First published as Love Finds You in Last Chance, CaliforniaIt’s 1877 and Alexia Travers is alone in the world. Her father has died unexpectedly, leaving her burdened with a heavily mortgaged horse ranch. Marrying one of the town’s all-too-willing bachelors would offer an easy solution, but Alex has no interest in marriage.Instead, she dons men’s clothing and rides the range, determined to make … determined to make the ranch a success on her own. Help arrives when Justin Phillips, an acquaintance of her father’s, comes to Last Chance with his young son. Justin’’s and Alex’’s combined effort to save the ranch quickly turns into a fierce competition between cowboy and tomboy.
But when disaster threatens Travers’ Ranch, they must work together to save someone they both love. Can these two independent people learn to depend on God —and on each other?
Finding Love In… is a series of full-length romance novels, historical, contemporary, or suspense, that give readers a peek into local life across the United States. The novels are uniquely set in actual American locations that inspire romance and are just plain fun! This means that each fictional story draws on the compelling history or unique character of a real place.
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Not totally predictable. Enjoyed learning about a geographical area in history that no longer exists. Good researching on the author’s part.
Very enjoyable.
Love Finds You In Last Chance California by Miralee Ferrell*****
It’s 1877 and Alexia Travers, or Alex lives with her father, Ben on his cattle and horse ranch in Last Chance, California. When her father dies unexpectedly, apparently from a heart attack, Alex is left to run the ranch on her own with the help of Uncle Joe and Martha. However, her other ranch hands are not too keen on working for a woman. After talking to the banker in Last Chance, she learns that her father has mortgaged the ranch and she could loose it if she can’t pay the note in time. Added to that there are some strange things going on with her stock.
Justin Phillips is a friend of Ben’s and received a letter from Ben asking Justin to come and help him with the problems at the ranch, some even life-threatening. Justin travels to Last Chance but he is not alone. He is widowed with a very young son, Toby, to care for. As he arrives at Last Chance he finds some trouble. Once he clears that up he asks around and finds there is a possibly a job on Alex’s ranch. He applies for a job there without telling Alex Ben sent for him.
Alex and Justin must learn to trust each other and to trust God as well. Are they able to do that or will they continue to be mistrustful? As the story unfolds we get a glimpse of the 1870’s in a real way with realistic characters who face challenges head on. This story has much to offer: challenges, suspense, mystery, adventure, romance, evil plots, forgiveness, strong faith, humor and last chances that may not always be the last chance. I really enjoyed this story very much and look forward to more in this series.