Ada Brownell

I am very happy I read this book. I just wish I had read it closer to my reading of Lady Fugitive. It's not that you have to know what happened in that book as only a little is mentioned, but because I have read that book, I wish I would have left less time between. That being said, you will enjoy this book, especially if you've already read Lady Fugitive. It is a late 1800s story set in Colorado. There are mystery and romance in this book. It is definitely a Christian novel as scripture is quoted but not at all pushy. I cannot talk about the editing as I read a PDF copy that I converted with Calibre and there were a lot of mistakes in that. I asked for a free copy of this book so I could read and review it. Bookfun.org gave me the opportunity to do this. I highly recommend this book.… (más)

Title: Peach Blossom Rancher
Author: Ada Brownell
Pages: 364
Year: 2016
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing
My rating is 5 out of 5.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book from www.bookfun.org
If you haven’t read The Lady Fugitive, there are some references to events or characters from that novel that are mentioned in Peach Blossom Rancher. While you could read Peach Blossom Rancher as a standalone, I enjoyed the story more having read the prior novel. In the author’s latest novel, we return to 1909 and the state of Colorado where John Parks has taken over the ranch his father bequeathed to him.
With so much work needing to be done due to the judge’s neglect, money is extremely tight. The tension in the story that really kept me reading was the fact of John possibly being arrested for murder along with his trying to discover which of two women he really loved. One of the women is Victoria who lives in Boston though she once owned a ranch with her deceased husband nearby. Victoria, like her father, is a lawyer and John soon finds himself in need of a really good one!
John is learning too how much work a ranch and peach grove take along with the amount of money to keep up with living expenses and repairs. After some time, it was interesting how John grew to depend more on the Lord for his needs and wisdom in making decisions. The action never seems to stop whether in caring for something connected to the ranch or the threats to John for taking in a woman another family has abandoned.
The care that soon consumes Victoria is one that I found quite interesting, but won’t reveal it so as not to ruin other reader’s discovery. The author again shows her love of action, adventure and history in the tale as well as the continual theme of faith in the story. In many scenes, the author has her characters praying or sharing Scripture to bring encouragement, wisdom or comfort. I hope you curl up and enjoy this western tale of love, redemption, sacrifice and faith along with the first novel, The Lady Fugitive.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”… (más)

Title: The Lady Fugitive
Author: Ada Brownell
Pages: 442
Year: 2014
Publisher: Elk Lake Publishing
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
Before I share my thoughts on this story know the sequel is titled, Peach Blossom Rancher by the same author.
The tale begins in the year 1908 in Colorado where a young, 17-year-old lady is being harshly treated by her uncle. Her twin brother, John Lincoln Parks, ran away years before to the home of his deceased father’s sister. Jenny Louise Parks didn’t join her brother in fleeing, but soon packs up what little she owns, gets on her horse and flees. Now she is looking for a new life somewhere her uncle cannot find her to drag her back to the ranch.
Jenny would have loved to remain on the ranch where she grew up, but can’t under the man everyone thinks is a respectable judge. Even the judge’s wife is neither a comfort nor aid to Jenny. When Jenny takes off, she takes some of her brother’s clothing, hoping no one will recognize her or take advantage of her youth. Yet, what makes the task so very difficult is the wanted posters her uncle has sent everywhere it seems to Jenny, so she jumps even at shadows in fear.
In time, Jenny comes to own some animals and meets a young man named Michael who seems to be the polar opposite of her uncle. Readers will enjoy the adventures Jenny has and how she handles herself when danger lurks. What makes life even harder for Jenny is the loss of the money her mother had saved for her. The judge never knew about that or he would have absconded with the large amount.
At the end of the book enjoy reading the author’s note about her true life experience that was included in the novel!… (más)

Peach Blossom Rancher by Ada Brownell takes the reader to Colorado at the beginning of the 20th century. Although second in the Peaches and Dreams series, it can definitely be read as a stand alone book as there is enough back story given throughout that one is not lost on what has happened in the past. Romance absolutely abounds in Peach Blossom Rancher but not quite as straightforwardly as one might hope for...just who marries which admirer keeps the reader wondering right to the end. The book is full of lots of action and suspense as the murder of BJ, a hired hand, is under investigation by an inept sheriff and one of the 'good guys' is the major suspect. The historical aspects of the book were interesting as the author gives good descriptions of life on a ranch during this time period. A second story line in the book has to do with the inhumanity of mental health care facilities during this time. With vivid, sobering descriptions, Brownell shares the horrid squalor and dangers to which mental health patients were subjected. The characters were likable, with relatable flaws and strengths. As they navigate their lives on the ranch and city life, strong themes of faith and family are portrayed. I particularly enjoyed the exuberance of the ranch's housekeeper, Polly, as she expressed her faith and praise to God. All in all, a great book of intrigue and injustices tempered by the love of God and lots of romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Club network. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own.… (más)