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McCall #3
An Old-fashioned Romance
Life went along simply, if not rather monotonously, for Breck McCall. Her job was satisfying, and she had true friends. But she felt empty—as if part of her soul were detached and lost to her. She longed for something—something that seemed to be missing. Yet there were moments when Breck felt she might almost touch something wonderful. And most of those moments came while in the presence of her handsome yet seemingly haunted boss—Reese Thatcher.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2005
55 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Lynn McClure
74 books1,366 followersBorn in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marcia Lynn McClure grew up influenced by the reminiscent stories of rugged, rural Colorado farm life fascinatingly recounted to her by her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts…tales of runaway buckboards, mule-drawn plows and dust pneumonia; verbalized images of stream-flooded meadows, frozen over in winter, where a child could peer through the crystal clear ice in wonder at the small fish, snakes and mice sealed in the meadow grasses beneath; stories of hardship and tragedy, love and loss. But always the stories, and the people telling them, bore evidence of the wonder and worthiness of simpler, yet sometimes brutal, times.
These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.
And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.
Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!
These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.
And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.
Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
October 18, 2016
3.25 stars. Very sweet clean romance. For me, a little too juvenile in parts, but still good little holiday romance read
May 8, 2012
So in this book we have Breck McCall who is in love with her gorgeous boss Reese Thatcher. Breck doesn't see herself as someone who would catch Reese's eye. She is a honest, sweet and caring person. A country girl trapped in the city, Little does she know that Reese is just a country boy lost in the city too. Thanks to some sneaky work by her good friends, they arrange for Reese to surprise Breck on her birthday as a character out of her favorite book. The night of her birthday they share a kiss and this opens up the opportunity to explore something more than a employee/boss relationship. They proceed with their relationship, even spending the holidays with Reese's family. After spending Thanksgiving at his family's farm Reese realizes what he wants most and that is his country life back with Breck by his side.
Mrs. McClure's books are new to me. I am not one who tends to read books that have a religious tone to them, but I loved this one. She did an awesome job at writing this one to appeal to all audiences. She did not compromise the integrity of her work to do so and I applaud her for that. She kept the clean format but the romance was still in the forefront. Her characters have depth and and are easily relatable.
I like the joke she had in the book about the McCall Ranch. It is call El Costa Lotta McCall Ranch. Reese said he didn't get it at first and sadly neither did I. I admit it that one went over my head. (:
Kay is like me, an avid reader and wanted to tell the world about the books you read. That's why I started a blog. All of Breck's friends, or as Reese calls them the Pumpkin Sweater club, are great friends that we all wish we had.
I liked the romance between Breck and Reese. They have always been attracted to each other but neither thought to act on it until Breck's birthday. It was almost comical when they realized it.
Overall I loved the book. The author did an excellent job with appealing to a wide audience. I look forward to reading more of her books. I rated it a 5 because it surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. This is a clean romance. There is no cursing, violence or sexual situations in the book.
Mrs. McClure's books are new to me. I am not one who tends to read books that have a religious tone to them, but I loved this one. She did an awesome job at writing this one to appeal to all audiences. She did not compromise the integrity of her work to do so and I applaud her for that. She kept the clean format but the romance was still in the forefront. Her characters have depth and and are easily relatable.
I like the joke she had in the book about the McCall Ranch. It is call El Costa Lotta McCall Ranch. Reese said he didn't get it at first and sadly neither did I. I admit it that one went over my head. (:
Kay is like me, an avid reader and wanted to tell the world about the books you read. That's why I started a blog. All of Breck's friends, or as Reese calls them the Pumpkin Sweater club, are great friends that we all wish we had.
I liked the romance between Breck and Reese. They have always been attracted to each other but neither thought to act on it until Breck's birthday. It was almost comical when they realized it.
Overall I loved the book. The author did an excellent job with appealing to a wide audience. I look forward to reading more of her books. I rated it a 5 because it surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. This is a clean romance. There is no cursing, violence or sexual situations in the book.
