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Women of the West #2
Anna Finch and the Hired Gun
Sparks fly when an aspiring reporter and a Pinkerton detective get tangled in Doc Holliday’s story—and each other. Despite her father’s attempts to marry her off, Anna Finch dreams of becoming a reporter. A chance encounter with legendary gunslinger Doc Holliday gives her the opportunity of a lifetime, but Pinkerton agent Jeb Sanders is about to ruin everything. Though her father hired Jeb to keep her out of mischief, Anna’s inconvenient attraction to her hired gun only multiplies her troubles. She doesn’t realize Jeb has a score to settle with Doc Holliday, or that her association with the famous outlaw will affect more than just her marriage prospects. Between her father’s desperation to see her wed and Jeb shadowing her every move, getting the story and fulfilling her journalistic ambition just got far more complicated than she ever imagined.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2010
5 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Y'Barbo
132 books747 followersPublishers Weekly bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee of more than one hundred novels with almost two million copies in print in the US and abroad.
A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award as well a Reader’s Choice Award and is the winner of the Inspirational Romance of the Year by Romantic Times magazine.
To connect with her through social media, check out the links on her website at www.kathleenybarbo.com.
A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award as well a Reader’s Choice Award and is the winner of the Inspirational Romance of the Year by Romantic Times magazine.
To connect with her through social media, check out the links on her website at www.kathleenybarbo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 11, 2017
Still unmarried at 25 because she is having too much fun being a tomboy to settle down it all comes crashing down upon her when she accidentally shoots a man target practicing. Anna being the youngest daughter is the apple of her father's eye and gets away with a lot but her father has had enough now that her sister's are all safely married he see's it as her time to do likewise. When word get's back to him that she has shamed the family with her non settling down,riding a horse bareback and carrying a gun and shooting a man he decides it's time to intervene. He hires a man to watch over her and keep her safe, a Pinkerton agent while he, the father and mother set up a match for her, Marriage to a proper gentleman is on their mind. What's really funny is, the man he hired to protect her is no other than the man she shot, unknown to the 3 of them. They really are aggravated with each other at first and keep getting into one mishap after another. The book really shows a sense of humor! She refuses to listen to her father and marry any of her suitors but she wants to get the story of a lifetime when she interviews Doc Holliday the famous gunslinger since she is a reporter. Jeb shadows her everywhere and she doesn't realize he has a score to settle with Doc Holliday. Not much romance but the sense of humor was great as they come to realize they actually can stand each other and make a nice couple.
April 1, 2017
I love stories where the couple despises each other at first, but then sparks fly and they aren't willing to admit it ;) This was no exception! I liked the characters- Anna was a spunky journalist who stood up for herself, and Jeb was a strong Pinkerton agent who had a whole lot of patience dealing with Anna's antics. I also enjoyed reading about Jeb's desire to seek justice in capturing the outlaw Doc Holliday along with his simultaneous struggle to not make it a thirst for vengeance.
There were a few too many "convenient timings", but this was a fun read and I really liked this one!
There were a few too many "convenient timings", but this was a fun read and I really liked this one!
June 29, 2010
Anna Finch wasn’t aiming for Jeb Sanders the day she shot him. It was his misfortune that he decided to take a nap behind the very log Anna used for target practice.
For Pinkerton man Sanders, the wound in his side was the least of his problems. Anna’s bullet made a detour through that painful flesh abrasion, wounded his manly pride (he’d been shot by a woman!), then made a bee line for his heart, which he’d been convinced would never love again. But the feisty socialite changed his mind in an instant—sure as shootin’!
Anna’s parents are set on marrying her off to whatever wealthy, respectable suitor will take her off their hands. But Anna’s every bit as determined not to marry a man she doesn’t love. She’s also set her mind on becoming a reporter. She knows she can write. She’s the anonymous author of a whole series of dime novels, and has her own well-stocked bank account to prove it.
When Anna’s sleuthing brings her into repeated contact with none other than Doc Holliday, as well as his good friend Wyatt Earp, Jeb makes up his mind to stop the headstrong, independent, incorrigible woman before she gets hurt. After all, he’s the hired gun Anna’s father pays to keep his daughter safe from herself. Besides, Jeb has a score to settle with Holliday for murdering his wife.
Anna’s antics and Jeb’s determined quelling of them makes for a hilarious romp of a semi-western romance. Bringing Earp and Holliday into the storyline serves to add believability to this fun tale. Y’Barbo’s well-rounded characters insert themselves into the readers heart and don’t let go. I loved both Jed and Anna from the first, action-packed scene, and cheered for them until the last captivating paragraph.
An easy read, one that leaves the reader with a smile and a little more faith in the power of love.
For Pinkerton man Sanders, the wound in his side was the least of his problems. Anna’s bullet made a detour through that painful flesh abrasion, wounded his manly pride (he’d been shot by a woman!), then made a bee line for his heart, which he’d been convinced would never love again. But the feisty socialite changed his mind in an instant—sure as shootin’!
Anna’s parents are set on marrying her off to whatever wealthy, respectable suitor will take her off their hands. But Anna’s every bit as determined not to marry a man she doesn’t love. She’s also set her mind on becoming a reporter. She knows she can write. She’s the anonymous author of a whole series of dime novels, and has her own well-stocked bank account to prove it.
