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yodamom's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. A lovely story about love, forgiveness, trust, reconnecting, and of course horses, cowboys, truck, a dog and even a cat. You take a young woman scarred from a crime her step-father committed which hurt almost her whole town. Give her the strength to come back and try to make good on it. Then you take an outcast illegitimate cowboy sherif who never knew the love of a father. He had to watch his father's legitimate son raised wealthily and respected while he and his mother struggled. You put these two childhood friends together among old boyfriends, ex wives, angry towns people and insecurities and you have one wild ride mixed with country charm.
A great beginning to a series I plan on following. I can't wait for the next book. Good old fashioned romantic comfort reading.
A great beginning to a series I plan on following. I can't wait for the next book. Good old fashioned romantic comfort reading.
emlickliter's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
4.0
Big Sky Country (Parable, Montana #1) by Linda Lael Miller – Joselyn came home looking for her next purpose in life. After spending a decade making secret reparations for her stepfather’s mistake, Joselyn is glad some of her old friends are happy she has returned to Parable, Montana. Slade’s illegitimacy is an open secret, but his late father’s will and his former stepdaughter have swooped in to turn his life on its head. Good thing the pretty lady who catches his eye also seems up for settling down into a new life! This fun small-town romance will make you smile too! Happy Reading!
beastreader's review against another edition
3.0
Slade Barlow is sherriff in Parable, Montana. This is a big deal. Slade was born out of wedlock. This is why, when his father dies, he does not expect to be mentioned in his will, let alone inherit half of Whisper Creek Ranch. This does not make Hutch, Slade's half bother too pleased. Hutch offers to purchase Slade's half of the ranch.
Joslyn Kirk used to be the town's beauty queen. She and Hutch used to date. Although Joslyn had eyes for Slade. Only Slade would not have known it as he thought she was a spoiled rich girl. Joslyn is only in town to make mends to all the people her step father burned and than she is leaving again. Joslyn's friend, Kendra tells Joslyn that she is not responsible for her step father's actions.
The longer that Joslyn stays in town the harder it is to resist Slade.
It has been a while since I have read a book by this author. Seeing that Linda Lael Miller had a new series coming out, starting with Big Sky Country, I thought I would check Mrs. Miller out again. I have to say that Mrs. Miller does know her cowboys and how to write a good book. I liked Slade. He was a gentleman but he also had a sense of humor about him. When I think of men in uniform, I don't think of sherriffs near the top five of my list but if the guy looked anything like Slade, than I woold have to make an exception. It was easy to see why Joslyn feel for Slade. Although, it felt like it took a really long time for either Joslyn or Slade to admit their feelings toward each other and hook up. For a while, I thought Slade's half brother, Hutch, was going to end up on top. Speakling of which. Hutch was a jerk in tbe beginning but as the story progressed I changed my mind about Hutch and did like him. Good thing as I can not wait to read his and Kendra's story in Big Sky Mountain.
Reading this book, it did feel like there were two stories going on...one involving Slade and Joslyn and the other involving Hutch and Kendra. I would say that this book was more on the serious side and not so much on the lovey, dovey, romance side. Still a good book. I think that fans of this authors will enjoy this new series. Big Sky Country is filled with open skies, romance, good characters, and is a nice start to a new series by Linda Lael Miller!
Joslyn Kirk used to be the town's beauty queen. She and Hutch used to date. Although Joslyn had eyes for Slade. Only Slade would not have known it as he thought she was a spoiled rich girl. Joslyn is only in town to make mends to all the people her step father burned and than she is leaving again. Joslyn's friend, Kendra tells Joslyn that she is not responsible for her step father's actions.
The longer that Joslyn stays in town the harder it is to resist Slade.
It has been a while since I have read a book by this author. Seeing that Linda Lael Miller had a new series coming out, starting with Big Sky Country, I thought I would check Mrs. Miller out again. I have to say that Mrs. Miller does know her cowboys and how to write a good book. I liked Slade. He was a gentleman but he also had a sense of humor about him. When I think of men in uniform, I don't think of sherriffs near the top five of my list but if the guy looked anything like Slade, than I woold have to make an exception. It was easy to see why Joslyn feel for Slade. Although, it felt like it took a really long time for either Joslyn or Slade to admit their feelings toward each other and hook up. For a while, I thought Slade's half brother, Hutch, was going to end up on top. Speakling of which. Hutch was a jerk in tbe beginning but as the story progressed I changed my mind about Hutch and did like him. Good thing as I can not wait to read his and Kendra's story in Big Sky Mountain.
Reading this book, it did feel like there were two stories going on...one involving Slade and Joslyn and the other involving Hutch and Kendra. I would say that this book was more on the serious side and not so much on the lovey, dovey, romance side. Still a good book. I think that fans of this authors will enjoy this new series. Big Sky Country is filled with open skies, romance, good characters, and is a nice start to a new series by Linda Lael Miller!
caraheard's review against another edition
2.0
This is my first LLM book that I was disappointed in. I usually live her series. This story didn't seem finished when you completed it. Normally her series are wrapped up at the end. This one left loose ends and I just can't say much except it was disappointing. Will I read the next one, probably, in the hopes that it's better. Loved the setting, not the story. Could buy into the couple's chemistry but not in how it played out.
jendoyleink's review against another edition
4.0
When I first started this book, all I could think of was how rich it seemed. The descriptions -- both physical and character -- felt like a luxurious blanket that I could cuddle under and get lost in for a while. And that feeling never quite went away, which is why I gave this a 4 overall. The biggest drawback was that it took sooooooo long for Slade and Joslyn to get together that there wasn't really time to enjoy it. But even with that said, I am absolutely looking forward to reading more from this author.
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this book. It starts out with Slade and Hutch at the reading of the will. Slade is a fairly laid back guy who is pretty slow to anger. He also tends to think well before he speaks or acts. He has always resented the fact that his father never acknowledged him or gave his mother any kind of support, but has made a good life for himself in spite of it. Hutch is ticked that Slade has been given half of everything that he always expected to be his, and is determined to buy Slade out so he can have it back. Every time the two of them are together the tension is up. Joslyn has come back to Parable, which she still considers her home. She is deeply ashamed of what her stepfather did, and sold her software company and used the money to confidentially repay the people he cheated. There are some people who have welcomed her back, and others who haven't, but she still feels at home here. She has also felt an immediate attraction to Slade, but doesn't expect anything to come of it. Slade also feels the attraction and is very interested in seeing where it goes. Slade also ends up with his teenage stepdaughter staying with him. I loved seeing her and her interactions with people. Slade is trying to curb her rebelliousness with work and rules, while Shea tries to get away with what she can. She also seems to have no filter between brain and mouth and says some pretty interesting things to both Joslyn and Slade. There are also some good scenes with the dog who adopts Slade and the cat that adopts Joslyn. The dialogue in the book is great, with sarcasm and humor and tenderness all there. While there wasn't any really intense conflict in the book, there was enough emotion to really suck me in. I'm looking forward to book two, which is Hutch and Kendra's story, and book three I expect will be that of Boone and probably Tara.
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
1.0
ooooh, ignore my rating.
This just isn't my kind of story, not my kind of book. I read it for a challenge so I just managed to get through it.
I did think the added storyline of the will and Shea was interesting but I didn't find them terribly original. most of the other adult silly drama (and...uh...adult stuff) was just...boring.
meh. just not my kind of book. oh well.
This just isn't my kind of story, not my kind of book. I read it for a challenge so I just managed to get through it.
I did think the added storyline of the will and Shea was interesting but I didn't find them terribly original. most of the other adult silly drama (and...uh...adult stuff) was just...boring.
meh. just not my kind of book. oh well.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
3.0
3 STARS
Slade Barlow has never received any recognition from his biological father, John Carmody all his life so imagine his surprise when he leaves half his estate to him. The other half is willed to his half brother, Hutch, who was Carmody's legitimate son. Hutch wants to buy Slade's half of the ranch and Slade wants to be a rancher when his time as Sheriff is over. Slade cannot let go of his hurt and chooses to leave Hutch hanging.
