Kelly Eileen HakeReseñas
Autor de The Bride Bargain
Reseñas
Overall, the volume is a bit heavy-handed with its religious epiphanies. Although I didn't find any of the stories particularly memorable, they were amusing reads over the course of several days.
Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for this digital review copy!
***Funniest line in the whole book:
"God was our chaperone."
That's not how it works, dear.
Book 1 of 3
Clara was raised by her loving aunt and cruel uncle. Now that uncle is dead Clara tries to take her aunt to Oregon the start a new life. Life is still hard and the are left behind by their wagon train. Now stranded in Buttonwood, Clara makes a Barton with a storekeeper. Clara will play matchmaker to the storekeeper’s son and she will be granted a lovely home in town.
Saul is finally a doctor. His big heart always goes the extra mile for any distressed person. He has become the guardian of an abused 13 year old girl. He has travel west to look after his father’s store while his father is away on business. His father has some secret plans for Saul: marry a local girl and settle in Buttonwood.
Book 2 of 3
I loved this book. Just a bit different from the meet-cute, argue, and marry pattern.
Opal and Adam grew up on opposites sides of a feuding families. Each trying their best to keep the peace. Circumstantial evidence and a half truth leads to a shot gun wedding. Opal and Adam must continue to keep the peace and make the marriage work.
Book 3 of 3
New citizens have arrived in Buttonwood since book 1 and 2. The Miller sends off for his mail order bride (a gal from the past). However two cousins with the same name live in the same house and the invitation only states their given name and not the nicknames they go by. Confusion. And heartbreak. Persistence and happily ever afters.
New citizens have arrived in Buttonwood since book 1 and 2. The Miller sends off for his mail order bride (a gal from the past). However two cousins with the same name live in the same house and the invitation only states their given name and not the nicknames they go by. Confusion. And heartbreak. Persistence and happily ever afters.
I loved this book. Just a bit different from the meet-cute, argue, and marry pattern.
Opal and Adam grew up on opposites sides of a feuding families. Each trying their best to keep the peace. Circumstantial evidence and a half truth leads to a shot gun wedding. Opal and Adam must continue to keep the peace and make the marriage work.
Clara was raised by her loving aunt and cruel uncle. Now that uncle is dead Clara tries to take her aunt to Oregon the start a new life. Life is still hard and the are left behind by their wagon train. Now stranded in Buttonwood, Clara makes a Barton with a storekeeper. Clara will play matchmaker to the storekeeper’s son and she will be granted a lovely home in town.
Saul is finally a doctor. His big heart always goes the extra mile for any distressed person. He has become the guardian of an abused 13 year old girl. He has travel west to look after his father’s store while his father is away on business. His father has some secret plans for Saul: marry a local girl and settle in Buttonwood.
I enjoyed the stories overall, although I liked some more than others. Each story had a different and interesting twist, and the settings varied. I especially enjoyed the story about the rare book library (A Treasure Worth Keeping) and the one about the apple orchard (Apple of His Eye).. A few of the stories needed a more complete ending, as I felt they left the reader hanging. An epilogue or postscript would have wrapped things up more completely. Readers who enjoy romantic historical fiction should find this collection worthy of their time. Each story can be read in one sitting.
I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
My favorite was the first story, 'Finishing Touches'. When Tabitha jilts her husband-to-be the day before their wedding, her sister, Libby must serve as Captain Gregory Royce's bride in her sister's place. Although Libby has loved Gregory from afar, she realizes her new husband has only had eyes for her sister. She will transform the house on Cranberry Hill into a home and hope that one day her husband will see what a jewel he got.
'Beyond the Memories' takes place after World War I, where you find the house on Cranberry Hill used to help the older folks who mentally couldn't handle the war and then the depression. Miss Maime lives there and her and her husband Clay purchased the house when they married. But Clay never came home after the war and Maime believes he died. When a handicapped gentleman shows up to help her out around the house you will discover who he is and why he is keeping his identity hidden from Maime. The author of this story notes that her desire is to show characters solving real problems of today from a Christian perspective through a compelling story; I felt she did a very good job doing this.
In 'Finally Home' you have Brian Lowe returning to Cranberry Hill mansion in a wheelchair after being hurt during the Vietnam War. He will be assigned a physical therapist, Kathy, who will be a great help in helping him physically and mentally get through this dark time in his life.
Finally, in 'The Pretend Family' (also a favorite of mine) you have Tadd Winsted, who has turned the house into a grand restaurant and although he has made it a success, to his parents in Germany he will never be a success until he finds a wife. So Tadd tells his parents he got married. When his parents decide to come back to the States to meet his new wife and child, Tadd hires Sabrena and her daughter to pose as his family when his parents come. I liked this storyline, but felt it was rushed and wish it could have taken longer to tell the story.
Naomi Higgins is the last woman to pick her "husband for hire". She isn't drawn to any of the men In Hope Falls who are there to help start a sawmill, and hopefully be chosen as a husband by Naomi. Michael Strode has come into town as a master carpenter in hopes of being accepted and bringing his son there to live. Michael and Naomi will be thrown together as they both work on a elaborate dollhouse for a friend. (Reading about the building of the dollhouse was very interesting to me.) Naomi doesn't think she is worthy of Michael, although she does like him a lot, and Michael doesn't think Naomi would want him and his past, although he has fallen in love with her. It will take some time, but they will both come to know each other's pasts and love each other even more.
This was a well written series. I had, at times, a hard time with the ladies taking over this town and being so high minded about it; especially when some of the men truly just wanted to help them. But they had good hearts and all found men that were strong, take charge guys, but who also saw the value of their fiancee and loved those strengths in them.
Lacey Lyman is a young woman trying very hard to rebuild the town of Hope Falls, which went downhill when the mine collapsed in and killed many. Now she wants to turn it into a sawmill town and has the men to help her, who answered their ad for, "Godfearing men who want to marry and have joint ownership of a sawmill".
Chase Dustan, who is a "reclusive hunter", arrives in town to figure out how the mine collapsed and investigate whether it was an accident or on purpose. But it is hard to investigate when Lacey Lyman is around, always wanting to follow him and learn how to hunt. Or criticize him, or try to run his life. But in the end, they will both find strength from each other and also find a love strong and true.
Evie is one of the 4 ladies that is emphasized in this story. She is a fantastic cook and sets up a cafe in the sawmill town and feeds the men who come looking for a wife. She is a very determined and forthright young lady and what she says goes in her restaurant.
Jacob is a man in search of the man who killed his brother to clear his brother's name. He comes into town searching for the man he believes did it. But he didn't count on protecting the 4 young ladies from all the men, or falling in love with the best cook and feisty young lady, Evie. He loves everything about her, but these two argue and fight more than anything. Trusting and loving Jacob comes hard for Evie, but in the end, in a rather dramatic way, their love for each other will prevail.
A fun story, but still has danger and adventure in it too. I look forward to reading the next two books in this series and seeing how the other ladies find their matches.
I received a complimentary copy of Sentimental Journey Romance Collection from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review.
Bea and her sisters, each talented in their own skills, are a natural for a wild west show, but all they care about is their family and farm. Cheated out of their farm by a dishonest banker with ideas of his own about the sisters, Grey Wilder takes over. The resulting relationship between him and Bea is somewhat comical, often dramatic and always romantic.
Kelly Eileen Hake has a beautiful writing style full of originality, feeling and hope. Nothing is too dark, too helpless or too sad that the hope of God cannot shine through. Looking forward to more Darlyn romance stories in the future.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion.
Author: Kelly Eileen Hake
Pages: 328
Year: 2014
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Greyson Wilder is a bone picker. He and his partner travel the west to gather up the bones of buffaloes, take them to market where the bones are sold for money. He has quit his job as a Chicago police officer after the death of his wife and unborn child. He has carried a grudge against God since that time and withdrawn from people. He agrees to his partners request to barter with the wagon full of women in the town of Tallgrass, but then they will leave town. One thing leads to another and before Greyson knows it he has agreed to stay and help plant spring crops while his partner takes the bones to Chicago.
Bea Darlyn has been in the role of mother since the age of nine. She is now twenty and longs for a family of her own, but only if she is married to the right man. She learned her lesson when her former fiancé wanted her to move to Oregon after their engagement was announced. She could never leave her family with her father being so ill. That engagement ended a couple of years ago. With Bea’s expertise in firearms and Irish heritage, she and her sisters are at odds with the mostly German town folk as their weapons skills are deemed unladylike. Now Greyson Wilder has entered Bea’s life and she is attracted to his good looks, but even more to his good character. He has told her he will be moving on to Canada and has no intention of staying in Tallgrass.
I have enjoyed this author’s previous works better than this one so I’m not ruling out reading the next book in the series, but this one is just so-so. I probably will read book two to see if it is an improvement over the first one. This book isn’t terrible, but it isn’t great either. The characters felt flat to me and I didn’t make a connection with either of the two main characters in this first story. The second book, Slings and Arrows, will focus on the character of Ariel. If I had to choose a favorite character, then she is the one I liked the best so I hope her story is more interesting.
My rating is 3 stars.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457
Shiloh Run Press
ISBN 9781628367720
Christian Fiction, Historical, Western Romance
The Darlyns are four bachrlorette’s, that live with their ill father in the Old West. He has taught them to take care of themselves. They can out shoot, throw a knife, ride and rope better than any of the men around. They are also smart, quick witted and great cooks. Beatrix “Bea” being the oldest tries to keep everyone in line and take care of her family. Bea is being harassed by the town bully. When Grayson runs into Bea and her sister in town he comes to their rescue. He follows them home for a thank you dinner and stays for an extended period of time. Can Grey help save her family home and win Bea’s heart? Well you will have to read this wonderful four star book to find out.
Kelly Eileen Hake did a great job of bringing life to the characters. They were adventurous, witty and strong women of noble character and faith. I give Trails & Tangles 4 stars.
Quote: “ The Dalyns would stand out in any setting, but Grey couldn’t help thinking they’d find more acceptance and appreciation in a larger, more diverse town. Not that they showed any indication to leave. Drought and debt inspired redoubled efforts, not despair. Their crops might fail but Darlyn roots ran too deep for them to seek out greener pastures elsewhere.
Impractical, but understandable. When they’d cut a road into a ravine and coaxed crops from a dry stream bed, they’d build more than a farm. They carved a place for themselves amid the unforgiving plains, a home so cozy that even Grey fought a reluctance to leave.”
I want to thank the author Kelly Eileen Hake and publisher Shiloh Run Press for bringing good clean Christian books like this one to readers like me. I would also like to thank The Book Club Network Inc. for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this book! A story of parental love, misunderstandings, with siblings - brothers, no less -mixed into the equation. With a touch of humor to offset the angst that comes to young women as they grapple with life questions, I found this to be an amazing novel. I related best to Jessie, and felt her insecurities as clearly as if they were my own. So many times I tend to forget that those characters I read about in the fiction novels are just fiction, and the emotions and thoughts are realistic to life, but the people did not in fact go through those trials in precisely that way. What fun it is to pretend with them though, and to be carried into another country and lifestyle, away from your own troubles. Kelly Eileen does this very well in this book. Seeing the scenery, hearing the cattle and all that brings everything to life, including heartfelt humor the reader is immersed in it.
I received this book free from Fred at The Book Club Network and Shiloh Run (Barbour) Publishers in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions are my own
Tucker Carmichael was not only the foreman for Carson Culpepper's Bar None ranch, he was part owner. Before his death, Carson charged his son Ed, and Tucker with Jess's care. Tucker took that job to heart, perhaps a bit too much, especially after he had seen her. What happens when spunk and impulsive meets responsible, stubborn and controlling?
I loved the author's attention to detail, especially in her description of the round-up, the preparations the women had to make for the drive, and the meals cooked for these events. I could easily picture all of it in my mind from her detailed accounts. It gave this book a unique point of view, from the cook's perspective.
Another thing I appreciated about this story is the relationship between Aunt Desta and Jess that developed in the short span of time this book covers. The author skillfully conveys the warmth of understanding between the more mature woman and young Jess, who needs Desta for spiritual guidance as well as her friendship and the sense of family she was deprived of for so many years. It was Desta who ferreted out that under her bold and brash exterior Jess was insecure and in need of stability and a sense of belonging. And it was Desta who realized that Jess's attitude toward God reflected her feelings of anger and abandonment from her father because he sent her away to school. Through the hardships of the cattle drive, Desta played an important role in helping Jess resolve these issues.
Thirdly, I enjoyed see the evolving relationship between Jess and Tucker. Both needed to dig deeply inside themselves to find compromises they could live with. Their journey toward a romance was filled with potholes, but endearing nevertheless. I enjoyed how the author used humor to help iron out some of those wrinkles. Overall, this was a fun book to read and I can heartily recommend it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of Barbour Publishing, Inc. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Author: Kelly Eileen Hake
Pages: 313
Year: 2014
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Jessalyn Culpepper is finished with finishing school! Her father sent her to England to become a lady seven years ago and she’s been at five different schools over that time period, being dismissed from each one for her behavior. When she discovers her father is dead, she cashes in her tuition money for a ticket back to Texas. She has outgrown school and needs to prove she belongs home on the Bar None. Her father sent her away and now she feels like she has to earn a place to belong on the ranch and in her family. She meets an aunt she had no knowledge of before upon her return home. She definitely benefits from having an older female influence. However, Jess can do without all the talk of God that her aunt, her brother and Tucker bring into almost every conversation. Jess and God aren’t on speaking terms as He never answered her prayers to come home or to save her mother from dying.
Tucker Carmichael is the ranch foreman. After Simon Culpepper dies, Tucker is now part owner of the Bar None Ranch. He knows Jess will be coming home sometime soon, but hopes it is later rather than sooner. She was a handful when she left and Tucker doubts she has changed much since she has been gone. He is in charge and likes to run a clean, efficient operation. Jess is impulsive and makes rash decisions, a style which doesn’t mesh with Tucker’s way of doing things. Once Jess arrives, they are at loggerheads a lot. He admires her spunk and her know-how around the ranch, but he promised her dad he would keep her safe. The decisions she makes keep Tucker hopping to ensure her safety. Maybe he should sell his part of the ranch and take a job as foreman somewhere else.
I’ve read all of Kelly’s other books, so when this one came out I knew I was going to read it. As with her other books, there are humorous scenes and dialogue sprinkled throughout the story, but this story for me was just average. The round up where some action actually occurs isn’t until late in the book and everything up to that point is very ho-hum and drags a bit. I just couldn’t connect with the characters. Hopefully, her next book will be back up to par with her prior ones. This book isn’t terrible by any means, but it just isn’t as good as her others.
My rating is 3 stars.
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Plots-Pans-Kelly-Eileen-Hake/dp/1620299585/ref=sr_1_1?s=bo...
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457
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But that was only at some points, I say that about half of the stories, the other half? I enjoyed it, I liked the faith shown, and the characters were okay. I won't say which stories I disliked and which I Liked (other than mentioned above), so that I don't stop others from reading books they may enjoy.