Book Review - THE GINGERBREAD MAN by Kim Turner

 

Title:  The Gingerbread Man (Christmas Cookies)
Author:  Kim Turner

Publisher:  Wild Rose Press
Genre:  Holiday/Western Romance
Release Date:  December 8, 2021

About the Book:

Hannah Tate is raising her children alone after her husband's death. Keeping her homestead running isn't easy, but when chores get done that she didn't do, she wonders who her mysterious helper is. Her daughter insists it's the Gingerbread Man who comes late at night. But Hannah has no time for such nonsense. Or does she? John Sullivan lives alone outside Harper Falls, trapping for a living. When circumstance brings him to meet the woman he's been helping in secret, he doesn't expect to find love once again. But he'll risk his life more than once to finally hold her forever. 

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

"The Gingerbread Man" is one of the numerous books in the "Christmas Cookie" series. You can find them all at CHRISTMAS COOKIES   Be sure to check them out!

One of the things I love about Kim Turner's western romance books is how she makes you feel like you are right there in Harper Falls, Wyoming, back in 1875. Just read the first paragraph in the prologue and you'll see what I mean:

"The howl of the wind sounded like a lone wolf calling into the silver winter night. John "Sully" Sullivan tied his horse, Sage, to a tree in the edge of the forest. A homestead sat in the distance, smoke from the chimney leaving a trail across the stillness of night. He took a moment to blow a bit of warmth into his gloved hands and waited out a long hiss of wind as snow flurries began." 

Wow! That puts you right there, feeling the chill in the air and you can almost smell the smoke from the chimney. But the story gets even better. Sully, a former confederate soldier, is a bit of a loner. He sees the struggles Hannah Tate endures trying to maintain her homestead while raising two children after her husband dies. He stops by every now and then in the early morning hours before Hannah awakens, and does a few chores for her without her knowledge. Things like mending a fence or carrying firewood to her porch. Hannah's little girl sees the mysterious stranger on one of those mornings and immediately starts calling him "The Gingerbread Man". Love unfolds and there is a bit of drama too. No spoilers, but this turned out to be a really good Christmas story with characters you will love. 

Thank you Kim for letting me read an advance copy!

My Rating: 

About the Author:

Kim Turner writes western historical and contemporary romance, and discovered her passion of writing at the age of eight. Kim graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and later completed her Master's Degree in Adult Education. Working as a registered nurse educator & Quality Analyst for over thirty years, she enjoys studying the medical treatments of the old west and keeping up with the latest western movies and television series. While she loves reading anything from highlanders to pirates, she claims to have an unquenchable thirst for the American cowboy when choosing her reads. Kim lives south of Atlanta with her husband and calls her greatest accomplishment the birth of one daughter and the adoption of another from China-neither of which came easy. Kim is a member of Romance Writers of America and Georgia Romance Writers. Kim's motto: IT'S ALL ABOUT A COWBOY AND THE WOMAN HE LOVES.

Book Review - ALL BUT THE FALL by Kim Turner

Title:  All But the Fall (Sun River Ranchers, Book 1)

Author:  Kim Turner

Genre:  Western, Contemporary Romance

Release Date:  October 15, 2018

About the Book:

She's running from the past…He's running to her…
Stunt man Aaron Decker has his hands full raising his daughter, running his ranch and jumping horses for a living. The new job on the set of a western has its perks; it's close to home and offers him a sizeable paycheck. But what he doesn't expect is to fall hard for beautiful nurse consultant, Jenna Wilder.

Putting a violent marriage behind her, Jenna Wilder is raising her son, writing scripts, and has sworn off ever falling in love again. So why can't she keep her mind off the soft-spoken stuntman? With Aaron, she dreams of a life she thought wasn't possible. 

But when Jenna's past returns, Aaron must gain her trust to free her from the grips of her ex-husband's vengeance. And no matter the risk, he will stop at nothing to protect the woman who holds his heart.

