Frances H. (Dimples2212) reviewed The Man from Stone Creek (Stone Creek, Bk 1) on + 209 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Interesting characters and great backdrop of the old West. Book has a good plot, but not as much romance as the author usually gives us.
Helpful Score: 3
Linda Lael Miller has written a solid American Western with a wonderful hero. Strangely, much of the novel is told through her hero's eyes. And, what an interesting man he is. I can't remember a Western in which the hero is, on the one hand, a tough and seasoned Ranger, but on the other, a tender hearted teacher who constantly takes the downtrodden under his wings - whether they be poor children, women, or even animals. Miller made an interesting and unique character in Sam O'Ballivan. Her heroine is not as fleshed-out as Sam, but still likeable. One of the best aspects of the book, however, is the well-told and intriguing story in which the reader comes upon some form of crisis in almost every other chapter. It's quite a page-turner.
Deborah L. (bluebird4308) reviewed The Man from Stone Creek (Stone Creek, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
The Man From Stone Creek is a historical western romance set in 1903 in the Arizona Territory. The main romance is filled with suspense as the hero seeks to round up cattle rustlers and train robbers. The novel achieves an emotional depth as the heroine's romance heals a past tragedy. Linda Lael Miller's romance, however, is not just a hero-heroine romance --- it is the romance of a whole town where justice is found and the downtrodden find love.
Lawman Sam O'Ballivan has come to town to replace the schoolteacher. The minute he arrives, the local schoolboy fight and the boys learn justice O'Ballivan style. The boy who teased another is himself held by his feet with his head dangling down the well. The disciplined boy's complaints to his mother brings him to the attention of postmistress Maddie Chancelor. The sparks fly. When they collide, circumstances force Maddie into the sight of the most dangerous family in town. With Sam by her side, will she conquer the past or will his secret mission place her in the thick of even more trouble?
Sam may be working undercover to capture the castle rustlers and thieves terrorizing the local area, but his efforts to blend just seem to lead him into more trouble. Just as he realizes Maddie has his heart, his intended bride comes in on the stagecoach. Can it get any worse? Of course! The question is can all this danger change hearts so that romance succeeds?
Linda Lael Miller's magnificent romance is more than just Sam and Maddie. The reader sees problems that plagued the American West: the terrorists of the day, sickness, brothels which were often the only way for a woman to survive, children left orphaned or in need, and those left behind in the huge expansion of the West. The author does not shrink from the unpleasant realities of the historical setting, but she creates a romance where hearts are healed. Orphans and lost souls (children, adults and animals) find goodness, and justice is served. When her characters dare to opens their hearts and expose their vulnerabilities, love is found, and the lost or neglected who surround them get found.
Lawman Sam O'Ballivan has come to town to replace the schoolteacher. The minute he arrives, the local schoolboy fight and the boys learn justice O'Ballivan style. The boy who teased another is himself held by his feet with his head dangling down the well. The disciplined boy's complaints to his mother brings him to the attention of postmistress Maddie Chancelor. The sparks fly. When they collide, circumstances force Maddie into the sight of the most dangerous family in town. With Sam by her side, will she conquer the past or will his secret mission place her in the thick of even more trouble?
Sam may be working undercover to capture the castle rustlers and thieves terrorizing the local area, but his efforts to blend just seem to lead him into more trouble. Just as he realizes Maddie has his heart, his intended bride comes in on the stagecoach. Can it get any worse? Of course! The question is can all this danger change hearts so that romance succeeds?
Linda Lael Miller's magnificent romance is more than just Sam and Maddie. The reader sees problems that plagued the American West: the terrorists of the day, sickness, brothels which were often the only way for a woman to survive, children left orphaned or in need, and those left behind in the huge expansion of the West. The author does not shrink from the unpleasant realities of the historical setting, but she creates a romance where hearts are healed. Orphans and lost souls (children, adults and animals) find goodness, and justice is served. When her characters dare to opens their hearts and expose their vulnerabilities, love is found, and the lost or neglected who surround them get found.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first book I've read by Miller, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There's a good mix of romance, mystery, intrigue, and history. The western theme combined with romance makes for an enjoyable book.
Helpful Score: 1
1903 Arizona Territory. Ranger Sam O'Ballivan poses as a schoolteacher in order to carry out his assignment which is to join forces with a Mexican gun from across the Rio Grande to track down a band of theives. Fast moving events take unexpected turns as Sam tries to hold on to his gentle nature and still do his job. Very good read.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. Sam was a great character and made for great reading.
