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Brides of Simpson Creek #3
The Sheriff's Sweetheart
He needs to turn his life around…
And Simpson Creek, Texas, is the perfect place to do it. On the run from his dangerous past, Sam Bishop is happy to find a town seeking "marriage-minded bachelors." A wealthy wife is just what he needs to make his gambling problems disappear. But when Prissy Gilmore catches Sam's eye, she proves to be much more than a rich match. Sam wants to deserve her, wants to become sheriff and protect her hometown—wants to be the man she believes him to be. Yet the true test is waiting, when his past returns to challenge his future.
And Simpson Creek, Texas, is the perfect place to do it. On the run from his dangerous past, Sam Bishop is happy to find a town seeking "marriage-minded bachelors." A wealthy wife is just what he needs to make his gambling problems disappear. But when Prissy Gilmore catches Sam's eye, she proves to be much more than a rich match. Sam wants to deserve her, wants to become sheriff and protect her hometown—wants to be the man she believes him to be. Yet the true test is waiting, when his past returns to challenge his future.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Laurie Kingery
25 books89 followersLaurie Kingery is a central Ohio author and veteran E.R. RN who wrote 16 historical romances as Laurie Grant and now writes inspirational historicals for Steeple Hill. She won the Reader's Choice for short historicals in 1994. Her website is http://www.lauriekingery.com. Country Christmas was her first inspirational historical in Oct. '08; her next release from Steeple Hill was The Outlaw's Lady in Aug. '09. Her next release will be Marrying Milly in November 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 21, 2011
Sam Bishop is a man running from his past. When he reads an ad about spinsters looking for husbands, he concocts a plan. Marrying a wealthy woman is just what he needs to solve his problems, but when he meets Prissy Gilmore, the pretty woman quickly steals his heart and makes him want to be the good man she deserves. He takes the job of sheriff and sets out to clean up Prissy’s town and prove his worth. But then he comes face to face with an unscrupulous man from his past—a man who has a vendetta and will do anything necessary to accomplish his vile agenda. Can Sam’s and Prissy’s relationship—one built on lies—survive the tribulations that are sure to come?
I really liked this book. It’s a story about a down-on-his-luck man who meets a wonderful woman, and although his initial plans are deceitful, his growing affection for the heroine makes him want to be a better man. Though Prissy is innocent, she has a backbone and won’t be pushed around when things get difficult. The Sheriff’s Sweetheart is a charming romance set in Texas, just after the Civil War, and is a book that historical romance readers are sure to enjoy.
I really liked this book. It’s a story about a down-on-his-luck man who meets a wonderful woman, and although his initial plans are deceitful, his growing affection for the heroine makes him want to be a better man. Though Prissy is innocent, she has a backbone and won’t be pushed around when things get difficult. The Sheriff’s Sweetheart is a charming romance set in Texas, just after the Civil War, and is a book that historical romance readers are sure to enjoy.
April 8, 2011
The Sheriff’s Sweetheart by Laurie Kingery, is sweet indeed. If you like an old time romance about a bad guy turned good, where the poor meets the wealthy, you’ll love this tender historical romance. It is well written with a great plot and characters you’ll get to know and love.
After taking a beating following a gambling game gone wrong, Sam Bishop decides enough is enough. An ad in the newspaper seeking marriage-minded bachelors has him heading for the small town of Simpson Creek, Texas. What he doesn’t expect to find is the beautiful Miss Priscilla Gilmore. It doesn’t take long for love to blossom. But life has a way of getting in the way, and the secrets Sam keeps from the woman and town he’s grown to love, may cause him to lose it all.
After taking a beating following a gambling game gone wrong, Sam Bishop decides enough is enough. An ad in the newspaper seeking marriage-minded bachelors has him heading for the small town of Simpson Creek, Texas. What he doesn’t expect to find is the beautiful Miss Priscilla Gilmore. It doesn’t take long for love to blossom. But life has a way of getting in the way, and the secrets Sam keeps from the woman and town he’s grown to love, may cause him to lose it all.
