~Justice at Cardwell Ranch
587448
Jordan comes on the scene with two strikes against him, yet readers want to believe he has what it takes to redeem himself. His relationship with his family is so strained readers can immediately feel the tension the instant this story begins. However, I would like to see more of an actual connection between Jordan and Liza, for their relationship seems almost an afterthought. This is an exciting read that I feel has the potential to be exceptional with a little more depth to the characters.

Lototy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
583717
In the midst of a treacherous storm 23 years ago, three-year-old Jody Linder's father was murdered and her mother went missing. Billy Crosby, the man convicted of the crimes, simply had to be the killer. No other explanation made sense. Billy had worked on the Linder ranch up until the day of the murder, when Jody's grandfather fired him following a heated argument. He made threats and vowed they'd be sorry. Now Billy's sentence has been cut short, due to some legal issues, and he is coming back to his hometown of Rose, Kansas.

Nearly the entire population of Rose is stunned at first. Then their shock turns to anger. Why would he come back where he's not wanted? They sure don't want him back and will see that he is run out of town. He never was much good, always drunk or spoiling for a fight or beating up on his wife and son. No doubt, the chip on his shoulder has grown bigger in prison. The time he served has turned him into a mean and vengeful man. He always claimed he's not guilty, but then what inmate doesn't?

The Linders are an influential family in Rose, much admired and highly regarded. Raised by her grandparents, Jody has always been proud of her family. Their opinions matter in this town, as do their values. She can think of very little that they ever did wrong. So when she begins hearing arguments among some of the townspeople over Billy's guilt, she can hardly believe her ears. Of course he's guilty; everybody knows that! Unfortunately, those who hold a different opinion are people Jody trusts and respects. What follows for her is an intense emotional struggle. As the doubts start to creep in, thoughts turn to who, if not Billy.

Whether Billy Crosby deserved to be in prison for Jody's father's murder becomes less important than how he got there. Did Billy do it, or did the sheriff zero in on him and ignore anything that didn't fit his assumptions? How good was the evidence? Did the Linder family have a hand in rushing the town to judgment? These questions and many more bothered Jody, and they will start to bother you, too. After all, when we see a violent, evil man go to prison, do we really care if he did what he was accused of? It just feels good to put him away, if for no other reason than because he scares us. But there may be worse things to be afraid of, and that's what the Linders are about to find out.

THE SCENT OF RAIN AND LIGHTNING reads like fine fiction. It carries the reader forward with a desire to uncover its secrets, revelations and compelling mystery. Nancy Pickard will pull at your heartstrings when the murdered man's mother discovers his body and as his daughter fights to understand events that changed her life forever. This is a story that will change every reader's life, too, even if in just a small way.
303537
Last Chance Ranch was started by Eleanor Walker's mother with one steer and is now one of the largest ranches in the Cactus Patch, Arizona area. Eleanor has learned throughout her life not to trust men but now that she's in her sixties she needs to find someone to leave the ranch to. She does have some requirements though, it must be a woman and she must sign a contract agreeing to never marry.

There have been several women apply some left the ranch immediately, some a day or two and one even lasted two weeks, that is until Kate Tenney shows up in Cactus Patch in the middle of an attack by Cactus Joe. All the businesses are locked up, nobody in the streets, is this a ghost town? Where is the man that is supposed to pick her up and take her to Last Chance Ranch?

Kate was determined to own Last Chance Ranch, after all, like Miss Walker says, "nothing is permanent except for land" and "love isn't kind, men can't be trusted", this about sums up how Kate has felt her whole life. Kate has felt God abandoned her the day her dad left and she had to start taking care of her mother, if only Ruckus would quit throwing those Bible verses at her, not Bible verses like we know them, they are translated into his own words and they really make her think.

