Review: The Sweet Blue Distance by Sara Donati

 

The Sweet Blue Distance by Sara Donati

Publication Date: April 2nd 2024 by Berkley & Blackstone Publishing

Pages: 800

Audio Book Length: 28hrs 40 mins

Narrator: Kate Reading

Source: Publishers

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Bookbub | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Carrie Ballentyne is bound for a long journey out West from Manhattan, New York to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to fill a position of mid-wife/nurse for Dr. Markham. In 1857 it’s a long, potentially dangerous journey by train, steamboat, stagecoach, and horseback, so her younger brother, Nathan is accompanying her. This time period there’s unrest, just years before the Civil War, and the viewpoints and challenges were highlighted. The situation at the Markham’s when Carrie arrives isn’t what she was expecting.

Carrie’s profession as a nurse was useful and she was good at handling whatever came her way. I admired her spirit; strong, steady, and determined to do the right thing in any situation! Her brother Nathan was a fun, positive presence adding a bit of humor in. So many wonderful and interesting characters, as well as a few I’d like to have chucked off a cliff! Loved Eli Ibarra! The romance was a slow burn and oh-so-lovely!

The Sweet Blue Distance was on the long side at 800 pages, but it didn’t feel long. It was a thoroughly exciting and engrossing story, and I loved every minute of it! I think I checked the percentage counter maybe twice, I was so into the story, just riding along with whatever was happening next! I need to check out Ms. Donati’s backlist!

I alternately read and listened to The Sweet Blue Distance, and I can recommend either version. Kate Reading was an excellent narrator, performing both female and male voices distinctly, as well as the many accents required. I would happily listen to any story narrated by her. I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

Five stars all the way! A definite recommend!

5 Stars

Book Description:

In 1857 a young midwife braves the perilous journey west from New York City to Santa Fe, New Mexico Territory in this captivating epic from Sara Donati, the international bestselling author of Where the Light Enters .

Carrie Ballentyne’s life was upended in 1845 when she had to leave the only home she’d ever known in the mountains of upstate New York. With her are her widowed mother and younger brother Nathan, but the separation from Bonner, Ballentyne, and Savard relatives weighs heavily.  In time Carrie finds footing as a midwife and nurse, but she never feels at ease in the city. So when, a decade later, she receives an invitation from a doctor in Santa Fe to join him at his practice, she readily accepts.
 
The trip across the country is long and often dangerous, but she travels the last leg on horseback with men who have been hired to see her safely through the Native nations fighting the westward flood of colonizers. On that journey she makes friends who will be with her for all her Eva, a young widow; and Eli, an experienced surveyor. Once Carrie is established in Santa Fe, it becomes clear that her employer is not everything she was led to believe, and she is forced to face far more challenges and responsibilities than she anticipated. But she dedicates herself to the work and the women, providing health care, delivering babies, and earning the trust of her patients.
 
In the course of that first summer in New Mexico, determined to make a life for herself in a new kind of wilderness far beyond her imagination, Carrie finds friendship, support, and even love where she least expected.

Blog Tour Review: Chasing the Horizon by Mary Connealy

 

Chasing the Horizon (A Western Light #1) by Mary Connealy

Publication Date: February 13th 2024 by Bethany House Publishers

Pages: 304

Source: Publisher 

Rating: ★★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Booksbub | Publisher | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Ever since her mother was wrongly committed to an insane asylum by her awful father, Beth Rutledge has been carefully planning a way to get her out. She needs to get them both away from his cruel domination. Heading west on a wagon train isn’t something her father would ever expect, so they pose as sisters and settle into the long journey ahead. Hopefully, they can stay under the radar, because Beth knows her father will never stop looking for them.

Jake Hoult is one of the wagon scouts helping the train make the journey out west. A trip he’s done many times over. He suspects there’s more to Beth’s story. It seems these women are running from danger, so he keeps alert and observant.

As the days and months pass by, Jake and Beth become close, discussing hopes, dreams and the things needed to make their plans successful. Their sweet romance filled me with joy!

 

It chills me not so long ago, a woman could be committed easily by her husband or father on their word alone. Often for flimsy excuses. The treatments sounded brutal and sadistic, and my heart broke for Beth’s mother and what she endured. Thankfully, the recollections were a small part of the story.

Chasing the Horizon was an exciting, suspenseful adventure! I find stories about the wagon trains making their way out west fascinating! What an undertaking it would’ve been! I was thoroughly engrossed in Beth and her mother’s journey. Beth’s father was an awful man, and I was on edge over his continued pursuit, but his nasty character didn’t go unnoticed. I was pleased with how it all turned out and I’m looking forward to the next in the series featuring Kat and Sebastian in Toward the Dawn!