From the Inside Flap:
It had been a long time since a woman had caught his attention to this extent. Nope, he'd never had anyone, even Pamela come this close. Something about the chemistry between them was stronger than he'd ever known could exist. She was consuming him fast, and he damn well liked it.

Last night after checking on the horses, Jenna had driven them to a local diner for supper. The meal had been fine, but he'd caught himself watching her every move as if he could etch a bit of her into his mind and heart. Yep, he had it bad. And watching her drive away opposite his direction for home had left him all but empty.

The good thing was she hadn't run again from his touch, but it was hard to judge where the boundaries were with her. What he really wanted was no limits-- holy damn, she was beautiful inside and out, and he had a few ideas about how much he'd like to discover even more. And while she'd told him of her past, which was pretty trusting, he had to wonder if there was indeed more. Someone somewhere had broken this beautiful creature, and if he had his way, he'd bring her back and hang on tightly for the rest of his life--if she'd have him.

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

Although this book still involves Cowboys, this contemporary romance is new for author Kim Turner, who generally writes historic western romance novels. But I must say that she nailed this new genre! I loved it and I'm looking for more in this series!

That being said, there were several editing problems (very uncharacteristic with her other novels) and I'm hoping the publisher can do something about that.  I won't take away stars for that because sometimes things like that just happen. As for the story, the fantastic characters, and the heart-racing plot, I give a big thumbs up to Kim Turner. She goes well beyond a typical romance novel by adding suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And the research regarding the nursing and medical field as well as the research regarding the care of horses was right on target.

The main characters, Jenna and Aaron, had a chemistry that could not be denied and they were the perfect match for helping each other with trust issues and a devotion to each other that really warmed my heart. But now I want more about the other brothers, Jeremiah and Gabe, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that this author will give us at least two more books in this series.

My Rating:

About the Author:

Kim Turner writes western historical romance, and discovered her passion of writing at the age of eight by writing poems, short stories and journals. Kim graduated from Clayton State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and holds a Master's Degree in Adult Education from Central Michigan University. Working as a registered nurse educator for over twenty-six years, she enjoys studying the medical treatments of the old west as well as keeping up with the latest western movies and television series. While she loves reading anything from highlanders to pirates, she claims to have an unquenchable thirst for the American Cowboy when choosing her reads. Kim lives south of Atlanta with her husband and calls her greatest accomplishment the birth of one daughter and the adoption of another from China-neither of which came easy. Kim is a member of Romance Writers of America and Georgia Romance Writers and calls her critique group from Southside Scribes the best thing that ever happened to her writing, that and a pretty wonderful group of beta readers. Kim's Motto: It's All About A Cowboy and the Woman He Loves.

If you'd like to learn more about Kim Turner, check out her blog at KimTurnerWrites.com

New Release - ALL BUT THE FALL (Sun River Ranchers, Book 1) by Kim Turner

Watch for my upcoming review!

Title:  All But the Fall (Sun River Ranchers, Book 1)

Author:  Kim Turner

Genre:  Western, Contemporary Romance

Release Date:  October 15, 2018

About the Book:

She's running from the past…He's running to her…
Stunt man Aaron Decker has his hands full raising his daughter, running his ranch and jumping horses for a living. The new job on the set of a western has its perks; it's close to home and offers him a sizeable paycheck. But what he doesn't expect is to fall hard for beautiful nurse consultant, Jenna Wilder.

Putting a violent marriage behind her, Jenna Wilder is raising her son, writing scripts, and has sworn off ever falling in love again. So why can't she keep her mind off the soft-spoken stuntman? With Aaron, she dreams of a life she thought wasn't possible. 

But when Jenna's past returns, Aaron must gain her trust to free her from the grips of her ex-husband's vengeance. And no matter the risk, he will stop at nothing to protect the woman who holds his heart.

From the Inside Flap:
It had been a long time since a woman had caught his attention to this extent. Nope, he'd never had anyone, even Pamela come this close. Something about the chemistry between them was stronger than he'd ever known could exist. She was consuming him fast, and he damn well liked it.

Last night after checking on the horses, Jenna had driven them to a local diner for supper. The meal had been fine, but he'd caught himself watching her every move as if he could etch a bit of her into his mind and heart. Yep, he had it bad. And watching her drive away opposite his direction for home had left him all but empty.

The good thing was she hadn't run again from his touch, but it was hard to judge where the boundaries were with her. What he really wanted was no limits-- holy damn, she was beautiful inside and out, and he had a few ideas about how much he'd like to discover even more. And while she'd told him of her past, which was pretty trusting, he had to wonder if there was indeed more. Someone somewhere had broken this beautiful creature, and if he had his way, he'd bring her back and hang on tightly for the rest of his life--if she'd have him.

Buy Links: Amazon 

About the Author:

Kim Turner writes western historical romance, and discovered her passion of writing at the age of eight by writing poems, short stories and journals. Kim graduated from Clayton State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and holds a Master's Degree in Adult Education from Central Michigan University. Working as a registered nurse educator for over twenty-six years, she enjoys studying the medical treatments of the old west as well as keeping up with the latest western movies and television series. While she loves reading anything from highlanders to pirates, she claims to have an unquenchable thirst for the American Cowboy when choosing her reads. Kim lives south of Atlanta with her husband and calls her greatest accomplishment the birth of one daughter and the adoption of another from China-neither of which came easy. Kim is a member of Romance Writers of America and Georgia Romance Writers and calls her critique group from Southside Scribes the best thing that ever happened to her writing, that and a pretty wonderful group of beta readers. Kim's Motto: It's All About A Cowboy and the Woman He Loves.

If you'd like to learn more about Kim Turner, check out her blog at KimTurnerWrites.com

#BookReview - Wyatt's Bounty (The McCades of Cheyenne - Book 2) by Kim Turner

Title:  Wyatt's Bounty (The McCade's of Cheyenne - Book 2)
Author:  Kim Turner
Genre:  Western, Romance
Release Date:  April 12, 2017

About the Book:

Bounty hunter Wyatt McCade is taking down outlaws one at a time. He’s been in love with Tess Sullivan for years, but she refuses to give in to her feelings. Reeling from the rejection of his marriage proposal, he chases bounties with little concern for his own safety. When word reaches him that Tess never left for Boston, he rides for Cheyenne to confront her. Instead, he is ambushed and left for dead. 

Doctor Tess Sullivan shattered her heart by refusing Wyatt McCade’s marriage proposal and making the biggest mistake of her life, by holding onto a secret. Pining for his return, she blames herself when he arrives in Cheyenne near death. Forgiveness comes quickly in his arms, but she finds herself a pawn in a deadly game of revenge. 

When McCade lands are threatened, Tess is caught in the balance. On the bounty hunt of his life, Wyatt will risk everything to rescue the woman he loves.

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

Several months ago I read Sawyer's Rose, Book 1 in The McCades of Cheyenne series, and I loved it. I must say that I think Wyatt's Bounty is even better. The McCade family is everything you expect an upstanding old west family to be.  Although each brother is quite different, they are held together by a strong mother who puts up with no nonsense from her boys and a father who, even though he was killed years ago, left the boys with a strong sense of decency.

Wyatt has loved Doc Tess for years and when she rejects his proposal and tells him she is moving back east, Wyatt is so crushed he heads to Denver where his problems only get worse.

Kim Turner shows us romance that will curl your toes, gunfights that will make you grit your teeth, and a love that will warm your heart. 

This may be a romance novel, but I'd be willing to bet that quite a few men would love reading this one.  If you are even the slightest bit a fan of Westerns, you'll love this book. I actually listened to the Audible version of the book and although at first I wasn't sure if I cared for the narrator, his voice grew on me. He has that deep rugged voice you would expect from a man of the old west.