April 12, 2011
The Sheriff’s Sweetheart
By Laurie Kingery
Sam Bishop, beaten by a man wearing an egg-sized ring, awakes to his arms tied behind him and his legs bound. In the corner is a dog crouched in a metal cage. Sam almost sneezes from the dust, and a groan nearly bursts from his throat because of the pain, but his assailants still chat nearby.
“You want us to finish him and leave him in some alley?” a voice asks.
Sam heard Kendall Raney’s voice. “Wait ‘til dark.Then we’ll take him out to the bayou. I’ve seen a half dozen bull ‘gaters out there. “The ‘gators can also have the dog, along with the senseless fool on the floor.
Sam didn’t even allow his skin to twitch as he waited for the men to leave. When the door shut and the lock clicked, he breathed. All Sam did was accuse Kendall Raney of cheating during a poker game.
In a short time, Sam was free. He cracked the room safe, took the ring and the money Raney stole from him. He left the pile of cash that belonged to the wicked gambler.
Not knowing where to go, Sam noticed an ad in the Houston Telegraph: “Come to Simpson Creek in San Saba County, Texas, and meet the ladies of the Society for the Promotion of Marriage. If interested, please contact Miss Priscilla Gilmore.”
Sam rides into Simpson Creek and is immediately hired as the sheriff, because the town had been expecting a man to come and he was overdue. Sam didn’t tell them he wasn’t the man they expected or about why he was in town. Sam thought finding the job was a nice development after all he’d been through, but that was nothing compared to how he felt when he met the president of the Society for the Promotion of Marriage. Suddenly Sam was interested in marriage. Miss Gilmore’s beauty and sparkling outgoing spirit convinced Sam she was the only woman in the society he needed to meet. But the righteous church-going Miss Gilmore and her father, the mayor, didn’t know the real Sam, and Raney’s egg-sized ring Sam stole resided in the stuffing of Sam’s mattress.
Laurie Kingery weaves a novel together with all the things readers enjoy: suspense, danger, nice description, good characterizations--including the lovable dog Sam rescued. Most of all she writes a good story that wraps around two characters in love, making the reader wonder whether it will all unravel and come to nothing. Yet, she brings it all to a triumphant conclusion.
This is a great historical romance set in June 1866. Read it. You’ll be glad you did.
NOTE: The author and Love Inspired Books provided me with a review copy.
By Laurie Kingery
Sam Bishop, beaten by a man wearing an egg-sized ring, awakes to his arms tied behind him and his legs bound. In the corner is a dog crouched in a metal cage. Sam almost sneezes from the dust, and a groan nearly bursts from his throat because of the pain, but his assailants still chat nearby.
“You want us to finish him and leave him in some alley?” a voice asks.
Sam heard Kendall Raney’s voice. “Wait ‘til dark.Then we’ll take him out to the bayou. I’ve seen a half dozen bull ‘gaters out there. “The ‘gators can also have the dog, along with the senseless fool on the floor.
Sam didn’t even allow his skin to twitch as he waited for the men to leave. When the door shut and the lock clicked, he breathed. All Sam did was accuse Kendall Raney of cheating during a poker game.
In a short time, Sam was free. He cracked the room safe, took the ring and the money Raney stole from him. He left the pile of cash that belonged to the wicked gambler.
Not knowing where to go, Sam noticed an ad in the Houston Telegraph: “Come to Simpson Creek in San Saba County, Texas, and meet the ladies of the Society for the Promotion of Marriage. If interested, please contact Miss Priscilla Gilmore.”
Sam rides into Simpson Creek and is immediately hired as the sheriff, because the town had been expecting a man to come and he was overdue. Sam didn’t tell them he wasn’t the man they expected or about why he was in town. Sam thought finding the job was a nice development after all he’d been through, but that was nothing compared to how he felt when he met the president of the Society for the Promotion of Marriage. Suddenly Sam was interested in marriage. Miss Gilmore’s beauty and sparkling outgoing spirit convinced Sam she was the only woman in the society he needed to meet. But the righteous church-going Miss Gilmore and her father, the mayor, didn’t know the real Sam, and Raney’s egg-sized ring Sam stole resided in the stuffing of Sam’s mattress.
