Rebecca

Once I started reading, I couldn't stop until I reached the end. Rebecca and her brothers and sisters head out on a wagon train to Oregon to try and make a new beginning for themselves. Each of them is so unique and so fun to read about especially the youngest. They arrive at their destination and soon purchase the biggest house available, although it needs work. Rebecca and her twin brother are then directed to the local handyman and are told that things are not always what they seem. They find Ian and his twin boys in a run-down house on the outskirts of town. Rebecca cannot resist the two little boys and finds their father intriguing also, but feels that their relationship will only be as employer/employee. Rebecca soon learns that Ian's wife was killed in a bank robbery while trying to make a payment on their land and because the payment was never made, the lender foreclosed on Ian and kicked him and the boys out. Ian has been searching for the killer ever since. Rebecca is soon courted by the richest and nastiest man in town. She goes along with the courtship hoping to find a way to help Ian regain his land. There is lots of intrigue, romance, levity and a heart pounding moment or two. I highly recommend this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

NEW BEGINNINGS AND SECOND CHANCES What an intriguing story with adventure, danger, kidnapping, and romantic suspense. The story is part of the Brides of the Oregon Trail but will read well as a stand-alone. This particular wagon train will include the Taylor siblings, orphaned and ready for a new life. They will sell their farm and make their way to Oregon City where they will purchase a farm with a large house. But it requires a lot of work, and hiring carpenter, Ian Staunton, will include his twin sons. The house is plenty big enough for the five Taylor siblings and the Staunton clan. While the story talks a little bit about the wagon journey, the focus is after they arrive in Oregon City to begin their new life and find a home and land. There is immediate chemistry between Ian and Rebecca, but he isn’t looking for a relationship and states openly that until the man who murdered his wife, Molly, is found and tried, he can’t consider any relationship—but even then, he won’t have love to give. At no time, during this tale, is anything inappropriate between Ian and Rebecca—if anything, he comes to her rescue and protects her. “She knew her life had forever changed. Loving Ian was a waste of her time and her love, but she did, and she couldn’t marry anyone else when her heart belonged to Ian.” Silas Fletcher, one of the wealthiest men in Oregon City, comes to see Rebecca and to court her. While she knows that Ian says he won’t love her, she also knows that she wants to marry and have children. The courtship with Silas is a beginning, but not a happy situation. Why can’t Ian care for her? When she breaks it off with Silas, he is bitter and starts nasty rumors in town about her. What happens when he makes comments at a community event? Will Ian protect her honor by offering a marriage of convenience only? “Don’t fall in love with me, Rebecca. I can’t love you back. I can’t give you what you need. I won’t go through the pain of perhaps losing you. All we can do is make our marriage a happy one as good friends.” The story is full of the good, the bad, and the evil of people. Trouble is brewing, and Rebecca will become a pawn in a battle of good and evil. The story is a roller-coaster ride of emotions, mystery, and romantic suspense. It will have two people that enjoy being together, but one states he can’t love again, and the other is hurt by that and afraid to share her feelings. Will they realize how they feel before it is too late? While this story does not expound on intimate details within the marital relationship, it does have some mildly steamy scenes. The story does have a happy ended. “Rebecca looked into the eyes of the man she loved, grateful he opened his heart and let her love in. Grateful she found this man she never thought she needed and now couldn’t live without.”.

Adventure, drama and a new life in Oregon come together in this warm-hearted romance. Taking care of her family is Rebecca's first priority. Fortunately, her very accommodating twin brother, Ben, thinks the same way she does, as for the most part it is Rebecca that makes the decisions. However, when Ian Stanford and his sons come on board to help them put their tumble down home to rights, Rebecca meets her match. Ian is attracted to Rebecca, but his anger regarding his wife's murder holds him back from making an emotional commitment. When the despicable Silas starts to make a move on Rebecca, Ian goes onto full alert and he finds himself being more concerned for Rebecca than the revenge he carries in his heart. The story is suspenseful and kept my attention throughout. The combined family of Taylors and Stanfords makes for entertaining reading, whilst the romance that developed touched my heart. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.