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Starting Over #1
True-Blue Texan
Katherine Kirby has a new home and a new job. Houston, Texas, is a long way from Chicago, and teaching adults - high school dropouts, most of whom haven't sat in a classroom for years - is a far cry from teaching English at a prestigious university. But she has to admit there's something about these students that touches her heart... especially the tall, dark Texan who sits in the second row.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
About the author
Linda Barrett
57 books143 followersLinda's emotional stories of contemporary romance have earned many industry awards through Romance Writers of America chapter contests. In 2011, Quarterback Daddy took first place in the Write touch Reader's contest while in 2010, Summer at the Lake did the same. Previously, she's garnered the Holt Medallion and The Award of Excellence among others. With laughter and tears, she touches the hearts of her readers by writing stories they'll remember long after the book is finished.
This year, Linda is publishing her first women's fiction novel. Family Interrupted will be available in the spring of 2013.
This year, Linda is publishing her first women's fiction novel. Family Interrupted will be available in the spring of 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
July 13, 2018
I loved this emotional roller coaster when more than I anticipated
I absolutely love True-Blue Texan. Broken hearts finding second chances. This book is packed with feels, and drama, and a touch of suspense. All of which made it nearly impossible to put down this engaging story. With the overpowering themes of loss, love, second chances and family you will want a box of tissues as a reading companion. I'm looking forward to reading more in this Starting Over Series.
I absolutely love True-Blue Texan. Broken hearts finding second chances. This book is packed with feels, and drama, and a touch of suspense. All of which made it nearly impossible to put down this engaging story. With the overpowering themes of loss, love, second chances and family you will want a box of tissues as a reading companion. I'm looking forward to reading more in this Starting Over Series.
September 28, 2019
What a beautiful beginning to this series...
Based on the preview of the next story, I believe you have a winner!
As a teacher of 20 years, and the wife of a retired Military man, I certainly appreciate the themes. Children and adults who need love , as well as people frozen in life due to circumstances.
Katherine reminded me much of my husband grading 8th grader papers in my honors English class, expecting to much,(His degree was in Archeology, lol but a retired officer.) yet forgetting they were children who came from every walk of life, some who school was about care and food.
I was like Nick, trying to do it all, I gave up my personal goal of a PhD, for my husband's piece of mind and my health, but never did I regret. Teaching became even more important. I loved my kids and never a full moment or expected day occurred. In the meantime, my love for my husband became something more !
Beautiful love story within true life !
Karen
Based on the preview of the next story, I believe you have a winner!
As a teacher of 20 years, and the wife of a retired Military man, I certainly appreciate the themes. Children and adults who need love , as well as people frozen in life due to circumstances.
Katherine reminded me much of my husband grading 8th grader papers in my honors English class, expecting to much,(His degree was in Archeology, lol but a retired officer.) yet forgetting they were children who came from every walk of life, some who school was about care and food.
I was like Nick, trying to do it all, I gave up my personal goal of a PhD, for my husband's piece of mind and my health, but never did I regret. Teaching became even more important. I loved my kids and never a full moment or expected day occurred. In the meantime, my love for my husband became something more !
Beautiful love story within true life !
Karen
July 14, 2018
A good solid romance book in the old style. I enjoyed reading it.
July 20, 2018
Katrina moved to Texas to be near her best friend and found herself teaching a general equivalency degree class instead of freshman English.
She was a bit uneasy about teaching math and science but she decided to give it her best shot. Which was how she met the two men who would become so important to her. There are surprises and adventure, a mystery, a huge new family and a super happy ending in these pages. I would have gone with five stars, except for a bunch of typos, misused words, and other errors that need to be removed.
She was a bit uneasy about teaching math and science but she decided to give it her best shot. Which was how she met the two men who would become so important to her. There are surprises and adventure, a mystery, a huge new family and a super happy ending in these pages. I would have gone with five stars, except for a bunch of typos, misused words, and other errors that need to be removed.
August 20, 2018
The characters were so awkward in the way they talked, thought, acted, etc. Almost robotic with little emotion, and very odd internal dialogues. The actual speaking dialogues were a bit painful to read, for example saying each other's names every other sentence when they're having a one on one conversation. Also, the exclamation points. So many exclamation points, as if every thought and action was so exciting. The ending of the book was extremely cheesy and felt really off base from reality.
