Category Archives: Parable Series

December 29, 2013 · 11:56 pm

Review: Big Sky Secrets by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Big Sky Secrets by Linda Lael Miller
Parable Series Book Six
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The “First Lady of the West,” #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller delivers the stunning finale of her acclaimed series set in Parable, Montana—where love awaits

Self-made tycoon Landry Sutton heads to Hangman Bend’s Ranch to sell his land to his brother Zane. Though he’s got cowboy in his blood, Landry plans to return to city life before the dust even settles on his boots. Of course, he didn’t count on falling for Big Sky Country…or Ria Manning.

Ria’s starting to settle into country life herself…until she has a close encounter of the terrifying kind with a buffalo. Turns out the peeping monster belongs to the cowboy next door—and he has her running even more scared than his bison. She wants a home where the buffalo don’t roam, and the men don’t either. Could Landry’s homecoming be her heart’s undoing?

The Review:

Big Sky Secrets is the bittersweet finale in Linda Lael Miller’s heartwarming Parable, Montana series. I have greatly enjoyed each of the installments and I am little sad that I have to say good-bye to the town and its inhabitants.

Beginning about a year after they were introduced in the previous novel (Big Sky Wedding), Big Sky Secrets is Landry Sutton and Ria Manning’s story. They both moved to Three Trees around the same time and their properties border one another. Although a little zing of attraction accompanied their introduction, neither has been interested in a relationship. As a matter of fact, each of their encounters have been a bit fractious since Landry’s escape artist buffalos are wreaking havoc on Ria’s flower farm. Of course underscoring the tension between them is their (mostly ignored) desire for one another. But on his latest trip to rescue his wandering buffalo, Landry changes the status quo when he pretty much dares Ria to go on a date with him. Ria accepts because she cannot resist his challenge, but are either of them ready for a relationship?

The romance between Ria and Landry is secondary to their personal growth. There is never any doubt there is love between them but they have to work through their personal baggage to uncover it. Widowed Ria has to make peace with issues that stem from her previous marriage while Landry is plagued with conflicts arising from his childhood. Both characters are quite contemplative as they reflect on their respective problems. Landry is a bit quicker to resolve his problems while Ria’s resolution takes almost the entire novel.

As with other novels in the series, secondary story arcs revolve around extended family. Ria’s relationship with her older sister Meredith is troubled, but she shares a tight bond with Meredith’s daughter Quinn. When her relationship with her mother hits a rocky patch, Quinn unexpectedly shows up on Ria’s doorstep. Landry’s father abandoned him and his brother Zane when they were young but that doesn’t stop him from turning up when he is in trouble (which happens with alarming frequency). Landry and his brother Zane have made significant progress in mending the rift in their relationship but it is still a work in progress.

Big Sky Secrets is another heartfelt romance in the delightful Parable, Montana series. This last stop in Three Trees wraps up most of the previous storylines and provides readers one last glimpse of favorite characters. It is always difficult saying goodbye to a beloved series, but I am eagerly awaiting The Marriage Pact, the first novel in Linda Lael Miller’s upcoming Western Wyoming trilogy.

You can find my reviews of the other books in the Parable series HERE.

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Filed under Big Sky Secrets, Contemporary, Harlequin, HQN Books, Linda Lael Miller, Parable Series, Rated B, Review, Romance

August 27, 2013 · 3:58 am

Review: Big Sky Wedding by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Big Sky Wedding by Linda Lael Miller
Parable Series Book Five
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The “First Lady of the West,” #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, cordially invites you to Parable, Montana—where love awaits

Wedding bells are ringing in Parable, Montana, but Brylee Parrish hasn’t enjoyed the sound since being jilted at the altar by Hutch Carmody. She’s over Hutch now, and running a multimillion-dollar business is challenging enough for this country gal. So she should avoid falling head over boot heels for A-list actor Zane Sutton. He’s come home to his rodeo roots, but Hollywood lured him away once and just might again. Yet everything about him, from his easy charm to his concern for his young half brother, seems too genuine to resist….

Zane didn’t come to Parable for love—but count on a spirited woman to change a jaded cowboy’s mind. Problem is, Brylee’s not convinced he’s here to stay. Good thing he’s determined to prove to her, kiss by kiss, that she’s meant to be his bride.

The Review:

Big Sky Wedding, is another sweetly romantic installment in Linda Lael Miller’s charming Parable, Montana series. More than just a romance, this engaging story is a wonderful story of new beginnings for Zane Sutton and his younger half-brother Nash. It is also the long-awaited romance for Brylee Parrish, who was unceremoniously dumped at the altar by Hutch Carmody in Big Sky Mountain.

Zane Sutton leaves behind the bright lights of Hollywood for a simpler life when he moves to the ranch he co-owns with his brother Landry. Before the dust has time to settle, Zane’s half-brother Nash and spunky yet loving housekeeper Cleo arrive. Adding to the chaos is his attraction to neighbor Brylee Parrish. He and Brylee have an instant attraction to one another but neither is looking for a romance. As their paths keep crossing, the simmering desire between them becomes too hot to resist.

Big Sky Wedding is a bit of a slow starter where the romance between Brylee and Zane is concerned. Instead the novel mainly focuses on Zane (which is no hardship since I LOVE his character) as he begins his new life in Three Trees. Despite his acting career, Zane is surprisingly down to earth and a little embarrassed over his formerly lavish lifestyle. Growing up, he and Landry were close but they have been estranged for several years. While Zane regrets the distance between them, the two men have little in common so when Landry calls him out of the blue, Zane knows something is up.

That something would be their twelve year old half-brother Nash. Their irresponsible father dropped Nash off at Landry’s just as Landry was about to leave on a business trip. Zane gladly takes Nash under his wing and while their relationship is a little strained at first, they quickly bond as Zane begins to get the ranch in order. There are a few tense moments between them due to their differing opinions of their father, but Zane is quite patient and understanding with Nash. I really enjoyed this part of the storyline as it really showcases Zane’s loving and easygoing personality.

I had difficulty warming up to Brylee. I liked her but I thought she was a little immersed in self-pity for most of the story. Her interactions with her niece and nephew were wonderful and I really enjoyed how involved she was in their lives. However, when it comes to Zane, Brylee is pretty prickly and her defenses are firmly in place. She is a little judgmental about Zane and she quickly jumps to unwarranted conclusions about him because he is an actor. Of course this is a defense mechanism designed to keep Zane at a distance and protect her heart. While Brylee may have made peace with Hutch, she is afraid of getting hurt again and her attitude towards Zane reflects this.

The romance between Brylee and Zane was non-existent for much of Big Sky Wedding. There are definitely sparks between them but the novel centers mainly on Brylee and Zane as individuals. This makes their relationship feel rushed and their declarations of love a little hard to believe. Their transition to lovers occurs very late in the book and most of their dating takes place off screen but a lovely epilogue perfectly wraps up their romance.

With Big Sky Wedding Linda Lael Miller brings readers another beautiful novel about family, friendship and love. The characters and setting are warmly inviting and the storyline is refreshingly drama free. Intriguing glimpses of Landry and newcomer Ria Manning set the stage for the next installment of the Parable, Montana series and I am eagerly awaiting their story.

Please click HERE to read my reviews of the other novels in the series.

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Filed under Big Sky Wedding, Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Linda Lael Miller, Parable Series, Rated B, Review, Romance

May 23, 2013 · 3:56 am

Review: Big Sky Summer by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Big Sky Summer by Linda Lael Miller
Paraable Series Book Four
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The “First Lady of the West,” #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, welcomes you home to Parable, Montana—where love awaits.

With his father’s rodeo legacy to continue and a prosperous spread to run, Walker Parrish has no time to dwell on wrecked relationships. But country-western sweetheart Casey Elder is out of the spotlight and back in Parable, Montana. And Walker can’t ignore that his “act now, think later” passion for Casey has had consequences. Two teenage consequences!

Keeping her children’s paternity under wraps has always been part of Casey’s plan to give them normal, uncomplicated lives. Now the best way to hold her family together seems to be to let Walker be a part of it—as her husband of convenience. Or will some secrets—like Casey’s desire to be the rancher’s wife in every way—unravel, with unforeseen results?

The Review:

Big Sky Summer is another delightfully sweet installment in Linda Lael Miller’s Parable series. I have been eagerly awaiting Casey’s story and it was well worth the wait!

Casey Elder’s long ago decision to keep the identity of her children’s father a secret comes back to haunt her when Walker Parrish wants to take more of an active role in his kids’ lives. Both Casey and Walker have come to regret their agreement to relegate him to the role of “family friend”. While son Shane is thrilled to learn Walker is his father, daughter Clare is angry and resentful at being lied to over the years. In an effort to minimize publicity and make the transition easier on Shane and Clare, Casey and Walker agree to a marriage of convenience.

Youth and immaturity played a role in Casey and Walker’s original decision to lie about Shane and Clare’s paternity. Was Casey selfish to put her career first? Absolutely. But she did a great job keeping Clare and Shane’s lives as normal as possible and when she realized it was time to give them a more stable life, she stopped touring and moved to Parable to be near Walker. With a little introspection, Walker comes to the realization that he could have been more proactive about the situation with Casey and the kids. While he may have taken the easy way out not fighting for custody or visitation, Walker is actively involved in their lives.

Casey’s marriage to Walker becomes a turning point for her. She finally works through her unresolved issues from childhood. Casey also goes through a bit of an identity crisis as she tries to decide what direction her career is going to take next.

The plot of Big Sky Summer is a little far-fetched, but I could easily put aside my skepticism and enjoy the overall story. Linda Lael Miller has an uncanny ability to create sympathetic, likable characters that I become emotionally invested in and genuinely care how they are going to overcome their problems.

Big Sky Summer is another wonderful addition to the Parable series and old and new fans will enjoy this heartwarming romance.

Read my reviews of the other novels in the Parable series HERE.

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Filed under Big Sky Summer, Contemporary, HarlequinHQN, Linda Lael Miller, Parable Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance

December 13, 2012 · 3:57 am

Review: Big Sky River by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Big Sky River by Linda Lael Miller
Parable Series Book Three
Publisher: Harlequin/HarlequinHQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 318 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Sheriff Boone Taylor has his job, friends, a run-down but decent ranch, two faithful dogs and a good horse. He doesn’t want romance—the widowed Montanan has loved and lost enough for a lifetime. But when a city woman buys the spread next door, Boone’s peace and quiet are in serious jeopardy.

With a marriage and a career painfully behind her, Tara Kendall is determined to start over in Parable. Reinventing herself and living a girlhood dream is worth the hard work. Sure, she might need help from her handsome, wary neighbor. But life along Big Sky River is full of surprises…like falling for a cowboy-lawman who just might start to believe in second chances.

The Review:

More than a love story, Big Sky River is an incredibly heartwarming story of healing from a devastating loss and finding love where it is least expected. This third installment in Linda Lael Miller’s delightfully charming Parable series brings the long awaited romance of Sheriff Boone Taylor and his city slicker neighbor Tara Kendall.

Boone Taylor stole my heart as soon as we were introduced to the heartbroken lawman in Big Sky Country. Boone has been stuck in an endless cycle of grief since his wife’s death a few years earlier. While he goes through the motions, he cannot quite seem to move on despite the encouragement of his longtime friends Hutch Carmody and Slade Barlow. His sister is raising his young sons, Griffin and Fletcher and while they come for the occasional visit with him, Boone is not ready to be a full time dad. But when Boone’s brother-in-law suffers an accident and his sister has her hands full with her own family, it is time for Griffin and Fletcher to move home with their dad.

In the wake of her painful divorce, Tara Kendall leaves New York and purchases the ranch next door to Boone. Tara and Boone have butted heads a time or two over his dilapidated and run down property, but for the most part, they live a peaceful co-existence. Tara has settled into her life as chicken farmer and she has formed a tight friendship with Kendra Carmody, Joslyn Barlow and newcomer Casey Elder. While she is definitely over her ex, Tara still feels the loss of her stepdaughters Elle and Erin. When her ex-husband proposes she take the girls for the summer, she jumps at the chance to renew her relationship with the daughters of her heart and welcomes them with open arms.

Despite their age differences, the four kids enjoy spending time with one another and Tara and Boone’s paths begin to cross on a fairly frequent basis with the arrival the children. Boone’s job as sheriff brings after hours crises and Tara lends a neighborly hand when Boone needs it. Boone and Tara quickly begin to see one another in a whole new light, and as their perspectives evolve, so does their relationship. Their romance is slow growing, understated and mostly free of conflict. There are a few issues that do arise between them but they are resolved fairly quickly.

Linda Lael Miller’s characters are always refreshingly down to earth, compassionate, and easy to like. They are not larger than life, but instead they are everyday average people living ordinary lives. They are dealing with realistic problems and they make mistakes.

With Big Sky River, Linda Lael Miller delivers an emotionally satisfying and incredibly poignant novel. What I found most enjoyable about Boone and Tara’s story is their slow but steady progress as they triumph over their respective pasts. Love sneaks up on them when neither of them is looking and that just makes their romance that much sweeter. An absolutely wonderful addition to the Parable series that fans are sure to love.

Read my reviews of the other books in the Parable series HERE.

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Filed under Big Sky River, Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Linda Lael Miller, Parable Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance

August 3, 2012 · 3:57 am

Friday Feature: Guest Blog Linda Lael Miller, Review & Contest for Big Sky Mountain

When brainstorming your next storyline, do you know whether it will be a trilogy or a stand-alone book? Can you discuss the differences between writing a trilogy or a stand-alone?

I usually think in terms of a series—there are actually six books in the Parable/Big Sky group. I’ve tried many times to write a stand-alone book—I meant The Man from Stone Creek to be one—but I seem to be wired for trilogies. Some engaging secondary character always appears, with a story to be told, and the next thing I know, I’m off and running. Some of my early books—Fletcher’s Woman and Willow come to mind—were intended as single stories and stayed that way, but the series thing goes back a long way. My first series was the Corbin books—there were brothers, and an interesting sister, too. So the first book turned into four. It’s organic with me—I guess I just think in terms of big, sweeping stories with casts of thousands!

Follow the TOUR for your chance to win a Cowboy necklace:

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Title: Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller
Parable Series Book Two
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinMIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

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 divorcée 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.

The Review:

The second installment in Linda Lael Miller’s Parable series, Big Sky Mountain begins and ends with wedding scenes. While the groom is the same for both weddings, the ceremonies have completely different endings. What happens in between is a beautiful second chance at love story that will tug at your heartstrings.

Once a couple, Hutch Carmody and Kendra Shepherd’s relationship fell apart and Kendra married another man. With Kendra now divorced, the attraction is burning hotter than ever between them. Will Hutch and Kendra forgive the mistakes of the past and find love again?

Big Sky Mountain is an understated romance between two ordinary people who need to come to terms with their issues and emotional baggage before they can have a healthy relationship. With no grand gestures or big dramas, Hutch and Kendra’s story unfolds in a realistic fashion.

The conflict in the story is internal and both characters are quite introspective. They are able to see their past relationship with new perspectives and figure out why it failed the first time. Hutch and Kendra also make peace with their respective childhoods. The accept that their parental figures did the best they could given the difficult circumstances facing them. The growth of the characters, both as individuals and as a couple, is phenomenal.

