with. It is chick lit at its best and one that I can see becoming a fan favorite.
This book was provided for review by BookSparks PR.
January 7, 2013
After her husband of 16 years leaves her for a man, 39 year old former model Shey moves her 3 sons (ages 12, 14 and 15) from their comfortable NYC life to her childhood home in a small Texas town (population less than a 100 people). Shey struggles to understand the demise of her marriage and feelings for an old high school crush while mothering her children who are having trouble adjusting to the many changes in their lives.
A quick, easy read, this book was okay. Shey's modeling background was incredibly unrealistic (she was discovered after college when she was 22 and started having kids at age 24...and within those 2 years she became the Sports Illustrated cover model twice and traveled around the world...doubt that would actually happen). Her financial situation wasn't exactly clear either-she and her estranged husband were paying $90k a year in private school tuition for their children and lived in Manhattan. Shey was working on an Oxygen show about modeling, wrote a book, and had a number of projects in the works. I guess she quit "everything" to move back home and had zero income coming in? Seems unrealistic. She also claims the public school in her hometown with a population of less than a 100 people was 'pretty good' which seems doubtful. I felt her decision to move her home, while good for her, was a selfish move on her kids behalf. NYC is a big place and she could have moved to a different area of the city, kept the kids near their father (whom she admits throughout the book was a great, hands on dad) and kept them in a top notch school.
Overall-even with the unrealistic scenarios mentioned above, I still enjoyed this.
A quick, easy read, this book was okay. Shey's modeling background was incredibly unrealistic (she was discovered after college when she was 22 and started having kids at age 24...and within those 2 years she became the Sports Illustrated cover model twice and traveled around the world...doubt that would actually happen). Her financial situation wasn't exactly clear either-she and her estranged husband were paying $90k a year in private school tuition for their children and lived in Manhattan. Shey was working on an Oxygen show about modeling, wrote a book, and had a number of projects in the works. I guess she quit "everything" to move back home and had zero income coming in? Seems unrealistic. She also claims the public school in her hometown with a population of less than a 100 people was 'pretty good' which seems doubtful. I felt her decision to move her home, while good for her, was a selfish move on her kids behalf. NYC is a big place and she could have moved to a different area of the city, kept the kids near their father (whom she admits throughout the book was a great, hands on dad) and kept them in a top notch school.
Overall-even with the unrealistic scenarios mentioned above, I still enjoyed this.
August 11, 2010
Every summer Jane Porter brings us a funny, relevant contemporary romance, and this year's She's Gone Country is no exception. The story of former model Shey Darcy's return to her Texas ranching routes gives readers glimpses into both the worlds of professional ranching and bull riding, as well as high-fashion modeling. Shey's seventeen year marriage has fallen apart, and she has returned to her hometown with her three teenage boys, who are having trouble adjusting from their fast-paced New York prep school lifestyle. In addition to dealing with motherhood dilemmas, Shey's Southern Baptist mother is making her disapproval of Shey's parenting known. Throw gorgeous, world-famous professional bull rider Dane Kelly, Shey's childhood crush, into the mix and you've got a story with something for everyone. Each of Shey's sons is a distinct personality with specific issues which with she must work with her ex-husband John to do what is best for that boy. It's nice to read about a divorce where the parents don't always agree, but can put their child's needs first.
I really enjoyed learning about the Professional Bull Riders Association, which was created in 1992. The training of the athletes, and the care taken in breeding the best bulls was very interesting and was presented nicely through the character of Dane, a fictional founder of the PBR, teaching Shey's youngest son how to be a cowboy.
Also included in the story are brief visits from Shey's two best friends, Tiana, who we met in Easy on the Eyes and Marta from Odd Mom Out.
I really enjoyed learning about the Professional Bull Riders Association, which was created in 1992. The training of the athletes, and the care taken in breeding the best bulls was very interesting and was presented nicely through the character of Dane, a fictional founder of the PBR, teaching Shey's youngest son how to be a cowboy.
Also included in the story are brief visits from Shey's two best friends, Tiana, who we met in Easy on the Eyes and Marta from Odd Mom Out.
January 27, 2011
A lot of readers will recognize Jane's name from the many Harlequin Presents novels she's written over the years. That's why I was a bit wary of reading She's Gone Country at first. It didn't take long for me to change my way of thinking.