4.5 Stars

Book Description:

Her only chance at freedom waits across the horizon

Upon uncovering her tyrannical father's malevolent plot to commit her to an asylum, Beth Rutledge fabricates a plan of her own. She will rescue her mother, who had already been sent to the asylum, and escape together on a wagon train heading west. Posing as sisters, Beth and her mother travel with the pioneers in hopes of making it to Idaho before the others start asking too many questions.

Wagon-train scout Jake Holt senses that the mysterious women in his caravan are running from something. When rumors begin to spread of Pinkerton agents searching relentlessly for wanted criminals who match the description of those on his wagon train, including Beth, she begins to open up to him, and he learns something more sinister is at hand. Can they risk trusting each other with their lives--and their hearts--when danger threatens their every step?

 

AUTHOR BIO

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys. She is independently publishing a contemporary romantic suspense series called Garrison’s Law, book one is Loving the Texas Lawman. Her new historical series, High Sierra Sweethearts begins with The Accidental Guardian. She is also the author of these series: Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Wild at Heart, Cimarron Legacy, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's daughters, and has many other books.

She is a two-time Carol Award winner and has been a finalist for the Rita and Christy Awards. She’s a lifelong Nebraskan and lives with her very own romantic cowboy hero. She’s got four grown daughters and four spectacular grandchildren.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | X | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Review: Stages of the Heart by Jo Goodman

Stages of the Heart by Jo Goodman

Publication Date: May 5th 2020 by Berkley

Pages: 416

Source: Publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo  

About the book:

Love guides even the most cautious of hearts home as USA Today bestselling author Jo Goodman returns to the trails of the Colorado frontier.

Experience has taught Laurel to be suspicious of the men who pass through Morrison Station. She's been running the lucrative operation that connects Colorado's small frontier town of Falls Hollow with the stagecoach line since she inherited it from her father, and she's not about to let some wandering cowboy take over the reins. But newcomer McCall Landry isn't just any gunslinger. He seems to genuinely care for Laurel, and with his rugged good looks and mysterious past, he could be the one man to finally tempt her off track...

Call Landry doesn't expect much from Falls Hollow. He doesn't expect much from anything anymore. But Laurel Morrison took him by surprise when she put in a good word for him, a virtual stranger, after the stagecoach was robbed--and she keeps taking him by surprise. Charmed by her clever wit and fierce loyalty, Call finds himself falling hard. Now all he has to do is convince her he means to stay--in her bed, in her life, and in her heart.

My Thoughts:

Laurel Morrison is a strong, independent woman running Morrison Station, a stagecoach stop in route to the bigger Colorado town of Falls Hollow. Laurel’s been running things on her own since her father and brothers were murdered in a holdup eight years earlier, and she’s had to make plans since the coming railroad can make or break her station depending on which route the line decides to take.  Laurel has plans to sway the higher ups to take her route, but a payroll robbery at her station puts her station on shaky ground.  Enter McCall Landry.  He steps up to help the shorthanded stagecoach and becomes embroiled in the solving of this mystery.  No skin off his nose there, because it puts him right in the middle of Morrison Station, a place he fully intended on getting acquainted with after laying eyes on the beautiful and strong Laurel Morrison. 

Stages of the Heart wasn’t really touted as a mystery, but is it is very much one getting to the bottom of the payroll theft and the dangers that come after. McCall proved himself to be an astute judge of character, and I was happy he was on the case especially since Laurel’s family station and reputation were at stake.  The partnership they forged trying to get to the bottom of this fueled the initial admiration and attraction felt between them, and even though there were some bumps in the road, these two were such a perfect couple! Their fun verbal sparring led to sparks, which led to more, and the inevitable was sizzling!   

Jo Goodman’s writing was captivating; I just wanted to shut the doors, block out the world and immerse myself in the Old West where Laurel and McCall were making their way through the changing times.  She made these two come to life, their struggles, desires and joys coming through loud and clear, and easy to relate to.  I don’t know what Ms. Goodman’s plans are, but I hope there are more stories to come!

5 Suns

Review & Giveaway: A Touch of Forever by Jo Goodman

A Touch of Forever (Cowboys of Colorado #3) by Jo Goodman

Publication Date: June 4th 2019 by Berkley Books
Pages: 416
Source: Publisher & Purchased Audiobook
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible

About the book:

A marriage of convenience turns into a sweetly seductive love-off-the-rails romance in the latest Cowboys of Colorado novel from USA Today bestselling author Jo Goodman.