October 3, 2018
This is the first book I’ve read by Linda Barrett, but it won’t be my last. She has given us a beautifully written story about heartbreak and what we can have when we least expect it. This book centers around Kat and Nick, but it also tells some about his parents and siblings. Never give up on your dreams is a big message in this book. Do yourself a favor and grab this book and get ready to fall in love with the Martinelli family.
March 17, 2018
Terrific
New beginnings for Katherine. She moves to Houston to stay with her friend and teach. But she ends up with a course for GED. Nick works in his family successful construction business &is working o getting his GED. There is the troubled teen Jeremy.
New beginnings for Katherine. She moves to Houston to stay with her friend and teach. But she ends up with a course for GED. Nick works in his family successful construction business &is working o getting his GED. There is the troubled teen Jeremy.
December 13, 2018
This is the first book in the series.
When the story first starts our heroine has rushed to the hospital where her parents were taken after a car accident. Her father was killed outright, but her mother waited until she arrived and then she passed away.
Then 10 years goes by...Now our heroine is teaching the GED class. Our hero arrives, late, and she takes him to task about it. She doesn't want people late. Her students must show up on time in order to get the most out of the time they have together. She tells her students this but one person, our hero, states its not going to work for him. This angers her and they have their first confrontation.
Our heroine had something happen in her old job and in order to be reinstated she must have her students, all of them, pass. Meanwhile she's staying with a friend.
Our hero had once started to get his high school equivalent. However, life always seems to get in the way. He's determined now to get it while he still can. He's trying to juggle his company, projects and life in general.
What neither of our hero and heroine needs is to be attracted to the other, but they are. They bond over one of the other students needing more and helping him. Then when the heroine needs help finding a new place to live, our hero comes to her aid and they start getting to know each other on a personal level. However, can they find a common ground for a relationship?
This puts a new spin on teacher and student story line. You really felt for the heroine from the start with the death of her parents. The hero takes a bit of time to warm up to, but when you do you admired him for everything he tries to do in one day.
When the story first starts our heroine has rushed to the hospital where her parents were taken after a car accident. Her father was killed outright, but her mother waited until she arrived and then she passed away.
Then 10 years goes by...Now our heroine is teaching the GED class. Our hero arrives, late, and she takes him to task about it. She doesn't want people late. Her students must show up on time in order to get the most out of the time they have together. She tells her students this but one person, our hero, states its not going to work for him. This angers her and they have their first confrontation.
Our heroine had something happen in her old job and in order to be reinstated she must have her students, all of them, pass. Meanwhile she's staying with a friend.
Our hero had once started to get his high school equivalent. However, life always seems to get in the way. He's determined now to get it while he still can. He's trying to juggle his company, projects and life in general.
What neither of our hero and heroine needs is to be attracted to the other, but they are. They bond over one of the other students needing more and helping him. Then when the heroine needs help finding a new place to live, our hero comes to her aid and they start getting to know each other on a personal level. However, can they find a common ground for a relationship?
This puts a new spin on teacher and student story line. You really felt for the heroine from the start with the death of her parents. The hero takes a bit of time to warm up to, but when you do you admired him for everything he tries to do in one day.
June 14, 2023
Sweet Insta-Love
I chose this book for my book club monthly challenge to “Read a book with a color in the title.”
I wasn’t completely sure what to expect with this book, but quickly understood that Ms. Barrett knows how to tug on a heartstring. Honestly, sweet is not usually on my radar….I prefer heat levels that practically require fire trucks, but I will be making an exception in this author’s case.
While we never quite discovered the answers to what exactly was the catalyst that caused the heroine to move to Texas in the first place, she was an interesting, intellectual person hiding a big heart and needing to be shaken up. I enjoyed how “in-your-face” the hero was and how self aware he seemed to be. It thrilled me to watch her discover how to connect on more than a superficial level and how much it enriched her life and changed her world view…even if the “love” feelings felt a bit rushed.