When Anna’s sleuthing brings her into repeated contact with none other than Doc Holliday, as well as his good friend Wyatt Earp, Jeb makes up his mind to stop the headstrong, independent, incorrigible woman before she gets hurt. After all, he’s the hired gun Anna’s father pays to keep his daughter safe from herself. Besides, Jeb has a score to settle with Holliday for murdering his wife.
Anna’s antics and Jeb’s determined quelling of them makes for a hilarious romp of a semi-western romance. Bringing Earp and Holliday into the storyline serves to add believability to this fun tale. Y’Barbo’s well-rounded characters insert themselves into the readers heart and don’t let go. I loved both Jed and Anna from the first, action-packed scene, and cheered for them until the last captivating paragraph.
An easy read, one that leaves the reader with a smile and a little more faith in the power of love.
August 22, 2010
Title: ANNA FINCH AND THE HIRED GUN
Author: Kathleen Y’Barbo
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
June 2010
ISBN: 978-0-307-44481-3
Genre: Inspirational/historical
Anna Finch has so far escaped all her father’s plans to marry her off. But now, it seems her father has taken his desire to see her wed too far, as he has hired a Pinkerton agent to trail her and be her hired gun, keeping her safe and, supposedly out of trouble.
If Jeb Sanders thought that keeping Anna Finch out of trouble would be an easy job, he had much to reconsider. The first time he meets her, he is shot in the side. And then he catches her meeting up with the infamous Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp. Convinced that she is an informant for them, Jeb has to work double time to keep her in his sight.
If Anna has any dreams of writing the truth about Doc Holliday then she has her work cut out for her. Between her father trying to sell her off like prized-horseflesh to an unsuspecting groom, and the hired gun trailing her every move, getting the story is more complicated than she ever dreamed.
ANNA FINCH AND THE HIRED GUN is the sequel to The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper. I absolutely loved The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper so was thrilled to find that ANNA FINCH AND THE HIRED GUN is more of the same lighthearted, humorous and totally engaging writing.
I couldn’t put ANNA FINCH AND THE HIRED GUN down. I literally fell in love with both Anna and with Jeb, and especially enjoyed the sparks that ignited between the two of them. Having a real life person, Doc Holliday, making appearances in the pages of the book was an unexpected bonus. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ANNA FINCH AND THE HIRED GUN and highly recommend this book. $13.99. 325 pages.
Author: Kathleen Y’Barbo
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
June 2010
ISBN: 978-0-307-44481-3
Genre: Inspirational/historical
Anna Finch has so far escaped all her father’s plans to marry her off. But now, it seems her father has taken his desire to see her wed too far, as he has hired a Pinkerton agent to trail her and be her hired gun, keeping her safe and, supposedly out of trouble.
If Jeb Sanders thought that keeping Anna Finch out of trouble would be an easy job, he had much to reconsider. The first time he meets her, he is shot in the side. And then he catches her meeting up with the infamous Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp. Convinced that she is an informant for them, Jeb has to work double time to keep her in his sight.
If Anna has any dreams of writing the truth about Doc Holliday then she has her work cut out for her. Between her father trying to sell her off like prized-horseflesh to an unsuspecting groom, and the hired gun trailing her every move, getting the story is more complicated than she ever dreamed.
ANNA FINCH AND THE HIRED GUN is the sequel to The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper. I absolutely loved The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper so was thrilled to find that ANNA FINCH AND THE HIRED GUN is more of the same lighthearted, humorous and totally engaging writing.
I couldn’t put ANNA FINCH AND THE HIRED GUN down. I literally fell in love with both Anna and with Jeb, and especially enjoyed the sparks that ignited between the two of them. Having a real life person, Doc Holliday, making appearances in the pages of the book was an unexpected bonus. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ANNA FINCH AND THE HIRED GUN and highly recommend this book. $13.99. 325 pages.
March 2, 2015
In 1885 Denver, Anna Finch is the youngest of five daughters, and the only one unmarried. She's far more interested in being a journalist, but her wealthy father would be horrified if a member of his family was known to be employed. He's frequently horrified anyway by her less-than-decorous behaviour.
When Mr. Finch discovers she's been out on horseback alone again, disguised as a boy no less, he issues an ultimatum. Anna must marry and become her husband's responsibility, not her father's. Until that time, her father hires her a bodyguard.
Jeb Sanders thinks it will be an easy assignment, but that's before he meets Anna – and discovers she's the "boy" who shot him. Jeb has also seen Anna talking with the notorious Doc Holliday, the man who killed Jeb's wife.
Anna is a feisty character, but Jeb is very good at his job. Can he keep her safe while using her connection with Doc Holliday to bring the man to justice?
This is a light-hearted read, but Jeb's struggle to let go of his need for vengeance gives readers something to ponder.
Favourite line:
The novel is the sequel to The Secret Life of Eugenia Cooper, which I hadn't read. If you plan to read them both, do it in order, because this one clearly refers to events in the first one.