I think it was kind of a slow read but there was enough there to keep me interested in finishing the book. Sometimes it's nice to slow down a little bit and what better than a book to do it. There was some excitement at different times and that helped. All in all I am glad I read the book and am looking forward to reading the next one "Waiting for Morning". I have read several of Margaret's books and I do enjoy her writing.
514191
Another enjoyable book in the Lady Justice series that hooked me from the beginning. The lovable and comical characters, friends and tenants of Walt Williams, do their part as usual in helping Walt solve crimes and catch the perp.

This book took on a more serious subject of chem trails, residuals from jets flying over different areas. Walt is given evidence of a coverup by a reporter but when he tries to obtain the evidence to prove his case it suddenly disappears along with the eyewitnesses.

When his wife's life is in jeopardy he must make a decision to pull away and let the police handle this case. But will it ever be solved? Will someone believe the possibility of a government coverup?

I look forward to reading more books in this series.
2109583
A woman has urgent business with Perry Mason. Rita Swaine brought along a caged canary with a sore foot. She tells Perry about the problem her twin sister has with her new husband Walter Prescott, and the money he has taken from her sister Rosalind. Rosalind has been seeing her old boyfriend Jimmy Driscoll, and Rosalind's husband has threatened her. Rita explains the problem that happened that morning. The case intrigues Perry, so he agrees to take the case. Rita tells of an accident that happened around noon. Perry calls Paul Drake to investigate Walter Prescott, his business associate, the snoopy neighbors, and the man injured in that accident. Perry learns of trouble at the Prescott home (Chapter Three). Perry and Paul question the neighbors about the accident, and learn the homicide squad was at the Prescott house. The dialogue is an interesting as some trial scenes (Chapter Four).

The man injured in the accident has left the hospital, and can't be located. Perry and Paul visit Harry Trader, who drove the truck that was in that accident. Trader will tell them little, except it was the other driver's fault (Chapter Five). Perry and Della Street fly to Reno to locate Rita Swaine. They also find Rosalind Prescott and Jimmy Driscoll. Perry gets the complete story from Rosalind. Della calls to warn about the police, so Perry can call the telephone operator to report their presence. Perry gives good advice to his clients (Chapter Seven). Paul Drake tracks down "Carl Packard", who was injured in that accident; he can't be found. Perry learns he was an insurance detective who investigated fire-bugs connected with an arson ring (Chapter Eight)!

The Coroner holds an inquest and establishes that Walter Prescott was murdered with a pistol, the bullets came from Jimmy Driscoll's gun that was left with Rosalind Prescott (Chapter Ten). This makes Rita Swaine the last person in the house when Walter Prescott was alive. Now Rita tells Perry more about what happened that day. She found Walter Prescott dead when she arrived after Rosalind and Jimmy had left the house! Perry will have a difficult job defending Rita; she withheld evidence from the police. Perry gives her good advice as to her conduct in jail. Paul Drake calls Perry to tell him "Carl Packard" has been found, but will never testify in court.

In Chapter Fourteen Perry tries to imagine what could have happened. Paul Drake drops in to tell that Rita has confessed to what she found when she arrived at the Prescott house. When Perry learns that Walter Prescott's secretary is moving to Reno he comes up with an idea involving the shipping of luggage from Rita Swaine's apartment! This brings out Sergeant Holcomb to investigate. The Coroner holds another inquest into Jason Braun's death. One witness says he wants to leave because he was injured. Perry makes a suggestion, so Dr. Wallace examines a witness on the stand. A commotion breaks out, and a shocking surprise results. Perry's client will be released (Chapter Fifteen). Perry explains it all to Della Street while driving to the harbor for a well-deserved vacation. [The solution reminds me of Graham Greene's "The Third Man".]
4121650
James Pruett is the sheriff of Wind River, WY.  When his wife is murdered he arrests her brother TY.  His estranged daughter finds a lawyer to defend Ty.  I won't tell more, as it might spoil this very well written mystery.  The story and the sheriff are as rugged as the land where they live.
This novel has more twists and turns than Highway 6 over Loveland Pass!
1503688
Yuma Prison - Arizona Territory.

What a nasty Hell hole.