Disclosure: A complimentary copy was provided by the author. A review was not required. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

My Rating:

About the Author:

Kim Turner writes western historical romance, and discovered her passion of writing at the age of eight by writing poems, short stories and journals. Kim graduated from Clayton State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and holds a Master's Degree in Adult Education from Central Michigan University. Working as a registered nurse educator for over twenty-six years, she enjoys studying the medical treatments of the old west as well as keeping up with the latest western movies and television series. While she loves reading anything from highlanders to pirates, she claims to have an unquenchable thirst for the American Cowboy when choosing her reads. Kim lives south of Atlanta with her husband and calls her greatest accomplishment the birth of one daughter and the adoption of another from China-neither of which came easy. Kim is a member of Romance Writers of America and Georgia Romance Writers and calls her critique group from Southside Scribes the best thing that ever happened to her writing, that and a pretty wonderful group of beta readers. Kim's Motto: It's All About A Cowboy and the Woman He Loves.

If you'd like to learn more about Kim Turner, check out her blog at KimTurnerWrites.com

#BookReview - Sawyer's Rose (The McCades of Cheyenne Book 1) by Kim Turner

Title:  Sawyer's Rose
Author:  Kim Turner
Genre:  Western, Historical Romance
Release Date:  March 18,2016

From the Back Cover:

As if he doesn't have enough to handle between running outlaws out of Cheyenne, keeping his brothers out of trouble, and avenging his father's death, Sheriff Sawyer McCade's meddling mother just dumped a mysterious mail-order bride on his doorstep. One woman can be more trouble than a band of renegades, and while this one has him all stirred up, he'd rather get to the bottom of the story she isn't telling.

Rose Parker had it all—until a web of danger and deceit sends her running to Cheyenne posing as a mail-order bride. Escaping the evils of New York seems sensible until she meets the unsuspecting sheriff who didn't ask for her, has no intention of marrying her, and won't rest until he uncovers her secret and sends her back home.

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

I had the pleasure of meeting Kim Turner, the author of Sawyer's Rose, several months ago and although I received a copy of her book I had not had a chance to read it until today.  I dug it out because I noticed that she has the second book in this series coming out in a couple of weeks and I wanted to be sure to read Book 1 to determine if I wanted to buy Book 2 or not.  Glad I did because I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.

Sawyer's Rose can certainly be read as a stand-alone novel.  I suspect that the next book in the series will focus on one of the other McCade brothers... and I don't even care which one it's about because ALL of the brothers are fascinating.  Kim Turner did an excellent job of developing these fabulous characters.  I was quite surprised to see that this was her debut novel!

The story starts out with Rose arriving in Cheyenne as a mail order bride for the town sheriff and eldest son of the McCades.  But the sheriff didn't know anything about it!  It seems that his mother, Dodge, was the one who had sent for her.  The deceit doesn't end there.  Rose has a secret too.

There was much more going on than just the mail order bride plot.  I don't want to give away any spoilers, but there are gunfights, bar brawls, cattle and river rights, a son that no one knew about and revenge for a murder that happened many years ago.  And my favorite part was the romantic tingles with a love that started with annoyance and grew to be so much more!

There were a few slow spots and a bit of repetition, but all in all this was quite entertaining.

*Disclosure:  A complimentary copy was provided by the author.  Although a review was not required, I was compelled to leave an honest review.  All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

My Rating:

About the Author:

Kim Turner writes western historical romance, and discovered her passion of writing at the age of eight by writing poems, short stories and journals. Kim graduated from Clayton State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and holds a Master's Degree in Adult Education from Central Michigan University. Working as a registered nurse educator for over twenty-six years, she enjoys studying the medical treatments of the old west as well as keeping up with the latest western movies and television series. While she loves reading anything from highlanders to pirates, she claims to have an unquenchable thirst for the American Cowboy when choosing her reads. Kim lives south of Atlanta with her husband and calls her greatest accomplishment the birth of one daughter and the adoption of another from China-neither of which came easy. Kim is a member of Romance Writers of America and Georgia Romance Writers and calls her critique group from Southside Scribes the best thing that ever happened to her writing, that and a pretty wonderful group of beta readers. Kim's Motto: It's All About A Cowboy and the Woman He Loves.