I found this book really good. It was the first time I had read this author but enjoyed it immensely. It is a book that you will find laughing out loud at times.
As usual, I didn't find out that this was the second part of a series until the end (see below). This story is about the younger Kearney brother, Carlton, a widower with a step-daughter and a newborn infant. He becomes upset when Serena Hull comes to claim the 1000 acres left to her by her father. Since Carl hadn't seen Serena's father in 25 years, he thought the land had reverted to him. He was less than pleased to realize that the water he used was Serena's too.
Serena also has problems. She has two younger sisters who are staying with an elderly aunt until Serena can send train fare. The girls' mother was an Indian, murdered on the civilized streets of Ohio. The girls need to leave Ohio because of the prejudice against Indians and 'half-breeds.' However, the Lost Acres Ranch has only a hay shed on the property. The first order of business is for Serena to build a small house to live in while she starts ranching.
For someone who didn't want Serena to take up ranching, Carl sure helped her along. The culmination of the book is the trail ride to Nevada's train depot to sell their beef. In spite of the dangers, Serena convinces the other ranchers to let her work the drive too.
The author did a great job of explaining what a difficult life it was for women -- even ones who were desperate to create a life for themselves and their loved ones. I think I missed important connections because of not reading the books in order.
Kearney Men
Wildwood (1997)
Lost Acres Bride (1998)
Serena also has problems. She has two younger sisters who are staying with an elderly aunt until Serena can send train fare. The girls' mother was an Indian, murdered on the civilized streets of Ohio. The girls need to leave Ohio because of the prejudice against Indians and 'half-breeds.' However, the Lost Acres Ranch has only a hay shed on the property. The first order of business is for Serena to build a small house to live in while she starts ranching.
For someone who didn't want Serena to take up ranching, Carl sure helped her along. The culmination of the book is the trail ride to Nevada's train depot to sell their beef. In spite of the dangers, Serena convinces the other ranchers to let her work the drive too.
The author did a great job of explaining what a difficult life it was for women -- even ones who were desperate to create a life for themselves and their loved ones. I think I missed important connections because of not reading the books in order.
Kearney Men
Wildwood (1997)
Lost Acres Bride (1998)
Courtney H. (kourtnie17) reviewed Lost Acres Bride (Harlequin Historicals, 437) on + 156 more book reviews
(from the back)
A cattle drive was no place for a city girl
But Serena Hull was no wilting townish miss, Carelton Kearney realized. She was a woman with a fiery spirit, who could easily warm the winter in his soul. yet was he ready for a springtime with a woman who dares to dream?
She didn't want to let him into her heart
But Carleton wasn't like other men. And Serena was drawn to the straight-talking loner, even though everything about him warned her to keep her distance.
A cattle drive was no place for a city girl
But Serena Hull was no wilting townish miss, Carelton Kearney realized. She was a woman with a fiery spirit, who could easily warm the winter in his soul. yet was he ready for a springtime with a woman who dares to dream?
She didn't want to let him into her heart
But Carleton wasn't like other men. And Serena was drawn to the straight-talking loner, even though everything about him warned her to keep her distance.
Janette T. (janettetyus) reviewed Lost Acres Bride (Harlequin Historicals, 437) on + 103 more book reviews
A CATTLE DRIVE WAS NO PLACE FOR A CITY GIRL
But Serena Hull was no wilting townish miss, Carleton Kearney realized. She was a woman with a fiery spirit, who could easily warm the winter in his soul. Yet was he ready for a springtime with a woman who dared to dream?
SHE DIDN'T WANT TO LET HIM INTO HER HEART
But Carleton wasn't like other men. And Serena was drawn to the straight-talking loner, even though everything about him warned her to keep her distance.
But Serena Hull was no wilting townish miss, Carleton Kearney realized. She was a woman with a fiery spirit, who could easily warm the winter in his soul. Yet was he ready for a springtime with a woman who dared to dream?
SHE DIDN'T WANT TO LET HIM INTO HER HEART
But Carleton wasn't like other men. And Serena was drawn to the straight-talking loner, even though everything about him warned her to keep her distance.
