Hearth Stone by Lois Greiman

Her father is demanding she marry the man he has chosen for her.  After all, it would be an attractive merger of assets.  He doesn't even care that the man has been untrue to her.  As a matter of fact, he knew it all the time.  He tells her to accept it.  She refuses to, saying no for the first time.  And she escapes the house and his influence by going to a guest ranch her cousin suggested.  Maybe time will convince him she's serious.

Kensington Books sent me an ARC of this book to read for review (thank you).  It's being published in March, so check with your local bookstore for a copy.

Sydney enjoys her stay at the guest ranch so she decides to look for her own ranch.  The ranch is run down, the barn is almost falling down, but the setting is perfect and she feels at home there.  She decides to buy it and set it up to train Olympic hopefuls for equestrian competition.  Buying the ranch was no problem, but then her father cut off her money.  Now she has an old run down ranch and no money.  Her father would let her come home if she'd just get over her mad and marry David.  She's determined to stay there and do what she can to improve it and endure it.  She doesn't want any David in her life.  She's also got the problem of her injury from an angry horse ride to get over.  She's stubborn though and she's finally taking charge of her life instead of doing what her father tells her to do.  He's very upset about this but she doesn't care.

She has a whole host of friends that help her.  They are all eccentric characters in their own way and I enjoyed reading about them.  She finds a mustang tangled up in barbed wire and when they are ready to put her down because her back legs are torn to pieces, she refuses to let them.  I think she sees herself in that mustang.  Her legs didn't work after the accident and the mare has no one to support her.  She's going to save her.

I can understand and sympathize with Sydney.  She has to do some growing up and she needs to find her own path.  It's at the end that she suddenly realizes what would really make her happy.  And she can do it without her father.  She'll just work with her new friends and the man she's beginning to love.  How can it get any better that?

Finally Home by Lois Greiman

Casie is struggling with her ranch, her kids and her heart.  Something's got to give, but she's not sure what...

Kensington Books sent me an ARC of this book for review (thank you).  It was published at the end of November, so you can find a copy at your local bookstore now.  You might want to purchase the whole series so you can follow Casie's story from the beginning.

Casie reminds me of my Mom.  Mom was always taking in strays.  We had extra folks for supper, those who had no one to share holidays with came to our house for the family dinner, and she even made a sandwich for the hobos that used to come to the door when I was little.  Casie has taken in three dramatically different teenagers who needed a safe house where questions weren't asked.  She'll listen to anything you want to tell her, but she doesn't press or ask unwanted questions.

I have enjoyed reading Ms. Greiman's stories.  She writes a busy story with lots of subplots.  The teens are growing up and coming to terms with their lives so far and what they want to be in the future.  Casie is growing up in her own way and beginning to realize if she wants to keep Colt, she's going to have take some action there, too.

The ranch is like the broncs Colt used to ride at the rodeos:  It's full of bucks and bounces and they haven't won any prize money, but they both love it.  So do the kids.  Home is where the heart is and their hearts are in the ranch.

If you want a sweet romance with a mixed up group of teens and family love, that's what you'll get here.  It's a good read!

Happy reading.

Home Fires by Lois Greiman

The Lazy Windmill is a ranch.  The family that lives there isn't related but they're still family.  Anyone that's been abused, has a problem or just needs a place to stay is welcome.  Everyone helps around the ranch cooking, cleaning and working with horses.  Taking children in and away from disruptive family lives is a good thing, but it doesn't mean the problems go away...

Kensington Books sent me an ARC of this book for review (thank you).  It was published in June, so check with your local bookstore for a copy.

Emily is pregnant and won't talk about her past.  She's an excellent cook and everyone looks forward to meals there.  Ty's mother abused him so badly, Cassie ended up taking her on and taking Ty home.  He lives at the neighboring ranch but works at her ranch during the day.  Sophia has parents with lots of money but no time for her.  She acts tough but she's hurt inside.  It's a good thing that Cassie has a big house and a big heart.

Sadly enough there are more young people in this type of situation than you would like to think.  When you're alone, everyone needs a friend.  I found myself admiring Cassie as well as being amused by how she orders the kids around.  She's like a drill sergeant on work details and they all respect her and do as she wishes.  She's never let them down and they won't let her down.

Colt is at the ranch next door and he's trying to court Cassie.  Cassie knows that bronc riders can have all the women they want and don't stay true to anyone.  When Colt quits bronc riding, she doesn't believe him.  She does her best to avoid him, but it's a bit hard to do when he's always helping at the ranch.

She's got vet bills she can't pay, people are trying to sue her, parents are giving the kids problems and Colt is at her kitchen table more than she is.  Somehow Cassie stands strong and makes it through.

I really enjoyed this read and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, too.  If you like horses, families, and determination, you'll like this book.  

Happy reading.