Tuesday, March 9, 2021

"Second Chance Cowboy"--a "Heroes of Shelter Creek" contemporary western romance--by author Claire McEwen--see my reviews for this wonderful series

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Second Chance Cowboy: A Clean Romance

He was her first love…

But some things she can’t forget

Busy small-town veterinarian Emily Fielding is finally ready to take on some help. The best man for the job, however, is Wes Marlow—who broke her heart in high school. Though Wes has a way with horses and a way of melting her resolve, Emily needs to keep things purely professional. Wes left her once—will he do it again? Because she can’t lose her heart a second time…

 MY REVIEW:  Author Claire McEwen is a gifted storyteller whose contemporary western romances captivate the reader's imagination while also providing a compelling look into the complexities of Northern California ranch life. Emily Fielding is a second-generation veterinarian, and the only veterinarian in the community of Shelter Creek, California. Having taken over her father's vet practice when he retired, and also working with the Shelter Creek Wildlife Center since it began, Emily was overloaded and starting to feel overwhelmed. She needed help--and she knew it. She never imagined that help to come from the last person she expected to see--Weston Marlow, who had broken her heart fifteen years ago when he had left town without a word. Emily's parents had taken in Wes as a troubled foster child full of rebellion. Under the steady care and happy family life Wes came to know at the Fieldings' home, he finally felt a sense of belonging. He and Emily became friends, and that friendship slowly turned to young love, which they kept quiet. Just before the senior prom that Emily and Wes were to attend together, he left town with no warning. Through all the years that he had been gone, he had never contacted them, and now he was back in Shelter Creek, a veterinarian himself, and wanting to work with Emily in her practice. The explanation that  he offered Emily and her parents for his abrupt departure all those years ago was deeply personal and also justifiable for a young man surviving the tribulations of the foster care system. Emily had striven to establish herself as a vet in her own right, not just to be her father's daughter, just has she had tried to overcome the heartbreak Wes had caused. Should she put aside her personal concerns and make a bold move to strengthen her capacity to provide care for animals? Will her heart be on the line along with her professional reputation? As Wes proves his worth as a healer of animals, a friendship once again grows along with their working relationship--can it bloom into something more? Fifteen years apart seems like a lifetime, but is it long enough to let old hurts fade and bright new hopes begin to shine? "Second Chance Cowboy" is a highly-recommended, heartfelt reunion romance, and I look forward to the next book in the "Heroes of Shelter Creek Series".   

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Rescuing the Rancher

She’ll help protect his ranch…

And heal his heart...


Firefighter Jade Carson needs to get the local residents out of a wildfire’s path, but Aidan Bell isn’t moving. Still grieving a tragedy, the stubborn rancher plans to stay and save his animals. Jade and Aidan battle the blaze on his property, only to feel the spark of something unexpected. Secrets are shared, hope kindles…but can they leave the past’s ashes behind and let love grow?

MY REVIEW: Returning to author Claire McEwen's Northern California-set "Heroes of Shelter Creek" series is always a pleasure for me as a reader. The characters are interesting and appealing--their story lines are emotionally compelling, and they tackle difficult real-life issues head on. Book Four, "Rescuing the Rancher", is the story of Aidan Bell, a man struggling with deep personal grief, and Jade Carson, a young woman who never gives up when there is someone or something to be saved. When a disastrous wildfire threatens Aidan Bell's ranch and the surrounding properties, he will do his best to save his animals and the animals from the other nearby ranches. Jade Carson is a firefighter assigned to warn anyone in the area to manditorily evacuate, but Aidan won't leave without trying to save the animals. With a slim chance of survival, Aidan and Jade work furiously to battle the roaring beast of the fire. Throughout a long day and night, the two of them form a connection as they strive mightily to survive the fire and protect the livestock. Each of them has long-standing personal issues to overcome, but is there a chance for them to embrace a hopeful future and build a new life together? "Rescuing the Rancher" is an exceptional contemporary western romance, and I know that readers will greatly enjoy this book and the other entries in "The Heroes of Shelter Creek" series.  

Book Copy Gratis Author


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Her Surprise Cowboy

Looking for redemption…

Finding a future...


Rancher Liam Dale is in Shelter Creek to make amends for his troubled past. He had no idea vet assistant Trisha Gilbert would be there, too—and he’s even more shocked to discover he’s a daddy! Trisha has good reasons not to trust him and a baby boy to protect. But now that he knows he’s a father, Liam longs to transform this unexpected reunion into a true family.


MY REVIEW:  In "Her Surprise Cowboy", Book 3 in author Claire McEwen' "Heroes of Shelter Creek Series", a man and woman both striving to overcome past mistakes are unexpectedly reunited--and each of them is holding back a life-changing secret. A chance meeting at a wedding led to one shared night between Liam Dale and Trisha Gilbert. Kisses fueled by champagne and the chance to escape reality were later replaced by shame and regret, and Liam had left before Trisha awoke--they hadn't even told one another their last names.Trisha never expected to see Liam again, and she had no way of contacting him to let him know that he was the father of adorable baby Henry--the light of her life. After almost two years, a sudden surprise meeting takes them both aback. Liam has come to his friend Jace's ranch in Shelter Creek, California to learn modern, progressive ranching techniques that he can implement at his family's spread back in Texas. Trisha, a vet's assistant, is also friends with Jace and his wife, Vivian. At first, Liam and Trisha keep their previous meeting to themselves, and Liam is aware that Trisha is not happy to see him. Eventually, she must tell him about their son, and he is stunned to learn that he is a father. Liam has his own big secret--the real reason why he left that morning without speaking to Trisha or leaving a note. To clear the air between them and make way for a happy family life together, the truth must be told. Can trust grow where doubt once lived, and can love be stronger than regret? Claire McEwen is a unique storyteller, blending the traditions of the past with modern concerns of land and wildlife conversation and somehow weaving them into important elements of touching and heartwarming stories of contemporary western romance. I have greatly enjoyed, and highly recommend, "The Heroes of Shelter Creek Series".

Book Copy Gratis Author


After the Rodeo

After the Rodeo

 Her passion for her job…

…could cost him everything

Former rodeo champion Jace Hendricks has six weeks to turn his run-down ranch around or he could lose custody of his nieces and nephew. But biologist Vivian Reed has to survey his land first—and she won’t be rushed. Vivian’s optimism and wonder start to win over the kids…and even Jace. But with all that’s at stake, can he risk getting any more involved with Vivian?

MY REVIEW:  Author Claire McEwen returns readers to beautiful Northern California with "After the Rodeo", Book 2 in her contemporary western romance series, "Heroes of Shelter Creek". Jace Hendricks had spent a decade building a career on the rodeo circuit, and a winning streak had raised his hopes for a championship. His dreams were shattered by a phone call from Social Services advising him that his sister Brenda had been convicted of felony charges and was facing twenty years in prison. Jace's memories of a turbulent childhood and guilt over not staying in touch with his sister spurred him to give up the rodeo in order to take custody of Brenda's three children. With just enough money to buy a run-down ranch to make a home for himself and the children, he planned to raise cattle as a means of income to keep them all together. As if becoming an instant father--an unsettling occurrence for him and the children--was not enough, he also had to deal with a persistent social worker and a group of citizens devoted to wildlife protection. He had unknowingly bought land that was a prime elk habitat, and the fence he had built to keep cattle in would keep the elk out. Complicating matters even further is the arrival of biologist Vivian Reed, who must survey the property and assess the wildlife situation. Vivian, who is dealing with personal health issues and a heartache of her own, nonetheless has a caring persona which touches the heart of Jace and the children. With only a short time to make all matters right, can Jace and Vivian find a way to keep home and family together and look forward to a bright and happy future filled with love? "After the Rodeo" is a wonderfully-written story for lovers of contemporary western romance.

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Reunited with the Cowboy (Heroes of Shelter Creek #1)



She can save his ranch…

But can he forgive her?

Maya Burton knows she’s the last person rancher Caleb Dunne wants to see. After all, she survived the crash that killed his sister, and then left town. Now she has to convince the stubborn cowboy that she can help him save his ranch. But once she earns his trust—and his heart—will she be able to walk away?

MY REVIEW:  I have always loved westerns--when I was a little girl, my whole family watched the great TV westerns together--we were all fans. As I got older, I realized how appealing and romantic cowboys are--if you win the heart of a cowboy, you're a lucky woman indeed! Author Claire McEwen begins her "Heroes of Shelter Creek series: with "Reunited with the Cowboy"--a richly- detailed story with a beautiful setting and very appealing characters. After years spent in service in the Marines, Caleb Dunne returned home to the family ranch in Shelter Creek, California. Working hard to preserve the heritage of the ranch and secure its future, he must accept help from a an unexpected and unwanted source. Years ago. Maya Burton and Caleb Dunne were high-school sweethearts--very much in love--until the aftermath of a tragic accident drove them apart. Maya left the area after graduation and became a wildlife biologist. Coming home to Shelter Creek to visit her grandmother means coming face-to-face with Caleb--and facing the heartbreak of the past. Maya has the knowledge and training to help Caleb and other ranchers in the area, but will he open his heart, and his mind, and trust her to help him hold on to his family's legacy? After spending time again with Caleb, will Maya be able to walk away and return to the life she has created outside Shelter Creek? "Reunited with the Cowboy" is highly recommended for lovers of heartfelt contemporary western romance.

Book Copy Gratis Author


Claire McEwen
 


 
Claire McEwen lives by the ocean in Northern California with her family and a scruffy, mischievous terrier. When not dreaming up new stories, she can be found digging in her garden with a lot of enthusiasm but, unfortunately, no green thumb. She loves discovering flea-market treasures, walking on the beach, dancing, traveling and reading, of course!

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