The Mail Order Bride's Secret by Linda Broday

While this was a well-written and entertaining story, it was a tough one for me to get hooked into and stay involved in until about half way through. While I liked both main characters, I just never really connected to either of them the way I normally would have expected/hoped. I can't pinpoint exactly what it was because I enjoyed the plot line and there was lots to love about both Tait and Mellie (and the kids), so maybe it was just the timing of reading it. The last half—most especially the last big "event"—is what saved this book for me and made me glad I kept pushing through.

Tait and Mellie both had some pretty horrific pasts and heavy burdens they were carrying, both afraid to fully trust in what they got in each other and grasp hold of something good. I could feel Tait's struggle especially. I appreciated after the big reveal of Mellie's secret that after the dust from the explosion settled, there was a maturity to how they interacted with each other - even though I wished it would have played out a bit differently.

The last part of the book where everything built to it's ultimate climax kept me at the edge of my seat watching how all the threads weaved together. I adored the strength and love shown through actions (in all the relationships, not just between Tait and Mellie), the bonds made, the way everything worked out.

Readers who enjoy some laughter mixed in with drama (almost angsty)-fueled secrets and a good bit of old-fashioned shoot-'em-up action will enjoy this story.

Longing for a Cowboy Christmas - an anthology

This is a wonderful collection of Christmas short stories - each one giving a couple hour dose of a feel-good story to snuggle up with. I totally read this book out of order, going first with the stories I was looking forward to the most and working my way through the rest, and not being disappointed in any of them!

Christmas in Paradise by Rosanne Bittner
I was so thrilled when I found out we were getting more of Sage and Maggie from Paradise Valley (one of my favorite RB books)! I had faith going in I'd love the follow up to their story, and I wasn't disappointed. Sage is still all protective of Maggie, and patient with her as she's settling into her spot as his wife. He knows he's got a treasure in her and makes sure she knows it deep down. Maggie is still as sweet, determined, and strong, as much as she's vulnerable and struggles with some insecurities. But Sage won't let those fears keep their grip on her. Loved the touch of adventure and drama, and the beauty of their Christmas miracle, both in seeing them settled, and in seeing their happily-ever-after come full circle. Honestly, this just made me want even more of their story, and I'd love to see a sequel novel someday for Sage and Maggie and their family.

A Christmas Wedding by Linda Broday
Christmas in Hope's Crossing, pouring out good on people who deserve all the good they can get! Loved getting to know Rebel even more, watching her big heart dig deep to find joy and spread it around. And then Travis finally getting the new start he needed and finding his way home again to wrap his family up in his protective arms and shower them with love. Add in some breath-catching moments and some giggles along with a few tears, and you get a sweet addition to Linda Broday's Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. So glad that there's more coming for this town and hopefully we'll get to see more of Rebel and Travis in future stories.

Through the Storm by Amy Sandas
Through the Storm starts off with a sweet, slow burn that builds to an inferno, keeping you needing more. George is fully captivated by Lucy when he first meets her, and fate helps to bring her back to him. George is an interesting character with his charm and gentleman ways mixed in with outlaw edginess. Lucy is an adorable mix of sweet and capable, the best match for George! Loved watching the embers of their attraction grow into a steady burning flame. This story probably surprised me the most in how much I ended up enjoying it!

A Fairy Tale Christmas by Leigh Greenwood
This is a super sweet story of a man and a woman who both desperately need something the other can provide, but fears and plans and a touch of stubbornness get in the way. Nan desires a family with everything she has, but isn't willing to settle for less than what she deserves or wants. But she does know how to open her heart and grasp to what she is given. Will has a mapped out plan for his life, even if he's struggling with some of the consequences and hanging onto the past. Luckily, a winter storm, the love of a child, and some words of wisdom combine to grant dreams and love to three people who deserve their family and own special happily ever after.

A Love Letter to Santa by Margaret Brownley
Holly and Tom's story melted my heart with all the joy and goodness that Christmas can bring. Holly brought a smile and cheer to a town that was hurting, and wiggled her way into the heart of a man who was lost. Loved her heart and charm. Tom proved to be a man worthy of his Holly, and had a heart of gold as well. This story left me with a few tears but a heart overflowing with good. Definitely a Christmas story to experience! Also, despite being a short novella story, I felt like I got all the feels for a full length novel!