Jane's character's are grown up, have "real life troubles" and are for the most part, are people you'd like to call a friend. I can't say that I can relate to a former supermodel with a gay ex-husband, but she felt real, and it was easy to empathize with her and her struggles, even when you want to smack her, when she can only eat 2 fajitas!
Only two!
This book was more a story about life than it was a romance, though Jane does focus on the short teenage relationship with Dane Kelly, but it isn't quite what the story is about, and there sure aren't any real hot and heavy sex scenes here. Though you will be excited for her finally sorting out that old relationship, what the reader really cares about here is her relationships with her 3 sons, Hank, Bo, and Cooper, all of which have issues of their own to deal with.
Shey felt more like a mom in this story than a supermodel. The only thing that I had any issue with was the financial problems that Shey and her ex had, because there really wasn't much of an explanation for them.
Other than that, Jane's She's Gone Country was a perfect example of chicklit for the slightly older chicks.
Jane's character's are grown up, have "real life troubles" and are for the most part, are people you'd like to call a friend. I can't say that I can relate to a former supermodel with a gay ex-husband, but she felt real, and it was easy to empathize with her and her struggles, even when you want to smack her, when she can only eat 2 fajitas!
Only two!
This book was more a story about life than it was a romance, though Jane does focus on the short teenage relationship with Dane Kelly, but it isn't quite what the story is about, and there sure aren't any real hot and heavy sex scenes here. Though you will be excited for her finally sorting out that old relationship, what the reader really cares about here is her relationships with her 3 sons, Hank, Bo, and Cooper, all of which have issues of their own to deal with.
Shey felt more like a mom in this story than a supermodel. The only thing that I had any issue with was the financial problems that Shey and her ex had, because there really wasn't much of an explanation for them.
Other than that, Jane's She's Gone Country was a perfect example of chicklit for the slightly older chicks.
August 23, 2010
From My Blog...[return][return]She’s Gone Country by Jane Porter is filled with drama, romance, and a hint of mystery. Shey Darcy, a model in New York has it all; three sons, a wonderful home and a fabulous marriage, or so she thought until John decided he was in love with another man. Shey and her sons return to her childhood family ranch in Texas to pick up the pieces and Shey is reacquainted with an old love of hers, Dane Kelly, an extremely handsome cowboy. If this sounds like a faintly familiar plot, it is for the most part similar to many books of this genre released this summer. She’s Gone Country does add in elements of mystery and a lot of drama, making this novel different from some of the others I have reviewed similar to this book. Shey’s boys, Hank, Bo, and Cooper must get used to life on a Texas ranch when all they have known was the fast-paced life of New York, meeting relatives and learning to accept their father’s new life. Shey must come to terms with her husband’s betrayal, living close to her devoutly Baptist mother, and the recent death of her brother. Porter writes a fast-paced, descriptive novel, with well thought out characters diverse enough for readers to identify with at least one, if not several. Porter’s novel is a quick read and for those looking for an ultimate feel-good book, She’s Gone Country is an excellent choice.
August 23, 2010
Shey Darcy has just become a single mother of three boys. Her husband of seventeen years has decided to quit beating around the bush and finally declare that he likes men. Shey packs up her and her three sons and moves back to Parkfield, Texas. Population sixty seven. As if Shey doesn’t have enough to worry about trying to raise her sons, she now has to deal with her mother. Plus, Shey is constantly arguing with her sons.
Like they always say…trouble usually comes in threes. Don’t know what that really says about Dane Kelly. Dane is an ex champion bull rider and the guy Shey used to be in love with. Will second chances for Dane and Shey spell happy ending or heartache?
She’s Gone Country is a one seat read. She’s Gone Country will have you two stepping to the nearest book store for more Jane Porter. I like that Shey was an independent woman. She could have just threw up her hands and been defeated but she didn’t. She makes a new life for her sons and herself. This was hard to do with her meddling mother and brothers. The town of Parkfield may be fictional but the people there made me want to visit it. I could see why Shey fell in love with Dane. He is good looking and the type of guy I picture when I think bull riding. She’s Gone Country is just what I needed to escape a rainy afternoon.