The hero was charming, thoughtful, and almost too good to be true, but definitely one of the good guys. I loved him. Especially with Jeremy, the trouble teenager they met through the heroine’s class.
Bottom line, while sweet is not down my normal alley, I’ll definitely be reading more from Linda Barrett. I enjoyed her overall style and her character building and connections created throughout the book were on point and heartwarming.
I chose this book for my book club monthly challenge to “Read a book with a color in the title.”
I wasn’t completely sure what to expect with this book, but quickly understood that Ms. Barrett knows how to tug on a heartstring. Honestly, sweet is not usually on my radar….I prefer heat levels that practically require fire trucks, but I will be making an exception in this author’s case.
While we never quite discovered the answers to what exactly was the catalyst that caused the heroine to move to Texas in the first place, she was an interesting, intellectual person hiding a big heart and needing to be shaken up. I enjoyed how “in-your-face” the hero was and how self aware he seemed to be. It thrilled me to watch her discover how to connect on more than a superficial level and how much it enriched her life and changed her world view…even if the “love” feelings felt a bit rushed.
The hero was charming, thoughtful, and almost too good to be true, but definitely one of the good guys. I loved him. Especially with Jeremy, the trouble teenager they met through the heroine’s class.
Bottom line, while sweet is not down my normal alley, I’ll definitely be reading more from Linda Barrett. I enjoyed her overall style and her character building and connections created throughout the book were on point and heartwarming.
September 17, 2020
I don’t usually write reviews. This story has everything in it to be a good story. The characters were real, their lives believable. Everything about it it was catching my mind and I had to see the end.
What I loved the most about it was that it was a beautiful love story without a lot of graphic sex! I’m no prude, but I am old school, and prefer to let my imagination work for me. And no vulgarity! We need more books like this.
I read a lot and find that I am skipping through whole chapters of a book because there is just so much emphasis put on sex. I’m pleased to say that I’ve read every page in this book and thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.
I’ll be looking for more books from this author. Linda Barrett, thank you for the most enjoyable read I’ve had in a long time. Keep up the good work.🥰
What I loved the most about it was that it was a beautiful love story without a lot of graphic sex! I’m no prude, but I am old school, and prefer to let my imagination work for me. And no vulgarity! We need more books like this.
I read a lot and find that I am skipping through whole chapters of a book because there is just so much emphasis put on sex. I’m pleased to say that I’ve read every page in this book and thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.
I’ll be looking for more books from this author. Linda Barrett, thank you for the most enjoyable read I’ve had in a long time. Keep up the good work.🥰
February 21, 2022
Picked this up in my quest to read new-to-me authors and satisfy some challenge tasks. I like the idea of an author who has worked with adults writing a book about an MC who is teaching a GED class, and feeling somewhat out of her depth. The story started out really well, focusing on the MC and her students, including our hero. Around the mid point I was afraid it would veer into typical romance trope country, but it didn't, instead staying pretty focused on the heroine and hero. All in all I enjoyed this more than expected. A nice story about two adults whose lives have taken them in directions they hadn't planned on.
August 6, 2018
True Blue
I enjoyed this book very much. Katrin was a fiercely independent woman in her own, looking for a professorship. She figured she'll complete a stint teaching a GED review class.
Nick is a wealthy builder who takes the class, because he yearns for that piece of paper saying he finished high school.
Jeremy is a troubled youth who is one of Kat's students.
I liked the characters and I liked their depth. The story flowed nicely. All three of the characters faced tragedy in their lives, but together, learned to love again. Recommended.
I enjoyed this book very much. Katrin was a fiercely independent woman in her own, looking for a professorship. She figured she'll complete a stint teaching a GED review class.
Nick is a wealthy builder who takes the class, because he yearns for that piece of paper saying he finished high school.
Jeremy is a troubled youth who is one of Kat's students.
I liked the characters and I liked their depth. The story flowed nicely. All three of the characters faced tragedy in their lives, but together, learned to love again. Recommended.
October 23, 2025
This book was fine, but I’m disappointed that there weren’t any scenes with Katherine teaching her class (getting to know her students, slowly seeing a different side to the job, adapting how she was teaching) and while I liked the idea of Jeremy having some scenes from his perspective, I wanted to see more. Also, Nick is close to his family, but I wanted to see more about them, and Katherine and Jeremy getting to know them.