Joslyn Kirk returns to town years after her stepfather scammed the townspeople out of their hard-earned money. She is living in her old house that was bought by her best friend, Kendra and looking for away to make peace with the town of Parable. Joslyn and Slade are starting to get feelings for one another but neither will make the first move as they have been hurt before. Throw in a 16 year-old stepdaughter and Opal who worked for Joslyn's family and watch the couple try and stay apart.
This is a simple small town cowboy romance romance but quite enjoyable. If you are looking for a predictable story with hot ranchers this is what you need! I can't wait for Hutch and Kendra's story next.
Slade Barlow has never received any recognition from his biological father, John Carmody all his life so imagine his surprise when he leaves half his estate to him. The other half is willed to his half brother, Hutch, who was Carmody's legitimate son. Hutch wants to buy Slade's half of the ranch and Slade wants to be a rancher when his time as Sheriff is over. Slade cannot let go of his hurt and chooses to leave Hutch hanging.
Joslyn Kirk returns to town years after her stepfather scammed the townspeople out of their hard-earned money. She is living in her old house that was bought by her best friend, Kendra and looking for away to make peace with the town of Parable. Joslyn and Slade are starting to get feelings for one another but neither will make the first move as they have been hurt before. Throw in a 16 year-old stepdaughter and Opal who worked for Joslyn's family and watch the couple try and stay apart.
This is a simple small town cowboy romance romance but quite enjoyable. If you are looking for a predictable story with hot ranchers this is what you need! I can't wait for Hutch and Kendra's story next.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Big Sky Country
2.5 Stars
***Beware, minor spoilers ahead***
Unfortunately, this first book in Miller's series does not live up to its potential.
Although Slade and Joslyn's attraction is well written and their connection is sweet and satisfying, there is no real substance to their relationship. Their reasons for falling in love are narrowed down to each wanting a family and a place to belong rather than any real emotion.
Additional plotlines are established, but none are fully materialized. To begin with, Slade never fully comes to terms with the most prominent issue in his life, namely his father's refusal to accept him while he was alive. Instead, this is transferred on to the ongoing rivalry with his half-brother, Hutch, which is also only partially resolved.
Another underdeveloped thread focuses on the reasons for Joslyn's return to Parable. Much is made of her stepfather's swindling many of the townsfolk, but nothing comes of it. Very little anger or mistrust or even threats of revenge materialize.
The inclusion of Slade's stepdaughter Shea also has the potential for interesting conflict, especially once it becomes clear the Slade and Joslyn are together. Nevertheless, Shea ends up being a completely atypical teenager and the whole issue fizzles.
The writing is alright overall. However, the pacing is slow and plodding with too much focus on unnecessary secondary characters, who are perhaps intended to add quirkiness to the small town, but fail to do so.
Overall, this is a disappointing and anti-climactic rea. I already have the next book on my shelf, so I might get to it sometime.
2.5 Stars
***Beware, minor spoilers ahead***
Unfortunately, this first book in Miller's series does not live up to its potential.
Although Slade and Joslyn's attraction is well written and their connection is sweet and satisfying, there is no real substance to their relationship. Their reasons for falling in love are narrowed down to each wanting a family and a place to belong rather than any real emotion.
Additional plotlines are established, but none are fully materialized. To begin with, Slade never fully comes to terms with the most prominent issue in his life, namely his father's refusal to accept him while he was alive. Instead, this is transferred on to the ongoing rivalry with his half-brother, Hutch, which is also only partially resolved.
Another underdeveloped thread focuses on the reasons for Joslyn's return to Parable. Much is made of her stepfather's swindling many of the townsfolk, but nothing comes of it. Very little anger or mistrust or even threats of revenge materialize.
The inclusion of Slade's stepdaughter Shea also has the potential for interesting conflict, especially once it becomes clear the Slade and Joslyn are together. Nevertheless, Shea ends up being a completely atypical teenager and the whole issue fizzles.
The writing is alright overall. However, the pacing is slow and plodding with too much focus on unnecessary secondary characters, who are perhaps intended to add quirkiness to the small town, but fail to do so.
Overall, this is a disappointing and anti-climactic rea. I already have the next book on my shelf, so I might get to it sometime.
bmurray91's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0