“What’s not to love about a whip smart heroine who knows her way around a horse whip and a Derringer, and frequently saves the frustrated hero, a federal marshal?”Connie Kuykendall, Award Winning Author of Love Ain’t No Soap Opera “I can’t wait to go back to Willow Wood.” Amazon reader
When Lisette Pelletier answers an ad to become a physician in the frontier town of Willow Wood, Idaho, she … ad to become a physician in the frontier town of Willow Wood, Idaho, she knows her life will change forever. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love with the U.S. Marshal whose life she saves on her way to town.
Federal Marshal Grayson Dutton spent his career protecting pioneers, chasing down bandits, settling disputes before they erupted into gunfire, and returning fire when needed. None of it prepared him for dealing with a feisty lady doc who can’t see when she’s in over her head.
When Grayson hears the gang of outlaws that attacked the stagecoach that brought Lisette to Willow Wood have targeted the lady doc, he’ll stop at nothing to protect her. Lisette doesn’t want to give the lawman the reins to her life. She came west to serve the people of Willow Wood, not hide under her bed in fear at the first sign of danger.
She certainly didn’t plan to fall for a long-legged lawman whose kisses make her dream of marriage, babies, and happily-ever-after, all the things that conflict with her call to medicine. Can she find a place in her life and her heart for love? Can Grayson tame the wild filly before she gets both of them killed?
READERS SAY…
“Mystery. Romance. Intrigue. Suspense… All this and more are wrapped in a cloak of Christian fiction set in a simpler time…First in a series, this novel is written in a comfortable, easy-to-read style with the author allowing this historical fiction to show us no matter what time we live in, people’s challenges are timeless…” Leone Bihl, Daily Reporter, Greenfield Times
“…As one of the country’s first lady doctors, Lisette Pelletier is a fancy fish out of water when she opens her practice in a rough and dusty Wild West town where outlaws and miners roam. Come along on a bumpy, wild stagecoach ride to see if the lawman will let the independent redhead take the reins or if she’ll let him into her heart.” Connie Kuykendall—Award Winning Author of Love Ain’t No Soap Opera
“Full of excitement, romance and faith with vivid characters. The heroine is a strong, determined Christian woman, answering God’s call. This author never disappoints.” Dottie Koehler, Library Editor
“I will be rating this book a 5. …Teresa’s work never fails to keep me on my toes from beginning to end. I would love to read the next book in the series, or even one of the author’s previous series. I am never disappointed with any of her work.” Amber Nichols, Amazon reviewer
“I loved this book! I’m amazed by Teresa Slack’s talent! I can’t wait to go back to Willow Wood in the next book.” Bonnie Cooper, Reviewer & Avid Reader
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Loved this story. Lisette knows she is supposed to be a doctor, but does that mean she can’t be a wife and mother? Grayson has to figure out if he’s okay with her being a doctor first and wife and mother second. Thankfully he has a wise father and Lisette has Miss Polly. Loved the characters in this book.
“Any time one ventures west of the Mississippi, it’s an adventure.”
A Lawman for Lisette is my first read by this author, and I enjoyed getting to know her writing voice & her characters. Both Grayson & Lisette are well-layered and genuine, Lisette especially so. She knew her calling to be a doctor and was prepared to follow through, no matter how uncomfortable it became or how difficult the road ahead would be. Adapting to the rigors of the west with grit and determination, she handled the challenges with grace and strength – she is exactly the kind of heroine I love to read about in a western romance. Grayson’s brooding bordered a bit on pouting when it came to Lisette and her safety, but boy he made up for that with a doozy of a first kiss!! Overall he has a good heart & protective instincts and makes a great hero, even if he does sulk somewhat when he doesn’t get his way lol.
As much as I liked Grayson & Lisette, it was actually the supporting characters that made this book so enjoyable for me. From Polly (who is a hoot!) to the Ransom family, Jessa Endicott, Mrs. Rusk, and even Damsel the horse, these people added a huge heaping of heart to the story – and to Lisette’s life. Each one is somehow changed by their friendship with Lisette, and she by them, and these interactions touched my heart more than once.
Bottom Line: A Lawman for Lisette immediately engages readers with a strong heroine, a swoony hero, and a smooth writing voice that allows for a steady pace throughout. The cast of supporting characters gives even further dimension to the story & delights readers from beginning to end. It’s not too profound or too fluffy, but provides an entertaining plot with an ideal amount of tension & a gentle faith theme that reassures us God is still in control even when it feels like nothing is going according to our own plans. The perfect choice for fans of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman or When Calls the Heart!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I borrowed via Kindle Unlimited.)
This is my first encounter with this author and I have to say that I quickly ran off to find other books by her when I finished this one. A Lawman for Lisette definitely made me fall in love with a new author and a new series.
Here we have the beginning of a four-book series. And if you read the author bio you’ll know that there is also a prequel that you can get access to by signing up for her newsletter. You’re going to want to do that.
Lisette has dreamt of being a doctor for a long time. Now she’s finally on her way to her dream and she’s not letting anything in her way. Especially handsome lawmen who think she needs protecting. Never you mind how good they can kiss.
I found myself smiling and laughing throughout the book. While it does have some elements of mystery and suspense with the gang out to get Lisette, it mainly is a clean Christian fiction novel. It’s romance guys and you’re going to love it!
The entire series can currently be found on Kindle Unlimited on Amazon to read for free with a subscription.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
What I think you should know:
A Lawman for Lisette is the first book in the Willow Wood Brides series by Teresa Slack. It is Christian Historical Fiction set in 1890 in what will become Idaho. Lisette Pelletier has finally found a town that is willing to take a chance on a female doctor, however her adventure begins before she reaches the town.
What I think about this:
Lisette was such a fun character, she was so spunky and determined to win over the people of WIllow Wood. I enjoyed reading about her as she held her own against bandits and worked to win over a town . Grayson was infuriating at times, he was so determined not to share his burdens that he caused more problems. The story was a fun one to read, it didn’t require deep thinking which is a much needed break at times. I enjoyed the town and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Oh my let me just say how wonderful this story is. I was happy to see it was a western type story and had a strong female character. Lisette is one stubborn, fiery, knows what she wants, determined to follow God’s calling kinda woman. Her desire to be a physician is coming true when she gets the word she will be the doctor for a small town. Women doctors in this time period were not exactly a welcomed sight. I had flashbacks of a show that I watched faithfully every week. This story reminds me of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. The show much like this story has a female doctor who has to prove herself to the community.
Lisette has a way about her that seems to ease people’s minds. She slowly begins to get acquainted with the town folk and thanks God for answering her prayers. I loved how the author writes a story filled with adventure, outlaws, faith and a budding romance.
Grayson is coming back to the ranch to help his dad out and has retired somewhat from being a lawman. Along the way he has made enemies that won’t stop till they get their revenge. It was certainly an unfortunate way that Lisette and Grayson met. That encounter will one day soon play a big part in the story as several men are out for revenge against the two. I really liked the townspeople and I especially liked Polly. She is an older woman who is lonely and learns to trust Lisette. Their relationship was like a grandmother and granddaughter. Lisette always took her time with every patient and made them feel important.
The story takes on a little adventure when outlaws track Grayson down. The encounter between the outlaws and Grayson put Lisette in danger. I loved Grayson’s bravery and how faithful he was to God who he depended on to guide his every move. The romance in the story is done tastefully and I did laugh how Lisette was so sure that God had called her to be a doctor but not a wife as well. This storyline is a great lesson in listening to God and being able to allow yourself a life outside your profession. It is a nice story and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received a digital copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Nineteenth-century historical fiction is my favorite, particularly frontier and pioneer stories, but Western tales are growing on me, too. In our modern era that promotes feminism, many of these books feature strong female protagonists, and it is refreshing to hear stories through the filter of faith rather than broadly condemning our brothers and sisters. As women have entered the workforce and continued to fight for equal rights with men, books such as Teresa Slack’s “A Lawman for Lisette” demonstrate how these endeavors may have looked in towns in the West.
“A Lawman for Lisette” immediately reminds me of Dr. Quinn from the eponymous TV series. I used to watch it all the time, and I still do sometimes on the very rare occasion that I watch television. There is an undeniable respect and satisfaction in watching or reading women overcome the odds and do the impossible. Dr. Quinn set up a clinic and battled with the stubborn authority figures who discounted her because of her gender until she had the opportunity to prove her weight in gold, so to speak. Dr. Lisette Pelletier’s story is similar. Determined to prove herself as a medical doctor, she takes a job offer after receiving her first acceptance in a slew of rejection letters because “[r]egardless of how hot, windy, and dusty her new surroundings, she was confident this was where God had directed her.”
Dr. Pelletier has a positive attitude that stems from her faith in God, so that even as she steps into the unknown, without any friends or family at her side, she knows that she is following the path that the Lord has prepared her for her entire life, and that she has the opportunity to enhance and pray over many lives. I appreciate, though, that she is not perfect, and that she is actively learning how to be more patient and gentle with people; because she was always the misfit, she does not relate well to others, especially those her own age. That is something that I can personally relate to. And although romance is not high on my list of favorites, I did enjoy it in this novel. There is plenty of lightheartedness and teasing to combat the more serious issues and the dangers of life in the Wild West. Most of all, though, there is an enduring love borne of faith in the midst of adversity and danger.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
A Lawman for Lisette
I loved that Lisette was a Doctor. It was hard for her to get patients with being a woman. She was determined to do it anyway. She meets Grayson when she gets to town. He falls for her but does not want to admit it for a while. Lisette is kidnapped , will Grayson be able to save her?
I enjoyed reading A Lawman for Lisette.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
Adventure, excitement and new friends
Lots of adventure, kidnapping , robbery and murder will keep you reading to see if she will ever listen! Lisette Pelletier reminds me of what I wished to be a child – a doctor. But hopefully I would have been more inclined to listen to those who cared for my safety. Leaving the comforts of her parents home, she travels to 1890’s Willow Wood, Idaho to become their new physician. The adventure begins when she must move from the train to the stagecoach for the rest of her journey.
Grayson Dutton is a federal marshal that has decided to return to the family ranch to help his aging father. Unfortunately his retirement was not common knowledge to the outlaw society and thus the saga continues.
This wonderful way to spend an afternoon is highly recommended for complete enjoyment! I received this digital copy through Grace Arbor Press and CelebrateLit. These comments and impressions are my own and are in no way solicited.
A Lawman for Lisette by author Teresa Slack is Book One in her Willow Woods Brides Series. This Christian historical western romance is a sweet book. There is a touch of mystery, danger, adventure, and romance in the story.
The author takes us to 1890’s Idaho, where the land is as untamed as some of the outlaws. Her descriptive writing made it easy to imagine the dusty, dirty travel and hardships of that time. Author Slack has a pleasing style of writing, but I found it to be a bit uneven. Certain details were just thrown in that did not add anything to the story. Perhaps editing is to blame for that.
This is the tale of Dr. Lisette Pelletier, who went to school back East to become a doctor. She has written in answer to various advertisements searching for a town doctor. Finally she received a reply. It is from the small town of Willow Wood, Idaho. This little town has a few rapscallions, a busybody, and is looking for a doctor to care for the local residents.
It is also about Grayson Dutton, a Marshall who has come home to Willow Wood. They end up on the same stagecoach and sparks start to fly as well as bullets. Lisette gets a wild introduction to the West.
The characters in this story were delightful. I really enjoyed the patients and the relationship the “Lady Doctor” had with them. The spiritual content was not hidden. I loved that. For the most part the conversations flowed well.
This was a nice historical tale. I enjoyed it and would recommend it. It receives a 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own thoughts.
This is the first in the Willow Woods Brides series, written with excellence and faith. The characters are very well defined through their actions and conversations. What first attracted me is Lisette and her calling to be a doctor who chose to go to a small town in Idaho to serve as she believes the Lord has led her to. Watching lady doctors in the 1800’s and early 1900’s is fascinating to me. Seeing Lisette start her practice amidst the backdrop of new friends and vengeance was intriguing and at times, chilling.
Lisette left St. Louis after being offered a position as a physician in Willow Woods. Even though well-educated and dedicated to being a doctor, in 1890 women are rarely as accepted as their male counterparts. Lisette believes this is Lord’s calling for her and realizes she will probably never marry as either her calling would suffer, or a potential husband and children would not have her full attention.
On the final leg of her journey, Lisette met Grayson on the stagecoach. Born and raised in Willow Woods, he has been away as a federal marshal for the past ten years. His aging father is still running the family ranch, and Grayson feels it is time for him to spend what time his father has left with him. During the ride, they talk briefly, but Lisette hasn’t yet told him she is the town physician. He finds learns that by complete surprise after bandits overtake the stage.
Grayson had killed Jules, the leader of the Halworth gang, about a month ago, and the gang is coming after him for revenge. He makes sure she is on the floor while shooting at the bandits on one side of the coach. Another gang member grabbed onto the other side and aimed at Grayson. Lisette took her special medical scissors and stabbed the hand reaching inside the window to hold onto the moving vehicle. The stagecoach driver was shot but not badly injured, only the man Lisette stabbed is left alive of the bandits.
Grayson was shocked to see Lisette treating the injuries, including those of the bandit. At Willow Woods, Grayson’s father greeted them, happy to see his son and the doctor to whom he offered the job. Grayson was stunned to find out his father was involved in her hiring even as he is concerned that her affiliation with him might invite the rest of the gang to go after her as well as him. As she struggles to start a practice, Lisette and Grayson are silently attracted each other, while in the background a complete evil is seeking them both.
To me, the most impressive part of this novel is how well faith in the Lord is portrayed in the characters. It is exemplified in all she does, including her dedication to following God’s call on her life. I enjoyed seeing how Lisette is adept at making friends with her potential patients, even those who don’t want a female or male doctor around. I especially like the historical aspect and building suspense of being watched or followed by bandits. I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy well-written historical western Christian fiction with people who follow the Lord, suspense, and romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from Celebrate Lit, and this is my honest review.