Like they always say…trouble usually comes in threes. Don’t know what that really says about Dane Kelly. Dane is an ex champion bull rider and the guy Shey used to be in love with. Will second chances for Dane and Shey spell happy ending or heartache?
She’s Gone Country is a one seat read. She’s Gone Country will have you two stepping to the nearest book store for more Jane Porter. I like that Shey was an independent woman. She could have just threw up her hands and been defeated but she didn’t. She makes a new life for her sons and herself. This was hard to do with her meddling mother and brothers. The town of Parkfield may be fictional but the people there made me want to visit it. I could see why Shey fell in love with Dane. He is good looking and the type of guy I picture when I think bull riding. She’s Gone Country is just what I needed to escape a rainy afternoon.
October 11, 2010
She's Gone Country by Jane Porter is firmly entrenched on my keeper shelf. I liked that the heroine, Shey, is in her late 30s (I'm tiring of heroines who are my children's ages. It's me, it's not them, but early 20 somethings still have so much to experience before they turn into the wise-souls some authors make them. .
Shey's dealing with the aftermath of a divorce after her husband has come out of the closet. She's taken her three sons back to her hometown in Texas and is struggling to provide for them. One of her boys decides he wants to be a rodeo star and Shey introduces him to a former high school crush and former rodeo champ, Dane. Dane, of course, is dealing with his own issues and the two dance around each other, and their problems, as they explore the relationship they didn't have in high school while dealing with all the problems of small town life, and interfering family. That checked a whole bunch of "I can relate" boxes. I love the gradual build-up of sexual tension, the conflicts both characters face realistically -- for Shay getting back into a relationship and juggling it with parenthood, her career and new/old home.
It's up on my keeper shelf and I'll pull it down as a comfort read in the future.
Shey's dealing with the aftermath of a divorce after her husband has come out of the closet. She's taken her three sons back to her hometown in Texas and is struggling to provide for them. One of her boys decides he wants to be a rodeo star and Shey introduces him to a former high school crush and former rodeo champ, Dane. Dane, of course, is dealing with his own issues and the two dance around each other, and their problems, as they explore the relationship they didn't have in high school while dealing with all the problems of small town life, and interfering family. That checked a whole bunch of "I can relate" boxes. I love the gradual build-up of sexual tension, the conflicts both characters face realistically -- for Shay getting back into a relationship and juggling it with parenthood, her career and new/old home.
It's up on my keeper shelf and I'll pull it down as a comfort read in the future.
April 12, 2012
This is the second book I've read by this author. The first one, was Flirting with Forty, which I stumbled upon by accident while browsing through our condo's small common library. This author is my first foray into the chick lit genre. Normally, I prefer the straight up contemporary romance novels with the long love scenes that happen very early on in the book.
But I have to say that I enjoyed this book. I developed an appreciation for the delayed gratification and subtle pleasures of milder, briefer love scenes that leave most to the reader's imagination.
In both books I've read by Jane Porter, the common elements include heroines who are both around forty, have children and are undergoing or have undergone a divorce. I was doubtful at first that such a book would satisfy my craving for a strong romantic slant. But haven't been disappointed yet. I'll definitely be getting more books by Porter.
But I have to say that I enjoyed this book. I developed an appreciation for the delayed gratification and subtle pleasures of milder, briefer love scenes that leave most to the reader's imagination.
In both books I've read by Jane Porter, the common elements include heroines who are both around forty, have children and are undergoing or have undergone a divorce. I was doubtful at first that such a book would satisfy my craving for a strong romantic slant. But haven't been disappointed yet. I'll definitely be getting more books by Porter.
October 14, 2010
Heroine has moved back home in the midst of a rough divorce with her 3 teenaged sons, back to Texas (Mineral Wells/Weatherford area) from New York. Her soon-to-be ex has just realized/admitted he's gay and has moved in with a lover. Heroine goes back to ranch to lick her wounds. She grew up on the ranch with her brothers, but has been in New York City for years, living the sophisticate life.
Then her high school heartthrob shows up. And he's a little battered, physically, from the bull-riding (champ, of course) and from his divorce. Revelations open slowly, as we learn more about the years between meetings, about her marriage and divorce and her family. She's struggling with raising her sons, who are not cooperative at all. And through the story, she's busy returning to her roots, and rediscovering the country girl she's always been at heart.
I enjoyed this book a lot.
