Tuesday, March 21, 2017

An Uncommon Protector

GIVEAWAY

GRAY, SHELLEY SHEPARD
AN UNCOMMON PROTECTOR

Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict -- a man who's just scary enough to take care of squatters and just desperate enough to agree to a one year post.

The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. Both her brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can.

When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving. Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.

Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he's in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn't pay a few fines. Laurel's offer might be his only ticket out. Though she's everything he ever dreamed of in a woman -- sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong -- he's determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he's free again.

But when cattle start dying and Laurel's life is threatened, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. And it isn't long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former solider. He's a trustworthy hero, and he needs more than just his freedom -- he needs her love and care too.

My Review:

Three words have the power to send me racing to my nearest bookstore or online vendor. Shelley. Shepard. Gray. There is something so special about her stories and I just can't resist living through every emotionally charged moment right along with her characters.

I inhaled An Uncommon Protector. Couldn't get through it fast enough and now I feel mighty disgruntled because it's all over until the next book in A Lone Star Hero's Love Story series releases. I love the background for this series -- a self-made band of brothers who survive being prisoners of war together vow to continue to support one another even after the war is over. As the men settle in various parts of Texas they each come upon a time when they need to call on that brotherhood..

Thomas Baker has run into some complications on that front.  His smart mouth and quick temper have the potential to trip him up and he finds himself in a sorry mess. Until Laurel Tracey breezes into his life and tilts his world upside down. She has need of a protector. He needs a get-out-of-jail-free card. The perfect partnership.

The romance is achingly tender and and oh so tenuous. Honestly, I was swoony through most of their story. Thomas and Laurel have so much potential -- they just have to find the courage to acknowledge that. But they are so good together and Thomas is a hero to crush on. Be still my heart. There are some truly delicious romantical scenes.

And then there are the villains. Devious. Sneaky. Relentless. When the danger escalates, Thomas knows he needs to bring in help. Cue every rousing Western movie/TV series theme song as the brotherhood rides in. I actually squealed my way through this part I was so excited.

Superb action and adventure paired with sublime romance and a whole lot of heart for God. Sweet perfection to the very end.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of An Uncommon Protector please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you post a comment and add your email address please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 26 2017.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

45 comments:

  1. I Have never read Shelley's Book. This one sounds really good. Thanks for sharing your review iamabho (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Gasp! Hope you get to sample her writing talent soon, Linda. Good luck.

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  2. Ooh, villains! I like my stories filled with some danger to make my heart race. LOL lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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    1. Yes -- and these villains will keep your blood pressure up! Good luck, Susan.

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  3. Have not read this one yet. cheetahthecat1986(at)gmail(dot)com

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  4. While Amish fiction doesn't appeal to me, this story sounds so exciting!! I can't wait to read it. I've been slowly starting to sample Christian fiction with western flair, and it's been fun!

    mylittlebirdie (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. Lucky for you Shelley Shepard Gray writes both Amish and Historical. Good luck, Karen.

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  5. This was a top notch book, Kav. Love your review too!~

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    1. Thanks, Deanne. It's one of my favourites by Shelley Shepard Gray.

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  6. Aaahhh!! I've been dying to read this series! They're way up there at the top of my want-to-read list. They look A-MAZING!
    Elly -Indiana-

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    1. It's really good, Elly. Exceptional. Good luck.

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  7. I agree. There is something very special about her stories!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  8. I have the first book in this series, which I really enjoyed, and I was pleased when I spotted this next one while browsing Goodreads for one of your 2017 upcoming release's discussions! She does both Amish and general historical fiction very well, doesn't she? Thanks! dixiedobie at yahoo dot com

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    1. She's amazing! Seems she has a new book out every couple of months. Good luck, CC.

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  9. So interested in reading this. Shelley is a great author! paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

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  10. You certainly know how to write reviews to make people want to read the book! I had to laugh at the part where you were squealing. An Uncommon Protector sounds like just my kind of book. Count me in for the giveaway, please. Thanks.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Ohhhh -- I want to squeal just thinking about that part in the book. LOL I tend to get involved with my characters. :-) Good luck, Pam.

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  11. Squealing here in Ohio, Kav because I can't wait to read this book and I'm so excited to know there are more stories on the way. I will keep reminding myself that patience is a virtue as I wait between books. Thanks!

    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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    1. Ah yes, that dreaded patience. Sometimes that quality is fleeting when it comes to me waiting on a next book in the series. Good luck, Diane.

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  12. Sounds like my kind of story! Does it read well as a stand alone novel?

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Absolutely reads well as a standalone. There are flashback scenes of the soldiers in prison on Johnson Island so you get a feel for the brotherhood and their personalities. And one of the guys who comes to help is the hero from the first book so that's fun if you've met him already but if you haven't you won't have a problem meeting him in this book. Good luck, Patty.

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  13. Shelley is a new author for me. Kav, thank you for the great review and the chance to win a copy.

    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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    1. Oh, you have so many great books in your future! Good luck, Caryl.

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  14. I'm almost ready for this one. I just received my order for the first book in the mail a few days ago. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Woot -- you get to read them back to back...maybe. :-) Good luck, Terrill.

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  15. I would love to win this book. Your review has me hooked.

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

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  16. I agree with you Shelley writes GREAT books, thank you for the chance to win a copy of "An Uncommon Protector"!

    wfnren at aol dot com

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    1. Doesn't she though? And I'm so grateful she writes them fast!!! Good luck, Wendy.

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  17. A beautiful cover and what looks like a great read.
    karenskrayons(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. It's a lovely cover -- so inviting. Begs to be open. Good luck, Karen.

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    2. Every time I see this cover, at first it doesn't look like a historical. I have to remind myself. haha I think it's the high neck on the dress that throws me off.

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    3. I had a dress very much like this when I was in high school. I felt so romantical wearing it. I guess it's a style for all seasons. :-)

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  18. Oh my, this sure sounds like a great story to me! I can hardly wait to read this one. Thanks for the review and giveaway. d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. It's an awesome story. Good luck, Donna.

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  19. Gray's books are awesome! Would love to read this one.

    duhpaynes(at)gmail(dot)com

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  20. Sounds like another winner of a series! Love the rich style of this author.
    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

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    1. You can't beat a Shelley Shepard Gray book. Good luck, Nicole.

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  21. Sounds like a must read! :)
    Thank you for the chance to win.

    melodybissonnette AT gmail DOT com

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  22. It's a great series. Good luck, Melody.

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