John agrees to act as her beau to save her, but his heart knows the truth.John Oleson has never courted before, but when he catches a woman being badgered by a strange man, he pretends to be courting her to save her. Tongues wag when everyone hears about the heiress courted by the cowboy, but will he be able to keep up the act until she is safe from a man who only wants her money?Alicia Greely … money?
Alicia Greely avoids attention at all costs.
Her parents have made it easy for her to hide her nose in a book and stay away from everyone. Now they want to see her married off quickly and have convinced her uncle to offer a position at the bank to sweeten the deal. Unfortunately, her uncle is in no position to make a wise choice. When a handsome, quiet cowboy offers to act as her beau to keep her from a forced marriage, it’s her dream come true.
When the truth comes out, will John and Alicia be able to break through the shadow of the lie to convince her family what started in the dark has been brought into the light?
Get this sweet, fake relationship, historical romance by bestselling author Kari Trumbo today.
Other books by Kari Trumbo
Brothers of Belle Fourche
Teach Me to Love
What the Heart Holds
Deep Longing of the Soul
Saved by Grace
Western Vows
coming soon Forsaking all Others
To Honor and Cherish
For Richer or Poorer
To Love and Comfort
Cutter’s Creek
Montana Trails
A Lily Blooms
A Penny Shines
A Carol Plays
A Ruby Glows
An Ivy Tangles
Keepsake
coming soon: Matchmaker
Seven Brides of South Dakota
Dreams in Deadwood
Kisses in Keystone
Love in Lead
Romance in Rapid
Sparks in Spearfish
Hearts in Hot Springs
Courting in Custer
Single Titles
An Imperfect Promise
A Christmas Masquerade
more
He is such a good man. I love that while he say he doesn’t know what he’s doing, he’s still going about it in a most honorable way.
A wonderful story that will warm the heart. John Oleson had been working hard and saving and decided to go ahead and start building himself a house. After all, he might just be by himself because he really didn’t even know how to go about finding a wife. Or how to court her. But he did not want to keep living in the bunk house and having no privacy.
When he was at the bank, he saw beautiful Alicia Greely. She was so sweet, but he knew he was not up to her standards. He was just a cowboy and she deserved so much more. But unexpectedly, he saved her from the unwanted attentions of a man when he went into the Eatery to get some lunch.
He could tell the man was bothering her so he went up and acted like he was her beau! I just loved this scene and how it played out!!
When she reached her hand out across the table for him to take it his thoughts were “He’d never courted before, didn’t know the first thing about what he should do to keep up appearances, but if she asked him to hold her hand, he would.” I fell in love with John right at that moment and I bet Alicia did too!!
But would they really start seeing each other or just pretend so it would keep the man away her uncle was trying to pair her up with ? Kari Trumbo smoothly tells this story with her gift for words and she pulled me right in from the first page. I loved these two, really shy at first and could only hope they would find their happy ending! This is the first in the series I have read so it can be read as a standalone. But I hope to go back and read every one!!!
This book is so good! It hooks you on the first page and doesn’t let go. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for well written story.
I loved this book and it fits perfectly with the whole series! Sometimes a series can get old and redundant, but not so with Kari’s books! Each one is so unique! Without an actual cliff hanger, she even sets up the story line with the future book while putting the finishing touches on the previous book! Seamlessly! She’s so talented! I’ll never tire of her books!!!!
There was just one time several male characters we’re talking together that I had a hard time deciphering who was talking, but the narration was spot on besides that scene! Scott does a very good job with the female characters as well! It’s just so easy to get lost in the story when he’s narrating! I’m so glad these two (Kari and Scott) have continued to work together! They make a great team!!!
In book 5 Nathan Oleson and his family have welcomed his brother Kevin’s 4 children into the fold. Kevin made a living on the road, so his family never settled in one place. The youngest 3 boys now have an opportunity to settle down, work the land, and learn responsibility
John, the eldest son, is offered a section of Oleson land and wants to build a small house of his own. His savings is not enough so he gets a bank loan to purchase materials. After talking with the banker, he stops by the café before leaving town. Alicia, the banker’s niece, is setting at a table with a man. John has met her only once, but knows she is shy, timid, and hides in the shadows; this man is frightening her. John acts like he is her beau and goes over to help. When Alicia sees John, she offers him her hand and asks him to take her away from there.
Alicia’s parents sent her to her Uncle in Belle Fourche in hopes he can find her a proper husband. As an incentive, the Uncle offers a partnership in the bank. This makes her the target of one of the bank employees, a vile man with ulterior motives. John is the only man that Alicia has ever felt comfortable talking to. But his little lie to rescue her has set things in motion that neither of them know how to handle. John knows Alicia’s station in life is far above his and eventually the truth must be told. Alicia feels safe with John and pleads with him to keep up the ruse. As much as he cares for her, John knows the truth must be told. How long can they perpetuate this lie without consequences for both? And who is spreading vile lies about them around town?
This is a stand-alone story that can be enjoyed out of sequence. However, it does continue following the lives of main characters from the previous stories. “When Shadows Break” is a heart-warming story. It brings to light how being raised with wealth, education and proper etiquette can make a difference for those who were not. What happens when the truth is told? Can love truly conquer all?
When Shadows Break is another enchanting addition to the Brothers of Belle Fourche series by Kari Trumbo. The setting is South Dakota at the end of the 19th century, and readers are introduced to Alicia, a shy heiress being pursued by a greedy man, and John, a cowboy who is just starting out in life and has not a clue about how to court a young woman. But he knows he has to rescue Alicia. The heartwarming story moves quickly with a few twists and turns to the plot, keeping the reader wondering how the romance will end up. There is a thread of faith woven throughout the story that reminds the reader that honesty and trust are valuable traits to pursue. Although part of a series, it is easily a stand-alone story but I’d recommend reading the other books as well. Readers of historical romance books will not want to miss this one. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audio version of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own. J. Scott Bennett does a great job narrating John and Alicia’s story, which made an enjoyable listening experience.
Inspirational story that encourages love, trust, and faith especially in the Lord! I would love for you all to experience the joy of reading it yourself!
So far out of the books in the Brothers of Belle Fourche, I think this one is my favorite. I loved this story a lot and it is just what a good story of how a man can be a good man doing the right thing, rescuing a damsel in distress, then keeping her safe pretending to court her and then fall hard knowing he can’t have her. She is a lady from wealth and he is just a cowboy finally building his first home as his family never had a home except a wagon that traveled all over.
Then the vile man who wants her only for her wealth and a stake in the bank.
This one has a lot of redemption, finding ones self-worth and finding a voice she never thought she could use to stand up to her parents for what she wants not what they want.
This is a good inspirational story with so much goodness and yes vileness and evilness packed into one disgusting person.
Of course tongues wag and good prevails as it should.
Great characters and a well-rounded good story that I loved and you will too.
I received an arc from the author with no pressure to review but I do so as I loved this story and this is my honest opinion.
John Oleson comes to the aide of the local banker’s niece, Alicia Greely. Alicia is shy and doesn’t like to stand up for herself. John doesn’t like women being in uncomfortable situations. He’s the all around good guy that will help you from injustices. This is a sweet, clean, strangers to lovers romance. Can’t wait to see how the next Belle Fourche book will turn out!
Kari Trumbo is so great at her craft that even though historical romance is not my preference, Ms. Trumbo is one of my favorite authors, and I always love her stories. I really liked the characters, John and Alicia. They come to life in When Shadows Break. The plot had some twists and moves along at a good pace. I highly recommend this to readers of clean/wholesome romance and to Christian romance readers. I plan on reading more from this author. I got my copy through KU.
John was spoiled and selfish in the last book and he didn’t treat his sister Natalie as well as he should have, but he changed in this book. Alicia is shy and doesn’t speak up, but she did in this book when wrongs were happening by the selfish greedy Mr. Greely, who was determined to get her hand in marriage to use it and his privileges to ruin the Oleson family and take over her uncle’s bank. Both John and Alicia had to grow up and get past their lie of a courtship to protect her from Mr. Greely. He had to learn to be more responsible and a man worth of her and she had to learn how to take care of a house after to growing up with servants, who took care of everything. It was great to catch up with the Oleson family and read about the next chapter in Natalie and Cody’s life. I wonder who Charles and George will end up with. That new mute ranch hand in loose clothing seems intriguing.
Kari Trumbo shares another clean romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. Alicia and John have admired each other from a distance but when John claims they are courting will it lead to love or disaster? Find out in this delightful story of family, friendship and hope.
When Shadows Break was a spectacular read. I enjoy all the characters in this book. John was my favorite, he was so protective and caring, I think of him as swoon worthy. The plot is great in showing the reader the truth, God and family are what really matters in trouble times. This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. Another great book in Brothers Of Belle Fourche series.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
A sweet, tender historic romance
John comes to Alicia’s rescue when she’s being pushed into an arranged marriage by pretending to have been courting her first. Thus begins a very sweet romance, one where both main characters are a bit on the quiet, shy side and not wanting to draw a lot of attention to themselves. They really are perfect for each other, even though it takes them a while to figure that out.
I really appreciated the emphasis on honor and honesty. All of the folks in this series are true to the common decency standards of the era, yet the author still draws them as multi-layered, believable characters. I enjoyed the way the story’s premise brought together two people who might otherwise have remained too shy to ever venture forth enough to connect. It was a wonderful read, an exemplary addition to this outstanding series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
John has turned into a responsible adult who tries to do the ‘right’ thing whenever he can.
Alicia is a Bluestocking but she is also very shy and timid.
Along comes the bad man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? But the way this particular story is written is brilliant and I loved everything about it from beginning to end.
On top of a super story the audio is by J. Scott Bennet who is just oh so perfect for this kind of book.
Thank you to two really talented artistes, for your combined efforts in making this something worthwhile.
I requested and listened to the audiobook version, thoroughly enjoyed it and my voluntary review above is given freely and is unbiased.
When Shadows Break
Brothers of Belle Fourche, Book 5
By: Kari Trumbo
Narrated by: J. Scott Bennett
Is it true that opposites attract? Alicia is well off, young and shy. Not ready to find a husband, she is finding herself stuck with an arranged marriage to a terrible man. John has turned his life around. A responsible rancher, he is looking to build his ranch and reputation up. When John sees Alicia being harassed by her intended, he comes to her rescue and the two concoct a plan to continue their fake courtship. But is it fake? And will it be enough to stop the arranged marriage? I love the style of Kari Trumbo. This addition to the Brother of Belle Fourche is a refreshing look at how people from opposite sides of the track can find their happiness. Trumbo writes Alicia with a little spunk, a little conniving, and a lot of shyness. She does not have the fortitude to tell her uncle and parents she will not marry. I love how John helps her out of her shell and how he evolves with his self confidence that he can do right by her. It’s a wonderful listen.
The series narration by J Scott Bennett just enhances the story for me. He has a calming style, amazing voices and makes every book a joy to listen to. I loved his rendition of this story,
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When Shadows Break (Brothers of Belle Fourche #5) was a great read by Kari Trumbo. John Oleson has never been courted before. He catches Alicia Greely being badgered by a strange man. He decides to pretend to be courting her to save her from the man. Her parents want to see her married off quickly but her uncle is in no position to choose a worthy man for her. I enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read more by the author.
So glad I am able to get this series in audio! I loved listening to them and if you like western romance these are for you!
I requested this audio book from Audiobooks Unleashed and have voluntarily left this review.