Then her high school heartthrob shows up. And he's a little battered, physically, from the bull-riding (champ, of course) and from his divorce. Revelations open slowly, as we learn more about the years between meetings, about her marriage and divorce and her family. She's struggling with raising her sons, who are not cooperative at all. And through the story, she's busy returning to her roots, and rediscovering the country girl she's always been at heart.
I enjoyed this book a lot.
December 16, 2010
I loved this book. Porter does such a good job of writing human emotion. She had my stomach doing flip flops, crying, and feeling like my heart was being ripped out. I loved watching Shey regain her old self. The feelings she went through from dealing with the divorce and everything that entails to dealing with her teenage boys. The parental emotions were pretty strong for me since my boys are the same age as 2 of Shey's. At one point when working through something one of the boys was going through I had to put the book down because it was hard to read.
I loved her brothers (Brick and Blue, don't you just love their names?) and Dane. Dane, he was so sweet. It was great how both Shey and Dane needed each other and how they helped one another heal.
I loved her brothers (Brick and Blue, don't you just love their names?) and Dane. Dane, he was so sweet. It was great how both Shey and Dane needed each other and how they helped one another heal.
October 20, 2010
I've been in a bit of a "book funk" lately. I, for some reason, have not been able to finish a book in a few months. So I saw this book at Wal-Mart and the cover caught my eye. I thought I'd read something light hearted and quick to get me out of my funk and it worked. AND, I surprisingly really liked the book. It's a little on the predictable side but there were a LOT of themes in it that I totally can identify with. Not to mention the extraordinarily hot cowboy, Dane Kelly. Whew! He alone was worth the read!
March 2, 2011
NL's book crawl for TX. Great book I gave it a 10 rating. Started out I thought I wouldn't like it but it grabbed me right away after the first few pages. I'm looking forward to trying her other books. One of her books was made into a lifetime movie and it's one of my favorite. Flirting with Forty. Also have that book which I haven't read yet.
This is a story about a ex model whose husband suddenly tell her after 17 years together that he's gay. So she moves back to her family ranch in TX closer to her brother's and their families with her 3 sons.
This is a story about a ex model whose husband suddenly tell her after 17 years together that he's gay. So she moves back to her family ranch in TX closer to her brother's and their families with her 3 sons.
July 26, 2012
The book was good and likable but at the same time debatable and the ending was so rushed it wasn't even funny. The book had some over the top fucked up moments that made me wanna dive under the covers for the rest of my adult life. The ends were NOT all tied in a neatly wrapped bow, which pissed me off to no end but other than that, the book was readable and even likable on some parts.
August 7, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. The characters and storyline was very relatable and Dane is my favorite Jane Porter male character. I love how she introduced familiar characters in this book. Worth reading
July 4, 2011
This book hooked me so hard I ended up missing sessions of the RWA Nationals conference to read it! I loved the voice, the characters, the realness of it. I'm a Jane Porter fan after this!
January 3, 2015
Another great read by Jane Porter.
November 30, 2024
I guess you can categorize this as a sort of Western novel. This is my first book by her and it was a pretty good one.
Shey moves back to her childhood farm/ranch in a small and I mean small town (67 residents) in TX. She originally went home for her brother Cody's funeral and then came back after her husband moved out stating he was gay and moved in with his boyfriend back in New York. She definitely didn't want to stay so here she is with her 3 boys, Hank, a sophomore in high school, Bo, the sad one (13), and Cooper, the youngest at 8 who's the sweetest of them all and laid back. It's not easy bringing up three boys on her own. Brick, her oldest brother, runs the farm and lives with his wife there in the complex. Blue lives in Dallas, with his wife and kids and he is in property real estate development.
Shey was a model in her time, even a Sports Illustrated model (she's now 39), and moved out of it since she's 39 and feels like she's washed up but gets a job here and there, and now all of a sudden she's getting calls. She runs into Dane, who is a rodeo rider, who's on disability from an injury and moved back which she definitely didn't expect. She was in love with him and they had a short lived relationship in high school until her parents found out and shipped her off to a boarding school in CA. Dane got married but now he's divorced and back. Dane, Brick and Blue used to be the best of friends, especially Brick, since they met in kindergarten and once were best friends. Something happened with their friendship, and she has a feeling that it has to do with Cody's death and his drug dependency/depression. Dane has a beef with Blue since Blue wants to develop on the huge piece of land next to his house which obviously he's against.
