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Sons and Daughters #1
The Ladies' Man
In the heart of Texas lives a family as big and bold as the state itself The Daltrys are as different as they come, each with his or her own strengths--and weaknesses. Every time a Daltry turns twenty years old, they are presented with a task by their grandmother. These challenges are intended to teach them about character--but they often learn quite a bit about love along the way...
Lee Daltry was the charmer of the family, but he couldn't charm his way out of this one. His grandmother was sending Lee back to the only place he had never fit in--school. But this time, he was going as the schoolmarm! More at ease taming horses than children, Lee sought advice from the only other teacher he knew-- Meredith Lewis, a newcomer in town and the most proper lady he had ever met. Since he had taken her job as schoolmarm, she wanted nothing to do with him. But as Lee tried to tame the beautiful woman's anger, what started out as his family duty turned into an unforgettable lesson in love...
Lee Daltry was the charmer of the family, but he couldn't charm his way out of this one. His grandmother was sending Lee back to the only place he had never fit in--school. But this time, he was going as the schoolmarm! More at ease taming horses than children, Lee sought advice from the only other teacher he knew-- Meredith Lewis, a newcomer in town and the most proper lady he had ever met. Since he had taken her job as schoolmarm, she wanted nothing to do with him. But as Lee tried to tame the beautiful woman's anger, what started out as his family duty turned into an unforgettable lesson in love...
260 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1995
227 people want to read
About the author
Lorraine Heath
92 books4,395 followersAlso writes Young Adult under Rachel Hawthorne, Jade Parker, and with her son as J.A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 28, 2019
3.5 stars bumped up to 4
This is a sweet little western historical romance, the first in a six-author compilation, each author writing about one of the sons or daughters of the Daltry family. The family members are all named for characters in Greek mythology. In keeping with family tradition, on their 20th birthday, each one is given a labor to perform by the time they reach 21. Heath gets the series started with the first labor for eldest son Lee (Hercules, as he is aptly named).
Lee learns about himself, falls in love with a woman who also undergoes life-altering changes, and they get their HEA.
This is a sweet little western historical romance, the first in a six-author compilation, each author writing about one of the sons or daughters of the Daltry family. The family members are all named for characters in Greek mythology. In keeping with family tradition, on their 20th birthday, each one is given a labor to perform by the time they reach 21. Heath gets the series started with the first labor for eldest son Lee (Hercules, as he is aptly named).
Lee learns about himself, falls in love with a woman who also undergoes life-altering changes, and they get their HEA.
January 4, 2024
Lorraine Heath writes the most loving and honest heroes. Seriously. She continues her trend of stoic and kind heroes in her third published book, I believe, which is part of a series put together by the publisher. Six books in all, each written by a different author. I loved tender Lee, who falls in love with usurped schoolmarm, Meredith. The book takes place in late 1800’s Texas, with loving family members, caring townsfolk, and beautiful nature surrounding it all, all interwoven with Greek mythology. All very sweet and lovely.
June 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this author. And this book was very well done. The Dalton family is very interesting and I really enjoy their story. It was poor children though… Those names must have caused them quite a bit of grief.
June 4, 2019
Tired? Depressed? Aggravated with the world? Take a break and read this book!
Grab it quick because, according to author Lorraine Heath's website, this book is out-of-print!
Another reviewer commented that she thought the first chapters introduced too many characters. Perhaps this is because THE LADIES' MAN is the beginning of a series of "Sons and Daughters."
The rest of the books/authors have been added at the end of this review. I've had the devil of a time finding any of the other tomes in the library.
This book has a great deal of laugh-out-loud humor! The story is a bit simplistic but I enjoyed it immensely.
The main conflict was: Hercules (yup, you're going to learn a bit of mythology. It is totally fun!) overcoming Meredith Lewis' anger over losing her job to him -- as the schoolmarm of a small town.
Why Hercules has to teach school for a year is the linchpin upon which this tale spins.
As a retired teacher, I was in awe of Hercules' understanding of a child's pain when he/she struggles to learn. This book should be required reading for every beginning teacher!
This is a beautifully written story with lots of pathos, humor and "learnin' goin' on!"
1) THE LADIES' MAN - by Lorraine Heath
2) THE WALLFLOWER - by Linda Francis Lee
3) THE MATCHMAKER - by Debra S Cowan
4) THE FLIRT - by Rachelle Nelson
5) THE TOMBOY- by Mary Lou Rich
6) THE PERFECT GENTLEMAN - by Elaine Crawford
Grab it quick because, according to author Lorraine Heath's website, this book is out-of-print!
Another reviewer commented that she thought the first chapters introduced too many characters. Perhaps this is because THE LADIES' MAN is the beginning of a series of "Sons and Daughters."
The rest of the books/authors have been added at the end of this review. I've had the devil of a time finding any of the other tomes in the library.
This book has a great deal of laugh-out-loud humor! The story is a bit simplistic but I enjoyed it immensely.
The main conflict was: Hercules (yup, you're going to learn a bit of mythology. It is totally fun!) overcoming Meredith Lewis' anger over losing her job to him -- as the schoolmarm of a small town.
Why Hercules has to teach school for a year is the linchpin upon which this tale spins.
As a retired teacher, I was in awe of Hercules' understanding of a child's pain when he/she struggles to learn. This book should be required reading for every beginning teacher!
This is a beautifully written story with lots of pathos, humor and "learnin' goin' on!"
1) THE LADIES' MAN - by Lorraine Heath
2) THE WALLFLOWER - by Linda Francis Lee
3) THE MATCHMAKER - by Debra S Cowan
4) THE FLIRT - by Rachelle Nelson
5) THE TOMBOY- by Mary Lou Rich
6) THE PERFECT GENTLEMAN - by Elaine Crawford
June 24, 2010
Sugar-glazed, this story of love is not reality; instead it is the first in a series written by different authors about the Daltry family. The eldest son, Hercules aka 'Lee' is a sweet big lunk or is he? Thought by himself to be stupid because he has always had a difficult time reading he doesn't appear to be the swiftest in the world. Though he is good-looking his character is flawed. He had a hard time in school and lost some self-esteem. His teachers treated him badly and he feels overwhelmed when he is around those who are educated.
Why is this important? Because on his 20th birthday he is given a 'labor' by his grandmother. He will become a school 'marm' for one year. As they begin their twentieth year each Daltry child is given something to do to become a better person. They cannot share the 'whys' of this without others until they've learned their lesson by, hopefully, their 21st birthday. If they succeed their grandmother will give them a gift. Does it sound a little confusing? Don't let it be.
Meredith Lewis, the school teacher who was hired by the town meets Lee shortly before he turns twenty. Neither she or Lee knows he is about to take her job. Red-haired and blind as a bat Lee finds her adorable. She looks like an owl with her thick glasses and, hey, aren't owls suppose to be smart?
Raised as an orphan and finding out she has lost her first place of employment her shell is hard to break. Lee feels terrible that he can't share his 'secret' but he isn't intimidated by Meredith and shows her sweet bits of love that are tucked throughout the story.
This is a yarn: a story with incredible happenings. Taking place in the late 1800's in Texas would a family like the Daltrys exist? I doubt it. Meredith was hard to like sometimes but I had to remember her upbringing and current situation. And wouldn't we all like a little bit of Lee's character in our significant other? The romance is light and somewhat goofy but you'll find a smile on your face when you least expect it. Don't expect any depth and you won't be disappointed. This romance is what it is, take it for the way it was written.
Other 'Sons and Daughters' books in the series:
2: The Wallflower by Linda Francis Lee
3: The Matchmaker by Debra S. Cowan
4: The Flirt by Rachelle Nelson
5: The Tomboy by Mary Lou Rich
6: The Perfect Gentleman by Elaine Crawford
Why is this important? Because on his 20th birthday he is given a 'labor' by his grandmother. He will become a school 'marm' for one year. As they begin their twentieth year each Daltry child is given something to do to become a better person. They cannot share the 'whys' of this without others until they've learned their lesson by, hopefully, their 21st birthday. If they succeed their grandmother will give them a gift. Does it sound a little confusing? Don't let it be.
Meredith Lewis, the school teacher who was hired by the town meets Lee shortly before he turns twenty. Neither she or Lee knows he is about to take her job. Red-haired and blind as a bat Lee finds her adorable. She looks like an owl with her thick glasses and, hey, aren't owls suppose to be smart?
Raised as an orphan and finding out she has lost her first place of employment her shell is hard to break. Lee feels terrible that he can't share his 'secret' but he isn't intimidated by Meredith and shows her sweet bits of love that are tucked throughout the story.
This is a yarn: a story with incredible happenings. Taking place in the late 1800's in Texas would a family like the Daltrys exist? I doubt it. Meredith was hard to like sometimes but I had to remember her upbringing and current situation. And wouldn't we all like a little bit of Lee's character in our significant other? The romance is light and somewhat goofy but you'll find a smile on your face when you least expect it. Don't expect any depth and you won't be disappointed. This romance is what it is, take it for the way it was written.
Other 'Sons and Daughters' books in the series:
2: The Wallflower by Linda Francis Lee
3: The Matchmaker by Debra S. Cowan
4: The Flirt by Rachelle Nelson
5: The Tomboy by Mary Lou Rich
6: The Perfect Gentleman by Elaine Crawford
July 26, 2014
Every time someone in the Daltry family turns twenty, they are given a task by their grandmother that must be completed within the year. Lee Daltry is told he will be going back to school to be the new Schoolmarm. He is not happy with this since he hated school and always felt he was dumb. Meredith Lewis is also not happy because she thought the teaching job was hers. Now Lee must convince Meredith to help him with his task, especially when he sees one of his students is having the same problems he did as a child.
I thought the first couple chapters of this book were very slow. The writing had a very simplistic feel to it...almost like I was reading a children's book. Maybe it was because the author introduced almost every character in the book it the first two chapters. It felt like a role call. But, after Lee's task is revealed and he begins his teaching job, the writing got better and the story became more interesting. I really liked Lee and his unconventional teaching style. I also liked the way he pursued Meredith and tricked her into helping him with his students. My rating: 4 Stars.
I thought the first couple chapters of this book were very slow. The writing had a very simplistic feel to it...almost like I was reading a children's book. Maybe it was because the author introduced almost every character in the book it the first two chapters. It felt like a role call. But, after Lee's task is revealed and he begins his teaching job, the writing got better and the story became more interesting. I really liked Lee and his unconventional teaching style. I also liked the way he pursued Meredith and tricked her into helping him with his students. My rating: 4 Stars.
September 6, 2010
What happens when you are obsessed with Greek mythology? You name your children and grandchildren after the them. Hercules, Cupid, Atlas, Atlanta, Venus, and Persephone all get a character-building task for their 20th birthday, to be completed in 1 year. The task? Something that is SO far from what each one could possibly imagine. The result? The each realize they weren't named after these gods for no reason.
Great first book in the Sons and Daughter series. Unique idea for this series. If you can find all the books in this series, its a keeper. They are out of print and hard to find.
Great first book in the Sons and Daughter series. Unique idea for this series. If you can find all the books in this series, its a keeper. They are out of print and hard to find.
August 12, 2012
A very warm story. The hero has some problems, but he's such a gentle, big guy, you just can't dislike him. And the heroine has so understandable and simple wishes, you have to cheer her along the way. Nice and funny read.
January 23, 2011
I loved this book! Just as good as I remember when I read it in the 90's.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews