Series:
Men of the West (Book 53)
Maybe she'll believe in love again
If he's the shepherd of her heart
Rancher Quint Hollister urgently needs a sheepherder!
Despite first impressions, it's a job perfectly suited to Clementine Starr. Her
natural beauty and quiet ways belie her toughness and ability -- and hide her
pain from past betrayal. Quint is quickly drawn to her unlike any woman he's
ever known. Clementine feels it too, but when the snow falls, she's moving on.
Unless Quint can find some Christmas magic and convince her to stay…forever.
Good book with an unusual heroine. This is the first time
I have read a book with a sheepherder MC, much less a female one. Clem grew up around
sheep, and when circumstances forced her off the family ranch, she became a
sheepherder. She is a quiet woman who prefers the company of animals to people.
Her previous job has ended, and she is looking for a change of scenery when she
hears of the opening at Stone Creek Ranch.
Quint is younger than his brothers and spent many years
dodging responsibility. As that life began to wear thin, his father entrusted
him with the ranch's sheep flock. He and another ranch hand have been doing the
sheepherder work, but Quint realizes he needs a professional's help. He doesn't
expect the beautiful woman who walks in the door when he advertises for a
sheepherder.
I enjoyed the first meeting between Quint and Clem. He
expected someone older and toughened and was flummoxed by Clem's beauty. He has
difficulty accepting her assurance that she is happy with her horse, dogs, and
tent, alone with the sheep, for long periods. Quint's natural protectiveness
worries about her safety, which gives him pause about hiring her. Clem wants
the job but won't beg for it. I liked how she made her case and left him
thinking about it. It takes a conversation with his parents for him to see his
mistake, and he offers her the job.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Quint and Clem
develop. Neither expected the sparks of attraction that flared between them.
Quint is used to playing the field, and Clem put the idea of romance behind her
after a relationship disaster. Clem is also very conscious of the age
difference between herself and Quint - she is seven years older than he is. I
loved seeing Quint find excuses to go to her camp and spend time with her. As
he realizes the depth of his feelings for her, Quint works to break down her
walls. Some terrific scenes show their connection and how well-suited they are
for each other, but Clem can't get past the age difference. She also struggles
with the difference between his wealthy family and her reduced circumstances.
I liked seeing Quint try to bring Clem into the family
circle by inviting her to a family party. I loved how his sisters took her
under their wing and made her feel good about herself. She begins to accept her
growing feelings for him but still can't bring herself to believe anything can
come of them. I ached for both of them when Quint told her how he felt, and she
pushed him away. It took patience on Quint's part and some time alone for Clem
to realize the depth of her feelings for him. I liked that Quint gave her the
time she needed but had an ace in his pocket to help convince her. His big moment
and the surprise he had for her were sweet and romantic. I also liked the
epilogue and the possible foreshadowing of the next book.
I liked the scenes that involved Clem doing her work as a
sheepherder. I knew very little about caring for sheep before reading this
book. I loved her devotion to the flock and her strength in dealing with the
rigors of the job. I look forward to seeing more of her and Quint in later
books.
I also enjoyed the closeness of Quint's family. They have
their occasional conflicts, but the love and respect are evident. Quint's
parents are an excellent example of a successful marriage and parenting. I
can't wait to read more about the family.
No comments:
Post a Comment