How does one survive the brutish mentality of the guards, especially when you know that you are not guilty of the crime for which you are incarcerated?

Four and a half years have led Nathan Chasing Elk to the point of trying to excape one last time.  He has to find his daughter, he has not heard of her in almost 3 years.

Catherine Lyons is struggling to protect herself from Marteen the Apache who wants her for his woman while waiting for her brother, Mark to return.  Well she has had it. She decides to strike out for Finley's Crossing and head east.

 Marteen seems to bring Chasing Elk and Catherine together.

Catherine takes Nathan back to her ranch house.  As time passes they are both under survalience by the Apaches and decide it is time to move out.

Chasing Elk can't leave Catherine behind as she seems to fascinate him.  We get to follow them on a dirty, dusty trek across the Territory in search of Leah, Nathan's daughter.

Oh, oh Marteen is back.

Then a broken leg holds them up until there is danger of Nathan being recognized.  There is another long trek to the Dakotas in search of Nathan's mother and her People.

This leads to a very important education for Cate and Leah when they finally find and make a summer home [after marriage]with Macawi and her family.  Ah, but there is one more desperate rescue that Nathan must perform with the help of his step-father.

But, oh boy, Nathan finds out that Jim Buckner is in the vicinity and he decides to wreak his vengence on the man.  Even bringing him in to the sheriff does not stop the miscarriage of justice once again.  Will Nathan ever get to see Catherine and Leah again?

DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED [hey, no premarital sex and the story is still great.]
1473003
Posse Justice is a good old fashioned cowboy story. I absolutely enjoyed this book. Exciting adventure with the posse chasing the bad guys through the rugged hills and mountains of Utah and Wyoming territory.
Sheriff Cyrus Ockland, his deputy, a Ute Indian, Billy Yellowtree, who everyone calls Custard and the posse, which  includes a very strong and effective cowgirl, follow seven bank robbers on a two week chase with new twists, turns and adventures around every corner and every mountain.
If you like good old time western adventures, this book is for you.
Buy it, you will love it.
1098821
Loved it! I hope there is a book 2. I have always wanted to live on a cattle ranch. Thank you
2825193
This is the second book featuring attorney Scott Fenney. Both are terrific. In this book Scott is defending his ex wife from murder charges, the woman who had left him for a golf pro just two years earlier. The book is set in Galveston. The court scenes are compelling and realistic, and instead of a ruthless DA, there is an honest prosecutor who just wants justice. I loved it.
2881516
Being a foster family ourselves, this hit a little closer to home.  The advocate for the children,  smack dab in a murder investigation that involves one of her good friends(who happens to be representing the kids mom). And who doesn't like a dreamy cowboy investigator that makes you go mummy hmmm!!
2587254
Enjoyed reading The Lawman Claims His Bride.  It was very well written and kept my interest.  Did not want to put it down and anxious to pick it up again.
234698
Title: Outlaw's Honor - Cahill Ranch Book 2
Author: B. J. Daniels
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 5-30-2017
Pages: 384
Genre: Romance
Sub-Genre: Contemporary; Westerns;
ISBN: 9780373801985
ASIN: B01N2G6AOC
Reviewed For NetGalley and Harlequin
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars

She never expected this Cahill to be her heroor the only man she'd need
It's hard to forget a beautiful woman who picks your pocket the first time you meet. Darby Cahill recognizes Mariah Ayres the moment she walks into his bar looking for a job. He shouldn't hire heror crave more after one impulsive kiss. But what starts as curiosity about her motives turns to concern when he senses how much danger she's in.

Mariah has been running ever since she left her fianc at the altar. Now she's playing the part of the perfect employee, terrified that her past will catch up with her. But Darby has already seen through her act. He's the kind of guy who saves people. And even if Mariah's given him no reason to trust her, he's determined to protect herand he'll risk his life to do it

The series continues to evolve and improve in character development and scene descriptions.  Outlaw Honor has an intriguing premise in Darby's defense of a possible crooked Mariah.  There is a small slow moment in the beginning but it soon leaves of at a fast pace and doesn't slow again. You will never want to leave the Cahill Ranch or the Cahill family.

My rating of "Mercy" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.
2842823
A bank robbery, fist fights, last minute rescues, hangings, chases, shootouts, fiery love interest and a fierce enmity between ranching families headed by Red Corder and Quentin Jefferson; there is much here to keep the western fan well entertained.
Bill Mitchell, who had served 20 years as Sheriff of the town of Serenity, had helped to prevent the festering hatred of the Corders and Jeffersons from breaking out into full-scale violence. Then, when Serenity bank employee Aaron Stein was murdered and the bank robbed of $10,000, Mitchell was arrested and found guilty of the crime and sentenced to hang at Serenity.
While Mitchell passed his remaining days in jail it was only a matter of time before his loss of control over the warring factions led to hostilities being ignited. The town's population swelled as many were attracted to the novelty of a lawman getting his comeuppance; one who arrived was newspaperman William Palmer. He began to interview the witnesses to Stein's murder and eventually concluded that the case against Mitchell was not as clear cut as the court had found it to be. His view found favour with others who collectively decided to act to prevent an innocent man from being hanged.
Perhaps the best approach to reading this book is to read the first half in only one or two sittings when over a score of characters are introduced; many only briefly. Some were either witnesses or had a view on the Stein murder. If you only read one or two chapters per day, as I did, you might find yourself flicking back to remind yourself of other witness statements to build up a picture of what happened the day Stein was murdered, and for some characters to recheck which ranch they rode for.
But this was great fun albeit tinged with a bit of sadness at the end.
114333
The Bride Raffle : Book 2 ( Western Mail Order Brides )
By: Samantha Jillian Bayarr

Another great series by Author Samantha Jillian Bayarr. I really liked the characters. Mail order bride Belle Calhoun gets to Tombstone to get married only to get into town and see a hanging right off the bat. Who and why did they hang this man? So many things happening to her within a short time into town. So many twist and turns in this story will keep you guessing about what is going to happen next. I know it is a page turner you will not want to put down. O and why is Belle being raffled off to the highest bidder? Get the series it is great!!!
75289
Fast paced and easy reading. I felt like I was on the ranch with all the characters. I loved Brenda''s author's notes that Tom. Will be a better day. Keep up the great writing. You are a great gift to your readers.
91965
Burning Proof
Cold Case Justice #2
Janice Cantore

Abby Hart has decided to put the murders of her parents behind her.  The last hope she had for getting answers died the same day as her old partner.  But Asa Foster's dying words won't let Luke Murphy rest.  What did Asa mean when he said "There is proof"?  Luke and Woody are determined to follow up on Asa's words but not wanting to give Abby false hope of a resolution they keep their personal investigation quiet.

But Abby's decision to leave the past behind makes an abrupt 360 degree turn when an arrest goes wrong.  Suddenly dealing with the ghosts of the past and the failures of the present becomes very important.  Abby has some decisions to make regarding her future - police officer, wife, missionary? Where will her heart lead her?

Ten years ago a young woman barely escaped from her abductor.  He was never caught.  This case has come to the attention of Luke and Woody and they are determined to help this victim find closure and peace.  But this case needs more than what they can bring to it - it needs Abby.

Burning Proof is the sequel to Drawing Fire where we are introduced to the characters.  This continues the story but we are given glimpses of someone behind the scenes who is determined to keep the Triple Seven murders unsolved.  And this unknown person will do anything to hide the truth forever.

Burning Proof is an exciting addition from the pen of Janice Cantore.  Delving into the mind of a officer who is suffering from doubts about her split second decision.  One gets a unique perspective of the law enforcement from Janice's own experiences as an officer.

Some questions are answered while new ones are raised.  Some sequels are just not up to the quality of the first book but there is no letdown in this second offering in the Cold Case Justice series.  If you like suspense in your fiction you need to read this book.

I was provided a complementary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.