Kathleen Y'Barbo writes both contemporary and historical fiction. Anna Finch and the Hired Gun is book 2 of 3 in her Women of the West series. The full series is also available as a single ebook, The Rocky Mountain Heiress Collection.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
When Mr. Finch discovers she's been out on horseback alone again, disguised as a boy no less, he issues an ultimatum. Anna must marry and become her husband's responsibility, not her father's. Until that time, her father hires her a bodyguard.
Jeb Sanders thinks it will be an easy assignment, but that's before he meets Anna – and discovers she's the "boy" who shot him. Jeb has also seen Anna talking with the notorious Doc Holliday, the man who killed Jeb's wife.
Anna is a feisty character, but Jeb is very good at his job. Can he keep her safe while using her connection with Doc Holliday to bring the man to justice?
This is a light-hearted read, but Jeb's struggle to let go of his need for vengeance gives readers something to ponder.
Favourite line:
Jeb spent the next several minutes staring at the apothecary door, trying to decide just how bad an idea it was to go inside. His stupid side won out. (p. 48)
The novel is the sequel to The Secret Life of Eugenia Cooper, which I hadn't read. If you plan to read them both, do it in order, because this one clearly refers to events in the first one.
Kathleen Y'Barbo writes both contemporary and historical fiction. Anna Finch and the Hired Gun is book 2 of 3 in her Women of the West series. The full series is also available as a single ebook, The Rocky Mountain Heiress Collection.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
September 10, 2016
What a fun read! Anna is completely entertaining and such fun to "follow" around Colorado. She is definitely a spunky gal, and the 1880's setting just makes her behavior that much more amusing! I loved how Anna kept thinking she had outsmarted Jeb (the Pinkerton agent her father hired to keep her out of trouble) by sneaking off, but inevitably Jeb would always step into her path and make himself known just when she thought she'd lost him.
The inclusion of Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp originally took me by surprise, but they actually ended up being a cool and interesting addition to the story. It sort of gives you a unique look at the possible lives of these old west legends. I also wanted to mention that I was quite amused by the references to Mae West, the fictional dime-novel heroine, which was a throw-back to the first book in the series. I don't want to give any spoilers, but suffice it to say that I was very pleased and amused when the creator of the heroine was revealed.
Anna Finch and the Hired Gun (really, with a name like that you just KNOW it's gotta be good!) is second in the Women of the West series by Kathleen Y'Barbo, with The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper being first and The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck being third. Though there are references to the first book and a few of the same people in the story, Anna Finch would work fine as a stand alone novel if you don't have access to the whole series. I only wish there were more books with Anna as the main character!
The inclusion of Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp originally took me by surprise, but they actually ended up being a cool and interesting addition to the story. It sort of gives you a unique look at the possible lives of these old west legends. I also wanted to mention that I was quite amused by the references to Mae West, the fictional dime-novel heroine, which was a throw-back to the first book in the series. I don't want to give any spoilers, but suffice it to say that I was very pleased and amused when the creator of the heroine was revealed.
Anna Finch and the Hired Gun (really, with a name like that you just KNOW it's gotta be good!) is second in the Women of the West series by Kathleen Y'Barbo, with The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper being first and The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck being third. Though there are references to the first book and a few of the same people in the story, Anna Finch would work fine as a stand alone novel if you don't have access to the whole series. I only wish there were more books with Anna as the main character!
September 9, 2018
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
9/7/2015-
"As a general rule, I don't read the follow-up books to a one-star book. However, I made an exception because this book had a Pinkerton agent and I typically read reading books with those types of characters. My common sense ignored, I began this book and ended up being very disappointed by all the sexual content."
*Main Content-
Thinking of Michelangelo's David statue & how a man (wearing pants) compares to him; Touches & Holding/Embracing (up to detailed); Nearness & Blushes (semi-detailed); four semi-detailed kisses & two detailed kisses; Kissing to "keep warm"; Remembering kisses (semi-detailed); Mentions of taking liberties; Mentions of changing clothes in front of the opposite gender.
9/7/2015-
"As a general rule, I don't read the follow-up books to a one-star book. However, I made an exception because this book had a Pinkerton agent and I typically read reading books with those types of characters. My common sense ignored, I began this book and ended up being very disappointed by all the sexual content."
*Main Content-
Thinking of Michelangelo's David statue & how a man (wearing pants) compares to him; Touches & Holding/Embracing (up to detailed); Nearness & Blushes (semi-detailed); four semi-detailed kisses & two detailed kisses; Kissing to "keep warm"; Remembering kisses (semi-detailed); Mentions of taking liberties; Mentions of changing clothes in front of the opposite gender.
February 25, 2017
Wow! I absolutely loved everything about this story! Anna is a very strong and feisty woman, Jeb an oh so stubborn but sexy hired gun, Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday! Everything that I could possibly love about a western romance!
February 11, 2014
Cute sequel! I'm enjoying this series. I really enjoyed the Pinkerton aspects of this one. Lots of fun :)
April 21, 2015
ALL 3 BOOKS IN 1 REVIEW (4star, 5star, 4star)
The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper– Women of the West #1 of 3
•°• A Wild West Adventure •°•
Gennie Cooper is a fine New York, young lady of the late 1800s, destined to marry a respectable banker of admirable acquaintance, but she is looking for adventure like she reads in the popular (although not to be shared or discussed in proper society) dime novellas about Mae Winslow.
Daniel Beck is a businessman who splits his time between Denver Colorado, where he resides with his 10 year old high-strung daughter, Charlotte, and Leadville where his mining company produces silver.
When Gennie’s parents go travelling, she discovers her new maid’s sister is planning to provide temporary Governess services out west, and promptly concocts a plan to take her place.
A great adventure ensues and Gennie and Daniel collide (quite literally) with each other, changing the course of their lives forever.
This book was a nice diversion, with bits of faith sprinkled in. I found it enjoyable; not WOW, wonderful, but I was entertained.
This book also contains a short story at the top of each chapter, which is the dime novel about Mae Winslow, along with a short chapter at the end finishing her story. It was fun at first, but I really could not get into the bonus story, and lightly skimmed the end.
I was loaned this copy. My opinion is my own and without compensation. I give it a 4 star rating.
© 2009 WaterBrook Multomah, div of Random House
344 pages
Read: 4/18-19/2015
Reviewed: 4/20/2015
Anna Finch & the Hired Gun – Women of the West #2 of 3
Kathleen Y’Barbo
•°• Love Pinkertons! •°•
This was my favorite book of the series. In fact, I read it in one day, I was enjoying it so much. It features a handsome, faith-filled Pinkerton detective – Jeb Sanders – hired to watch the spunky Anna Finch, whom her father believes causes so much trouble she can’t catch a man.
Jeb believes he has been assigned the worst case ever – to babysit *some rich girl instead of catching thieves and murderers and following leads on the ruthless Doc Holliday (whom he has a personal vendetta against).
Anna, by all appearances, is *just that. But, secretly she is a published author, and a girl who’s heart desires riding the open plain from time-to-time, not sitting around wasting her days stitching and her nights at social events. She is also the last of 5 daughters and the only one not married. Her father intends to remedy that as soon as possible and has hired the Pinkerton Detective Agency to guard his willful daughter and keep her out of trouble, until such time as she is properly wed. The story starts off with a bang (literally), and Jeb and Anna are thrown together in an unexpected way. His job is made exceedingly difficult when she makes the acquaintance of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, and begins friendships with them. The story involves lots of sneaking around and even a healthy dose of danger, which was most enjoyable. For a faith-filled novel, I liked that the author gave us a little more danger and a little more passion than some authors of this genre without crossing the lines, in my opinion.
This book also contains short quotes at the top of each chapter regarding Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp, my favorite being “This is funny.” – Doc Holliday’s reported last words. Ch. 8, pg. 73.
Additionally, there are historical facts about them listed in the back of the book.
I was loaned this copy. My opinion is my own and without compensation. I give it a 5 star rating, and recommend to others who enjoy historical, Christian novels – particularly western.
© 2010 WaterBrook Multomah, div of Random House
325 pages
Read: 4/20/2015
Reviewed: 4/21/2015
The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck – Women of the West #3 of 3
Kathleen Y’Barbo
•°• London & Colorado Collide •°•
Fun Quote: What happened unobserved did not have to be admitted. Chapter 8 page 63
This is the 4th Kathleen Y’Barbo book I have read. Admittedly I did enjoy it overall, but with a few issues.
Charlotte Beck is only 17 and throughout much of the first half of the story, she is a bit of a brat. At times she is amusing, but not as sensible as I would like. The 2nd half of the book picks up 4 years later, and she remains as stubborn as ever, even having gone away to college. Where she should have matured, it causes the story to drag. Alex Hambly is a royal viscount with a strong sense of family duty. Overall, a pleasant character to read about. He is thoroughly vexed by Charlotte who literally drops into his life. Not quite as plausible for me; four years is a long time to carry a torch from someone Alex Hambly barely knew. Although he is obligated to her, as we read, and has buried his feelings, they return all to quickly for me. It just didn’t make good sense.
A huge issue for me is a very detailed scene where Charlotte’s grandfather makes a big show of summoning Alex to give him an important letter, which he is then to deliver to his father. However, Alex’s father dies before he can. Shortly thereafter Alex crumples up the paper and we NEVER find out what was written on it. I felt ripped off! At the end of the story (small spoiler alert), Sept. 7, 1891 Charlotte loses something precious in the river. The next day, Sept. 8, when everyone is getting ready for a huge party at Charlotte’s home on the Colorado prairie, Alex has managed to ride out to the river, find the damaged item, get it to a restorer, have it restored, and wrap it up and present it to her that same night. Hmmm. Doubtful. Overall, it’s a good and enjoyable story with lots of potential. It just fell a bit short for me. However, I have enjoyed this author’s more recent works over this one, so I do not count her out (and having read book #2 in this series, have high hopes).
I was loaned this copy. My opinion is my own and without compensation. I give it a 4 star rating.
© 2011 WaterBrook Multomah, div of Random House
337 pages
Read: 4/15/2015 (I accidentally read this book first instead of last in the series)
Reviewed: 4/16/2015
The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper– Women of the West #1 of 3
•°• A Wild West Adventure •°•
Gennie Cooper is a fine New York, young lady of the late 1800s, destined to marry a respectable banker of admirable acquaintance, but she is looking for adventure like she reads in the popular (although not to be shared or discussed in proper society) dime novellas about Mae Winslow.
Daniel Beck is a businessman who splits his time between Denver Colorado, where he resides with his 10 year old high-strung daughter, Charlotte, and Leadville where his mining company produces silver.
When Gennie’s parents go travelling, she discovers her new maid’s sister is planning to provide temporary Governess services out west, and promptly concocts a plan to take her place.
A great adventure ensues and Gennie and Daniel collide (quite literally) with each other, changing the course of their lives forever.
This book was a nice diversion, with bits of faith sprinkled in. I found it enjoyable; not WOW, wonderful, but I was entertained.
This book also contains a short story at the top of each chapter, which is the dime novel about Mae Winslow, along with a short chapter at the end finishing her story. It was fun at first, but I really could not get into the bonus story, and lightly skimmed the end.
I was loaned this copy. My opinion is my own and without compensation. I give it a 4 star rating.
© 2009 WaterBrook Multomah, div of Random House
344 pages
Read: 4/18-19/2015
Reviewed: 4/20/2015
Anna Finch & the Hired Gun – Women of the West #2 of 3
Kathleen Y’Barbo
•°• Love Pinkertons! •°•
This was my favorite book of the series. In fact, I read it in one day, I was enjoying it so much. It features a handsome, faith-filled Pinkerton detective – Jeb Sanders – hired to watch the spunky Anna Finch, whom her father believes causes so much trouble she can’t catch a man.
Jeb believes he has been assigned the worst case ever – to babysit *some rich girl instead of catching thieves and murderers and following leads on the ruthless Doc Holliday (whom he has a personal vendetta against).
Anna, by all appearances, is *just that. But, secretly she is a published author, and a girl who’s heart desires riding the open plain from time-to-time, not sitting around wasting her days stitching and her nights at social events. She is also the last of 5 daughters and the only one not married. Her father intends to remedy that as soon as possible and has hired the Pinkerton Detective Agency to guard his willful daughter and keep her out of trouble, until such time as she is properly wed. The story starts off with a bang (literally), and Jeb and Anna are thrown together in an unexpected way. His job is made exceedingly difficult when she makes the acquaintance of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, and begins friendships with them. The story involves lots of sneaking around and even a healthy dose of danger, which was most enjoyable. For a faith-filled novel, I liked that the author gave us a little more danger and a little more passion than some authors of this genre without crossing the lines, in my opinion.
This book also contains short quotes at the top of each chapter regarding Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp, my favorite being “This is funny.” – Doc Holliday’s reported last words. Ch. 8, pg. 73.
Additionally, there are historical facts about them listed in the back of the book.
I was loaned this copy. My opinion is my own and without compensation. I give it a 5 star rating, and recommend to others who enjoy historical, Christian novels – particularly western.
© 2010 WaterBrook Multomah, div of Random House
325 pages
Read: 4/20/2015
Reviewed: 4/21/2015
The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck – Women of the West #3 of 3
Kathleen Y’Barbo
•°• London & Colorado Collide •°•
Fun Quote: What happened unobserved did not have to be admitted. Chapter 8 page 63
This is the 4th Kathleen Y’Barbo book I have read. Admittedly I did enjoy it overall, but with a few issues.
Charlotte Beck is only 17 and throughout much of the first half of the story, she is a bit of a brat. At times she is amusing, but not as sensible as I would like. The 2nd half of the book picks up 4 years later, and she remains as stubborn as ever, even having gone away to college. Where she should have matured, it causes the story to drag. Alex Hambly is a royal viscount with a strong sense of family duty. Overall, a pleasant character to read about. He is thoroughly vexed by Charlotte who literally drops into his life. Not quite as plausible for me; four years is a long time to carry a torch from someone Alex Hambly barely knew. Although he is obligated to her, as we read, and has buried his feelings, they return all to quickly for me. It just didn’t make good sense.
A huge issue for me is a very detailed scene where Charlotte’s grandfather makes a big show of summoning Alex to give him an important letter, which he is then to deliver to his father. However, Alex’s father dies before he can. Shortly thereafter Alex crumples up the paper and we NEVER find out what was written on it. I felt ripped off! At the end of the story (small spoiler alert), Sept. 7, 1891 Charlotte loses something precious in the river. The next day, Sept. 8, when everyone is getting ready for a huge party at Charlotte’s home on the Colorado prairie, Alex has managed to ride out to the river, find the damaged item, get it to a restorer, have it restored, and wrap it up and present it to her that same night. Hmmm. Doubtful. Overall, it’s a good and enjoyable story with lots of potential. It just fell a bit short for me. However, I have enjoyed this author’s more recent works over this one, so I do not count her out (and having read book #2 in this series, have high hopes).
I was loaned this copy. My opinion is my own and without compensation. I give it a 4 star rating.
© 2011 WaterBrook Multomah, div of Random House
337 pages
Read: 4/15/2015 (I accidentally read this book first instead of last in the series)
Reviewed: 4/16/2015
November 2, 2024
This was my first book by Y'Barbo, but it won't be my last. Laugh-out-loud humor, interesting and believable characters, a bit of suspense, thrilling romance (almost too much), all against a background of real historic people and places.
I was very impressed with the depiction of actual places in 1880's Denver. Even details of topography (such as the need to cross the Platte River bridge when heading west) were impeccable. There were a few unfamiliar places mentioned (e.g. the town of Garrison), which have me curious enough to look them up and see if they are real.
Recommended for readers like me who appreciate a well-researched, detailed setting. Any fan of Jen Turano's writing will probably love this book.
I was very impressed with the depiction of actual places in 1880's Denver. Even details of topography (such as the need to cross the Platte River bridge when heading west) were impeccable. There were a few unfamiliar places mentioned (e.g. the town of Garrison), which have me curious enough to look them up and see if they are real.
Recommended for readers like me who appreciate a well-researched, detailed setting. Any fan of Jen Turano's writing will probably love this book.
July 21, 2017
I really enjoyed Anna Finch and the Hired Gun! I was a little put out to find that it is not truly a novel (as it has other books that accompany it) as reading books out of order is a pet peeve of mine. This did not lessen my enjoyment, however. I love Anna and Jeb along with their chemistry together and even Doc found a special place in my heart! I highly recommend this book.
July 25, 2022
3.5 stars. The book was cute and funny and I truly enjoyed it! However, as the end neared, it felt like the author was suddenly in a hurry to resolve everything and where there were obstacles before, they just disappeared and it also kind of felt like the main characters just got married to avoid scandal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2017
While the Anna Finch and Jed Sanders characters featured in the first book in the series, they apparently never met. I feel like Anna changed quite a lot from one book to the next.
I liked both books I’ve read in the series. In fact, I believe this, second book, to be slightly better.
I liked both books I’ve read in the series. In fact, I believe this, second book, to be slightly better.
March 3, 2024
A Good Follow-up to yang arvo First Novel
This second novel, just as the first, presented a tale set in the West in the early days mixes a story line mixed with historical accounts where the reader will want to continue reading.
This second novel, just as the first, presented a tale set in the West in the early days mixes a story line mixed with historical accounts where the reader will want to continue reading.
August 17, 2017
So much fun to read.
August 5, 2021
Really liked this series!
July 13, 2025
Silly. Easy non-thought provoking read.
March 1, 2018
Anna Finch and the Hired Gun is an excellent female empowerment story set in the Wild West. The plot line is full of deep characters and rich content. There is humor, independence, and a typical falling in love despite the odds romance story, but it is a deeper read than you might think. Both characters are adamant about being independent because of their pasts which they both moved out West to get away from.
This is a great story that had me enjoying every minute!
This is a great story that had me enjoying every minute!
July 21, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. It contained the elements I love; romance, action, humor, and faith. Though I do wish the faith had been stronger. It reminded me of Jen Turano's novels, only western. They shared the same debacles and amusing moments. Her fans will enjoy this one by Kathleen Y'Barbo.
The reason my rating is not a five star is due to two things. First, the weakness of the faith in the story. And second, the characters had a few qualities (that I will mention in a bit) that I didn't care for.
I really liked this book and will read the others in the series. I just wish it had said somewhere on the book that it was the second in a series!
I would give the cover art 3.5 stars. It is a pretty, professional cover, but not especially original.
(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)
Anna – She was great. I loved her sass and bravery, and she did get me to laugh a few times. What I didn't care for about her, though, was the lying. It was quite annoying. A relationship in which one lies to the other simply cannot be very solid. I understand that Jeb was being unreasonable and she had to get the story, but she really should not have let him think she wasn't going. It was quite misleading and damaged their relationship.
Jeb – He, on the other hand, was annoying. I mean it! Usually all I do is gush about the heroes – and don't worry, there truly is plenty to gush about – but, confound it, that man could get frustrating. But then, I know Anna was doing plenty of patience-testing herself. He was a great guy though. Strong, handsome, mysterious, smart, intriguing. And I'm ending there. Don't want to be here all day.
Doc – How interesting. That would be amazing if that was true. If he was really innocent and all those misdeeds and murders was simply from other outlaws stealing his name. How terrible! And what great means for a story. I must say that I very much enjoyed his character. Although I didn't much like his familiarity with Anna at times, he really was a gentleman. I'd like to discover the real story some day.
Edwin Beck – Oh, speaking of annoying! Edwin was extremely irritating. And so stupid and petty and rude and rakish. He was such a jerk. I really, very much did not like him. Truly though, I expected him to be worse. I thought there'd be some fight in the end and he tries to accost Anna or something. Wild imagination, I know, but really, other than the obvious, I don't know why he's such a pig. I'm guessing that was in the first book.
Daniel – Thankfully, he was much better. I have no idea how they are even related. Where Edwin is oily, Daniel is honorable. I can see why they don't get along very well. Daniel seemed to be a good friend to Jeb and husband to Gennie. I have a feeling I'm going to fall in love with him in book one.
Anna's parents – They seemed like decent parents, though I must say they didn't do the best in child-rearing. First, they spoil their children and then later tell them that they aren't acting right. I guess they didn't realize that the trouble they had had a lot to do with how they raised Anna.
Winston Mitchell – Oh, good grief! He was so utterly infuriating! I cannot believe he actually wrote that! Did he really? I so would have slapped that stupid smirk of the idiot's face! Ugh!
Gennie – I didn't see too much of her but she seemed, from what I could tell, really nice. I'm sure I'll get the scoop in her novel.
Hank – He was a bit strange. Macho man and lovesick schoolboy. It was amusing to see how Anna turned him to mush.
Wyatt Earp was interesting as well. I tell you, this book is making me doubt some history. I'd really like to know the whole truth someday.
I had a wonderful journey with these listed characters and a few more as well. Looking forward to meeting them again.
The reason my rating is not a five star is due to two things. First, the weakness of the faith in the story. And second, the characters had a few qualities (that I will mention in a bit) that I didn't care for.
I really liked this book and will read the others in the series. I just wish it had said somewhere on the book that it was the second in a series!
I would give the cover art 3.5 stars. It is a pretty, professional cover, but not especially original.
(*SPOILER ALERT!!!*)
Anna – She was great. I loved her sass and bravery, and she did get me to laugh a few times. What I didn't care for about her, though, was the lying. It was quite annoying. A relationship in which one lies to the other simply cannot be very solid. I understand that Jeb was being unreasonable and she had to get the story, but she really should not have let him think she wasn't going. It was quite misleading and damaged their relationship.
Jeb – He, on the other hand, was annoying. I mean it! Usually all I do is gush about the heroes – and don't worry, there truly is plenty to gush about – but, confound it, that man could get frustrating. But then, I know Anna was doing plenty of patience-testing herself. He was a great guy though. Strong, handsome, mysterious, smart, intriguing. And I'm ending there. Don't want to be here all day.
Doc – How interesting. That would be amazing if that was true. If he was really innocent and all those misdeeds and murders was simply from other outlaws stealing his name. How terrible! And what great means for a story. I must say that I very much enjoyed his character. Although I didn't much like his familiarity with Anna at times, he really was a gentleman. I'd like to discover the real story some day.
Edwin Beck – Oh, speaking of annoying! Edwin was extremely irritating. And so stupid and petty and rude and rakish. He was such a jerk. I really, very much did not like him. Truly though, I expected him to be worse. I thought there'd be some fight in the end and he tries to accost Anna or something. Wild imagination, I know, but really, other than the obvious, I don't know why he's such a pig. I'm guessing that was in the first book.
Daniel – Thankfully, he was much better. I have no idea how they are even related. Where Edwin is oily, Daniel is honorable. I can see why they don't get along very well. Daniel seemed to be a good friend to Jeb and husband to Gennie. I have a feeling I'm going to fall in love with him in book one.
Anna's parents – They seemed like decent parents, though I must say they didn't do the best in child-rearing. First, they spoil their children and then later tell them that they aren't acting right. I guess they didn't realize that the trouble they had had a lot to do with how they raised Anna.
Winston Mitchell – Oh, good grief! He was so utterly infuriating! I cannot believe he actually wrote that! Did he really? I so would have slapped that stupid smirk of the idiot's face! Ugh!
Gennie – I didn't see too much of her but she seemed, from what I could tell, really nice. I'm sure I'll get the scoop in her novel.
Hank – He was a bit strange. Macho man and lovesick schoolboy. It was amusing to see how Anna turned him to mush.
Wyatt Earp was interesting as well. I tell you, this book is making me doubt some history. I'd really like to know the whole truth someday.
I had a wonderful journey with these listed characters and a few more as well. Looking forward to meeting them again.
June 21, 2011
Wow...was I impressed with this story! A feisty heroine, a stubborn hero, and a notorious outlaw made for one of the best westerns I've read in a long time.
This book reminded me so much of the series by Susan Page Davis about the Ladies Shooting Club. The only difference in this story was that there was no club--only one gun-totin' woman here--and none of their members ever shot anyone accidentally like Anna Finch did. (Okay, so 2 differences...but who's counting?) :o) One of my favorite lines of the story was when Anna decided a certain gentleman caller was getting a little too fresh with his courtin'. She wasted no time in saying, "A Derringer is not my pistol of choice. It is, however, the pistol in my skirt pocket." Needless to say, he went on his merry way.
The dashing hero of the story came in the form of Jeb Sanders, a Pinkerton agent hired by Anna's father to shadow her daily activities. What that job really amounted to was trying to keep Anna out of trouble at all hours of the day! Jeb was a no-nonsense kind of guy, too. He made it his business to be in-the-know about the important things, whether that was shooing away the wrong sort of caller, or interfering with freedom of the press when it thwarted his "official" Pinkerton duties. :o)
I won't deny it...I wasn't all that crazy about the first book in this series, The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper, but I was thoroughly pleased with this one! Kathleen's style of writing was a little different than what I'm accustomed to, but once I was several chapters in, I never noticed it again. By that point, I couldn't get enough! So, if you're a fan of westerns by such authors as Susan Page Davis, Mary Connealy, and Vickie McDonough, then I encourage you to check out Kathleen's books. Prepare yourself, though...it'll be one great adventure!
This book reminded me so much of the series by Susan Page Davis about the Ladies Shooting Club. The only difference in this story was that there was no club--only one gun-totin' woman here--and none of their members ever shot anyone accidentally like Anna Finch did. (Okay, so 2 differences...but who's counting?) :o) One of my favorite lines of the story was when Anna decided a certain gentleman caller was getting a little too fresh with his courtin'. She wasted no time in saying, "A Derringer is not my pistol of choice. It is, however, the pistol in my skirt pocket." Needless to say, he went on his merry way.