Setting: Houston, Texas
MCs: Katherine Kirby, Nicholas Martinelli
POV: both + a bit Jeremy, 3rd person
Setting: Houston, Texas
MCs: Katherine Kirby, Nicholas Martinelli
POV: both + a bit Jeremy, 3rd person
August 9, 2018
A woman who lost her parents at an early age and yearns to be a college professor temporarily teaches a summer GED course and gets involved with two of her students, one who becomes a love interest and the other a teen-ager with a past she can identify with, in terms of being alone. Throw in a loving Texas family, a bit of company espionage and you have the makings of a fast moving, warm hearted romantic novel that is the perfect beach read.
October 17, 2019
Great story
Loved the book from page one and became totally invested in the story of Katrina and Nick with a healthy dose of family. Jeremy plays an important part in the book and is beautifully fleshed out with all the angst and problems of a teenager trying to find himself. Their story runs the gamut of fun, humor, learning and of course love. I highly recommend reading it you will not be sorry! 5 Stars from me well deserved.
Loved the book from page one and became totally invested in the story of Katrina and Nick with a healthy dose of family. Jeremy plays an important part in the book and is beautifully fleshed out with all the angst and problems of a teenager trying to find himself. Their story runs the gamut of fun, humor, learning and of course love. I highly recommend reading it you will not be sorry! 5 Stars from me well deserved.
May 6, 2018
Starting Over
This was an awesome story, as well as a great read! I love the way Linda brings the characters in her novels to life. They elicit real emotion! I have laughed and cried with Nick, Katrin and Jeremy while reading "True-Blue Texan", the first of the "Starting Over" series. I cannot wait for the next one!
This was an awesome story, as well as a great read! I love the way Linda brings the characters in her novels to life. They elicit real emotion! I have laughed and cried with Nick, Katrin and Jeremy while reading "True-Blue Texan", the first of the "Starting Over" series. I cannot wait for the next one!
July 11, 2018
True-Blue Texan
I loved this story! I really liked the way Katrin was open-minded enough to see that her agenda for the future might have to be altered, and it would be okay. I also appreciated that we didn't have to read all the details of their time in bed. Or on the floor, or wherever! Get your tissues ready!! It will have you happy and crying.
I loved this story! I really liked the way Katrin was open-minded enough to see that her agenda for the future might have to be altered, and it would be okay. I also appreciated that we didn't have to read all the details of their time in bed. Or on the floor, or wherever! Get your tissues ready!! It will have you happy and crying.
July 11, 2018
This book was a free offer on Amazon, but I see that it was originally published several years ago as a Harlequin Super Romance. It is an okay read with little chemistry between the characters and some unexpected events near the end. Frankly, I think it would have been a better short story instead of drawn out novel.
July 15, 2018
Loved it!
As someone who often lived vicariously through books, this one was very satisfying. The characters were clearly delineated and their motivation made manifest by their thought process and actions. Ms. Barrett speaks to the simple need in all of us to be accepted, cherished, and for someone to worry about our lives.
As someone who often lived vicariously through books, this one was very satisfying. The characters were clearly delineated and their motivation made manifest by their thought process and actions. Ms. Barrett speaks to the simple need in all of us to be accepted, cherished, and for someone to worry about our lives.
July 17, 2018
Hated to get to the end
I loved this book! I can recommend it to anyone who enjoys sinking in to be part of the characters & story. A story of loss & love & a picture of how we're made to relate with respect, compassion & love to one another. Sexy, sweet...& something more.
I loved this book! I can recommend it to anyone who enjoys sinking in to be part of the characters & story. A story of loss & love & a picture of how we're made to relate with respect, compassion & love to one another. Sexy, sweet...& something more.
November 22, 2018
I liked this book more than I thought I would. It is a sort of “old school” romance with the sex scenes left more to the imagination. In these “fifty shades” days that is getting to be a welcome change. The characters were well drawn and realistic. The solutions to problems were real world instead of all neatly tied up with a bow like a fairy tale.