One Snowy Christmas Eve by Anna Schmidt
Evie and Collin's story is one of second chances, letting go of pride, and chasing down your hearts' desires. A little bit of fate stepped in to give them the opportunity needed to reflect on the past, where they're at now, and grasp hold of what they still want now. Toss in a little meddling and a leap of faith and you have a delightful Christmas blessing story! I loved how we got flash backs of their history, giving us a deeper sense of their connection and showing what was worth fighting for.

This is a collection of Christmas shorts not to be missed!!

Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday

From the moment Jack winked at Nora in the stagecoach, I fell in love and never looked back!

I was intrigued by the glimpse of Jack's story that we caught in the previous book, and knew I needed him to find himself attached to his happy ever after soon. And haha, boy did he! Literally.

I simply adored how Jack and Nora met, how their spark lit up their connection, how quickly and naturally they grew to care and depend on the other -- and then ultimately need and fully desire the other. How they communicated, and how they refused to let anything come between them from moment one. And truly, how it was them taking on the world together from the beginning.

Jack claimed my reader's heart with his presence - he was rough, tough, strong, bossy, stubborn - but buried under that was a honor and respect and devotion that perfectly balanced him out. He had such a deep sense of loyalty to his brothers-in-arms and to his family he was building. And then add in the swoony charm he threw in pursuing his Nora? Oh yeah, I was a gonner. Nora, oh my goodness! This woman was perfection for Jack. She had guts, sass, determination, bravery, and such a huge amazing heart of gold. She didn't allow her past to destroy her, she figured out what she wanted and needed and went after it with a passion. And despite the struggles, she remained soft and sweet. I truly adored them separately, and then together as a couple.

The adventure and dangers kept the pages turning - delivering quite a few surprises and heart-pounding moments. And generously balanced in was some moments of peace and beauty. Toss in some beloved secondary characters and main characters from past stories (Hello, Sam Legend - I'm looking at you, sir!) and I couldn't get enough.

Honestly, no joke -- my upmost favorite LB hero, Duel McClain, just had to scoot over to the side to let Jack have room next to him (I think they both kinda grumbled at each other having to share the space). Please, do NOT make me choose between them. They both rule as favorites in the Linda Broday's little corner of Texas. So much of their story felt like it was written for me. Jack and Nora will remain treasured in my heart, and will be revisited often.

The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday

Clay and Tally's story delivers an emotional, heart-rocking, and hard-won happily-ever-after!

From the first chapters, my heart twisted both good and bad with all their emotions!! So much pain and confusion accompanied by longing and desire from both of them just trying to figure out who they were, what they needed and wanted, how to get it, and how to let go. You experience Tally's intense struggle with figuring out how to trust Clay, a stranger who is now her husband. You can't help but be charmed by Clay's natural instincts to protect and provide for his new wife and daughter. My heart rejoiced with them as they finally were able to find and nurture a fragile trust-filled bond between them. Watching their connection continue to strengthen swept my heart into pitter-patters! Throw in a delightful little girl in Violet (seriously, you gotta love that little girl!), a beautifully loyal fur-baby in Bullet, and some beloved (cross over) characters, and you get some heartwarming smiles!

I loved the lessons taught in digging deeper beyond the surface of what you think you know in a person. Don't be so quick to judge or believe that there isn't some hidden story that can change how you perceive a person. You may be surprised to discover who all that statement applies to (including real life - not just in this book fiction-wise). Clay was one for me, because I think you first see him as a more gentle kinda guy and may wonder about the outlaw rough-and-tumble side of him—but hang on because when the poop hits the fan...... Clay is definitely someone you want at your back!

If you love stories with intense emotional connections, a splash of giggles, a handful of adventures, and a beautifully stirring love story, you need to dive into The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride.

Gunsmoke and Lace by Linda Broday

Linda Broday can write some delightful short stories that dish out the goodness. Each of the 4 stories can be easily read and enjoyed when you only have a few minutes to read. 

The Telegraph Tree
Faith, answered prayers, and stubborn resilience brings Maura through to a new hea ending. Cute!!

Moon Dog Night
A tough little boy shows immeasurable love and devotion to his family. A man with a heart of gold buried under a tiring soul. A precious little girl. A mama with a quiet and gentle heart. Sometimes bad things happen to pull together beauty. Loved this little story!!

The Gunslinger
Eeek!! Omgoodness! I adored this story and honestly while I loved I was a novellette and that I could get my hea quickly, I'd have LOVED a 500+ page novel for Cade and Skye! So much goodneed packed into a little space! Forgiveness, trust, acceptance, and devotion are all weaved into their beautiful happily ever after 2nd chance journey.

Hard Luck
First impressions aren't always what it seems. And twists allow for pleasant surprises and choosing wiser paths. This is a sweet story about pausing and looking deeper and making better choices.

One thing I loved about all the stories is the common theme of needing someone to lean on, being a partner, lover, friend. How special and needed it is to hold someone, and be held. To matter to someone, be worthy of love, and show that others matter to you.

You won't want to miss this sweetly entertaining collection.

To Catch a Texas Star by Linda Broday

Blurb:

He'll do what it takes to prove his love...

The son of a notorious outlaw, Roan Penny yearns to make his life count...but heroism comes with a price. Left badly injured, only the kindness of a gentle stranger can save him. He longs to be with the captivating beauty―his savior, his Texas star, his Marley Rose McClain―but he knows he'd bring her nothing but trouble.

If only he could convince his heart of that.

Marley's lived a charmed life, and she's determined to spend the rest of her days at her quiet hero's side...but she isn't what she seems. A life-long secret threatens to destroy everything she knows―and everything she could hope to be. As dangerous men threaten to pull her back into the shadows, a desperate Roan must ride hell-bent for leather to save the other half of his heart...before he can lose her light for good.







My review:

5 shootin' stars for Marley Rose and Roan Penny!

I have a soft spot for the McClain family ever since first meeting Duel and Jessie in Knight on the Texas Plain and was ecstatic to learn that we'd get Marley's story in To Catch a Texas Star. And boy, I was NOT disappointed at all!! On the first page I was transported back in time and landed in the middle of trouble and the journey just rolled on from there.

Marley Rose has one of the most gentle and winsome souls; her affection and compassion for others and delightful creativity pour off the pages and you can't help but adore her. 

Roam Penny has this bone-deep fortitude and integrity about him that draws you in and keeps your attention. Marley found a man who was like her father in the way he cared for and protected his family - to his last breath if need be. But I also think he was like Granny Jack's cats -- that man had 9 lives and wasn't afraid to use them! haha!

There were so many little enjoyable tid-bits and discoveries wrapped up in the pages that helped to set the scene and give some happy-feel-good moments. This worked well to balance out the adventure and danger and poignant moments. I enjoyed getting to experience life with the McClains again and see their new happily ever after.

Purchase Link:
Releases July 3, 2018 - pre-order available now!
Amazon

Christmas in a Cowboy's Arms - anthology

A Chick-A-Dee Christmas by Rosanne Bittner
This was a great Christmas story, and actually for me it became the pretty red bow to tie up the Outlaw Hearts series with. So many smiles and sweet moments mixed in with the ever present dangerous adventure of being a part of the Hawkner family. I'm always gonna love Jake, Randy, and their family. This story warmed my heart and filled me up!

The Christmas Stranger by Linda Broday
Woohoo! We get to go back to the Lone Star Ranch!! The Men of Legend series is one of my favs of Linda Broday's stories and getting to get another little bit of time with them is always welcome. Hank and Sidalee's story overwhelmed me with feel good! Despite it's short length, this felt like a full length book and their hea was perfectly done. And gotta give some lovin' to Beau -- he kinda stole some scenes. 

A Texas Ranger For Christmas by Margaret Brownley
This is the first book I've read by MB and I'm impressed! Sadie and Cole's story swept me away with how simple and beautiful and heartfelt it was. This was another short story that managed to grab my attention and deliver the feel-goods and connection I need in my stories.

Father Christmas by Leigh Greenwood
Joe and Mary (haha, I'm ashamed to say how far I was into the story before I caught onto their names!) and Sarah's story totally sucked me in and gave me all the warm fuzzies I love to have. Plus good ol' Samson and the rest of the creatures made for awesome 2ndary characters. Sweet story and I'm looking forward to discovering more of Leigh Greenwood's books.


Working my way through the stories....

TBR:
A Christmas Reunion by Amy Sandas

A Christmas Baby by Anna Schmidt

To Marry a Texas Outlaw by Linda Broday

 (Men of Legend #3)


Whew! What a story! Good thing Linda Broday didn't struggle to find words for her story the same way I'm attempting to find words to express just how much I love not only this book, but this entire series as a whole. To Marry a Texas Outlaw is a thrilling conclusion to a delightful and much-loved story of the Legend family that delivered so many emotions.

Josie and Luke are simply perfect for each other! From the moment Luke encounters Josie the sparks and laughter and disgruntlements abound. As Sierra and Lara before her, I was able to connect with Josie and feel her struggles as she's also falling for Luke. But that girl -- she's somethin' alright -- and that something had me laughing and knowing that in real life, I'd want to be her best friend, just to see what she comes up with next and soak up every bit of life with her! Luke unquestionably has his hands full with his vulnerable spit-fire of a woman. And Luke? Oh that man! He can steal me away with him anytime! He's got such love and loyalty and honor that lives deep within that he has no problem pouring out on those around him but yet struggles to see within and accept for himself. Everyone can see it -- but stink he's a hard-headed man! Luke may have been an outlaw, however that wasn't who he really was - and watching him fully understand that was a remarkable journey.

The twists and crimes to solve kept me entertained and guessing. The secondary characters melted my heart as they also provided some wisdom and comic relief at the most ideal of times. And getting to catch up with the entire Legend crew -- LOVED it! Stoker, Sam, Houston and the rest truly lived out FAMILY.

This trilogy, while definitely all are standalone books, reads almost better as one big epic story and you just don't want to miss a single moment of any of it.

The Cowboy Who Came Calling by Linda Broday

(Texas Heroes #2)

These McClain men.... Oh do I fall hard for them. Luke was amazing in his devotion, his determination, his care and attention to Glory, her family, and the situations surrounding them. Almost to a fault. That poor guy! But he embodied his beliefs and his love wholeheartedly. I adored him 110%.

Glory both had my affection and drove me nuts with her stubbornness. Her strength and her ability to never give up or give in were hugely admirable. I just wish she would have saved both her and Luke some pain and frustration by choosing to let him in earlier than what she did - although when she redeemed herself to me, she did it huge! She sure made Luke work hard to win her over. Her grit and determination to survive no matter the trials put before her was amazing to watch her survive and thrive through.

I was super excited to see Duel and Jessie make an appearance, and the help they so generously shared warmed my heart.

I appreciate how some issues with Glory were dealt with, and how Luke showed a love stronger than most in helping her with those issues.

If you're a fan of historical westerns, if you love a lawman, if you love it when the heroines aren't physically perfect (but to their men, they are), this is a story you don't want to miss.

The Heart of a Texas Cowboy by Linda Broday

(Men of Legend #2)


The Heart of a Texas Cowboy is one of my top favorite of Linda Broday's books - from the very beginning I knew it was gonna wiggle it's way deep in my heart and it most definitely did.

I absolutely adored Houston and Lara's story, being with them as they found their strength and peace in each other. This is a beautiful and heart-twisting story and from the moment Houston reached for Lara's hand their connection sparked and continued to strengthen despite their fears and desire to protect themselves. I loved how they continued to take steps closer to each other and push through their walls to be vulnerable to the other and talk/communicate!

As I've discovered Linda Broday tends to do, the ending supplies some intense twists and turns, which serves to highlight the strength of the characters. With these particular twists, I love how it all worked itself out.

Twice a Texas Bride by Linda Broday

(Bachelors of Battle Creek, #2)


Rand and Callie's story took me on an adventure that captured my heart from page one and refused to let go till I reached the end - and I still didn't want to leave them yet!

Rand is very much confident in himself (believes he knows his mind) and once he decides what he wants (even if he doesn't realize deep down he's doing it or why he's doing it), he does whatever it takes to get it -- even being ever patient and gentle with Callie. Loved watching him fall for Callie and open his heart to her.

Callie..... Callie was a lady filled with beauty, even if she believed she was damaged. While she kept thinking she was beyond repair and on her own (mostly), she also fell under Rand's protection and bloomed brilliantly.

The twists and turns in the drama/action part of the story kept me biting my nails and anxiously awaiting good to win. And while you know it ultimately will (HEA after all!), the journey to get there was rocky and sometimes scary. But that just made it worth it all the more!

Watching their family grow warmed my heart. The themes of family in Linda Broday's books have touched something deep in me -- they bond together not because of blood, but because they just choose to. They build a family that works. And I love seeing how this theme is carried through.

I've discovered another favorite book by Linda Broday that will be treasured and reread often.

To Love a Texas Ranger by Linda Broday

(Men of Legend Book 1)


Linda Broday has written another story that found it's own special little corner of my heart - and on my favorites shelf.

The instant spark connecting Sam Legend to his Sierra provided just the right setting for a surprisingly slow, sweetly growing bond between them. Despite each having their own set of struggles and fears that needed healing and delt with, deep down their walls crumbled instantly once finding each other. Even though they both (Sam especially) took plenty of time to acknowledge how much each one truly needed and completed the other. The journey Sam and Sierra took me on reminded me of a mix of the lazy river ride and white water rapids - there's moments of just happy easy going warmth, and then moments filled with turbulence, rocks, and unexpected waterfalls. Be prepared for the unexpected as you're being woo'd by the sweet.

Loved getting to meet the Legend family and get hints of the next books in this series (Houston and Luke's stories). Looking forward to what comes next!

Knight on the Texas Plains by Linda Broday

(Texas Heroes Book 1)

Duel, Jessie, and Marley Rose quietly snuck into my heart and nestled deep in this beautiful story! These three lost and lonely individuals found the love and comfort in each other, creating a family all their own. There's so much beauty that flowed from the pages from all the characters - even including Luke, Pops, Vicki, and others, that I felt overwhelmed with it -- and it's just what my heart needed while escaping into this book.

Marley Rose is such a sweet little girl who stole my heart with how she became the first chain link to unite Duel to his Jessie. She also provided many giggles with her love for her goat and dog.

Jessie was such an intriguing mix of vulnerability and strength. She wasn't weak and destroyed despite her horrific past. Duel provided her with the space and grace she needed to recover, along with a comforting hand up, to get back on her feet - before he swept her off her feet, of course!

Duel was a surprise for me. His tender heart was exposed first in how he immediately claims Marley Rose and Jessie under his protection, but then his presence flowed off the pages. I love how he's a quiet man, but yet, under that quiet, there's a powerful intensity that you don't want stirred in a bad way -- but oh, once that intensity was riled in a good way, I got butterflies in my belly!! Well, and honestly, watching that same intensity when he was protecting his women was a sight to behold!

This story provided all the feels I like in my books and will be treasured and revisited often.

Forever His Texas Bride by Linda Broday

(Bachelors of Battle Creek Book 3)

Great end to an amazing series

Loved watching Brett fall in love with his Rayna and learn that he deserves a family (more than just his brothers) just as much as any other man and that Rayna learned that she's just as worthy herself. Their journey to their hea was filled with trials and struggles, both within themselves and from without through evil and prejudice. The struggles were quite overwhelming and felt unending, but goodness finally wins. The epilogue was a sweet wrap up of the series.

Texas Redemption by Linda Broday

The journey to Redemption for Brodie (Shenandoah) and Laurel is filled with twists, turns, pain, beauty, hope, forgiveness, surprises and grace. While there was a bit more struggle and time spent to get Brodie and Laurel to fully connect, there was enough spark and simmering passion between them to ease my heart. I was so thrilled when they were finally able to be fully together - and the last major pieces of Laurel's pain was washed away.

A Texas Christmas anthology

This is a fun mini series of Christmas stories where there's alot of excitement and drama that happens when a blizzard rolls through town a few days before Christmas. Each story was delightful and gave me the fuzzy warmth I want in a sweet holiday historical book.

Give Me a Texas Outlaw anthology

Out of the 4 stories, I've only read Trouble in Petticoats by Linda Broday.

It's a sweet little short story about an outlaw who deep down has a more gentleman heart and has finally found the last piece needed to give him the new (law abiding) start he wants with his Larissa. She in turn needed someone exactly like Johnny Diamond to rescue her from her father's clutches.

This is a sweet satisfying story to spend a couple of hours with.

Give Me A Cowboy anthology

I've just read Texas Tempest by Linda Broday and loved it. I was told all the stories in the anthology revolve around the same event in the town and all weave together. I'll be going back through to read all of them.

But for now, watching Tempest find her man she's gonna have forever with was a joy! I came away with giggles, swooning, and just a happy feel-good vibe.

Give Me A Texas Ranger anthology

Absolutely loved both Jodi and Linda's stories in the anthology.  Perfect way to spend a few holiday hours out on the deck.

Be My Texas Valentine anthology

Cupid’s Arrow by Linda Broday

Deception, frustration, determination - all weave around Rue Ann and Logan's 2nd chance love story. The truth always finds it's way out, but the journey of discovery was filled with heartache and confusion. I enjoyed watching Rue Ann and Logan dance around each other (and the antics of the 2ndary characters), getting closer to the truth and the other. Logan proved himself to be quite the swoon-worthy hero - melting my heart over and over again.

**more to come as I read the other stories**