Ms. Miller is well-known for her ability to create homey, close-knit communities and she certainly does that in Big Sky Mountain as well. The residents of Parable are wonderful and their concern for one another always comes shining through. Details about old and new characters are revealed, leaving readers eagerly awaiting the next novels in the Parable series.

Friendship, family and values are always strong components in Linda Lael Miller’s novels and Big Sky Mountain is overflowing with them. Hutch and Kendra’s story is a delightful addition to a wonderfully heartwarming series that fans of contemporary romances will not want to miss.

Read my review of the other novels in the Parable series HERE.

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Filed under Big Sky Mountain, Blog Tour, Contemporary, Contest, Friday Feature, Guest Blog, Harlequin, HarlequinMira, Linda Lael Miller, Parable Series, Rated B+, Romance

May 24, 2012 · 3:58 am

Big Sky Country by Linda Lael Miller

Title: Big Sky Country by Linda Lael Miller
Parable Series Book One
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinHQN
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

The illegitimate son of a wealthy rancher, Sheriff Slade Barlow grew up in a trailer hitched to the Curly-Burly hair salon his mother runs. He was never acknowledged by his father…until now. Suddenly, Slade has inherited half of Whisper Creek Ranch, one of the most prosperous in Parable, Montana. That doesn’t sit well with his half brother, Hutch, who grew up with all the rights of a Carmody—including the affections of Joslyn Kirk, homecoming queen, rodeo queen, beauty queen, whom Slade has never forgotten.

But Joslyn is barely holding her head up these days as she works to pay back everyone her crooked stepfather cheated. With a town to protect, plus a rebellious teenage stepdaughter, Slade has his hands full. But someone has to convince Joslyn that she’s responsible only for her own actions—such as her effect on this lawman’s guarded heart.

The Review:

Big Sky Country is the outstanding first installment of Linda Lael Miller’s newest series set in Parable, Montana. A beautifully written, complex novel that will capture your heart as love slowly grows between Sheriff Slade Barlow and Joslyn Kirk.

Slade Barlow is the classic strong silent type. Despite being from “the wrong side of the tracks”, he is comfortable in his own skin and oozes self-confidence. Slade is calm and in control, rarely acting on impulse. Slade shares a strong bond with his mother, Callie and he is on friendly terms with his ex-wife and stepdaughter Shea. His unexpected inheritance complicates his already contentious and competitive relationship with his half-brother Hutch.

Growing up in Parable, Joslyn Kirk was a rich kid who had it all. Wealthy stepfather, big mansion, and fancy car until she, her mother and housekeeper/friend fled Parable following her stepfather’s arrest. Feeling disconnected and on the fringes of life, Joslyn returns to the place she considers home. Her homecoming proves to be a learning experience as she discovers a few truths about herself as she renews old friendships and begins a new life. She fights her unwanted attraction to Slade with a bristly attitude that is sometimes quite frustrating. She is relatively inexperienced with men and her shyness is an unexpected delight.

The secondary cast of characters is well-developed and quite likable. Joslyn’s friend Kendra Shepherd is an enigmatic character with a bit of a secret past. She and Hutch share an explosive past and the sparks continue to fly between them. Slade’s stepdaughter Shea is a typical teenager and her relationship with Slade reveals just how kindhearted he is.

Slade and Joslyn’s relationship slowly unfolds throughout Big Sky Country. Both characters undergo a great deal of growth as they cope with the changes occurring in their lives. Watching Slade and Hutch make inroads in their fractious relationship is quite fascinating. I am looking forward to seeing how their relationship grows in the next book of the series, Big Sky Mountain.

Big Sky Country is a captivating story that is delightfully heartwarming. Linda Lael Miller once again charms her readers with multi-faceted and engaging characters, a compelling storyline and a sweet romance. Definitely a recommended read for anyone who enjoys contemporary western romances.

4 Comments

Filed under Big Sky Country, Contemporary, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Linda Lael Miller, Parable Series, Rated B+, Romance