REVIEW OF RED HAWK CHRISTMAS by Rain Trueax

Red Hawk Christmas (Women Starting Over, Book 1) by Rain Trueax

Review by Caroline Clemmons, filling in for Mary Adair

Diana Ashburn is still reeling from an unwanted divorce and looking for purpose in her life. Her children are grown and don’t need her, she’s retired from teaching history and political science, and she senses unrest within her. What should she do to find fulfillment?

She chooses a course of action that stymies her children and friends. Diana sells her home and most of her possessions and buys a Class C motor home that she names Red Hawk. She isn’t acting impulsively—online she’s been following others who live this life and picking up tips. She wants a large enough home to be comfortable but not one too large to handle.

Against her children’s wishes, she and her two Chihuahuas set out to tour the country. Rather than missing her old life, she enjoys the ability to go where she wishes as the will takes her. She begins with Native American ruins and sites.

Near Christmas, she decides to stay awhile in remote Bluff, Utah. Much to her surprise, she has three men interested in her. After so many years, she isn’t sure how to deal with all the attention—or with her own reactions. Is it too late for Diana to find love?

This is a novella about starting over when you’re no longer a cute young chick. Rain Trueax has captured Diana perfectly in about 30,000 words. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend RED HAWK CHRISTMAS. Worth far more than the 99 cent price, this is a sweet, G-rated story. 

The buy link is https://www.amazon.com/Hawk-Christmas-Women-Starting-Over-ebook/dp/B01M5IA26Y/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1481164910&sr=1-5&keywords=rain+trueax+kindle+books

To help celebrate Christmas, I'll give a copy of RED HAWK CHRISTMAS to one person who leaves a comment. 

REVIEW OF LAUREL: BRIDE OF ARKANSAS

Laurel: Bride of Arkansas (American Mail-Order Brides Series Book 25)

Written by Carra Copelin

Reviewed by Mary Adair

Sweet Romance  5 Stars

I must say, I have developed a liking for stories about mail order brides. Laurel: Bride of Arkansas is one of my favorites. Laurel lives in a time when the women’s rights movement was in its infancy. Laurel’s aunt Lottie was Laurel’s introduction into that movement and seeing the kindred spirit in her niece, Lottie welcomed her into her home where Laurel’s spirit of self reliance flourished.

When her aunt, Lottie, was killed in a tornado, Laurel knew she could not return home to an over bearing and controlling father. She would not waiver in her determination to choose for herself the path her life would take. So, when she was faced with going home or remaining to take a job in the mill, she choose independence. Laurel was happy with her decision and the bonds of friendship she forged, but fate once again intervened when the mill burned to the ground. Laurel was lucky to escape with her life, but would forever be burdened by the sight and sounds and the fear she felt when she thought she would not escape the flames.

Once again she was faced with a decision. Would she return home or take her future into her own hands by answering and add in the Grooms’ Gazette?

Laurel: Bride of Arkansas is a sweet romance that will leave you smiling and feeling good all over. I love the way Ms Copelin developed Laurel and Griffin’s characters and how believably and humorously they played off each other. This type of character development can be the difference between just likeable characters and beloved characters. If you are busy, but love to read short books with a lot of story, Laurel: Bride of Arkansas is the perfect book for you. You won’t be disappointed.

Mary Adair is the author of the Amazon bestselling Native American Passion series. 

REVIEW OF A 5-STAR BOOK!

By Mary Adair

OPHELIA (Bride Brigade Book 4)  by Caroline Clemmons

5 Stars.

Ophelia lay on her stomach as her childhood friend applies ointment to the angry red whelps, some bleeding or oozing, that cress-cross her back.   Ophelia is on her way to find a new life.  She has a dream, and the fact that she counts herself lucky to be alive after that last beating she received from her scripture quoting father, feeds her determination to see it through.  She will find a good, church going man; a kind, gentle man that will love and cherish her and their future children.  She will never suffer another beating and neither will her children-to-be.

I love the Ophelia character. Too many women in the world can personally identify with the shame and fear that accompanies such evil mistreatment.  Ophelia, though she appears to many to be shy and withdrawn, proves herself to be strong and determined not only in her beliefs but in her determination to create for herself a respectable and safe life.

Ophelia and Josephine (a quick fact…Josephine has her own book in the series) are traveling to Tarnation, a small Texas town, to be a part of the “Bride Brigade".  Once they arrive, Ophelia falls in love with the town and its people and knows she will stay in Tarnation even if she does not find the husband of her dreams.  Of course, she is determined to find the man to fill those shoes and bring her dreams to fruition.

Enter Elias Kendrick. Ophelia feels an immediate attraction for Elias. He seems perfect. Elias is polite, handsome, attentive and… he built the town theater, but…(can you hear the screech of the needle on the turntable?) she also learns he owns and runs the town saloon.  Her heart tells her Elias is the one she wants to marry, but there is one surprise after the other that causes her to doubt that decision. 

I love all of Ms Clemmons’ stories but I particularly enjoy these shorter (45, 000 words) stories. Well written, and well plotted, this is a heart lifting story of personal growth, and dreams coming true. It will leave you feeling happy and looking for the next story. I definitely plan on reading the whole series. 

APRIL FOOL BRIDE -- AN ALL BRIDES ARE BEAUTIFUL ROMANCE

April Fool Bride - An All Brides Are Beautiful Romance- by Joan Reeves

Reviewed by Mary Adair

Maddie has a problem. She needs a husband…and she needs one fast.

Maddie needs to find, a man who will actually agree to sign a prenuptial, marry her and then accept a hefty “pay off” to give her a divorce and exit her life. If she can’t find someone she can trust to pull off this marriage of convenience by April first her step mother will retain the control of her massive inheritance for another ten years.

There is only one man Mattie can think of that she could trust. Jake. He was her first love and the one special friend from her childhood she felt she could go to with her scheme. Jake’s mother worked for Maddie’s family when she and Jake were children. The two spent their childhood together and became fast friends, but Mattie had wanted more. Her impulsive nature put them in an embarrassing situation in which they were caught by Mattie’s stepmother. Jake’s mother lost her job and was kicked out. Jake’s well laid plans for a scholarship and his future crumbled. While Mattie’s life spun out of control, Jake struggled to achieve his dreams and over the years of their separation, unknown by Mattie, had done quite well for himself.  

Their meeting is uncomfortable, but Jake does agree to her scheme.  On April 1^st they are wed and the adventure begins.

This is a wonderful love story. April Fool Bride is well plotted and beautifully told. As the story came to an end I found myself wanting to read more.

I read a lot of books, but I don’t read them all to the end, and I only write a review on the ones I love. I thoroughly enjoyed April Fool Bride.  5 Stars!!

REVIEW OF AMANDA'S RANCHER #MontanaSkyKW

By Mary A. Adair

This story begins in a small Georgia town in 1887.
Mara O’Sullivan is awakened from sleep by a barely discernible  rustling sound. Her life is about to change.

Mara was raised by her mother, a town prostitute. The fact that Mara’s mother had sheltered her daughter and that Mara herself had never taken up the trade made no difference to the town folk. Though she faced the disdain of the “proper” people, she, as her mother had been, was a kind and generous person who valued right over wrong. When she witnessed a bank robbery she did the right thing, she identified the outlaws to the sheriff. This act put her life in danger and threw her into a desperate flight to find safety. 

On this fearful journey she encounters a half-sister and a niece she never knew she had. She learns about her father that was devoid of fatherly love toward any child not born a boy. It was easy for her to love her half-sister, Amanda Eppes, and her own sweet and intelligent niece, Iris Grace.

Mara learns Amanda is on her way to Montana Territory to become a mail-order bride. Mara takes no time at all to make up her mind about what she wants to do. She is faced with a chance to have a real family. Changing her own destination, Mara is thrilled with the notion they can live close to one another and be a help to each other.

The two sisters make plans for the future and look forward to a family neither had ever known. Sadly, their plans are interrupted when Amanda, the sister Mara had only begun to know, dies suddenly. On her sister’s deathbed, Mara promises she will take Amanda’s place. She will pretend to be Amanda and Iris will become her daughter. She prays the plan is solid and the men who want her dead will never find them.

Her plans become salvation not only for herself but for her niece, now daughter, as well. She determines she will marry this unknown rancher. She will be the best wife and mother she can be. Most of all, she will keep Iris close and provide for her a safe and happy home.

Mara and her new daughter continue on the journey to Montana Territory where she will meet Preston Kincaid for the first time. She marries this man she does not know and soon realizes the deception she thought would keep herself and her daughter safe has become a threat to all she holds dear.

I just couldn’t put this story down. I love the way Ms Clemmons weaves a story together. These characters will wiggle their way into your heart, especially little Iris. If you are a sweet romantic at heart, with a bit of daredevil and adventurer mixed in, you will love this story.

~~~~~~~~~

Mary Adair is the award winning and bestselling author of the Passion series of Native American novels: PASSION'S VISION, PASSION'S PRICE, and RAVEN'S PASSION among other works. She is currently at work on the fourth book in the Passion series. You can find her at www.maryadair.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Mary-Adair-147333405423761/

  

REVIEW OF MICHELLE McCARTY'S BEYOND THE PALE

By Mary A. Adair

BEYOND THE PALE by Michelle McCarty

Easy 5 STAR

BEYOND THE PALE is an emotional roller-coaster ride. The story opens with a funeral. As Abbie’s mother is laid to rest, the reader is introduced to Abbie’s family, and what a family it is. Abbie grew up without affection from her mother. Growing up, her father was her only link to normality and parental love. When he died in an auto accident, her horrid mother cruelly and untruthfully blamed the fatal accident on Abbie.

If Abbie’s childhood years had been hard, her teen years were even more so. To Abbie’s credit, she has created a life for her son and herself surrounded by a wildly diverse group of people. She finds structure and security within her “other” family who will support her in the trial ahead in a way that will cheer your heart.

 Now she has returned to attend her mother’s funeral in the town her mother forced her to walk away from while still in her teens. All she wants is the locker filled with special mementoes her father had promised her so many years ago. After her father’s death, Abbie’s mother had refused to give her the locker. It does not take long for Abbie to realize her evil sister-in-law will do everything in her power to keep the locker from her as well. Abbie has no doubt the evil witch believes it to contain something of great monetary value.

This story takes place over a short period but it is packed with emotion and discovery. Abbie is a strong, sensitive woman with reason to have a chip on her shoulder the size of Texas. She speaks her mind and takes no guff from anyone and this made me cheer her on while her inner strength and tenderness won her a place on my “favorite characters” list.

Ms McCarthy is a master story teller. It is hard to imagine this is just her second book. And…You will not be able to figure out the surprise ending until the very end. Believe me, you will LOVE it!

BEYOND THE PALE Buy link: 99 cents at

http://amzn.com/B013MNAS3A

REVIEW OF CAROLINE CLEMMONS' McCLINTOCK'S RELUCTANT BRIDE

By Mary A. Adair

This is a heart-warming story. McClintock’s Reluctant Bride is book 3 in the McClintock series and is every bit as good as the books before. I love Ms Clemmons’ attention to detail and historical accuracy. The characters are well developed, the storyline well-plotted, and the ending totally satisfying.

The story opens with handsome rabble-rouser, Josh McClintock, celebrating his 24th birthday with family and friends.  Josh is a son of the successful McClintock ranching family. He is handsome, rich and self-assured. He suffers no loss when it comes to finding feminine companionship whenever he wants it. Everything is going his way. 

That is until he wakes up, half dressed, and being dragged out from under the bed of beautiful Nettie Clayton. In a drunken stupor he had mistaken her house for another, left his horse in plain sight in the front yard, climbed up to the second floor, crawled into Nettie Clayton’s window and onto her bed! Worse, when he wakes he is staring up at her extremely angry father. 

Yep, you guessed it, shotgun wedding, loss of freedom to carouse and basically live the ideal life of the most eligible bachelor in town. However, not all is lost. Nettie Clayton may be high-tempered and demanding, but she is also unquestionably beautiful. 

Nettie Clayton’s life is finally coming together.  Her family no longer lives in the coal mining town of Lignite, Texas. They now lived in McClintock Falls where her parents live in a modest, but beautiful home and her brother is free of the expectation of a lifetime of working coal underground. Nettie looks forward to her new position as a teacher in the local school. All is right with her world, or was before Josh McClintock climbed into her room through a window and then passed out on her bed.

Into the mix, throw a man who lost his ranch when he couldn’t pay taxes or the mortgage. Rather than owning up to the blame for his misfortune, he blames the McClintock family after they bought the ranch at the sheriff’s sale. The villain causes terrible trouble for the McClintock family and for Nettie in particular when he decides to take back his home.

This was a delightful story of growing trust and love. I give McClintock’s Reluctant Bride 5 Stars

BOOK REVIEW -- O'NEILL'S TEXAS BRIDE

By Mary A. Adair

Five Stars for O’Neill’s Texas Bride Book 2 in The McClintocks Series.

I enjoyed this second installment to the McClintock Series. You do not have to read the first book, The Texan's Irish Bride, to enjoy or follow Finn’s and Stella’s story, but you will miss out on another great story if you don’t. I love the way Caroline weaves the lives of her characters together and breathes such life into her stories that you long to read their next adventure

Finn O’Neill dreams of having a ranch of his own. A ranch that meets all his hopes and dreams comes up for sale. He can only swing a deal for the purchase if he is able to convenes Grandpa McClintock to help him with the purchase. Grandpa is happy to help, but he needs a favor of a covert nature, from Finn as well. He needs Finn to become a miner in the Farland Coal Mine and uncover who is behind the disastrous accidents happening in the mine. To do this Finn must pretend to be a miner. Though this favor may prove to be extremely dangerous, Fnn is willing to take the risk to get the ranch he has dreamed of for so long.

Stella Clayton’s father is a team leader of the most productive team working in the Farland Coal Mine. He is also on the short list of suspects for causing the deadly cave ins. Stella hates that her father must work in the mines and fears for her young brother who will someday have to join the workers in the deep, dark tunnels that have taken so many lives. Stella teaches school and dreams of someday finding a way for her and her family to leave the coal mines. Falling in love with a coal miner is something she will never allow herself to do.

This story is a delightful tale of mystery, dreams, love and happy endings. You can find it at most online venues. To purchase on Amazon, click here..

 Book two, McCLINTOCK'S RELUCTANT BRIDE, will be released on July 15th.     

REVIEW -- MATELYN AND THE TEXAS RANGER

By Mary Adair

Matelyn And The Texas Ranger: A Brides of Texas Code Series, Book 2

by Carra Copelin

I give Matelyn and the Texas Ranger 5 Stars!

This is a story of love and loss and the strength of the human spirit to overcome. I love that this story is grounded in the time of an actual event. In 1875 a Hurricane hit the Texas gulf. This story, though it is a fictional account, casts a realistic light on the devastation of such a tragic event. It also cast a light on the resilience of the human spirit and the kindness of others in a time of need.

The backdrop of the Hurricane provides a powerful visual, but it is not the whole story.

 Ian Benning, rancher and Texas Ranger, lost his wife to a tragic accident. He leaves his home and travels to Houston where he takes over a case involving an international embezzler for the local authorities.

Hurricane's destruction 1875

Matelyn O'Donnell is in the employment of Gerard de Marceau as companion to his wife, Veronique de Marceau. Matelyn is fond of the younger Veronique, but looks forward to the end of their journey to Texas. Once they arrive at Houston after traveling by ship from New Orleans she plans to travel on to Dallas where she can start a new life near her cousin Katie McTierman.

We all know what happens to well laid plans. Bound by fate, mystery, deception, and a hurricane, life will play out for the two couples in a way that will keep you intrigued to the end.

I have a new favorite author. This story is well written, plotted to keep you guessing, and filled with the strength of human spirit. If you enjoy a story that is not afraid to address the emotion of tragedy and the ability of the heart to find love after loss, you will be glad you found Matelyn And The Texas Ranger.