Laurie Kingery weaves a novel together with all the things readers enjoy: suspense, danger, nice description, good characterizations--including the lovable dog Sam rescued. Most of all she writes a good story that wraps around two characters in love, making the reader wonder whether it will all unravel and come to nothing. Yet, she brings it all to a triumphant conclusion.
This is a great historical romance set in June 1866. Read it. You’ll be glad you did.
NOTE: The author and Love Inspired Books provided me with a review copy.
April 8, 2011
Title: THE SHERIFF’S SWEETHEART
Author: Laurie Kingery
Publisher: Love Inspired Historical
April 2011
ISBN: 978-0-373-82866-1
Genre: Inspirational/historical romance
Sam Bishop is a man on the run. When he is almost murdered by a wealthy gambler, Sam manages to escape (with his almost killer’s dog) and travels to Simpson Creek, Texas, a town advertising for “marriage-minded bachelors”. A rich wife is just what Sam needs to make his gambling problems disappear.
Prissy Gilmore is the lady who placed the ad, and when Sam comes to town, she is instantly transfixed by the man and his dog, a man that she believes came to town to take the position as Sheriff.
Sam is happy to be Sheriff, if it means that fortune is smiling on him with the beautiful Ms. Prissy Gilmore. But when Sam’s past catches up with him everything could be destroyed.
THE SHERIFF’S SWEETHEART is the third book in the Brides of Simpson Creek series, but it easily stands alone. I didn’t have the pleasure of reading the first two books in this series, but I had no problem reading this book and keeping up with what happened.
The story is well-written with some surprising twists along the way. I enjoyed getting to know these two well-written characters and cheered for them as they made important discoveries about themselves. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $5.50. 280 pages.
Author: Laurie Kingery
Publisher: Love Inspired Historical
April 2011
ISBN: 978-0-373-82866-1
Genre: Inspirational/historical romance
Sam Bishop is a man on the run. When he is almost murdered by a wealthy gambler, Sam manages to escape (with his almost killer’s dog) and travels to Simpson Creek, Texas, a town advertising for “marriage-minded bachelors”. A rich wife is just what Sam needs to make his gambling problems disappear.
Prissy Gilmore is the lady who placed the ad, and when Sam comes to town, she is instantly transfixed by the man and his dog, a man that she believes came to town to take the position as Sheriff.
Sam is happy to be Sheriff, if it means that fortune is smiling on him with the beautiful Ms. Prissy Gilmore. But when Sam’s past catches up with him everything could be destroyed.
THE SHERIFF’S SWEETHEART is the third book in the Brides of Simpson Creek series, but it easily stands alone. I didn’t have the pleasure of reading the first two books in this series, but I had no problem reading this book and keeping up with what happened.
The story is well-written with some surprising twists along the way. I enjoyed getting to know these two well-written characters and cheered for them as they made important discoveries about themselves. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $5.50. 280 pages.
April 22, 2011
The first time I picked up a Laurie Kingery book I knew she had something special and she became an automatic buy. When the Brides of Simpson Creek hit the shelves I immediately fell in love with her unlikely heroines and out-of-the-box heroes. I had become so accustomed to Kingery’s heroines that I had doubts she’d pull off a somewhat normal heroine.
Am I glad I was wrong. Prissy Gilmore’s quiet strength and faith drive Sam Bishop’s need for change by drawing him to her. And Sam Bishop experiences God’s grace and mercy, not only through the town’s preacher, but also through an unlikely source.
Kingery does an excellent job of drawing the reader in and keeper the reader engaged. Without giving away any of the story line, let me just say that The Sheriff’s Sweetheart is a definite keeper.
Am I glad I was wrong. Prissy Gilmore’s quiet strength and faith drive Sam Bishop’s need for change by drawing him to her. And Sam Bishop experiences God’s grace and mercy, not only through the town’s preacher, but also through an unlikely source.