September 26, 2019
Katharine was inn a new city with a new job, ten years after her parents had died in a car accident.
Katharine wanted to get a teaching job in a university as a professor. That was her life long dream. When she moved to Houston, she didn't know she would be getting more than a job. Could she find true love as well? This Is a sweet love story that will make your heart happy.
Katharine wanted to get a teaching job in a university as a professor. That was her life long dream. When she moved to Houston, she didn't know she would be getting more than a job. Could she find true love as well? This Is a sweet love story that will make your heart happy.
October 28, 2019
A Story of Second Chances
Katherine takes a job teaching a class of adults studying for their GED until a better university position comes along. Little does she know that her life is going to change forever because of the students in her class. Wonderful story of second chances.
Katherine takes a job teaching a class of adults studying for their GED until a better university position comes along. Little does she know that her life is going to change forever because of the students in her class. Wonderful story of second chances.
November 6, 2019
Wonderful. I could not put it down!
This was a heartwarming book that made me curl up in my chair and stay there until I finished it. It was a good thing I did not
have anything planned, because nothing else got done today! I hope the rest of you enjoy it as much as I did!!! ☺☺☺
This was a heartwarming book that made me curl up in my chair and stay there until I finished it. It was a good thing I did not
have anything planned, because nothing else got done today! I hope the rest of you enjoy it as much as I did!!! ☺☺☺
August 15, 2020
Definitely worth 5 stars
A good wholesome romance with some intrigue. The need for a GED became so apparent ... many, for some reason or another, cannot complete their schooling and it takes great courage to return to the schoolroom. This book is easy to read and has a huge HEA. Loved it.
A good wholesome romance with some intrigue. The need for a GED became so apparent ... many, for some reason or another, cannot complete their schooling and it takes great courage to return to the schoolroom. This book is easy to read and has a huge HEA. Loved it.
October 8, 2020
A wonderful read
I loved this book from a new to me author. I smiled, I laughed, I frowned, and I even cried. Kat and Nick are adorable and reading their story was fun. Jeremy just adds to the greatness of the book, his own story definitely tender. I'm sure Ms. Barrett could write a whole series on the Martinelli family. I would read them! I highly recommend this one!
I loved this book from a new to me author. I smiled, I laughed, I frowned, and I even cried. Kat and Nick are adorable and reading their story was fun. Jeremy just adds to the greatness of the book, his own story definitely tender. I'm sure Ms. Barrett could write a whole series on the Martinelli family. I would read them! I highly recommend this one!
July 11, 2025
A True Blue Man
This book made me laugh out loud, cry many tears, and made me think about what trials the characters went through. This book is so realistic with its approach to modern day issues. Thank you Linda Barrett for sharing your story with us. I hope to read many more of your books. I just wish I could give it 10 stars.
This book made me laugh out loud, cry many tears, and made me think about what trials the characters went through. This book is so realistic with its approach to modern day issues. Thank you Linda Barrett for sharing your story with us. I hope to read many more of your books. I just wish I could give it 10 stars.
March 15, 2018
True - Blue Texan
This story touched on a lot. A second chance for a man that had lost all. A women who lost much when younger and lost the ability to live in the moment. A teenager who gets a second chance at a family.
Emotional and hard to put down.
This story touched on a lot. A second chance for a man that had lost all. A women who lost much when younger and lost the ability to live in the moment. A teenager who gets a second chance at a family.
Emotional and hard to put down.
March 25, 2018
Feel good book.
Handled many different issues. Showed the heartache through several different circumstances, but you still get the happy ending.
Loved the aspects of choices in life and how they effect the future.
Handled many different issues. Showed the heartache through several different circumstances, but you still get the happy ending.
Loved the aspects of choices in life and how they effect the future.
March 30, 2018
Searching...
A woman, a man, a teenage boy all searching for something. That something was the same thing although they Didn't know it or each other. Some of this story was a little repetitive in thoughts of characters but overall I enjoyed this book. 🙂
A woman, a man, a teenage boy all searching for something. That something was the same thing although they Didn't know it or each other. Some of this story was a little repetitive in thoughts of characters but overall I enjoyed this book. 🙂
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews