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Three years later
“I want to string some garland here with a large wreath in the center. You know the one that I want. The large one that Kenneth’s wife was working on? I think it’ll be perfect here.”
Johnnie swallowed hard as he watched his wife turn her body so she could waddle through the door. Despite the fact that she was due to give birth any day now, she still insisted on hosting the town Christmas party this year.
“Sweetheart,” he tried again as he caught up with her. “I think Bethany was making that wreath because we discussed maybe moving the party to their house. I think they’ve already hung it.”
Elizabeth ignored him. “That was a ridiculous conversation to begin with. Why would we move it to their house?”
“You can barely fit through the doors,” he muttered under his breath.
“What was that?” she asked as she whirled around.
His eyes widened. “I said that I thought we were done giving tours, you know, for the town. I mean, they helped build the house. Plus, Levi and Susan just built their house. I’m sure that they would have loved to host. It’s not too late.”
“Of course it’s too late. The party is in a few hours!” She turned back to finish her warpath through the living room before she stopped short and squealed. “Johnnie! Where is the Christmas tree?”
Still at Kenneth’s house because he was so sure that he’d be able to get Elizabeth to change her mind. He was already so nervous about her trying to run a ranch while she was pregnant, and it didn’t help that his wife hadn’t slowed down at all. Now she was ready to give birth, and she was adding to her duties. “The tree is on its way, dear.” This was his last chance. “Elizabeth, can we sit down so we can talk?”
“Sit down? We have way too much to do! The tree isn’t even here. Oh, where is Susan? She promised that she would help me in the kitchen.” Before he could stop her, she was off again.
Groaning, he followed her to the door and winced when he knew what she would see. “Johnnie! Where are all of my candles? I had crates of candles and trimmings out here on the porch last night!”
He thought quickly. “I forgot to tell you that Susan and Levi stopped by to go over last minute details about the party, and they took the crates with them,”
“Really?” She cocked her head and crossed her arms over her bulging belly. “Why would they take the crates?”
What could he say that wasn’t an outright lie? “Because Susan said that she needed to take them. Maybe she wanted to add to them.”
“And the reason that she couldn’t bring her decorations over here and add to them?”
He tugged at his collar. It was starting to feel a little tight. “She was probably so excited that she just wasn’t thinking straight.”
“Johnnie!’ Elizabeth stamped her feet. “You’re lying to me! You’ve been planning on having this party at Kenneth’s house this whole time, haven’t you?”
There was no point in denying it. “Sweetheart.”
Moaning, she dropped her hands and walked by him. “What is it with you? Ever since you found out that I’ve been pregnant, you’ve wanted to lock me in the house and keep me in the bed. Haven’t I proven to you that I can be pregnant and still be a rancher?”
“It’s just how close you are to term…”
She carried on like she hadn’t heard him. “And I’ve been waiting to share this wonderful news with you, and I really wanted to do it at the Christmas party.”
“Wait, you have news?”
Her eyes started to fill with tears. “You don’t think that I can do this, do you?”
“I absolutely think you can do this!” He tried to wrap his arms around her, but she was so big, so he settled for slipping at arm around her waist and doing an awkward side hug. She cried at the drop of a hat, and he knew that it was normal, but it still startled him and more than terrified him.
It wasn’t just that he worried that Elizabeth might be getting too stressed. It was also that Elizabeth had turned into a bull in the last few months of her pregnancy. She could barely walk through a room without running into something and breaking it. Having her around a large crowd and glass ornaments was going to be disastrous, but Elizabeth didn’t seem to know or care.
“Is the tree at Kenneth’s too?” she cried.
“Yes,” he admitted. “I’m going to go right now and get it for you. I promise.”
She sniffed and leaned against him. “Thank you, Johnnie. It means everything to me that you’re so supportive.”
Wonderful.
Hoping that she didn’t break the centerpieces after he’d bought another one so she didn’t know she’d broken it, twice, he left her alone and headed to Kenneth’s.
A year after his wedding, he found himself back at the alter standing up for Kenneth and his new bride. Bethany was the town’s schoolteacher, the perfect mother for little Michelle, and Kenneth was head over heels in love with her.
Johnnie could relate. After all this time, he was unbelievably in love with Elizabeth. He was grateful every time that he woke up and saw the sun shining down over her beautiful face. His heart skipped a beat whenever she smiled at him. He melted a little whenever she touched him.