Kingery does an excellent job of drawing the reader in and keeper the reader engaged. Without giving away any of the story line, let me just say that The Sheriff’s Sweetheart is a definite keeper.
September 17, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. The characters are very real and believable. The hero starts out on rough ground but redeems himself and is very likable from start to finish. The author gives her readers insight on how the main characters grow as they face trials and fall in love. There's humor, mystery and romance all tied together.
I read this book knowing that it was the third in a series that I had not started. I was not lost as the book stands well alone. But after finishing it I knew I had to buy books one and two. The story quality and writers ability to pull the reader in makes me want to read more.
I read this book knowing that it was the third in a series that I had not started. I was not lost as the book stands well alone. But after finishing it I knew I had to buy books one and two. The story quality and writers ability to pull the reader in makes me want to read more.
June 11, 2011
I have just finished the "Simpson Creek Brides series" by Laurie Kingery, what a story-Sam is a man down on his luck and looking for a way to become a solid citizen again when he sees the ad in the paper that will change his life. This man who had never before been a sheriff found himself soon a leader of the community and so many folks depending on him and it made him live up to the job. He found a good woman named Prissy who had been looking for just the right man and they went tru some trying times before they were able to be wed. another good story Laurie.
June 9, 2011
It took me a while to get into this one for some reason, but it was still a good story. Love the series as a whole! I just found the characters in this one to not be so endearing as the other two books. I don't know what it was. But, in the end I love how there was a twist on the mail ordered brides with this series and how independent spunky texas gals took it into their own hands to get more males to town! Love the way this series was told.
May 17, 2013
Cute story about a man who who wanted to be different and become a man of respect who was worthy of a good woman and life. He had to go through some scrutiny and allow God to develop his new persona while trusting that he would not be rejected based on the past. I enjoyed the easy read based on a verse in Joshua claiming "whom we will serve". Laurie is a good writer.
September 12, 2023
DNF @ 61pg.
This book is about a spoiled brat, pampered and indulged - a materialistic and flightly girl aptly named Prissy. She's everything I never want to read in a heroine, ever. Her faith? Well, you go to church because that's where your friends are, and that's what's expected of you.
The hero is a professional gambler on the run who decides he wants a wife and she'd better be beautiful, darn it. He lies his way into a sheriff job, spends copious amounts of time misleading the people of the town, and his faith? Well, he goes to church because Prissy is there. God suckz... but the potlucks ain't half bad.
I realized about 60 pages in that these characters are the people I wish a happy trip to Hell, and would never spend a single second with, IRL. So *WHY* would I read a book about them?
So I'm not.
This book is about a spoiled brat, pampered and indulged - a materialistic and flightly girl aptly named Prissy. She's everything I never want to read in a heroine, ever. Her faith? Well, you go to church because that's where your friends are, and that's what's expected of you.
The hero is a professional gambler on the run who decides he wants a wife and she'd better be beautiful, darn it. He lies his way into a sheriff job, spends copious amounts of time misleading the people of the town, and his faith? Well, he goes to church because Prissy is there. God suckz... but the potlucks ain't half bad.
I realized about 60 pages in that these characters are the people I wish a happy trip to Hell, and would never spend a single second with, IRL. So *WHY* would I read a book about them?
So I'm not.
December 26, 2024
The Sheriff's Sweetheart review
I love the suspenseful way the author unfolded the ending of this novel. I wrestled to figure out how the story might end, but the author had some surprises in store. Very well done.
I love the suspenseful way the author unfolded the ending of this novel. I wrestled to figure out how the story might end, but the author had some surprises in store. Very well done.
August 26, 2025
I just couldn't get into this book. I didn't like the main characters, and the plot details seemed to be contrived.
July 15, 2015
The Sheriff's Sweetheart, #3 in the Brides of Simpson Creek series by Laurie Kingery is a historical Christian romance. I started the book without much enthusiasm, because Sam is a gambler and becomes the sheriff under false pretenses, and Priscilla is a character I found annoying in the first two books of the series! Fortunately, I could see some definite character growth happening, as well as spiritual growth for Sam. It wasn't too long before I decided I liked the characters.
What I liked:
*I particularly enjoyed the ending. I thought the way the gang-like villain problem came to be resolved was clever.
*The incorporation of the heroes and heroines from books #1 and #2 was very natural.
*The romance felt genuine.
What I didn't like:
*Priscilla and Sam are interested in each other too quickly. My impression was that they are both enamored of each other's appearance instantly on their first meeting.
*I think there may have been too much information from the first one or two books included in this one, but I haven't read the other two books recently enough to be sure of that opinion.
I'd recommend this as clean reading appropriate for young romance readers!
What I liked:
*I particularly enjoyed the ending. I thought the way the gang-like villain problem came to be resolved was clever.
*The incorporation of the heroes and heroines from books #1 and #2 was very natural.
*The romance felt genuine.
What I didn't like:
*Priscilla and Sam are interested in each other too quickly. My impression was that they are both enamored of each other's appearance instantly on their first meeting.
*I think there may have been too much information from the first one or two books included in this one, but I haven't read the other two books recently enough to be sure of that opinion.
I'd recommend this as clean reading appropriate for young romance readers!
January 12, 2017
3 - it was a clean, romance story. Kept it interesting wondering how the sheriff was going to reveal his past but still keep Prissy. That was a real twist to the story when he gets put into jail. But the ending of how he's proved innocent was clever - especially when they switched cells and the Alliance ended up killing one of their own. Thank goodness for the town drunk who was sobering up by walking and talking to the Lord at night so he wouldn't drink. He was a great witness for Sam. This series would be good for teenagers to read - just enough love story in them but not going into sexual details. It's all just courtship and the girls sure do blush a lot :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2012
I fell in love with Sam the moment I read the prologue, when he decided to save not only himself but the dog too. He was by far my favorite character in this story, though several of my past favorites in this series made an appearance.
Each book in the Brides of Simpson Creek has been very enjoyable and this one is no different. The only reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is because the ending was just too unbelievable and everything was resolved way too soon.
Overall, it was a lovely and sweet story that I recommend to fans of historical fiction that takes place in Texas.
Each book in the Brides of Simpson Creek has been very enjoyable and this one is no different. The only reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is because the ending was just too unbelievable and everything was resolved way too soon.
Overall, it was a lovely and sweet story that I recommend to fans of historical fiction that takes place in Texas.
June 6, 2011
Definitely not my favorite book of the series. I found myself skimming the last part of the book just to get to the end. I seem to lose interest in books where the love is declared so early on. Just me though and I know that there are others that won't find that a problem. I do hope there are more in this series as I really like the idea of the women advertising for spouses.
January 12, 2016
This is the 3rd book I have read of Laurie's and once again she didn't disappoint. I LOVED THIS BOOK! It kept me on the edge of my seat till the end. I loved Sam and Prissy! Their characters were so defined and lovable and you were rooting for Sam the whole time. Well done Laurie!! I'll definetly be reading more of the Brides of Simpson Creek series!!
February 6, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. I loved the character development, the changes came to me at just the right pace. I like the idea of being able to change into something better, and having people actually give the chance to do so. I love this cute little town. Can't wait to read more by this author!
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December 24, 2014Miniseries: Brides of Simpson Creek
May 2, 2011
It was good, not great, but fun. :) Several cool twists.
July 24, 2011
Not my favorite of the series, but a good story. I liked how Prissy didn't waiver in her affections and believed Sam was innocent, or was at least withholding judgement until she could talk to him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2012
Fun, quick read. Not heavy on the scripture which some inspirational romances can be, and that made it a far more comfortable read.
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October 14, 2013I also loved this book. You are so creative about telling the stories.
Nancy Wilson
Nancy Wilson
September 4, 2016
Loved Prissy in the other books and enjoyed getting to read her story.
February 5, 2015
A 'gem' dandy
The book was interesting enough to hold a person's interest until the very end!
I would advise you to read it!
The book was interesting enough to hold a person's interest until the very end!
I would advise you to read it!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews