Judith’s review of Big Sky Mountain (Swoon-Worthy Cowboys #2) by Linda Lael Miller
With his rugged good looks, vast wealth and family name, hell-raiser Hutch Carmody is still the golden boy of Parable, Montana. But he’s done some growing up-making peace with his illegitimate half brother and inheriting half of Whisper Creek Ranch, which should have been all his. These days, Hutch knows there are some things money can’t buy: like the heart of loving, ladylike divorcé e Kendra Shepherd.
Kendra’s quiet mansion reminds her of what she wants most-a devoted husband and the pitter-patter of little feet. She can’t get Hutch Carmody out of her mind. But a rough-and-tumble cowboy like Hutch, coming home for family dinner? Seems crazy! Then again, crazier dreams have become reality under the vast Montana sky.
Having read the first book in this series, I was delighted to find this second novel and continue the story of the citizens of Parable, Montana, especially the “other brother” whose anger over his father’s will, his anger over much in and out of his life was the talk of the town from time to time. Yet by the time this new story has emerged, Hutch and his brother have made their piece, his brother has sold him the other half of the Whisper Creek Ranch, and now once again Hutch’s birthright is once again safe, at least in his mind. What isn’t sure is his future as he has wanted to have the home and happiness his brother found, but even as he is hoping he has found that future, he realizes that there is only one woman who can ever bring that kind of settled happiness into his life–Kendra.
This is another fine example of Ms Miller’s writing that blossoms best when writing about family, friends, community, and the tensions that mark most human relationships. Here she continues the stories that began in book one, stories that were left hanging on purpose and which here are fleshed out and expanded to make this novel as compelling as the first one. Once again Ms Miller also brings characters into the scenes that are sure to pop up in future books in this series, either as continuing background characters or future featured players. This story is also full of the deep emotion that make Miller’s stories resonate with reality. Not alot of overt sexy scenes, but the sexual tension is there. There is humor and characters who bring a sense of history to the family interaction. When all is said and done, this is a wonderful, warm, and engaging novel and I was delighted to be able to read and review it.
Those of us who love Western and cowboy romance have long been fans of Ms Miller’s family sagas and this newest series continues that writing tradition. This series lifts up the joy that comes from re-discovering the connections that real love and warm caring bring to life, those like Hutch experienced once with Kendra and could possible realize once more. There are sexy stories and then there are truly romantic ones that are filled with the human connection and the emotions that grow into life-long commitment. Such is this story. It will “warm the cockles of your heart.” You owe it to yourself to experience this book.
I give it a rating of 4.25 out of 5
The Series:
You can read more from Judith at Dr J’s Book Place.
This book is available from HQN Books. You can buy it here or here in e-format.
Leave a Reply