She was his whole world.
It didn’t surprise him to find Levi and Susan there. After Levi returned his fair share of family’s money, Dallas immediately made him the new sheriff. It took Johnnie by surprise, but apparently, in the short time that Dallas knew Levi, the marshal saw that he was the perfect fit. And he was right. Levi was a far better sheriff than Grimes as ever was.
It also took Levi leaving to make Susan admit that she missed him. Three months after his return, they were married.
Kenneth was relieved. He didn’t think that Susan would ever get married, and he wanted her to know what love meant.
Now he just had to deal with Maria. Sweet pretty little Maria who lived for love. Unfortunately, Kenneth wouldn’t give her his consent to marry anyone, which threw her in a temper almost on a daily basis.
Johnnie had a feeling that it had something to do with the fact that Maria had a talent as a seamstress, and Kenneth wanted to help cultivate her before she found a husband who wouldn’t let her.
“Johnnie! Were you successful?” Susan asked eagerly as she jumped up from the couch. “I’ve got the trimming creates open, and I’m ready to decorate.”
“No,” he admitted as he rubbed the back of his neck and walked into the living room. “I’m actually here to take everything back.”
“What?” She scowled at him. “What did you do wrong?”
Great. Now he had two women mad at him. “She was so excited about decorating, and then she stared noticing that things were missing and when I tried to talk to her about it….”
“Missing? Johnnie, you told us last night that you were wearing her down!” she accused. “You were just trying to talk to her about it this morning?”
“I…she just looks so happy when she talks about it….and…”
“Oh,’ Susan groaned and dropped her head in her hands.
“She cries!” he insisted. “You don’t know what it’s like!”
Rising, Kenneth laughed. “I understand you, Johnnie. When Ginny was pregnant with Michelle, I nearly bought her a new dress every time she cried.”
Feeling desperate, he stared at his friend. “I can’t make it stop, and it’s only getting worse. She could go into labor any minute now, and now she’s hosting a Christmas party. I’m letting her do that. It will upset her so much if she breaks even one item. We have to help her.”
“Help her,” Kenneth echoed.
Bethany stood and nudged her husband. “It’s okay, darling. I know what Johnnie is saying. He wants us to keep an eye on Elizabeth and make sure that she enjoys the party. I think we can do that.”
“That’s because you haven’t seen her lately,” Levi grunted. Susan hissed and pinched him. “Ouch! I mean of course, we’ll be happy to help.”
At least with everyone’s help, it would make things easier. “Thanks.” He sighed. “She said that she has this announcement to make at the party. Something that she wants to tell me.”
“Well, then I guess we’d better start with getting ready for the party. Susan, get your sisters. We’re going to have to cart all of those things back to their house.” Kenneth frowned. “And let Maria know. We’ve got to make sure that the party is perfect for Elizabeth’s sake.”
Susan frowned as she studied her brother. “Carlson is going to be there. Are you going to be nice to him?”
“No. I don’t like him.”
“And you’ve yet to explain why,” Susan pointed out.
“He’s too young.”
“He’s her age.”
“He’s a merchant.”
“The last man you rejected was a rancher.”
“He has no spine.”
“You won’t even talk to him.”
Johnnie cleared his throat. As much as he wanted to hear about how big brother didn’t like little’s sister’s current beau, he really needed to get the Christmas decorations back before Elizabeth decided to walk over and drag them back herself. Once the woman got it into her head to do something, there was no talking her out of it.
“Folks. We need to get moving!”
* * *
Everything was absolutely perfect. The Christmas candles were lit, and the tree was decorated with the most beautiful colored glass ornaments. The town had arrived with the best smelling pastries and meats. The kitchen table was bulging under the weight of the food and punch, and everyone was laughing merrily.
Marilynn was at the piano and leading everyone in joyous carols. She had a lovely voice and a pretty face, and from the way that she and Benjamin smiled at each other, she knew that Maria would soon be making another wedding dress.
Elizabeth was glad. In the past few years, Benjamin and Kenneth had buried the hatchet and slowly began bonding again. She wanted everyone to be as happy as she was.
With George no longer around to threaten her, she and Johnnie had only flourished. The Holt Pratt ranch was prosperous, and she and Johnnie were about to start a family.
It was everything that she’d dreamt about and more.
“Maria! You look beautiful!” Elizabeth exclaimed as she hurried through the crowd to embrace her friend. “I love this dress!”
Someone grunted next to her, and Elizabeth turned and found Susan holding the gold porcelain fruit bowl that she’d set out for candy. “Susan?” Elizabeth frowned. “Do you like the fruit bowl?”
“I do. It’s such a pretty color.” Slowly, Susan set it back down. “Elizabeth, can you move just a little bit to your right. Thanks.”
It wasn’t the first time her friends had acted a little strangely around her tonight. Earlier, she’d turned around and found Dallas examining one of the Christmas candles. Then, he’d blown it out before he sat it back on the counter. When she’d tried to relight it, he pulled her away so he could talk to her about her curtains.
Curtains. She had no idea the marshal would be interested in curtains.
“Thank you,” Maria said as she twirled a little. “I finished it just the other day. I made Michelle a matching one. She’s running around here somewhere. Have you seen Carlson? He was going to talk to Kenneth tonight.”
Elizabeth exchanged a look with Susan. If Carlson was going to ask Kenneth for his blessing to marry Maria, she was only in for heartbreak. Elizabeth knew that Maria and Carlson loved each other. They were perfect for each other as well, but Kenneth was being stubborn.
“Maria, I thought we talked about this. Kenneth wants you to wait another year before you get married,” Susan reminded her gently.
The younger Gains sister scowled. “He’s not asking to marry me even though I wish he would. He wants to start selling my dresses. He thinks I can make some real money.”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea!” She reached out to embrace Maria when she heard a thump. Turning around, she saw Susan with an ornament off the tree. “That matches the fruit bowl,” she said slowly. “You’re very distracted tonight. Is everything okay?”
“Everything is fine. Are you ready to sit down? I think that you need to get off your feet. Let’s sit you on the couch where you’ll be nice and safe.”
As she let Susan lead her to the living room, she gave Maria a curious look. “Safe? Am I in danger?”
“More like you are the danger.”
“I’m the danger?”
“I didn’t say danger. I said stranger! There are strangers here that I haven’t met. I must go mingle!” Mouthing what looked like an apology to her sister, Maria disappeared in the crowd.
The larger couch was full, but there was a rocking chair in the corner that was unoccupied. Susan stopped short and studied it before turning and looking at her. “On second thought, maybe it will be better if you stand.”
“I realize that I’m pregnant, but I can still fit in the chair,” Elizabeth laughed. Lately, she felt like was expanding with every breath that she took, but at least she had a good reason. She couldn’t wait to tell Johnnie. “And my feet do hurt.”
Turning, she sat in the chair and rocked. Susan made a sound in her voice and jerked. Whipping her head around, she saw Susan hold the pretty blue and purple flower vase that one of the townspeople had given her as a wedding present. She was about to ask Susan what was going on when Johnnie walked up to her. “Hey, my sweet wife. Enjoying the party?”
She always loved the way his eyes softened when he looked at her. “I am. Are you?”
“Very much so. I caught Mr. Hudson trying to flirt with Miss Weismann. They are so sweet together. Everyone is smiling and dancing. This is exactly what I imagined when I saw this house being built. I know that you were worried about tonight, but thank you for letting me do this. It’s everything that I wanted.”
“Everything?” He pulled something out from behind his back. “And here I thought that I might give this to you?”
“You got me another present?” Elizabeth felt giddy as Johnnie handed her a package. “But you already got me that beautiful stallion!”
“I know.”
“And I got you new pocket watch.”
“I remember.” Chuckling softly, he kissed her forehead. “Just open the package, my darling.”
As she sat back in the chair, she wiggled her hips and watched as Johnnie lunged next to her. She stared at him. “What are you doing, Johnnie?”
“The vase of flowers. I just wanted to make sure that it was still there.”
“Honestly, you and everyone else have been acting so strangely this evening. I think we need to lay off the whiskey and wine.” Humming a Christmas carol happily, she pulled the twine and unwrapped the paper. Inside, she found more papers.
Letters.
“But these burned when George had the Black Crows set fire to the house,” she murmured, but as she scanned the date on the top of the letter, she inhaled sharply. These weren’t Johnnie’s old letters.
They were new ones. “I don’t understand.”
“I knew how you felt about losing my letters. I wanted to give you new ones, so I started writing more, from the night that I read Milner’s journal entry.”
Elizabeth felt the tears coming on, but they were tears of joy. “When Milner said that his wife was the most precious thing on his land?”
“Yes. Are you crying because you’re pregnant or…”
This wonderful husband of hers who had endured so much to be with her. Sniffing, she jumped up and wrapped her arms around him. Someone grunted next to her, and she turned and found Benjamin holding the vase. Everyone seemed to really like that vase.
“I love you, and I have something that I need to tell you.” She couldn’t wait to tell him and her friends and everyone that she loved. “I’ve been keeping this for months, but the last time that I went to see Dr. Cranston, he suspected that I’m having twins. Twins, Johnnie! Can you believe it!”
“How can you not believe it?” Benjamin grumbled.
“What?” She turned to him and frowned. “You already knew?”
“No, no, we didn’t know,” Johnnie insisted as he tried to hug her. Things had gotten more awkward since she’d gotten so round. “Of course we didn’t know. You’re not big at all.”
“Big?”
His eyes widened. “Hey! Everyone! Did you hear? Elizabeth and I are having twins! She just told me. Isn’t that such a surprise?”
There was a moment of silence before everyone started cheering and toasting her. There was something oddly suspicious about it. She turned around to ask Johnnie when she accidentally bumped into the side table. The vase wobbled and fell before her husband slid on the floor and caught it right in the nick of time.
“Oh.” Planting her hands on her hips, she stared at him. “How many times have you had to do that tonight?”
“Not many?”
“So that’s what everyone’s been doing. Making sure that me and my big belly don’t keep knocking things over?”
“I…” he looked around for help, but everyone started inching away from him.
Shaking her head, she took the vase from his hands. “Get up.”
“Are you mad?”
“No. I want you to stand up so I can kiss you because you’re a wonderful husband and you’re going to make a great father.”
“Yeah?” With a grin he stood. “I just wanted this to be a good Christmas for you.”
“It’s been the best, and it’s all thanks to you.” As he pressed his lips to hers, she framed his face with her hands. “You really aren’t surprised that I’m having twins.”
“No, sweetheart.”
“Is it because I’m so big?”
“You’re perfect.”
“You’re still happy?”
“Elizabeth, my love, as long as I’m with you, I’m happy. You’re going to be a beautiful mother, and I can’t wait for our babies to come so we can start this family.”
With his hands in hers, he placed them over her belly. She was right. This was the best Christmas ever, but next year, when they could hold their babies in their arms, would be an even better one.
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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Hearts Across the Frontier", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello my dear readers! I hope you enjoyed the book and the Extended Epilogue! I am eagerly expecting your comments here. Thank you so much!
As I said, loved the book, but your proof reader made some of the fun story distracting. I can’t wait to hear about the twins in an upcoming story.
I agree with you, the book needs a major proof reading and fixing to make it a great book.
Thank you for your comment, my dear Sharon!
I really appreciate your kind and honest feedback! It’s always welcome, as it helps me become better and better.
I love this book and the epilogue and extended he made it so I didn’t want to put it down and I actually fell asleep reading it and had to go back to where I left off because I didn’t want to let it down was the first thing I picked up in the morning and I can’t wait to read the rest of the book. I hope you have books on audio because I’m legally blind and it’s kind of hard to read but my Kindle no app and my iPad can get it large enough so far that I can see until I lose motivation love Reading your books
Thank you for your comment and support my dear Penny. I am not 100% sure, but I believe that if you upload the .mobi file on a Kindle device, then you could have Text-To-Speech via Kindle.
Please try it out and let me know if it works. Hope everything goes well. Good luck!
Oh you did it once again, this was such a wonderful book. What talent you have as an author. This book had it all mystery, clean tender romance, ranchers, adventures, etc.
The hero was truly just that, Jonnie was a real hero with a loving heart, and loyal beyond measure. This book as all your books was very hard to put down. Once you start the journey with the characters that are bigger then life you don’t want to stop reading. Thank You for the wonderful epilogue that made me smile all the way though! I hope their are more books to follow.
I positively loved this book, the storyline was amazing! It sure took them long enough to tell each other that they loved one another! Johnnie sure proved how much she meant to him. That alone should have helped her realize that he loved her. Many women need the words, I do too but often, love 💘is more than words, it’s actions also!
I must admit one thing though and I’m sure I’ve said it before but I Hate that we have to get these Extended Epilogues separately. I would father they were in the book so we would always have them when we read or listen to the story again, and I do read/listen to books over again!
Bless you dear,
Starr
Loved it!!!! The story was so serious and intense, the epilogue was a PERFECT, hilarious ending ! This book might be my favorite in the series…just because of the epilogue !
Thank you so much, my dear Gail! I’m thrilled you liked the story and the epilogue 🙂
Carol, I enjoyed your book from beginning to end and smiled all the way through the extended epilogue. Thank you for including it! I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I’m happy to be a member of your ARC team. By the way, I’m a book editor by profession. 😉
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Carmen:) I truly appreciate it! Thank you for being part of the team!
I stayed up all night to finish this booked loved it. What about the twins?
What a great compliment, my dear Barbara! Maybe we will find out more about the twins in another story, who knows 🙂
The storyline was great, but Elizabeth was too strong minded, all that Johnny did for her, she wanted to be boss all the time, even in the epilogue, when she was expecting twins, she had to do it all herself, all her friends cared for her, I wish she was a bit more caring to them. I loved all of the characters, please don’t let us wait for the epilogue. I had a job getting it. I love all your books, please keep writing. Ri
Dear Carol, I loved the story and gave it 5 stars but I am appalled by the proofreading errors. 30 minimum errors in word spelling and wrong pronouns, greatly reduced its quality. You need me.
Thank you for your comment, my dear Dianna. I really appreciate your honesty and you are right. I will work on these issues for my future stories. Have a great day!
I, too, really enjoyed read m reading this book, the extended epilogue was great. I read it in one afternoon. I also agree with the other ladies, your proofreader needs some help. The book started with Elizabeth in Richbrook and Jonnie in Steelevale. Then at some point, it started they both were in Steelevale when actually they were still in Richbrook. It was a little confusing. But I still look forward to reading more of your books. Keep writing and stay safe and healthy.
Wonderful story with lots of love and laughter.
Full of excitement! One had to wonder what was next! Wow!!
I was so pleased that all was well at the end.
Lots of laughs, and great story line. Marvelous friends and
matched couples!. It was just grand. Fantastic job Carol.
I was on tenterhooks and loved it all.
The extended epilogue was a
well crafted addition.
Loved the wonderful story – couldn’t put it down until I’d finished the extended epilogue! And yes, there are many proofing errors, and words used incorrectly, which is always a distraction to me, but the lovely story was worth it!
Loved the content and characters. Good job on the storyline. Elizabeth was too strong of a character. Rehash of same dialogue. Even in the cute epilogue. So strong that she made Jonnie character look weak. You do I need a new proof reader. So many mistakes. The main woman in so stories need not be always beautiful.
Should have proof read my repy. Could you change the name to Barbara. And main women not so beautiful. Thank you
This was a wonderful story. I finished it in 1 day. I couldn’t put it down. I loved that Elizabeth was a strong woman. I knew she and Johnnie were meant to be. Thanks for writing such a wonderful book. Keep up the good writing.
It was a wonderful story and I enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to the next one.
A wonderful story and the extended epilogue is a really nice ending.
Best friends are always there for you. The book was wonderful. Thank you.
Best friends are a true treasure indeed! ❤️
Didn’t get much further reading the comments, because I want to express an opinion. Love the humor you add to your stories, especially those thing that actually make me laugh out loud. Hope you keep your style. Speaking as an elderly person (almost eighty ), I really need more humor in my life. So needless to say, I truly thank my Lord for you and your books. 😘😇!
Thank you so much my dear Kathryn! Age can’t say much about the youth in one’s soul! I hope you can laugh yourself to tears until your late 100 🥳 I am glad I can help with that even if it’s just a timid smile! Stay strong and positive! ❤️ Your comment truly warmed my heart!
This was such a great story. I was pulled into it so strongly that I wanted to strangle George for his vile acts. Could not put this down until I read all plus the extended portion. Thank you for a wonderful read.
Thank you so much dear Charlotte! I am glad the story got you so involved! 😊
Another excellent book, they just keep getting better; keep on writing.
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear 🙂 I truly appreciate it! Stay tuned for more stories!
Loved the story! Loved the characters! AND, lots of typos! Didn t help the flow of the story when I had to decipher what was really being said.
This is another amazing story, with a strong heroine and hero for the main characters. It is a pity about the many typo mistakes which halt the flow of the story sometimes. I thought the story had many very dramatic moments and loved the amusing epilogue
I absolutely loved this story have been up all night because I couldn’t put this book down. Also loved seeing my name in the epilogue as it is spelled different. I got so mad at George for all of his corruption in this book but it also brought back memories of my late husband George who was very mischievous as well. Looking forward to the next one.
You are such a great writer , right from the beginning s of your books you get our interest. This was one awesome story. Thank you.
Dc
Loved the book!! Suspense,love,laughter,HEART break,all present in one book.you make me feel I am present.i can visualize the scenes from your description.of course love the ending.NOW ABOUT THOSE BABIES,lol.
GOD BLESS GREAT WRITER.
Ellen
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Ellen:) I truly appreciate it!
Great story and loved the characters. Fire your editors or whomever is putting it in into html and misspelling and letting all those errors get by. You are a wonderful story teller. Your imagination and storylines are great! Don’t let these technical things ruin you. Best luck for even greater success.
This book had me hooked from the beginning! I loved the plot and the characters. I found myself feeling for the characters, as in hating George and loving Johnnie. Thank you for introducing your readers to Elizabeth’s story.
Thank you so much for the kind words, dear Judy! I’m happy you enjoyed the story 🙂
Loved your story! What challenges Elizabeth faced, but she had dear Johnnie and friends to help her through it all. The story had a good ending with the announcement of Elizabeth expecting twins!
wonderfull story and great writing. looking forward to future books. bh
Ioved the book,it had all emotions going all the way through .didnt mind the miss spelling , just read on.thanks for the story.keep on writing .
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear 🙂 I truly appreciate it! I will be more vigilant about the spelling issues in the future though.
This was a good book as usual. Very exciting all the way through. You are a good author. Thank you for writing.
Don
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Don:) I truly appreciate it!
Loved the story. It was very detailed with some wonderful characters i agree the typos were distracting so I just correct in my mind as I read. Loved the extended epilogue but I would like it included in the book.
All of your books are especially good. Thanks for including me in your advance teader group.
I really appreciate your kind and honest feedback, dear Virginia! It’s always welcome, as it helps me become better and better.
This was a very enjoyable read.
I couldnt put it down.
It caught my interest immediately.
Thank you
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Cindy!:) I truly appreciate it!
Lol! That was the cutest epilogue I’ve where read! Thank you!
You are welcome dear, I’m happy you enjoyed it! 🙂
I enjoyed the book. I didn’t like how Elizabeth thought everything was about her & her ways. She writes Johnnie for help, then gets angry when he does. She needed to show more compassion. All in all a good read.
Would love to know Levi & Kennths story.
Thank you for your comment, my dear Donna!
I really appreciate your kind and honest feedback! It’s always welcome, as it helps me become better and better.
Great book couldn’t stop reading
Thank you so much for your kind words, dear Sue!:) I truly appreciate it!
Thank you so much for an enjoyable read, Miss Carol! Being the mother of twins I could relate to Elizabeth knocking into everything! You made me smile!
I’m so happy to hear that, dear Betty! Thank you so much for the kind words 🙂
I am so glad taht Elizabeth and Johny finaly got their happy ending. Glad to see that the town got behind her and her and help rebuild
Good to see that Susan and Levi as well as Kenneth have happily ever afters
Great story loved it
Thank you so much for leaving a comment dear Cheryl! I’m glad you enjoyed my story 🙂
Thoroughly enjoyed the book and the extended epilogue . Lovely characters and a great storyline. It played like a movie in my mind. I was brought up with Westerns (now 60) so this was like a step back in time for me in more ways than one. Been working my way through your stories Carol and have loved them all .
Thank you for such wonderful entertainment (the TV remains switched off)
Barrhead Scotland
I’m humbled, my dear! I’m really grateful for your support and kind feedback! I’m glad to hear that you enjoy my stories! Make sure to stay tuned because I have more coming!
Carol I love all your books. They are so sweet and the love that it’s shown with all your character.I really like the extended-epilogue
With all your books. I just wished they were text to speech
Thank you my dear Joyce for your kind words and support! I am really happy that you enjoy my stories!
I absolutely loved the book. Can’t wait for a sequel about the twins. Don’t worry about proofreading. Everyone makes mistakes.
I so enjoy your stories and the way you write. Your characters are so true to life. I thought Elizabeth was a bit too self centered, but also lovable. I agree you need a new proof reading crew, their mistakes are rather distracting. Loved the story line. Looking forward to reading about the twins. Keep up the excellent story writing. Looking forward to your next book.
I Loved the book, the adventure, mystery. But I have to say that i was quite confused over which town they were in. I thought Johnnie was in Steelevalle when he got Elizabeth’s letter, but by the time the book was through, they are living there. What happened to Richbrook?
I enjoyed this book so much! Stayed up late finishing it! Would love to see more like this one!
I really enjoyed the book! I love the way you bring your characters to life with very real human reactions! The only issue I had was the editing! Many mistakes were missed! Thank you for another wonderful read!
Epilogue was frosting on the cake. So many great people in this book, will look forward to sequels. Typos are becoming less distracting. You deserve five stars on this twisting plot. Delightful.
I loved this book even with all the editing problems. I had to stop reading several times to figure out what was going on especially when the towns were switched. I agree with several of the commenters that the extended epilogues should be a part of the book. Overall it is a great story.
Loved it besides agreeing with all the other reviews,
Keep up the wonderful writing. You had me from the beginning. Loved the way you tell a story. Thanks for the extended episode.
This book kept me up until I finished the extended epilog! I just couldn’t put it down!!! Your characters were so realistic and well thought out. I really enjoyed this book.
So glad you enjoyed it, my dear Helen! I deeply appreciate your kind words!
Another great story. You are very talented. Thank you.
I’m humbled, my dear Karie! Thank you so much for your support!
This was a great ending. Thank you!
You are welcome dear! I am glad you enjoyed it!
It was wonderful story. Elizabeth was a bit too strong minded, but I loved the book.
There were several spelling errors, grammar errors and storyline errors. Need better proofreading.
Glad that you enjoyed the book, my dear Juanita! I really appreciate your kind and honest feedback! It’s always welcome, as it helps me become better and better. I’ll check with my editor about these.
I ENJOYED ELIZABETH AND JONNIE’S STORY. THE MISUNDERSTANDINGS MADE WANT TO LAUGH AND CRY AT THE SAME TIME THE INTENSE AND INCREASING DANGER KEPT ME ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT. KEEP UP THE WONDERFUL WORK.
I deeply appreciate your kind words! Thank you so much!
I absolutely loved this extended epilogue! Who would have thought after all the trouble Elizabeth and Johnnie had in the book that they would have such a happy life three years later? Carol Colyer has done an amazing job of telling this story for us.
Well worth staying up until 3a.m. to read. Some moments of confusion, but an amazing story. You have outstanding talent. I wish I could sit across from you and pick your brain to understand how you develop your stories.
Great read, beautifully written love story, full of excitement! This was another book that i could not put down. This book contained a bit of history about women not being allowed to own property, a sad fact and a part of life in those days. I highly recommend this book! Enjoy!
Thank you for your feedback my dear! Glad you enjoyed the story!!
I truly loved the story. I hated Dwight was murdered but he loved Elizabeth. He brought her out west to start their life together but lost his. Elizabeth is a strong woman but she doesn’t want to give over authority for help. I am happy that everything turned out in the end. I received an ARC and I highly recommend reading this book.
Thank you kindly my dear Sharon for your support! Glad that you enjoyed it!
A most wonderful story of love 💘. Thoroughly enjoyed reading every page!
Thank you so much for this heartwarming comment my dear! ❤️ I am glad that you liked it as much!
You have done it again. developed wonderful characters with interesting backgrounds. Thank you Carol for finding each the love they deserved.
Thank you so much my dear Kitty! I am glad you enjoyed it as much! Here’s an inspirational quote I want to share with you: “We accept the love we think we deserve!” ❤️
The book was great as are all your books. I do, however, want to express my irritation at having to log on to your address to be able to read the extended epilogue. What’s with that? It seems to be true of all of the western authors. Please reconsider this aggravating requirement.
Thank you, and keep your stories coming.
Thank you, my dear Nancy! I am truly glad you enjoyed this story! 😊
As I have explained again in the past, my choice of having an extended epilogue (in addition to the actual epilogue of the novel) is that I want to give the readers the opportunity to imagine for themselves the future of our heroes instead of offering it at the end of the book. If someone wants to know my version of their HEA they can choose to check on the extended epilogue! I don’t want to force it on everyone! 🥰 I hope this doesn’t bother you too much! Thanks again for your kind comment!
Loved the book! I enjoyed reading about all the different characters and the love story.
I am so glad you were entertained by the story Mary! Thank you for the feedback and the support! 🥰