Lily Salt has sworn off men. After finally gaining her independence, the last thing she needs is another man telling her what to do. But the handsome railroad engineer from New York isn't at all what she expected. He's kind, gentle...and tempting enough to make her wonder what a second chance at love might be worth.

A self-acknowledged black sheep, Roen Shepard knows what it means to feel alone. Recognizing a kindred spirit in the reserved widow whose fascinating blue-green eyes have seen too much, and charmed by the warmth of her ready-made family, the two begin an unlikely friendship.

When a complication from his past follows him to Frost Falls, Roen proposes a mad scheme to protect the new life he's built and keep close the stubborn woman he's accidentally fallen for--a marriage of convenience. But Lily has secrets of her own, and the closer he gets to uncovering them, the more he comes to realize that the only truth that matters is the secret to unlocking her heart.

My Thoughts:

Lily Salt has been through a lot, but finally has settled into a comfortable, contented life as a widower and mother of four children.  Her careful attempts to keep people at arm’s length goes by the wayside when Roan Shepherd, a railroad engineer, new to Frost Falls takes notice of her.  She tries to rebuff his interest, but Roan he’s persistent and as a further complication he hires her son Clay as an assistant.

My heart went out to Lily in the previous book, and so I was so pleased that she’s doing so well for her and her children here.  I liked that she was an independent woman and didn’t need a man to make her happy, but the addition of Roan was like icing on a cake. The gradual way their friendship forms was a delight to experience!  The careful way Roan treated their burgeoning romance made me fall hard for Roan! The kids were very much a part of the story, each so sweet, and it was touching how protective they were of their mother. These kids needed careful handling as they were affected by the abuse of their mother, as well.  I loved how Roan interacted with them, never overbearing, but a father figure there to support and love them. 

There’s a bit of suspense here too, as with the previous installments, with Roan’s past mistress in the mix.  A selfish sociopath if there ever was one, with her shady detective in tow.

An interesting mix of side characters/stories grabbed my attention. Fedora Chen, an American Chinese woman and the obstacles she faces in this time period, with a nice little romance brewing there, too! I’m wondering if the next installment, if there is one, might feature Fedora? I also enjoyed the Old West setting: the historical aspects of the railway expansion, and life in the 1800’s.  Always interesting to imagine how it would be to live back then without all the modern conveniences we have now, and with the differences in attitude towards women and minorities. 

I’ve loved the two previous installments, but A Touch of Forever is my favorite to date! The quiet, but intense emotions between these two sucked me in to this lovely story!  It is a slow burn romance, but wow it heated up!  As a side note, it’s not necessary to read the previous books to enjoy this one. In fact, each book can easily be read as a standalone.

I switched back and forth from the e-book to my audio copy.  I loved the Laurel Lefkow’s performance! She captured some of the wry tone of comments and teasing I didn’t necessarily pick up on until listening to her reading.  I paid a little more attention while traditionally reading and it definitely enhanced my experience.  I listened at my usual 1.25xs the normal speed.

5 Suns

Berkley Books generously provided a finished Paperback Copy of A Touch of Forever to giveaway to one reader.  The giveaway is open to US Residents only.  Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.

Review & Giveaway: Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday

Saving the Mail Order Bride (Outlaw Mail Order Brides #2) by Linda Broday

Publication Date: April 30th 2019 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

Pages: 384

Source: Publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon | B & N | Kobo | Indiebound | BAM | Apple

About the book:

When the West was wild
And man's law favored the few
These extraordinary women could be found...
...in the heart of an outlaw.He may be a wanted man, but all outlaw Jack Bowdre ever desired was a second chance. Now he's on his way to jail, completely unaware that his unexpected—and unexpectedly beautiful—traveling companion is none other than Nora Kane...his mail order bride.
It's too bad Nora doesn't know Jack is her groom-to-be. All she sees is a scoundrel. But when their stagecoach crashes and the truth comes spilling out, they're suddenly left to fend for themselves—and each other. The longer they're together, the stronger their feelings grow. Hounded by desperate men bent on doing them harm, Nora and Jack will do whatever it takes to find their happily ever after...but first, they'll have to shake the devil from their trail.

My Thoughts:

Jack and Nora meet under unusual circumstances, sharing the same coach with Jack being handcuffed to a Marshal on his way to jail. Jack doesn’t know the pretty woman sitting across from him is his intended mail order bride, and neither does Nora but that quickly changes when the carriage crashes and they’re left in the wild to make it on their own back to Hope’s Crossing.

Nora’s shocked to find out she’s engaged to an outlaw, but Jack isn’t doesn’t seem like your typical wanted man. This man is protective and has a heart, and she finally feels safe after so many years of living in fear.  Plus, Nora comes with her own secrets, so they settle in forced to get to know each other as the try to survive not only the elements, struggling to find food, water and shelter, but also to stay one step ahead of the men out to get them. 

Jack and Nora are immediately attracted physically, but they also form a close bond quickly with threats coming at them over and over, friendship, admiration and love building along the way.

Saving the Mail Order Bride was an exciting adventure, never a dull moment with danger at every turn, but also a sweet, drama free romance.  I didn’t read the first book, and that was fine, this works well as a standalone. However, I was curious about the previous couple, Clay and Tally since they were a part of this story as well, so I may go back and read their story. 

4 Suns

Excerpt:

What People Are Saying About Linda Broday:

"Fans of classic Western tales will delight in the rough-and-tumble world Broday creates..." —RT Book Reviews for To Love a Texas Ranger

"A shining example of the talent of one of the best historical western authors."—Fresh Fiction for Forever His Texas Bride

"Broday's Westerns always captivate with realistic settings, rugged cowboys and feisty heroines."—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars for Forever His Texas Bride

Connect with Linda Broday:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Sourcebooks Casablanca is generously giving away 3 copies of Saving the Mail Order Bride! Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win!

Review: Where the Horses Run by Kaki Warner

Where the Horses Run (Heroes of Heartbreak Creek #2) by Kaki Warner

Publication Date: July 1st 2014 by Berkley

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

“A truly original new voice” (New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas), award-winning author Kaki Warner returns to the characters of Heartbreak Creek, Colorado, as a troubled cowboy and a desperate Englishwoman come together to mend their mistakes from the past and create an exciting new future…

Wounded in body and spirit after a shootout, Rayford Jessup leaves his career as a lawman and uses his gift with damaged horses to bring meaning to his solitary life. Hired by a Scotsman in Heartbreak Creek to purchase thoroughbreds, he travels to England, unaware that a traumatized horse and a beautiful Englishwoman will change his life forever.

Josephine Cathcart loves two things: her illegitimate son and her injured stallion. Faced with her father’s looming bankruptcy, she must choose between a loveless marriage to the man who ruined her, or risk her horse and her future on a handsome, taciturn Texan and a high-stakes horse race. But as vengeful forces conspire against them, will Rafe’s love and healing touch be enough to save her horse and protect her and her son?

My Thoughts:

Where the Horses Run was a sweeping historical romance that felt like an old western, even with the majority of the story set in England.

Twenty-six year old Josephine Cathcart’s choices are dwindling when her father’s poor money management has them on the brink of financial ruin.  Josephine seems to be one of his last valuable “assets” he has to rescue them, and so she’s pressured to take an unsavory offer of marriage to get them out of debt.  Narrowing her options further is her beloved son, Jaime, the result of a naïve tryst with a baron who seduced and made promises and then left her to suffer a reputation of ruin and debauchery.  When Josephine refuses to play along, her father has no choice but to sell off their prize horses and this is how she meets Rafe, an American horse wrangler. 

Rafe is working for a Scottish earl buying horses for his stables.  When the earl hears of Mr. Cathcart’s plans to sell his horses they make arrangements to visit and check out their stock.  After having been burned romantically in the past, Rafe had no designs to settle down, until he laid eyes on Josephine. She’s sweet, strong, intelligent and beautiful.  He could care less about her reputation, but he’s in no position to care for a wife and son.  However, seeing how Josephine’s father treats her, as a commodity to sell off to the highest bidder enrages him.  Soon he’s trying to figure out a way to win Josephine’s heart and make their situation work. 

This was a beautiful, sweeping love story. With so many obstacles, and differences in situations I wondered how things could possibly work.  Rafe was such an honorable man and I fell a little more for him every time he defended Jaime or Josephine.  I adored Josephine and the fact she held her head high even when others looked down on her for having an illegitimate son.  Her love and care of Jaime was her priority even at the expense of her own happiness, so I truly felt she deserved a happy ending.

I hated how Josphine’s father treated her! I don’t think I would’ve survived back in the 1800’s because I would’ve run my mouth without thought of the consequences.  Josephine was wise enough to bide her time, appease, and then do what she wanted anyhow. She was a strong and shrewd woman. 

I was sort of reminded of the western movie, Wyatt Earp with Kevin Costner, while reading Where the Horses Run. This worked perfectly because I loved that movie! 

The little town of Heartbreak Creek sounds like a place I’d love to visit so I’ll keep my eye out for the next in this series which will feature Thomas, the Cheyenne Indian and his troubled romance with Prudence Lincoln. 

4 Suns

Connect with Kaki Warner:

Website | Twitter | Goodreads