Published
May 3rd 2016
by Bethany House Publishers
Synopsis:
After the death of his
wife, prosperous businessman Chance Boden heads west along the Santa Fe
Trail with his son to escape the powerful, controlling hands of his
in-laws. He has plans to establish his own ranch, but instead he finds
work with Frank Chastain, owner of a vast amount of land.
Chance
doesn't want to work for anyone, but Frank's beautiful daughter gives
him reason to delay buying his own holdings. With winter coming, no home
in which to live, and Veronica's offer to care for young Cole while
Chance learns the ways of successful ranching in the desert, Chance has
little choice but to accept the Chastains' offer to stay on.
When
Frank is attacked, his dying wish is that Chance marry his daughter,
but after dealing with his in-laws, Chance isn't going to let anyone
come between him and his son. Then Frank's precarious hold on the land
he received as part of an old Spanish Land Grant forces Frank to make a
desperate choice to save Veronica's inheritance--and also gives the men
who attacked Frank reason to come after him.
Meet The Author:
Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is
celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than
half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series
Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas,
Sophie's Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in
eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.
Connect Online:
My Thoughts:
I was very excited to hear Mary Connealy was writing a new series and was anxiously awaiting for it to be released. Much to my surprise she released a novella to introduce the series and characters. This is the story of Chance Boden and what leads him to move west and the adventures he encounters. I love the entire concept of this, a novella not only introduces characters, but also gives the reader the background of the characters.
This story starts in Boston, Mass. in 1852 and takes you to the New Mexico Territory. We are introduced to Chance Boden who is a very successful business man who has been in the fog of grief since the death of his wife. Suddenly one day Chance realizes that he no longer recognizes his young son, Cole, and wants to rectify his past mistakes. He makes a promise to Cole right then that he would always come first in his life and takes steps that will change the course for both their lives.
Being born and raised in Indiana Chance new what hard, physical labor was and he would not shy away from it. Heading west was a difficult challenge, but definitely one he was up to. Arriving in the New Mexico brings unexpected challenges he had not thought of. Chance wants to build a ranch/legacy for Cole to inherit, but first land needed to be obtained. He meets Frank Chastain who points out that his dream would be more difficult to obtain than Chance knew.
This is a the beginning and a wonderful introduction to the series.
It has elements of suspense, romance and faith.
I immediately fell in love with Chance and Cole. I admired his determination to fulfill his dream, and not afraid to admit when he needed help. This is a short, but well written story.
The plot will quickly pull the reader in to the story and keep them turning the pages.
I would recommend anyone to reading this novella before starting the series.
Available for Purchase:
