The Rancher

Not too long ago I discovered a beautiful book written by Kelli Ann Morgan. And it has been literally begging me to write about what I read and what I experienced. 

You see, while reading this Historical Western, I met this character that goes by the name of Abby McCallister. I don't know how to describe her exactly, other than she's got an attitude and is a strong female (for the time period). Instead of prancing around in dresses and looking for a husband, she was out working with the horses in her ranch and helping the hand. It was awesome. She was a well written strong character. And I immediately liked her.

Unfortunately for Abby, her dad is trying to send her out of town so that she can learn how to be a lady. Which is completely ridiculous for her. She concocts a plan with her best friend and gets herself into some trouble. 

That trouble comes by the name of Cole Redbourne. I fell in love with that name. Seriously. Everyone believes that he's such a cold-hearted person. All he does is work his men hard and rough. He happens to "meet" Abby, and things get interesting. Deep down though, there is a man that is caring and loving and he would do anything to protect those he loves. 

Needless to say that this book was full of action and drama and of course, romance. Nothing inappropriate though. I loved every bit of this book. The characters were totally amazing. So much so, that I still think about them even though it's been a while since I read this. 

I have to say that Kelli Ann Morgan made a fan of me. I couldn't just stop with Cole, I had to go and meet his other brothers (Yes that was plural. There is more than 1 Redbourne boy/man). I liked them enough that I'll re-read them. 

The Longest Ride

I jumped on the wagon of reading this book before I watched the movie, which is what I usually do for any Nicholas Sparks book. 

I immediately fell in love with the book. The characters were amazing. I'm still trying to decide if I fell more for Ira or Luke. It's pretty hard to decide. 

Ira, the Veteran who had so much love for Ruth. The one that was patient and shy and loving. The one that bid his time into courting Ruth. The one that was so likable, that his military companions loved hanging out with him. The man that was so smart. But then, there is Ira, the soft man. The one who was willing to give up a future that he could offer Ruth because he didn't think that he was worthy of her. He loved her so much that he was willing to let her go. There is also Ira the people-pleaser. I say this, because it seemed to me like he lived to please Ruth in every aspect of her life. 

Luke. Such a strong character. I loved him from the very first moment that I met him. I loved how he handled the situation with Brian, and he didn't over-do it. He was such a level headed person and so calm about everything. The man that took care of his mother, the ranch and all of his other responsibilities. Once I got to know more of his back story, I fell even more for him. I felt so bad for everything that he had gone through. Such a rough and hard life for someone so young. I do believe that he was a well written character though. 

I really enjoyed that we got multiple POV (and by this, I mean Luke, Ira & Sophia). That was pretty awesome. I like to know what each character is going through or what they are thinking at the exact moment. It definitely help tie in the two stories together. I kept wondering what the relation would be between Ira/Ruth and Luke/Sophia and how each would benefit from the other. 

The romance that was offered was very sweet. I like what we got and from whom we got it. Not too much, not too little. Just right. 

That ending. Can I just say WOW. I was shocked. Totally Shocked. 

I do have to say that like with any other Nicholas Sparks book, I cried. I felt my heart break several times. I got mad at some points. But then I was totally giggling/laughing at others.The emotions that he evoked from me as a reader are those that I expect a good book to get from me. I was definitely not disappointed. 

Oh, did I mention that I went the old fashion way with this book? I read the paper book for this one. I felt like I would be able to get more out of it than in my Kindle. Which I believe I did. 

The Collectors Society

I literally stumbled upon this beauty by accident. I happened to see an image of Heather Lyons "The Forgotten Mountain" which is the 3rd book in the Collector's Society Series, and fell in love with it, immediately! 

I started the Collectors Society not really knowing what I was getting myself into. What I do know is that Alice goes by Alice Reeves, and happens to be in an Asylum. There she is found by a Gentleman that goes by the name of Brom Van Brunt. He asks her to travel with her to New York City and that it is imperative for her to do so, to save Wonderland. That it is at risk. 

"You are asking me to be selfish" 

"Not at all" He towers over me. "I'm asking you to be strong and smart and brave, and to protect those who cannot protect themselves."

Like Alice of any world, she takes everything in stride. 

"Sometimes, we must deal with our problems head on in order to let them go."

"Sometimes life is more extraordinary than we might first imagine"

And I think that is why I fell in love with this Alice. Because yes, she was nuts, but she admitted it herself. She knew what she could handle and how much of it she could handle. 

"Sometimes our pasts are chains we cannot let go of, even if the key is in our hands. They define us in ways we resent, and yet they are somewhat precious, too. Because, logically, we understand that our pasts have made us who we are, even if we want nothing more to close our eyes to them."

I think I cried when I read this. I read this part several times, just to make sure that I had read it correctly. And what it says is true. 

I don't even think it is possible for me to describe the many ways in which this book spoke to me. I fell in love with Alice. I fell in love with Finn. I fell in love with Victor and Mary. I fell in love with The White King, because come on, how could you not. He sacrificed a lot once he realized that Alice had happiness in her life. 

"I will always do everything I can to ensure your happiness. Your happiness is my happiness, even if it means your heart is held in another's hands."

I love that there is action in this book. I like that Alice can take care of herself. That she's not some fragile girl that needs to be taken care of. 

I believe that this will be one of those books that will be a repeat for me. It's that good!