The dashing hero of the story came in the form of Jeb Sanders, a Pinkerton agent hired by Anna's father to shadow her daily activities. What that job really amounted to was trying to keep Anna out of trouble at all hours of the day! Jeb was a no-nonsense kind of guy, too. He made it his business to be in-the-know about the important things, whether that was shooing away the wrong sort of caller, or interfering with freedom of the press when it thwarted his "official" Pinkerton duties. :o)
I won't deny it...I wasn't all that crazy about the first book in this series, The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper, but I was thoroughly pleased with this one! Kathleen's style of writing was a little different than what I'm accustomed to, but once I was several chapters in, I never noticed it again. By that point, I couldn't get enough! So, if you're a fan of westerns by such authors as Susan Page Davis, Mary Connealy, and Vickie McDonough, then I encourage you to check out Kathleen's books. Prepare yourself, though...it'll be one great adventure!
January 16, 2016
Anna Finch and the Hired Gun
We met Anna Finch in book 1 of this series. She loved Daniel Beck, but the love was not returned. Now she just wants to live her life and not be stuck in a marriage. She wants to be a journalist, ride horse astride and shoot her gun. Her parents want someone to marry and tame her.
Jeb Sanders is a Pinkerton agent who carries a grudge. He just wants to rid the world of Doc Holliday. He does not want to be a nursemaid for a spoiled rich girl, but he his. This fancy gal is much more than she seems, he quickly finds out.
I really enjoyed this story. It continued with characters you meet in book one. Added to the mix are Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, along with an annoying newspaper columnists who writes as he sees it, usually not as it is. A really enjoyable series.
**Received through WaterBrook Multnomah for Review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
We met Anna Finch in book 1 of this series. She loved Daniel Beck, but the love was not returned. Now she just wants to live her life and not be stuck in a marriage. She wants to be a journalist, ride horse astride and shoot her gun. Her parents want someone to marry and tame her.
Jeb Sanders is a Pinkerton agent who carries a grudge. He just wants to rid the world of Doc Holliday. He does not want to be a nursemaid for a spoiled rich girl, but he his. This fancy gal is much more than she seems, he quickly finds out.
I really enjoyed this story. It continued with characters you meet in book one. Added to the mix are Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, along with an annoying newspaper columnists who writes as he sees it, usually not as it is. A really enjoyable series.
**Received through WaterBrook Multnomah for Review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
July 27, 2011
Kathleen's writing style is the way that I think. It was so wonderful to read through a novel that felt familiar, or better yet, as if I was there. Not as a character even, just as an observer. So much detail without being bogged down in the fluff. Straight to the fun and some history thrown in.
I love how she incorporated to of the nations biggest western stars that seem to intrigue all; Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp. LOVED THIS BOOK!
Kathleen, you've been an awesome mentor and I look forward to you reading my novels. You go, girl! I have the next 2 books in the series and I'm excited to get started on them.
I love how she incorporated to of the nations biggest western stars that seem to intrigue all; Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp. LOVED THIS BOOK!
Kathleen, you've been an awesome mentor and I look forward to you reading my novels. You go, girl! I have the next 2 books in the series and I'm excited to get started on them.
March 12, 2012
This book was AMAZING!
Probably one of the best books I've read in a while!
Anna Finch is quite the lady! And Jeb is quite the guy!
It starts out with Anna shooting a man in the stomach, and it just keeps getting better!
Anna and Jeb DO NOT like each other at all, so at every corner sparks fly!
I read this book in one day, I could not put it down. I will be getting out my copy of The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck, which is the third book in the series and reading it hopefully this week!
Probably one of the best books I've read in a while!
Anna Finch is quite the lady! And Jeb is quite the guy!
It starts out with Anna shooting a man in the stomach, and it just keeps getting better!
Anna and Jeb DO NOT like each other at all, so at every corner sparks fly!
I read this book in one day, I could not put it down. I will be getting out my copy of The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck, which is the third book in the series and reading it hopefully this week!
August 9, 2010
This was a rollicking western adventure. I appreciated seeing Christian principles applied by imperfect people (imagine that, less than perfect people). Both protagonists were engaging. I couldn’t help but want them in every moment of the plot and Ms. Y’Barbo pretty much obliged. On top of this we also get Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Oh yeah, this was a fun ride.
December 31, 2012
I'd call it a western for women. I liked Anna Finch and the detective hired to keep her out of trouble. A fun, light read. Now, I want to watch Tombstone. And learn more about the history of the West.
February 12, 2014
A delightfully witty and undeniably entertaining sequel to "The Inconvenient Life of Eugenia Cooper". When Anna Finch, alias "the girl-next-door" meets her match in a handsome Texas cowboy- turned -Pinkerton detective; the sparks fly . . . . and fly . . . . . .and fly. What a fun story!
April 5, 2011
Took me a little while to get into but liked it in the end. A quick fun read.
July 15, 2011
Cute, quick read.
October 11, 2011
Cute, fun read! I have read more descriptive books, but this one had me laughing and cheering most of the way through it. Fun book. I would love to add this one to my home library.
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