October 20, 2022
This has always been a favorite of mine, but maybe I shouldn't read it. It has such a perfect description of a happy Thanksgiving dinner and the preparing of the meal that it sometimes makes me quite envious. It is truly well named, "Old-fashioned".
May 21, 2012
Oh my heck I loved this book! I've heard so many great things about Marcia Lynn McClure's books from the blog I Am A Reader, Not A Writer so I knew I just had to read one and find out for myself. If you love clean romance you will love this book. It was addicting! I finished it in a day and was giddy throughout.
Breck was 20-21 during the book, and I don't know if Reese's age was mentioned. I pictured him being 25ish. The chemistry between Breck and Reese was great. I loved that she had such a crush on her boss, so cute. Most of the story was told from Breck's POV, but it did change to Reese sometimes which I enjoyed.
I have to mention Breck's four best friends: Barb, Trixie, Kay, and Sherryl. They were awesome. I loved their banter. When they were together they giggled and joked and could be completely goofy. It reminded me of being with my college roommates . . . good times. I laughed out loud more than a few times.
This was a quick read and completely enjoyable! I recommend it to all you clean romance lovers.
This was reviewed on my book blog. Clean Adult Fiction
Breck was 20-21 during the book, and I don't know if Reese's age was mentioned. I pictured him being 25ish. The chemistry between Breck and Reese was great. I loved that she had such a crush on her boss, so cute. Most of the story was told from Breck's POV, but it did change to Reese sometimes which I enjoyed.
I have to mention Breck's four best friends: Barb, Trixie, Kay, and Sherryl. They were awesome. I loved their banter. When they were together they giggled and joked and could be completely goofy. It reminded me of being with my college roommates . . . good times. I laughed out loud more than a few times.
This was a quick read and completely enjoyable! I recommend it to all you clean romance lovers.
This was reviewed on my book blog. Clean Adult Fiction
April 2, 2011
This is a sweet, holiday memories, no conflict romance. So if you like that kind of romance, you'll like this. I like a romance that has conflict and mystery, and this doesn't have that. It's basically just sweet and straight forward. I also get the feeling that Marcia wrote this more for her close friends' benefit than for the general public. And, I don't like when stories are told from both hero and heroine perspectives because then you already know his thoughts and that he loves her and is trying to work things out for them to be together, so when her thoughts go on and on about being worried if he still wants her, ect., although it makes sense she would wonder, to me it's annoying to have to listen to her wondering, when you already know his thoughts. That being said...I LOVE Marcia and her books! - I own almost all of them now (except for a few of her mondern ones, as I'm realizing those seem to be the ones I don't care for so much. "Love Me", "Kissing Cousins", and "Kiss in the Dark" are her best moderns IMO.
November 17, 2012
This was the first book I read from Marcia Lynn McClure, and I absolutely love it. I've been looking and looking for clean romance that doesn't lean on faith (I feel like those get preachy sometimes) and I feel like I've finally found an author that does it well, and somewhat believably, even in different time periods/genres.
So, about this book that is now one of my absolute favorites. I think what makes me love it most is that the two characters have actually had time to develop feelings for another before the start of the novel. Plus Reese is just so cute sometimes I want to hug him. Another interesting thing that may be part of my fascination with the book is that I picked it up as a birthday gift to myself a few days before my 21st birthday--the very same birthday that Breck celebrates, and possibly around the same time (mine's in early November). It was a random happenstance that really brought home the idea that love could be just around the corner; all we have to do is be patient.
So, about this book that is now one of my absolute favorites. I think what makes me love it most is that the two characters have actually had time to develop feelings for another before the start of the novel. Plus Reese is just so cute sometimes I want to hug him. Another interesting thing that may be part of my fascination with the book is that I picked it up as a birthday gift to myself a few days before my 21st birthday--the very same birthday that Breck celebrates, and possibly around the same time (mine's in early November). It was a random happenstance that really brought home the idea that love could be just around the corner; all we have to do is be patient.
November 24, 2011
I typically don’t go for a Modern day book written by Marcia Lynn McClure because after reading probably a dozen of her books, the ones that I always seem to love are her historicals. However, I gave An Old-fashioned Romance a shot and it was worth it. I didn’t love it but that’s okay, it was still good.
The main Character Breck is sweet and easy to love and so is her mysteriously handsome boss Reese!! They are both enjoyable characters and I really loved getting to know them. The scene with Breck’s birthday party was the best!! I loved every part of that experience!! Wish it didn’t end as fast as it did.
Even though An Old-fashioned Romance wasn’t a favorite MLM book for me, that will not deter me from reading more from Marcia. She is a very talented author and one of my favorites!!
The main Character Breck is sweet and easy to love and so is her mysteriously handsome boss Reese!! They are both enjoyable characters and I really loved getting to know them. The scene with Breck’s birthday party was the best!! I loved every part of that experience!! Wish it didn’t end as fast as it did.
Even though An Old-fashioned Romance wasn’t a favorite MLM book for me, that will not deter me from reading more from Marcia. She is a very talented author and one of my favorites!!
October 8, 2014
Third Read Feb 2013: Such a cute story, I love the holiday feel. Cute romance too.
Second Read Nov 2011: Another enjoyable story. You really can't go wrong with a McClure book.
First Read April 2011: Cute. Another reviewer referred to this as a conflict-free romance and I totally agree. It was a cute story but not as good as some if her other books.
I did like that Breck is the great granddaughter of Jackson McCall, from "Desert Fire". That was a fun connection. I also thought it was funny reading about the Highwayman of Tanglewood, I read that book awhile back and it was fun hearing it referenced here!
Second Read Nov 2011: Another enjoyable story. You really can't go wrong with a McClure book.
First Read April 2011: Cute. Another reviewer referred to this as a conflict-free romance and I totally agree. It was a cute story but not as good as some if her other books.
I did like that Breck is the great granddaughter of Jackson McCall, from "Desert Fire". That was a fun connection. I also thought it was funny reading about the Highwayman of Tanglewood, I read that book awhile back and it was fun hearing it referenced here!
October 2, 2014
This is one of my favorite Marcia Lynn McClure books. Breck McCall works as a secretary to private investigator, Reese Thatcher. When her friends get him to dress up as a character from her favorite book on her birthday, and he requests a kiss, she starts to think that maybe all of her daydreams can come true. I love Breck's mischievous friends and the lengths they go to to make her birthday unforgettable. The only complaint I have is that Breck and her friends wear these pumpkin sweaters all through October, and they're 21. I don't know any 21 year-olds who would wear the tacky holiday sweaters. Otherwise, it's a sweet romance, one that makes you wish for days gone by. It leaves me wishing I lived on a farm...
April 19, 2013
4/18/13 - So great to read the McCall triology back to back. I love how McClure doesn't mess with a good thing. Her guys are hot & awesome, her girls are beautiful & sweet. It's fiction, it doesn't have to all be drama-rama!
7/18/12 - Soooo cute. Loved every minute of it. I loved how Breck's favorite book was McClure's The Highwayman of Tanglewood. :o) Glad I had already read that one.
The only problem with Marcia McClure books is that once they are over and you move onto something else, everything else is blah...Can't wait to read more!!!
Moral Note: Some passionate kisses & innuendos.
7/18/12 - Soooo cute. Loved every minute of it. I loved how Breck's favorite book was McClure's The Highwayman of Tanglewood. :o) Glad I had already read that one.
The only problem with Marcia McClure books is that once they are over and you move onto something else, everything else is blah...Can't wait to read more!!!
Moral Note: Some passionate kisses & innuendos.
December 7, 2009
I always take Marcia McClure with me on vacations because they are very light reading - supper romance, super clean (only kissing) and always promoting old fashion values. She could easy by a mormon author. She's probably a little too hokey (is that a word?) for most readers - but I love it when I'm in relax mode on vacations. I would definitely let my 15 year old daughter read this book - it's cute and she's a hopeless romantic like her mother!!
October 13, 2014
This was a great book to remind me why I love Marcia Lynn McClure. I remember buying a Kindle just so I could be able to afford more of her books. This was a great non complicated read. It was cute and fun! I do like a little tension that this book was lacking but it made up for it in other way's. Thank you Marcia for writing books that put smiles on our faces even on bad days!
July 27, 2008
This is now my favorite book! It is just so sweet and romantic. I really really enjoyed reading it. I read it in about 18 hours becasuse I couldnt put it down. I was up WAY past my bedtime finidhing it last night. I strongly recommend it.
October 21, 2008
LOVE this book!!! Just a feel good holiday romance. Love it!
September 5, 2009
Laughed out loud...so funny, yet sweet and tender at the same time. Another great Marcia McClure!
September 28, 2009
This was the very first Marcia Lynn McClure book I ever read! I read it over and over and over again! It is so cute! IT IS A TOP 3!!!!!!
April 23, 2010
Loved this super clean, super cute romance. Got nothing on my to do list done today because reading this book was much more fun. I will definitely read more of Marcia Lynn McClure's books.
May 31, 2010
I LOVED this book! I don't usually like only romance, as I like a little suspense thrown in, but this book was so cute and sweet and romantic. Andthe kissing scene in the restaurant...SWOON!
August 11, 2008
This book is more modern. I loved it! Can't wait to read The Highwayman of Tanglewood!
July 3, 2020
This book was wonderful, beautiful, romantic, and satisfying all wrapped up in one romantic book. It gives us a beauty that is getting harder and harder to find in the world. Marcia McClure always writes about these perfect gentlemen that really know how to sweep a girl off her feet and it's wonderful!
When we read through this book, we get wrapped up in a warm embrace almost, that leaves us enjoying ourselves a lot. The story in it is so beautiful, that it makes me dream of ever having the chance to be Breck. That country-girl at heart who found her true love and lives happily ever after. This book was just overall incredible!
When we read through this book, we get wrapped up in a warm embrace almost, that leaves us enjoying ourselves a lot. The story in it is so beautiful, that it makes me dream of ever having the chance to be Breck. That country-girl at heart who found her true love and lives happily ever after. This book was just overall incredible!
October 27, 2020
Breck is an old fashioned girl with a crush on her handsome boss. So when her friends get the opportunity to bring the two together, on her birthday, no less, they do it, and in the best way possible.
The romance was sweet and I enjoyed the references to the highwayman, as I absolutely adored that story. I liked the modern take on it. I didn’t like Breck very much. She was very timid and a little silly around Reese. And I know people can be like that, heck, I’m like that sometimes, it was just a little harder to read with a personality that didn’t really banter back but instead retreated in embarrassment. That being said, my favorite part was the restaurant scene for her birthday.
The romance was sweet and I enjoyed the references to the highwayman, as I absolutely adored that story. I liked the modern take on it. I didn’t like Breck very much. She was very timid and a little silly around Reese. And I know people can be like that, heck, I’m like that sometimes, it was just a little harder to read with a personality that didn’t really banter back but instead retreated in embarrassment. That being said, my favorite part was the restaurant scene for her birthday.
August 11, 2019
I always love Marcia’s books. They get me laughing and allow a break from the every day. This one is one of my favorites. I like the setting of our present day and an escape to a farm sounds wonderful to me. I also loved how she included Breck’s friends into the story. They are hilarious!
May 16, 2017
I loved this book. Not a must, but if you can, read Marcia's book The Highwayman of Tanglewood before reading this book. It will make it all the better :) I'm a HUGE fan of Marcia Lynn McClure!
October 21, 2017
It is a Marcia book, you either love them or hate them.
December 13, 2017
Reading this book a second time is still really good. Love the modern day following in love even if it is her boss and she's the secretary. Love the farm life they both have.
April 7, 2020
Love her books
When I'm in the mood for a lighthearted, laughable clean romance, Marcia Lyn McClure is my go-to. What a wonderful tribute to the holiday season.
When I'm in the mood for a lighthearted, laughable clean romance, Marcia Lyn McClure is my go-to. What a wonderful tribute to the holiday season.
May 5, 2020
I love this author and her books
June 28, 2020
I think this may be my second favorite Marcia McClure book. Her books have a bit of “wash, rinse, repeat”, but I am still liking them for the most part.
May 21, 2022
Cute lil story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews