A bride on the run And a cowboy to show her the way home…Lily Harrison’s wedding day isn’t quite what she imagined. Not only does her fiancé not love her, she’s just discovered she’s a Blackwell–a member of Montana’s well-known ranching family. Now Lily’s ditched her own wedding for a road trip with handsome cowboy Conner Hannah. But will Lily find her answers in Montana…or lose the cowboy … the cowboy she’s already begun falling for?USA TODAY Bestselling Author
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I really enjoyed Montana Welcome. There was a satisfying mixture of comedy, adventure and sweet romance that I relished from beginning to end.
Lily Harrison becomes a bride on the run when she finds out, on her wedding day, that her groom to be isn’t in love with her. At almost the same time she learns that she’s not who she thinks she is, but a part of a much bigger family that she never could have imagined. She suddenly finds herself in a motor home on her way to Montana. She’s on a quest for answers about her true identity, but unbeknownst to herself there’s a search party closely following on her heels. Along the way Lily finds friendships in the form of two very dramatic young women; regains confidence in her abilities, acquires a horse and donkey and falls in love with a cowboy.
I love the Blackwell series, and this was a very good start to The Blackwell Sisters. It was great getting reacquainted with the elusive Big E (Elias Blackwell), and the rest of the Blackwell brothers who were sprinkled throughout the pages of Montana Welcome. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
If you like cowboys, this is a fun, easy to read story.
I completely adored the Return of the Blackwell Brothers series by these authors and was beyond thrilled to find out they were back with ‘The Blackwell Sisters”. You don’t have to have read the first series to enjoy this one, but if you have you’ll love getting to visit with the Blackwell brothers & their happily-ever-afters again too.
In the first series I basically wanted to jerk a knot in Big E the whole time, so I enjoyed the better behaved version of him in this new series. This is not to say, however, that he’s done causing trouble. Oh no, he’s still meddling where he probably shouldn’t meddle but at least this time his motives are from a better place. His tracking down the son he never knew he had provides the overarching framework for the series, and the emotional turmoil from this quest is seen even more sharply in the reactions of each of Big E’s newfound granddaughters, all but one of whom was just as much in the dark as Big E had been.
What better way to kick off a series like this than with a runaway bride, an ancient motor home, and a cowboy on a mission. Montana Welcome is a delightful mix of barely controlled chaos and sizzling romantic chemistry. Curtis does a fabulous job setting up the premise of the series, the sisters, and their family dynamics – all while making readers fall just as much in love with Conner as Lily does. Both main characters are well-layered, with unique complexities to their lives and to a potential relationship. And boy howdy do they have sparks between them!
Bottom Line: Readers will love Conner and Lily from the moment they are rather unconventionally thrown together by Big E, and fans of the first series will also enjoy getting to revisit Big E’s Montana ranch and the Blackwell grandsons. Montana Welcome lays a solid foundation for this new series, and readers will be intrigued by each Harrison/Blackwell sister – as well as the mystery surrounding their biological father. An unexpected favorite secondary character for me was Rudy Harrison, the only dad all but 1 of the girls have ever known, and I’m so glad these authors have made him the kind of character he is – and given him a solid role in the series too. A great start to a great series!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
Montana Welcome by Melinda Curtis is about a young woman trying to figure out her place in life.
Will Lily Harrison figure out what she wants in life?
Lily Harrison
Lily Harrison is our leading lady and one of a set of triplets in her sibling line. She is a spitball of a character, and I enjoyed reading her story. I love that despite what Lily being told all of her life that she shouldn’t do something, she does it anyway. Not only that, but Lily is learning to stand on her own two feet and talk back to her family about what she wants to do. Lily comes out of her shell a lot by spending time with her newly found lineage and learning about a certain cowboy that rescued her. I am enjoying these sisters, and I can’t wait for more.
Conner Hannah
Conner Hannah works at the Blackwell Ranch as basically the jack of all trades despite owning his own ranch. He is a character that tries to follow the rules as best as he can. Yet, Conner still has the urge to break them all the time. Conner wants Lily to realize that Lily can do whatever she wants if she sets her mind to do it despite what her family thinks. He is a great character, and Big E knew this when he sent the two of them to make their way to Montana. I loved everything about these two. Throughout the story, Lily calls Conner “Commando Cowboy”, which I found hilarious.
Five Stars
Montana Welcome by Melinda Curtis is such a sweet, loving, and cute start of the new series book. Ms. Curtis did an awesome job of putting forth the beginning of the Blackwell Sisters series. I am so happy that they are continuing with the Blackwell Family. The characters are sweet and perfect for this story. My rating for Montana Welcome is five stars. I am recommending this book to all romance readers out there.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Montana Welcome by Melinda Curtis.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
Well. Elias “Big E” Blackwell is up to his usual shenanigans in this newest multi-author series, ‘The Blackwell Sisters‘. It seems that Big E has a son that he didn’t know about (cough cough) and is setting out to discover his granddaughters and generally make mischief, get entangled in his family’s lives (once again), and perhaps bring some couples together who might not have otherwise met.
In the opening title, ‘Montana Welcome‘ we’re about to discover a runaway bride who just realized the man she’s about to marry is really a friend and not the least bit romantic when she overhears Danny saying to her father (well, the man she’d believed to be her father) that he cannot marry Lily for he doesn’t love her and is being pushed into the marriage. That was enough to convince Lily that her instincts were right – but someone else also overheard that conversation… the grandfather she never knew about. Lily will leave her true birth certificate behind with a note written on it and head out on the adventure of a lifetime… or maybe to just escape what’s going on in her life right now with a cowboy who works for her grandfather back to the homestead where Lily is about to discover a whole lot of relatives she never knew existed.
‘Montana Welcome‘ is a complete roller coaster ride of a story with a newly discovered cousin and her maid of honor to get into mischief with, a growing attraction to one stubborn cowboy, and the realization that she’s been herded and pushed into directions that she no longer wants to go will promise a fast-paced story and one that will break your heart at certain points.
I despised Danny. There are no kinder words for my feelings about this man. Big E is up to his natural mischief and the times we run into him are filled with laughter for me. Conner and Lily will make a loving couple once they get past stubbornness, outside interference, and perhaps themselves. I won’t spoil any of that for you… but get ready for laughs, tears, frustration, and a really good time. It was fun to run into familiar faces back at Big E’s ranch (compound really) and get a bit caught up on older book friends from the ‘Return of the Blackwell Brothers‘ series. I had a blast back in this world, and whether this is a return to this world visit or your first time here – I’m betting that you’ll enjoy yourself as well.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
Montana Welcome is the first of the series and I really enjoyed this book. It is a story of a runaway bride who overheard her best friend, who was her groom to be, and her father talking, and realised that he didn’t really love her as a husband should. Just as she was about to flee her wedding, she found out that her father was not her biological father, and she actually had a whole other family in Montana. As she fled her wedding with her newly found grandfather’s ranch hand Conner, she experienced a completely different life, starting with a road trip.
It was interesting to follow them on the road trip as Lily discovered more about herself and realised what she wanted and needed. It was heartwarming to see how they fell in love.
Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Lily Harrison is supposed to marry her best friend. She’s a risk taker and she’s done so many things in her life. On her wedding she over hears something between her father and her fiancé. Then the last thing she expects is to be told something by an older man and a cowboy named Conner Hannah. Soon she’s in a motor home on the way to Montana.
A must read. Very heartwarming book.
Lily Harrison is set to marry her BFF when she overhears her fiancé and dad talking. She finds out that her dad has basically guilted, coerced her BFF into marrying her. She then discovers he doesn’t even love her as a man should love his soon to be wife. Devastated, she runs. As she’s trying to sort out her feelings and come up with an escape plan, she’s approached by an older gentleman and a cowboy. They confirm the mystery surrounding her birth certificate and offer her the opportunity to find out who she “really” is…
Conner Hannah, a horse whisperer and trainer, put his dreams aside to go to work at Blackwell Ranch. After a crushing injury, he decided to pursue a stable job, so that he could provide for his disabled mother. While working for the Blackwell’s provides stability, it’s not his true passion. Driving across the country in a trailer home with three women is definitely not fulfilling. Although, it does provide him the opportunity to get to know Lily better…
There were so many things I loved about this novel. It wasn’t your typical runaway bride novel. Lily has had a lifetime of snap decisions, adventures, and thrills. After being injured during an adventure, Lily’s family treated her with “kid” gloves. But not Conner. He let her decide when to ask for help and allowed her to think for herself. For Lily, this was empowering! Lily’s ability to get Conner to see his true passion and believe in himself. His love and interactions with his mom were heartwarming. Lastly, I LOVED all the road trip adventures! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
Montana Welcome by Melinda Curtis is the first book in The Blackwell Sisters Series and definitely worth reading if you love sweet romances with family secrets and long lost sisters.
Lily’s wedding day didn’t go quite like it was planned. She found out that her soon to be husband didn’t love her the way he should and that she had a family that she knew nothing about so she jumped in a motor home with a cowboy she had just met and set out on a road trip to find her family in Montana.
I really enjoyed this story and I’m looking forward to reading more book in the series!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
This is a new series book 1. Connor and Lily’s story. I like to refer to it as the misadventures of Connor Hannah. Bless his heart he is trying to get money to make renovation to his run down ranch. So, when Big E offers to double his money to get his granddaughters to the Blackwell ranch how could that go wrong? Add a series of stops along the way, mud bath, cowboy boots, chased by bikers, and a big accident in the RV. This is a funny story. I loved it.
Lily Harrison never thought that she would be a runaway bride. She’d been brought up to honor her promises. When she heard her fiancée say he didn’t want to marry her, she realized that she didn’t love him the way she should. As luck would have it, she’s approached by Big E who claims to be her grandfather. She’s shocked to find she has a big family. The Blackwells were well known ranchers. Lily finds herself on the way to Montana with cowboy Conner Hannah and another Blackwell bride-to-be. I loved the interaction between Lily and Conner on the road trip. The attraction between them was so special. I knew that they were meant for each other. They had baggage that made them wary. I understood their emotional turmoil. Life is never simple. I loved the dialogue. It was a wonderful combination of snarky and sweet. Lily didn’t deserve the bullying that she received. I cheered when she stood up for herself. Conner was there to support her and to help her with her surprise purchases-a burro and a stallion. Melinda Curtis pulled me in from the first page. I loved the characters and the romantic story. I can’t wait to see how the other Blackwell Sisters deal with Big E. He’s one of a kind.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
4+ Stars!
After reading the first Blackwell series of books, I was excited to see how this surprising set of new Blackwell characters would develop. Of course, Big E and the all of the previous Blackwell brothers (and families) would be making a welcome appearance. This first book was a wonderful introduction to the new series with a lovely and entertaining romance between a Blackwell Ranch horse trainer and a newly discovered Blackwell cousin.
Montana Welcome was kind of a road-trip romance where love blossomed during a motor home-assisted escape for a runaway bride and her hired chauffeur. Along for the ride with the hero and heroine, were a couple of entertaining secondary characters that added some wild shenanigans to the mix. The author did a fabulous job with all of the characters and how they played off each other. Lily’s physical limitations and Connor’s recent history added poignant elements to the story as the couple navigate their feelings and futures. I’m now invested and look forward to each sister’s subsequent romance.
What a nice start to a new series. The Blackwell Sisters series comes after the Return of the Blackwell Brothers series. It isn’t necessary to have read the other series, however, it is fun to see some characters from that series appear in this book. Reading the earlier books will give the reader some insight into the entire Blackwell family, too.
I really enjoyed the way Conner and Lily connected. Traveling to get to the Blackwell Ranch had some great moments, including some humorous situations with the two young ladies that were traveling with them.
Lily had some physical issues that she struggled with and I thought that Conner did a good job of helping her realize that they shouldn’t define her. He also had worries that he carried related to his family ranch and his mother. He had some decisions to make and Lily helped to put things in perspective for him. This was a nice introduction to a fun new series.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
this is another good story about the Blackwells it starts with Lily hearing the groom saying he does not love her and then her grandfather shows up and tells her he will take her to the ranch and she becomes a run away bride. big E stays with the family of Lily’s that she left behind. i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review. it was nice to see what is going on with the rest of the Blackwells. looking forward to reading more of the books
Good ole Big E turns up just in time for Lily and gives her the escape plan she needs so as to not go through with her wedding or face her family, but that’s probably the easiest thing she will in the near future as she makes reflects on her life while making her way to the Blackwell Ranch to meet the family she never knew of. Lily isn’t the only one torn over where her life is at, Connor Big E’s ranch hand, jack of all trades and current RV driver for Lily as well as Pepper Blackwell and her friend/bridesmaid Natalie also has a hard time with where he is at when he has his own ranch he should be running. Be ready for loads of laughs, tension, self reflection, attraction, family secrets, love and new friendships. I can not wait to see what happens next for the Blackwell/Harrison family!!
I love this book! There are a few surprises, but best of all, the characters are so vividly portrayed that I want to meet them. I loved the stop at the horse auction. Lily’s fingers do not work effectively, but she is no hapless heroine. You do not want to miss this road trip with the conflicted cowboy Conner. Enjoy their trip to Montana. I certainly did!
Y’all the Blackwell’s are back, and they have sisters!!! I am so excited about this series and this is book one and the author did not disappoint at all. I am really liked Lily she struggles with a slight disability but she did not let it stop her and she seems like she was only able to take so much from the men in her life. She seemed like the hero to me in the story. I liked Connor as well but in some moments I did find him whinny, but he has a big heart and will do anything for those he loves and cares about. Now Danny I wanted to punch him not a fan of him at all. I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for more from these sisters and Rudy and Big E, I have no clue what those two are up to but it can only get more interesting. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”
First this is a continuation of the Blackwell Family however you do NOT have to read the previous books about the sons to understand or enjoy this new series. You will want to find out their stories but you won’t be lost. MONTANA WELCOME introduces us to a new set of Blackwells, 5 granddaughters that the patriarch of the Blackwells didn’t know existed. Now he does. And now he’s determined to find his lost son, the one he didn’t know about and to learn about his granddaughters. MONTANA WELCOME is our introduction to this new group and the story of Lily Harrison (Blackwell) and Connor Hannah. Lily is running from a wedding to her childhood best friend. Connor is running from his past and his future. These two were great to watch/read. Their story is touching and fun and realistic. The author, Melinda Curtis, has written a great story. One that readers will love. The storyline is believable and well written. The characters are engaging and delightful. The setting well is mostly a motorhome but the stops along the way and the final destination are fun. I want to travel where they did! LOL You are pulled into the story and will find yourself eager to see where it leads and eager to read the next story. I will say I believe these stories will work better read in order. As with the first series of Blackwells there is a continuing story ARC of Big “E” that I feel will flow though-out each story. With that said, this first story in the new series of Blackwells is wonderful. The road trip, runaway bride with a lost cowboy is a fun concept and made for a great read. I highly recommend this story. Fans of cowboys, runaway brides, big characters, characters finding out who they are and falling in love will adore this story. I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series!!!
“Montana Welcome” (The Blackwell Sisters Book 1) by Melinda Curtis is a fantastic read. I loved Lily and Conner’s story. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the Blackwell family again and meeting new family members. This story is full of romance, humor, family, hot cowboys, entertaining characters, and more. I’m anxious to see what happens next with the Blackwell family. Highly recommend to all fans of romance, cowboys, family, and series.
I enjoyed the Return of the Blackwell Brothers series, and I was so happy to see the same authors have returned with The Blackwell Sisters!
Montana Welcome is the first installment in the series, and is a wholesome, engaging, wonderful story with humor.
Lily Harrison runs away on her wedding day after she overhears her fiancé talking about marrying her for all the wrong reasons. She also has two cowboy visitors that day who encourage her to ditch her fiancé, and head back to her roots, the Blackwell Ranch, after surprising her with the news that she’s a Blackwell by blood.
Connor Hannah is hired to get Lily safely back to the Montana ranch. Lily had an accident in her youth that left her with poor fine motor skills, and caused people in her life to be overprotective.
I loved the adventurous road trip up to Montana, the well-written characters (especially Big E, Pepper and Natalie), the humor, and the thought to not let your failures define you.
I love Melinda Curtis’s writing, and a good example from this story – “And their makeup…Somewhere there was a raccoon missing the black around its eyes.”
I loved this sweet, entertaining read. I’m anxiously awaiting the next installment.