A lot happens in this book with the boys, Shey, Dane but as always there's a surprise element, and what I sort of expected but not all of it.
They were all teenagers by the end of the book (only Hank and Bo were at the beginning of the book it seems) but it doesn't make sense since it was only in the space of a year since they moved to Texas but I may be wrong and maybe Cooper had a birthday (a few)?
Shey moves back to her childhood farm/ranch in a small and I mean small town (67 residents) in TX. She originally went home for her brother Cody's funeral and then came back after her husband moved out stating he was gay and moved in with his boyfriend back in New York. She definitely didn't want to stay so here she is with her 3 boys, Hank, a sophomore in high school, Bo, the sad one (13), and Cooper, the youngest at 8 who's the sweetest of them all and laid back. It's not easy bringing up three boys on her own. Brick, her oldest brother, runs the farm and lives with his wife there in the complex. Blue lives in Dallas, with his wife and kids and he is in property real estate development.
Shey was a model in her time, even a Sports Illustrated model (she's now 39), and moved out of it since she's 39 and feels like she's washed up but gets a job here and there, and now all of a sudden she's getting calls. She runs into Dane, who is a rodeo rider, who's on disability from an injury and moved back which she definitely didn't expect. She was in love with him and they had a short lived relationship in high school until her parents found out and shipped her off to a boarding school in CA. Dane got married but now he's divorced and back. Dane, Brick and Blue used to be the best of friends, especially Brick, since they met in kindergarten and once were best friends. Something happened with their friendship, and she has a feeling that it has to do with Cody's death and his drug dependency/depression. Dane has a beef with Blue since Blue wants to develop on the huge piece of land next to his house which obviously he's against.
A lot happens in this book with the boys, Shey, Dane but as always there's a surprise element, and what I sort of expected but not all of it.
They were all teenagers by the end of the book (only Hank and Bo were at the beginning of the book it seems) but it doesn't make sense since it was only in the space of a year since they moved to Texas but I may be wrong and maybe Cooper had a birthday (a few)?
August 6, 2023
I enjoyed this book for the most part until the end because who wants to read about a romance that basically starts with a pregnancy before the relationship actually began? Dumb. As a mother I could relate to and appreciate some of the situations Shey had to deal with but at other times she didn’t bother to call her ex husband out on some important matters nor did she fight hard enough with or for her various sons. The author seemed too distracted by taking Shey too many different directions to focus on some of these issues. Whatever. It was a mostly peaceful book. Definitely not the worst I’ve read but also definitely not the best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2020
I really liked this book. Shey, a model who’s being replaced by new, younger faces, has to deal with divorce from a husband who cheated, with men. So she packs up her 3 teenage boys and leaves NYC for Texas and her hometown. There she has an overbearing mother and 2 pushy brothers. And kids who don’t want to be there, bullying, depression, and the return of her teenage crush. But I think the bullying and the depression should have been dealt with more. And the break-in, why was it even there since it wasn’t mentioned again? Even so, this was a great book, and Shey was fun to read about.
May 8, 2020
Another awesome story
This was a great book. About troubles with family life. How things can be difficult, but also how they work themselves out. It's about love of family, and how family is there to help out each other during hard times and also when things are not so hard. This book was a great read and I'm so glad I read it..
This was a great book. About troubles with family life. How things can be difficult, but also how they work themselves out. It's about love of family, and how family is there to help out each other during hard times and also when things are not so hard. This book was a great read and I'm so glad I read it..
July 5, 2018
This was a perfect beach vacation read. It was just enough romance with a sweet story going on to keep it interesting. This was not just a "return to first love" story, but also one of a woman approaching a new phase in her life while dealing with the aftermath from the last phase.
January 3, 2022
Love this series. This one took me a bit longer to get into it, but once I was in I was in. I love the connection to the previous books in the series so you can check in on the other character’s lives. Would love an update where all the ladies are now.
August 30, 2022
not sure why I bothered to read this one. Didn't like Shey and her entitled attitude. Why didn't she sit down and talk to her boys one on one to find out what was really going on with them? why why why did she pursue Dane like she did?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews