A missing girl. A damaged heart. A love that risks it all.Penny May would do anything to forget her past, even traveling all the way to the Colorado Territory to become a Gilbert Girl. Learning to be a good waitress wasn’t easy, but Penny is happy with her new life and friends at the Crest Stone Hotel. At least until the handsome and infuriating county sheriff arrives in search of his kidnapped … of his kidnapped sister.
Sheriff Ben Young never thought his work could endanger those he loved until a disgruntled outlaw proves him wrong. The last thing he needs now is another impetuous woman in his life, particularly one who goes traipsing about the mountains with little regard to her own safety. But there’s something about Penny that draws him to her, and she turns into an unlikely ally.
While Penny knows she’ll lose the reputation she’s fought so hard to regain if she’s caught spending time with Ben, she’s compelled to help him find his sister—even if she’ll lose her heart in the process. After a chance encounter with the outlaw and the kidnapped girl, Penny finds her own life threatened, and Ben must put his feelings for her aside or risk losing both his sister and Penny, forever.
more
Penny is independent, woman who came out west to get away from hurtful rumours. She enjoys working as a waitress for the hotel and sends money home to her mother. While on a trip to Carson City she has an altercation with the stiff Sheriff Young. He is currently searching for his sister who is missing. She goes back to work but on a picnic she takes a walk and again see the Sheriff. They both have interest in the other and sparks fly but she can’t see men and he needs to find his sister.
This is a wonderful historical romance filled with action and danger. The characters are simply amazing and full of personality that draws you in and makes you invested in their outcome. I particularly liked how self assured the women were and how they came together to help each other. The author expertly weaves the action, danger and romance together in a storyline filled with surprises and twists. It is an emotional rollercoaster as the characters deal with inner fears, doubts, and concerns, and external forces. This is a wonderful historical romance definitely worth reading.
Rating: 4.5 stars
I will not summarize this story because that information was already given in the description of this book and I do not want to give more of the plot away.
What I liked:
• The author caught my attention right from the beginning and drew me into the story’s inner workings. Ben and his posse were headed out to rescue his kidnapped sister, Adelaide.
• Ben and Penny were very likeable characters and thoroughly developed and fleshed out. The banter between them was witty and very interesting.
• The pacing of this story was good. It was not too fast nor too slow. There was a smooth, coherent flow to this book.
• There was a lot of action and suspense in this story. Some of the action was predictable and some not.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done and easy to visualize and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• This was a clean read and I appreciate that. I believe it is harder to write a good, clean story, than one full of swearing and sex.
I was given a free copy of this book. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own.
What a great story! I loved the characters, all the Gilbert girls and the McFarlands. The characters make this series so good, they all help and support each other like a big family. I enjoyed the plot with the danger and romance that just swept you into the story. If I could give this book 10 stars I would. There is so much to like about this book from the strong women to the hunky sheriff and bad guys. Well done Cat Cahill!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Gilbert Girl Penny May was impulsive and high strung just like Sheriff Ben Young’s kidnapped younger sister Adelaide. Ben was at her hotel in a previous book tracking down her friend’s now husband, who was accused of a crime. He’s back following the trail of the criminal who is holding his sister for ransom. Ben uses her to try lure the criminal near, but then he starts to worry about putting her in danger. She impulsively goes off on her own to find his sister putting herself in danger and making Ben’s job that much harder. This was an interesting and engaging historical romance with plenty of mystery and suspense. But I was exasperated with Penny and Ben at times.
I have totally enjoyed this Gilbert Girls series. Cat Cahill always gives us a good story line with strong characters, humor, a few mysteries and a happily ever after. I love that her ladies are strong and unwilling just to stand by and be taken care of. I have a feeling Sheriff Ben Young will have his hands full keeping his wife out of trouble. I look forward to the next book.