Helpful Score: 1
In almost every book by Linda Lael Miller, I find one (or more) instances where the action doesnt ring true. Ill come to that soon.
However, I enjoyed the steady action of the story (excellent pacing). Other than the sex scene in the springhouse (near the end), the book seemed a cohesive whole. I thought it odd that Maddie entices Sam into sex, after barely kissing him before! It didnt seem to fit the rest of the book.
SPOILER INFO: **** I also thought it odd that he acted on his feelings for Maddie rather quickly after Abigails death. I didnt think Abigail was a well-developed character; I felt sorrier for Abigails father than for the victim!
SPOILER INFO: **** However, the thing that blew me away about Abigail was the reason for her death. She rode in a stagecoach how many miles unaccompanied with a hair-trigger heart condition?
SPOILER INFO: **** The biggest shock, however, was (big, bold, undaunted by trouble) Sam who limply turns over his gun because the bad guy was going to shoot his horse! Im still scratching my head about that one!
Esteban Vierra was a delight! It was great to have a Mexican who was urbane and witty and totally against stereotype.
In spite of the negatives above, Miller wrote a good book I enjoyed it twice. Sometimes authors just seem to piece scenes together. This book flowed and kept my attention.
Stone Creek Series
1. The Man from Stone Creek (2006)
2. A Wanted Man (2007)
3. The Rustler (2008)
4. The Bridegroom (2009)
5. A Stone Creek Christmas (2008)
6. At Home in Stone Creek (2009)
However, I enjoyed the steady action of the story (excellent pacing). Other than the sex scene in the springhouse (near the end), the book seemed a cohesive whole. I thought it odd that Maddie entices Sam into sex, after barely kissing him before! It didnt seem to fit the rest of the book.
SPOILER INFO: **** I also thought it odd that he acted on his feelings for Maddie rather quickly after Abigails death. I didnt think Abigail was a well-developed character; I felt sorrier for Abigails father than for the victim!
SPOILER INFO: **** However, the thing that blew me away about Abigail was the reason for her death. She rode in a stagecoach how many miles unaccompanied with a hair-trigger heart condition?
SPOILER INFO: **** The biggest shock, however, was (big, bold, undaunted by trouble) Sam who limply turns over his gun because the bad guy was going to shoot his horse! Im still scratching my head about that one!
Esteban Vierra was a delight! It was great to have a Mexican who was urbane and witty and totally against stereotype.
In spite of the negatives above, Miller wrote a good book I enjoyed it twice. Sometimes authors just seem to piece scenes together. This book flowed and kept my attention.
Stone Creek Series
1. The Man from Stone Creek (2006)
2. A Wanted Man (2007)
3. The Rustler (2008)
4. The Bridegroom (2009)
5. A Stone Creek Christmas (2008)
6. At Home in Stone Creek (2009)
This Book was good. However, it was a VERY generic story for Miller. she has used this EXACT same story line several times before. Man Posing as someone OTHER THEN the Lawman he is..... group of bandits... yadda yadda yadda. Down on her luck lady all alone in the world running the general store. Worth reading as long as you HAVE not already read the older books Miller has written that seemed Identical. (THE GUNSLINGER AND THE LAWMAN) to name one.
Love Miller's steamy love stories! She writes a marriage/relationship the way they should be in the heart, not letting reality take the love from the couple.
If you've enjoyed other Linda Lael Miller books then you'll enjoy this one also. Characters are well developed and the setting is beautiful. I really enjoyed the book.
This is your usual guy meets girl book. The man, of course, is really handsome, a Ranger, strong, intelligent and isn't looking to fall in love. The girl, has a life of her own and at the moment isn't looking for a guy. But who can resist a cowboy? It is a powerful story about family with a little suspence thrown in. Check it out, you won't be sorry.
sweet love story with unique characters. Easy, light read.
This book was good. It was easy to get interested in and had strong characters. I love the setting in the West. I really enjoy all her books.
A great western. Small town& Ranches. Romance Mingled with heart warming
Men,women, children& animals. Also some mystery & surprises. Also Villans& sneaky bankers etc.
Men,women, children& animals. Also some mystery & surprises. Also Villans& sneaky bankers etc.
Angie S. (bookobsessed) reviewed The Man from Stone Creek (Stone Creek, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
This book was great! I loved it!
Ranger Sam O'Ballivan is posing as a schoolteacher in Haven, Az. in order to catch some really bad, bad-guys. Maddie is rasing her young brother who in need of firm dicipline. Sam is very attracted to Maddie but his problem is he is engaged to someone else and also needs to catch the bad guys. Good story.
In almost every book by Linda Lael Miller, I find one (or more) instances where the action doesnt ring true. Ill come to that soon.
However, I enjoyed the steady action of the story (excellent pacing). Other than the sex scene in the springhouse (near the end), the book seemed a cohesive whole. I thought it odd that Maddie entices Sam into sex, after barely kissing him before! It didnt seem to fit the rest of the book.
SPOILER INFO: **** I also thought it odd that he acted on his feelings for Maddie rather quickly after Abigails death. I didnt think Abigail was a well-developed character; I felt sorrier for Abigails father than for the victim!
SPOILER INFO: **** However, the thing that blew me away about Abigail was the reason for her death. She rode in a stagecoach how many miles unaccompanied with a hair-trigger heart condition?
SPOILER INFO: **** The biggest shock, however, was (big, bold, undaunted by trouble) Sam who limply turns over his gun because the bad guy was going to shoot his horse! Im still scratching my head about that one!
Esteban Vierra was a delight! It was great to have a Mexican who was urbane and witty and totally against stereotype.
In spite of the negatives above, Miller wrote a good book I enjoyed it twice. Sometimes authors just seem to piece scenes together. This book flowed and kept my attention.
Stone Creek Series
1. The Man from Stone Creek (2006)
2. A Wanted Man (2007)
3. The Rustler (2008)
4. The Bridegroom (2009)
5. A Stone Creek Christmas (2008)
6. At Home in Stone Creek (2009)
However, I enjoyed the steady action of the story (excellent pacing). Other than the sex scene in the springhouse (near the end), the book seemed a cohesive whole. I thought it odd that Maddie entices Sam into sex, after barely kissing him before! It didnt seem to fit the rest of the book.
SPOILER INFO: **** I also thought it odd that he acted on his feelings for Maddie rather quickly after Abigails death. I didnt think Abigail was a well-developed character; I felt sorrier for Abigails father than for the victim!
SPOILER INFO: **** However, the thing that blew me away about Abigail was the reason for her death. She rode in a stagecoach how many miles unaccompanied with a hair-trigger heart condition?
SPOILER INFO: **** The biggest shock, however, was (big, bold, undaunted by trouble) Sam who limply turns over his gun because the bad guy was going to shoot his horse! Im still scratching my head about that one!
Esteban Vierra was a delight! It was great to have a Mexican who was urbane and witty and totally against stereotype.
In spite of the negatives above, Miller wrote a good book I enjoyed it twice. Sometimes authors just seem to piece scenes together. This book flowed and kept my attention.
Stone Creek Series
1. The Man from Stone Creek (2006)
2. A Wanted Man (2007)
3. The Rustler (2008)
4. The Bridegroom (2009)
5. A Stone Creek Christmas (2008)
6. At Home in Stone Creek (2009)
I loved this book. Linda's charachters jump off the page and would make great movies!!
Barbara N. (Barbie4) reviewed The Man from Stone Creek (Stone Creek, Bk 1) on + 273 more book reviews
There was trouble in Haven,Arizona,and Ranger Sam O'Ballivan was determined to sort it out.Badge and gun hidden,he arrived posing as the new schoolteacher,and discovered his first task was to bring the rough ranchers'children under control.So he started with a call on Maddie Chancelor,the local postmistress,and older sister to a young boy in firm need of discipline.
It never occurred to Sam that Maddie would turn out to be a graceful woman whose prim and proper stance battled with the fire in her eyes.Working undercover to capture rustlers and train robbers was a job that had always kept him isolated and his heart firmly in check-until now.But there was something about the postmistress that had him unwittingly tempted to start down a path he'd sworn he'd never travel.
I loved this book and if you like western type romance I think you will too.
It never occurred to Sam that Maddie would turn out to be a graceful woman whose prim and proper stance battled with the fire in her eyes.Working undercover to capture rustlers and train robbers was a job that had always kept him isolated and his heart firmly in check-until now.But there was something about the postmistress that had him unwittingly tempted to start down a path he'd sworn he'd never travel.
I loved this book and if you like western type romance I think you will too.
Teresa G. (tgriffis) -
Wonderful western romance by Linda Lael Miller.
Janie T. (FriscoOBX) reviewed The Man from Stone Creek (Stone Creek, Bk 1) on + 601 more book reviews
another great one from Miller with an interesting storyline and very likeable characters. Worth the read.
Sheila J. (bigshirl55) reviewed The Man from Stone Creek (Stone Creek, Bk 1) on + 197 more book reviews
A very good read. Another great one from Linda Miller.
Kim W. (LLWinston44) reviewed The Man from Stone Creek (Stone Creek, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
Another wonderful book from LLM. I only wish I could read them slower!
A western romance in Haven, Arizonia with Ranger Sam O'Ballivan and postmistress, Maddie Chancelor. He is undercover as the new school teacher and a has to see the postmistress over her unruly brother!
Linda B. (24racefan) - , reviewed The Man from Stone Creek (Stone Creek, Bk 1) on + 41 more book reviews
This was a very good westerm romance novel. The setting was 1903 in the Arizona Territory. There was lots of action (stagecoach robbery, murders, and struggles for ordinary people trying to make a living in the west), but it truly was a love story with just the right amount of spice.
Very satisfying western adventure. Subtle romance till near the end.Good characters.Story moved right along.I'm not a big romance genre fan, but having grown up in 60's watched plenty of tv westerns.Nice change of pace from contemporary murder mysteries,though there is murder and a mystery and romance and adventure.
DANIELLE K. (Danni) - , reviewed The Man from Stone Creek (Stone Creek, Bk 1) on + 49 more book reviews
Linda Lael Miller does it again, I just love all her historical novels.
Crystal J. (dorolerium) reviewed The Man from Stone Creek (Stone Creek, Bk 1) on + 212 more book reviews
I am not typically a romance reader, but I wanted to try to expand my reading horizons, so I was grateful for the opportunity to read this book for Royal Reviews. I had hoped this book would bring me into the genre and make me want to continue reading not only this series, but more western or just romance in general. Sadly, that is not my reading fate right now.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=508
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=508
Great story with a rugged hero who stepped out of my fantasies, but resilient Maddie was someone to admire, too. Even though Sam was the central focus, the tale had plenty of captivating family members and townsfolk. One thrilling incident after another ensured hours of fast-paced, action-packed, and satisfying reading. 4 stars.
Excellent book
Connie P. (Activegram149) reviewed The Man from Stone Creek (Stone Creek, Bk 1) on + 809 more book reviews
Loved it. A great read as always with LLM books.
Truely an excellent book
Samantha Y. (samanthachels) - reviewed The Man from Stone Creek (Stone Creek, Bk 1) on + 137 more book reviews
Synopsis
There was trouble in Haven, Arizona, and Ranger Sam O'Ballivan was determined to sort it all out. Badge and gun hidden, he arrived posing as the new schoolteacher, and his first order of business was to bring the rough ranchers' children under control. To that end, he called on Maddie Chancelor, the local postmistress, whose younger brother was in firm need of discipline.
Sam wasn't sure what to expect - but it was definitely not this graceful woman whose prim, proper stance was so at odds with the fire in her eyes. Working undercover to capture a dangerous band of rustlers and train robbers was a job that had always kept him apart from other people. He was a man with his heart firmly in check - until Maddie. Now she was unwittingly tempting him down a path he swore he'd never travel.
There was trouble in Haven, Arizona, and Ranger Sam O'Ballivan was determined to sort it all out. Badge and gun hidden, he arrived posing as the new schoolteacher, and his first order of business was to bring the rough ranchers' children under control. To that end, he called on Maddie Chancelor, the local postmistress, whose younger brother was in firm need of discipline.
Sam wasn't sure what to expect - but it was definitely not this graceful woman whose prim, proper stance was so at odds with the fire in her eyes. Working undercover to capture a dangerous band of rustlers and train robbers was a job that had always kept him apart from other people. He was a man with his heart firmly in check - until Maddie. Now she was unwittingly tempting him down a path he swore he'd never travel.
Rhonda B. (littlerhonda) reviewed The Man from Stone Creek (Stone Creek, Bk 1) on + 161 more book reviews
great read.
ANDRE' E. J. (Expeditious) -
A super read!
Shannon F. (channon222) reviewed The Man from Stone Creek (Stone Creek, Bk 1) on + 35 more book reviews
The book I have is a hard back...
